Word Splash - Joanne Faries

Book Review: Steve Jobs

2012-01-27T17:24:00.002-06:00

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson is a fascinating look at the life of a genius. Much has been written in homage and tribute to a man who will be listed with Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison as a major contributor to life as we know it. Jobs died too young and yet his Apple legacy will live on and flourish.

Mr.Isaacson was given unprecedented access to interview Jobs himself, people who influenced Jobs and were influenced by him, review photos and data, and finally write a very unedited portrait of Steve Jobs. Isaacson, obviously admired the man, and yet he gives a very unvarnished picture of an egomaniac jerk, who could inspire many, and demand absolute perfection. There are a lot of unflattering scenes and incidents, and yet they add up to give a full image of Steve Jobs.

I was fascinated, repulsed, and in awe of Steve Jobs based on this book. I saw him speak once out in Silicon Valley. I don't remember the speech. I don't know that I fully comprehended what the heck he talked about. However, he was a commanding presence in his black shirt, his thin reedy voice speaking without notes, his enthusiasm for the subject, and his utter confidence, intellect, and magnetism. This was the Steve Jobs that took Apple to a high level, was basically fired from his own company, founded NeXt, gave a new lease on life to Pixar, re-took Apple, and zoomed it to dizzying heights with the iPod, iPhone, iTunes, iPad, and ultimately more iProduct that we didn't know we needed.

The book is well written, thoroughly researched, and compelling. Steve Jobs, the man, was totally nuts from a "normal" perspective. Steve Jobs, the genius, was awesomely amazingly on a whole other level from "normal", and we - the human race - have benefited.

RIP, Steve Jobs. You are probably driving God and Heaven crazy with a re-design.

Movie Review: The Artist

2012-01-25T17:41:00.001-06:00

No you aren't crazy. The Artist is in black and white. It's also a silent film with printed dialogue. Crazy? Sure. Kinda cool? Yeah. Up for tons of Oscar nominations? Absolutely. This film harkens back to the golden days of Hollywood when boy meets girls, boy falls for girl, boy's the big star, girl's the peppy young ingenue who surpasses his dreams and becomes a huge star. Meanwhile, boy's star plummets into disgrace. It's an olden goldie tale and it works in 2011-2012.

Jean Dujardin is our silent hero, George Valentin. Think Douglas Fairbanks - swashbuckling, matinee idol good looks, with an expansive smile, and over emoting - perfect for the silent film heyday. Berenice Bejo is Peppy Miller - our cute heroine, with large expressive eyes, a smile that doesn't end, and dancer legs. Plus she's ready to talk, sing, and go far in this new world of talkies. George refuses to change, thinking the talkies are a fad. Soon only his dog, played by a terrier named Uggie, stands by George. (Uggie steals the show!)

The 1929 stock market crash hits, wiping George's fortune. Folks still flock to movies, but only the talkies. He spends his own fortune to make a film, but silence is not golden anymore. Part comedy, part drama, part love story - The Artist is charming, entertaining, and rich in its black & white & shades of gray. The film score is luscious, and it's nice to enjoy an old fashioned film. Buy a tub of popcorn, treat yourself to a soda, and don't make a sound. Ssshhh!

Guest Post: Sharon K. Owen

2012-01-21T20:47:00.003-06:00

Today I welcome fellow author and friend, Sharon Owen She's had a varied career and offers a lot to the world of literature. Let's hear from her in her own words:
I am a fiction writer, a university professor, a copy editor and an online writing teacher. My first Romantic Suspense: Thicker Than Water was published in 2011 and the second book in the series, Whatever Goes Around, will be published in March, 2012.
My short stories and poetry have been published in Descant, Concho River Review, Iron Horse, American Literary Review, Trinity Writer’s Workshop newsletter and collections of Christmas stories.
I am blessed with a loving family, a multitude of friends and the good fortune to share a cozy sanctuary in North Texas with my four-legged roommates.
As an only child in a household and neighborhood primarily populated with adults, I followed my grandfather’s example and entertained myself by creating my own stories in which I was always the hero and the star.
I inherited my vivid imagination and a compulsion to create alternate realities from my maternal grandfather.
He was natural-born story teller. In another century he might have been a Seanchai (an irish storyteller/historian who related adventures that became part of the legends in Ireland.
In our family, he passed along an oral history that brought our ancestors to life. These stories instilled in me a love of family drama and a curiosity about all the interactions of family members through succeeding generations.
The literacy skills I developed in school give me the opportunity to put those stories on paper. Although the written version never quite matches the perfection of those images in my mind, I persist in the attempt to present characters and situations that intrigue, inspire and entertain

Sharon's first book in her Brands Crossing series introduces us to well rounded characters, family dynamics, a mystery, and a feisty heroine. Let's hear what Sharon has to say about her book:

As a child, KATE O'DONNELL spends summers at her grandparents' estate in Brands Crossing where she and her girl cousins battle make-believe monsters, rescue endangered victims and a save a mythical kingdom.
At twenty-five Kate is a singer/songwriter living in Nashville and pursuing a promising relationship with computer game designer PHILLIP NORWOOD. There, her only battles are fought in Aidenne's Revenge, Phillip's online fantasy game based on her childhood adventures. With her grandfather's sudden death from injuries he sustained in a suspicious car crash, Kate is forced to make a choice.
Will she remain in Nashville to focus on Phillip and her music career?
Or will she move back to Brands Crossing and honor the promise she made to her grandfather that she would investigate the mystery surrounding his death?
Family trumps career and romance and Kate heads back to Texas where the monsters, victims and endangered kingdoms are all too real. In an attempt to protect Kate from danger, Phillip joins her quest and helps her search for incriminating documents, investigate a centuries-old family feud and confront an anonymous rose-bearing admirer who stalks Kate in both real and virtual universes.
Thicker Than Water (Brands Crossing Series) is the first in a series of novels set in Brands Crossing, Texas. It chronicles the lives of the Kincaids, a prominent family in this mythical town, and focuses on a mystery that extends back to the mid-eighteenth century and the young Texas Republic.

Finally, let's hear from Sharon and her philosophy on characters:

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME

What's in a name? that which we call a roseBy any other name would smell as sweet;
is a quotation from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, meant to say that the names of things do not matter, only what things are.[1]

In the play, the line is said by Juliet in reference to Romeo's house, Montague which would imply that his name means nothing and they should be together.

Well, as much as I hate to dispute any of Shakespeare’s wisdom and advice, I disagree with this statement.

For contemporary fiction writers, it is extremely important that they take a lot of time and effort to choose the best possible names for their characters. Ones that will seem appropriate and resonate with the reader(s).

When I was writing Thicker Than Water (Brands Crossing Series) I spent hours pouring through websites on names, trying to find one with a look, sound and meaning that was most appropriate for my characters.

When I pondered on the name for my protagonist, I wanted it to represent who she was as an individual and how she was connected to family. I chose her last name for the Irish connection (and also because that was the name of the town where I grew up). I wanted her to be named after both grandmothers and chose to have her named after her Irish nana in Boston and after her French belle-mere in Texas. Therefore, she was christened Kathleen Isabelle O’Donnell.

I wanted her to have the nickname Katie as a child, but I knew she would shorten that to Kate as an adult.

Kathleen is the Irish form of Katherine and means innocent or pure.
Isabelle is the French version of Elizabeth and carries a meaning of reverence, loyalty and commitment.
O’Donnell is a celtic surname which means world might.

I think these names are very appropriate for Kate because she personifies a kind of idealism and innocence (some would say naiveté) as well as the loyalty. She also comes across as a heroine (especially as her alter-ego, Flamesdancer, in an online, multplayer video game). These qualities lead her to abandon career and romance and dive into a quest to avenge her grandfather’s murder.

So, I respectfully disagree with both Will and Juliet. Kate, by any other name, would not look, feel, smell, nor sound as sweet. Her boyfriend Phillip mightt add taste to that sensory list.

Thank you Sharon, for your time today. Here are her various sites and contacts. Please buy or download Thicker Than Water for a reading treat.

http://www.amazon.com/Thicker-Than-Water-Brands-Crossing/dp/1453772936/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327201773&sr=8-1

blog: http://sharonowen@sharonowen.com
website: http://sharonowensimplycreating.wordpress.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#1/sharonkowen
twitter: https://twitter.com/#1/sharon_k_owen

Ice Fishing Story - Perspective

2012-01-20T20:49:00.002-06:00

A quick story to illustrate perspective. Here in Texas we hit 80 degrees today. Crazy for January. My husband chats with a product person in Thief River Falls, MN - it was bizarre cold below zero. He went to pump gas and his hand froze on the handle. He had to get material out of his car to help defray the cold. Ray asked, "Why no gloves?" John said, "Well, it hadn't really been that cold yet""

Oh yeah? Here in Texas, we had a morning that was 28. Ray and I both have gloves, hats, and afghans in the car - just in case. If something happens, we don't want to freeze to death.

Perspective.

Here's a super funny story. John had to call Onstar. His keys were locked in the car. Onstar said, "Your car is in the lake. " He said, "No, it's on the lake. We're ice fishing." The Onstar personnel (calling from Florida were confused and didn't grasp the concept). "But, sir, your car is IN the lake," they insisted. "No, it's ON the lake. Just open the "damn" door." They finally complied, but reluctantly.

Perspective. Keep that in mind for your tales.

Waltz Wishes in Front Porch Review

2012-01-17T16:31:00.003-06:00

So far, January's poetry month for me. I had Sidewalk Chalk in Curio Poetry last week. Now glide into Waltz Wishes in Front Porch Review

Photo taken at the Nasher Sculpture Center.

What's in Your Queue?

2012-01-15T09:20:00.002-06:00

I am the movie critic for The Little Paper of San Saba (a town without a cinema). I do have a specialty column, What's in Your Queue?, that features short blips on movies I've rented through NetFlix. Christmas and New Year's week were quite entertaining:

Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - the youngest Pavensie kids, Lucy and Edmond, along with their spoiled cousin Eustace take an unexpected trip back to Narnia. They join King Caspian for an epic high seas adventure on the Dawn Treader. They sail to the end of the world to rescue seven lords, banished by Caspian's evil uncle. Fun story and effects. This series has been amusing and it's a worthy rental.

Heathers - this is an oldie from the eighties starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. High school has its cliques and the "Heathers" are all blonde and boorish. Winona's character skates by with her dark prettiness and sharp tongue. However, she sees that the girls are out of control and enlists the new guy (Slater) to punish them. Well, he's a bit psycho and what was a prank turns into murder and escalates. Heathers is dark and makes fun of high school. It was ahead of its time and now, as a film, stands the test of time. Amusing.

Margin Call - Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, Demi Moore, and Zachary Quinto head this all-star cast into a near Wall Street crash. Big trading company, overextended packages, crazy leveraging and financing. Sound familiar? This film brings our nightmare 2008 economic crash onto the screen. It seems very realistic as the risk department figures out that this financial behemoth has gone beyond its own rules and needs to do a mass sale of epic proportions to perhaps survive. Who knew computer screens could be so compelling? We know what's going to happen and yet we watch this gripping tale of money, greed, and how it is all a game. Wow!

Horrible Bosses - Kevin Spacey again, only this time he is evil, along with Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell as worst bosses ever. Buddies Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis), and Dale (Charlie Day) can't leave their miserable jobs, so they decide to creatively eliminate each other's employers. Crazy schemes ensue after advice from con artist Jamie Foxx. This is a funny over-the-top zany movie.

That's what I did with my time, in between reading new goodies on my Kindle, and trying to outsmart my Wii Mii.

What's in Your Queue????

Wii: Whee, I'd Rather be Reading My Kindle

2012-01-12T14:38:00.006-06:00

These people look so happy. They aren't teetering, wavering, or ready to collapse into a fetal position. Ray got us a Wii for Christmas, and yes, we need some fitness. Believe me, my little Mii tells me that anytime I tune in. With trepidation I step on the board, hear a groan, and am berated by an electronic voice for being shaky.

It's good for me. I'll look better and feel better when/if I'm called upon for a whirlwind book tour. However, if we're talking electronics devices, I'd rather press buttons on my new Kindle. Yes, I'm a proud owner thanks to Santa, and while I'm not giving up paper - the Kindle is darn tricky and I can understand how useful it is for portability.

My first download was my own book: My Zoo World If All Dogs Go to Heaven Then I'm in Trouble. It looks pretty good, so thanks again to Rich Ochoa , Sharon Owen , and Ann Summerville for self publishing and Amazon Kindle advice.

My reading queue keeps growing larger - how am I to fit in Wii activity?

No indolence, no laziness, but employ every minute in your life in active pleasures or useful employments - Lord Chesterfield 1752

Curio Poetry Chose Me

2012-01-10T09:12:00.003-06:00

Curio Poetry

I'm pleased to have a poem chosen by Curio Poetry. First one for 2012 on-line. Coming soon - Front Porch Review and Fortunates shall have a few of my tidbits.

Tony Cragg: Seeing Things

2012-01-07T18:49:00.002-06:00

Tony Cragg: Seeing Things is a collection of thirty pieces of sculpture at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas. Seeing things, indeed. These hard to miss dramatic pieces of wood, stone, bronze, and more are fantastic. Mr.Cragg's first exhibit was in 1979, and he's still exploring shapes, materials, and concepts - stretching the boundaries of space and form.

Kids would have a blast if they were allowed to crawl through this sculpture. It was tempting.

Mr.Cragg: What I think is important for me is something different: a sculptural quality that doesn't emulate time.....there is some sense of passage, there is a sense of flow, there is an intuition of flow in the sculpture.

and another view. It had been a gray dreary day, but our time at the Nasher was sunny, adding reflections, extending the flow of the piece with shadows.

I love the energy and movement in his pieces. I would not get tired of viewing his work. Indeed, each angle offers a different way of seeing things.

2012: Reflections of 2011

2012-01-04T08:52:00.002-06:00

The final issue of Time magazine for 2011 features their choice for Person of the Year. This year it was the protester. I read the articles and admire people who have such conviction that they'll risk life and limb for what they feel is right. I admit to having a very calm middle class upbringing, a Norman Rockwell childhood, and no need to protest. Oh, I complain about mundane stuff, but I've never felt the urge to put myself on the line for justice.

So, the protests of 2011 are not over, and I'm sure some new ones shall arise. I'll watch and read from the sidelines.

On another note from 2011, here are a few quotes from artists and celebrities who passed away:
Amy Winehouse/singer,songwriter - lyrics I tread a troubled track/My odds are stacked/I go back to black
Jack LaLanne/fitness expert - "I can't die. It would ruin my image." He made it to 96.
Sidney Lumet/director - "He knew exactly what he wanted to see, and when he saw it. He didn't question it. He didn't look back through his lens. That was it. That was the shot."
Geraldine Ferraro/politician - "American history is about doors being opened, doors of opportunity for everyone...as long as you're willing to earn it."

Gil Scott-Heron/poet and musician:
You will not have to worry about
a dove in your bedroom, the tiger in your tank
or the giant in your toilet bowl
The revolution will not go better with Coke
The revolution will not fight the germs
that may cause bad breath
The revolution will put you in the driver's seat
The revolution will not be televised

Hello 2012

2012-01-01T18:16:00.003-06:00

2012 is the year of more technology. Here's Ray's interpretation of his media room ceiling courtesy of his iPad2 kaleidoscope photoshop program. The Anaheim souvenir rally monkey (only one) hangs from the light fixture. However, with some stylus maneuvering, Ray created art (and gave me permission to use it - yes it's gonna cost me (!))

2011 proved challenging as I published my book on Smashwords and Amazon. I'm very technologically inhibited, but my goal is to keep learning, pushing buttons, and keeping up with social media, publicity, and promotion.

