Michael Embry's Blog, page 25
May 26, 2016
Story Songs -- I Write the Songs
Bruce Johnston wrote the greatest tribute to songwriters with "I Write the Songs," a timeless composition that reminds us about the importance of music in our lives.
Johnston, a longtime member of The Beach Boys, composed the song in 1975. It was first recorded by David Cassidy and The Captain & Tennille. Then Barry Manilow reluctantly covered the song, taking it to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1976 -- 40 years ago.
The song begins,
"I've been alive foreverAnd I wrote the very first songI put the words and melodies togetherI am music and I write the songs"
He goes on to say,
"My home lies deep within youAnd I've got my own place in your soul"
For those who love music, we know there are songs that stay with us forever, for whatever reasons.
Johnston writes that,
"... music makes you danceAnd gives you spirit to take a chanceAnd I wrote some rock 'n' roll so you can moveMusic fills your heartWell, that's a real fine place to start"
And the unforgettable chorus,
"I write the songs that make the whole world singI write the songs of love and special thingsI write the songs that make the young girls cryI write the songs, I write the songs"
While some folks thought the song was about Beach Boys' gifted band mate Brian Wilson, Johnston has stated the "I" in the lyrics represents "God" and the creativity in everyone.
Johnston's timeless tune went on to win the Grammy's "Record of the Year" in 1977. It has been recorded by more than 200 artists, including Johnston on his "Going Public" album that same year.
Johnston, who turns 74 in June, has had an impressive and prolific career as a singer, songwriter, and music producer. Another favorite of mine is his "Disney Girls (1957)," from the Beach Boys' "Surf's Up" album in 1971.
We can be thankful for his contributions, especially his wonderful song about music -- and songwriters.
Until the next time....
Johnston, a longtime member of The Beach Boys, composed the song in 1975. It was first recorded by David Cassidy and The Captain & Tennille. Then Barry Manilow reluctantly covered the song, taking it to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1976 -- 40 years ago.The song begins,
"I've been alive foreverAnd I wrote the very first songI put the words and melodies togetherI am music and I write the songs"
He goes on to say,
"My home lies deep within youAnd I've got my own place in your soul"
For those who love music, we know there are songs that stay with us forever, for whatever reasons.
Johnston writes that,
"... music makes you danceAnd gives you spirit to take a chanceAnd I wrote some rock 'n' roll so you can moveMusic fills your heartWell, that's a real fine place to start"
And the unforgettable chorus,
"I write the songs that make the whole world singI write the songs of love and special thingsI write the songs that make the young girls cryI write the songs, I write the songs"
While some folks thought the song was about Beach Boys' gifted band mate Brian Wilson, Johnston has stated the "I" in the lyrics represents "God" and the creativity in everyone.
Johnston's timeless tune went on to win the Grammy's "Record of the Year" in 1977. It has been recorded by more than 200 artists, including Johnston on his "Going Public" album that same year.
Johnston, who turns 74 in June, has had an impressive and prolific career as a singer, songwriter, and music producer. Another favorite of mine is his "Disney Girls (1957)," from the Beach Boys' "Surf's Up" album in 1971.We can be thankful for his contributions, especially his wonderful song about music -- and songwriters.
Until the next time....
May 20, 2016
It's Boomer Lit for Me
There are times when something almost has to knock you off your feet before you realize what you've been doing for several years. It was kind of like a duh moment for me as an author.
My latest novel, Old Ways and New Days, is a coming-of-old-age story about a recent retiree who discovers that there's much more to life than work and a few family obligations. By the way, did you know that 10,000 boomers retire, or reach age 65, each day? I'm a member of the growing pajama club.
While doing marketing and promotional research the past week, I ran across the literary sub-genre, boomer lit. Those are novels geared for baby boomers, those folks born between 1946 and 1964.
According to a Publishing Perspectives blog post, there are 77.5 million boomers in the U.S. And they read. A lot.
