Tyler Colins's Blog, page 3

Author, Author

Took me long enough … to discover bestselling author Jeffrey Archer.

Bought Traitors Gate to read on a trip and never got around to even cracking it open. Finally did while dealing with this [still lingering] health issue. Didn’t take long to discover why this talented, high-volume author is so successful, much less to get hooked. I’m thoroughly entrenched [and enjoying] the Detective William Warwick novels.

Even if not reading in sequential order, following Warwick’s evolution—from student through various law-enforcement ranks—is an absorbing [exciting] read. Most characters are recurring, especially the suave villain who seems to be frequently blessed.

Found on the back covers: educated at Oxford, Archer was a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons for five years and a Member of the House of Lords for twenty-nine. Found elsewhere: Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super Mare was involved in a financial scandal that cleaned him out… and a couple of decades later was sentenced to four years in prison for having lied in a case. Given I’m sticking to short posts these days, I’ll leave it at that, but his life story is as fascinating [twisting/turning] as one of his books.

Impressive writing equals great success. As an aspiring author, it’s hard not to be a wee bit envious, but kudos to Archer. He’s an author’s author.

Discouragement … Encouragement

Two fellow authors have seemed a bit discouraged of late, so I thought I’d do a quick double-plug … a simple don’t be discouraged, become encouraged. Your books are awesome reads; take pride in them and your talents. Keep the faith, my friends. 

Jina’s a prolific author who writes in various genres, including [but not limited to] sci-fi, fantasy, and YA. Funny, unlike most of us early on, she’d never inspired to become. Fate (who we profusely thank) made the decision for her.

The Maclee Chronicles, the Roxanne Fosch Files, and Shadow Walker books are just three of the numerous series she’s penned. Great reads/escapism. Exciting. Adventure-dense. Highly recommended.

You can check Jina out at:

https://authorsinspirations.wordpress.com

https://www.goodreads.com/jinabazzar

https://www.facebook.com/JinaBazzarOfficial

A college-university English teacher, Sean also fits into the prolific author category. He’s penned numerous sci-fi books, including the wry/dry/funny [battle-filled] Crimson Deathbringer books, Epic Space Operas, and Starships in the Abyss.

There are some new stories coming—which I’ll leave for him to share on his sites—but they’re every bit as promising [thrilling] as the previous projects.

You can check Sean out at:

https://thecrimsondeathbringer.home.blog

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18999889.Sean_Robins

https://www.facebook.com/seanrobins300

High Five

High five to five-five … my b-day … a day I can usually do without acknowledging as I get older. But curiosity got the better of me. Besides Cinco de Mayo, what else, if anything, is significant about May 5th?

National Silence the Shame Day. Sounds sad. But isn’t. It’s the opportunity to continue discussing stigmas associated with mental health.

National Astronaut Day. Okay. Sharing the day with “highflyers”.

National Hoagie Day. Hmm. Never had one, though I have partaken of the odd sub (which, evidently, is the same, though hoagies look much more deliciously intriguing). Double hmm. Maybe this is the day to indulge in one …?

On the sharing birthdays front. Anyone of interest/note? Adele, Michael Palin, Tammy Wynette, Karl Marx, Leopold II.

And personality traits? Hey, I’m on a roll. Those born on May 5th are skilled with language and communication (no argument there), inventive by nature (not this gal, except imagination-wise perhaps), always on the move (yep) We have the ability to absorb info (double yep) and, among other things, possess excellent judgment re money (boy, are they wrong).

Curiosity appeased. And happy b-day to fellow May 5ers.

Funerals & Reflections

A major event that needs no introduction or discussion—it’s to be seen, read, and heard across the globe.

The passing of life is humbling, awe- and thought-provoking, prompts questions and discussions, and unites people.

As life moves on and wisdom and maturity develop, and, it seems appropriate to honor each experience as a learning curve and a step toward self-evolution.  

Some accomplish great things, others embrace simplicity, yet all serve a purpose and fulfill a role, no matter how humble or grand. The magic of life is diversity—of persons, convictions, and contributions.

Truly a day for [a manifold of] reflections.

A Hoppyingly Happy Time

For those celebrating Easter, a most joyous [long] weekend. May Mr. Bunny bring lots (!) of nummy treats.

For those not celebrating, enjoy the next few glorious days.

Spring is [finally] springing and all is happily hopping along … as it [at long last] should be.

Amen.

Weather / Whether

Juggling struggling thoughts and states…

Getting weary of being WEATHER[home]bound: it’s still cold and inclement more oft than not (thus not providing impetus for being externally active).

WHETHER to move, as in downsize.

