Still Don't Know What Happened...

 It happened over a week ago and we still have no idea what happened. After one of the many storms that hit us this winter and the many storms we've had since moving here over two years ago, our mailbox no longer stood tall and proud at the corner of our lot. No, it lay defeated on the newly-fallen snow.

Bummer.

After I saw the damage, I tried figuring out the cause. We did have wind that night, but we've had winds much stronger than anything that hit during that storm. I thought maybe someone hit it with their car. It's still possible, but there were no tracks in the snow nor was there any marks on the curb that would have most definitely been there had a car/truck drove over it. I suppose someone could have pushed it over, but that doesn't make any sense. Then again, when does vandalism make sense?

At the point where it broke, the post did have a connection that could have weakened over time. As far as fixing it, I thought, "No problem." My wife suggested we get some PVC pipe between the two halves and it could just rest on it. I found a piece of pipe long enough to do the trick and I headed to the scene of the carnage. 

Problem...for some reason, the upper part of the post had a plastic tube inside that only gave me a few inches for the PVC pipe to help stabilize the mailbox. Solution - get some Gorilla tape and wrap it a few times around the broken post. No, it does not look good. No, it's not the most steady mailbox on the street. Yes, another big wind could bring it down again.

Hopefully, in the future will replace the old with the new. Until then, we'll hope it makes it.

The Return Of Family Game Night...Hopefully

 Last weekend my daughter and her fiancee were home so we decided to go downstairs and resurrect something we used to do quite frequently...

Family Game Night.

Sometime last year, it was an almost weekly thing. On Sunday nights we'd gather downstairs in the party basement and play games. These weren't complicated games, for the most part. We'd usually settle on poker or gin rummy or another card game. We even bought poker chips and a battery-powered card shuffler to make card distribution more fair.

We started with Poker. My best hand came when I asked for five cards because the five I was dealt were not good. I was handed three queens in exchange. I really couldn't bet big because everyone knew I was dealt something good or I wouldn't be playing...couldn't bluff my way out of that one. After a few rounds, we switched to Skull King.

We were not a "gaming family" before we had a place to play and maybe that's why we haven't ket up the tradition. Things this winter have been crazy and with an upcoming wedding, it's gotten even more so. Still, there's nothing like hanging out with the family, not expecting to win many hands but sometimes you do, and just enjoying each other's company.

I'd like to say we'll continue the tradition. The past couple of months we've been so tired on Sunday nights, mostly because we've had to shovel snow most Sunday mornings. Plus, planning a wedding can be exhausting.

I guess with anything, time will tell.

Yet Another Reason...To Drive A Stick

 Saw the headline...

Knew exactly what happened, as do you.

Years ago when I attended the LTUE conference, I remember parking my car and as I crossed the parking lot, an author friend pulled up. I waited for him to get out so we could walk to the conference together. I don't remember the exact make and model of his car, but I haven't forgotten the conversation we had as we walked.

I mentioned the car and he said how great it was. It was an older compact, but he said it had an Anti-Millennial Theft Device, in other words, a manual transmission. I laughed--it was funny. Truth be told, I've stolen that line several times since then...each time, it gets a laugh.

When I learned to drive, oh, around 40+ years ago, there was a good chance whatever car you climbed in had a manual transmission. I think back then, almost every make and model came with the option of having either an automatic or manual transmission. Since my first car was a VW beetle, I pretty much had to learn how to drive a stick or I wouldn't have been able to go anywhere (to be honest, that bug was so unreliable at times, often I was unable to go anywhere...). 

Fast forward four decades, the manual transmission is a dying breed. I recently replaced the manual transmission in Donk the Subaru. My mechanic friend told me that the "powers that be" want to get rid of all manuals. He was told they get worse gas mileage. We both know that's a lie.

If you want to read the article, click: HERE, even though you already know the story just from the headline. It's another excellent reason to drive a stick.

Carson Boss's "Glimpse"...A Book Review

 Last Saturday, I found myself in my old stopping grounds. I had a meeting which may turn out to be something cool (more details to follow if it actually happens...). And because I was down south, I decided on my way home to stop by my friend's book signing for his debut novel, Glimpse. 

I'm glad I did.

It's a great little story.

Carson Boss's Glimpse mixes a ghost story, a love story, an interdimensional adventure that's fresh, engaging, and thoughtful. Mark Banks, a university freshman in Maryland, finds himself caught up in a mystery brought on from an assignment in his favorite class. While visiting a cemetery Mark and his friends try to capture paranormal evidence, a subject Mark found incredibly interesting. The events at the cemetery will soon change his life.

Thus begins a journey that includes Mark, his friends, his professor, his religious leader, and a girl who experienced the same thing a year before...someone Mark needs as a resource but who becomes much more.

