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Forgive the me, me, me format of this final post of 2012 as I reflect on the year. I wish you and yours a healthy, happy, prosperous New Year, and I look forward to entertaining you with this blog of mini-escapes (and occasional venting) and getting to know each of you more through our conversations in 2013. May it be a year of good luck for each of us!

My Top Three Gifts this Christmas:

  1. A heartfelt sentiment from my husband on Christmas morning, a gift of his undying love. I cried.
  2. A wallet from my son, who knows how disorganized I can be with pesky things like cash and credit cards. Even better was learning he “bought” the wallet with points earned at his school for excellent behavior. He could have purchased something for himself, but he didn’t. Yes, I cried.
  3. A red wine glass from my sister-in-law and niece etched with my name. I didn’t cry, but I really appreciated it, and made quick use of it. I needed to test it, right?

My Top Three Quotes for Margarita Moments:

2012-12-30 19.19.421.  The finest amusements are the most pointless ones.

Jacques Chardonne

2.  I would not exchange my leisure hours for all the wealth in the world.

Anonymous

3.  The happiest people are those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good company, and good conversation. They are not only happy themselves, they are the cause of happiness in others.

William Lyon Phelps

Top Three Margarita Moment Posts:

1.  A Love Story

2.  The Roller Coaster or Merry-Go-Round

3.  On A Serious Note

I’m proud of these little pieces of writing, but what made them successful was your participation through your views, likes, and comments. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit Margarita Moments each week.

My Three Life (Writing) Lessons:

1. Follow your passion. If you aren’t passionate about writing the story, your readers won’t be passionate about reading it. The caveat to this lesson–write from your soul, not from a marketing standpoint or what you think others expect you to write.

2. Be consistent. I’m good about this one as a parent and at my day job, but when life became overwhelming in other areas this past fall I didn’t post blogs consistently. I may have lost some readers because of this and that makes me sad, for a writer’s joy is sharing her world with others. For 2013, I promise to post on Mondays without fail, even if only to submit an apology or announce a change of plans.

3.  Don’t give up, unless it’s to do something you feel even more strongly about.  This was a difficult lesson to learn. I’m very loyal. However, I wasted spent almost six months toughing it through a story that wasn’t panning out the way I’d expected. I began to lose interest in writing each night. Thankfully, I let go of that story (for now) and this year is ending on a high note as I complete a romantic suspense.

Please share your “My Top Three _____ for 2012” with us!

Ideas for your Top Threes of 2012:

  • proudest moments
  • books
  • movies
  • songs

24 comments on “Top Three Lists For 2012

  1. What a nice wrap up, Jolyse. My husband usually makes me cry–in a good way–when he gives me cards for special occasions. I always joke that I need more reasons to get cards from him because he writes such wonderful things that he would never say out loud. 😉 Happy New Year!

  2. Wonderful post! I like your lists. : )
    I don’t have anything like this but one of my favorite quotes is: Life rewards Action

  3. One: Getting the call but choosing to self publish.
    Two: My husbands support for my dream.
    Three: All the love from family and friends when my dad passed. A sad, occurrence, but a blessing for him.

    1. Sandy, I love your list. Congrats on getting The Call and having the courage to step out on your own anyways. I’m sorry about your dad, but am grateful you have much love and support from your husband, family, and friends. Here’s to a stellar 2013!

    1. Christmas was very nice, thanks, Nicole. I’m thrilled you are back on North American soil, as you somehow seem all that much closer. 🙂 I’m excited about meeting you in person in 2013, whether we both end up going to RWA Nationals or in NYC at WD conference. Keep writing!

  4. Love this post, Jolyse and the wine glass! I’m glad you’re putting it to use. My top three moments in 2012 would have to be, One: Being chosen out of 924 applicants for a job that I love. After my former company was closed, I found myself unemployed for nine months ~ very challenging time. Two: Having my first short story published. Three: Meeting so many wonderful people, like yourself, after starting a blog.
    I look forward to more of your wonderful posts in the new year! Happy New Year!

