Feliz año nuevo
Feliz año nuevo
03 January 2012 12:00AM
Feliz año nuevo
Well 2011 came and went and here we are in 2012, wondering what this year will bring.
First of all my prayer is that everyone reading this blog has a wonderful and productive year. There were certainly plenty of defining moments in 2011 in world events, and as I look back I think I had one of the most life changing and amazing years ever. It certainly ended on a high, and I am looking forward to 2012 and new opportunities. For the past 10 years I have kept journals of many of the things that I do and think. Ideas, inspirational thoughts- just stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. Scribble, notes, lists etc. It is so interesting to go back and peruse some of those journal entries and see what has developed as well as what didn’t happen! You know one thing which I have heard so many people say and makes me laugh every time is, ‘ be careful what you pray for because you might get it and wish you hadn’t.’ Too true! There are so many things that I thought I wanted this time last year and I really am so glad I didn’t get them. Now you wonder what I’m rambling on about but I suppose I’m saying we are changing all the time and very often we think we want something, but if we are prepared to wait something more suitable or appropriate may come along. That reminds me of a chat I had yesterday with my little granddaughter when she asked me what wisdom was. We then had a deep discussion about the fact that her mummy had some, I had lots more than her mummy and great-grandma had even more than both of us put together.
Anyway now all the mince pies have gone, the chocolate log has been demolished and there are only a few crumbs left in the Christmas cake tin, it sounds like it’s the right time to start being healthy and get rid of that excess fat that we usually acquire at Christmas. One of the best things that I did in 2011 was to buy my puppies – Gracie and Butler. The first few weeks they were driving me potty piddling everywhere, but now of course they are more house trained and developing those quirky little character traits which I so adore. Actually they are both bonkers, bring laughter to the house, and I sure am happy having them around. Something tells me this year I will be getting plenty of fresh air and exercise. North Yorkshire here I come.
Ok so I digressed somewhat here, now back to children. My little grandaughter is growing up fast. Don’t you just love them. So here’s to 2012 and hoping that we can all be kind to one another and make the difference in the life of a child somewhere in the world.
I thought I would paste something which I wrote at the end of last year and if my publishers agree it will be in with the acknowledgements and various other bits and bobs in Chavos 2.
Here it is…
I recently read a book by a very famous author of adult literature.
He said, ‘some books make us dream, others bring us face to face with reality, but what matters most to an author, is the honesty with which a book is written.’
This is the second novel in the Chavos series where I believe as the author, my great love of Mexico, its culture and its people shines through.
Indeed as we say in Spanish;- ‘Conocerlo es amarlo.’ (Knowing it, is loving it.)
Mexico is a country with so much beauty and wonder to offer both its people and visitors alike. But also like many other countries in the world, a country with problems.
I believe through Dolita’s life – the main character in the Chavos novels – one will dare to dream as she does. I believe that we were all born for a purpose and have a dream or vision hidden in our hearts from childhood.
It takes courage to follow a dream and whatever your dream may be, don’t give in when you realise it. My favourite saying is, ‘when the going gets tough, you get tougher. Let Dolita be an inspiration to you as she shows great courage in her quest to find her family – whilst supporting her friends and those around her – as she faces new challenges for survival.
It is important, even as young readers that we face up to the reality in the world today and perhaps through doing so, strive to make the world a better place, as each of us plays our part.
I am writing my stories as honestly as I can, reflecting life as I have seen it;- the great contrast between rich and poor and those who fall into the trap of drugs, alcoholism and poverty.
The books are fiction based on fact and with a mixture of real life experience and my own imagination I seek to educate and entertain the reader, whilst not offending anyone.
I hope you enjoy reading my books, at least two more of which will be published this year.
So follow your dreams. Happy New Year.
Anna x
