Worked on Createslate some more today, did some housework, walked at the gym (2 miles walking and 15 minutes on the exercise bike), and a few other things. Very tired at the moment.
Saturday I start my 500-1000 words a day. That's one of my goals for the New Year. I'm looking forward to it. I'm giving myself 14 days off for vacation and/or illness. Otherwise, no requirements other than 500-1000 words a day. I was going to aim for 1k a day, but after talking to other writers, I want to give myself some wiggle room. Just in case.
And now I'm going to call it a night. Oh, go here and see my new bio on Createslate. I'm going to work a bit more on it, but at the end of it, you'll see my goals for the new year. Anyway, I'm out of here!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Createslate launches
Createslate: It's a new blog started by Jean Schara and me. It's about artistic accountability and creative satisfaction. Not much is there yet, but we'll be adding content, aided by Adam Huckeby, who has joined us. I'm hoping three or four more authors will also chose to join and participate. If you're interested, let me or Jean know.
Check Createslate out and see what you think. I've put a mission statement up there, and I think you can get a feel for what we're aiming for.
Anyway, how was your day? I was sick off and on, but still managed to vacuum my house, wash the dishes, fold a load of clothes, and a few other tasks, such as working on Createslate. My stomach hasn't been right for days now. I think it might be the rich food or maybe the excitement of Christmas. Who knows? It's a contrary stomach at the best of times.
And I've been reading over what I've written for Murder by the Mile and see what needs to be added and what needs to deleted and so on. Whoever said that writing was actually rewriting knew what he/she was talking about.
Anyway, that was my day. I'm very tired. Going to call it a night. Talk to you tomorrow. Pleasant dreams!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Check Createslate out and see what you think. I've put a mission statement up there, and I think you can get a feel for what we're aiming for.
Anyway, how was your day? I was sick off and on, but still managed to vacuum my house, wash the dishes, fold a load of clothes, and a few other tasks, such as working on Createslate. My stomach hasn't been right for days now. I think it might be the rich food or maybe the excitement of Christmas. Who knows? It's a contrary stomach at the best of times.
And I've been reading over what I've written for Murder by the Mile and see what needs to be added and what needs to deleted and so on. Whoever said that writing was actually rewriting knew what he/she was talking about.
Anyway, that was my day. I'm very tired. Going to call it a night. Talk to you tomorrow. Pleasant dreams!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Monday, December 27, 2010
Rambles
I honestly think that I could write full-time. It would mean vast changes in the way that I live. And it would mean that I would write articles for magazines and newspapers, but it may be where I'm heading. Job searching has turned out to be futile or at least it has so far.
I already live a pretty simple lifestyle. I do eat out too much. And I would miss that. But I could adapt.
I'd need to write two books a year. I think that's doable, if I apply myself and make that my goal.
I wouldn't have health insurance, of course. But I don't have that now, and I haven't had any for years. I worry that I'm not taking care of myself as well as I should, but if you don't have the money, you don't have the money. Perhaps the government plan that's coming will eventually provide affordable insurance to everyone. Hey, that's possible, if unlikely.
The real question I have is whether I could be productive enough. If my gift for writing – such as it is – would continue to produce words that people would pay for. I feel like I'm almost past the age where I could make this type of leap of faith. It's now or never.
Admittedly, I wouldn't be thinking about this if a wonderful job had presented itself to me. Sadly enough, there's not a lot of wonderful jobs out there. Actually there's not a lot of jobs period. This comes as no surprise to anyone who watches the news. It doesn't seem to matter which political party is in power, the poor get poorer, the rich get richer. It's no wonder people stop voting; they begin to feel that it doesn't matter one way or another.
I'm sure I've done many things wrong on my job search. An excellent job searcher would have already found several jobs. I've done the best I can do for the most part. It's been discouraging, humbling, humiliating, etc.
I've also wondered about being self-employed. A friend of mine suggested that I get my real estate license. I have thought about doing that. It would be sales, of course, but I might be able to be my own boss. And surely I could please me. Or maybe not.
I would like to think the world revolves around people, but it actually revolves around money. That's a depressing commentary on our world. That doesn't mean I think that everyone is motivated by money. There are many wonderful people out there who make great sacrifices to help other people. Unfortunately, they seem to be in the minority these days.
I don't really have a point to this post in case you haven't noticed. I'm just rambling around inside my head, trying to make sense of everything, trying to figure out my next moves, trying to make a plan.
I am thinking that in 2011, next year, I may make a commitment to write 500-1000 words per day. I would give myself two weeks off for vacation and/or illness. In other words, treat writing just like a job. That means I would write between 175,500 and 351,000 words next year. That should be at least two books, maybe three. And many, many, many articles, blog posts, etc.
I'm thinking about setting up a website and inviting several of my writer friends to participate. Although this is adaptable to everything. For instance, an artist wants to do a sketch a day, a poet wants to do a poem a day, etc. It could even be adapted to non-artistic pursuits, such as physical fitness.
The only things I would ask of the participants is that they make a commitment to do something daily and that they post once a week on the website. Maybe a blog would be better. My friend Jean is much brighter with websites than I am. She's also an excellent writer. So yeah, I'll be hitting her up to be the website administrator.
What do you think of this? I'd really like your feedback. And maybe some suggestions for the name of the website. Let me know.
Have a great day!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
I already live a pretty simple lifestyle. I do eat out too much. And I would miss that. But I could adapt.
I'd need to write two books a year. I think that's doable, if I apply myself and make that my goal.
I wouldn't have health insurance, of course. But I don't have that now, and I haven't had any for years. I worry that I'm not taking care of myself as well as I should, but if you don't have the money, you don't have the money. Perhaps the government plan that's coming will eventually provide affordable insurance to everyone. Hey, that's possible, if unlikely.
The real question I have is whether I could be productive enough. If my gift for writing – such as it is – would continue to produce words that people would pay for. I feel like I'm almost past the age where I could make this type of leap of faith. It's now or never.
Admittedly, I wouldn't be thinking about this if a wonderful job had presented itself to me. Sadly enough, there's not a lot of wonderful jobs out there. Actually there's not a lot of jobs period. This comes as no surprise to anyone who watches the news. It doesn't seem to matter which political party is in power, the poor get poorer, the rich get richer. It's no wonder people stop voting; they begin to feel that it doesn't matter one way or another.
I'm sure I've done many things wrong on my job search. An excellent job searcher would have already found several jobs. I've done the best I can do for the most part. It's been discouraging, humbling, humiliating, etc.
I've also wondered about being self-employed. A friend of mine suggested that I get my real estate license. I have thought about doing that. It would be sales, of course, but I might be able to be my own boss. And surely I could please me. Or maybe not.
I would like to think the world revolves around people, but it actually revolves around money. That's a depressing commentary on our world. That doesn't mean I think that everyone is motivated by money. There are many wonderful people out there who make great sacrifices to help other people. Unfortunately, they seem to be in the minority these days.
I don't really have a point to this post in case you haven't noticed. I'm just rambling around inside my head, trying to make sense of everything, trying to figure out my next moves, trying to make a plan.
I am thinking that in 2011, next year, I may make a commitment to write 500-1000 words per day. I would give myself two weeks off for vacation and/or illness. In other words, treat writing just like a job. That means I would write between 175,500 and 351,000 words next year. That should be at least two books, maybe three. And many, many, many articles, blog posts, etc.
I'm thinking about setting up a website and inviting several of my writer friends to participate. Although this is adaptable to everything. For instance, an artist wants to do a sketch a day, a poet wants to do a poem a day, etc. It could even be adapted to non-artistic pursuits, such as physical fitness.
The only things I would ask of the participants is that they make a commitment to do something daily and that they post once a week on the website. Maybe a blog would be better. My friend Jean is much brighter with websites than I am. She's also an excellent writer. So yeah, I'll be hitting her up to be the website administrator.
What do you think of this? I'd really like your feedback. And maybe some suggestions for the name of the website. Let me know.
Have a great day!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Saturday, December 25, 2010
To my readers
It's Christmas Day. I've had a good day. Mostly alone. I watched Christmas specials on PBS. Ate some Christmas cookies that I shouldn't have. Turned on my Christmas tree and my Christmas village and enjoyed the lovely quiet.
I hope you enjoyed the 2010 Harbor Street Christmas celebration. This year, despite me being sick through most of it, I thought it turned out nice. I especially enjoyed the guest posts from Doug Matlock, Jean Schara, and Eric Collier. The recipes from Michelle, Beverly, and my sister were excellent. Next year – although it's too soon to be thinking about next year – I'm going to try to have more guest posts and more guest recipes.
I thought The Clerk's Tale from Tales from Bethlehem was a nice addition even though was a bit odd. My plan is to collect all the Tales from Bethlehem into the book as soon as I have enough of them. I think I need about five more Tales to have enough pages.
My Christmas continues through this week. I have a couple of more Christmases to participate in. Including the one for my siblings and their families. I always enjoy seeing them.
I received several beautiful Christmas cards this year. I scanned in the ones that I could, but many of them had glitter on them, and I could not run them through my scanner since it is a feed scanner. I also received several beautiful photo Christmas cards, but I couldn't share them because I didn't have the senders' permission to put their photos on the Internet.
