I have a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT in today’s Picayune about my future. But first, a bit of background.
Thanks to my cancer and surgery, I’ve had way too much time to think of existential issues lately. There are the practical things, like how it hurts to poop and pee (getting better, thanks…). There are the utility things, like how the lifting restriction of ten pounds means I can hardly do anything around the house.
And then there are the spiritual things, like how I thought with my “down time” I’d have a chance to really get ahead on this next novel, but it hasn’t worked out that way.
Talk is Cheap
I’ve long been a fan of the axiom: “Plan like you’re going to live forever; live each day like it’s your last.” Being a fan of that axiom doesn’t mean I always make it so.
For instance, thanks to the Olympics, I spent a lot more time watching people do things than I have been doing things. My daily plans for creativity were shoved aside like that poor Australian defender trying to bring down the American woman who plowed over her and went on to score the game winning touchdown (or whatever you call it) in Rugby.
I’m stunned by how the difference between winning and losing in so many sports is mere seconds, or, way too often, hundredths of a second. You spend the better part of your life preparing for the Olympics but don’t even qualify for the finals because you’re half a second slower.
As for the Australian women in that gold medal Rugby match, they thought the game was sewn up. Suddenly, they’re chasing the American and watching their gold medal transmogrify into silver.
It’s a brutal reminder that you have to enjoy the process because you can’t always control the outcome.
The Olympics were something of a time suck for me but I enjoyed watching. To see healthy, athletic people compete at the highest level (except for maybe that one break dancer) is inspiring. Which leads to the big announcement.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
I’ve decided to begin training for the 2024 Olympics in table tennis. I have a long way to go, but I’m pretty sure I can get there. I even have a great back story, which is one of those things that can propel someone from hopeful to champion.
When I was a kid, we had a couple of ping-pong paddles, a net, and some balls. But we didn’t have a table.
My brother had the idea to use the kitchen table. During the summer, when we were home on our own as latchkey kids, we played intense ping-pong on the kitchen table, which was about half the size of a regulation ping-pong table. We had to develop a tight style of play with little room for error.
Despite it being about fifty years ago, I think it has wired my brain for an ability to return tough shots.
Along with working on my novels and whatnot, I’ll also be preparing for the Olympics.
Maybe You’d Like
This week, I’ve joined with crime thriller authors to giveaway some books. Check out the Darker Path Giveaway!
https://storyoriginapp.com/to/YdpXLRS
Recommended Reading
I read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. It’s a classic and deservedly so. Why did it take me so long to read? No idea. Glad I did, though.
Next Picayune
I’m getting back into a regular schedule now that summer is winding down, so I’ll be writing and stuff. Meanwhile, thanks for reading the Mickey Picayune!
All the best,
Mickey