Monday, December 16, 2013
Bye bye Jojo
The daughter of Jojo's owner picked her up. I'll miss the cute little sweetheart. She used to always greet me at the door. Talked to me constantly, and she loved to do head bumps. And brushings. She would stand on my lap for brushings. Really miss you sweetie.
About time for another update
I'm slowly working through putting images in my sidesword book. Not sure if it will be ready for print by the end of the year as I have a group taking some pics for it.
On the writing front, I have started working on the sequel to After the Collapse. It is set on the Navajo reservation and parts of the book will be in Navajo with translations as footnotes. I will also be including photos I have taken on the Navajo reservation.
I have a lot of projects in mind for 2014. Finishing my sidesword primer, publishing the sequel, and then an erotic thriller and a Victorian fantasy involving fairies and critters from the fey realms.
So... keep an eye out for my updates!
On the writing front, I have started working on the sequel to After the Collapse. It is set on the Navajo reservation and parts of the book will be in Navajo with translations as footnotes. I will also be including photos I have taken on the Navajo reservation.
I have a lot of projects in mind for 2014. Finishing my sidesword primer, publishing the sequel, and then an erotic thriller and a Victorian fantasy involving fairies and critters from the fey realms.
So... keep an eye out for my updates!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Fallout from losing a friend
An old friend by the name of Herb Klaus passed away from complications of cancer and whipple surgery a short time ago. A number of us knew Herb from the early 1980's. Unfortunately I didn't have much left to grieve many of the others in our group of friends did. I'm not sure exactly why but Herb and I grew apart. Perhaps it was because his wife did not approve of the activities we did together before they were married; rock climbing, fencing, role playing gaming, watching movies and having parties and get togethers...
Before he died he was living in texas with his family. Many of us could not go out to the funeral there. Although I had the feeling we would not have been welcome anyway. His wife and their friends were evangelical.
Today we held a private memorial get together for Herb. We had announced it and his wife went ballistic. She basically told us we could not remember our friend. That we did not know who he was. You see, she controlled his life and now was no longer in control. She tried to tell us that our memories and our history with him did not matter.
Talking to my friend Aleia (a grief counselor who helps people who are dying from terminal illness), she mentioned that she believes Evangelicals and other fanatics from Christianity and other religions are mentally ill. I have to agree with her. they are living in such a dream world that I believe they really are mentally ill.
She has to grieve to recover. Can you imagine what an Evangelical goes through when all of their prayers go unanswered. On his status page talking about his progress and lack thereof with his cancer, the posts became more and more religious over the many months. How can a person who believes so strongly that God will answer their prayers cope when those prayers are not answered? How?
Before he died he was living in texas with his family. Many of us could not go out to the funeral there. Although I had the feeling we would not have been welcome anyway. His wife and their friends were evangelical.
Today we held a private memorial get together for Herb. We had announced it and his wife went ballistic. She basically told us we could not remember our friend. That we did not know who he was. You see, she controlled his life and now was no longer in control. She tried to tell us that our memories and our history with him did not matter.
Talking to my friend Aleia (a grief counselor who helps people who are dying from terminal illness), she mentioned that she believes Evangelicals and other fanatics from Christianity and other religions are mentally ill. I have to agree with her. they are living in such a dream world that I believe they really are mentally ill.
She has to grieve to recover. Can you imagine what an Evangelical goes through when all of their prayers go unanswered. On his status page talking about his progress and lack thereof with his cancer, the posts became more and more religious over the many months. How can a person who believes so strongly that God will answer their prayers cope when those prayers are not answered? How?
Monday, November 4, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Good mews
I'm getting the final edits from my editor tonight. So within a few days Storm Over Nepal should go to print.
On a health front, doing a little netter after seing an arhletic trainer for a month. Knees have stopped hurting and I am able to sustain higher rates of activity longer.
Jojo the cat is doing well and living in my shop now. What a sweet cat.
Friday, September 20, 2013
The storm's progress
Storm Over Nepal is progressing nicely. Last edit being finished right now by my editor. I have the layout started and just need to get the ISBN's and put in the edits when sent to me. Sooooo, hopefully be complete and ready to print by the end of September.
I have a little bit written for Power On The Rez, the sequel to after the collapse. Plans are to have that done by the end of the year if at all possible. Sooooooo....... very busy.
