Ruminations of a Small Town Mountain Boy

Spirits in The Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:50:00 +0000

Image by Deannster via Flickr

This is a story I posted on The Inferno, for the last challenge/ Nightmares Dance. For those who didn’t get to see the results of the challenge, I recommend clicking over to read them. Some wonderful stories and poems were shared with us.

Jordan sat secluded in his study, pretending to be working. In reality, he was simply staring at the colorful computer screen as it faded through a photo screensaver. Landscapes of places he could only dream of visiting, dancing across the screen. He was enjoying the thunder and rain storm that raged outside his window.

There was something soothing about the tempo and beat of thunder as it rolled through the night sky. The occasional flash of lightening, brilliantly illuminating and casting strange shadows on his office walls. Shadows of the tree outside, seemingly reaching out, trying to grab items of curiosity off the shelves. The sound of rain lightly drumming on the roof and windows. A mesmerizing evening, Jordan was completely relaxed and enraptured with nature’s show.

Jordan turned his chair to the window, and looked through the rain sheeted glass. The globe of his street light shown forlornly, surrounded by glistening droplets of heavens tears. A series of intense flashes of spectral light sparked momentarily, showing the cast iron light pole in crisp definition. Jordan sat forward in his chair concentrating on the shimmering droplets around the street light.

Could it be? Did he really see what he thought? It can’t be possible! Focusing his eyes on those droplets, so innocent and beautiful in the manufactured light. Yet when the lightening flashed again… The images he saw were anything but docile and peaceful. Faces of misty spirits, staring back at him, with anguished and questioning expressions clearly visible! Jordan shook his head, and digging his fist in, rubbing his eyes, tried to rid them of the terrible vision.

Under the light of civilization, the droplets returned to those shimmering beauties of colorful light, dancing lively around the streetlamp. Yet when the rending light of heavens fury sparked once again… The faces were back, with a smoky realization that someone was watching. They were looking back at Jordan, returning the rapt attention he paid them. The anguish and fury ever more vibrant and visible.

Jordan sat back, rolling his chair away from the window, coming up hard against the bookshelves. “Jessie, come look at this, I can’t believe it!” Jordan yelled for his wife. I must be seeing things. He thought to himself, as he rolled the chair nearer the window again. Curiously watching the placid shinning droplets cascade around the street light. See, there’s nothing there, your letting your imagination run away with you.

Moving up as near the window as he could, Jordan watched, mesmerized by the light and the shimmering droplets. Thunder still rolling in the background… a hypnotic rhythm. Suddenly an astonishingly bright flash of lightening sparked with a resounding CRACK. Illuminated in that brief moment, just inches outside his window… hundreds of faces. Angry, lost, questioning, hurt, blaming, every black emotion Jordan could think of was flashed in stark detail. Their full attention directed solely at HIM!

Jessie, sitting in the living room, watching the evening news heard Jordan scream! A scream unlike any she had ever heard before. A scream of fear… a terror she could only imagine. She jumped up quickly and ran to the study. Throwing open the door, she saw Jordan's empty office chair slowly spinning in the middle of his study.

“What’s wrong Jordan? Where are you?” Jessie asked, creases of worry marring her forehead and the corners of her eyes. “Stop playing games, this isn’t funny!”

Lightening flashed outside. Jessie saw the shadows of the tree against the bookshelves… She didn’t see the lone misty face on the other side of the window. A scream of fear, frozen in permanence on his face. Jordan's spirit looked back at his wife, wanting her to see his need. The anguish of loss so vividly displayed in his expression!

Just a little special news

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:47:00 +0000

Image by WOBBLYMOL (FLICKR DOING MY HEAD IN, SO SLOW) via Flickr

I’m off for another expedition to the great outdoor. I’ll be gone for a couple of days, but in the mean time, drop by The Inferno, and check out the novel excerpt I posted. It’s from Catherine Ryan Hyde’s new novel, Diary of a Witness, and When I Found You. I know you all know who Catherine Ryan Hyde is, she's the author of Pay It Forward.

So swing by and take a sneak peak at her new release’s. One posted today, and one set to post tomorrow.

I’ll be off renewing my inspiration in the woods and wilds. Hopefully I can get Tirashar to start talking to me again so we can catch up with her adventures. And for those of you who don’t know, I post daily on Side Notes. Nothing special, just kind of a daily journal type of thing. So if things are really slow, come check out my boring life, LOL.

Peaceful Autumn Wandering, or is it?

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:56:00 +0000

Image by Epona Schweer via Flickr

I have been somewhat lax with my posting here. Tis only because I have been having so much fun with The Inferno. We posted the results of our first writers challenge over the weekend. Some excellent stories were submitted, some from regulars we all know and love. Ponderer, Rogue, LouCeel, and many others who take part in The Artists challenge regularly. Please swing by and check out our Writers Gallery for the challenge “Curiosity Killed The Cat”. The following is a story I did for the challenge.

Be mindful what creatures cross your path in the shadows of a misty night. For they may not be what they appear! The mists distort, changing the perceivable vision, causing illusions or phantoms to be seen.

An Autumn Saturdays sunset rested pleasantly on the horizon. Such beauty and temperate atmosphere should always be enjoyed. What better way to enthrall the senses than a quiet stroll along familiar roads. At least that’s what I thought. Little did I know there would be scarcely anything familiar and pleasant about this evenings events.

I snatched my jacket from the hook near the door, grabbed my walking stick and set out. Pausing at the gate to sooth the feelings of my faithful companion, Destiny, who wouldn’t be joining me this evening. A decision I may regret for all eternity. Destiny, a Sheppard of faithful obedience, was disheartened. Exhibiting her concern and displeasure, in ways that were new and worrying to me. She was bordering on the frantic, as if she could see what was about to happen. I should have taken heed, and given in to her worries.

