Give Thanks...Smiles From The Writers Cantina Con

The smiles told the story. In the morning I saw people descend the stairs excited for the event to begin. Eight hours later, the same people ascended the stairs, tired but happy...

The smiles told the story.

Yesterday the inaugural Writers Cantina finally arrived. The idea began last year, a few writers wanted to create an event where writers could gather to discuss writing...not other things found at other writing conferences, but the art of writing--what is is and how to improve the craft. The con's main cheerleader was Nathan Shumate. His determination and passion pushed the idea forward. He created the non-profit, booked the venue, and organized the volunteers.

I helped, but mostly I sat and BS'd with good friends and new acquaintances. Nate's vision was to have a writers conference where everyone--panelists and attendees alike--were treated like special guests. The "Green Room" was unlike any I've ever seen. The room was open to everyone complete with snacks (good snacks...) and tables where a novice writer could sit and talk shop with an Internationally known bestselling author.

Nate's vision turned out to be just what we wanted and just what we needed.

It was only a one day affair. We're hoping to double the days next year. That's the goal, anyway. But since Nate's goals for this year's show appear to have turned out, I have faith it'll get done. We have other plans for next year as well.

I'm grateful to be involved (albeit to a small degree...) with this event. I'm grateful for friends who gave up their time and talents to help writers who, a few years earlier, sat in the audience chairs instead of a panelist's chair. I'm grateful to have found such an amazing group.

Yes, the smiles--excited at the beginning of the day, tired at the end, but smiles none the less--told the story, the story of storytellers sharing a Saturday together. See you next year!

Glad To Have Donk Back...

 Last October, while driving home from my Halloween gig, my trusty Subaru (we've lovingly called, "Donk,"...) began to sound a little funny...

And not in a good way.

We decided to park Donk. Thankfully, I only worked that gig on the weekends and I was able to borrow the family minivan to finish out the season. Donk sat in the garage waiting for an opening at our favorite mechanic's shop. The date came and we took in the car. The result? Pretty much what we suspected.

The transmission was shot.

Bummer.

I was especially bummed because I really liked that car. I bought it two months before covid hit and it served us well giving us a second vehicle and one we felt confident driving in the snow. Plus, the cost of replacing the transmission eclipsed the value of the car. We resigned ourselves in saying good-bye to Donk and we started looking for another car. I snapped a picture of Donk and lamented on social media that I was sad because I really liked that car.

Many of my friends saw the photo and some offered condolences. But one, went a step further. He asked what was wrong with Donk. I told him. He then said he'd check out something and get back to me. The fact that my friend is a master auto mechanic with decades of experience.

We saw a glimmer of hope in a dark space.

Fast forward four months and Donk once again sits lovingly in our garage, but it no longer makes the horrible sound, it no longer worries me that it'll leave me stranded on the side of the road. No, Donk has a new transmission and the ride is ever-so smooth, as smooth as a manual transmission can be.

After something like this happens, you look back at the things you've learned. I learned that the used car market is full of cars that--to me--don't seem worth the asking price. But, if people buy the cars, then I guess they are worth the asking price. Some people out there are extremely good and will go the extra mile to make other's people's lives less crappy. I've learned that we live in an incredible time and country. I've learned how important it is to have a vehicle you can trust parked in the garage.

Thanks go out to my friend for the support. The car is running just fine.