mdog02

Greetings friends and fellow deviants,
...such learning must needs be, by its own nature, hard-fought...

Our friend author L. Diane Wolfe (known to us here at deviantART as SpunkOnAStick) is back with the 5th and final book in her wonderful “Circle of Friends” series: The Circle of Friends, Book V: Heather. Book V was released last Tuesday, and not a day too soon as far as I'm concerned.

Heather's character has always been a favorite of mine. She has an edgy quality and can be somewhat abrasive at times, and while that type isn't always one of my favorites in real life, in fiction I often identify. I've been curious to know more about this intriguing person, and now I'll get my chance. Since Book V is the final entry in the series, the pleasure will be bittersweet.

Another reason I'm drawn to this character is the fact that Heather's sport is basketball, as a player in the previous books, and as a coach in Book V. As you can no doubt tell from some of my tweets, I'm a fan of women's basketball. That aspect is tailor made. I pointed out to Diane the amusing “coincidence” that the release of Heather coincides with the start of this year's chapter of March Madness … and she winked at me. You can draw your own conclusion from that … *chuckle*

As always, your faithful servant,

"snakes on the brain ..."


INFO:
 
Today I am featuring an excerpt from ’s new novel, The Circle of Friends, Book V…Heather. This is a continuation from the excerpt posted in ’s journal. It began on March 14 and runs through the 19th - full list of hosts & excerpts at Book synopsis is below.
 
Want to win an autographed copy of Book V? See below for details…
 
Excerpt Nineteen
 
“Honestly?” he asked, reaching for the door. Mark hesitated, his eyes intense despite a gleam of mischief. “None.”
 
He threw open the door and waited for her to exit first. Heather stared open-mouthed for a moment before regaining her composure. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of his office. Mark followed her into the hallway and patted Heather on the back.
 
“See you Saturday,” he said with conviction before striding in the other direction.
 
Heather watched his retreat, a scowl on her face at Mark’s audacity. He simply took for granted she would accept his offer, expecting her to obediently appear at his house Saturday night. His bold and confident assumption annoyed Heather. She could spot cockiness a mile away and had for the most part avoided arrogant men the past few years at Duke. The last thing she needed right now was another self-assured male in her life. Fists clenched in aggravation, Heather strode into the showroom.
 
Dietrich looked up from his sandwich as she approached and flashed a broad smile. He quickly set down his food and reached behind his desk for her box.
 
“They just finished with your vehicle,” he announced, setting her former car’s possessions on the corner of his desk. Dietrich grabbed a large stack of paper from the top of his file tray and inserted them into a clean folder.
 
“Here’s your information,” he said, handing the folder to Heather, “and your key. Your Corolla is right outside.”
 
Finish reading at ’s journal
 
Book V Giveaway!
 
Open to all DA members! Two ways to enter-
1 - Leave a comment here or at any point in the tour, including ’s journal. Each comment is one entry - enter as many times as you like.
2 - Post about this book in your journal, including book synopsis and reviews. (Comments to enter contest must be made at original host journal, though.) Leave a link here or at ’s journal.
Journal posts (one per Deviant) earn five entries!
Winner will be drawn on March 23. USA residents receive a physical book, those outside the USA receive an eBook.
 
Info:
 
:thumb97769804:
THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
BOOK V … HEATHER
BY L. DIANE WOLFE
 
When confidence turns to frustration…
 
A new beginning awaits Heather Jennings. The position at Clemson means she will finally realize her dream of coaching basketball. Heather is ready to focus on her duties, using sheer force if necessary to prove her independence.
 
Sadly, her triumph is hampered as her father and greatest advocate lies dying of cancer. Battling her grief, she must also deal with a sister who appears incapable of responsibility or achievement. And once basketball season begins, a talented but cocky player who resembles her in every manner challenges all that remains of Heather’s patience.
 