I started off on what I thought was going to be a short walk, exchanging greetings with neighbors as I went. A wave and well wishes here and there, until I came to Matilda’s house. An old Victorian, seemingly falling down in a slowly progressing dilapidation. Matilda got up from her rickety chair on the sagging front porch. A darkness in her eyes, deep, seemingly bottomless, was the feature I remember most. She struggled to the porch rail, leaning hard against it with a faith in it’s stability I would have never had. “Use caution in your wanderings Louis… Autumn evenings are seldom as peaceful as they seem.” Matilda’s voice had an aged quality that added mystery to her statement. Errant strands of unkempt grey hair falling over her forehead as she hunched precariously against the rotting railing. Creating an emphasis on the darkness in her eyes and framing her face in shadows.

I paused at her overgrown drive, with it’s faltering fence and dangerously slanted gate. Holding up my knotted and knurled walking stick. Simply an old Oak limb polished by years of handling and many miles. “I’ll be careful Matilda. I have my sturdy walking staff to defend against the forest critters.”

“Tis not critters you need be concerned with. It’s the creatures, phantoms of the night, with evil in their thoughts that should be halting this evening stroll.” There was a resonating hollowness to her statement that will haunt me ever more. An image of her dressed in black, glaring into a fire darkened cauldron; filling my cognition. The resounding laughter of a wicked old witch wafting to my ears with illusionary, I assumed, frightfulness. Ones imagination can add warning if they simply choose to listen. Had I paid attention to that demented old woman, perhaps I would not feel compelled to share this tale with you.

Shrugging my shoulders, I politely waved, and continued along my evenings route. Dismissing her warnings as the ramblings of an addled mind. Conceivably, it’s the confused mind that sees the illusions of reality more precisely. The distortion of sanity, seems to cloud ones vision, preventing the sights more difficult to believe. Is not reality, so very often, unbelievable and truth veiled in fiction.

The sun had descended below the horizon as I approached the forest road, casting shadows of curiosity along my path. A bloodshot sky was ablaze in the ferocious fire of an Autumn evening. The narrow forest road with its trees forming an impenetrable canopy, appeared cave like and darkened. Concern flitted across my consciousness as I thought once more of Matilda’s warnings. Shaking off a cloud of precarious feelings, I walked on, entering the darkness.

It was as if someone had lowered a heavy curtain, an eclipse complete and encompassing. I paused just inside the entrance, staring into the blackest of shadows allowing my eyes to adjust. An unwelcome cold, seemed to penetrate my very bones, making the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. It seemed early in the season for such a frosty air. After all, just moments before it was temperate and warm. As my eyes slowly became accustomed to the gloom, it seemed to me everything was surrounded in a misty fog. The familiar and fragrant scents I was used to, were missing. There was a dank, musty, and perhaps even rotting odor in the air. Wrinkling my nose and pulling the jacket closed, I continued my stroll. It was only a short distance to the back road leading around the other side of my neighborhood,and I now wanted this hike to be over quickly.

As I walked, I saw an odd form run across the road in front of me. Curiosity being my continual downfall, I followed to see what it was. I could hear the mewling of a woman crying with such intensity and pain. “Are you alright, do you need help?” I called out in my naivety. Trying to quickly catch up, I stumbled and fell, tripping over a limb that seemed to come from nowhere. I could see what appeared to be a huddled woman. The heaving of her shoulders from tearful sobbing emphasizing her posture. My compassion drew me closer, allowing me to see the veiled beauty before me.

The sumptuous form of a purely exquisite female anatomy, partially hidden by a hooded half cloak with what appeared to be split tux tails. Not quite concealing the shapely body, undoubtedly female, with buxom full breasts and shapely sculpted legs shrouded in fishnet stockings. It may have been compassion that drew me in, but it was lustful desire that sealed my fate. I reached out to touch this vision of wonder with crimson hair flowing out the sides and and corners of the hood. She stood and slowly turned, showing me a face, void of expression, vague in form. The only thing I truly remember is her eyes, slate grey and seemingly sightless! Reacting in fear and repulsion, I backed away, quickly trying to distance myself from the horror in front of me. She advanced, seemingly floating over the ground. A huge scythe appearing in one hand, and a pale white skull, held captive in the other. A slight prick at the side of my neck is all I felt, that is until the burning agony of her poison began its embalming path through my bloodstream.

I now am indentured to her, fetching new souls, delivering the weak and curious. Destined to travel this darkened mist filled forest. I may be doomed to an eternity of servitude to Le’ Femme Death, but you still have a choice. Beware the illusions created by a deceptive reality. Perhaps it’s best to push sanity aside and embrace the confusion of insanity.

“The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends and where the other begins.”

Edgar Allen Poe; The Premature Burial, 1844

The Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:48:00 +0000

Image by ...-Wink is awaiting inspiration-... via Flickr

I had believed The Gift to be,

an ability granted by gods.

A talent, trade, or craft

seemingly unattainable yet

precisely grafted in character.

Many gifts have been granted,

placed with pride and confidence.

Sculpting individuals,

shaping personage,

providing sufficiency.

Yet all along, hidden in sight!

The greatest gift of all…

a community of fellowship.

Kindred spirits, sharing willingly,

Unique gifts of ability, talent, vision.

Authors Note; I submitted this for The Artists Challenge. The theme, is “The Gift”. I’m looking forward to the artwork to be displayed there. I’m also really excited, because the site I’m hosting for them, The Inferno, is having it’s first gallery. The Writers Challenge on Inferno, will be posted Sunday Morning starting at 12:01 AM, and continuing in succession of a post per minute or two until all are published. They all are being shown under a unique tag that I will post as a link on the site. We have some wonderful submissions for the Writers Challenge, and I think you’ll enjoy it.