I always miss my parents at Christmas. I wish they were still with us. My daddy loved Christmas. My mama made the best Christmas dinners. And they loved me muchly. But, life is good. I cannot complain.
I hope your Christmas Day was filled with love, laughter, and joy. I know many people find Christmas to be depressing; there's a lot of pressure on us all to make this the best day of the year. It's a good day, but it doesn't have to be the best day. Nothing in this world is perfect. Give yourself a break.
Now, there is a piece of pumpkin pie that's calling to me. I think I'll go and enjoy it. Good night, God bless, and Merry Christmas.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
I hope you enjoyed the 2010 Harbor Street Christmas celebration. This year, despite me being sick through most of it, I thought it turned out nice. I especially enjoyed the guest posts from Doug Matlock, Jean Schara, and Eric Collier. The recipes from Michelle, Beverly, and my sister were excellent. Next year – although it's too soon to be thinking about next year – I'm going to try to have more guest posts and more guest recipes.
I thought The Clerk's Tale from Tales from Bethlehem was a nice addition even though was a bit odd. My plan is to collect all the Tales from Bethlehem into the book as soon as I have enough of them. I think I need about five more Tales to have enough pages.
My Christmas continues through this week. I have a couple of more Christmases to participate in. Including the one for my siblings and their families. I always enjoy seeing them.
I received several beautiful Christmas cards this year. I scanned in the ones that I could, but many of them had glitter on them, and I could not run them through my scanner since it is a feed scanner. I also received several beautiful photo Christmas cards, but I couldn't share them because I didn't have the senders' permission to put their photos on the Internet.
I always miss my parents at Christmas. I wish they were still with us. My daddy loved Christmas. My mama made the best Christmas dinners. And they loved me muchly. But, life is good. I cannot complain.
I hope your Christmas Day was filled with love, laughter, and joy. I know many people find Christmas to be depressing; there's a lot of pressure on us all to make this the best day of the year. It's a good day, but it doesn't have to be the best day. Nothing in this world is perfect. Give yourself a break.
Now, there is a piece of pumpkin pie that's calling to me. I think I'll go and enjoy it. Good night, God bless, and Merry Christmas.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Friday, December 24, 2010
2010 HSCC: Last Day!
This is the final post of our 2010 Harbor Street Christmas Celebration. I can think of no way more fitting to end this than with the glorious Christmas story.
The Christmas Story
Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child.
2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD.
2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us.
2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2:2 saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah:
for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
May God richly bless you and keep you in His love. Good night.
Merry Christmas!
The Christmas Story
Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child.
2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD.
2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us.
2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2:2 saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah:
for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
2010 HSCC 21th Day: Cards!
Welcome to the 21th day of the 2010 Harbor Street Christmas Celebration! Today I thought I'd share some of the beautiful cards I've received this season. Enjoy!
See you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
See you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Monday, December 20, 2010
2010 HSCC 20th Day: Guest Post
Welcome to the 20th day of the 2010 Harbor Street Celebration! Today we have a guest post from my friend Eric Collier. Enjoy!
Christmas
By Eric Collier
When I was a child, Christmastime to me was probably what it is to most kids that I grew up with and most kids in the developed world today: a time of excitement of gifts, shopping, Christmas decorations and music, Christmas programs at school and church, family get-togethers, etc.
As a parent with young children, it meant trying to find gifts for them, finding time to shop and decorate, trying to schedule when we would be at which family's home, and balancing demands at work with family.
I have always enjoyed Christmas music, but over the past several years I've noticed that I prefer songs that are actually about Christmas at Christmastime. So many songs are just about winter, or romance in the snow, but not about Christmas. Take Jingle Bells, for instance. What does riding in a sleigh have to do with Christmas? Especially if you live where it doesn't snow! Now, Silent Night and Hark the Herald Angels Sing are all about Christmas, and I like that focus.
I think Christmas should be about being with family and sharing love, but should focus on celebrating the birth of our Savior, that glorious gift to the world. Christmas should also be about sharing the message of that gift. Often, this means being generous with our money and time to help those less fortunate just like Jesus did and would do if He were here now. He isn't, but as His disciples, we are to do His work and that means helping those in need, whether that need is food, clothing, emotional and spiritual support or just some love to cheer them. The angels said, “Peace on earth, good will to men,” and that is what Christ would have us work toward. Think globally, act locally. Christmas is a great excuse to give, help, reach out, love, bless, and basically reach outside of ourselves and our comfort zones and think of others more than ourselves.
To me, the gift of Christ to the world means hope. Hope in this life to have joy and happiness, and hope in an eternal existence with our creator. Now that’s a reason to celebrate! But not as the world celebrates, not with drinking and revelry. Celebrate with family, celebrate at church, worship the Lord! Celebrate by doing things that make Him happy, like showing love to others, especially those that need to be loved and need to feel love and need to feel some hope in their existence. If you, like me, believe in a Christmas that centers on Christ, then you, like me, have a duty to share that with others and help them feel hope in this life and the next.
Recently at church, we put together food baskets for some less-fortunate families. We had an “angel tree” with descriptions of things that some children could use and would like for Christmas. People could choose an anonymous child and buy for him or her. These gifts and food baskets were then brought to the church and our youth and their leaders went to these homes, delivered the baskets and gifts and caroled the homes.
The receivers of these gifts and songs were blessed to have more than they had previously and to feel a spirit of love directed toward them. The givers of the gifts and the deliverers of them were blessed to see the joy they were helping to share and to have their spirits enlarged by experiencing the true love of Christ, charity as we call it. As they helped bless someone else, they were made better through the spirit of Christ. It was a beautiful thing to participate in. To me, that is what Christmas should be about, and hopefully will be in your life, too.
***
Thanks, Eric! Hope y'all enjoyed that. See you tomorrow.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.comBuy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Christmas
By Eric Collier
When I was a child, Christmastime to me was probably what it is to most kids that I grew up with and most kids in the developed world today: a time of excitement of gifts, shopping, Christmas decorations and music, Christmas programs at school and church, family get-togethers, etc.
As a parent with young children, it meant trying to find gifts for them, finding time to shop and decorate, trying to schedule when we would be at which family's home, and balancing demands at work with family.
I have always enjoyed Christmas music, but over the past several years I've noticed that I prefer songs that are actually about Christmas at Christmastime. So many songs are just about winter, or romance in the snow, but not about Christmas. Take Jingle Bells, for instance. What does riding in a sleigh have to do with Christmas? Especially if you live where it doesn't snow! Now, Silent Night and Hark the Herald Angels Sing are all about Christmas, and I like that focus.
I think Christmas should be about being with family and sharing love, but should focus on celebrating the birth of our Savior, that glorious gift to the world. Christmas should also be about sharing the message of that gift. Often, this means being generous with our money and time to help those less fortunate just like Jesus did and would do if He were here now. He isn't, but as His disciples, we are to do His work and that means helping those in need, whether that need is food, clothing, emotional and spiritual support or just some love to cheer them. The angels said, “Peace on earth, good will to men,” and that is what Christ would have us work toward. Think globally, act locally. Christmas is a great excuse to give, help, reach out, love, bless, and basically reach outside of ourselves and our comfort zones and think of others more than ourselves.
To me, the gift of Christ to the world means hope. Hope in this life to have joy and happiness, and hope in an eternal existence with our creator. Now that’s a reason to celebrate! But not as the world celebrates, not with drinking and revelry. Celebrate with family, celebrate at church, worship the Lord! Celebrate by doing things that make Him happy, like showing love to others, especially those that need to be loved and need to feel love and need to feel some hope in their existence. If you, like me, believe in a Christmas that centers on Christ, then you, like me, have a duty to share that with others and help them feel hope in this life and the next.
Recently at church, we put together food baskets for some less-fortunate families. We had an “angel tree” with descriptions of things that some children could use and would like for Christmas. People could choose an anonymous child and buy for him or her. These gifts and food baskets were then brought to the church and our youth and their leaders went to these homes, delivered the baskets and gifts and caroled the homes.
The receivers of these gifts and songs were blessed to have more than they had previously and to feel a spirit of love directed toward them. The givers of the gifts and the deliverers of them were blessed to see the joy they were helping to share and to have their spirits enlarged by experiencing the true love of Christ, charity as we call it. As they helped bless someone else, they were made better through the spirit of Christ. It was a beautiful thing to participate in. To me, that is what Christmas should be about, and hopefully will be in your life, too.
***
Thanks, Eric! Hope y'all enjoyed that. See you tomorrow.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.comBuy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Saturday, December 18, 2010
2010 HSCC 18th Day: Beautiful card
Welcome to the 18th day of the 2010 Harbor Street Christmas Celebration! Today I'm sharing a lovely card from my friend and yesterday's guest poster Jean Schara. This is a home in Texas that she and her husband are restoring. Lovely, isn't it?
***
Thanks, Jean! I love Christmas cards. Be with us tomorrow for another Tale from Bethlehem. See you then.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
***
Thanks, Jean! I love Christmas cards. Be with us tomorrow for another Tale from Bethlehem. See you then.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Friday, December 17, 2010
2010 HSCC 17th Day: Five Minutes
Welcome to the 17th day of the 2010 Harbor Street Christmas Celebration! Today we have a guest post from writer Jean Schara. And after her excellent post, I announce the winner of the Second Drawing! Now enjoy Jean's writing!
