How's that renaissance thing?`
Winging it: A year in review
A year ago at this time, I was attempting to set goals, make plans. This is my normal approach to life; make lists, attempt to finish lists. 2020 AND 2021 were both such fiascos, I thought for sure I would get it all together for 2022. I remember reading somewhere, “we make our plans, and God laughs at them.”
January, 2022
I warned readers then, back at the beginning, I had no plan, no direction. I promised, “For 2022, I’m going to “wing it” and see what happens.” In review, I attempt to recollect the year in my internal files. I am relieved I recorded some of it along the way. If you joined in the last year and missed the beginning, here’s a good place to start:
That post covers the “what”, and this post, “Where You’ll Find Me Now” pretty much covers the “why”, as does this post, “Audience, Where Are You?” And then, just as many other writers do, I felt I had to explain why you should read my words, and why my words are worthy of your interest, time, and support. I had to justify myself, and prove that I’m a “real” and/or “good writer.”
A year ago I was lamenting the ending of a few local online news sources here in the donut hole of West Virginia. I had hoped for improvement, but in many ways, I was sorely disappointed. By February, I posted my first educational editorial, shining light on West Virginia’s Sunshine Laws.
February 2022
By February, I began sharing pieces from the archives of our print magazine and writing reflections on winter and signs of spring. In addition, Robin Holstein began posting regular columns on Sundays, one of her first being, “Peace. Be Still.”
March 2022
Apparently, I felt a little feisty last March. I was praying for a renaissance, and for resigned independence. I came to the realization that our pandemic recovery was going to be longer and more challenging than expected, and that our local newspaper, once a fairly ethical publication, had become misleading, sensationalized, and detrimental to the community.
And while I was dealing with my attitude, Robin shared about her struggle with grief, and the significant spiritual battle that followed.
April 2022
I’m not what folks would consider a well-behaved woman. Believe me, I wrestle and struggle with that, especially since I became the library director. I often regret my bad behavior (not always), but it doesn’t keep me from misbehaving. Of course, I suppose I’m not the only one who gets riled up around election time. And I hope I’m not the only one who welcomes the Red-Winged Blackbirds back in the spring.
Robin, on the other hand, urged us to sing (even out of tune), and how to manage our burdens and stress with faith. She even follows these with a review of how a simple song helps her manage her life.
May 2022
Warmer weather brought me around to thinking of life goals. While I know I will never become a morning person, I do feel my bathtub yoga and prayers from the porcelain throne have been good practices. Robin encouraged us to adopt another healthy practice — giving up our worries.
June 2022
Ah, the outdoors. Here, in rural WV, nature is a large part of our lives. You, me, the birds, and the bees — we’re all connected. But even six months into the year, I was still struggling to find direction, get traction, finish any projects to completion. I just couldn’t get my ducks in a row. Robin struggled to balance gun laws and the law of love.
July 2022
July included our first featured series on journaling — the different ways to use journaling to improve your life. Including: The Magic of the Personal Journal, Visual Journaling, Self-Awareness & Self-Understanding, Solving Life’s Challenges in your Journal, Journaling for Personal Growth, Journaling for Creativity, and Journaling for Mental Health
August 2022
August was a month for visiting columnists and self-improvement. We discussed self-sabotage, forgiveness, emotional intelligence, wholeness and harmony, and pumpkin spice.
Michelle Zirkle carried us into September by describing her dirty sanctuary, discussing the lost art of front porch sitting, and presenting our first podcast, Eyewitnessing Sasquatch.
September 2022
I spent half of September preparing for a vacation with family, so we pulled several pieces from the Two-Lane Livin’ Magazine archives, including tips for natural sleep, trying to walk a straight line, and making the most of the present moment. Robin wallowed in depressing media, and I celebrated the unsung.
October 2022
In October, I enjoyed a trip to the beach with my cousins and rescued some hermit crabs. We discussed tips for effective meditation, the five preconditions of a renaissance, and the first frost reminded us that winter was on its way.
November 2022
Robin presented us with our second ongoing series, Extraordinary Living for Ordinary People in three parts — Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
December 2022
For the holiday, I shared the story of my grandmother’s bird whistle, and of my father’s last Christmas. Robin offered another three-part series, Can there be Peace on Earth? (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.) We discussed the words of the night wind, lighting the pilgrimage to your potential, and taking baby steps to somewhere.
Whew! That’s an amazing first year! (And I didn’t link to everything.) Thank you for being with me as I navigated. We’re still growing our audience, so won’t you consider sharing the eZine with others? I sure would appreciate it.
Again, thanks for reading, and here’s to a fresh new year.