Author: Dr. Shirley Garrett
Published: ©2002 – The Speaker Group
From Dippity Do Da to Tree Houses and Tomato Sandwiches, I was hooked. Though I’ve only recently met Shirley Garrett, her writing brought back so many of those forgotten childhood memories, but especially for me… that childhood fantasy of what I wanted in a family.
I didn’t have the loving, caring family that Shirley had and portrayed in this book, but it was exactly the family I dreamed about having, the one I’d lay out in the grass, stare up into the clouds and fantasized about , and while I read this lovely memoir… I got to visit those fantasies once more.
Growing up all over the Deep South, from Georgia to Texas, Shirley reminded me of many of my favorite things like tomato sandwiches, youthful energy, tree houses, bicycles, empty lots and cereal box prizes. Shirley’s recount of saving Blue Horse coupons to get a bicycle brought back memories of my own quest. I once saved Coke caps and sent them in to get a ‘director’s chair’. The joy of collecting, saving, counting, sending it in and waiting on the prize to arrive in the mail brought a smile to my face.
While reading A Tap Water Girl in a Bottled Water World, I didn’t get to just know the heart of Dr. Shirley Garrett… I got reminded of my own heart. Though not an orphan, but having an orphan complex, Shirley’s thoughts on being separated from her brothers and adopted touched me deeply. I felt I could relate.
I think this book has something for everyone, both young and old. I loved the style in which it was written, each chapter being able to stand alone, yet had a single heart-thread sewn throughout the whole piece. It’s touched me so much, and given me so many ideas for the memoir I’m currently working on; she’ll perhaps never know how much it’s affected me.
I wouldn’t recommend reading this book in one sitting. I’d advise that you take it one chapter at a time. Let each one soak into your spirit and touch your heart the way it’s touched mine.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Friday, October 01, 2010
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review - Episode 2 - Final Season
Last week got me excited like I haven’t been in a long time for Smallville. This week, I’m hoping some of that excitement will remain.
Here we go…
Africa looks hot and dry. Star-crossed lovers? Ooooh, Hawkman. Don’t tell me there’s going to be another love triangle. Isn’t the Clark, Lois and Superman (or currently known as The Blur) enough.
Look at Chatty Kathy – or Katherine… fresh off the farm. Can someone say, “Chloe-clone wannabe?” Clark’s new partner??? LOL! Clark wanted a challenge… well, it looks like he got one – a cute, fresh-faced, mindless-can’t-think-for-herself and hides that judgmental dagger behind pale pink lipstick kind of challenge. Her perfectly lined pearly whites didn’t distract me from missing the plea for Clark to come out in the open. Let’s hope he does soon – but not just to shut up Chatty Kathy and her precious Godfrey.
Why does Oliver doubt that email is from Chloe? I can’t image what deal she had to make, and to whom? She had Superman at her side… there’s no reason for her to give in to some other threat. To do so, is giving this ‘unknown’ threat more power than Clark. I’m hoping this ‘unknown’ plan is something great in the end.
Who is Hawkman texting - Clark, Justice League or Chloe? Lois, don’t drink it. I’ve learned in the land of television, never drink anything. Clark as the ancient sun god Ra? Makes sense to me. LOL! Was there something in that tea to quiet the ever incessant Lois, but not strong enough that warrants pulling out the liquor? Oops, Hawkman messed up, he mentioned Clark – when Lois never had. That tells Lois that he knows something he’s not telling.
Awesome! Those graphics were so cool, but I want to know who the Gunslinger was that shot the bullet. How is Clark going to explain that save? For a few minutes I thought we were going to be free of our new ace reporter, but alas… now I must continue to speculate whether or not she’s a mole sent to expose these ‘masked heroes’ for the villains she thinks they are.
Grant? That bullet was meant for Kat. Was it meant to get rid of her or test Clark for super abilities? The lady doeth protest too much. Who is Godfrey? Who’d want to kill her? I could think of a few people. However, I tend to think that she wasn’t the real target, just the mouse for the trap.
You know what isn’t fair? I’ve watched this show for ten years… and for ten years I’ve waited to see her happy. At the point she get’s happy, something happens to remove the object of that happiness. What does Oliver want with Kat? Why is he investigating her? How did he even hear about her? Who is Kat Grant? She’s a witness to what event with this Deadshot?
Ha, ha, ha… like a bullet can hurt Clark!!! Shows what he knows.
Hmmm? Changed her name? Her son, Adam? Usually a name for a first born, but this makes me wonder the first born of what or who?
Does Lois ever shut up? She over-thinks everything. I understand (I am a guilty over-thinker)… but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. I love that line… “For every great relationship that comes with a great burden, is also comes with a great strength to carry it.”
LOL… I saw that slap coming from a mile away. Well, darn it… looks like we’re going to have another love triangle.
“Hello Kitty”? I liked Chatty Kathy better as a blonde too. Seems our little intrepid reporter’s got a few skills. There’s that ‘people need to be inspired by someone who stands in the light’ again.
Okay… what were the bullets and the water laced with? Who is Commando and Deadshot? Who do they work for? For those of us who haven’t perhaps read a comic book… we find ourselves in the dark. Is Mama Kent behind this as the Red Queen? It’s not the Kandorians and Checkmate was destroyed. Lex is somewhat back… is this perhaps some new evil gang of his? Whoever it is… they know about Clark, Hawkman, Oliver, etc. Crimefighters?
Chloe faked her own death? You tell him, Oliver. You do have to forge your own fate… and come out of the shadows. Evil lurks in the shadows while goodness stands in the light.
Are the CrimeFighters Level 33.3 left overs?
Love all the philosophy… and especially…. SUPERMAN! It’s about time that name popped-up.
Okay… goose-bump moment; Red leather jacket… American Flag waving in the background… Oh, what a tease! You’d think after a decade, I’d be immune. This has been one heck of a courtship.
Here we go…
Africa looks hot and dry. Star-crossed lovers? Ooooh, Hawkman. Don’t tell me there’s going to be another love triangle. Isn’t the Clark, Lois and Superman (or currently known as The Blur) enough.
Look at Chatty Kathy – or Katherine… fresh off the farm. Can someone say, “Chloe-clone wannabe?” Clark’s new partner??? LOL! Clark wanted a challenge… well, it looks like he got one – a cute, fresh-faced, mindless-can’t-think-for-herself and hides that judgmental dagger behind pale pink lipstick kind of challenge. Her perfectly lined pearly whites didn’t distract me from missing the plea for Clark to come out in the open. Let’s hope he does soon – but not just to shut up Chatty Kathy and her precious Godfrey.
Why does Oliver doubt that email is from Chloe? I can’t image what deal she had to make, and to whom? She had Superman at her side… there’s no reason for her to give in to some other threat. To do so, is giving this ‘unknown’ threat more power than Clark. I’m hoping this ‘unknown’ plan is something great in the end.
Who is Hawkman texting - Clark, Justice League or Chloe? Lois, don’t drink it. I’ve learned in the land of television, never drink anything. Clark as the ancient sun god Ra? Makes sense to me. LOL! Was there something in that tea to quiet the ever incessant Lois, but not strong enough that warrants pulling out the liquor? Oops, Hawkman messed up, he mentioned Clark – when Lois never had. That tells Lois that he knows something he’s not telling.
Awesome! Those graphics were so cool, but I want to know who the Gunslinger was that shot the bullet. How is Clark going to explain that save? For a few minutes I thought we were going to be free of our new ace reporter, but alas… now I must continue to speculate whether or not she’s a mole sent to expose these ‘masked heroes’ for the villains she thinks they are.
Grant? That bullet was meant for Kat. Was it meant to get rid of her or test Clark for super abilities? The lady doeth protest too much. Who is Godfrey? Who’d want to kill her? I could think of a few people. However, I tend to think that she wasn’t the real target, just the mouse for the trap.
You know what isn’t fair? I’ve watched this show for ten years… and for ten years I’ve waited to see her happy. At the point she get’s happy, something happens to remove the object of that happiness. What does Oliver want with Kat? Why is he investigating her? How did he even hear about her? Who is Kat Grant? She’s a witness to what event with this Deadshot?
Ha, ha, ha… like a bullet can hurt Clark!!! Shows what he knows.
Hmmm? Changed her name? Her son, Adam? Usually a name for a first born, but this makes me wonder the first born of what or who?
Does Lois ever shut up? She over-thinks everything. I understand (I am a guilty over-thinker)… but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. I love that line… “For every great relationship that comes with a great burden, is also comes with a great strength to carry it.”
LOL… I saw that slap coming from a mile away. Well, darn it… looks like we’re going to have another love triangle.
“Hello Kitty”? I liked Chatty Kathy better as a blonde too. Seems our little intrepid reporter’s got a few skills. There’s that ‘people need to be inspired by someone who stands in the light’ again.
Okay… what were the bullets and the water laced with? Who is Commando and Deadshot? Who do they work for? For those of us who haven’t perhaps read a comic book… we find ourselves in the dark. Is Mama Kent behind this as the Red Queen? It’s not the Kandorians and Checkmate was destroyed. Lex is somewhat back… is this perhaps some new evil gang of his? Whoever it is… they know about Clark, Hawkman, Oliver, etc. Crimefighters?
Chloe faked her own death? You tell him, Oliver. You do have to forge your own fate… and come out of the shadows. Evil lurks in the shadows while goodness stands in the light.
Are the CrimeFighters Level 33.3 left overs?
Love all the philosophy… and especially…. SUPERMAN! It’s about time that name popped-up.
Okay… goose-bump moment; Red leather jacket… American Flag waving in the background… Oh, what a tease! You’d think after a decade, I’d be immune. This has been one heck of a courtship.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review - Episode 1 - Final Season
You will not believe the response I received when I posted I was going to start up my weekly Smallville review.
Wow, what a start. They even threw in a few flashbacks from the first episode, the pivotal point scene of him hanging on the scarecrow cross. The music really sets the mood, filling my heart full of excitement and giving me just a tiny morsel of goodness in one flash after the next. Lex Luthor standing in the open field in his white suit? Anyone remember Cassandra's prophecy? Oh, man... I already know I'm going to cry at the end of this season. This has been a decade full of being obsessively teased and never getting any farther than simple foreplay. Now after nine long seasons... it's the wedding night and looks to be one heck-of-a honeymoon (especially since it's followed up by Supernatural.)
