October comes in and like a wounded gazelle being hit by a train it's over. Christmas decor is up and my favorite food holiday is passed over like a red-headed step-child. 

November comes and writers everywhere are trying to write like the wind for WriMoNaNo or is it NaNoWriMo? 

December... well, that's the month every publishing house takes a leave of absence. Every one is gone. 

Vegas is crazy during New Year!

People out on the street. Mystifying performances. Freezing nights and melting days made my wardrobe a study in Jekyll and Hyde weather.

But I walked with my beau to Caesars Palace for the ultimate shopping experience. It was freezing out but the indoor mall sold thousand dollar coats that I would have hocked my body for if I didn't already come equipped with a warm pull over. It was so cold outside at night.

The ceilings were a work of art with cherubs floating in pastel clouds. We passed by pillars every so often that gave that rich feel, like we were walking the streets of Rome, just without the graffiti on the monuments. Shiny shops. Glittering objects. Everything to make a squirrel go Squirrel! 

Down a ways from the indoor corridors of overspending was a free water show that played every few hours. People sat by the waters edge waiting. Those in front had the best splash zone.

Lights, fountains, waves, and music choregraphed in an explosion of water. The fountains created moving liquid sculptures. I've never seen the like of such a show paid or free. 

We gambled responsibly. We drank irresponsibly but because we were walking from hotel to casino we never got fully drunk. The party did not die after midnight. People dressed in their finest. Which meant uncomfortable tuxes, revealing dresses, and absurd heels. Nips were in full force. Padded bras were obvious. It was so cold outside at night. 

People traded hats and wiggly goggles. Iridescent tubes were the mascot of underground clubs. You know the kind─where they let you watch. 

The fun stayed until we had to drive home and it was like leaving a best friend behind and returning to browner pastures.

But I can not for the life of me remember if there was traffic coming back. There probably was, like always. But that's not what I brought back with me.

It's awesome to see posts about the things we liked, commented, shared and posted. But next years business plan was solidified in September. All these Year End Reviews are for procrastinators that need a reminder that the New Year has once again snuck up on them without warning. 

Amateurs. 

Next time try hydrating before you go on an all night bender and you won't be one of the unfortunates that barfed in the city sewers during the countdown. 

​Instead of doing a year end review, prepare and enjoy the holidays so you go into the next year with confidence instead of having to get an act together. 

I have no idea. 

What I do have are 6 new projects in the hole for 2022. This is the year I'll be releasing books. I explained THE PLAN earlier in my Glorious Moment An Author Completes A Draft sketch. Check it out. No recap needed. 

No matter if December, January or July works best for you to plan your stuff for the next year, there is one thing to say... at least you planned.

For those who haven't lifted a pinky of planning, don't let a date hold you back. Don't be embarrassed if you can't plan that far ahead. If you're a "I make plans and God laughs" kind of person, get it off your brain. Just 'cause you stepped back doesn't mean you can't step forward and keep going straight. 

Forever running and working to be your prime,
Don’t ever stop and I promise you’ll find,
Whatever you seek, just keep on trying.
There’s nobody that can stop you, not even the end of time.
Get it off your brain
Just because you stepped back doesn’t mean you can’t
Again step forward and keep moving straight
But not to the finish line, cause you know it’s fake
Life’s not a race, it’s a battle, it’s a war
When you cross an obstacle it always has more
And you are not the type that’ll end at the finish line
Cause no matter what you’re always coming back for more
Blood of a warrior is flowing through your veins
It’s time to snap out of your chains
Move and remember, no pain no gain
And witness the kingdom that you’re about to reign
The terrain is rough but you are not slowed
Ain’t it funny how you’re on an off road
But to you it’s not an off road
Cause you know it’s the path that you roam to get to the throne
Forever running and working to be your prime,
Don’t ever stop and I promise you’ll find,
Whatever you seek, just keep on trying.
There’s nobody that can stop you, not even the end of time.
Let me tell you a secret,
Your greatest weapon is your mind, believe it
It’s an engine so be careful what you feed it
Be positive and watch your obstacles get defeated
You reap what you sow, so plant the right seeds
It might be funny but think and you might see
Brightly that the principle is mighty
If you think that you can be a king, you might be
But only if you believe it enough
Hard work is easy, having faith is tough
Think about it, people bluff they have it
Cause they’re cuffed by their insecurities most probably
So they give up and let the dream die
Chin up, you aren’t the type to cry
Awake the hungry beast that is sleeping inside
Believe and I promise you’ll rule the skies
Forever running and working to be your prime,
Don’t ever stop and I promise you’ll find,
Whatever you seek, just keep on trying.
There’s nobody that can stop you, not even the end of time.

Until next time...
...happy reading!
​~ Stephy