Quote of the Day – 07042024
Author: Mangus Khan
Wordless Wednesday – 07032024
Late Night Grooves #81
Tonight on LNG, we introducing a new artist to LNG. I got turned on to this artist a few years back. I was surprised that I enjoyed the range of his music.
Here’s is Amos Lee …
Quote of the Day – 07022024
Late Night Grooves #80
I found about this artist a few years back and I made a note of him. I don’t listen to him a great deal, but I have been expanding my musical tastes. Here’s Jason Isbell…
Late Night Grooves #79
Marc Cohn rose to fame with his track “Walking in Memphis.” The track got tremendous airplay; I still hear it on oldie radio stations occasionally. However, though I enjoyed the track, his sophomore “The Rainy Season” made me a fan. Like any true fan, I went back and listened to his previous work and found this little number I find enjoyable.
Quote of the Day – 06302024
Quote of the Day – 06292024
Late Night Grooves #78
Howdy Peeps, tonight on LNG, we are featuring an artist that we’ve never featured before. I’ve listened to him in passing for many years, but somehow he has never into regular rotation.
Here’s T-Bone Burnett..
Quote of the Day – 06282024
Late Night Grooves #77
Tonight on LNG, we’ll play a track that I had forgotten about from this artist. Usually, when I hear Donovan I immediately think of “Spirit in the Sky”, which happens to be a longtime favorite of mine. This particular track doesn’t hit my radar, but I heard it on the radio yesterday.
Donovan’s “Season of the Witch”:
Quote of the Day – 06272024
Boy, you part squirrel?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
As a kid, my idea of fresh fruit came from the market on a white tray wrapped in Saran Wrap. Of course, I ate apples from apple trees and stuff. However, I ran into many apples that needed to be ripe more or were too ripe. So, to solve this problem, the stuff on the tray was always right—well, at least of the time.
I married a southern woman, where dinner was a specific time and all that. I always looked at her strangely because I was hungry when I was hungry. One day, we were at her mother’s for dinner. Of course, my wife and her sisters had to show up early to assist in preparing the meal. The “men folk” had to sit on the carport until they sent for us. I was the youngest and the newest in the group. I sat there listening to garbage that older men sling at younger ones.
Suddenly, I was starving, so I went to tell my wife I would get something to eat while waiting for them to finish. You would think I had committed a cardinal sin or something. All my sister-inlaws started having a conniption about what I just said. Now, I was newly married, and my sister – inlaw’s had absolutely no sway. However, my mother-in-law made a sound in a tone that I recognized from my own mother. Quickly, I prepared myself for an exit. However, I came to my rescue, seeing my death was imminent. I didn’t know. I swear. How dare I walk into a kitchen of southern women cooking dinner and announce I was getting food from someplace. I want to point out here that making this announcement in any kitchen, anywhere in the world, most likely will have the same effect. Let’s just chalk this mistake to youthful ignorance.
My wife matched right outside, past the “men folk” laughing about something. I was hungry, and I got mean when I got hungry. There was a peach tree at the end of the driveway. My wife suggested I eat a few peaches to hold me over.
“From where?” I asked, looking confused and worried at once.
My wife returned my look. “The tree babe,” she said, pointing at the tree with several peaches on the ground around the trunk. I looked at my wife sternly.
“I’m not eating those,” I said firmly and began walking away, muttering over my shoulder, ” I only eat fresh peaches, you know, the ones on the white tray!” I had the classic duh expression on my face. It was something I used regularly back then.
My wife stood shaking her head and started laughing. She was holding her side and everything. I know I could occasionally be the source of extreme levity, and I didn’t feel this was one of those moments.
“They don’t get any fresher than these, hun, right off the tree,” she continued as she walked away. So, I tasted a peach. I was fully prepared to render I proper, “Woman, I told you.” However, I needed to be corrected. Those peaches were the best thing I had ever tasted. I ate one, then another, and another. Suddenly, I snapped out of my euphoric bliss.
“Boy, get down from there!” I hear a voice shout as I’m continuing stuffing more peaches down my throat.
“Girl, get your husband!” my mother-in-law told her daughter and looked back up at me. Boy, you part squirrel?”
Late Night Grooves #76
Tonight on LNG, I will play some punk tonight. I’m in that kind of mood.
The Ramones…
Wordless Wednesday – 06262024
ART – GENERATIVE AI IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Quote of the Day – 06262024
Late Night Grooves #75
The Kinks…
Quote of the Day – 06242024
Quote of the Day – 06252024
Quote of the Day – 06232024
Late Night Grooves #74
What up? Tonight, we are going to play another classic. You know, that’s pretty much all I play. This time, I’m going to take a turn a bit. It’s still going to be good but a little different from what you are used to hearing on this channel. I’m in a mood today, good, bad, or indifferent, but a mood nonetheless. So, folks, here is a little Funkadelic
There will be no lolligaging … Mister!
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
I always liked it when MiMi called me Mister. It made me feel grown-up or something. Maybe special would be a better word. However, this excitement was only temporary. For the word Mister meant trouble. It wasn’t like she had every minute planned or anything, but you weren’t going to be sitting on your butt while she was working; no, sir!
So, I wondered how she would feel about sitting around and wondering how I would spend my day. I recently retired and haven’t gotten the hang of these as of yet. I still feel I need to be doing something. I’ve worked since I was 13, so sitting on my butt isn’t how I’m built. So, I suppose I waste most of my time these days figuring out what I will do.
You know, things like, what story am I working on? What kind of image should I create?
I’m constantly pestered with my choices to the endless questions that arise arbitrarily. For example, “Does that flower look real enough?” Should I grab my camera and go take some photos of real flowers? So, much time and so many different things to do. I would call my brother and ask him about my dilemma, but he isn’t retired yet. He makes a face when my other friend and I mention we are.
If I’m writing …
As I stood in what I now know to be the regions of my mind, the pathways guided me to the stories; vibrant globes were precious memories. I took a step, and I was frisked into a story. The whirl came into focus, and I was upon a horse galloping down a dirt path.
Does this opening have enough punch? I shake my head and go back to playing with images.
Is she who I envisioned when I created her?
