© irene waters 2014
New Years Eve is a good time for reflecting on the year past and then to use those reflections to set resolutions for the New Year. I already have some resolutions in mind – the obvious ones that I’ve made every year since I turned forty. You’ve got it in one – lose weight and get fit. Every year I fall by the wayside but undaunted, this time ,I AM going to be successful. I have the app.How can I fail?
As I have said in the post title I am going to divulge some secrets. This is because my blogging pal, author of the Rhe Brewster crime novels, Noelle Granger, tagged me to tell of five things that my blog followers don’t know about me. Mind you, they might not want to know these as we’re getting down to the real nitty gritty now so I may struggle to find five and they will be scattered, hopefully missed, by those that read.
The year has been a good one with the aid of my husband who suffers my lack of housewifely skills to an even greater degree as I immerse myself in my books. Am I enjoying my research. At times yes. I find it fascinating. Memory is fascinating. I am currently looking at body in memoir. Memory I discover is stored in the body, not just the brain, and the body is universal. We all have one, so if you write the body your narrative will come alive. I did not know that cellular memory existed. That transplant patients sometimes have personality changes turning them into the organ’s owner, such as the meat eating lesbian lady who received a heart transplant from a man-loving vegetarian. She couldn’t face meat post transplant and her sexual orientation changed totally. At the time she did not know who her donor was. Amazing stuff.
At other times I have struggled greatly. I have discovered SECRET 1: I am an introvert to an extent I did not realise. At conferences and other academic functions I have an overwhelming desire to crawl into the nearest hole and hibernate for the rest of time. I am a writer who cannot speak. I am a writer because I like to communicate yet cannot talk. I always knew that until I knew people I wouldn’t give much away and that I am much better one on one but I had no idea just how debilitated I become in some situations.
© irene waters 2014
Secret 2: On reflection I have worked out why this was not a state that I had previously been aware of. Answer to why – I have given up drinking. I have been a tee totaller for a year and a half and amongst those I know I don’t see any difference in myself but put me in a room of strangers I obviously need a bit of dutch courage. Mmmm!
A definite resolution is needed here. I had commenced toastmasters to overcome my fear of public speaking and Yeah that seems to have worked. I have presented a number of papers now with only a smattering of controllable nerves. I have to work on off the cuff speaking which I can also do through toastmasters and putting myself out there.
I have also struggled with the work load I have set myself. Something should go but I enjoy the blogging, love my family and friends,the dogs have to be walked twice a day and having put in almost a years work I am going to keep going with my Masters. Secret number 3: I am looking forward to 2016 and relative relaxation. In 2015 my husband turns 70. He has learnt to relax. In 2015 I am going to try to learn to relax without immediately falling asleep. Any tips will be gratefully listened to.
One of the wonderful plusses of the year has been all those I have met blogging. I have particularly enjoyed the interaction with the Carrot Ranch Congress of Rough Writers and the 99 word flash fiction prompt we are given each week by Charli. Secret 4: I think I am starting to really enjoy fiction writing and memoir might become a thing of the past. I read once that at some point the writing of your memoir becomes your memoir and as the writing prevents you living life you have no choice but to write about writing. As I love living too much it may be time to turn to fiction or possibly better still a creative non-fiction at the other end of the line, about somebody or something other than me. That way I can still do the research which is something that I really enjoy.
The state of the world still saddens me. I hope that the New Year brings that rare gem that will promote tolerance amongst people and nations and bring peace to all our homes, countries and world. My thoughts are with those suffering from disasters whether man-made or natural.
Secret 5: I am happy. On the whole, as I see the Old Year out I know that I am still lucky. I live in relative safety, in a loving relationship with a good man and two good dogs. My surroundings give me joy and my writing and blogging I can get lost in. Apart from the eating resolution I don’t want change for myself.
The five people I am tagging can take part if they want to or not as they choose. These people however I’d like to introduce as bloggers whom you may find interesting.
1. Charli Mills from Carrot Ranch. Charli hosts the 99 word flash fiction and does a good job in coming up with some great prompts whilst reflecting on the process that led to the prompt. She then compiles the submissions so they are all readable in one place and it is fascinating seeing the diversity of responses.
2. Geoff from TanGental – an author who always manages to raise a smile if not an out loud laugh on most matters he writes on. Now half way through his book Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle I’d also highly recommend it as a good holiday read.
3. Anne from Annethology – an author who does some of the best book reviews I have read. My dream is that one day, in early 2015, she will write a post on how to read for effective reviewing. This is an area I struggle with in my studies. I have always read to get lost in the story and to now have to read with critical intent a few tips would be great.
4. Norah from live, love, laugh and learn whose love of education and posts pointing to different theories in education are in themselves an education but one that is fascinating and stimulating. Oh how I would love to be a student these days and better still have a teacher such as Norah to guide me on my path to adulthood.
5. Sarah from Lemon Shark who is a master of the twist. She tackles parenting and life with added punch.
I wish I could go on and on. There are so many of you whose posts are wonderful – photographers Cee who has fantastic photography prompts and Raewyn and Woolly Muses.
I really could go on and on but stop I must. New Years Eve calls. Lunch with Mum, Dinner on the River, Fireworks at 8pm ( I know I’ll be awake for the kiddies version), a movie on the big screen and then having been up since 5am I’ll decide whether to prop the eyelids open to see in the New Year or whether I’ll be happily snoring in my bed. Whatever I do I hope you have a Very Happy New Year and that it brings your dreams and desires into fruition.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 