Here's a general list of genres, both nonfiction and fiction. Writer's Digest published a lengthy list of sub-genres.
While thinking about my books, it occurred to me that four of my novels fall under the boomer lit label -- The Touch, A Long Highway, Foolish Is The Heart, and Old Ways and New Days. The protagonist and other primary characters in these books were all boomers, folks in the 40s and older.
I've also written in the young-adult genre, with Shooting Star and The Bully List.
A story in the The Telegraph I found interesting noted that young adult-fiction gained a foothold back in the '60s with coming-of-age stories when many of the boomers were in their teens and younger. Remember S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, from the '60s.? Or perhaps J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, from the '50s?
Now those teeny-boppers have all grown up to become aging boomers, and they want stories that relate to their mature stage in life.
In the past, I've generally referred to my novels as mainstream fiction (except for A Confidential Man, a murder mystery involving boomers). That's a broad category. From now on, it's Boomer Lit!
Until the next time....
My latest novel, Old Ways and New Days, is a coming-of-old-age story about a recent retiree who discovers that there's much more to life than work and a few family obligations. By the way, did you know that 10,000 boomers retire, or reach age 65, each day? I'm a member of the growing pajama club. While doing marketing and promotional research the past week, I ran across the literary sub-genre, boomer lit. Those are novels geared for baby boomers, those folks born between 1946 and 1964.
According to a Publishing Perspectives blog post, there are 77.5 million boomers in the U.S. And they read. A lot.
Here's a general list of genres, both nonfiction and fiction. Writer's Digest published a lengthy list of sub-genres.
While thinking about my books, it occurred to me that four of my novels fall under the boomer lit label -- The Touch, A Long Highway, Foolish Is The Heart, and Old Ways and New Days. The protagonist and other primary characters in these books were all boomers, folks in the 40s and older.
I've also written in the young-adult genre, with Shooting Star and The Bully List.
A story in the The Telegraph I found interesting noted that young adult-fiction gained a foothold back in the '60s with coming-of-age stories when many of the boomers were in their teens and younger. Remember S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, from the '60s.? Or perhaps J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, from the '50s?
Now those teeny-boppers have all grown up to become aging boomers, and they want stories that relate to their mature stage in life. In the past, I've generally referred to my novels as mainstream fiction (except for A Confidential Man, a murder mystery involving boomers). That's a broad category. From now on, it's Boomer Lit!
Until the next time....
May 11, 2016
Post Dogwood Writing Conference
I had a great time at the 2016 Dogwood Writing Conference, an annual event sponsored by KYOWA Writers (Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia Association).
The conference last weekend was entertaining and informative. I met some nice folks, some of whom are published authors and a few who are aspiring authors.
Carter Caves SRP LodgeThe event was held at rustic Carter Caves State Resort Park, near Olive Hill. It was my first visit there and I plan to return to do some hiking, and perhaps some writing.
Mark MirabelloMark Mirabello, a history professor at nearby Shawnee State University, opened the conference with an enlightening presentation about ghosts. He's written several books about the paranormal, and his next will out in August, titled "A Traveler's Guide to the Afterlife: Traditions and Beliefs on Death, Dying and What Lies Beyond." I recommend him to those interested in history, ghosts, and all things paranormal.
Mary ShortridgeMary Shortridge, a professor at Ashland Community College, led a unique (at least to me) exercise in short-story writing in Saturday's first session. I was paired with Gertrude, and I must say that I thought we came up with a very good story in the 15 minutes we had to put it together. Readers and writers groups as well as schools, libraries should contact Mary for their events.
S.G. RedlingBestselling mystery writer Sheila Redling (she goes by S.G. Redling), of Huntington, W.Va., discussed her approach to writing fiction and her life as a writer. Her latest novel is "Baggage." Her sixth book will be published in August. Give her a read, you won't be disappointed.