I have a little bit written for Power On The Rez, the sequel to after the collapse. Plans are to have that done by the end of the year if at all possible. Sooooooo....... very busy.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Latest edits
I have the latest edits in hand from my editor. I should have them all in by the end of the labor day weekend and then one more look through by a few people before getting ready for print! I'm looking forward to releasing this one. I think it will be a bigger sell than my first book which I am doing a sequel for starting in late September or October.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Storm Over Nepal update
The second draft has gone out to readers and the editor. So we're on the road to the short haul. Also, for those not familiar with the subject, here is a ditty...
Sean was an aspiring trader. The fine dinner he was having at the Hotel Victoria was just what he needed after a successful venture when a foreigner approached him with a task. What would taking on this task portend for airship Captain Sean Armstrong and his crew of the Skylark?
Sean was an aspiring trader. The fine dinner he was having at the Hotel Victoria was just what he needed after a successful venture when a foreigner approached him with a task. What would taking on this task portend for airship Captain Sean Armstrong and his crew of the Skylark?
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Ready to get your grump on?
I just love, no wait, hate, grumpy cat. What a phenomenon. So a book is coming out and now they have Grumpy Cat cappuccino. Otherwise known as Grumpuccino.
So...
Get your grump on!
http://mbsy.co/gGpq
So...
Get your grump on!
http://mbsy.co/gGpq
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Plans for the next year
I have plans for a number of books this coming year. First is completing Storm Over Nepal; a book about an airship captain taking on a risky job.
Then the following
Am also hoping to get the pictures finished for my primer on the use of the sidesword.
Then the following
- Power on the Rez - a sequel to After the Collapse set on the Navajo Reservation.
- A book set in the countryside of southern England where a military Major must stop an incursion of goblins into the real world with the help of local brownies and faieries.
- Mask of Vapours - an erotic thriller set in the Victorian era.
Am also hoping to get the pictures finished for my primer on the use of the sidesword.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Italy
It's been two weeks since I came back from Europe. May I go back please. The trip was so relaxing. My gout went away muscle and nerve issues started to subside.
Italy was nice. We visited Rome. Stayed in the Hotel Panama in the suburbs. Beautiful old school hotel. The staff was wonderful. Although hot and humid we enjoyed the downtown area. Saw Vatican City, the coliseum, the Roman forum and other sites.
The highlight of the trip for me was Spain. Old Madrid and especially Sevilla impressed me. I've fallen in love with Sevilla and may use it and Càdiz in a book. The central city of Sevilla is to die for. Narrow streets amongst tall buildings make for a cool environment. The Moors really knew how to build cities in hot climates. My favourite bar was the Bar Campanaria. Excellent drinks and very tasty food. I highly recommend this bar on the Calle Mateos Gago near the cathedral. We stayed across the street at a hostel run by nuns. Beautiful place and the sisters were accommodating of Americans who spoke only a little Spanish.
The beach at Càdiz, all white sand, was expansive. Topless beach. Many Americans would have been aghast. It was refreshing to see how easy going everyone was. The Atlantic there is very cold. Had lunch at a Cervesaria on the beach and dinner in the old city.
The trains and metro in Spain are easy to navigate. The ride by train from Sevilla to Càdiz and back was relaxing.
Progress on Storm Over Nepal.
The first draft of the book is off to test readers and to the editor. I'm hoping to fast track the book so it can come out in September. Then it's "get to work" on the sequel to After the Collapse.
Arte of Defence is now being carried by Amazon and other booksellers.
Arte of Defence is now being carried by Amazon and other booksellers.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Changes
My younger son is at college orientation today. Even though he is going to the University I work and teach at, things are changing. Today for orientation he went off with friends leaving me in the dust. As a parent we have to let go but it is still hard. So come fall, my wife and I will be empty nesters as he is living on campus for his freshman year. After that we'll see what happens. He has the option to move back home till he graduates or to live off campus with friends.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Fencing
One of the reasons I am leaving the WMA Community is the general lack of following the teachings of the masters. It really isn't that hard these days to find translations and reasonable information. And there are a few good teachers out there. But there are a lot of bad ones as well. What I see year after year is poke and pray and thuggish behaviour. It's a shame.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Yep, end of an era
Tonight was my last night taking part in WMA as a participant or a teacher. After a meltdown teying to work past angina and continue on, I just can't do it anymore.
