Seriously, look at that. It’s a float entirely made of flowers and seeds. In the shape of DINOSAURS! You know how I feel about dinosaurs.

Today is the last day of a rather spectacular year. If I can shake this fever and hacking cough long enough, I’ll be out celebrating in fancy clothes with a fancy dinner. We’ll probably forgo the wine pairings with each course, though. Alcohol and cold medicine rarely react well together. We’ll see. I’m feeling better, and dinner is still many hours in my future.

Last week I failed to check in over here. I was busy telling everyone I wasn’t sick, taking care of those who really were, and making sure Christmas came off without a hitch. I made it. Christmas was perfect, my daughter went back to Florida, and within 24 hours, I was down for the count, no longer able to deny my own condition.

But I’m done with that. By late this afternoon, I expect to be the picture of health. I took three days to be sick. That should be enough. Let’s be done now. Things to do.

I’m stubborn that way.

So. Last week, you missed a few things.

On Wednesday, of course, I was over at the Confabulator Cafe. They asked whether we liked the holidays. I was surprised by the answers some of my fellow Confabulators gave. It seemed like a weird question. Who doesn’t like Christmas? As usual, we all tackled the question differently, and I gave a little advice on not letting the holidays fly past you. You can read it here: Holiday Slippage.

On Saturday, I turned up on the Here Be Magic website. Over there, I talked about living in the present, and whether we obsess over the past or dwell in the future. You can read it here: Past. Present. Future.

In other news, I made my January 1st deadline, and even beat it by four days. Fairies in My Fireplace, book three of the Monster Haven Stories, is now with my editor. That gives me a month to get some other things done before it comes back to me with edits. January is going to be awesome.

Tomorrow morning is the Rose Parade. I know it’s silly, but it’s one of my very favorite things in the world. New Year’s Eve isn’t really a big deal, but New Year’s Day is one of my best days. I’m very excited.

Whatever you’re doing tonight, please be safe. Reflect, resolve, drink, dance, stuff yourself–however you celebrate, make it the best ever.

Happy New Year!