My Inner Author

I wrote an entire blog tonight on all the recent events and the social and 'real' media tidal wave of divisive commentary.  But when I read it all, I realized, it was simply too long.  The ideals I hold most dear, at least in respect to recent events are much simpler to document and espouse.  No American should ever have to fear each day they walk out their front door that it may well be their last, simply because they look a certain way, dress a certain way, or wear a certain uniform. This isn't some third world country in the Middle East ruled by mobs or warlords we live in, this is the United States of America.  Only, we aren't very united right now.  We have real issues which need to be addressed with respect to race, with respect to law enforcement, with respect for life, with respect for letting people live their own lives free of oppression.  We also have real problems with how and where we choose to inform and educate ourselves about events and issu...

I have held off for so long on posting too much political discussion because taken as a whole on social media, it tends to breed strife, discontent, disillusionment with our friends, and generally frustrate many without changing anything (except a few opinions of others).   However, I have also seen some very worthy debates and discussions arise from such posts when civilized discourse is used and so I am going to attempt that kind of post.   I have no idea if I will succeed or fail miserably, but I will at least be able to say I tried. These words and thoughts are just mine, I can’t pass blame for them onto anyone else.   You can disagree, feel free.   I have tons of friends who do not share my view of religion, some who are in fact atheists.   I have friends who embrace nearly every political opposite of things I believe to the core of my being.   They, nonetheless remain friends.   Good debates on issues SHOULD help shape our minds and thou...

I have not kept it a secret, nor have I broadcast into the world my ongoing attempt to write a novel.  I have actually had 4-5 ideas for stories/books/novels and I am still sitting on them.  The one which seemed most persistent in my thoughts has been the one I am going on my 20th month of working on.  I have read a few books on writing and from time to time I have hit walls.  The outline covers beginning to end, but at times I am still struggling with the parts in between.  I simply thought I would share a chapter and see what the feedback was.  This particular chapter provides a more detailed introduction to one of my main characters in the story.  This book is Science Fiction.  The events here take place on another planet called Vasparia.  A world similar to Earth, a bit more technologically developed.    Also, I would be tempted to say be kind, but in all honesty, I want real feedback.  I am happy with this.  I am sur...

"Sports should be about kids and their passion, not about parents and their goals. We love our kids so much, we want to map out their futures for them so early. For so many, a college (athletic) scholarship is their definition of success. That’s sick thinking, and unfortunately, it’s contagious.” - Mike Matheny, Manager St. Louis Cardinals He is so right.  I see kids being pushed and pushed.  Some kids playing a sport year round.   Some parents are behaving like a mix between prison inmates and wardens in a prison; yelling at their kids, the refs, even coaches at sports played by children, even as young as 6-8 years of age.   It’s a game.   It’s supposed to be a game.   It is not for a parent’s self-esteem or narcissism.   It isn’t the child’s responsibility to fulfill the parent’s lost dreams.   Yet sadly in so many cases, this is exactly what is happening. We are taking the recreation out of it.   It is supposed to be something f...

Like many, I truly enjoy the words of encouragement, great quotes, scripture, interesting tidbits of history, and pictures of my friends and their families online. What I find much more troubling and much more aggravating (and much more prevalent these past few years), is how dismissive and condescending so many people are online when a person shares an honest belief, thought, philosophy or viewpoint which is not shared by all their friends. Politics and Religion are the gr eatest examples of this.  It takes a good bit of faith these days to post your beliefs for all the world of Facebook (or another online forum) to see. It may not quite be the same level of trust and intimacy of sharing your birthday suit with someone, but sharing your deeply held personal beliefs and convictions is indeed inviting people to see your inner most self. Sadly so many take the opportunity to repay that level of authenticity, honesty and openness by shredding people's souls and que...