It is a zoo world. But like the tales in my book, I shall conquer my fears, work on my author page, seek outlets for my work, and try to update my website . WordPress, so far, is winning. (Easy to use? I don't think so.)

If it all works, I achieve more booksignings and sales. Another resolution for 2012, is to work on my next collection of humorous essays. I'm a few chapters in and there are plenty of laughs in store.

I wish my fellow writers - Ann, Sharon, Rich, Arly, Bonnie, Sheryl et al TWW - an excellent 2012.

Happy Writing (and publishing) and technology!

Fashion: Jean Paul Gaultier

2011-12-30T15:39:00.003-06:00

Way out there exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art - The fashion world of Jean Paul Gaultier. The man had a vision even as a young boy influenced by his grandmother in France, or digging through her drawers and creating a bustier for his teddy bear.

Whether it's futuristic designs for movies like The Fifth Element, or costumes for Madonna's Blond Ambition Tour, Gaultier's designs are unique, eyepopping, and distinctive. The couture aspect is demonstrated with the amount of hours noted to complete a piece. Sequins, feathers, lace, etc. are hand stitched, appliqued, or woven into intricate patterns for his seasonal themes.
I got a kick out of the cammo/wild hunter theme - oh yeah, I could see my husband in those outfits at his deer lease.

The museum exhibit is a fabulous experience. The mannequins' faces are animated - thus they pout, blink, and appear alive. It's disconcerting at times, yet fascinating. Step out of this world and into the future that is now - see Jean Paul Gaultier's exhibit through February 12, 2012.

C'est magnifique!

Book Review: The Marriage Plot

2011-12-27T21:58:00.003-06:00

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides won the Pulitzer. Whee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was excited to pluck it from the library stacks. Wow - how could it NOT be on a special list...like you had to make an effort to get it? Well........

I admit I had to skim. Boring......at a lot of chapters. I hated most of his characters - they were self-involved jerks.

Guess I'm just not freakin' literary enough. Sigh.

Here's a paragraph from the jacket: With devastating wit and an abiding understanding of and affection for his characters, Jeffrey Eugenides revives the motivating energies of the Novel, while creating a story so contemporary and fresh that it reads like the intimate journal of our own lives.

I don't think so. Most of the people I know are not dolts like these whiny-ass wieners. The writing is quite good and the general flow of the book is fine. And I understood whatever symbolism existed. Yes, I got the underlying current and the overlying blah-blah. It was all of the stuff in between that did not engage me.

I liked the line on p.136 It was as if the entire city of Paris had agreed to abide by a single understated taste. I could picture what he meant and I liked the understated implication. Good stuff there. There are a lot of rich moments like this as far as description.

However, our "heroine" Madeline is an idiot. Plain and simple, she doesn't make good choices. Maybe that's the point, but it's rather sad. I'd love to hear another person's opinion, besides the Pulitzer Prize committee. Then again, I read awesome reviews, so I'm in the minority.

Go ahead. I dare you to read The Marriage Plot and LOVE it. Please convince me I'm wrong.

Merry Christmas Cards

2011-12-24T09:17:00.003-06:00

Lots of Grinches report that Christmas cards are a thing of the past. Too expensive. Too time consuming to prepare. The post office is a dead letter black hole. Well, I say Bah Humbug! Isn't it nice to see a cheery red envelope in your mailbox?

I send out approximately sixty cards. Addressing the cards, I think of the people - friends or family - and reflect on this tradition of best wishes, good cheer, and a hearty hello.

In return, we receive cards, across the miles, filled with notes, news, and a connection.

Here's a homemade card from my cousin Jen. Absolutely delightful!

Pictures are worth a thousand words. Kids are growing up, Rangers were in the World Series (that was a big theme this year in Texas), and a year is chronicled with smiles.

Merry Christmas!

Movie Review: Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

2011-12-22T17:07:00.005-06:00

The opening credits of the American version of Girl With The Dragon Tattoo are some of the most original, hottest, best I've seen since James Bond movies. Truly - the howl of a Led Zeppelin tune and the swirl of black is amazing. Trust me. You'll be drawn into this movie. Kudos to David Fincher, the director. I'll start with saying this movie is hard R - do not allow any children near the theater. Violence, sex, adult themes abound. That said - I've read the books (trilogy), seen the Swedish films (excellent with subtitles), and now I give this version a huge thumbs up.

Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is a journalist, currently on the outs due to a scandal. However, he's hired by Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) to investigate the forty year old murder of his niece, Harriet. The Vanger family is a mess - rich with Nazi history and no family member talks to each other even though they live on the same island. Trust me, there are issues. Martin Vanger (Stellan Skarsgaard) runs the business now and oh, is he twisted. Finally, Lisbeth Salander, our girl with the tattoo, piercings and goth hair (Rooney Mara in a transformational role) is a computer genius with social issues. There's so much more to her story - you have to read the books and see the movie.

The Swedish countryside is cold and forbidding. The search for a murderer is unrelenting. The performances are riveting. Girl With The Dragon Tattoo has many layers and is well filmed, well acted, and just really really good. No, not a happy Christmas family picture. But, if you want to think, feel, and experience a film - this is the one. Read Stieg Larsson's trilogy and see the movies. Quality abounds.

Movie Review: Hugo

2011-12-21T09:08:00.001-06:00

Hugo, seen in Real 3D, fills the eyes with wonder and enchantment. The film is set in the Paris train station in the early 1900s. The clock gears connect and run perfectly thanks to a young orphan named Hugo. We watch as he learned mechanics from his clockmaker and inventor father (Jude Law), but sadly is orphaned due to a fire. He's hustled to the train station by a drunk uncle and ultimately takes over the behind the scenes tick, tick, tick. His clear blue eyes observe the locals - the dour man running a toy booth, the flower girl that the head stationmaster (comic relief provided by Sacha Baron Cohen) falls for, the elderly couple in love, and Isabelle, the toyman's goddaughter.

Isabelle (Chloe Grace Moretz) befriends young Hugo and senses his loss and also secrets. Sure enough he slowly allows her into his world and finds that she has a key to unlock the one thing his father left him - an automaton. That automaton leads to further secrets - the toy booth man (Ben Kingsley) once had a creative vibrant life.

The crux of Hugo is the idea of life purpose, following dreams, and fixing things - whether it's machinery or people. Somehow, there's a solution to problems. While this is a kid film, I found it quite magical as an adult and the message was heartfelt. The Real 3D gave an added sense of being in the cogs of momentum.

Director Martin Scorcese embraced the challenge and once again created movie magic. The film builds slowly, has pauses to allow the viewer to bask in the style, and tells an old fashioned story. The young lad playing Hugo, Asa Butterfield, looks frail, but proves a strong worthy hero. He keeps us concerned, and the tick tick we hear is our heart beating as we race through the clock tower corridors to find Hugo a home and happiness.

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes Game of Shadows

2011-12-18T20:09:00.002-06:00

Sherlock Holmes - Game of Shadows is jolly good fun. This is what Christmas movies are all about - breezy dialogue, plenty of action, and Robert Downey, Jr surprising us at all times. Robert's Sherlock and Jude Law is Dr. Watson. Poor Dr.Watson. He thinks he's getting happily married and going to Brighton for his honeymoon. Well, doesn't that sound dull? At least to Sherlock it does. There have been bombings in London, and anarchy appears to be in the offing courtesy of Professor Moriarty. Oh, he seems harmless enough, but Sherlock has diagnosed him as an immoral terrorist.

Thus, forget the honeymoon. Dr. Watson's wife is pushed out of a train (on purpose) to be saved by Sherlock's brother. Meanwhile, Sherlock and Dr.Watson must join up with a gypsy (Noomi Rapace in her first American role) to put together pieces of the puzzle. Is there going to be an assassination and where will it occur? Only brilliant minds, quick footed work, swordsmanship, and the trust of true friendship can foil Moriarty's dastardly plans.

Game of Shadows is well filmed and sharp looking. Rich backdrops and plentiful explosions keep viewers on their toes. It's obvious that Downey, Jr and Law are having a heck of a good time on screen, and they share the wealth of laughter with their banter. Enjoy this holiday treat with the whole family (and sneak in a Christmas cookie or two).

Book Review: The Art of Fielding

2011-12-14T11:04:00.004-06:00

Henry Skrimshander lives and breathes baseball. As shortstop, he has an uncanny knack for knowing where to be, where the ball is going, and then where to throw the ball. Graceful. No waste of motion. Fluid. He's destined for the Big Show - to be recruited by the St.Louis Cardinals and live the dream. Meanwhile, he's on scholarship at Westish College in Michigan and learning about life.

However, a routine throw goes disastrously off course and the fate of five people are upended.

College president Guert Affenlight and his daughter Pella are becoming reacquainted. Owen, Henry's gay roommate and teammate, has an affair that proves problematic. Mike Schwartz, Henry's team captain and mentor, has been too caught up in Henry's career path to worry about his own. Then Henry himself must confront fears, hopes, anxieties, and the season countdown to the finals.

With The Art of Fielding, Chad Harbach has written a delightful tale of youth, sport, ambition, and limitations. His characters are fully drawn and irresistably flawed. The love of baseball shines through and is an excellent backdrop for life choices.

Here's a style sample (p. 5): The kid glided in front of the first grounder, accepted the ball into his glove with a lazy grace, pivoted, and threw to first. Though his motion was languid, the ball seemed to explode off his fingertips, to gather speed as it crossed the diamond.

Thus we meet Henry. You'll root for him and enjoy this pleasant worthwhile read.

Caravaggio Fills the Kimbell

2011-12-11T16:41:00.002-06:00

Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome is an electrifying exhibit presented only in Fort Worth at the Kimbell Art Museum and in Ottawa Canada. The Musician (pictured) is one example of the talent displayed. Rich colors and details abound, and Caravaggio (1571-1610) captured life as he saw it. Famous for The Cardsharps, his eye for the seamier side was new to the art world.

There are ten Caravaggios as well as forty or more great masters of Baroque Art included. The exhibit allows you to compare and contrast similar topics and treatments of subjects, especially those of saints. I liked Caravaggio's Saint John in the Wilderness versus others' versions.

As always, a visit to the Kimbell is a treat. Two large Christmas trees add to the festivities, and their lunch buffet offers a delicious respite.

Indulge the eyes and travel to 16th century Rome, a la Ft.Worth, for some culture. Ciao.

Movie Review: The Descendants

2011-12-08T09:08:00.002-06:00

George Clooney keeps getting better and better. I wrote that for an Ides of March review. Now I double triple my claim for The Descendants. Wow. The previews are deceiving. This looks like a comedy. The film has funny moments, but it is a serious look at family, life, connecting, tragedy, and Hawaii.

First - the scenery is gorgeous and Clooney's family in this film owns a nice slice of heaven. However, the land is in trust and cousins want to profit. Thus there's a huge vote coming up for whether to sell the land and to whom. Clooney's Matt Price has the final say. He's a lawyer and the key trustee - a lot of responsibility to his heritage and the descendants.

Second - Clooney's wife is hospitalized for a coma. She was in a boating accident and the prognosis isn't good. Clooney's dealing with his ten year old daughter, Scottie, and a teen daughter, Alex. She's been at boarding school due to drugs/drink/mischief. This father's got his hands full and has not been dialed in for years. Obviously, since Alex informs him her mother has been cheating on him. He's bewildered, shocked, sad, and then realizes he'd been out of touch all along.

The Descendants has everyone questioning their relationships, loves, and priorities. Directed by Alexander Payne, the film's subtle humor and sly viewpoints prove successful. Oscar buzz galore - Clooney is superb and Shailene W. (Alex) is intense with her unwavering, unforgiving teen stare.

Hawaii is a wonderful backdrop, but even paradise has its troubles. Aloha to an excellent film.

Christmas in the Stockyards: TWW 2011

2011-12-03T16:44:00.005-06:00

Trinity Writers' elves - Lacey, Lauren, and Sharon were ready to greet children, and help with Letters to Santa, an annual event. They were joined by Ann and Jim.

Christmas in the Stockyards 2011. Even the cowboys are decked out for the occasion.

TWW member, Jim Mitchell, is delighted to read the Trinity Writers' Workshop 2011 Christmas collection of stories and poems. All family friendly and free - this giveaway, along with Letters to Santa has proven to be a successful tradition.

Jan Nourse, TWW member, along with her Sonshine Singers entertained stockyard visitors with joyous carols.

They rounded up a few bellringers from the audience. Rainy weather did not dampen spirits and we all enjoyed the smiles from parents and kids alike. 'Tis the season, indeed.

Book Review: The Family Fang

2011-12-01T06:00:00.002-06:00

Funny book in a weird twisted way. The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson introduces us to Caleb and Camille Fang, plus children Annie and Buster, as they expose themselves in the form of performance art. Often the children have no clue as to what will happen in the middle of the mall, and ultimately become the butt of the exercise. It's a thrill and a humiliation.

In flashbacks, we witness various stunts. Often clever, often groan-inducing. It's a weird life. No wonder Buster becomes a writer, and Annie is a successful actress. While they seek attention, they also cower from it. It's a strange life perspective.

Then both kids end up back home for various odd reasons, and the parents appear to die in a violent car crash. However, nothing is as it seems in The Family Fang. Buster knows his parents are still alive and sending clues as to their whereabouts. He wants to draw them out, back into the art world for a grand finale.

I won't give away more plot. Just know that these are unique characters. The book is well written, and Kevin Wilson is a literary force. The Family Fang - a stunt worth reading.

Bucks County Fall

2011-11-27T11:07:00.002-06:00

My Thanksgiving trip to PA did not involve all eating. While I dined well from Pudge's cheesesteak to turkey to my sister's meatballs, I fed the mind as well. Dad and I trekked to Doylestown in Bucks County and wandered the halls of the James A. Michener Art Museum . We enjoyed the current exhibit The Painterly Voice

From Edward Hicks to Baum, Redfield, Coppedge, and Daniel Garber (see Tanis above), my eyes delighted in paintings of trees, country barns, meandering rivers, and frozen landscapes. More than two hundred paintings highlighted the style of Bucks County artists and their colleagues in New Hope. Particularly lovely is the use of light and color.

Then outdoors, I could admire the grand finale of fall. (And I didn't have to rake leaves.)

The Michener Museum exhibit proved enlightening and enjoyable. The curator's written commentary was light, amusing, and casual. We dined on a visual treat.

Thankful

2011-11-22T21:00:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving 2011

I'm very grateful for my family and friends. I'm excited that my book My Zoo World: If All Dogs Go to Heaven, Then I'm in Trouble is published. It's been a great year with poems and flash fictions chosen for various on-line journals.

I'm employed. My husband's employed. We have health insurance. Wow - that says a lot.

My father, at 80 (no, he doesn't admit to being a senior) is energetic and healthy. I'm SO grateful. My sister is doing great, as well as my brother and his family. All in all, I have so much to be thankful for.

Here's a humorous poem to celebrate Thanksgiving and enter the Christmas season:

Peace on earth

bow my head in church and pray
one eye on my teen brother, he texts his girl
other eye on Nate Holcomb, my enemy
I hate him, but it's Sunday so I can't, should
pray for his soul, for that pious face
to break out in zits, but that's not Christian
charity

close my eyes, soar above the congregation
imagine peace on earth, or at least my
sister's grubby fingers out of my stuff
sorry I pushed her, but she stole my glitter
shirt, claimed it was borrowed, but that
implies consent. Stomach growls
pray for last piece of pumpkin pie

sigh

and peace on earth

Movie Review: Puss in Boots

2011-11-17T19:15:00.003-06:00

My husband and I, the only people in the theater not accompanying children, snickered louder than the rest of the Puss in Boots audience. Sheer clever enjoyable entertainment that was adult and kid friendly. That's a tough trick. The Toy Story trilogy pulled it off, as well as the Shrek franchise, and now its successful spin-off - Puss in Boots.

