WTF?

Has it really been a whole week since I posted? What have I been doing?

I met this guy at the UU, and this guy at the UU in Clearwater, and those were very engrossing experiences. I have been actively increasing the size of my garden, which is now yielding tomatoes every day that my family can eat.

A bit of writing and some reading, but nothing remarkable. On Wednesday, I had a meltdown of sorts over trying to coexist peacefully with my Aspie offspring. It's very weird, driving down the road and sobbing at the same time. It feels oddly intimate and isolated at the same time when you're sitting at at traffic light, next to other drivers, with tears running down your face. Isn't that the name of a band, "Drivin' and Cryin'" or something like that?

Back on Track

Thanks to Oso Meurte and Sir Brian, I am back on track. One flash story now entering revision stage.

Thanks, guys. Still looking for other flash site recommendations if folks have any.

Meanwhile, for a taste of what kind of short fiction I like, I suggest Shimmer (it's not flash). A free issue is up for download (did I post this before?). One story in particular caught me, called "A Painter, A Sheep, and a Boa Constrictor," by Nir Yaniv. He's an interesting fella in his own right.

I turned and read this tale aloud to my hubbie as soon as I'd read it through. Very nice balance of bizarre, intriguing elements and the recognizable, as well as perfect pacing. I do so love a twist ending that really works well.

Why I Am Not Writing Now

At this very moment, at least.

I have been writing, but not completing stories. I get stuck and move on to another story idea. Even knowing that flash submissions are required to be short doesn't help; I take forever to get to the point.

Advice from my teacher-self says: Keep writing until the good part materializes, then chop. Only I'd say it nicer to my students.

Writer-self is whining.

What do you say?

Admirable Person of the Week

A youngish person with serious chops.

Albert 2.0

Chat live with Albert Einstein (sort of).

After a few minutes of chat, he asked what I was wearing. Hmm.

For Fans of the Office and Religious Open-mindedness

I recently stumbled upon some interesting perspective on religion and the Baha'i faith from Rainn Wilson of The Office, who is apparently a pretty deep individual.

He appeared on Oprah's Sirius Radio show to talk about his brainchild, called SoulPancake.

While not big on Oprah, I am certainly a big fan of The Office, and of The Schrute, and now I like him even better.

Of course, I'm one of the "hippy-dippy" ones Rainn is not keen on.