Updates
I saw a number of docs. My bone doc put me on allipurinol to help with the gout. Then saw my lipidologist who took me off niacin till the gout clears up and then I go back on slowly but only up to half what I used to take. And my interventional cardiologist wants me in for a stress test in May. oh what fun.
So I saw a post the other day that was given by John Dehlin, a Mormon supporter who has basically screwed a bunch of the ex-mormon community.
John Dehlin has posted the following:
"To those who want to tear down religion....I say this.
My sense is that most humans want/need: 1) deep/rich social interaction and community, 2) a compelling sense of meaning/purpose, including a way to deal/cope with existential concerns and death, 3) some sort of moral "code" to live by, 4) some sort of spiritual nourishment, and 5) something (or someone) to inspire/uplift them, etc.
Consequently, I believe that the most ethical and productive efforts that we will see in the coming years will not come from those that seek to criticize, mock, or tear down religions, but instead will come from those that seek to build up (create) something that is inherently more valuable/compelling.
In short, you must strive to create/build/maintain something superior. Plain and simple.
If you can pull it off, God bless you. I (and likely God) will be your biggest fan(s). Until then, I feel like you are simply dogs barking at trains."
So here is my response:
I found JD disingenuous. 1) Deep and rich social action need not come through a church. I have done the same with social groups such as Scottish Societies or with my fencing students. One just need look. 2) My atheist friends cope just fine with death without the need for existential baggage. I am an agnostic. I believe when you die the light goes out and that is it. It makes me savour life the more. 3) Moral code does not just come from religion it comes from human nature. I prefer being ethical over moral. Religious morality allows for genocide, slavery, ill treatment of women, etc. 4) There are lots of forms of spiritual nourishment. How about reading good books? Or perhaps communing with nature. Religion does not have the monopoly on touching the "soul" of man. 5) You know what uplifts me? People like those that ran into the face of danger in Boston to help others. The man in the cowboy hat who had lost so much being there and helping the ones who were so devastatingly injured. People who go into communities and help to build up and fix up those communities. A single parent who raises a good child. A man who despite dying from cancer fights on for his family (personal experience with a friend who just died). That is what inspires me. Not a multi-million or billion dollar organization who's mission is simply to make money and not turn it over to the poor.
Now if I call out that or those organizations, and point out how they are not living up to the simplest commandment of their saviour, that is, to sell all and give it to the poor and follow him while loving neighbour as self, then so be it, I am a dog barking at a train. a train that is leading their passengers away from their saviour's mission. Read the New Testament in Greek. It is very very clear. In my estimation, pointing out difficiencies and issues is not a dog barking. It is necessary to effect change.
So I saw a post the other day that was given by John Dehlin, a Mormon supporter who has basically screwed a bunch of the ex-mormon community.
John Dehlin has posted the following:
"To those who want to tear down religion....I say this.
My sense is that most humans want/need: 1) deep/rich social interaction and community, 2) a compelling sense of meaning/purpose, including a way to deal/cope with existential concerns and death, 3) some sort of moral "code" to live by, 4) some sort of spiritual nourishment, and 5) something (or someone) to inspire/uplift them, etc.
Consequently, I believe that the most ethical and productive efforts that we will see in the coming years will not come from those that seek to criticize, mock, or tear down religions, but instead will come from those that seek to build up (create) something that is inherently more valuable/compelling.
In short, you must strive to create/build/maintain something superior. Plain and simple.
If you can pull it off, God bless you. I (and likely God) will be your biggest fan(s). Until then, I feel like you are simply dogs barking at trains."
So here is my response:
I found JD disingenuous. 1) Deep and rich social action need not come through a church. I have done the same with social groups such as Scottish Societies or with my fencing students. One just need look. 2) My atheist friends cope just fine with death without the need for existential baggage. I am an agnostic. I believe when you die the light goes out and that is it. It makes me savour life the more. 3) Moral code does not just come from religion it comes from human nature. I prefer being ethical over moral. Religious morality allows for genocide, slavery, ill treatment of women, etc. 4) There are lots of forms of spiritual nourishment. How about reading good books? Or perhaps communing with nature. Religion does not have the monopoly on touching the "soul" of man. 5) You know what uplifts me? People like those that ran into the face of danger in Boston to help others. The man in the cowboy hat who had lost so much being there and helping the ones who were so devastatingly injured. People who go into communities and help to build up and fix up those communities. A single parent who raises a good child. A man who despite dying from cancer fights on for his family (personal experience with a friend who just died). That is what inspires me. Not a multi-million or billion dollar organization who's mission is simply to make money and not turn it over to the poor.
