Merry Christmas

They’re not wrapped up neatly and I guess that it shows

            I didn’t have boxes, ribbons, or bows.

But the Spirit of Christmas isn’t in what is given

            Or how much you spend or how far one has driven.

No, it’s much more important, for down deep inside

            Of the heart of the giver is where Christmas abides.

So I made from the gifts a small wreath ‘round the tree

            And they’re given with love that flows to you from me.

COLDWATER by Diana Gould

The following is a review of a book coming soon. When you see it on the shelves, give it a try.

COLDWATER by Diana Gould

Brett Tanager is a mess.  Her world, once filled with love, money, and power, has been destroyed by alcohol and drugs.  Largely shunned by her wealthy friends, Brett is diminished to an occasional house-sitting job and handouts from friends.

Until the day her distraught step-daughter asks for her help in finding a missing friend, Brett’s life is totally focused on her self and her addictions.  Once she realizes there are needs far greater than her own, Brett’s path to redemption is clear.

COLDWATER is a vivid and harrowing picture of life among Hollywood’s rich and powerful, young and old alike.  Secrets that tear families apart are brought to light as a vicious murder is investigated.  Diana Gould, herself a screen writer, has done an excellent job in depicting what goes on behind the silver screen.

Tales out of School, ...

 ... or a lesson in homophones.

A somewhat petulant first grader proclaimed in a clear southern drawl, "I need internet to work on my project and this computer doesn't have internet.  That one does."  A finger pointed to a computer where a little girl sat working.

"But that one is in use, you'll have to wait your turn," the teacher replied.

"But she doesn't belong here.  She says she does but she doesn't.  She's a-lyin'."

This response rankles the teacher, so she takes the child aside.  "We don't use words like that here.  There are much better words to use than that."

"But she is, she is a-lyin."  Teardrops glisten in the corner of the child's eyes.

Now the teacher is really rankled.  "What did I just tell you about using words like that?" she asked in her finest teacher's voice.

"But she is, see?"  A finger directed the teacher's gaze to the wall where each student was grouped with an animal as their identifying badge.

"I'm a Monkey, and she's a Lion.  It's the Monkeys' turn now."

Mi casa es su casa?

Had a bird in the house today.  A house wren built a nest near our front door, and laid a clutch of three eggs.  We noticed the next and the eggs earlier this year, and have been avoiding the front door to keep from disturbing momma and her babies.

This morning, a visitor rang the front doorbell.  When the door opened, one of the barely fledged wrens fluttered into the house and hid in the family room.  A careful hunt found him huddled in a corner.

The open garage door gave him a path of escape.  Cautiously, I herded him toward the doorway.  After several false starts, he finally understood and flew out the garage.  Whew, that was enough adventure for one day.

Interview at The Nautical Muse

Doug Danielson posted an interview with me at http://www.doug-danielson.com/blog/this-story-writhes-its-way-through-florida-like-a-python-through-the-everglades/

He drew out some information that I've kept to myself for years!

Tribute to Norway

Land of fjords, mountains, waterfalls, forests, beautiful cities and beautiful people.  This poem was written several years ago and was published in the 2007 edition of Wordsmith.  It came rushing back to mind during our recent visit to Norway, so I offer it here with slight modification.

Climb with me the rugged stair

            With wonder gaze on mountain lair

            Breathe deep once more the cleansing air.

 

On bank of silver brook we rest

            Midst golden flowers dew caressed

            As eagles soar o’er mountain crest.

Unblemished waters in their flow

            Wash mountain stone with melted snow

            And nurture verdant field below.

Norway is incredibly beautiful.  We had a wonderful time on our vacation, but of course are glad to be home.  The picture above is one of over a hundred, this one was taken in Olden, a beautiful village of about 300 or so people.  We were privileged to visit Olden, Skjolden, Molde, Alesund, Bergen, Geiranger, and Stavenger.  Each stop was an absolute wonder of beautiful scenery and wonderful people.

DOG ISLAND continues to do well, thanks to all of you.  It would be great to see a few more reviews, so if you feel so inclined, stop by either Amazon or Barnes and Noble and post your review.  And the blog has now exceeded 1000 visitors, but no one offered a comment.  Don't be shy, let me know you have stopped by.