deborahjross | Countdown to 2009

Three hours to do, and my lovely husband is sitting in the living room, nose in book, beside the still-radiant remains of a cozy fire. In just a bit, we'll brave the not-too-freezing outdoors for a soak in the hot tub and then, thoroughly melted, ooze into bed.

2008 was not my favorite year, and I'm looking forward to anything willing to pinch-hit as a fresh start. Even so, I did a lot of writing, saw Lace and Blade in print, put together #2, and did my fair share of encouraging new writers. Dave and I said goodbye to our Thai exchange student, and are now teenager-free. We had a wonderful vacation, our first in 4 years, and watched Buffy on DVD, thank you Netflix.

I read a lot of cool books and began studying Hebrew. Continued piano and can now play Bach's First Prelude, to my unending joy. Our cat population is settled, dog mellowing, garden flourishing.

Much to look forward to next year: more books to finish (writing/reading) and maybe a new project to start. The extended honeymoon of a blissful second-time's-the-charm marriage. More music, maybe even duets with Dave on the clarinet. Deep velvet peace under the redwoods.

"May all beings be happy; may all beings be at peace . . ."

Good night.