My life is about to change in a big way.

Again.

I’ve seen lots of major upgrades in my life in the last several years. A second marriage, retirement and becoming a published author, to name a few.

It was a whirlwind of transitions. When I reached middle age, I was single and working hard to cover the bills. I thought, this is it for me. And I was okay with being on my own. I had a family I could count on, a daughter I adored, a few lovable pets, close friends and the “hobby” of writing that nurtured my creative side. I didn’t know a second chance at love was waiting in the wings. Now I can’t imagine life without my husband. He was one of the missing pieces I didn’t know I needed to fill.

And he embraced my ambition of being published. When we first met and I shared my dream with him, he joked about someday carrying my bags when I became a “famous” author. He supported me by supplying me with a comfortable office, gifting me with writing retreats at the coast, and, most of all, by making it possible for me to retire from my day job so I could focus on writing full time.

Then, it all started coming together. I got that first publishing contract for The Probation Case Files Mystery series. Shortly, there was a second offer of publication for my cozy mystery Wiggle Butt Manor series. Next, I landed an agent to represent me on another project. My books won two awards and were a finalist for two others. Apart from returning to work part-time three times (I’m a girl who can’t say no), I focused on writing full time. I’m still far from a “famous” author, but my husband has fulfilled his promise of carrying my bags as he attends book signings and even a writer’s conference or two.

I was far from an overnight success. My debut took over twenty years to get published. And I’ve experienced loss and grief. But those are topics for another time.

And then, the biggest change of all. This summer, I became a grandmother and found another piece of my puzzle I hadn’t known was missing. Like with my husband, I can’t imagine my life without her. As my daughter says, it’s as if she’s always been part of us. She just… fits.

Things will look different in 2026. I’ve committed to babysitting two days a week. Get this, folks, I actually get to be a big part of my granddaughter’s upbringing! Will it be an adjustment? Sure. But I wouldn’t trade this special time with her for the world. I can’t wait to take her to the library, the zoo. Even a boring trip to the grocery store will now be filled with wonder as I get to watch her discover the world.

I’m also going back to work part-time. Not as exciting, but a change, nonetheless. I will have to be more mindful in budgeting my writing time. And no new year would be complete without the resolution to fit in more exercise, but that will remain to be seen.

I look forward to continuing building this puzzle that is my life. And to discovering more pieces I didn’t even know were missing. And I wish that you, my readers, fill those gaps in your story that help your life make sense. They may come from unexpected places, they may not make your life perfect, but they will be yours.

Happy New Year!