One just needs to walk outside up here at the top of the mitt to feel the energy of the emergence of spring. It seems like the trees are competing for space in the sky. I took a drive south this weekend, and even though it was raining, I could see a different kind of color change as I returned. The light vibrant greens of the birches, the red hues of the oaks and the deep green of the maples were a beautiful backdrop for the flowering trees. Yes, the cherry trees aren’t the only ones displaying beautiful blooms. White, light and deep pinks dominate the fruit trees. Add in the shrubs and new grasses, and I think it’s every bit as beautiful as the autumn display.
Read MoreMusings
The Big Thaw
I looked at the advanced weather report and saw that we’re headed not only for a thaw but a big thaw. In my area, all that snow we received last week is going to turn to water. The ground is still frozen, so it’s going to be a royal mess. Where I live, there are rivers that will be impacted, and well, those who live in a flood plain know the rest. I don’t live in a flood plain. I live near the top of a very large hill, but it doesn’t stop me from being concerned for those that do.
Read More
Binge Culture
in Musings
I’ve been looking into different forms of media binges. Binges are defined as a short period devoted to indulging in an activity to excess. The Oxford Living Dictionary goes on to explain that to binge-watch is to watch multiple episodes of (a television program) in rapid succession. Streaming channels are raking in the dough. For example, according to engadget.com, Netflix aims to have over 700 original TV shows and movies released in 2018. Subscription services like Hulu and Acorn have been digging through the vaults to bring in like programing.
Read More
Never Name Your PC
in Musings
Yesterday, my beloved PC refused to communicate with me. It just flashed a start up picture of a winding river and wouldn’t allow me to interact. Its cold stare reminded me of the mean girls at school whom I tried to talk with. I called in the Webguy, and he and Jake – yes, the real Jake - came up with many solutions to my problem. Yes, I could just use my laptop for everything, splitting the screen but…
Read More
The Muse Versus Reality
I had an idea for a Haunted Series book last summer while I was working on the next Cid Garrett P.I. Series book. I wrote down the bare bones of it and put it in my book ideas file and proceeded to write the third book in the Cid Garret P.I. Series titled Tiny Houses. You would think it would stay and wait there patiently until called upon. Boy was I wrong.
Read More
Two Days Before Christmas
It’s two days before Christmas, and I’m here typing madly, not unlike how the phantom plays his organ (wait, that sounds wrong) his pipe organ (nope, that’s worse). I could go back and start again, maybe with less adolescent humor – something I’m stripped of Amazon stars for… Nah, it wouldn’t be me. Okay, one more try…
Read More
Ten Days Until...
in Musings
Is anyone else having a problem writing a Christmas letter this year? I’m determined not to write a sad letter, so I’d like to point out a conspiracy I’ve discovered. It’s called Holiday Smoke Screen. No, I’m not talking about how some of my relatives and friends lean out the windows of hotels and motels so you can smoke undetected by the management. One day, one of you will fall to your death, and I’ll have to reconcile the fact that at this very moment, I may have cursed you.
Read More
Missing Hammerstein
in Musings
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…” These words were first penned by Oscar Hammerstein II. They were sung by Maria who wanted to calm the children in her care during a frightful thunderstorm. Later, they would have more than thunderstorms to worry about. Still, the thought of writing something to pull us out of the gloom, I know, appeals to every songwriter, novelist, essayist, and humorist out there. It’s just so hard to do.
I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by comedians, also known as my friends and family. Still, they are having a hard time too. What to do, what to do…?