So long 2015, you will not be missed!

There was one great big wonderful thing that happened last year. Rascal’s story was published in a fabulous book! But, this is the month I get to share that fantastic news, now in January 2016. For details on which charity I chose for proceeds to benefit this month, check out: Cat Book Helps Rescues.

Welcome 2016

I was geared up and ready to get a move on for 2016. Ready for posting regularly, commenting, sharing more of my friend’s content. I finally had put an editorial calendar together and created a daily to-do list I thought I could handle, but the first week of the new year was overflowing with stress, just like the majority of last year; awful. I was overloaded by my multiple jobs and my husband’s medical issues and hardly had a chance to touch my blogs. My husband is in constant, severe pain and we’ve been trying to get him benefits he needs for the past year. I had to pick up more work, but even with 3 jobs (that includes blogging as I’m serious about it as a career) I don’t make enough (yet) to break even.

With so many hours working, doctor and legal appointments, two little kids and our animals running around, my life is non-stop and chaotic! I know there will be an end to this battle and constant chaos and I can then put my all into writing, blogging, and my art the way I want, but it’s still a long fight away.

I wanted to let you know since for many months and then some I’ve had every intention of posting at least a few times a week, commenting and interacting on social media with you, and getting to everyone on the Pet Parade for comments, but just haven’t been able to get to. Now it’s the end of yet another week and though I have not stopped working and barely made time to sleep or breathe, I still haven’t done any of these things.

I will find a way to make it happen again. I don’t want to let you down and I thought you should know what’s happening with me. I’m not just ignoring you all! If you pray, prayers would be appreciated or good thoughts and positive energy.

I love the Pet Parade and what it’s become, I love that it brings you here to visit and mingle each week, and I hope my little blog can catch up soon. I love each of you for returning again and again and for just being awesome animal lovers.

I have had to push my dreams further and further into the future as I deal with the problems of today, but this year I am more determined than ever to reach my goals, even though it will be as hard as ever. I have a good start here-

My Cats of 2016 Calendar arrived!

This beautiful weekly planner was put together by Paula of Sweet Purrfections and is available at Lulu. I’ve created a plan to help me blog more consistently, even get some artwork done, and publish some short stories. It helps to have a calendar I love looking at! I can’t wait to get around to all the kitty’s in it that I haven’t met yet. Rascal and Rocco had to take a look and of course, vain as they are, check out their own spread:

It’s going to be a really hard year, but it’s going to be an amazing year in many ways, too.

Thank you for your encouragement and for not giving up on me! 

I’ve written my list of goals for 2016 here so you can help keep my accountable:

• Create a new art collection and post prints for sale
• Publish a short story written and illustrated by me
• Blog consistently
• Share and comment regularly with my fellow bloggers
• Turn my art and writing into a lucrative career so I can support my family while doing what I love

These are not new goals, but I am giving myself no choice. I know what I love to do and I know I can make something of it if I push myself and stop waiting for the storm to subside. The last few years the storm has just grown and grown, with no end in sight. No more waiting. Lets make big things happen this year no matter what comes! Who’s with me?!

What are your goals this year? Do you have a plan to reach them? What’s the main thing that’s been holding you back?