Though Carson has written several non-fiction works, this is Boss's debut fiction novel. He does a good job with the characters that we feel we know them on a deeper level. The many conversations help us as well as Mark understand the worlds that are now open to him. Because their mission is so important, evil forces seek out Mark and his friends to try and stop them. Will Mark succeed in stopping ultimate evil be unleashed on the world? Or will the darkness overcome the bank of spiritual warriors?

To find out, you can order Carson's book by clicking the Amazon site: HERE. If you like plucky teenagers battle what appears to be unsurmountable forces, you'll like Glimpse. I know I did.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Jared Garrett...A Fascinating Author

 As I got to know my local writing community, a name kept popping up. This is a testament to this person's persistence as a self-marketer. A few years ago at a League of Utah Writer's conference (held at the same hotel where my wife and I had our wedding reception...) I finally met Jared Garrett.

Since then, I've gotten to know more about Jared.

The more I learn, the more fascinating a writer and person he's become.

Check out Jared's bio on his website. After reading that, you'll agree with me that he's not your average Utah writer (and that's a good thing...). You can access the bio page by clicking: HERE.

When you don't know someone but share many friends, you sort of get an opinion of the person--it's difficult not to. Since meeting and getting to know Jared I've found him to be as fascinating as I thought, but also a fun, upbeat, thoughtful person who is generous with his time.

In just 103 days, you can have the opportunity to attend the Writers Cantina conference and hear Jared as one of our presenters. You can access the conference website by clicking: HERE and more information about Jared as a presenter by clicking: HERE. If you're on the fence about attending, Jared is one other excellent reason to show up.

A Year Without A Kovel...

 For most people, this week--for those who live around here--has been highlighted by the continued winter weather that doesn't seem to want to end. But, for a select group of writers, this past week was the annual Retreat to the House on the Hill...

And, I missed it.

Again.

I'm not bummed because of the reason I did not attend for a second consecutive year. My reason was as good a reason as a person can have, but this week as I occasionally checked social media, I'd see pictures of the event from friends and it hurt.

The hurt is for a few things. It hurt because I wasn't there, of course, but it also hurt because I'm not writing like I used to, not releasing a title or two a year...my pace has been a title every five years, and that is if I get something ready to print this year.

I have no one to blame for this lack of production but myself. That's both the luxury and curse of being a writer. I actually began editing a story this month, a story I finished years ago and started many years before that. 

The retreat is something special. Each year, after the week-long event, those participating get together and bestow the coveted "Edward M Kovel Award." I've been awarded them almost every year and it comes with some awesome swag. Last year, I only obtained a trophy because I had a work meeting that took place a few miles from the house on the hill. I stopped in and the committee took pity on me and allowed me to take the swag home, even though I didn't really "earn" it.

Tonight, those who attended are either traveling home or have already arrived. It's an amazing feeling returning after a week of writing, collaborating, eating incredible food, and playing board games at night. I know after I got home from these events I felt invigorated, recharged, and most of all, thankful for the hosts. They are the best people.

I'd like to say I can't wait until next year, but I don't know if things will change next year. There's hope they will, but as with all things in life, there are no guarantees. Here's to this year's winners, always a well-deserved group. They've earned their Kovels, and the writing community is a much better place for all their hard work.

Sorry...But It's Beautiful

Yesterday, while waiting for our youngest's class to end, my wife and I sat in the parking lot as a spring snowstorm pelted our car.

Sorry, but it was beautiful.

Everyone's sick of winter in our state, and for good reason. It's the winter that never ends. It just goes on and on, my friends. I lowered the car window and listened to frozen grains of water fall and strike the car next to mine. The tiny balls of ice bounced off previously fallen snow coming to rest nearby.

There is an undeniable beauty in a frozen world. 

Yes, after waiting for our son to finish class, we had to drive through the storm to get home where the storm (or the latest one...) had already passed. We went inside and were glad we no longer had to navigate the snowy streets. And the winter-weather-in-spring is predicted to continue for at least a week.

It's easy to bemoan and complain about the snow and the cold, especially after the holidays. It's easy to wish it all away and in our minds replace it with warmer days, blossoms on the trees and flowers escaping their earthy cocoons to kiss the sun. But the color of snow is the same before Christmas as after. We're so excited for snow for the holidays and once January hits, it's no longer picturesque, no longer quaint, no longer beautiful...

But, it is still beautiful--you just have to take a second look.

 

Ten Years Ago...We Had A Blast

 A memory popped up on my Facebook feed today...

Ten years.

A decade ago I posted a short video I made (back when I was making short videos...) about a show I was doing at the time. It was Centerpoint Legacy Theatre's production of the classic, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was the first time that theater did the show and the second time I had the great fortune of participating.

I met some incredible people in that show, and thanks to social media, I've kept in touch with many of them since the last curtain fell, April 2, 2013. There's been marriages, babies, homes purchased, retirements announced, the children in the cast are getting married, and unfortunately, a divorce or two thrown in. That's what happens to fifty or so people in ten years.

