A thought from Mickey Mantle.

"It's unbelievable how much you don't know about the game you've been playing all your life." 
- Mickey Mantle

Plato's Hard Battle

A thought after a tough week: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Plato

AMERICA: The Story of Us

As a social studies teacher, I URGE everyone to watch this television event. AMERICA: The Story of Us. Watch the trailer. THIS is an IMPRESSIVE show! For more information:
History Channel: AMERICA The Story of Us

American Revolution: Paul Revere's Ride 1775

Paul Revere made his famous "Midnight Ride" on April 18, 1775. 235 years ago tonight the American Revolution truly began!  It's the history lover in me...

Allergy season!

Allergies.  How I pray someone will find a cure.  I'm undergoing desensitization shots but they're not enough.  I'm allergic to grasses, olive pollen, and other pollens.  Time for the heavy guns in the medicine department.

BUT...what's worse is the allergy to  quaternary ammonium, a common chemical in many personal care items, such as shampoo, hair spray, perfume, lotions and detergents.  Think about how much of all of that teens use...ugh...

Icelandic volcano and Europe

I'm praying for all the people affected by the cancellation of flights into and out of European airports.  I can only imagine the disruption the Icelandic volcanic eruption is causing Europe and all major airports all over the globe...

Visiting Pine Mountain

After reading "The Pearls of the Stone Man", if you wish to visit Pine Mountain, the setting of the story, here is a map that will show you how to get there.  I am working on running a few "Author Tours" this summer.


Map to Pine Mountain, California

My son's prom is tonight.

It amazes me to think that my son Patrick will be attending his prom tonight - he's a senior and will be graduating from high school next month.  I'd forgotten how much tuxes, flowers and the like cost.  It dawned on me that after next month we will have only one child left (Laura) under 18 years of age.  Where has the time gone?

And, to top it off, in June my first-born grandchildren, Jacob and Nathan, will turn 10 years old.  Double digits!  It makes one think, and forces one to set priorities in life.  Time is short.  I must use what is left of my allocation of this precious commodity wisely.

The Great Pearls Give Away

THE PEARLS GIVE AWAY! Announcing an opportunity for you to have a copy of "The Pearls of the Stone Man" (with a letter and a tote bag) sent to a friend - for free. Simply message me or send an email with the name and address of someone you think would like the novel. Tell me why they should get it. Each week in April I'll pick one person. The decision of the judge (that's me) is final. Yes, you can re-nominate each week. So, message me! Tell me why I should send a book to YOUR friend or relative! I'm looking for people willing to spread the news. 

WEEK 1 STARTS NOW!

Golden Anniversary US Flag

In three months our US 50 Star Flag will be 50 years old. To commemorate this, I designed a Golden 50 US Flag. My friend Peter Orenski is making 3 x 5 foot copies for a limited time. I encourage you to fly this flag this year - to get people to notice Old Glory. Peter can be reached via TMEALF -AT- aol.com.