Ducks, Racism, and the Great State of Texas

For six years, in the 1980's, I lived in the metropolis that is Houston, Texas. Living in the South is something that many Californians don't like admit to. I also lived in Oklahoma as a child, but I guess that doesn't count. Texas, on the other hand was an adult choice.

When my future hubby number three, Lee, came home one day and said, "I'm going to move to Texas. Will you come with me?" I was flabbergasted. We had been on the brink of splitting up for a long time and I was thinking of leaving. After letting the idea sink in for a moment, I was ready to say "hast la veesta, baby," but the picture of an adventure, living somewhere other than the smoggy, busy, rush, rush world of Southern California, took on a sparkly glamor that I couldn't resist. I said yes.

Reflections on Writing

My dear friend Molly just published her delightful book, Margo. It was a long haul for her. She is in her 70's with a youthful mind that just won't give in to senior-hood. I love her dearly. Although not the normal fare for The Messenger, I reviewed it here. How could I not? 

That started me thinking about writing and books, and "stuff." I read a lot of books for The Messenger and review those I think are worth reading. I know, that's subjective. Like art, I know what I like. I don't have to agree with the author's point of view or philosophy, but it has to be well-written, honest, and engaging.

Faster than a Speeding Bullet, Able to Leap Tall Buildings. It's a Bird. It's a Plane. No. It's the Internet.

I was thinking earlier today about the Internet. I know that a lot of people in my age group are computer-phobes, gripe and groan about "the good old days" and how the evil Internet is destroying life as we know it. To that, I say "Balderdash!" and "Harrumph!" 

This came to mind today when I was reading one of this month's articles. A few days ago, I happened to read, I think on Twitter, a wonderful article by Simon Hay from his blog. I was impressed enough with what he had to say that I asked if I could reprint his article in the Messenger this month and if he would share more with us.

Bad Ju Ju, Vulcans, and Purses on the Floor

As I am writing this, it is Friday, the 13 of January. I hadn't given it much thought until this morning. Following my semi-ritual, I woke up around 6 am or so, opened my I-pad and checked email. Aarrgh, 56 pieces of mail and only 20 "real" ones and of those, only a few I wanted to look at. I'll save my cooking.com, and such for later. Much spam, in spite of spam filters. No, I'm NOT interested in barnyard babes, or helping a Nigerian Prince put millions in my bank account. Next I checked my sales status for ebooks on Amazon and Barnes and Noble—yay! another sale in the UK— then went to Flip, a central place for my Twitter, Facebook, and News. Lots of stuff about Friday the 13th.