Matthew J. Olson's Blog, page 4
August 16, 2016
horsing around
I usually talk about my dogs or my cat in my blog, but today I have to talk about a recent experience with my mom and her crazy scheme to get two horses from Colorado to Arkansas. Since I've grown up around horses, they are a part of my life and worth talking about.
Months ago, I got a voicemail from my mother with a reference to Operation Clydesdale and to call her back. I was intrigued by the codeword and mystery she was putting into this scheme, so I called her back. My mother was afraid for the safety of two of her former horses that were left with my former step-father. I won't go into the mistakes he made, but he was willing to give over care of the horses to my mother. When I saw him this weekend, I saw that he couldn't physically take care of the horses. (I am even afraid that he can't take care of himself since his health has declined that much.) So, I think this was the best thing to happen for everyone concerned.
The operation unfolded like this. I first drove 275 miles down to Oklahoma City to meet up with my mother who had bought a F250 with 230K miles on it. She was picking up a trailer in Oklahoma City that she also had bought. She only had driven a vehicle with a trailer once in her life and it was a bad enough of an experience for her that she wasn't going to do it again. Hence why I was drafted for the operation. We left my car at the trailer dealership.
Our plan was to drive to Calhan, Colorado to stay the night. Instead at about Arriba, Colorado (565 miles from Oklahoma City), the truck broke down. We were towed to Limon where repairs started the next morning. A little after noon, we were told the initial repairs (a pulley and the engine belt had broke) were done. They then discovered a problem with a fuel injector and would take a few hours to fix. Needless to say, we were late picking up the horses another 40 miles away.
At first, things looked good. My former step-father was giving us a cart and provided ramps to load that into the pickup. The first horse was loaded into the trailer with little coaxing. Then I was called over to help with the second horse. It absolutely did not want to even be haltered. We had to corner it before it settled enough to get the halter on. We then were able to take the horse to the trailer. I'm not sure how long it took to get the horse in the trailer, but it was now getting late.
The next leg of the operation was supposed to take us back to Salina, Kansas where we could keep the horses overnight in a horse motel. We now estimated that it would be past midnight before we arrived, much to the consternation of the hotel owner. We opted for a horse motel near Edson, Kansas (not far from Goodland). It was about 155 miles down the road from my former step-father's place.
The next day, it took twenty minutes to load both horses. The first went right in, but not the second. We then booked it 475 miles to Oklahoma City where I ditched my mother so that she could drive my car on from there. We put in another 265 miles on our way to Russellville, Arkansas. The horses stayed the night at a vet clinic since it was too late for them to learn the layout of their new pasture.
Finally, on day four of the operation, the Clydesdales made another trek. This time it didn't take near as long to load them up. Then they got to roam free in their new three acre pasture. It was a bit drizzly when we let them out this last time.
Then next day, I drove another 450 miles back home. Total, I drove 2,225 miles. How is that for horsing around?
Before Operation Clydesdale, I also spent a weekend camping, boating, fishing, and swimming at the lake. My writing hasn't progressed very far this month due to all of these distractions. I also haven't had the time to meet with one of my writing groups and that really sucks.
I need to quit horsing around and get back on track to get things done. I think my mother is happy with her two horses, so I don't think I'll be drafted for another operation too soon.
Months ago, I got a voicemail from my mother with a reference to Operation Clydesdale and to call her back. I was intrigued by the codeword and mystery she was putting into this scheme, so I called her back. My mother was afraid for the safety of two of her former horses that were left with my former step-father. I won't go into the mistakes he made, but he was willing to give over care of the horses to my mother. When I saw him this weekend, I saw that he couldn't physically take care of the horses. (I am even afraid that he can't take care of himself since his health has declined that much.) So, I think this was the best thing to happen for everyone concerned.
The operation unfolded like this. I first drove 275 miles down to Oklahoma City to meet up with my mother who had bought a F250 with 230K miles on it. She was picking up a trailer in Oklahoma City that she also had bought. She only had driven a vehicle with a trailer once in her life and it was a bad enough of an experience for her that she wasn't going to do it again. Hence why I was drafted for the operation. We left my car at the trailer dealership.
