He entered the world a red-faced, shitting, puking mess. Call him, "Hell's child."

In school, he was disruptive with an engaging flair. Call him, "Irresponsible."

He left the world when he was hit by a bus while saving a child. Call him, "Hero."

(I am sharing this for any that may be interested.  It is a re-post of a blog I found on WordPress.  It is shared here with permission of the author.  If you wish to, you can check his site for other blogs on self-publishing.)… Read full post »

Recently, I had put some comments in my bio about possibly moving on to greener pastures.

In truth, OS had been erratic for at least the past year.   Lately, the load times have improved immensely.  Whether Jmac had anything to do with it, we can only wonder (and hope.)

For… Read full post »

After 2 years, I figured it's time to do a few things.  One is to complete my promise when I started this blog; namely, explaining how RJ (my former pet I've used as an avatar) got her name.  As long as I'm at it, I'll also include some of the various… Read full post »

It was one of those quiet days.  Cindy and I have been relaxing since getting to know some of our new neighbors.  The development we moved into is peaceful, secure, almost like a loosely run prison (complete with roving wardens - I mean, security personnel.)

We were in the backyard watching… Read full post »

           We walked close to each other without touching.  I could smell the innumerable wildflowers in bloom.  I saw her wan smile in the corner of my eye.  "I wish we could be together forever," she whispered.

  &… Read full post »

     (This is in response to the OS Weekend fiction prompt.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to include the photo it's based on.  Go to the OS Weekend Fiction Club  to view it.  The first paragraph below hopefully offers enough of a description for those that choose n… Read full post »

            Santa Fe is one of those interesting cities.  It’s home to whatever gender you want to name – male, female, or other.  As well as whatever bedroom antics turn you on.  People that speak multiple languages, s/… Read full post »

As I've mentioned before, I've been doing periodic work on a website for a local group known as the Finger Lakes Literary Guild.  In the process of updating the calendar of events, I noticed the mention to the US National Park Service.  They are running a series of events called Arts… Read full post »

I can hear you now.  "Being out of work is a good thing?  You must be totally crazy."

Don't worry.  I won't hold it against you.  I get that a lot, even from my psychotherapist.

Now that I've satisfied my need to be facetious, let's be objective.  To understand what I… Read full post »

A quick post from the trenches of the National Novel Writing Month effort.  This is my first time trying anything on this kind of scale, so it's going to be interesting to see the reult.

 Official word count (6 PM in NY):  1294

Target-to-date:  1667

When midnight rolled around and… Read full post »

            It seemed like any normal day selling papers on the street corners.  I was over on St. Mike’s at Pacheco.  About half an hour before I was scheduled to get done, BC and Joni came by in the van.  “I’m… Read full post »

Just thought I'd give a heads up to any that may be interested.

 I've made the choice to participate in NaNoWriMo this year.  I'll periodically offer excerpts, updates on word counts and any other items of interest.

Tomorrow, I'll offer a story that stars the characters of my intended proje… Read full post »

I was in the process of helping Cindy sort through the junk in the garage before our upcoming move.  Some of it just serves no purpose, if you ask me.

Like  her Grannie's sewing machine.  What earthly good is a piece of oversized wrought iron machinery like that?  If you need… Read full post »

There was no possibility of taking a walk that day.  Cindy and I often enjoyed walks around the neighborhood after dinner, but today was definitely out.  She was due back home any time, and I still hadn't figured out what to do with the chocolate.

Don't get… Read full post »

Just a quick off-the-cuff post today.

For all my friends here at OS, I just wanted to let you know I'm getting more and more tied up.

First, I've been trying, with limited success, to answer Rita's Fiction Friday calls.  When she went on leave, I didn't get the info about… Read full post »

I'll start my apology by saying I'm not even sure how to address you any more.  Thus, no salutation.  I pray you understand.

You know me.  Subtlety and grace are not my strong suits.  Maybe that's why we didn't even make it through high school together.  Breaking up, making u… Read full post »

In the local paper  it was reported by the Yates County (NY) Humane Society that a gray tiger cat has been placed for adoption.  (Link to article unavailable; follow this newspaper link if you want to search for yourself. )

 The feline's name is given as TINKER PINK NOSE (female, age… Read full post »

My sister, me, our grandniece (our older brother's granddaughter.)  September, 2009

We lost my sister over the weekend.  She would have been 59 in a few days.

 She was always there for me when I needed a shoulder to lean on.… Read full post »

This is a short note to all my friends on OS.

As you've seen from my last few posts, I've been facing some family issues. 

As of yesterday (3/11,) the doctors have concluded they've reached the limit of what they can do.  From here, it's a matter of making my… Read full post »

  “I called to let you know,” my niece said.  “Mom's in the hospital, and ... well ... it's not looking too good.”

 We made arrangements for her to pick me up on the way to the hospital.

 I listened to the way my niece… Read full post »

There exists a Universal Symphony.  Within that Magnum Opus, there are smaller cantatas to which we are born.

 At first, like so many, my line of music was a series of rests.  One day, I began to sound my notes.  Tentative ones to start, followed by… Read full post »

Early infancy, age uncertain

I know how everything felt, but it wasn't until later that I had the vocabulary to describe it.

I'm standing in the kitchen, my back to the refrigerator.  My mother's hands are above my head.  I cling to… Read full post »

Today, one American reflects on his fellow citizens serving in uniform.

Today, one American salutes the decision to serve.

Today, one American applauds the devotion to honorably complete all missions assigned.

Today, one American bows his… Read full post »

            New here, ain't ya?  Thought so.  Been here a couple months myself.  Never seed ya 'fore.  Into a little roundball?

            LeBron 'round the left, pulls up… Read full post »