time travel for boys

One of the good things about being at home more is this: I've had some time to read.
I'm glad of that!
I have finally read "In The Nick Of Time", the book penned by J. L. Graham, and successfully supported during his 2012 kickstarter campaign.
I had known it was about time travel and a 13-year-old boy, but that was the limit of my knowledge.
Imagine my surprise when I finally cracked it open and fell right into a nightmare!
But I kept reading... and reading... and reading!
I know now that it is better suited to the tastes of my Beaufort nephew than to those of my Port Wentworth great-niece.
First, he won't be grossed out by some of the scenes.
Second, he has an interest in history, as well as in science.
Third, he will be able to relate to the feelings of a newly-teen.
Interested in others' views of the book?
Check here...
and good reading to you!

stranded here like the rest of you

After all this time, I've begun reading Peter S. Beagle's "52/50 Project".
I've only had it languishing on the bookshelf for...oh...about...quite awhile.
That makes this the right time to start.
I will have had it two years at the end of this week.
Most babes are talking and have an interest in books by then, right?

Why have I waited so long?
No particular reason.
I printed the pages and placed them into a nice binder. The finished tome was then placed on the shelf with my other goodies garnered from kickstarter projects.
That's all it took.
I checked off that item from my "to do" list and went on to the next.

So, why now?
You can thank my ex-husband, Jeff, for that, as well as the VA hospital.
Let's take that second one first.
A mere week ago, I had ridden the shuttle 'twixt Savannah and Charleston yet again, this time for the post-operation consult. Even though I had made the first appointment of the day for the Plastics Clinic, I still ended up with almost four hours of idleness.
Ugh.
I had found on my last visit that the hospital lobby had several bookshelves of loaners, so I went in search of a book to pass the time.
Wonder of wonders, I found one on the top shelf of the first bookstand!
Even better, it was by a mystery author I enjoy, Sidney Sheldon.
Titled, "Tell Me Your Dreams", it hooked from the very start and was a fast read. Fur hours was not quite long enough to finish it, but I had a good grasp of the plot by the time I my name was called.
I also had a desire to read more.
Enter the ex.
After the wrapping session with him, I was inspired to take care of little ones on my list. So, into the gift closet I delved, and through the kickstarter rewards I explored, finding treasures I had forgotten.
Treasures like this book.

Today, I read the first one.
It's a song, as it so happens.
Perhaps because it was meant for publication on his 70th birthday?
That would certainly be appropriate, as these could just as easily be the musings of a newborn human as of an extraterrestrial being.
Titled simply "The Alien", I really love the chorus:

"I'm just an alien from anywhere -
Point out a star, and it might be there,
With thirteen purple moons and an orange sky
I'm stranded here like the rest of you
Doing those things that people do
Trying to love you,
Trying to learn to cry."

I do have to wonder what tune was playing in his head...

I intend to read another of his creations on Monday.
Why that day?
Because that's the day of the week on which he published them!
I'll keep the book on my coffee table, open, to draw me in...
(smile)

keeping the wik burning

I use the internet reference source frequently.
I know there are some in the world of academia that look disparagingly at it...
but I believe it to be the best free source of reliable information that there is.
So, I have contributed to help keep it free for all.
You know what I'm talking about...
wikipedia.org.
I also use its dictionary format, too.
I not only use the two often as a source for information in my blogs, but anytime I am researching any topic that is not medical in nature.
For those occasions, I use the site my tax dollars have provided, courtesy of the Surgeon General's office. My doctor, Peggy Byck, had told me about it years ago.
In case you would like to contribute to an ad-free, reliable source of knowledge at your fingertips, just click here.
Thanks!

space cats in my house!!!

