Giveaway Info + My Word for the Year

WORD OF THE YEAR My word for the year - COMPLETION.

Not hustle. Not busy. Not someday.

Completion. Finishing what I start. Closing loops. Following through. Turning intentions into results.

Do you have a word for the year? Let me know by replying to this email! I’ll share a few of your responses in next month’s newsletter.

Here’s what’s on tap today:

• 📚 New Books and Reviews

• ✈ January Travel Highlights

• 🎁 A New Giveaway – Keep reading for details!

• ✨ And Some Inspiration to Get You Moving

📚 What I’m Reading (and Listening To) The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

A historical fiction novel centered on sacrifice, love, and ingenuity. This fictional account follows a young woman who becomes a document forger to help people escape Paris during WWII. I loved the characters and the way the story pulled me into each setting—inside the church, the small towns, and at the Swiss border.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four Stars

Ghost Tamer by Meredith R. Lyons

I first heard about this book at a writing conference over a year ago. It won the Silver Falchion Award in 2023, and I’m glad I finally picked it up. The story is fun, fresh, and suspenseful. A quick note: there is some strong language, so if that’s not your thing, consider yourself warned. Still, it doesn’t detract from the engaging storyline or memorable characters. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four Stars

Educated by Tara Westover

A powerful nonfiction memoir. At first, I thought I knew where this book was headed, but I was wrong. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish it. Thought-provoking, layered, and unforgettable.

⭐⭐⭐⭐4 & ½ stars

The Home Edit by Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin

Let’s talk organization. This book takes a fun, approachable look at tackling clutter without becoming overwhelmed. I plan to do some Home Editing of my own this month using their process and I’ll share before-and-after photos with you soon. Stay tuned.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four Stars

Current Read: The Killing Floor by Lee Child

Released in 1998, this was the first Jack Reacher novel. Lee Child’s second-career journey fascinates me, and I’ve decided to revisit his early work.

Up Next for February:

• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

• A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Still working through The Correspondent. I’m struggling a bit to connect with this book, but I’m not a quitter. I’ll report back next month. 😊

As always, I’d love your recommendations. Simply reply to this email.

✈ Travel Notes & Favorite Finds

Stop #1: Hudson, FloridaNot touristy. Quiet. Serene.

Hudson turned out to be a peaceful retreat—perfect for reading and writing—with bird-filled channels and ocean views. If you enjoy fishing, kayaking, and don’t mind a bit of winter construction, it’s a lovely escape.

One evening, my husband and I ventured into nearby New Port Richey and discovered The Estuary. The food was excellent and locally sourced, making it the perfect place to celebrate his birthday. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend it.

Stop #2: San Antonio, Texas

I took a quick trip to attend the Bat Mitzvah of a truly remarkable woman named Hazel. In December, she turned 100.

What I witnessed that morning was inspiring. I watched a strong woman achieve a dream. I saw a visual representation of optimism, community, and tenacity in action. And I was reminded that change is possible.

Hazel shared how optimism and big dreams often come with challenges. To prepare for her Bat Mitzvah, she had to learn Hebrew and work to build the physical strength needed to stand for the required length of time. She went to the gym three times a week, attended physical therapy, studied, prepared, and remained committed.

I walked away thinking of the excuses I come up with to avoid achieving a goal I’ve set. It was a humbling moment that made me want to do better.

In her 80’s, Hazel learned to scuba dive. In her 90’s, she received a college degree. And in her 100’s, she achieved her bat mitzvah.

Now, let’s talk about what you and I will do this year…

✨ Let’s Talk Goals With a new year comes new goals—but only if we follow through.

Here’s a simple exercise to help you focus and move forward: 

1. Take a clean sheet of paper. 

2. Write down 10 goals you want to accomplish in the next 12 months. Write them in the present tense, as if already achieved. 

3. Ask yourself: If I could achieve just one of these in the next 24 hours, which would have the greatest impact on my life? 

4. On a new page:

   • Write down the one goal you chose

   • Set a deadline (when do you want to achieve it?)

   • List everything required to achieve it

   • Turn the list into a checklist

   • Take daily action

   • Find accountability

Small steps matter. Completion matters.

❤ Giveaway Time!

As promised, I’m hosting a giveaway this month, and I’d love for you to join in.

Three prizes. Three winners. Contest closes February 1, 2026.

First Prize: $15.00 Digital Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of Kaleidoscope of Secrets. Second and third prize each wins a signed copy of Kaleidoscope of Secrets. See details in the graphic.

To enter, pop over to either my Instagram or Facebook page (click on the word Instagram or Facebook and it will take you there) and comment on my most recent post featuring this graphic.

That’s it. You’ll be entered to win a $15 Amazon digital gift card and a copy of Kaleidoscope of Secrets.

You can’t win if you don’t enter! 😊

🎁 Giveaway closes February 1st.

🎉 Winner will be contacted via Messenger.

💌 Until Next Time…

Let’s finish what we start. Let’s stay inspired. Let’s move forward—together.