I’m beginning a clean sweep with 2018!  Out with the old and in with the new. 

            I was working diligently clearing out some dishes I no longer need in the kitchen, when the doorbell rang. I live on the outskirts of Enid and we have rural mail delivery.  On my bench near the front door sat a box along with some mail.  AND MY FIRST BOX OF STONES OF SANDHILL ISLAND HAD ARRIVED!  Like most writers I was so excited to hold in my hand the results of a year-long (or longer) project.  It was beautiful – better than I’d imagined.  And in my excited state I gave the first copy to my husband, aka final proofreader.  He is my biggest fan and supports me in my efforts, so, he always gets the first copy. And he sees mistakes others don’t.

            I made a place in the spare bedroom for the new arrivals and went back to planning the release party.  The book will be officially released on January 24, 2018, but can be pre-ordered on The Wild Rose Press site at  https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/search?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=peggy+chambers&submit_search= or Amazon where the Kindle version is currently available for preorder https://www.amazon.com/Stones-Sandhill-Island-Book-ebook/dp/B078JYFSHN/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1515334460&sr=8-2&keywords=peggy+chambers. You’re all invited to the release party sometime after January 24!

            But despite the excitement, I’m still clearing my life both physically and mentally.  I got rid of the giant Christmas tree yesterday when a friend who still has kids at home, and a big house, took it.  I also cleared out a spare crock pot, some Christmas mugs that no longer had a place in the kitchen, and some children’s books.  I will take them to a local thrift shop where someone who needs them will have access to them.  That is the theme; I don’t need them anymore and maybe some one else does.  

            Here’s to new beginnings, clearing out the old and replacing it with the new.  I’m also going to the gym today to try to revitalize the old body.  Twice a week isn’t enough.  I’m going to make it more often. After all, I’m retired and writing books.  I can make more time for the gym.

            What did you accomplish this week to make room for the new?  Clearing my life!