I am a writer, photographer and artist. This blog will be a running commentary on country living, gardening, cooking, history, people, folklore, writing, reading, art, flora and fauna, photography, music, movies, traveling and whatever else I might be pondering off the back porch.
During the American Civil War the very men Confederates were trying to kill could not help honoring them. On hearing the news that Jackson had been killed at Chancellorsville, Union General Gouverneur Warren wrote, “I rejoice at Stonewall Jackson’s death as a gain to our cause, yet in my soldier’s heart I cannot but see him the best soldier of all this war, and grieve his untimely end.”
I enjoy reviews that are short and to the point: Should I watch a movie or not? I lost count of how many films War Machine draws from. It starts with every military basic training movie you might have seen, followed by: Southern Comfort, Deliverance, Predator, War of The Worlds, Independence Day, Transformers, The Alien movies, Jurassic Park, and several others. If you are looking for a fun action/survivalist/sci-fi Saturday night popcorn movie, this one is for you. On Netflix.
The little book “Chicken Soup With Rice” By Maurice Sendak is one of a set of four books collectively titled “Nutshell Library” published in 1962. I am going to scan my copy, that I received as a child, and publish a page a month. Why? Because the world needs more Maurice Sendak…and chicken soup with rice.
Last summer I bought a stack of old magazines from a local tag sale. I decided to scan the contents of whatever interested me and share. I will also include scans of some other stuff I have sitting around.
The second image in this series is of a brand new 1965 GMC truck.
Encounters: While sitting in a waiting room recently Shelly and I encountered a delightful lady who informed us she had multiple great, great-grandchildren. After visiting with her Shelly and I wondered how old the lady was to be able to enjoy great, greats and still get around as good as she did, as she also talked about still traveling around the country with her husband to visit all of those kids.
Read: I have been rereading my copy of The Tightwad Gazette By Amy Dacyczyn. If anyone is serious about living frugally, this book is a must-read. Click here for more information about Amy and her book.
Observed: We have seen more hawks and eagles around our general area lately. I think it is because, again this winter, the rivers and streams are frozen and the birds have taken to hunting the surrounding fields.
Website: I have been sorting through artwork lately and using the free TinEye site, which searches “80.8 billion images and find(s) where images appear online.” It has been somewhat useful, as has Google Images, but I am considering just paying for a more art-specific app to use for a few months. Any suggestions?
Recipe: My wife Shelly has been a representative for Tastefully Simple for enough years now that I have a few favorite meals using the company products. Marry Me Chicken, on Shellys TS website, is one of them. This slow cooked, one pot meal is juicy and creamy, the combination of garlic, pepper, Alfredo sauce, tomatoes and Parmesan cheese melting in your mouth. Check it out.
When his album “The Next Hundred Years” came out I listened to it every night for several months. Ted Hawkins had a pretty serious hold on me, and to this day when I come across any of his albums in my collection I have to listen to them. After reading these lyrics look up the song online for the music. He died not long after this album, and song, was released. He was 58.
Big Things By Ted Hawkins
[Verse 1] I’ve got big things to do Too soon my life will be through Got no time to stop and pick up your flowers I’ve got catchin’ up to do Yes, I’ve got big things to do
[Verse 2] Now I’ve got a song here to write I stay up most every night Creatin’ with hope they will live on forever I’ve got big things to do Yes, I’ve got so much to do
[Bridge] Got no schoolin’, I been foolin’ This is why I can’t find no job Now it’s over, no time left That’s why I’m runnin’ so hard
[Verse 3] Now, I’ve got a story to tell Gotta hurry, just ain’t no time left But the sun will shine bright someday I’ve got mountains to cross I’m searchin’ for time that I’ve lost Yes, I’ve got big things to do
Once a month I highlight a piece of art I have created and posted on my Fine Art America site. This one is titled “Rulers” from the Scanner Still Life Collection.
The little book “Chicken Soup With Rice” By Maurice Sendak is one of a set of four books collectively titled “Nutshell Library” published in 1962. I am going to scan my copy, that I received as a child, and publish a page a month. Why? Because the world needs more Maurice Sendak…and chicken soup with rice.