Looking forward, by looking back
Thanks to you, you gave me more than just a dozen ways to celebrate.
In no particular order of priority – these are some major, memorable milestones {that will lead to new beginnings}.
Featured on a magazine centerfold. It is a reputable business magazine. It counts. Twice.
Published my first cookbook, A Dozen Ways to Celebrate, in May, 2014.
Trademarked Curry Cravings brand … so now it is Curry Cravings™. Always and forever (yay!!).
Made new reader and subscriber friends in at least 10 different countries.
Attended my first book fair, as an author.
Published my second, shorter reference book, Crack the Code in Sept. of 2014. It remains in the top 50 bestsellers on Amazon > Kindle > Indian.
Was courted by reality tv shows, both US and Canadian. The door is still open, but I’m not biting. Yet.
Wrote my first Op-Ed on LinkedIn on crowd-source funding.
Began the query dance with agents and publishers.
Met Arianna Huffington. Enough said.
Am serving as illustrator and graphic designer for my daughters’ debut children’s’ book: Dabby, the Dragon. Look for it in Spring 2015.
Am serving as editor for Di.a.lect: An Anthology, a collection of short stories from writers of south Asian descent. Look for it in Summer 2015.
Am finishing up Counting Beads and Other Short Stories, my first novella. Look for it in Fall 2015.
Began exploring new business concepts for Curry Cravings™ – brick and mortar / virtual / warehouse… other?
Began cultivating a few non-culinary ideas. shhh. . wait for it, you’ll be the first to know, I promise.
The best part was that you were part of it: my friends, readers, subscribers, followers and critics-at-large, each and every one of you. I remain amazed at the generosity of spirit, as strangers became friends and friends became confidants. I connected and reconnected with many wonderful people, thanks to social media and good ol’ pen and paper - relationships matter, gratitude counts, it is important to me.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, for allowing me to experiment, to be frank, to share my journey, and for being part of this all. You shared your wisdom freely, helped me remember who I was and constantly reinforced my will to excel in the task at hand. This year, I became an entrepreneur.
You gave me reason to stick to my principles, about being an entrepreneur as well as about being a parent and reminded me what it means to run a business and conduct a life privately and publicly: as a strong-willed woman who can change her own destiny. You helped me value my creativity and gave me credit where it was due. You showed me how family, faith and friendships are the building blocks of anything good, memorable and positive.
I have faith that whatever this next year brings, it will be filled with love and laughter, again, all thanks to you.
Best wishes for a glorious, productive, amazing and heartwarming 2015. Nandita
