Improving with age? Hope so!

A year ago I was penniless, locked out of my own life’s work, and about to be involved in a series of ultra-unpleasant legal actions — with the help of a lot of friends and some good luck and good judgment, I made it through it and came out ahead after every obstacle. Now, on my thirty-fifth birthday, to my surprise I’m comfortably retired — will I really make it through my entire life without having had a job? …seems so! — and living with my daughter, and my girlfriend with whom I’ve been with in one way or another for nearly fifteen years, slowly working toward the goal of sailing circumnavigation and building a homestead as I write a few more books. I’m extremely fortunate to have been so lucky — I truly do pinch myself sometimes in amazement that this euphoric cloud I’ve lived in is real — and am so extremely thankful at all the adventures I’ve had up to now.

Being at about the “half way” point in my life, I’ve got to get to planning some new adventures. Life is unbelievably wonderful and I am thrilled at being able to experience so much of it. Thank you!

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42 Comments

  1. Richard Larratt wrote:

    so true so right

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 10:31 am | Permalink
  2. Michelle wrote:

    So…. where do we pre-order your memoir?

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 11:00 am | Permalink
  3. Carl wrote:

    Happy Birthday!

    :o)

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 11:19 am | Permalink
  4. Chuc0lat/GirlBlue wrote:

    To steal a phrase from a cigarette company…you’ve come a long way baby!

    Have a very happy birthday and look forward to another wonderful year ahead of you :)

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 11:21 am | Permalink
  5. TheWomanMonster wrote:

    Hope this year is the best yet.

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 11:31 am | Permalink
  6. Marjorie wrote:

    Happy Birthday Shannon!

    Je te souhaite que toutes les années à venir soient de plus en plus belles.

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 11:36 am | Permalink
  7. Ania wrote:

    Happy Birthday!
    may you have many great years to live and enjoy ahead :)

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 12:38 pm | Permalink
  8. JonnyButts wrote:

    Happy Birthday bud. All the best for the next year.

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 12:41 pm | Permalink
  9. Jordan Meeter wrote:

    Happy birthday, Shannon! Looking forward to another year’s worth of posts! :)

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 12:48 pm | Permalink
  10. Gracie wrote:

    Feliz Cumpleanos!

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 12:52 pm | Permalink
  11. Gemma wrote:

    Happy Birthday!

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 1:40 pm | Permalink
  12. SSSasky wrote:

    Happy Birthday Shannon! It’s been a pleasure following your adventures through the years. I’m glad everything’s going so well now. And I second the above comment on the memoirs.

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 2:07 pm | Permalink
  13. Borgert wrote:

    Herzlichen Glueckwunsch zum Geburtstag und alles Gute fuer das neue Lebensjahr.

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 2:15 pm | Permalink
  14. mycatfredisfat wrote:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!
    So glad to see things are so much better than last year…I too have enjoyed your adventures for longer than I care to admit!

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 2:20 pm | Permalink
  15. Caitlin wrote:

    I love you!

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 3:06 pm | Permalink
  16. MissJanet wrote:

    Herzlichen Glückwunsch und alles Gute. The glas is still half full, have a good drink.

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 3:18 pm | Permalink
  17. Danielle wrote:

    Happy Birthday!

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 4:47 pm | Permalink
  18. Kyle wrote:

    Happy Birthday and congrats that everything is working out !!

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 5:13 pm | Permalink
  19. estrojenn wrote:

    2 thumbs up for retired at 35! hbd sir.

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 6:09 pm | Permalink
  20. lost raevyn wrote:

    Happy birthday! Wishing you all the best. :)

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 6:37 pm | Permalink
  21. Siobhan wrote:

    Reminds me of the Freedom 35 plan that Ricky and Julian had on Trailer Park Boys. Obviously yours seems much more successful. Congrats.

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 6:41 pm | Permalink
  22. Phil Moore wrote:

    Happy 35th, long time no speak. We must plan a reunion of psychadellic philanthropists.

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 6:42 pm | Permalink
  23. Chris Carter wrote:

    Cheers to you on your Birthday!

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 7:05 pm | Permalink
  24. Gillian wrote:

    Happy birthday!!! All the best for the upcoming year(s)!! xo

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 7:05 pm | Permalink
  25. Angel wrote:

    I imagine it’s a very comfortable (and comforting) feeling to be so secure at such a relatively young age. So many people never get over the trials in life in time to enjoy the good times…I wish you a Happy Birthday and much more happiness in future! :D

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 7:43 pm | Permalink
  26. Anna wrote:

    Seriously, it’s time for a memoir!

    Happy birthday =)

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 9:02 pm | Permalink
  27. LotN wrote:

    Best wishes…

    Monday, September 29, 2008 at 9:08 pm | Permalink
  28. Klem wrote:

    Its great to se someome displaying such hapinness of living..feels good

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 12:47 am | Permalink
  29. Its me wrote:

    Shannon. It’s a lot about the attitude in life…making the most of every opportunity and being happy with the things that matter. Now being comfortable in retirement to you (financially) an entirely different thing to what others may think they need. Anyway Happy Birthday

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 1:13 am | Permalink
  30. gaz wrote:

    namaste!

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 2:31 am | Permalink
  31. Jenna Ross wrote:

    Happy Birthday, Shannon! I am so happy to read this post. I knew good things would happen for you. Enjoy!

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 7:39 am | Permalink
  32. Twwly wrote:

    Alright!!

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 9:47 am | Permalink
  33. theSearcher wrote:

    De-Lurk: (yes, it is I) Have been reading your site for the last while – glad to see that things are working out for you – and as a father – so gald to see your love for your daughter exhibited on these pages.

    Special Birthday Wishes for you and your family.

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 12:04 pm | Permalink
  34. joe wrote:

    how can one be penniless 1 yr ago than be retired than state they never worked.. i am lost..

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 2:17 pm | Permalink
  35. elijah wrote:

    awww sorry im a day late.
    but i couldnt get online yesterday
    but happy birthday!

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 2:30 pm | Permalink
  36. elijah wrote:

    ^
    |
    oops i used the word “but” twice.
    and its really bugging me.
    please overlook it and the double-post..
    >.<

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 2:30 pm | Permalink
  37. jason wrote:

    Thank YOU shannon

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 4:13 pm | Permalink
  38. Shannon wrote:

    Thanks everyone!
    And “Joe”, I just mean that I’ve never had a traditional job or been employed by anyone else… In terms of work-hours, I’ve definitely put in plenty and will continue to.

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 4:15 pm | Permalink
  39. ella wrote:

    happy birthday, Shannon :)

    Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 12:37 am | Permalink
  40. bena wrote:

    late happy b-day!

    Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 9:03 am | Permalink
  41. Vespere wrote:

    Happy Hatchday Shannon, here’s to many, many more.

    Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 10:34 am | Permalink
  42. KJ wrote:

    Happy Birthday Shannon!

    Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 4:40 pm | Permalink
Wow Shannon, that's really annoying! What is it, 1997 on Geocities? Retroweb is NOT cool!

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