ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Wordless Wednesday – 10232024
Author: Mangus Khan
Macro Monday – 10212024
Late Night Grooves #123
The following summer, I felt a little lost without my music buddy, so I spent a few weeks repairing cars before spending the rest of the summer working at a radio station. I never reached the booth, but I enjoyed the music. One of the DJs showed up at a party one night and remembered me from the station. A few of us spent the evening talking about the music that really moved us. We talked about the tracks that were never heard on the radio or seldom heard at parties. This was the first time I can remember talking to a group of individuals devoted to the appreciation of music. I didn’t want the evening to end, but evenings like that make the most precious memories. It’s evenings like most come to an end like every marathon has a finish line.
5…4…3…2…1
Here is Jones Hoops (Acoustic)
Wordless Wednesday – 10162024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
A Matter of Interpretation
When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
“Successful” can have different meanings depending on the context, but broadly speaking, being successful refers to achieving goals or desired outcomes. Here are some ways success can be defined in different areas:
- Personal Success: Achieving personal goals, happiness, fulfillment, or growth. It might involve self-improvement, achieving work-life balance, or cultivating meaningful relationships.
- Professional Success: Accomplishing career objectives, such as gaining promotions, excelling in one’s field, building a reputable business, or making significant contributions to a profession.
- Financial Success: Attaining financial stability, wealth, or independence, defined by income level, savings, investments, or the ability to support a particular lifestyle.
- Creative Success: For artists, writers, and creators, success might involve producing meaningful work, gaining recognition, influencing others, or feeling satisfied with creative expression.
- Social Success: This could be defined by having strong relationships, a positive social impact, or being recognized for contributions to a community..
As an administrator, I can provide several definitions of success, as well as examples, plans, and whatever is necessary for a deeper understanding of the meaning of success. However, despite temptation, we must try not to push one’s personal definition on the others around us. I say to myself more than anyone else. As I have gotten older, I’ve learned to appreciate that measuring success is a matter of interpretation.
Late Night Grooves #122
I first learned about reggae by listening to a Bob Marley tape I got from a girl. She had a pixie cut with a long bang and plenty of attitude. We drank a lot of alcohol and smoked a ton of cigarettes listening to Dead Milkman, Butthole Surfers, Fishbone, and bands like that. We thought we were smarter than everyone else, but we weren’t. That was one wild summer that I barely remember, but the music was intense, and its power has fueled my love for music throughout my life. Here’s a track from that summer.
Desmond Dekker (1941–2006) was a pioneering Jamaican ska and reggae musician best known for popularizing these genres internationally. His 1968 hit “Israelites” was one of the first Jamaican songs to achieve significant success in the UK and the US, helping to introduce reggae to a global audience. Dekker’s music often focused on social issues, blending upbeat rhythms with lyrics that addressed poverty, inequality, and the struggles of the working class. He is regarded as a foundational figure in Jamaican music, influencing later reggae and ska artists.
Late Night Grooves #121
Straight from the guilty pleasure archives, I’m featuring a Linda Ronstadt track.
Macro Monday – 10142024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – MACRO
Late Night Grooves #120
For the 120th episode of LNG, I decided to change things up a bit. Tonight, I’ll feature the vocal talents of one man who is loved and admired by all: Mr. Richard Pryor.
Ya’ll know I don’t ever act right
So, if that surprised you, then you will enjoy this … Penny Marshall, AKA Laverne breakdancing
One Word Sunday – The Rain
CHALLENGE RESPONSE – FICTION – FIRST PERSON NARRATIVE
Here’s my response to Debbie’s One Word Sunday – Rain
The monsoon season had come, and I wasn’t ready. I was assigned to a forward position and tasked with repairing the abandoned radio station. Once I got there, all the equipment was in a foreign language. For hours, I tried to figure out how to make the equipment. Finally, I could contact my unit. I attached my handheld to the terminal and informed them of my status. They told me a soldier was arriving to assist me. I wasn’t thrilled, but I needed help. I barely put the mic down when the door flew open, and my help had arrived.