Our plan was to drive to Calhan, Colorado to stay the night. Instead at about Arriba, Colorado (565 miles from Oklahoma City), the truck broke down. We were towed to Limon where repairs started the next morning. A little after noon, we were told the initial repairs (a pulley and the engine belt had broke) were done. They then discovered a problem with a fuel injector and would take a few hours to fix. Needless to say, we were late picking up the horses another 40 miles away.
At first, things looked good. My former step-father was giving us a cart and provided ramps to load that into the pickup. The first horse was loaded into the trailer with little coaxing. Then I was called over to help with the second horse. It absolutely did not want to even be haltered. We had to corner it before it settled enough to get the halter on. We then were able to take the horse to the trailer. I'm not sure how long it took to get the horse in the trailer, but it was now getting late.
The next leg of the operation was supposed to take us back to Salina, Kansas where we could keep the horses overnight in a horse motel. We now estimated that it would be past midnight before we arrived, much to the consternation of the hotel owner. We opted for a horse motel near Edson, Kansas (not far from Goodland). It was about 155 miles down the road from my former step-father's place.
The next day, it took twenty minutes to load both horses. The first went right in, but not the second. We then booked it 475 miles to Oklahoma City where I ditched my mother so that she could drive my car on from there. We put in another 265 miles on our way to Russellville, Arkansas. The horses stayed the night at a vet clinic since it was too late for them to learn the layout of their new pasture.
Finally, on day four of the operation, the Clydesdales made another trek. This time it didn't take near as long to load them up. Then they got to roam free in their new three acre pasture. It was a bit drizzly when we let them out this last time.
Then next day, I drove another 450 miles back home. Total, I drove 2,225 miles. How is that for horsing around?
Before Operation Clydesdale, I also spent a weekend camping, boating, fishing, and swimming at the lake. My writing hasn't progressed very far this month due to all of these distractions. I also haven't had the time to meet with one of my writing groups and that really sucks.
I need to quit horsing around and get back on track to get things done. I think my mother is happy with her two horses, so I don't think I'll be drafted for another operation too soon.
July 30, 2016
medication
About a month ago, I reported on Milo getting this wheezing cough. We took him to the vet and they determined him to have allergies. He now gets half a generic Zyrtec a day and hasn't been coughing since right after getting on the medication. (Note: this is in no way an endorsement for allergy medication of any kind.)
I've been fighting some pain the last couple of weeks. I went golfing and the next day my back was letting me know about it. The back pain was so bad that it felt like I broke my tail bone. Luckily, that went away after a couple of days as it was really hard to sit comfortably.
Then came the knee pain. I've been fighting pain in my left knee for almost four years since twisting it shoveling snow. In addition to that knee flaring up lately, my right knee also hurt. That one felt like I needed to pop it all the time. Every time I did pop it, it only felt worse. I blamed the one thing I could think of.
About a month ago, I started taking a dietary supplement for "healthy joint function." I thought this would help the pain in my left knee. Instead it was worse and now my previously healthy knee was in pain. So I quit taking that medicine last night.
The bad thing about knee pain is that I was less inclined to do my chores since it hurt to be on my feet. The good side is that I got some writing done this week that I probably wouldn't have otherwise. Wait a minute. I had an excuse not to do chores and I got more writing done. What was bad about this? Oh yeah, the pain.
Because of medicine, Milo got better and I got more writing done. Too bad the positive effects didn't outweigh the negative effects of my drug. I'm just happy Milo is better. I'll find another way to make time for writing.
I've been fighting some pain the last couple of weeks. I went golfing and the next day my back was letting me know about it. The back pain was so bad that it felt like I broke my tail bone. Luckily, that went away after a couple of days as it was really hard to sit comfortably.
Then came the knee pain. I've been fighting pain in my left knee for almost four years since twisting it shoveling snow. In addition to that knee flaring up lately, my right knee also hurt. That one felt like I needed to pop it all the time. Every time I did pop it, it only felt worse. I blamed the one thing I could think of.
About a month ago, I started taking a dietary supplement for "healthy joint function." I thought this would help the pain in my left knee. Instead it was worse and now my previously healthy knee was in pain. So I quit taking that medicine last night.
The bad thing about knee pain is that I was less inclined to do my chores since it hurt to be on my feet. The good side is that I got some writing done this week that I probably wouldn't have otherwise. Wait a minute. I had an excuse not to do chores and I got more writing done. What was bad about this? Oh yeah, the pain.
