365 Days in Aspen

A Year Ago Today

a year ago

Wow. Here it is. 365 Days Later. Does that mean zombies will come out of hiding? (Sorry, I never saw the movie 28 Days Later but I think it was about Zombies). Or perhaps a more appropriate relator would be the beginning line of Sgt. Pepper's. "It was a year ago today."

Makes me think… if I started the blog 20 years ago today, I would start with the fact that I was planning my last trip to Aspen before moving here. Wow. Pretty cool, actually. A lot has happened in 20 years. 

But let's just look at the past 365 Days, shall we? 

The other day I was pondering this question: "What's the difference between Accomplishment and Success?"

Most people would respond that they're the same thing. I'll offer a different perspective (as I am wont to do) and how it relates to me. By all accounts, I would be considered an "accomplished" person. I've written and published 5 novels (one in the past year), two nonfiction books (one in the past 365 days), two children's books and multiple screenplays and scripts. I have co-written a number of songs, including one I wrote all by myself – lyrics and music! (For me, this was a BIG deal! See below if you want to check out the song – still VERY rough). I also have a patent and multiple copyrights and trademarks. 

Blah, blah, blah. Does that mean I'm "successful?" Depends on your definition of success. But let's just say that on most people's scales I wouldn't rank. Does that matter? Again, it depends on you and what's important to you. 

But I digress. I haven't written here in a long time, mainly because I felt the blog was getting stale and readers (if there were any) were bored. And I have been busy. Writing, mostly. 

So let's chronicle my accomplishments from 365 days ago. A year ago, I drove into town with a full car and no promises or commitments beyond a one-year lease. The next day I met a new friend and we subsequently started the Aspen Screenwriting and Playwrights group, which has been a lot of fun and growing. Pretty cool. 

As far as screenwriting goes, in the last year I've written one feature film, two short films and a treatment with a few episodes of a TV series. I also wrote the song for the closing credits for one of the short films. (See below). 

While I'm talking about writing, I've also released the anthology collaboration "Fifty Shades Deeper." A year ago it wasn't even on my radar. Not bad. I was recently featured in Aspen Magazine (see HERE) and did a talk at Explore Bookstore a couple of weeks ago. 

I skied 32 days this year, which wasn't bad. I also hiked up Buttermilk this summer, which is 2000 vertical feet. And I've been up Smuggler's Mountain more times than I can count. (On average 3-4 days a week). The most fun was the winter hikes through 3-4 ft. drifts of snow.

Regarding health and fitness, I spent 4-5 days in the hospital after nearly dying from the altitude. But that was just a blip – and an opportunity to experience Aspen from the inside of a Hospital with extraordinary care. And, yes, my ticker is working just fine. All's well. (Though I did have to cut my thyroid meds in half, which resulted in a counter-productive shift in my weight, which had been going in the right direction and now continues to be a struggle. But you know what? I'm tired of worrying about it. Health and vitality is a more important goal than vanity anyway).

I've done some volunteering, including Aspen Brain Lab and the Ideas Festival (which starts today). More to come, I'm sure. 

And to save the best for last (which reminds me of that song, which I love and need to listen to again), I have met some incredible people. A year ago I didn't know a soul in Aspen. Now I'm honored to have some beautiful souls I call friends. heart

If you're reading this, you might have some questions… 

Will I continue to live in Aspen? Yes, at least for the foreseeable future. I've renewed my lease. Could something or someone come along to change that? Perhaps. We'll see. I'm open to following the breadcrumbs the Universe sets out for me. 

Will I continue to write in this blog? I'm really not sure. To be honest, it would depend on whether anyone is reading these words I'm writing right now.  I do know I have some "before" friends who have asked me to continue. Or I might switch to another message. We'll see. I did like exploring my "who am I today?" questions. (I'm naturally introspective as it is). But I'm not naturally publically expressive. Not a "look at me" kind of person. So I don't know. Ultimately it would depend on the answer to the question, "Who cares?" If I can help people, then every other obstacle takes a back seat. That's just my vibe. 

What do I think will happen in the next 365 Days? With my mantra of "I desire to not desire" this is a tricky question. There's only thing I can say that I truly want and crave. The movie "Eat, Pray, Love" had a brilliant quote. Felipe (Javier Bardem) says to Liz (Julia Roberts), "You don't need a man. You need a champion." I would love to have a true champion in my life. If you, dear reader, wants to send out vibes for anything for me to find "the one," (the champion, that is) I'd appreciate it.  Otherwise, I don't know. I'll keep "accomplishing," for sure. I am focusing more on my screenwriting than anything right now, and am working toward getting a short film made by the end of the year. As usual, I'll do anything and everything in my power to make that happen. But at some point, it's beyond my control. And who knows? The breadcrumbs might lead me elsewhere. Whatever I can do to combine my interests and passions in order to help people will be worthwhile, I'm sure. 

Sgt.Peppers… . 

The song I wrote for my short film: The Journal: A Transitus Story. Still VERY rough – needs real musicians and singers…