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
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Harry Potter - The Order of the Phoenix
Today's the day that I go see the latest addition in the WB movies of Harry Potter. I'm not sure if it's because I've been walking around with a head cold, but I'm surprised at my lack of enthusiasm for a movie I've waited a long time to see. Perhaps only getting a few hours of sleep might be interferring with my normally sensitive excitement.
I've been playing the new video game for TOOTP, and I have to say that its much better than the other four versions. The graphics are better and I really love that they modeled the game after the movies and used the real characters for the voice overs. Right now, Hermoine is getting on my nerves because she won't quit harassing Harry about finding a talking Gargoyle so we can start on the training of Dumbledore's Army in the Room of Requirement. I've been all over the place and still can't find that fifth gargoyle. It's probably right in front of my eyes, but I can't see it, and Dean Thomas is determined not to come to the DA meeting without finishing his homework for Professor Binns.
Well, back to the hunt for talking gargoyles, and then it's time to go see the movie. I'm sure I'll love it.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
I've been playing the new video game for TOOTP, and I have to say that its much better than the other four versions. The graphics are better and I really love that they modeled the game after the movies and used the real characters for the voice overs. Right now, Hermoine is getting on my nerves because she won't quit harassing Harry about finding a talking Gargoyle so we can start on the training of Dumbledore's Army in the Room of Requirement. I've been all over the place and still can't find that fifth gargoyle. It's probably right in front of my eyes, but I can't see it, and Dean Thomas is determined not to come to the DA meeting without finishing his homework for Professor Binns.
Well, back to the hunt for talking gargoyles, and then it's time to go see the movie. I'm sure I'll love it.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Back to Orientation
Well, I'm finally back to working on the edits for the first book of my Necromancer Series.
I'm really excited and am anxious to jump in and start editing.
I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
I'm really excited and am anxious to jump in and start editing.
I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Friday, May 11, 2007
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review 6:
I know I haven't written a review in a while. I actually told myself that I wasn't going to write anymore, but I guess I can't just stop what I've been doing for six years now.
I really, really, really LOVED the timeless episode. Seeing Chloe, Clark, Lois, Jimmy, Lex, Lana & Lionel all doing their roles in the black and white - was very, very, very well done. Clark being the bumbling, glasses wearing geek reporter by day and hero crime fighter by night was priceless. Chloe's accent, attitude and demeanor - excellent. Lois' dream girl role (well, didn't really need that one, but they had to put her somewhere. Chloe really had her role.) Lex's mob-like character was par to none, Lana's damsel-in-distress/black widow character - fit like a glove and Lionel's barkeep, informative, etc - as mysterious as his own role. Jimmy - Jimmy was the best.
I loved the square-shouldered outfits, the way the picture was shot, the sound effects, the writing, the script, the lighting, everything. It's by far the BEST episode I've seen on the show. I'm really, really impressed.
As for the rest of them - I'm still waiting on Chloe to reveal some sort of super power and for Clark to move on from Lana. But, every time he starts to move on - he gets pulled back in. Unless Lana dies - SHE (not Lois) will always be THE love of Clark's life - which is JUST WRONG. It's one of the things I HATE about this show. However, that's not to say I don't like Lana, because I actually do. I really love to see how vindictive, manipulative and evil she's become. She's truly been transformed into a Luthor. She just like Lex. Doing under-handed things - all the while - thinking she's doing them for a good reason. Lex thinks he's building an army to protect the earth from aliens, yet he doesn't think about "HOW" he's going about it or all the lies, manipulations, and evil he does to fulfill that NOBEL quest. Neither does Lana.
Chloe is wonderful as ever. She's tough and I loved seeing her get that moment with her mother. But, whatever happened to her father, Gabe? Does she not have a relationship with him? I like how she misses Jimmy. I'd like to see more on Moira. Could Chloe be Wonder Woman? Instead of her and her mother being meteor freaks, perhaps they're aliens from an all-woman ruled planet, and Chloe is truly a warrior princess named Diana?? That's a BIG stretch, but having Linda Carter (Wonder Woman) play her mother, and Chloe being a part of the Justice League (like Wonder Woman) no WONDER this WOMAN's mind wanders in such a direction.
What's wrong with Clark? He's not the brightest tool in the shed. He's got all these superpowers - that's he's had for years now - x-ray vision (5-6 years), heat vision (4-5 years) super hearing (5-6 years), speed (15-16 years), strength (his whole life) etc. Yet, he doesn't use them as if they're second nature when he gets into a conflict. He should be trained like a soldier, and his reflexes to use his powers should be second nature. Perhaps its a budget issue.
