While this was the year I officially retired, what really happened has me once again (or should I say finally?) wearing my novelist’s cap, with four ebooks published at Smashwords since May and more planned ahead. What a relief it is to see these in public at last, rather than sitting forever in filing cabinets in the face of an increasingly difficult traditional book publishing industry. (Hooray for the ebook upstarts!)
The first half of the year included a rash of poetry acceptances in literary journals around the world, including three in India. In fact, in sheer numbers, it was my best year ever, even before I had three presses accept poetry chapbooks for their offerings. (Please stay tuned.) That’s always an honor and something of a breakthrough for me.
On a lower note (pardon the pun), I joined the baritone section of the Boston-based Revels Singers – performing with Ciarin Nagel of the Three Irish Tenors in June and Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul, and Mary in September – on top of the choir’s weekly workouts in Watertown. Apart from the rush-hour part of the commute, it’s been a heavenly experience.
I can also claim some pride in my major contribution to the garden efforts – the many black bags of seaweed gleaned from Kittery Point, Maine. Rachel was especially impressed by the way the mixture repelled our notorious garden slugs, even before we got to its impact as a high-quality fertilizer. More will be on the way.
And, yes, I’m still Quakering madly.
Did I say retired? A better description is that I changed careers. At last.
And looking ahead, as we open new calendars, this hope: May we all have a happy and prosperous New Year!
Jnana's Red Barn 
Congratulations and press on, Jnana! I thoroughly enjoy your posts and updates on all of your varied endeavors.
I’ve pulled out my precious copy of TRANSITIONS by William Bridges this month and have been assessing my winter-years changes of work, too, including writing. Blogs and e-books have fundamentally changed writer’s lives, it’s so true. I echo your Hooray!
Words of encouragement for me, Jnana. I’m hoping to retire in two years and what you’ve done illustrates that I can successfully retire into a better and even more productive life pursuing what interests me. Happy days ahead for us both!
Indeed!
Congratulations on your successful change in careers! I’m particularly glad that you have more time for writing and all the attendant labors of publication. Here’s to a peaceful and joyous new year!