Just finished my latest piece of pyrographic painting. It's a devotional to the goddess Freyja. May she bring us all much abundance in the coming year! :)
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Shaman Woman Necklace
A necklace I made as an early Christmas/Yule gift for my beautiful wife, Desiree. Hematite and turquoise with pyrography on wooden beads.
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Linguistic Erosion
This month sees the opening of Thunderune Publishing's latest magazine and the latest website in the Thunderune Network. Linguistic Erosion is flash fiction without limits. It's a place where stories and authors too good to go unpublished shine amongst their kindred like so many diamonds. It's boundless, horizonless, without deadlines, dates, queues, orders or delays. Providing a platform for both new and established authors to reach readers based solely on the merit of each individual piece of writing, Linguistic Erosion endeavors to give unheard authors the voice they deserve, the readership they crave, and the respect they're owed.
Writers wanted! Check out Linguistic Erosion's submission guidelines by clicking here (or on the image above!)
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50 Answers
My answers to “50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind” from “Marc and Angel Hack Life” (Because it’s an awesome blog.)
1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Sometimes I forget I’m only 27. I start worrying about how I’m going to retire and deal with some unknown, future “major health event.” Most of my closest friends are in their mid-to-late thirties, so I guess that’s how old I’d be.
2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?
Never trying, of course. Failing is only a temporary setback. If you don’t try, you’ll never know if you could have won or not.
3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
Because we’re silly, silly little apes. Also, sometimes you’ve got to do things you don’t like in order to obtain the best result. I’m also a workaholic.
4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
How should a voice actor and a writer answer this? :D
5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
I’d make it where no one would have to do any work they don’t want to do. People would be able to follow their passions wholeheartedly no matter what.
6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
I’ve given this one a lot of thought. “Experimental Creative Professional” Would be my job title. What would I do? Try new art forms and create like crazy!
7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
Everyone does a little of both by necessity, in my opinion. That being said, I try to never settle. I do everything I can to do only that which I believe in.
8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
I probably wouldn’t, honestly. If I was able to travel into the future and discovered I would only live to 40, I’d probably spend a few years in a funk playing video games, then dive into my writing with a renewed passion. I still wouldn’t go skydiving or bungie jumping. I like being a shut-in hermit too much.
9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
Almost wholly, though life is inherently filled with uncontrollable events that have grand, far-reaching consequences (like the deaths of friends/relatives.) I have free will within the ever rolling ocean of fate and destiny.
10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
Doing the right things.
11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
Stick up for the friend under siege. Also, I’d question why I’m friends with people who are so quick to whip out distasteful and unjustified criticism.
12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Nobody really knows what they’re doing or what’s going on. Everyone is always winging it in everything.
13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
Yes. Nothing is more important than loved ones.
14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
Not sure. The only thing that comes to mind is maybe the way I can look at paintings that are just a canvas coated with paint of a single color and decide how some are art and others are just laziness.
15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
Drink soda. I used to read while eating lunch in high school and developed a habit where I drink from the right side of my mouth (instead of straight on.) Also, I collect art and books written by virtually unknown authors and artists (and actually read them.)
16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
Because it takes all kinds to make a world. Diversity is one of the best things about humanity.
17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
Really want to do? Nothing holds me back from things I really want to do. Things I kind of want to do (like being rich or visiting Australia) take time and money.
18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
Probably, but if I am, I can’t see it. Whenever I realize it’s time to move on (in some way) I cut and run. Baggage sucks to carry around. Actually, now that I think about it, there is that recurring depression thing that pops up. I’m doing a lot better in the last year though, thanks to my beautiful wife-to-be, Desiree.
19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
Had to? There are lots of states I can think of I’d like to move to (like Washington or Hawaii.) I like California lots, but I’ve considered other states for reasons like job availability, etc.
20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
Sometimes I do, but only when I’m nervous (crosswalks too.) I never thought it made the things go faster though. It’s more like a double/triple/quadruple check kind of thing, making sure the machine understands and remembers. Yeah, it’s silly.
21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
That’s a hard one. Worried genius, because maybe I could manage to make more of a positive difference in society than if I was a joyful simpleton.
22. Why are you, you?
This question could be answered on so many levels. I believe I am me because I have things to do, things to learn, and the vehicle of my body will last exactly as long as I need it to to do the things I need to do (whatever they are.)
23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
Mostly, yes. I wish I could do more, employ/treat/donate more to the people I care about in their times of need or low spirits.