The two shirts featuring the blind kitteh, Oskar, actually arrived a couple of weeks ago.
A few days too late for the bfe's birthday, but in plenty of time for Christmas!
I had then "put them away safely"... using who knows what logic to define "safely"... and so I could not find them last week when the physicist came by to pick me up for the school Christmas party.
Good!
That meant I would simply have to see him one more time before he left town for the holidays and his sabbatical!
Very nice how that worked out in my favor, isn't it?
(smile)
The date is set for brunch on Sunday.
I am so excited to be sharing this story with him!

helping a future eagle scout

My blue-sky Penny's eldest son is working on his project to become an Eagle Scout.
To achieve that highest award, he must plan, organize, lead, and manage an extensive service project that will benefit the community in which he lives.
He has chosen a site which holds Scouting memories for him, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, as the locale for his good deed.
The site lacks an information kiosk, as well as signage along its two hiking trails.
His goal is to construct and place all signs and the kiosk.
Materials cost money, though, far more than a high-school teenager can supply.
That's where I come in.
The call has gone out for assistance and I am heeding the request.
Go, Jacob, go!
I'll look forward to your Eagle Scout ceremony!

cats...in...space - part 2!

Here's the good news: Oskar and Klaus' book WILL be going into space!
Not only did they raise the money needed, but they surpassed that goal, garnering more than $7500!!!
Wow!!!
I'll try to keep up with those kittehs as they head into space in 2017.
What a grand adventure!
I know the physicist and I will be wearing our t-shirts with great pride!
Go, cats, go!!!

cats...in....SPACE!

I couldn't help riffing on the Muppets' science fiction segments! I absolutely adored them - and still do!
But I'm not here to talk about Muppets or even pigs.
Nope, this time around it's those adorable kittehs, Oskar and Klaus.
Again.

Their latest adventure, "The Mission To Cataria", has captured the imagination of Story Time From Space. That group's inspiring slogan is: "What you cannot imagine, you cannot do."
What have they imagined?
Children's books about space exploration, read aloud by actual astronauts.
Not only that, as remarkable, and commendable, as that is! No, they have arranged for those real astronauts to read the books while aboard the International Space Station! Moreover, the readings are videotaped and then transmitted into classrooms, as well as being available on their website!!!
None of that endeavor is free.
In order for the book starring Oskar and Klaus to reach the astronauts, their passage must be purchased. The price is $5000.
Here's the update I received.

"Thanks to YOUR SUPPORT, we were able to create a book last year that shows children that blindness is not a barrier that prevents adventure or scientific exploration. Well, this fun, science fiction adventure just got a whole lot more REAL! Thanks to the selection committee of Story Time from Space, Oskar's award-winning children's book, The Mission to Cataria, is literally launching into orbit! It will be read by a real astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and broadcast to classrooms across the globe via video feed! Additionally, a series of experiments which relate to the book will be conducted aboard the ISS and turned into a classroom curriculum that illustrated how blind scientists can effectively study the universe. These will be designed by real astronauts, scientists, and a team from the National Federation of the Blind.
This is an incredible honor and we can't wait to give you updates as we get closer to launch in 2017. For now, we are raising funds to help cover the costs of preparing the actual book for launch and for promoting Oskar's involvement in this awesome program. THE FUNDRAISER ENDS IN TWO DAYS!

When you BUY THIS SHIRT, all proceeds will go toward funding this project. The shirt is really cool. It comes in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. Plus, it even features raised braille and graphics that the visually impaired can enjoy. How cool is that?! You can also just donate any amount you like if you don't want the shirt.
The goal of this project is to demonstrate to blind children that science can be fun and accessible and even a career to blind people! There are just 2 DAYS LEFT to order your shirts:www.OSKARintoORBIT.com
Shirts will ship WORLDWIDE on November 21st!"

Given that the bfe's birthday is November 22nd, the timing is delightful!
I've purchased a short-sleeved turquoise one for me and a long-sleeved indigo for the physicist.
Delightful!!!
Go, cats, go!

star's trek to broadway!