She was as soaked as I was. It would have been a miracle if there was a dry spot on her. Rain gear was no match for the monsoon. She introduced herself and put on some fancy music. We worked side by side until the darkness began to swallow the light. The radio station was up, and everything was fine. She removed her wet clothing, placing it by the vent. She motioned for me to do the same. I sat there, not sure what to do. I could see the steam rising from her clothes. She looked at me and started to undress. I have to admit there’s nothing worse than wearing wet clothes. Well, maybe wearing wet clothes in the middle of the winter, but I didn’t find that out until years later.
We stuffed newspaper in our boots and sat them by the heater. The newspaper draws moisture from the boots. We sat there, strangers, eating our rations in our underwear. After we finished eating, she walked out in the rain. This woman was insane. She stood there, her head tilted back, letting the rain wash over her. It was as if she was letting the rain wash away her demons. Watching her, I began to understand why women were so beautiful. She was the perfect blend of beauty and nature. Before then, women were beautiful; that’s just how it was. But it meant more; I can’t really explain it. They just did.
I found myself standing in the rain next to her. She turned and looked at me momentarily and then said,
Some days, I crave the rain.
Late Night Grooves #119
This evening’s track was partly inspired by Glyn Wilton at Mixed Music Bag. I’ve been reading some of his missed posts and noticed several bands from the ’70s. The other part is one of my nephews recently introduced me to a track by the music group Daft Punk. The track was phenomenal. I discovered musician Giorgio Moroder. I discovered that Giorgio Moroder co-wrote and produced one of my favorite tracks from the Disco era. The track is “I Feel Love” by the legendary Donna Summer. We lost the legend on May 17, 2012.
Here is the 12inch version of I Feel Love by Donna Summer
Wordless Wednesday – 10092024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Things aren’t like they used to be …
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
A year ago, I could name brands I use regularly without hesitation. I’ve been using them for most of my life. However, I’ve noticed recently that the brands we used to think were solid have fallen to the wayside. Increasingly, I’ve become more disappointed with the products offered by the brands I’m used to using. My brothers and I, on several occasions, went with a less expensive option instead of using the brands we’ve used most of our lives. I can point to two reasons for this shift.
First, quality and price point: It makes no sense to pay top dollar for an inferior product. In several cases, our work has a no-skimping motto.
“You can’t put a price on quality!” This is very true in some cases, but it’s becoming hollow words found in old books.
This statement rings in my head whenever I look for a replacement or an addition for the shop or the lab. As a writer, I find it necessary to replace equipment as much as some other industries. In my opinion, as long as you can open a word processor program, the keyboard works, and you have a decent laser printer, you’re golden. As a visual artist, things become complicated rather quickly.
Processing video, editing photos, or creating composition art can be done on older machines, but the necessity of a “Dammit Doll” becomes apparent. A “Dammit Doll” is a stuffed doll that comes in various forms whose purpose is to bang it against something (your choice) while screaming dammit. My Irish twin bought me one a few years back, and I might need to give her a call to get a new one. Every year, she gives me a new device to relieve my stress; perhaps she’s trying to tell me something.
The point of this is I needed to replace my external drives. I had to consider different manufacturers because the brands I have been using for decades are crap. So, I found less expensive options. They’re designed for something else but will do nicely for video, photo, and writing draft storage. With the money I saved, I was able to purchase two. I had enough left for a guilty pleasure. It’s always nice to buy a guilty pleasure from time to time.
Products aren’t made like they used to be, too, though brand loyalty has beaten into our heads. Be open-minded and select the best product to fit your needs. Here are a few things I use. Perhaps they will help.
- Determine your need—This is the most crucial step of the process. You can’t establish a budget or begin researching products without knowing exactly what you need. It makes no sense to buy something that doesn’t fulfill your needs just because its price fits your budget. “I can get by with this,” or “This is just as good.” Yeah, I hear you. Been there several times. Here’s what I have to say about it … Cut that shit out!
