When the year starts out, as 2014 did for me, there is precious little expectation for the rest of it. You see, that was the day of my mother’s funeral.
The following week my oldest dog, nearly seventeen, died — another sad goodbye.
As if that wasn’t enough, I tore the MCL on one of my knees on the first day of February.
Friends were asking me what it felt like to be Job — referring to the Biblical character. It felt like life had turned a dangerous corner for me and nothing good was ever going to happen again.
But that couldn’t have been further from the truth. I signed with a publisher, The Wild Rose Press, for my first novel — Acquisition.
My knee healed — slowly — without surgery but with a lot of exercise and physical therapy. I am super thankful for that, although I don’t think I’ll be running anytime soon.
Then I joined a prestigious group of writers at the Noepe Center for Literary Arts on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, bookending the trip to the island with a few days in Concord, Massachusetts before, and Boston after.
Acquisition was released on November 7 and I left for Italy on November 8 to join up with another group of writers studying Monastic Writing in Orvieto. (You’ll want to check out reneejohnsonwrites.com for an interview with the instructor, Justen Ahren, and my experiences — both coming in 2015.)
Sprinkled in between these writing events were wedding celebrations for my son and his wife. They were married on December 13.
If you are thinking this has been one incredible whirlwind of a year, you would be correct.
And it caught up with me over the Christmas holiday, leaving me tired, drained, and with a bad case of stomach flu which arrived pre-dawn Christmas Eve and is still nagging me.
Hopefully, by New Year’s Eve, I’ll be feeling up to celebrating with friends and toasting 2015. I must say that I will be looking back with a mixture of sadness and elation. The new friends I have gained are priceless, the experiences immeasurable. But the losses and grief and sadness have also been overwhelming.
Perhaps we cannot truly enjoy the victories without learning from defeats. I’d like to give it a shot in 2015 though. And that is what I wish for you all — a wonderful year of triumphs and successes without any failures or heartbreaks.
Happy New Year from Writingfeemail!
Writingfeemail's Blog 
Beautiful young woman!!
Thank you!
Yes, I wish you the happiness without the heartache. May 2015 be a great year for you!
For us all Elyse!
A year of mixed blessings. May 2015 be full of many good things. So sorry for the loss of your mother.
Thank you Maureen. It was tough, but as you say, the year held many blessings also. I wish a very merry 2015 for you!
May the New Year bring you only the best it has to offer, Renee. I look forward to reading all about it. Happy New Year.
Thank you Michelle. And Happy New Year to you as well.
A rough year and a beautiful year. I’m so sorry you had all the painful losses, but you’ve had some really wonderful things too. It balances out over a lifetime, Renee. My best wishes for you and yours in the coming year and I’m getting your book!!!
Thank you Linda. I only have the best of wishes for you as well…and I hope you enjoy the read!
What a year! You’re still standing and the new year is coming – let’s make it a good one 🙂 MJ
Still standing is a good thing for sure. There were times, especially when my knee was stabilized, I wondered… Thank you MJ. We’ll make it a good one for both of us.
What a year! As soon as I saw your mother’s photo, I remember thinking, “Who would have thought?” So sorry for your loss.
But congratulations to you again on your book and then the wedding on December 13. It does add up to a memorable year. Take care and get well.
Best and worst, I guess. Thank you Georgette. This virus is forcing some down time, which is probably long overdue.
I remember all of those difficult challenges you faced at the beginning of 2014, Renee. My heart broke for you when your mother passed away. All of your accomplishments this past year are proof of not only how strong you are, but how life can change instantly. But when we press through with our faith, there is always hope for a better day. Happy New Year to you, my friend. I hope you’re feeling better. xo
Jill, that is such a beautiful comment. Life can change in an instant, both ways. I hope you continue to stay well and that 2015 smiles on you.
Best wishes for 2015, more joy and less heartache!
Amen! Happy New Year Lisa.
You certainly had a roller-coaster year, Renee! Sorry you were sick during Christmas (so many of my friends were, also). I’m wishing you a happy 2015!
Yes, it was bad timing for a virus. But I suppose there is never a good time for one. Happy New Year Dianna!
So enjoyed all the pictures illustrating your year ( our moms had the same glasses, I think…and of course, German shepherds leave such a hole to fill)
Whew. Quite a year. Hope your “In-between Weekdays” are restful and restorative. And the New Year brings wonder and delight!
Thank you Karen. It has been one roller coaster of a year. Losing loved ones is never easy. I wish you a New Year filled with cheer!
Wow! You packed so much into the year!
Hope that helped you on the path to healing your heart (a tougher recovery than that pesky knee)
Congrats on Acquisition – putting it on my list!
Thank you! It was tightly packed and hurriedly experienced. Hope your new year is your best ever!
It was quite a year for you. There are no words to express the grief of losing one’s mother. But good came out of the year, too. And you are one beautiful lady, so keep at it. Like a phoenix. That’s you!
I love that comparison, Monica. A phoenix — yes! We do have to keep rising after every fall. The soul commands it or it begins to wither, I think. Happy New Year. May it be your best ever!
What a year you’ve had, Renee! You are a beautiful soul. I wish you only heartwarmings and more successes in 2015!
Thank you Lena. I wish you the happiest year ever!
I hadn’t quite grasped the highs and lows of the ride 2014 was, it all jumbled together into a year. I hope 2015 is off to a better start for you!
Thanks Patti. I can use a little calm.
I’m sorry for the losses you’ve endured (and are still enduring), and am glad you’re healing body & soul. Take care & let’s hope 2015 is the best yet! 🙂
Thank you Hermione. I hope 2015 is an ideal year for us both!