Welcome to the final SOLSC for 2014. More slices can be found at Two Writing Teachers.
“Believe” necklace by Silver Freckles.
I wrote this last January about my OLW:
For 2014, BELIEVE will help me to remember:
~that I can send my manuscript to agents.
~that I can begin finding ways to submit poems for publication.
~the beauty in capturing the unusual and incredible natural world through photography.
~what I can gain from deeply listening to students.
~the power of friendships and family.
~the importance of taking care of myself through exercise.
~what’s possible in the universe and the wonder of it all if you believe
“Believe” was a good word for me in 2014. While I haven’t submitted my manuscript to agents yet, I am closer to than ever. The manuscript feels more polished. Next month I attend the Darcy Pattison Revision Retreat will propel me toward sending it out.
I’m still looking for place to send children’s poems.
The natural world continues to be where I find solace behind the camera.
Family and friends were very important to me this year. When I discovered I had to have shoulder surgery, it became important for me to believe and have faith in my surgeon and anesthesiologist. Through that, friends and family were there for me.
The library world is changing with the addition of Chromebooks and the expectation that students, particularly I grades 3-5, have daily access. I had to believe that I can continue to grow in my position as teacher librarian.
I believe that 2015 will be an amazing year. I hope in the next few days my OLW will appear for 2015.
Happ New Year.
Jone Rush MacCulloch 
It’s always fun to go back and evaluate how the OLW really did influence and depict our year. I enjoyed reading your recap. It sounds like a good year past and on to new things in the next. Happy New Year.
Good luck with that manuscript! Here’s to an amazing New Year…continue to believe!
What a great word! It is nice to reflect on how our word has served a purpose and how that purpose continues to live on. That’s the reason we pick them, right?! I am thinking you might look into children’s magazines as a place to publish your poetry. What about Cricket or Ladybug? I have been wanting to do the same, but alas, I have yet to polish anything and get a query letter together. I wish you luck!
Wonderful year end reflection of your journey with believe. This is only my 2nd year to choose a OLW, but setting specific days to reflect on the journey (5th Tuesdays) encouraged me to check-in throughout the year. I love your rose pic!
Ramona, I am going to try reflecting on the fifth Tuesday as well this year.
What a smart idea. I remember you mentioning this last year. I will try this too!