Heather’s life changes when she encounters a man capable of handling her bold and feisty attitude. Straightforward and smug, he entices her to date him, and despite his gruff nature shows a great capacity for compassion. However, the last thing Heather needs is a serious relationship with a man equally fixated on work and opposed to marriage…
 
Release date: March 16, 2010, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
$19.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 282 pages, Fiction/YA
ISBN 978-0-9816210-5-0 / 0-9816210-5-8
 
Winner of the TOP CHOICE Award - a perfect 10
“I couldn't sleep not knowing what was going to happen next… definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time. It was brilliant. Props to L. Diane Wolfe!”
- FlamingNet Reviews
 
“Heather deals with real life and real situations - 5 Stars”
- Teens Read Too
 
“Wolfe has created amazing characters with believable attributes and flaws; making Book V…a true gem.”
- Donna M. McDine, Write What Inspires You Book Reviews
 
“Even after reading the novel, I am haunted by these characters… This is the power of Wolfe’s writing.”
- The Book Pedler
 
“She puts so much emotion into her stories…”
- There’s Always Something to Read Reviews
 
“… quite a refreshing read.”
- Peace, Love & Pat Reviews
 
“I did not want to put down… You will truly be drawn into the story and will find yourself eager to see what happens next.”
- Dad of Divas Reviews
 
“Thought-provoking, heart-warming, humorous and spirited.”
- Red Headed Book Child Reviews
 
“A nice completion to the series - 4 Stars.”
- Debbie’s World of Books
 
Described as “encouragement personified”, Wolfe’s five-book Southern-based series portrays love and friendship overcoming all obstacles. Known as “Spunk On A Stick” to her fans, Wolfe is also a professional speaker. Originally from Oregon, she now resides in North Carolina. “With a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved!”
 
The Circle of Friends Website: www.thecircleoffriends.net
 
 
Book Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn7tSW…
 
 
Links to purchase:
Amazon - www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-…
 

Barnes & Noble: search.barnesandnoble.com/The-…
 

Dancing Lemur Press L.L.C. : www.dancinglemurpress.com/id18…

Greetings friends and fellow deviants,
”...such learning must needs be, by its own nature, hard-fought...”

As I have stated in previous journals, our dear friend author L. Diane Wolfe (known to us here at deviantART as SpunkOnAStick) has rewritten the first four novels in her excellent “Circle of Friends” series. The Circle of Friends, Book IV…Mike, currently in release via Dancing Lemur Press, continues Diane's tradition of strong characterization coupled with a message that reaches out to us all. Read, learn, and enjoy.

Scroll down for information on how to win a free copy of Mike. How can you not love a title like that, eh? I must admit that although our hero and I are in no way related save for by way of our common designation, I felt a little extra tug as I shared his trials. Ms. Wolfe's stories will inevitably grab you where you live: it's impossible to not take them personally in one way or another.

Below is the author's answer to a question I posed to her, as well as a review I wrote some time back for the original first edition of Mike: The Circle OF Friends, Book IV. While Diane has since smoothed the story line for style and some content, I'm confident that my humble words will have lost none of their relevance ...

Guilt is a Hard Master
Guilt is a hard master, and no one is more aware of that harsh truth than Mike Taylor, the protagonist of Book IV in L. Diane Wolfe's "The Circle of Friends" series. Tormented by lingering remorse over a past decision, haunted by his long-suppressed desire for his friend and former roommate Sarah, Mike's life is, in large part, a lonely and unhappy one.

After graduating from Georgia Tech, Mike finds himself transplanted from the familiar surroundings of Greensboro to a new life in Albuquerque, having secured a position there at Sandia Labs. Alone in a strange city, separated from his family and lifelong friends, he feels enclosed and overwhelmed by circumstances past and present. It is in this environment that Mike meets Danielle, a beautiful and effervescent coworker who befriends him one day in the break room. The two form an immediate bond, and are soon married. The union is a happy one at the onset, as Danielle's loving support helps Mike to overcome his guilt and insecurities, freeing him from the dark cloud that has shadowed him for the latter part of his young life. There eventually comes a point, however, where unexpected difficulties begin to arise.