- Establish a budget—I have a budget in mind before I purchase anything. However, I can’t do this without determining my needs. By determining my needs, I know how much money I need to raise. I try to never go over my budget. However, sometimes, when you start researching a product, you find it is more expensive than you initially thought. It may change based on your needs. Be flexible.
- Do your research – With information readily available, there is no longer an excuse for not being an informed consumer. Read the product reviews from other consumers, and be careful; there is much misinformation out there. Also, there are videos on YouTube about products that can be useful. Many manufacturers provide user manuals on their websites. You read about the product before purchasing anything.
Until next time …Peace
Marco Monday – 10072024
Late Night Grooves #118
The first video I ever watched was on Mtv. I had a crush on Martha Quinn and listened to every video she played as if it were her personal playlist. I thought this song was catchy, but I had no idea what it meant. I do now.
The Buggles – Video killed the Radio Star
Reading is Fun
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
Reading is part of the job as a writer. However, I must admit that some of my reading has nothing to do with writing. It’s just for fun. I love discovering the magical lands within the pages, regardless of genre. There are two sides to every story.
I’m Richer than I’ve Ever Been
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
This question reminds me of times when I was a youngster. I remember those horrible confrontations about stealing something; you have no idea what the other person was talking about. That special toy or prized possession has mysteriously vanished, and the only logical explanation is that you stole it. It doesn’t matter how much you profess your innocence; the injured party is convinced. Friendships are destroyed over something that may have cost less than five dollars. The battle between them is bad enough, but when the parents got involved, the issue seemed to be about something other than the vanished item.
I wish this scenario I described was limited to childhood, but sadly, it isn’t. I’ve seen longtime friends destroyed over something like this. I’ve seen people beaten over the loss of possessions. The strangest thing is that most of the time, vanished items either turn up or are taken by someone other than the accused. However, the damage has already been done. Some relationships recover, but they never were like they were before. That’s true, the actual loss… the friendship.
I’ve learned this concept through my own loss. I’ve lost all my possessions several times over the years. Some items aren’t replaceable. I can say honestly that losing some of these items was very painful. I remember a friend was Native American, he carried a leather pouch filled with pebbles. There wasn’t anything special about those pebbles that I could see. However, one day, I asked him about it. I was curious. Other friends told me to mine my own business. So, I dropped it.
At the time, I carried something from each of my children in a zip-lock bag. During the quiet moments, I would pull them out, look at them, and remember what I was fighting for; every mile I walked, every sleepless night, and the duties performed for God and Country so my family could have a better life. I believed that. It’s what held me together. I did this privately. One of those moments, my friend came and sat next to them. He was quiet for a long time. We just sat in the peace of the moment.
After a while, he pulled his pouch from his hip and began to tell me about it. He said each pebble contained a memory of an event that happened in his life. I listened with a perplexed expression. He smiled and said, “Dick Tracy”. I was holding a Dick Tracy trading card in my hand. My youngest daughter had given it to me before deployment. Then I got it.
Throughout my studies, I have learned a great deal about spirituality. I came across this passage some time ago, and it is relevant to this prompt:
Ibrahim Adham said, “Faith in God will be firmly established if three veils are cast aside:
- “Feeling pleasure in possessing anything;
- “Lamenting over the loss of anything;
- “Enjoying self-praise.”
al-Ghazzali
Fadiman, James. Essential Sufism (p. 173). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
Living up to this philosophy is very difficult. I struggle with it constantly. However, I still maintain the possessions that mean the most to me. These are the relationships I have developed over the years. Most material things can be replaced. Each person we interact with is unique, and our relationships with them are also exceptional. As I’ve said, I have had to rebuild several times. It’s hard work and not fun, but it can be done if you’re still breathing. Because life is our most important possession. The relationships you develop within that lifetime can be the difference between living and existing. Because of this, I’m richer than I’ve ever been.
Late Night Grooves #117
The Fixx is another band I’ve placed in the guilty pleasure category. I don’t listen to them often, but I always enjoy them when I do. Also, it’s one of those bands I wish I could remember to drive deeper into their catalog to see if I could find some gems. Perhaps, rediscover a few tracks I’ve forgotten about. The track I’m featuring tonight isn’t my favorite by the band, but it is one of their bigger hits.
