I know, believe me, I know. It’s time to shed the old, discard the crap, defuse the judgement and forgive the trespassers. In fact, for every snake metaphor you can muster, today is the day to say goodbye to all of it. But there is a pile of stuff I plan to keep. Like treasured memories and my wonderful network of people along with hopes and dreams and aspirations and grit and imagination and a ton of love. But me too. Starting with my wild side. She’s been my main gal from forever. She doesn’t mind screaming with a zany recklessness. She’s impractical and unrealistic. She’s a stargazer. She’s at the top of my invite list headed into 2026. Sometimes she makes a mess, has a breakdown, gets absolutely sidetracked or even off track. But she’s never given up. She’s made this life the stunning vision it is, and I’m fairly certain, she’s going to keep charging forward through whatever comes next. So, here’s to being unabashedly every bit of me in the near and far future, while embracing the mountain of marvels and challenges ahead.

I plan to keep moving too. Everyday walking these hills, whether in bloom or dusty, I head up to the pinnacle with all the awe this beautiful world demands. I am cognizant of my good fortune. I’m healthy and strong enough to move and stretch daily. I keep at it not because of a should but because I love being out under the changing sky. These jaunts I’ll certainly keep front and center in 2026.

Diving straight in too. Even in last light every ocean dip is worthwhile. Water is my tonic and that for sure will continue to be my go-to especially when my brain is on fire which as you readers know can happen with some frequency. Hard to be a citizen on this planet and not be outraged, inflamed, just burning over one of the zillion injustices happening somewhere. And that is also okay in my book. We are supposed to feel empathy for our fellow companions on this tiny planet. But cooling off and letting go is equally important. 2026 will demand plenty of both, feeling the sorrow and allowing the release.

Mother. A treasured title I have carried for decades. One that changed me instantly. Over and over. Made demands on every aspect of my being and brought a mountain of reward. Now Grandmother. Who knew a heart could hold so much love? My people continue to occupy my mind and soul and with any luck will continue to do so for the rest of time.

My first novel, Crazy String, will be published this year. The first draft was written nearly 20 years ago, but the universe finally conspired to bring it to fruition now. I don’t know how my tiny imagined world will be received by this very real one, but by this summer, you can hold the spine, read through the pages and let me know. In the meantime, I am revising a second draft of another novel, an even more fantastical imagined world. So yes, this Nine Cent Girl plans to keep messing around with words for as long as she can. I really don’t know what I would do with all the swirling spheres crowding my mind without getting them out on paper.

Painting came back into my life in 2020 and allowed for another outlet to express the entirety of emotions flooding my awareness. Wow has that come in handy during the transitions and challenges of the last few years. You can be sure I will be layering paint on paint and letting the canvas fill with shape and color lots of the days ahead. Getting my work seen is a goal, but just riding the creative wave is quite fulfilling and I hope to do just that in 2026.

Bringing my best friend and spouse into the new year with love too. Everyone needs a cheerleader in life, and I am eternally lucky to have such a great one in her. Whatever I dream up, she’s there to say, go for it. There is no time for fear or regret, just doing. She’s also my anchor, always reminding me to take a breath. Eat something substantial. Tend to earthy needs. Important stuff. So here we go. Stepping into the future, yet again, still together, for this, for her, I am grateful.

Travel is coming into the new year too. As I jet off, knowing my tiny world will be there when I return, but ready for adventure to carry me toward a myriad of experience, is just the best feeling. I look forward to all of it with excitement and joy, and even more longing if it brings me to seeing more of you: friends and family and strangers alike.

What about you? What key parts of yourself are you keeping as you step into 2026? What’s still capturing your attention and your heart? Do let me know all about it!

Cheers to you and your cherished stuff,

9¢grl