Wow... tonight, I invested once more into George Takei's "Allegiance".
Sadly, I was not able to make it to New York City to see the play during its 111-performance run.
Fortunately, one night's performance was filmed at the Longacre Theatre!
Sadly, there are no plans yet to release the film to dvd.
Fortunately, Fathom Events is bringing the filmed play to Savannah!
Sadly, I stay fairly well booked up at this time of year.
Fortunately, I had left my schedule pretty open, as I knew I would be recovering from carpal tunnel repair.
Even more fortunately...the event is scheduled for a Tuesday!!! That will be Tuesday, December 13, at 7:30 PM.
I know exactly who I'll be going with!
Kevin, of course.
I've just purchased the two tickets for us, at $19.26 each.
That's about quadruple what we would normally pay per ticket for our Tuesday outings...
but I know it will be a much more memorable experience.
Not only will we see the musical, but there will also be interviews with the cast as well as behind the scenes footage, as those are staples of the Fathom Events.
I've even taken the time (at last!) to view the videoblog, "Trek To Broadway". The nine episodes had been completed in time for Christmas last year...but my time had been booked solid, between holiday revelry and planning for a full-time semester at a new school.
Curious about the nine episodes?
Here they are, with their titles and my interpretations of the contents, in terms of the science fiction world that Takei is best known for inhabiting.

Episode 1: God I Hope I Get It
In search of a theatre to call home.

Episode 2: All We Need Is The Girl
In search of a backup star (songstress).

Episode 3: Art Isn't Easy
In search of an iconic image.

Episode 4: Te Point Of No Return
In search of a new path through the fog.

Episode 5: Moving Too Fast
In search of the right stuff.

Episode 6: You Could Drive A Person Crazy
In search of perfect tech.

Episode 7: Put On A Happy Face
In search of audience tweaks.

Episode 8: Magic To Do
In search of a finale that sings.

Episode 9: Ishi Kara Ishi
In search for connection no more.

My many thanks to George Takei for sharing that journey!
I applaud him, and his entire group, for the tremendous effort put forth in this work.
I believe the 78-year-old veteran actor, of television, film, and (at last!) the Broadway stage, has certainly blessed the world with this legacy of forgiveness and love.

i thank You, God, that it will be soon shared with me!
And that the event will be close to Mama's birthday.
I had not realized until now that he is the same age my mother would have been, were she still living.

bridge partner passing by!

The film has finally made the festival circuit and is free to be viewed by all!
Here's the email received earlier today!

"Dear fliss,
Just in time for Halloween, after 40 festival screenings around the world, we’re releasing “The Bridge Partner” online for the world to see and premiering on Film Shortage! Thank you so much for supporting this project, I’m so grateful to you for making this venture possible.
One last request, online views and shares the first couple days are critical to amassing attention, so if you have a moment to watch the film or spread the word on social media, you can amplify the incredible impact you’ve already made by clicking below and sharing. Don't forget your headphones ; )

Film shortage link: http://filmshortage.com/shorts/the-bridge-partner/
Direct link: https://vimeo.com/188568367

Again, thank you so very much, and I’d love to hear what you think of it.

Gabriel Olson
http://www.thisisgabriel.com
www.thebridgepartner.com"

Supercool treat, not a trick!
Sure I had read the script when I first got it... but that was almost two years ago. There's been a lot of water flowing since then!
(smile)
It's good to have faces behind the paper characters.
Beth Grant is fabulous as Mattie Whalen, an aging housewife whose hobby is playing bridge badly. (You may best remember her from 1994's "Speed" - the older woman losing her mind on the bus-sized bomb.)
Sharon Lawrence is Olivia Korhonen, the European exotic who arrives late and is stuck with Mattie as her bridge partner for the day's game. (Interestingly, she played a counselor named Maddie - close, right? - on 1996's "Caroline in the City".)
So, that means the frowsy and self-deprecating marm was teamed up with the elegant and suave fashionista.
They lose, of course.
To everyone else, Olivia presents an image clad in silk gloves...
but she shows her talons to Mattie...
and that's where the fun begins.
Woohoo!
Miles Hankins has crafted a first-rate soundtrack to accompany this fine tale, building the tension and setting the tone very well.
I highly recommend this award-winning suspense-laden film!
Not quite fifteen minutes of fame...but at 13:34, it's very close!
(smile)

dancing on the ceiling with my invention!

(This is reposted from my primary blog.)

