Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Better in the Morning
Well, here I am, two hours and some change away from a new year. I always try to stay up and watch the ball drop in Times Square. Why? You got me....but it's something I've done since I was in my late teens. I've got some new year's resolutions - exercise more, eat healthier, try to put the past further behind me, find a good woman to share my life with, etc. The same sort of resolutions that, I'm sure, millions of people make. My son, Darrien, was sick tonight. He literally vomited a dozen times. Every time he'd ask for a drink of water, it came back up ten minutes later. I took the gamble of getting barfed on and laid with him in his bed until he fell asleep. Hopefully, he'll be better in the morning. That's the title of this blog- better in the morning. I've spent the last week reflecting back on the past year and made some decisions regarding certain things. I won't allow them to carry on into the new year. I have symbolically taken a shovel and buried those thing in the past. I will remember them, of course, but I will do my best in the coming year to not let them govern me as they did in 2008. 2009 is a new year. I'm trying to look at it like an artist would. It's a canvas, and I can either paint a beautiful picture on it, or something ugly. I prefer to paint the beauty that life has to offer. The ugliness will still be there, of course. You'll never get completely away from it. But, there truly is a lot of beauty in life. There's pain and strife, but everyone has that. Push it aside and embrace the good things that life has to offer.
That, ultimately, is my new year's resolution....see more beauty in life.
Not a bad resolution, if I don't say so myself.
Here's hoping everyone sees the beauty in 2009.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas and the Hope that Things will be better in the New Year
Well, here it is, a handful of days from Christmas, and I'm reflecting back on the year. It's been a year of strife and toil and transition. The old Chinese curse "may you live in interesting times" has certainly held true for me. It could be argued that a lot of the strife over the past year has been self-induced. I'm not going to argue that. I was, however, quite honest about my needs and feelings over the past year. Perhaps I was a mite forceful in my delivery about those feelings, but sometimes you gotta shout to be heard. Sometimes, people just won't listen anyway, so you're better off saving your breath on them. But, now, at Christmas time, I have to sit back and look at the good things I have in life. I have children who love me (two of them are sitting on the couch ten feet from me, laughing and happy). I have a roof over my head and my health. A good woman in my arms would be nice, but hard to keep these days. It'll happen when it happens, I reckon. Anyway, I just want to wish ANYONE reading this (even those who read it with a malicious eye) a Merry Christmas. Life is a journey, my friends. Don't sit on the sidelines and watch it pass you by. Love someone if you can. Try to trust them and have faith in them. I know from personal experience that it's hard, but life is an awfully lonely place without someone at your side.
Merry Xmas
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Rod and the Way Things Are
Well, our old governor Rod final got his come-uppance. Sounds like he'll be fitted with a striped suit and a boyfriend named Bubba very, very soon. It's sad that Illinois is known for its criminally active governors. I saw on the news that our president-elect was distancing himself from the man. Smart. Of course, I doubt Obama would have gotten far in Illinois politics without smoozing up to Rod but, now that he's President, he's forsaken the man. Which brings me to the topic of this blog— who can you trust? Our Governor thought he had a friend, but he was wrong. He had someone who was using him just as much as he was using the friend. The friend got in a pinch with the Feds and ratted Rod out without a second thought. Of course, one could argue that it was inevitable. Our Governor was as crooked as a dog's hind leg and he's single-handedly destroyed Illinois. The corruption within his administration is legendary. He deserves a date (sans soap-on-a-rope) with Bubba in the prison shower. Of course, that'll never happen. He'll be sent off to some cushiony resort-like prison with satellite TV, Wii players to while away the hours, and conjugal visits from the Mrs. It'll be a lot like going on a vacation. And, as young as he is, he'll make new friends in prison who'll set him up for the rest of his life. Or, he'll write a book about his escapades and make millions. It could be the best thing that ever happened to him. Certainly the best thing to happen to the state of Illinois in a long, long time. Or, at least, everyone here hopes so.
The picture attached to this post is of Manly Wade Wellman's WHO FEARS THE DEVIL? It is a classic collection of southern stories about Silver John and his battle against evil. In the cinematic version of the book, THE LEGEND OF HILLBILLY JOHN, the movie ends with Silver John walking toward the White House to do battle with evil. Let's hope the people who think Obama is the anti-christ are wrong.
Food for thought.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Turkey Day
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I hope you have much to be thankful for. It's easy to think that the world is an ugly place but, if you look, you'll see that there is also a great deal of beauty. If you have children, be thankful for their hugs and smiles and kisses. If you have a roof over your head and food to eat, that's something to be thankful for, too. It was recently pointed out to me that, if you have money in your pocket at all, you are in the top 8% of people in the world. That fact makes me extremely sad. Where is the humanity in humanity? Everyone should have the basics of life, but they don't. So, this Thanksgiving, I urge you to take a moment and think about those who have far less than you do. Maybe, if we all pulled together, we can make the world a better place for everyone....and that would be something well worth being thankful for.
Have a good holiday, folks.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Perception and reality
I find this picture particularly beautiful. Unfortunately, it also makes me think about the difference between reality and fantasy. I try to picture the man in the painting as having searched for his one, true love....a goddess of the sea. In this painting, he has found her....but what next? This painting captures a moment in time. What happens when they break their embrace? Do they run off happily ever after? Or does she tell him that the sea is her one, true love and, since he is human, they can never be together? Does he follow her anyway, drowning in the sea? Or, does he leave and forget her, knowing that she is right and that they can not be together?
Questions. No answers. If you could lock yourself into one moment in time, which moment would you choose? Why? And, an even more important question - would your partner choose the same moment?
Lots of things to think about.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
He's everywhere! He's Everywhere!
Another post...but this one is a little less personal than the last. I recently found a website featuring my favorite pseudo-superhero, Chickenman. Check him out at http://www.mannyhomeslice.com/mannyhomeslice/chickenman/
Chickenman is just that...a chicken. He's a superhero who only works on the weekend. I remember listening to the series on the radio religiously back in the late 70's. It was right after school, as I recall. And, the cool thing about it was that Chickenman was kind of stupid. He always managed to save the day, though.
Check him out.
Chickenman is just that...a chicken. He's a superhero who only works on the weekend. I remember listening to the series on the radio religiously back in the late 70's. It was right after school, as I recall. And, the cool thing about it was that Chickenman was kind of stupid. He always managed to save the day, though.
Check him out.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Strange World
It's a strange world, my friends. Trust me, I know. Once again, I have posted an picture I find humorous. I hope you do, too. If not, you're reading the wrong blog. I went to the doctor yesterday for a check-up. To be honest, I've felt like crap for a long time. It's all been emotional. of course, and I found that out yesterday. My blood pressure was 116/68 and my heart rate was 72. The nurse asked me point-blank, "what are you doing here?" I didn't have an answer....so, being who I am, I thought about it. I almost told her that I've felt like my heart was about to explode for almost three years now, that I wasn't for sure where to go, what to do, what to think, etc... Instead, I realized then and there what the answer should really be.