The Fixx – Are We Ourselves?
Late Night Grooves #116
Radiohead is a band I never really paid attention to. The other day, I heard something that my caught my attention. Exit Music is one of those that just kinda snuck up on me. Though it will never be a track that slides into rotation, I know I will enjoy it from time to time.
Exit Music by Radiohead
Late Night Grooves #115
The Boomtown Rats …. I Don’t Like Mondays
Wordless Wednesday – 10022024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Nothing Better to Do
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
Now that I’m retired, there is so much to do. I find myself making up shit to do. However, recently, I decided to put my free time to better use. While convalescing, I explored different ways to explore my creative outlets. Many of you probably noticed I’ve been posting AI images. I learned digital art skills. However, my education isn’t complete. I’d like to learn more about the digital world. I’ve spent years existing within it. I thought I knew how it worked, but it has changed. My grandchildren have taught me.
“Peepaw, you aren’t current with stuff.”
I’ve gone from being the in-house IT guy to the guy who tells them stories about his precious memories of them when they were young. So, I need to update my skills to figure out what they are talking about half the time. I’ve got nothing better to do.
Work Hard and Live Right
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
I’ve lived by a simple code not my own. Despite this truth, this code has served me well. Provided me a strength to develop my own. My parents worked hard their whole lives. Somehow, they didn’t seem to be tainted by this devotion. I’ve seen many succumb to the strain. If I’m honest, it’s easier than I’d like it to be. I’ve been choked by the tentacles of temptation from time to time.
Many of the elders, worked their whole lives to accomplish their individual goals. Each family having their own. I watched them in amazement. I wondered if they would make it. As I got older, I asked how they stayed focused and not lose hope.
“You focused on wrong thing. You can’t worry about that. All you can do is work hard and live right.”
This was code I subscribed to. The code based my entire life on. My personal code isn’t much different than the one I grew up with. The elder who taught me his code, hadn’t lived the life I have. I’ve had too make some adjustments over time. However, I always feel good if I work hard and live right.
The Whisper Journal
POETRY – JOURNAL ENTRY STYLE
April 6,
With the cleansing of spring, everyone has a sense of joy about them. Even on the gloomiest days, we listen to the perforated silence as the rain splatters against a shudder not quite fastened. That’s when you see her. For some unknown reason, you know to look. You stare in silence as the cool mist caresses your face. You remember that section of the park when the beauty and the path she walks weren’t born yet. You close your eyes, partaking in its wonder. You whisper a spell to the beauty, hoping it will last.
Late Night Grooves #114
In 1993, What’s Love Got To Do With It? hit the silver screen. We watched it once it was available on VHS. It was the first movie for which I bought the soundtrack. Normally, I acquire the soundtrack much later. I even have soundtracks for films I have never seen. Of course, this movie and soundtrack became my wife’s favorite for some time. She’d play and sing along to this soundtrack nearly every day, then one day, it stopped. I nearly asked her what happened, but I thought better of it.
Don’t misunderstand me; I enjoyed the soundtrack, just not every day. Thank God for the Yahama studio headphones she had bought me years earlier. She and my younger daughters would stand in the living room and sing “Rock Me Baby.” On the anniversary of her passing, memories of her still rock me …
A lot of things
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
For the past few months, I have been looking over how I handle things, and they totally screwed up. What upsets me is that they have broken for quite some time. Things that should not have broken in the first place. First, I must acknowledge that despite my best efforts, I am still just human. I used to think I was a cybernetic being, but then I went through the part-dragon phase. Alas, I’m just human. The last year’s health issues taught me that lesson tenfold.
I’ve never felt weakness like this before. It’s hard to wrap my head around it. Being in this state blows, to say the least. There were times when I wasn’t sure how things would turn out. I had to rely on the strength of my brothers as well as my own. I’m not used to this, but my people reminded me that my fight isn’t over. I will do well to pay more attention to that.
Hollow Man
POETRY – INTROSPECTION
How long will my words echo in an empty hall?
