When I’m Sixty-Four

by Diane Duane

That’s today! (As Himself has reminded me.) And theoretically this is the day I get to take off from work to celebrate… but normally when I make such declarations I wind up blocking out a novel with Peter over dinner. So I’m not getting my hopes up.

I want to thank everybody for all the good wishes on Facebook and Tumblr and elsewhere*. It’s nice to be thought of. For those who were inquiring about my health here and there: It’s not too bad, thanks! (A brief veer here into what my mom used to call “the Organ Recital”.) The cartilage in my knees crackles a bit every now and then, but not in any serious way. I have a weird retinal slightly-blurred-vision thing going on in my left eye, but it’s not major and there’s nothing that can be done about it right now, so mostly I ignore it.Ā I’ve been working on some gentle weight loss, and that’s coming along nicely. So, generally speaking: physically, things are good… and specifically, nothing physical is interfering with the Work. Which is what counts.

(I’m working on Young Wizards right now. Yes, still no title, don’t ask me, I don’t understand it. And yes, dammit, I’m working on The Door Into Starlight. Give me a break here, yeah?)

Meanwhile, some nice folks have inquired privately what they could get for me to celebrate (as we say in Ireland) The Day That’s In It. Well, if they feel driven to do something, let them go over to Ebooks Direct and buy something. That way I get to tell them a story and get given something**! So we all win. (Especially since some of our bigger-ticket items are on sale at the moment.)

Those boots...(ETA: **Something like these. I was looking at these Ecco sneaker/boots the other day and thinking, “Hey, those are cool… but are they ā‚¬130 worth of cool?…” And then this morning I was looking at them and saw the price had dropped by 40%. (W00t!) So go on, buy an ebook if you like, and help me rationalize getting these for myself for my birthday.) (I mean, I don’t normally get all that excited about shoes. But for one reason or another these spoke to me.)

…Or sure, if you’re a fan of Amazon wish lists, I’ve got one, though mostly it’s just a place I stuff things that I don’t want in the shopping cart right that minute. If the mood moves you in that direction, feel free.

In any case: thanks again to everybody who sent wacky messages or just generally expressed the sentiment that they’re glad I’m around. What can I do but smile and thank them? — and add, “Same here.” With luck, the condition will persist for a good while yet. Meanwhile, Peter and I will go out for pizza later. (And probably wind up blocking out another damn novel over the second bottle of wine.)

So please consider yourselves toasted genially as we celebrate. After all, being around here wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without all of you.Ā  For a writer, what counts most of all things is to be read, to be heard: and all of you who do that, and take the time to say so, are the important ones. šŸ™‚

Thanks again!

*And Himself Upstairs, who sent me the fireworks at the top of this. Love you, sweetie, now and always!

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4 comments

Nina K Pettis May 18, 2016 - 12:57 pm

Wishing you a very happy natal day! I am currently re-re-(and in some cases re-)reading the entire Young Wizards series, and delighted to read your update above. With Tom Swale as a friend, you should continue to live long and prosper!

T'Saavik May 18, 2016 - 6:55 pm

You had us at “And yes, dammit, Iā€™m working on The Door Into Starlight.” šŸ™‚

Michael Cimino May 22, 2016 - 5:34 am

Happy belated Birthday!

Dwight Williams May 22, 2016 - 7:19 pm

In any case, glad to hear you’ve survived that milestone, and wishing you well with whatever ends up being next! Take care, okay?

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