See also The Loveshade Family End of the Year 2020.
2020 is coming to a close–for many of us, it’s been a long year.
This year I published various pieces, including a story for an anthology called Exchange Students that led to me–and one of my characters–getting interviewed. I’m editing a book that’s nearly finished; copy edited some books; and am looking to get a book that’s out of print republished. My writing appeared on half of the 10-most-visited websites in America! (OK, I’m cheating there–those include Facebook, Wikipedia, Twitter…).
As of this writing, the second draft of a GURPS roleplaying book about elves that I queried about doing in mid 2019 was accepted and is awaiting peer review in January 2021. Then I’ll write a final draft, and hopefully the book will be published some time in 2021. (These things take time.)
The day after the deadline for the above book’s first draft, my doctor sent me to the emergency room. I had open-heart surgery, had follow-ups with an in-person X-ray and a virtual visit with the surgeon, but am now back to normal (whatever that is).
Tragically, my writer and artist friend Michael Viviano aka Kilmore, who helped with the elves book, got COVID-19 and didn’t survive. It appears he tried following proper guidelines–but someone who didn’t know they had the virus did not.
I sent in my third suggested change to a definition in Merriam-Webster; while my first two suggested changes had been accepted, I’m waiting to hear on the third (“blue moon“).
On animal news, I had a curious kitten get its head stuck in a jar; fortunately, people at the veterinarian’s office got it out. My next-door neighbors still have four legs and say “moo;” but now some of them moved in. I saw a large raccoon procuring food for three smaller raccoons–from my cat food bin. And I found something oddly appropriate in the burn barrel where I set paper and cardboard trash on fire–a fire ant mound.
I’ve attended more conventions this year than ever–online, that is. And I went to my first online graduation, and my first online wedding. A two-year class action suit where my potential award was up to $600 finally concluded. The result: I got a check for $8.34. Woo hoo!
Happy Christmas, Merry Chanukah, Nice Kwanzaa, Cool Yule, Fine Winter/Summer Solstice, Terrific New Year!
Alden Loveshade
An opinion of an individual member of The Loveshade Family does not necessarily reflect the views of the whole family.
Graphics by Alden Loveshade.
Hope things go better for all of us in 2021. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Pleasant Kwanzaa, Lovely Solstice to you as well. Congratulations on your writing accomplishments. Sorry to hear about the loss of your writer and artist friend. Here’s hoping 2021 is a good year and that we’ve learned something from the challenges of 2020.
Remember Jesus is the reason for the season!
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
Sorry, I accidentally turned off comments! Oops! Back on!
I was sorry to hear about your friend. He has passed through the veil of tears, but is still there, beyond the veil.
I am pleased to know of your accomplishments, and wish you continued success.
Blessed be.
I’ll post my comments in the blog entry for the whole family. 🙂
Sorry to hear about your health problem. I’m glad you’re “back to normal” (yes, whatever that means!).
2020 was a tough year for all. Hopefully our great country can reunite and move forward.
Congrats on all your 2020 accomplishments … in spite of it all!
Very sorry about your friend! People have to follow the guidelines!
Have a Merry Christmas, Good Yule, Happy Newd Year!
I was very sorry to hear about losing your friend but very glad you came through surgery well.
Let us hope this year sees an end to COVID-19 and the beginning of people taking more precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Blessed be!
Definitely looking forward to the elf book. And the ones you can’t talk about! “Muahahahaha”
Good Yule! Feed the birds!
That kitty need to learn curiosity kills the cat! Happy it’s OK!
Can’t wait for the elves book or the secret ones either!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!