Although several weeks remain in the year, I feel like now is the best time to pen the obligatory annual recap.
I also noticed that this will only be my third blog post this year. Obviously, my original goal of making this a weekly blog was far too ambitious.
Perhaps, in the future, I will devote this space to more travel-centric articles. This year would have been a good time to do so., as I was blessed to have the opportunities to visit Los Angeles, London, Paris, Knoxville, TN, and Clearwater, FL. It's quite possible I have peaked, because 2025 is looking pretty bare in terms of travel, aside from a day trip to NYC to see Denzel Washington in "Othello".
We'll see how it goes.....
I attended about 25 concerts this year, covering a wide spectrum of acts ranging from Heart and Cheap Trick to Hank Williams Jr. and Alabama to Cody Jinks and Whitey Morgan. I got to see some of see of my old 80's metal favorites including Warrant, Mike Tramp's White Lion, Trixter and Enuff Z'Nuff. I hope to attend more shows in 2025, but to be quite honest, large crowds of people are becoming more and more intolerable. Small groups of people are not much more appealing.
Since this is essentially an author's blog, I happy to report that I am still writing. In fact, I recently submitted a short story, one that I am quite proud of, for a magazine's consideration. Whether the magazine picks it up or rejects it remains to be seen, but if it is rejected, it will be included in a future collection of short stories.
I was recently approached at an extended family function by a lady that I did not know. She said, "I hear you've written a couple of books". I replied, "I've published a couple of books, but I've written over a dozen". While I don't know if the distinction matters to most, the point is although I haven't published that elusive third Clay Sullivan book, I can assure you it isn't for lack of effort. I want the third installment to the best so far. I believe it will be worth the wait.
What am I currently reading?
I just started reading a non-fiction book entitled Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely. So far, so good.
If you want to see what I'm currently reading or see reviews on books I have read, follow me on Goodreads
What am I currently watching?
It's football and basketball season, so that means I am watching lots of Tennessee Volunteers games. Hopefully, the Vols football team has four more wins in them this season. The men's and women's basketball teams look great in the early part of their seasons. I hope that continues into April.
I know I'm late to the party, but I recently discovered The Blacklist. I'm five seasons in and totally hooked. Without spoiling anything for those who have not watched it, I love Red's character and his relationship with Dembe is inspirational (although I fear a swerve is coming in future episodes).
Like much of the country, I am invested in Yellowstone and will be tuning into the bittersweet final episode this coming Sunday. It's a shame things couldn't be worked out with Kevin Costner to send the series out with an optimum conclusion.
I'm also hooked on another Taylor Sheridan show, Landman, which streams on Paramount+. It stars Billy Bob Thorton and is set in the rough and dangerous oil fields of West Texas. Thorton's performance is fantastic, which is not surprising to anyone who has followed his career.
What am I currently listening to?
I am digging Passage du Desir, the recent Sturgill Simpson album he released using the alter ego Johnny Blue Skies. Yeah, I don't get it either, but the music is fantastic. "One For the Road", "Mint Tea", and "If the Sun Never Rises Again" are three of the best songs I've heard in years.
Also, I'm still into Jackson Dean. Hoping to catch him live again in 2025.
Heart, Foreigner, and Ashley McBryde will always be in heavy rotation on my playlist.
I wish you all a wonderful, safe and Happy Holiday season.
Thanks for reading and I'll talk to you soon.
Comments