Over the course of the first three books in "The Circle Of Friends," author Wolfe has emphasized the accomplishment of goals through perseverance, mature decision making, and emotional reinforcement from family and friends. "Mike" presents her with her biggest challenge to date. After all, the central character is separated from the circle by distance and culture, and even his deep-seated Christian faith threatens to slip away after a sequence of disastrous events shakes his marriage to its foundation. Danielle brings with her an unconditional love and a built-in support group, but will they be enough to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles?

I'll leave the answer to that question for you to discover. I'll tell you this, though: new readers and series veterans alike will find this book to be challenging, uplifting, and engaging in a very personal way. You'll be overjoyed at times, you'll experience frustration (I wanted to reach into the pages and shake my namesake by his shoulders more than once), you'll be encouraged ... you will become an integral part of the lives of these youthful friends, and they of yours as they enfold you into their ever-widening circle. This is the thread L. Diane Wolfe weaves through the fabric of her work; "Mike" continues the tradition well, and I guarantee you that "The Circle of Friends Book IV" will grab you where you live, and will not leave you disappointed.

As always, your faithful servant,

"snakes on the brain ..."


Want to win a free copy?! Any Deviant who leaves a comment here in this journal will be entered in the drawing for a copy of “The Circle of Friends, Book IV…Mike.” Follow SpunkOnAStick’s entire DA tour for several chances to win!
Contest open from October 4 – 11th.

:thumb43118404:

  How do other authors you know personally (Morgan Mandel, etc.) influence your craft?
Those authors force me to stretch! I hear what they are trying and accomplishing, and it spurs me to do more. Morgan or Trish will post about a successful event and it motivates me to try that venue as well. Plus we share our experiences and offer suggestions to one another. I also see what genres and areas are more successful, and that affects my writing. I want to write what I love, but I also want to be successful doing it, too! And many authors offer tips on grammar, characters, storytelling, etc. I learn far more from other authors than I’ve ever learned from books!

THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
BOOK IV … MIKE
BY L. DIANE WOLFE

A prisoner of guilt for so long…

Mike Taylor is the epitome of stability. His family is proud of his academic and athletic achievements at Georgia Tech, and despite the temptations of college life, he has maintained his moral standards.
Yet beneath the peaceful surface, Mike is consumed with guilt, fearing condemnation and rejection. A former girlfriend’s abortion and the intense love he feels for his roommate’s wife constantly remind Mike of his failures. Unable to forget and full of shame, he refuses to forgive himself.
When Danielle enters his life, he realizes he can no longer hide the past. Will she be able to reach him or is Mike past the point of redemption?

$19.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 300 pages, Fiction/YA
ISBN 978-0-9816210-4-3 / 0-9816210-4-X
Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. www.dancinglemurpress.com  


“Book IV…Mike is such a powerful, engrossing, incredible, beautiful novel. But it still manages to be light hearted, funny and heart felt. There is real emotion and real people in these pages…”
- The Book Pedler

“Book IV will grab you where you live, and will not leave you disappointed.”
-Michael Douglas


L. Diane Wolfe, Professional Speaker & Author  
Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” to her fans, the author is a member of the National Speakers Association. “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting”, ties all of Wolfe’s goal-setting and leadership seminar’s information together into one complete, enthusiastic package. The author’s young adult series, The Circle of Friends, is a Southern-based series portrays love and friendship overcoming all obstacles. Described as “encouragement personified”, this series will uplift as well as entertain. Ten years associating with a motivation training system and her experience as a foster parent gave her the in-depth knowledge of relationships, personality traits and success principles. Wolfe travels the East Coast extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements. She averages over one hundred appearances each year, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, manages , and contribute articles for several other sites. She also does characterization sessions for schools and speaks to writer’s groups. “With a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved!”

