Does art need to convey a message? As a writer, my main job is to tell a story. Most stories focus on the wants of a character. For example, my protagonist may want answers, may want a change of scenery, may want love, may want revenge…you get the idea. Recently, I was thinking about this…
Bradbury Challenge Update 4 [Writing]
I’m still going strong with my personal challenge. I’ve written four short story drafts in nine weeks. Not bad. At this rate, I’ll have my next short story collection written much quicker than I expected. This most recent story, “Alone in the City”, was another one that started in a dream. In fact, when I…
My Garden of Horror [Nature]
I’ve written about my little garden of horror in the past and sharing my love of carnivorous plants. They’re so unique and beautiful that sometimes I just like to spend time looking at them, waiting patiently for the next victim to arrive. My favorites are the pitcher plants. They come in such a wide variety…
Music Moment – Little Boy Blues [Music]
For this Music Moment, I thought I’d share an instrumental song that’s always been a favorite of mine. Well, at least since high school. The song, “Little Boy Blues”, was written and performed by the Canadian rock trio, Triumph. It was the final song on their 1984 album, Thunder Seven. The band played an interesting…
Mushroom Update [Gardening]
A few weeks back I posted about the mushroom grow kit I picked up from NorthSpore. Blue oyster mushrooms, to be exact. The instructions that came with the kit said the spores should start to do their thing in about two weeks. Lo and behold, thirteen days later…mushrooms! Well, not full-grown mushrooms, but they started…
Banned Books Week [Books]
The last week of September is Banned Books Week here in the U.S. Sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA), the purpose is to draw attention to censorship and to celebrate the freedom to read. From September 26th through October 2nd, the ALA sponsors events at libraries and schools around the country. There are talks…
Bradbury Challenge Update 3 [Writing]
My third two-week period of this challenge was productive. I completed another short story draft, did a lot of reading, and felt like it all put me in a good mental state. In other words, being productive releases endorphins. At least, it does for me. Sort of like a what happens when I enjoy a…
Visualizing as a Reader [Books]
Here’s a question for you: What do you see when you read a story? Is it just the words on the page, or do you picture the setting and characters? Does a lot of description help your imagination, or do you prefer sparse description so you can fill in the blanks with your imagination? As…
Making Mushrooms [Cooking]
So my partner has been on a mushroom kick lately. I think it started when she happened upon this YouTube channel. I was also pulled in after watching a few of their videos. I’ve always enjoyed mushrooms, incorporate them into a few of my dishes, but I really don’t know much about them. White button,…
Bradbury Challenge – Update 2.1
Fueled by a bit of inspiration and a couple shot of tequila, I finished my latest draft. That’s the second one I’ve completed in the past four weeks. And yes, if feels good. Apparently, I was much closer to the finish line than I thought in my last update. I’m also still working my way…