It's The Little Things That Help...

We've joined millions of others during this unusual time and taken up the leisurely activity of puzzle-putting together. And the puzzle maker of choice for our family belongs to Eric Dowdle and his amazing folk art masterpieces.

Last Sunday we put together yet another great puzzle--The Black Hills puzzle was a little tougher than the one of Niagara Falls we put together on Easter.

Since Dowdle puzzles are the only ones we've bought in the past several years, I don't know if their packaging of the puzzles is unique. It's cool that the puzzles sit on a shelf like a good book. And because of this, we don't get the advantage of looking at the top of a puzzle box to get a better look at the picture. Because of this, the people at Dowdle Folk Art puzzles include a nice printed picture of the finished product in each box.

When we put together the Niagara Falls puzzle, I had a simple--but self-admittedly--brilliant idea. I took the printed picture included in the puzzle and made full color copies, one for each puzzle participant.

I know, it's a small thing, but passing around the single picture again and again, or worse yet, picking up the box to get a better idea of where a particular piece goes was a pain. So, if this little idea helps, I say go for it. It's on the house.

Trying On-Line Tap Dancing Lessons...I Mean, Why Not?

I got into the performing game--the "recognized" performing game--sort of late in life. I did things here and there, but I never took formal dance lessons, and it's hard to be a triple threat without proper instruction. I missed the opportunity to learn these things as a kid--after all, track and sports was more important, or so I thought. As an adult, I've been cast in many local community theater productions, not due to my dancing skills, but more because of my gender.

I've frustrated many a choreographer over the years.

Though I love watching a good dance routine, one thing I've always admired is tap. Watching Singing in the Rain last week reminded me of just how amazing tap is. But can I do it? In a show I did two years ago (can't believe it's been two years already...), I learned a short tap dance. We didn't wear tap shoes, but I hope it looked good--the other dancers were able to pick up the steps well enough. And it was fun.

While on a break at work this week, I did a quick internet search--tap dancing for beginners.

I happened upon Bill Simpson's Just Tap YouTube channel. You can access his first lesson: HERE, and you can check out Bill's website: HERE. I started the video, and spent a few minutes giving it a shot. I thought I had mastered the two most important tap dance steps--the Ball Heel, and the Ball Dig.

Great! I thought. I'll try the Time Step. Fire up the next lesson!

Nope--I wasn't ready. Today I went back to the first lesson and did the original steps again. I'll try the Time Step later.

I have no idea what will come of this. I don't know if I'll ever get down the basics or look cool tap dancing like those who really can tap look. I don't really need that--I'd settle for something that gets my heart rate up and makes me feel happy. And I think that's doable.

This week I tried on-line Tap Dancing lessons, something I've never done before but always wanted to do.

I Will No Longer Live In Fear...For That's Hardly Living

In Michael Crichton's novel, State of Fear, the author imagines a world where, after the end of the Cold War, leaders needed something to replace the terror the world felt for decades, a fear that at any moment nuclear war could destroy us all. Crichton chose environmentalism as a way to scare people to death. The book failed to receive the critical praise enjoyed by his other works, mostly because he portrayed some environmentalists as having motives other than just saving the planet.

Can't do that, not in our modern politically correct world.

Another author, Victor Frankel, in his book, Man's Search for Meaning, details the almost unimaginable horror humans can inflict on each other. Frankel survived WWII by realizing--and putting into place--the notion that no matter what others do to you, no matter how terrible life is, the individual is in control of their reactions to what life gives them. 

Both literary examples show how fear is used to control others, fear of death, fear of pain, fear of illness, fear of others. A scared person is a person controlled. Today, I came to the realization that I'm sick of being afraid, or being told I should be afraid. I'm done with being manipulated to believe other's conclusions, to believe the facts others have chosen--facts filtered through their ideologies (while ignoring facts that disagree with those ideologies...)--all in an attempt to make me do/think/believe as they want me to do/think/believe.

If a man can see evil almost eliminate an entire race from the face of the earth--including his wife and family--and he triumphs, then I can face the uncertain world that exists today. After all, I'm not guaranteed a pain-free life, a life without death or trials. Just the opposite, in fact. To quote an incredibly impactful movie, "Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something."

They're selling fear and I'm no longer a customer.

My proclamation changes next to nothing--the virus still exists. People will continue to get sick and die, maybe even me. Then again, a man in his mid-50s with no knowledge of family health problems, could go at any time...virus, or not. The simple act of living by default increases the likelihood of death. 

As with anything, this is my goal. There are things that scare me and will continue to scare me. But, I'm going to try and look at things differently, do better, be less afraid. Because living in fear...well, that's hardly living at all.

Detailing With Decals...Almost Finished

Donk the Car needed something. It needed to improve its personality--nothing major...

But what?

Yes, it needed an Apple Computer decal.

Luckily, that's what we had.

Actually, we were doing some spring cleaning a few weeks ago and I found a set of Apple logo decals from an Apple Store purchase, most likely from when we picked up an iPhone. Since the decals were so small, I decided that Donk, the Subaru Forester would be adorned with a symbol of capitalism. 

Donks' previous owner had a decal on a side window from Big Sur, California. I've never been to Big Sur, California, but I liked the sticker. Before I bought the car, he said he'd remove the decal, but I told him to leave it--I wanted to keep it as a reminder of the previous owner, a memento to remind me of how good he took care of the car.

I've had Apple decals on most of my cars. The one that I had on my old car, a car now owned by my daughter, was showing its age, so I scraped off the old sticker, of which only half remained, and applied a new one. I probably should have asked for her permission to do that--I'm thinking this for the first time as I'm writing this--but I didn't. I hope it's okay.

I'm not a big "bumper sticker" guy. There's a lot of things I won't put on my car, political ads being one of them. And I suppose I could stop by just having the Apple decal attached to the rear window. But, it's not finished. There's one more thing I'd like to add to make Donk complete.

I need to find a DK or a Dannebrog decal. There's one on the family van (DK sticker) and there's a Dannebrog (Danish flag) on my daughter's car. Now, I just need to find one for Donk the Subaru. Then, if I never add anything else, that'd be okay.

It's Not All Bad...I Mean, We Did Get A New Road

We had one day's warning, a slip of paper stuck in our door letting us know that between 7am and 7pm the next day, work would be done on our street.

What did that mean?

We had no idea.

At 7:30am, we found out. They were going to pave our entire dead-end cul-de-sac street. We had no idea--the road wasn't in that bad of shape. There's something about watching large machines at work--they're fascinating. I spent much of the morning just watching what they did. And thanks to the time-lapse video feature on my aging, yet still reliable iPhone, I caught a couple of videos that are mesmerizing as well.

I guess someone, somewhere decided our street was due for a facelift. It's probably been approved and budgeted for years. It was weird seeing a crew (even a small crew...) out and about while it's been pushed into our brains to stay home, don't socialize. The crew that did the job was extremely professional and, for the most part, stayed apart from each other.

I know, because I watched them all morning.

I've lived on the same street for over four decades. When we first moved back in 1970, the road wasn't even paved--it was still dirt. I can't remember the last time they paved the entire street. They did pave the end of the road back when we built our house, but I don't think they did the whole thing.

Yes, even in the middle of a world-wide pandemic, some small things--like a new road--can happen. It's true--I saw it with my own eyes.

My Family...Back Then

I have this photo hanging up in our house. It's my family, taken circa 1968, possibly around Christmas or maybe early 1969. I'm the cute kid on the left. I was probably three-years old.

Since my parents are gone, I think about them often. My mom lived through her children's teenage years, and beyond. My dad never got the chance. I used to wonder what my dad would think of modern events. For example, what would he have thought about the internet, or personal computers. I don't think about that very often now because he, being born in 1924, would be ninety-six years old today and the odds say he'd be gone before now, anyway. He might have seen the Internet Age, but not a world shut down because of a virus.

My mom lived into her seventies. She saw her kids grow, get married, and have kids of their own. She was a wife, mother, and grandmother, and I believe loved each title.

When I see this picture, I think of all that's passed, all that's happened. My dad, having survived the Great Depression, a broken family, enlisting and seeing combat in WWII, earning an engineering degree and securing a good job, would only live a few years after this picture was taken. I've outlived my father by half a decade--that's a strange thought. I've seen my kids grow (no grandkids yet, though...). I'm seeing things and living through things he might not have been able to fathom, advances in every science, every technology, and billions living better lives because of it.

Back then, my parents sat with their three little miracles, three children from three different mothers and fathers, adopted into a new unit. They were the Taylors and for a split second, we all stared at the photographer and smiled (except for my sister...). So many experiences to come, so many joys, so many tears, triumphs, tragedies. I love this picture because it shows unlimited potential...the ultimate "before" shot, so much happiness.

Hence, the power of memories, and the images that release them.

The Things You Learn...Even With The Smallest Business

Tomorrow morning, my son will once again resume operations for Taylor Academy Plants, or A Simple Life Plants (the latter is my son's name for the business, and I like it better...). He'll set up the table, put up the signs, bring out the plants...

And wait.

Hence, the nature of commerce. You provide a good and/or service, and if that good and/or service is needed and worth the price, customers will purchase the good and/or service and everyone's happy. It's a process that's been successful for millennia, one I hope can continue for years to come.

My son has run into issues while getting product moved. Last week was a classic example. The night before our second Sidewalk Plant sale, we received a note stuck in our door. Turns out the city was going to do some road work right in front of our house.

At 7:30am, the trucks rolled in. They were done with our section of the road by 10:30am-ish. The sidewalk sale was to go on from 9am to noon-ish. When uncontrollable factors impact your operation, you can either learn from it, or curse it and blame others.

I know it's a stretch to suggest the road work greatly impacted his business. I mean, people aren't exactly beating down the door each Saturday morning. But, if anyone wanted to stop by, they'd have to circumnavigate pavers, steamrollers, and dump trucks to get to us.

I don't have the most business experience, but I'm trying to teach my son about promotion, marketing, inventory, and rolling with the punches. Tomorrow morning he'll be out--most likely with Nintendo Switch in hand--waiting to serve his customer base.

Here's to another week of experience...

And, hopefully, profit.

A Little Trip Around The Block...

Last Monday, after dinner and dishes, I decided to go for a little walk. Unlike many, we're blessed to be able to actually leave the house. And, not only leave, but wander around a bit.

I took advantage.

And took a short trip around the neighborhood.

My first destination was the Free Community Pantry (blog post #3376--you can link to it: HERE). Before the whole world changed, the scouts held a food drive. We put several cans of chili out on Saturday morning and by Saturday evening the cans were still at the curb. I thought since we were giving them away anyway, might as well donate them to the community pantry.

After that, I veered from my straight shot leading home and ventured around a bit. I decided to visit a family in the neighborhood/congregation (where we live, they're one in the same...) that I'm sort of responsible for. Each family in the congregation/neighborhood is assigned to a few other families to make sure they're doing okay. In normal times, we check on their physical, but mostly spiritual well-being. Now, because we don't see them every Sunday, we have no way of knowing how they're doing with anything/everything. Turns out, they're doing well--they have provisions (food, work, toilet paper...).

From there, I turned toward home. It wasn't a long walk--less than a mile--but it felt good to smell the fresh air and get in a little exercise. Plus, I saw neighbors I hadn't seen in weeks. Thankfully, I'm able to still get out. I should do it more often.

Everyone Needs Some Good News...

By now, most have seen the YouTube videos from John Krasinski and his friends under the headline Some Good News. If you haven't, you really need to stop what you're doing and watch them, watch all four of them in a row. It will take about an hour, but it won't feel like it.

It's obvious, we--as inhabitants on a planet in crisis--need good news. We need it when it comes to the virus, we need it when it comes to jobs, to families, to our health, to everything. If you can see through the negativity, you'll find millions of people doing things for others...

And it's wonderful.

Because we all access to people, our reach can be global, or affecting only a few. Mr. Krasinski, due to his fame and talents, has tremendous reach. Sure, anyone can make and post a video on YouTube, but getting people to watch is another story. Thankfully, if you've followed popular culture for the past fifteen years, you know who John Krasinski is and because of that, if you know/like him, you'll watch Some Good News.

Impactful media makes you want to take action--good or bad. After watching the latest episode of Some Good News, a couple of things came to mind--I wanted to find more good news stories, I wanted to be someone who did good things for others, and I wished I had the kind of reach Mr. Krasinski has earned. But, the more I thought about that last point, the less it mattered. I can do what I can do--I can affect a few people (even one...) more than the masses. The important thing is doing something, anything for others.

Another point struck me, after watching these videos--that is Mr. Krasinski's motives. There's a quote from a little Hugh Grant film, The Rewrite, where a college student tells the inexperienced newly-hired college professor (Grant) that celebrities are like Greek Gods in our modern society. The student explains that celebrities are larger than life--they're literally Gods. I apologize if I'm getting the lines wrong; it's been a while since I saw the movie. Using this definition, what celebrities say or do has weight...massive weight. Because of this insane time we're in, we are inundated with the actions and words of celebrities, whether we want to see and hear them or not.

But what did Mr. Krasinski choose to do and say? He chose to be positive, to do good. I've never met Mr. Krasinski (though, it would be fun to do so...), his actions speak volumes as to the type of person he is. I'm sure he has opinions about the world situation, our leaders and what they're doing, and if he chose to voice his opinions, many would listen. But, he chose good. Good is universal, good is truth, and right now, good is desperately needed.

Thank you, Mr. Krasinski for what you're doing--for your choices--and I look forward to more.

Jay Barson's "Blood Creek Phantom"...Available Today

There are some things going on that--for the slightest of moments--make you believe life is operating as normal. No, it's not being able to do many of the things we used to do without thinking of the ramifications. But, when a new book is launched into the world, well...that's something that used to happen and still happens now.

With today's release of Blood Creek Phantom, Jay Barnson has added to his Blood Creek Series, all published through Immortal Works. Since it's the third in the series, and I believe there will be at least one more volume. However, you never know what plans the muse has. Here's a short description of each book so far:

Blood Creek Witch, Blood Creek Series Vol. 1

Deep in the Appalachian Mountains, a monstrous evil rises, and the only one who can stand against it is a teen-aged witch who doesn’t believe in magic.

Grieving and lost after the death of her parents, Jenny Morgan is sent to West Virginia to live with an aunt she’s never met. It’s there that Jenny is confronted with an unbelievable family heritage of witchcraft and magic – something she immediately dismisses as old-fashioned superstitions. However, once her new home is threatened by deadly horrors straight out of myth and folklore, her aunt’s stories become impossible to ignore.

Now Jenny and her three new friends – friends with dark secrets all their own - are the only ones who stand a chance of stopping the growing evil, but only if Jenny can embrace her arcane heritage. But little does Jenny know, becoming a witch will attract the attention of an even greater evil - the same un-killable creature her parents died to protect her from.

Blood Creek Beast, Blood Creek Series Vol 2

For years, Jack Parsons dreamed of escaping the tiny community of Maple Bend, West Virginia. Now he is trapped in another world entirely. Seeking help to protect the crossroads from the immortal “man in the white suit” and his Coven, Jack ventures into the world ‘Round the Bend, a mirror-image of West Virginia more wondrous, and more dangerous, than he had ever imagined.

On the other side of the crossroads, the Coven pursues Jessabelle Rose with plans to use her shape-shifting powers for their own dark ends. Jessabelle must choose between flight or fight; to escape the Coven forever, or risk everything to protect her family.

What began with mysterious deaths deep in the Appalachian Mountains now threatens to engulf two worlds. Witchcraft and creatures of folklore mix with shadowy high-tech organizations and political intrigue in this thrilling tale of magic and adventure.

Blood Creek Phantom, Blood Creek Series Vol 3

An army of the living and an army of the dead converge on the Crossroads, and the fate of two worlds hangs in the balance.

Sean Williams can see the ghosts of the dead rising in Maple Bend. They can see him, too—including the vengeful spirit of a serial murderer hunting him. To save Maple Bend from the plans of the Man in the White Suit, Sean must put the dead to rest—but doing so may cost him the girl who haunts his dreams.

Beyond the Crossroads, a powerful army approaches, led by the evil daughter of the Man in the White Suit. Jenny Morgan, an inexperienced witch self-exiled to this magical parallel version of West Virginia, stands with the defenders to halt a vastly superior force. But is she truly part of the last line of defense against the darkness, or is she the key to its victory?

You can order the book today from Amazon: HERE. 

Writing any book is an incredible feat. Writing three--expanding the universe--compounds the difficulty with each volume. I'm so impressed with friends who have the creativity, the self-discipline to complete the project, and through it all, remaining sane.

The writer's triple threat.

Congrats to Jay! Well done on Book 3!

On to the next!

Seeing Good...Wherever You Look

Vandals hit our front door last week.

Of course, it's the type of social disturbance we not only enjoy, but encourage. 

Neighbors doing something nice for each other.

Because we live in a religious area, those in our congregation are looking out for each other. Yes, we all live in close proximity of each other, but for them to take the time to make the cut outs, print the quotes, and attach them to the door...it's a little humbling.

I wonder, if the past five weeks of solitude had not happened, how different things would be. Actually, they wouldn't be "different" than the way they were before. Amazing what a global invisible killing virus can do to a community, a congregation, neighbors, friends, relatives, strangers.

Yes, there's a lot of crap out there, and we can focus on it all day long. But, if you look a little deeper, look through the noise and clutter, you'll see the good--it may even be taped to your front door. 

Yes, the good is as powerful as anything the other side has to offer--even stronger. You just have to look.

A Physical Manifestation...Of Goodness

We saw the display Friday as we ran errands. I have no idea when it was set up or by whom, but whomever is responsible for setting it up probably doesn't want anyone to know it was them.

I've seen pictures of similar displays on social media. There could be hundreds, if not thousands of these things across our country and the world. Just the sight of it tells me that there is still good out there, especially now when things can look bleak.

I've lived in my hometown most of my life. We could have ended up anywhere, but we chose to remain in Farmington. Even though many of the people I knew as a kid growing up in our community have moved or are gone, there's a spirit that still resides in the sycamore-lined streets.

When we spotted the Free Community Pantry, we stopped so I could snap some pictures. There was food, sanitizer, Pedailyte, and toilet paper--even a bag of mini candy bars. The contents of the whole thing maybe cost $100, but the signal it sends to those who see it is worth so much more, at least it did for me. When I spotted the pantry I saw people wanting to help others, neighbors willing to give of what they have so those without can be given a break, a sliver of hope.

In many ways, I'd love that the items in the pantry to remain and not be used. It would let us all know that those in our community have what we need, or at least feel others may need the help more. Since I don't leave the house on a daily basis (who does...?) I won't be able to see if the items are being taken and hopefully, replaced. But, the fact that the pantry exists is a good indication people will continue to help out. Yes, with all the negativity out there, it's good to see a physical manifestation of goodness.

"Star Wars - The Rise Of Skywalker"...A Fitting End

There's been nine films comprising the main Star Wars franchise, not including Rogue One and Solo. I'm pretty sure I watched every one of those nine films in the theater...

Except the last one.

For Episode IX, The Rise of Skywalker, we waited until it came on sale and we watched it at home. Now I wish I had seen it in the theater. I loved it.

I'm one of the people who saw the first film in the theater...several times. I saw Star Wars Episode IV, The Last Hope when I was in grade school so, of course, I was instantly hooked. Star Wars became part of my pre-teen DNA. That DNA has grown and evolved, but it's always been there.

The original three films came and went. Decades passed then came the prequels. Some loved them--some, not so much. I loved the fact that the original three films were no longer all there was. We had more and I enjoyed much of what was included in the prequel phase of Star Wars.

I think I was more excited when the last three films were announced. Disney had just bought the rights and there was so much anticipation for what was to come. Again, many thought , The Force Awakens was a re-telling of the original, Episode IV. And it was, but with the advantage of special effects worthy of the stories, I didn't care. 

Episode VIII, The Last Jedi came next.

And everything hit the fan.

I'll admit, this wasn't my favorite, but once again, I didn't care. There were some scenes that were visually beautiful, and because we all knew it wasn't the final film, I cut them some slack.

I finally saw Star Wars, Episode IX, The Rise of Skywalker. I watched it. I liked it. I waited a couple of days and watched it again. I realized as the story unfolded it was more than liking some aspects or some scenes. I thought it was a good way to end a love affair that began in 1977. It felt more like the originals, or at least, gave me some of the same feelings.

I know I'm late to the party--I usually am when it comes to movies. It would have been fun to see the show in the theater. Maybe one day, I will.

My Cousin Lance...

My cousin Lance passed away today.

He had been sick a long time. 

And he had a difficult life.

Growing up, our family spent many hours with our cousins. My mom's side of the family had many children roughly the same as us me and my siblings. We used to drive to Idaho every summer and we also went on long hikes in the Tetons.

Wonderful, amazing times.

Before they had children of their own, my mom's oldest brother and his wife adopted three Native American children, the youngest, Lance, was the same age as my older brother. Even though they were Native American, I felt a connection to them because they and us were adopted, all of us ending up with a family together. Things could have turned out so much differently, but they didn't. 

Because of life, as we grew older we saw less and less of each other. We all went our separate ways. And I saw less and less of Lance, especially. 

I don't know why, but some people seem to have a much tougher time getting through life. We all get knocked down, but it just seems some get knocked down more than most. Lance was like that. When we got together and asked about him, Lance was going through one trial or another. 

As kids, I think Lance was happy, the way all kids seem to be. Unfortunately, I didn't get to know how he saw life as an adult. Was he happy, depressed, anxious, nervous, fulfilled? Most likely he was all of those things.

When a person passes away who has carried demons with them throughout their time on earth, we reflect on their life. There was so much pain. 

I heard recently that Lance was not doing well, so the news was not unexpected. It does not make it less impactful. And even though I've only seen him a few times in the past twenty or so years, I'll miss him. I'll miss the thought of that happy kid playing with us on the often times cold fields of Idaho. Sleep well, cousin, and may God be with you.

Bringing The Old Workhorse...Back To Life

One aspect of being a writer I've very much enjoyed is the friendships I've developed with fellow writers. I've written several times about the comradery I've felt from them. Even though you get to know many when you become involved in the arts, writers are a little different--there's some jealousy among authors, of course, but not as much as I've experienced with other artistic mediums.

What does this have to do with an old MacBook Pro?

The other day I saw a post form an author I met several years ago, Brian Lee Durfee. He posted on social media a picture of an aging laptop computer--it was a prized possession. Brian gushed about the reliability of this particular computer. He said he'd had it for years, he'd written several novels--huge novels--using it, and the picture he posted showed the laptop's use, complete with the letters having been worn off.

I can definitely relate. My old MacBook showed similar wear and tear.

What impressed me the most about Brian's computer was the longevity of his machine. In my experience, most PC laptops don't make it past a few years, and maybe that's because the PC laptops we've bought have not been the "high end" ones. Ours have usually died after a year or two.  But Brian's lives on--he's still using it and it's still going strong. One important fact about Brian's laptop--it's never been hooked up to the internet so no chance of viruses.

His post got me thinking...what if I did something with my old MacBook Pro, the one I bought after grad school and the one I wrote thousands of blog posts, and dozens of short stories. I wrote my first published story on it. I wrote my first contracted screenplay on it. I'd tried getting it reset to the original settings for years--no luck. The hard drive was so full of pictures, the computer barely worked.

Still, Brian inspired me. It took me about three weeks, but finally, earlier this week I did it. I erased the info on the computer and now it's ready to go. I do need a new battery--the one inside hardly holds a charge and it's expanding to the point where it's hard to click on the trackpad. I cannot say, like Brian, that my machine has never had access to the internet, but if I use it as just a writing computer, it might just work. I do like the keyboard on the old MacBook Pro better than on the one I'm using to write this post.

Time will tell if my experiment works, but for now, I'm pleased I was able to circumnavigate the hurdles and pitfalls that stood in my way. Thanks Brian for your post, the one that motivated me to action.

A Trip/Surf Down Memory Lane...Happy Birthday Daren!

Tonight, I was looking for a postcard I received once...if I find it I'll try and post it tomorrow. And if I don't find it, I won't (if I find it, you'll understand why...).

But, in searching for this item from over thirty years ago, I came across something else, something timely. You see, it's my friend Daren's birthday today. He and I met in the fall of 1985 in the town of Odense, Denmark, birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. We were both LDS missionaries together in that amazing country.

Daren has always been a colorful character, at least, as long as I've known him. Today's Daren's birthday. Happy birthday, brother! Before I met Daren, he had gone to the local newspaper in Odense to see if they wanted to run a story on him. Turns out, they did.

The story basically explains how a young man from California could--if he chose--be a professional surfer at home in the United States. But, he was at that time not pursuing a career as a professional surfer, but was instead giving his life to God.

Great headline!

Mostly, because it's true.

Thanks to Google Translate, if you want you can see what's said about Daren--it's a good story. If you don't want to do that, it basically explains what the missionaries were doing and why. Daren was one cool dude thirty-five years ago, and he's only improved with age. Tilykke med dagen, du! Ha' det rigtig godt!

Sarah E. Seeley's "Driveless"...A Compelling Little Story

Today I read a story from Sarah Seeley entitled, Driveless. You can pick it up from Amazon: HERE. It's a great little story.

Driveless takes place in a world where self-driving cars are commonplace. So, what can go wrong with cars that drive themselves?

You can probably guess.

It's amazing that we live in a world where such technology is possible. It's also amazing how trusting we are of this technology. Past generations envisioned horrors when mankind relinquished control to such powerful machines. I wonder why we see things differently. Is it because we think we have control over the computers, the drones, the self-driving cars? Do we follow a flawed assumption that these things would in no way harm us?

Driveless centers around Howard, his infant daughter, and his new self-driving Prius. Soon Howard finds himself powerless to control his car, then things really go bad. Howard then must do all he can to rescue his daughter from the technology that's supposed to make life better, not put life in danger.

Short stories are the YouTube of the literary world. You would think they'd be more popular--and maybe they are. I haven't done any research to say one way or the other. I do know I liked this story and I'd read more of her's in a heartbeat.

If you've got a few minutes and you'd like to read a story that's timely and engaging, give Driveless a go. It's a great little story.

We'll All Have A "First Time" Story...

Because of "The New Normal," we are going out only a few times a week and the reason for venturing out is almost exclusively for food--grocery shopping, picking up take-out, and every now and then we'll need to get something else deemed "essential."

And in my weekly trips, I've noticed something--more and more of those inside the grocery stores are wearing masks. A few weeks ago = a few patrons had them. Last week there were more patrons and employees wearing masks than were not...

Us included.

This was a first for me. First time wearing a mask--other than a ski mask while skiing--in public, first time shopping during a global pandemic. There's been a lot of firsts for us and for everyone else, lately. And since it was my first time, I have a little "first time" story.

The mask was constructed by my wife. She's been making them for the family. It was snug and fit well, so much so, that with my RayBan Wayfarers on, any breath coming out of me instantly fogged up my glasses. They would de-fog if I slowed up my breathing and breathed through my nose, which I don't normally do. Also, a quick way to clear up my vision was to walk faster through the store, thus allowing greater airflow over the lenses. 

Problem--the quicker I walked, the heavier the breathing--the heavier the breathing, the more fogged became the lenses.

Vicious circle.

So, that's my "first time wearing a mask in public that wasn't a ski mask" story. Pretty soon, we'll all have one, if you don't already. Then maybe one day you'll be able to tell your kids and grandkids about your "first time."

Our First Sidewalk Sale...

So much has changed this spring. Normally, after some early morning yard work, I might drive down to our local thrift store to possibly drop off some things and go inside to pick up some things. Another past time I enjoy on a beautiful spring weekend morning is checking out a local yard sale.

Not many of those taking place now.

And that's a shame.

There was, however, one local entrepreneur out in front of his house with product available. We held our first Saturday Sidewalk Sale. 

This is our youngest's business. He did the work to get the plants started. We're hoping he uses this experience to learn about costs and risks and organization, and saving. It's interesting--a few days ago I blogged about my first job was planting starts in flats in a nursery. 

My son had a couple of sales. We're hoping to take the lessons we learned from last weekend to see how to reach more people for the next sidewalk sale. That's what's amazing about having a business, even a small one. The things you learn about others, about yourself, is amazing.

I don't know if my son expected to sell out everything. I know he would love the $$$ if he did. But $$$ comes with work, adjustments, improvisation, and maybe a bit of humility. So, next time we'll pull out the table, set up the goods and see what happens....

At our Second Sidewalk Sale.

A Little Inspiration...A Little Practice...A Little Advertising

Since my day-to-day hasn't changed much because of all this insanity, I'm finding it very interesting to see how people are coping. I have many friends from the theater and boy, are they filling the web with incredible music. I have writers who are are sending out word games and chances to enhance their creativity.

And I have one particular friend, Dave Butler, who does both--creates words and music.

As I was working, I noticed Dave doing a mini-concert on Facebook. He sang a couple of songs, complete with commentary. I had a break coming up so I dug out my guitars from storage and strummed a bit--just enough to cause irritation to my non-calloused fingertips. 

No sooner had I placed the guitars on their cases when I saw an e-mail pop up from Fender. Last year I signed up for a free one-month trial of Fender Play so they have my e-mail information. Actually, I enjoyed the program and had I the disposable income, I'd have stuck with it.

So, as I worked Thursday, I was hit with inspiration, concentration, then manipulation...

In that order.

My Mom's Bernina 730...Now It's Making Masks

My daughter picked up a temporary job while she can no longer attend classes at university. And because she works at a place that's deemed "essential," they recommended she wear masks while working. Of course, we could try and buy some, but an easier path would be just to make them ourselves.

We set up my mom's Bernina.

When my mom died, the three of us divided up things in the house. Among the treasures that ended up with us was my mom's sewing machine. It must be close to fifty-years old. And it still works like a charm. 

I remember the sewing machine set up in the laundry room at our old home. It sat there until after she passed away. Growing up, my mom used that machine to make blankets and clothes. I remember wearing shirts to elementary school that my mom made. I also remember most of the kids in that school wore clothes made by their mothers.

And we didn't care at all.

I know times have changed, and clothing is so inexpensive that people no longer need to make their own clothes anymore. I think the material costs more than the clothes nowadays, anyway. I can't imagine a kid showing up at a school today wearing something that didn't come from a clothing store.

Years ago, I had a co-worker who loves to sew. We used to talk about sewing machines, the good ones, the crap ones, getting parts for machines when they break--it was kind of cool chatting about something as ordinary as sewing machines.

Right now my mom's--now my daughter's--sewing machine is in our front room. We have a table built specifically for the Model 730, which is pretty cool. I can imagine my dad, not only getting my mom a good machine, but the table as well. I'll bet it made her one happy mamma.

Now, the machine's being used to sew together masks. I don't think my mom would ever have imagined it would be used for that. I don't think any of us would ever imagine we'd be using a sewing machine to make masks. 

My mom made shirts, pants, blankets, and pajamas.

We're making masks.

It's a different world.