Five Minutes
By Jean Schara
This month, I'm participating in an effort called Reverb10. The idea is to spend the month of December reflecting on 2010 and projecting to 2011. Different authors have submitted prompts to cover each day during the month of December. December 15th's prompt, submitted by Patti Digh, was titled, "5 minutes. Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010."
At first I scoffed just a little at this prompt. Heh, I thought. I forget pretty near everything already. That's nothing new. But, I've answered every prompt in some way, and there was no reason not to answer this prompt. I glanced at the clock and began typing in today's entry at 750words.com (where I've written at least 750 words each day for the last 184 days). I started out a little slow, but I only had five minutes, so I tried to type as rapidly as I could. I surprised myself with the number of items I came up with to remember. Of course, it was reflecting upon the full year, so five minutes shouldn't have been long enough. When the five minutes was up, I stopped.
Then I thought, What if I decided to spend five minutes each day reflecting on the day -- because what if I would forget everything about that day I hadn't written down? If we did that for each remaining day of our lives -- just five minutes -- over time, we'd have an amazing collection of life happenings. Imagine getting to this point in the year in 2011 and being able to read back over the things we most want to remember about 2011. Imagine discovering we'd captured, in only five minutes per day over the past year, those vital memories?
Would we have gone looking for good things? Would we have focused on bad things? Which would be better to be reflecting on? Sometimes, a hard time is worth remembering if only to reassure ourselves that we were strong and better times did eventually come around. Mine? I'm not going to detail it here, but mostly, I focused on good things, but with a twinge of, shall I say, bitterness in one area. It's an as yet unresolved area of my life, but I am working with sincere hopes of being ultimately happy with the results. Like most "in progress" efforts, it has its ups and downs.
What do you think? How many things do you remember from 2010 that you don't want to forget? Take five minutes and capture those things somewhere -- in an on-line private journal like 750words.com, in a blog, or maybe in a personal notebook, calendar page, or computer word processor or text file somewhere. It doesn't matter where, but get it down. Then, I challenge you to spend five minutes at some time each day during the next year and capture what you most want to remember about that day. If you miss a day, don't worry. Just start again where you left off.
***
Thanks, Jean, for guest posting! Hope y'all enjoyed it as much as I did.
And now ... The winner of the Second Drawing on the 2010 Harbor Street Celebration is KTC! Congratulations! (KTC, let me know your postal address so I can mail your prizes to you! Thanks for participating!)
See you here tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Five Minutes
By Jean Schara
This month, I'm participating in an effort called Reverb10. The idea is to spend the month of December reflecting on 2010 and projecting to 2011. Different authors have submitted prompts to cover each day during the month of December. December 15th's prompt, submitted by Patti Digh, was titled, "5 minutes. Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010."
At first I scoffed just a little at this prompt. Heh, I thought. I forget pretty near everything already. That's nothing new. But, I've answered every prompt in some way, and there was no reason not to answer this prompt. I glanced at the clock and began typing in today's entry at 750words.com (where I've written at least 750 words each day for the last 184 days). I started out a little slow, but I only had five minutes, so I tried to type as rapidly as I could. I surprised myself with the number of items I came up with to remember. Of course, it was reflecting upon the full year, so five minutes shouldn't have been long enough. When the five minutes was up, I stopped.
Then I thought, What if I decided to spend five minutes each day reflecting on the day -- because what if I would forget everything about that day I hadn't written down? If we did that for each remaining day of our lives -- just five minutes -- over time, we'd have an amazing collection of life happenings. Imagine getting to this point in the year in 2011 and being able to read back over the things we most want to remember about 2011. Imagine discovering we'd captured, in only five minutes per day over the past year, those vital memories?
Would we have gone looking for good things? Would we have focused on bad things? Which would be better to be reflecting on? Sometimes, a hard time is worth remembering if only to reassure ourselves that we were strong and better times did eventually come around. Mine? I'm not going to detail it here, but mostly, I focused on good things, but with a twinge of, shall I say, bitterness in one area. It's an as yet unresolved area of my life, but I am working with sincere hopes of being ultimately happy with the results. Like most "in progress" efforts, it has its ups and downs.
What do you think? How many things do you remember from 2010 that you don't want to forget? Take five minutes and capture those things somewhere -- in an on-line private journal like 750words.com, in a blog, or maybe in a personal notebook, calendar page, or computer word processor or text file somewhere. It doesn't matter where, but get it down. Then, I challenge you to spend five minutes at some time each day during the next year and capture what you most want to remember about that day. If you miss a day, don't worry. Just start again where you left off.
***
Thanks, Jean, for guest posting! Hope y'all enjoyed it as much as I did.
And now ... The winner of the Second Drawing on the 2010 Harbor Street Celebration is KTC! Congratulations! (KTC, let me know your postal address so I can mail your prizes to you! Thanks for participating!)
See you here tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Thursday, December 16, 2010
2010 HSCC 16th Day: 12 Days
Welcome back to the 16th day of the Harbor Street Christmas Celebration! What follows is a piece that made the email rounds a few years ago. I wish I had written it! Enjoy!
The Twelve Days of Christmas
December 14, 2009
Dearest Dave,
I went to the door today, and the postman delivered a partridge in a pear tree. This was a delightful gift! I couldn't have been more surprised or pleased darling!
With truly the deepest love,
Agnes
December 15, 2009
Dearest Dave,
Today the postman brought me yet another of your sweet gifts. The two turtle doves that arrived today are adorable, and I'm delighted by your thoughtful and generous ways.
With all of my love,
Your Agnes
December 16, 2009
Dearest Dave,
You've truly been too kind! I must protest; I don't deserve such generosity. The thought of getting three French hens amazes me. Yet, I am not surprised -- what more should I expect from such a nice person.
Love,
Agnes
December 17, 2009
Dear Dave,
Four calling birds arrived in the mail today. They are truly nice but don't you think that enough is enough? You are being too romantic.
Affectionately,
Agnes
December 18, 2009
Dearest darling Dave,
It was a surprise to get five golden rings! I now have one for every finger. You truly are impossible darling, yet oh how I love it! Quite frankly, all of those squawking birds from the previous days were starting to get on my nerves. Yet, you managed to come through with a beautiful valuable gift!
All my love,
Agnes
December 19, 2009
Dear Dave,
When I opened my door, there were actually six geese a-laying on my front steps. So you're back to the birds again, huh? Those geese are dear, but where will I keep them? The neighbors are complaining, and I am unable to sleep with all the racket. Please stop dear.
Cordially,
Agnes
December 20, 2009
Dave,
What is with you and those stupid birds!? Seven swans a-swimming! What kind of sick joke is this!? There are bird droppings everywhere! They never shut up, and I don't get any sleep! I'm a nervous wreck! It's not funny you weirdo, so stop with the birds.
Sincerely,
Agnes
December 21, 2009
O.K. wise guy,
The birds were bad enough. Now what do you expect me to do with eight maids a-milking? If that's not bad enough, they had to bring their cows! The front lawn was completely ruined by them, and I can't move in my own house! Just lay off me or you'll be sorry!
Agnes
December 22, 2009
Hey loser,
What are you? You must be some kind of sadist. Now there are nine pipers playing, and they certainly do play. They haven't stopped chasing those maids since they got here! The cows are getting upset, and they're stepping all over those screeching birds. The neighbors are getting up a petition to evict me, and I'm going out of my mind!
You'll get yours!
Agnes
December 23, 2009
You rotten scum,
There are now ten ladies dancing! There is only one problem with that! They're dancing twenty-four hours a day all around me with the pipers upsetting the cows and the maids. The cows can't sleep, and they are going to the bathroom everywhere! The building commissioner has subpoenaed me to give cause as to why the house shouldn't be condemned! I can't even think of a reason! You creep! I'm sending the police after you!
One who means it!
December 24, 2009
Listen you evil, sadistic, maniac!
What's with the eleven lords-a-leaping?!? They are leaping across the rooms breaking everything and even injuring some of the maids! The place smells, is an absolute mad house, and is about to be condemned! At least the birds are quiet; they were trampled to death by the cows. I hope you are satisfied -- you rotten vicious worthless piece of garbage!
Your sworn enemy,
Agnes
December 25, 2009
The Law Offices of
Badger, Rees, and Yorker
20 Knave Street
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Sir,
This is to acknowledge your latest gift of twelve fiddlers-fiddling which you have seen fit to inflict on our client, one Agnes McHolstein. The destruction of course was total. If you attempt to reach Ms. Mcholstein at Happy Daze Sanatorium, the attendants have instructions to shoot you on sight.
Please direct all correspondence to this office in the future. With this letter, please find attached a summons for you to appear in court and answer these charges.
Cordially,
Badger, Rees, and Yorker
***
Tomorrow we'll be featuring a guest post from the fantastic and intelligent Jean Schara. Don't miss it! See you then.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
The Twelve Days of Christmas
December 14, 2009
Dearest Dave,
I went to the door today, and the postman delivered a partridge in a pear tree. This was a delightful gift! I couldn't have been more surprised or pleased darling!
With truly the deepest love,
Agnes
December 15, 2009
Dearest Dave,
Today the postman brought me yet another of your sweet gifts. The two turtle doves that arrived today are adorable, and I'm delighted by your thoughtful and generous ways.
