In two days I will be 60. That just can’t be right, can it?
I can’t say I’ve been a writer all those years, though I have been a storyteller since I could speak coherently. My early writing is unpublished and rightly so! However, I feel I’ve progressed as a writer until the point where I can call myself one honestly. There are stories I literally could not have written any earlier, and experiences that have enriched my writing and honed my skills.
I’m working on a little project for my birthday, inspired by Bono from U2. He published 60 Songs That Changed My Life (along with writing fan letters to each of the musicians). I’m not planning on any letter-writing, but I thought 60 Books would be a nice touch. It’s going to take some real work. I read like most people eat popcorn. Narrowing down to the top 60 from the millions I’ve read over the past 60 years is not going to be easy.
I’ll be in New Orleans for my next post (or on the way there if I post on my birthday itself). I’m not sure if I’ll post my Top 60 or actually try to sell the article to a magazine or something. I figure I’ve got at least another 20-30 years of writing left in me, gods-willing. I hope to stay sharp until the end, too. I feel you don’t begin to age mentally until you find yourself fearing change and no longer curious about how the universe works. If you find me in such binds, please administer an overdose of morphine or insulin, as I’m already gone and just haven’t noticed yet.
I have decorated the tree before leaving, so I don’t have to spend time decorating in the last two weeks before the holidays. Managed to locate the faux-antique ribbon topper at last, and I think it looks quite nice (if I do say so myself). I’ve only put on my absolute favorite ornaments this year, as well. The articulated cloisonné lizard, the hand-blown houses and gift boxes, the metal stars and houses and birds, the glass seashells and icicles, and of course, the pickle. Almost all the presents are purchased and wrapped, beneath the tree awaiting delivery. The cards are addressed and ready to go to the post office once I print out my yearly letter and slide that inside. For once, I’m ahead of the game at holiday time.
What about you? How old are you and how do you feel about that? Have you decorated for the holidays yet? Will you?
