D.L. Havlin's Blog, page 5

Back in the Saddle — The trouble — No Horses!

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The auditoriums are ready, the audience is not…

I swung back in the saddle. I’m ready to ride. My problem? There aren’t any horses. Well, let me change that…there aren’t many horses. Since the end of September, I’ve participated in five events open to the public and two that were not. Based on my experience, the public event attendance was half, maybe as low as a third in a couple instances, as “normal.” This included two big ones, the On Point Book Fair, held in WestShore Plaza (one of the largest malls in Tampa) and the Christmas Arts & Crafts Show at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County (FL). I sold books, (did well at one), but that was because most that I sold were to readers who came specifically to get my latest novels. The two book signings at independent stores were successful, but the owners lamented how light traffic had been. Zoom attendance was so-so at the presentation I made for a public library. The two private book club presentations were fully attended. The lesson? Folks are unwilling to venture out of ‘familiar ground’ even with a battery of safe-guards in place.
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Mixon is holding the shows in a spacious area with lots of elbow room.

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Mixon’s Harvest/Christmas Show is a Florida West Coast tradition!

 

 

 

What are the alternatives? Continue to blockade ourselves in our bunkers. Get out and try to breath life into the deflated balloon that is our social and cultural life. I choose the latter. I’ll be at Mixon’s for their Harvest/Christmas Show this Saturday, Nov. 21st from 10 to 3. I’ll be presenting a power point historical sketch of ‘Thomas Edison, his life in Florida,’ from 1 to 2. Mixon’s is located at 2525 27th Street East, Bradenton. I’ll be at Matlacha Menagerie, at 4504 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL, 10 to 3 Saturday the 28th. I’ll be doing a meet and greet and introducing two books! Come visit me! On December 1st, I’ll be presenting three historical classes at Master the Possibilities, in Ocala, FL. These are hybrid seminars that you can attend in person or by virtual means. To participate go to   www.masterthepossibilities.org  to sign up and learn more! All my events are Covid cautious! Masks and spacing are observed. 
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Master the Possibilities does a great job of insuring attendee safety.

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The Hangin’ Oak, says hello again. FWARPLA winner.

I have two books to introduce! One is A Christmas Story Collection and the other is an ‘updated’ re-release of my first prize winner, the suspense, mystery…The Hangin’ Oak. The Hangin’ Oak won the Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Award several years ago. A Christmas Story Collection is needed relief from politics, covid, violence, and the 2020 mess. It’s 12 tales will make you laugh, maybe cry, but it will put you in a holiday mood. A special section are stories about GI experiences, at Christmas time, during WWII. They’re available on Amazon, from my webpage, or by ordering from the book stores listed on my site (in print and e-book).
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The perfect stocking stuffer for the reader on your gift list!

The fat man on the cover is yours truly with my beloved Sandy.
Hope to see you soon! 

 

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Growing up…Brandi…

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Brandi believes in the theory of universal edibility. She snacks on the metal bar stool legs

 

What do bamboo and our new puppy have in common? Both grow over night! Brandi is a Golden Retriever. The breed is know for their friendly disposition and she exhibits that trait in profusion. She’s lovable. She’s smart. She’s stubborn. And, she requires you know where she’s at…all the time. Brandi believes the whole world is a chew toy. That includes human parts – hands, feet, arms, legs, etc. I’ve given serious consideration to renaming her “Destrucnella.” 
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Brandi today – just 8 weeks later at 38 pounds. She has found the bed suits her just fine.

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Brandi when she came home. She tipped the scales at ten pounds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One problem with having an animal that is super smart is they learn things you wish they wouldn’t, as well as the ones you do. Two examples. Brandi’s potty training is about complete! Slip ups are nearly nonexistent. That’s great for a young pup like her. One reason…she literally tells us when she needs to take a trip to the grass. She rings a bell attached to the door when she wants out. It took only one week for her to learn to do that. Now comes the longer process of teaching her to use the bell for potty trips only! She learned how to open the cabinets that we store her treats in less than six hours. One observation of us opening and closing was all it took. We no longer require a paper shredder. We have one that works without electric or batteries. She’s going to be a great friend. No, she already is.
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Hey! Mommy! Daddy! I have to pee! Brandi rings the bell.

