In research for a class assignment, I thought about two quotes from Benjamin Franklin:

“Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins. Republics and limited monarchies derive their strength and vigor from a popular examination into the action of the magistrates.”

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. This was first written by Franklin for the Pennsylvania Assembly in its Reply to the Governor (11 Nov. 1755)

Recent events in the world have new visibility and attention to topics such as border security, cyber security, religious security, security from uncomfortable words, fake news, real news and opinions which may differ from yours.  There has been a rise in labels: racist, terrorist, extremist, snowflake, feminist, fascist, alt-right, alt-left, and on and on and on.    There have been demonstrations for freedom, against freedom, for governments and against, for Security and against Liberty.

It’s enough to make one’s head spin. Or at least make one spin the channel to some drivel about cupcake and treehouse masters.  We must, for a moment, stop the hyperbole and rationally move back to the MIDDLE of the road rather than standing on the curbs throwing words and stones at the other side.  We are all on the same damn road.  We must begin to understand that compromise is not “loosing” and we must understand that this nation especially, was and is stronger by inclusion than division.  We must not give up Liberty for Security. We must not trade our rights, or the rights of others for feeling safe in our little bubbles.  We do not need to drown out the alt-right nor the alt-left with chants and screaming.  Discourse, intellectual discussion, LISTENING to the why behind the words helps us all understand. You don’t have to agree with someone to LISTEN, you don’t have to adopt another’s beliefs to be tolerant. To act and react with Love is the greatest commandment. Freedom of expression, in art, language, beliefs is a founding principal of this nation.  We must protect it, even if that means your internet isn’t filtered, your FB feed isn’t managed, your laws permit activities you don’t consider moral, and even if it means you must WORK a lot harder to understand truth. Liberty is worth working for…

The world is a rapid fire experience, from birth to death.  What helps us all make sense is LEARNING! From our first attempts at language, to shaky steps every experience is an education. When we don’t master the lesson, we end up repeating the material.

Electronic communication and commerce are the new norm for many countries, though NOT all. Blogs are a point of contact, a way to express our perceptions of reality, our versions of truth.   Welcome to my blog, one focused on creative writing but which also expresses unique truths.

I’m participating with a small writing group sponsored by acclaimed author Michael Dellert. The free writes are set in the world Michael crafted for his epic series and he assigns each member a character. Here is what I’ve contributed thus far…

Manor Life with a Young Lord

Cathal Manor, Bántobar, Duir 1

Eranna wiped her hands on her apron and glanced across the larder at the hulk of a man balanced carefully on a stool that was more tar, sinew and rag twine than its original Alder wood. Dor, eyed her careful and then continued, “Please Eranna, I wouldn’t ask this of you if there was a better way. I know you,” Dor struggled for the right word, “I know Lord Cathal’s,” Dor was nearly mumbling now as he tried to cobble words together, “actions may not seem to you to be fitting or proper…” Eranna interrupted him, “Enough, Dor. You really should stop talking before you commit treason. You may be Captain of the manor, but in my kitchen you are no better than that headless scullery boy. I’ll get the Lord and his guests,” Eranna shook her head at the thought, “put to right and sent along to see the new summer foal. Continue reading →

Grandma Peachy provides a wonderful insight and leaves me with a smile. Passing this entry of hers along so others can find her.

This is an amazing commentary from Grandma Peachy.

My husband and I were talking about the things of God this morning as we often do. I mentioned a video I saw on YouTube by a young man who claims that God allowed him to see the judgement. Seeing a…

Source: Fear, Faith, and Forgiveness

I am currently in a Master’s degree program (thus the lack of posts for a while!) and have had to sit through recorded lectures. Sit through. I feel as though my brain has been beaten into idiocy. Seriously. Why does this professor create a power point then READ every line she already typed? WTF! Don’t do that, just don’t. I don’t care who you are or what industry you are in, don’t read your power point to me. I can read, I want to hear you talk about things that explain or add to the text you wrote.  And while I’m ranting, could you, Ms. Professor, please learn to develop an outline to keep yourself on track? How about some inflection and emotion in your lecture. Please, for the love of education, try not to be boring!! I’m paying a lot of money to listen you  and watch your presentation, make it more interesting and engaging. If you don’t know how, find the f**k out, hire someone to help you, something!

I got another segment into draft form. I only had a couple of paragraphs that I had to cull after writing them. I have the outline in mind for the pivotal next segment. Its the point at which much of the early story wraps back around and resolves.  It also opens the door to the next steps for the main character.

I want to try to have it to this solid transition prior to classes starting on Tuesday. I am concerned that writing will be on holiday while I concentrate on Master’s classes.

Every year or so, I cull through my contact lists, friends lists, and favorites lists. I look through all those emails I get from this site or that company. Then, I begin the culling. I’d usually winnow it down by a few hundred.  This year, I’m doing something new. Continue reading →

I’m finally back to feeling good. It took a while. I still have a hint of a cough but other than that, all is well.

I posted another segment of the Old Souls novel today and will probably have another piece done this week.  I’m trying to get it to a good place before I start my Master’s program in January. That gives me only a few weeks to try to bring this behemoth of a story to bear. I created a timeline for this novel, something I haven’t had to do before. I usually create character profiles for my works. I didn’t do it this time. I think because in my mind, each character’s story is flowing pretty well.  The timeline, however, was necessary. I needed to be able to reference where in time the character is in relation to the others. What tech exists… what language forms? What social norms are present… what history would the character lived through. Its been a grandiose exercise.  Exciting as new works are, I just want it to quit clawing at the inside of my mind. Once I get it onto the page, I’ll suffer less with the story and characters. 🙂 Let’s hope I get it done before classes start!