Each show has its own personality, its own spirit. We meet, learn, sacrifice, and perform together for a few months, then we go our separate ways. Sometimes we meet up again in another show down the road, but that unique experience of that particular production can never be duplicated. Watching the video again took me back, back to when I was Issachar, I was not the oldest brother (a rarity...), and I danced mostly in the back row due to my talent level.

Good times.

For those in the show who watch the video, I hope it brings back some similar memories of hard work, long practices, and appreciative crowds.

Go Go Go Jo!

Still Beautiful, Even After Three Weeks...Only An Eternity To Go

 Three weeks tomorrow...

That's how long it's been since our daughter got engaged and how long we've had these beautiful flowers brightening up our somewhat slightly cluttered home. The flowers are wilting...the blue roses fairing better than their red counterparts (we think the blue dye helped in their preservation...). This afternoon it was time to discard the bouquet before pedals started to fall.

Though fading, they were still beautiful.

What if, they stayed in their original pristine state forever.

Of course, that's not possible...all things in this life are doomed to their own destruction. Everything created must expire, everyone born must die. 

A rose is many things, a living flower, a part of several ecosystems, but it's also a symbol, and as a symbol it becomes whatever we attach to it. These particular flowers represent a friendship more than a decade long that's blossomed into something even more beautiful, and like almost all relationships, has the potential to last an eternity.

I took the flowers outside to the trash that, unless society completely breaks down, will be picked up tomorrow morning. I snapped a picture...just wanted to remember them. Looking at the photo it made me think that the newly engaged couple's future will hopefully last longer than any flower, any plant, any thing that now exists.

Nothing on earth lasts forever, but things not of this earth, can.

Congrats To The U Of U Women's Basketball Team...On Reaching The Sweet Sixteen

 Growing up, I wasn't necessarily a fan of a local college team, probably because my dad passed away when I was young. From what I know of him, I don't think he was much of a sports fan himself. In the 70s and 80s, the best college team in Utah played in Provo, but when it came to college basketball, The Utah Utes had the edge.

Things went really crazy in the 90s on the hill. That's when the Runnin' Utes because not just the best in the state, but one of the best programs in the country.

I miss those days.

As do many Utah fans. There's been sparks of hope the past couple of years, but it's still a tough mountain to climb. We've said it many times in the past and we said it again after the buzzer sounded in the Pac-12 tournament signaling the end of the Runnin' Ute's season...wait until next year.

However, there's another team on the hill that caught fire recently, a team that's reminding many of us just how incredible it feels to root for one of the best teams in the country.

The U of U Women's Basketball Team.

They are good, and fun to watch.

Last weekend the 2nd-seed Utes made it to the Sweet Sixteen in the Women's NCAA Tournament. Their next game is Friday in South Carolina as they take on the 3-seed, LSU Lady Tigers. Congrats to the Lady Utes! Only five more wins and you'll reach sports royalty. Will they win five more games? The odds say probably not, but just knowing there's a chance, well, that's what sports fans love most of all.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Holli Anderson...Wearer Of Many Hats

 The Writers Cantina writer's conference announced more presenters this past week, included among them is Holli Anderson. Holli is an accomplished author...

And so much more.

I first met Holli almost a decade ago at the first Salt Lake Comic Con, now FanX. She was one of several authors representing Curiosity Quills Publishing. They had published a few of her books with more on the way. A few years later, I never hear of Curiosity Quills, but I definitely have heard of Immortal Works.

An independent publishing house Holli and a few other authors created.

In 109 short days you can attend the inaugural one-day writer's conference and hear from Holli and the other excellent presenters. You can access the conference website by clicking: HERE and learn more about Holli by clicking her Writers Cantina page: HERE or her Amazon author page: HERE.

Yes, Holli wears many hats, and wears them extremely well.

And The Sky Is A Hazy Shade Of...Spring

 I snapped a picture of the scene from my office window this afternoon. The clouds you see had already dropped their load of water, snow, even a little hail...while the water was coming down, you could barely see across the street. As I looked, I didn't know when winter turns to spring this year, so I looked it up. Turns out, today is that day.

Welcome Spring, 2023.

It's a wet one.

Seems appropriate, considering the winter we've had. To say we've had a wet winter is a gross understatement. It's one for the record books. All this water couldn't have come at a better time. Our state, and the rest of the western United States, have experienced several dryer-than-normal years. They call it a drought. Will these record-breaking totals change that? 

No. It takes several years of wetter than normal years to reverse all those dry years. But, it definitely helps. We're in the transition phase. Yes, we got rain and snow in the mountains, but the days are getting warmer so more snow will be melting in the days to come.

