Quoth Og Mandino

"Many face each obstacle in their path with fear and doubt and consider them as enemies, when in truth, these obstructions are friends and helpers."

My Authorial Debut

The Thrilling Sequel

«  
  »

Today is my birthday but the gifts are all yours

Depending on what data you choose to believe, the average lifespan for an American woman is around 86 years. And as I am posting this within the first few minutes of my 43rd birthday, I stand before you balanced right on the fulcrum of my very existence.

Or, in other words, it’s all downhill from here.

Don’t get me wrong—as directions go, I think “downhill” is a fine one. Going downhill is surely easier than going uphill. When going downhill, one skips, strolls or ambles; when going uphill one trudges, labors, or plods. I will happily go downhill all day long (for the next 43 years).

I also have this strange feeling like, now I’ve hit the statistical midpoint of my life, I should turn around and start doing everything in reverse. Like start giving people presents on my birthday and demanding presents on theirs. Given that other people have more birthdays than I do, I think this is a good plan.

Anyway, in honor of my natal day, I’ve come up with several little virtual lagniappes that I hope you will enjoy.

“Terms of Engagement,” a stand-alone Dreadnought & Emily story

*

Book pages for THE WARLOCK’S CURSE and THE UNSTEADY EARTH—but I warn you, here be spoilers!

*

Details about my upcoming Kickstarter campaign!

Now, if you’re one of those silly young people who are still living in the forward-direction (or if you are just a hidebound traditionalist) and you would like to give me a little present for my birthday, I would ask only that you kindly share this post.

January 21st, 2012 | Category: Events, Personal, Publishing, The Hidden Goddess, The Native Star, The Unsteady Earth, The Warlock's Curse, Veneficas Americana Series, Writing
  • http://twitter.com/TheDarklady TheDarklady

    Going downhill? 
    Are you daft? 

    Life isn’t a downhill race, although that *would* make some of the most exciting times after the peak… for me it’s more a roller coaster ride. It’ll end when it ends and there’s no knowing how thrilling things will get or how well I’ll keep my lunch down. I’ll likely step over to something less Takabisha and more Cheetah Chase as things progress, but I have no intention of going “downhill.”

    I expect nothing less from you, young lady. 
    Happy birthday! Am I ever going to see you again? 

  • http://twitter.com/jesswynne Jessica Reisman

    Happy Birthday Gorgeous!

  • Marshall Payne

    Happy Birthday, Mary!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Serge-Broom/1567496523 Serge Broom

    At 56, I’m going downhill fast and furious.
    You silly girl.

    Your tale is now nooked.

    I’m now a subscriber to your Kickstarter.
    Say where and when to make my pledge.

  • http://www.ambersistla.com/ Amber

    happy birthday.
    when i was young, we walked uphill BOTH ways!

  • http://www.lawrencemschoen.com/ Lawrence M. Schoen

    That first half, that was just for practice. Now you know what you want to do with your life and how to do it. And, if you’re particularly impressive (hah, what do I mean “if?”) you’ll be awarded bonus time at the back end.