The answer is:
Life brought me there.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. Blah, blah, blah. You've got it a whole let better than________ (fill in the blank). And of course, the answer to that is - "You are right". Sometimes it's hard to see the forest for the trees. I do have it good. I have beautiful, healthy children. They love me; I love them. I hug them as often as a heterosexual male in his mid-40's is allowed. Probably a little more. Who (besides big brother) is watching? I still have my wits about me after the hell I've gone through, and I still know humor and humility. It's odd, but I still know that young, scared boy I used to be. He still exists within this flesh....he's just a little harder to find in the mirror these days :) But, he's still there. He still dreams and he still loves and he still cares. I'm reminded of the title of a book by one of my favorite writers, Harlan Ellison. That book title is THE BEAST THAT SHOUTED LOVE AT THE HEART OF THE WORLD.
Sometimes, I feel like that beast.
Sometimes, I hear a distant echo and wonder if anyone heard.
Sometimes, I know they did.
That's enough...for now.
Hope everyone is well. More, when I have more to say. And, Stephanie...sorry if this post is confusing. As I said, I'm a complex person. But, I am also a beast with a lot of love in my heart. A contradiction? You better believe it....but that's who I am and I can't change it.
Roger
Monday, November 10, 2008
Tuesday holidays.....another sign of the coming apocalypse
Tomorrow is the first Tuesday holiday I think I've ever had (besides taking "mental health" days, as one of my co-workers is prone to do). Anyway, as always, I have the kids. It's supposed to be nasty out tomorrow, so I'll probably taken them to the science center in the mall. I've got a pass that's been burning a hole in my pocket. I got it in the spring and was waiting until an dreary, rainy day with the kids to use it. I've got a feeling that day is tomorrow.
Anyway, hope everyone is doing well. And, once again, I find humor in the accompanying photo. Sorry if you find it offensive or unsettling. Of course, very few things are as disturbing as finding yourself in that position, but someone else.....well, you gotta admit there's some humor in it.
later
Roger
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Confusion
Life is a confusing thing, my friends. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, a monkey wrench gets thrown into the mix. And, it's made even more confusing by people's perspective. Take the picture attached to this post. I find it rather creative and a tad humorous. Some people will find it offensive. It's kind of the same with life, I think. The topics of love, sex, marriage and commitment are things that have weighed heavily on my mind lately. I was married to a woman I was committed to. She wasn't committed to me. The reality of the situation is that she was committed to one person and one person only - herself. It devastated me to discover that, after eight years of being together, she walked away without even so much as a second thought. Eight years - roughly a tenth of the average lifetime these days - became a joke in a matter of minutes. It was (and still is) a difficult pill for me to swallow. But, things are getting better. I realize that we all have our issues and that she had plenty of her own. The way I dealt with them in the past, and recently, has changed. I have embraced our children and their future. They are primary. They always have been. Ultimately, it's who you take care of, love and support, that will define you. Embrace someone, love them with all you have. If they don't return that love, that's their problem, not yours. You did your best. And, if you're hurting someone emotionally (even if you don't mean to), stop it. They deserve better than that.
More on this later, when I ponder the reality that is my life deeper.
Roger
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Halloween again
Well, it's almost Halloween again. I watched IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN last nigth with the kids, so the festive mood is upon me. We'll trick-or-treat till we drop on Friday, then eat candy till our teeth rot out of our heads. Ah, 'tis the season.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Gentle Art of Verbal Self Defense
I've been reading a book called THE GENTLE ART OF VERBAL SELF-DEFENSE by Suzette Haden Elgin recently. It came recommended to me by someone who shant be mentioned here regarding situations in my life that have gotten out of hand. I highly recommend the book to anyone who feels harassed or intimated by someone....it'll give you pointers on how to turn the tables and win the verbal assault, or at least take away the power they think they have. Life, my friends, is a weird thing. When I was young, I thought I'd be rich and know everything by the age of 40. Well, that didn't happen. As a matter of fact, I've come to the recent conclusion that I know very little about a great deal in life. We get up, we go to work, we come home, if we are lucky, we have loved in that time as well. I have the advantage these days of having two (nix that, THREE children who love me....my eldest has recently returned to the roost after a long hiatus...welcome home, Sarah!) and I am a truly blessed man in those regards. My children have helped me through some tough times, let me tell you! Anyway, just wanted to recommend a book to y'all. It's been out a while, so you ought to be able to find a used copy easily.
By the way, that clip art attached is the cover to a compilation by one of my favorite 70's bands, Wishbone Ash. I highly recommend them, too. I didn't get into their music until a few years back....proving yet again that I don't know everything.
Later,
Roger
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Kids
Kids are driving me crazy tonight. They made their way up to their respective rooms and I have a moment of silence. I went on a field trip with my daughter Hope to Giant City State Park today. The place is less than ten miles away and I haven't hiked there in years! Damn, I need to get back to the basics of enjoying life. Today was a real eye-opener. We went to the Stone Fort (which no one seems to know why it was built) and along a scenic nature route I'd never walked in the park, either. As most people know, the glaciers from the last ice age pretty much stopped in southern Illinois. When they retreated, they left behind some dynamic rock structures. Giant City is one of them, and Garden of the Gods is another. Both are awesome sights to behold and I recommend you do so.
On the creative front, I just submitted my article on desalination of saltwater to Salem Press. We'll see how that goes. I also have a new short story coming out in Sinister Tales magazine toward the end of the month. That story, "Laugh at the Crying Man", is a short, but powerful, little piece of fiction. Not sure if it'll be online or not, but there is a hard copy version of the magazine. I recommend picking up a copy if you can.
Have a good weekend, everyone. More later, Roger
Friday, October 3, 2008
R.I.P. Sue Kelley
Death stinks. My old high school buddy Rick's mother died a couple days ago. She wasted away from cancer (leukemia, I think it actually was). We need to quit blowing each other to bits over oil and find a cure for all forms of cancer. This once vivacious woman wasted away. Rick called me last weekend and told me there was nothing they could do for her. I hope they at least made her comfortable in her final days. There are a million things people say at times like these, but none of them help. I am a richer person for having known Sue and her husband, Gib. They always treated me like their own son, and that meant a lot to me. Far more than they knew, I'm sure. I'm not an overly religious man, but I have said a prayer for Sue and Gib, who has lost his partner of fifty years. I admired them for the loved they seemed to have for each other. In truth, it was more like envy. I will always remember Sue and Gib sitting out under a tree at Wayside Station, chatting with Rick and I. I miss those old Wayside Station days. They were good times.
Rest In Peace, Sue. If there really is a Heaven, I know your at the front of the line.