:thumb101746596:


Author Sites:
The Circle of Friends - www.thecircleoffriends.net/
Book Trailer on YouTube - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn7tSW…
Diane’s Blog - www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
Spunk on A Stick -  www.spunkonastick.net/

Book IV online-
Amazon - www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-…
B&N - search.barnesandnoble.com/book…
The Circle of Friends – www.thecircleoffriends.net/id3…

Book I - www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-… search.barnesandnoble.com/The-…;
Book II- www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-… &  search.barnesandnoble.com/The-…
Book III - www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-…

Greetings friends and fellow deviants,
Things are rolling along well enough I guess. My creative malaise continues … so what else is new? Nothing much, really. The job is going okay, depending how you look at it. Due to the State of Cali's budget woes, we've had furloughs foisted upon us. This is bad, of course, because we don't get paid for furlough days, so now my paycheck will be shorter. That's the point.  Not to belabor the obvious, but I do the thing for the money and now there'll be less. The bright side of all this is that the rest of this fiscal year (and no doubt all of the next) is littered with days off, mostly on Mondays and Fridays, so there'll be plenty of long weekends. I have no choice but to chase that silver lining, and this I intend to do with vigor. I'm fine. I'm smiling.


Geeze! This is depressing! Let's get to the real purpose of this journal – a much happier subject to be sure.

In previous journals, Get Spunky Promo and "Get Spunky!" Promo II: Sarah Returns, I introduced you to my friend L. Diane Wolfe (known to us deviants as SpunkOnAStick): author, speaker, blogger, photographer, educator, motivator, and much, much more. As I told you last time, Diane has rewritten the earlier books in her excellent Circle Of Friends series. The most recent title to be re-released is The Circle of Friends, Book III...James on Dancing Lemur Press. This is possibly my favorite book in the series; I think I related to the characters in this one most. Their lives touched me in an almost physical way; I can't explain why exactly – my history is nothing at all like those of James, Maria and the rest – but if you read the book I'm confident that you'll see what I mean. Diane has a powerful knack for making her characters irresistibly real, for making them important to her readers. Scroll down aways for a chance to win a free copy of James.

A few years back I wrote this review of James: The Circle of Friends Book III. The review is for the original edition, but while Diane has now polished the writing and possibly changed some details, I'm sure what I wrote is still relevant.

Overcoming a Dark Legacy
"James" is a most inspiring novel, it captured me and held me a very willing prisoner from the first page through the last. The phrase "sins of the fathers" resounded through me during the entire time I was reading the book: I don't believe I've ever seen a better, more effective illustration of the fact that abuse, be it to children, to women, to any one of us, is a terrible gift that just keeps on giving, and giving, and giving. The bruises and the broken bones will eventually heal, but the emotional injuries live on and are passed down through the generations, perpetuating the horror and poisoning the essence of everyone they touch. We are corrupted by the scars we inherit; their curse directs the flow of our lives and those of everyone around us.

James Sheppard is the victim of such a legacy. During the course of his story, author L. Diane Wolfe shows us that while the wounds comprising James' birthright can never be entirely healed and forgotten, the dark momentum of physical and mental abuse may be slowed and brought to a halt through force of will and strength of spirit. This is not a triumph that will likely be accomplished alone. We share James' anguish as angry, sometimes violent tendencies rise to the top in spite of his best intentions, but we also grow with him through the ongoing love and devotion of a wife whom circumstances have thrown into a premature marriage, and who must wrestle with the demons of her own upbringing. We evolve along with James through the unwavering kindness of a stepmother whose love for her deeply flawed husband overcomes all obstacles. Perhaps most importantly, James is bolstered by his inner circle of friends both old and new, who prop him up and motivate him to fight off the influence of his scared, lonely past, to do what's right without question through mutual support and unhesitating aid during the times of need that inevitably crop up in their lives, and by extension in ours as well.