Cathie ShafferCathie Shaffer, who is president of KYOWA, closed the conference with an insightful presentation about marketing books and how authors can promote themselves. Shaffer has published several novels and is involved in Fat Cat Publications.
And yours truly talked about writing fiction and nonfiction. I wasn't booed or hissed so I think I did OK, and a few folks even purchased some of my novels after the presentation. You can't beat Kentucky (Ohio and West Virginia) hospitality!
Dogwood Writing ConferenceIf you have a writers group that would like to have a speaker(s) or if you would like some information on how to have a conference, you should contact Cathie at mizcathie@yahoo.com. I'll be happy to help as well.
Until the next time....
(See that "Follow This Blog" tab on the right? I'd be flattered and honored to have you click it.)
The conference last weekend was entertaining and informative. I met some nice folks, some of whom are published authors and a few who are aspiring authors. 
Carter Caves SRP LodgeThe event was held at rustic Carter Caves State Resort Park, near Olive Hill. It was my first visit there and I plan to return to do some hiking, and perhaps some writing.
Mark MirabelloMark Mirabello, a history professor at nearby Shawnee State University, opened the conference with an enlightening presentation about ghosts. He's written several books about the paranormal, and his next will out in August, titled "A Traveler's Guide to the Afterlife: Traditions and Beliefs on Death, Dying and What Lies Beyond." I recommend him to those interested in history, ghosts, and all things paranormal.
Mary ShortridgeMary Shortridge, a professor at Ashland Community College, led a unique (at least to me) exercise in short-story writing in Saturday's first session. I was paired with Gertrude, and I must say that I thought we came up with a very good story in the 15 minutes we had to put it together. Readers and writers groups as well as schools, libraries should contact Mary for their events. 
S.G. RedlingBestselling mystery writer Sheila Redling (she goes by S.G. Redling), of Huntington, W.Va., discussed her approach to writing fiction and her life as a writer. Her latest novel is "Baggage." Her sixth book will be published in August. Give her a read, you won't be disappointed. 
Cathie ShafferCathie Shaffer, who is president of KYOWA, closed the conference with an insightful presentation about marketing books and how authors can promote themselves. Shaffer has published several novels and is involved in Fat Cat Publications.
And yours truly talked about writing fiction and nonfiction. I wasn't booed or hissed so I think I did OK, and a few folks even purchased some of my novels after the presentation. You can't beat Kentucky (Ohio and West Virginia) hospitality!
Dogwood Writing ConferenceIf you have a writers group that would like to have a speaker(s) or if you would like some information on how to have a conference, you should contact Cathie at mizcathie@yahoo.com. I'll be happy to help as well.Until the next time....
(See that "Follow This Blog" tab on the right? I'd be flattered and honored to have you click it.)
May 6, 2016
Dogwood Writing Conference
I'll be at Carter Caves State Resort Park, near Olive Hill, Ky., to participate in the annual Dogwood Writing Conference on May 6-7.
The event is sponsored by KYOWA Writers, an organization of authors from Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia.
I'm one of the featured speakers, along with S.G. Redling, of Huntington, W.Va., a bestselling author of thrillers; and Mark Mirabello, a professor of history at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, an author of six books.
It promises to be an interesting conference with the presenters representing different areas of writing. I'll be focusing on writing nonfiction and fiction as well as my career as a reporter and magazine editor.
I'm sure I'll learn a lot from Redling and Mirabello as well as participants since many are established authors as well.
Registration is $50 at the door. For more information contact Cathie Shaffer at
Mizcathie@yahoo.com and or Fonda Warnock at frwarnock@yahoo.com.
Until the next time....
(If your organization, club, library or readers group would like to have me as a speaker, contact me at michael.embry@gmail.com. I also can put you in touch with other authors who would enjoy talking about their books, writing, or whatever subject.)
The event is sponsored by KYOWA Writers, an organization of authors from Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia.
I'm one of the featured speakers, along with S.G. Redling, of Huntington, W.Va., a bestselling author of thrillers; and Mark Mirabello, a professor of history at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, an author of six books.