My question...how much more water can the ground take? We've already seen flooding in some areas of our state. I'm sure we'll see more. I don't think anyone could imagine what the spring and summer of 1983 would be like back when all the snow was dumped on the state the winter before. Those of us that remember, we're thinking it'll be more of the same.

I sure hope not.

Spring is here. It's no longer something that will eventually come. The forecast has us getting more days of similar weather this week, then it's supposed to dry out.

Wet winter: check

Wet beginning of spring: check

Looks like the pattern's continuing.

Give Thanks...For Music

 I don't know why, but I was nervous this past week. I really shouldn't have been, but, well...there it is. New challenges, new opportunities.

New experiences.

 A few weeks ago I was asked to be the choir director in our local church congregation. I've been singing in choirs off and on, large and small since the early 1980s. That's a lot of following a baton. I've sung in ward choirs and symphony choirs and even in St. Peter's Basilica. 

Now, I'm on the other side of the music stand.

Today, our little choir, probably fifteen voices, sang in our worship service. It's a good song my predecessor picked out. We even had violin accompaniment...it sounded great. It was my first time.

It's interesting to be on the other side, hearing the sounds how they blend, seeing the expressions of many faces instead of just the one. I have a long way to go before I believe I'll feel comfortable or proficient, but it was fun. It was fun standing there, waving the baton, bringing in sections (I do need to work on that...), cutting them off, letting the music dictate the action.

I'm grateful for music, for the chance to experience something new. It was a good day.

Immortal Works Is Having A Sale...You'd Better Hurry, Though

 Attention Readers: There's a sale!

Five years ago a little independent publishing house took a chance on my little book. Hopefully, they don't regret their decision. I know it's something I'm proud I did. And who knows...maybe they'll take another chance on me if I ever got my butt in gear and delivered those stories I'm sure they're sick of hearing about.

If you click: HERE, you can see all the books (paperback only...) that are on sale between now and Monday, 3/20/23. If you keep scrolling, you'll see a humble little book about a boy, his dog, and an interstellar adventure, or you can just click: HERE for a shortcut.

Back when Immortal Works first started I tried reading every book they published. Then, they just kept cranking them out. I finally gave up--there's so many books. And they're all on sale for a few more days.

Like any request to buy books, purchasing is wonderful, reading is the purpose of the book in the first place, and leaving a review is icing on the cake. If you're a reader, check out the list, order one (or several...), read it and review it. There's an entire library for you to explore and enjoy. Give the stories and adventures Immortal Works a chance. You won't be disappointed.

Ever Seen Tremonton Lake...?

 When we moved here a few years ago, several people have told us they once lived in Tremonton or the surrounding area. It's been fun posting pictures of the area and receiving comments from many with fond (and not so fond...) memories of the place we now call home. But today, we saw something that many who've lived here all their lives have rarely seen...

Tremonton Lake.

Yes, it you drive north from Kent's Market toward Garland, to your right you'll see a beautiful lake that's about half a mile wide and a couple of miles long. 

This lake didn't exist last week.

And hopefully, it'll be gone soon.

It's not too deep--in part of the video you can see a livestock fence partially submerged. Thankfully, the newly-formed lake exists in a floodplain--we haven't heard of any flooding from this. Normally, there's a small river that serpentines back and forth and it flows south. It's a pretty little valley when there's no run off, but this year, you could waterski on this body of water. 

Since this is a generational winter as far as precipitation goes, I don't expect this lake to be around very long. Then again, since we've not lived here long, this sort of thing might happen all the time and the water may stick around. Time will tell. 

Driving by, I think it would be cool for the city to put up a dam and have a public lake for fishing, waters sports, even as a beautiful jewel in the middle of the community. But, since they've had the opportunity to dam the river all this time, it's obvious the locals don't want it.

Still, I'd love to get some awesome photos of sunrises and sunsets at Tremonton Lake.

Maybe one day...

If You Could Would You Want To Go Back In Time To See A Classic Film...?

 Would you ever want to go back in time and experience something you love for the first time?

Case in point...apparently people film themselves watching classic movies to capture their reactions on YouTube.

I had no idea.

My wife came across a YouTube channel a few months back. It's called the Rob Squad. You can access their YouTube channel by clicking: HERE. The couple sits and either watches a film they've never before seen or listen to a famous song neither has heard before. The lure of these YouTube channels is to experience what makes these songs or music so great with someone listening or seeing the art for the first time.

It's almost hypnotic.

I've watched several of these videos as the couple watches movies most of us watched when they came out years and decades ago...films like Footloose, The Shining, The Harry Potter Series, The Lord of the Rings series, Back to the Future, Steel Magnolias, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Shawshank Redemption, Field of Dreams, and many many more. For whatever reason, the Rob Squad have never seen these films. To me, it's hard to believe, but it's true. As I watch the couple watch and react to films I love, I'm a bit jealous of them. They get to experience the wonder, the joy, the heartache, the pure pleasure these films draw from those who see them. It conjures feelings and memories of when we watched them and how we felt as the stories unfold.