Roger
Rest In Peace, Sue. If there really is a Heaven, I know your at the front of the line.
Roger
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Dime novels
For some time now, I've had a fascination with the Dime novel. These were books published cheaply and in very poor quality, mostly, during the 1870's - 1910 or so. These books weren't terribly well-written for the most part, but they were escapism, pure and simple. Yesterday, while perusing the used book store here in town, I came across a book called EIGHT DIME NOVELS edited by E.F. Blieiler. I, of course, bought it on the spot. The introduction has an interesting list of books published in the time and, thanks to the internet, I've managed to download a few more dime novels. One novel in particular, JACK WRIGHT AND HIS ELECTRIC STAGE, sounds like pure escapism....and it'll be my next book to read (after I finish Hemingway's ACROSS THE RIVER AND INTO THE TREES). I found that book at Project Gutenberg, an awesome resource for long out-of-print public domain novels. Check them out at www.projectgutenberg.org
I found an old Manly Wade Wellman book, THE DEVIL'S ASTEROID, there as well. Collecting Wellman's books is a bit of a pasttime for me, anyway, and I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 of his books now. He was a great writer, and I recommend starting with his Silver John stories if you're interested in reading some great southern horror. WHO FEARS THE DEVIL? is the book you need to look for. It shouldn't be too hard to find out there.
Anyway, figured I'd post something that might peak your interests. See, I can write a gentle blog entry when the mood strikes me.
Have a good day, gentle readers.
Roger
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tami (Tamara) Keller and Stan Feist R.I.P.
Today provided a double whammy to the heart. I found out that Tami (Tamara) Keller, one of my high school crushes, died today at the age of 46. And, to top that off, Stan Feist, a teacher from High School, also passed away. Both people will be sorely lamented. I saw Tami not too long ago, and her beauty hadn't faded one bit. She was still lovely. Cause of death is still unknown. Forty-six is too young to be dying.
Stan was a good man and I was happy for him when I discovered he died with friends and family nearby. Everyone should have that.
I will take a moment tonight to remember both Tamara and Stan. They have passed on, but my memory of them remains.
R.I.P.
Stan was a good man and I was happy for him when I discovered he died with friends and family nearby. Everyone should have that.
I will take a moment tonight to remember both Tamara and Stan. They have passed on, but my memory of them remains.
R.I.P.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Higher Edjamacation
Lord, I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post. Time flies when you're having fun, I guess. Anyway, I want to discuss the concept of people with PhD's being smarter than dumb ol' redneck hicks. While those letters (PhD) seem important, trust me when I tell you they are, all too often, a load a steaming fecal matter. I learned a long time ago that just because someone has a degree in this or that, it doesn't necessarily make them smart. It just means they had the money to make them look a little smarter by putting PhD behind their names. It's a vanity thing, I reckon. As far as I'm concerned, I think PhD stands for "piled higher and deeper". Having one doesn't make you one bit smarter, prettier or skinnier than you would be without it. It doesn't make your blemishes or bad breath go away, nor any other body odor.
Where am I going with all this? Heck, I don't know. I know that my blog was recently re-scrutinized for its content. While I suppose I am sticking my neck out there for the world to cut at with a blog, it's also a medicinal thing for me. I write this blog because I have friends in far off places that I miss and want to keep up with. They can come here and read what I'm doing and/or thinking. Unfortunately, so can everyone else in the world. Sometimes that's good; sometimes it's bad. All I can say to people reading this blog with a critical eye is this: You have the right to read it. You also have the right not to. If you don't like what you read here, if you find it offensive in any way....GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! You have that right. I also have the right to think and believe whatever I wish. Heartland Security hasn't taken that way...yet. There's something called Freedom of Speech and I'm a big advocate of it. What I do in my free time (which is minimal these days) is my own business. Remember that.
Sermon over.
Back to being a rat bastard.
Where am I going with all this? Heck, I don't know. I know that my blog was recently re-scrutinized for its content. While I suppose I am sticking my neck out there for the world to cut at with a blog, it's also a medicinal thing for me. I write this blog because I have friends in far off places that I miss and want to keep up with. They can come here and read what I'm doing and/or thinking. Unfortunately, so can everyone else in the world. Sometimes that's good; sometimes it's bad. All I can say to people reading this blog with a critical eye is this: You have the right to read it. You also have the right not to. If you don't like what you read here, if you find it offensive in any way....GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! You have that right. I also have the right to think and believe whatever I wish. Heartland Security hasn't taken that way...yet. There's something called Freedom of Speech and I'm a big advocate of it. What I do in my free time (which is minimal these days) is my own business. Remember that.
Sermon over.
Back to being a rat bastard.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Another week closer to.....
Once again, you can thank my buddy Wayne Allen Sallee for the picture that graces this entry. He finds some of the coolest pictures.
Anyway, not much new to report, I guess. I had a fun evening with a lovely young lady last Thursday. She's leaving town tomorrow and we wanted to get together and hang out before she left. It was one of the best nights out I've had in eons. She's a sweetheart and I'll miss her dearly, but Portland is beckoning her considerable talents. I wish her well.
Boy, was I tired Friday morning.
But, it was a good kind of tired. A happy kind of tired, if that makes sense. Still, I slept like a rock last night.
Now, on to fictive things. MURDER AT PK'S is in the final proofing phase and being readied to publish. The same will probably happen for the short-short story collection, LIL' FELLERS, in the near future. I've also been editing an old, old, old novel for publication as well. It's entitled PURGATORY and was written in 1987. I'm about half way through that now, too. Another poetry collection (I've been writing a lot of it for some reason lately) will come out by year's end, too. It's entitled GAS STATION ROSE. I hope to start filming THE BIG MUDDY MONSTER in late October/early November. And, if that's not being busy enough, Jim Foerster and I are going to start working on an avant garde spoken word album this fall, too. No set title for that yet, but I've been writing some experimental pieces for it. Think William S. Burrough's SPARE ASS ANNIE written by a redneck and you're in the territory of where that'll take you. Actually, what inspired the notion of a spoken word cd was William Shatner's HAS BEEN cd. I get a lot of laughs from people when I say it's one of my favorite cds from last year, but it's the truth. I highly recommend checking it out. It's all about old age and death and Shatner really does have an amazing sense of humor.
Anyway, hope everyone is fine. Sorry I haven't been posting more regularly....but I've been busy.
Take care, friends.
Roger
Saturday, August 2, 2008
47
Well, Yesterday was my 47th birthday. I never thought I'd get this old, to be honest. My father died at the ripe old age of 50 and I'm a bit scared about that myself. But, I'm trying to put the past behind me. It's a tough thing for me to do. I'm old and set in my ways, and I did love my wife very, very much. I had the displeasure of being near her for a couple of hours yesterday and it made me realize just how much I didn't know the woman. It's strange. She has laid in my arms and told me she loved me. Now, it's like I'm talking to a complete stranger. Of course, I know that I'm better off without her. She brought nothing but lies and deceit into my home, and treated me like a second-class human being in that home. But, I did love the woman. There will always be a part of me that loves her, but I am trying to seal that part of my heart away and move on. She doesn't care. All I can do is remember the good times and hope a good woman presents herself to me soon. I will try to work on that in the coming months.