Sometimes Words Are Not Enough

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:48:00 +0000

I found this on YouTube while checking out all the 9-11 tributes, and there are many.

Such A Sad Note To Start The Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 03:06:00 +0000

Image by anguila40 / Alejandro Groenewold via Flickr

Summers end, this year, carries with it another more tragic end. I spend long hours on line, reading all kinds of blogs. There is one venue of blog I always find myself attracted to. That is the Mil-Blog, or Military Blogs. I’m particularly interested in reading those of the military men and women stationed overseas, in current conflict areas.

I get to see the war through their eyes. Even with the operational security restraints placed on these young men and women, you can easily get a feel for the mood and spirit of our troops. There are always new mil-blogs popping up, and others fading away with the ending of commitments or transfer to new duty stations. It saddens me to say that one such site, seemingly just started has seen it’s final post with the untimely death of it’s author.

Through Amber Lenses authored by Jordan Shay, an infantry fire team leader stationed in Iraq. Jordan’s blog was fairly new, and he was just finding his “stride” in writing. He had only posted 16 times since May. Jordan was on his third combat tour, and their unit was just getting settled into the new routine. He had just started writing some posts about what their daily patrols entailed. His last post, The Promised “Real” post, was entertaining and enlightening at the same time. Jordan talked about their efforts to interact with local Iraqi children, and befriend some Iraqi Military personnel. One particular paragraph caught my attention.

It's scary to think the few minutes my squad spent outside the police station interacting with the local kids, showing that we're there to be friendly and help the Iraqis, and proving we're not afraid to wander the streets alone may set the tone in KBS for the rest of our deployment.

So poignant and insightful.

There are a number of people leaving comments on this post. One of the comments is from Jordan's girlfriend who confirms the reports of his death, and thanks those who have read the blog. She stated that the blog was important to Jordan, and the fact that people were reading made things even better for him. Another comment, simple, to the point, and ever so sorrowful to me

Thank you, Soldier.
God Bless you.

Tugged at my heart, and started a tear from eye.

As we go into the holiday weekend, please take a moment, and think of Jordan and pray for his family and loved ones. A soldier, who served his country and fought alongside his buddies, protecting those of us back home. A life taken too soon, one accented by compassion, pride, and courage. A hero who wont be forgotten.

Where Have The Years Gone?

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:08:00 +0000

Image by stefano63fr via Flickr

I recently received a package from my eldest sister, Kel, who by the way is another year the elder just recently, LOL. That sounds strange, but I think I’m going to leave it just like it is. There’s a reason for the wordage, Kel dislike’s the term OLDEST. She will always advance a year, two days before I gain another year. So you see I can never catch up. We could travel the same road, but there is no passing lane. I know, I’m tortuously cruel, but what else is a little brother for, but to pester the “elder” sister.

Back to the subject at hand, sorry for the teasing distraction. She included a letter, hand written in beautifully flowing script. I just want to share the first paragraph with you.

“Well… considering how carefully observant the US Postal Service is of holidays, I doubt this will reach you before your birthday so “Happy Belated Birthday Rico”!

It was dated 08/30/90!!! Well, it did arrive before my birthday Kel. 19 years later, LOL. It’s interesting to read letters like this. The things I was involved with back then, and her own intellectual aspirations, seem so distant to me now. I was not even a year out of the service, and just finding my way into yet another form of public service. She had sage advice for her little brother, recommending I keep an open mind and strive for decisions based on compassionate intelligence in my future profession. She was right of course, as big sisters tend to be. The letter really was fun to read, and brought back some fond memories of those days.

The package also contained a few books, obviously well read, and I’m sure loved. We are a family of book lovers, we read, read, and read some more. On Kel’s profile in the section where one is to list their favorite books, she says

“Whoo . . . this is a hard question . . . how can a person have a "favorite book?" I'm more of a mind that there are so many books and so little time.”

One side of my mind wonders if there is a educational motive behind her selections, or if she just liked them so much she wanted me to enjoy them also. Either way, I’m sure I’ll have fun reading them, lots of fantasy, a little Sci-Fy, and some romance. One can never go wrong with reading material as a gift.

Thank you for the books Kel… and the letter, (19 years late). Happy belated birthday to you also.

Oh yeah, the picture has absolutely nothing to do with this post. I just liked the look and feel of it. There’s something enticing there, captured on film and shared with the rest of us.

A Shadow of Anonymity

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:56:00 +0000

Image by diongillard via Flickr

A creature of habit, bound by character.

Silently seeking a cloak of darkness,

Shadow Stalker, revels in

Anonymity!

Avoiding the light of acknowledgement.

Watching, listening, carefully observing,

Shadow Stalker, deftly deflects,

recognition!

Hidden deep inside, a second self.

Restrained, held captive by reserved ambition,

Darkness’s counterpart, desires one thing…

Acceptance!

Shadow Stalker, beware, shade the light.

Your silent alter, far from reserved,

outshines your cherished anonymity.

Ambition!

Acknowledgement, recognition, acceptance!

Warmth, comfort, companionship, discovered.

Shackles degraded, captivity cast off, Ambition tasted.

Approval!

This is my submission to The Artists Challenge, for the theme Anonymity – Gallery 16. I enjoyed this particular theme, the basis of it seemed to fit my personality so well. Please go by Gallery 16 – Anonymity, Premiering August 29th, and see what all the artists have created for this theme.

Art Can and Does Inspire Writing!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:30:00 +0000

One of the advantages of being so involved with The Artists Challenge, is the inspiration that is so plentiful. Just about all of my faithful readers know I can be spurred into fictional creativity by art work. That’s how Fridays Fantasy came about. It’s no surprise then, when I stroll through the galleries, a torrent of ideas and story lines flow freely through my imagination.