But, if I think about it. I would not have wanted to wait years and decades to experience these feelings, to see these shows. No, if given the choice, I'd rather have seen the films when I did than wait. Even though I'd be older and (hopefully...) more mature, I'd prefer to see things when I saw them.

Still, it's fun to watch others go through the same things you did.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: John M Olsen...Gentleman, Author

 The Writers Cantina announced yet another presenter this week, John M. Olsen, the writing conference that begins in just 115 short days.

The local writing community seems big, but actually it's a small group. Yes, there are hundreds, even thousands of authors, but when you gather for local conventions and conferences as often as they do, you get to know everyone, or at least you get to know someone who knows someone (sort of a few degrees of separation situation...). Ten years ago, no local author knew of John...he hadn't written/published much...

What a difference a decade can make.

I met John when both he and I were published in some of the same anthologies from the same publisher. Because of this, we'd spend many hours talking as we tried selling books at various conventions and conferences around the state. We also found out we had other connections. He went to high school and was friends with my brother-in-law back in the day, and his wife and I attended the U of U at the same time and participated in the LDS fraternity/sorority functions. After a decade of seeing each other several times a year, I consider them both good friends.

John has thrown himself into the writing world. He's produced novel after novel and even ascended to president of the League of Utah Writers. As a presenter, John brings a lifetime of practical experience, including that of an author, editor, and leader. If you want to know how to succeed in the confusing and sometimes overwhelming world of writing, John is an incredible resource.

You can find out more about the Writers Cantina writers conference by clicking: HERE, and more about John specifically by clicking: HERE.

I know many authors personally, not as many as some, but more than most. I can honestly say John is a great writer/editor/collaborator...but he's an even better person.

I Can See Greenery Now The Snow Is Gone...

 This winter season has been, in a word, crazy. Like many places across our country, we've broken precipitation records and currently have record snowpack in our mountains. With some recent warmer temperatures, it's been a while since I've seen so much green in our back yard.

Truth be told, it's not so much green, but sort of a green/tan combination as the grass has been under literal feet of snow for months. It's finally breaking through, however, thanks in part of a dog who loves to play fetch even when the balls thrown to him disappear under several inches of snow.

We put in the fence last spring. it's turned out to be a great decision. The dog can just run and run. It's weird seeing the snow drifts along the edge of the fence, though. We're lucky we didn't need to open the gates for any reason. We'd have to do even more shoveling.

Since this is the first "big winter" for us here, we're not sure how the area will handle this much snow. Apparently, the hill on which we live is known for the natural springs underneath the streets and homes. I take it that's a good sign, but even the best areas can have too much water. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

It's good to see the lawn. We're supposed to get rain tonight (yes, more precipitation...) which will reduce the snow even more. As I walked around with the dog this afternoon, the grass squished beneath my shoes. One day soon, we'll be we able to don our shorts, sit outside as we try and avoid the mosquitoes, and enjoy spring.

Unless, the snow keeps coming.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Lance Conrad...Apparently, You Can't Stop Him

 Lance Conrad will be in the house (the Writers Cantina house...) in just 117 short days.

And based on the bio on his website, he can't wait.

I have never personally spoken with Lance, but I did see him in action last summer. Our local library has an open house in the spring to kick off their summer of reading. It was my first year participating and even though I only sold one book, I had a great time.

I set up my table between two of my author friends, one of which knows Lance very well. He told me to watch Lance in action, saying the man can sell books like few others. I watched and can confirm...my friend was right. He's engaging, fun, knowledgable, and personable...everything a successful author needs to be but few actually are.

I'm excited to get to know him better at this year's Writers Cantina writing conference. It'll take place on July 8th in West Valley City, Utah. You can find out more about the conference by clicking: HERE and find out more about Lance by clicking: HERE. If you'd like to visit his website, click: HERE.

Writers are a strange breed...

Of course, some are stranger than others. ;)

Give Thanks...For A Proposal

 They've known each other for years. Last week, they became more than just boyfriend/girlfriend and soon, they'll be something more. Our only daughter is engaged. Family and friends turned a yoga/arial/acrobatics studio into a place where magic happens.

Funny how a simple question with an even more simple answer changes everything.

My daughter is smart which made hiding the big event even tougher. The day of, my wife and I had a difficult time not giving even the smallest hint away. Thankfully, that didn't happen, or if it did, our daughter lied to us.

We have four children, but only one daughter. Things are different with daughters...there's no other way to say it. Our oldest got married two and a half years ago. There are obvious differences between sons and daughters and weddings. We were so less involved in that event, and not because we were "left out." It's just not the same with sons. With the daughter, my wife and her have spent--what seems--like every waking hour (and sometimes, sleeping hour...) thinking about, worrying over, and planning the upcoming wedding.