It promises to be an interesting conference with the presenters representing different areas of writing. I'll be focusing on writing nonfiction and fiction as well as my career as a reporter and magazine editor.
I'm sure I'll learn a lot from Redling and Mirabello as well as participants since many are established authors as well.
Registration is $50 at the door. For more information contact Cathie Shaffer at
Mizcathie@yahoo.com and or Fonda Warnock at frwarnock@yahoo.com.
Until the next time....
(If your organization, club, library or readers group would like to have me as a speaker, contact me at michael.embry@gmail.com. I also can put you in touch with other authors who would enjoy talking about their books, writing, or whatever subject.)
April 28, 2016
Author Observations
One thing I've observed about many authors is that there are those who write about what they're doing and those who simply get it done with little or no fanfare.
And it's generally the successful authors who concentrate on the work at hand and get it finished. No excuses. No rationalizations. No self-pity. You hardly know they're around until you see that they've had another book published. They make time work for them instead of never having enough time to write.
And they do it over and over. I'm sure they privately discuss how their writing is coming along with their publisher, agent, close friends, and a few other confidantes. Maybe even spouses or significant others.
You realize that they are focused and designate a block of time each day for their work in progress. No doubt there are some under contract to deliver the goods by a certain date -- and that's sometimes negotiable. But they still get it done.
I think more writers would be more productive -- especially those who are self-published -- if they would have self-imposed deadlines. And that would also apply to traditionally published writers who aren't under contract and want to complete a manuscript by a certain date.
That's something I try to do when working on a novel. I suppose it's also a carryover from my newspaper and wire-service days when I was always under deadline covering events.
I tend to find myself more tuned in on what I want to accomplish when I set a date to put a wrap on it.
Do deadlines work for you?
Until the next time....
And it's generally the successful authors who concentrate on the work at hand and get it finished. No excuses. No rationalizations. No self-pity. You hardly know they're around until you see that they've had another book published. They make time work for them instead of never having enough time to write.And they do it over and over. I'm sure they privately discuss how their writing is coming along with their publisher, agent, close friends, and a few other confidantes. Maybe even spouses or significant others.
You realize that they are focused and designate a block of time each day for their work in progress. No doubt there are some under contract to deliver the goods by a certain date -- and that's sometimes negotiable. But they still get it done.
I think more writers would be more productive -- especially those who are self-published -- if they would have self-imposed deadlines. And that would also apply to traditionally published writers who aren't under contract and want to complete a manuscript by a certain date.
That's something I try to do when working on a novel. I suppose it's also a carryover from my newspaper and wire-service days when I was always under deadline covering events. I tend to find myself more tuned in on what I want to accomplish when I set a date to put a wrap on it.
Do deadlines work for you?
Until the next time....
April 15, 2016
Writers Block? (Part II)
I've made several posts here and on my Facebook author's page about writer's block.
I think it's difficult to define writer's block. You ask 10 writers about the condition and you're likely to get 10 explanations (and probably more). Some say they've lost their muse. Others lament losing focus. Some blame the use of stimulants and depressants for their woes. Still others think it might be physical fatigue. And perhaps some use it as an excuse for not writing.
Mental Health Daily offers quite a few causes for the condition.
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the simple definition of writer's block is "the problem of not being able to think of something to write about or not being able to finish writing a story, poem, etc."
And the medical definition, according to Merriam-Webster, is "a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece."
I like what Nobel Prize- and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison has to say about writer's block:
Toni Morrison"I tell my students there is such a thing as 'writer's block,' and they should respect it. You shouldn't write through it. It's blocked because it ought to be blocked, because you haven't got it right now."
From my own personal experience, that's something I understand from writing everything from novels to news stories to press releases. In other words, the reason something is being blocked is because it doesn't work. Writers needs to go back and rethink, rework, and rewrite what they're trying to write until they get it right.