I have the final proof of MURDER AT PK'S circulating right at the moment. I found a few logical errors (minor ones, really....you can't write a book over the course of a year without those!), and am fixing them. Brad Moore is doing the cover.Hopefully, the book will be out there sometime in September. We'll see.
Hey, if you're on myspace, check me out (www.myspace.com/rogerdaletrexler). Some of my friends are pretty cool.
later,
Roger
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Big shoulders
It's true....I have big shoulders and, a lot of the time, people want me to carry the weight for them. That's fine, I guess. That's what life is about. But, once in a while, it would be nice if someone would carry some of the burden for me. Man, it seems like everyone wants me to do this or that for them, but they don't want to return the favor. In a lot of ways, that's the reason I'm divorced. My wife wanted me to carry the burden for her, but she didn't want to return the favor. Got into a bit of a fight earlier with her. Part of me feels bad about what was said; the other part knows that what I said was true and from the heart. Basically, she wanted me to do something for her tomorrow morning and gave me notice at 9 p.m. Arrrgghhhhh! And she has the audacity to call me an idiot. Of course, I guess I must be. I agreed. It involved our children and I didn't want to let them down. She knows that about me and, boy, does she abuse it.
I guess what I'm saying here is this: it's fine to ask someone to carry the weight from time to time as long as you're willing to reciprocate the favor. Anything else is just being a turdball of a human being. And, just because someone is willing to help you in a pinch doesn't give you the right to abuse it.
Words of wisdom from your friendly author.
More later, Roger
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Another new story
I should have another new short (very short) story going up online today. It's an online contest I've participated in three times before. You write a 250 word story based on the picture provided. It's always interesting and a challenge to see if you can write something coherent in 250 words. This time, I played on my own search for the perfect woman. She's out there, I know. Check out the story at www.clarityofnight.blogspot.com
The story is called "Chameleon".
I hope you enjoy it.
Roger
Friday, July 4, 2008
The Rocket's red glare
Well, here it is, the 4th of July. The year has flown by. It's been a strange year in the ever-evolving life of your humble author. Some good changes, some bad changes. But changes. Always changes. I finished typesetting MURDER AT PK'S yesterday and planned on outputting proof copies to take to the fireworks at Craig and Bert's, but the ol' laserprinter isn't agreeing with me. Gonna get out the ink jet refills and see if I can get the ink jet printer to print out a few copies. I've also started working on the text to a spoken word CD I'm planning on recording this Fall. I'll discuss the project with Jim Foerster at the fireworks tonight.
Anyway, I hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July. Behave, if you can. Roger
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Another week?
Another weekend is half over and I simply don't know where time has gone. I've been working hard at finishing the rewrite of MURDER AT PK'S. Got about 30 pages left to go. With luck, I'll have it done by next weekend. I'll try to have the book in print sometime in August. I've been shooting around the idea of a spoken word CD and have written several experimental pieces for it already. That'll probably happen this Fall sometime. And, I swear, we'll shoot THE BIG MUDDY MONSTER this October or November. I want to trees to have changed colors and a bed of leaves on the ground. I'm also working on a short novel called THE JOURNEY. Since my return to writing in late 2004, I've had a certain change of direction in my writing. Back in the 80's, I wrote primarily dark fantasy or horror. I've been writing a melange of general "literary" fiction, science fiction and only the occasional horror piece. Funny how time can change your outlook on things, I guess.
Anyway, just wanted everyone to know I'm still alive and kicking. It's a beautiful day out and I need to get the kids outdoors. Till later, Roger
Friday, June 20, 2008
Has it really been a week already?
Has it really been a week already since my last post? Jeez, time is flying by. Not really much new to report. Life has pretty much been work, kids, sleep, eat, in a continuous cycle. I've been working very had to finish typesetting "Murder at PK's". I think I'll have it typeset by the end of the month, and the month of July will be spent proofreading and fine-tuning the text. The book will also feature a short story, "Dead Man's Mug". It's already written as well, and it's set in PK's as well. I'm considering adding another Frank Powell mystery to the mix, an as-yet unwritten tale to be called "Sequence of Events: a murder at Lost Cross". As anyone in Carbondale knows, Lost Cross is the quintessential punker after hours hangout. I've been there a few times with Brad and my buddy Rehab. I was never really a punker, but it's interesting to get out there and meet people with different values and philosophies in life. I had a conversation with one of the guys that lived at Lost Cross the last time I was there. It was a small crowd, and he was playing Black Sabbath's Technical Ecstasy album. As anyone who's seen my record collection can attest, I'm a music - well, hard rock - afficionado. It was a good conversation, even though I doubt the guy remembers it because he was so drunk. We both agreed Technical Ecstasy and Never Say Die were severely underrated Black Sabbath albums. Tony Iommi was trying to expand their musical horizons, and the public wasn't really listening.
Anyway, I just wanted to put up a new post. I have a story coming out online at www.crimeandsuspense.com Check it out when you can.
Roger
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The weekend has arrived
Well, the weekend has arrived. I have the kids this weekend and I bought them a new swimming pool, so they'll be water horses most of the weekend, I reckon. Gonna barbeque dinner for them tonight, sit out on the deck, and ponder the future. Hope everyone has an awesome weekend...life's too short not to enjoy weekends.
take care,
Roger
Sunday, June 8, 2008
New story
Looks like my story, "Night Patrol" will be featured in the July/August issue of the online magazine CRIME AND SUSPENSE. www.crimeandsuspense.com
"Night Patrol" is a story I wrote toward the end of my first go-around as a writer, probably penned sometime around 1991 or thereabouts and features my recurring character,Detective Frank Powell. Powell is the detective in several novel length works I've done and, from time to time, I write a short story featuring him as well. "Night Patrol" is such a story. I'll let you know when the story goes live, along with several other stories that are pending acceptance and publication. Don't want to count my chickens before they're hatched, so I'll keep my mouth shut about those tales until I know for certain.
Roger
"Night Patrol" is a story I wrote toward the end of my first go-around as a writer, probably penned sometime around 1991 or thereabouts and features my recurring character,Detective Frank Powell. Powell is the detective in several novel length works I've done and, from time to time, I write a short story featuring him as well. "Night Patrol" is such a story. I'll let you know when the story goes live, along with several other stories that are pending acceptance and publication. Don't want to count my chickens before they're hatched, so I'll keep my mouth shut about those tales until I know for certain.