How long will I sway to its melody alone?
How will silence swallow my cries?
How long will my essence seep from the cracks of my shattered shells?
Oh, how I long to be deafened by the screams
How I long to be drenched in their pain
To feel the passion of the tale, so eloquently crafted
To soak the page with tears of a depicted sorrow
I yearn for the warmth of the lover’s flame
To be memorized by its dance
To be enchanted by its unscripted ballad
The uncontrollable churn of my soul to its mythic rhythm
To feel the surge from the heartfelt turning into a pound
The sensation of my chest tightening, the pause of that breathless gasp just before the pant
The anticipation of the splash from the bead forged in the embers of the moment
The feel of slickness on my palms right as I turn the page to the next chapter of my life
To be filled with pride from your look of approval
To be filled with passion from the same eyes but a different glance
To know love to the core, standing firm in its goodness, as well as un-wavered by its pain
To understand by knowing it, I will be the better for it
For any man experiencing these and so many more…
Of that man, I am envious.
To feel any of these things, in that instant, I will cease being
The
Hollow Man
Quality vs. Quantity
Daily writing prompt
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
I never expected to live a long life. However, I’ve lived longer than I ever expected. SHOCKER! Yet, I’ve learned a few things along the way. In the time I’ve spent on this earth, I’ve learned that in almost every aspect of life, the quality of how life is spent is more important than the amount of time spent. I’ve been blessed to have talked to several elders, and they mainly agree that its the quality of life, not its longevity. I tend to agree.
Late Night Grooves #113
One of my favorite artists is Prince. Like many, I’ve listened to his music for decades. Tonight, on LNG, I’m featuring one of his deep cuts called Joy In Repetition. Joy in Repetition was released on Prince’s 1990 album Graffiti Bridge. The track has a hypnotic, funk-infused groove and is known for its minimal yet atmospheric production. Lyrically, it tells the story of a man who enters a nightclub and becomes captivated by a woman singing the same phrase over and over, reflecting on the powerful emotions stirred by the repetition.
Daily Doodle – 09282024
ART – AI – GENERATED IMAGES -SKETCH
Daily Doodling – 09272024
ART- AI GENERATED IMAGES – SKETCH
Daily Doodling – 09262024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE -SKETCH
Late Night Grooves #112
Tonight on LNG, I’m featuring a track from my guilty pleasure playlist. I discovered this artist while watching a television program. I had no idea how much I would enjoy his music. Ray LaMontagne is a soulful artist with an impressive song catalog.
Here is one of my favorites … Jolene
Wordless Wednesday – 09252024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Late Night Grooves #111
I feel I need a little Elvis Costello …
Random Thoughts – 09242024
PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS/REFLECTION – THE STATE OF THINGS
Hello everyone,
You may have noticed that things here at the Memoirs of Madness have been a little spotty. I apologize for that; I really do. It’s been a rough year for me health-wise, and though I’m much better, I’ve been dealing with the emotional side of things. I’ve been wondering how the hell I made it through all this and other questions that arise when dealing with health issues as one ages.
So, in the next few weeks, I will be making some changes to the blog. More precisely, I will focus on cleaning up dead links, adding new pages, removing old pages, and such. This is an attempt to improve the blog’s UI/UX. I will announce the changes as they happen; please let me know if I muck something up. Any suggestions are welcome. Until next time … wish me luck.
Late Night Grooves #110
RIP Tito Jackson of the The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons…
That was a close one…
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
Once upon a time, in a country other than my own, a few of us decided we were going to cook an American Thanksgiving dinner. There were six of us, four men and two women. I must admit the women tried to talk us out of this idea of ours but weren’t hearing any of that nonsense. All six of us were experts in several fields. How hard could preparing a meal be? The women quickly declared they wouldn’t have anything to do with the pending disaster. Intelligent women, I always liked them.
We started cooking a few days before Thanksgiving, and things seemed to be going well. We knocked out almost all the side dishes and started on the desserts. However, a few things occurred that started to make me nervous. We had begun improvising when we ran out of spices and stuff. However, we forged forward. In the back of my mind, I secretly hoped our female counterparts would ride in and save the day. However, they were a no-show.