I invite you to enter James Sheppard's world and spend some time in his shoes. Ms. Wolfe never preaches or talks down to her characters or her readers. Instead, she makes us feel as if we've known James, his wife Maria, and their multifaceted circle of friends throughout our lives, that we grew up next door to these strong young people, that we're an important part of their existence, that we can feel their love and the reassuring warmth of their arms wrapped around us during the good times and the bad. Be inspired as I was, I promise that you won't regret the experience.   


Below is all the information you'll need on The Circle of Friends, Book III...James. Included is a question I asked the author.

As always, your faithful servant,

"snakes on the brain ..."


Want to win a free copy?! Any Deviant who leaves a comment here in the journal will be entered in the drawing for a copy of "The Circle of Friends, Book III…James." Follow SpunkOnAStick's entire DA tour for several chances to win!

:thumb90874561:

THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
BOOK III … JAMES
BY L. DIANE WOLFE

Question - What role does online social networking play in promoting your work?
A really big one!
I can't be all places at once in the physical world, and I can only travel so far from home. Online, I can reach thousands and thousands of people across the world. Deviant Art is still my favorite site, as I've many friends and fans here, but I also network on FaceBook, Blogger, Twitter, My Cat Space, My Space, and about twenty other social sites.
Social networking helps me spread the word, but it's also garnered some very special friends!

Haunted by a troubled past…

The future appears bright for James Sheppard. Emerging from a troubled childhood, he is blessed with talent and a good work ethic. Excelling in his classes and at the campus newspaper, James's goal of editor appears within his grasp.

However, years of abuse and loneliness have dampened his spirit. By the time Maria enters his world, James is nearing the breaking point. Her innocent love slowly fills the void in his life, boosting his confidence and giving him hope.

When a crisis abruptly forces him into adulthood, James is saddled with more responsibility than expected. Struggling to cope with the situation, the past returns to haunt him. Will James find peace before the mistakes of his father destroy him completely?

Release date: August 18, 2009, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
$19.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 296 pages, Fiction/YA
ISBN 978-0-9816210-3-6 / 0-9816210-3-1

"This book is very motivating and inspiring! This just tells you how much someone is willing to go for the best in his or her life!! There are so many twists and turns and it can teach you how far you would be willing to go to have the perfect moment."
- TeensReadToo.com

"I could not put this book down… This was a wonderful book that will make you fall in love with the characters, hurt when they hurt and rejoice when things go their way."
- Debbie's World of Books

"It is a study of the depth of the human heart and the choices we make in our lives… Wolfe deftly manages to draw you into the story and makes you care for these characters."
- The Book Pedler

"Full of friendship, love and true life situations, Circle Of Friends Book III is a recommended read for YA of all ages."
- Missy's Book Nook

L. Diane Wolfe, Professional Speaker & Author  
Known as "Spunk On A Stick," to her fans, the author is a member of the National Speakers Association. "Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting", ties all of Wolfe's goal-setting and leadership seminar's information together into one complete, enthusiastic package. The author's young adult series, The Circle of Friends, features morally grounded, positive stories that appeal to both teens and concerned parents. Ten years associating with a motivation training system and her experience as a foster parent gave her the in-depth knowledge of relationships, personality traits and success principals. Wolfe travels the East Coast extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements. She averages over one hundred appearances each year, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, manages an online writer's group, and contribute articles for several other sites. She also does characterization sessions for schools and speaks to writer's groups.

