When the craziness of this holiday dies down, we have bought gifts, planned and prepared meals, have met with family and friends to celebrate, we arrive at that point where we look in two directions: back to mull over the year that once again raced by in record speed – at least for me – and forward toward the new year and a new beginning.
Looking back I want to express my utmost thankfulness for so many things: my old father just turned 91 and I was able to spend lots of valuable time with him. My husband and best friend, who continues to struggle learning German, but keeps plugging away every day, continues to be by my side through thick and thin. My children continue to thrive and light up my life. My dear readers who share their thoughts about my stories and write amazing reviews. I’m also happy to be settled in Germany and to develop a German-English writing career, yet remain in touch with many people in the U.S., my second home.
Looking forward I’m excited for the new decade. My goodness, 2020 sounds so strange, oddly futuristic. I’ll be turning 60, a milestone to advanced age. Yikes. Inside, I’m young, but the mirror tells me otherwise. We’ll be visiting various places in Europe and the U.S., spend time with friends and family, and of course, I will write more books. In April I plan on releasing the German version of “When They Made Us Leave.” I’m also working on an short story set during WWII and a couple of other projects I can’t share yet.
I wish you the best of holidays, a time of peace and sharing, as well as a healthy and happy start into the New Year.
Annette