I'm encountering this kind of "writer's block" in my current work in progress. It's not easy but whoever said writing was easy.
How do you deal with writer's block?
Until the next time....
I think it's difficult to define writer's block. You ask 10 writers about the condition and you're likely to get 10 explanations (and probably more). Some say they've lost their muse. Others lament losing focus. Some blame the use of stimulants and depressants for their woes. Still others think it might be physical fatigue. And perhaps some use it as an excuse for not writing.
Mental Health Daily offers quite a few causes for the condition.
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the simple definition of writer's block is "the problem of not being able to think of something to write about or not being able to finish writing a story, poem, etc."
And the medical definition, according to Merriam-Webster, is "a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece."
I like what Nobel Prize- and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison has to say about writer's block:
Toni Morrison"I tell my students there is such a thing as 'writer's block,' and they should respect it. You shouldn't write through it. It's blocked because it ought to be blocked, because you haven't got it right now."From my own personal experience, that's something I understand from writing everything from novels to news stories to press releases. In other words, the reason something is being blocked is because it doesn't work. Writers needs to go back and rethink, rework, and rewrite what they're trying to write until they get it right.
I'm encountering this kind of "writer's block" in my current work in progress. It's not easy but whoever said writing was easy.
How do you deal with writer's block?
Until the next time....
April 11, 2016
Writer's Block?
I bet most writers experience periods in which it's difficult, if not impossible, to write. You know, the dreaded writer's block.
I know I go through it at various times. While I believe the best way to overcome this peculiar impairment is to write through the problem, there are times that are more difficult than others.
Life simply gets in the way.
For me, it has to do a lot with focus. When I'm distracted by other forces in life, it makes it much more difficult to sit in front of the keyboard and write. Writing, as with anything I care about, demands my full attention.
And we all know that writing takes time, whether it's allotting 30 minutes or eight hours a day to a specific project. When I'm pulled from our writing routine to take care of other things -- big or small -- it makes it all that more difficult to get back into a groove.
When I'm working on a novel or other project, I need to write every day until finished. When something interrupts that process for several days, I find it all that more difficult to get back to my writing ways. If only for a day or so, not so much of a problem, but when it's prolonged for a week or longer, I lose my train of thought -- or storyline -- and it's not easy finding my way back.
Of course, re-reading is the best way to get back on course, and that's what I do. But it takes time.
I've also discovered that I'm not quite as prolific as I was in my younger days. I think a lot of that has to do with my energy level and other commitments in life. As basic as it sounds, I think writers should try to be physically fit in order to to be mentally focused. Get enough sleep. Physical activity such as walking, jogging, or whatever gets you off your butt.
I also think it's important to make an assessment of what is truly important in your life and where you want to dedicate the time and energy.
If you're a writer, it would behoove you to remove or minimize those things. And you might also discover that writing may not rank very high on your list of priorities. Then you have to make some hard decisions about your writing life.
The one thing I do when I've hit that stalemate at the keyboard is to read -- everyday. Another stimulus for me is to socialize with other writers at various events such as book fairs, readings, or simply meeting for coffee.
How do you deal with writer's block?
Until the next time....
I know I go through it at various times. While I believe the best way to overcome this peculiar impairment is to write through the problem, there are times that are more difficult than others. Life simply gets in the way.
For me, it has to do a lot with focus. When I'm distracted by other forces in life, it makes it much more difficult to sit in front of the keyboard and write. Writing, as with anything I care about, demands my full attention.
And we all know that writing takes time, whether it's allotting 30 minutes or eight hours a day to a specific project. When I'm pulled from our writing routine to take care of other things -- big or small -- it makes it all that more difficult to get back into a groove.
When I'm working on a novel or other project, I need to write every day until finished. When something interrupts that process for several days, I find it all that more difficult to get back to my writing ways. If only for a day or so, not so much of a problem, but when it's prolonged for a week or longer, I lose my train of thought -- or storyline -- and it's not easy finding my way back.