Author Sites:
The Circle of Friends - www.thecircleoffriends.net/
Diane's Blog - www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
Spunk on A Stick -  www.spunkonastick.net/

Book III online:
Amazon - www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-…
Barnes & Noble - search.barnesandnoble.com/The-…
Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. - www.dancinglemurpress.com/id16…

Book I - www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-… search.barnesandnoble.com/The-…;
Book II- www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-… &  search.barnesandnoble.com/The-…

:thumb101746596:

Greetings friends and fellow deviants,
Needless to say, I'm long overdue for a new journal, the last one having been posted right before Christmas. I'm afraid that such ennui (or is it malaise? – I can never remember) is rather typical for me of late. For anyone who's still around and paying attention, I'm alive and reasonably well, if somewhat unproductive. I seem to spend most of my online time twittering and tweeting about …

What better way to paddle back into the journal stream than to reintroduce you to my great friend L. Diane Wolfe (well known to us deviants as SpunkOnAStick)? I wrote about Diane some time back in my ”Get Spunky!” Promo journal, and now it's time to promo again.    

Diane's life continues to be a whirlwind of activity, the nature of which is exhausting for me even to contemplate. I still don't know how she does it all – she must be running on some kind of 48-hour-per-day clock that I don't have access to. Among her many activities, Diane has come out with a non-fiction book titled Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK, which includes contributions from authors David Ambrose, p.m.terrell, Darlene Wofford, Jocelyn Andersen, Bob Johnson, C. Denise Sutton, and Bill Wilson.

On a somewhat (to me) amusing note, the book was banned by a few small independent bookstores in Europe over the use of the word “spunk.” I wish I could find a reference to link to, but I can't … I think Diane was understandably appalled by this, but I see it as a classic illustration of just how silly and ignorant people can be. Anyway, no such thing as bad publicity, right? Heck Diane, in this day and age it would probably boost sales substantially if you were to include “BANNED IN EUROPE!!!” in the promo material.

Diane has rewritten the earlier books in her wonderful Circle Of Friends series, and May 5th marks the release on Dancing Lemur Press of The Circle of Friends Book II … Sarah (see below). This title remains one of my favorites – I loved the main character; I always seem to go for the offbeat, unconventional ones. Who'd have thunk that a rebellious, Goth-dressing girl with self-image issues could find happiness and a bright future with an outgoing, BMOC-type football star?  That's one of the beauties of  L. Diane Wolfe's books: her Friends discover each other in sometimes unlikely combinations, and in doing so find their true selves. The books are most inspiring, just as they're meant to be. Oh, and I should mention that the newly revised versions feature fresh cover art by talented hubbie wolfeman99. Creativity flourishes in the Wolfe family unit.



As always, your faithful servant,

"snakes on the brain ..."




:thumb87258139:

THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
BOOK II … SARAH
BY L. DIANE WOLFE

No awards for second best…

A student at Georgia Tech, Sarah Martin is bold, intelligent, and appears destined for a career in biochemistry. But her poor self-image has been masked by behavior unbecoming to a young lady brought up in an affluent Southern family. Estranged from her father, envious of her best friend’s perfect life, Sarah feels inadequate and unable to measure up to expectations.

When a friendship suddenly turns romantic, Sarah questions herself even more. A future NFL receiver, Matt’s joyful spirit and social status appear beyond her reach. Yet beneath his eager smile and playboy antics lies a young man hiding in shadows and desperate to trust again.

Faced with challenges, they must help each other come to terms with past disappointments before insecurities and doubt threaten to sabotage their future.

Release date: May 5, 2009, Dancing lemur Press, L.L.C.
$20.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 360 pages, Fiction/YA
ISBN 978-0-9816210-1-2 / 0-9816210-1-5

Teaser from Chapter One on DA - spunkonastick.deviantart.com/a…
Teaser from Chapter Eleven on DA - spunkonastick.deviantart.com/a…


"Sarah: Circle of Friends Book II is, without a doubt, one of the most amazing and moving books I have ever read. Wolfe has written the impossible: a story of real people facing life’s real issues and she does this with style, grace and aplomb. Anyone who has suffered from poor self-image and low self esteem needs to read this book. It will not only restore your faith in yourself but your faith in others." - Jamieson Wolf, The Book Pedler Reviews

