I know it's not quite midway through the year yet (and it's been a while since I've posted here), but it's
midway through mine, alors...
In less than two weeks my sabbatical term comes to an end.
It's been productive time. Most importantly, I've rediscovered parts of myself
I've subdued for a long time. Still don't know what kind of academic I want to
be, or whether I want to remain an academic at all. But I've found the joy of
writing again, and that's been beneficial in many ways.
My first real book (that is, not a thesis or dissertation or
something written as part of a job) will be published later this year, and another
book is partly written. My first paid reviews have been published, and I've
been invited to submit two more. And my first magazine article in a decade is
poised to be published in July. I've enjoyed the writing and submitting while
also, like any writer, being terrified of rejection. As an editor, I fear
growing complacent about my own sense of what's "right," so being
edited by and learning from other editors has been amazingly valuable. I'm
grateful for these chances.
Living in Victoria was wonderful. Living on our boat has
been wonderful, too. Actually doing something that many people dream of doing has
been a gift. I've learned so much — mostly that I don't want to be a rat — and
hope I can recall what I've learned once I've stepped back into the race.
Again, I'm grateful this year worked, even though some costs (and I don't mean
economic) were high.
Meanwhile, on the quantifiable side ...
LibraryThing: 4340 books catalogued
iTunes: approx 14,500 tracks (the counting
system is imperfect)
Books read to date: 75 (quite
unlikely to hit 200 this year)
In short, although it's raining this morning in Nanaimo, the
sun is with us. Here's to the light!
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