Growing up, I always thought I'd have a family and they'd grow up and get married themselves, but I didn't think much beyond that. I figured I'd worry about those things when they came. Now, they're coming and I guess it's time to worry.

Worry is not the best word...more like handle. When the time comes, I'll handle it. 

Funny how life works, sometimes. In a few months (exact time and date are forthcoming...), we'll gather in a beautiful location and the two will become one. Families will celebrate and guaranteed, there will be dancing. I'm grateful for this opportunity. I'm grateful to be connected though marriage with an incredible family. I'm grateful to be the father of the bride. It is truly an honor.

Funny how a simple question with an even more simple answer changes everything.

Plans For Tonight...Not Watching Real Salt Lake

 Normally, I'd be watching or streaming the Real Salt Lake Soccer game. It started just a few minutes ago. They're playing Austin FC right now as I type. 

I'm missing it.

By choice.

Since change is the only constant, change has come to Major League Soccer, or MLS for short, and MLS has gone through a programming change. It's now no longer free.

MLS is one of the few major sports leagues I still watch. Sure, soccer's not the most exciting of sports, and MLS is not one of the world's premier leagues, but they're local and I like to support them. And by "support" I mean, watch. This year, it's going to cost me...cost everyone. Apple has purchased the broadcast rights to every MLS match, including our local team.

If I were a numbers guy, I'd do the math. For only $80, I can watch every match including playoff games. That's hundred of games, meaning it would cost me literally pennies per game. I most likely would never watch all the games, but I suppose that's not the point. And that's a good price for all that sports entertainment. 

I passed on buying the entire season. We're a couple of weeks in so each week I turn down the offer, the more each game will cost, which will discourage me from pulling the trigger even more. Plus, the money can be used for something else, something we need (like food...), and all that time I'd spend watching the games could be utilized in a more productive fashion. 

I hope the change for MLS is a good one. I hope they make a lot of money and millions sign up. Who knows? I might miss it so much this season that I'll break down and pay for next year's games.

Until then, I guess I'll watch some XFL.

2023...Or 1983?

 Had it been cold enough earlier today, we would have had a foot of snow--at least--dump on our already snow-covered ground. But, the temperature turned warm and so we got rain...

Lots of rain instead of lots of snow.

Like many places across the country, we have hit the jackpot as far as precipitation this winter. Like many others, my back hurts from shoveling all the snow. Those old enough remember another year in Utah when the state received above-average snowfall. 

1983.

Are we headed for a repeat?

1983 was incredible. Our little town of Farmington made worldwide new when a mudslide destroyed a dozen or so houses just up the street from where we lived. My brother was living in Japan at the time and saw the devastation on their news. It was the summer and I was about to enter my senior year of high school. The mudslide was only one disaster that hit the state that spring and summer. A small town was flooded after a mountain slid and dammed a river in central Utah. The Great Salt Lake increased its size threatening to flood Interstate 15. And runoff from a Salt Lake City river overflowed so they diverted the water down the middle of the state's capital city. You can see video of most of these events by clicking: HERE.

We're a little apprehensive about where we now live. Earlier today I spoke to a city firefighter after picking up some sandbags. I told him we were relatively new to the area and asked him how bad he thinks the flooding will be. He asked if we knew the history of our house during wet years. We told him it was a new house. We're thinking we'll be okay, at least, we hope we will. We live on a hill but you never know--there's been so much water.

Forty years ago we watched storm after storm dump record amounts of snow...just like this year. I pray if it is as bad, the state rallies and performs miracles just like before.

Books Delivered...Let's Get Conferencing!

 It's been a while since a box full of books has been delivered to our front door. It used to be more of a regular occurrence back when I attending writing conferences and conventions. Back then, my main goal was to try and sell as many copies of my works as possible.

Then life happened.

Of course, there was the shutting down of almost all public gatherings. That'll put a crimp in your plans...and it did. But even before that, at one of the biggest conventions in my state I had stopped trying to sell any books or get on any panels that leads to book sales. I turned my attention and energy toward being part of the programming team. When I did that something had to give, and what gave was selling books.

Then, I moved north. There's fewer people up here. Many times fewer people translate to fewer opportunities for people to gather. At least, that's what I thought. I've seen a dozen or more chances to set up a table and try and introduce my neighbors to my stories. The problem was, I had very little inventory to sell, so I haven't done much of anything.

Maybe it's because it's a new year...maybe it's because I had some money leftover from my Halloween gig--whatever it was, I placed an order for a couple of dozen books. They arrived today.

Opening a box of books that you wrote is still an incredible feeling, even though the book is over five years old. I need to order some other books, anthologies that have my short stories to where I feel like I have enough product to give people some options. I need to kick-start my writing life.

