Staycation, Writecation, and Moments of Joy

When Cats, Family, and Writing Collide

At the end of each year, I find myself asking the same questions: How did this year pass so quickly? Where did all those planned writing hours go? I was going to finish the book. I call it the book because the title has changed so many times. The more I uncovered what the story was truly about, the more the title and subtitle shifted to reflect it. And just in case I change the underlying theme (what we call Story B), the title will likely evolve again. But this post isn’t about what I did or didn’t accomplish last year—that’s in the past, and everything contributed to my experience. Let’s talk about the present.

My daughters are home from college for the holidays, enjoying a well-earned break to rest and recharge. My husband’s niece (I’ll call her Lulu) has also been visiting us from Turkiye for the third time in recent years. On her first two visits, my husband took Lulu on whirlwind trips to LA, Las Vegas, and San Francisco—must-see destinations for visitors. This time, she wanted something different: staying close to home, exploring local spots, attending holiday parties, and skipping the rushed itineraries. Well, mostly—shopping is always non-negotiable. There’s always something intriguing to discover, and I love shopping with her. We’re both easily distracted by pretty bags, laughing as our attention flits from one to the next.

Staycations have their own charm. Lulu and I enjoy watching Turkish shows together, often finding humor in the storylines. She crochets while I bake, the rhythmic clicks of her needles blending with the comforting aroma from the oven. Sometimes, I sit quietly before the fireplace, lost in thought, reflecting on my story plot. Other times, we take a leisurely walk around the lake, breathing in the crisp winter air. I even introduced her to my group of girlfriends, where we mastered the art of lively chatter and played through the longest white elephant game at my friend’s holiday party.

When our household—including our four cats—comes together, the air fills with love and belonging. Giggles bounce between the family room and kitchen, weaving through the conversations. The fireplace warms not just the room but my heart while the winter sun dances on the white cat's fur, casting a golden glow.

The Turkish tea brewing, its bergamot aroma wafting through the air, elevates both the atmosphere and my mood. Having someone from my native country here brings a lightness to our lives, a reminder of my youth and the richness of our heritage. It’s in these little things—like the scent of tea, Turkish dish, or shared laughter—that I find so much to be grateful for.

Despite these joyful distractions, I make it a point to stop by Writecation—a free, 24/7 open Zoom writing room provided by Story Summit for writers seeking connection and accountability during the holiday season. The room is always alive with faces from around the world, all focused on crafting their stories. The synergy of writing alongside a supportive community brings me a profound sense of belonging, adding yet another layer of joy to the season.

My commitment for 2025 is to complete the book to my satisfaction, even with two trips abroad planned for the first two months. I know life won’t wait for me, so I’ll need to find a happy balance between living life to the fullest and immersing myself in creating—and I’m determined to do just that.

Happy New Year!

What is your commitment for 2025? How do you handle life’s distractions while your goals linger on the sidelines?

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