The above piece, titled “Whitney” was created by artists Dana Aldis . She submitted it for the No Theme –Theme at The Artists Challenge. When I first viewed it, I was smitten by the intensity of her eyes. There was a story there, simply begging to be told. So with Dana’s permission, I started writing. The following is an excerpt of the story I did for The Inferno.

Chase could tell she was not looking at anything in the mirror. It seemed as though she was looking through it, watching a scene unfold, visible only to her. A soft flicker of light glinted off her luxurious iris. The drama being played out for her, and her alone, visibly affecting the spirit within her eyes. Chase felt as though he could read her emotions, simply by viewing the subtle changes in her eyes. Dramatic and entrancing, he found himself staring at her reflection in the bar mirror.

As her personal cinema played out, and came to it’s finale. A light tear formed in the corner of her eye. Never quite breaking free to roll down her cheek. The intensity of her emotions, clearly visible in those sorrowful dark eyes. Whitney placed a five on the bar, stood up, and walked toward the door. Leaving Chase wondering, Who is she, this Whitney? What pain is it she feels so intensely, what loss is it that moves her, what is she looking for?

To read the full story, Please visit The Inferno; Whitney – Art Inspired Fiction. It’s the start of a series I’ll be doing over there, and I think will be a lot of fun for everyone.

I’ve already been asked if I’ll continue the story. My imagination has taken hold of this idea, and started to format the structure, and parse lines. I think that I’m not going to be able to help myself, the only question will be where! This may just what I need for the new site I’m working on. I’m still not going to let anyone know what it is, and where to find it yet. I know, I’m cruel that way. All I’m going to tell you, is that it will be completely dedicated to Fiction.

The Inferno: Shiver Me Timbers, There’s Not Much Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:38:00 +0000

Argh, the secret be out. Those of us, charlatans one and all, over at The artists Challenge and Dante's Pub, have acquired another vessel. Best not be asking how, safest you don't know! Just know that shes a fine sailing craft, ready to ply the digital seas. Her name be The Inferno, and she's crewed by a creative lot. We'll be searching for treasure, literature, poetry, artistry of the written word.

I've signed on as Second Officer and Navigator, Mistress Bad Kitty is the ships Master. Between the two of us, we'll be posting daily, art and writing, since we see it as one and the same. There'll be challenges for those gutsy enough to take them up, and adventure to be had by all. We have our own private tavern, with a secret back room for conversation and merriment. To get into the back room though you'll have to sign up at Dante's Pub, and face the scrutiny of the Pub Wench. She keeps a close eye on things and squashes the spammers even before they have a chance.

I've posted a fun little story for you to read, so go on over there and have a look around!

The Inferno: Shiver Me Timbers, There’s Not Much Time!

Argh! A secret I be holdin!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:21:00 +0000

Aye me maties, tis true, true indeed! I be keeping secrets from ya! I’ve been sworn to secrecy by the Pub Wench, devious soul she is. By swearin to keep this insidious little secret, I signed in blood… under penalty of the plank, there was even the mention of keel haulin! A time sensitive secret it be, and one that the Wench be adamant about.

I’ve been promised the right to reveal, when the time is ripe. When will that be yer askin? When the Wench frees me from the blood swear I real and truly made. Soon, I assure ya, soon the mysterious cover will no longer be necessary, and I’ll be free from punishment. Free to spill the beans, and give ya a glimpse at a treasure map of unimaginable value. Until then… yer gonna have to wait, and sufferer just like me. I’ll tell ya though, I’ll be suffering far worse than you, because I really… really want to let slip my lip!

I’ll give ya a hint!!! Shh, don’t be tellin the Pub Wench now, or let let it slip while yer tight with grog. If yer crafty enough, ya just might figure it out on yer own, and I can tell the Wench truthfully that I didn't let it out. It has something ta do with the Artist Challenge and Dante’s Pub!

No Theme – No Boundaries

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:55:00 +0000

Image by [ r ♥ c e y t ♥ y ] {I br♥ke for bokeh} via Flickr

No path to follow, nor touch to guide.

Unforeseen adventure, careless and free.

No signs baring entry, or fences blocking passage.

Dreamers wander, pursuing uncommon energy.

No map to guide, nor compass to navigate.

Unrestrained and dauntless, a liberating, exploit.

abstract imagination, envisioning virtuosity.

Unhindered thought, pursuing creative spontaneity.

No syllabus outlined, perceptions illuminating.

Inspired visions, released in imaginative thought.

Delicate symmetry of complete imbalance.

Boundaries withdrawn, pursuing joyous independence.

The Artists Challenge, has yet another theme. This one is new and interesting, the theme is “No Theme”. The question then becomes, just how does one define no theme. I’m excited to see the results of the different artists visions. If there’s one thing I’m learning about the artist community, it’s that the individual diversity is startling. The unique visions of one theme, is amazing in itself. With this new theme, or NON-Theme, the product of their endeavors should be incredible.

The above poem, is my submission for the No Theme Challenge. The Challenge is scheduled to debut Aug 16 th, 2009, be sure to go check it out. You will most likely be pleasantly surprised, and just might find something you just have to have.

Working, Working, Working

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:54:00 +0000

A week full of work, thank goodness. I’m spending a lot of time out of town, and loving every minute of it. As I said on Side Notes, we’ve been working 10 to 12 hours a day, then heading to camp. Once there, of course there’s charcoal grilled steak, and baked potatoes. Last night, I even made my stuffed jalapenos. I use ground venison-browned, and four cheese, shredded cheese mix, then wrap with bacon and toss it on the grill. Umm Umm good! Add a cold beer to the mix and we’re relaxing with the best of them. Then it’s off to the fishing pond for a little fun.