The meal was complete, and the phone calls were made for people to join us. No one showed. I know this seems sad but this was, actually a good thing. The food was horrible. We were just about order pizzas when the doorbell rang. Our female counterparts had made dinner for us. That was a close one.
Wordless Wednesday – 09182024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Late Night Grooves #109
RIP Frankie Beverly (1946 – 2024) … Happy Feelin’s by Frankie Beverly and Maze
Late Night Grooves # 108
Ladies and Gentlemen …Bon Scott and AC/DC … Night Prowler
Daily Doodle – 09142024
REBLOG: An another interesting post from Reddit
I found this on Reddit and laughed my butt off. Once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it. What are your thoughts???
My Happy Place
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
I’m not sure if I know what the word really means. I know the definition and how it’s used, but I haven’t been able to relax for most of my life. I’ve always had a vivid imagination, so I tend to retreat inside my mind when I need to take a break. However, you can probably see the problem with this technique. As a writer, I think of various scenes in my mind. I can tell you many of them aren’t rather relaxing. I discussed the concept of relaxation with my editor, and she laughed. When she regained her composure, she provided me some advice. She talked about the avenues of my creative expression and how I should not create content for my blog, portfolio, or anything else I’m into. So, I thought about the places that make me happy.
Here’s what I came up with:
I’ve always found gardening really relaxing, so I can imagine my idea of relaxation involving some sort of garden. I’d have to keep my brain out of it, though. I can see myself trying to figure out the soil composition to plan which flowers grew best in my region.
I’ve also felt at home in the mountains.
However, the activity requiring the least amount of preparation is reading.
Within the pages of a book, I imagine different lands, worlds, and periods of time. After which, a nap is appropriate.
Wordless Wednesday – 09112024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
REBLOG: An interesting post from Reddit
I found this post on Reddit. I remember these things. I thought I was a soldier on the U.S.S. Enterprise
Ear Infections suck!
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
I don’t remember ever having an ear infection when I was young. I’ve dealt with them in regard to the children and grandchildren. Imagine my surprise when my doctor told me I had infections in both ears. Of course, I looked at her as if she had lost her mind, but she held her ground, and I walked out of the office, pouting a little. You see, I’m supposed to be at a concert at this very moment, but no, I’m at home dealing with this imaginary spike in both my ears. I say imaginary because when I look into the mirror, I don’t see anything. So, excuse me while I spray stuff in my nose and take my other meds. Ear infections suck!
Macro Monday – 09092024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGES – COLOR
I’ve always been a fan of macro photography, but I haven’t been any good at it. However, I keep working at it. Honestly, it’s pretty fun. Here are a few images I generated this week.
Do I have to?
Daily writing prompt
If you had to give up one word that you use regularly, what would it be?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
I’m secure with my current lexicon. Typically, I don’t use any word or phrase more than necessary. However, people may find several phrases or words a bit abrasive. I keep that in mind when I talk to them. Now, I promised my late Madre that I would be a good boy, but there are times when I slip up. So, I’m not comfortable removing any words or phrases from rotation.
I suppose I could come up with a proper list, but do I have to?
Late Night Grooves #108
Tonight on LNG, we are resuming the theme from last week, which was TV theme songs. Tonight, we are featuring a classic from the legend Quincy Jones. Quincy Jones started as a jazz trumpeter but transitioned to composing and producing. The TV theme of the night is from Sanford & Son. Sanford & Son will as be one of my favorite television programs. I still laugh at the antics of Fred and Lamont.
Sanford and Son‘s theme is a funky, upbeat instrumental piece called “The Streetbeater.” Its lively rhythm, driven by brass and percussion, perfectly matches the show’s comedic tone. The theme reflects the series’s vibrant, often chaotic world, which follows Fred Sanford, a junk dealer, and his son, Lamont, as they navigate life and business in a working-class neighborhood.