With all of my love,
Your Agnes
December 16, 2009
Dearest Dave,
You've truly been too kind! I must protest; I don't deserve such generosity. The thought of getting three French hens amazes me. Yet, I am not surprised -- what more should I expect from such a nice person.
Love,
Agnes
December 17, 2009
Dear Dave,
Four calling birds arrived in the mail today. They are truly nice but don't you think that enough is enough? You are being too romantic.
Affectionately,
Agnes
December 18, 2009
Dearest darling Dave,
It was a surprise to get five golden rings! I now have one for every finger. You truly are impossible darling, yet oh how I love it! Quite frankly, all of those squawking birds from the previous days were starting to get on my nerves. Yet, you managed to come through with a beautiful valuable gift!
All my love,
Agnes
December 19, 2009
Dear Dave,
When I opened my door, there were actually six geese a-laying on my front steps. So you're back to the birds again, huh? Those geese are dear, but where will I keep them? The neighbors are complaining, and I am unable to sleep with all the racket. Please stop dear.
Cordially,
Agnes
December 20, 2009
Dave,
What is with you and those stupid birds!? Seven swans a-swimming! What kind of sick joke is this!? There are bird droppings everywhere! They never shut up, and I don't get any sleep! I'm a nervous wreck! It's not funny you weirdo, so stop with the birds.
Sincerely,
Agnes
December 21, 2009
O.K. wise guy,
The birds were bad enough. Now what do you expect me to do with eight maids a-milking? If that's not bad enough, they had to bring their cows! The front lawn was completely ruined by them, and I can't move in my own house! Just lay off me or you'll be sorry!
Agnes
December 22, 2009
Hey loser,
What are you? You must be some kind of sadist. Now there are nine pipers playing, and they certainly do play. They haven't stopped chasing those maids since they got here! The cows are getting upset, and they're stepping all over those screeching birds. The neighbors are getting up a petition to evict me, and I'm going out of my mind!
You'll get yours!
Agnes
December 23, 2009
You rotten scum,
There are now ten ladies dancing! There is only one problem with that! They're dancing twenty-four hours a day all around me with the pipers upsetting the cows and the maids. The cows can't sleep, and they are going to the bathroom everywhere! The building commissioner has subpoenaed me to give cause as to why the house shouldn't be condemned! I can't even think of a reason! You creep! I'm sending the police after you!
One who means it!
December 24, 2009
Listen you evil, sadistic, maniac!
What's with the eleven lords-a-leaping?!? They are leaping across the rooms breaking everything and even injuring some of the maids! The place smells, is an absolute mad house, and is about to be condemned! At least the birds are quiet; they were trampled to death by the cows. I hope you are satisfied -- you rotten vicious worthless piece of garbage!
Your sworn enemy,
Agnes
December 25, 2009
The Law Offices of
Badger, Rees, and Yorker
20 Knave Street
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Sir,
This is to acknowledge your latest gift of twelve fiddlers-fiddling which you have seen fit to inflict on our client, one Agnes McHolstein. The destruction of course was total. If you attempt to reach Ms. Mcholstein at Happy Daze Sanatorium, the attendants have instructions to shoot you on sight.
Please direct all correspondence to this office in the future. With this letter, please find attached a summons for you to appear in court and answer these charges.
Cordially,
Badger, Rees, and Yorker
***
Tomorrow we'll be featuring a guest post from the fantastic and intelligent Jean Schara. Don't miss it! See you then.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
2010 HSCC 15th Day: 12 Wonderful Things
Welcome to the 15th day of the 2010 Harbor Street Christmas Celebration! I hope December is treating you well.
12 Wonderful Things About Christmas!
1. Presents. I like getting them. I like giving them. Here are some inexpensive gift ideas: Candles, candy bars, six-packs of favorite soft drinks, chocolate-chip cookies, small picture frames, bookmarks, Christmas ornaments, decorative computer printer paper, hand lotion, etc. We have a tendency to think that good presents have to cost a lot of money. They don't. Something to show that you're thinking of them this holiday season is all that is needed for your co-workers, friends, etc. It's not about the money.
2. Lights. I love Christmas lights. I like to drive around my town and see all the displays. I appreciate the hard work that went into them. I like the way the way the lights gleam in the night. It's a metaphor for what Christmas really is about.
3. Shopping. It's where I catch the bustle and hustle of the season. Yeah, it's hurried, and it makes my feet hurt. But I like thinking of people and what they might like.
4. Christmas bags. Oh, I still wrap a few gifts, but otherwise, brightly colored bags have freed me of hours of wrapping.
5. Carols. I like singing them. I like hearing them.
6. Church and school Christmas children's programs. Nothing is as sweet or as funny. Makes my heart melt. No apologies for that.
7. The way people will give more during this time to the needy. It's like we're reminded of how blessed we are and how much we really have. So we share. Some people say that it's guilt. I don't believe that's true for most of us. I believe it's compassion. It's where we show that we have incredible potential as a species. It's where we justify our existence.
8. Food. I love turkey and dressing, pineapple adorned ham, fluffy garlic and chive mashed potatoes, fresh green salad, golden pumpkin pies … Hmmmmm ….
9. Get-togethers with friends. We're all busy, we're all tired, we're all broke, but we all enjoy sharing time and raising a cup of cider together.
10. Family time. They make me crazy at times, but I wouldn't give up any one of them. We're connected by blood and history. We're loud, opinionated, funny and brash. We love as hard as we fight. We're family. And that's that.
11. Quiet, worshipful Midnight Masses and other church Christmas services. It's a time of quiet in this incredibly busy season. I remember sitting in a chuch at the midnight Christmas Eve service a few Christmases ago as the day became new and listening to the silence between the prayers and songs. I felt renewed in spirit and grateful for the many undeserved blessings in my life.
12. Nativity scenes. The heart of the mystery. The God coming to earth in the form of a babe. Remembrances that we were loved enough for someone to give up glory for us. The beginning of a journey that would change a world. A light in the darkness. A star in the ebony sky. A gift to humanity.
***
Talk to you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
12 Wonderful Things About Christmas!
1. Presents. I like getting them. I like giving them. Here are some inexpensive gift ideas: Candles, candy bars, six-packs of favorite soft drinks, chocolate-chip cookies, small picture frames, bookmarks, Christmas ornaments, decorative computer printer paper, hand lotion, etc. We have a tendency to think that good presents have to cost a lot of money. They don't. Something to show that you're thinking of them this holiday season is all that is needed for your co-workers, friends, etc. It's not about the money.
2. Lights. I love Christmas lights. I like to drive around my town and see all the displays. I appreciate the hard work that went into them. I like the way the way the lights gleam in the night. It's a metaphor for what Christmas really is about.
3. Shopping. It's where I catch the bustle and hustle of the season. Yeah, it's hurried, and it makes my feet hurt. But I like thinking of people and what they might like.
4. Christmas bags. Oh, I still wrap a few gifts, but otherwise, brightly colored bags have freed me of hours of wrapping.
5. Carols. I like singing them. I like hearing them.
6. Church and school Christmas children's programs. Nothing is as sweet or as funny. Makes my heart melt. No apologies for that.
7. The way people will give more during this time to the needy. It's like we're reminded of how blessed we are and how much we really have. So we share. Some people say that it's guilt. I don't believe that's true for most of us. I believe it's compassion. It's where we show that we have incredible potential as a species. It's where we justify our existence.
8. Food. I love turkey and dressing, pineapple adorned ham, fluffy garlic and chive mashed potatoes, fresh green salad, golden pumpkin pies … Hmmmmm ….
9. Get-togethers with friends. We're all busy, we're all tired, we're all broke, but we all enjoy sharing time and raising a cup of cider together.
10. Family time. They make me crazy at times, but I wouldn't give up any one of them. We're connected by blood and history. We're loud, opinionated, funny and brash. We love as hard as we fight. We're family. And that's that.
11. Quiet, worshipful Midnight Masses and other church Christmas services. It's a time of quiet in this incredibly busy season. I remember sitting in a chuch at the midnight Christmas Eve service a few Christmases ago as the day became new and listening to the silence between the prayers and songs. I felt renewed in spirit and grateful for the many undeserved blessings in my life.
12. Nativity scenes. The heart of the mystery. The God coming to earth in the form of a babe. Remembrances that we were loved enough for someone to give up glory for us. The beginning of a journey that would change a world. A light in the darkness. A star in the ebony sky. A gift to humanity.
***
Talk to you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
2010 HSCC 14th Day: Guest Post
Welcome to the 14th day of the 2010 Harbor Street Celebration! Today we have a guest post from Doug Matlock, singer, songerwriter and minister. Enjoy!
Christmas
By Doug Matlock
Most of us have some sort of Christmas tradition that we are part of from year to year. For some this is driving all over the United States making the rounds to see every family member we know of. Some people eat on Christmas Eve, open gifts on Christmas morning, or any variation of the two.
For my family, we had a tradition of going to my grandparent’s house in Checotah, Oklahoma, on Christmas Eve. Most years we would eat a Christmas meal together and open gifts that evening. I loved it there, and my grandpa was one of my best friends. It was truly a highlight of the year.
