Shawn L. Bird

So! In a few hours 2012 will be history.  The hysteria of the end of the Mayan calendar passed, and now our calendar is finished, too.

My hubby was given two calendars this year, and I received one.

One of his is an inspirational one, about challenge.  He’s going to put it up in his office to inspire young clients who need all the help they can get.

The second was is Scottish scenery.  I’m hoping that one inspires him to wear his kilt more often, and perhaps take a trip to Scotland some time.

My calendar arrived in the mail today from Finland.  The photos are stunning and it makes me ‘kotiikava.’ Koti is ‘home’ and ikava is ‘melancholy’ or ‘longing.’  The term is more a propos to the circumstance than our English homesick , don’t you think?  I also received a card from the wife of my Rotary exchange counselor, asking when I’d be coming back to Finland.

I’m making plans for 2013.  I will be applying for Master programs in the next month or two.  One could see me in Finland, studying educational theory and practice.  One won’t.   I have a novel project floating in my brain that involves Finnish mythology, but I think I’d better get Grace Beguiling dealt with first.  Finland is floating in my future, but so are a lot of other things.

So the old year is wrapped, and we lead into the next.

Teaching, writing, studying, growing, reading, learning, laughing…  Those are my plans for 2013.  What are yours?