Chloe - what can I say about her? I fell in love with this character from episode one. Her charm, whit and intuiton always had me standing in her corner. I can't help but notice her 'green' outfit. Is this a hint.. hint.. that perhaps The Green Arrow/Oliver is finally the one made for her? She deserves to be loved.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the banter between Lois and Clark. I love that she knows, but doesn't tell him. I love that he doesn't know she knows and still tries to hide it. Still wonder when he'll get his 'kiss of forgetfullness'.
UUUUHhhhhh. What on earth is Chloe thinking putting on that helmet? Come on, she's too intellegent to do something so stupid. I don't want to hear some excuse about stepping off the ledge to save the one you love bologne either. With the resources she has at her fingertips, not to mention a SUPERMAN at her side... surely she could find Oliver. I know she will have to 'decrease' this season in order for the real hero to 'increase', but that doesn't mean I'm going to have to like it. Chloe's been my hero for nine seasons now. Please, please.... I'm begging... don't let her go the Lana Lang way. Don't let Oliver be her Kryptonite.
Have I told anyone lately how hot Oliver is? Well, let me tell you... he's volcanic. Who is this guy who's got the Green Arrow, chained up and torturing? Love that sarastic sense of humor Oliver has always had. I have to give kudos to the writers and the actor for keeping consistency into this character. Oooch... that looks like it hurt!
Will this woman never die? Oh, and let me guess.. she won't have any residual scars either. Yep... This character has grown on me, but I still miss Lex. Michael Rosenbaum needs his butt kicked and he needs to get back to what he does best. LX4? Is that clone failure number 4? Uh-oh.. Little Lex on the scene. Is this how they're going to bring the character of Lex back, without Rosenbaum? I hope not. I suppose this is the literal split personalities of Lex Luthor. They could have at least got some hot looking bald dudes. It's been my experience that the better they look on the outside, the uglier they are on the inside. The method that works is making us "hate to love" and "love to hate". They always make the best characters.
Bye Clark? Bye Clark? I'm not even going to think about what that means.
The Kent barn. I used to hate that barn, while Lana invaded it. I really don't mind Lois being there. Seeing that suit.... OMG. Is that the same suit from the last Superman movie?
UGH... I HATE this Lex Luthor. I want Rosenbaum. These better just be clone rejects, and in the end (I can wait till the end of the season - I've waited ten years to see a man fly in a red, yellow & blue tights) see the real Lex. No offense to the new actor, but it just isn't the same.
Lois tied to Clark's cross, great symbolism. My husband says, "Hey, her shirt's supposed to be off!" I have to concur. If Lex wanted to truly re-create the moment... Lois needed to be shirtless and also have a green necklace. But, coming back to earth - I loved how Lois replaced Lana's meteorite necklace, being Clark's true Kryptonite. Great bit of writing there. Kudos... to whoever thought of that.
Lex, even if he is just one part, giving a lecture on someone else' sin? Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? Nevermind. I remember now... Lois Lane or even Kryptonite isn't Clark's greatest weakness... humanity is.
Is he going to fly?? Is he going to fly? Or was that still just leaping a tall building? Oh yea... THE SUIT!!!! What happened? The suit transported him to the Fortress of Solitude. For a second, he thought he was flying? The greatest enemy - pride. That's not Jor-El. That's Braniac!!! Jor-El would never say that.
Okay, the sad music is working too well. Chloe giving herself up for Oliver. Lois giving up Clark so he can save the world. Tess giving up her own quest to help little Alexander.
Johnathan Kent. Oh, my God. What a sight for sore eyes. I’m almost in tears. Now these are the words from a real father. This makes me think… has Jor-El all along just been Clark’s own conscious? Is Jonathan real, or just as Clark would remember, saying what he would say? To be a hero, Clark must first see himself as a hero. We are as we think we are. Victorious, failures, or over-comers… it’s up to us. Clark battles within him the nature of man and the spirit of Superman.
My heart nearly palpitated to a sudden stop thinking that Clark was in the suit, in the crystal chamber. I CAN’T WAIT. Ten years have been long enough. Okay… I’ve got to calm down now and find out how Dean is going to rescue Sam out of hell. It’s been so nostalgic writing this review. I’ve really enjoyed it. See you next week.
Till next time,
Crazy4Smallville
(Author T.L. Gray)
Wow, what a start. They even threw in a few flashbacks from the first episode, the pivotal point scene of him hanging on the scarecrow cross. The music really sets the mood, filling my heart full of excitement and giving me just a tiny morsel of goodness in one flash after the next. Lex Luthor standing in the open field in his white suit? Anyone remember Cassandra's prophecy? Oh, man... I already know I'm going to cry at the end of this season. This has been a decade full of being obsessively teased and never getting any farther than simple foreplay. Now after nine long seasons... it's the wedding night and looks to be one heck-of-a honeymoon (especially since it's followed up by Supernatural.)
Chloe - what can I say about her? I fell in love with this character from episode one. Her charm, whit and intuiton always had me standing in her corner. I can't help but notice her 'green' outfit. Is this a hint.. hint.. that perhaps The Green Arrow/Oliver is finally the one made for her? She deserves to be loved.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the banter between Lois and Clark. I love that she knows, but doesn't tell him. I love that he doesn't know she knows and still tries to hide it. Still wonder when he'll get his 'kiss of forgetfullness'.
UUUUHhhhhh. What on earth is Chloe thinking putting on that helmet? Come on, she's too intellegent to do something so stupid. I don't want to hear some excuse about stepping off the ledge to save the one you love bologne either. With the resources she has at her fingertips, not to mention a SUPERMAN at her side... surely she could find Oliver. I know she will have to 'decrease' this season in order for the real hero to 'increase', but that doesn't mean I'm going to have to like it. Chloe's been my hero for nine seasons now. Please, please.... I'm begging... don't let her go the Lana Lang way. Don't let Oliver be her Kryptonite.
Have I told anyone lately how hot Oliver is? Well, let me tell you... he's volcanic. Who is this guy who's got the Green Arrow, chained up and torturing? Love that sarastic sense of humor Oliver has always had. I have to give kudos to the writers and the actor for keeping consistency into this character. Oooch... that looks like it hurt!
Will this woman never die? Oh, and let me guess.. she won't have any residual scars either. Yep... This character has grown on me, but I still miss Lex. Michael Rosenbaum needs his butt kicked and he needs to get back to what he does best. LX4? Is that clone failure number 4? Uh-oh.. Little Lex on the scene. Is this how they're going to bring the character of Lex back, without Rosenbaum? I hope not. I suppose this is the literal split personalities of Lex Luthor. They could have at least got some hot looking bald dudes. It's been my experience that the better they look on the outside, the uglier they are on the inside. The method that works is making us "hate to love" and "love to hate". They always make the best characters.
Bye Clark? Bye Clark? I'm not even going to think about what that means.
The Kent barn. I used to hate that barn, while Lana invaded it. I really don't mind Lois being there. Seeing that suit.... OMG. Is that the same suit from the last Superman movie?
UGH... I HATE this Lex Luthor. I want Rosenbaum. These better just be clone rejects, and in the end (I can wait till the end of the season - I've waited ten years to see a man fly in a red, yellow & blue tights) see the real Lex. No offense to the new actor, but it just isn't the same.
Lois tied to Clark's cross, great symbolism. My husband says, "Hey, her shirt's supposed to be off!" I have to concur. If Lex wanted to truly re-create the moment... Lois needed to be shirtless and also have a green necklace. But, coming back to earth - I loved how Lois replaced Lana's meteorite necklace, being Clark's true Kryptonite. Great bit of writing there. Kudos... to whoever thought of that.
Lex, even if he is just one part, giving a lecture on someone else' sin? Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? Nevermind. I remember now... Lois Lane or even Kryptonite isn't Clark's greatest weakness... humanity is.
Is he going to fly?? Is he going to fly? Or was that still just leaping a tall building? Oh yea... THE SUIT!!!! What happened? The suit transported him to the Fortress of Solitude. For a second, he thought he was flying? The greatest enemy - pride. That's not Jor-El. That's Braniac!!! Jor-El would never say that.
Okay, the sad music is working too well. Chloe giving herself up for Oliver. Lois giving up Clark so he can save the world. Tess giving up her own quest to help little Alexander.
Johnathan Kent. Oh, my God. What a sight for sore eyes. I’m almost in tears. Now these are the words from a real father. This makes me think… has Jor-El all along just been Clark’s own conscious? Is Jonathan real, or just as Clark would remember, saying what he would say? To be a hero, Clark must first see himself as a hero. We are as we think we are. Victorious, failures, or over-comers… it’s up to us. Clark battles within him the nature of man and the spirit of Superman.
My heart nearly palpitated to a sudden stop thinking that Clark was in the suit, in the crystal chamber. I CAN’T WAIT. Ten years have been long enough. Okay… I’ve got to calm down now and find out how Dean is going to rescue Sam out of hell. It’s been so nostalgic writing this review. I’ve really enjoyed it. See you next week.
Till next time,
Crazy4Smallville
(Author T.L. Gray)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Summer Rain
I love the sound of a gently falling summer rain.
I love the smell of green grass and damp wood as the rain falls.
I love the way everything is cast in a green-gray hue, blurred and smudged.
I love the feel of the cool drops as they drizzle down the side of my face.
I love how the summer rain makes me feel, renewed, refreshed and clean.
Most of all, I love rocking in a porch swing with my eyes closed letting the rhythmic beat of the summer rain take me into dreamland. I've had some of the best adventures during a nice summer rain.
I love the smell of green grass and damp wood as the rain falls.
I love the way everything is cast in a green-gray hue, blurred and smudged.
I love the feel of the cool drops as they drizzle down the side of my face.
I love how the summer rain makes me feel, renewed, refreshed and clean.
Most of all, I love rocking in a porch swing with my eyes closed letting the rhythmic beat of the summer rain take me into dreamland. I've had some of the best adventures during a nice summer rain.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Busy, Busy, Busy Bee... Buzzing By
Thought I'd pop by and give an update on what's been happening in my life lately.
First of all... I'm busy. If you couldn't tell from the title... something wrong's with your brain.
So, here goes:
I'm currently ghost-writing on a non-fiction Christian book called Joyful Mother by Mary Hudson for Destiny Image. It's a great book about a mother's trial and determination to remain joyful in the middle of extenuating and trying circumstances, in order to ensure she has spiritual children. The premise of the book is taken from the scripture: Psalms 113:9 – “He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of [spiritual] children. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)”(AMP)
I'm also working on a non-fiction autobiographical memoir of Mary Perry Hudson. This is one exciting lady who's had some awesome experiences in her life. Just to give a few tid-bits (don't want to give away too much... you'll have to buy the book to get more):
I've recently become a contributing writer for Impact Times Magazine. I'm soon to publish my first article with them, so look for me soon to show up on their bio page and keep an eye out for and upcoming article.