I do like seeing how he's saving the day, but then keeping himself hidden in the background and no one knows he's saving the day. It was really touching seeing him watching Lois as she grieved over her first love. Is this a foreshadow of him grieving over his??? Please say it's so!
On the whole, I'm still very pleased with the show. However, a new show has really got my blood pumping on Thursday nights, and that's Supernatural. I LOVE Dean Winchester. I hated Jensen Eckles on Smallville. Jason was a mama's boy - Lana whipped - puppy dog - but on Smallville, he's everything this girl would like to have in a man. I just LOVE that character and his rigid sense of humor.
Anyway - that was a quick review on Smallville of late. I look forward to the finale next week.
Till next time,
~Crazy4Smallville
I really, really, really LOVED the timeless episode. Seeing Chloe, Clark, Lois, Jimmy, Lex, Lana & Lionel all doing their roles in the black and white - was very, very, very well done. Clark being the bumbling, glasses wearing geek reporter by day and hero crime fighter by night was priceless. Chloe's accent, attitude and demeanor - excellent. Lois' dream girl role (well, didn't really need that one, but they had to put her somewhere. Chloe really had her role.) Lex's mob-like character was par to none, Lana's damsel-in-distress/black widow character - fit like a glove and Lionel's barkeep, informative, etc - as mysterious as his own role. Jimmy - Jimmy was the best.
I loved the square-shouldered outfits, the way the picture was shot, the sound effects, the writing, the script, the lighting, everything. It's by far the BEST episode I've seen on the show. I'm really, really impressed.
As for the rest of them - I'm still waiting on Chloe to reveal some sort of super power and for Clark to move on from Lana. But, every time he starts to move on - he gets pulled back in. Unless Lana dies - SHE (not Lois) will always be THE love of Clark's life - which is JUST WRONG. It's one of the things I HATE about this show. However, that's not to say I don't like Lana, because I actually do. I really love to see how vindictive, manipulative and evil she's become. She's truly been transformed into a Luthor. She just like Lex. Doing under-handed things - all the while - thinking she's doing them for a good reason. Lex thinks he's building an army to protect the earth from aliens, yet he doesn't think about "HOW" he's going about it or all the lies, manipulations, and evil he does to fulfill that NOBEL quest. Neither does Lana.
Chloe is wonderful as ever. She's tough and I loved seeing her get that moment with her mother. But, whatever happened to her father, Gabe? Does she not have a relationship with him? I like how she misses Jimmy. I'd like to see more on Moira. Could Chloe be Wonder Woman? Instead of her and her mother being meteor freaks, perhaps they're aliens from an all-woman ruled planet, and Chloe is truly a warrior princess named Diana?? That's a BIG stretch, but having Linda Carter (Wonder Woman) play her mother, and Chloe being a part of the Justice League (like Wonder Woman) no WONDER this WOMAN's mind wanders in such a direction.
What's wrong with Clark? He's not the brightest tool in the shed. He's got all these superpowers - that's he's had for years now - x-ray vision (5-6 years), heat vision (4-5 years) super hearing (5-6 years), speed (15-16 years), strength (his whole life) etc. Yet, he doesn't use them as if they're second nature when he gets into a conflict. He should be trained like a soldier, and his reflexes to use his powers should be second nature. Perhaps its a budget issue.
I do like seeing how he's saving the day, but then keeping himself hidden in the background and no one knows he's saving the day. It was really touching seeing him watching Lois as she grieved over her first love. Is this a foreshadow of him grieving over his??? Please say it's so!
On the whole, I'm still very pleased with the show. However, a new show has really got my blood pumping on Thursday nights, and that's Supernatural. I LOVE Dean Winchester. I hated Jensen Eckles on Smallville. Jason was a mama's boy - Lana whipped - puppy dog - but on Smallville, he's everything this girl would like to have in a man. I just LOVE that character and his rigid sense of humor.
Anyway - that was a quick review on Smallville of late. I look forward to the finale next week.
Till next time,
~Crazy4Smallville
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Prison Break
I watched the Season Finale of Prison Break last night - and as usual they left off on a cliff hanger. I didn't expect anything different - they've left each episode on a cliff hanger, surely they'd do the same for the season.
Anyhow, this season ender has brought up a lot more questions, much like the last two. But, I'm intrigued about this one. It seems to change the whole dynamic of the show.