So, you see, I spend most of my time wondering about stuff. Were there female pirates? If so, what did they really look like? Because Hollywood gets everything wrong. As I finish this post, I’ll leave you with MiMi’s immortal words.
“Boy, if you have time to wonder about all that, [pause] Whew! You need a job!”
The Knucklehead Museum
Daily writing prompt
If you could have something named after you, what would it be?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
I haven’t lived a life where someone would dare name something after me. I think it would be a constant reminder of how much I annoyed them with my shenanigans. I’m okay with that, really. However, someone might just a found a museum. I do remember a woman saying to me once, “They ought to establish a museum for folks like you.”
“A museum?” I asked
She nods, “A museum for knuckleheads.”
I laughed and she married me a year later.
Quote of the Day – 06222024
Late Night Grooves #73
Howdy folks, tonight on LNG, we will crank it up a little. I’m up late researching an article. My sleep cycle is trashed. Don’t get me started. So, I need a little music that will keep me charged until Slumber whispers that sweet lullaby in my ear. Her voice is so soft and melodic. I wish she came every night, but she is like a seductress, giving me just enough to want more. Since she gonna act like that … here’s a little for ya!
Did you like that slumber, huh? Here’s another for good measure, HA!
Danish heavy metal is nice! Very nice!
Soft Serve
Daily writing prompt
Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?
DAILY CHALLENGE RESPONSE
When I think of childhood, I think of soft serve ice cream or the ice cream man.
Quote of the Day – 06212024
Late Night Grooves #72
Hey folks, I’m back with another edition of LNG. I know its been a while but I’ve been in another region of my mind and good to be back. I’ve writing all day and it’s good to close the night with a chill classic. It’s hard to believe this track is a classic now, but it is. Tonight’s track is from a band that may be forgotten. However, you hear the track, you’ll remember it. I hope. But, if you haven’t heard this track before perhaps its something you may want to explore later.
Ask me a Real Question
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
When it comes to historical figures, there are too many people to name. That’s just the people we know all about. This doesn’t include the people who conveniently wrote out the annuals of history. I once met a man who worked as an engineer at NASA during the space race. I’ve never heard or read his name anywhere, but he was there. I saw the pictures and remembered the stories. Stories that were confirmed years later in books and motion pictures. But to ask someone about their favorite historical figure? Oh, come on, ask me a real question.
Who decided who is historic anyway? Who makes that determination? I don’t know them, do you know them? You pick up five different history books and have five different accounts of an event or person. Who knows the real truth. However, I love the journey of discovering more information about a person or a topic. There is nothing better for me. Well, until I incorporate that information into one of my stories and sit back, waiting for a local know-it-all to tell me I got my facts wrong. It’s always a pleasure to watch their forehead crinkle and their bunk. Then, they clear their throat to inform me of my error. Followed by this now historical line of conjecture.
“Hmm… this isn’t really historically accurate, but since it’s fiction, I’ll give it a pass.”
Like I give a flying f_ [beep]!
The history taught in schools makes me shudder. I remember asking one of my granddaughters about the history of the computer. Their response “Why does that matter?” I thought I was going to blow a gasket. Neither my children nor grandchildren understood my reaction. Which just increased my fury. They certainly didn’t have a problem. “Peepaw, I need a new laptop.”, “Peepaw, my laptop broke. Can you fix it?” How could something so instrumental to our existence not be taught in schools? They were still teaching Colonial America and the people who shaped it but weren’t teaching about the people who created the instrument they used to teach it.
Ada Lovelace isn’t taught in the history books. If it wasn’t for figuring out that computers could be used for more than calculations, we as a society wouldn’t be where we are now. Lovelace algorithm was built by countless inventors. So when I tell Alexa to play a playlist or ask Siri to set a reminder, perhaps they should have been Ada. Why not? I’m listening to a lecture on physics as I write this post on a pair of Bluetooth headphones. Thank god for Bluetooth; I could never find a pair of headphones with a long enough cord. Well, you can thank Hedy Lamarr for the algorithm. Yep, the beauty queen and movie star from back in the day.
Lamarr co-invented a frequency-hopping torpedo for the Allied forces during WWII, but it was never used. However, Lamarr’s frequency-hopping technology was later used throughout the U.S. military. I had used the tech for years before I knew Lamarr had a hand in its development. I was researching the Olympic games for a post and discovered something interesting. We have heard of Jesse Owens’s legendary exploits during the 1936 Olympics. He won four gold medals during the event and pissed off Hilter for good measure. So, he is always a cool person in history. However, have you heard of Cornelius Johnson?
Cornelius Johnson won the gold medal in the high jump, setting the record. Johnson was 23 years old when he accomplished this feat. Unfortunately, Johnson died in 1946, six months before his 33rd birthday. The United States did a podium sweep that day, meaning the gold, silver, and bronze were won by U.S. athletes. Dave Albritton, silver medalist, and Delos Thurber, bronze medalist, both outlived Johnson but were also left out of the history books.
We are who we are because of history, whether it be good, bad, or ugly. Each known or unknown event has helped you develop, no matter where you form. We need to appreciate what we can and learn from all of it.
Evening Writing Grooves – 06202024
PROSE – STATION BREAK
My editor threatened to quit if I didn’t stop playing around with AI imagery. Normally, I don’t respond well to threats, but in her case, I’d be a good boy and start writing again. So long, lovely people who reside in the splinters of my mind. Well, not really so long, but your visualization will have to wait for a bit. Now, don’t pout. Hey, missy, why are you looking at me in that tone of voice? That goes double for you, mister!
Sorry about that. Can you believe these people? Trying to get out of my head any way they can, the nerve! As I was saying, I’m going to do a little for the next couple of days. Is that alright with you folks?
I hear the fluttering of its wings, my breathing quickens, and my heart begins to pound. My fingers inch their way to my inkwell. My quill and inkwell shun me.
“Come on, now don’t be like that!” I plead
My quill gives me a quick look, but my inkwell is not having any of it. He has been fooled before. I pause for a moment, thinking. Then, it occurs to me.
“Alexa! Oh, Alexa, Prince, please!”