Now if I call out that or those organizations, and point out how they are not living up to the simplest commandment of their saviour, that is, to sell all and give it to the poor and follow him while loving neighbour as self, then so be it, I am a dog barking at a train. a train that is leading their passengers away from their saviour's mission. Read the New Testament in Greek. It is very very clear. In my estimation, pointing out difficiencies and issues is not a dog barking. It is necessary to effect change.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Ugh
Things are getting worse. Walking with a cane now since I am having issues walking. Joint pain is increasing. Luckily I see the doc on Friday. Hopefully we can work out some sort of mix that will help my uric acid overproduction. Unfortunately one of the drugs I take to help with arteriosclerosis causes elevated uric acid levels. I'll be seeing the doc for that later in the month.
The NAU fencing club (I'm the coach) has lost a practice location and so we're shut down at least for the semester. I'm getting to the point that I don't care. I've been the coach since the mid 1980's and have had space issues the whole time. As I am giving up WMA in general due to health and other issues, not having the fencing club doesn't bother me too much. Like seeing an old friend die.
On the writing front, I have ideas for the sequel to After the Collapse and even have one scene written. I'm in the process of writing a steampunk novel based off my short story Storm Over Nepal. That got good reviews from people I shared it with so a novel is now in the works.
Art of Defense is in final edit. Once done in about a week then it is final setup for print.
The NAU fencing club (I'm the coach) has lost a practice location and so we're shut down at least for the semester. I'm getting to the point that I don't care. I've been the coach since the mid 1980's and have had space issues the whole time. As I am giving up WMA in general due to health and other issues, not having the fencing club doesn't bother me too much. Like seeing an old friend die.
On the writing front, I have ideas for the sequel to After the Collapse and even have one scene written. I'm in the process of writing a steampunk novel based off my short story Storm Over Nepal. That got good reviews from people I shared it with so a novel is now in the works.
Art of Defense is in final edit. Once done in about a week then it is final setup for print.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Yep, still redundant
Over the next month I am seeing a couple of different cardiologists to see if anything can be done for me. Most of the time I am able to walk. Exercise has been problematic of late though. Shortness of breath.
People tell me I can still teach and have something to contribute. I don't know anymore. But things have changed. I'm no longer asked to teach. Yeah it hurts.
I've come to grips with my mortality. Many days I'm just ready to go and not be sick anymore. But I'm still here. SO yeah, last yeah for WMA.
People tell me I can still teach and have something to contribute. I don't know anymore. But things have changed. I'm no longer asked to teach. Yeah it hurts.
I've come to grips with my mortality. Many days I'm just ready to go and not be sick anymore. But I'm still here. SO yeah, last yeah for WMA.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Redundancy
re·dun·dant
/riˈdəndənt/
Adjective
| |
Synonyms
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Friday, January 11, 2013
Latest Story
Storm Over Nepal is completed and in the hands of some test readers. I also posted it on my poetry and prose page. I am going to look for some emags that might publish steampunk pieces and make some submissions.
Next project... Work on Mask of Vapours - an erotic thriller set in the 1890's. This is also a steampunk piece.
Next project... Work on Mask of Vapours - an erotic thriller set in the 1890's. This is also a steampunk piece.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Happy New Year!
2012 is passed and gone. We survived a number of apocalypses. Wow. No rapture. No Mayan end of the world. Now what will we do?
On the book front, I have sold a number of copies myself and have been getting sales on Kindle and print. Yay!
On the writing front I have the first draft of a steampunk short story done. Am looking for test readers. I have an editor in mind so that one is covered hopefully.
Now for all the things to do this year.
Publish the short story, write another Olivia Crawford novella, finish my erotic thriller, get the new edition of AoD out in print, and finish the pictures and video for my sidesword book.
And take my younger son to Europe!
On the book front, I have sold a number of copies myself and have been getting sales on Kindle and print. Yay!
On the writing front I have the first draft of a steampunk short story done. Am looking for test readers. I have an editor in mind so that one is covered hopefully.
Now for all the things to do this year.
Publish the short story, write another Olivia Crawford novella, finish my erotic thriller, get the new edition of AoD out in print, and finish the pictures and video for my sidesword book.
And take my younger son to Europe!
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