In September, I'll be at the Temple Founder's Day Celebration, signing and selling books.
In October, I'm scheduled to read at Mecca Fest. Those in Georgia, drop by and check it out.
I'm also currently working on The Arcainians, sequel to The Blood of Cain. I've completed the first draft, and as time permits, I'll begin the editing process.
ALSO...
I'm the Senior Editor of the Deeper Life News Report - where I write 5-8 articles a week. You can see a copy of it at their website.
I'm working on a Non-Fiction for Pastor Daniel Patrick called, "As For Me & My House".
I've been asked by a few other people to write or ghost-write for a few publications they have in mind. At the moment they have to take a number, but I look forward to it.
My book, The Blood of Cain and the first book of my young adult series, The Necromancers is currently, by request, being read by a movie producer.
Having just closed my business a month ago, I somewhat worried I wouldn't have enough work to keep me busy. Guess I was wrong on that point.
First of all... I'm busy. If you couldn't tell from the title... something wrong's with your brain.
So, here goes:
I'm currently ghost-writing on a non-fiction Christian book called Joyful Mother by Mary Hudson for Destiny Image. It's a great book about a mother's trial and determination to remain joyful in the middle of extenuating and trying circumstances, in order to ensure she has spiritual children. The premise of the book is taken from the scripture: Psalms 113:9 – “He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of [spiritual] children. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)”(AMP)
I'm also working on a non-fiction autobiographical memoir of Mary Perry Hudson. This is one exciting lady who's had some awesome experiences in her life. Just to give a few tid-bits (don't want to give away too much... you'll have to buy the book to get more):
- Of course many of you know she's the mother to pop star Katy Perry and soon-to-be Mother-in-law to British comedian Russell Brand.
- Her brother is Oscar nominated director Frank Perry, who worked on films such as David and Lisa and Mommie Dearest.
- Her father was the captain of Erol Flynn's yacht.
- Her mother was a model for publications such as Vogue and Harper's Bizaar.
- She danced with Jimi Hendrix and caught the interest of Pablo Piccaso.
- She went to school with characters such as Abigale Folger and Patty Hearst.
I've recently become a contributing writer for Impact Times Magazine. I'm soon to publish my first article with them, so look for me soon to show up on their bio page and keep an eye out for and upcoming article.
In September, I'll be at the Temple Founder's Day Celebration, signing and selling books.
In October, I'm scheduled to read at Mecca Fest. Those in Georgia, drop by and check it out.
I'm also currently working on The Arcainians, sequel to The Blood of Cain. I've completed the first draft, and as time permits, I'll begin the editing process.
ALSO...
I'm the Senior Editor of the Deeper Life News Report - where I write 5-8 articles a week. You can see a copy of it at their website.
I'm working on a Non-Fiction for Pastor Daniel Patrick called, "As For Me & My House".
I've been asked by a few other people to write or ghost-write for a few publications they have in mind. At the moment they have to take a number, but I look forward to it.
My book, The Blood of Cain and the first book of my young adult series, The Necromancers is currently, by request, being read by a movie producer.
Having just closed my business a month ago, I somewhat worried I wouldn't have enough work to keep me busy. Guess I was wrong on that point.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Arcainians - Chapter One
Arcainian Island – Present Day
The crisp morning air coursed through Teagan’s lungs much like a refreshing Alpine winter as he pushed himself faster and harder along the trail through the dense jungle of Arcainian Island. Dew trickled down his face like sweat and soaked his favorite band tee. He liked the feel of the moisture against his skin, because one of the first things he learned after his transformation into an immortal over a century ago, Arcainian vampires don’t sweat like regular humans. They’re not dead like in most vampire tales, but living humans with bodies constantly regenerating causing them to heal quickly and live forever. Sweating is something the body does to cool its self and purge impurities. But with Arcainian vampires, it usually only happens when they’re under intense mental pressure. This “condition” isn’t the result of a science experiment or magical spell, but from their father and maker eating a piece of fruit taken from the Tree of Life out of the Garden of Eden.
A low, dense fog slithered across the earthen floor as Teagan jumped over a dilapidated log and scaled the high rock face with little to no effort. His feet knew where to step and jump long before his mind comprehended or planned his next step. He’d run this trail a thousand times already since he came to the island three months ago with the remaining members of his dysfunctional immortal family. Rounding the bend, he approached a wide creek. As his trainers landed on the large rock by the bank, he pushed off and cool wind whipped across his face as he soared through the air. He flung his arms out in front of him like a superhero. Just as he approached the opposite bank he tucked and rolled into a frontward flip, landing softly on the smooth rocks with such light force he barely made a sound.
“I’d like to see Carpus, that overstuffed windbag, do better than that,” Teagan huffed as he pushed through the narrow trail.
Without pausing, he ran around the south bend of the island. A mountainous castle came into view as he jogged along the cliff edge. The monstrous mansion stood magnanimous with its tall spirals and stained-glassed windows. The rising sun caused bright colorful sparkles to dance across the windowpanes. No matter how many times Teagan ran this trail and saw this exact view, it took his breath away.
Teagan slowed as memories of the past three months flooded his mind. He shivered. Without thinking and by automatic reflex, his hand flew to his chest. His heart pounded against his breast bone with loud, rhythmic thumps.
He’d always heard vampires didn’t have heartbeats because they were the walking dead, but he soon learned that everything he thought he knew about the supernatural was wrong. If fact, his brother Carpus started most of the occulted myths and legends in order to weed out the psychopaths in his hunt to find other true immortals.
Now walking at a brisk pace instead of a jog, Teagan closed his eyes and concentrated on controlling his breathing. For a long time, Teagan didn’t know what he was. He knew he wasn’t like anything he’d ever seen or heard before, and until the night he met Tatiana in an airplane hangar in Atlanta he thought he was unique in the world. Now, within the walls of that glorious mountainous castle, four other immortals waited his return, training him and conditioning his mind and body to live fully as an immortal, taking advantage of all its gifts and fulfilling the demands of its curse. Teagan wrinkled his nose as he thought of the monthly blood requirement his perfect, healthy, supernatural body demanded; one of the few downsides to being a vampire.
The dense fog recoiled as the sun moved higher into the morning sky, splashing the surface of the Atlantic Ocean with brilliant sparkles. Teagan let the warm beams wash over his body with their glorious golden rays. That was another myth gone wrong about vampires. Arcainians, while their skin is much like a baby and burns easily against the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun, they can withstand direct contact. They don’t tan, because tanning is the result of sun-damaged skin, but like humans they do absorb the rich vitamin D from moderate exposure. Their skin is unblemished and smooth.
As he stood with his arms wide open and his eyes closed, worshipping the smell of nature all around him, Teagan’s thoughts drifted to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he saw his father Cain kill his sister Chloe. He knew his maker didn’t take her life in anger or hate, but in compassion, yet his mind refused to reconcile between what had to be and what needed to be done.
There had to be another way.
He winced at the memory of his sister’s burning body being lifted into the air of that hotel room and then becoming incased in a big ball of blue light, exploding into a billion tiny pieces. Cain incinerated her right before his eyes and in front of her mate, Bartemaeus. Barty escaped, of course. Now the remaining five immortals are desperate to find him before he tries to kill Cain and use his gifts of immortality to dominate the rest of the world.
Teagan opened his eyes.
“How did I get myself in the middle of this war?” He looked down at his large, pale hands. “If I do find Barty, I don’t know if I could kill him.” He looked out over the waves as they crashed into the cliffs, their spray splashing high into the air, filling it with the scent and taste of salt.
He’s my brother. How can a man take his own brother’s life?
“Very easily, I’m afraid.”
Teagan jerked his head around and saw Cain sitting casually on a rock behind him. A few strands of black curls hung down into his angelic face, falling just above his bright silver eyes. He sat with his back straight, exposing his wide, massive, muscular chest.
“I didn’t hear your approach. Either you’re really good at stealth or my hearing needs to improve.” Teagan approached Cain and leaned against the rock.
Cain smiled, revealing a set of opalescent teeth.
“Your hearing’s fine. I’ve had nearly ten thousand years to perfect my stealth. Had you heard me, I’d be ashamed at my lack of skill.”
“How can you hear my thoughts when the others can’t?” Teagan asked.
Cain shrugged. “I’ve had more practice.”
Running his gaze over his father, Teagan still found it hard to believe that the man standing before him is the same man he’d heard about all his life in the little country church. Cain was the son of Adam and Eve, the first heir of humanity who walked and breathed upon the face of the earth. Teagan’s only dealt with his immortality for a century, but Cain has watched humanity evolve since its birth. He is the father of all immortals, though he is father of no ordinary human, his lineage disappearing from the face of the earth after the Great Flood. Six immortals now walk the earth amongst six billion humans.
Teagan stared at Cain, whose brows furrowed above his silver eyes – the mark placed on him by God when he murdered his brother Abel.
Squinting from the sun, Cain asked “Why do you torture yourself over this decision? When the time comes to act, I’m sure by then you’ll have settled this in your heart.”
Teagan had asked Cain why he had been chosen and changed, and Cain told him it was to take his life so that he could finally rest. “Killing doesn’t come easy to me. I still have nightmares about accidentally killing my first girlfriend. How could I ever come to grips with killing somebody by choice?” Teagan rubbed the back of his neck.
Cain looked back toward the castle. “Because you’ll look into the faces of the ones whose lives you’ve saved and know it was the right thing to do.”
Teagan looked down at his feet and nudged a loose stone and mumbled. “Do you think about your brother, Abel?”
Looking back at Teagan, Cain stared for a long while and then answered in low, mellow tone. “Every day.”
“Then why would you want me to carry that same burden on my own shoulders?” Teagan picked up the loose stone and threw it out over the water.
“It’s not the same, Teagan.” Cain balled his fist. “In my pain, I lashed out at the person l loved most in this world and it’s because of that I carry this curse.” He took a deep breath and exhaled. “What I’m asking you to do is not murder, but mercy.”
Teagan huffed. “Well, my mind doesn’t see it that way.”
“I know,” Cain responded. “That’s why we wait.”
Both men sat in silence for a long while, watching the sun rise higher in the sky. Teagan’s face began to turn a light pink by the time they both stirred.