“Playing Prince from Spotify playlist “They funky Sh**!” She replies as her blue lights lit the room. I watch the Inkwell begin to groove.
“Don’t hurt yourself, now!” I tease
“Shut up and write!” The Inkwell replies
So, the inkwell, quill, and Sophie continue grooving. I chuckle as I pick up the laptop and begin to do my thing.
Quote of the Day – 06202024
Wordless Wednesday – 06192024
Quote of the Day – 06192024
Quote of the Day – 06182024
Macro Monday – 06172024
PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR
Quote of the Day – 06172024
The RAM
What’s the oldest thing you own that you still use daily?
DAILY CHALLENGE RESPONSE
For whatever reason, AI has something against generating an image of a Dodge Ram, but whatever. I drive an old Dodge Ram that’s 19 years old. She needs some loving, but she still gets me where I need to go. I will start repairs sometime in the next few weeks. Hopefully, if the issues aren’t too severe.
Quote of the Day – 06162024
Quote of the Day – 06152024
Defense of Poetry
PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHT
To defend poetry effectively, we must first address a fundamental question: what is poetry? Only by answering this can we adequately defend it. My initial observation is that poetry itself requires no defense; it is the expression of poetry that sometimes needs defending. This notion may be provocative to some poets and poetry lovers, but I aim to clarify my point.
Poetry embodies the life we live; it surrounds us in every moment, from the warmth of a smile to the pain of loss. All of this is poetry. Humanity tends to categorize and label things, trying to define them to understand them better. This is a natural part of our daily lives. As we sort things into their rightful places, we find that some things fit effortlessly—poetry is one of those things. To me, poetry is like a butterfly that flutters unpredictably. We chase it, knowing we might never catch it, but the pursuit itself is joyful.
Suppose we do catch the butterfly. We place it in a jar with holes in the lid, displaying it for all to see. We admire its beauty daily, its vibrant colors that lie somewhere between soft and crisp. However, we often forget the most enchanting aspect of the butterfly: its flight. With the wings no longer spreading and the butterfly immobilized, it becomes a lifeless specimen on display—a reflection on a painted wall, devoid of the life that once captivated us.
The challenge arises in the expression of poetry. People start using words like “hate” or even stronger terms because, while they understand the essence of poetry as part of their lived experience, they feel alienated by its formal expressions. Terms like sonnet, haiku, and other forms can make us cringe or shy away, burdened by preconceived notions about what we will read or refuse to read. What we need is poetry—life—written in a way that people can appreciate, understand, and perhaps even come to love.
Thus, poetry doesn’t need defending; it needs to be set free. We should all have the chance to chase butterflies. I know I would love to.
Whispers of the Dark – 06142024
PROSE
A waitress stands outside, grabbing a smoke. She was three pats and a wink away from paying her light bill, but if that red fat-faced fuck touched her one more time, she’d scream.
Quote of the Day – 06142024
In the Wee Hours – 06142024
PROSE
Happy Friday,
Let’s pull out a separate piece of paper and develop a crazy character belonging to none of your current projects. Take 30 minutes and just have fun …
Why not? …
Enjoy your day!
Whispers of the Dark – 06132024
PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHT
Who do we become when the lights are out and no one is watching?
Morning Glow
CHALLENGE RESPONSE – THURSDAY INSPIRATION – SHORT FICTION
She sips her coffee, thinking about her first great love—that love she could never talk about—the love that fills her with joy and pain all at once. The joy is knowing what love truly is, not that stuff you read in romance novels or movies. Pain, well, if you know love, you know pain.
There were throwaways—well, that’s what folks called them back then. It meant no one wanted them. She felt that way until she met the woman who changed her life. She also fell in love with a boy who lived with the woman. He was like her, a throwaway. She knew she shouldn’t love him but couldn’t help herself. They spent one night together before he left for the war, and the war took him.
She’ll never forget how she felt the next morning. It felt like she was glowing from the inside. For it was the first day she felt whole.
Six Word Story – 06132024
SIX WORD STORY
RDP Tuesday – 06112024
PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHT
Her lips told me I was just a fragment of a daydream put to words on a rugged day
Quote of the Day – 06132024
In the Wee Hours – 06132024
PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHT
Good Morning …Dawn is coming, and birds chirp a ballad about the people you don’t capture in verse. Those blessed & cursed Those looked upon with disgust. Without question, they fight for us. Tell their story today … its 4am
A Safe Place to Cry
PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS
Though they may never admit it, all a man needs in his mate is a safe place to cry. No tear ever needs to plummet, but the sure fact he can, if desired, means everything.
REBLOG: Armour Cutlery Interview
I first met Dave a few years back at a gun show. My brother was looking for something particular for his collection, and I was just hanging out. We ran into Dave, and he told about his products, and I brought one. I do knives like my brother does guns. A Great guy who makes a solid product. Take a look at his interview.
5 from the Grinder: Dave Armour (Armour Cutlery) https://www.knifemagazine.com/5-from-the-grinder-dave-armour-armour-cutlery/
REBLOG: WordPress.com vs WordPress.org: What’s the Difference?
I wish I had known this information before I started my blog. Though I made the best choice for me and my schedule, there are still things I would have liked to know before making my decision. I find this a very interesting read. Maybe you will as well.
What is the difference between WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org? Learn everything you need to know here.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org: What’s the Difference?
Wordless Wednesday – 06122024
PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR – AI GENERATED
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Quote of the Day – 06122024
Truthful Tuesday – 06112024
CHALLENGE RESPONSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS
Here is my response to the PCGuyIV’s Truthful Tuesday
If my editor knew I was responding to this post, I can envision her holding her breath, hoping I didn’t dive right into a full-on uncensored rant about book adaptations. Lord knows, she has endured more than her share over the years. Partly, I can’t seem to understand the cuts or changes they make. It’s like they never actually read the book, not to mention understood the author’s message. Breathe, Mangus, breathe!
1…2…3…4 … 5..0…7…6 [exhales sharply]
Screenwriting was a part of my training as a cinematographer. So, in theory, I understand the necessity of removing portions of the book as long as it doesn’t sacrifice the story. If it can’t be filmed, then it needs to be cut from the script, was the rule of thumb in class. So, I get it. However, there are still times when things just don’t make sense.
