Several years ago I started picking one word as my guide for the year. There were a few candidates for this year but one I kept coming back to: BELIEVE. 

The last couple of years were tough on so many levels and last year particularly kicked my behind both personally and professionally. My self-confidence took a beating. I've been working hard to pull myself out of that rut and BELIEVE is the word I keep coming back to. Believe in my creativity, believe in my ability, believe in myself.

As for the two crochet buddies, the goldfish is, of course, a nod to Ted Lasso because really, that show is brilliant and he's a perfect reminder to focus on the present. The purple dude? Because monsters aren't so scary when they're purple and smell of lavender. 

There's something amazing about starting a new year with a new writing project. I've spent the last few weeks mulling over story ideas and getting to know the characters better. Today was all about words. Fun words! 

This one feels different from my books and along with that, I've given myself permission to play with my process. That freedom is liberating and a wonderful, much needed reminder, that I started writing because I love telling stories.

I've talked before about yarn therapy being my brain therapy, my way of working through plot holes and calming busy brain. Then once in a while I come across a pattern that I become obsessed with and have to make the same thing in every yarn type and color I can get my hands on. The gnomes were last winters obsession. This year, I'm watching the bunnies multiply around my house. :-) 

For anyone who follows me on social media, you've seen my obsession with crocheting and yarn. Over the years, I've expanded my repertoire from scarves (seriously, how many scarves can one person use and my friends were beginning to dodge me for fear I'd push yet another scarf on them), to shawls and blankets to amigurumi creatures. [You can see a number of them here].

For me, yarn therapy = brain therapy. I crochet when I watch TV or listen to an audio book or when I need to unravel a story idea. Busy fingers help quiet my brain. 

If I'm stuck on a story idea, I'll crochet something that doesn't require thinking. The repetition of the stitches is soothing, and allows my brain to wander. I can't tell you the number of times I've had "ohhhhhh" moments when I've stopped agonized and allowed the brain cells their freedom. Amigurumi creatures are more for stress relief and fun. I mean, really, how can you not smile seeing these?