Cain slipped off the rock and stretched. He then slapped Teagan across the back. “How about we race back to the castle—the loser cooks breakfast?”
Teagan smiled. He loved the challenge, though he knew he didn’t stand a chance against Cain. Without answering, Teagan sprinted down the coastline along the trail. He ran a quarter of a mile before he heard Cain’s approach.
Teagan pushed his body as fast as it could go, the foliage whipped by him in streaks of green. His muscles burned, his chest ached and his head felt like it was going to explode from the pressure of his heart beating as fast as it did. As the iron door to the castle garage came into view, Teagan felt a sharp pain in his arm as a blue blur flew past him. He stumbled forward then screeched to a halt. He looked down and saw a large gash on his forearm. When he looked up, Cain stood leaning against the garage door, whittling a piece of bamboo.
“Thought I’d mark the occasion,” Cain said as he nodded toward Teagan’s open wound with the tip of the sharpened bamboo.
Furrowing his brows, Teagan looked back at Cain. “What didja do that for? It won’t leave a mark.”
Cain raised his arm and wiped the edge of his mouth with his sleeve. “I didn’t make it with the bamboo. The mark of this wound will stay for a long time.” He winked at Teagan. “Maybe by the time it fades, you’ll be faster than me.”
Teagan arched his brows. “It won’t take that long, old man.” He looked at the gash on his arm. As the acknowledgement of pain tried to bombard the front of his brain, he closed his eyes and concentrated on the nerve ending, numbing the pain with his mind as Cain had taught him.
He found it hard to concentrate since this wound was made with vampire teeth, which were venomous and took much longer to heal. He looked back up at Cain. “When I win, I plan to leave my own mark.”
Cain laughed.
“Good luck with that.” He turned to the path that led to the large stone steps of the castle entrance. “Oh, and I expect breakfast to be ready by the end of my shower.”
The crisp morning air coursed through Teagan’s lungs much like a refreshing Alpine winter as he pushed himself faster and harder along the trail through the dense jungle of Arcainian Island. Dew trickled down his face like sweat and soaked his favorite band tee. He liked the feel of the moisture against his skin, because one of the first things he learned after his transformation into an immortal over a century ago, Arcainian vampires don’t sweat like regular humans. They’re not dead like in most vampire tales, but living humans with bodies constantly regenerating causing them to heal quickly and live forever. Sweating is something the body does to cool its self and purge impurities. But with Arcainian vampires, it usually only happens when they’re under intense mental pressure. This “condition” isn’t the result of a science experiment or magical spell, but from their father and maker eating a piece of fruit taken from the Tree of Life out of the Garden of Eden.
A low, dense fog slithered across the earthen floor as Teagan jumped over a dilapidated log and scaled the high rock face with little to no effort. His feet knew where to step and jump long before his mind comprehended or planned his next step. He’d run this trail a thousand times already since he came to the island three months ago with the remaining members of his dysfunctional immortal family. Rounding the bend, he approached a wide creek. As his trainers landed on the large rock by the bank, he pushed off and cool wind whipped across his face as he soared through the air. He flung his arms out in front of him like a superhero. Just as he approached the opposite bank he tucked and rolled into a frontward flip, landing softly on the smooth rocks with such light force he barely made a sound.
“I’d like to see Carpus, that overstuffed windbag, do better than that,” Teagan huffed as he pushed through the narrow trail.
Without pausing, he ran around the south bend of the island. A mountainous castle came into view as he jogged along the cliff edge. The monstrous mansion stood magnanimous with its tall spirals and stained-glassed windows. The rising sun caused bright colorful sparkles to dance across the windowpanes. No matter how many times Teagan ran this trail and saw this exact view, it took his breath away.
Teagan slowed as memories of the past three months flooded his mind. He shivered. Without thinking and by automatic reflex, his hand flew to his chest. His heart pounded against his breast bone with loud, rhythmic thumps.
He’d always heard vampires didn’t have heartbeats because they were the walking dead, but he soon learned that everything he thought he knew about the supernatural was wrong. If fact, his brother Carpus started most of the occulted myths and legends in order to weed out the psychopaths in his hunt to find other true immortals.
Now walking at a brisk pace instead of a jog, Teagan closed his eyes and concentrated on controlling his breathing. For a long time, Teagan didn’t know what he was. He knew he wasn’t like anything he’d ever seen or heard before, and until the night he met Tatiana in an airplane hangar in Atlanta he thought he was unique in the world. Now, within the walls of that glorious mountainous castle, four other immortals waited his return, training him and conditioning his mind and body to live fully as an immortal, taking advantage of all its gifts and fulfilling the demands of its curse. Teagan wrinkled his nose as he thought of the monthly blood requirement his perfect, healthy, supernatural body demanded; one of the few downsides to being a vampire.
The dense fog recoiled as the sun moved higher into the morning sky, splashing the surface of the Atlantic Ocean with brilliant sparkles. Teagan let the warm beams wash over his body with their glorious golden rays. That was another myth gone wrong about vampires. Arcainians, while their skin is much like a baby and burns easily against the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun, they can withstand direct contact. They don’t tan, because tanning is the result of sun-damaged skin, but like humans they do absorb the rich vitamin D from moderate exposure. Their skin is unblemished and smooth.
As he stood with his arms wide open and his eyes closed, worshipping the smell of nature all around him, Teagan’s thoughts drifted to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he saw his father Cain kill his sister Chloe. He knew his maker didn’t take her life in anger or hate, but in compassion, yet his mind refused to reconcile between what had to be and what needed to be done.
There had to be another way.
He winced at the memory of his sister’s burning body being lifted into the air of that hotel room and then becoming incased in a big ball of blue light, exploding into a billion tiny pieces. Cain incinerated her right before his eyes and in front of her mate, Bartemaeus. Barty escaped, of course. Now the remaining five immortals are desperate to find him before he tries to kill Cain and use his gifts of immortality to dominate the rest of the world.
Teagan opened his eyes.
“How did I get myself in the middle of this war?” He looked down at his large, pale hands. “If I do find Barty, I don’t know if I could kill him.” He looked out over the waves as they crashed into the cliffs, their spray splashing high into the air, filling it with the scent and taste of salt.
He’s my brother. How can a man take his own brother’s life?
“Very easily, I’m afraid.”
Teagan jerked his head around and saw Cain sitting casually on a rock behind him. A few strands of black curls hung down into his angelic face, falling just above his bright silver eyes. He sat with his back straight, exposing his wide, massive, muscular chest.
“I didn’t hear your approach. Either you’re really good at stealth or my hearing needs to improve.” Teagan approached Cain and leaned against the rock.
Cain smiled, revealing a set of opalescent teeth.
“Your hearing’s fine. I’ve had nearly ten thousand years to perfect my stealth. Had you heard me, I’d be ashamed at my lack of skill.”
“How can you hear my thoughts when the others can’t?” Teagan asked.
Cain shrugged. “I’ve had more practice.”
Running his gaze over his father, Teagan still found it hard to believe that the man standing before him is the same man he’d heard about all his life in the little country church. Cain was the son of Adam and Eve, the first heir of humanity who walked and breathed upon the face of the earth. Teagan’s only dealt with his immortality for a century, but Cain has watched humanity evolve since its birth. He is the father of all immortals, though he is father of no ordinary human, his lineage disappearing from the face of the earth after the Great Flood. Six immortals now walk the earth amongst six billion humans.
Teagan stared at Cain, whose brows furrowed above his silver eyes – the mark placed on him by God when he murdered his brother Abel.
Squinting from the sun, Cain asked “Why do you torture yourself over this decision? When the time comes to act, I’m sure by then you’ll have settled this in your heart.”
Teagan had asked Cain why he had been chosen and changed, and Cain told him it was to take his life so that he could finally rest. “Killing doesn’t come easy to me. I still have nightmares about accidentally killing my first girlfriend. How could I ever come to grips with killing somebody by choice?” Teagan rubbed the back of his neck.
Cain looked back toward the castle. “Because you’ll look into the faces of the ones whose lives you’ve saved and know it was the right thing to do.”
Teagan looked down at his feet and nudged a loose stone and mumbled. “Do you think about your brother, Abel?”
Looking back at Teagan, Cain stared for a long while and then answered in low, mellow tone. “Every day.”
“Then why would you want me to carry that same burden on my own shoulders?” Teagan picked up the loose stone and threw it out over the water.
“It’s not the same, Teagan.” Cain balled his fist. “In my pain, I lashed out at the person l loved most in this world and it’s because of that I carry this curse.” He took a deep breath and exhaled. “What I’m asking you to do is not murder, but mercy.”
Teagan huffed. “Well, my mind doesn’t see it that way.”
“I know,” Cain responded. “That’s why we wait.”
Both men sat in silence for a long while, watching the sun rise higher in the sky. Teagan’s face began to turn a light pink by the time they both stirred.
Cain slipped off the rock and stretched. He then slapped Teagan across the back. “How about we race back to the castle—the loser cooks breakfast?”
Teagan smiled. He loved the challenge, though he knew he didn’t stand a chance against Cain. Without answering, Teagan sprinted down the coastline along the trail. He ran a quarter of a mile before he heard Cain’s approach.
Teagan pushed his body as fast as it could go, the foliage whipped by him in streaks of green. His muscles burned, his chest ached and his head felt like it was going to explode from the pressure of his heart beating as fast as it did. As the iron door to the castle garage came into view, Teagan felt a sharp pain in his arm as a blue blur flew past him. He stumbled forward then screeched to a halt. He looked down and saw a large gash on his forearm. When he looked up, Cain stood leaning against the garage door, whittling a piece of bamboo.
“Thought I’d mark the occasion,” Cain said as he nodded toward Teagan’s open wound with the tip of the sharpened bamboo.
Furrowing his brows, Teagan looked back at Cain. “What didja do that for? It won’t leave a mark.”
Cain raised his arm and wiped the edge of his mouth with his sleeve. “I didn’t make it with the bamboo. The mark of this wound will stay for a long time.” He winked at Teagan. “Maybe by the time it fades, you’ll be faster than me.”
Teagan arched his brows. “It won’t take that long, old man.” He looked at the gash on his arm. As the acknowledgement of pain tried to bombard the front of his brain, he closed his eyes and concentrated on the nerve ending, numbing the pain with his mind as Cain had taught him.
He found it hard to concentrate since this wound was made with vampire teeth, which were venomous and took much longer to heal. He looked back up at Cain. “When I win, I plan to leave my own mark.”
Cain laughed.