In graduate school, we task to adapt a novel into a full length motion picture. Finally, my chance to show these folks how it’s done. I was determined to get this right.
Let me explain screenwriting first. This explanation is simple overview, but you get the point. For every page of script, equals one minute of film. Put simply, 2 and half hour movie is a 150 page script. What? Write an 150 pages? That’s nothing! [scoffs].
So, I sat at my desk and pumped myself up with all the necessary bravado one would need on any given occasion.
“I got this!”
“I’ve written all kinds of stuff, please!”
and so on! This is about the time my brothers would look at me, shaking their heads, and uttering in unison, “Jackass!” I often wondered if they were in a barbershop quartet in previous life. The dissonance of their voices blends together harmoniously. Despite their chiding, I would look continue to display “my determined look,” I will not bow to adversity!
Yes, my hair grew out and I rearranged my office, but I was still determined to write the masterpiece. A friend called and needed a favor, so I packed my gear and went and shot a short film, then a commercial, and then another short film. Then the pandemic arrived and the world changed. I never finished my masterpiece. Incidentally, I was adapting Ellison’s Invisible Man, which if adapted uncut would equal a 9 1/2 film. Yeah, I was definitely what my brother’s called me for tackling such a major work of literature on my first stab at full length screenplay. There’s a good reason its never been done before. However, I did learn something.
For motion pictures, novellas, short stories, and stuff work great. It is much easier to say closer to the book. Examples, of this working on well are Shawshank Redemption, Inventing the Abbotts, and Stand by Me. Each of these examples were based on shorter fiction. Two of these films are considered classics.
For novels, it’s better to adapt them for television, if sticking close to the source material is a goal. You have the time to tell a more complete story. In other words, you can put some meat on those bones. However, you have to keep in my mind, if you can’t film it, cut it.
Last thing about screenplays. Screenplays, are basically the movie written on paper. It’s the blueprint to the entire project. The cuts, fades in and out, and those things you think about while you are watching a movie are written in the screenplay. Yes, adjustments will be made, but the screenplay is where it all starts.
Now to the question:
Above, I answered the question from the point of view of a writer. Now I will talk to you as a fan. I was fan long before I ever thought about making movies or writing them. As a fan, I chose TV. Over time and throughout the years, they have done a better job with the adaptations. With the improvement of production quality of television programming, further solidifies my opinion.
Some of my favorite adaptations for television are Bosch, Justified, Dublin Murders, and Lincoln Rhyme: The Hunt for Bone Collector. With Bosch we really get to see who Harry Bosch is as a person. The script has made changes, but Michael Connelly has hand in the show so the character integrity is present. Justified is a adaption of Elmore Leonard’s short story “Fire In The Hole.” However, there are several Raylan Givens novels that pulled elements from for the series. Timothy Olyphant’s portrayal of Raylen Givens is excellent. He brings to the screen that you couldn’t write.
In the Bone Collector (TV series), we really for the first time were introduced to the Lincoln Rhyme of the Jeffrey Deaver series. Lincoln Rhyme is a brilliant, exetremely difficult man with tremendous chip on his shoulder. To say, he was bitter about his circumstances is a understatement. We get a hint of Lincoln’s character in the Denzel protrayal, but it shows through in the series with Russell Hornby protraying Lincoln Rhyme.
Most important of about the Bone Collector (TV Series), this is the first time Amelia Sachs appears in a live action role. Now, in the feature film, Angelina Jolie, protrays a character based on Amelia Sachs, whose first name was Amelia, but she wasn’t Amelia Sachs from the books. Arielle Kebbel protrays Amelia Sachs in the series. We witness Sachs battling her own demons while developing a relationship with Rhyme. She challenges him. This is the Amelia Sachs from the novels.
Quote of the Day – 06112024
The Juggling Clown Show
CHALLENGE RESPONSE – TTC M#721
Today, I wanted to do something a little different, so I decided to play around with AI. Here is the result I came up with for the challenge.
First, I used a text prompt to generate an image that depicted the three challenge words:
Clown
Crowd
Citrus
Next, I took the above picture and created a video. I wanted to see what would happen. The result is below:
I hope these responses satisfy the challenge. I hope you enjoy them
REBLOG: A Writer’s Path Latest
When I first started seriously considering writing as a career, I found myself in competition with other writers. Ridiculous, huh? What made matters worse was that I didn’t realize this until years later. This post will help you not do that.
Quote of the Day – 06102024
Six Word Story – 06102024
PROSE – SILLINESS
Where did you hide the ship?
Macro Monday – 06102024
PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR
Mixed Music Bag – Week 23 – Not an Addict
TUNAGE ARTICLE – MMB
Here’s my response to Glyn’s Mixed Music Bag. It’s been awhile since I have participated, so let’s jump right into it. I was stuck in traffic a few years ago, a song on the radio caught my attention. I had never heard before, but it stuck with me. I assumed it was going to be another time where you here a song and don’t hear the artist, but I got lucky. The artist was K’s Choice and the track was Not an Addict
K’s Choice, a Belgian rock band formed in the early 1990s, has captivated audiences worldwide with their deeply emotional lyrics and haunting melodies. Founded by siblings Sarah and Gert Bettens, the band has navigated the complexities of the music industry with a unique sound that blends rock, folk, and alternative elements.
K’s Choice originated in Antwerp, Belgium, with the Bettens siblings at its core. Their musical journey began in the local music scene, where they quickly gained attention for their distinctive sound and lyrical depth. The band’s breakthrough came with releasing their second album, “Paradise in Me,” in 1995. The album featured the hit single “Not an Addict,” which brought them international recognition. With its powerful lyrics and compelling melody, this song became an anthem for many and solidified K’s Choice as a formidable presence in the alternative rock genre.
Quote of the Day – 06092024
It isn’t that kind of day…
What are the most important things needed to live a good life?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
Typically, questions like these, I would have some philosophical response intended to make you pause and consider the state of the world. But, it isn’t that kind of day.
Everything I need is right there in that photo. At least that’s how I feel at the moment. Tomorrow’s another story, now isn’t it?
