2019- Look Back in Gratitude

 JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Whoosh! Here we are. The end of 2019, the end of the decade, the end of the teens or tens. (Aren't we all glad we're about to move into the much more easy to say twenties?) We have a theme for this week, and it's all about the transition from old year to new year, from past to future. First up: a look at the year that's just about to pass into the history books.

I have to confess, I started doing this "thing" after Ross passed away. I would ask myself, "If I could relive one year, what year would it be?" I'd go over the highs and lows, the achievements and disappointments, and I found quite a few good years I'd be happy to have all over again. Then it struck me - what if I'm living in one of those years right now? Ten or twenty years from now, would I think back to 2018 or 2019 and say, "I'll take that again, please." 

So I began to notice and be grateful for the good things that were happening to me and to my loved ones, from the big - I finished the book! - to the small - I read a good book! I've been trying to practice gratitude, or mindfulness, or conscious observation for some time now, as an antidote to depression and as a technique to make life better and happier overall. And what better time to take stock of what we've been grateful for than at the end of the year?

First, for me, it's definitely the aforementioned book. Completing HID FROM OUR EYES after six years felt huge, and was a shot of much-needed confidence that I could step back into my career. I'm filled with gratitude for the travel and conferences and meetings I've taken part in, as a confirmation that the publishing world hadn't forgotten my name. 

On a personal note, my son was deployed to the Persian Gulf for seven and a half months this year, and returned home safe and sound to spend Christmas right here in Maine with us. Grateful? You bet! I'm happy my daughters are doing so well at their studies and professional lives, and while we had a bit of a bump this past month when the Smithie and her boyfriend broke up (we're sad) I'm thankful I was here for her and was able to provide a home when she had to leave her apartment. I am trying to be grateful for the dog, cat, and 57 bags of clothes she brought with her. 

And of course, I'm grateful for the community I find here, with the Reds, and all our commenters, and the people who start out as guests and become friends. How about you, Reds?

JENN McKINLAY: Things that I’m grateful for always seem to start and end with family and friends. When I look at my life, I am truly blessed by the amazing people I get to share my journey with and I am ever grateful for all of them, including the fabulous Reds and the Jungle Red community. 2019 was a rollercoaster of a year, a case of Shingles and a trip to Paris, an opportunity to try another genre, along with an endless truck load of revisions. Thankfully, the awesome always outweighs the not so much, and I try to maintain an attitude of gratitude and look forward to what the next year will bring! 

HALLIE EPHRON: I can only hope next year is as good as this one’s been. My book did as well as any I’ve written (Careful What You Wish For - third printing just before the holidays!). watched the grandbabies grow and marveled at what fabulous parents they lucked into, enjoyed watching my daughter discover which of her considerable talents she’ll choose to nurture… And mellow out. We’ve had some health scares that fortunately fizzled.  And are planning a busy January. It’s an adjustment for me, looking just a few months ahead instead of having a year planned out.

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: What an amazing year! THE MURDER LIST was such a hit, yay, and I had been SO worried. I was a Guest of Honor at Bouchercon, wow, something I wonder if I even ever more than imagined. I was floating the entire time! The grandkids are hilarious and grownup, 10 and 16, which is shocking and they are both cool as pie.  Jonathan continues to be adorable and such a warrior for justice. 

Writing is becoming such a passion, and I am working so hard to get better and better--I can really feel myself changing. And at age 70 , yes, that happened in 2019, I am learning that it’s a now or never kind of deal, and that it is now time to let go and be happy and say what I want and continue to be so incredibly grateful for everything.   My new book comes out on August 4, and I am already excited. What will I say in this place next year? You reds and readers are such treasures...and what a joy to share it all with you.

LUCY BURDETTE: Like many of you, highlights revolved around family and friends and books and readers--we especially love watching our grandchildren grow and wish we lived closer. In January there was the arrival of T-Bone the wonder cat! With a lot of help, I selected him at the Florida Keys SPCA and he’s been a joy ever since. In fact he makes his debut on the cover and pages of THE KEY LIME CRIME in July. I also adored a trip we took to Ireland and Scotland--music, family and friends, gorgeous scenery, and inspiration for another book. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this Jungle Red community--and oh was it ever a treat to meet in person with all seven reds for the first time at Bouchercon. This writing life is not so easy, but the rewards have been amazing!

RHYS BOWEN: I have no complaints about this year, apart from some small health blips—enough to remind me how grateful I am for my usual good health. I’m still amazed at finding my books on bestseller lists and having the chance to write what I want. The best parts were sharing time in France with my daughter and family, doing research in Venice and getting together with college friends as well as with the Reds. I’m now gearing up for my next stand-alone novel in February. Who’d have thought my twilight years would be full of fireworks!

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Wow, what a year! Topping my list, as for all of us, is gratitude for family and friends, and readers, and especially our Jungle Red community. I am so thrilled that A BITTER FEAST did so well. Getting to meet readers and booksellers on book tour was fabulous, and a special highlight was my daughter flying to Phoenix for just one day for my event there. 

Then, Bouchercon. It was such a thrill to be a guest of  honor, and in my own city. I loved spending time with ALL of the REDs (our first time ever) and I loved getting to show friends a little of my city. (Still apologizing for the weather the first couple of days!)

London in November was cold and rainy and I loved it no less. I’m always so happy to see my UK friends, and to soak up the atmosphere. A really special treat this trip was my first ever visit to Liverpool with a dear friend. 

JULIA: Now it's your turn, dear readers. Share the people and events of 2019 that you're grateful for in the comments!