  Books! An update! One of my reader’s favorites will be back in print. “The Hangin’ Oak” will be available in early November. (In time for Christmas!) This ghost story set in central Florida is based on a folk tale about a man hanging an unfaithful wife and her lover. Buzzzz! She’s not. A 21st century couple, looking for an isolated place to camp, happen on the ‘reenactment’ that’s occurred every full moon for 140 years. Teaser ended. The text has been updated into “edition 2” and reflects those items that would have dated it. (Some couldn’t be) It’s a great yarn that won my first Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Award in the mystery genre. If you want to order an advance copy visit my website using the link on this page’s left side. (dlhavlin.com)
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The Hangin’ Oak…….. It’s Back.

Hope to see you at an appearance or book event. Check my webpage for my calendar of events.

 

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The road to recovery has bumps…

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On Point Book Fair in the WestShore Mall, Tampa

I did some of my first ‘days out’ after all the shut downs due to the virus. The results have been mixed. A private book club was my return to the non-viral presentation world. I was very encouraged the full membership showed. The discussions were great – I sold books, that’s always good. My next excursion proved enlightening. The On Point Book Fair is in it’s sixth year in Tampa. Though well established, the event shows evidence of the impact of the virus on “open to the public” shows. Traffic past the authors’ sites was good. The problem…most people were reticent to stop and browse books. Shoppers went from destination to destination, avoiding contact out of their immediate grouping. I sold a few books, most were to people who read one or more of my books previously, saw I’d be at WestShore, and came to see me.
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Fans and friends – Sue and Joe. They’re taking an excursion to “Turtle Point” and will visit “The Bait Man.”

So much for the past, let’s look forward. This Saturday I’ll be at Mixon’s Gift and Craft Show in Bradenton at 2525 27th Street East from 10 to 3. There’s plenty of space to keep social distancing.
October is a busy, non-book month. I only have three scheduled events. What makes it busy are routine medical annuals and my activities as a poll worker for the upcoming election. Between training, early voting and in November – election day, sixteen days are taken.
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Mixon is holding the shows in a spacious area with lots of elbow room.

Be safe, but come visit me this Saturday!

 

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Back to “Normal” or just “Adjusting?”

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Learning about the loyal 14th colony – Florida during the Revolutionary War at Master the Possibilities

Are things getting better or have people had enough of cave dwelling? Or have they become educated on how to protect themselves from the virus and feel comfortable venturing out? Or have they become familiar enough with booming on Zoom and other techie alternatives to enjoy them? I hope it’s a little of all four. Whatever the reason, requests for me to speak have become very active over the last three or four weeks.
Some examples – in the last two weeks my PR lady has booked 8 library dates (3 different libraries), a museum date, 2 art events, a book club, a retirement center, and a regional book fair. Granted, these are spread over the next six months, but it certainly is encouraging. The last half of this month, I’ll be speaking at, or doing a virtual presentation, or both on three dates.
The 17th is a closed talk to a book club. I’ve caused some confusion in the past, so I no longer give details on events that aren’t open to all of you.
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Speaking at a “closed event” – one the general public can’t attend.

On Saturday the 19th, I’ll be at the On Point Book Fair, held in the Westshore Plaza in Tampa, FL. The fair starts at 10 AM add runs until 6 PM. The address for Google – 250 N. West Shore Blvd. I’ve bee told there will be over 100 regional authors at the event.
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DL talking to readers at a book fair in the past.

