If you weren’t aware, there’s a medical term for when people get depressed when the seasons change. It’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and it’s a recognized medical condition. I get a touch of it in the middle of winter. I’m not a fan of the bitter cold. Toss in those gray, rainy days on…
Bradbury Challenge Update 5 [Writing]
I’m a bit late on this update, but I’ve been churning out words. The challenge has been going well and I think I’m at the point where I need to switch to editing mode. I’ve written five stories over ten weeks. That makes me happy, gives me a sense of accomplishment. I could keep going,…
The Pros and Cons of Isolation [Creativity]
It’s been nearly two years since the initial COVID lockdown here in the US. My previous employer sent me home to work March of 2020, and I only returned to the office for a couple of months earlier this year. I’m still working remote, home alone all day Monday through Friday, pounding out content at…
Another Music Moment – Jeff Beck [Music]
I’ve had a busy week and didn’t have time to work on all my projects, so for today I thought it would be fun to share another musician who both entertains and inspires me. Jeff Beck has a storied history as a guitarist. He played with the Yardbirds, the Jeff Beck Group, Rod Stewart, and…
Messaging in Art [Writing]
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…