In 2007, we did this same tradition. Not every year would everyone in the family be there, but on this year all of the immediate family within my mom’s side were there. We had a great meal, and I sat next to my grandpa, which was my normal spot at the table. We had a meal with each other, opened gifts, and enjoyed the evening.
Early on Christmas morning, we awoke to the commotion of grandpa falling from having a stroke. We called the ambulance, and it took him to the hospital in Muskogee.
This was not what I expected on Christmas day.
As I was sitting in the waiting room of the ER, I noticed I was not alone. There were many families sitting there. My phone kept buzzing with text messages of “Merry Christmas!” For me, it wasn’t so merry. It was one of those moments when I looked up and thought, “Really God? Today of all days?” Self-pity abounded for a while.
I held onto hope that grandpa would get better, but the doctors found he had a minor heart attack just a few days ago that went unnoticed as a heart attack. This was too much for him to recover from, and he died about a month later.
This was a tough thing for me to deal with. I know that no one lives forever, but now I had this painful memory associated with Christmas. At a time when we give gifts for Christmas, I had lost my grandpa and dear friend. But the more I thought about it, God revealed to me some truth about this time in my life.
Christmas has more of a complete meaning to me now. I know without a doubt that my grandpa was a believer in Christ and I will see him again after this life. For a time, I looked as Christmas as a time when I lost so much, but really I had the awesome gift of spending a great day before this all happened with my grandpa, and I got to be there when it was all over.
But also I remember a bit of the perspective of Christmas. We celebrate Christmas because God sent His Son to the Earth to make right what sin had made wrong. Jesus came to give that hope that I have of seeing my grandpa again one day. Peter describes it like this in 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.”
Christmas and other holidays are not like they used to be. I still miss grandpa and miss those times on Christmas Eve. However, Christmas means more to me now. I truly see the hope that Christ has given us in Christmas above everything else. Many people in my situation can choose to be mad at God, but in the scope of His Kingdom it is a great way to share the complete story of how real Christ is in Christmas.
***
See you tomorrow! And don't forget you can register to win in our second Christmas drawing by going here!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Christmas
By Doug Matlock
Most of us have some sort of Christmas tradition that we are part of from year to year. For some this is driving all over the United States making the rounds to see every family member we know of. Some people eat on Christmas Eve, open gifts on Christmas morning, or any variation of the two.
For my family, we had a tradition of going to my grandparent’s house in Checotah, Oklahoma, on Christmas Eve. Most years we would eat a Christmas meal together and open gifts that evening. I loved it there, and my grandpa was one of my best friends. It was truly a highlight of the year.
In 2007, we did this same tradition. Not every year would everyone in the family be there, but on this year all of the immediate family within my mom’s side were there. We had a great meal, and I sat next to my grandpa, which was my normal spot at the table. We had a meal with each other, opened gifts, and enjoyed the evening.
Early on Christmas morning, we awoke to the commotion of grandpa falling from having a stroke. We called the ambulance, and it took him to the hospital in Muskogee.
This was not what I expected on Christmas day.
As I was sitting in the waiting room of the ER, I noticed I was not alone. There were many families sitting there. My phone kept buzzing with text messages of “Merry Christmas!” For me, it wasn’t so merry. It was one of those moments when I looked up and thought, “Really God? Today of all days?” Self-pity abounded for a while.
I held onto hope that grandpa would get better, but the doctors found he had a minor heart attack just a few days ago that went unnoticed as a heart attack. This was too much for him to recover from, and he died about a month later.
This was a tough thing for me to deal with. I know that no one lives forever, but now I had this painful memory associated with Christmas. At a time when we give gifts for Christmas, I had lost my grandpa and dear friend. But the more I thought about it, God revealed to me some truth about this time in my life.
Christmas has more of a complete meaning to me now. I know without a doubt that my grandpa was a believer in Christ and I will see him again after this life. For a time, I looked as Christmas as a time when I lost so much, but really I had the awesome gift of spending a great day before this all happened with my grandpa, and I got to be there when it was all over.
But also I remember a bit of the perspective of Christmas. We celebrate Christmas because God sent His Son to the Earth to make right what sin had made wrong. Jesus came to give that hope that I have of seeing my grandpa again one day. Peter describes it like this in 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.”
Christmas and other holidays are not like they used to be. I still miss grandpa and miss those times on Christmas Eve. However, Christmas means more to me now. I truly see the hope that Christ has given us in Christmas above everything else. Many people in my situation can choose to be mad at God, but in the scope of His Kingdom it is a great way to share the complete story of how real Christ is in Christmas.
***
See you tomorrow! And don't forget you can register to win in our second Christmas drawing by going here!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Monday, December 13, 2010
2010 HSCC 13th Day: Random Thoughts
Welcome to the 13th day of the 2010 Harbor Street Christmas Celebration! Glad you joined us.
A few random thoughts about Christmas
I've been wandering around my head lately, and in that vast echoing space, I found a few random thoughts about Christmas that I thought I'd share with you.
People seem to be nicer at the stores this Christmas. I think it's the spirit of the season. Or because I'm carrying a shotgun. One of the two.
I don't like Santa Claus. I mean, those guys who dress up as Santa. Their suits never fit, and they always seem surly. Or drunk. I don't think they're happy, but listen, the Easter bunny's not having a good time, either. It's tough all over.
I also don't like ornaments or decorations that show Santa kneeling at the Nativity. That's just weird. Yes, I understand the symbolism of it, but it's still weird.
Do Santa’s reindeer poop as they fly overhead? Perhaps that's what happens to people who make the naughty list.
Playboy runs this ad on TV where they offer a video of their Playmates in which the ad says "It's the perfect Christmas gift for your husband." Seriously, what wife buys that for her husband? None do. And I think they know that no wife would. It's just their way of trying to disguise the whole creepiness of it. Hey, it's Christmas. Let’s celebrate the season and watch some porn! Ho, ho, ho.
Why do the local weathermen always seem so pleased when bad weather happens? They can barely contain their joy as they tell us about icy sleet and dangerous roads. Are they that bored? The next time that Channel 9 guy starts grinning as he tells us how terrible the weather is going to be, I'm going to hunt him down and introduce him to the business end of a 2x4.
People in California and Florida receive too much sun in December. It bakes their brains. When you walk on their beaches, you think that you smell suntan lotion, but it's actually brains frying in coconut oil. The vendors sell them in cones.
I want to get too much sun, though. I want to lie on those beaches. I want to sip cold, fruity drinks with umbrellas in them and enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean as the breeze brings me the faint hint of frying brains.
My Christmas village is cool. I've enjoyed setting it up. But the other day as I was moving the figurines around, my roomie came up to me, looked at the lovely and peaceful village and said, "It figures you'd like playing with dolls." He's funny. And fast, too. I missed him with both shots.
Gift bags are truly good things. I don't care what Martha Stewart says. I do like Martha, though. I think she's hot -- in that strange, horrible perfectionist way. If you dated her, you couldn't just kiss her or hold her hand. You'd have to make some sort of presentation of the whole thing with fresh cut flowers and ice cold caviar and handmade chocolate sweets. She'd be too much trouble. That's why I don't date her. That and the fact I don't know her.
***
And I think that's enough randomness for today. Hope things are going well for you. I'll talk with you tomorrow.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
A few random thoughts about Christmas
I've been wandering around my head lately, and in that vast echoing space, I found a few random thoughts about Christmas that I thought I'd share with you.
People seem to be nicer at the stores this Christmas. I think it's the spirit of the season. Or because I'm carrying a shotgun. One of the two.
I don't like Santa Claus. I mean, those guys who dress up as Santa. Their suits never fit, and they always seem surly. Or drunk. I don't think they're happy, but listen, the Easter bunny's not having a good time, either. It's tough all over.
I also don't like ornaments or decorations that show Santa kneeling at the Nativity. That's just weird. Yes, I understand the symbolism of it, but it's still weird.
Do Santa’s reindeer poop as they fly overhead? Perhaps that's what happens to people who make the naughty list.
Playboy runs this ad on TV where they offer a video of their Playmates in which the ad says "It's the perfect Christmas gift for your husband." Seriously, what wife buys that for her husband? None do. And I think they know that no wife would. It's just their way of trying to disguise the whole creepiness of it. Hey, it's Christmas. Let’s celebrate the season and watch some porn! Ho, ho, ho.
Why do the local weathermen always seem so pleased when bad weather happens? They can barely contain their joy as they tell us about icy sleet and dangerous roads. Are they that bored? The next time that Channel 9 guy starts grinning as he tells us how terrible the weather is going to be, I'm going to hunt him down and introduce him to the business end of a 2x4.
People in California and Florida receive too much sun in December. It bakes their brains. When you walk on their beaches, you think that you smell suntan lotion, but it's actually brains frying in coconut oil. The vendors sell them in cones.
I want to get too much sun, though. I want to lie on those beaches. I want to sip cold, fruity drinks with umbrellas in them and enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean as the breeze brings me the faint hint of frying brains.
My Christmas village is cool. I've enjoyed setting it up. But the other day as I was moving the figurines around, my roomie came up to me, looked at the lovely and peaceful village and said, "It figures you'd like playing with dolls." He's funny. And fast, too. I missed him with both shots.
