Don't End the Story with the Book

A few years back, I read the book FINN by Jon Clinch. It is a prequel to Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn. It had been recommended to me by my sister.
It was a good read but disturbing in some ways.

This many years later, I still think on that story. Part because I think of Twain stories on a regular basis but also, it's just a story that rolls around in my head. A story that just won't rest.

Today, via Twitter, I was able to be at the same time that I knew the author was online. I got to finally tell the author "in person" that his story still bugged me. He responded, "Good".

He's right. We should seek and read books that don't end with the closing of the back cover.

Take the story, lesson, or emotion with you.

This Year, Not Next

I Climbed that mountain. On a whim in September, I got up early one morning and walked my big ol' butt on up to the top. It wasn't easy. It wasn't quick. But I ascended the 4,000 feet to reach the summit at 11,750 ft. I still enjoy that feat becuase on why I did it.

I told myself that I would not spend another winter looking at that mountain, telling myself that "next year" after the snow melts, I would do it.

Now when I see the snowy cliffs, I say "I did that." It feels good. And for a chronic procrastinator such as I am, that's a mountain climbed in and of itself.

Meeting the Utes

“Meeting up with Utes ain’t ever boring, that’s for sure.” Porter quipped to the dog.
The animal acknowledged his voice with a quick lick about his snout but kept his head strained around Porter and his eyes fixed toward the voices.

Not Miserable

I am reading the book, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.
Wow! What a read.
It amazes me when you have in your hands the work of a great writer. I am astounded how the feelings and descriptions of persons- the inside stuff- is still so much the same and how if you were a good writer then, you would be good now.
That all being said, it also is evident the change in style. This book, I believe, would struggle to reach publication today. The odd narrative and the fact of being so wordy and long would set this book outside of today's standards. Even the other day, watching people at the bookstore who noticed the book for sale, liked the price of $8 but winced at the 900 pages. I did not see anyone actually buy it but many said they would like to read it someday; influenced I am sure by the movie, the reason I decided to finally read the book now as well.
 I love reading many of the older classic novels and have set in my mind to read more of them. My fight throughout my school years of not wanting to read have left me a blind spot. They are not like eating vegetables, however, at least not anymore. They are the desert and I am glad I am reading them now, when I can appreciate them.

Excerpt from "Ain't Dead Yet"

“Christina, grab lang riffle! The man called out in his native language.

The Danish farmer’s wife crawled along the one room cabin’s dirt floor, staying low and out of sight. She inched towards the fireplace. Terrified, she forced herself to stand up straight only long enough to reach the rifle hanging over the mantle, as requested by her husband. Once retrieved, she hurried down to the floor and scooted back across it, dragging her dress in one hand and holding the rifle up in the other. Not wanting to stay up higher any longer than needed, she stretched her arm out to hand the firearm to her husband’s reach. She dropped all the way down and searched again for her children.

Far Worse...

“Well, all right,” Jacob relented “but I can only eat enough to get me home and to protect your reputation within the Ward.” He winked at Mary Ann. “Far worse than coming home hungry, is coming home full.” -Jacob Williams, character and neighbor to Orrin Porter Rockwell in my upcoming book: "Ain't Dead Yet".

Good Things of 2012

Climbed Mt Timpanogas.
First published book: Twice the Christmas.
Completed 6 day road trip in motorcycle thru Southern Utah.
Saw the Grand Canyon.
Landed 24" Cutthroat trout from float tube.
Resumed float tubing.
Resumed fishing.
Took my dad fishing to Fish Lake.
Rode to LA and back on motorcycle; came back in one 12 hour ride thru cold rain.
Attended church service again.
Prayed aloud on Thanksgiving day.
Attended Bees games.
Coached Little League.
Had last game, that we almost won, dedicated to me. Very special to me.
Met up with old friend, Shane, after far too long.
Spent the year with Annette.

I am eating candy at my desk. Christmas candy. It's not like I can keep it around and it's not like I can throw it away. So piece by piece, it will disappear, each with a renewed promise to be the last one.
I will eat this whole bag. I know it.
If you want some, drop by my office and have a piece or two. My motorcycle suspension will appreciate it.

Ain't Dead Yet ain't dead yet.

Work progresses on my novel AIN'T DEAD YET. I hope to have it ready by May or June. It's follow up, CURSING BLACK'S TRAIL in November/December.

Blue Christmas

I am writing this after Christmas. I am struggling. The weight of the rejection of my kids is heavy on my shoulders. I am saddened by the inability on my part to gain the opportunity to reach out to them in a way that maybe they can start to understand the why's. But more importantly, how much I love them and miss them. At times, it is more than I can bear.