If you go over to Julie Hedlund’s blog right now you will find… umm amazing talent, lol… blazing away. I laughed so much my hubby came to have a look and asked me who on earth was that…. “Julie” I said indignantly. Then I pointed to her profile pic at the top of her blog, “there she is…. “ he rolled his eyes, but stayed to watch till the end… lol. I loved it!
Oh gosh, there is so much to be grateful for our 12×12 group. I loved, most of all being involved or included in blog posts, and activities such as Perfect Picture Book Friday with Susanna, and guest posts such as Julie’s 12×12 guest, getting to know 10 year old Erik was one of my highlights. With so many from half way around the world, it’s amazing how we can be so close yet so far. Meeting new people on the Facebook page and visiting their blogs, or simply reading inspiring posts of interest or catching up with informative news and events, etc. Having Phyllis come visiting down-under was another highlight, thanks to 12×12, I was delighted to find I was included in her trip around the globe. My staff at work, were so happy for me, as they had heard about my writing group, and they were eager to get behind me to make it a visit Phyllis would not forget. (They thought I was crazy at first…lol.) Thank you Susanna, it will be something I will never forget. But most importantly is having all these drafts, which I know, I would never have done, if it weren’t for Julie’s encouragement and enthusiasm. I am grateful for having my critique group which would never have happened if it weren’t for 12×12. I aim in 2013 to make better use of this group and work hard to achieve my dream and make you proud, I have a lot work to do.
As I have mentioned in past posts, the amazing thing is finding people who were willing to help and guide me in my journey to reach my goal. Also in discovering 12x12ers are everywhere, even just a couple of streets away, literally from my door. I couldn’t believe it!
Well I might not quite have made my 12th Picture Book draft due to this busy time of year and with my Mum still in hospital, my mind has not been on it this past two weeks. Still my spirit is high, I have achieved much thanks to this wonderful group, so I am kicking back for an hour, slipping into something light and comfortable, around the BBQ on the deck, weather at 24degC is lovely, (not a cloud in the sky), with wine glass in hand I raise a cheer to Julie. She’s a creative genius, to come up with the idea; I am so looking forward to 2013. If there is anything I can do to help, I would be happy to.
All the Best everyone!
Writer and Dreamer at work 
I didn’t know your mum was in hospital. *hugs* Take it easy this holiday season x
Thankyou so much Catherine, today I got a call “come get me” .. So I picked her up and shes home now. But I am keeping an eye on her. She seems so much better now. Even joking. Unfortunately it’s one of those things that will not go away now, instead get worse. You have a great holiday season Catherine. Maybe one day you will pop down and relive a summer Christmas … *hint*…lol.
Oh I’d love to! All our travels now are heading to UK though 😦
What? Your husband didn’t recognize Rock Star Julie? 😉 (Hmmm… there’s a potential teen-age-doll name…)
12×12 has indeed been wonderful. Here’s to another stellar year in 2013.
Hope your Mum will be feeling better soon. Take care of yourself in the midst of everything else.
LOL…. As Pat will tell you, my husband is such a quiet guy, but he did enjoy watching Julie. Yes I can imagine a doll name for her. Or a doll called Julie…. *wink*…LOL
I agree 12×12 has been great. Glad to hear you are joining for another year.
Mum is doing a lot better now, and just come home. I will keep an eye on her… just one of those things we all go through, I guess. “The joys of getting old” She said.
Hi Diane! I’m a 12x12er without a facebook page (I know, the horror) and I just started blogging last week, so I’m glad to finally meet you by participating in Julie’s link list. Hope your Mum is feeling better. We lived in England (a land of metric) for four years but I’ve forgotten the conversions so I had to go look it up. Now I’m jealous.
Hi Wendy, soooooo pleased to meet you. Gosh I must go back to Julie’s link list now that I am back from my Mum’s so I can hopefully catch up with everyone and my critique group. You will have to start that FB page soon, so we can keep in touch….lol. Yes it’s lovely here, finally. We have had some terrible weather recently and I didn’t think summer was going to come, but it looks like it has finally arrived….. YAAAAAAAY! …LOL. You have a great Christmas Wendy.