Of course, re-reading is the best way to get back on course, and that's what I do. But it takes time.
I've also discovered that I'm not quite as prolific as I was in my younger days. I think a lot of that has to do with my energy level and other commitments in life. As basic as it sounds, I think writers should try to be physically fit in order to to be mentally focused. Get enough sleep. Physical activity such as walking, jogging, or whatever gets you off your butt.
I also think it's important to make an assessment of what is truly important in your life and where you want to dedicate the time and energy.
If you're a writer, it would behoove you to remove or minimize those things. And you might also discover that writing may not rank very high on your list of priorities. Then you have to make some hard decisions about your writing life.
The one thing I do when I've hit that stalemate at the keyboard is to read -- everyday. Another stimulus for me is to socialize with other writers at various events such as book fairs, readings, or simply meeting for coffee.
How do you deal with writer's block?
Until the next time....
March 30, 2016
Sixth Annual Authors Fair
I'll be among the 50 or so authors participating in the sixth annual Authors Fair on April 2-3 in Madison, Ind.
The event will be at the National Guard Armory, located at 1533 Clifty Drive. The hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.
Practically all genres will be available, from young adult to science fiction to romance to various nonfiction titles. Frank Hall, who founded the fair, will also have used books at bargain prices.
I'll have seven fiction titles to sign for interested patrons including my latest release, Old Ways and New Days.
If you're in the vicinity of Madison, a picturesque college town located next to the Ohio River, be sure and stop by and browse the tables and chat with the authors.
Click here for more information.
I hope to see you there.
Until the next time....
The event will be at the National Guard Armory, located at 1533 Clifty Drive. The hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.Practically all genres will be available, from young adult to science fiction to romance to various nonfiction titles. Frank Hall, who founded the fair, will also have used books at bargain prices.
I'll have seven fiction titles to sign for interested patrons including my latest release, Old Ways and New Days.
If you're in the vicinity of Madison, a picturesque college town located next to the Ohio River, be sure and stop by and browse the tables and chat with the authors.
Click here for more information.
I hope to see you there.
Until the next time....
March 29, 2016
Another Giveaway -- The Bully List
I've got a five-day promotion of my young-adult novel, The Bully List, on Amazon, ending April 3. There will be five copies awarded.
It's the story of two boys who are bullied by a gang and decide to seek some revenge by putting together a "bully list" on things they can do to get back at their antagonists. But their plans don't always go as planned.
Here's the blurb from the back cover:
"It’s not easy being a teenager. You have to go to school. Sometimes you get zits. Sometimes you’re not that popular or good at sports. Even your body doesn’t seem to look right or do what you want it to do at times. But the worst part is dealing with bullies. I don’t care if you’re a boy or girl, bullies just don’t seem to let up in picking on people.
"Josh and Sam try to get along with everybody. They like to go swimming, ride their bikes, go to movies….just like other kids they want to have fun. But a gang of four bullies seems to spoil everything. So Josh and Sam try to get even as they come up with things to do on their bully list."
The novel is targeted for middle-school readers and older.
Click here to register for The Bully List and tell your friends!
Until the next time....
It's the story of two boys who are bullied by a gang and decide to seek some revenge by putting together a "bully list" on things they can do to get back at their antagonists. But their plans don't always go as planned. Here's the blurb from the back cover:
"It’s not easy being a teenager. You have to go to school. Sometimes you get zits. Sometimes you’re not that popular or good at sports. Even your body doesn’t seem to look right or do what you want it to do at times. But the worst part is dealing with bullies. I don’t care if you’re a boy or girl, bullies just don’t seem to let up in picking on people.
"Josh and Sam try to get along with everybody. They like to go swimming, ride their bikes, go to movies….just like other kids they want to have fun. But a gang of four bullies seems to spoil everything. So Josh and Sam try to get even as they come up with things to do on their bully list."
The novel is targeted for middle-school readers and older.