Because of medicine, Milo got better and I got more writing done. Too bad the positive effects didn't outweigh the negative effects of my drug. I'm just happy Milo is better. I'll find another way to make time for writing.
July 23, 2016
surprise
I was leaving for work the other morning and decided to go out the garage door. This is abnormal if I have my car parked out at the curb, like it was on this day. For some reason, something made me look to my left as I walked out down the driveway. My car was to the right, so I had no reason to look this way. I was surprised to find that Milo was walking across the neighbor's driveway.
"Milo!" I hollered. "What are you doing out here?"
He stopped in his tracks and sat down. He even raised a paw up and took on the mopey look he has when he is in trouble. I walked over and picked him up.
His previous escape attempts were due to the fence being down in between my neighbor's and mine houses. The thing is, I just had the fence repaired that morning. So I went to the neighbor's backyard to investigate.
The fence was erect as it should have been, so I was even more surprised that Milo had gotten out. I inspected more. Down at the bottom of the repaired fence was a small hole about three inches across. I'm not sure how Milo would have squeezed through, but it was the only gap I could find. I put Milo back in my yard and I put a rock in front of the gap. As far as I know, Milo hasn't roamed free since. If he has gotten loose, he's returned to his yard before I found him.
I heard something on the radio that took me by surprise, but only for a minute. What I heard was that people that have nightmares are creative. I was stunned by this correlation, but then it made sense, at least for me. I have nightmares all the time. Several of my story ideas have come from nightmares. Alien Fear was one.
Since hearing this on the radio, I've taken to researching this even more. I feel like I've learned a lot and am interested that other people are similarly afflicted as me. I've taken what I've learned and have written a presentation. I've shot my presentation idea past a couple of conference coordinators, so we'll see if it pans out.
You never know when something will surprise you. Milo being out and something on the radio surprised me. What has surprised you lately?
"Milo!" I hollered. "What are you doing out here?"
He stopped in his tracks and sat down. He even raised a paw up and took on the mopey look he has when he is in trouble. I walked over and picked him up.
His previous escape attempts were due to the fence being down in between my neighbor's and mine houses. The thing is, I just had the fence repaired that morning. So I went to the neighbor's backyard to investigate.
The fence was erect as it should have been, so I was even more surprised that Milo had gotten out. I inspected more. Down at the bottom of the repaired fence was a small hole about three inches across. I'm not sure how Milo would have squeezed through, but it was the only gap I could find. I put Milo back in my yard and I put a rock in front of the gap. As far as I know, Milo hasn't roamed free since. If he has gotten loose, he's returned to his yard before I found him.
I heard something on the radio that took me by surprise, but only for a minute. What I heard was that people that have nightmares are creative. I was stunned by this correlation, but then it made sense, at least for me. I have nightmares all the time. Several of my story ideas have come from nightmares. Alien Fear was one.
Since hearing this on the radio, I've taken to researching this even more. I feel like I've learned a lot and am interested that other people are similarly afflicted as me. I've taken what I've learned and have written a presentation. I've shot my presentation idea past a couple of conference coordinators, so we'll see if it pans out.
You never know when something will surprise you. Milo being out and something on the radio surprised me. What has surprised you lately?
July 17, 2016
escape!
Today, Milo escaped the yard! I was shocked when I went to let him back in the house and he wasn't there. Let me back up and explain from the beginning.
Several weeks ago, a section of fence in between my house and the neighbor's blew down in a storm. I keep propping it up and doing different things to keep it in place. It doesn't stay put. Part of the problem is that one of the posts broke at ground level. That post is right next to where a bunch of cables are buried and next to a three foot rock wall, so not something I want to touch. I've hired someone to fix the post, but they don't start work until Wednesday.
Yesterday, this section of fence blew down in the wind again. The dogs didn't seem to notice and didn't seem interested in going over the rock wall, so I wasn't in a hurry to put the fence back up. Plus, even if they went over the wall, they would just have freedom in a second yard with nowhere else to go.
This morning, I let the dogs out like normal. Then I went and did a few things without thinking about the fence. I came back to let the dogs in and feed them, but neither one were in the back yard. I called for both dogs and got a reaction from Zailey. Her head popped up from the far side of the rock wall. She then used the fence lying on the ground as a step up to jump the rock wall and run inside. There was still no sign of Milo.
Since I wasn't dressed, I couldn't investigate. I ran to get dressed worried that Milo had found a way out of the neighbor's yard. Maybe the neighbor's gate was left open?
