Still The Optimistic Alien

By J. Michael Willard

I am doomed and damned to reflect on birthdays.

The value of a vertical existence becomes more compelling, even necessary for us who have piled on responsibilities like a chocolate layer cake.

But you want more — adventure, peace, achievement, Springsteen’s glory days — and all of that mixed in the same life soup. It’s not about money. It never has been. You’ve had it. Lost it. Got it again.

Fact is, you already have most of what you want if you shut your eyes, and listen to Andrea…