Antonio Banderas voices Puss purr-fectly - ladies man, fighter, and charmer. Salma Hayek is his match in Kitty. Zach Galifianakis is excellent as Humpty Dumpty. Essentially, Puss met Humpty as a foster child. They hit it off and had big dreams, brothers forever. Well, Humpty is a bad egg, constantly working the deals, and leaving Puss holding the bag. Just when all is seemingly forgiven, they work to steal magic beans from Jack and Jill (Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris) - the Bonnie and Clyde of fairy tales. Magic beans in hand, they grow the beanstalk to nab the Golden Goose or at least her chick. It's all going to be fabulous - repaying the old town, their foster mother, and living happily ever after. Only, there's a double cross and disappointment.

Fortunately Puss works his own magic and redeems himself as the hero. Did you expect anything less? Lose yourself in amazing animation. Chuckle at clever throw-away lines. Eat a huge tub of popcorn. Puss in Boots is a movie treat. Enjoy.

Stephen King:Rare Appearance

2011-11-13T18:50:00.003-06:00

Stephen King.

Standing ovation before the man even spoke. Wow! He is a literary magician. On Writing is the bible for writing students. The Stand started it all. IT still scares the bejeezus out of us. Carrie - the book was amazing. The movie introduced us to Sissy Spacek, an impeccable actress.

And so it goes. Our bookshelves groan under the weight of Stephen King's words. I'm grateful each Christmas for his tremendous production, and Ray acts surprised every time he opens a book present. It's tradition.

11/22/63 is Mr.King's latest offering. I have not read it yet. However, his author discussion was fascinating. His opinion is that Oswald assassinated Kennedy alone. Mr King basically said, "Follow the bullet." The book involves time travel and the chance to change history. No doubt, in the world of Stephen King, nothing is predictable or a sure thing.

As we left the Majestic (a gem of a theater), Ray said, "You could spend a day with Stephen King." Indeed, he was funny, charming, opinionated, self deprecating, and a tad odd. Altogether, the perfect dinner guest. I thank the Sixth Floor Museum for hosting an excellent author event.

Stephen King. Standing ovation.

Veteran's Day Salute

2011-11-10T09:05:00.002-06:00

Lovely Saturday morning at Spinks Airfield, Fort Worth Texas. Under blue skies, folks could admire The Flying Fortress and contemplate history.

The majestic power of the B17 is formidable. The numbers are staggering - successful missions, and alas, horrific casualties in WWII.

I sat in the green metal cavern, wincing at the loud engines, looking at bombs, and trying to imagine the chaos during battle. Jouncing in the air, it was all I could do to stay seated and look out the window. I can't imagine the tension, intensity, adrenaline, and focus of our young fighters - doing their jobs, intent on an American victory. WWII veterans are in their 80s and 90s now.

I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. Winston Churchill, 1940

I had the amazing opportunity to fly in a B17 bomber on a sunny day - under no duress. I salute all of our veterans of service.

TWW Marketing Seminar: Chuck Sambuchino

2011-11-05T21:31:00.004-05:00

Chuck Sambuchino, author and editor, was the guest speaker at Trinity Writers' Workshop seminar Marketing Your Writing. He's the author of How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack and could provide information from both an author's standpoint and from the editing side.

Deb McNeill and Rosie Povar discussed writing, publishing, and the challenges both present today.

Randy Cook and Alton Bostick - well these two are trouble. You just don't know what they are talking about. Tall tales, that's for sure.

Rich Ochoa, author of Life Rolls Onand One Way Ticket to Anywhere hawked his books. His humor and humanity shine through his memoirs.

Lots of mingling and enthusiasm. Everyone came away with a greater appreciation for the effort needed to write and publish.

One key - Put down the remote, get the butt in a chair, and WRITE!

Book Launch

2011-11-01T08:16:00.003-05:00

It's been a journey and an adventure both in life and publishing.
My Zoo World (If All Dogs Go to Heaven, Then I'm in Trouble) is available to buy, read, and chuckle as you turn pages.

As an animal fearing woman, Joanne Faries laughs at her acclimation to an animal loving world. She stares down swans in Sweden and a guinea pig in the washroom, but averts her eyes for the wombat in Australia.

My Zoo World is a humorous memoir of animal encounters with a twist. Among published animal tales, very few are skewed with a touch of fear and laughter on every page. Unlike books written by pet-loving authors, these chapters introduce the reader to a manic menagerie of animals: a snapping Shetland pony, a bowling ball playing pit bull, and a terrified turtle that tolerates distress. Meet Benji, the cat, Muff, the dog, and more. Friends are convinced they can overcome Joanne’s concerns with their precious pets. Join them and root for the animals as you read My Zoo World.

Enjoy!

Halloween Flash

2011-10-27T21:18:00.003-05:00

Happy Meal Horror

A ghost plunked gobs of worms into the All Soul's decay stew. The witch stirred her delicacy. It simmered, deadly toxins wafted through the dreary unforsaken mansion. The lid clanked. "I must slay a man tonight," she cackled. "Conjured from alleyways, an insalubrious alcoholic."

Daemons reassured her, "We'll add toadstools in one hour." She nodded, whisked her broom to the docks plucking a ripe sailor. She returned. Goblins contributed nightshade salad to the impending feast.

Brandishing razor sharp fingernails, the witch slashed her victim's neck. "Bloody rum toddies for all." Midnight chimed. Vampires raised goblets. "To death."

Happy Halloween!

Louder

2011-10-25T08:13:00.002-05:00

Game 5 2011 World Series. Rangers Ballpark in Arlington Texas. Rangers versus Cardinals. Series tied 2-2. This is a huge game, the final one in Arlington. The stadium is a sea of red. The crowd is loud. Palpable energy. To be good, you've gotta have a lot of little boy in you. Roy Campanella.

Good pitching will always stop good hitting and vice-versa. Casey Stengel. St. Louis was up 2-0 and the crowd noise diminished. Then Ranger bats heated up, silly mistakes were corrected, pitching held it together. Talk about ratcheting tension. The plot thickened and Rangers leaped ahead 4 - 2.

Most ball games are lost, not won - Casey Stengel. Have to say, the Rangers held it together, and the Cards made some dubious moves.

Everyone on their feet. Towels waving, hands clapping, cheers and groans. World Series baseball is a whole 'nother beast.

It's the Year of the Napoli. Mike Napoli, Ranger catcher, has done everything right. Big loud home runs, zooming pick-off throws. The stadium's collective chant Napoli, Napoli, Napoli sums it up. The man behind me wore a t-shirt, ...and they lived Napoli ever after ... Let's hope that's true for the Texas Rangers as they head to St.Louis for Game 6 on Wednesday. Up 3 -2 in a best of 7 series. Drama, tension, and characters. Baseball literature is alive.

Recital : Di Wu

2011-10-21T22:25:00.003-05:00

I'll be honest. I know nothing about classical music. Wish I'd taken a music appreciation class in college. But, the City of Bedford brought a world class Van Cliburn finalist to the Old Bedford School. Small venue. Amazing acoustics. And WOW! The young lady's fingers were a blur as she played a very French theme of her choosing. As a graduate of Juilliard, Di Wu has presence and passion. She explained our journey with the composers she chose, and it was a revelation for me.

Sad birds chirping in the trees - her fingers transformed the feelings to notes. A boat on the ocean - adrift with waves pounding and then under control. Fireworks - oh, yeah - the fingers flew for the explosion of sound. This was an extremely entertaining evening. Creativity abounded. All I can do is stand and applaud.

2011-10-19T18:45:00.003-05:00

I wonder if Gutenberg had as much trouble with his press as I've had with my format issues for my book. Self publishing is an adventure, a challenge, and yes I do appreciate the big NY brickhouses more. However, I soldier on and (shameless plug here), I am on Amazon Kindle - My Zoo World is available for download. Print edition coming soon (fingers crossed).

Back to Gutenberg. An article caught my eye (Dallas Morning News 10/15/11 p. 14A) about Germans in Cologne who have set up free-for-all libraries. Street corners, city squares, and super markets - shelves are available and books are donated and shared. Very cool concept. No questions asked. Take a book, leave a book, read and enjoy.

The project is open and financed by donations. Volunteer groups care for the shelves. The branch manager of Cologne's Mayersche Buchhandlung book store, Elmar Muether, said, "If books are present everywhere, it helps our business, too.". It's promotion versus competition. If someone gets hooked on an author, he or she is more likely to seek out and buy other books.

Anything to promote reading has to be a positive for society as a whole. Das ist gut!

Bronte: Not the Sisters

2011-10-16T16:43:00.004-05:00

Bronte, Texas - far from the Bronte sisters' treks on the moors. No Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre here. I volunteered to help my husband at his deer lease. City girl in the country. I was "useless with an opinion." Also, I don't do gates. For those in trucks at deer leases, you'll know what I mean .

Hardscrabble land. We saw no critters. Just shadows on dirt. I liked the name of the Frosty blind. Apparently it can be a bit chilly on a November morn.

Water. That says it all in west Texas. This stick looked like a claw and I could picture a poor frontier pioneer scratching his last words. Brutal.

Book Review: Portrait of a Spy

2011-10-13T08:03:00.002-05:00

Daniel Silva is back with Gabriel Allon and crew, in another exciting thriller, Portrait of a Spy, that spans the globe.

Just when Gabriel thinks his life is calm again, restoring a rare painting, walking the Italian coastline near his home, and loving his beautiful wife, terrorist attacks occur. The old team of top Israeli agents is reassembled, and this time Gabriel recruits a billionaire Saudi woman to penetrate the terrorist organization. Her money is the lure, but her beauty and negotiation skills prove resourceful. One more kicker, Gabriel assassinated her father years ago.

Layers of intrigue abound. Silva's writing heightens the pace and tension. You'll turn the pages, eager to root for Gabriel's crew of world weary richly drawn characters.

Portrait of a Spy captures today's world. Fortunately, the good guys (and gals) can still win.

ALCS: Rangers vs. Tigers

2011-10-10T19:56:00.003-05:00

My writing career could be further ahead if I spent time writing instead of watching Texas Ranger baseball. But I'm hooked after last year, and they keep winning. It's stressful, heart attack producing baseball.

They conquered Tampa Bay in the ALDS. Now they face the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS. We attended game one on my birthday. Aaahh - fair weather fans. We enjoyed tailgating in sunshine and blue skies. In the 5th inning we lived through one rain delay, and then left during the second. Came home to watch victory (well, Ray did. I sorta snoozed) at midnight.

It started out glorious. A sea of fans in red. Huge flag on the field. Soaring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Then the boys of summer playing in the fall. It's a cast of unique characters, tension filled moments, uneven pacing (hey, it's the Rangers), and the plot can change direction.

Re-live awesome moments and look forward to new heart palpitations.

Rangers as of Monday evening, October 10th, head to Detroit, up two games in a best of seven series. The saga continues in the Motor City - a backdrop of decay, and the largest beers I've ever seen. It could turn noir and gritty.

I'll be watching. Go Rangers!!

State Fair of Texas - 125 Years Young

2011-10-08T10:48:00.004-05:00

Today's my birthday (and I'm not quite 125 years old). The self-publishing adventure went nowhere this week. I appear to be in format hell, and a password circle of preposterous responses on my trying-to-design-a-website project. So, the heck with it. Ray and I took vacation on Friday October 7th to visit The State Fair of Texas

Automobile building is always a must see. Nothing like a concept Corvette to get the heart racing. Write 'em a check, honey.

Cirque Shanghai - talented Chinese acrobats wowed the crowd with fabulous feats of balance and tumbling. They conquered the Texas blustery wind.

It's not the fair without a shot of Big Tex. Dressed in new duds, his booming voice welcomes crowds and describes the day's events. From dawn to dusk, enjoy frisbee catching trick dogs, pig races, Creative Arts - photos, drawings, quilts, and canned fruits & veggies, Food & Fiber Pavilion - free ice cream, USMC band, the Midway, and so much more. The grand finale for us was the Illumination Sensations fireworks/laser light/music/fountain spectacular.

Fried food heaven. Ray and I stuck with the Fletcher corny dogs, and later a funnel cake. However, the newcomer was Fried Bubblegum. It looked sweetly sickening to me. Plenty of other products for coronary thrombosis - fried s'mores, fried butter, fried autumn pie, fried margarita ... only in Texas.

2011 State Fair of Texas - 125 years and still going strong. The Art Deco buildings in Fair Park are restored gleaming gems. The Hall of State is magnificent. Kudos to the State Fair organizers for an extraordinary entertainment extravaganza.

Self-Publishing Adventure

2011-10-04T21:09:00.003-05:00

I am a pumpkinhead. Total mush in the old brain cavity. I thought I could read and execute written instructions. Well, the Smashwords bible has proven me wrong. They said it would take approximately two hours for a conversion from Word document to the Smashwords meat word grinder. I'm on hour five with more to go. I did figure on double the number. Silly me.

Indeed, like this lily pond at the arboretum, tentacles reach into an unknown abyss causing strange formats. I've re-done some sections two or three times. Fix one thing. Ooops. Another goes awry. Fix that, and other sections are wonky. Close to tears at times, I forged on.

Why can't it line up all pretty, like this lovely arboretum display? My guess is that the horticulturist in charge sees a flaw somewhere in this display. Just like a misplaced comma, or weird line spacings, or ... argghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd ask this young man, but he's trying to figure out formatting too. Ha!

But seriously, I sorta figured out a cover through Createspace. It's on hold, and actually Ray doesn't care for the picture. I can see his point. We'll seek some new material Friday at the State Fair (don't ask, but it's gonna work, I swear).

In regards to Smashwords, I shall conquer it. Then onwards to my Wordpress website. For some reason, I can't seem to get the correct username/password to connect. I was in a circle of hell for hours today. No wonder computer geeks are pasty white. I can see how one doesn't emerge for days during a computer project.

This is a new author adventure. I now appreciate how easy the actual writing was to do. We have far more to discuss in this publishing crusade.

Third Prize - Bedford Library Short Story Contest

2011-10-02T16:37:00.005-05:00

Fall. Pumpkin time at the arboretum. Also, Bedford Library/ annual author roundtable. Plus the announcement of short story contest winners.

It was a veritable potpourri of author styles. Rebecca Balcarcel - rich poetry. Sarah A. Hoyt writer under several names - science fiction, fantasy, and the furniture refinishing mysteries. Roni Loren erotic romance. She did read the family friendly version of a chapter.

Good eats. Good reads. Kick off to a fantastic fall season for authors. And ... ta da - 3rd prize for my story The Babysitters.

Focus

2011-09-29T08:01:00.002-05:00

A wealth of information creates a poverty of attention - Herbert Simon, psychologist.

This will be a short post. I'm having trouble focusing. Actually I was driving home the other day (my one hour commute) and thinking about how I used to feel I accomplished more. I seemed to read more, go to more movies, got together with friends and hung out. What am I doing with my time?

I definitely spend more time on the computer and it can be choppy - go read a book, but get up and check something. My concentration has diminished. There's a new term "executive function" which contains cognitive skills allowing us to control thoughts and impulses. I need to work on that.

There's so much information today and the world is changing rapidly. Our minds and processes have to evolve too. But there still are key factors: Pay attention, listen. I'll repeat that one -actually listen to someone if you are having a conversation. Read. Focus.

Oops ... gotta go check something.

