You know how the President always gives his State of the Union Address, about this time every year? I figured if it’s good enough for some mothball politician, it’s good enough for me.
I’m in limbo!
How’s that for a summation?
I need to pause right there and point out that is not meant as a negative statement. It is, however, a statement of fact. I am betwixt and between, whatever the hell betwixt means.
The plan was to travel this winter, preferably in the south, away from this cold, wet, drearier-than-dreary weather. My transmission had other plans.
I turned to my default setting, to settle back and let life come to me, which it did in the form of this farm school gig, a good gig, feed some animals in exchange for a parking spot, plus utilities, and this is all fine and dandy . . . but I want more!
I also want to purchase a tiny home, use it as a home base, and that will 70% possibly happening. I also want to travel, as originally planned, and that will happen, maybe this spring, 70% possibly happening.
As a side note, for those who have asked, Bev is still debating whether to hike the Washington section of the PCT in late summer, 2024, or travel with a friend to Spain and hike the Camino in September, 2024. Stay tuned for that decision. Hell, I wouldn’t put it past her to do both.
Hugs to the patrons who signed on to support us as we saw the wonders of this country; they hung with us through a myriad of changed plans and sporadic videos and not-quite-so-sporadic blog postings.
So, Bill, what is your vision? Surely you have some clue about direction?
Well yes, yes I do.
I want to inspire. I want to be an inspiration to others. I want to teach people how to live for the moment, start slow living, start intentionally living, be some sort of beacon for others to witness, and be an example that life can be lived to the max even when you are into your seventies.
So, yes, it is a mishmash right now, but it feels like there is some semblance of direction and purpose.
Am I upset about the latest turn of events? Not at all! Someone said something along those lines to me the other day. “Well, Bill, what are you going to do now that your big plans have failed?”
What kind of, excuse the language about to appear, horseshit is that to ask someone you call a friend? Big plans failed? How? When did that happen? I spent six of the best months of my life, traveling the west, meeting people, seeing sites I only dreamed of seeing previously, and now I’m preparing for the second chapter of the adventure.
I like to say I am the gatekeeper of my life. Those who bring value to my life are allowed to pass through; those who do not, cannot pass.
Suffice it to say that the person who asked that question may no longer pass through my gate.
I’m just getting started, friends, and I hope you follow along in 2024. There will be videos, all aimed at teaching people how to see the wonders of life and to live their dreams. There will be blogs because, well, as my friend Heidi often tells me, I am a writer, and writers write. And I think there will finally be the beginnings of that book people have suggested. I have a feint idea what that book will look like, and I suspect 2024 will mark the early first steps of my latest literary toddler.
I am never going to get rich doing any of this, but I have touched some people on a deep level, and I suspect I will continue to touch people and be a source of comfort for others. And that will be my reward and an important part of my legacy on this planet.
What I am absolutely, 100% certain will not happen, is this boy spending three hours per day watching television, and two hours per day on social media. Maggie just would not allow it, simple as that.
There are wonders to witness out there, friends. Get out there and embrace them. Catch a sunset. Catch a sunrise. Walk through the woods. Dip your toes in a spring. Witness the incredible, mind-boggling detail in a spider’s web. Witness the herculean strength of the ant, the busy-ness of the honeybee, and the logic-defying aerial magic act of the hummingbird. Go hug a damned pine tree, chew on a piece of grass like your inner child wants you to, and walk barefoot through the sand.
Please, before it is too late, do these things once more.
Ann, it is always a pure pleasure to read your comments. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Happy HP 14th to you! I don’t know when I started. I think it was 2012, so I must have just celebrated twelve years, although I did not get a notification from them. Be that as it may, congratulations, and I just read your latest on ivory and the piano, and I was blown away that a song on your playlist if the Moddy Blues’ “Go Now,” one of mya all-time favorites, and a song many people do not know since it was, I believe, their first single before they turned famous.
I have always appreciated your support and your friendship, my friend. Don’t give Patreon a thought. I will tell you that I am going to go live on Facebook Live, once a week, starting in March, a recurring, once a week event, called “Storytime With Bill and Maggie.” I will read one of my short stories, or an excerpt from one of my books, each week. It should be about a half-hour long each week, probably around six in the evening my time, which puts it in the middle of the night your time, but you can catch a rerun of it the next day.
Alrighty then, wishing you a brilliantly happy week ahead. Spring is almost here and that is cause for celebration.
Bill
I have never known anyone (other than some of my family) who inspires as you do, Bill. Your words come from the heart, from the gut and you don’t mess about! You don’t mince words.
I’ve just read your piece about Monsters, about your father and of course about you, and I was crying. Crying for your father, for you, but also for me, selfishly, and for my father. Different reasons but the underlying feelings were the same. I also read your piece on Maggie – you’re right about the attitudes of dogs, always willing to give love and undemanding allegiance to those who look after them.
Your inspiration and your sheer determination to do what you believe in, resonates for many of us I’m sure. You’ll succeed, Bill, in whatever you do, because you have the resolve and the ability to reach out to nature, to people, and to the essence of life which you seem to feel so keenly. It quite takes my breath away.
I’m thinking about your patron page. At the moment, much of my not vast resources go to family but…
Supporting you all the way with your ventures, and Bev’s.
I’m sure you’ll manage all those things you’re dreaming of doing this year; if anyone should, it’s you!
Hugs to you,
Ann