Faithful Nest

How would I know that what seemed like a simple action would trigger a cascade? My husband has a saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” In order for 2026 adentures to make sense, we have to look back.

An offer arrived to publish a collection of my poetry three years ago. It doesn’t seem to be that long ago. But I spent the first year ignoring the call to publish. Thankfully the publisher was persistent.

Another year would pass as I assembled work that I felt would build a great presentation. Then it needed to be edited. Next step was to edit some more. Somewhere along the line formatting became the concern. After which there needed to be more… editing.

This culminated in a book release in September. One takes a moment to bask in the relief. But don’t rest too long, as promotion comes to the forefront. No one, no author, can simply publish a piece without ensuing promotion.

Poised at the top of a new year, I am looking at a confluence of roads. Promoting the book that is out there, beginning a new body of work, maintaining or starting new creative activities, and living my normal life. All of it feels worthy. It is.

Here at the beginning of the year, I must remember balance. Too much Christy in any one activity will not leave enough for the others. It is important to choose those activities that will have return without overtaxing. Like publishing my book, we don’t always know that up front.

Remaining creative is to remain myself. I cannot separate that. Nor my choice of recreation. Like a body, there are individual parts of myself that together create me. Each needs a portion of time, sometimes taking more than their share.

There are a couple of big bike rides planned with friends. Hence the picture of my bike. It represents freedom and an opportunity to let my subconscious regenerate or even create new connections for my next written work.

Writing comes as it will for me. My plan is to be more intentional in 2026. One example is the focus for a new collection of poetry. Come back frequently to hear about progress on that.

Meanwhile, I’m wrapping up with some promotion in the next month or so. Look for me at these activities:

Studio Moonfall book promotion: January 10 @ Winter Market in Kenosha (Kenosha Women’s Club at 10 am)

Sight Silence and Sound Series: Winter Brilliance Winter Promise@ Vintage and Modern Books 2 – 4 pm

GOOBER January 24 @ Studio Moonfall (11am)