Moneyball Review: Catch It

2011-09-27T17:39:00.005-05:00

Moneyball, based on Michael Lewis' fascinating book, is about the science of baseball and how the anemic Oakland Athletics in 2002/2003 managed to win games with an unlikely team and lousy payroll. Sound boring? Nope. Brad Pitt fills a perfect role. He's Billy Beane, general manager of the Oakland A's.

Beane was a young gun with a full Stanford scholarship, who skipped college to play in the big show for the New York Mets. Unfortunately, he could never get all of his skills to connect. But he became a talent scout, thrived, and moved up the ladder. Now, as a forty-something GM, he was facing the loss of three big players (free agents) and had no money to buy replacements.

However, he did recognize some other talent - a young Yale economist graduate - Peter Brand (unassumingly played by Jonah Hill in a breakout role for him). This kid had statistics to back up player picks, looking at on-base percentages,etc. No picks based on physical looks, girlfriends, or star wattage. Strictly numbers. Billy rolls with the new method, is almost laughed out of the ballpark, until ... the A's start winning, and winning, and winning some more.

Moneyball is a modest, talks a lot film. It watches Pitt ponder and then sweat out his team's games. He battles the coach, played by a gruff Phillip Seymour Hoffman (always fabulous), and he helps Brand understand the glory of baseball, the dream, and that the key is winning that last game. Plenty of chuckles, angst, and baseball in this film. Brad Pitt ambles through it all with grace and all-American heart.

Here's to the start of a home-run hitting fall movie season.

(review published for the Little Paper of San Saba - a town without a theater)

Book Review: A Discovery of Witches

2011-09-25T13:21:00.002-05:00

The leather bound volume was nothing remarkable. With this opening line, Deborah Harkness begins a mesmerizing tale of witches, daemons, and vampires living, learning, and competing in our normal human world.

Diana Bishop, studying and writing a paper about alchemy while in Oxford, tries to control her witch tendencies. However, when she breaks the spell on the leather bound volume, senses hidden secrets, and returns the book, all manner of otherwordly deeds transpire. Not the least is attention from Michael Clairmont, a wordly vampire.

History, romance, magic, and suspense are combined in A Discovery of Witches with superb prose, richly drawn characters, and intellect. Sparks fly as Diana delves into her past, her legacy, and recognizes her witch powers. I was mesmerized, drawn into this six hundred page book, reading it as if it was the life blood I needed to stay alive. Excellent. Become possessed and obsessed, too.

Amon Carter Museum: Allure of Paper

2011-09-20T08:08:00.002-05:00

Rather than go to musuems for the huge popular crowd events, it's worth taking a Sunday and wandering into your local museum for a peek at the small treasures. I enjoyed my afternoon in Fort Worth, and left feeling enriched.

First, fortify at the cafe in The Modern . The view is spectacular and the brunch choices are flavorful.

Next, the Kimbell Art Museum. It's prepping for Caravaggio's visit. Meanwhile, a guest of honor from Italy, Titian's La Bella: Woman in a Blue Dress is breathtaking. Also on view is a new acquisition - one of Poussin's seven sacrament paintings. Rich in color and detail, it is a coup for the Kimbell.

Finally, we strolled past construction as the Kimbell's new annex created by architect Renzo Piano takes shape. Onward to the Amon Carter Museum and enticed by The Allure of Paper. This special exhibition features a wide variety of drawings, charcoals, watercolors. Delicate and detailed pictures abounded. It was difficult to choose a favorite.

I vow to return, dodge the crowds, and poke into corners. Artistic gems await.

Book Review: Sizzling Sixteen

2011-09-15T09:00:00.002-05:00

I returned a book to the library and didn't plan to peruse the stacks. Books are piled up at home, some on loan from friends, and I need to catch up on them. However, can't help myself. I had to wander into the new release area, just to check out the choices. Well, who can resist a new Stephanie Plum adventure? Not me.

Janet Evanovich's Sizzling Sixteen sticks to the formula she created back at One for the Money. It's a breezy, no brainer read that amuses and entertains. Stephanie Plum's wisecracking lines and ability to get in and out of trouble as a bounty hunter keeps the pages turning. This is fun fluff, cotton candy for the eyes, and perfect for a Sunday afternoon on the patio.

Stephanie doesn't like guns (she's a bounty hunter!), eats a ton of fast food, partners with her cousin, Vinnie (he's a total sleaze), and works with Lula (a former prostitute). Plum's on again, off again boyfriend, Joe Morelli is a cop, and she's still tempted by Ranger, the mysterious/hot/sorta dangerous security specialist.

In Sizzling Sixteen, Vinnie's been kidnapped due to his gambling problem. Money's on the line, bad characters abound, not to mention a huge gator, and Stephanie keeps wrecking cars. Grandma Mazur's broken her foot and keeps us laughing with her perpetual visits to funeral homes. (Trust me, Grandma is a worthy recurring character - the comic foil)

There's nothing new in this book, no deep character studies, no poetic interludes. Evanovich churns out a reliable tale with a feisty heroine. Made for a sizzling Sunday read, indeed.

Movie Review: Contagion

2011-09-13T17:02:00.002-05:00

Don't catch this disease. Contagion is like watching a documentary from the Center for Disease Control, only the cast is all famous actors. There's Laurence Fishburne, as a concerned director. There's Gwyneth Paltrow, traveling back from Asia, coughing, and then dropping in a seizure on the kitchen floor while her husband, Matt Damon urges her to stop seizing. There's Gwyneth, all frothing at the mouth in the hospital, and then dead. Uh-oh. (No surprising spoiler alerts ahead - we're talking fatal disease here)

Slowly we see people all over the world, feverish and then dead - China, Japan, London, and then little Gwyneth in Minnesota. That's the puzzlement. But she was in Hong Kong and Chicago, and alas while cheating on her hubby, spreading fatal germs. Marion Cottillard is with the World Health Org. She's off to Hong Kong to connect the dots. Kate Winslet, lucky girl, is assigned to MN. Pale and wan, she dies a slightly prettier death than Gwyneth.

Lots of scientists peer into microscopes and discuss cell growth and linkages. Lots of folks with clipboards, and plenty of teleconferencing. No one in this movie gets to smile. Don't touch anyone or anything, or shake a hand.

Contagion is boring. You don't really get to meet and know these people enough to care. We all know how disease spreads - human contact. And yes, with planes, trains, and grocery shopping, we all know how fast disease spreads. Nothing new in this film. Lots of people talking, looking worried, and then worried with face masks.

Fortunately no one in our theater coughed, and I have to say I was conscious of touching the handrails on the way out. But the only infection we caught was ennui.

Yawn.

9/11 - Today and Ten Years Ago

2011-09-11T12:47:00.003-05:00

September 11, 2011. It's a quiet Sunday. Blue skies. Ray's settling in for a day of NFL television viewing. His exercise will be running outside to the grill - slow cooking some pork ribs. I've got U.S.Open Tennis Women's Final dvr'd (ten years ago, I'd be taping, now DVR is a verb). He hosted his monthly poker crew last night (and won 3rd place). Today we straightened up, vacuumed, and I just completed our laundry loads. Life at the Faries household - all the "new normal", kinda the same as the old. But is it?

One year ago August, Linda T. and I visited New York City. We enjoyed fabulous weather, yummy meals, superb theater musical, and a visit to the World Trade Center site. This statue is outside of Trinity Church. We had hushed moments, and also were amazed at the hustle bustle energy of new construction.

Ten years ago, 2001, Ray and I spent a week enjoying New York City - US Open tennis, Mets, Yankees, bagels, and pizza. We left the city on September 1st. On September 11th, we watched television in horror - the towers coming down, the areas we walked cloaked in smoldering ruin.

My sister visited NYC that October - took the train up from Delaware and enjoyed the hospitality of a city still in shock, but hardy and welcoming and encouraging and friendly. She bought me this FDNY t-shirt, and I'm wearing it today to honor the firefighters, the first responders, the victims, and the survivors.

Ten years later, we still remember and yet so much has happened. Two sons became Marines, did their duty, and are now employed civilians utilizing skills learned from Uncle Sam. I've changed jobs. Ray's changed jobs. Our 401k plummeted this Friday - see nothing has changed.

Ray's grandparents are gone. Other friends and family have passed. Everyone's a little older, a little grayer (and yes, that includes Ray and me). Ten years encompasses so much LIFE.

9/11 tributes today and in the future bring tears to the eyes and cheers for America. The Statue of Liberty still stands proud in New York's harbor, sends a message of hope and peace and welcomes huddled masses.

United States of America ... liberty and justice for all.

Future Now? Drought & New Authors

2011-09-08T17:22:00.003-05:00

I ponder the future based on our Texas drought conditions, horrific wildfires in Bastrop, and floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes that have graced the world in 2011. Rather scary. Settings for futuristic tales are always bleak, dry, ruined property, and smoldering land.

I realize our crunchy grass is a miniscule issue, but it has me contemplating literature. What new creative horrors are out there?

The publishing industry recognizes the drought caused by the Harry Potter void. J.K.Rowling's successful series ended with The Deathly Hallows. Now what's in store for young adult readers (and adults like me)? According to the Wall Street Journal (8/19/11), Harry Potter sold more than 450 million print copies. Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series sold 116 million, and Suzanne Collin's Hunger Game series along with Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series sold 42 million combined. That's a lot of reading, and authors need to keep those eyes peeled for new characters, plots, and drama.

Don't despair. The future looks bright. Here's upcoming hot buzz: Legend by Marie Lu (11/29/11) is a dystopian futuristic trilogy set in 2130 Los Angeles. Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan (9/13/11) covers young lovers torn apart while future colonists seek a new habitable planet. The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) follows a young girl after a massive earthquake knocks Earth off it's axis and slows time.

There's hope for readers and at present books are still being published. Pick a format, any format, and hunker down with a good read. Just don't look out the window at your weather reality - better that it stay on the pages.

Ray of Sunshine: Anniversary

2011-09-01T09:26:00.003-05:00

September 1, 1989 Ray Faries married Joanne Crowther in Arlington, Texas. The Justice of the Peace ceremony was very low key but pleasant and meaningful. The bride's father, George Crowther, treated everyone to a wedding lunch at J.Gilligan's in Arlington. He commented on the inexpensive tab. That night, the couple honeymooned at the Sheraton in Arlington overlooking the ballpark. Saturday evening, they hosted a blowout party at their home complete with margaritas. Best wedding weekend ever. Ray picked the September 1st date - it's the opening day of dove season. (Put that in a romance novel)

What a grand thing to be loved! What a grander thing still, to love! Victor Hugo

Twenty two years and we're still having fun and smiling. Unlike many novels' versions of marriages with daily trauma, heartbreak, infidelity, murder, betrayal, and abuse, our book is fortunately quite boring. Big questions - what's for breakfast? What's in the lunch bag? Who's cooking dinner? (I vote for Ray - much better cook.)

Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile - Franklin P.Jones

We're headed to the Texas Rangers game tonight to celebrate our anniversary. Again, a reader would yawn and fall asleep at this chapter. However, we keep turning our pages and delighting in our marriage adventure. It's our story.

That Love is all there is,

Is all we know of love

Emily Dickinson

Hunger Games Trilogy

2011-08-30T08:19:00.003-05:00

Still in summer mode. I'm currently reading Look Homeward Angel by Thomas Wolfe. It's quite dense and poetic, perhaps a bit serious for August heat. However, I was inspired by my trip to Asheville and visiting the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.

For a true beach/poolside/anytime read, consider the Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I first gave a review on 7/1/11 of The Hunger Games. I was hooked. This fast paced story follows Katniss, a resourceful young lady who must play to live in a dystopian future.
Spoiler Alert: Her hunting skills come in handy, plus she's paired with Peeta, the baker's son who's declared his love for her. Does she fight him, too? Or does love build the alliance? But Gael, her true love figures strongly. What happens in victory?

Spoiler Alert: With a win, comes fame, plus more. Katniss was never the Capitol's darling and now President Snow threatens her life and family. Political manipulation calls for another special game, the Quell, and it pits former Hunger Games winners against each other. Will Katniss and Peeta remain a duo? Who else can be trusted? In the meantime, there are rumors that districts are uprising, inspired by Katniss, the Mockinjay. Again, who will live and who will die? Collins' pace, characters, and plot are a complete package.

Final Spoiler Alert: Katniss awakes in a hospital to find that District 12 is gone, others are battling, and she as the Mockinjay must lead the rebels to overcome the Capitol. It's heady business for a teen and she's in constant denial of her power. Gael helps her lead, and sadly Peeta, captured by the Capitol, appears to have turned against her. You, the reader, will keep the pages turning into the wee hours of the night. When you finish the series, you'll be very satisfied with your time spent with Katniss and crew. Whew! I'm out of breath still from this futuristic adventure. Excellent trilogy.

August Vacation Mode

2011-08-25T08:38:00.002-05:00

Living simply is voluntary poverty - Seneca the Younger. Well, the heck with that. I'm still in vacation mode and decided my August blog is dedicated to travel sights, wallowing in wealth at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC., and eschewing simple living.
Our life is frittered away by detail ... Simplify, simplify, simplify! Simplicity of life and elevation of purpose - Henry David Thoreau. Sorry Mr. Thoreau. I loved the attention to detail at the Biltmore.

The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it - Dylan Thomas

My poems are hymns of praise to the glory of life - Edith Sitwell.

Vicksburg: Gunboat Cairo

2011-08-23T08:25:00.003-05:00

Tucked into the Vicksburg National Military Park driving tour is the resurrected Union ironclad gunboat, Cairo. In 1862 it steamed up the Yazoo River, north of Vicksburg to destroy Confederate batteries. Two quick explosions tore holes in the boat's bottom and minutes later it sank in the river. This was the first vessel ever sunk by an electrically detonated torpedo. Today the reconstituted remains rest in Vicksburg - giving a fascinating look into naval construction and history.

The Cairo was salvaged in the 1960s. The boat was huge and in theory "bulletproof". Artifacts, armament, and naval stores were well preserved. The U.S.S. Cairo museum displays the process of reconstruction and protects other goodies under glass.

Tourists are able to walk around the displayed gunboat and view it from all angles. Amazing insight into Civil War naval life. It's always worthwhile to read brochures, follow maps, and peer into nooks & crannies. Our Cairo stop proved educational and captivating.

Vacation Pit Stop: Vicksburg, MS

2011-08-21T17:20:00.003-05:00

Plotting our trip to Asheville, NC, Ray and I steered through Mississippi and stopped in Vicksburg, MS to tour the Vicksburg National Military Park . We needed far more to time to explore the area, however the driving tour was quite interesting. Summer of 1882, the Confederate Army still held on to Vicksburg for control of the Mississippi River. It finally surrendered July 4, 1863.
Like a drive through Gettysburg, PA, Vicksburg is so pretty now. Rolling hills, high bluffs, forest thicket. It's hard to imagine bloody battles on this solemn earth.

The thought of hauling cannon up hill and down dale is daunting. Our government park service does a stellar job of presenting information. Witnessing the red signs and blue signs dotting the grounds, you realize how close the two sides were on a daily basis. Eye to eye, bayonet to bayonet, smoke, cries, and final gasps on this hallowed ground

The tour features a large variety of statues and monuments dedicated to the battalions and regiments from the Union and Confederate armies. Various states honor their fallen and those who survived.

Now the drive is peaceful, the land serene.