Roger
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
"Never lose your sense of humor, Dan"
This post is sort of a tie-in to the last post about John Waite. My friend Wayne Allen Sallee sent the picture that accompanies this post. I found the picture rather humorous, so I put it up here (and I honestly don't know where Wayne finds this stuff....but I'm glad he does). Anyway, I started thinking about people's sense of humor, and was reminded of the movie "About Last Night". One of my guilty pleasure movies, "About Last Night" is a coming-of-age love story with Rob Lowe, Jim Belushi and Demi Moore (and, as a side bar, if you REALLY want to see Demi Moore's breasts, this is the movie.....STRIPTEASE sickened me to see what she'd done to her beautiful body). Anyway, it's a story of a boy and girl who get together, fall in love, and end up disintegrating from the pressures of life. Jim Belushi is Rob Lowe's amiable sidekick and, in one scene where they're walking along Lake Shore Drive, Belushi's drunken character pulls Rob Lowe aside and says: "Never lose your sense of humor, Dan. Never lose your sense of humor."
Good advice, I think.
To get back to the John Waite tie-in. the end sequence of love reborn is augmented by one of my favorite John Waite songs, "If Anyone Had A Heart." Great song...sadly, he didn't play it last Saturday.
Hope everyone is doing well. More later, Roger
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Ain't it funny how time slips away ...again
Well, Memorial Day is upon us. Last night, I went to Herrinfest to see John Waite. Waite is best known as the lead singer of a 70's group called The Baby's. They had hits like "Isn't it time?" and "Every time I think of you." Mostly ballads, but well crafted ballads. He had a huge solo hit with a song called "Missing You" that he remade with Allison Krause a couple years back. I highly urge everyone to hunt down the video of the song on the Internet. Allison Krause looks gorgeous in the video and that version is awesome. He also did one of my favorite Baby's songs, "Midnight Rendevous". As an encore, he did a decent reading of Led Zeppelin's "Rock n' roll". All in all, a show well worth the five bucks admission.
Anyway, my vacation ends on Tuesday and it's back to the ol' bump and grind. Just thought I'd let everyone know I'm still kicking.
Roger
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Vacation, all I ever wanted, vacation, have to get away...
Yup, like that GoGo's song from a better, simpler time, I'm on vacation until the 27th. Not sure what I'll do since cash is kinda tight at the moment, but I am considering making a roadtrip to Frankfort, Kentucky next Friday night to see the one and only Bonepony perform. It's been years, literally, since I heard the unique sounds of this awesome band. Might spend the night and do a little sight-seeing, too. Otherwise, I have intentions of doing some much-needed work around the house, beautifying the old dump. I'll probably try to watch the Indiana Jones trilogy in anticipation of the new movie coming out. Otherwise, it's forget about work and relax.
I'll probably be so bored I'll make daily posts.
We'll see.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Myspace
I just started a myspace page. www.myspace.com/rogerdaletrexler
Considering letting the "real" website lapse.
We'll see.
Considering letting the "real" website lapse.
We'll see.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Allegiance, Love and Other Modern Myths
Been thinking about allegiance and love a lot lately. Seems they're both in short supply these days. Recently, a local musician I know had the displeasure of his wife leaving him. They were kinda like two peas in a pod, virtually inseparable, before this and it made me wonder...what the heck is going on? Doesn't anyone commit to someone else anymore? Don't they say "I love this person and I want to spend the rest of my days with them, being happy and making them happy?" It seems to me that people discard each other like used underwear these days. If you're not kissing arse well enough, they'll run off and leave you for someone who is. It makes me sad to think the world is such a cold, indifferent place. Allegiance is just another word. A word that means nothing when uttered. Or so it seems. Jeez, where is Mrs. Cleaver when you need her? These days, she's probably at the bar trying to get picked up. Not to worry, though....Mr. Cleaver's across town doing the same thing.
Guess equal opportunity still means something these days.
Just a thought. A bad one, probably, but a thought nonetheless.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
JUST SO YOU KNOW
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Twofer
Two blog entries in two days? Yet another sign of the coming apocalypse. Well, just a quick note to tell people I will be at The Bookworm, one of Carbondale's premiere used book sellers, for a rare signing and author gathering, a week from Saturday, May 10th, from 2-6 p.m. I urge anyone with the urge (or cash in their pocket) to come out and buy a book or two (preferably from me!). I will have copies of TALES FROM THE CELLAR, TRUNK TALES VOLUME 1, IN-FLIGHT MOVIE, (hopefully) CLOSE ENOUGH FOR SCREAMS, ALL SUMMER LONG and a surprise or two as well. I like to do volumes that are uniquely associated with the signing, so I might actually produce a few volumes of THE MAN WHO TOUCHED THE STARS, a story I wrote for my bookbinding class almost a year and a half ago and/or GAS STATION ROSE, a poetry volume that will be dedicated to the wonderful Ms. Stephanie (mentioned in previous blogs extensively). GSR might not be ready by then, though. Not really sure if I'll have the time.
Also, I will sell books from my publishing venture, Annihilation Press. There are three volumes available at present: FIENDS BY TORCHLIGHT by Wayne Allen Sallee, JUST NORTH OF NOWHERE by Lawrence Santoro and HELL IN THE HEARTLAND, an anthology of Illinois-based horror and dark fantasy written by Illinois writers (co-edited by the lovely Martel Sardina). I'll probably offer a bundle package for people who want to pick up all three...kinda like buying them at a yard sale, I reckon.
Anyway, hope everyone can make it.
Roger
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Times is f@#%king tough!
I don't have to tell anyone who's gone to the gas pump lately that. Times are tough. I fueled up the Jeep Liberty (hereafter known as "Gas-guzzling monster") the other day. Put $40 in the tank. Got just over 11 gallons, about 3/4 a tank. I drove by a gas station on Saturday. The price then was $3.68 a gallon. On Sunday, it was $3.58 a gallon. How can gas prices change so quickly? I believe we're being gouged, my friends. Perhaps we're financing a war no one really cares about anymore. I think we might be. I wouldn't mind so much---IF SOMEONE WOULD JUST COME OUT AND SAY IT!!!! That, and the tragic loss of lives on both sides of the fence.
Anyway, the reason I got on this little bit of a rant was because I just paid my heating bill. I use natural gas, and danged if that ain't through the roof, too. Just like a seedy porno, they're getting us from both ends! I've been shutting the heat off when the kids aren't here and trying to walk to work whenever possible (about one day a week, given my schedule with the kids). I don't know what the answer is here....but there's got to be some relief somewhere. An "economic stimulus check" ain't gonna cut the mustard, fellers....it's just going into gas tanks and heating homes.
On a lighter note, I got a writing assignment from a publisher who's publishing a three-volume set on Global Warming. I put in for seven articles (I needs the money....see above) but they assigned me one article. I reckon they're seeing if the old redneck can cut the mustard as an article writer. Little do they know I've written, at one time or another, for The Southern Illinoisan, the Gazette Democrat and The Carbondale Nightlife. I find non-fiction writing a painful bore for the most part, but it pays better than fiction writing. At least, until I sell the Great American Novel for multi-millions.
