Last year was…a lot.
(How’s that for an understatement?)
There was good stuff:
I published my sixth novel.
(It’s a legacy novel. Check HERE to learn why.)
There was bad stuff:
My cancer is active and spreading.
I had another round of radiation, as well as a round of chemo.
(Plus, there’s more “fun” coming up soon. I’ll cover that later.)
There was tragic stuff:
Donald Trump was re-elected when more than half the nation didn’t think that being a convicted felon, a rapist, a pathological liar, an admitted sexual predator, a white supremacist racist, a sexist, a misogynist, and a seditious traitor doesn’t disqualify him for the highest office in our land.
Personal Note: I know as I plan for this next year, some of it will depend on what this wannabe dictator does to our country.
I’m a gay man, a senior adult, and a sick person, so that puts me in the crosshairs of Project 2025 and Trumpian Republicans.
What’s next.
It’s not exactly a question.
And it’s not…not a question.
I don’t have a crystal ball, but there are a few things catching/holding my attention.
A new book?
When I finished my last novel, I was content if that was my last one.
(It pulled together all the previous five nicely, I think.)
With my health, I took an intentional break from writing.
Then, a story idea burst into my brain.
I started jotting down some of my thoughts. Characters emerged. An outline.
And now, I think I’m writing another novel.
This one is totally (TOTALLY!!) different than my previous ones.
In fact, it’s different than anything I’ve ever written before.
(No, it’s not porn!)
I’m having a great time.
I think the story is interesting,
The required research is extensive, and the characters are coming alive in my head.
So, even if it comes to nothing, it’s a great diversion from the shitshow of the real world right now!
The Cancer Journey Continues…
After several years where we were “managing” my cancer, it all changed two years ago.
I’ve been through two rounds of radiation and one round of chemo.
It helped, but the cancer is still active. (i.e., spreading)
New treatments are forthcoming.
I’m optimistic, but I also know we’re running out of viable options.
Let’s hope we see some strong results on this next protocol.
I welcome your prayers, good thoughts, positive vibes, chants, incantations, drum beats, whatever.
Our Country in Crisis!
I fear for the fate of our nation.
We are watching our democracy crumble at the hands of oligarchs and authoritarians.
I don’t know how this will all end.
(My optimism…and my hope…are on an endless up and down cycle.
It’s important that we all take care of ourselves—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
We are going to need one another.
Now more than ever!
To paraphrase the wise words of Margo Channing, “Fasten your seat belts, it’s gonna be a bumpy four years!”
I wish for all of us:
Peace amid chaos.
Comfort for our grief.
Hope to overcome our fears.
Healing for our pain.
Strength for the important tasks ahead.
Patience to resist all the bullshit!