Hindsight in 2020

The first thing that I would like to say, is that I hope you and yours are all safe and healthy.  Like the Deutsch family would toast:  "here's to happiness, health, and wealth".  That's one quality that I admire in the Deutsch's and the Hamilton's.  Undeniably, we have a strong inner drive and an ever evolving outlook, while maintaining our perspectives on what truly matters in life.

To be honest, looking back on the past year, there are very few instances when any defining moments jump out at me.  I certainly wrote a great deal of song lyrics and poetry.  I continue to find excellent writing prompts at hitrecord.org, and continue to make 100+ contributions there.  To this point, I have written 73 poems for my first book of poetry.  Just when will it comes to fruition ?  I'll keep you posted on its publication.

Although composing new music has not panned out, I take the most pride in a 7 segment set of poetic writing (not quite poetry, not quite prose) that may very well become an album.  Tentatively titled "The Floating Chronicles", I continue adding more chapters for the series.  The more segments (roughly five or seven paragraphs each), the better the project's chance of becoming an album.  Being fair, the subject matter doesn't exactly fit a lighthearted romp through the park.  Of course, when has any of my work been lighthearted ?  But it should be noted that the process of writing (as is usually the case) works wonders for my constant inner turmoil.

Rob and I celebrated our Crystal Anniversary this year.  That's 15 years we've beaten the odds, and we continue to evolve with each passing day.  Our relationship may not be the ideal in every way, but it has most definitely been the gift that keeps on giving.  He bought me a pair of high quality piercings for my ears, easy to put in and take out.  I bought us a hanging crystal, with other gems:  you hang it in your window and it acts as a prism, casting rainbows on your walls.  Two very gay-seeming gifts, but neither of us could really care less about it.

We're working on a streetcar layout / diorama.  It  provides us with something to focus on and to occupy our days.  Who couldn't use some stability in these troubling times ?  The bulk of the work lies in researching techniques and getting advice on the internet.  Therefore, Christmas has us presenting each other with gifts intended for the diorama.  Expect some pictures of the layout, only later rather than sooner.

I will leave you with a quote for the new year ahead.  It comes from an author whose work I've never read, but I admire his courage, his compassion, and his creativity tremendously.  Plus, it's just generally a good reference for getting through the uncertainty and alienation of the coming year.  I wholeheartedly endorse its repetition.

"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone'."

~ Kurt Vonnegut,
Timequake