Hey, everyone, and Merry Christmas.

I’d imagine that you all are kicking back in your various time zones in differing states of consciousness as I type this. Me? Today I plan on a quest to find fondue cheese, it’s a favorite snack around here. Special occasion stuff. Will probably have a glass of wine with it, my first alcohol in nearly a year.

‘Tis the season, right? Might as well put a nice glow to it, this modern Western reimagining of the annual rebirth of the Sun, a tale as old as humans in their modern form.

To put a nice spin on this Christmas, I managed to score an Amati pattern violin for a reasonable fee. I’ve been looking for one for years. See above. It’s a nice player, but I haven’t drawn a bow across it yet. You should let a new violin take in your house’s humidity and temperature before you tune it, so I’m leaving this little jewel alone for now.

But it waits for me, and playing it over the break will be super cool.

Here’s hoping that all of you have a nice holiday without conflict and bullshit. I know that’s tough to do at times. But the sentiment is there.

You guys have been busy heading into the break, I get it. Not everyone has the luxury of retirement like me, where you have nothing but time. Strangely enough, it slips away regardless, and you wonder where the day went.

So it goes.

I thought to load up on content before you can read in that dead spot between Christmas and the new year.

Therefore, I aim to publish INVASION CH20 and 21 behind my paywall before the ball drops on Times Square. It’s doable. Also, I’ve pumped out the partially finished first two novellas of the proposed co-authored thing with JB. Curious what you guys make of them, of course, if you have chosen, or choose, to join the team.

My publishing schedule didn’t meet muster this year. I am short two published novels. However, I still booked it as a success because the MS for STORY2 was done, and LIGHTS END (my alien invasion series) exploded on me. It’s a much bigger book than I planned, but as I wrote, it struck me that giving it the scope I wanted was necessary.

So, here we are on Christmas Eve. I thought I would send you all my well wishes.

Wherever you are, whoever you are, treasure the things that have gone right in your lives, and try to forget the fuckups. Value your friends, hang out, and relax. Try not to stress about shit you can’t control. Eat ridiculous, delicious things. Knock a few drinks back. Enjoy this side of the grass and the sun. Celebrate the renewal of the cycle, this gift of life, in whichever tradition you follow.

It’s all good, and may these words find you well off, too.

Cheers, and I won’t be a stranger across this bridge to 2024. Chat with me anytime.

Jason