Gift bags are truly good things. I don't care what Martha Stewart says. I do like Martha, though. I think she's hot -- in that strange, horrible perfectionist way. If you dated her, you couldn't just kiss her or hold her hand. You'd have to make some sort of presentation of the whole thing with fresh cut flowers and ice cold caviar and handmade chocolate sweets. She'd be too much trouble. That's why I don't date her. That and the fact I don't know her.
***
And I think that's enough randomness for today. Hope things are going well for you. I'll talk with you tomorrow.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Sunday, December 12, 2010
2010 HSCC 12th Day!
Welcome to the 12th day of the 2010 Harbor Street Christmas Celebration!
This is delicious and healthy low carb dip for your Christmas party. Where is my invitation?
Mexican Salsa
3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup fresh or frozen corn
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients and let sit for two hours in fridge so flavors mingle. Serve with baked tortilla chips. Good eating!
***
And now a bit of music. Sing!
We Wish You a Merry♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Christmas♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪We Wish You a Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♥ ♥ ♥We Wish You A Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...And A Happy New Year!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...
Did you sing? I didn't hear you. Let's do it again louder!
We Wish You a Merry♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Christmas♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪We Wish You a Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♥ ♥ ♥We Wish You A Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...And A Happy New Year!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...
There! That was much better! Hope your December is going well. Talk to you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
This is delicious and healthy low carb dip for your Christmas party. Where is my invitation?
Mexican Salsa
3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup fresh or frozen corn
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients and let sit for two hours in fridge so flavors mingle. Serve with baked tortilla chips. Good eating!
***
And now a bit of music. Sing!
We Wish You a Merry♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Christmas♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪We Wish You a Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♥ ♥ ♥We Wish You A Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...And A Happy New Year!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...
Did you sing? I didn't hear you. Let's do it again louder!
We Wish You a Merry♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Christmas♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪We Wish You a Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♥ ♥ ♥We Wish You A Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...And A Happy New Year!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...
There! That was much better! Hope your December is going well. Talk to you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Saturday, December 11, 2010
2010 HSCC 11th Day!
Welcome to the 11th day of the 2010 Harbor Street Christmas Celebration! Today we have another tale from Bethlehem.
Tales from Bethlehem:
The Star's Tale
By Stephen B. Bagley
So I was hanging around the sky, when one of the Host appeared to me. I flared before I got control and dampened my corona. To say I was shocked was an understatement. I was a minor star, not one of the big reds or the blazing blue-whites. Bertha, a red supergiant in the system next to mine, liked to point out my complete insignificance in the general Scheme of Things. Bertha was older and positive that the whole shebang depended on her lighting the way.
"You'll never be more than a dwarf," Bertha had told me more than once.
"Ignore her," Clarence would tell me. Clarence was young, barely out of the nursery. He was blue-white and already carried a system larger than Bertha's.
The seraphim drew close, its radiance overwhelming mine. "I am sent by the Source," she said calmly. "A great Task has been appointed unto you."
The Messenger of the Source said the Source had asked that I Burn at a particular time to fulfill a portion of His mighty and unending work.
"I am His to command," I said, frightened and puzzled. "But I have not the needed mass to Burn."
"That which you need, you will be given," the seraphim said. She drew close to me. "Know you that The Rebel will oppose this. Be strong. Be steadfast. For the sake of love, the Source is bringing about a great work, and you have been Chosen to play a part. You are Blessed among the lights."
"She smiled gently and went away, leaving me dazzled and dazed.
"I can't believe she didn't talk to me!" Bertha fumed when she was certain the seraphim was gone. "I am more worthy!"
"Congratulations," Clarence said, ignoring the big red. "It is a great honor."
I was silent, thinking of the Source and what had been requested. Eons passed. The time approached for me to attempt to Burn -- even though I knew it was impossible.
A Being approached me then. This one burned darkly, a rolling black nebula.
"I am Serpenta," the Being said. "I greet you, little star."
"I know who you are," I said, feeling my core quake. "Be gone. I will have traffic neither with you nor The Rebel."
"Oh, little star, you wound me," Serpenta said. "I noticed your lovely light and came to bask in it. That is all." He paused. "I wanted to visit you before you Burned. It's a shame a beautiful star like you would be asked to do such a thing."
"The Source asked me, and I am obedient," I said. "Depart."
"Ah, but it wasn't the Source, was it?" Serpenta said. "He sent one of the Host, a lesser being to command you. If this is so important, why didn't He come Himself?"
"He made me," I said. "I am His to command."
"Of course, you are," Serpenta said, circling me in a lazy orbit. "And He did make you. But what has He done for you lately? Do you have children? Do you burn with fierce, fantastic heat? Do the comets give themselves to you in worship? No, my astra, no. He made and forgot you, just one among all the others. And now He seeks your Burning for the sake of tiny creatures that don't even worship Him."
"What?" I gasped. "They don't worship Him?"
"They are fallen," Serpenta said. "They ignore Him, they curse Him, they turn their backs to Him. To think that one as brilliant as you would be asked to make such a sacrifice just to mark His Son's birth! How dare He ask that of you!"
"His Son's birth?!" Prominences flared across me.
"Yes," Serpenta said. "He is allowing His Son to take the form of these worthless humans. He is heartlessly sending His Son away. You have no children worlds, no sister suns, nothing in the void, but if you had worlds, you would cherish them. You would give them light and heat, but He does not bless you, His faithful servant, while He blesses those who reject Him."
"His Son," I breathed plumes of plasma, trying to understand why and how the Source would give up His Son.
"Don't do it," Serpenta urged. "Don't give your approval to this folly. The humans are not worth a particle of your light." He drew close to me, his Being skimming my photosphere. "There is another Master in the sky," he whispered. "One who would reward you with children. Perhaps even a sister sun. You have everything to gain by refusing and everything to lose by obeying."
"So your Master would give me all that I want?" I asked slowly.
"Yes," Serpenta said.
"And all I have to do ... is disobey the One who made me what I am!" I flared and sent out corona loops. My photosphere blazed and then darkened as I drew in my outer layers, pulling them toward my core.
"You cannot Burn!" Serpenta roared, his black, jagged wings unfolding. "You will be nothing! You are wasting your light!"
I did not respond. What I have, I give! I sent across the trackless void. What I am, is yours! And as the seraphim had promised, mass suddenly gathered in me, diving into my core, nuclear flames compressed into liquid fire, and then ...
Then ...
Then I Burned.
My light surged into the void, a mighty river of gold, a glorious torrent that swept my unraveling essence beyond into the unbounded night.
From beyond, The Source turned and smiled at me. "Well done," He said, reaching forth His hand and cradling me.
I fell into His limitless love.
And that's how I became a seraphim. Sometimes I go by and see Clarence and Bertha. Clarence is always glad to see me. Bertha ... not so much.
Excerpted from Tales from Bethlehem. Copyright 2010 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. No copying without express written permission from the publisher and author.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Tales from Bethlehem:
The Star's Tale
By Stephen B. Bagley
So I was hanging around the sky, when one of the Host appeared to me. I flared before I got control and dampened my corona. To say I was shocked was an understatement. I was a minor star, not one of the big reds or the blazing blue-whites. Bertha, a red supergiant in the system next to mine, liked to point out my complete insignificance in the general Scheme of Things. Bertha was older and positive that the whole shebang depended on her lighting the way.
"You'll never be more than a dwarf," Bertha had told me more than once.
"Ignore her," Clarence would tell me. Clarence was young, barely out of the nursery. He was blue-white and already carried a system larger than Bertha's.
The seraphim drew close, its radiance overwhelming mine. "I am sent by the Source," she said calmly. "A great Task has been appointed unto you."
The Messenger of the Source said the Source had asked that I Burn at a particular time to fulfill a portion of His mighty and unending work.
"I am His to command," I said, frightened and puzzled. "But I have not the needed mass to Burn."
"That which you need, you will be given," the seraphim said. She drew close to me. "Know you that The Rebel will oppose this. Be strong. Be steadfast. For the sake of love, the Source is bringing about a great work, and you have been Chosen to play a part. You are Blessed among the lights."
"She smiled gently and went away, leaving me dazzled and dazed.
"I can't believe she didn't talk to me!" Bertha fumed when she was certain the seraphim was gone. "I am more worthy!"
"Congratulations," Clarence said, ignoring the big red. "It is a great honor."
I was silent, thinking of the Source and what had been requested. Eons passed. The time approached for me to attempt to Burn -- even though I knew it was impossible.
A Being approached me then. This one burned darkly, a rolling black nebula.
"I am Serpenta," the Being said. "I greet you, little star."
"I know who you are," I said, feeling my core quake. "Be gone. I will have traffic neither with you nor The Rebel."
"Oh, little star, you wound me," Serpenta said. "I noticed your lovely light and came to bask in it. That is all." He paused. "I wanted to visit you before you Burned. It's a shame a beautiful star like you would be asked to do such a thing."
"The Source asked me, and I am obedient," I said. "Depart."
"Ah, but it wasn't the Source, was it?" Serpenta said. "He sent one of the Host, a lesser being to command you. If this is so important, why didn't He come Himself?"
"He made me," I said. "I am His to command."
"Of course, you are," Serpenta said, circling me in a lazy orbit. "And He did make you. But what has He done for you lately? Do you have children? Do you burn with fierce, fantastic heat? Do the comets give themselves to you in worship? No, my astra, no. He made and forgot you, just one among all the others. And now He seeks your Burning for the sake of tiny creatures that don't even worship Him."