24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
The second one, because that’s one of the loneliest places to be in one’s life.
25. What are you most grateful for?
My wife-to-be, Desiree. Also, my health, my success as an artist, living in a country where I can write what I want (mostly) and not get thrown in jail, and my ability to read.
26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
Lose all of my old memories. Life would be fresh and new. Never being able to make new memories could lead to psychologically excruciating experiences.
27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
Probably. I take everything anyone says with a grain of salt, more or less, and find that knowledge is, by its very nature, fluid.
28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?
My greatest fears usually involve people or pets dying. I’ve only had to face that fear a few times. I used to be terrified of alien abductions, but I kind of wish I could experience one now. Might be fun! :D
29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
Another wide-open one. I remember most of the times I was really upset, no matter how far back they were. Usually they don’t matter a year or so down the line, but there are a few I still think about and fester over periodically. I think that’s normal and human.
30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
There are so many! Fishing with my dad, playing with friends, old box forts, hiking though cow fields with friends, playing with pets, playing D&D for the first time…
31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
Always? Probably the most moving moment was the whole weekend Dez and I spent primitive camping on the Lost Coast last year. :D
32. If not now, then when?
First thing in the morning. After coffee and Minecraft.
33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
Depends on how far you’re willing to take it, how many friends/family/strangers you’re willing to selfishly hurt in the process and how much you love minimalism. I do all I can without hurting those I care about.
34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
Only if that conversation includes a kiss. :D
35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
Because the people who claim to follow those religions are either purposefully blind to or ignorant of the messages of peace usually present within them.
36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
Probably. Sadistic behavior (hurting people for fun) is something I would consider to be evil.
37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
Nope! I’d use the money to build it up even more (because I’m self-employed.)
38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
That’s a hard one. An even mix of the two? Lots of work I really would enjoy doing followed by a period of nothing important to do at all but love, live and explore.
39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
Everyday is a fresh new opportunity. Monotony only exists if you let things slide into a groove you’re uncomfortable with.
40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
I tend to live this way. Now, literally marching off into literal darkness? Dude, I grew up in the woods. I’ve chased mountain lions, dodged rattlesnakes and scared bears out of dumpsters. There’s no way I’m going to wander around blind in the woods at night.
41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
My beautiful Desiree. I’m such a hermit, I’d probably contact everyone else through the phone (and/or FB) though.
42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
Man, that’s a hard one. I could give a damn about being attractive, but famous? Fame can be very useful. Still, it is ten years. Damn. How long am I supposed to live again? Oh right, I plan to live forever or die trying. Where is that damn singularity? I’m ready to be a techno-borg-shaman bathing in the light of knowledge forever.
43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
Being alive is breathing. Truly living is having reasons to smile while you’re breathing.
44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
Immediately. Calculate risks and rewards on your feet, while you’re doing what you know is right.
45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
Because mistakes are equated (mentally) with failure, and failure hurts. Failures (academically) follow us forever, make people look down on us and make us ineligable (in theory) for a truly happy and nice life. It feels much better to learn our lessons by succeeding against all odds.
46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
Hmmmmmmm.
47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
Besides just now? Only when I get the flu.
48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
I love helping fellow artists/creative people. I live my life trying to make the world better for artists, writers and creative people in any way I can.
49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?
I’ll remember that I was taking a wonderful week off with my sweetie this week. Other than that, my weeks and days usually just blur into a fun mass of projects worked on and things created.
50. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
Some decisions will always be made for me (decisions made by celestial, governmental or corporate powers that be.)
Other decisions… I tend to always try to take a consensus, because the people I love have diverse and different opinions and points of view that matter to me.
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1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Sometimes I forget I’m only 27. I start worrying about how I’m going to retire and deal with some unknown, future “major health event.” Most of my closest friends are in their mid-to-late thirties, so I guess that’s how old I’d be.
2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?
Never trying, of course. Failing is only a temporary setback. If you don’t try, you’ll never know if you could have won or not.
3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
Because we’re silly, silly little apes. Also, sometimes you’ve got to do things you don’t like in order to obtain the best result. I’m also a workaholic.
4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
How should a voice actor and a writer answer this? :D
5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
I’d make it where no one would have to do any work they don’t want to do. People would be able to follow their passions wholeheartedly no matter what.
6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
I’ve given this one a lot of thought. “Experimental Creative Professional” Would be my job title. What would I do? Try new art forms and create like crazy!