    1. Thanks, Jill! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you these past months. Congrats on the new job, that’s quite an accomplishment! Kudos, too, on publication of your short story. I look forward to reading your blog in 2013 and learning of your future successes. Happy New Year!

  5. Top three – wow. Um, the day job. Couldn’t survive right now without it. The writing gig – it’s been such a blessing this year. Good surgeons – but I will say this is the LAST year of health “issues”. Nothing but healthy times ahead!

    Thanks for providing your escapes this year, hon. It’s been fun!

    1. Yes, we’re definitely looking for 2013 to be a healthy, successful year. Congrats on all the writing progress (I’m quite impressed) and enjoy your moments of leisure when you can–so important for renewing and recharging your creativity. Thanks for the kind words. It’s my pleasure. Happy New Year, Christine!

  6. Aw, I love your top 3 gifts! And the #3 quote – that’s my theme for 2013! Leisure time that will keep me creative and alive! My top 3 for this year would be – 1. the ever present loving and care my husband provides me, 2. Actually finishing my novella, even though it was crap, 3. December when I realized how to best schedule my work and leisure in 2013. I learned a lot about myself in that month alone.
    That novella I mentioned? I did what you did. I walked away from it for now since it just wasn’t working and moved on to another idea. I wish much success with your new book, as well as a happy and healthy new year, my friend! Oh, and if I can add one more “top” moments, it would be getting to know you!

    1. Aww, you are very sweet, Marcia. I love your new blog and newsletter format and have shared it with friends and coworkers. Your novella served a purpose in your writing life, even if only to spur you onto better writing and honing your skills. Happy New Year!

  7. Love the lists! I’m glad you had such a wonderful Christmas. 🙂 My top 3:
    1. My family
    2. My friends – especially my WANA and WG2E friends
    3. Having my first fiction published.

    I hope you have a healthy, happy and successful 2013! 🙂

  8. Lists … I can’t even finish a shopping list.

    Here’s to being more organized in my personal life … but somehow spending time with family and friends always seems more important and fun than cleaning out some of the corners of stuff.

    Best gift so far this Christmas season … a soapstone heart from Kenya that one of my sisters found in of all place upstate NY … has lots of meaning and one that will be treasured!

    1. Hi Lynda!

      What a beautiful gift that heart must be. Is it small enough to carry with you in your purse, to pull out whenever you need to feel your loved ones close? Those little gifts and time with family and friends are what the holidays are all about. I think you are one of the few I know who keeps the spirit of Christmas throughout the year. So, to heck with lists and cleaning clutter when you can be with those you love, making special memories. You’ve taught me a lot about the importance of taking time out from the daily grind, just to enjoy life and each other, and for that I thank you.

      Maybe spread out the chores a little at a time during the work week instead of trying to tackle it over a long session. That helps me. I don’t want to give up a block of time, but 15 minutes to dust or vacuum doesn’t seem so bad. (Plus, as you know, my husband is a neat freak. He tends to pick up the slack for me. Maybe your loving husband can do the same for you?? LOL).

      Can’t wait to see you! xoxo

  9. I love making lists.

    TOP 3 TV SHOWS I DISCOVERED. I started watching more TV this year, mainly to analyze story and get writing breaks, and I’ve discovered some gems:

    1. RAISING HOPE. A family sitcom that makes me laugh out loud every time I watch.
    2. REVENGE. This show gives my ethic-meter a workout as I watch these families and wonder what is justice vs. revenge. Beautifully acted too.
    3. LEAP YEAR. An online series I watched through Hulu. Episodes are short (10-15 minutes)–perfect for a quick break–but pack a lot of punch.

    1. Happy New Year, Julie! Love the list. I’ve seen Raising Hope a few times. The mom is hysterical. We’ve been watching THE MIDDLE recently. Too funny. I’ve heard about Revenge from my sister-in-law, but haven’t seen it yet. I’m most curious about Leap Year; fits my schedule and attention span. 🙂

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