1. Who is Michael Scofield really? It seems he may not even be 'normal'. Well, we already knew he wasn't 'normal', because normal people don't plan the escape of their convicted brother from prison, nor do they try to take down the President. I've always suspected there was more to Michael than what meets the eye. He's super-genius - now I don't think that's an accident. Is he a government and science experiment? Did his dad know this?
2. Sarah Tencredy - Well, the doc's now taken a man's life and Scofield is in prison. Is she going to crack now? She's already been through a lot - and come out of it. The Secret Service agent who was sent to kill her, ended up rescuing her and planting the seeds of investigation into "The Company" and her boyfriend's broken out of prison before - why not hope he'll do it again. However, I don't think she'll trust Lincoln will be the one to help him out - he's just not as smart (but he's very sexy). Will she discover the secret to Michael's 'condition' and help find a cure? We'll just have to wait and see how she plays in all this.
3. Lincoln Burrows - What now for poor Linc? He's now changed spots with his brother, but that doesn't leave his brother in a good spot. He's the muscle of the group, not necessarily the brains. What about his son, L.J.? Will he come back into the picture? Does this 'gene pool' problem run in the family? Inquiring minds want to know.
4. Fernando Sucre - Will he live or die? Will he ever see his precious Marie-Cruz? Will he see his child be born? What part does he play in the next saga - or is his role done?
5. "Pedophile Phil" (That's my name for Teddy Bagwell) - seems like he's going back to Fox River or is he? Wasn't it people from "The Company" he made a deal with? How much does he really know - or does he know anything. I've always known that Scofield felt guilty most about this convicts escape and the damage he's caused since he's been out. I'm still very curious as to how this all turns out. No one has the money - and really - only Michael, Sarah and Lincoln knows that it's sitting at the bottom of the lake.
6. FBI Agent, Mahoney - I have to say he's one of my favorite characters. He brought a whole new level of intensity to the show, but he's seems to have lost a bit of his edge. What was so great about him in the beginning was that he seemed to be 'like Mike' - having this super-genius edge. It was meant to be a battle of the minds, but somehow Mahoney broke down. Now that he's in SORDA with Michael, will they overcome their differences and put their minds together to get out? Is Mahoney a product of "The Company" like Michael? Will he ever get back with his wife and son?
7. Franklin "C-Note" - What happened to him? Where is he? I know I missed an episode a couple of weeks ago - but is he a alive? Is he still part of the program? Did he save his wife and daughter? I don't think his story is finished. He was framed while in the army - will he ever get exonerated and bring to light what was 'really' behind the set up? How does it play into "The Company's" plan?
8. "Boss" the ex-Prison Guard - Seems the redneck jerk is getting what he deserves after all those years of setting up and manipulating prison inmates, he's the one set up - but set up for what? Will he ever tell Sucre what he did with Marie-Cruz? Did he do anything? Perhaps he just had Sucre 'think' he did something. Who's got him? The Company?
I suppose we'll have to 'stay tuned' until the fall season.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Anyhow, this season ender has brought up a lot more questions, much like the last two. But, I'm intrigued about this one. It seems to change the whole dynamic of the show.
1. Who is Michael Scofield really? It seems he may not even be 'normal'. Well, we already knew he wasn't 'normal', because normal people don't plan the escape of their convicted brother from prison, nor do they try to take down the President. I've always suspected there was more to Michael than what meets the eye. He's super-genius - now I don't think that's an accident. Is he a government and science experiment? Did his dad know this?
2. Sarah Tencredy - Well, the doc's now taken a man's life and Scofield is in prison. Is she going to crack now? She's already been through a lot - and come out of it. The Secret Service agent who was sent to kill her, ended up rescuing her and planting the seeds of investigation into "The Company" and her boyfriend's broken out of prison before - why not hope he'll do it again. However, I don't think she'll trust Lincoln will be the one to help him out - he's just not as smart (but he's very sexy). Will she discover the secret to Michael's 'condition' and help find a cure? We'll just have to wait and see how she plays in all this.
3. Lincoln Burrows - What now for poor Linc? He's now changed spots with his brother, but that doesn't leave his brother in a good spot. He's the muscle of the group, not necessarily the brains. What about his son, L.J.? Will he come back into the picture? Does this 'gene pool' problem run in the family? Inquiring minds want to know.
4. Fernando Sucre - Will he live or die? Will he ever see his precious Marie-Cruz? Will he see his child be born? What part does he play in the next saga - or is his role done?