Blue skies. Difficult to imagine the townsfolk's fear as cannons boomed. Or young lads dug into bunkers, nervously fingering a trigger. Vicksburg proved pivotal in the Civil War. It's a worthy pitstop for any traveler today.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial

2011-08-18T08:49:00.002-05:00

The minute-winning days, like flies, buzz home to death, and every moment is a window on all time. Thomas Wolfe

The Old Kentucky Home, the boardinghouse where Thomas Wolfe was raised, is now a memorial in Asheville, NC. Here, Thomas, the youngest of eight, learned about people, life, and angst. His brilliant young mind absorbed it all for a sprawling autobiographical novel, Look Homeward Angel. It was a critic's darling, but touched a nerve in Asheville. Now, a favored son, Thomas Wolfe's childhood and memory is kept alive in the twenty-nine rooms. His writing loomed large in the twentieth century, but alas he died at not quite thirty-eight years old. Fortunately his words stay in print and continue to influence writers today.

O mortal and perishing love, born with this flesh and dying with this brain, your memory will haunt the earth forever.

And now the voyage out. Where? Thomas Wolfe

Ray and I enjoyed the tour, then relaxed on the front porch, contemplating the long ago bustle of boardinghouse life.

Large shoes to fill in the world of letters.

Thomas Wolfe's father, a stonecutter, imported this marble angel from Italy. It now stands in Oakdale Cemetary in Hendersonville, NC.

...and the soft stone smile of an angel, is touched by that dark miracle of chance which makes new magic in a dusty world. Thomas Wolfe(1900 - 1938)

Vacation: Asheville NC

2011-08-16T09:36:00.004-05:00

Downtown Asheville, NC proved delightful. People in the 1900s traveled here for the "cure". Fresh mountain air and various sanitarium/spas for relaxation. This city has a very small town feel with old restored buildings, narrow twisty roads, and plenty of shops and restaurants. It encourages a walking and hangout vibe.

Throw in modern buildings and interesting sculptures. Plenty of eye candy art and park areas, too.

I liked this piece. It was across from Magnolias , a restaurant with tasty menu selections and a lovely patio.

Just lots of cool art to view as you walk through a small park, listen to musicians, and work off the biscuits and homemade blackberry jam from the Tupelo Honey Cafe. I'd go back to Asheville for another meal - yummy southern cooking with twists.

These young ladies arrived, swirled into place, and stayed amazingly still - a little corner art scene. Creativity abounds.

I'd visit Asheville again for "the cure". It works.

Vacation: Biltmore Estate Gardens

2011-08-13T12:01:00.002-05:00

My blog and I are on vacation hiatus. Well, I'm back in Texas (grumbling about how we didn't break the consecutive day one hundred degree record). I am back to work, and catching up on reading, errands, and movies. Plus I had so many great pictures and I'm still enthralled with Asheville and the Biltmore Estate. So, let's walk about the grounds. Imagine life in the early 1900s. Grab a book from the immense library, find a bench under a bower, and between chapters enjoy the beauty.

This is the conservatory. Lovely building, amazing plants, and no mysterious deaths (a la Agatha Christie)

Our time in the garden was far too brief. Too much to explore and enjoy in just an afternoon.

Next post - Asheville

Upcoming post - The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Vacation - Asheville, NC & Biltmore

2011-08-10T17:37:00.004-05:00

Biltmore, in Asheville, North Carolina is a destination vacation. Two hundred fifty rooms - the tour covers forty-four of the most breathtaking peeks into another life. George Vanderbilt's dream began in 1895. It took six years, over one thousand men, twelve hour days, and a vision. This place is fabulous, and George Vanderbilt loved to read so there are books everywhere, in almost every room (except the basement 70,000 gallon pool).

The attention to detail and craftsmanship is superb.

Wealth is not without its advantages and the case to the contrary, although it has often been made, has never proved widely persuasive - John Kenneth Galbraith

I have visited castles in France. Mr. Vanderbilt was inspired by his trips to Europe, and frankly, I think he outdid the castles in France.

I love grotesques. This house has something to look at with every turn. We took the special Architect Tour and were treated to amazing details. The views. Mr.Vanderbilt originally bought 125,000 acres. His landscape designer, Mr. Frederick Law Olmsted (created Central Park in New York) envisioned a vista, with every nook and cranny filled with eye candy. I shall have a garden post later.

Our vacation was refreshing. Asheville is a lovely town and shall have its own post. In the meantime, I'm checking my genealogy - surely I have Vanderbilt blood somewhere in my past.

Old School

2011-08-08T10:00:00.003-05:00

The writer is an explorer: Every step is an advance into a new land - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ray's folks gave us this old typewriter, collecting dirt in their garage. We cleaned it up as best we could and now it sits atop my office shelf. As I click away on my keyboard, I can imagine the huge clack sound of those keys and the steady electric hum, then the ka-chunk noise of the carriage return. Creating on a typewriter just sounds grandiose.

I want to escape the unrest, to shut out the voices around me and within me, and so I write - Franz Kafka

Inspiration and perspiration = writing.

A good rule for writers: do not explain overmuch - W. Somerset Maugham

Book Review: Keep the Change

2011-08-04T10:00:00.002-05:00

I enjoy sprinkling non-fiction reads with my fiction entertainment. Try to keep the brain cells engaged even in summer. Steve Dublanica's Keep the Change is hilarious and definitely opened up a whole other economic world to me.

Having never depended on tips to pay my bills, I nonetheless try to tip waiters, waitresses, hairdressers decently. I expect a certain level of service and if received, I'll tip accordingly.

Dublanica interviews everyone in every job that lives off tips and his discoveries are eye opening. Strippers, shoeshine men, bathroom attendants, furniture delivery people - there are often many levels of service and everyone gets a piece of the dollar.

His trip to Vegas is worth the read. The levels of tipping for poker/blackjack/all tables is amazing. Plus there's a new language. Bad tippers are stiffs or fleas. Good tippers are called George and the highest level is King George.

Keep the Change will give you a new appreciation for various jobs and you'll reassess your own expectations as well as tip calculations. P. 275: Steve Dublanica quotes E.M Forster "Only connect! Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer." Tipping helps you connect with people, if only for a short while.

Here's a tip - check out this book. Learn and laugh at the same time.

Movie Review: Friends With Benefits

2011-07-30T18:28:00.004-05:00

Friends With Benefits is the Justin Timberlake/Mila Kunis version of No Strings Attached (Natalie Portman/Ashton Kutcher) which came out in the spring. Both movies feature pretty people, slick dialogue, ultra trendy lives, and absolutely nothing new or original. For my four dollar matinee, I was amused and the theater's air conditioning was cranking (crucial on Day 25 over 100 degrees in Texas). However, I'd hoped for something more.

Here's the writing analysis of this review: Rather than being drawn into the movie, I found myself thinking "No one really talks that way" and "Oh, the dirty language wasn't necessary there." I'm no prude, but it felt forced. Watching movies, I want to escape, and so I hold the writing to a higher standard. Part of the problem with movie comedies these days is the television comedies are better, especially on cable channels. They are smart packages with snarky dialogue and often racy themes. Consequently, a film like Friends With Benefits has to try harder to appear cool and wicked sharp, and whatever the nifty lingo is today. It's tough to pull off.

That said, I was entertained and I did laugh at various lines. Justin and Mila looked like they had fun together, trying to be just "friends" enjoying "benefits" (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more). New York has never looked better. The characters enjoy spiffy jobs, spacious apartments, and breeze in and out of the most awesome places.

Mila's spacy mom shows up - Patricia Clarkson is the go-to actress for wifty wisdom. I found her character annoying, because Clarkson is such a good actress and deserves better. Justin's scenes back in Los Angeles with family were better. His father, played by Richard Jenkins, is declining due to Alzheimer's. Excellent actor and those home scenes were touching and demonstrated how this movie could have been raised to a higher level.

Summer fluff trying to be edgy. Go re-watch Midnight in Paris instead. That's clever writing.

Book Review: War

2011-07-26T09:11:00.004-05:00

Sebastian Junger wrote a riveting book, War, about his embed in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan (2007 - 2008). He worked with photojournalist, Tim Hetherington, and their reporting ultimately became the haunting documentary, Restrepo. Junger's ability to place his readers in combat, to introduce us to the memorable young men serving our country, and to describe war without a crazy one-sided agenda, is sublime.

The three sections of his book - Fear, Killing, and Love - sum up War. This is a difficult read in that, for me, I hate that this book even has to exist. You enjoy these young men and wish that they could be growing and developing in other circumstances. However, the Army is their job and they chose it and they are truly working hard to stay alive, accomplish a mission, and look out for their fellow man. You can tell from his reporting, the respect Junger has for these men.

Excellent writing and perspective highlight this book. I was engaged the whole time I read it, and then once it was over, War did not leave me. I sniffled for men who died, and now I worry for those men who are home safe, and yet forever changed.

Here are a few excerpts:
p. 144 War is a lot of things and it's useless to pretend that exciting isn't one of them. It's insanely exciting. ...... Combat isn't where you might die - though that does happen - it's where you find out whether you get to keep on living.

p. 146 There's so much human energy involved - so much courage, so much honor, so much blood - you could easily go a year here without questioning whether any of this needs to be happening in the first place.

p. 234 The only thing that matters is your dedication to the rest of the group, and that is almost impossible to fake.

Critique: Opinion NOT Fact

2011-07-23T21:25:00.003-05:00

Enjoyed Saturday morning at Trinity Writers' Workshop. Such an eclectic group of writers and personalities. I did not read today, but I often learn more from hearing, sharing, and learning from others' works.

Just like a family, TWW has a vast variety of personalities and sometimes one can sense that someone's on edge, got their dander up, and not pleased with a critique.

Well, tough dookies, as we say when we invoke First Amendment. Not everyone likes everyone's work. It's opinion, not fact and you have to truly take a critique with a grain of salt. Sometimes a cliche fits the moment.

I know for some readings, I have not truly heard enough of the story to give a full assessment. Nonetheless, I can say that , for that chapter, I'm interested. I want to know more. Or the writing is not worthy of the full story. That happens sometimes. I might not like the genre or even know enough about it (i.e. Christian romance). However, I can decide if I like the writing itself and I feel qualified to comment, correct, and suggest action/pacing/tension for that chapter. The author can than accept my judgement, throw it out as crap, or have hurt feelings. Oh well.

Group critique is truly equitable. Sometimes one person's comment can generate a whole free form discussion and evolve into a new path for the author. It's often carried through to lunch and beyond.

Writers are sensitive creatures. We live in our little office worlds and emerge with paper. That paper can represent so much hope. Trinity Writers' Workshop is a group that seeks the best from its authors. The truth can hurt, but can also foster genius. Critique is the pathway light.

Book Review: Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

2011-07-20T18:34:00.003-05:00

Harlan Coben knows how to ratchet tension quickly. In Hold Tight, he begins with a woman's kidnapping and murder. Then we meet Dr. Mike Baye, his wife, attorney Tia, teen son Adam, and pre-teen daughter Jill - seems like the perfect family. However, the parents are monitoring their son's computer. His behavior's changed and his "best" friend Spencer Hill committed suicide. Adam's uncommunicative. Lots of worry and tension.

Plus Coben has his reader witness another woman's kidnapping and murder. What's going on? Is all of this connected? Should we be worried for Adam, who's gone missing? Yowza!

Harlan Coben writes a tight paced mystery thriller. He throws a lot of balls in the air, keeps his reader guessing, and then slowly catches each ball and shows us more clues. Hold Tight is a very fun quick read. Interesting characters, sharp dialogue, some red herrings, and a taut finish.

I'm not going to say anymore, as I don't want to spoil anyone's read. Just hold tight and grasp at clues!!

Intellect vs. Instinct

2011-07-18T20:07:00.003-05:00

I wish I could say I hung out in Asbury Park, NJ, and saw Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band jam in clubs. Alas, my family went to Ocean City, NJ (no clubs) and I was underage at that time anyway.

However, I watched a nifty documentary - The Promise: Making of the Darkness at the Edge of Town, and gained insight into Springsteen's (and the band's) work ethic, creativity, and energy. There's a lot of footage of Bruce pouring over his notebooks filled with songs and iterations of songs. The band all hung out and played riffs over and over and over again. They truly sought perfection.

Interviews with Jon Landau and Jimmy Iovine showed these young gun music producers/directors and the vested interest they had in raw talent. Hot off Born to Run, Springsteen didn't want to capitalize and go for easy. Instead, he was looking deeper into life themes such as questioning "What makes a man?" He wrote for the common American, the factory worker, and the blue collar life. Ultimately the songs for Darkness at the Edge of Town were only the beginning of Springsteen's continuous connection with his roots.

The documentary includes interviews with Bruce now, reflecting on those times and what he wanted to achieve. The man discusses his artistic instinct from that time versus artistic intelligence which comes from experience. He trusted his instinct to reject so many great songs and create a brilliant cohesive whole.

Worth pondering. I recommend the documentary, just to watch an artist at work, uncompromising and true.

Happy Birthday Dad: My Writing/Editing Hero

2011-07-14T10:44:00.003-05:00

Getting old ain't for sissies - Bette Davis

George Lewis Crowther, born July 15, 1931, is my father and my hero. He is still my spellchecker/editor and will politely email me any blog corrections. He trundles to the gym daily, mows his own yard, climbs steps to retrieve items upstairs, and hauls laundry downstairs to his basement. He works the New York Times crossword puzzle (in pencil, not pen), mails me amusing cartoons, and runs errands with his older sister. Dessert at every meal is the key to happiness.

My father gained his love of cars from his father, who died at a young age. My dad fondly recalls hanging at a local garage, hearing car discussions and debates. To this day, he takes the train with friends to the Philly Auto Show, hops in and out of shiny vehicles, and gathers brochures. Call him in for car negotiations - he can finagle a bargain.

An old man in a house is a good sign - Hebrew saying

Age is mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter - Satchel Paige.

Dad married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Shutters. They showed us kids - me, David, and Lori - how to be happily married. Truly, a respectful couple who worked together to build a really nice life. Mom's been gone close to twenty years now. Dad's maintained the house, done some redecorating, and stays up really late (that's his one bold break from life with Mom).

Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been - Mark Twain

Lots of smiles through the years. His work ethic, family ethic, and a sunny disposition have garnered good friends and good times. Emails replace phone calls, but the laughter zooms through the air. I'm very fortunate to say Happy Birthday, Dad! and to wish him good health for many years to come.

The family with an old person in it possesses a jewel - Chinese saying

We are rich beyond compare.
(not that you're old yet, Dad)

Cheers!

Sweltering Sage

2011-07-11T17:39:00.002-05:00

Summer in Texas. I'm currently lacking imagination. Awake to 80s, Asleep to high 90s. Beware touching any body parts to exposed car seats, steering wheel, all metal pieces. Towels on lawn chairs prior to outdoor activity. The pool is a huge spa. Yes, I'm grateful for a pool. Now I want it not just wet, but cold.

Thesaurus words: heat, sweat, swelter, stew, simmer, boil, smolder, parch, torrid, tropical, sultry, stifling,suffocating, oppressive, hellish = Texas

There's always a bright side. The purple sage that bakes on the west side of the house burst into full glory.

The average number of days over one hundred degrees in a Texas summer is fifteen. We are on our fourteenth day, having started in May this year. The longest stretch was 1980 with over sixty days, and the highest recorded temperature of 113. I'm satisfied if we don't break that record.

I am working on flash fiction for the Hot August Nights issue of Doorknobs and Bodypaint. Surely, I have enough experience to write a steamy tale. Backdrop - a sweltering sage.

Plot Place: Motel Musings

2011-07-07T18:27:00.002-05:00

Pulled into the Bent Tree Motel parking lot July 3rd. It looked clean and respectable. Pavement sizzled underfoot. No bars on the windows or empty broken beer bottles at our doorstep. No neon signs flickered, nor did any nefarious characters hover in the shadows. (Chances of a noir novel are fading fast.)