One other nice thing about working out there is the scenery. Possum Kingdom, where we’re working has some beautiful deer. We saw this guy on our way into the job site. He just stood there for the longest, letting us take pictures. Then three more came out, all smaller than him. It was quite the bachelor group. We also saw twelve doe in a different

place. When he decided to leave, he just moseyed off, not a care in the world. He doesn’t seem to be worried at all about a truck sitting on the road only 30 feet from him with some dam fool hanging out the window, taking pictures with a cell phone.

The only bad thing about working out there, is I don’t have the time to deal with my writing. I am still working on the next piece of Friday’s Fantasy, I’m just not happy with it yet. Hopefully I’ll be able to get it all straightened out and posted this Friday.

Monday’s Writers Of The Web, Blog Novels

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:45:00 +0000

Image by dpnsan via Flickr

Monday once again, and you got it, time another post in the Writers of The Web Series. I haven’t had a lot of time this week to find new sites. luckily, I had a few that have been bookmarked and waiting for a little recognition on my part. I actually have some authors contact me to ask if I would check out their site. Not many of them mind you, but a few. So I will highlight one of those blogs, and a couple I have stumbled across in my Entrecard dropping.

The first site I wish to highlight, is authored by David of David’s Musings. He started a separate site for his blog novel, titled “Diary: Alone on Earth”. I have read the first few chapters, and find myself interested in how it all works out. I have to dedicate a little more time to reading his novel, which I believe is completed. Diary: Alone on Earth is set in the year 2016, starting out on a day of world wide confusion. A strange humming noise is causing all kinds of disruption in the world societies. Animals are acting strange, not to mention certain animals mysteriously falling dead. There are power outages, and communications of all type are plagued by static. David and his trusty beagle, lay down for sleep that night, and awaken the next morning to find no other humans or animals for that matter, anywhere.

David is writing this novel as a diary, and I find the entries to be captivating. The first thing that stood out to me was the number of entries per day. Something, I could see happening if one were experiencing these strange phenomenons. One of the difficulties of this novel, is the lack of links to individual chapters, or at the end of each chapter, leading to the next one. A few things that would make reading it just a little bit easier. Currently you have to use the achieves, and navigation is a little backward that way. For instance when you click on the starting month, October 2008, you have to page all the way to the bottom for the first chapter. Then after reading down, you have to scroll back up to the next chapter. A link at the end of each chapter leading to the next chapter, would simplify the reading considerable. Failing that a link list in the side bar would be monumentally helpful.

Navigation issues aside, the writing is first rate. David captures the imagination in this Sci-Fy suspense novel. The method he chose, using a diary version, personalizes it, and lends itself to a relationship with the reader. The story line is intriguing, and captivating. In the prologue, David explains his inspiration behind the story, and I found that almost as entertaining as the story so far. I will be back to read further, and discover what David finds at the core of the troubles.

West of Mars is one of those sites I ran across in my endeavors to drop a few cards on new blogs. It is the home of Susan Helen Gottfried’s fictional world. Author of the novel Trevor’s Song. You’ll find all kinds of interesting writing here. A recent post of hers, Shapeshifter Fiction: New Shoes (Trevor’s song Era) is a short piece, somehow inspired by Iron Maiden. Don’t ask me how, because she doesn’t go into that. The story is part of the Sunday Scribbling challenge.

The next site I wish to share, is Darnuth Keep, authored by Kelly D. Tolman. You will find another blog novel, and a few poems, and other works of fiction. The Cleansing of Darnuth Keep is a fantasy novel based on the character, Colter Halfspear, and his adventures as he becomes a man, and learns the ways of magic. The blog has a few of the chapters posted, Just enough for one to get a taste for the story. Of course you can click of the download link to purchase the E-book, for a reasonable $5.00. You can also down load an original short story, The Shadow Bender, for $2.00. I found this idea to be quite interesting and pretty dam slick. I’ll have to keep it in mind, and start working on my own E-book.

That’s it for this week, I’ll be out of town again, two days at a time. Hopefully I get time for a Wednesday post, and Fridays Fantasy. Hope you all have a great week.

Better Late Than Never

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Image by Stuck in Customs via Flickr

Sorry for not getting Mondays post done. I have been working out of town, and on Monday, I actually was very late for work, because I overslept. We’re doing the plumbing on a house in Possum Kingdom, which is about a two and a half hour drive. So I stay out at the deer lease. It’s two days and one night away, then one night home, and two days and one night again. Makes for a lot of driving, but I don't mind too much. After all I get to stay at the deer lease, my heaven away from home. I get to fish in the evening, and see those wonderful Texas sunsets.

The house I’m working on, is right on a finger of the lake. The third floor deck has a wonderful view, but of course I forgot to get a picture. I’ll get one next time around, and show you. It’s in a gated subdivision that has a golf course, and all kinds of amenities. The really neat part is there are deer all over the place. They have no concerns whatsoever about their close proximity to humans. The first day, I saw two bucks strolling down a fairway, as if they were headed to the clubhouse for a brew. The second day, on the way home there was a doe and a fawn, that was still in spots, right next to the road. Just grazing along, not a care in the world. Sights like that make the drive worth the time. You could say I almost like going to work.

I am working on Fridays Fantasy, but it probably won’t be posted until Saturday.

Reflections of Celestial Grandeur

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:46:00 +0000

Sequestered by an ancient Oak,

harmonious night's silent solitude.

Tranquil, darkened, cerulean water,

motionless, breathless… a piercing silence.

Reflections of celestial grandeur,

slate speckled, silvern ivory.

Luminously sublime, unwavering,

intensely breathtaking.

Nature's spirits reposing,

depleted from daylight endeavors.

Restoring their lusty efficacy,

benefiting vagabond souls.

Silence… wondrous music of new tone,

comforting, benevolent, resounding.

Sumptuous beauty above mirrored below

peaceful… completely quenching solace.

