reflect✨
2025
According to a lot of astrologers, 2025 was the year of the snake, a year of endings, letting go. I definitely did that this year. Last year this time, I never guessed I’d be where I am now . . . but when I look back, I realize the signs were right in front of my face. I just wasn’t able, or didn’t want to see them.
I have to admit 2025 wasn’t my favorite year. The rollercoaster of emotions was . . . a lot. Nothing prepares you for the kind of breakup I went through and am still going through. Nothing prepares you for grieving what you thought your life was going to be (or at least the fantasy of it), what you allowed yourself to tolerate, and there is definitely no warming for the assault of so many things clicking into sharp, cutting clarity, and no warning for those things slotting perfectly into the place that shatters you.
No words. Honestly.
But 2025 wasn’t all bad! I got my MFA, I signed with a great new agent and my son graduated college. I saw Stardew Valley Symphony of Seasons and experienced Twilight in Concert1. I rediscovered barre and learned a lyrical dance . . . and I got so much closer to doing a split.2 I lost the 10–15 pounds I’d been trying to drop for ages. A bunch of new words/terms entered my lexicon, such as trauma bond, serac, hypoxia, temple recommend3, and high-control group. I saw a double rainbow and twirled around while wearing a pretty dress. Friends and family rallied around me ways I never expected, and I spent time with new friends and friends I hadn’t seen in years. I had a magical birthday and a nice Christmas with Aidan. The haze of grief lifted, and people constantly tell me that I am glowing.
Healing has been a ride. The rewiring of my brain and nervous system is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Meanwhile, I cling to all the small and big pleasures, like playing video games on the big TV, going gangbusters decorating for Christmas, listening to hours of mountain climbing and cult podcasts, and eating spaghetti multiple times a week. There are still hard times when my brain decides to not be very nice to me. Throwing memories and should haves all over the place. Making me long for something I’m not sure ever existed or ever will. And then beating myself up for it. Which defeats the purpose of healing.
So I am working on forgiveness. Not for anyone else, but for me. Self forgiveness for all the mistakes I made, for taking responsibility for things that never should’ve been laid at my feet, all the things I let happen, all the things she said. ✨
♡ looking ahead
Tonight, Aidan and I are staying in, which is good because it’s COLD outside. I’m going to wrap myself in a blanket and play a cozy game, journal, watch youtube, and/or sit and think about what I’ve done.4 Whether or not I make it to midnight remains to be seen.
As for 2026, I hope to never have to hurt like I did in 2025. I hope to write some proposals and sell some manuscripts. Travel and visit friends and family.
I pray for health, wealth, luxury, comfort, and love, for me and all of you reading. ✨
♡ 2025 photo highlights
♡ in writing news
I turned in copy edits for my short story in the anthology Boundless: 17 Stories Starring Disabled Kids. It’s on its way to being a Real Thing! This will be my first short story and first middle grade published, and I am joined by so many people I like. The anthology is on sale October 27, 2026, and it’s the second anthology I’ve gotten to be in. I really hope you’ll check it out.
♡ right now
Reading: Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino
Playing: Fields of Mistria, Animal Crossing New Horizons
What are you into these days?
♡ come meet me
Here’s where I’ll be over the coming months:
Signing and panels at The Booked Eau Claire Convention | September 18–19, 2026 | more info TBD!
♡ connect with me
Please feel free to follow me on any or all of the social media platforms listed here:
instagram • threads • pinterest • bluesky
♡ final thoughts
Buy This Night Is Ours!!!
It would be absolutely awesome if you request my books at your local library. Libraries are some of my favorite places, and I love when I discover my book in one.
Thank you thank you for sticking around until the end! If you enjoyed, I hope you consider sharing with a friend. Sending you love and light ✨
audience participation was encouraged and it was so much fun! so much hoa hoa and yelling at the screen and screaming for charlie swan.
stretchlab is amazing! i haven’t been in a while because it is $$$ but it is so good for me
i am not converting to that religion (iykyk).
👀