I am on a black highway at night

This week, some good news: Stepto has come out of his coma and seems to be recovering well. If you're feeling charitable, you can donate to help the family with medical and travel expenses.

At times like this, I think of this dialogue from Terminator 2:

"Every day from this day on is a gift. Use it well."

If you've never heard that before, that's because it only exists in an alternate ending which was (wisely, IMHO) excised from both the theatrical and special-edition releases. It's totally the wrong note after what's come before, but the sentiment is solid. See for yourself:


youtu.be/iEpjgFZpAt0

We don't choose when we're born. Most of us won't get to choose when or how we die. All we get to decide is how to use the precious little time we have in the world. And being able to experience this weird, wonderful planet at all means you've already won the lottery.

Every day of my life is a gift. And I'm doing my best to use each day well.

Speaking of being charitable, this year's Clarion West Write-a-thon starts on Sunday. I'm participating, as are several of my CW2014 classmates. You can support any or all of us by following the links below:

• Anthony Bell
• Alison Wilgus
• Chinelo Onwulau
• Christopher Nickolas Carlson
• Curtis C. Chen
• Julie Steinbacher (ADDED 19 Jul 2015)
• Marlee Jane Ward
• Michael Matheson (ADDED 19 Jul 2015)
• Shannon Fay
• Ian McDonald (instructor)
• M. Huw Evans (administrator)
• Neile Graham (administrator)

If I've failed to include anyone in the list above, please let me know! Here's the complete list of participating writers.