7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
Everyone does a little of both by necessity, in my opinion. That being said, I try to never settle. I do everything I can to do only that which I believe in.
8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
I probably wouldn’t, honestly. If I was able to travel into the future and discovered I would only live to 40, I’d probably spend a few years in a funk playing video games, then dive into my writing with a renewed passion. I still wouldn’t go skydiving or bungie jumping. I like being a shut-in hermit too much.
9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
Almost wholly, though life is inherently filled with uncontrollable events that have grand, far-reaching consequences (like the deaths of friends/relatives.) I have free will within the ever rolling ocean of fate and destiny.
10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
Doing the right things.
11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
Stick up for the friend under siege. Also, I’d question why I’m friends with people who are so quick to whip out distasteful and unjustified criticism.
12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Nobody really knows what they’re doing or what’s going on. Everyone is always winging it in everything.
13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
Yes. Nothing is more important than loved ones.
14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
Not sure. The only thing that comes to mind is maybe the way I can look at paintings that are just a canvas coated with paint of a single color and decide how some are art and others are just laziness.
15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
Drink soda. I used to read while eating lunch in high school and developed a habit where I drink from the right side of my mouth (instead of straight on.) Also, I collect art and books written by virtually unknown authors and artists (and actually read them.)
16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
Because it takes all kinds to make a world. Diversity is one of the best things about humanity.
17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
Really want to do? Nothing holds me back from things I really want to do. Things I kind of want to do (like being rich or visiting Australia) take time and money.
18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
Probably, but if I am, I can’t see it. Whenever I realize it’s time to move on (in some way) I cut and run. Baggage sucks to carry around. Actually, now that I think about it, there is that recurring depression thing that pops up. I’m doing a lot better in the last year though, thanks to my beautiful wife-to-be, Desiree.
19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
Had to? There are lots of states I can think of I’d like to move to (like Washington or Hawaii.) I like California lots, but I’ve considered other states for reasons like job availability, etc.
20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
Sometimes I do, but only when I’m nervous (crosswalks too.) I never thought it made the things go faster though. It’s more like a double/triple/quadruple check kind of thing, making sure the machine understands and remembers. Yeah, it’s silly.
21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
That’s a hard one. Worried genius, because maybe I could manage to make more of a positive difference in society than if I was a joyful simpleton.
22. Why are you, you?
This question could be answered on so many levels. I believe I am me because I have things to do, things to learn, and the vehicle of my body will last exactly as long as I need it to to do the things I need to do (whatever they are.)
23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
Mostly, yes. I wish I could do more, employ/treat/donate more to the people I care about in their times of need or low spirits.
24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
The second one, because that’s one of the loneliest places to be in one’s life.
25. What are you most grateful for?
My wife-to-be, Desiree. Also, my health, my success as an artist, living in a country where I can write what I want (mostly) and not get thrown in jail, and my ability to read.
26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
Lose all of my old memories. Life would be fresh and new. Never being able to make new memories could lead to psychologically excruciating experiences.
27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
Probably. I take everything anyone says with a grain of salt, more or less, and find that knowledge is, by its very nature, fluid.
28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?
My greatest fears usually involve people or pets dying. I’ve only had to face that fear a few times. I used to be terrified of alien abductions, but I kind of wish I could experience one now. Might be fun! :D
29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
Another wide-open one. I remember most of the times I was really upset, no matter how far back they were. Usually they don’t matter a year or so down the line, but there are a few I still think about and fester over periodically. I think that’s normal and human.
30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
There are so many! Fishing with my dad, playing with friends, old box forts, hiking though cow fields with friends, playing with pets, playing D&D for the first time…
31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
Always? Probably the most moving moment was the whole weekend Dez and I spent primitive camping on the Lost Coast last year. :D
32. If not now, then when?
First thing in the morning. After coffee and Minecraft.
33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
Depends on how far you’re willing to take it, how many friends/family/strangers you’re willing to selfishly hurt in the process and how much you love minimalism. I do all I can without hurting those I care about.
34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
Only if that conversation includes a kiss. :D
35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
Because the people who claim to follow those religions are either purposefully blind to or ignorant of the messages of peace usually present within them.
36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
Probably. Sadistic behavior (hurting people for fun) is something I would consider to be evil.
37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
Nope! I’d use the money to build it up even more (because I’m self-employed.)
38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
That’s a hard one. An even mix of the two? Lots of work I really would enjoy doing followed by a period of nothing important to do at all but love, live and explore.
