Funny how words take on new meaning. Agency was where I worked; I opened an advertising agency in Phenix City, Alabama once upon a time. Agency can mean effective action, as in, My new love was the agency of old heartache. Now, agency means taking control - and I want an agent! My manuscript of 23 stories is ready, and I've begun the query process - writing alluring letters to people who might enjoy and respect these stories, see value, value enough to sell them to a publisher. 

I met a woman at Can Serrat who said she queried 100 agents before finding one, who is still looking for a willing publisher. Meanwhile this avid writer is revising her second novel. I hope that my quest is successful soon, so I can go from writing query letters to writing more stories.

Meanwhile, I've written, recorded and shot a music video that I'm proud of; felt more community with a surprise b-day party for my 70th, played music for a living Christmas village in El Prat, and jammed at Christmas with my bluegrass friends.

Tonight I write you, and thank you, for your attention and support in a world of chaos – and love. Take agency in the coming year, dear ones.

More subversive thoughts about the New Year are in my substack column.