A box of new books to sell is a great way to do that.

Ask Dad...If Only We Would Or Could

 Years ago I worked for a government agency that focused on child care. The main focus was pre-school programs across the state, but the department also released a yearly paper on intergenerational poverty and how to reduce the cases of poverty in the state. I read a few of those reports and one thought came to my mind as I read through the problems and how to fix them...

We need more dads.

I was reminded of these reports at lunch last Friday. At Kneaders I spotted a cute "decision maker." You spin the sign and it will either stop on "Ask Mom" or "Ask Dad." I thought it might make a fun picture so I snapped it. How would society be better if we would or could ask dad?

The intergenerational poverty report was exceptionally researched with statistics and facts to support that families continuing to live in poverty is detrimental to society in many ways. The reports also included several recommendations the state can adopt to help fix the problem. One thing kept coming back to my mind. The report failed to support the notion that having a father in the home would greatly increase the chance of a family breaking the curse of poverty.

My contention lacks the research and study of these original reports. But, thousands upon thousands of years of experience backs up my claim. This isn't to pass judgement, but a simple statement. Dads are important.

Perhaps it's easy for me to say this because I am a father and my children had the advantage of having a father in the home. Then again, I can also speak from experience. From the age of eight years old, I lacked a father in the home. I know, without a doubt, the life of me and my family would have been improved had my father not passed away those many years ago.

Ask dad...if you can. It can only help.

To This Boy And His Dog...This Field Of Snow Is Everything

 This afternoon, as I trekked outside to fetch the mail, I spotted a neighbor boy and his dog playing on one of the many snow mounds dotting the neighborhood. A thought came to my mind...

The kid's got it all.

Maybe it's because where we lived before, we didn't have a lot of younger kids running around. I wasn't used to seeing kids playing outside. Here, we're surrounded by young families and there's kids all over the place, even in winter. I love seeing it--instead of kids constantly inside in front of a screen, many go outside, play in the snow, play with their pets. It's so refreshing.

Growing up I had a small dog that accompanied me on mountain hikes. Of course, I didn't have the modern distractions kids nowadays have. There were no video games and movies-on-demand back in the 70s. I wonder if I did, would I have gone outside as much?

I had a mountain. Here, they have a hill and fields.

Either way, it's their world.

The plan is to turn the field into homes. Where the snow mound sits, the road dead ends. Soon--maybe even this summer--machinery will pull up and put in a road that will lead to many more homes which will bring many more kids. I hope I see those kids venturing out (even in winter...) with their dogs and find adventures in their wonderful new worlds.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Brad R. Torgersen...Military Man

 Another presenter for the Writers Cantina Writing Convention has been announced, and now, you can read up on our next guest author.

Brad R. Torgersen.

If you are not familiar with Brad's work, you're missing out.

I've read several of Brad's works. Torgersen's name has been compared with giants in the science fiction world...Heinlein, Clarke, among others. I agree. His stories are deep, thoughtful, introspective. His novel, The Chaplain's War, mixes themes of philosophy, religion, self-reflection, and the role the military plays in not only our culture, but that of other sentient species as well. I loved the novel, as well as other anthologies he has created.

In addition to his writing career, Brad is a National Guard reservist. My father served in WWII as did four of his brothers. I have the upmost respect for anyone willing to serve and put their lives on the line for people they've never met. I believe this experience has given Brad a valuable and important perspective and it shows in his writings. I've attended several conferences where Brad presented. If you're interested in learning more about writing in general and science fiction writing specifically, Brad alone is definitely worth the price of admission.

In just 124 days, the doors of the Utah Cultural Center in West Valley City, Utah will open and (hopefully...) many will attend a day of learning, presenting, networking, and overall good times. If that interests you, click: HERE to access the conference website and click: HERE to read more about presenter Brad Torgersen.

Give Thanks...Continuing The Family Tradition

If you're like me, as a parent I've always wondered how my kids are going to turn out...where they'll live, accomplishments they'll do, and how they'll make a living. Since we've lived with them their whole lives, we think we might have some of these questions answered as they grow. Sometimes they surprise us.

For years we weren't quite sure which direction our youngest would take. The past couple of years we've discussed some options for him. He's taken our suggestions with what we believe is an open mind. When my daughter was thinking about the same thing years ago, we visited a trade school...

It intrigued our youngest, so much so, in February, he began his higher education experience.

He's going into Building Technology. Basically, he's learning how to build homes. He knew a university education was probably not going to work for him so he's going into a field where he can most likely make more than his old man (who has two degrees...) in a few years.

Good for him.

Before classes began, we had a list of things to buy to get him ready. It was fun going down the list, picking out tools we know he'll need and use. Oh, how I wish I had the knowledge to take advantage of the tool aisle in the hardware store.

