Looking back, looking forward

We had a quiet New Year's Eve, going out to dinner at a favorite place, then watched a DVD Ellen got for Christmas (Julie & Julia). Went to bed around 10 PM. If any of our neighbors were outside making noise at midnight, I slept through it.

We've had a good year, unlike many, and feel very fortunate. Ellen doesn't love her job, but it's steady and secure. My work schedule was quite full all last year, and in these economic times I'm glad of that. As a freelancer I never know what the future will hold, but at my age (almost 60) I'm happy to still be wanted doing what I like to do.

We enjoyed a fabulous 10 day trip to Wyoming, visiting the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, and a shorter trip to New Orleans for Neil Gaiman's birthday. I went to the San Diego con for the 18th consecutive year and had fun, as always.

Perhaps nothing has been as entertaining as our adopted cats Tigger and Leo, who kept us laughing and amused all year, even when being mischievious. Our older cat, Katie, also adopted, is hanging in there, she has some health issues, but is still getting by. This morning our local paper had an article saying the local animal shelters are full, and adoptions are down. I can't think of a better wish for everyone out there than to consider bringing an adopted pet into your home and heart. Something to think about.

Looking ahead, I've been asked to attend two comics conventions next year as a guest: SCADCon in Savannah, Georgia May 13-15, and Wizard's Philadelphia Con June 18-19. I'll probably go to San Diego again, too, though haven't committed for sure yet.

Here on the blog I'm going to attempt to produce more entries on lettering and logos if at all possible. I've already written two that will appear soon. All depends on the amount of time I have, but I will try.

In my "spare time" I've started loading music on the new iPod I got for Christmas. So far there are about 10 Christmas albums and the complete Beatles catalogue except for a scant few songs I don't like. I think Donovan will be next.

Hope your New Year is a good one, and as John Lennon said, "without any fear."