“Good luck with that.” He turned to the path that led to the large stone steps of the castle entrance. “Oh, and I expect breakfast to be ready by the end of my shower.”
Friday, May 21, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
When the Bottom Falls Out the Ceiling Crashes
I haven't wrote any poetry in awhile, but I feel inspired this morning.
When the Bottom Falls Out the Ceiling Crashes
The sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach,
it won't leave, won't ease.
I toss and turn, dream in and out,
no rest, no pause, no release.
I can't get it back, the moment's passed.
As I engorge myself in mindless distractions,
I'm interrupted, disconnected.
I groan and tense, shout in and out,
no calm, no cool, no collected.
I can't find the peace, the anger's present.
The responsibilities pile up and fall down,
they're multiplied, divided.
I shovel and heave, cry in and out,
no relief, no help, no end.
I can't take the pressure, the hope's expecting.
When the bottom falls out the ceiling crashes.
When the Bottom Falls Out the Ceiling Crashes
The sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach,
it won't leave, won't ease.
I toss and turn, dream in and out,
no rest, no pause, no release.
I can't get it back, the moment's passed.
As I engorge myself in mindless distractions,
I'm interrupted, disconnected.
I groan and tense, shout in and out,
no calm, no cool, no collected.
I can't find the peace, the anger's present.
The responsibilities pile up and fall down,
they're multiplied, divided.
I shovel and heave, cry in and out,
no relief, no help, no end.
I can't take the pressure, the hope's expecting.
When the bottom falls out the ceiling crashes.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Arcainians - Chapter Four
Happy Valentines Day! Here's a sneak peek at the upcoming sequel to The Blood of Cain.
The Marriott Marquis – Atlanta, GA
Cain paced in front of the large glass window of his hotel room, looking out over the city silhouette. A single strand of his dark curly hair fell over his brow, resting at the corner of his right eye. Out of the periphery of his left he saw a shadow move and quickly whipped his head around. Nothing else moved. The room buzzed with the hum of the muted television and the occasional, almost silent, bend of steel as the skyscraper swayed with the wind. The familiar sounds of honking horns and distant sirens bounced off the walls. He closed his eyes and slowed the rhythm of his heart, meditating on the intake and outflow of his breath. Tension left his massive muscles as he relaxed. When he opened his eyes, the silhouette of a man sat in one of the patio chairs on the balcony.
The stranger turned his head and smiled at Cain. “It’s been a while, my friend. What’s made you bring me back this time?”
“Chloe,” Cain whispered.
The two ancient friends sat in silence for a long moment.
Abital finally stirred. He got to his feet and laid his hand on his friend’s back. “You did what you thought you had to do.”
“But was it the right choice?” Cain said between gritted teeth.
“You can’t go there, Cain. You know nothing good comes from living in the land of What If and Second Guesses. Their only purpose is to torment and confuse the mind.”
Abital walked over to the balcony’s ledge and looked down at the busy streets below. “You and your guilt have been closer than brothers. When are you going to learn he’s a shitty friend?”
Shaking his head, Cain answered, “You speak as if it’s a person.”
Spinning around, Abital winked at Cain. “He’s as real as I am. The sooner you learn that, the sooner you’ll get on with your life.”
Cain chuckled. “Get on with my life? What do you think I’ve been doing these past eight thousand years? If I’ve done anything in this world, it’s get on with my life.” He ran his calloused fingers through his long hair and leaned back in the chair, looking up at Abital. “I’d like to come to the end of it.”
Dressed in a pair of dark brown corduroy pants, a thin striped tee-shirt and a long scarf, Abital shoved his hands into his pockets as a cool breeze blew his wildly-cropped blond hair. He looked like he stepped right out of a late 70’s David Bowie poster. “So, you’re on another suicide mission?”
Cain sat silently for a while and then answered, “No, this is much worse. I’ve come full circle… I’m back to murder.”
“What you did in Jackson Hole was not murder.” Abital crossed his legs and leaned back against the balcony, resting his elbow on the ledge. “What you’re going to have to do when you find Barty won’t be murder either. There’s no malice in your intent, they’re both a necessary…”
“Evil?” Cain interrupted.
“No, I was going to say… a necessary burden. But in your case I think it would fit better if I said they are necessary resolutions.”
Cain scrunched his brows together. “Resolutions to what?”
Abital let out a laugh and cocked his eyebrows. “That, my friend, is for you to discover on your own.”
Standing to his feet, Cain rubbed the back of his neck. He could feel all the tension and stress of the past few weeks knot themselves in the muscles along his shoulder blades.
“If you don’t have any simple answers for me, what are you doing here?”
Abital winked at Cain and then looked out over the night lights of the city. “Only you can answer that question. I have one for you.”
“Really?” Cain chuckled. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”
Abital spun back around and faced Cain, his bright blue eyes staring right at him. “Why haven’t you told them about me?”
The Marriott Marquis – Atlanta, GA
Cain paced in front of the large glass window of his hotel room, looking out over the city silhouette. A single strand of his dark curly hair fell over his brow, resting at the corner of his right eye. Out of the periphery of his left he saw a shadow move and quickly whipped his head around. Nothing else moved. The room buzzed with the hum of the muted television and the occasional, almost silent, bend of steel as the skyscraper swayed with the wind. The familiar sounds of honking horns and distant sirens bounced off the walls. He closed his eyes and slowed the rhythm of his heart, meditating on the intake and outflow of his breath. Tension left his massive muscles as he relaxed. When he opened his eyes, the silhouette of a man sat in one of the patio chairs on the balcony.
The stranger turned his head and smiled at Cain. “It’s been a while, my friend. What’s made you bring me back this time?”
“Chloe,” Cain whispered.
The two ancient friends sat in silence for a long moment.
Abital finally stirred. He got to his feet and laid his hand on his friend’s back. “You did what you thought you had to do.”
“But was it the right choice?” Cain said between gritted teeth.
“You can’t go there, Cain. You know nothing good comes from living in the land of What If and Second Guesses. Their only purpose is to torment and confuse the mind.”
Abital walked over to the balcony’s ledge and looked down at the busy streets below. “You and your guilt have been closer than brothers. When are you going to learn he’s a shitty friend?”
Shaking his head, Cain answered, “You speak as if it’s a person.”
Spinning around, Abital winked at Cain. “He’s as real as I am. The sooner you learn that, the sooner you’ll get on with your life.”
Cain chuckled. “Get on with my life? What do you think I’ve been doing these past eight thousand years? If I’ve done anything in this world, it’s get on with my life.” He ran his calloused fingers through his long hair and leaned back in the chair, looking up at Abital. “I’d like to come to the end of it.”
Dressed in a pair of dark brown corduroy pants, a thin striped tee-shirt and a long scarf, Abital shoved his hands into his pockets as a cool breeze blew his wildly-cropped blond hair. He looked like he stepped right out of a late 70’s David Bowie poster. “So, you’re on another suicide mission?”
Cain sat silently for a while and then answered, “No, this is much worse. I’ve come full circle… I’m back to murder.”
“What you did in Jackson Hole was not murder.” Abital crossed his legs and leaned back against the balcony, resting his elbow on the ledge. “What you’re going to have to do when you find Barty won’t be murder either. There’s no malice in your intent, they’re both a necessary…”
“Evil?” Cain interrupted.
“No, I was going to say… a necessary burden. But in your case I think it would fit better if I said they are necessary resolutions.”
Cain scrunched his brows together. “Resolutions to what?”
Abital let out a laugh and cocked his eyebrows. “That, my friend, is for you to discover on your own.”
Standing to his feet, Cain rubbed the back of his neck. He could feel all the tension and stress of the past few weeks knot themselves in the muscles along his shoulder blades.
“If you don’t have any simple answers for me, what are you doing here?”
Abital winked at Cain and then looked out over the night lights of the city. “Only you can answer that question. I have one for you.”
“Really?” Cain chuckled. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”
Abital spun back around and faced Cain, his bright blue eyes staring right at him. “Why haven’t you told them about me?”
Monday, January 25, 2010
Author T.L. Gray Meets Cast of The Vampire Diaries
On Thursday, January 21st after watching the recent episode of The Vampire Diaries on the CW at 8pm I saw an announcement the cast would be making an appearance Saturday, January 23rd at Town Center at Cobb. I thought to myself how awesome it would be to meet at least one of the three main characters and give them a copy of my book, The Blood of Cain. I then quickly dismissed the idea thinking there was no way this nearly 40-year old was going to fight through hundreds of screaming and crazed teenage girls with only the slightest of hopes of get audience with a cast member. Fearing for my personal safety and partial sanity, I put the idea out of my mind.
The next day, I was driving through Cobb county on my way to Gwinnett, when I got the idea to stop by the mall and ask the clerk at Hot Topic how the event was to ‘go down’ to give credence to my hesitant decision. When I approached the store, I saw a line extending out the door. A very pretty woman with black and silver spiked hair and narrow square glasses approached me and stuffed a clipboard in my hand, asking me to fill out the membership form for the HT+1 card in order to be able to buy my The Vampire Diaries 2010 Cast Tour shirt before I could receive a wrist-band to meet the cast. Only those lucky enough, who planned early enough and got a jump start on the event acquired such coveted wristbands. I was told I was one of the last to receive a pair, and to use caution as I left the mall against over- zealous fans who’d do just about anything to get them. Of course, while standing in line, I met two more clerks and talked to them about my book, The Blood of Cain. I gave a copy to the clerk who declared they loved to read the most, and promised to bring back another copy the next day to the other clerk, Kat, who seemed eager and excited to read my story. I have to admit, I left the mall a bit dazed, because I hadn’t quite understood what happened. I had no intentions of leaving that mall with golden passes, I didn’t even know such things were needed. By the time I made it home, it dawned on me that I was actually going to meet face to face with one of the actors from the show. I was going to have the opportunity to share my book with at least one actor from a very popular vampire series my own book about vampires. While I’m not star struck I’m opportunity driven, and I saw this was going to be a great opportunity.
So, I placed the announcement on my website, FaceBook, MySpace and Twitter and began to rearrange my schedule to accommodate what I knew would be an all-day event. I initially wanted my fifteen-year old daughter Kelly to go with me, but she’s a lot like her mother where the only stars in her eyes are her own. So, I called my good and enthusiastic friend, Tina Griffin, who also serves a part of my entourage as my personal body guard (or so she thinks anyway) when I go to book signings and asked her if she wanted to meet the cast of The Vampire Diaries with me the next day. She’d never heard of the show or the actors, but when I told her about my plan to give one a copy of my book, she said to count on her. She’d also agreed to be my photographer, which was really funny seeing as how she loves to be in front of the camera much more than behind it.
