I took this photo at WalMart today- one of the toys that never found a home for Christmas. The sales isles were full of them.

I meant to post earlier in the week, but from Christmas Day through Thursday night, I had no Internet connection. No Internet, no TV and no phone- one of the drawbacks of Fios service. One goes, they all go. That was worse than quitting smoking. Talk about withdrawals!

Yesterday, I cleaned up by PC. Resigning the one district position allowed me to take at least 4GB of photos and other files off my PC. Dumped and moved lots of other stuff too. I don't think I will miss that job except come conference time when I have to pay my own way. Maybe I just won't go.

I want to get back to painting. I never found my niche; my style; my direction. I think that was one of the things that discouraged me and contributed to why I quit painting last year. The search is not over yet, but I have new motivation.

A few years ago, I wanted to do an illustrated children's book- until I learned how much work was involved! That changed my mind. Well, I want to do some children's books no matter how much work they are. I have one single story and a series in mind. The series is to introduce children to marine environmental protection and safe boating practices. That makes sense since I am a member of both the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Coast Guard Fine Art Program. The stories in my head are fun, not preachy, and I say 'series' because I want to use the same characters whom I will call the "Sea Urchins".

The one not a part of this series is a story to help children cope with traumatic losses like hurricanes, etc.. After the super storm and the shooting in Connecticut, I'd best get to work quickly. It helps that besides being an artist, I am a former clinical social worker who worked for darn near 20 years with children and families. Get to work, Dottie!

A new year is just around the corner. I am ready for it.