When the man on the telephone asks, "Are you sitting down?", you should always sit down, then answer, "Yes".
The tremble in the voice is optional.
(smile)
What marvelous news Kurt Nelson had for me!
The precious funds spent to research my invention had returned favorable news: My design is unique!
Not only is it unique, but totally marketable, copyrightable, and patentable!
Yeah, I think I may be making up words now...
but I am so very excited!!!
What am I talking about?
My version of the Periodic Table!
The one I created this past summer!!!
The one original I had packed up in case I fled Hurricane Matthew.
The research had found that NO ONE ELSE has EVER had my idea!
Not ever!!!
Amazing, isn't it?
Honestly, I can't seem to wipe this smile off my face!
(SMILE!)

On Tuesday at two, I'll be chatting with Michael Meyers (no, not that one, and certainly not that one) about what to do next.
Soooooo excited!!!
I'll have to see about a crowd-sourcing campaign to raise the funds for the industrial patent - the twenty-year version which my invention warrants!!!!!
Mama and Daddy would have been so proud of me!!!
i thank You, God, for granting that inspiration!

smoothing the bumps for a boy and his dog

My many thanks to fellow member of the League of Savannah Bloggers, Ivan, for this timely post. As soon as I read it, I knew action was warranted.
After all, Sam Johnson would have wanted it that way.
I consider it a belated, by three months, birthday gift for him.
The project involves the restoration, and publishing in dvd and blu-ray formats, of fifteen animated silent short movies.
That's right, I said silent animated shorts.
Tommy José Stathes is the young man with the plan to re-introduce today's audience to the antics of Bobby Bumps and his dog. The films were created for about ten years, beginning around 1915, by Earl Hurd, one of the pair of inventors of cel animation, the tool that allows all of the beloved animated shorts in the annual film festival right here in scenic Savannah as well as all over the world.
Thanks, Earl!
T.J. Stathes has already set it as his task to rescue the works of the Bray Studio from obscurity. Thanks to the Bray Animation Project, he has been doing so with restoration of other animated comics into two collections for the public.
Now, on IndieGoGo, T.J. Stathes has "Historic Bobby Bumps cartoons on Blu-Ray and DVD!". His goal with this third project is to acquaint today's cartoon-lovers with Bart Simpson's great-great-great-great-great-Uncle.
Thanks, TJ!
I am now the 73rd backer of this worthy undertaking!
In memory of my dear friend, Sam Johnson, I have added a mere thirty dollars into the project's coffers. Should it be successful, I'll be rewarded with a signed postcard from Mr. Stathes and my very own copy of the cartoon collection of Bobby's antics and misadventures with Fido.
I'll be waiting...!
(smile)

MVP, that's me!

Mighty Valuable Person?
Well, I like to think so.
I especially believe that I regarded as such because I have volunteered to be part of the Million Veteran Program.
That's right: I volunteered to be a member of this genomic study.
In the interest of advancing knowledge, in the interest of advancing science, in the interest of advancing medicine, and for the greater good of the world, I have given the most valuable resource I have.
My money?
No, that isn't needed here.
My time?
A little bit, when filling out the background paperwork.
My blood?
That's a bit closer to the truth, as I gave that yesterday.

I gave my most valuable resource, the very essence of myself.
I gave my deoxyribonucleic acids, that genetic information which describes everything about my body and how it works.
Collectively, the DNA information from me and more than five hundred thousand other veterans of the United States military will be used to solve medical maladies which affect both civilian and military components of the world's population.

I hope they will soon reach their goal of one million veterans.
What an incredible databank that will provide!