I woke up Saturday morning and put on my coveted tee-shirt and wristband and headed to church because it was the fourth Saturday of the month, which meant it was Food Ministry day where my church, Deeper Life Christian Center, feeds the hungry. I’ve been serving as a volunteer for that ministry for almost twelve years and wasn’t about to miss another opportunity to help those less fortunate in order to meet a few celebrities. Besides, I didn’t need to be at the mall till noon, so I had plenty of time to fulfill my charitable duties. After the last person received their bag of groceries, I said my good-bye’s, stopped by to pick up my bodyguard Tina and my daughter Kelly (who decided a day at the mall was what she needed).
The ride to the mall was filled with laughter, country music (which I don’t listen to, but my bodyguard is prone to belt out). I looked back into my rear-view mirror as the singer crooned “That’s what cowboys do”, to see my daughters eyes roll around. Her idea of good music is a mix between techno pop and scream-o rock. Don’t ask me to explain…. Because I just can’t. After eating a Krystal burger and sippin’ on a chocolate shake (it was cheat day on my diet), we made jokes about my being lactose intolerant and possibly getting sick when I met the cast, perhaps gagging as I extend my hand to meet them. “Hello… (gag), I’m Author T.L. (gag) Gray and I’d like (gag) to give you a copy of my book (gag), The Blood of Cain.” Even now that’s still a funny thought. Needless to say, the gag didn’t make an appearance.
Upon arriving at the mall, I got out my car, and loaded my arms down with a bag full of autographed books, flyers, bookmarks, camera, water, and peppermint sticks to eliminate my coffee & chocolate breath. I looked around to mark my location and headed into the mall entrance, not paying attention to which stores it was located between. Once we entered the mall, we immediately saw a long, long, line. We found the front where the girls standing there with a smirk on their face quickly pointed out the back. I put my patient face on, because I knew I was going to have to remind myself several times that day, ‘You were young once upon a time and remember what it was like. Be patient and overlook their actions today… it’s the craziness talkin’” My daughter departed our company headed to the nearest store while me and my bodyguard stepped up to the back of the snaky line. A few seconds later, we turn around and met our new friends, Brooke Payne and Amanda Hall.
Over the next three hours, we got to know a lot about each other. My bodyguard and assistant spent much of her time taking flyers and handing them out to many of the vampire lovers in line, talking up my book and hopefully leading to a lot of new readers. However, I think had she actually read the book, she could have described it more accurately to the fans, but all that was really needed to be said was the word “vampire”.
After several laughs, great stories, a bathroom break and a slow tour of the mall as our line moved, we found ourselves at the front. I felt the excited energy from my two new friends spill over and I actually felt a single butterfly in my stomach. Told by the Hot Topic clerks we were going to not just meet the three main characters of the show, but all ten cast members – Ian Somerhalder (Damon); Paul Wesley (Stefan); Nina Dobrev (Elena), Steven McQueen (Jeremy); Katerina Graham (Bonnie); Candice Accola (Caroline); Zach Roerig (Matt); Matthew Davis (Alaric); Michael Trevino (Tyler) & Sara Canning (Jenna), I had to smile. I checked my bag and had exactly eleven books left, one each for the ten-cast members and one for Kat, the Hot Topic clerk I had promised a copy the previous day. Sure enough, as soon as I pulled out the books, Kat walked up really excited to see me and I gave her the book. She held it to her chest like a treasured item, and that touched my heart. Should I have left then, the whole day would have been worth it.
Next we were counted off, me being in front, and then ushered into the Hot Topic. As the group ahead of us went through the long table, we entered the store. A burly, bald and bad-lookin’ (in the Vin Diesel kind of way) body guard flirted shamelessly as we waited to be cattle-called to the table. First, I shook hands with Stephen McQueen (Yes… he’s related to the famed Steve McQueen) who plays Jeremy and introduced myself as Author T.L. Gray. Most everyone looked up from the table to greet me. Matthew Davis gave me a big smile and asked, “So you wrote the book – that’s so cool!” Paul Wesley looked up and said, “It’s nice to meet you. Don’t know if I’ve met an author before.” Matthew Davis asked, “What’s it about?” I smiled and said, “Vampires – of course.” They all sniggered. I told them I had a copy for each one of them to make sure they didn’t leave without them. Matthew thought that was “Awesome,” and then came the lesson on the correct pronunciation of “Georgia”.
As I stood in front of Ian Somerholder, he looked up and said, “Cool hat.” “You too,” I replied, and nodded toward the white hat that sat upon his head. “You got good taste, but you could use a little help with your pronunciation of Georgia. It sounded funny in the episode last night.” All the heads of the actors looked up and everyone started asking each other and those fans standing in front of them. “How are you supposed to say it?” Ian said, ‘How did I say it wrong? I’m sure I said it right, I’m from Louisiana.” My bodyguard Tina, in her thick Georgia drawl, gave an example. Soon the whole table was shouting their own version of “Georgia”. Finally, Ian swiveled his head in a cute swagger and roared out the name, “Geeooowwwjjja”. Everyone laughed.
Those few seconds went by quickly. They moved you down the table like a heard of sheep on slaughter day, and soon I was headed for the exit. Someone from behind shouted, “Good luck with your book.”
But, that’s not the end of the story. The Q&A was scheduled next. Me, my bodyguard and my two new friends, made our way through the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd, mostly filled with those who didn’t get a wristband and a chance to meet the cast face to face. By this time, my feet were killing me. While my shoulders felt much lighter due to the release of the load of books, I was hungry, tired and exhausted. The adrenaline in the place kept me standing in the crowd for several more minutes, but my age finally caught up with me and I turned to Tina and said, “I think it’s time to go.” She agreed, we said our good-byes to Amanda and Brooke and shuffled our way to the back of the crowd, to find the way cornered off and blocked by security. We had to turn around and make our way back through the crowd to the other side of the food court and then into the hallway. Now, we were lost.
We met up with my daughter after a few text messages and wandering around and exited through where we thought we came in. The temperature had dropped at least 10-15 degrees since our arrival and the sun was going down. We immediately knew this was not the parking lot we entered the mall through, so we re-entered the mall, walked down to the next exit and again, didn’t recognize the parking lot. By the third exit, we saw a line of trees that looked like the parking lot we parked in and braved the frigid wind and walked all the way to the end of the row, to discover my car was missing. I was too cold, too tired and too old to deal with a stolen car. We marched directly back into the mall and walked down to Customer Service Center and told a security guard my car was missing.
I discovered a new service at the mall I hadn’t known existed before. If you ever go to the mall and as you prepare to leave find it cold, dark and miserable… just let security know that you’ve misplaced your car and you’ll get picked up at the nearest entrance, driven around in a heated security vehicle and dropped off at your new-found and obviously disobedient car that moved itself to a different parking lot. It’s a cool service and I suggest everyone to at least try it once.
Needless to say, I made it home in one piece, with an autographed poster, a few out- of- focus pictures, sore feet, aching back and a huge smile across my face knowing that ten cast members from the CW’s The Vampires Diaries has a copy of my book, The Blood of Cain.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
The next day, I was driving through Cobb county on my way to Gwinnett, when I got the idea to stop by the mall and ask the clerk at Hot Topic how the event was to ‘go down’ to give credence to my hesitant decision. When I approached the store, I saw a line extending out the door. A very pretty woman with black and silver spiked hair and narrow square glasses approached me and stuffed a clipboard in my hand, asking me to fill out the membership form for the HT+1 card in order to be able to buy my The Vampire Diaries 2010 Cast Tour shirt before I could receive a wrist-band to meet the cast. Only those lucky enough, who planned early enough and got a jump start on the event acquired such coveted wristbands. I was told I was one of the last to receive a pair, and to use caution as I left the mall against over- zealous fans who’d do just about anything to get them. Of course, while standing in line, I met two more clerks and talked to them about my book, The Blood of Cain. I gave a copy to the clerk who declared they loved to read the most, and promised to bring back another copy the next day to the other clerk, Kat, who seemed eager and excited to read my story. I have to admit, I left the mall a bit dazed, because I hadn’t quite understood what happened. I had no intentions of leaving that mall with golden passes, I didn’t even know such things were needed. By the time I made it home, it dawned on me that I was actually going to meet face to face with one of the actors from the show. I was going to have the opportunity to share my book with at least one actor from a very popular vampire series my own book about vampires. While I’m not star struck I’m opportunity driven, and I saw this was going to be a great opportunity.
So, I placed the announcement on my website, FaceBook, MySpace and Twitter and began to rearrange my schedule to accommodate what I knew would be an all-day event. I initially wanted my fifteen-year old daughter Kelly to go with me, but she’s a lot like her mother where the only stars in her eyes are her own. So, I called my good and enthusiastic friend, Tina Griffin, who also serves a part of my entourage as my personal body guard (or so she thinks anyway) when I go to book signings and asked her if she wanted to meet the cast of The Vampire Diaries with me the next day. She’d never heard of the show or the actors, but when I told her about my plan to give one a copy of my book, she said to count on her. She’d also agreed to be my photographer, which was really funny seeing as how she loves to be in front of the camera much more than behind it.
I woke up Saturday morning and put on my coveted tee-shirt and wristband and headed to church because it was the fourth Saturday of the month, which meant it was Food Ministry day where my church, Deeper Life Christian Center, feeds the hungry. I’ve been serving as a volunteer for that ministry for almost twelve years and wasn’t about to miss another opportunity to help those less fortunate in order to meet a few celebrities. Besides, I didn’t need to be at the mall till noon, so I had plenty of time to fulfill my charitable duties. After the last person received their bag of groceries, I said my good-bye’s, stopped by to pick up my bodyguard Tina and my daughter Kelly (who decided a day at the mall was what she needed).
The ride to the mall was filled with laughter, country music (which I don’t listen to, but my bodyguard is prone to belt out). I looked back into my rear-view mirror as the singer crooned “That’s what cowboys do”, to see my daughters eyes roll around. Her idea of good music is a mix between techno pop and scream-o rock. Don’t ask me to explain…. Because I just can’t. After eating a Krystal burger and sippin’ on a chocolate shake (it was cheat day on my diet), we made jokes about my being lactose intolerant and possibly getting sick when I met the cast, perhaps gagging as I extend my hand to meet them. “Hello… (gag), I’m Author T.L. (gag) Gray and I’d like (gag) to give you a copy of my book (gag), The Blood of Cain.” Even now that’s still a funny thought. Needless to say, the gag didn’t make an appearance.