REBLOG: A Writer’s Path – Why Authors Need Continuous Learning
I’ve been saying this for years, but this article gives some advice.
Quote of the Day – 06082024
Quote of the Day – 06072024
Weekend Writing Prompt # 366
CHALLENGE RESPONSE – PROSE
The sky growled like it was angry, and the clouds began to shift. Then, its tears fell against my window. They call it Stormy Monday.
Beryl Markham – Female Aviator
ARTICLE – MINI BIOGRAPHY
After being raised by a single mom, I’m fully aware of the capabilities of women. I watched my mother face the challenges of raising an oddball son and never seemed to miss a beat. Even as a child, I wondered why they weren’t listed in the annuals of history. Surely, there had to be tough women like my mother throughout history? Of course, there were. I’m glad we have access to the information about these feats done by these amazing women. Will we be able to list them all or discover all the things women had a hand in? Probably not. However, I will use my platform to celebrate the courage of these women.
Beryl Markham’s life reads like an adventure novel, filled with groundbreaking achievements, thrilling exploits, and a legacy that transcends time. As the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west, Markham shattered the glass ceiling in aviation. Her memoir, “West with the Night,” offers a mesmerizing account of her experiences in early 20th-century Africa and her daring flights, showcasing her indomitable spirit. This blog post seeks to explore the remarkable journey of Beryl Markham, celebrating her contributions to aviation and literature.
Early Life in Kenya
Born in England in 1902, Beryl Clutterbuck moved to Kenya with her family at a young age, igniting her lifelong love affair with Africa. Growing up on her father’s horse farm, she developed an early passion for horses, which later translated into a pioneering career in horse training. Her fascination with flying began in Kenya, where she met Tom Campbell Black, a notable figure in her aviation journey, fostering her aspiration to take to the skies.
Pioneering Aviation Career
Markham’s aviation career was marked by a series of remarkable achievements. She became the first woman to obtain a commercial pilot’s license in Kenya. In 1936, she made history by flying solo across the Atlantic from east to west, facing harsh weather conditions and navigating by stars. This monumental flight secured her place in aviation history, showcasing her courage and skill as a pilot.
Adventures and Challenges
Markham’s life was replete with adventures that stretched beyond the cockpit. Her personal life, marked by several marriages and notable friendships with prominent figures like Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen, added layers to her already complex character. Despite the challenges she faced, including financial struggles and societal constraints on women of her time, Markham’s resilience never waned, driving her to pursue her passions relentlessly.
Literary Contributions
Though primarily known for her aviation feats, Markham was also an accomplished author. Her memoir West with the Night, published in 1942, was praised for its lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of colonial Africa. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, the book was rediscovered and celebrated in the 1980s, heralded as a masterpiece of 20th-century literature and providing a nuanced perspective on Markham’s extraordinary life.
Legacy and Recognition
Beryl Markham’s legacy is multifaceted, influencing the aviation and literary worlds. Her daring spirit and groundbreaking achievements in aviation paved the way for future generations of female pilots. Meanwhile, her literary contributions offer a unique glimpse into a woman’s life who refused to be defined by the era she lived in. Today, Markham is remembered for her historical flights and as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s passions against all odds.
Embarking on this detailed exploration of Beryl Markham’s life will allow us to paint a comprehensive picture of her impact on aviation and literature. Starting with her early life in Kenya, we’ll weave through her many accomplishments, adventures, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Weekend Writing Prompt # 365
CHALLENGE RESPONSE – PROSE
As the sun began to set, the world, usually at 1000 mph, seemed quiet. The hustle and bustle of life, the constant noise, and chatter fade. It was as if the earth had taken a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Then, it repeated it. At that moment, everything was calm; everything was still. It was a moment of perfect pause.
Well, you can call me …
If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
When i think of this question it reminds me of this ridiculous scene from back in the day.
If had to change my name … it just wouldn’t be me. I’ve gotten used to my crusty self. I’m frayed around a few edges and plump tattered around the rest. But, I’m me. My creaky bones sound off louder than ever. That’s because I’ve used them. I’ve laughed, cried and fought.
I HAVE LIVED!
Quote of the Day – 06062024
Wordless Wednesday – 06052024
PHOTOGRAPHY – A.I. GENERATED
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Tell me your thoughts, please
Cinematic Gold
REFLECTION – RANDOM THOUGHTS
Typically, when comes to film adaptations, we got two categories:
“Oh my god that was horrible! The book is so much better!”
“Can you believe they did that? That’s not in the book!”
The majority of the film adaptation I’ve seen into these categories. I’m a huge Shawshank Redemption fan. I was a fan of the movie, before I knew it was an adaptation. I found it was based on a Stephen King novella, immediately I was turned off. Have you seen some of film adaptations of Stephen King’s stuff? I’m not talking about the recent adaptations or reboots. There were horrible. I’ve read several King books before seeing this film and enjoyed them. However, for some reason, King fell out of favor with me until I read his book about writing. Single malt scotch rained from the heavens, and all was right in the world again. I was back to being a fan.
So, I read Rita Haywood and the Shawshank Redemption, one of four novellas in Different Seasons collection. I fell in love with the movie even more. They did an amazing job with this adaptation. The casting of Morgan Freeman was a stroke of genius. I saw the picture above online somewhere and had to write something about what I could describe as my favorite movie. 30 years can you believe it!
Quote of the Day – 06052024
This is just wrong…
Describe your dream chocolate bar.
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
How you gonna ask me a question like this?
Knowing I’m a diabetical … [scoffs] [rocking back and forth … muttering …] Strawberries, peanuts, covered nugget…ZZzzzz
[muttering] got me dreaming and shit … knowing I can’t have none of that goodness … That’s just wrong!
Squeeze Me
Where would you go on a shopping spree?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
Shopping Sprees? I’m bold, daring, and a tad bit reckless. Slinging money left and right. Yep, that’s me. Three places I make it rain at. Amazon, local used bookstore, and local used record shop. I know it’s crazy, and I need to contain myself. Yes, I’ve thought about therapy. Perhaps, even joining some sort of support group. You know, stand up there sharing my tales of how I spent my money on a first-edition Poe. Perhaps I tell them about the thingamajig I got on the lighting deal. I saved so much I can’t believe I got it. What a bargain. You know, “that deal” sitting in the junk drawer, and you can’t even know what it is, not to mention why you brought it? Tell this to a perfect stranger? I don’t think so!
