“The last entry of 2010”

I finished the year by completing a creative writing project I began in 2004. It took seven years to write. “Cerulean Odyssey: the long distance voyager,” is a 7 volume epic poem comprising 110,934 words and 20,729 lines in 715 tableaux ( individual poems ). This is the longest epic ever written in Canadian literature. Parts have been “published” (I should say “printed”) using POD (Print On Demand). It was not an assignment of any kind, but something I wanted to complete before I began my second year of graduate studies. Writing poetry has been a part of my artistic journey since the beginning, but only now do I feel ready to take the next step, and that is to partner with a bona fide publisher ( not POD ) to publish the epic. Hopefully in 2011.

“The other cohorts”

Another year has come and gone and the prospects for 2011 look bright as I enter my second year of graduate studies. That includes looking forward to the Spring Institute in May at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. It will be a sweet reunion as I meet my fellow “cohortians” again. Many of them were very encouraging throughout 2010. The challenges of my first year were often overwhelming. But I am satisfied with the results having achieved a very comfortable grade for all my work. But, there is another cohort, a special group of people who provide an immeasurable amount of motivation in my journey as artist, author, mentor, student, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. They are my family both immediate and extended. Each a treasure. Each the real reason why this wonderful tapestry of life looks so good. To them and to all my university “cohortians,” I wish you a compound blessing for 2011, hoping you will find meaning in what you do and encouragement and comfort in those who travel with you and those you meet along the way.

What happened to the light?

Sure there was "light at the end of the tunnel" in early December (my previous entry), but then I found out my next major course begins the first week of January 2011. I thought I'd have a few more weeks of R&R. Oh well. The course is titled: Organizational Communications.In literature there's a term called "pathetic fallacy," referring to nature itself being in sympathy with deeds committed. Perhaps the view over Nanaimo in my stormy sky photograph, taken yesterday morning, is a sobering reminder that there's still a whole lot of work to do. But, as I prepare to enter the second year of my "back-to-school-at-65" odyssey, I remain optimistic and motivated. Good grades are helping a lot too. Plus my second book of poetry, "Cold Winter Breath," is now published. If interested, just go to www.publishamerica.com and type my name in the search bar in the "authors's information" page. And last but not least, a blessed Christmas season to everyone, and best wishes for well-being and fulfillment in the new year, 2011.