I bemoaned my query/manuscript woes yesterday, and you guys were great about putting up with me. Thank you all for letting me vent, but enough of the whining. It’s time to put on my big girl panties and stop being so hard on myself.

I wrote a book. Then I shelved it and wrote another. And in the process of writing that book, I found myself. I finally knew what I wanted to be when a grew up and realized that just maybe, I had a shot at pulling it off. More importantly, I found an incredible group of people who know exactly what I’m going through. They don’t think I’m neurotic for obsessing over a single line for an hour..or three. They don’t bat an eye when I say I’ve written YET ANOTHER query hook, and I’m sure this is the one. Instead, they stick out their virtual hands and read the damn thing. And when I post about all my silly writing issues, they don’t ignore me or tell me to suck it up. My writing friends give me a virtual hug and a gentle kick in the butt.

Thank you.

What else am I thankful for? Glad you asked!

1. My health. I lost 65 pounds this year and have maintained it. I spend a lot of time kicking myself for not losing ten more or doing yoga regularly, but not today. I’m proud and incredibly grateful for dropping the weight. My life has changed for the better in ways Fat Stacy couldn’t have imagined.

2. My brother. Most of you know one of my brothers has terminal cancer. We don’t know how much time he’s got left, but it’s not much. I’m so thankful for the time I got to spend with him a few weeks ago. It makes the loss just a little easier to take.

3. My wonderful daughter. She’s a precocious, intelligent, outgoing, and sometimes mouthy five(almost six)year-old, and she’s changed my life for the better, x100.

4. My amazing husband. Most of my family and friends thought we wouldn’t last, but we’ll be married thirteen years in May.

5. Chocolate. Let’s face it: the stuff should be one of the seven wonders of the world.

6. Jersey Shore. Because there’s always someone to point and laugh at.

7. Health Insurance. Even if my premiums are going up, I’m grateful my husband has a job that provides great medical, dental, and vision insurance. Don’t take that for granted!

8. Moisturizer. Every girl over 30 MUST own some. I recommend SkinCeuticals.

9. The sexy pair of boots I just bought. They hurt like hell, but they look good!

10, A warm home, food in my belly, a decent car to drive, money in my bank account.

What are you thankful for this year? How has the online writing community helped your writing?