But I’ll go anyway because I have nothing to do on Fridays at 6:00 p.m. St. John’s has a lovely meeting room, and they spare no expense on the refreshments. However, the guy who leads the Thursday meeting at St. Agnes has a booming voice and stares at you with penetrating eyes. I find myself sliding down in my chair by the time he’s done. I’m thinking my shopping sprees aren’t diddlysquat compared to him. I’m just a cute little furry kitten.
~Give a me a squeeze~
I Just wanted to Fly
When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
When I was five, huh? I just wanted to fly. Then, jump motorcycles, run fast, be GI Joe, be a singer in a Rock & Roll band, and make my Mom proud.
Quote of the Day – 06042024
Macro Monday – 06032024
Quote of the Day – 06032024
Song Lyric Sunday – King Diamond’s Abigail
TUNAGE – SLS
This post has been over 30 years in the making. Let me explain with a little back story. So, in 1987, a guy I knew in high school suggested three albums. Over a period of several months, this guy and I had drunken conversations about heavy metal. During this time, I knew hardly anything about the genre beyond the typical bands everyone listened to at the time, Van Halen, Motley Crue, and alike. Plus, I had one huge disadvantage. I was Black.
Today, no one gives two shakes about what music you like, but back then, in my region of the world, it was a big deal. I recall getting flack for my taste in music. However, this one guy would come up to me, and we’d rap about metal and drink beer. So, the last album he suggested I buy was King Diamond’s Abigail. He gave me the rundown on how King Diamond used to be with Mercyful Fate and all that. So, I bought the album without reservations because his previous recommendations were solid. In fact, I still listen to those artists.
I put on this album and was immediately thrown. Yeah, I was mindfucked. There was no one there telling me they loved me. No foreplay or heavy petting. Just take this, and you’re gonna like it; I did. Abigail was nothing like any music I had heard before. I sat for hours trying to figure out what I was listening to. All I knew was that I was drawn to it. None of my friends listened to this style of music, so I couldn’t discuss the album. For years, I’ve tried to find someone I could talk to about this album. Either they couldn’t stand King Diamond or never heard of him. I even had people question why a Black guy was listening to heavy metal. Without further ado or hyperbole, I present King Diamond’s Abigail. This entire album is some eerie shit!
Narrative and Concept
“Abigail” is a concept album that tells a gothic horror story set in 1845. The narrative follows a young couple, Jonathan and Miriam La’Fey, who inherit a mansion. Seven mysterious horsemen warn them about a terrible fate awaiting them if they stay in the house. Ignoring the warning, they encounter the spirit of Abigail, a stillborn child whose spirit possesses Miriam, leading to a tragic and gruesome series of events.
The album’s storytelling is a standout feature, with each song advancing the plot while creating a vivid, eerie atmosphere. The lyrics, written by King Diamond, are rich in detail and character development, immersing the listener in the dark tale. Songs like “Arrival,” “The Family Ghost,” and “Black Horsemen” are essential pieces of the narrative puzzle, each contributing to the unfolding horror.
Musical Composition and Style
Musically, “Abigail” blends heavy metal, speed metal, and progressive elements. Its complex arrangements, technical proficiency, and King Diamond’s distinctive falsetto vocals characterize it. The album showcases the exceptional musicianship of the band members: Andy LaRocque and Michael Denner on guitars, Timi Hansen on bass, and Mikkey Dee on drums.
The guitar work on “Abigail” is particularly noteworthy. It features intricate riffs, harmonized solos, and melodic passages, enhancing the album’s dramatic effect. Andy LaRocque and Michael Denner’s dual guitar interplay is a highlight, providing both aggression and melodic depth. Tracks like “A Mansion in Darkness” and “The 7th Day of July 1777” display their technical prowess and ability to convey the album’s ominous mood.
The rhythm section, with Timi Hansen on bass and Mikkey Dee on drums, provides a solid foundation for the album’s intensity. Dee’s drumming is dynamic and precise, adding to the album’s relentless energy, while Hansen’s bass lines add depth and complexity to the compositions.
Thematic Elements and Atmosphere
“Abigail” is steeped in themes of horror, possession, and the supernatural, drawing heavily from gothic fiction and classic horror films. The album’s lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, creating a cinematic experience for the listener. King Diamond’s theatrical vocal techniques, including his famous high-pitched falsetto and menacing growls, bring the characters and story to life.
The atmosphere of “Abigail” is dark and foreboding, achieved through the music and the production. The album was produced by King Diamond and Roberto Falcao, who crafted a sound that balances clarity with a raw, menacing edge. The production emphasizes the album’s dramatic dynamics, from the quiet, suspenseful moments to the explosive, intense sections.
Keyboards and sound effects further enhance the album’s eerie ambiance. These elements are used sparingly but effectively, adding to the overall sense of dread and tension. For instance, the haunting intro of “The Possession” and the chilling conclusion of “Black Horsemen” feature atmospheric sounds that contribute to the storytelling.
Impact and Legacy
“Abigail” is widely regarded as one of the greatest concept albums in metal history and a defining work in King Diamond’s career. Its success helped establish King Diamond as a solo artist and set a high standard for narrative-driven metal albums. The album’s blend of horror themes, theatricality, and musical complexity has influenced countless metal bands and artists.
The impact of “Abigail” extends beyond its initial release. Many metal musicians have cited it as influencing numerous tribute performances and covers. The album’s storytelling approach has also paved the way for other concept albums in metal, encouraging artists to explore ambitious, narrative-driven projects.
King Diamond’s ability to create a cohesive and compelling story through music is a significant achievement, demonstrating the potential of the concept album format. “Abigail” remains a testament to his creativity and vision, showcasing his unique blend of horror and metal in a way that continues to resonate with fans.