the opera and miss alice

No, this was not a kickstarter event.
Rather, "Alice Ryley" is an English opera about the Irish lass who became the ghost of Wright Square, right here in Savannah.
The sad story of Alice Ryley (aka Riley) occurred in the early days of Savannah's beginnings, back in the 1930's. A poor lass, she came to America as an indentured servant and worked for a cruel master, William Wise. She was in love with Richard White, an Irishman who had traveled on the ship with her and who was also an indentured servant to the evil old man. One day, the pair have had enough of the torture - and Richard kills their master.
Richard pays with his neck in a noose.
Alice would have met the same fate had she not been pregnant.
Instead, the jailors allow her to bear the child...and then she is hanged.
The story goes that she wanders Wright Square, where she met her fate, looking for her son.
Sadly, the child died shortly after she did.
The tale is oft told by the many tour guides that lead Savannah's visitors through the squares on dark evenings.
The primary reason the tale is so popular is no doubt because Alice was the first woman hanged in Savannah.
The one-act piece based on her short time in America was commissioned in honor of Sherrill Milnes' 80th birthday, as well as the 50th Anniversary of his career. That was in 2015, the same year that the Savannah Music Festival partnered with the Savannah VOICE Program to bring the two Puccini operas that I so loved!
The opera about Miss Ryley, written by Michael Ching, had its premiere performance at the Savannah VOICE Festival last year. Sadly, I was unable to go. (As I recall, it was held on a Wednesday evening.)
Fast forward to this year's SVF.
This year, the opera was featured on August 16th, a Tuesday, at 5:30 pm, in late afternoon.
A Tuesday!
That meant I could go!
So I bought my ticket to see this special piece performed for the second time ever.
That was two weeks ago.
Instead of attending, however, I was still on the shuttle, returning from the VA Hospital in Charleston.
There was no possible way for me to see the 55-minute opera.
So, rather than ask for my money to be returned, I am treating it as a gift to the festival, in honor of my birthday:58.
(By the way, it is the year of birthday:58 for the author of the opera, too!)
Here's hoping that my forty dollar donation will allow more VOICES to be raised in the glory of song!

hellyfish and kiteboarding, too!

It's been almost a year since the mailman brought it to me.
That's a mighty long time to tread water.

Today, I finally reached
the shallows, giving me time
to view my dvd copy
of the Golden Shovel-winning
"Hellyfish"!
Actually, I had viewed it
months ago, on my laptop.
That screen wasn't
large enough for
that much action.
I needed to have the
silver screen experience,
or some close approximation
of that.

This afternoon, I'm sitting at my first niece's house, waiting on the ice-maker repairman for her...and having access to her big screen television.
Beautiful!
I began with the final item on the menu: "Kiteboarding".
What a lovely three-minute segment! Mike Brady creates his own berms and literally shreds the wavefronts as he soars betwixt ocean and sky!
Thanks, guys!
Then I launched into the extras.
What a lot there were!
"Behind The Scenes" gave me some shots of the actors test-driving their running, leaping, splashing, and twitching skills, accompanied by the green screens. Fun!

"Visual Effects" was
incredible to watch,
but I have to admit
that I didn't understand
much of it.
Great music, though!

"Outtakes" and "Photo Gallery"
were next on my perusal list.
Those provided a new appreciation of the work involved in getting that perfect coordination between the action and the background. Also, I hadn't realized the triplets were played by one girl!


Then I dove right into the movie itself, once more. So much hot-blooded summer fun! Sure the jellyfish were horrific, as they normally are, but the scene was pure Tybee Beach, inhabited by folks I know or have seen before. There was JinHi Soucy Rand, as a "Wise Fisherwoman", made up as a weatherbeaten, cigar-chomping, crone on the pier! And that was Anthony Paderewski, as a slickster trying to score some action under a beach blanket! And I know I've seen some of those kids and that sea captain and that news chick before!
Good story, too! And the title sequence - beautiful! Having the lost nuclear bomb morph into a streaming jellyfish was so well done!

Animated story board end credits were a nice change-up, too!
Wow!
So, being so pleased with all I had seen,
I then clicked on something I never watch:
"Director's Commentary".
Usually, I loathe such things.
Talking over the movie? Pointing out plot items? Demystifying the aura?
No, thank you.

But, not this time.
As well-steeped as I was in the movie,
I actually enjoyed their sidemarks.
And I very much enjoyed
learning what shots were
pure serendipity at work,
not in the original script at all.

I tell you, the wait was well worth it.
Every last minute of it.
Congratulations, y'all!
I am so proud
to have been a
kickstarter supporter
of this project!
I truly am.

my invention's journey begins

I don't think I'm allowed to say much about it at this time, but...
I have created an educational tool for one of my students!
For Sale By Inventor is handing the research - for $598 - to see if what I have created may already exist, somewhere, out there.
The only reason I am pursuing this course of action is because three people told me I should patent my invention.
My rule of thumb is this: if three people give me the same advice but on separate occasions, then that advice should be regarded as solid and true.
I just wanted to let y'all know that something was in the works.
(smile)

atomic size matters to me!