Authors Note; I did this poem for submission to The Artist Challenge # 14 – Moon River. It will be posted with the gallery of amazing artwork depicting different artist concept of the theme Moon River. These are some unbelievably talented artists, and the gallery is well worth your time to visit. So go on over there, and check out the wonders to been seen. I also wrote another article on Mountain Dreamer to go along with and help promote the challenge. If you are in the mood for some more nature writing, swing on over and tell me what you think.

A Quick Look Back

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:07:00 +0000

Tonight, I was looking through an old photo album I have, and just found again. There were a few pictures I thought I might share with everybody. Kel, “the eldest” sibling, is often commenting, and talking about the horses we had. When we were growing up, we had five horses. They each had a unique personality, and none of them seemed to like me very much. One of them even gave me a black eye when I was in 1 st. or 2 nd. grade. I suppose it may have been because I was young, and not paying attention when I waked up behind him. He kicked me a good one, and somehow I managed to roll with it. I ended up down by those trees you can see beyond the horses, my eye swollen shut.

This view is off the back of the house, where we had a stone patio my father made. On the left side of the picture, you can see a little building. That was a miniature A frame that Dad fixed up for us all to play in. You can see the grass

in the yard is very green, not a common sight in a semi arid region. Dad

and Mom put a lot of work into our yard. I can remember hauling horse manure to spread on the lawn for fertilizer, and setting the sprinkler out all the time. I think we may have watered the lawn more than anyone in town. The second picture shows the A frame just a little better, and a little snow to help cool you off from the summer heat. Yes that was me on my faithful stead, my fancy bicycle. I think it even had one of those banana seats.

We always had rabbits, I’m not sure when that started, because it was before my time. All of us were pretty involved with the 4H, and I am sure this was some event or gathering for that. beside me is our faithful dog, Poochie, who “followed” Kel home one day, and was never very far from us kids. If you notice in the background, there is an old yellow horse trailer. Beside that was an old military jeep, and an old grey Chevy pickup. These three vehicles, spawned more adventures in our youthful imaginations than you would believe. The jeep had become a rocket ship, taking us all to outer space, and “our” first landing on the moon. We had African safari’s, explored the arctic circle, and just about anything our minds would dream up. It always amazed me, for a Jeep that was up on cinder block, it sure went a lot of places.

One final picture to add some cooling to the summer heat.

Monday’s Writers of the Web; A Return?

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Image by damonj74 via Flickr

Ohh Monday, Monday, why do you come so fast and last so long? Dark and dreary you may be, yet light does shine, through a weather stained, time fogged window. What flowers of beauty and creativity might we find on the other side???… Ahh, so once again we’ve come to a time for another installment of Monday’s Writers of the Web. Regrettably slow in returning, I will strive to share some of the sites I have stumbled across during my recent wanderings on the web.

Now the question becomes, where to begin? There are so many good blogs out there, and I recently have garnered an appreciation for poetry. Therefore it’s only natural to start off with a few poetry blogs. many of which I find through the comments on my faithful favorites like The Walking Man, 1 Door Away From Heaven, Softly Spoken, and Crowned With Laurels. So to them I say thank you for feeding my hunger, and sustaining a dreaming soul such as I.

Of course, often I seemingly fall into a blog, to slowly be absorbed by the artful prose. I generally find myself wandering in a cheerful, creative word-vision induced intoxication. Not knowing or caring how I got there in the first place, but ecstatic to be present. This is what seems to have happened to me with Butterfly Dreamer. One must take a little time and explore the terrain, searching out the beautiful sunsets and wondrously vibrant vistas presented. One of her recent works, Her Image, sparked a fire some where deep in my soul. So precious and fragile, touching and humble. The emotions clear as a shimmering mountain pond. Perhaps the uplifting positivists of The Struggle will strike a cord with a wandering soul. I do have to say the refreshing sunrise, filled with vivid color and life of Splendor spoke to my dreaming spirit.

A simple sentence within her profile caught my attention and imagination.

“A dreamer and explorer of this thing called life. I have the mind of a scientist, the heart of a giver, and the soul of a poet, but the rest gets confusing.”

By Cherie / Butterfly Dreamer.

Another gem I found during my wanderings in the dreamlands of the web. New and unfamiliar but ever so pleasant is, Whispering Words. The author, Suz, writes poetry and short stories. The short story, I believe is more of a memoir, The Making of a Memoir – The Eight Grade. (The link will take you to the archives of March 2010, for I could find no tag or category label for this story.) Much of her poetry is as poignant as the pictures she uses are beautiful. For instance, Healing Touch, soft, sad, uplifting, all in one clean little package. Suz also has a fondness for the untitled. A sharp, questioning poem Untitled VIII, speaks of autumns losses and the aging of love.

Many a time the title of a blog is what captures my imagination, as did The Innocent Flower, authored by Lady Glamis. She is an author, and writes many a helpful post about the art of writing. This is truly a blog I need to search through the archives of. Just about all of her posts ends with a question of the day where she asks her reads for a response to the meat of the subject mater. One of the articles I found very interesting was Eye See You which speaks of the troubles describing actions of written characters that pertain to the basic sense of sight. She also does a series of articles called Helpful, all about some of the most helpful posts she has read or written. One final article I would ask you to read is one dealing with perspective, you know, how we see the world. Lenses, is an interesting article in that she gets into how we can change our perspective like changing the lenses of a camera. We just have to be sure to use the right one. Lady Glamis also writes for The Literary Lab, where you can find many more instructive articles about the writing arts.

Finally, I have two blogs of poetry that are themed to nature, my favorite topic of course. The titles of these two caught my attention right away. Bit’s & Pieces Of Driftwood, and Beachcomber Island, are both authored by William Malewitz, who goes by the handle 1greenthumb on BlogCatalog. He also has a plethora of other blogs, some of which are photography based, with beautiful pictures of nature.

