Happy Holidays to everyone. I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas and are still enjoying the holiday season.

I know with the approaching new year, many of us are pondering ways to improve ourselves by resolving to do things differently.

Instead of casually or carelessly making the traditional "New Year's resolution" and finding we've totally lost interest, failed or forgotten what it was by March, let's try to make one that can carry more power and be more life changing than any we've ever made before.

Let's resolve to become more conscious of the thoughts we entertain and realize the more peaceful and positive they are, the better our chances of achieving our goals.

There is a saying that goes "Watch your thoughts for they become words, watch your words for they become actions, watch your actions for they build your character and watch your character because it becomes your destiny".

Here's hoping all of you have a wonderful, healthy, happy, safe and prosperous new year.

I've just finished re-reading several Elizabeth Peters books. For those of you who are unfamiliar with her work, in my opinion she was one of the best mystery writers of my era.

Although her "Amelia Peabody" series may not be considered "classics", her stories are incredibly entertaining and her characters can stand toe to toe with anything Agatha Christie could create.

Amelia Peabody Emerson is a nineteenth century, well bred, intelligent, attractive and fearless female archaeologist. Her illustrious, impetuous and intellectually brilliant husband, Radcliff Emerson is described as being devastatingly handsome, wildly courageous and hilariously devoted to his wife and son.

Together while exploring the ancient pyramids and tombs of Egypt they discover intrigue, mummies and mayhem - the mayhem usually created by their equally brilliant, precocious and adventurous young son Walter Peabody Emerson, a.k.a. Ramses.

All of this is charmingly and elegantly written with incredible taste, humor and a must read for mystery fans everywhere.

How many of us believe there is a book or short story or even a decent paragraph inside of us that is screaming to be released onto the written page.

I believe we all wish to share our innermost thoughts, desires, dreams, nightmares, fantasies, opinions in some form or fashion but hesitate for fear of harsh criticism or judgment. Let's face it, bearing one's soul is never easy and always quite risky.

But with writing, as with any art form, it is a risk we must be willing to take.

I personally have always felt I had some kind of story to tell. For that matter many types of stories to tell, lessons to teach, poems to be read by others, inspiring thoughts to be shared. I've only just recently realized how important it is to get it out of me into the light of day and not give a damn who does or does not approve of what I have to say and how I choose to say it.

I believe that's what makes an author exceptional. They must be fearless. For that matter, that's what makes any successful artist special.

However, we must be careful that fearlessness doesn't descend into foolishness.  Unfortunately today, too much of what we see attempting to pass itself off as art is just that, plain foolishness. It lacks taste, class, and intelligence. It does not inspire, inform or entertain.

This is that gray area where writers and artists must be careful not to bear too much of themselves and retain some self restraint and self respect. 

But this is the mark of true genius. Where one can meld the unconventional with tradition and make it magical.