39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
Everyday is a fresh new opportunity. Monotony only exists if you let things slide into a groove you’re uncomfortable with.
40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
I tend to live this way. Now, literally marching off into literal darkness? Dude, I grew up in the woods. I’ve chased mountain lions, dodged rattlesnakes and scared bears out of dumpsters. There’s no way I’m going to wander around blind in the woods at night.
41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
My beautiful Desiree. I’m such a hermit, I’d probably contact everyone else through the phone (and/or FB) though.
42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
Man, that’s a hard one. I could give a damn about being attractive, but famous? Fame can be very useful. Still, it is ten years. Damn. How long am I supposed to live again? Oh right, I plan to live forever or die trying. Where is that damn singularity? I’m ready to be a techno-borg-shaman bathing in the light of knowledge forever.
43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
Being alive is breathing. Truly living is having reasons to smile while you’re breathing.
44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
Immediately. Calculate risks and rewards on your feet, while you’re doing what you know is right.
45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
Because mistakes are equated (mentally) with failure, and failure hurts. Failures (academically) follow us forever, make people look down on us and make us ineligable (in theory) for a truly happy and nice life. It feels much better to learn our lessons by succeeding against all odds.
46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
Hmmmmmmm.
47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
Besides just now? Only when I get the flu.
48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
I love helping fellow artists/creative people. I live my life trying to make the world better for artists, writers and creative people in any way I can.
49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?
I’ll remember that I was taking a wonderful week off with my sweetie this week. Other than that, my weeks and days usually just blur into a fun mass of projects worked on and things created.
50. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
Some decisions will always be made for me (decisions made by celestial, governmental or corporate powers that be.)
Other decisions… I tend to always try to take a consensus, because the people I love have diverse and different opinions and points of view that matter to me.
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Old Fashioned Durkee
A fun little portrait I did for laughs. Years ago my friends and I had an internet multiplayer clan called Durkee341, and this funny looking guy was our mascot.
Scrying Mirror
Scrying mirror for viewing the past and future, also for looking within or beyond.
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Bowl and Egg
A little compilation of a bowl and egg that I did together. The inscription is a prayer to the owner that they may never thirst, hunger or want for anything. This piece was given as a gift and is not for sale.
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Chalices
Chalices engraved with the four classical elements (five being spirit.) Given as a birthday present.
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Eternal
Just in time for Halloween! Just finished this piece. It's a pyrographic (burnt wood) painting I was originally working on last year in anticipation of an art exposition for the League of Proper Villains (Sacramento Villains.) I'm pretty proud of this piece, and I'm looking to sell it for $1500 (which is the usual going rate for a large canvas piece like this.)
It's big, done on a piece of wood 4 feet tall and 1 foot 11 wide.
If you're unfamiliar with pyrography as an art form, check out my tutorial here: (click here)
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PAY WHAT YOU WANT SALE!
From now until October 31st, 2011, Thunderune Publishing is having a "pay-what-you-want" blowout sale! Here's how it works:
- Pick a book from the list at my publishing company that you would like to read (click here)
- Click the "Donate" button below and enter any amount that you would like to pay
- Include the name of the book you'd like to read so I can email it to you. All books are sent in Adobe Acrobat PDF (unless otherwise specified to be sent as .lit, .EPUB or Kindle format.)*
* The Mars Manuscripts, Steam Wars, The Cygnus War ITSG and URR: Planets are too large to send and, if requested, your donation will be refunded. Sorry! :)
Donations: 9
Current Average Donation: $11.11
Current Average Donation: $11.11
Raise the average and get five books instead of one!
Thank you!
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Purchase Progress
The world needs your help. Are you up to the challenge?
Purchase Progress was created by E.S. Wynn, chief editor of Thunderune Publishing and author of over thirty published books, as a place where individuals with a few bucks and a desire to make progressive change in the world can buy from artists willing to make those changes. Take a look around, see what some of our artists have pledged to do to make the world a better place and drop a few dollars on quality, independent art knowing it will manifest as progress toward a world we can all enjoy equally.
Spread the word! We might not always have the time to change the world, but we can always Purchase Progress.
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Attention Sci-Fi Writers!
Farther Stars Than These is the latest of five in magazines edited and maintained by science fiction author E.S. Wynn. Publishing new flash-length science fiction every Thursday, Farther Stars provides a platform for both new and established authors to reach readers based solely on the merit of each individual piece of writing and not on deadlines, reputation, age or any other factor. Farther Stars Than These endeavors to give unheard authors the voices they deserve, all while providing a constant dose of quality science fiction for readers all over the globe.