"What?" I gasped. "They don't worship Him?"
"They are fallen," Serpenta said. "They ignore Him, they curse Him, they turn their backs to Him. To think that one as brilliant as you would be asked to make such a sacrifice just to mark His Son's birth! How dare He ask that of you!"
"His Son's birth?!" Prominences flared across me.
"Yes," Serpenta said. "He is allowing His Son to take the form of these worthless humans. He is heartlessly sending His Son away. You have no children worlds, no sister suns, nothing in the void, but if you had worlds, you would cherish them. You would give them light and heat, but He does not bless you, His faithful servant, while He blesses those who reject Him."
"His Son," I breathed plumes of plasma, trying to understand why and how the Source would give up His Son.
"Don't do it," Serpenta urged. "Don't give your approval to this folly. The humans are not worth a particle of your light." He drew close to me, his Being skimming my photosphere. "There is another Master in the sky," he whispered. "One who would reward you with children. Perhaps even a sister sun. You have everything to gain by refusing and everything to lose by obeying."
"So your Master would give me all that I want?" I asked slowly.
"Yes," Serpenta said.
"And all I have to do ... is disobey the One who made me what I am!" I flared and sent out corona loops. My photosphere blazed and then darkened as I drew in my outer layers, pulling them toward my core.
"You cannot Burn!" Serpenta roared, his black, jagged wings unfolding. "You will be nothing! You are wasting your light!"
I did not respond. What I have, I give! I sent across the trackless void. What I am, is yours! And as the seraphim had promised, mass suddenly gathered in me, diving into my core, nuclear flames compressed into liquid fire, and then ...
Then ...
Then I Burned.
My light surged into the void, a mighty river of gold, a glorious torrent that swept my unraveling essence beyond into the unbounded night.
From beyond, The Source turned and smiled at me. "Well done," He said, reaching forth His hand and cradling me.
I fell into His limitless love.
And that's how I became a seraphim. Sometimes I go by and see Clarence and Bertha. Clarence is always glad to see me. Bertha ... not so much.
Excerpted from Tales from Bethlehem. Copyright 2010 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. No copying without express written permission from the publisher and author.
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Thursday, December 09, 2010
2010 HSCC 9th Day!
Welcome to the 9th day of the 2010 Harbor Street Christmas Celebration! Today we're sharing three beautiful prayers from the past.
A Christmas Prayer
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow,
for the work, the health, the food,
and the bright skies which make our lives delightful
for our friends in all parts of the earth.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
Christmas Prayer of Pope John XXIII
O sweet Child of Bethlehem,
grant that we may share with all our hearts
in this profound mystery of Christmas.
Put into the hearts of men and women this peace
for which they sometimes seek so desperately
and which you alone can give to them.
Help them to know one another better,
and to live as brothers and sisters,
children of the same Father.
Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity.
Awaken in their hearts
love and gratitude for your infinite goodness.
Join them all together in your love.
And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.
Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)
Nativity Prayer of St. Augustine
Let the just rejoice,
for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their saviour is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.
St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-440)
Christmas dinner prayer by Martin Luther
Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.
My heart for very joy doth leap,
My lips no more can silence keep,
I too must sing, with joyful tongue,
That sweetest ancient song,
Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given
While angels sing with pious mirth.
A glad new year to all the earth!
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
***
Talk to you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
A Christmas Prayer
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow,
for the work, the health, the food,
and the bright skies which make our lives delightful
for our friends in all parts of the earth.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
Christmas Prayer of Pope John XXIII
O sweet Child of Bethlehem,
grant that we may share with all our hearts
in this profound mystery of Christmas.
Put into the hearts of men and women this peace
for which they sometimes seek so desperately
and which you alone can give to them.
Help them to know one another better,
and to live as brothers and sisters,
children of the same Father.
Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity.
Awaken in their hearts
love and gratitude for your infinite goodness.
Join them all together in your love.
And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.
Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)
Nativity Prayer of St. Augustine
Let the just rejoice,
for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their saviour is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.
St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-440)
Christmas dinner prayer by Martin Luther
Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.
My heart for very joy doth leap,
My lips no more can silence keep,
I too must sing, with joyful tongue,
That sweetest ancient song,
Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given
While angels sing with pious mirth.
A glad new year to all the earth!
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
***
Talk to you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
2010 HSCC 8th Day!
Welcome to the 8th day of 2010 Harbor Street Christmas Celebration! Here are 21 Christmas Groaners for you to enjoy or endure, as the case may be!
1. What do monkeys sing at Christmas ?
Jungle Bells, Jungle bells...
2. What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree ?
A pineapple.
3. What do reindeer hang on their Christmas trees?
Horn-aments.
4. What would a reindeer do if it lost its tail?
She'd go to a re-tail shop for a new one.
5. Why is Prancer always wet?
Because he's a rain-deer.
6. Which of Santa's reindeer has bad manners?
Rude-olph.
7. What do reindeer always say before telling you a joke?
This one will sleigh you.
8. How does Rudolph know when Christmas is coming?
He looks at his calen-deer.
9. What do you give a reindeer with an upset tummy?
Elk-a-seltzer.
10. How do you get into Donner's house?
You ring the deer-bell.
11. What's red and white and gives presents to gazelles?
Santelope.
12. Did Rudolph go to a regular school?
No, he was elf-taught.
13. Why did Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer cross the road?
Because he was tied to a chicken.
14. Why do reindeer wear fur coats?
Because they look silly in snowsuits.
15. What do elves learn in school?
The Elf-abet.
16. If athletes get athletes foot, what do astronauts get?
Missletoe.
17. Why was Santa's little helper depressed?
Because he had low elf esteem.
18. Why does Santa have 3 gardens?
So he can hoe-hoe-hoe.
19. Where do polar bears vote?
The North Poll.
20. What do you call a cat on the beach at Christmas time?
Sandy Claws.
21. What do you call a bunch of grandmasters of chess bragging about their games in a hotel lobby?
Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.
+++
Talk to you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
1. What do monkeys sing at Christmas ?
Jungle Bells, Jungle bells...
2. What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree ?
A pineapple.
3. What do reindeer hang on their Christmas trees?
Horn-aments.
4. What would a reindeer do if it lost its tail?
She'd go to a re-tail shop for a new one.
5. Why is Prancer always wet?
Because he's a rain-deer.
6. Which of Santa's reindeer has bad manners?
Rude-olph.
7. What do reindeer always say before telling you a joke?
This one will sleigh you.
8. How does Rudolph know when Christmas is coming?
He looks at his calen-deer.
9. What do you give a reindeer with an upset tummy?
Elk-a-seltzer.
10. How do you get into Donner's house?
You ring the deer-bell.
11. What's red and white and gives presents to gazelles?
Santelope.
12. Did Rudolph go to a regular school?
No, he was elf-taught.
13. Why did Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer cross the road?
Because he was tied to a chicken.
14. Why do reindeer wear fur coats?
Because they look silly in snowsuits.
15. What do elves learn in school?
The Elf-abet.
16. If athletes get athletes foot, what do astronauts get?
Missletoe.
17. Why was Santa's little helper depressed?
Because he had low elf esteem.
18. Why does Santa have 3 gardens?
So he can hoe-hoe-hoe.
19. Where do polar bears vote?
The North Poll.
20. What do you call a cat on the beach at Christmas time?
Sandy Claws.
21. What do you call a bunch of grandmasters of chess bragging about their games in a hotel lobby?
Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.
+++
Talk to you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
2010 HSCC 7th Day!
Welcome to the 7th day of the 2010 Harbor Street Christmas Celebration! Today we'll have another excerpt from my book Floozy & Other Stories, a delicious recipe, and Christmas music from Kenny G. Let's get going!
CONTENTS
1. Danger during the holidays
2. Potato Cheese Soup
3. "We Three Kings" by Kenny G.
Danger during the holidays
By Stephen B. Bagley
It was a few days before Christmas last year, and I was talking to Linda on the phone. “Do you want to come over and help me with my Christmas crafts?” I asked.
“Good heavens, NO!” she shouted. “I’d rather strip naked and run through a rose garden that’s been sprayed with lemon juice.”
“What time will you be here?” I asked.
“I’d rather to be strapped to the speakers at a bagpipe concert,” she said, giving me a great idea for her next birthday party.
“Is that yes or no?” I asked. “I don’t understand.”
“You’re not trying to,” she said. “Rather than crafting with you, I’d sit through the presidential debates again! Sober!”
“I’m beginning to get the odd feeling that you might perhaps be reluctant,” I said. “Why is that?”
“Because it’s dangerous,” she said. “People always get hurt when you do crafts.”
I sighed. “Is Adam complaining about his eyebrows again?”
“Stephen, they fell off!”
“Actually, they peeled off,” I said. “And I told him not to stand over the chemicals when we were etching glass. Well, I meant to tell him. I got distracted.”
“What about Wendy?”
“That was an accident,” I said. “I had no idea enough paint fumes had accumulated to explode. But she’ll be out of the body cast in a couple of months. Personally, I think she’s enjoying the rest, despite her threats and the attempts to have me snuffed.”
“Yes, there’s nothing more restful than having nurses turn you every hour and orderlies feed you through a straw,” Linda said.