Click here to register for The Bully List and tell your friends!
Until the next time....
March 28, 2016
First Thoughts on a Memorable Vacation
If you're wondering where I've been the past two weeks with no posts, my wife and I returned from a 10-day vacation to Budapest, Vienna and Prague. Gorgeous cities. Rich history. Beautiful architecture. Lovely people. Delicious food. Wonderful memories.
Crossing Charles Bridge in PragueBuda Castle. Hungarian Parliament. Chain Bridge. Schonbrunn Palace. St. Stephen's Cathedral. Prague Castle. Charles Bridge. Just too many places to mention here.
I've posted quite a few photos on my Facebook page. Every time I glance at them I want to hop back on a plane and return to Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Part of the beauty of the trip is that the group we traveled with was a lot of fun and enjoyed the adventure as much, if not more, than we did. It was a wide variety of folks, from former air-traffic controllers to school teachers to a physical therapist and everything in between. Most of them were seasoned and savvy sightseers so my wife and I learned a lot from being around them.
The village of Szentendre in HungaryWe also had an excellent tour director throughout the trip and knowledgeable guides at various stops along the way.
Chain Bridge in Budapest Instead of flying from one city to the next, we journeyed by bus and got to see the countryside as spring was about to go into bloom. We made stops along the way into small towns and religious sites.
As I recover from the trip, I plan to put into words my thoughts and observations. To be honest, sometimes a person can get overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds, and it takes some time to mentally sort through it all. That's the nice thing about recording many of the places with photographs.
I also made daily entries in a journal to help me remember and relive those moments that I'll cherish the rest of my life. I hope to write a travelogue to share with others. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.
The day before we left, there was the awful terrorist attack in Brussels. I've never understood why cowards target innocents, or anyone else for that matter. I suppose that's why they're cowards. It's too easy. But most of us know, and pardon the cliche, what goes around comes around.
I will say that my wife and I won't be deterred from future journeys by these acts of violence in Europe and other places on this fascinating planet. I've always liked the comment from globetrotter Rick Steves about visiting different places in the world -- it enlightens and enables a person to build bridges instead of walls between different countries and cultures.
Until the next time....
Crossing Charles Bridge in PragueBuda Castle. Hungarian Parliament. Chain Bridge. Schonbrunn Palace. St. Stephen's Cathedral. Prague Castle. Charles Bridge. Just too many places to mention here. I've posted quite a few photos on my Facebook page. Every time I glance at them I want to hop back on a plane and return to Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Part of the beauty of the trip is that the group we traveled with was a lot of fun and enjoyed the adventure as much, if not more, than we did. It was a wide variety of folks, from former air-traffic controllers to school teachers to a physical therapist and everything in between. Most of them were seasoned and savvy sightseers so my wife and I learned a lot from being around them.
The village of Szentendre in HungaryWe also had an excellent tour director throughout the trip and knowledgeable guides at various stops along the way.
Chain Bridge in Budapest Instead of flying from one city to the next, we journeyed by bus and got to see the countryside as spring was about to go into bloom. We made stops along the way into small towns and religious sites.As I recover from the trip, I plan to put into words my thoughts and observations. To be honest, sometimes a person can get overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds, and it takes some time to mentally sort through it all. That's the nice thing about recording many of the places with photographs.
I also made daily entries in a journal to help me remember and relive those moments that I'll cherish the rest of my life. I hope to write a travelogue to share with others. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.
The day before we left, there was the awful terrorist attack in Brussels. I've never understood why cowards target innocents, or anyone else for that matter. I suppose that's why they're cowards. It's too easy. But most of us know, and pardon the cliche, what goes around comes around.
I will say that my wife and I won't be deterred from future journeys by these acts of violence in Europe and other places on this fascinating planet. I've always liked the comment from globetrotter Rick Steves about visiting different places in the world -- it enlightens and enables a person to build bridges instead of walls between different countries and cultures.
Until the next time....