We were as incognito as you can get in a cherry red Dodge Ram rental truck.

Room 122. Door wasn't kicked in. Shades were even, without dust or residue. Bright bluish green carpet showed fresh vacuum tracks. There were no cigarette butts in the trash and no sign of a lipstick stained glass on the counter. The television displayed ESPN and the phone had a dial tone. C'mon, I need something to work with here - a trace of blood, a phone number written on a torn business card.

At least the window unit airconditioner lent a hum of despair. Could it keep cranking against 100 plus temperatures?

If we were on a stakeout at this motel, we could run next door for some greasy chicken. At least this offered local flavor versus the Dairy Queen or Arby's further up the block.

As night fell, the insects buzzed, an occasional firecracker popped and we jumped. A car backfired in the distance. Footsteps approached and we held our breath, but they trod to the next room. A key rattled, the door creaked open, and

a gunshot reverberated. We heard a cry and then silence .....

maybe I do have something to work with here. Nothing like a non-chain motel stay to fire the imagination.

Country Fourth

2011-07-04T10:37:00.002-05:00

Happy July 4th weekend. This blog post is a rambling salute to freedom and an appreciation of America and her history.

Ray and I accomplished a few chores, floated in the pool, watched movies, and achieved laziness. All the while we contemplated gratitude to our Founding Fathers for sweating out the Declaration of Independence at Constitution Hall in 1776 Philadelphia.

Late Sunday afternoon, July 3rd, we headed east to Emory. Ray's cousin Margaret hosts a fabulous fireworks display and party and we were invited. The sunset first lit up the sky. An hors d'oevre to the main show.

My camera skill does not do justice to the pyrotechnic display. Close to an hour's worth of trailer loads of fireworks banged overhead. At least twelve guys choreographed the show - set, light, and run. Patriotic music swelled. It was impressive.

Ka-boom!

Morning - July 4th. Up bright and early, I stepped outside and laughed at my long-legged shadow.

Flags fly everywhere on the 4th of July. One adorned this mower.

None who have always been free can understand the terrible fascinating power of the hope of freedom to those who are not free - Pearl S. Buck

Happy 4th of July!

Book Review: Hunger Games

2011-07-01T22:01:00.004-05:00

I am late to the game on reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It's first in a trilogy and the movie is being filmed with Jennifer Lawrence (awesome young actress) cast as Katniss. As a YA (young adult) book, it was not on my radar. However, as a movie fan, it caught my eye and I wanted to read it prior to the movie.

Well, I am hooked and shall be looking for parts 2 and 3 at Half Price Books. (Is that heresy? I'm a poor struggling writer. I did pay sale price at Amazon for this book). Set in the future, the United States is now arranged in Districts and District 12 is extremely poor coal mining country. Every year, two kids are chosen from each district to participate in "games" that lead to death. At a certain age, names are entered into the drawing and for each year plus for extra food points taken, each name can be listed multiple times.

However, this particular year for District 12, it's the first time for Prim, a child. Her sister, Katniss quickly volunteers in her place. Good move. This enterprising young lady can hunt, is athletic, and ultimately is a player. The other pick is Peeta, the baker's son, who claims to have loved Katniss since grade school. Words, actions, and the heat of the moment - wow, talk about tension.

So many twists and turns to The Hunger Games. The dystopian society proves interesting. Katniss is a heroine for the ages. Suzanne Collins' writing is clean and crisp. She creates a memorable world and characters. Her pacing is amazing and I'm hooked. With crisp dialogue and stunning visuals, the film will pack a punch.

I can see how this became so popular with younger readers and I'm happy to recommend this book for teens and adults alike. It's tight, clean, and exciting. The Hunger Games is only the beginning. Read it to find out who lives and dies, and what happens next.

Movie Review: Midnight in Paris

2011-06-28T09:05:00.003-05:00

Midnight in Paris is a pleasant talkie film. By that, I mean the characters meander the streets of Paris conversing. Nothing blows up (well, maybe a relationship or two), no one is killed, and at the end of the ninety minutes, you realize you want to sit in a cafe, drink some wine, and watch the world go by. Owen Wilson plays Gil, a successful Hollywood screenwriter. He's working on a book and wants to chuck the L.A. scene to live in Paris. He romanticizes the 1920s when so many American artists lived abroad. His fiancee, played by Rachel McAdams, thinks he's crazy. On this trip with her parents, he's the outsider.

Owen shambles along in his low key charming way and slowly realizes the engagment is all wrong. Every midnight, he strolls a certain cobblestone street and the atmosphere transforms into the 20s. He meets F.Scott Fitzgerald and wife Zelda, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Cole Porter, et al - they are all living the bohemian dream. He falls for a French girl, played by the lovely Marion Cotillard. She the latest muse of Pablo Picasso, but she and Gil light a spark.

They discuss the times. He rhapsodizes over the 1920s, and she shrugs it off as boring. She desires to visit La Belle Epoque. Gil's time travel skill allows them to visit that era, and that's where she wants to remain. Alas, Gil's heartbreak and return to current day living does give him the oomph to say, "I'm giving Paris a try, and I'm finishing my book." (aaah, any writer's dream)

All in all, Midnight in Paris has snappy dialogue (written and directed by Woody Allen) and it is a writer/artist movie. Lots of fun meeting famous people before they really became famous. Owen Wilson's manner has us believe and enjoy his adventure. It's also amusing to witness Rachel McAdams play a total snot. You root for Owen to recognize her shallowness.

Say bonjour, buy your ticket, and fall in love with Paris via this film.

Musical Review: Billy Elliott

2011-06-25T10:00:00.003-05:00

I'm late to seeing Billy Elliott: The Musical, but better late than never. I enjoyed the movie version immensely and wondered how it would translate to theater. It worked better than I expected and, of course, the dancing was phenomenal.

British Mineworkers went on strike in 1984 and it lasted one year. Margaret Thatcher held firm and broke the unions. Happy story, huh?

We meet Billy's family on the eve of the strike. His mother is dead. His father and older brother are coal miners - dedicated to the job and the union. Poor Billy is an eleven year-old kid, floundering in life, missing his mom, helping his doddering grandmother, and yearning to break free from his life. He just doesn't know how.

He attends boxing lessons, but doesn't want to hit or be hit. Fortunately, after boxing lessons the space is occupied by ballet lessons. He joins in by happenstance, likes it, worries over his young manhood, but can't shake the joy that ballet gives him - the freedom to express himself. The teacher (Faith Prince, an old Broadway veteran) sees a spark in Billy. He has a chance to escape this bleak town and future and perhaps audition for the National Ballet Company.

Naturally there's a lot of angst, issues, and ultimate (strikers, family, teacher) confrontation. Fortunately, the dances flow, the singing is decent, and Elton John's music with Lee Hall's book and lyrics, is pleasant. Billy Elliott's message of finding yourself, expressing yourself, and looking to the future is an inspiring one.

Review: A Red Herring Without Mustard

2011-06-22T17:26:00.003-05:00

Flavia de Luce is back in A Red Herring Without Mustard, and she has reason to heat up the Bunsen burners in her laboratory. A precocious eleven year-old sleuth, she has her fortune told by a gypsy at a local fair in Bishop's Lacey. Hours later, she finds the woman bludgeoned, barely alive, but perhaps part of an old child abduction scandal. For a wee town, there's a lot smoldering under the surface.

A local ne'er do well, Brookie Harewood is found dead, hanging from the Poseidon statue on de Luce property. Any connection to the gypsy? The Inspector is not pleased at the multiple trips needed to contain Flavia, recover evidence, and put together pieces of the puzzle. All the while, our young lady is two steps ahead of him and outwitting her older mean sisters, too.

From the back cover - As the red herrings pile up, Flavia must sort through clues fishy and foul to untangle dark deeds and dangerous secrets.

Alan Bradley introduced us to Flavia in The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. He has a winning heroine, an enchanting writing style, tricky clues, and an exciting page turner. He's imbued Flavia with a wicked sense of humor and you'll enjoy her exasperation at life in Bishop's Lacey. Even under house arrest, it is hard to contain this delightfully dark yet winning young lady.

I highly recommend A Red Herring Without Mustard. It is a superbly entertaining summer brain twister.

Self Discipline

2011-06-18T19:11:00.005-05:00

Whining. A lot. We're on day fifty of over 100 degrees. Oh, I exaggerate. It only seems like fifty days, but it's been at least a week. We (Texas - DFW area) start our morning headed to work and it's 80 degrees. Step outside in the evening for a "breath of fresh air" and the hot hair dryer effect is wicked. It's 90 after 9 pm and it's only June.

I use the heat as an excuse for everything. Too hot to mow. Too hot to go to the grocery store. I flop on the couch and swoon. I float in the pool, but then worry about skin cancer even after slathering myself in sunscreen number 45 - practically using a spatula to apply it.

Traffic's been awful and by the time I get home I'm not in the mood to face the computer to write. Bad, Joanne. This is usually an August state of mind, not June, and I must overcome this slothful attitude.

What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do - Aristotle He must have spent some time in Texas heat.

Right discipline consists, not in external compulsion, but in habits of mind which lead spontaneously to desirable rather than undesirable activities - Bertrand Russell

I feel better having written this post. This is creation. I can accomplish more. Crank the air conditioner down another degree and heat up the keyboard. Self-discipline is my mantra.

Novel Reflections at Fifty: Two Reviews

2011-06-14T18:29:00.003-05:00

I could probably write a mini-thesis paper comparing and contrasting these two library books - Once Upon a Time, There Was You by established author Elizabeth Berg, and Searching for Tina Turner by newcomer Jacqueline E. Luckett.

First up: Elizabeth Berg tends to be a surefire good steady read. She has a nice manner, strong voices, and her plots move along pleasantly. In this book, we meet John and Irene, both long divorced from each other but connected by their eighteen year-old daughter, Sadie. The adults are in their fifties, seeking out new loves/companionship, are set in their ways, conflicted about their own childhoods, and worried about the future. Sadie's in love with Ron but she hasn't introduced him to either parent. In a rather abrupt few chapters, Sadie is briefly kidnapped. The trauma of this event snowballs emotions, conflicts, and catapults the plot for all concerned.

I enjoyed Berg's story, but felt she glossed over the kidnapping sequence. Sadie was gone and then bam, she was back but married. Whoa! Her parents are concerned over her wellbeing and thought process and rightly so. And yet, when John and Irene married, was it truly for love or just an inevitable fate? Each character is flawed and Berg is very good at picking at the scabs and then cleaning wounds. Once Upon a Time, There Was You is a thought-provoking read with well drawn characters. Despite the characters' issues, you'll enjoy working through their problems with Berg.

Searching for Tina Turner is a sassy, fun read. This book explores the world of successful African American characters in their fifties. Lena and Russell are at the peak of success. He's worked his butt off to earn big bucks and a title. Russell asked Lena to forego her photography career to back him up. Now, Lena's looking to Tina Turner for inspiration. Is she willing to start over with the clothes on her back, her career and talents, and re-discover herself, rather than be in the shadow of a man? A man with affairs and an attitude, at that.

Big questions and at age fifty, it's really tough to start over. The body isn't perfect anymore, everyone has some baggage, and some of it is dragging on the floor. Jacqueline E. Luckett has created characters to root for and her sense of humor is superb.

This is an enjoyable read about serious issues. Lena runs into an old flame, but is she ready to jump back into a fire pit - a rich man with opinions? Lena comes from a strong loving family. Her mother wants her to mend fences with Russell, not rock the boat. Lena's sister encourages her to jump ship and be herself. Lena's daddy in heaven hovers - he was the beloved rock of the family.

I enjoyed Searching for Tina Turner immensely. It reminded me of Terry McMillan's writing and that's a compliment. Strong female characters in real life situations. Humor, style, and sass.

It makes reading fun.

Go Mavericks

2011-06-12T12:05:00.004-05:00

Early June, hot as blue blazes, and I'm floating a lot in the pool. Reading and writing and sports are all encompassing in this household. Generally the boys of summer, Texas Rangers baseball, predominate. However, the Dallas Mavericks extended their post season streak and are in the NBA Finals. Not only that but tonight they could win it all over the Miami Heat (boo hiss).

Dirk Nowitzki, the Dallas center and quietly humble superstar, has proven his mettle. He's led the team, been a class act, and should earn Player of the Series, in my book. I'm not the best fan and don't watch every second. Too many time outs and fouls annoy me. Just play the game, people. However, I root for the Mavericks and Dirk. They fill the time honored tradition of underdog, and their story requires more page turning. I can only hope it's a satisfying conclusion.

Go Mavs!

Rejection: Go Jump in the Lake

2011-06-09T09:14:00.003-05:00

He is most powerful who has power over himself - Seneca the Younger

Yeah, but, writers must defer to the almighty, all powerful editor and his/her ability to give a thumbs up or down. Acceptances and rejections ebb and flow like the tides. I send out my goodies with lovely cover letters, praise for journals, and the abject desire to be selected for a publication.

However, too often it's a quick thanks, but no thanks.

Sometimes, it's nicer - I liked your poems, but not enough to publish them. They were a little too literal for my taste (but that is a matter of taste). I can accept that and it does give me something to work with in regards to my poetry.

For a recent flash - our first readers read your story with interest, but in the end didn't love it enough to send it to the second round. Well, darn. What if I begged and pleaded?

Getting published is a huge game. I have to improve my craft and provide the editor/reader with a treat. It's also subjective - a matter of timing. Hit the right person on the right day with the right piece for the mood.

I chuckled at a WSJ interview (4/29/11) with singer Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane). In regards to American Idol she said she, "loves the show but no way could I be a judge. I have no middle ground. I'm a buzzer or a gong, far more negative than a Simon Cowell."

In another piece (3/16/11), Mr. Eddie Rabin has been playing piano for singing auditions for over thirty years. He said he can tell within three bars if a performer has what it takes. I"m sometimes tempted to say "Kid, you haven't got it." But it's not my place. And I figure they'll find out for themselves in a few years.

There are days when the rejections seem to pour in and I'm ready to jump in the lake. But then, sunshine and glory (the ding in the Inbox) announces an acceptance, and I'm once again validated as a writer. Type, type, type and roll press ... for a few more years.

the Monster in the Box: Fun Read

2011-06-07T08:46:00.005-05:00

Summer time - I need poolside reads to keep the brain keen, not melted mush in the Texas heat. Ruth Rendell's Monster in the Box was a wonderful find in the last death throes of the local Borders. I had heard her author name, but never read any of her work. Now I'm hooked.

We meet Inspector Wexford under sad circumstances. A recent murder causes him to reflect on an early murder in his career and a particularly evil suspect named Targo. The short, muscular man wearing a scarf to hide a birthmark is wily. Wexford is positive Targo has been deliberately flaunting his seeming innocence and daring Wexford to accuse him. It seems Targo kills people who he feels others have deemed trouble in their lives. It's as if he thinks he has permission and can justify the strangling.

p.1 None of it could be proved, not the stalking, not the stares, the conspiratorial smiles, not the killings, not any of the signs Targo had made because he knew that Wexford knew and could do nothing about it..

Rendell's writing does not involve explicit gory details. The deliciousness of her book is in the characters, the cat and mouse game, and some missing persons essential to the investigation. All the while, the stoic inspector trusts his gut, and we trust him too, to track down the guilty party - deal with the Monster in the Box.

Marriage Angst: By Nightfall Book Review

2011-06-05T09:57:00.002-05:00

By Nightfall by Michael Cunningham is an insightful look at a married couple, Peter and Rebecca Harris. Both are in their forties, have careers (he an art dealer, she an editor), a college age daughter in Boston, and both are questioning their lives.