Yeah, and gas will be fifty cents a gallon next week.
Times is f#@%cking tough indeed.
Hang in there, my friends. More later, Roger
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Earthshaker
Yesterday morning, at approximately 4:30 a.m., we had a 5.4 earthquake rock southern Illinois. I was already up at the time, nursing an upset stomach. I walked into my little study (a converted walk-in closet) and my laserprinter was rattling. Then, I noticed that EVERYTHING was rattling. Fortunately, there was no severe damage. An aftershock went through the area later in the day at approximately 10:15 a.m. It was in the 4.~ range. Just a reminder that we had a fault line in the area. Many of us had forgotten (me included). Of course, in our paranoid times, the rumors that a nuclear explosion had gone off hit the internet within minutes. Someone claimed that a rogue military team from Scott Air Force Base (up closer to St. Louis) had ignited a nuclear weapon. Now, while I'm a firm believer in the old saying "just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you", reality also has to play a part in your paranoia. A mushroom cloud would have been seen. Radiation would not have been far behind. I was a big fan of the now-cancelled tv series "Jericho" and I do believe there are factions in our society stupid enough it irradiate the world, I also hope we have sense enough to keep our nuclear weapons underwraps. Of course, that's a delusion on my part....we're stupid, they're stupid. That's why some confused moron can think he's going to Heaven by killing innocent people in the Twin Towers. Sure, I understand the symbolism of striking buildings that represented America's capitalism, but, really.....what did those people in the towers ever do to Allah? They were just living their lives, trying to survive. I sometimes wish we had a big boxing ring somewhere and the leaders of other countries would grow a spine and crawl in the ring together, duke it out. It makes more sense to me than sitting half the world away, hiding in a cave, sending a videotape of how you're going to create fear. It makes more sense that doing a "terror alert" scale to scare the people. We all want to feel safe, feel that our children are safe. Spreading fear and mistrust amongst ourselves is juvenile for a society capable of so much more than that. You don't like something another county is doing? Fine. Put on the gloves. I'm voting for Arnold when that happens.
But, I'm not holding my breath.
Besides, the New Madrid fault will suck us into the bowels of the Earth before it happens....thanks to a nuclear warhead's ignition, I'm sure.
But, I'm not holding my breath.
Besides, the New Madrid fault will suck us into the bowels of the Earth before it happens....thanks to a nuclear warhead's ignition, I'm sure.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Black Oak Arkansas
Last night, I walked down to Stix Bar and Billiards and saw one of the seminal southern rock bands of the 70's, Black Oak Arkansas. Sadly, BOA isn't as well remembered as, say, Lynyrd Skynyrd, but they should have been. Their frontman, Jimy "Dandy" Mangrum supposedly was the influence for David Lee Roth's stage attire and personae in Van Halen. Well, Jim Dandy hasn't changed much. He's a little thicker though the middle than in his 70's heyday, but the man was a fireball of energy and enthusiasm. To be blunt about it, it was one of the best shows I've seen in a long, long time. You would not believe a 60 year old man could have that sort of energy and charisma, but he does. One rather drunk gal, who was dressed in atypical "slutty" attire, gave Jim Dandy a long and passionate kiss. Later, I overheard her tell a girlfriend, "My husband's gonna kill me." Rock n' roll, ain't it grand?
Anyway, Black Oak Arkansas has been around since the mid-sixties. Named after Jim Dandy Mangrum's hometown, the band had a few hits including "Jim Dandy to the Rescue". They didn't play Brad Moore's (and my) personal favorite, "Lord have mercy on my soul".....but it was on the set list. Diana, Brad's lady, got the set list and had Jim Dandy sign it. I had Jim Dandy sign five vinyl album covers, including their classic, "High on the Hog" (the promo for which leads this post). A surprise in the set was their rendition of the classic Tommy Bolin song, "Post Toastee" (Johnny Bolin, Tommy's brother, is BOA's drummer). Another highlight of the show was their version of "Heartbreaker" by Grand Funk Railroad. The song was dedicated to the late Ruby Starr, who provided the sassy female vocals on "Jim Dandy to the rescue".
All-in-all, it was an awesome show. Drivin' Rain (an wonderful rock band from Cape Girardeau) and Carbondale band, Poor King, opened the show.
The only regret I have about the show is that it's over now.
I advise each and every one of you go to your local music store and order "The Definitive collection by Black Oak Arkansas". High quality meat-and-taters music.
Lord have mercy, indeed.
Roger
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Time flies on
Time seems to be flying by me these days. On Monday, I am making the trek to Chicago for a book launch party for HELL IN THE HEARTLAND, an anthology I co-edited with the lovely Martel Sardina. I'm looking forward to getting the hell out of dodge for a couple days. It'll be a quick little jaunt- drive up on Monday, drive back on Tuesday-and I hope to meet many of the authors in HITH. These trips almost always give me ideas for new stories, too. I could write volumes about my friend Wayne Allen Sallee and some of his antics, but you should check out his blog and read it yourself. http://www.frankenstein1959.blogspot.com I think it is. He likes to write about Chicago and posts some interesting pictures. He also has a webpage at www.wayneallensallee.com
For those who are interested in purchasing HELL IN THE HEARTLAND, you can send me a paypal of $12.95 to rtrexler@siu.edu. It's a worthy anthology and I've submitted it to Ellen Datlow's Year's Best Horror. Cross your fingers there.
Hope everyone is doing well. I'll write more when the muse and mood are one and the same.
Roger
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Twice Removed From Yesterday
It's been a while since I last posted. A week ago today (Saturday, March 1) I roadtripped to St. Louis to see the one and only Robin Trower with my buddy (and artist extraordinaire) Brad Moore, his lady Diana, a gal name Sherry, a dude named Wildman and his wife. It was an awesome show. I've been a fan of Robin Trower since the 70's. The first time I heard "Too Rolling Stoned", I was hooked. "Bridge of Sighs" only cemented that love. The man isn't one of those flashy guitarists that play ten million notes a second. His music is about the atmosphere, although he can produce a smoking hot guitar solo with the best of them as well. I highly recommend checking him out. www.robintrower.com or www.trowerpower.com
While you're at it, check out the young kids that opened for him. They're called LOGOs. They're a three-piece from St. Louis. The guitarist and bassist are each 18 YEARS OLD!!!! The drummer is only 23. They rocked in an old-fashioned way. I enjoyed them immensely - so much so that I might go see them in Belleville, Il next Saturday. Here's their website - www.myspace.com/logosrock
You'll thank me for them.
