Last year, I was so convinced I would have time in my life to devote to my buddy Beethoven. I really wanted to delve into his mighty oeuvre and untangle his complex transitions. But there were too many other men in my life, demanding my attention. Sorry, Ludwig. Best laid plans and all of that.
I had the partial pleasure of listening to Symphony #9 last night on the local public radio station. His themes rivet me. I’m not ashamed to admit it but those confusing transitional moments when he’s changing keys and winding all over the place…UGH. It really sounds like he doesn’t have a clue where he’s going or where he’ll end up. Of course the bastard does this intentionally to freak out the audience. That’s just how he is and I’m his perfect audience. I fall for it, I get pissed. Then, FINALLY, he remembers what he wanted to say and reveals….another awesome theme. Damn, him! So, as you can see, my reaction to Beethoven is still the same as it ever was. Love and hate. Just the way he likes it.
2011 is shaping up to be another busy year. I’m trying not to take on too much writing so I have to be judicious. I spent Nov and Dec in bed with pneumonia and I’m just getting back on my feet.
Look for a piece in KCMetropolis in late January on the KC Lyric Opera’s outreach collaboration with the GaDuGi Safe Center in Lawrence, Kansas focusing on female social aggression.
I also have some other stories brewing about American music-bluegrass and contra dancing.
I want to write an editorial piece about taxes, a biography and some theater criticism in an effort to make enough money to apply for a fiction writing program in London so I can finish my damn novel. If I can swing a free trip on the QE2 as some sort of travel writer, my life will be complete. 
What does my family think about all of this? They don’t believe I can do it and therefore don’t pay attention. What do I think about that? I’ll show them! Wish me luck.
Here’s wishing everyone in the blogosphere a happy, healthy, productive, proactive, gentle and generous 2011.
