Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot 2023

Tim offers a final post for the year, on a personal note

Sayonara, 2023. I am tempted to say “good riddance,” but I really need to be grateful. A lot of good things happened.

Yes, I began the year finally getting COVID, and the side effects still hit me somewhat. My memory seems less impaired than earlier in the year, however, and the fogginess and fatigue happen less. Still, I never want to go through that again, and hope none of you do.

People I cared about opted to no longer be part of my life. I have accepted that this happens. People grow apart. They no longer need the same things, and opt to move on. Few relationships/friendships/whatever are por vida. Cherish those that are, and learn to let go when it’s time for things to end. Hopefully, the aftermath is not destructive.

I have not played with The Hormones for over a year, due to where life has taken me. No, I’m not okay with that. I miss it, desperately. But quietly, I have been working on new material, and plan to finally unleash the long-promised Sing! EP, once I can find a label, and return to the stage with Ron and a new drummer, whoever they may be. And yes, we will honor every pledge made to the GoFundMe that an earlier lineup set-up to fund the original sessions.

I lost some major income streams the second half of the year, which hurt when you are a freelancer. But things are getting taken care of there, and I will have to take on a part-time job even temporarily until I can replace those resources. It happens – how many books were created by Bukowski having to find a day job?

What are the good things, for which I am grateful? Discovering who my friends and loved ones really are. Realizing others’ destructive actions and negative opinions do not matter, and are none of my business. Finally growing back my hair after chopping it to stubble several months ago! LOL! As you can see. Still undecided if I will color it again, or if maybe I will try a new color.

But the most positive elephant in the room was signing my first book deal in March! It enabled me to move back into Austin, and paid my rent for several months. Yes, the process of writing the book grew exponentially, stretching out longer than anyone either budgeted for or anticipated. But I can finally announce that the book will be a comprehensive ‘70s punk history, and should be completed soon. At which time, I begin work on the follow-up book! And yes, I will see you at your favorite bookstore sometime in the new year!

I have also finally dedicated part of my workday to completing my semi-autobiographical novel that I began in 2005, Every Father Kills His Son. This week, I start serializing it here at The ‘Stack, for paying subscribers’ eyes only. (Which should be a broad hint that free subscribers should upgrade at 20% off for life! And yes, I am extending the offer!) And yes, any publishers interested in publishing my first novel? Please get in touch!

The Austin Punk Chronicles also continues! I just completed the seventh chapter, will soon begin the eighth, and await word from The Chron as to when it will go up.

Thank you, those who have chosen to stick around. I know I can be difficult at times, and I got especially withdrawn as I worked on my ‘70s punk book. I struggle, and I think I learned a few lessons. Although someone told me today I am always smiling and full of PMA, so maybe I am just too hard on myself? LOL! HAPPY GNU YEAR, Y’ALL!