High on a hill in drizzly San Francisco today, the kids and I ran around chasing a frisbee in the warm humid air of New Year's Day.

It didn't feel particularly momentous, this first day of a decade. Just another day in a park.

But it is at times like this that I've come to most value my time on earth. It is a finite visit for all of us.

I commend the movie, "An Education."

It is the kind of film, based on the kind of memoir, that makes me want to write my own life story, and to return to my Hollywood writing days, as well.

Maybe this will be the year? First things first. I'm told I will be going home finally in a few more days...

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The View Up Top

As I look eastward over this hilly city toward the skyscrapers downtown, the weather forecast is for rain the rest of this week, though tonight it remains clear.

No one can see forever. And no one will see forever.

Our time is finite.

As far as I can see tonight, what becomes visible in the night is my gratitude for being alive and feeling loved. That is enough to see. And not even the rains to come can wash that away.

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A present

My daughter painted this and gave it to me for Christmas.

She's at an age when everything is changing for her. Moods come and go at the speed of light, often unanticipated, often opaque.

It's a special age for a girl; a difficult age for her father.

A time to listen as closely as I can; to affirm my unconditional love. She pours a lot into her art projects.

One thing I like about visual art is you see what you want to see in it.

I see an 11-year-old sorting her way, stroke by stroke, while filling the canvas.

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City Lights at Night

After the storm passed, the city was peaceful late last night when I shot this photo from my window in the facility where I am recovering this holiday season.

Each day I get stronger. Soon, I hope, I'll resume my former habit of long blog entries.

For now, these virtual haiku will have to suffice.

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