Lastly, two of my all-time favorite bands are coming out of limbo to release new music. Nazareth (whose rock ballad "Love Hurts" is still playing on classic rock stations) just released THE NEWZ. It's a great album....but only available as an import at the moment. On June 2nd, Uriah Heep releases their new album, "Wake the Sleeper". It has been ten years since either band released new music. Heep's site is www.uriah-heep.com
Nazareth's website is www.nazarethdirect.co.uk
I hope everyone's doing well. I'll update you on my fiction output soon.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
New Story
I have a new story up over at the www.clarityofnight.blogspot.com site. Check it out. It's entry #30 and called "Remembrance".
This is the third short-short story I've written for this site for different contests. You have to tell a tale in 250 words or less. I haven't won anything (maybe third time's the charm?) but I enjoy a challenge and I think this particular little story is effectively. At least, it holds some meaning to me. Winning a cash reward is secondary to the challenge of writing something that concise and coherent.
And, to top things off, the story has to have something to do with a photograph taken by the website host. So, that adds to the challenge.
Go over, read it, vote on it, make me rich.
Yeah, right.
Hope everyone's doing well. More later, Roger
This is the third short-short story I've written for this site for different contests. You have to tell a tale in 250 words or less. I haven't won anything (maybe third time's the charm?) but I enjoy a challenge and I think this particular little story is effectively. At least, it holds some meaning to me. Winning a cash reward is secondary to the challenge of writing something that concise and coherent.
And, to top things off, the story has to have something to do with a photograph taken by the website host. So, that adds to the challenge.
Go over, read it, vote on it, make me rich.
Yeah, right.
Hope everyone's doing well. More later, Roger
Friday, February 22, 2008
Cold as Ice
It's been two weeks, roughly, since my last post. In that time, Southern Illinois University, where I work, has closed down THREE days due to weather conditions. In the ten years I've been there, I recall it only closing once, and then for one day. So, the weather out here is frightful, to paraphrase that up-tempo Xmas song. I knocked the ice off the car today to go get the kids at their daycare. It was the first time the Jeep's been out of the driveway in three days. I walked in to work yesterday and today to take care of business. It truly is a winter wonderland out there.
I'm ready for spring.
Anyway, there will be a book launch party for the anthology, HELL IN THE HEARTLAND, at the Mix in Chicago on March 24th. Hopefully, by then the weather will be nicer here and there.
Hope everyone's staying warm. Snuggle up to your spouse or lover if you have one and keep the cold at bay.
Roger
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Anniversary
Well, I missed an anniversary. I started this blog a year ago on February 8th. At the time, I was hurting. My wife had left me six months earlier and I needed somewhere to vent. I'd seen a counselor to make some sense of things and, for reason I won't mention here, I quit seeing her. She was a good counselor, so don't think it was that. But, I quit seeing her and the hurting continued....so I decided to start a blog. Over the course of the past year, I think you can see a progression in me. I moved away from the hurting (for the most part) and started to enjoy things again. I dated a beautiful woman I cared for, and she cared for me as well. It was nice. I don't know what the future holds for she and I, but she was a Godsend to me. I've tried to be honest about my feelings on this blog, and it's gotten me in trouble more than once. Still, I wrote the entries with honesty. Perhaps I was too honest; I'm not really sure. But, I do know one thing - this blog was good therapy for me over the past year. Not as good as a lovely little counselor was, but good enough. I will continue to write my thoughts and feelings down here in the coming year and, I hope, you'll see even further movement away from the pain caused by divorce. It's an ugly experience - divorce- and something I hope none of you out there ever have to suffer through. Now, I see it was probably for the best. This blog helped me realize that.
So, what will the next year bring? I don't know. But, I do know one thing - I will face the future with my chin up from now on. No more lamenting, no more heartache. At least, that's the way I hope it unfolds. Time will tell.
So, what will the next year bring? I don't know. But, I do know one thing - I will face the future with my chin up from now on. No more lamenting, no more heartache. At least, that's the way I hope it unfolds. Time will tell.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Rebellion
Feeling a tad rebellious tonight. Perhaps, it's because of the weather. Probably the worst storm (rain) we've had in years. My basement, leaky thing that it is, has about an inch of water. I wanted to go down and check on a few legal downloads, but was afraid to walk through the water. Needless to say, that upset me. Also, I watched the movie WILD HOGS tonight, and it left a rebellious attitude with me. Been thinking about a road trip to Texas on the BSA I bought last year. Need to make a few modifications, but I'm ready to tell the world to kiss my arse and ride off into the sunset. Guess I need to take a few pills, ala LOGAN'S RUN, and mellow out.
Or, maybe, I should just go to bed.
Probably the latter.
Or, maybe, I should just go to bed.
Probably the latter.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Baby, it's cold outside
One of my all-time favorite musical performances from Saturday Night Live was Buster Poindexter (alter-ego of David Johannsen of the New York Dolls) crooning "Baby, it's cold outside" to Sigourney Weaver (whose underwear scene in ALIEN will stay with me till the day I go toes-up permanently). It was something that should have been released on one of Buster's albums, but wasn't. A Christmas song that dripped with suggestiveness and innuendo.
What got me thinking about that was the fact that it is, indeed, cold outside. A winter storm is falling on southern Illinois as I type this. School is out for the kids. I doubt the university will close down. That takes an act of God (i.e. THE RAPTURE) so I'll be locking the ol' Jeep into 4-wheel drive and going to work in the morning.
Still. I'd rather be David Johannsen, snuggled up affectionately to Sigourney, telling her how it's cold outside and we should stay indoors.
Oh well...a guy can dream, can't he?
Stay warm, my friends.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
HELL IN THE HEARTLAND arrives!
At long, long last, HELL IN THE HEARTLAND is available. It should have been out around the middle of last year, but co-editor Martel Sardina and I both had personal issues to attend to. They pushed back the editing and release of the book. But, that's all over with now. I will be shipping payments and contributor copies on Friday, February 1. The book is available now for $12.95 at www.annihilationpress.com and will be available in local bookstores very soon. It's been a long time coming, but this is a collection of sixteen wonderful and eclectic stories that run through the horror/mystery/dark fantasy genres. It's a good collection of stories, if I do say so myself, and I'm proud that it's finally available to the public.
Now, on to MURDER AT PK'S (book) and THE BIG MUDDY MONSTER (low-budget horror film).
later,Roger
Monday, January 21, 2008
Jason Ringenberg and keeping the spirit alive
In my ever-evolving effort to keep my arse out of trouble about my blog, I want to tell you about the show I went to over the weekend. Jason Ringenberg is a southern Illinois legend. He fronted the quintessential alt-country/rock band of the 80's, Jason and the Scorchers. Many Carbondalites - me, included - remember seeing him in a group called Shakespeare's Riot or the Catalinas. He left Carbondale in the early 80's (1983, if I'm correct) to conquer the world. He done good. Jason's been a solo artist for almost a decade now, producing sheer masterpieces like EMPIRE BUILDERS and ONE FOOT IN THE HONKYTONK, along with his wonderful children's albums under the moniker of FARMER JASON. Trust me, you haven't let your hair down until you rocked to Farmer Jason songs like "Punk Rock Skunk" or "Moose on the Loose" (featuring Todd Snider and another of my unsung heroes, Webb Wilder).