With the arrival of her much younger brother, Ethan (aka Mizzy), who's been in and out of rehab, seemingly intelligent and yet unmotivated, Peter and Rebecca begin to turn on each other, full of doubts as to their joint goals and love.

Cunningham, author of The Hours, has a smooth spare style. He ingratiates the reader and draws us in to lives and thoughts. We like the characters and at the same time, we question their life choices. He sets his scenes well: p.169 The train from Grand Central Station to Greenwich runs through a morass of exurbia that, let's just say, one would want to conceal from a visiting extraterrestrial.

He evokes emotion: p. 196 Beauty - the beauty Peter craves - is this, then: a human bundle of accidental grace and doom and hope.

Finally, he gives keen observations on life today: p. 234: Isn't it the way? We build palaces so that younger people can break them up, pillage the wine cellars and pee off the tapestry-draped balconies.

Michael Cunningham's sure hand writes an evocative tale of married life. By Nightfall is a bit angsty and yet, I rooted for Peter and Rebecca and the redemption of their marriage.

International Press: Live in China

2011-06-02T09:08:00.002-05:00

My boss returned from two weeks in China. He had a fabulous time and came back very impressed by the energy of the people. I've enjoyed his travel tales and asked many questions as to his encounters. We did talk about newspapers and the reporting. Each day he bought the China Daily and the Global Times (both English editions). He followed our weather here in DFW, the tornadoes in Joplin, MO, US economic news, and global updates.

I perused the papers last night (with the admonition to bring them back to work). Well written, thorough reporting, very neutral perspective, and an eye-opener to me. I definitely had the wrong impression, in thinking news would be very censored and repressed. On the contrary. Editorials covered a variety of subjects and were critical on issues like water, energy, economic issues, etc. If not for the Chinese names, I could have been reading a U.S. paper.

Power to the press. Enlightenment, indeed.

Rock of Ages: Musical Feast

2011-05-29T19:58:00.004-05:00

Combine music with words and I'm in heaven. I love the theater. If I lived in New York City, I'd be Broadway poor. All of my time and money would be blown on theater tickets. However, it's quite pricey and so I dole out my meager allowance on some touring productions.

Dallas/Fort Worth is fortunate. It has excellent venues - Meyerson Symphony Hall, Bass Hall, old favorite The Majestic, and now new favorite Winspear Opera House. Forget Fair Park Music Hall. Never say never, but I vow to never fork out dough for their crappy acoustics and bad sight lines.

Back to the Winspear. Ray and I enjoyed a touring production of Rock of Ages and it was a blast from the past.

The original Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis (formerly on American Idol) starred as Drew, janitor of a bar/music hall who dreams of playing in a rock band. Sherrie (Elicia MacKenzie) is the girl from Nebraska who dreams of being an actress. The show is about dreams, and boy meets girl, falls in love, loses girl, re-discovers dreams, and ultimately gets the girl. Trust me, you know this from the very first song and are willing to go along for the ride. The nifty part of the mismash is if you lived through 80s rock, you'll know all of the tunes and rock cliches. You'll hum along, feel the love, and C'mon Feel the Noise.
The narrator, Lonny (Patrick Lewallen) has a great voice, sense of humor, and keeps the musical rolling along. We loved our gal, Oh Sherrie. (Yes, Drew sings this Journey anthem and we feel the longing.) Indeed, Elicia MacKenzie was a bright light in this show. Her voice on Harden My Heart was stirring.

More songs kept the cast wailing and the audience rocking - Can't Fight This Feeling, Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Heat of the Moment, Here I Go Again, I Wanna Rock, Nothin' But a Good Time, Sister Christian, Wanted Dead or Alive, and so on. Nothing wrong with using a classic frame, classic music, and creating entertainment.

All in all, it was a foot stomping, laser light, rock 'n roll fist pump.

Hail No

2011-05-25T16:51:00.005-05:00

The basest of all things is to be afraid - William Faulkner. Indeed, in Texas, in the threat of a weather "event" (the new terminology from our StormTracker television teams), I hunker down - car safe in the garage, flashlight in hand, grousing about the satellite signal going out. Common sense, plus scenes of horrifying devastation in Joplin, MO, Tuscaloosa, AL, and so many other locations, says to batten down the hatches, stay away from windows, and be alert and afraid of the power of nature.

However, that tornado siren wailed last night. Ray and I both met at the patio door and stepped outside. So yes, if I write a storm scene for a book or a screenplay, I shall have characters follow stupid instincts, curiosity, and head outdoors. Now, Ray was beaned by decent size hail before he retreated to the overhang. I wavered - inside, then outside, peering up, then scampering back inside only to turn around as the siren stopped. Venture out again.

It's what people know about themselves inside that makes them afraid - Henry David Thoreau.

Indeed, I never felt confident that I would do well in a crisis. Hence my fear of a tornado, fire, etc. Hence my cry to Ray, "You're on your own sweetheart. Be careful."

At one point, the siren screamed again and the wind shifted along with a weird rumble noise. Whoa! That did if for me. I was prepared for the closet. Ray zoomed inside. Then silence. No claxon call. No wind. Then plunk, plunk, plunk. Not plinks - I'm talking ker-plunks. The pool rocked from hail.

Then silence. Unearthly calm. Gray stormy clouds swished above our heads, onward to pelt another town. We were fine. No discernible damage to Ray's truck, windows, and hopefully not our roof. It had been a noisy scattershot.

May in Texas is almost over.

Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage - Robert Louis Stevenson.

Easier said then done during a hail/tornado combo storm.

Movie Review: Bridesmaids

2011-05-20T18:37:00.002-05:00

Posted in The Little Paper of San Saba. I am the movie critic - hurrah! (The town does not have a theater - ha)

This movie critic gives Bridesmaids an A and a F. Stick with me folks. Here's some dialogue and description of the movie experience, plus an inner monologue (that'll be in italics).
Cast -Joanne Faries (JF) your critic. Linda T (LT) friend and moviegoer. Joanne's husband Ray declined this movie - genius fellow.

Email - day of movie:
JF: So, see you at 4:15 in the lobby. Looking forward to seeing Bridesmaids.
LT: Absolutely. Ready for some laughs and it's received good reviews in EW and newspapers (Shows how much they know)

1/4 of the way thru the movie:
LT leans over: I'm so sorry I picked this.
JF whispers: It's okay. I'd read there were gross parts. Just not our style. (Reader - keep in mind most viewers were howling as the bridesmaids, after a brazilian lunch, are now barfing on bridesmaid dresses, each other, and they are pooping in their pants. Ugh. Double Ugh. Not funny)

JF: Much better. Kristen Wiig, as Annie, has some great lines. Here where she's trying to one-up a new friend/bridesmaid (Rose Byrne, who's gorgeous) is cringeworthy but humorous. Maya Rudolph, as the bride-to-be is awesome. She has understated talent and soulful eyes).

LT and JF: We are laughing out loud at Jon Hamm (from Mad Men). He's so good looking and he plays such a jerk in this flick. Annie keeps coming back to him and he just puts her down. Wants her to leave after sex. Won't agree to go to the wedding with her. Ultimately she's third choice. Any scene with him is sadly pathetically humorous.

mid movie:
LT: Oh dear
JF: It's okay. (So, it's the bridal shower at the rich friend's home and it is absolutely over-the-top crazy. Well, Annie snaps. Funny at first, but then the scene goes ridiculously stupidly nuts. It's a shame that Kristen Wiig thought this was worthy of her talent)

post movie:
LT: I'm never picking a movie again.
JF: Yes, you are. There were a lot of clever lines.

Summary:
Bridesmaids is Hangover for women. That's a shame, in my opinion (though I liked Hangover for what it was at the time, but no need to duplicate). I wish the women in charge had been so much smarter. Great cast. Awesome lines. And then stupid toilet humor. Ugh. The parts with real feelings, real friendships, real long-term deep emotions were SO good. They resonated with me.

The concept of Annie hitting bottom and then going even lower was well handled. These are all women who aren't kids and the movie, when it explores some of these depths, is absolute gold. But when it goes for the cheap laughs ... it cheapens itself. Now the dollars are speaking at the box office, so I know nothing. However, I do know I'm disappointed. Bridesmaids could have been SO MUCH BETTER.

See you at the movies ... matinee, that is ...

Spring Fever

2011-05-15T17:58:00.002-05:00

New chaise lounge. Can't be indoors. Must slather on sunscreen, grab all reading material and head outdoors. This is after mowing the yard, weed wacking, and then wiping window sills, windexing windows, and ALL other spring cleaning. There's always a weed to pull. If I wrote a word for every weed, I might be ahead of the publishing game.

Ray assembled his new grill. High potential for summer eating. Brats, hotdogs, hamburgers, and (if on sale) steaks. Gotta love shiny, new pretty implements.

Spring is the period

Express from God

Emily Dickinson

Glass of cheap zinfadel. Magazines - WSJ and Time. Book - Ape House by Sara Gruen

Tunes playing - Adele 21 - Rolling in the Deep

Jennifer Hudson - I Remember Me

Hanson - Shout It Out

The world's favorite season is the Spring. All things seem possible in May - Edwin Way Teale

Saucy Scents

2011-05-10T08:30:00.003-05:00

Scent, Savor, Perfume, Fragrance, Bouquet, Aroma, Atmosphere, Taste

The sense of smell and taste intermingle. They lend layers to a story and conjure feelings and memories in the reader. Writing about these senses does not come naturally to me, because I don't have a strong sense of smell and that affects the tastebuds.

"Here, smell this," says a friend as she moves a candle under my nose in a store.

"Hmmm," I'll say politely, generally with no clue as to what whiffed by my nose.

It's good there are alarms to signal fire, because unless I was up in flames myself, don't count on me to smell something burning.

That's why an article in the WSJ (4/9-10/2011. p. C11) caught my eye. Marie Wright is a flavorist. She's "created more than 1,000 flavors for food and beverage companies, including bourbon vanilla for coffee beans, apple-peach for cookies, and rosemary/garlic for crackers."

She doesn't specialize, but deals in sweet, savory, or beverage flavors. She builds formulas in her head, mixing ingredients and "visualizing the smell in colors and textures." Over 4,000 compounds, oils, and extracts are her building blocks, as she considers emotional and psychological impacts of flavors.

"Scents have personalities." For example a paper strip soaked in isoamyl acetate first smells like nail polish remover, but then morphs into bubble gum and pear. "To me," Ms.Wright says,"this one is very happy."

Creativity as a flavorist - who knew? I shall keep this article in mind as I write my next story.

I'll also whip up a batch of brownies for inspiration. My nose might be weak but its sense of chocolate is strong.

Tiger Mom : Book Review

2011-05-06T19:52:00.002-05:00

I think it's appropriate on Mother's Day Weekend to discuss Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. I got a huge kick out of this book and laughed out loud at various parts. Truly, I admire Ms. Chua for writing it, and I hope that her daughters, Sophia and Lulu, write their version.

Ms.Chua, very successful as a lawyer/Yale teacher/writer in her own right and her husband, a successful Yale professor, choose to raise their daughters the "Chinese way." This means total immersion in academics and strict studies in music (piano or violin only). No sleepovers, no playdates, no tv or computer games, and no grade less than an A.

Does that sound ridiculous??

Well, it works well for Sophia, the first born. This young lady is malleable from the start and obviously very talented, skilled, and willing to subject herself to her mother's requirements, tasks, practice sessions, etc. The results are worth the effort. The kid's playing piano at Carnegie Hall, for God's sake.

Then there's Lulu. From the womb, this young lady is in combat. It's hilarious (to me) to read the battles won (by Lulu) and lost (by Ms.Chua).

There truly is a lesson learned from this book about individualism.

I had read review of this book and discussions about "the horror, the horror". I personally did not read that into this book at all. I had the feeling that Ms.Chua had to concede that "Her Way" wasn't the total "Way".

Indeed, Lulu proves to have a mind and will of her own. The child is successful in her own right. She's smart, talented at violin, and ultimately at ...............................................tennis. OMG.

I highly recommend this book and frankly admire Ms.Chua for her methods and madness. I truly found her standing back and watching herself and laughing. She believed and believes that her way was the right way. However, she encountered The Lulu, and maybe, there's some other paths to success.

All, I know is I wish the best to all mothers trying to raise children in this day and age.

Weatherford Workshop - Books 'N Jazz

2011-05-03T08:36:00.003-05:00

Stupendous Saturday in Weatherford at the college sponsored Books 'N Authors 'N All That Jazz workshop. A plethora of class choices, meet 'n greets with authors, and words - the glory of words, writing, and publishing.

I started my day with Laurie Moore's Snappy Dialogue class. She's a hoot and I enjoyed her insight on keeping your plot moving along with valuable conversation. Her mysteries don't lag, and the chat is never dull. www.lauriemooremysteries.com

Jazz was the theme of the day and Jazzing Up Characters starred Helen Ginger and Sylvia Dickey Smith. The two tag teamed about digging deeper into your characters, and giving the reader a reason to read your book. Sparkling insights and humor highlighted this class

www.helenginger.com and www.sylviadickeysmith.com

After lunch, a panel discussion turned into a business discussion - self publishing versus traditional, plus marketing via twitter, website, social networking, and an array of circus like promotions. The author give and take was lively, informative, and energetic. The key is to write a great book, then promote the heck out of it, and believe in it and yourself. Thanks to Dave Lieber www.yankeecowboy.com, Mike Kearby, Helen Ginger, Sylvia Dickey Smith, and Laurie Moore.

My final session of the day concerned children's literature. Rickey Pittman www.rickeypittman.com regaled us with poems and excerpts from his childrens' historical picture books. A prolific author, Pittman enthusiastically believes in children literature and the magic of reading aloud to kids. He shared marketing tips and his love of writing.

After the workshop, friends gathered to discuss the day, and agreed that Weatherford College put on an enlightening show and all that Jazz.

Contented

2011-04-29T20:22:00.002-05:00

I'm breaking all of my blogging rules on this post. I try to maintain a professional non-personal veneer. But - cute girls in Easter outfits. Abigail is almost seven and Maklyla is twoish - three in August.

You can tell they are cousins, and Abby is the leader - maybe even downright bossy. However, Makyla trundles along behind her.

And now - drumroll - an original poem inspired by Easter Sunday:

Contented

she followed her older cousin

six year old wise leader knew to

dash, grab, fill her basket

younger two year old stumbled

on unmown grass

plastic eggs beckoned

chubby fingers clutched a purple sphere

she waved it, delighted

something rattled

pried open to behold a penny

enraptured, she stood

filmy cloud of white dress

billowed, blonde hair windblown

studied her find, ignored entreaties to

seek more

satisfied with her prizes

Joanne Faries

Wilderness Wonder

2011-04-26T09:01:00.002-05:00

I call San Saba the "wilderness" because we drive forever down a gravel road, and the chance of a snake encounter is high. Plus the cows keep staring at me. It's far more fun to exaggerate, and I can imagine pioneers on horseback plucking cactus needles from body parts and cursing.

National Poetry Month is almost over, but it's been amusing to match pictures and words. I have not included my own poetry. If it's published on a blog, then most journals consider it "previously published" and will not accept it. Thus, you've expanded your mind here with others' words.