Upon arriving at the mall, I got out my car, and loaded my arms down with a bag full of autographed books, flyers, bookmarks, camera, water, and peppermint sticks to eliminate my coffee & chocolate breath. I looked around to mark my location and headed into the mall entrance, not paying attention to which stores it was located between. Once we entered the mall, we immediately saw a long, long, line. We found the front where the girls standing there with a smirk on their face quickly pointed out the back. I put my patient face on, because I knew I was going to have to remind myself several times that day, ‘You were young once upon a time and remember what it was like. Be patient and overlook their actions today… it’s the craziness talkin’” My daughter departed our company headed to the nearest store while me and my bodyguard stepped up to the back of the snaky line. A few seconds later, we turn around and met our new friends, Brooke Payne and Amanda Hall.
Over the next three hours, we got to know a lot about each other. My bodyguard and assistant spent much of her time taking flyers and handing them out to many of the vampire lovers in line, talking up my book and hopefully leading to a lot of new readers. However, I think had she actually read the book, she could have described it more accurately to the fans, but all that was really needed to be said was the word “vampire”.
After several laughs, great stories, a bathroom break and a slow tour of the mall as our line moved, we found ourselves at the front. I felt the excited energy from my two new friends spill over and I actually felt a single butterfly in my stomach. Told by the Hot Topic clerks we were going to not just meet the three main characters of the show, but all ten cast members – Ian Somerhalder (Damon); Paul Wesley (Stefan); Nina Dobrev (Elena), Steven McQueen (Jeremy); Katerina Graham (Bonnie); Candice Accola (Caroline); Zach Roerig (Matt); Matthew Davis (Alaric); Michael Trevino (Tyler) & Sara Canning (Jenna), I had to smile. I checked my bag and had exactly eleven books left, one each for the ten-cast members and one for Kat, the Hot Topic clerk I had promised a copy the previous day. Sure enough, as soon as I pulled out the books, Kat walked up really excited to see me and I gave her the book. She held it to her chest like a treasured item, and that touched my heart. Should I have left then, the whole day would have been worth it.
Next we were counted off, me being in front, and then ushered into the Hot Topic. As the group ahead of us went through the long table, we entered the store. A burly, bald and bad-lookin’ (in the Vin Diesel kind of way) body guard flirted shamelessly as we waited to be cattle-called to the table. First, I shook hands with Stephen McQueen (Yes… he’s related to the famed Steve McQueen) who plays Jeremy and introduced myself as Author T.L. Gray. Most everyone looked up from the table to greet me. Matthew Davis gave me a big smile and asked, “So you wrote the book – that’s so cool!” Paul Wesley looked up and said, “It’s nice to meet you. Don’t know if I’ve met an author before.” Matthew Davis asked, “What’s it about?” I smiled and said, “Vampires – of course.” They all sniggered. I told them I had a copy for each one of them to make sure they didn’t leave without them. Matthew thought that was “Awesome,” and then came the lesson on the correct pronunciation of “Georgia”.
As I stood in front of Ian Somerholder, he looked up and said, “Cool hat.” “You too,” I replied, and nodded toward the white hat that sat upon his head. “You got good taste, but you could use a little help with your pronunciation of Georgia. It sounded funny in the episode last night.” All the heads of the actors looked up and everyone started asking each other and those fans standing in front of them. “How are you supposed to say it?” Ian said, ‘How did I say it wrong? I’m sure I said it right, I’m from Louisiana.” My bodyguard Tina, in her thick Georgia drawl, gave an example. Soon the whole table was shouting their own version of “Georgia”. Finally, Ian swiveled his head in a cute swagger and roared out the name, “Geeooowwwjjja”. Everyone laughed.
Those few seconds went by quickly. They moved you down the table like a heard of sheep on slaughter day, and soon I was headed for the exit. Someone from behind shouted, “Good luck with your book.”
But, that’s not the end of the story. The Q&A was scheduled next. Me, my bodyguard and my two new friends, made our way through the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd, mostly filled with those who didn’t get a wristband and a chance to meet the cast face to face. By this time, my feet were killing me. While my shoulders felt much lighter due to the release of the load of books, I was hungry, tired and exhausted. The adrenaline in the place kept me standing in the crowd for several more minutes, but my age finally caught up with me and I turned to Tina and said, “I think it’s time to go.” She agreed, we said our good-byes to Amanda and Brooke and shuffled our way to the back of the crowd, to find the way cornered off and blocked by security. We had to turn around and make our way back through the crowd to the other side of the food court and then into the hallway. Now, we were lost.
We met up with my daughter after a few text messages and wandering around and exited through where we thought we came in. The temperature had dropped at least 10-15 degrees since our arrival and the sun was going down. We immediately knew this was not the parking lot we entered the mall through, so we re-entered the mall, walked down to the next exit and again, didn’t recognize the parking lot. By the third exit, we saw a line of trees that looked like the parking lot we parked in and braved the frigid wind and walked all the way to the end of the row, to discover my car was missing. I was too cold, too tired and too old to deal with a stolen car. We marched directly back into the mall and walked down to Customer Service Center and told a security guard my car was missing.
I discovered a new service at the mall I hadn’t known existed before. If you ever go to the mall and as you prepare to leave find it cold, dark and miserable… just let security know that you’ve misplaced your car and you’ll get picked up at the nearest entrance, driven around in a heated security vehicle and dropped off at your new-found and obviously disobedient car that moved itself to a different parking lot. It’s a cool service and I suggest everyone to at least try it once.
Needless to say, I made it home in one piece, with an autographed poster, a few out- of- focus pictures, sore feet, aching back and a huge smile across my face knowing that ten cast members from the CW’s The Vampires Diaries has a copy of my book, The Blood of Cain.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday, October 31, 2009
My First Interview!
A few days ago I had my first media interview. While part of it was fun, another part of it was very scary. It let me know quite clearly... I won't be sitting on Oprah's couch anytime soon. I've got too much stuff bulging inside and it's banging against the walls to get out. Once I let out a little trickle, the rest will push hard against the small opening and a dam will bust if I don't get the flow under control.
October was a great month for me... and I'm looking forward to a very blessed November.
For those of you who love wild and exciting rides... hop on. There's plenty of room.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
October was a great month for me... and I'm looking forward to a very blessed November.
For those of you who love wild and exciting rides... hop on. There's plenty of room.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Friday, October 16, 2009
It's official! I am now a published author. Today is the first day I step onto the road in the next leg of this journey. What lay ahead of me, I don't really know, but I'm excited to find out. Before I look ahead and start marching forward, I must take a quick glimpse back at the many different paths I've left behind.
I see the the faint outline of a small trail winding its way through the tall leafy jungle, moving beside the winding river, leading deeper into the dense forest. I then notice the dusty dirt road with its many mud holes and cozy tunnels of overcast trees, giving way to the one lane gravel drive. Soon loose stones turn into a smooth unlined two lane with its low shoulders and caution signs.
Next, white and yellow lines appear along with small reflectors as the rules increase along with the dangers of accumulating traffic. Speeds are limited, miles are marked and direction choices become more often, each leading down different journeys.
I'm now entering the on ramp of the busy interstate, ready to mingle into the already moving heavy traffic toward the city. My seat belt is securely fastened and my vehicle has been inspected (lights, blinker, oil, tires, horn and engine) and I'm ready to merge. I know I have to accelerate to be up to speed by the time I reach the flow.
I hope you're in the car with me, because once I get on, I can easily get lost in the frenzy.
Thank you, everyone, who has supported this dream. I wasn't alone in making it come true and I won't be alone when it soars through the universe or when the next dream decides to take flight.
As my title says up at the top... Buckle up... it's going to be an exciting ride!!!
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
I see the the faint outline of a small trail winding its way through the tall leafy jungle, moving beside the winding river, leading deeper into the dense forest. I then notice the dusty dirt road with its many mud holes and cozy tunnels of overcast trees, giving way to the one lane gravel drive. Soon loose stones turn into a smooth unlined two lane with its low shoulders and caution signs.
Next, white and yellow lines appear along with small reflectors as the rules increase along with the dangers of accumulating traffic. Speeds are limited, miles are marked and direction choices become more often, each leading down different journeys.
I'm now entering the on ramp of the busy interstate, ready to mingle into the already moving heavy traffic toward the city. My seat belt is securely fastened and my vehicle has been inspected (lights, blinker, oil, tires, horn and engine) and I'm ready to merge. I know I have to accelerate to be up to speed by the time I reach the flow.
I hope you're in the car with me, because once I get on, I can easily get lost in the frenzy.
Thank you, everyone, who has supported this dream. I wasn't alone in making it come true and I won't be alone when it soars through the universe or when the next dream decides to take flight.
As my title says up at the top... Buckle up... it's going to be an exciting ride!!!
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
About to be Published.
It hasn't really sunk into my brain yet and still feels like any other business transaction I make on a daily basis, but it's not the same. My heart and head are not on the same page... yet.
I'm about to be published. Sure, it's not like I had pictured it in the beginning, but it is a part of the dream that I've had for a long time. But, it was always something that was just beyond grasp, just at the end of the fingertips, but not something that I could wrap my fingers around. Most of it having been my fault, because offers have come but I didn't take them.
Why now? What's different this time? I don't know. I just know that it is. I will soon be able to hold in my hands a printed, published copy of a story from my dreams. My name will be splashed across the front and my picture placed on the back. Within the covers, small printed letters will dance upon the pages as they tell a story that swirled within the ocean of my imagination. Life breathing into the characters as their personalities become known to those who dare to read.
Part of me wants to hold them close to my bosom and protect them from others, but then another part wants to share them with the world. Will they love them as I have? Will they see them as I do? I guess I'm about to find out.
Thank you, everyone, who has supported this dream. I wasn't alone in making it come true and I won't be alone when it soars through the universe or when the next dream decides to take flight.
As my title says up at the top... hang on... it's going to be a bumpy ride. Boy, what a great ride, though!
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
I'm about to be published. Sure, it's not like I had pictured it in the beginning, but it is a part of the dream that I've had for a long time. But, it was always something that was just beyond grasp, just at the end of the fingertips, but not something that I could wrap my fingers around. Most of it having been my fault, because offers have come but I didn't take them.
