What Went Right for Me in 2023

I got The Old Crow Book Club out and it enriched my friendships with the homeless men and women in my neighborhood. The book launch party along Johnson Creek was one of the most incredible moments of my creative life.

I saw Crater Lake again, probably for the last time.

I drove 300 miles to deliver a one-minute eulogy to the deceased owner of the RV Park that helped save my life.

Dad rallied from a shaky start in assisted living.

I had a fantastic and unique Christmas Eve.

I cooked some superb meals that were greatly appreciated.

I built about a dozen driftwood forts.

I ran into someone distressed and mysterious in the parking lot of a grocery store in Gold Beach and believe I can help this person transcend some of her problems.

There was one sizzling hot summer night on the lawn.

I oversaw the production of my aunt’s memoir.

I played golf for the first time in almost 30 years and played pretty damn well.

I honored my promise to Smoky Epley and published his writings and our unique story of collaboration.

I heard from Rachel D.

I scored a few golden items from thrift stores.

I retained my faith in American government.

I stained the deck and spruced up the yard.

I helped my neighbors.

I kept my body reasonably fit.

I read about a hundred books and discovered the novels of Herman Wouk.

I produced and disseminated a zine that honored a homeless man swept away by high water on Johnson Creek.

I met a reader of The Old Crow Book Club and became good friends and I’m assisting him on a podcast project about the homeless in Portland.

I saw a beaver in the wild.

I got a dog.

I saw three coyotes in the city.