Wowie; Free Books, to Free Your Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:58:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

I am going to have to apologize once again. I have let my blog reading slip just a little today. I am such a fan of reading good books, and I just recently rediscovered a phenomenal resource for reading all kinds of books. This is an online source of e-books, that I previously used regularly. The site had gone down for some time, with the purpose of redesigning. It is back up again, and better than ever. What? Ohh the site I’m talking about is Wowio.

I think of Wowio, as an online library more than anything else. Of course you can download an E-Book, and it will cost anywhere from $0.99 to $16.99. The best part is, you can also read these same E-Books online for free. I love the service, and in the past I had downloaded close to 50 books from them. Many of my downloads were classic literature, or works on philosophy or nature and outdoors (who would have guessed that one).

I find the new site, very familiar, with the same basic layout and color scheme. What changed, is the speed and organization, it is much faster than before. It also seems that they have a larger selection than was available before, of course many of them now cost to download, but what should we expect. You can still read the books online through their store for free, there isn’t even a membership fee. There are plenty of the books, free of cost to download, they call them gifts from their sponsors.

What brought me back to Wowio, was a search for the writings of Henry David Thoreau. I am currently reading “Walden” online. Of course, I feel right at home with his writings. I also downloaded a free book that caught my attention, Notes From Underground, by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I’ll let you know what I think about it.

In the mean time, take a few minutes, go over and set up an account, all you need is an email address and password, no money. Then read to your hearts content.

Help a Fellow Blogger Please

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

This darn economy has affected so many people. One of the hardest things I can thing of would be to loss my job right now. One of my blog fiends, Vixen of Vixens Den, has been dealing with just that issue since January. I can’t even imagine the stress of looking for a job in this economic climate. She has been looking for a new job, with no success at all. Then to make maters worse, she ruptured a disk in her back and had to have surgery. She did qualify for assistance, but still had to pay her portion. Where the problem, comes in, is that during her recovery, she can no longer receive unemployment.

To make ends meet, she had been selling aprons she makes, at her etsy online store. Now her doctor won’t let her sew, so she can’t do that either. Recovery from back surgery is one of those things you don’t take any chances with. We all know that food is not free, let alone the numerous other expenses associated with owning a house. They moved into their new home a few months back after qualifying for a first time home buyer program. It’s not large or extravagant, but it’s theirs, and the banks of course. I remember the post when they first got the house, Vixen was so excited to be a home owner. The problem I see is, what good is a house if you can’t eat. People have to make some pretty hard decisions these days.

We can help though. Vixen has put a donation button up in her side bar. So if you can spare a few dollars, please help a fellow blogger in need. If enough people make a small contribution, we might be able to pull them through this recovery period. So if you can spare it, and have the time, go by Vixens Den and leave a little present. As a community, which is what I see bloggers as, we can’t let a neighbor down.

July is The Wife’s Birthday Month

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:45:00 +0000

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Blinda’s birthday is coming up once again, although I’m sure she doesn’t want to be reminded. This year, I’m afraid there won’t be much of a celebration. I’ll get her some flowers and a card, maybe take her out to eat. I used to go all out on her birthdays, and it was so much fun. Of course we had the money to do that back then.

One year, I was very sneaky and arranged with her boss for a few days off. I didn’t tell her about it, just set everything up. The morning of her birthday, I woke her up with breakfast in bed, nothing fancy, just some bacon and eggs. After she finished, I told her she needed to hurry up and get ready, we were leaving soon. Blinda looked at me, and said “I have to work this afternoon”. I told her not to worry, I had already arranged it with her boss, and that we were taking a little trip.

We started off with no real destination in mind, just driving. Eventually we ended up in Ouray, Co. I had been there a number of times, but she never had. I convinced her to take a Jeep tour with me, and see some of the off road sites. I had never been able to get her to go four wheeling with me before, and was surprised when after the tour, she suggested we rent a jeep, and spend the next couple of days exploring.

We spent two days, four wheeling, nothing extreme, but enjoyable all the same. Of course as the good tourists we were, we stopped and purchased one of those disposable panoramic cameras. There is simply too much beauty in the mountains of Ouray to not have some good pictures as a reminder. July is a great month to visit the Mountains, the wild flowers are usually in full bloom.

We got to see Bridal Vail Falls, truly a sight to behold. I tried to find some of the better pictures of it, but didn’t have much luck. I know we have them, it’s just a mater of where. I was looking for the panoramic that took in the whole falls, taken from just below. Unfortunately no such luck, but I’m sure it will turn up somewhere. These will do for now, and if I find the others I’ll post them at a later time. There is a power station at the top, and it still generates electricity from the water fall with an old style water wheel. I love big water falls like this, when you stand anywhere near the bottom, you get covered with a fresh light spray of water.

We did three or four of the 4 X 4 passes, visiting Telluride and Silverton. Many of them are fairly easy, and you still get some amazing views the trails and the summit. The following pictures are some of those views. I just wish I could figure out a way to share the fresh clean scent of the air, and the sounds of wildlife like the Whistle Pigs.

I’m not sure where this last picture was taken from. I cropped out an old red truck parked on the trail below. I thinks it’s a pretty interesting picture though, and gives a person a good sense of the terrain. We really loved our trip, and have many reminders of it around the house. I just hope we’ll be able take another trip like it sometime. I’m not sure I’ll be able to get Blinda back in the mountains, but maybe to the desert or the coast. I'd love to

take her down to Mustang Island one of these days.

Maybe she’ll be able to get some more pictures of me in a compromising situation. What’s the old saying, all’s fair in love and war.

Well I hope I didn’t bore you with my little trip down memory lane. I’ll be sure to wish Blinda a happy birthday.