For one that comes into the wilderness with a pencil to sketch or sing, a thousand come with an ax or rifle - Henry David Thoreau

The Morning is Full - Pablo Neruda

The morning is full of storm

in the heart of summer

The clouds travel like white handkerchiefs of good bye,

the wind, traveling, waving them in its hands

The numberless heart of the wind

beating above our loving silence

Orchestral and divine, resounding among the trees

like a language full of wars and songs

Wind that bears off the dead leaves with a quick raid

and deflects the pulsing arrows of the birds

Wind that topples her in a wave without spray

and substance without weight, and leaning fires

Her mass of kisses breaks and sinks

assailed in the door of the summer's wind

Easter Weekend Wilderness

2011-04-23T19:40:00.002-05:00

Two Saturdays ago, the day was spent in Tahoe. Eight thousand feet elevation at spots, snow, and twenty seven degrees. This Saturday was spent in San Saba, Texas at Ray's aunt's place. Hill country, ninety degrees, and wind gusts had to be fifty miles per hour. Her place is rugged and not for the faint of heart.Pat is a modern day pioneer (at least in this city gal's eyes).

Her newly built pergola, rough hewn cedar, affords a splendid view of mesquite, cactus, and wild terrain. In this silent serene wilderness the weary can gain a heart - bath in perfect peace - John Muir. Sure, he was talking about California redwoods, but any view like this picture applies.

Spring time and cactus is in bloom. The bright yellow leaps out from the dry hardscrabble land. It's too, too dry. The Texas drought is extreme and it's only April.

Away, away, from men and town,

To the wild wood and the downs -

To the silent wilderness

Where the soul need not repress

Its music - Percy B. Shelley

Happy Easter!

Poetic Bowling Banter

2011-04-19T08:16:00.003-05:00

Bowling and National Poetry Month - what do they have in common? Well, at the National Bowling Center in Reno, sixty lanes filled with teams of five men possessed an energy and rhythm, plus a certain pacing and flow that seemed poetic. Colorful shirts and language abounded as balls rumbled down lanes to strike pins with a resounding thwack. Or clunk, depending on the shot.

Most sorts of diversion in men, children, and other animals are an imitation of fighting - Jonathan Swift.

Bowling has its own language, too - in the pocket, leave the ten pin, spares, and strikes. The lanes have an oil pattern which dictate the shot. It's like haiku versus a sonnet versus free verse.

The one nice thing about sports is that they prove men do have emotions and are not afraid to show them. - Jane O'Reilly.

Based on this picture the night before tournament play, Ray was saving himself for the BIG game.

Enough about bowling. Here's outdoor poetry, atop Heavenly in South Tahoe.

I'd call this shot a Perfect Game

Plethora of Potential

2011-04-17T16:32:00.004-05:00

Ray and I don't miss Fort Worth's Main Street Arts Festival. Despite crazy April winds, artists display their work and bare their souls for throngs of revelers. This year I touched, but did not buy, gorgeous wood pieces. The grains, the rich depth, make my knees weak. Then there's glasswork - I admire glass blowers. Combine heat and vision, color and clarity, and you've got lightning in a bottle. Then there's photography - the magic viewpoint of the artist. Newcomer Clifton Henri captured my heart with his simple snapshots of everyday life. Brenda Benson's illuminated glass glistened. Mimi Damrauer's textile collages invited a second look.

Variety abounded. Jennifer Cavan's paintings had a folk bent. Audrey Heller's photographs were shot with a touch of whimsy. Charles Strain's bronzes were massive in appeal.

Stephanie Swift shoots pictures of buildings, signs, and pieces of history before they disappear. And finally, Firehammer Studios mixed media lends gravitas to our world. If I win the lottery, I'd be a better patron of the arts. At present, I attend the Arts Festival and admire the variety and talent of hundreds of visionaries. Oh, and a juggling act by the Checkerboard Guy was hilarious - fun street entertainment.

Finally, we opted for Jake's Hamburgers. Tasty meal and great service. Fort Worth, Texas knows how to put on a spring show.

www.cliftonhenri.com

www.eyesforglass.wordpress.com

www.mimidesigns.tv

www.jennifercavan.com

www.audreyhelloer.com

www.charlesstrain.com

www.prettylittlepixel.com

www.firehammerstudios.com

Tempting Tahoe

2011-04-13T17:17:00.003-05:00

Ray and I enjoyed a weekend in Tahoe, thanks to his bowling tournament in Reno. (The poetry of bowling shall be explored in another post). You know folks, snow is gorgeous when you don't have to shovel it. We rode the gondola in Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe, up to the observation deck and it was magic. I've been celebrating National Poetry Month, and I'm going to let these pictures speak volumes. Poets utter great and wise things which they do not themselves understand - Plato I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world - Walt Whitman The great poet is always a seer, seeing less with the eyes of the body than he does with the eyes of the mind - Oscar Wilde Blissfully cold. We smile from a top the world.

April Love

2011-04-10T20:28:00.004-05:00

A Map of Love by Donald Justice

Your face more than others' faces

Maps the half remembered places

I have come to while I slept -

Continents a dream had kept

Secret from all waking folk

Till to your face I awoke

And remembered then the shore,

And the dark interior.

The More Loving One - W.H. Auden

Looking up at the stars, I know quite well

That, for all they care,

I can go to hell

But on earth indifference is the least

We have to dread from man or beast

How should we like it were we stars to burn

With a passion for us we could not return?

If equal affection cannot be,

Let the other more loving one be me.

Admirer as I think I am

Of stars that do not give a damn

I cannot, now I see them, say

I missed one terribly all day

Were all stars to disappear or die

I should learn to look at an empty sky

And feel its total dark sublime

Though this might take me a little time.

Anti-Cork Dorks

2011-04-07T10:15:00.000-05:00

The Fort Worth Museum of Science sponsors a PUBlic Knowledge program designed for adults at a local venue (i.e. the Capital Bar on Morton Street - very cool patio). Kudos to them for an adult event. We met Tuesday, April 5, for a discussion by Brock Wagner, the founder of Saint Arnold Brewery Company (http://www.saintarnold.com/). They are based in Houston, and last year brewed 31,000 barrels of ales and lagers. Their maximum capacity in the new facility is 100,000 barrels. After that, Mr. Wagner said, "It wouldn't be fun. We'd have to have meetings and organization, and that would be boring." Mr.Wagner began as a home brewer in his dorm at Rice University. In 1994, he established Saint Arnold and is now one of the top fifty craft breweries in the United States. He discussed the history of beer, various components of beer, and the key to Moveable Yeast. The science of beer craftmanship offered a whole other language. Hence this post. He referred to wine afficionados as "Cork Dorks". I liked that terminology. There were a lot of question and answers. The world of home brewing is vast, and this writer was impressed by the attendance, the questions, and the passion for beer. Thanks to the Fort Worth Museum of Science for an enlightening evening on a local patio. The weather was spectacular. Alas, the beer was not free.

April Outward

2011-04-05T08:29:00.003-05:00

This brilliant splash of color is tucked amongst bushes on the side of the house. This is a weird perspective. I'm standing on the sidewalk, taking the picture from above the azalea. Like spring in Texas, the loveliness is fleeting. Poetry begins ... when we look from the center outward - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Another April by James Merrill

The panes flash, tremble with your ghostly passage

Through them, an x-ray sheerness billowing, and I have risen

But cannot speak, remembering only that one was meant

To rise and not to speak. Young storm, this house is yours.

Let your eye darken, your rain come, the candle reeling

Deep in what still reflects control itself and me.

Daybreak's great gray rust-veined irises humble and proud

Along your path will have laid their foreheads in the dust.

A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom - Robert Frost

April 2nd and Ninety Degrees

2011-04-02T18:50:00.008-05:00

April is National Poetry Month. Our April Fool's Day in Bedford, Texas blossomed into summer with Opening Day of Ranger's baseball and the first pitch a balmy (!) ninety degrees. Let's see what poet Edna St.Vincent Millay had to say about April.

Spring

To what purpose, April do you return again?

Beauty is not enough

You can no longer quiet me with the redness

of little leaves opening stickily

I know what I know.

The sun is hot on my neck as I observe

The spikes of the crocus

The smell of the earth is good

It is apparent that there is no death.

But what does that signify?

Not only under ground are the brains of men

Eaten by maggots

Life in itself

Is nothing.

An empty cup, a flight of uncarpeted stairs

It is not enough that yearly, down this hill,

April

Comes like an idiot, babbling and strewing flowers.

A Little Madness in the Spring - Emily Dickinson

A little Madness in the Spring

Is wholesome even for the King

But God be with the Clown -

Who ponders this tremendous scene -

This whole Experiment of Green -

As if it were his own!

I shall ponder with you the madness of spring (and in Edna's case the decision to use the word maggots in her poem) as I rest my weary bones (from garden projects) in a patio chair.

Picoult Rules

2011-03-29T08:58:00.002-05:00

I confess to Jodi Picoult burnout. It lasted a year. I read a slew of her books, was up on her every hot topic in the news, and then my brain exploded. I did this for awhile with Oprah - dvr'd her show, read her magazine, and then said, "I'm choosing slothdom."

However, I currently have Oprah's April magazine issue featuring poetry sitting open on the kitchen table. And Jodi Picoult's House Rules jumped into my arms at the library. Guess I'm an addict and there's no cure.

Picoult is an excellent writer. Her characters are flawed but likeable. Her storytelling style - various viewpoints - keeps your interest and heightens pace and tension. It's obvious she's done research on her topic - in this case, autism. All in all, House Rules, has Picoult in fine form and I'm hooked once again.

Jacob Hunt, high schooler, is autistic. Theo, the younger teen brother, is resentful and yet, looks out for Jacob. Emma, the mother, constantly runs interference on Jacob's life. As a reader, you will gain a huge appreciation for what a mother of an autistic child goes through each day. It's exhausting. Jessica (college student) is Jacob's social worker and has helped him immensely. Unfortunately, Jessica is found murdered and the key suspect is Jacob. Oliver, a new lawyer, takes on the case and the trials and tribulations of Jacob, who deals in black and white, no shades of gray. Oliver has to convince the judge and jury that Jacob is innocent, but is he?

P. 7 Emma discusses Jacob: If you talk to him, you'll have to be the one to start the conversation. He won't look you in the eye. And if you pause to speak to someone else, for a brief moment, you might turn back to find that Jacob's left the room.

p. 12 Theo's view: I'm no saint. There are times I'll do things to drive Jacob crazy, because it's just so darn easy.

House Rules by Jodi Picoult is a worthy read. She's smart and definitely raises awareness on autism issues through solid fiction. I recommend this, but then step away from the "P" aisle in the library for awhile. You don't want Picoult burnout.

Spring Surprises & Filler Until the Next Post

2011-03-26T16:56:00.006-05:00

All gardening is landscape painting - Alexander Pope Life, like art, should be the celebration of a vision - Michael Larsen This has been a weekend of projects. With eighty degree weather, it's time to fertilize, trim, rake, and shape the bounty that is our yard. We have plenty of work to do. Thus I'm featuring pictures from the Dallas Arboretum - their hard work is constant year round and it shows. I'll rest on their laurels for this post.

Last weekend, we attended Ranger spring training in Surprise, AZ. I liked this sign outside the stadium.

In between workouts, players are mobbed by fans. Here, pitcher Colby Lewis was nice enough to stop and scrawl his autograph. It has to be a strange life. Everything the players do is scrutinized.

Fame is a bee

It has a song -

It has a sting -

Ah, too, it has a wing

Emily Dickinson

Spring in Surprise

2011-03-21T20:30:00.004-05:00

Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball - Jacques Barzon. Surprise, AZ - home of the Texas Rangers baseball team spring training camp. They are part of the Cactus League and the 2010 American League champions. Thus, they are drawing huge crowds to pre-season. (10,000 people were in the stands on Saturday 3/19/11).The boys of summer are working on their craft and, from what I observed, doing a lot of fart around. Sports writing heaven - sunshine, blue sky, and sunflower seeds to spit.

You can observe a lot by watchin' - Yogi Berra. Sunday 3/20/11 - seats in the kill zone (i.e. bats can fly), but man you can hear, see, and experience the sheer joy of timeless baseball from these seats. Batter chatter.

Most ball games are lost, not won - Casey Stengel.
Yeah, but until the first pitch of 2011, the Texas Rangers are the American League champions. We reveled in the glory in Surprise, AZ.

Batting practice. Up close and personal with Ian Kinsler. Of course there's a reason why they keep the fans behind fencing. It's a weird career - baseball. Folks think they know how to play. We've all swung a bat at one time or another in our grade school lives. Thus, we are entitled to opinions. We get to go to work with these fellows, watch them practice, analyze their every move, and then deliver a verdict. Winners or losers.

Spring in Surprise proved pleasant - an escape from reality. Baseball is timeless. First Ranger pitch - April 1st 2011. Goal - October and the World Series.

Play ball.

Spring Frenzy - More Flowers

2011-03-16T18:59:00.003-05:00

I wanted to take off my shoes at the arboretum and wriggle my toes in this grass. No weeds. Perfection. A blank slate, so to speak. Spring inspiration. I've been jotting words, phrases, and half-assed haiku. Then again, let's just enjoy the absolute clarity of green grass.

Nature is always serious - does not jest with us. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Accuse not Nature, she hath done her part;Do thou but thine - John Milton/Paradise Lost

Believe me, the arboretum has done its part to make nature shine

Nature's above art - Shakespeare/ King Lear

Word Splash - Joanne Faries

Book Review: Steve Jobs

Movie Review: The Artist

Guest Post: Sharon K. Owen

Ice Fishing Story - Perspective

Waltz Wishes in Front Porch Review

What's in Your Queue?

Wii: Whee, I'd Rather be Reading My Kindle

Curio Poetry Chose Me

Tony Cragg: Seeing Things

2012: Reflections of 2011

Hello 2012

Fashion: Jean Paul Gaultier

Book Review: The Marriage Plot

Merry Christmas Cards

Movie Review: Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Movie Review: Hugo

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes Game of Shadows

Book Review: The Art of Fielding

Caravaggio Fills the Kimbell

Movie Review: The Descendants

Christmas in the Stockyards: TWW 2011

Book Review: The Family Fang

Bucks County Fall

Thankful

Movie Review: Puss in Boots

Stephen King:Rare Appearance

Veteran's Day Salute

TWW Marketing Seminar: Chuck Sambuchino

Book Launch

Halloween Flash

Louder

Recital : Di Wu

Share

Bronte: Not the Sisters

Book Review: Portrait of a Spy

ALCS: Rangers vs. Tigers

State Fair of Texas - 125 Years Young

Self-Publishing Adventure

Third Prize - Bedford Library Short Story Contest

Focus

Moneyball Review: Catch It

Book Review: A Discovery of Witches

Amon Carter Museum: Allure of Paper

Book Review: Sizzling Sixteen

Movie Review: Contagion

9/11 - Today and Ten Years Ago

Future Now? Drought & New Authors

Ray of Sunshine: Anniversary

Hunger Games Trilogy

August Vacation Mode

Vicksburg: Gunboat Cairo

Vacation Pit Stop: Vicksburg, MS

Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Vacation: Asheville NC

Vacation: Biltmore Estate Gardens

Vacation - Asheville, NC & Biltmore

Old School

Book Review: Keep the Change

Movie Review: Friends With Benefits

Book Review: War

Critique: Opinion NOT Fact

Book Review: Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

Intellect vs. Instinct

Happy Birthday Dad: My Writing/Editing Hero

Sweltering Sage

Plot Place: Motel Musings

Country Fourth

Book Review: Hunger Games

Movie Review: Midnight in Paris

Musical Review: Billy Elliott

Review: A Red Herring Without Mustard

Self Discipline

Novel Reflections at Fifty: Two Reviews

Go Mavericks

Rejection: Go Jump in the Lake

the Monster in the Box: Fun Read

Marriage Angst: By Nightfall Book Review

International Press: Live in China

Rock of Ages: Musical Feast