Once dressed and shod, I ran out and hopped the rock wall. I was calling for Milo and decided to put back up the fence while I was there. After a few shouts, I heard a little jingle of a dog tag against a collar. I looked around the yard, but didn't see him. I continued to call him and tried to pinpoint where the jingle was coming from. Suddenly, a dog came around the corner of the neighbor's house and came right up to me. Milo was found!
I investigated and found a hole under the neighbor's gate that was barely big enough for Milo to get through. It was even stirred up from recent use. Milo had free reign of the neighborhood! At least he came back when he was called.
My writing is my own escape. Every time I get time to write, I am transported to a new world and get to be with a bunch of weird people. Sure these places and people are of my own imagination, but they are still my source of escape.
From time to time, something brings me back to reality. Maybe not someone calling my name, like Milo, but something. I'm always looking for a time to do my next escape. I'm hoping Milo isn't doing the same. As quickly as he came back, I don't think he enjoyed his escape as I do mine.
Several weeks ago, a section of fence in between my house and the neighbor's blew down in a storm. I keep propping it up and doing different things to keep it in place. It doesn't stay put. Part of the problem is that one of the posts broke at ground level. That post is right next to where a bunch of cables are buried and next to a three foot rock wall, so not something I want to touch. I've hired someone to fix the post, but they don't start work until Wednesday.
Yesterday, this section of fence blew down in the wind again. The dogs didn't seem to notice and didn't seem interested in going over the rock wall, so I wasn't in a hurry to put the fence back up. Plus, even if they went over the wall, they would just have freedom in a second yard with nowhere else to go.
This morning, I let the dogs out like normal. Then I went and did a few things without thinking about the fence. I came back to let the dogs in and feed them, but neither one were in the back yard. I called for both dogs and got a reaction from Zailey. Her head popped up from the far side of the rock wall. She then used the fence lying on the ground as a step up to jump the rock wall and run inside. There was still no sign of Milo.
Since I wasn't dressed, I couldn't investigate. I ran to get dressed worried that Milo had found a way out of the neighbor's yard. Maybe the neighbor's gate was left open?
Once dressed and shod, I ran out and hopped the rock wall. I was calling for Milo and decided to put back up the fence while I was there. After a few shouts, I heard a little jingle of a dog tag against a collar. I looked around the yard, but didn't see him. I continued to call him and tried to pinpoint where the jingle was coming from. Suddenly, a dog came around the corner of the neighbor's house and came right up to me. Milo was found!
I investigated and found a hole under the neighbor's gate that was barely big enough for Milo to get through. It was even stirred up from recent use. Milo had free reign of the neighborhood! At least he came back when he was called.
My writing is my own escape. Every time I get time to write, I am transported to a new world and get to be with a bunch of weird people. Sure these places and people are of my own imagination, but they are still my source of escape.
From time to time, something brings me back to reality. Maybe not someone calling my name, like Milo, but something. I'm always looking for a time to do my next escape. I'm hoping Milo isn't doing the same. As quickly as he came back, I don't think he enjoyed his escape as I do mine.
July 9, 2016
booms
Milo hates fireworks and other loud booms. This past weekend, it was more evident than ever. A firework would go off and he would cower in fear. His stub of a tail was even tucked down and he would shake his whole body. It was tough on the guy.
The worst part was when he had to go to the bathroom. He wouldn't venture into the yard very much. So he was even bladder shy during this time.
I did a lot to comfort him. I would hold him and tell him everything was alright, but he wouldn't be any less afraid. We did fashion a scarf into a thunder blanket for him and that did seem to help. He is certainly glad that Independence Day is over and the booms have gone away again.
I am also glad that Independence Day is over. I had some visitors over the long weekend and it made it impossible to write. Sure, I love that people were over and that we did a lot of interesting things (like see Bret Michaels, boating, and visit the Eisenhower Museum), but I sure did miss writing.
Since Monday, I've gotten a chapter done in Whispers Within. That has helped satisfy my need to write. I've also started work on another short story that will be another scary ghost story. I've even come up with a twist to the story that will cause a good boom at the climax. I'm excited to see how it plays out.
Booms happen from time to time. I like booms unlike Milo. Do you like them?
The worst part was when he had to go to the bathroom. He wouldn't venture into the yard very much. So he was even bladder shy during this time.