Over the years I've picked up a few construction skills here and there--nothing like what my son will be learning. Had my father lived, I'm sure he would have taught me construction skills. That man could (literally...) build anything. He designed and built our family home back in the early 1970s. He knew carpentry, bricklaying, HVAC installation, electrical...pretty much everything. His knowledge was unfortunately not passed on to his children. I wish it were. I got many of his tools, but not now to use them.

Hopefully with my son, the Taylor knowledge of home construction will live on. I'm grateful my son wants to continue in the family tradition, even though he doesn't know it's a family tradition. I'm exited for him. There's an incredible sense of accomplish building something that didn't exist before knowing you're the one who did it.

My father would be proud.

A New Calling...I'm A Little Nervous

It's strange, in a way, that for the first time in my life I'm going to be responsible for how a group of singers sounds. Yes, the owl bag full of musical folders means I'm a newly called LDS ward choir director...

And I'm a little nervous.

The strange part is I've been involved in choirs for more than four decades. I started singing in high school, just one year, but I had a blast. After my LDS mission, I joined a couple of choirs, first the Mormon Youth Symphony Chorus and the University of Utah A'cappella Choir.

Those were amazing choirs...the latter better than the former, but both were wonderful.

After graduating, I sang a couple of years in the Utah Symphony Choir...kind of amazing backing up the Utah Symphony. Then, in my home ward, we were blessed with an abundance of musical talent. Not to brag (too much...), but our Christmas programs were legendary. 

Now, it's my turn.

I've never led a choir, or at least, never led one more than once. Will I be able to hear the issues? Will I be able to help the choir members adjust and hit the right notes, use the correct intonation, start and stop correctly?

Only time will tell.

 

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: D.J. (Dave) Butler...Esquire

 Sure, it's months away, but why not get excited about the event now?

Exactly.

On July 8th, 2023--a mere 127 days from today--authors will gather, stories will be swapped, relationships formed and strengthened, and most important, knowledge will be both given and received. That's where D.J. Butler comes in. He, along with others, will be presenting at the Writers Cantina Utah writers convention.

One of many,

And they're looking for more.

Click: HERE to access the event's webpage. Click: HERE to read more about the amazing Mr. Butler. Yes, it is the conference's inaugural voyage. I remember hearing about the Salt Lake Comic Con's inaugural show. They booked a hall, then booked William Shatner...

Then they booked the state's biggest vendor space to handle all the people who wanted to attend. It was nuts. Now, will the same thing happen to this little gathering? Possibly. I mean, once the masses hear that they booked D.J. (Dave), well...who knows what can happen?

Exactly.

The New Store In Town...

 Apparently, the store has been open for almost six months. 

We just found out.

It's a good/bad situation.

The store is called Tremonton Nutrition. They moved into the building previously occupied by the US Department of Agriculture who moved to a nice new shiny building west of I-15. Funny, we've driven by that location several times since last fall, but never saw the yellow banner.

When you move to a smaller town, there are pros and cons. One of the pros is the lack of people. Don't misunderstand...we like people, just not thousands upon thousands of people in a very small space. Of course, with less people comes less of everything, fewer stores, fewer options when it comes to things a person/family needs. 

One thing we do miss is access to a nutrition store. Now, we have one. It's not the biggest and it doesn't have everything we'd like, but it does have many of the basics. We won't have to drive to Logan or Ogden every time we're low on supplies.

The way this area is growing, we suspect there will be more and more new stores. The town could use a movie theater (which, we heard is in the plans...), and many more restaurants. There's going to be a food truck park that will at least give us more options.

My wife and I have discussed many times that because this little town is growing, people will create ways to fill the demands of a new population. We've wondered if there were a business we could open up here...

Then, we'd be the new store in town.

The Utility Cart Is Great...But I Wish It Was A Trailer

 A few years ago, an author friend told me that one of the greatest things a writer can have when attending writing conferences is...

A utility cart.

I've thought about what he said a lot, especially in the fall when I'm at our local comic con and when I'm at work at an amusement park. Whenever I see a family towing a child or two asleep in the cart from a long day of fun, or an author or vendor taking goods to their booth. I never looked into getting a utility cart, at least not seriously. That is, until my wife and I walked into a store and saw a cart for sale, at a discount (we're all about the discounts...). 

We saw it. I bought it. I'm prepared for conference season. I've ordered a ton of books to see and now I have an efficient way to transport those books to market.

But, what I'd really like...

Is a trailer.

A trailer full of books

  (picture credit: https://thinairwinnipeg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/booktrailer.jpg)

I'd love to be able to load up a trailer full of my books, my friends's books, great books of all kinds and head out on the weekends to make some serious sales. Instead of an ice cream truck pulling up to a city park on Saturdays, I'd love to pull up with a trailer full of books and flood the park with stories. Maybe one day.

All journeys begin with a single step...or a utility cart.