A Note from Judy
Happy Holidays!
Time seems to fly by. Where did 2025 go? I am grateful for family, friendships, and at my age the opportunities to pursue what I love – skating, writing, and giving back. To be busy, growing, challenged, and attempting things I never dreamed possible.
In October, amongst twenty-five authors, I participated in the local author fair at the Plymouth Public Library. Out of a lottery, I was fortunate to be chosen to read from my memoir. To be surrounded by colleagues, patrons, community, to meet, collaborate, and learn, feel the energy, synergy, and love of writing and books. What a wonderful day thanks to hard work and efforts from the team of library staff and volunteers.
The fall is a tough time for me with my birthday, being the last time, I saw my sister Jane, and the month of November, facing Margie and Jane’s birthdays, and the anniversary of Jane’s death. I never know what the impact will feel from year to year. This year I had a rough September, no clue why. Grief is tricky business, and like the weather, unpredictable. I tried to ride the wave, and for once not squash the feelings and let myself cry.
Working on my novel continues, and I say it has taken on nine lives. I took a character class from Gotham Writers that was terrific and helped me deepen one character I seemed to be struggling to define. Having never written fiction, the process fun, experiencing a huge learning curve. The current working draft feels like I landed in right direction.
On Saturday December 13th I will be performing in the Bog Skating Club December Exhibition, both solo and in the opening and finale numbers. It was a thrilling and a blast to skate with younger skaters, and to be a representative of the adult skaters.
There’s still time to register!
Our free webinar Managing the Holidays After Loss will provide comfort, guidance and community during one of the hardest seasons to grieve. Hosted by Allison Gilbert, Hear from Gina Moffa, Annie Sklaver Orenstein and myself, as we share wisdom and personal experiences.
Tuesday, December 16 | 7 p.m. EST | Zoom
Register now:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CBlycoPbRHywU0W3n7ia0Q
Book Corner
Thinking About Memoir, helps adults look back at their past and use writing as a means of figuring out who they used to be and how they became who they are today. Thomas writes eloquently about how to get started and find that jumping-off point for your work, and provides exercises that liberate our creativity, enable us to get the distance and perspective we need, and open our eyes to possibilities that may not at first seem obvious.
Whether your words are for publication, for your loved ones, or for you alone, Thomas makes the process fulfilling, thoughtful, and even fun.
“Memory seems to be an independent creature inspired by an event, not faithful to it.” “Writing memoir is a way to figure out who you used to be and how you got to be who you are.”
“This book is a big fat hug for anyone navigating the waves of grief.” ―Meaghan B. Murphy, author of Your Fully Charged Life and Editor in Chief of Woman’s Day
In Moving on Doesn’t Mean Letting Go, Gina offers a heartfelt, practical map through loss—one that can shift the pain of your grief even when things feel unpredictable and overwhelming. With her help you’ll learn to:
· Navigate the initial shock of the “griefall
· Recognize your unique grief rhythm
· Get in touch with your needs, feelings, and boundaries
· Manage social media and interactions with the outside world
· Connect mind and body through somatic exercises and self-reflections
Memory
An old, not-clean photo of a trip to Florida. Jane and I in matching white robes flank our dear family friend, Debbie. Outfitted from head to toe for the pilgrimage and poor Jane wore the same clothes for years in receipt of the hand me downs from Margie and me.
Debbie and I reconnected and now enjoy skating and reminiscing.
Skating
Congratulations to Maxim Naumov for taking home gold the Ice Challenge in Graz, Austria. Maxim, an incredible human being with courage, who lost both his parents, pairs figure skater Olympians in January, has devoted himself to training for the Olympics.
https://www.usfigureskating.org/news/article/naumov-returns-competitive-ice?
My memoir, Celebration of Sisters: It Is Never Too Late To Grieve, celebrates four years of publication this month! Any author can relate with the pure joy, excitement when unboxing the delivery of the books, holding their precious baby in their hand, knowing the sweat, hard work and efforts to arrive here.
Thank you to the village who helped me get here. Thank you to the readers who shared Margie and Jane, my journey, and stories that brought me to tears. Thank you to the podcast hosts and speaking engagements which I have been proud to be invited. Thank you to the wonderful individuals I’ve met over the past few years. I look forward to continuing the ride. With heartfelt thanks and gratitude that words cannot express.
Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year!
I leave you with:
“A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.” Isadora James.
I wrote Celebration of Sisters: It Is Never Too Late To Grieve to help other surviving siblings. If you know someone who would benefit, please pass along or share your thoughts by writing a review on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dVKPHpv
With deepest gratitude.