Wordless Wednesday – 09042024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Pecan Pie and Big F**king Animals
Daily writing prompt
Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home.
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
This story isn’t about the furthest I’ve been from home but about a story that rocked my idea of how the world worked. Being raised in the Midwest, wildlife consisted of deer and such—everything we read about in books or saw on television. As I got older, I ran into wolves, bears, and mountain lions. How cool is that? It was pretty cool as a kid who grew up around asphalt and concrete.
One of my road trips involved driving a semi through the Northwest, Wyoming, and Montana. I had never seen such open space and beauty combined. It was absolutely breathtaking. There was good food, pleasant people, and fresh air. The silence was disturbing at first. I adjusted and enjoyed the drive. I caught a glance of my passenger window to see wild horses running. It freaked me out. I might even been a little giddy.
I spent some time in Montana, during which I had an opportunity to drive through Lulu Pass, Montana. The winding road made the drive challenging. I noticed an animal in the road, and I honked at it so it would clear the road. However, no one had told me that the air horn could piss off the wildlife. I didn’t find that out until later. So, I was on the road watching an enormous animal walk toward my truck. I was driving a cab over, so I sat higher than a typical semi. As the animal got closer, it looked like a moose, but later, I was told it was probably a Yak or Caribou or something.
The damn was tall enough to look into the cab of my truck. This animal stopped and looked directly at me. I’ve seen some hairy things in my day, but this unnerved me a bit. So, I sat there until the animal decided to move along. I waited for this moment for about an hour. Later, I was eating at a local diner and told the story; the locals told me I was lucky I didn’t get rammed and gave me a piece of pecan pie.
Boob Tube: Chronicles of a Misspent Youth
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
Lately, I’ve gotten into the habit of overthinking each of the challenges I usually participate in here on WordPress. So, when I read this challenge, I decided to explore all the television programs I could remember from my youth. I used AI to assist with this project, and of course, AI started repeating television shows. So, I had to rely on my memory. So, here are the television shows I can remember watching as a kid. This list only includes only the television shows that I enjoyed.
1. All in the Family (1971–1979)
2. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
3. Hawaii Five-O (1968–1980)
4. Happy Days (1974–1984)
5. Laverne & Shirley (1976–1983)
6. The White Shadow (1978–1981)
7. Sanford and Son (1972–1977)
8. The Streets of San Francisco (1972–1977)
9. Charlie’s Angels (1976–1981)
10. The Love Boat (1977–1987)
11. The Six Million Dollar Man (1974–1978)
12. The Bionic Woman (1976–1978)
13. Columbo (1971–2003)
14. The Jeffersons (1975–1985)
15. Good Times (1974–1979)
16. Kojak (1973–1978)
17. Starsky & Hutch (1975–1979)
18. Wonder Woman (1975–1979)
19. Taxi (1978–1983)
20. What’s Happening!! (1976 – 1979)
21. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982)
22. Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–1979)
23. Fantasy Island (1977–1984)
24. Barnaby Jones (1973–1980)
25. Three’s Company (1977 – 1984)
26. Barney Miller (1975–1982)
27. The Rockford Files (1974–1980)
28. Chico and the Man (1974–1978)
29. Get Smart (1965–1970)
30. Soap (1977–1981)
31. Quincy, M.E. (1976–1983)
32. The Mod Squad (1968–1973)
33. McMillan & Wife (1971–1977)
34. Bonanza (1959–1973)
35. The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971)
36. The Night Stalker (1974–1975)
37. Maude (1972–1978)
38. Police Woman (1974–1978)
39. One Day at a Time (1975–1984)
40. Room 222 (1969–1974)
41. Ironside (1967–1975)
42. Mission: Impossible (1966–1973)
43. Gunsmoke (1955–1975)
44. S.W.A.T. (1975–1976)
45. Rhoda (1974–1978)
46. Baretta (1975–1978)
47. The Paper Chase (1978–1979)
48. Rawhide (1959 – 1965)
49. Magnum P.I. (1980 – 1988)
50. Airwolf (1984 – 1987)
I only listed 50 shows; I figured that was enough. I actually got close to nearly 75 shows. I think this is as much a memory exercise as anything else. It was fun reminiscing about my youth. One thing that occurred to me was that I watched too much television.
