In 2022, I’m combining lessons from the heart with some –cough cough – goals.
But I don’t like the word goals, so it’s a quest, a journey, a mission: that for which I am destined.
So how was October?
October’s Tarot Card
I did a tarot spread for the full year and October’s card was One Ring Circus which celebrated independence and boundaries – and the need to let go of control.
October started with a big bang and lots of fun. There was the fabulous escape to the North of Michigan with the Lost Lake Writer’s Retreat. There was a book sale and the final weeks of the CSA for the year.
But then, on October 19, I learned that a dear friend passed away on the 15th – the very night I had felt an overwhelming pull to have a really nice dinner at a local restaurant. It’s fitting, I suppose, because Michelle loved good food. I’m working on a tribute post; I think it will be ready by next Monday.
Write 250 Words A Day, 5 Days A Week
Not happening. I wrote the first draft of a novel and went to the Lost Lake Writers Retreat instead.
Revamp WordStorm Casserole Poetry Book
Not happening. I lowered the price, though!
Post Twice A Month On This Website
Yes! I did publish two times in October. There’s the October wrap up of September and the post about Lost Lake Writers Retreat.
DeGoogle, deApple, deMicrosoft – embrace Linux!
Why? Because Google, Apple, and Microsoft all track your every move online and that’s wrong.
In October I carried on using my Linux machine most of the time for personal use: checking personal email, watching YouTube videos, checking social media.
Have Fun
October started with a bang with the local library’s annual book sale. Then I went on that fantastic writer’s retreat to Lost Lake. I had a fabulous dinner at a local restaurant on my own, met with meditation friends, and caught up with my sister at yet another yummy dinner.
And then, as I said, it went downhill. A close friend tragically passed away and that shook things up. Then I got sick at the very start of November and had to cancel a massage, hair appointment, meditation, and coaching call.
I’m better now but man, the last part of October and first part of November really sucked.
Big Secret Goal #1: Finish the first draft of a novel.
I turned in the first draft of my novel into The Write Practice over Labor day weekend. My reward was attending the Lost Lake Writers Retreat in October.
Big Secret Goal #2: Backyard Landscaping.
This goal is done and dusted! Check out the big secret goal reveal that goes into a lot more detail about what was completed in the back yard this year.
What I’m Reading
On GoodReads, I have a 2022 Reading Challenge goal of at least 50 books. Since the last update I’ve read a lot. I was sick so I read and read and read. Some of these were finished more in November than October, but oh well. Here’s what I’ve been reading.
- The Long Quiche Goodbye by Avery Aames.
- Secrets of the Tides by Hannah Richell.
- Groupies by Sarah Priscus.
- Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama
- The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti
- The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
- The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- Poor Man’s Feast: A Love Story of Comfort, Desire, and the Art of Simple Cooking by Elissa Altman
- The Little Lady Agency in the Big Apple by Hester Browne
- The Falcon’s Eyes by Francesca Stanfill
- Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman by Elizabeth Buchan
- Memoir of the Sunday Brunch by Julia Pandl
- Fire Monks: Zen Mind Meets Wildfire by Colleen Morton Busch
How About You?
How was your October? Heck, do you even remember October now that Thanksgiving is staring you in the face?