Well, Jason came to town on Saturday and performed a Farmer Jason show AND a solo show. He's an incredible live performer and, perhaps, the most humble musician of his caliber I've ever met. I bought the cd pictured above, BEST TRACKS AND SIDE TRACKS, which encompasses his solo material. The SIDETRACKS disc is a collection of rarities that any true fan should have, especially the eclectically bizarre "Lovely Christmas". What a cool Xmas song!
Anyway, you should finish reading this blog, click the link, www.jasonringenberg.com, and buy this cd. Hell, buy ALL his cd's. He's a great artist and he deserves your support.
Tell 'im I sent ya.
Roger
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Freedom of Speech and the Blog
I learned a looonnnggg time ago that what you say can get you in trouble. It's doubly so with the written word. I wrote some things for the school paper back in high school that got me frowned upon, and it seems my blog is under fire now, too. Last month, I posted an entry about something. I wouldn't say I was angry, but I was certainly upset. My blog is sort of an online diary for me, so I posted that entry. I have, today, deleted that entry. Now, before you go around saying I didn't stand up for my Freedom of Speech or any of that other stuff, let me tell you why I deleted it. I deleted that entry solely out of respect for the person it was written about. It wasn't meant to be hurtful at all. It was just me venting steam, and I will continue to vent steam all I want on my blog. But, that entry was probably something I should have pondered on. Sometimes, I can make rash decisions. We all can. I have corrected that decision today, but don't think I can be coerced because of it. I removed the entry because I wanted to. Nothing more, nothing less. I'm a firm believer in the Freedom of Speech. If it didn't exist, I would probably be a subversive and write what I wanted to anyway. That's just the way I am. I will not make a habit of removing posts because someone finds them offensive or upsetting. If you don't like what I write on my blog, go somewhere else. You have that right. I have the right to write and think what I want, even if you don't like it. Just don't read it. That's all the advice I can give you on that one, so I'll shut up now.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
No Pain, No Gain
Well, I finally got off my lazy arse and started working out. Been doing it a few days now, and I'm already noticing results. No real weight loss (been eating too much for that, THAT is my next hurdle) but I've got aches where they weren't before, and tighter muscles. I moved the sit-up board out of the basement and into the same room I'm typing this blog entry and, while the kids are watching, I do sit-ups. I've done 100 already today and am pondering another 100 before bedtime. If I can get the kids to sleep quickly, I'll go down in the basement and work out on the Bowflex. If not, I'll do some push-ups. I might be 46, but there's no point in acting like an old man. I enjoy working out, it's just finding the inspiration to get started.
Speaking of inspiration, I finished the first draft of BLEEDING HEARTS. I'll probably change the title, but the book is finished. I plan on spending the rest of January doing some rewriting on a few things. Then, in February, I'll either start GOLDEN YEARS or a sci-fi time travel story to be called TRAIN 58. Right at the moment, I'm leaning toward TRAIN 58, but I have a couple of weeks or so to think about it. If I do that piece, I'll need to do some research on Indian tribes in Illinois. The internet ought to be helpful there.
Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know I'm trying to abide by those New Years Resolutions. More later, Roger
Speaking of inspiration, I finished the first draft of BLEEDING HEARTS. I'll probably change the title, but the book is finished. I plan on spending the rest of January doing some rewriting on a few things. Then, in February, I'll either start GOLDEN YEARS or a sci-fi time travel story to be called TRAIN 58. Right at the moment, I'm leaning toward TRAIN 58, but I have a couple of weeks or so to think about it. If I do that piece, I'll need to do some research on Indian tribes in Illinois. The internet ought to be helpful there.
Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know I'm trying to abide by those New Years Resolutions. More later, Roger
Friday, January 11, 2008
Bonepony
I've been jonesing for some good music lately. Good LIVE music. Sure, you can go out and see Tawl Paul and Slapping Henry Blue, the Bourbon Knights, the Woodbox Gang and several other truly good local bands, but I'm talking about TOURING bands that come to town. One of my favorite touring bands out there is Bonepony. They're a three-piece band from Nashville, TN and they play an interesting type of hillbilly-fueled music they call "stomp". When I wrote for the Nightlife here in Carbondale, Chris Wissman assigned me that band for an article, and I've been a fan ever since. I'm listening to their latest cd, the live album entitled "Celebration Highway". There's no gloom and doom in this music, my friends. Bonepony is all about feeling good, having fun and LIVING. I like to think of them as hillbilly hippies that entered a wormhole and ended up in modern times. Stranded, with no hope of returning to simpler times, they did what they do - they started playing their music for the masses. It's been years, literally, since the band played Carbondale, but I made it to every show they had here. I have all their albums, including a buttload of bootlegs you can download for free off www.stompshoe.com. Their website is, of course, www.bonepony.com. I urge you to download some of the free stuff ("Savannah Flowers" is one my favorite songs by them) and, if you like it, buy a cd or two from the band. They deserve all the support they can get.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Resolving to be Resolute
Morning Blog Readers,
Happy New Year! That's Father Time holding Baby New Year in the image above, for those who can't figure it out. I'm sitting here listening to a 26 year old Tom Petty song ("You Got Lucky") and pondering New Year's Resolutions. I went out with the lovely Ms. Stephanie last night. We meet my friend (and local artist) Brad Moore, his significant other, Diana, Shadi Frick (hope I spelled that right) and his wife, Karen, for dinner at Hunan restaurant. We entered the new year in what seems to be becoming a tradition - watching Tawl Paul and Slapping Henry Blue at PK's. They started the smoking ban early at PK's (it was, of course, supposed to start at midnight) and it was a welcome change to not smell like stale cigarettes when we left.
Here are my resolutions for 2008:
1). Be happier and healthier both physically and mentally.
2.) Put the past where it belongs - in the past. The future is today and tomorrow and, let me tell you, it looks good.
3.) Expand my presence as a writer - do more live readings, promote my work and my publishing endeavors as much as I can.
4). Love my children and my lady more (if that's possible). At least, be more receptive to their needs and feelings.
5). Get better at what I do, whether it be work, writing, love, etc.
6). Try to be a better housekeeper.
7). Quit biting off more than I can chew. Work on one project to its fruition, then move on to the next.
8). On that note, get THE BIG MUDDY MONSTER filmed, along with all the "little movies" I have in my head. Jon E. Rector and I are filming the short, "Victimless Crime", today. BMM will be filmed in the spring.
Anyway, those are just a few of the resolutions I'm making.
Hope your new year is special.
Roger
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