Truly, I had meant to write last summer.
I truly did.
But I would get a few pages into the book and realize that I wasn't following her train of thought. I was rolling off the track like oranges off a messy stack.
Perhaps it was because I was on vacation.
But no, I don't think that was it.
Perhaps it was because I was busy with weddings in South Carolina and Tennessee.
Then again, I doubt that would have deterred me for this long.
No.
The true reason is this: I allowed the words to get in the way.
But I finally saw through the smokescreen that language can impose.
After all, re-purposing of language is not a new concept. Every field of study, every career, every line of work in the world has its own set of jargon.
But once I recognized that the Old French were correct in their assessment of jargon as "chatter", I embraced the new words Veronica was using. After all, the words themselves were not new, simply the way in which the words were used.
"Bigga bada boom," as Leeloo would say.
In other words, I caught the gist of what Veronica Berns was saying.
What a success!
That's all she was trying to accomplish with the book!
I encourage you to get your own copy of "Chemical Pressure and Its Applications to the Tsai-Type Quasicrystal, or... Atomic Size Matters" here.
Surely that title is no more daunting than "The Effect of Molecular and Morphological Structure on the Tensile Properties of the Linear Polyethylenes".
That was the handle I gave to my doctoral thesis, en route to my Doctorate of Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry.
"Molecular Shape and Size Matter" would have been more friendly.
But our actual titles had to have the jargon added for the sake of our peers, to make us sound smarter, to make us sound like we belong in that particular club or career or trade or ivory tower.
Clearly, she and I are both real people, living in a real world, and trying to communicate our passions to all and not just to a select few.
Good for her!
Even so, here are some words of advice for future readers of the book.
"Chemical Pressure" refers to the strain caused by atoms being too close together or too far apart for optimal (i.e., "low") bonding energy.
(Try to remember that nature loves low energy states, just like we do.)
When the atoms are too close together, the chemical pressure is positive and causes a spring-like effect to force the atoms away from each other. In other words, positive chemical pressure blows the atoms apart.
When the atoms are too far apart, the chemical pressure is negative and causes a vacuum-like effect to bring the atoms closer. That means that negative chemical pressure sucks the atoms together.
There.
Now you're ready to read, and enjoy, her entertaining comic approach to chemistry!
(smile!)

discovering catarium with oskar and klaus!

Hooray!
At long last,
I have read the latest adventure
of Oskar and Klaus!

Trust me,
I'm going to be careful
not to give away
any key plot points.
But I do want
to make sure you notice
the C.A.T. on the hill,
just like in Hollywood!
Very cool!

And here,
the little plant
that went to space
to remind them
of home
is busting loose and
growing like a weed...
or should that be
growing like an Audrey II?
(smile!)

The newspaper is
so very full of
actual news!
It even has a
reference to their
good friend,
Bigfoot!
But what I really
like is that new
element on the desk.
I wonder where that
goes on the
Periodic Table?

My many thanks to you adorable felines!
I look forward to reading this book again.
It truly holds a special place in my heart, particularly so as I am teaching chemistry to a blind student this summer semester.
New adventures, of the teaching kind!

(You can enjoy the books, too, by the way. Just follow this link if you are like Klaus and use this one if you are more like Oskar.
Then again, you may prefer to hear the first book, instead!)

changing lives, one pint at a time!

"Your donation is on its way to change lives."
That was the header on the email I received this afternoon.
No, they were not congratulating me for a financial donation.
I had given something much closer to my heart.
I gave blood.
How very nice to be reminded that money is not the only way to help others!
Here's the rest of the email.

"#RedCrossOnTheWay
Share Your Impact
Tell others your blood is on the way to help save lives.


Dear FAUSTINA,

Thank you for giving blood with the American Red Cross on 6/1/2016. After first ensuring that local needs were met, your blood donation was sent to Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville, GA to help a patient in need. Your donation is on its way to change lives!

