Renew! Renew!

A friend of mine and I have a joke centered around this scene from Logan’s Run:

Well, actually, this scene:

 

“We’re the only one’s who remember Logan’s Run!”

Actually, not true. Thanks to YouTube, TCM, and essay anthologies like Subversive Sci-Fi (Always happy to contribute! *cough*) the film is well remembered, for good or ill.  But the joke is the same – I’ve been running from my last day for long enough, the Sandman chasing me would be on their last day, too.

And what have I accomplished? Well… this last decade of running has seen me get into print more than a handful of times. Both as myself and my alter-egotist, A.J. Harris. I’ve spoken at two World Science Fiction conventions. And some of the people wishing me happy birthday are folks I’ve met and friended from the #NoirAlley chats on social media.

Yeah, I’m kinda the Noir guy now.

I’ve also found an amazing partner, who’s encouraged me along the way, and a good home. I can dream a future now.

And that is of vital importance. Back when I first started my run, I couldn’t see a future. I just saw the same day, over and over, and thought “This is what I deserve.”

Now, I can dream of a life where I’ve survived two generations of hippies from the City of Domes. Where I’m happy, and likely surrounded by more cats than Peter Ustinov, and saying, “This is what I deserve” in the best possible way.

Here’s to another year running.