Ready, Set, Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 02:58:00 +0000

Image by alemdag via Flickr

I have been whining and complaining about not getting enough time on the computer. We only had one in the house, and Blinda had discovered Facebook, and all the games that go along with it. Well, I have no excuse anymore.

Today I picked up a used computer for $95.00, not bad. It has 1.2 Gig’s of RAM, and a clock speed running at 3.4 GHZ. It’s not quite as fast as the other computer, but I can’t complain. For what I will be doing, it’s more than

enough. The interesting thing is that I get the used, slow computer, while Blinda get’s the newer, fast computer with the 22 inch monitor. Oh well, that’s the way the cookie crumbles.

The other nice thing, is I set up my office in the spare bedroom, so I can write to my hearts content, and in privacy too. I’m not sure how I’ll handle not having anyone hovering ove

r me reading over my shoulder as I go along. Plus I can listen to MY music as I write, kind of a necessary thing sometimes you know.

I wanted to let everyone know, That I’ll be around to see you as soon as I can. There is going to be a lot of back reading I’m going to have to do, and I’ll be back to leaving some comments too. Not to mention All the posts I have to write. Between all the blogs, I’ll be a busy little guy for awhile. For those of you who haven’t seen it, I started another blog also, Mountain Dreamer.

A Movie That Has Captured My Imagination

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:43:00 +0000

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Every once in a while, I see a movie that strikes a chord with in me somewhere. I recently saw a movie, August Rush, that has been out for quite a while now. I have no idea why I never saw it before, but I can tell you that I love this movie.

It’s about a young boy who hears music in just about everything. He has an uncanny ability to play some very interesting music on a guitar, even though he had never before picked one up. Coupled with a prodigal ability to understand the notes of his music, and copy them down. Young Even Taylor, August Rush, was basically stolen from his mother at birth. His grandfather putting him up for adoption without his mothers knowledge, and then telling her he died. He believe that if he can make his music, and have as many people as possible hear it, His parents will find him by following the music. The story has many more folds to it of course, and you’ll have to watch it for yourself.

It’s a heart warming tale, one that will have you bouncing through many emotions. One moment you’ll be happy, then sad, then happy, and every once in awhile you’ll be as mad as can be. I have never been so pissed at a character played by Robin Williams as I was with this movie.

Fourth Of July, A Simple Celebration?

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:17:00 +0000

Image by andy castro via Flickr

Fourth of July, the celebration is here once again. I can’t help but to remember though, our brothers, sisters, husbands, wife's, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and loved ones, who have chosen to serve. They are at this very moment in a strange land far from home and family. They may very well be watching fireworks displays, but they are of a completely different nature and purpose than those we watched. So please, take a moment of your day, and think of their sacrifice. Pray for their safe return home, and hope they are having an uneventful holiday week.

There are many wonderful Fourth of July’s I remember from the many years past in the mountains. More recently, the Como Fourth of July celebrations were the place to be for those of us from the small towns. It had turned into a pretty large event, but still kept that small town feel of community. Being that the majority of fireworks are illegal in Colorado, only sponsored or professional events were where you could see a reasonable display. The Jefferson Como Fire District, did a wonderful job of raising money all year long. Money just for the event in Como, so they could purchase fireworks, and organize a fun and beautiful affair. There were events all day long, a nice barbecue dinner, and a dance with a live band, after the large fireworks display.

One of my most memorable Fourths in Como, was sometime in the mid 1990’s. We had the regular influx of visitors from the cities, and lowlands. The fun part was that we had 6 inches of fresh, heavy wet snow fall. The looks of surprise and confusion of the faces of those not familiar with mountain life was just so priceless. People still have trouble believing me when I tell them I have seen 6 inches of snow on the Fourth of July.

Now for those who have never seen Como. It was a town of major importance in the 1800’s. A main hub of the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad, with a large roundhouse and maintenance barns. At one time in it’s history, Como had been suggested as the possible capital of the state. Of course this had actually happened with so many of the towns of the time, most nothing but dust today. Como was a way point for many a traveling person in the old days. It was also a start point for the Boreas Pass rail line headed over to Breckenridge. In it’s heyday, it also had a darker side, being known as one of the more dangerous places in Colorado due to the large criminal element that stalked her streets and preyed on weary travelers. Reportedly, the Reynolds Gang traveled through Como on a regular basis, some even say they had a camp in the area. Today, it seems as if Como is all but forgotten. The population doesn’t even come close to breaking 100.

Fathers Day

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Fathers Day, for many a day of celebration and honor. And for many others like me, a day for remembrance and tribute. I think it may just be one of the hardest days of the year for me. My Father, was probably the most important person in my life. I can’t remember a job he held that didn’t allow all of us kids to go along. Many of my earliest memories were of spending time at work with dad and my siblings.

If he had one fault, it was that like so many of his generation, he was not very handy with emotions. I believe he had more trouble voicing how he felt than anyone I’ve ever known. I did a Fathers day Tribute last year, feel free to read it. Reba's song Greatest Man I Never Knew, reminds me very much of my father.

Ruminations of a Small Town Mountain Boy

Spirits in The Rain

Just a little special news

Peaceful Autumn Wandering, or is it?

The Gift

Sometimes Words Are Not Enough

Such A Sad Note To Start The Weekend

Where Have The Years Gone?

A Shadow of Anonymity

Art Can and Does Inspire Writing!

The Inferno: Shiver Me Timbers, There’s Not Much Time!

Argh! A secret I be holdin!!!

No Theme – No Boundaries

Working, Working, Working

Monday’s Writers Of The Web, Blog Novels

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Better Late Than Never

Reflections of Celestial Grandeur

A Quick Look Back

Monday’s Writers of the Web; A Return?

Wowie; Free Books, to Free Your Mind

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Fathers Day