Since real columnists (those who I assume earn their living by writing) often produce special year-end columns, why shouldn’t an eGenerations columnist do the same? I assume that those of you who are already hooked on writing are still keeping your journals and planning your memoirs, but the holiday rush probably doesn’t leave much time for writing, and this isn’t a likely time for beginning new writing projects. If you’re not writing right now, at least keep thinking about what you’ll write later.

Random Year-end Thoughts:

Since my first effort appeared here on June 15, 2007, I’ve enjoyed my thirteen column stint. As I’ve said before, one great thing about writing is that it forces the author to think. I’ve needed to face the realities of the writing and publishing worlds, do a lot of reading and some on-line research, and actually try out various methods of self-publishing. I’ve been inspired to complete and publish my writing guide for seniors and my family tribute to my late mother. It would have been easy to stop after my first book, Reinventing Myself (2006).

I’ve appreciated the support of our founder and Editor, even though our generation gap (I’m old enough to be his grandmother) has caused a few minor misunderstandings. I’ve enjoyed the compliments and comments this column has received, but I would have liked much more interaction: more questions and column suggestions, even complaints, from readers. In fact, I’d have liked to have more readers.

I have been happy to discover wonderful new memoir and journal submissions here on eGenerations whenever I have had time to look for them. I don’t always take time to comment, but I’ll try to do better in the new year. Give me your ideas and suggestions for new ways to share our writing on the site.

Last-Minute Holiday Gifts:

Still struggling with a gift list? Can’t afford that new car or flat screen TV or diamond jewelry you’d like to give? Don’t despair. If you have young grandchildren, they probably keep you informed about the latest toys and gadgets on their wish lists, but what about us older folks?

Two gadgets I’ve read about but not checked out personally sound very interesting. The first is one I don’t need myself, but it seems like an ideal solution for the problem of older relatives without computers (and resistant to computers) to whom you would like to be able to email messages and pictures. The HP Printing Mailbox for use with Presto Service “provides a new and easy way to share emails and photos with loved ones who don’t want to deal with the complications of a computer. Email and digital photos print out at your loved one’s home.”

Of course a computer and computer training are great gifts too, but most of us know a few people, often elderly, who just don’t want them. The Printing Mailbox costs about $149, and Presto service is about $9.99 per month or $99 per year. To check this out, go to http://www.amazon.com/Printing-Mailbox-use-Presto-Service/dp/B000JERC8A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1197141570&sr=1-1 or do a search for Presto email.

The second new gadget is on my own wish list, although I don’t really need one: the Flip Video Series Camcorder, also about $149 (but I’ve seen it on sale for $118.49), a small, simple camcorder for shooting short videos (up to 60 minutes). This is apparently not for the very serious video maker, but for the amateur who might want to shoot an occasional video to post on a web site, etc.; it sounds like fun. I’ve never shot a video in my life, but perhaps I’ll want to try some day. This might be a gift for your Internet-enthusiast friends. You can check this out at http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Video-Camcorder-60-Minutes-White/dp/B000ONFQ2K/ref=br_lf_m_1000151251_1_3_img?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=photo&pf_rd_p=318692901&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000151251&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0C5EV137WADKFM2CBRPC or do a search for Flip Video.

If these gadgets are too expensive for your budget or don’t fit your recipients’ needs, how about books, suitable for all generations? Visit your nearest book store or go to Amazon.com, where you can search by author, title, or genre among millions of books and get quick shipping if you’re willing to pay for it. Take time to read the customer reviews there and you’ll probably find something appealing to a friend or relative. The latest best seller? A book about a particular interest? A mystery or thriller? A romance?

How about a serious, useful book about retirement? See my extensive review of Your Retirement, Your Way at http://seniorwriter.blogspot.com/2007/12/retirement-planning-looking-beyond.html

How about humorous fiction about being 73 years old? See 73 at http://seniorwriter.blogspot.com/2007/11/those-73-year-olds-review.html

How about a short, simple writing guide for senior non-writers, Seniorwriting (please forgive the personal plug)? See it at http://www.amazon.com/Seniorwriting-Brief-Guide-Seniors-Write/dp/0741442965/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197145533&sr=1-2

For something even simpler and perhaps less expensive, how about some nice ballpoint pens, such as Bic Pro + or Papermate Dynagrip, and/or pads of writing paper or a journal? Or how about some reams of printer paper? (Be sure to find out if the recipient owns an ink jet or a laser printer; it makes a difference).

Finally, for those less mobile or less fortunate, offer house cleaning services (yours or a professional’s). Offer to cook a meal. Offer transportation for a shopping trip or a medical appointment. What if you can’t afford exotic gifts like cars or flat screen TVs or diamonds? Often it’s the little things that mean the most.

Some Final Words for 2007:

Take time to enjoy the holidays, whichever you celebrate and however you choose to celebrate. Remember your personal highlights of the season so that you can write about them later. I hope to be writing here again in 2008. Please come back, read, comment–and write!