Why now? What's different this time? I don't know. I just know that it is. I will soon be able to hold in my hands a printed, published copy of a story from my dreams. My name will be splashed across the front and my picture placed on the back. Within the covers, small printed letters will dance upon the pages as they tell a story that swirled within the ocean of my imagination. Life breathing into the characters as their personalities become known to those who dare to read.
Part of me wants to hold them close to my bosom and protect them from others, but then another part wants to share them with the world. Will they love them as I have? Will they see them as I do? I guess I'm about to find out.
Thank you, everyone, who has supported this dream. I wasn't alone in making it come true and I won't be alone when it soars through the universe or when the next dream decides to take flight.
As my title says up at the top... hang on... it's going to be a bumpy ride. Boy, what a great ride, though!
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Friday, July 10, 2009
Becoming an Author
When I introduce myself as an author, I meet lots of people who say, "Oh, I've tried to write a book once, but never finished it." That one fact is the biggest obstacle that makes someone an author. But, it's only the beginning.
You are a writer if you write, then edit, then re-write, then contemplate, then edit some more and then re-write again. You are an author when you submit, query, wait, wait, submit again, query again, wait and wait some more and then the writing gets published.
Until that time... you're just someone who had an idea and didn't follow through with it because either you didn't have the drive, determination or discipline required; and believe me - it takes all three.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
You are a writer if you write, then edit, then re-write, then contemplate, then edit some more and then re-write again. You are an author when you submit, query, wait, wait, submit again, query again, wait and wait some more and then the writing gets published.
Until that time... you're just someone who had an idea and didn't follow through with it because either you didn't have the drive, determination or discipline required; and believe me - it takes all three.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Who Really Does the Writing?
I've had many people ask me, "How do you come up with all those stories?" Most of the time my response is usually something profound as "life is a story, I just choose to write one down." But even I wonder where the thoughts of my imagination begin.
I have no doubt that God is the true author of all life and this ability to see bits of it all around me is a gift given. I find it quite amazing when I discover that not everybody can see the same way. A painter can see the true beauty of color and depth perception more vibrantly; a musician and singer hear the sounds of the world and the soul much clearer; writers and poets see the power of life and death that are encased with the spoken and written language. Yet, we all only see the true picture around us in part and we are vain enough to think we understand everything because of what little we've seen, heard, smelled, felt and tasted.
I can only write what I know and can imagine. My imagination is limited yet without bounds, and my knowledge is constantly growing but has limitations. Yet who truly has the power of creation. The definition alone disqualifies me, because I do not have the power to make something from nothing. I am a master of manipulation, because I have an uncanny gift to take elements of what already is and manipulate them into something else. I can take bits and pieces of the story (world) I know, have known and have experienced and mold those experiences into a new story, just as a painter takes the colors that already exist and make them into a picture of manipulated bits and pieces of a world they've come to know. But I do not "create" anything from nothing. I make something new from what already exists.
So who really does do the writing? I do. Writing is a gift. While many people may know much of the same as I do, not everybody can write it down in the same way. I am a scribe, and my gift comes with much discipline and skill. It's not always easy and requires much dedication, but how it makes my soul churn within me and stirs the passion inside, I cannot fathom doing anything else.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
I have no doubt that God is the true author of all life and this ability to see bits of it all around me is a gift given. I find it quite amazing when I discover that not everybody can see the same way. A painter can see the true beauty of color and depth perception more vibrantly; a musician and singer hear the sounds of the world and the soul much clearer; writers and poets see the power of life and death that are encased with the spoken and written language. Yet, we all only see the true picture around us in part and we are vain enough to think we understand everything because of what little we've seen, heard, smelled, felt and tasted.
I can only write what I know and can imagine. My imagination is limited yet without bounds, and my knowledge is constantly growing but has limitations. Yet who truly has the power of creation. The definition alone disqualifies me, because I do not have the power to make something from nothing. I am a master of manipulation, because I have an uncanny gift to take elements of what already is and manipulate them into something else. I can take bits and pieces of the story (world) I know, have known and have experienced and mold those experiences into a new story, just as a painter takes the colors that already exist and make them into a picture of manipulated bits and pieces of a world they've come to know. But I do not "create" anything from nothing. I make something new from what already exists.
So who really does do the writing? I do. Writing is a gift. While many people may know much of the same as I do, not everybody can write it down in the same way. I am a scribe, and my gift comes with much discipline and skill. It's not always easy and requires much dedication, but how it makes my soul churn within me and stirs the passion inside, I cannot fathom doing anything else.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Land of Anxiousville and Anxiety
Don't you just hate that place between deciding what you want and obtaining it? You know... the land of Anxiousville and Anxiety? It's horrible and I don't particularly like it. Who does? Despite how I feel about it, I find myself there quite often.
We're not supposed to be anxious for anything, but how does someone achieve that? No matter what my intentions are... I find myself dog peddling in a deep pool of it.
Where does it come from? Is it from a lack of trust or faith? I don't think so, because I truly believe I have ample supply of both, yet still walk in this state. Perhaps having trust and faith isn't enough? Being able to use them properly may be the key?
I have a lot of things I want while I journey through this small span of time I have on this earth. I've already obtained of lot of those things already. It isn't the obtaining that makes up this life - it's the journey it takes getting there. So, today I'm going to try and not allow anxiety and the overwhelming feeling of being anxious mar today's journey - because that's my life we're talking about.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
We're not supposed to be anxious for anything, but how does someone achieve that? No matter what my intentions are... I find myself dog peddling in a deep pool of it.
Where does it come from? Is it from a lack of trust or faith? I don't think so, because I truly believe I have ample supply of both, yet still walk in this state. Perhaps having trust and faith isn't enough? Being able to use them properly may be the key?
I have a lot of things I want while I journey through this small span of time I have on this earth. I've already obtained of lot of those things already. It isn't the obtaining that makes up this life - it's the journey it takes getting there. So, today I'm going to try and not allow anxiety and the overwhelming feeling of being anxious mar today's journey - because that's my life we're talking about.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Blood of Cain - Update
Well, I finally signed a publishing contract for the Blood of Cain.
It is scheduled for release in October 2009! (So, make sure you buy a copy - need the royalties!)
I'm getting excited. I've still got a lot of work to do between now and then, but look forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
First thing... I want to give a shout out to all those who've helped support and inspire me and my writing. May each of you receive a double portion of blessing for your support and inspiration.
First, my Father, my Friend and my Savior, Jesus. Without You, all would be meaningless. I'm only the scribe to the gift You've given me. I love You with my whole being.
Though he hasn't actually even read any of my novels, I thank my husband, Rick. Without his support and encouragement, I may have given up on my dreams a long time ago.
Next, my children, Meagan, Johnathan and Kelly, and my in-laws, Virginia and Paul. You fill my heart with all the emotions (love, anger, fear, pride, trust, hope, frustration, etc.) I need to identify in my writing. To my Pastors Dan & Carla Patrick, who are the parents I never had but always dreamed about. Dreams do really come true, maybe not always in the package we imagined, but in hindsight... still the same dream. This is the family I dreamed about as a little child.
Now, to the rest of you. My editor, Steven Henderson, who I may or may not like in the coming months.... depending on how much mutilation is involved. I appreciate honesty, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. My publisher, Lois Bennett and the family at Fireside Publishing for believing in me and my work enough to want to publish me. My friends and family at DLCC, you know who you are (or maybe you don't...LOL!). To all my friends and foes at Critique Circle, who've helped shape my writing with all your opinions, hats off to you. And, to those who helped inspire the characters that sprang to life on the pages of this manuscript - Jensen Ackles, Steven Strait, Paul Bettany and Allison Mack.
Thank you all... and as the opening to this blog says... 'hang on... it's going to be a bumpy ride!'
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
It is scheduled for release in October 2009! (So, make sure you buy a copy - need the royalties!)
I'm getting excited. I've still got a lot of work to do between now and then, but look forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
First thing... I want to give a shout out to all those who've helped support and inspire me and my writing. May each of you receive a double portion of blessing for your support and inspiration.
First, my Father, my Friend and my Savior, Jesus. Without You, all would be meaningless. I'm only the scribe to the gift You've given me. I love You with my whole being.
Though he hasn't actually even read any of my novels, I thank my husband, Rick. Without his support and encouragement, I may have given up on my dreams a long time ago.
Next, my children, Meagan, Johnathan and Kelly, and my in-laws, Virginia and Paul. You fill my heart with all the emotions (love, anger, fear, pride, trust, hope, frustration, etc.) I need to identify in my writing. To my Pastors Dan & Carla Patrick, who are the parents I never had but always dreamed about. Dreams do really come true, maybe not always in the package we imagined, but in hindsight... still the same dream. This is the family I dreamed about as a little child.
Now, to the rest of you. My editor, Steven Henderson, who I may or may not like in the coming months.... depending on how much mutilation is involved. I appreciate honesty, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. My publisher, Lois Bennett and the family at Fireside Publishing for believing in me and my work enough to want to publish me. My friends and family at DLCC, you know who you are (or maybe you don't...LOL!). To all my friends and foes at Critique Circle, who've helped shape my writing with all your opinions, hats off to you. And, to those who helped inspire the characters that sprang to life on the pages of this manuscript - Jensen Ackles, Steven Strait, Paul Bettany and Allison Mack.
Thank you all... and as the opening to this blog says... 'hang on... it's going to be a bumpy ride!'
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Poetry This Morning
I haven't written poetry in a long time. When I was a teenager, that's all I did, I wrote poems and songs. I didn't write stories, didn't know I could. But, I had a lot of pent up emotions and poetry was release.
While I'm not sure I have any pent up emotion right now, but I feel 'inspired' to write what comes out. So, here goes.
Gray clouds swirl, not dark, not light;
no fear, no joy, just numb.
Moving forward, not left, not right;
no past, no future, just now.
Breaking through, not blind, not sight;
no friend, no foe, just help.
Sunlight beams, not day, not night;
no win, no lose, just Him.
Well, there you have it... my attempt at poetry after all this time.
I think I'll stick with my writing for now.
Have a blessed day.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
While I'm not sure I have any pent up emotion right now, but I feel 'inspired' to write what comes out. So, here goes.
Gray clouds swirl, not dark, not light;
no fear, no joy, just numb.
Moving forward, not left, not right;
no past, no future, just now.
Breaking through, not blind, not sight;
no friend, no foe, just help.
Sunlight beams, not day, not night;
no win, no lose, just Him.
Well, there you have it... my attempt at poetry after all this time.
I think I'll stick with my writing for now.
Have a blessed day.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
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