I did a lot to comfort him. I would hold him and tell him everything was alright, but he wouldn't be any less afraid. We did fashion a scarf into a thunder blanket for him and that did seem to help. He is certainly glad that Independence Day is over and the booms have gone away again.
I am also glad that Independence Day is over. I had some visitors over the long weekend and it made it impossible to write. Sure, I love that people were over and that we did a lot of interesting things (like see Bret Michaels, boating, and visit the Eisenhower Museum), but I sure did miss writing.
Since Monday, I've gotten a chapter done in Whispers Within. That has helped satisfy my need to write. I've also started work on another short story that will be another scary ghost story. I've even come up with a twist to the story that will cause a good boom at the climax. I'm excited to see how it plays out.
Booms happen from time to time. I like booms unlike Milo. Do you like them?
June 25, 2016
wheezer
Thursday morning I woke to this demonic yowl that lasted about ten seconds. It took me a moment to realize that it was Milo doing a single wheeze. We have no idea what is causing him to wheeze, but he has done it about a dozen times in our hearing.
Most of the day he is normal. He can breathe just fine and has no trouble doing activities, eating, or drinking. It is just every so often he stops and has a prolonged wheeze.
We thought about taking him to the vet, but he seemed to be doing better for a little bit. We canceled his vet appointment yesterday only to have him wheeze several times last night and this morning.
The other night, I was doing research for an upcoming book. I was looking at maps of Kansas in 1866 which is going to be the setting of my paranormal western, Flaming Curse. I came across something in my research that took my breath away: Olson Cemetery. How could I not know there was a cemetery with my namesake? Other than a location, I know nothing about this cemetery. It is less than 30 minutes from my house, so I need to drive to it this weekend and check it out. If anything, I need a picture next to the sign!
So both Milo and I have had breathing problems this week. Mine were from excitement, but I doubt Milo's are. Hopefully we can figure his out soon!
Most of the day he is normal. He can breathe just fine and has no trouble doing activities, eating, or drinking. It is just every so often he stops and has a prolonged wheeze.
We thought about taking him to the vet, but he seemed to be doing better for a little bit. We canceled his vet appointment yesterday only to have him wheeze several times last night and this morning.
The other night, I was doing research for an upcoming book. I was looking at maps of Kansas in 1866 which is going to be the setting of my paranormal western, Flaming Curse. I came across something in my research that took my breath away: Olson Cemetery. How could I not know there was a cemetery with my namesake? Other than a location, I know nothing about this cemetery. It is less than 30 minutes from my house, so I need to drive to it this weekend and check it out. If anything, I need a picture next to the sign!
So both Milo and I have had breathing problems this week. Mine were from excitement, but I doubt Milo's are. Hopefully we can figure his out soon!
June 21, 2016
pool
As temperatures are hitting triple digits here in Kansas, my wife wanted to get a kiddie pool for the dogs when they wanted to cool off. This has been met by more than a little trepidation by the dogs.
Zailey had to be coaxed in by holding a treat over the middle. She circled around the pool a few dozen times before she realized that she had to step in the pool to get the treat.
Milo was a little easier to coax. All we had to do was throw a few treats into the pool and he jumped in to get them.
Once the dogs were in, they didn't want to do much other than stand in there. After a few days we noticed that Milo was coming inside with a wet tail. At first we thought that Zailey was being extra slobbery when she caught Milo in there runs. We had just a mild suspicion that Milo was sitting in the pool, but since he never did it in front of us, we didn't know for sure.
A few days after the first time we found his tail wet, we were sitting outside with the kids. Milo climbed in the pool to get a toy. He was playing around when he sat down in the pool. We finally found the source of why he was getting wet! Even more, Milo didn't even sit normally. He sat more on his right hip than anything else. It looked like he was trying to get his ass washed. It didn't look sore or crusted, so I'm not sure why he wanted water on it.
Today, I was writing an action sequence that seemed a bit watered down. I knew it as I was writing it, so I had to do something about it. Things were just going too easily for my characters, so I ignored my outline and made things harder for them. Once I made things harder, I had to think of a new resolution to the conflict. It made things harder on myself to keep going in this different direction.
One thing about it, it was fun to flounder around and find a new way forward. The excitement in the chapter is now tenfold what it was in the outline. Plus, the new stuff feels more organic.