Diane (and Beth), there IS a Julie doll. An American Girl one, who looks so much like I did as a girl that I even wrote a blog post about it – LOL.
I hope your husband doesn’t think I’m TOO crazy, although I do have to own up to being at least a little bit. 🙂
Diane, you are on the other side of the world, but your warmth and compassion has shone through this group all year, and I can’t imagine it without you! I look forward to many more good times in 2013!
awww!……… thankyou so much Julie. I know I could not have done what I have, without you. You are the sweetheart and centerpiece of this group. What makes it tick! Thankyou, from the bottom of my heart. As for my hubby, he is getting a little conversative in his old age…lol. Believe me, he puts up with alot, a whole lot…. and takes it all in his stride. Nothing shakes him…lol.
I remember your post about the Julie doll, Julie! Now she just needs a wig!
LOL
Ugh! don’t know if my last comment came through? In a nutshell, I said your warmth and radiance have shone through the 12 x 12 this year, and I couldn’t imagine it without you. That and I hope your husband doesn’t think I’m a TOTAL freak! 🙂
And there IS a “Julie” doll. I wrote all about it here: http://www.juliehedlund.com/2010/10/29/julie-an-american-girl/
So, there IS a doll out there….LOL. I remember now your blog about it, of course….lol. How could I forget! ….lol.
awww… thankyou again… your’re the sweetest. (Yes, see I got your comments..lol)
It’s been so lovely to be a part of the 12 x 12 community with you this year. Take good care of your mom (and your husband), and I’ll see you in 2013.
Aww … thankyou so much for your lovely comment Kirsten. I will look after them, promise! You have a great Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in 2013 too.
Glad to hear your Mom is home now. It is tough to see our moms suffer. Hope yopu can relax now and enjoy the holiday season. Hugs from Canada. XO
PS Loved Julie’s video!!
Thankyou very much Darlene, it’s been lovely getting to know you. I have enjoyed our contacts and look forward to keeping in touch with you during 2013. I intend to relax just a little over Christmas, although I am working through. Hugs to you from Kiwiland….lol. xx
Oh yes, I love Julie’s video. Watched it a few times now and still laugh every time…lol.
I have enjoyed getting to know you as well. XO
Great post! I like your husband’s reaction! 🙂
LOL…. thanks Erik.
Can I join you on the deck? My toes and fingers are freezing as I listen to icy rain pelting the roof.
Sure you can Carrie, the weather has been just gorgeous lately. I do hate that rain. Take care.
You’ve been a sweet part of our 12×12, Diane! I’m so glad to know you and have you in our group!
awww….. thankyou so much Tina. I was going to say the same thing about you. Love having you in our group and getting to know you.
Big congrats on your 12 x 12 success (Psst. I haven’t *quite* got round to that last draft, either) I, too, have a mom recuperating (from a fall)–hope yours is better soon!
Thankyou for popping on and for your lovely words. Hope your Mum feels better. Mine is home now, still not quite right, but at least at home.
Diane, I am glad your mom is doing well. I am so glad I got to know you this year. I’ve been lurking about in the shadows, commenting now and again, and thoroughly enjoying myself. You are such sweet soul. I’m raising my glass as well to 12×12. Can’t wait for 2013!
Hi Pamela, it nice to have you here, and thankyou so much for your lovely words (I’m blushing reading them…lol) I have also been enjoying myself. *clink* to 2013, see ya there.
I’m so glad you joined 12×12 this year! I’m looking forward to reading you Dec manuscript this weekend. Merry Christmas!
“your manuscript” 🙂
Yes, as I have said many times before, our 12×12 community is the BEST! I am so thankful for all of you. I hope your Mum is doing better, Diane, and can join you for the holidays. And, I trust you will complete all 12 manuscripts by 2013. See you then!