Let's make wishes together!

Happy 2024!!

I haven't bothered to set any New Year's resolutions for the last few years except to "go with the flow" and hope I don't get sick.

But 2024 feels like it would be an “interesting” year already. The college where I've been teaching for almost two decades is going through some tough times, which could mean I'll be making less money. Weirdly enough, I'm actually pretty excited about having more free time if I lose my job.

I will have time for some picture book ideas I've never had the time to write; I've always wanted to do school visits, but I cannot miss school. Plus, I've got this idea for an online art lesson subscription, and I've been neglecting my online print shop for too long. Now, I'll finally have the chance to make these things happen!

Last year, we had a make-a-wish ritual when I attended a writer's retreat at the Highlights Foundation. Our mentors, Grace Lin and Debbi Michiko Florence, told us to write our biggest wish on an origami heart. But before we threw the heart into the fire and sent it to the "universe," we had to say our wishes out loud in front of everyone. Everyone was shocked by this rule because everyone knows if a wish is said out loud, it won't come true. Not to mention, some wishes could be a bit on the embarrassing side. Mine's definitely on the cringe side.

However, Grace explained that she learned this from her mentor early in her career. She said that it helps to affirm a wish when saying it out loud and a chance for your friends to give you their blessings. This makes the wish more powerful.

Seeing that we all looked unsure, Grace suggested sharing just one wish we felt comfortable sharing. But in the end, we all shared all our wishes, even those that sounded crazy and embarrassing.

And you know what? It feels good to share our wishes. We quickly realized we were not alone in having ridiculous grant wishes. Many of us had very similar goals. We looked at each other and realized that listening and giving each other emotional support makes the seemingly crazy wishes attainable.

I love this idea!

So, I decided to put myself out there and share my 2024 New Year Wishes!!

Although I frequently participate in public lectures and events at colleges or industry-related functions, I have never done a school visit as an author and illustrator. However, I am planning to explore the opportunity of doing school visits as a children's book author/illustrator in 2024. I redesign the school visit programs on my website. If you are a teacher, librarian, or parent looking for an author to visit your school or library, please consider me.

Three more books may sound like a lot, but HEY! Shoot for the moon and land on a star! LOL

Hmm...am I becoming too ambitious? Oh well!

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. HA!!

I invite you to join the fun and share your wishes in the comments! Post any big or small wish you feel comfortable sharing, and if you feel like commenting on other people's posts, please be kind and supportive.