Conclusion
“Abigail” by King Diamond is a masterful album that combines intricate storytelling, exceptional musicianship, and a haunting atmosphere to create a landmark in the metal genre. Its gothic horror narrative, driven by King Diamond’s distinctive vocals and the band’s technical prowess, has left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal. More than three decades after its release, “Abigail” continues to be celebrated as a classic, influencing new generations of metal artists and captivating listeners with its dark, compelling tale.
Lyrics:
Abigail
Song by
Abigail, I know you’re in control of her brain, Abigail
And I know that you’re the one that’s speaking through her, Abigail
Miriam, can you hear me?
I am alive inside your wife
Miriam’s dead, I am her head
I am alive inside your wife
Miriam’s dead, I am her head
Abigail, don’t you think I know what you’ve done, Abigail
I’ll get a priest
He will know how to get her soul back
Oh, Jonathan, this is Miriam
Our time is out
Remember the stairs, the only way
Abigail, nothing I can do but give in, Abigail
Follow me to the crypt
Abigail, you aught to be reborn where you died, Abigail
Jonathan, I agree, yes, I do
I am alive inside your wife
Miriam’s dead, I am her head
Soon I’ll be free
Songwriters: Kim Bendix Petersen.
Thanks, Jim and Di, for coming up and hosting this theme.
Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2024 – Week 22
Grazing in the Grass
CHALLENGE RESPONSE – COSMIC PHOTO CHALLENGE
When I found these photos, I had chucked them up as a loss. There wasn’t anything I was going to use them for. I’m surprised I hadn’t deleted them. Then, this morning I saw this challenge and remembered I had these shots.
It’s In The Eyes
CHALLENGE RESPONSE – ONE WORD SUNDAY
Three
Most of the time, my brothers and I don’t have any problems. We deal with the normal issues in this strange, cryptic thing called life. However, from time to time, an asshat appears out of nowhere. It’s almost like they waiting in the shadows for the precise moment to be a nuisance. It’s quite difficult to avoid asshats because you can recognize them from sight. However, once open their mouths, they are now easily recognizable.
They say things like, “How are guys related?” Or some other variant of dumbness.
The reply…
It’s in the eyes!
Art
Daily writing prompt
Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
I came up with potential responses to this prompt. Either would have been fine. However, I spent most of the night and a good part of the wee hours working. As a multi-genre artist, work could mean anything. Well, last night, I worked on character descriptions for my fiction. It’s nothing to conjure up a person and make them do stuff. However, sometimes I don’t have a clear picture of their appearance. If I don’t have a clear idea of how I can expect the reader to have one, so I worked on my descriptions.
I fed these descriptions into AI to see what it would render. First, I had to find an image generator that provided realistic renderings. I wasn’t looking for photo quality or anything, just potential mock-ups of the characters. After hours of tweaking, I don’t care how good your chair is; your body will tell you enough is enough. So, I called it quits and went to bed.
I realized something this morning while I had coffee. I truly enjoyed myself last night, but my realization didn’t stop there. It occurred to me that creating art is my jam. It’s the one simple thing that brings me joy.
Here are a few examples of the concepts I worked on last night
None of these renderings are final, but they provide direction as I continue to develop the appearance of these characters.
Quote of the Day – 06022024
REBLOG: Jessica’s Kitchen Recipe
For some reason, this recipe sounds good to me. I’ve used several recipes from this lady. She knows what she’s doing. Check out her latest. Here’s the link click here
LastOnTheCard – May
PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR
I felt good the other day and decided to take a walk at a local park. It was spur of the moment thing, so I didn’t have my Nikon. I whipped my trusty Samsung and started snapping away. Before I knew it, I was looking up at the picturesque sky because I had tripped over the pavers, falling right into a nearby flower bed. I looked around to see if anyone had noticed, and the entire affair was witnessed. Is it a requirement for someone to witness someone fall to be a fall? Otherwise, a firm denial works. Here is what I got before I bit the dust.
i listened to track as collected myself. A Stevie can do wonders for the soul.
Quote of the Day – 06012024
REBLOG: DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS ❓ The Buffalo Soldiers were African American soldiers who served in …
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS
I came across post during my nightly reading. A solid post about an interesting period of American history.
Writer’s Workshop Prompt – 05312024
CHALLENGE RESPONSE – FICTION
Here is my response to Writer’s Workshop
The sun through the 4th floor glass felt good, It was partly on my shoulder and partly on my face. It was good to the feel the warmth. I’d been so cold lately. Nothing, I did made me warm enough. Even when AC went out and it was 90’s degrees in the house, I was okay everyone was else, but they kept their complaints out of earshot. I appreciated that.
I’m sitting thinking about the one who got away. The one who was supposed to make things better and all that. I never knew if they really happened or was it something said we believed in publicly, but thought was a crock of shit privately. “The One” worked at Aunt Peg’s candy shop in the local mall. I must have spent hundreds of dollars on soft peppermint sticks that summer.
The neighborhood paperboy loved me. He made a dollar for every trip to the candy shop. You see, I never could muster up enough courage to actually go up to the counter and ask for the candy.
“Do you even like peppermint?” Maynard, the paperboy asked
I didn’t answer. I did my best to give him an evil leer. Although, I don’t think it was working very well.
“Look, if this is all about the girl? She’s right there. Just talk to her.” Maynard took his dollar and left. That was the last day of summer and I never said a word to the girl.
I still eat soft peppermint sticks when I can find them. Those puff balls seem to have cornered the market. Some marketing genius started this whole mess.
Yep, Aunt Peg’s soft peppermint sticks were the best!
Quote of the Day – 05312024
REBLOG: A Writer’s Path – 10 Reasons for Authors to Blog.
When I started my blog years ago, I did so because I followed the advice of a trusted advisor. It turned out to be solid advice, but they really never explained why. I didn’t ask my questions either so I can’t deflect any blame. However, in this post below, there are some good reasons with explanations on why authors/writers should blog. Take a minute and read the information.
MLMM Photo Challenge – 05302024
FICTION – PHOTO CHALLENGE RESPONSE
Here is my response to MLMM Photo Challenge
I surveyed my kingdom and the lush gardens before me from my perch on the railing. There’s a sign by the gate with a picture of me. It says something below it. They call me Stanley. I wonder which one came up with that name. The humans often walked these paths, marveling at the beauty of nature, but none could truly appreciate it as I did. I am the peacock, the jewel of this realm, and my feathers are the crown jewels.