“So you’ll come over?” I asked.
“Not that I’m agreeing, but what exactly are you going to be doing?”
“Just papercraft,” I said. “There’s nothing dangerous in papercraft. We’ll be tearing up paper and mixing the pieces with water and a few chemicals, most of which aren’t toxic.”
“Well, I guess – Wait, what do you mean by most?” she snapped. “No, no, NO! Papercraft is out.”
“We could make Christmas candles,” I said. “Those make good gifts.”
“Didn’t you have a wax explosion a couple of months ago?” she asked.
“No one was seriously hurt, and my kitchen has already been repaired,” I said. “If I could find my cat, everything would be fine. I tried to follow the smoke trail she left, but the wind was high and I lost her around Oak Street.”
“No candles,” she said firmly. “Don’t you do wooden projects?”
“I used to,” I said. “But the police took away my electric saw after that regrettable incident when I was trying to help those nuns repair a pew and I sneezed.”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot,” she said. “Do you still get hate mail from Sister Mary Margaret?”
“Just hate postcards now,” I said. “I think she’s getting over her anger. I hope so. It can’t be good for her spiritual growth.”
“What about painting?” she suggested. “I mean, watercolor painting. Yeah, watercolors are safe. I couldn’t get hurt doing watercolors.”
“Okay, we’ll do that,” I said happily. “Come on over.”
Later that night as we huddled under a blanket provided by the fire department, she glared at me. “How oh how did the watercolors catch fire?” she asked.
“Well, the paint looked a little thick to me,” I said. “So I thought I’d try thinning them with alcohol.”
She didn’t say anything.
“I think short hair is a good look for you,” I said brightly.
Fortunately they were able to pull her off me before she could finish choking me. Because she’s a friend, I didn’t press charges.
Excerpted from Floozy & Other Stories. Copyright 2010 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. No copying without express written permission from the publisher and the author.
Potato Cheese Soup
By Michelle
5 lbs Potatoes peeled, washed and cubed
1 white Onion chopped
1/2 stick of butter
Milk
White pepper and salt to taste
Chicken bouillon to taste (I usually use 2 large cubes)
4-8 oz Velveeta (depending on how cheesy you want it)
Cheddar cheese
Parmesan
Saute onion in butter until transparent. Fill pot with potatoes and water just to cover. Add sauted onion, salt and pepper and bouillon. Bring to a boil and let simmer until potatoes are tender. Add Milk until broth looks creamy. Simmer for another ten minutes. Add Velveeta and Parmesan until melted. Add cheddar before serving (so as not to curdle the cheese). Serve with some fresh baked bread and a salad. Yum!
And now, Kenny G.
And we'll see you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
CONTENTS
1. Danger during the holidays
2. Potato Cheese Soup
3. "We Three Kings" by Kenny G.
Danger during the holidays
By Stephen B. Bagley
It was a few days before Christmas last year, and I was talking to Linda on the phone. “Do you want to come over and help me with my Christmas crafts?” I asked.
“Good heavens, NO!” she shouted. “I’d rather strip naked and run through a rose garden that’s been sprayed with lemon juice.”
“What time will you be here?” I asked.
“I’d rather to be strapped to the speakers at a bagpipe concert,” she said, giving me a great idea for her next birthday party.
“Is that yes or no?” I asked. “I don’t understand.”
“You’re not trying to,” she said. “Rather than crafting with you, I’d sit through the presidential debates again! Sober!”
“I’m beginning to get the odd feeling that you might perhaps be reluctant,” I said. “Why is that?”
“Because it’s dangerous,” she said. “People always get hurt when you do crafts.”
I sighed. “Is Adam complaining about his eyebrows again?”
“Stephen, they fell off!”
“Actually, they peeled off,” I said. “And I told him not to stand over the chemicals when we were etching glass. Well, I meant to tell him. I got distracted.”
“What about Wendy?”
“That was an accident,” I said. “I had no idea enough paint fumes had accumulated to explode. But she’ll be out of the body cast in a couple of months. Personally, I think she’s enjoying the rest, despite her threats and the attempts to have me snuffed.”
“Yes, there’s nothing more restful than having nurses turn you every hour and orderlies feed you through a straw,” Linda said.
“So you’ll come over?” I asked.
“Not that I’m agreeing, but what exactly are you going to be doing?”
“Just papercraft,” I said. “There’s nothing dangerous in papercraft. We’ll be tearing up paper and mixing the pieces with water and a few chemicals, most of which aren’t toxic.”
“Well, I guess – Wait, what do you mean by most?” she snapped. “No, no, NO! Papercraft is out.”
“We could make Christmas candles,” I said. “Those make good gifts.”
“Didn’t you have a wax explosion a couple of months ago?” she asked.
“No one was seriously hurt, and my kitchen has already been repaired,” I said. “If I could find my cat, everything would be fine. I tried to follow the smoke trail she left, but the wind was high and I lost her around Oak Street.”
“No candles,” she said firmly. “Don’t you do wooden projects?”
“I used to,” I said. “But the police took away my electric saw after that regrettable incident when I was trying to help those nuns repair a pew and I sneezed.”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot,” she said. “Do you still get hate mail from Sister Mary Margaret?”
“Just hate postcards now,” I said. “I think she’s getting over her anger. I hope so. It can’t be good for her spiritual growth.”
“What about painting?” she suggested. “I mean, watercolor painting. Yeah, watercolors are safe. I couldn’t get hurt doing watercolors.”
“Okay, we’ll do that,” I said happily. “Come on over.”
Later that night as we huddled under a blanket provided by the fire department, she glared at me. “How oh how did the watercolors catch fire?” she asked.
“Well, the paint looked a little thick to me,” I said. “So I thought I’d try thinning them with alcohol.”
She didn’t say anything.
“I think short hair is a good look for you,” I said brightly.
Fortunately they were able to pull her off me before she could finish choking me. Because she’s a friend, I didn’t press charges.
Excerpted from Floozy & Other Stories. Copyright 2010 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. No copying without express written permission from the publisher and the author.
Potato Cheese Soup
By Michelle
5 lbs Potatoes peeled, washed and cubed
1 white Onion chopped
1/2 stick of butter
Milk
White pepper and salt to taste
Chicken bouillon to taste (I usually use 2 large cubes)
4-8 oz Velveeta (depending on how cheesy you want it)
Cheddar cheese
Parmesan
Saute onion in butter until transparent. Fill pot with potatoes and water just to cover. Add sauted onion, salt and pepper and bouillon. Bring to a boil and let simmer until potatoes are tender. Add Milk until broth looks creamy. Simmer for another ten minutes. Add Velveeta and Parmesan until melted. Add cheddar before serving (so as not to curdle the cheese). Serve with some fresh baked bread and a salad. Yum!
And now, Kenny G.
And we'll see you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in soft cover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor
Monday, December 06, 2010
2010 HSCC 5th Day!
The winner of our first drawing is ... drum roll ... marching band ... cheerleaders ... fireworks ... doves released ... Reggie Cuther from the great state of Texas! Reggie wins:
1. Doug Matlock Sampler CD with 7 tracks, including "Take Away" and "Rescue Me"
2. Signed copy of Floozy & Other Stories
3. Floozy and Murder by the Acre bookmarks
4. Digital copy (Adobe PDF) of Murder by Dewey Decimal
Woohoo! (Reggie, email me with the address you'd like your prizes shipped to, and I'll get them right out.)
Don't be disappointed if you didn't win this time. A new drawing will be posted this Friday for another chance to win.
More HSCC tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
1. Doug Matlock Sampler CD with 7 tracks, including "Take Away" and "Rescue Me"
2. Signed copy of Floozy & Other Stories
3. Floozy and Murder by the Acre bookmarks
4. Digital copy (Adobe PDF) of Murder by Dewey Decimal
Woohoo! (Reggie, email me with the address you'd like your prizes shipped to, and I'll get them right out.)
Don't be disappointed if you didn't win this time. A new drawing will be posted this Friday for another chance to win.
More HSCC tomorrow!
Sunday, December 05, 2010
2010 HSCC 4th Day
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. It's beautiful, but I can tell you that it's hard to sing. I had to sing it in choir many years ago, and we all needed a shot of oxygen when we were finished. Listen to how beautifully the Tucson Boys Choir renders it.
Carol of the Bells
Hark! how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, throw cares away.
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song,
With joyful ring, all caroling
One seems to hear words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air
O, how they pound, raising the sound
O’er hill and dale, telling their tale
Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
On, on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home
Hark! how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, throw cares away.
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song
With joyful ring, all caroling.
One seems to hear words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air
O, how they pound, raising the sound
O’er hill and dale, telling their tale
Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
On, on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home.
Ding dong ding dong.
Hope you had a wonderful Sunday! See you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Carol of the Bells
Hark! how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, throw cares away.
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song,
With joyful ring, all caroling
One seems to hear words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air
O, how they pound, raising the sound
O’er hill and dale, telling their tale
Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
On, on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home
Hark! how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, throw cares away.
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song
With joyful ring, all caroling.
One seems to hear words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air
O, how they pound, raising the sound
O’er hill and dale, telling their tale
Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
On, on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home.
Ding dong ding dong.
Hope you had a wonderful Sunday! See you tomorrow!
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)