September 24th, I’ll be presenting both in person and virtually from Master the Possibilities in Ocala, Florida. Master the Possibilities is located at the Top of the World community, in one of their conference rooms (Live Oak, I believe.) The rooms are spacious…social distancing and mask wearing rules are observed. There’s plenty of space to enjoy the presentation in safety. I’ll be doing three presentations that day. From 10 to 12 I’ll present, “Here come the Generals” the stories of James van Fleet and Roy Stanley Geiger and their vital but unheralded contributions to WWII. From 12:30 to 1:30 – “Flaming Florida I” tells the birthright of blood and violence that the state emerged from. The last presentation is titled, “A Look at Hell.” Few Americans are familiar with the horrible consequences of Hitler and Stalin’s actions in Ukraine in 1941. Get an understanding by signing up. You can attend these classes in person or in the comfort of your home. Sign up with the Master the Possibilities group at https://masterthepossibilities.org. Their class offerings are high quality and are priced reasonably.
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Master the Possibilities does a great job of insuring attendee safety.

The Brandi progress report: She’s growing like a weed on steroids!
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Brandi has grown! Her she is eating our kitchen stools

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Brandi just 6 weeks ago!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I invite you to visit my website http://www.dlhavlin.com to get information on my latest books, my speaking schedule, and how to schedule me for your event. Sign up for my quarterly newsletter for information on the latest projects I’m engaged in.

 

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What’s Happening? Meet Brandi…

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Somebody new has been added to our family…Meet Brandi, a sweet & saucy little lady.

I have a little catching up to do. First, our family has a new addition. Her name is Brandi, a ten-week-old golden retriever puppy. She came to us all the way from the Lancaster, PA. area. We picked her up and brought her home in a four-day, marathon car trip. She’s an excellent traveler and is asking the pilot (me) for extra bonus points for the journey.

 

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A great place to do some life-long learning. Take a class in person or from anywhere on line!

 

This continuing learning organization is one of the finest. They offer many hundreds of widely varied courses taught by hundreds of instructors. All are offered at affordable prices. Now, the classes are offered in person and on zoom! I’ll be teaching the first three of nine MTP fall presentations on August 20. All are historical in nature. They are: The Loyal 14th Colony…Florida in the Revolutionary War, Operation Paperclip…The OSS program used to acquire Nazi scientists and technology, and The Forgotten Years: Florida’s struggles after the Civil War. To learn more and to sign up, visit– https://masterthepossibilities.org   and  https://masterthepossibilities.org/registration-help . Below is a picture of an onsite class.
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DL teaching a class at Master the Possibilities

Amazingly, my speaking dates are filling up for the fall and winter. I currently have 21 dates in 2021 and one even into 2022. If you’re interested in having me speak…contact Jeanelle at   prlady2016@gmail.com . I see that as a positive. People are optimistic that this virus will be controlled in a reasonable time frame. Visit my web page …… http://www.dlhavlin.com and click on my calendar of events for my scheduled events.

 

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Hope…Is there light at the tunnel’s end? I think so! Compare 1918 to 2020

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Happier Days…before the Chinese crude kept us apart and looking like Zorro.

 

It seems like it will never end! But it will. Am I being Pollyana’s brother? I don’t think so. There are many valid reasons why. It is a horrible situation. But, the US has been there before. In fact, through a lot worse. The best comparison is the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic.
1918 US population    103 million     estimated cases   29 million (28%)          deaths   840,000  (.815%)
2020 US population    329 million     cases to date       4.6 million (1.37%)       deaths   153,000  (.00046%)
Shocking isn’t it! Why are the ‘chicken littles’ running around screaming the sky is falling? It’s something to fill the twenty-four hour news cycle. The division they’re causing is worse than the disease.
Are we finished with the COVID-19? NO! But even if the figures were to triple we’d be no where near the deadliness of the Spanish flu. That won’t happen, we are close to a vaccine. These are facts! 
Does that make the loss of any of these important lives to COVID-19 less tragic? Absolutely not! Every life is precious. The American Community of medical folks and company scientists are true heroes. Look at the figures above and visualize what death tolls would be like if they hadn’t responded like they did. I doubt there has ever been a better reaction to a pandemic of the size we’ve experienced.
The most important thing we can do is be responsible citizens. Wearing a mask, social distancing, refraining from events and celebrations for a while longer makes common sense. Do we really need a government official to force us by edict to do something that protects us and the people we love?
We’ll survive this. Two years from now this will be a very bad memory. The division, distrust, and descention sowed are the more likely to be lasting cripplers for our nation.
Let’s do our best to save lives. Everywhere! We should weed out ‘bad’ cops. All the officers I’ve spoken to agree. Every life is important including those being butchered in city streets because of feckless leaders.
Have hope…better times are coming.

