I remember watching the movie Moonstruck starring Nicholas Cage and Cher in 1987 when it first was released, probably by streaming. It remains a very good movie. And a key part of the plot is when after an over-night fling Ronny (Nicholas Cage) promises to never bother Loretta (Cher) again if she attends a performance of La bohème at the Met with him. Loretta is deeply moved by the opera and eventually breaks up with Johnny (Danny Aiello) and accepts Ronny’s proposal.

Today, November 20, 2023 is the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

I have long had a concern for the rights and protection of Transgender individuals, including those who are gender-nonconforming and others in the LGBTQ community. But I think it's become more personal and important in the year since I began my own transition. So this year I decided to do something specific.

I am a very amateur cyclist. But I have some friends who are serious cyclists. And many of us on this blog have perhaps become fans or at least gained a deeper understanding of the sport from reading the many Gaby novels.

So I think perhaps we can all mourn the death on Saturday of 17 year old U.S. cyclist Magnus White. He was hit by a vehicle and killed while training for the upcoming world championships in Scotland.

R.I.P. Magnus

It's funny how trying to get serious about writing changes your perspective.

I used to check on new stories almost daily, but now I feel like I haven't earned that privilege because I haven't done my writing homework.

Actually, there are a lot of factors including work, other projects and Covid-19.

But I was surprised and honored to learn the first part of The Princess of Venda had won third place in the recent contest.

Thanks to all of you who read it and voted for it.

So I've been trying to get a bit more written as many days as I can.

A few days ago, someone commented about how scary Steven King novels and I was reminded of the story “I have no mouth and I must scream” by Harlan Ellison.

I think even King’s stories pale compared to the horror at the end of that story.

And then yesterday I learned that he had died last week.

I don’t think he wrote any TG stories, but his Dangerous Visions collection definitely broke many barriers and helped allow the wealth of TG fantasy and science fiction that we enjoy today.

And I found this quote especially inspiring.