5. "Pedophile Phil" (That's my name for Teddy Bagwell) - seems like he's going back to Fox River or is he? Wasn't it people from "The Company" he made a deal with? How much does he really know - or does he know anything. I've always known that Scofield felt guilty most about this convicts escape and the damage he's caused since he's been out. I'm still very curious as to how this all turns out. No one has the money - and really - only Michael, Sarah and Lincoln knows that it's sitting at the bottom of the lake.
6. FBI Agent, Mahoney - I have to say he's one of my favorite characters. He brought a whole new level of intensity to the show, but he's seems to have lost a bit of his edge. What was so great about him in the beginning was that he seemed to be 'like Mike' - having this super-genius edge. It was meant to be a battle of the minds, but somehow Mahoney broke down. Now that he's in SORDA with Michael, will they overcome their differences and put their minds together to get out? Is Mahoney a product of "The Company" like Michael? Will he ever get back with his wife and son?
7. Franklin "C-Note" - What happened to him? Where is he? I know I missed an episode a couple of weeks ago - but is he a alive? Is he still part of the program? Did he save his wife and daughter? I don't think his story is finished. He was framed while in the army - will he ever get exonerated and bring to light what was 'really' behind the set up? How does it play into "The Company's" plan?
8. "Boss" the ex-Prison Guard - Seems the redneck jerk is getting what he deserves after all those years of setting up and manipulating prison inmates, he's the one set up - but set up for what? Will he ever tell Sucre what he did with Marie-Cruz? Did he do anything? Perhaps he just had Sucre 'think' he did something. Who's got him? The Company?
I suppose we'll have to 'stay tuned' until the fall season.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Monday, April 02, 2007
Temptation to Know the End - Harry Potter Series
I'm really anticipating the new release of the seventh book in the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. However, I'm also having a lot of reservations. I know that I'm going to be sad. I'll probably cry - that's just the "Sap" I am. But, that's not my biggest concern right now.
I'm wondering how I'm going to be able to read the whole story - all the while - fighting the temptation to turn to the last page to see if Harry lives or dies. That will probably be the hardest thing I'll have to do as I read through Deathly Hollows.
I just completed The Goblet of Fire, which took me a few weeks to read and will start The Order of the Phoenix tonight. Having read the complete series through twice already, I find no temptation to skip to the end. But - I'm biting my nails in anticipation for The Deathly Hallows, I'm not sure if I'll be strong enough to make it through the whole story without a peek. I don't even want to hear the 'buzz' or read any reviews until AFTER I've read it for myself. It's going to be hard.
I admire J.K. Rowling at this moment. What a wonderful feeling it is for me as a reader to have such anticipation for a story. As a writer - I know that has to make Rowling smile. This feeling determines if a writer is successful or not. That's what it's all about.
Let's hope I defeat the temptation to know the end.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
I'm wondering how I'm going to be able to read the whole story - all the while - fighting the temptation to turn to the last page to see if Harry lives or dies. That will probably be the hardest thing I'll have to do as I read through Deathly Hollows.
I just completed The Goblet of Fire, which took me a few weeks to read and will start The Order of the Phoenix tonight. Having read the complete series through twice already, I find no temptation to skip to the end. But - I'm biting my nails in anticipation for The Deathly Hallows, I'm not sure if I'll be strong enough to make it through the whole story without a peek. I don't even want to hear the 'buzz' or read any reviews until AFTER I've read it for myself. It's going to be hard.
I admire J.K. Rowling at this moment. What a wonderful feeling it is for me as a reader to have such anticipation for a story. As a writer - I know that has to make Rowling smile. This feeling determines if a writer is successful or not. That's what it's all about.
Let's hope I defeat the temptation to know the end.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Friday, March 30, 2007
Forever Edits....Ah, the Life of a Writer
I've come to the conclusion that edits are a part of a writer's life. Probably the biggest part.
The idea of the story seems to be the easiest, the writing follows naturally, but the editing - that's where the dues are paid. The writing, re-writing, reading, re-reading, crossing out, cutting, pasting, adding, re-wording and the opening and closing of the trusty ole' Thesaurus is the everyday norm.
Today is no exception. I'm in the middle of editing chapter 11 of Orientation - and I love every grueling minute of it.
Gotta run - found an 'ly' adverb hidden within a passive sentence.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
The idea of the story seems to be the easiest, the writing follows naturally, but the editing - that's where the dues are paid. The writing, re-writing, reading, re-reading, crossing out, cutting, pasting, adding, re-wording and the opening and closing of the trusty ole' Thesaurus is the everyday norm.
Today is no exception. I'm in the middle of editing chapter 11 of Orientation - and I love every grueling minute of it.
Gotta run - found an 'ly' adverb hidden within a passive sentence.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
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