Water can be fun or can kill the action. It just depends on the point of view and what happens next. Milo is using it to wash his ass, so there is that. As long as things move forward, things are good, right?
Zailey had to be coaxed in by holding a treat over the middle. She circled around the pool a few dozen times before she realized that she had to step in the pool to get the treat.
Milo was a little easier to coax. All we had to do was throw a few treats into the pool and he jumped in to get them.
Once the dogs were in, they didn't want to do much other than stand in there. After a few days we noticed that Milo was coming inside with a wet tail. At first we thought that Zailey was being extra slobbery when she caught Milo in there runs. We had just a mild suspicion that Milo was sitting in the pool, but since he never did it in front of us, we didn't know for sure.
A few days after the first time we found his tail wet, we were sitting outside with the kids. Milo climbed in the pool to get a toy. He was playing around when he sat down in the pool. We finally found the source of why he was getting wet! Even more, Milo didn't even sit normally. He sat more on his right hip than anything else. It looked like he was trying to get his ass washed. It didn't look sore or crusted, so I'm not sure why he wanted water on it.
Today, I was writing an action sequence that seemed a bit watered down. I knew it as I was writing it, so I had to do something about it. Things were just going too easily for my characters, so I ignored my outline and made things harder for them. Once I made things harder, I had to think of a new resolution to the conflict. It made things harder on myself to keep going in this different direction.
One thing about it, it was fun to flounder around and find a new way forward. The excitement in the chapter is now tenfold what it was in the outline. Plus, the new stuff feels more organic.
Water can be fun or can kill the action. It just depends on the point of view and what happens next. Milo is using it to wash his ass, so there is that. As long as things move forward, things are good, right?
June 12, 2016
I'm watching you
Last night, I fell asleep on the couch. It was supposed to be for a late day nap, but I ended up sleeping all night with just a few exceptions.
Right before my nap, I threw Milo and Zailey outside. They ended up being out all night. They didn't like this and they showed it by knocking on the door. This woke me up several times.
One time, I woke up to find that Zailey was sitting at the back door. She was watching me and didn't move. It was really odd since the light outside was on and there was no light inside. She shouldn't have been able to see me. Was she just staring inside and not really at me?
A couple of times when Zailey would knock, I would wake to find her standing at the door. She would be looking right at me like she wanted me to come let her in. I just went right back to sleep.
I've had some stories take some creepy turns. Some were premeditated, others were a little more organic (as in, the creepiness just comes out of nowhere).
One of the stories that I started in my writing workshop this last week ended up being a dark story with a killing in it. Just a little creepy, but not bad. Then I got this idea that I needed to add in a ghost to the story that is watching after his daughter. That totally changes the dynamic to the story and sends the creepy factor over the top. I'm not sure I want to finish this story, but I'm thinking about it.
Between Zailey creeping me out in the night and my own brain creeping me out, I have a rather weird life. Damn it, but I like it!
Right before my nap, I threw Milo and Zailey outside. They ended up being out all night. They didn't like this and they showed it by knocking on the door. This woke me up several times.
One time, I woke up to find that Zailey was sitting at the back door. She was watching me and didn't move. It was really odd since the light outside was on and there was no light inside. She shouldn't have been able to see me. Was she just staring inside and not really at me?
A couple of times when Zailey would knock, I would wake to find her standing at the door. She would be looking right at me like she wanted me to come let her in. I just went right back to sleep.
I've had some stories take some creepy turns. Some were premeditated, others were a little more organic (as in, the creepiness just comes out of nowhere).
One of the stories that I started in my writing workshop this last week ended up being a dark story with a killing in it. Just a little creepy, but not bad. Then I got this idea that I needed to add in a ghost to the story that is watching after his daughter. That totally changes the dynamic to the story and sends the creepy factor over the top. I'm not sure I want to finish this story, but I'm thinking about it.
Between Zailey creeping me out in the night and my own brain creeping me out, I have a rather weird life. Damn it, but I like it!
June 5, 2016
lightening up
Summer is nearly here. It is quite evident in that Zailey's color has been lightening up.
All winter and into the spring, Zailey had gotten quite dark. More black and brown showed than white. Then seemingly overnight, more white than the dark colors is showing in her coat.
I am not happy about this transition. I thought the darker colors made her look quite distinguished. She was a pretty dog. Now, not so much.
