Instead of making “New Year’s Resolutions,” I’ve been recording memories. I can’t remember where I found this idea, but it’s been fun and rewarding. I started this two years ago and this is how it works.

In the last week of December, I take my next year’s calendar and print all fifty-two weeks in the year on stock paper. I use Avery template #8163 with the ten sheet 2” x 4” labels. I date each week starting with January 1st. Example: Jan. 1-7, next Jan. 7-14, etc. Also, depending on what dates start at the beginning of each week, you will start with Sunday and go through Saturday. Record your memory on Sundays, using the label from the week before.

This is for postitive memories only. At the end of each week, write down one good thing that happened or made you happy. Example: “We sold books at a book fair this week!” or, “We went on vacation to _____.”(fill in the blank) If nothing eventful happened, say something like, “The sunsets were beautiful this week.” or, “I’m happy and healthy!” You get the idea.

At the end of the year, (I do this on New Year’s Eve.) take all your note cards, pour yourself a glass of wine, cozy up to a warm fire (if your lucky to have a fireplace or just a place that gives you comfort) with your husband, wife, significant other, your dog, or just you, and read each card and reminisce about the awesome year you just had. You will be amazed at what you wrote and didn’t remember recording. I know I was.

Our first eventful memory this month was being invited to a “meet the author/illustrator” book fair at Excelsior Academy Literacy Night in Erda, Utah. This was right up our alley. The first night, winter reared its ugly head with a snow storm and we wondered if anyone would show up. To our surprise, we had a good turn out. The next night the stars were out and there was an even better turn out. We enjoyed meeting the parents and children that love to read. We donated some books for their raffle, and the joy and excitement on the kid’s faces that won a Skip Thomas book was the most rewarding feeling of all. It was heartwarming when they ran to our table for us to sign the copy just for them. One little girl told us how sorry she was for our loss, and really meant it, when she read our flyer of how the real Skip Thomas had passed away. Talk about a tear jerker. Kids are amazing.

Today it’s 7 degrees outside. It snowed last night and this morning it’s frostbite weather and sunny. Tuco and I are staying inside. As I look for Book Fairs and Markets to sell our books and artwork in the year ahead, my baby is sleeping under my desk dreaming.

As this month comes to an end, we wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperious New Year. Stay warm and safe where ever you are and as always…

Til next time, God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb