I Know Many Are Not Fans...But I'm Liking The "Rings Of Power"

 When I entered the world of writers, I found myself rubbing shoulders with some interesting people...other writers. Some of them are so dedicated to the craft that they have studied and researched extensively the writings of great authors.

Namely, JRR Tolkien.

Much has been said about the new Amazon Prime series, The Rings of Power. Many of my writer friends have been less than impressed. I can understand why. The Tolkien books are almost scripture to them. They influenced their lives in a way few other books have done. And to create a series that deviates from the essence of Tolkien, well...it's sacrilege. 

I get it. I understand. 

For me, I just don't know enough about Tolkien. This helps me enjoy the series, at least, so far.

I wonder if the show was made for people like me. We enjoy fantasy stories, may have even read them--as I did--both in my youth and as an adult. I don't know any of what the story's supposed to be so I can't be offended by the execution. Maybe the series is the worst thing ever and an insult to the great writer himself. 

I suppose this is a classic case of "Ignorance is bliss."

As for the show's success, I hope it does well. Do I wish it were more true to Tolkien's vision? I do for my friend's sake. All I know is they've spent a ton of money (literally...) getting this show made, from production to the rights. I found something humorous my friend posted--not sure where he found it. It sums up his feelings on the show. 

Yes, it's not for everyone, but so far, it's for me.

Stepping Away From The Writing Group...Kind Of Sucks

 I took a three-week break, then I realized...

I needed more time.

How much more? I don't know, but I found that I couldn't stay in the group and continue the way I was going. It wasn't fair for them, or for me.

And it sucks.

It took me several years to join another writing group. Granted, I wasn't actively seeking a group, but when I heard about this one, I jumped at the opportunity. I attended for only a couple of months. Oh, I had big plans. Joining the group would provide the peer pressure I needed to get my writing butt in gear and create something. I would hate to not be prepared come Thursday nights. Also, I find I work better under pressure, and by that I mean, I will actually write something.

And I did write stuff. Turns out, the stuff I wrote wasn't very good. 

I can almost hear the responses. "Duh! That's why you need to stay in the group!" That's a valid point, but the reason the writing wasn't good is because it was lazy. I was throwing stuff together a day or two before the deadline and running with it. I knew it was subpar, but I submitted it anyway.

Recently, I listened to The Writer's Dojo podcast. One particular subject dealt with writing groups. Something they said hit home. They talked about respecting the other members of the group, respecting their time. I realized I wasn't doing that. Maybe they don't think so, but I feel I wasted their time.

I told the group I needed to step away for awhile. I should have been more committed, better prepared. I owe the other writers, and myself that. I realize there might not be an opening when I'm ready to return, and that's okay. Things seem to work out for the best when the motive is true. Yes, stepping away stinks, but it was needed. Let's see what the future brings.

Is This Cruel Or What...?

 Tuesday morning, I rolled out of bed, got dressed, shuffled into my office, and fired up the work computer.

This is what I saw.

I thought, that's kind of cruel.

Why? Well, let me explain. I don't think it's cruel because it shows a kangaroo on a beach, as if the kangaroo is being abused in some way. No, it's nothing like that. I thought for a fleeting moment that the photo was cruel because it showed a picture of a place where many want to go but can't because they're stuck in front of their computer working.

I know it's a stretch...

Then I thought of the irony. Unless you live in an area with beaches and kangaroos, you (or, most people...) have to work in order to go to places with beaches and kangaroos. So, I guess you could look at the picture as inspirational.

Inspirational, or cruel, or just a picture, I think we can all agree, it's a beautiful shot.

When, Oh When Will Shorts Season End...?

 Today, I had to change from sweats to shorts in the middle of the day.

It's almost October.

I am more than ready to have shorts season end.

The above picture is not used to show my almost fifty-seven-year old legs, nor is it to show me wearing a pair of miss-matched socks. No, it's to show that the season of shorts that begins around April or May should be over about now.

My father-in-law told me something years ago. Utah has almost perfect weather. By the time you're sick of the winter, it begins to warm up. By the time you're sick of the heat, it begins to cool down. I still believe that's true. Even though we've had a warmer than normal summer, I welcome the cooler days of autumn. 

I've said many times fall is my favorite time of the year. In the fall bugs--mosquitos, mostly--die. In the fall, pollen levels drop. In the fall, yard work becomes a memory. In the fall, you get to wear your warm snuggly clothes and enjoy the incredible feeling of a down comforter.

These things don't happen in the summer. No, in the summer bugs--mosquitos, mostly--swarm and seek out blood. In the sumner pollen levels spike. In the fall, yard work must be done. In the fall, you get to wear shorts and t-shirts. This isn't that bad, but it allows more exposed skin for the mosquitos to feast.

Shorts season is almost over. I for one am more than ready.

"We Don't See A Lot Of People Walk Away From Something Like That" The Highway Patrolman Said...

 The call came in last night.

"We hit an elk," my daughter said over the phone to my wife.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes," my daughter said. "I'm okay. We're just waiting to go to the hospital."

"The hospital?!"

My daughter and her boyfriend were traveling through a Utah canyon last night when their car hit and killed an elk. It could have easily killed them, too. We think what saved them from more harm was the car's hood flipped up and prevented the elk from entering the car. I've been told when a car hits those bigger animals, since they're so tall, the bulk of an elk or moose can go right into the car through the windshield and seriously harm or kill those inside the car.

Thank God that didn't happen.

My daughter is so funny. When we asked if she was hurt, she said she was okay. When she said she had to go to the hospital to get checked out, we asked how bad was she hurt. 

"They need to see if my nose is broken, and I may have powder burns, too."

They checked her out--thankfully, nothing broken. She looks like she want a few rounds in the ring, though. And thankfully, her boyfriend--also beat up--was not seriously injured, either.

Last night, with our daughter away from home hurting, my wife and I just sat there thinking of what might have happened, that the call could have been made not from our daughter, but from someone else, someone with news of a much worse outcome. So, so thankful the call came from her and that she's now home with us. Apparently, not many people walk away from something like that, at least, that's what we've been told.

Give Thanks...The Miracle It Happens At All

If you were to look at my social media timelines today, you'd see post after post, picture after picture of this year's FanX Comics Convention. So many of my friends attend, participate, even help plan the gargantuan event. As I walked around the Salt Palace Convention Hall this past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, I realized just what a miracle it is to pull off a convention like this.

And except for Covid, they do it year after year after year.

I'm a small cog in a very big machine.

For the past several years, I've been assigned to the vendor floor stage. With the help of friends, our job is to book acts we feel with improve the show, provide entertainment, and even a little education. This year's line-up was our biggest ever. We had more performers than ever before.

Curve balls were thrown and problems arose, but with the knowledge of experts, friends, and parents, we made it through.

Still, all those people, all those vendors, all those guests, panelists, volunteers...everyone involved and everyone who paid good money to participate...they came together--worked together and the result was...well, in a word...

Miraculous. 

I'm grateful to be that small cog in the big machine. I'm glad so many are willing to dedicate so much time and energy so that others can have a fantastic weekend, and I hope to be able to contribute in the future. We'll see what 2023 brings. If it's like years past, the answer will be another great show.

 

Disclaimer...I Mean, Come On!

 We have one of those thermometers that reads both the inside and outside temperatures. It's handy when you don't want to go outside to experience weather, but would rather find out the information from afar. It's an older model so it doesn't link to the internet or relay information to various governments around the world.

And, it works pretty good.

Except when it doesn't.

Case in point, the outside reader is placed in a location where at certain times of the day, the thermometer relays incorrect information. It's located by some outside stonework that heats up to incredible degrees in direct sunlight. My wife and I got a kick out of a super-high reading. We knew why, of course. I thought it would be a fun photo to use for my Pic Of The Day. I included a pithy caption and sent it out.

Too bad higher powers thought the photo needed a disclaimer.

I mean, really?

If the high temperature in Northern Utah had actually been at one point 138˚ Fahrenheit in September, with a current temperature of 129˚, it would be front-page news across the globe. I really don't believe it requires a disclaimer, nor do I think anyone needs a disclaimer.

Then again, we're living in a strange strange world.

One Of The Best Slices Of Pizza I've Ever Had...

 The vendor floor was only minutes away from closing. It was then I decided I should get some dinner. 

At FanX this year, my venue changed locations. We're no longer in the middle of all the action. Instead, we're off to the side, close to the food court. As locations go, it's not bad, except all day I watched as dozens--possibly hundreds of people queued up for The Pie Pizzeria pizza. They sell it by the slice and even though it won't fill you up, necessarily, it is enough to keep you going for several hours.

The problem I had is I couldn't stand in a line for that long. I had to make sure things at the stage were running smoothly. No worries...I'll just wait until the line is almost gone. 

That's what I did. The problem was, I waited until the pizza was almost gone, too.

Me and two other people were in line. When I approached the display, they had three slices left.

"That's the last of it," an employee said. I would have preferred pepperoni, but when there's only cheese left, I'll take cheese. I picked up one of three remaining and an employee said, "With tomato slices?" 

"Sure," I said not really understanding.

What you see in the photo is what I got.

I didn't realize just how hungry I was until I took a bite. It was SO GOOD! And the tomatoes added that extra punch I needed. I realized at that moment, it was one of the best tasking slices of pizza I had ever had.

Was it really one of the best tasting slices I've ever had in my life? Probably not, but last night right before the Pie ran out of food, it was to me.

Happy 30th, Babe...I'll Be Home Soon

 From where I sit right now, I'm on the third level (down...) of a parking terrace with a line of cars stretching on mine and the previous two above levels. It's around 9:30pm and I have at least an hour drive before I get home--and that's after I get above ground.

I knew when they announced the date of this year's FanX Salt Lake Comics Convention it would fall on our anniversary, and because I had committed to helping this year, I knew I'd be gone all day. I told my wife. She said, "I guess we'll celebrate on a different day."

She's understandable, like that.

It's only one of the reasons why I love her so much.

Thirty years, almost a third of a century. Lots of ups and downs, that happens in three decades. And I wouldn't want to have spent it with anyone else.

Happy 30th, babe. I'll be home soon,

Rush Hour In Rural Utah...A Trafficless Existence

 This morning I drove to the great metropolis that is Salt Lake City. I hit the highway at 8am.

The top picture is our rush hour in rural Northern Utah.

The second picture was taken an hour later between Farmington and Centerville. I know it looks like few cars are on the road in the second picture, but it took me several miles up north until I saw as many cars that surrounded me down south.

It took me a while living up north that I realized I never even think about traffic. Not that we went many places when we lived down south, but traffic was a constant consideration whenever we needed to go anywhere. During the day--usually not a problem. Need to go to Layton at 5pm? Might as well wait a couple of hours. Now, traffic is an afterthought. 

Living among so few is an adjustment. Our neighbors have accepted a trafficless existence. The problem is, it's not going to last. More and more are moving here all the time (like us...). Soon, the locals will be remembering the time when they never took traffic into consideration when traveling to Brigham City, or Logan, or Ogden.

We know those days are numbered. For now, I'm enjoying the uncluttered roads.

Who Knew Puzzles Had Accessories...?

 Over the summer we scored a couple of items at yard sales--both having to do with puzzles--both were made to make the puzzle-putting-together-process easier.

They're both great.

A few weeks ago, we decided to honor Labor Day by putting together a puzzle, Eric Dowdle's North Shore. Great puzzle. Since this was the first puzzle we attempted after finding these puzzle accessories, we thought we'd try them out., Here are my grades of both items.

Roll & Stow

I wasn't sure about this one. It's a large piece of felt with some white stickers shaped like a large puzzle piece stuck in each corner. I thought the felt piece was too small. And, I suppose when working larger puzzles it will be too small, but for our 1000 piece Dowdle, it was perfect. The Roll & Stow comes with the felt and large cardboard tubes. Once you finish the puzzle (or if you're not completely finished...), you can put the tube over the puzzle, then just roll it up and stow it away. We didn't try the Roll & Stow until we finished the puzzle. We rolled it up and could have stowed it away if we wanted to.

Rating: A+

Sort & Go

My wife picked up the box at a yard sale. The yard sale organizer told my wife that the product was amazing and they were only selling the one because they had two. Of the two accessories, I thought this was was more practical. You can sort the puzzle pieces into six trays and if you want to take a break and put the unfinished puzzle away in the stackable tray, just stack up the trays and you're good. The trays prevent having a big pile of puzzle pieces containing even the smallest fleck of blue on the table waiting for the family dog to come along and eat a piece or two. Those who put the puzzle together used the trays and liked them.

Grade A

I was unaware of these accessories. I'm unaware of a lot of things that are available out there. But, if you're a puzzler and you don't know these exist, you ought to try them out. Hopefully, you'll agree with me and like them both.

Oh, Arcade...Where Have You Gone?

 

My side gig takes place near a location where I spent countless hours as a kid. Almost every summer day my friends and I would go to the Lagoon pool, swim for a few hours, then walk around the park. We'd inevitably find ourselves at the Lagoon Arcade. I think it was called the Penny Arcade.

It's been called many things since it was built decades ago.

I believe it was first built as a dance hall. There's even the old wooden floor. Can't say for certain, but I think much of the wooden floor might be original where teenagers and parents danced the night away to first big bands, then rock and roll legends. 

Then again, since I know nothing of how long a wood floor lasts, I might be way off.

As a kid, we'd check out the pinball games. We'd check to see if any adult had played a pinball game, earned a credit or two, but left not knowing (or caring...) they had a free game. Finding a credit on a video game was golden, mostly because we had no money to play games ourselves. All three sides of that huge space were lined with nothing but pinball games.

As we grew, the arcade evolved. Video games came into their own and transformed the arcade into a palace of electric entertainment. We were older and had some money at that point. We'd even play a game or two.

The modern arcade turned into a place to earn points to buy stuff, stuff I don't care much about. There's no Asteroids or even Mortal Combat. Why have those games when much more impressive and challenging games are found on everyone's phone?

Still, I miss Tron and Missile Command and Galaga and Dig Dug and Centipede Dragon's Liar Pac Man Donkey Kong and Frogger and Zaxxon and Tempest and Joust and Journey and dozens more.

Maybe it's just a miss my youth. Still, looking at the space I once loved, I can't help but feel bad for how far it's fallen. Too bad...those were great times.

Give Thanks...For "Grand Teton" By Andrew Fowler

 They sat us in the basement--must be because of the reservations we made days earlier. Without the reservations, it would have taken a long time to get into Herms Restaurant in Logan, Utah.

Oh, the food was definitely worth it.

As we waited for our food, because of where I was sitting, I spotted a painting on the wall, and because I had seen those mountains from that vantage point many many times in my life, I knew immediately, the painting was of the Teton mountain range...

And I knew it a view from the Idaho side.

Personally, I like the Idaho side of the Tetons better. It's probably because my grandfather and my mother and my cousin's kids grew up with that very view in their east windows. I've seen that view hundreds of times visiting the homestead that was built in 1906 and remains in the family still today.

I don't have anything against the Wyoming side of the Tetons per se. I think the Idaho side has more personality. The Wyoming side looks like a huge knife with a jagged edge, the Grand Teton being the highest of those edges. The Idaho side offers something different. Even Table Rock is unique.

I don't know Andrew Fowler--never heard of him, actually. Several of his paintings hung in the basement of Herms Restaurant and they were for sale. I checked out his Instagram account, you can access it by clicking: HERE. I like his style, and I especially love the painting he did of the Grand Teton.

I'm glad I recognized the mountain. I'm glad it was accompanied with so many incredible memories, memories of family mostly, of cool summers, of knowing I was loved and valued by parents, grandparents, cousins, and those who had passed on.

I'm also grateful Andrew Fowler used his talents to create the image that hung for sale in a Logan Utah restaurant.

Rules For Diving Into Donuts...The Pie Dump

 We have family visiting, which means, among other things, we've been eating out..

A lot.

There's a local eatery called The Pie Dump that we just had to take our out-of-town family to--they had to experience it. Yesterday I posted a picture of my daughter and a sweet role she bought. It was, in a word, huge. 

I noticed something as we left. On the wall were the rules of a contest...an eating contest...a contest that is called...

Diving Into Donuts.

Here are the rules:

The participant must give us permission to take photos and videos and post them on our Facebook page.

Challenger buys 6 doughnuts.

Challenger has employee or owner set timer.

Challenger gobbles doughnuts as quickly as possible.

If the challenger has time quicker than pervious WINNER their name is added to the top of the winner board and money is refunded.

I'm not a big eater, but I have respect for those who are. I don't know either Bryan McLaughlin or Tytan Allred, but I salute you both.

Maybe my kids will one day take the dive. Maybe not. It's fun to see a small local diner have some fun.

I Mean, I Know It's True, But...

 I saw this posted on social media last night.

It made me laugh.

Funny, there's so much "information" out there. I'm sure there's a similar story out there about how this is not true, how the opposite is true. To be honest, I have no idea if the headline reveals truth or not. I have no idea to prove...

Left-handed people are the smartest.

Scientists have no doubt studied this topic for as long as there have been left-handed people. Are they really smarter than non-left-handed people. Being left-handed myself, I must agree. And since my mother-in-law and son are both left-handed, I'm sure they will agree, too.

I really don't think much about being left-handed. I've never found it to be a hinderance or an inconvenience. Even using right-handed scissors...since there were never enough of those green-handled once in elementary school, I adapted and used the right-handed ones. I trained my left hand to adjust and pull instead of push. The paper gets cut. No problem.

I've read other papers that say left-handed people have shorter lifespans due to their "disability." Do I believe that? I'm sure they have facts and proof to support their conclusion. I haven't worried about it. Maybe it's true...maybe it's not.

Then again, do they have shorter lives because they're smarter?

Now, that's an interesting thought.

Some left-handed person should look into it.

Turning Apples Into Apple Crumble...Delicious

 Last year we planted a couple fruit trees...one apricot, one nectarine, and an apple. We missed out on the nectarines this summer, the apricot harvest was subpar, but the apples...they were the last to ripen. 

And boy, are they good!

Our little tree was so overburdened with apples, it was sagging, working tirelessly to provide delicious food for the family that planted the tree, watered it, and kept it safe. I only picked about 2/3 of the fruit so make Apple Crumble.

My wife had never before made that particular dessert. She hit it out of the park on her first try. The picture does not do it justice. 

It's strange to be able to grow our own fruit. I don't know why. I guess because we--as have almost everyone--are no longer tied to the land as our ancestors were. They literally had to grow enough food to survive. That kind of incentive is hard to beat. I'm sure kids complained back then about weeding the garden, watering the crops, and everything that comes with growing food, but I'm sure they understood better than people do today how important it was to put in the hard work.

When the last apples are picked (and hopefully used for more crumble...), the year's harvest will have come to an end. We can then look forward to what our little trees do next year. We hope for nectarines and more apricots, but if the apple yield is the same, I won't complain.

Next Thursday, Friday, And Saturday...It's Where You'll Want To Be

 It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Sure, you'll most likely hear that at a different time of year, and I do agree that the holidays are hard to beat, but for me and tens of thousands of others, September in Salt Lake City can give the holidays a run for its money.

It's FanX time!

Ten years ago, we had nothing like FanX in Utah. Many/most had never attended a comics convention in their life. I know I didn't. Sure, comics conventions have been taking place for decades, but not where we lived. That changed in 2013 and I'm so glad it did.

Next week, I'll be at the event. My station? That narrow neck of land separating the southwest section from the northeast section, If you're familiar with the event, you'll know that location where the two main sections meet, is a stage. That's my baby. This year, we've got bands, dancers, fighters, musicians, a comedian, and even a magician, and many more. 

If you're going, stop by. I'll be there all day Thursday, part of Friday, and part of Saturday. I'd love to see you. Plus, you'll see some of the state's best talent (me excluded...). 

It's almost time. Can't wait!

Reunited...And It Sounds So Good

 You know how certain summers are remembered for specific things? The first summer after graduation from high school, the first summer you're together with a significant other...those are a few that come to mind.

For our family, this will be the summer we fell in love with (some would say, become addicted to...) yard sales. I don't know why this particular summer turned out to be a summer of yard sales for our family, but it did. I've included many of our finds on this blog and for my daily pictures. Not to crow too loudly, but we've been able to decorate our home from items bought at this summer's yard sales.

Then, last Saturday, we came across pure gold.

Well, gold to us.

We found a Guitar Hero guitar and two Guitar Hero games.

Years ago, we had several of those guitars and several games for the Nintendo Wii. Then, we gave them up--literally. We turned them in and didn't think much about it. Little did we know that a decade later, we'd miss those days. 

So, what did we do when we missed something? We did what most of us do--we looked online to see how much it would cost to replace our beloved game. Turns out, a lot. It would cost several hundred dollars to replace the equipment.

At the yard sale, it cost $9 for a guitar and two games. Needless to say, there's been many smiles in our house this week. 

Yes, as I sit in our living room, I look around and see several yard sale finds. But, the haul from last Saturday might have brought us the biggest smiles to our faces.

I Could Tell Right Away This Friend Request...Was Not On The Level

 If you're like me, you get friend requests on social media from time to time. Since I'm not as active in theatrical productions and other such things, my friend requests have slowed over the years. I now place friend requests into two categories: people I've never heard of looking for a way for me to pay them money (probably...), and friends I already have who have had their accounts hacked.

Point being, I never accept these requests. Today, however, I got a request from a person I wish so much I could accept, a person who meant a great deal to me at a time when I was confused, scared, homesick, and feeling very much alone.

But I couldn't accept--I knew it had been hacked.

I know because my friend passed away a year ago next month.

It brought back a lot of memories, and reminded me again how I felt when I received the terrible news.

Facebook is a strange place. Over the years I have accepted friend requests to people I knew only briefly and even some I've never met...mostly writer friends. I also make it a point to wish everyone on my list a "Happy Birthday" when their special day arrives. The problem is, I know some of these friends have passed away. I try and remember which one are no longer with us, but it's difficult. I know I've wished people who have passed a happy birthday. That makes me look like a total tool for not remembering. 

The sentiment is honest, though, just poorly executed.

I remember almost a year ago. I saw a post from Ed. He took a selfie in a hospital bed telling us he was in rough shape. I responded letting him know that he was in my prayers. He died four days later. Even though we didn't keep in touch often, I feel bad for his family. I'm sure next month will be a tough one for them, and others.

Yes, I knew the request was not on the level. Oh, how I wish it was.

Give Thanks...Right Place, Right Time

 Leaving work tonight, I happened to glance to the west. When the sun is about to disappear into the western sky, it's one of the few times you can look at the sun without sunglasses or anything else to protect your eyes.

Tonight's sky was beautiful.

Of course, all the smoke from distant fires helped create the incredible colors. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Actually, I happened to look west at the right time and I was in the right place to see what I saw.

I've watched thousands and thousands of sunsets not necessarily from that exact spot, but from the area. I miss seeing the sun set behind the mountains. Where we live now, we see the sun set behind our backyard neighbors's homes. The skies are still beautiful, but it's different to be able to look at the sun at is disappears. 

I'm grateful that I've been fortunate enough to have seen so many beautiful and incredible sunsets. Sometimes, I see them forming, get an idea that they might turn into something special. Other times, I'm walked through a parking lot to get to my car and I look west...

Right place, right time.

Choosing Things...For The Kids

 My son started a new job. Because of that, we needed to get him a couple of things--a key and a water bottle. There were other things that needed to be gathered, but those two things, well...I was the one to pick them out.

Does anyone really know what their kids like?

Of the two, the key was the easiest. My son likes to collect skulls--not real ones, but representations. He uses skulls in his social media persona. I went to the hardware store, stared at the dozens of key options and once I found the one with the flaming skull, I knew I had the right one.

The water bottle was a little trickier. Maybe it's because it's more visible. He'll be taking it to work--others will see it and we all judge each other by the things we have (or don't have...). Before I left home to secure the water bottle, I asked which color he would like. He said there was one color he didn't want so I could eliminate one color from the choices

That still left me with five.

Truth be told, I had no idea which colors they would have. I got to work and tried calling my son to get a confirmation. The call didn't go through and neither did the text. I was on my own. 

I know this is not a big deal, but for some people, it is. And I don't want to disappoint my son, so I took a chance and picked one...white. About an hour later, the photo went through. He texted back and said white is a good choice.

These are small things, but it was a dad thing. Glad I was two for two.

Art...For The Office Walls

 At our first house, we planned on living there forever. And because of that, whenever we wanted to make modifications to the house, i.e., hang pictures, we put nails and screws in the walls wherever we wanted. We didn't care--why should we? We were going to be there a long time.

Turns out, things don't always work out like you think they would.

That being said, we have been gun-shy about putting in any nails or screws into the walls of our fairly new home. Maybe it's because it took us so long to take out the nails and screws at the old house and fill in the holes. However, as time goes on, we're getting more brave when it comes to hanging art.

Case in point, my office. 

Last week, I came across a picture at a yard sale that I liked. It reminded me of Copenhagen, but I'm sure it's Amsterdam. No worries--the memories it brings back are why I bought it. I hung it in a spot that seems as if it were made for just such a painting.

At the very first yard sale we visited, we bought a clock. We needed one for the basement. The problem was, the second hand kept stopping because of the minute hand. A clock that doesn't keep time isn't worth much. I decided I wanted a clock on my office wall so I dug up the old clock and took off the cover to see if I could adjust the minute and second hands. 

Then, I got an idea.

I printed a photo of my kids and our family dog and stuck it inside the clock. When I put in a battery, the hands no longer prevented the passage of time--success!

It's only a couple of things. I may get more brave in the future and add more art. Glad we're taking that next step.

And So...The Craziness Begins

I watched from my office this morning as the sun rose in the east, the reds and oranges intensified by smoke from distant fires. Red dawn in morning signals--at least, for me--the beginning of a crazy time of year. 

In the next seven weeks I will have participated in the state's largest comics convention, and completed yet another season of scaring the crap out of people. Throw in the fact that both events are either fifty miles or seventy miles from our home--yes, it's busy, but I love it.

I've participated in FanX since its inception (2013). I've worked as a panelist, a vendor, and most recently, part of the programming staff. The people involved in the convention are the best and they treat me so well. I'm looking forward to this year especially. We have some great talent performing on the vendor floor stage so if you go, you'd better come check it out.

As far as Lagoon's Frightmares goes, I have not been a part of it since its inception. I was late to the party, but ever since joining in on the fun, I've returned each year, covid year not included. This year's Séance show is new. I could elaborate, but I won't...it's new. Come see it for yourself.

The craziness ends on Halloween. November will be slower, at least, that's the plan. It's a birthday month for many in my family and hopefully we can celebrate those days. It's also a month to give thanks for everything we have. 

Yes, I'm about to start a marathon that ends in seven weeks. 

Bring it on!

When All The People Have Gone...

 I cannot tell you how many hours I spent there. Not only did I begin working at Lagoon Amusement Park when I was sixteen-years old, but for at least a decade I spent every summer day (except Sundays...) as a kid running around the park and swimming in water fit to drink.

Hours and hours and hours.

There was a time when I could tell you when the park installed their new rides...it was usually two a year, sometimes less. I knew every uneven surface of blacktop--because I used to wash down the park every morning beginning at 4am. I knew every uneven terrace picnic table--because we swept and papered every terrace picnic table beginning at 4am. And I knew every pinball machine that gave out free credits--because after a long day at the pool, we hung out at the Penny Arcade and we rarely had money.

I'm sure millions of photos are taken every year at the park, but while staying late for Frightmares rehearsals, all the people with their sounds and smells and laughs and cries and screams were gone. The place is very photogenic when people are there. At night when they've all gone, it's beautiful.

I can think of a thousand places to take amazing photographs of the park at night. Last week I stood in one spot and shot what I could see. The Mother Goose Shoe that's been in Kiddie Land before I ever went to the park (and that at one time we used to be able to climb all over...), the crammed kiddie rides, boats, the jr. speedway, helicopters, and the spaceships with those unforgettable laser sounds.

People come to Lagoon for many reasons. Some love the rides, others the games, others a chance to see their kids having the time of their lives. Some come just to see the other people who decided to go, and some for the entertainment.

Me? 

Other than the swimming pool, I wasn't really a rides person. Even now, after working there for several seasons, it's been years since I rode a ride. No, I go now because they pay me to be part of an amazing team, putting on an unbelievable show. I've gone to the park when there are tens of thousands of people, and I've been there many times when there are almost none.

This is what part of the park looks like...

When all the people have gone.

Traveling...At Night...In Cars

 At my side gig, when I tell people where I live, I first see shock in their eyes as the do the math in their heads.

"You drive from there?"

"Yes."

The thing is, if they commute from anywhere south of Sandy, Utah, there's a good chance it takes them just as long or longer than me to get to work. It's all about perspective.

I never really notice driving in the dark, until it gets darker earlier. I guess we're all like that. Usually, when it gets darker it also gets colder. And when it gets colder, I like being inside...preferably at home. It's not that I don't mind driving at night, per se. 

Some of my earliest memories come from being in a car traveling at night. I remember driving the same road over fifty years ago in the backseat of my dad's early 70s Buick Electra 225 as we traveled to Idaho to visit family. I know I slept on those trips, but I also remember looking out the windows at, well...basically nothing. Not much to see on I-15 north of Ogden at night back then.

Because I'm keeping my side gig, I've accepted the long commute. I'll continue the commute every weekend between now and the end of October. It means, traveling...at night...in cars. 

Thankfully, I enjoy that long commute.

Anyone Want To Buy...The Pie Dump?

 I've only eaten there less than half a dozen times. It is the very definition of a small-town eatery. It's called The Pie Dump...

And It's For Sale.

I think you should buy it.

Of course, when I say "you," I'm not speaking to anyone specific. I could be talking to "me" when I say "you." Personally, I think buying a local institution would be extremely challenging, but also rewarding. If you bought it, would you change things? Would you keep things the same so the locals will still continue to come in?

Or, would you tear it down and put in a strip mall for insurance companies and mattress dealers to set up shop?

The area where I live is growing and is expected to explode in the next couple of years. People need places to eat up here. I think we would have eaten more at The Pie Dump but it's only open for breakfast and lunch. Still, even a place that does not serve dinner will be missed if it were to go away permanently. 

I'm sure much of the charm of the place comes from the family that runs it. When they go, no matter how much the new owners try to make it stay the same, it can't. Non-chain restaurants owe their uniqueness, in part, to their owners.

I have no idea what will happen to The Pie Dump. I do know it won't be me that buys it. I hope that whatever happens, people will be please with the results.

Give Thanks...For Community Theater

 My daughter is currently in a production of Singing In The Rain at the adorable Heritage Theatre in Brigham City, Utah. I was fortunate enough to see their second showing. Loved it. Usually, I've also been in the shows (mostly because my kids needed someone to drive them to and from...). The real reason is I love doing the shows, too--especially when I can do shows with my kids.

It's been several years since I was on stage. Covid then moving are the main reasons I haven't been as active in the theater as I once was. I used to do shows with my oldest son. He's married now and hasn't the time. Then my daughter caught the bug and she and I have been doing shows since 2006.

I wonder if we'll ever do another. Maybe...maybe not.

I am incredibly grateful for community theaters. In Utah, they're everywhere. It's almost more incredible that they do all those shows with unpaid talent. People come out of the woodwork to be in a show. Without the volunteers, community theater in Utah--and, I imagine most places--would die. I have friends who have met their spouses in shows, careers have been made, friendships formed, lives changed, and that's just in the casts.

I'm grateful to live in an area where these shows are supported and appreciated. People fill those seats.

The Heritage Theatre is small, quaint, lovely. They did so much with so little as far as the stage and the props are concerned. And the show only succeeded because people worked hard to put on the best show they could. I'm glad I was able to share the stage with so many incredible people over the years. It was--and hopefully will be in the future--an honor.