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Simple! It’s our choice!

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The Covid-19 effect.

It is impossible not to understand the impact the Covid-19 virus has had on us. When I say us, I mean the human race. The results of what the “bug” has done to health is devastating. The impact on social structure and economics goes far beyond that! Innocent sounding, but draconian solutions have been introduced. The question is, what will we allow? Let’s make it more personal…what will you allow?
Just below the surface of this murky water, the question of personal freedom vs social justice hides its malevolent head. Everyone is struggling with that question. The problem, do we give up the right to run our own lives, or do we function for the ‘better good?’ That’s tough for many. Not for me. I fall squarely on the side of individual freedom. It will work if we let it.
I exercise my freedoms. I stay away from crowds as much as I can. When I do go into public environments, I take the required precautions. I wear a mask in the presence of others. I wash and sanitize my hands any timed necessitated. I strictly observe social distancing. To that point, I move away from others and ask them to respect my space in they make an incursion. I don’t go to places I believe haven’t made a good faith effort to stop the virus’ spread. I normally leave if I see people NOT conforming to common sense rules. These are my personal decisions.
As much as I believe I’m correct, I also believe making a decree that we or me must do something, is wrong, even if I agree with it. If people have a death wish, let them exercise it. I can protect myself. I’m functioning under the constitution and the laws people voted representatives into office to enact. Dictators don’t run our society. Laws do. Votes do.
Why not protect each other by allowing individuals in government to set restrictions for society’s betterment? Simple! It’s because when all decision power is vested in those few, one person’s poor judgment doesn’t only affect him, it affects all he controls. And, control is the correct word. We have laws and a constitution for a reason…that is to protect our INDIVIDUAL freedoms. The people we elect are suppose to uphold them. They swear an oath they will. We can see what happens when they don’t. Personal decrees are an affront to our society. They aren’t laws. Whoever issues them is equally wrong, whether it be a President or a Mayor! The failure to enforce laws is even worse. Failure to follow the law, or make up their own, by individuals, is a despicable trait. It is equally abhorrent in a mayor’s office, a court room, a governor’s residence, or the White House. Without VALID laws and enforcement, society is ruled by the law of the jungle…  Look what happens!
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Do you want this ?

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Or do you want this?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What am I saying? We have the right and responsibility to protect ourselves and the ability to do it. We have the best opportunity to protect ourselves because only we can match our actions to our lives. Neither we, nor idiot politicians, have the right to destroy others safety, lives and lively-hood by issuing decrees without due process or electing to not enforce laws that are approved by the appropriate governing body.
How do we do prevail? Over Covid-19 and its hidden impacts? Over the mess our nation finds itself in today? In just 116 days we go to the polls. Vote for what you believe! You will never have a better opportunity to impact the way you live. It’s truly your choice. Don’t be dissuaded from voting for ANY reason…the virus…mobs trying to keep you from the polling place…phone calls…Uncle George…the candidates. Above all, NEVER listen to the manure munchers on TV. If you don’t like the candidate(s), pick the least worst choices! The simple choice? Vote.

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A little history…a little news…

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Arlington

The glorious Fourth is here. This year there’s a good bit of tarnish on the Liberty Bell. There’s a lot of elements adding to it’s condition. Pandemics, ideology run amuck, foreign enemies, an agenda driven education system, and the two worst…immoral, dishonest, corrupt media and government officials (elected and appointed). They have all taken their shots. Let’s hope the country is strong enough to weather this year of suffering and trial.
One thing that’s apparent to me, our two party system has failed us miserably the last four years. All of the two parties efforts have been to divide us into ‘voting blocks’.  Only a fraction of what should have been done for the people that put them in office was accomplished by those elected. I’m tired of voting for least worst choices.
Burning ourselves into oblivion isn’t the answer any more than pretending that portions of our populace continue to be the step children in our country. I tired of being a color coded society. We shouldn’t see each other that way. THE CONTINUED EMPHASIS ON DEMANDING WE PUT OURSELVES IN COLOR BOXES PERPETUATES THE PROBLEM, IT DOES NOT SOLVE IT. We’ve done it for centuries…has it worked? Come on American, wake up before it’s too late. Yes, those are grins you see on the Russian and Chinese faces.
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One of my first ventures into the public since the Covid-19 virus disrupted our lives.