I strut through the gardens daily, tail feathers trailing behind me like a royal train. The sun catches the iridescent blues and greens, making them shimmer like the waters of a hidden lagoon. Today, I decided to take a break and observe my domain from this higher vantage point.
The air was fresh with the scent of blooming flowers, and the trees whispered secrets to each other in the gentle breeze. I watched as a family strolled by, their eyes widening in awe as they noticed me. The little ones pointed and gasped, tugging at their parents’ sleeves to share their discovery. I preened, feeling a surge of pride. Even the youngest humans recognized my magnificence.
Beyond the garden’s edge, the world seemed a distant dream. Within the bounds of my green paradise, life moved peacefully. Birds flitted from tree to tree, and the occasional squirrel scurried past, always keeping a respectful distance. They knew, without a doubt, who reigned here.
The sun began to dip lower in the sky as the day wore on, casting a golden glow over the garden. I could hear the murmurs of the visitors growing softer as they made their way to the exits, reluctant to leave this haven of beauty. Soon, the garden would be mine again, a quiet sanctuary where I could rest and dream of new ways to dazzle my audience come morning.
For now, I stood still, a statue of elegance and grace, soaking in the admiration of those who lingered. I am the peacock, guardian of this garden, and in my feathers, the world sees the magic of nature.
Quote of the Day – 05302024
I’m not that Damn Old
Do you remember life before the internet?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
This is sort of a tricky question. It’s tricky because a version of the internet has been around since the 60’s. However, this version of the internet, wasn’t available to the public. To be honest, only the select few even knew of it existence. Now, the version that this prompt is properly referring to became public in late 80’s. I already a working adult, so I remember the beginning of the transition well.
I also remember life prior to this transition. In the age of technical ignorance, things were quite simple, but very time consuming. We did things by hand. In the 80’s we had computers, but we did not have hard drives or cloud storage. Instead of carrying a flash drive in my pocket. I carried a library card, bus pass, and a floppy disk stuffed between the pages of my notebook with my stories in it.
Search Engines
In the pictures below represent what we used for research before the internet. We had ideas scribbled in our notebooks or index cards. We spent hours going through these drawers of cards sorted by subject and author. We would read passages from several books trying to narrow down the subject matter.
We would spend time in these shelves trying to find the perfect passage for your research. It usually ended up learning something that you never intended to learn. Often, it reshaped your entire direction of your research. So much time spent going into the new direction, only to scrape it because it just became too big for the parameters of your paper. Your notebooks are filled with information to be researched another time.
My Uncle taught me a coding system for notes that I still use today. I found an old notebook from high school and it had so many notations on various subjects it was crazy the stuff I researched back then. There were theories in there that were so far off, but there were a few that I wished I had the notebook during developing a few theorems. It would have saved me some time.
Streaming Services & Cloud Storage – YouTube, Netflix, and alike
We went to the movie theater and watched matinee because they were cheaper. Face it everyone was poor as hell back then. Well, at least everyone I knew. We had negatives from the photos we took nearly organized in boxes. No one got hacked and private information wasn’t exposed. At least, not by a stranger on the other side of the world.
We sat at uncomfortable desks watching dudes that talked funny telling us how we supposed to think about what we just read written by a dude that his last breath three centuries prior. We had talking ponies named “Patch” telling us not to take candy from stranger. We passed notes under the desk and scribbled the names of our crushes on our notebooks.
We read actual books until our eyes burned. Bookbags filled with pens, pencils, and erasers. Plastic bags with zippers held our sanity and security. It nothing like your pen running in the middle of drafting a paper. Your hands start to ache, and your stomach is growling. Your nowhere close to being to finding what your were looking for. We expressed our thoughts within the pages of these notebooks. For aspiring writers stories begin to blossom from the words of others. It funny how that happens sometimes.
It’s almost like its a part of the writer’s job is to inspire other writers. I don’t think this thoughtful gift is intentional. I think it happens somewhere in the act of telling the story. Often, I wonder if my work has done this for another writer. Then, I decide it’s not important. It’s not something I need to worry about. It will only get in the way.
There was a certain freedom to writing before the internet. Just you, your thoughts, and your aspirations confined in the binds of the notebook of the time. You hope you have written something people want to read. You hope you wrote something that will make a difference for at least reader, even if that reader is you. Sometimes we write something that absolutely doesn’t belong in the thing we are writing. That sentence that appears out of nowhere, but man you know you have something special. I miss writing before the internet. I miss portions of life before the web.
Yes, I remember life before the internet. I recognize how much it has helped so many people, but I’m cognizant of the fact it has also destroyed so many.
Late Night Grooves #71
Tonight, we are traveling to 1966, as you know the 60’s were filled with amazing music. Suddenly, there is a reemergence of the classics, which is fine by me. I’ve had trouble following modern music since my daughters were young. So, in 1966, there was a fella who came out with a hit entitled “You’re in the Cream of the Crop.” Let’s take a listen, shall we?
Lee Rogers, an American R&B singer and songwriter, made a lasting impact on the soul music scene during the 1960s. Born in 1939 in Detroit, Michigan, Rogers was part of the vibrant Motown era, though he found his niche with smaller labels such as Wheelsville and D-Town Records. His music is characterized by smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and a soulful delivery that resonated with audiences of his time.
Rogers is best known for his hits “I Want You to Have Everything” and “Love for a Love,” which showcased his ability to convey deep emotion and connect with listeners. His work often featured lush arrangements and rich instrumentation typical of the classic R&B sound of the era.
Despite not achieving the same level of fame as some of his Motown contemporaries, Rogers’s contributions to R&B have been appreciated by soul music aficionados and collectors. His recordings remain a testament to his talent and the enduring appeal of 1960s soul music.
Lee Rogers’s legacy is one of heartfelt expression and musical craftsmanship, securing his place in the annals of R&B history as a beloved and influential artist.
Wordless Wednesday – 05292024
Quote of the Day – 05292024
Memoirs of Madness 