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?
You have been busy and accomplished so much before the unhappy crash resulting in not so busy and feeling yucky.
Thanksgiving is coming. Smile.