Every day, patients receive blood for a variety of conditions including life-threatening illnesses, blood disorders and traumas. Your blood donations are critical to helping save patients' lives.

On behalf of the hospitals and patients we serve, thank you for being a Red Cross blood donor.

Sincerely,

Mary O'Neill, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
American Red Cross"

DEEP kids in Savannah

(Please note that this is reposted from my usual blog. Why? Because, as a birthday gift for myself, I made a donation of $40 toward the DEEP Center and its encouragement of writing and thinking in today's youth.)

Such bravery on the stage of the Savannah Theatre!
Thirty-nine middle-school children took turns reading their story or poem in front of a full house.
Not all together, mind you.
Individually.
One on stage at any given time.
I was in awe of them.

I remember when I was that age.
I had written some haiku pieces and had been asked to read them at the next school meeting in the gym.
I had freaked out and broken down in tears.
The teacher relented and never asked me to do that again.

Fast forward forty-five years, to today.
I had noticed that the event was coming up and made plans to attend.
I haven't been for a number of years.
Why not?
Well, usually as soon as my grades for the semester are in,
I'm out of town!
Not this time.
I've been much more of a homebody since the hit-and-run.
So, this year, when "DEEP Speaks" rolled around, I rolled on into it.
Such a different venue since I had last attended!
Such a larger event than the inaugural one I had attended at Muse Arts Warehouse!
Both the writing group and the venue had been in their fledgling years in 2009. Or maybe it was 2010? I'm not sure which is correct, but I can tell you this: I bought a copy of every anthology they had. Then, I gave those books to nieces and nephews, to show them what was possible, even if you're just a kid.
Since that time, the program has grown quite nicely and now has some funding on a national level. Congratulations!
I lent my support by purchasing three of the four books by the Spring 2015 writers at the thirteen schools participating in the program.

This was the first book I selected for purchase.
Why did I choose it?
Was it because of the colorful art work?
No, although I must admit I do like the bespectacled pink octopus.
Was it because fishing is one of my favorite activities?
No, no, no.
I haven't been fishing since I was a child.
I never really cared for that sport.

Was it because I knew some of the authors?
No, that wasn't the case, either.
In fact, I knew no one -
I mean absolutely no one -
at this event or affiliated
with the DEEP Center.
I chose this book because
it featured the works
of students from Myers Middle School,
which had been my school
for grades 7, 8, and 9, in the early 1970's.

What about this book?
Did I go to any of the schools of the
authors in this volume?
Nope, I only went to the one middle school.
I did have nephews and nieces
that attended Hesse School K-8
and Isle of Hope School K-8.
But that is not why I chose it.

That unicorn on the cover.
The one with the kid on its back,
the kid reading a book?
Yep. I'm not sure how she's able
to read in the dark, but
younger eyes are better for that.
(smile)
The two dragons are a nice touch, too.
Oops! Make that four dragons,
including the two on the back cover.

And I suppose the dragon
is the reason for the purchase
of this third book?
Yes, indeed!
In for a penny,
in for a pound!
Also, the dragon seems so very playful,
doesn't he?
That emphasizes that reading is fun!

Quite honestly, I don't know why
I didn't go ahead and buy
the fourth book, too.
I simply resisted.
Perhaps if it had a mythical creature,
I would have relented.
Mayhaps I would have if the three schools
had been ones I knew.
After all, I have friends who teach at
three of the four listed on this tome.
Plus, I've volunteered at
East Broad Street School,
reading to children there.
No worries, though.
The Live Oak Public Libraries have copies of the books since 2013.
Maybe you and the kids might look up a tome or two this summer?
Could be inspirational!

oskar and klaus bring me books!

Oskar and Klaus have done it!
The books have arrived!
Yes, they may be a few months late, but good things are definitely worth the wait!
Whaddaya know... still rhyming, Joe!
I've only had time to tear open the package to verify the contents. I had to make sure the kittehs knew the books were safely here, ya know.
Now, if I can only carve out the time to truly read them.
Between teaching school full time this semester, film festivals, and taking care of the bfe's sole remaining old lady, my slate has no bare spots left.
Maybe I'll be able to read about the cats' adventure in Cataria during spring break... maybe!