“An enjoyable, well-crafted read, The Circle Of Friends, Book II will enlighten many a reader to the joys and pains of contemporary youth. A recommended, rewarding literary treat.”
- Linda Waterson, Apex Reviews

“I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. It was the first I had ever read by L. Diane Wolfe and I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is the story line very realistic it is very inspirational. It shows both the joys and the many pains of young adults in today's society trying to fit in but still be true to themselves.” – Katie’s Book Blog

Described as “encouragement personified”, Wolfe’s five-book Southern-based series portrays love and friendship overcoming all obstacles. Known as “Spunk On A Stick” to her fans, Wolfe is also a professional speaker. Originally from Oregon, she now resides in North Carolina. “With a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved!”
The Circle of Friends website – www.thecircleoffriends.net

Book II online
Barnes & noble - search.barnesandnoble.com/The-…
Amazon - www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-…
DancingLemurPress.com - www.dancinglemurpress.com/id15…

Greetings friends and fellow deviants!
I accidentally posted a blank “Devious Journal Entry” earlier ... bummer - my bad – but it reminded me that it's been some months since I came up with a new journal, so here goes.

I mainly want to wish you all the best of the holiday season - a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My Christmas will be low key as usual; there won't be much going on here, but it'll be a happy day for sure. The best part for me is that starting tomorrow I'm off work until January 5th. Yahoolios!!!

I'm glad to see that Billo's annual war has died down to all but a whimper this year. You know the one I mean – that deal where the bad old liberal Grinch sucks the spiritual life out of Christmas by demanding that we say “Holidays” instead. I'm relieved not to have heard much about all that silly nonsense from either side of the ideological fence this year. Anyway, I ranted enough about it in the journal I posted around this time last year. Call the day whatever you want. Just be happy!

I will add one thing, though. In the comments to the previously mentioned journal, a dear friend said this:

”You can add atheists who celebrate Christmas to your rant, too. That one puzzles me.”

I didn't say anything about it at the time, but it's a legitimate question, so I'll give you my thoughts:

First off, I don't label myself an atheist, or any other kind of “ist.” I don't have a convenient category to place myself in. My opinions are my own and I can speak only for myself. Here's why I, non-religious entity that I am, celebrate Christmas:

I don't believe in deities, but there is no doubt in my mind that Jesus Christ lived, and that he was a good ... a great man. Although his message has been perverted and subverted by many for their own purposes over the centuries, often with disastrous consequences, it was one of peace, love, and understanding. What's not to agree with in that? There can be no denying the positive impact his life has had and will continue to have on the human race ... is the birth of such a man not worth celebrating? The Devout don't have a monopoly on concepts like Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men – those ideas are for all of us, and I'm pretty sure Jesus would back me on that.


Things have been going pretty much the same for me since last I wrote: not too much happening around these parts. Creativity remains at a low ebb - this journal is the most writing I've done in ages. Not too much on the graphic end either, although I'm hoping that some degree of inspiration will return next month when I should at last be able to get my hands on the Adobe Creative Suite Design Standard for my new(er) computer. I should have had it awhile back, but there have been delays. I can buy it at a huge discount through my job, and hopefully that'll happen in January. It'll be great fun discovering the wonders of CS4.


I recently got hold of this cool turntable, and I've been having a blast reacquainting myself with my old vinyl records. I have piles of them, both 33-1/3 and 45 rpm, out in the garage – I haven't looked at them in years, and I had forgotten I even had many of them. Man, there are some real gems out there! I used to spend way too much money on that stuff, and now I remember why. I've been bringing them in by the armloads and spinning platters like the DJs of old. The turntable has a USB output, so I've been using it with Audacity to record tracks, or even whole albums, as MP3s. So, if you want to dust off your vinyl and send it to me I'll ship it back along with digital renditions made to order. I'll bet I get lots of takers on that one, eh?! *chuckle*  

Guess that's about it for now.

As always, your faithful servant,

"Snakes on the brain ..."