There is another reason I'm not happy with the change. Any time an animal changes color, the old color is lost somewhere. I'm sure most of it is in my carpets.
As Tech Fear is nearing completion, I feel a lightening up of my soul. I am happy about how it is turning out. The last chapters are going to be a breeze to write.
Of course, work is nowhere close to being done. There are some massive edits in its future, but I love reading over the first draft. I think the sequel to Alien Fear is as good as the first book.
The decision to have a third book in the Fear series has not been made. I feel like I need a break from Alex, Melanie, Wally, and all the rest of the characters in both books. Instead, I'll be going in a different direction.
After writing the short story Flaming Curse for Dark Matter: A Collection of Stories, I had an inkling that this story wasn't done. I kept thinking about the story, but was too busy to really figure out where the story was heading. I came up with an idea for what happens after the short story ended about the time the collection was published, but not how the continuation ended.
Then yesterday, I figured it all out. The entire story just seemed to write itself in outline form. Some of the ideas came to me at times over the last month. I couldn't quit thinking of this story. So I think this will be what I will be working on after Tech Fear.
As things lighten up for Zailey and I, it just shows how cyclical things can be. In a matter of months, Zailey will be getting darker again and I'll be writing another novel.
All winter and into the spring, Zailey had gotten quite dark. More black and brown showed than white. Then seemingly overnight, more white than the dark colors is showing in her coat.
I am not happy about this transition. I thought the darker colors made her look quite distinguished. She was a pretty dog. Now, not so much.
There is another reason I'm not happy with the change. Any time an animal changes color, the old color is lost somewhere. I'm sure most of it is in my carpets.
As Tech Fear is nearing completion, I feel a lightening up of my soul. I am happy about how it is turning out. The last chapters are going to be a breeze to write.
Of course, work is nowhere close to being done. There are some massive edits in its future, but I love reading over the first draft. I think the sequel to Alien Fear is as good as the first book.
The decision to have a third book in the Fear series has not been made. I feel like I need a break from Alex, Melanie, Wally, and all the rest of the characters in both books. Instead, I'll be going in a different direction.
After writing the short story Flaming Curse for Dark Matter: A Collection of Stories, I had an inkling that this story wasn't done. I kept thinking about the story, but was too busy to really figure out where the story was heading. I came up with an idea for what happens after the short story ended about the time the collection was published, but not how the continuation ended.
Then yesterday, I figured it all out. The entire story just seemed to write itself in outline form. Some of the ideas came to me at times over the last month. I couldn't quit thinking of this story. So I think this will be what I will be working on after Tech Fear.
As things lighten up for Zailey and I, it just shows how cyclical things can be. In a matter of months, Zailey will be getting darker again and I'll be writing another novel.
May 28, 2016
tornado
The other evening, I arrived home to find that none of the animals were meeting me at the door. Instead, I heard scratching coming from the coat closet. I opened the door to find a cat and two dogs desperately wanting out. At the back of the coat closet is access to a little space under the stairwell and that was where my wife was hiding.
A tornado had passed five miles south of the city we live in. Given the erratic nature of storms, this was a little too close for comfort. So my wife took shelter for an hour with the kids.
When I opened that door, Jynx just wanted to get away from the dogs, Zailey wanted to welcome me home, and Milo was sitting there shivering from fear. Milo hates storms and we have been getting more than our fair share lately.
I recently completed a short story entitled, "The Cloud Slave." In it, God commands a cloud slave to produce a tornado. The slave is only sixteen, so he does what he does best; rebels. It was hard to write this story since I didn't know how somebody would rebel against God?
In any case, I hope I am not attracting bad storms because of this story. If I am, sorry Milo for scaring you half to death!
A tornado had passed five miles south of the city we live in. Given the erratic nature of storms, this was a little too close for comfort. So my wife took shelter for an hour with the kids.
When I opened that door, Jynx just wanted to get away from the dogs, Zailey wanted to welcome me home, and Milo was sitting there shivering from fear. Milo hates storms and we have been getting more than our fair share lately.
I recently completed a short story entitled, "The Cloud Slave." In it, God commands a cloud slave to produce a tornado. The slave is only sixteen, so he does what he does best; rebels. It was hard to write this story since I didn't know how somebody would rebel against God?
In any case, I hope I am not attracting bad storms because of this story. If I am, sorry Milo for scaring you half to death!
