As I posted here on July 4, I've a habit of celebrating independence from something a bit more meaningful to me than the overthrow of our British friends. Past years, I've tried independence from fear, for example, or from judgment. This year I felt myself dreading one or two events set for July 4. So … Continue reading Unexpected Delights: A report on Independence from Expectations Day
life
Random weather haiku
A random haiku inspired by our increasingly strange weather (typhoon-like storms, record-breaking heat, and the regular summer Kittitas Valley wind). Fellow humans, I think Mother Nature is trying to get our attention. We seek to control Weather for comfort, yet claim We do not change it.
Solstice
In honor of the summer solstice, I changed the background to a photo of sunset over Elliott Bay, Seattle, from a recent visit there. Here's the whole photo. May this longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere bring peace to all who enjoy the lengthened light, and may we remember this when the … Continue reading Solstice
Inspiration for adventure
Every writer, every artist in another "official" medium, and every artist of life in general, needs inspiration. The good news is, inspiration is everywhere. The trick is to recognize it when we see it. Today I saw inspiration in a new friend of mine. J. is about five feet tall, and weighs something like one … Continue reading Inspiration for adventure
A good day starts with “what if…?”
A story starts with an idea. An idea that usually comes in the form of a question: “What if…?” What if misfits here on Earth turned out to be beings from other planets, all trying to figure out how to fit in? What if alien CEO’s were just as incompetent as many Earth bosses? What … Continue reading A good day starts with “what if…?”
Interview Outtakes
Two of my favorite responses to interview questions from the wonderful people at Long and Short Reviews wound up on the cutting room floor. But you, dear readers, get to enjoy them. Think of this as the "outtakes" section... If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be? I wrote a whole novel … Continue reading Interview Outtakes
Because of books.
World Book Night 2013 is over, and it was sheer joy from start to finish. Here are some reflections on the day in Ellensburg, meeting people and giving away books at the senior center and food bank. Volunteers gave away something close to 200 books in our town yesterday. An old man plays "You Are … Continue reading Because of books.
More love, less hate
My monthly contribution to the Writers Vineyard is less about writing and more about a simple lesson we already know well: More love, less hate. Here's an excerpt: As I listened to news coverage of the bombings at the Boston Marathon, and the investigation and pursuit of suspects that followed, forgiveness wasn’t uppermost in my … Continue reading More love, less hate
Here’s to the helpers
Ascribed by multiple sources to Fred Rogers, this message is worth sharing at the end of a difficult week in our world: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" Helpers … Continue reading Here’s to the helpers
Yes. This.
Thank you World Book Night for this photo-quote from Norton Juster's beautiful masterpiece, The Phantom Tollbooth. This is what An Alien's Guide is really about.
Elizabeth Fountain, Author 