Fight being under the WEATHER. Been so for way too long; hence, missed post last week. … But keeping the faith.

WHETHER to nap again: been sleeping [way too much].

Continue to WEATHER through all storms/crises, including the ongoing health issue.

WHETHER the WEATHER will soon allow for long walks along winding trails and lush ravines.

View WEATHERPERSONS as stand-up comedians.

WHETHER to begin more traveling: hankering to see the UK again … and check out the Azores and Dubai.

Walk away from FAIRWEATHER friends.

WHETHER the energy level will increase and once again allow for long-intended plans to come to fruition (like deleting FB and Instagram pages, and starting anew).

… Okay. Time to cease wondering whether the aforementioned are doable … embrace a sunshiny great-weather attitude … and work towards making ‘em happen.

Happy B-day Vincent

As an admirer of Vincent Van Gogh’s work—and had the privilege of viewing it in person—it seemed fitting to post about him on his special day.

I had the pleasure of editing Donna Russo’s Vincent’s Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh. What a remarkable chronicle. Sad. Tragic. Evocative. Provocative.

Interspersed with actual, factual documents/references, it follows the loves/lovers that influenced and affected (woefully, not always positively) this gifted post-impressionistic artist’s [short] life. Not only do we learn about his youthful years, but about the “lost” ear and how it came to be so. That he didn’t die of suicide is put forth as a theory … and perhaps he was never mad, as many accounts put forth.

It’s said some are blessed, others cursed. Vincent was blessed with a marvelous artistic gift, yet [often] cursed when it came to l’amour. And yet he accepted all that came his way with placid fortitude. Bitterness didn’t appear to be a word in his vocabulary.

Happy b-day Vincent. May you have found that elusive love you’ve always desired [and deserved], wherever you are.

 

A Chip-per Weekend

Feeling chipper today even if I’m chip-less. Missed Potato Chip Day last week. Quite frankly, didn’t know it existed until my wandering eye caught sight in the annals of Goggle.

Though I don’t eat them often, I do enjoy those delightful bites of salty, crispy crunchiness. Nothing better than relaxing with a plateful and catching a good [UK] mystery. Not a dip person, though on the rare occasion, I might throw sour cream and salsa (super spicy, of course) together—but only if I’m indulging in the rippled chip (which better support dense dips and sauces).

Confession: I’m a Lays lover (though President’s Choice makes pretty tasty chips too). Flavors of preference (not that you care, but I do, ha-ha): plain, salt and vinegar, and ketchup.

There’s a great brand out of France, not that easy to find in stores, but the flavors are amazing (distinctive, not fake tasting). Brets offers a sundry of flavorsome offerings: Camembert, braised chicken, gouda with cumin, candied onion with balsamic vinegar (nummmmm), and wood-fired pizza, to name but a very, very few.

Think I’ll take my chipper self to the store … there’s a craving to satisfy.

The Techno-Blues

One of those weeks/weekends where technology is so not being my friend. It won’t listen to reason (me) and is doing its own thang.

There’s logic to technology … and yet there are times, like now, when it seems not to exist. Check a box. Enter a code. Switch modes. All looks good. But all’s not fine.

If it were human, I’d be tempted to yell, “Behave!” and perhaps color that with an expletive or five. And though the image of throwing the laptop across the room and watching it smash into a dozen pieces prompts a huge smile [and perverse sense of glee], the only one to suffer would be my wallet.

But challenges/tribulations always seem to come in threes and the other two [physical] things that are transpiring simultaneously have me wondering if it’s psychosomatic. Wouldn’t surprise me if it were.

The techno-blues have me waffling between wishing/willing things to “correct” themselves [ha-ha] or contacting the internet/cable provider. That’s always fun. The call. The multiple numbers to press. The annoying voice assuring you you’re a valued customer as you listen to annoying music … as you wait to connect for a good hour, plus or minus (usually plus).

Never Too Ol’ to Rock and Roll

small neighborhood bar  +  local long-time talent 

=  enjoyable evening

That the musicians were sexagenarians didn’t detract from the energy, enthusiasm … and talent. That most of the audience, friends and supporters, were the same was neither here nor there. Age didn’t matter. The delivery (give and take) did.

Some cheered. Others danced. All applauded. It could have been any bar/club/pub in any North American city with any appreciative (discerning) crowd.

Many get to perform on grand stages, others on humble platforms. They all possess fascinating tales and timelines that have brought them to their [later] junctures—ones viewers may not be privy to. Irrelevant. The performers feast on the affirmative vibes, the people on the brilliant tunes.

Whatever the venue, the outcome’s the same: a “melodiously” good time had by all. You truly are never too old to rock and roll.