On the cusp of a new year, anticipation arises in the opening of new calendars with blank spaces to be filled. I keep two kinds. One is the appointment calendar on the bulletin board where I put any additional activities beyond routines. I already know, for instance, that I will go to choir practice and to church on Sunday so there’s no need to clutter the small space with those. The second calendar sits on the desk beside my computer. I record my reading and writing activities after the fact. It keeps me reminded that I need to be consistent with both. Blank spaces prick my conscience and put me back to work.
If you’ve been around this blog for a while, you know I consider resolutions too fragile to make. However, like the mythical god Janus, I enjoy looking backward and forward on both sets of calendars as the year turns. Looking back at the appointment calendar includes the boredom of dental and other appointments with thankfulness that they were all routine, book events with other book lovers, writing conferences, a few trips, teaching and learning in classes at USM’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, routine and special activities at University Baptist Church, and family time. If I ignore the contentious election, which does not appear on the calendar, 2016 looks good in the rearview. The forward look may be even better as I anticipate “boy sitting” dates on the new calendar to add to more of same activities I enjoyed last year since two preschool grandsons now live in Hattiesburg.
The second 2016 calendar is full, showing I’ve stayed on task with my reading and writing. Some of the writing will be
in print and some is awaiting word. Whether or not the acceptances come, the calendar filled with writing activities and the seventy-five books I’ve read bring satisfaction in knowing I’ve done what I could.
I am aware of the possibility for both joys and sorrows in the coming year. I’ve had both in every year that I can remember, but I still favor watching the half-full section of the glass. I hope each of you has a good view as you look back at the old and forward to the new and that your glasses will be at least half full.