A Year in the Passenger Seat

This was meant to be a New Year's Eve post, but we lost our Internet connection in the early evening. When Hubby called about it, he was informed that most of Atlantic Canada was down, as was some of Ontario. That sent him running to his phone to make there was no global catastrophe, and me running to the calendar to make sure that it wasn't 1999.

2011 was a great year for us here at Calling Shotgun (and by us I mean me). Here's a quick run-down of a year in the passenger seat:

• Out with the old Brain Droppings and in with the new, improved Calling Shotgun.
• With your help we raised almost $5000 for YACC and I was shorn like a sheep.
• Six Stories published (more impressive when you know that I only wrote and submitted eight).
• Travel around the province and beyond, prompting the creation of Writing Home and Writing Away
• A successful run of the Lost on the Rock Short Story Contest with my pal Alan Davidson.
• A close-to-full month of poetry in April
• Several blog award nominations (fingers crossed)

Books

These are some of the books I've read over the past year that have stayed with me. I enjoyed them, you might too.

Come Thou Tortoise by Jessica Grant (Canadian, Literary)
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (Literary)
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin (Fantasy)
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt (Canadian, Literary)
Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks (Travel, Humour)

Blogs

This list includes some old favourites and some newly discovered blogs, destined to become old favourites. There are so many more I enjoy. For more bloggy goodness, check out my blog roll to the right of the page.

Life on the Muskoka River - I cannot express ow much I love this blog. Always fun, always honest, always a joy to read. Cathy Webster is the Canadian Blog Queen. A blog for anyone who enjoys good writing, insight that is uniquely Canadian, and a healthy dose of potty humour.

Conversations From Land's Edge - Authored by my good buddy and fellow Newfoundlander Alan Davidson. He ponders the oddities of life, gives his unique perspective on current events, and shows off his writing chops. Always funny and insightful, Mr. Davidson's blog is well worth a visit.

Alice in Paris Loves Art and Tea - A blog for those who enjoy the finer things in life. You'll find lots about Paris and art and tea, and so many other wonderful things (including some beautiful photos). Don't let the title fool you; although it is as classy as the French capital, this blog oozes Atlantic Canadian charm.

Island Girl - Another fellow islander, and this one is extremely proud of her roots, celebrating them as she travels the globe, takes amazing photos, and grabs life by the tail. She always has something interesting to say.

bluetruedream - One thousand days of graces as noted by my good friend Linda (of leftbrainwrite fame). A lovely reminder of the important little things.


A Year of Words

My plans for 2012 include reading at least as many books as I did this year, including some classics that have been collecting dust on my shelf. Thanks to John Wiswell for the push in that direction.

On the writing front, there are a few short stories that I really need to get done, and a novella I hope to complete without too much pain and procrastination. I'll be taking part in Write 1 Sub 1 on a monthly basis because sometimes I need the threat of deadline to get me moving.

Whatever your plans for the new year, here's wishing you a very happy, fulfilling, and successful 2012.