Today I am setting at my desk with a monumental task
Soon the X on the calendar will mark the 69th Circle of Seasons. There is no time for slowing down, or a comfy chair and lovely sunset… I am at the peak of my creative drive.
As the kids say, “What’s with that… Seriously?” Who knows?
In reflection I find that a great portion of the past squandered on things trivial and self indulgent. At this mile marker, there is an acute awareness that time is now finite, and my invincibility shield has some serious flaws developing. What? I’m no longer Captain America?
The old health, it is about as it should be, reflecting upon the abuse heaped upon this carcass the past three score and nine. Yet, upon reflection, I find an incredible list of experiences illustrating the joy of a life filled with great times, pathos and whimsy. Those who know, understand that I have wandered about in a epoch filled with Legion of adventures, that most only dream about.
No complaints.
The journey on this trail, is not near the Threshold of the Veil.
Therefore… I have chosen today to be the mark in time, when I create the goals that will place my course for the next 21 years. This will be a chore, for here is a lot yet to do. STOP… this not an average “mid life crisis syndrome,” trying to make up for time lost… that is impossible. This goal-setting is about getting real value from what remains.
Here is a sampling. There is the task of finishing over two dozen books and making them available as pBooks (books in print), aBooks (audio), eBooks (online), and some as DVD and CD’s for public consumption.
“Why not just write them and let that be that,” you might ask?
Like so many “pre-Boomers,” we need income beyond our meager pensions. Thus the aforementioned are called in the business world… products.
Beyond that, are planned a series of paintings and drawings, as well as over twenty fours, speaking presentations. These will be on subjects of my Native Heritage, life experiences, art, theater and film and TV. We can explore how the creative process works, it’s benefits and disabling qualities.
We have but scratched a peremptory mark upon the veil of our tomorrows. Only that time and place to come will reveal what will be next.
Yes, today is the day chosen for setting the course for the next score of years.
I will keep you apprised of the progress.
Oh, why the “next 21 years…?”
Well a long time ago, when I was a lad of 4 or 5, my grandfather “Big Dad,” came to me and said, “Jimmie, I had a vision last night…. I was at your 100th birthday party.”
“Oh wow,” I replied, “How old did I live to be?’
In a terse reply, “How the hell do I know, I didn’t vision that?”
My grandfather’s visions almost always came true. Taken from that exchange, I must assume that I will live to be at least one hundred years old.
That is the “why” of this note to you my friends… Being yet moderately functional, I still have a fifth of my life ahead.
It is my job to make it count... Will you?
With love and respect, your humble servant, the elk
Jim Great Elk Waters ©2012
