Sunday, December 29, 2013

A sense of expectation

A few random updates as 2013 draws to a close...

On the writing/publishing front, I've been filling in some gaps and lining up preparations but holding off on anything involving actual expenditure until January. As we are so close to the end of the year I decided to formally launch the business in line with the new tax year.

But meantime I've been putting together cover blurb and author bio, and have located a couple of book designers and some photographers here in Victoria. I felt that a local presence was important, because I want to discuss things face to face - especially the book cover. I'm looking for critical artistic advice, not just font and technicalities of layout, so I need to feel comfortable that the designer has relevant experience and value to offer and that we can work effectively together.

Things have returned somewhat to normal on the health front after my earlier scare. After a week off resting, I was cleared to return to work. So far, test after test is coming back negative or all clear, which is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, I appear to be healthy. On the other, it leaves the cause unexplained and nothing specific to tackle.

Slipping into seasonal mode, we enjoyed a quiet family Christmas with Ali's parents visiting from the UK. The leftover turkey lasted another two meals and is now gone, apart from a few liters of turkey stock in the freezer for future soups. We enjoyed a dip in the pool at the local leisure center today, and I'm trying not to get too addicted to Candy Crush after spending far too much time watching Ali gnash her teeth over some of the more difficult levels.

How was your Christmas?

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean...you need answers and explanations for what happened to you. I hope eventually you get them.

Botanist said...

More appointments scheduled, Delores, but not holding my breath.

Danette said...

I'm getting up to speed on what's been going on in your world. Scary stuff and I hope that you are doing well. It's scary- how the body is vulnerable and becomes more vulnerable as we grow older even when we want to believe we can take care of things. Some things still happen that are just out of our control. Wishing you all the best!

David Batista said...

I see your test results as good news. Just accept it for that and move on. No need losing sleep over something that was probably just a one-time, stress-related event. And if for nothing else, it's all out of your hands anyway.

Good luck on the self-pub business front, my friend. And, on that note ... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Ian - I do hope your health stays much improved .. tiny blip one hopes, but good to have experienced .. so you know. Scary but it's over as David says ..

How lovely to have your in-laws over from the UK - the kids will enjoy catching up with their grandparents ...

All the best for 2014 and your publication goals .. cheers and happy days ahead .. Hilary

Botanist said...

Danette, I think it helps to remember that the vulnerability in life is there all along. Growing older simply gives life more opportunities to remind us of that fact.

David, happy New Year to you, too, and I hope you can put the events of 2013 behind you and look forward to a better year ahead.

Hilary, we are all hoping it's just one blip, never to be repeated... Hope you are keeping yourself safe and snug in storm-swept Britain.

Denise Covey said...

So glad nothing sinister has been found. You sound like you have a plan for publication. Good on you. Happy 2014!

Misha Gerrick said...

I'm glad to hear they haven't found anything dangerous. I hope it stays that way.

Best of luck with publishing, and have a wonderful 2014!

Jean Davis said...

Glad to hear you're health has improved!

Good luck with you're publication plans. Sounds like you've got a good deal of the ground work covered already.

Pearson Report said...

WOW - I've caught up on a bit of back reading, being absent from blogging/reading I'm saddened to read about your TIA. Catching it early is a good thing - recovery is very high when you get on top of these mini strokes.

I'm excited to read about your adventures on the path to publication - I will send thoughts of success out into the universe on your behalf.

Happy New Year to you and your family!
Cheers, Jenny

Botanist said...

Denise/Misha/Jean/Jenny - more tests today and still nothing sinister. Life is returning to an even keel. And steps towards publication progressing. Will provide updates as & when...

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