They say that 13 is an unlucky number, but 2013 brought beautiful things and good people into my life.

This past year allowed me to find finally my voice, thanks largely to the encouragement of school pals and fellow writers. I’ve reunited with old friends and made valuable new ones, finding like minds and kindred spirits, hailing from both out of the past and the ever arriving present.

To all of you — in the green hills of Virginia, in the wide, dry places of the American west, in chilly Canada and at the pubs in distant Britain, I wish you the happiest, healthiest and brightest of New Years.