Writers wanted! Check out Farther Stars Than These Submission Guidelines
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The Smashed Cat
Writers of flash fiction! I've assembled a new venue for you to submit your stories to. Set to offer a weekly new brain squeezing and other stories ripe with irreal strangeness on Tuesdays, Smashed Cat Magazine is the latest of five magazines edited and maintained by me, author E.S. Wynn. My vision is, as always, to create a place where writers who pen the weirdest of experimental writing could get the exposure they need to get noticed within the mainstream of society, all while providing a constant dose of something strange, dreamlike and bizarre for readers all over the globe.
Writers wanted! Check out the Submission Guidelines today!
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RIP Blue Valkyrie
(1985-2011)
She still runs, miraculously enough, but after the radiator and water pump blew out, making it impossible to drive for more than ten minutes without the lakes of oil on top of the engine almost catching fire, I figured it was time to park her for good. This in addition to the fact that the engine sounds like it has one of those metal clapping monkey toys caught in it and the transmission is so shot I have to switch into and out of low gear (from overdrive-- it's an automatic) whenever the engine drops below 2,000 RPMS. Also, every fluid leaks, power steering is going out, front end is way out of alignment, CV joints are about to go (joint boots have been gone for about 50,000 miles), alternator fuse is broken (contacts jammed together so it works. . . kind of) sun roof is busted and painted shut. . . and it needs brakes. About the only thing on it still salvageable are the tires (only 6 mo. of wear!), the starter (brand new!) and the seven gallons of gas in the tank. Oh, and the horn. Luckily I have it parked at mom's while I figure out whether to call pick and pull, vehicle abatement or find someone who wants to buy it and make a project car out of it.
All in all, she's been an incredibly reliable car. Before we met, she was a cruiser and a racer that carried her previous owner all over the interstates and highways of the United States. Later, she was retired to the life of a farm vehicle and patched together wherever she broke instead of being properly fixed. When I bought her in 2004, my father shook his head and said she wouldn't last six months. Almost a year later, I packed everything I owned into her (floor to ceiling) and moved from Roseville to Tuolumne (and then about a month later, from Tuolumne to Tulsa, Oklahoma.) She was there for me all through flight school while I lived in Tulsa, carried me across the bridge from Foxfire to Spartan every day without fail, even when the winter came and the roads got icy. In 2006, when I came back to California with a heart full of broken dreams, she carried me and everything I owned through the night until we came to rest in Lincoln. From there, she carried me to and from Sierra college for two years and to and from Sacramento State for two years. She carried me to my first book signing and a few times to my first job out of college, carried me to some of my first big job interviews after I was laid off and even hung on all the way through the move we just finished this year, from Lincoln into Sacramento, carrying four floor-to-ceiling carloads before the long, hot road became too heavy and her back finally broke.
She's been to Vegas, she's been to Reno, she's been to L.A., she's been to Shelter Cove, she's been to San Francisco, she's been to more Celtic Faires than I can remember, crossed the Stevenot bridge, carried everything from papasan chairs to desks and dressers, and proven herself to be one heck of a work horse. Together we beat out a modded 90's Celica in a street race (it was close), picked up my first traffic ticket (didn't have my lights on while driving on Highway 65 during broad daylight), rescued friends, picked up Lilly from school twice a week (when she was in public school) and made countless trips up to Sonora to see my father. Every time she got new tires I was told the tires would outlast the car (that was at least three sets ago) and every time a mechanic crawled under her, they laughed at how amazing the car was for still being on the road. Friends and I used to jokingly refer to her as the “Blues Mobile” (ironic, since the only station she ever got in anywhere was a Soul station, and it came in with perfect quality.) She was the car that wouldn't quit, and when she finally coasted into her grave, she didn't strand me or put me in danger. She carried me and two bags of groceries to the quiet farmyard of my mother's house and grumbled into a tired and deserved eternal sleep.
Today, her odometer reads 201734.4, and that number marks the end of a profound era in my life.
Blue Valkyrie, trusted friend and car, you will be missed.
Dance One
Five Dances With Death: Dance One (Austin Briggs)
If this book had been my introduction to historical fiction (instead of Johnny Tremain) I might have tried to follow in Austin Briggs' footsteps (instead of Asimov's!) Five Dances With Death: Dance One is a fascinating foray into Nahuatl culture (native Mesoamericans) that captures the ritualistic, spiritual and all-pervasive violence of this distant and (to me) mysterious setting.
