it’s done. it’s really, really done. since August 13th of last year, i have read 365 short stories, 365 poems, and 365 essays. i’ve also written 52 short stories (plus a couple drabbles, a poem or two, and some spare bits of story fodder).

i have had a little bit of time to reflect on the experience and decided that wrapping things up today, on Uncle Ray’s 90th birthday, would be appropriate.

in this last year, i’ve truly fallen in love with the short story format as well as poetry. the essays were “good for me” and i read them dutifully, though they were by far the most challenging part of the project. perhaps i was simply reading the wrong ones!

it probably goes without saying, but i have no intention to stop reading any time soon! in fact, i have already started retraining my brain for longer works again. i’m excited and inspired and cannot wait to see where the next step on my reading and writing journey takes me.

so i say thank you, Mr. Bradbury, not only for your sublime stories, but also for your inspiration. you have shown me the joy that a passionate devotion to words can bring into one’s life.