The Bucket List That Included Writing a Novel
Those who have participated in the same literary website discussion threads pertaining to writing that I have are familiar with the fact that writing a novel was just one of four items included in a bucket list that my late wife insisted we create upon my retiring in 2001. What most do not know is what those other three items were. For those who may be curious, the following information is provided.
The four items, listed in order of priority, were: 1. Spend much more time interacting with our children and grandchildren. 2. Visit all 50 states by car, spending a minimum of 3 days in each. 3. Set aside at least 2 nights each week as a date night. 4. Actually write the novel I had been developing in my mind for years.
We spent as much time interacting and traveling with the children and grandchildren as possible without encroaching upon or interfering with their personal lives and plans. I continue to do so.
Unfortunately, my wife died in 2005; however, we were able to visit 39 states together. Since then, I have visited 4 more. 7 to go!
My wife and I ate dinner out several times a week and socialized with friends almost every Friday and Saturday night.
I started writing the novel in 2009. It was published August 9, 2011. To date, it has sold 1,017 units (482 paperbacks, 471 e-books, 36 audio books on CD and 28 audio books downloaded). Royalties total $2,334.49.
The four items, listed in order of priority, were: 1. Spend much more time interacting with our children and grandchildren. 2. Visit all 50 states by car, spending a minimum of 3 days in each. 3. Set aside at least 2 nights each week as a date night. 4. Actually write the novel I had been developing in my mind for years.
We spent as much time interacting and traveling with the children and grandchildren as possible without encroaching upon or interfering with their personal lives and plans. I continue to do so.
Unfortunately, my wife died in 2005; however, we were able to visit 39 states together. Since then, I have visited 4 more. 7 to go!
My wife and I ate dinner out several times a week and socialized with friends almost every Friday and Saturday night.
I started writing the novel in 2009. It was published August 9, 2011. To date, it has sold 1,017 units (482 paperbacks, 471 e-books, 36 audio books on CD and 28 audio books downloaded). Royalties total $2,334.49.
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Michael
(new)
Oct 19, 2016 03:36PM
Thanks for sharing, Jim. I have a few things on my bucket list but they were closer when I was living in Broome, nw Oz. But now I am closer to my mother but missing the warm weather.
reply
|
flag
Michael wrote: "Thanks for sharing, Jim. I have a few things on my bucket list but they were closer when I was living in Broome, nw Oz. But now I am closer to my mother but missing the warm weather."Michael,
Based upon previous exchanges we shared, I do not doubt that you are determined and disciplined enough to eventually accomplish all of the items included in your bucket list. Please, keep me updated so I can someday boast that "I told you so!"
Thank you for remaining a loyal follower of the blog and, once again, commenting.
Jim Vuksic
I list goals, I list groceries, I list birthdays, I make multiple lists at Christmas, etc. etc. A couple times I even made a list of my lists. I make lists for just about everything.But I've never had a "bucket" list - maybe I should have written one years ago, but the term always gave me pause. This is a list of things to do before death, but death is not a deadline I want to use. I prefer to live in the here and now. I'm already doing the things I really want or need to do.
Thank you for sharing, Jim. It sounds like it was your saving grace and afforded you the opportunity to enjoy your wife, and build a close relationship with your family. Her early demise was sad, but perhaps, your making and keeping your "bucket" list, fulfilled her wishes for you.
Christine wrote: "I list goals, I list groceries, I list birthdays, I make multiple lists at Christmas, etc. etc. A couple times I even made a list of my lists. I make lists for just about everything.But I've neve..."
Christine,
I like your comment; especially the reference to focusing upon and enjoying the present rather than dwelling too much upon the future. All too soon, the present becomes the distant past.
Thank you for the kind reference to my late wife. I miss her; however, we did get to share 35 1/2 wonderful years together. That is much more than many others are fortunate enough to experience.
Your long-time support for the blog and insightful comments are always welcome and very much appreciated.
Jim Vuksic
At this rate you will need to come up with some new items for your bucket list.
S. wrote: "At this rate you will need to come up with some new items for your bucket list."S.,
I am now 69 years old. At this point in my life, just visiting the remaining 7 states and striving valiantly to keep up with my 4 adult children and 4 grandchildren, 2 of whom are now young adults themselves, is quite sufficient to keep me busy for whatever time I have left. I now gladly leave the creation of new bucket lists to the millennial generation and strongly encourage it to do so.
Thank you for taking the time to view the blog post and commenting.
Jim Vuksic