I can honestly say that from the start, Dance One grabbed me in a way that few books can, filling my mind with Briggs' exquisite details, the lavish way he paints each elegant element of not only “One World” but also the spirit world that binds and effects everyone who treads into or through Nahua lands. At the core of its fast-paced and exciting narrative, Dance One carries a beautiful expression and exploration of an almost unifying spiritual “theory” which sheds light on and captures the mind within a world of omens, spiritual doubles and persistent, hungry gods who tempt mortals and swallow souls in an endless game of evolution and creation. There is a mysticism that clings to everything (even the names) in Briggs' work that is rich and powerful, one that brings to mind the talent of such great authors as Storm Constantine and Neil Gaiman without losing focus on the story, the setting, or the voracious, visceral, animal heart that makes this book so gripping and so intriguing.
Beginning as a downtrodden hero story introduced by a comprehensive collection of opening notes that translate and explain various terms, names and places mentioned within the story, Dance One starts with action and finishes with action as the main character (Wasp) struggles to get his enslaved daughter back first from the cocky villain (Talon) and later from the clutches of another who is not above using her as a bargaining chip against Wasp and his nation. The invasion of the conquistadors that occurs in the midst of Dance One swells as the story does to become not just as a physical event, but one that has spiritual concequences as well. In the end, the whole thing rolls and swirls into a stirring and profound conclusion that highlights a struggle of ideals-- should Wasp risk the loss of the gods and spirituality of his nation to ally with the untrustworthy “outlanders” (conquistadors) against his sworn enemies, the Mexica (as others have done) or should he instead face the unknown and stand tall, apart from all those who would cast aside their gods or trample the lives of others? To say that Dance One is an incredible work is not to do it full justice. Five Dances with Death: Dance One is a masterpiece, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Do yourself a favor and pick it up over at Amazon today! http://amzn.to/reM8UZ
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LIQUIDATION!
Get them before they're gone! Thunderune Publishing's complete audio catalog is being liquidated! Guided meditations, audiobooks, the works-- it'll all be gone soon, so get in here and pick up a disc before they disappear!
Writing and inspiration series:
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Pink Carbide Audiobook:
Pink Carbide, 7 disc audiobook series, read by the author himself.
To read more (or to purchase) follow this link: http://www.thunderune.com/2009/12/pink-carbide-is-now-available-as.html
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 | Disc: $9.95 What’s the biggest obstacle between a starving artist and a successful one? Coverage! In this audiobook class, I will teach you to take your chosen art form, no matter what it is, to the next level with a ton of marketing techniques that are sure to get you noticed! Want more? Check out www.writingwithwynn.com |
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6. Chimney Sweeper (Blake)
7. Charge of the Light Brigade (Tennyson)
8. Meeting at Night (Browning)
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10. Lady of Shalott (Tennyson)
11. Childe Roland To The Dark Tower Came (Browning)
12. From Beyond (Lovecraft)
2. Dulce Et Decorum Est (Wilfred Owen)
3. Tyger (Blake)
4. Kubla Khan (Coleridge)
5. Azathoth (Lovecraft)
6. Chimney Sweeper (Blake)
7. Charge of the Light Brigade (Tennyson)
8. Meeting at Night (Browning)
9. Ozymandias (Shelley)
10. Lady of Shalott (Tennyson)
11. Childe Roland To The Dark Tower Came (Browning)
12. From Beyond (Lovecraft)
Pink Carbide, 7 disc audiobook series, read by the author himself.To read more (or to purchase) follow this link: http://www.thunderune.com/2009/12/pink-carbide-is-now-available-as.html
Meditations For The Soul series:
Disc: $8.99A series of meditations that can be done separately or together, guiding you in the use of sage-less energetic (auric) cleansing, the awakening of the strength and power of a shaman within yourself, and the creation of energetic tools.
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Disc: $8.99A series of meditations that can be done separately or together, guiding you as you journey first into the planetary consciousness, then to the universal repository of all knowledge, the Akashic Library, and then make your own astral journey into the known (or the unknown!) Have a question you need answered? This is the meditation set for you.
Disc: $8.99A series of meditations that can be done separately or together to guide you as you seek out your spirit guide, seek out and come to know parts of your inner and past selves, and remove the obstacles that stand between who you are and who you are meant to be.
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