I’ve made my first three forays into the public arena. All were book related. The picture at these events that I viewed, was painted as followed.
1) These “first openers” were lightly attended (a half to a third of normal attendance)
2) The organizers made a good to excellent effort to ensure Corona control.
3) Attendees conformance with the publicized safety procedures varied widely. To summarize — 60% of those in attendance really were aware and observed the precautions. 20% made an effort, but either forgot at times or “felt safe.” These folks often wore masks, but removed them during an extended conversation. 20% didn’t give a Russian rat’s rump for observing the rules. Some expressed their contempt for the whole situation.
4) If you are considering attending an event, see what the organizer is doing to provide protection from virus spread. I rejected one offer where I felt the commitment was lacking. In any case, GO COMPLETELY PREPARED TO PROTECT YOURSELF. (Masks, hand sanitizers, gloves, wipes, disinfectant spray, – I’m using a ultraviolet ray wand to add protection.) You will come into contact with those who don’t believe or don’t care.
I’ve been working on virtual programs for appearances and presentations. I hope to have things worked out in this area by the end of the month. I’ll have more on this in future posts.
Have a great Fourth inspite of it all!
Happy reading.

 

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Sandy – January 18, 2007 – – – June 23, 2020 Goodbye my love…

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Sandy, I love you!

Our house is empty today. My heart is emptier. Sandy, my friend, my companion, my soul mate is gone. For thirteen and a half years I was the recipient of her unconditional love, which I gratefully returned. She was more human than most beings I know. Everyone was her friend. She was never harsh, much less mean. My wife and I are devastated by her loss.

 

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Venturing out…Authors for Authors Writers Conference.

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DL at an event earlier this year. His speaking schedule was to double this year — before covid-19!

Some of the more adventurous members of the writing community are beginning to test the group meeting waters. Dr. Valerie Allen of the Melbourne based writers group, Authors for Authors, proudly will hold their annual writers conference this Saturday. I’ll be speaking there. My presentation title is: How to Prevent Premature Birth…of a Book, That Is! I’m scheduled to speak at 11 AM. The conference is held in Melbourne, Florida, at the Hilton Rialto hotel. You can register the day of the conference at the hotel. Come see me. I will be behind a mask and will be practicing all those safety measures designed to keep you and me safe. Check the Authors for Authors Facebook page for more info.
I’ve been off for a mini-vacation at a place I could go and be more isolated than at home. A few pictures below say a lot about it. We were the only folks around (except the owners) on 400 acres of woods. Unless fish, deer, quail, turkey or a multitude of other wildlife pass on corona, we’re safe.
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The 40 acre lake where I found isolation, beauty and serenity.

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One of the things we went for — Bluegills on flyrods — and of so good tasting.

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one of the huge Magnolia Blossoms from the trees around our cabin.

One last tidbit. Ever almost forget something or think something might not happen? Some news reached me in the last few days that reminded me one should not be faint of heart. Three-and-a-half years ago, I convinced one of my publishers that a collection of her authors’ short stories would be ideal to market to a restaurant chain. I contributed three stories, along with 27 other offerings. We worked hard on it, but the company we presented it to had less than no interest. I put the project on the rear burner; that timeless bundle of literary energy, Dr. Mary Custureri, President of Taylor & Seale publishers, did not. 
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Dr. Mary Custureri – President of Taylor & Seale Publishing – 2019 key note speaker at SW Florida Writers Conference

Mary waved her magical editing wand, said abracadabra, and “Beach Reads” was born. I’ll have more to say about this in future posts. The book is expected to hit shelves and the net in the third quarter.                       
Hope to see you all, Saturday.

 

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