a pre-birthday surprise review!

SF Signal reviews "From Whence You Came"! They had some gripes about the novella form, but conclude:

"A thoughtful examination of the consequences of magic; stands alone and away from its progenitor series well. Getting to see a legendary hero as a real and flawed person is a strong technique, and the author takes full advantage of that....if you aren’t inclined to start with the Nebula nominated novel Flesh and Fire, this is a way to try Gilman’s work, and her secondary world work in particular."

The e-novella is currently available, DRM-free, from Book View Cafe.

and thus we move forward, and stand against the blows

And so, on this birthday eve, I move from 44 to 45. I honored the occasion with good food, good booze, and good laughter with friends. Tomorrow, more of the same. An, hopefully *glares at cats* a good night of sleep.

Begin as you mean to go on. :-)

As I've mentioned elsewhere, I have decided that "Wrecking Ball" is my song of the year. By most standards, 45 is middle-aged. By family statistics, 45 is my midway point. Some people would say this is the beginning of the downward slide. I say I'm in damn good shape, physically, emotionally and career-wise. 45 years left to rock this world, armed with knowledge, experience, and friends. So middle age? Bring It.

I was raised out of steel here in the swamps of Jersey, some misty years ago
Through the mud and the beer, and the blood and the cheers, I've seen champions come and go
So if you got the guts mister, yeah, if you got the balls
If you think it's your time, then step to the line, and bring on your wrecking ball

Bring on your wrecking ball
Bring on your wrecking ball
Come on and take your best shot, let me see what you got
Bring on your wrecking ball

Now my home's here in these meadowlands where mosquitoes grow big as airplanes
Here where the blood is spilled, the arena's filled, and giants played their games
So raise up your glasses and let me hear your voices call
Because tonight all the dead are here, so bring on your wrecking ball

Yeah, we know that come tomorrow, none of this will be here
So hold tight on your anger, you hold tight on your anger
Hold tight to your anger, don't fall to your fears

Now when all this steel and these stories, they drift away to rust
And all our youth and beauty, it's been given to the dust
When the game has been decided and we're burning down the clock
And all our little victories and glories have turned into parking lots
When your best hopes and desires are scattered through the wind
And hard times come, and hard times go
And hard times come, and hard times go
And hard times come, and hard times go
And hard times come, and hard times go
And hard times come, and hard times go
Yeah just to come again

Bring on your wrecking ball
Bring on your wrecking ball
Come on and take your best shot, let me see what you got
Bring on your wrecking ball


c. Bruce Springsteen