Macro Monday – 09022024
Last week, I worked on putting things inside glass spheres—my version of the ship in the bottle. Here’s what I came up with.
Late Night Grooves – Concert Edition
Tonight on LNG, we are going to try something a little different. The concert crew has drug me out the house for my first show of the year. To see one of my favorite bands of the new stuff. They didn’t listen to my usual excuses for not going.
So, the band playing is Badflower. I got a special treat with Des Roc, which is one of the biggest surprises of last year before i got ill. Des Roc is out of New York, a piece band with a big sound.
Here is some live footage:
Uploading video over my cellular network is slow.
This is the opening band for Badflower. Stay tuned for the next post featuring Badflower.
Late Night Grooves #107
Tonight’s theme song comes from the long-running Soap Opera General Hospital. I was living in Germany and brought home a new CD by a jazz artist I had never heard of. While listening to the CD in my study my wife came in, excited about a track playing. Then she explained why.
“Faces of the Heart” is a smooth jazz instrumental piece by saxophonist Dave Koz. Released in 1993, it was the theme song for the long-running American daytime television drama “General Hospital.” The track is characterized by its emotive saxophone melodies. It has become one of Koz’s signature pieces, blending a mellow, romantic vibe with a sense of drama, making it a memorable and recognizable tune for jazz fans and the TV show.
Amused
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
Today, I got a wild hair up my buttocks and decided to reorganize my office. I didn’t want to reorganize; I needed to relabel all my containers and plastic bins. Plastic bins are evil, just in case you didn’t know. Putting something in a large bin to store somewhere is probably a good sign that you don’t need it. However, we need to have a bunch of stuff we don’t need. I’m sure some therapists would have some fancy word for this behavior. I’m sure they could tell you exactly what it is, right after they find their notes tucked away in one of those bins from medical school.
As I continue to clean up my office and get things in order, I discover I’m making more of a mess. So, I sit here amused as I write this post. I’m a little worn out as well, but as look around and it looks like I haven’t done a damn thing. I’m just amused with myself.
Retirement is Sweet
Daily writing prompt
What daily habit do you do that improves your quality of life?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
Since I retired, I’ve been trying to figure out what I’m doing with myself most days. However, I have developed a few new habits. For some reason, I suddenly felt it was important to do self-care. When I was a young man, you were supposed to be based on the principle of good single malt and bad decisions. However, I try to eat better and enjoy the things I didn’t do when I was young.
Recently, I returned to creating art. I figured that part of my life was over since I hadn’t explored it in decades. So, every day, I brew a pot of coffee and start working on creating something. It doesn’t matter to me which avenue I decide to explore. Lately, I have been sketching out ideas for the creations I’m trying to render. Frequently, I start with character development and work on their backstories. I work until I get worn out and then nap. Napping is a new daily habit.
At the end of the day, I feel good if I have created something.
Late Night Grooves #106
Tonight on LNG, we are continuing with the TV theme songs. One of my favorites is the one from Barney Miller. I searched for years to buy the CD, but never found enough information. What I did see were several covers of the track. All of the covers were actually pretty good, but I still wanted to know the origin of this track. Even trying to find a video for this post was difficult.
The theme song to “Barney Miller” is a distinctive jazz-funk instrumental composed by Jack Elliott and Allyn Ferguson. It features a catchy bassline that sets a laid-back yet rhythmic tone, perfectly reflecting the show’s blend of humor and the everyday challenges faced by a New York City police precinct. The theme’s groove became iconic, capturing the essence of the 1970s era in which the show was set.
Cast of Musicians
Jack Elliot – Co-Composer
Allyn Ferguson – Co-Composer and Pianist
Dan Ferguson – Guitarist
Paul Humphrey – Drummer
Chuck Findley – Trumpeter
Chuck Berghofer – Bass Player
Wordless Wednesday – 08282024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
The Usual
Daily writing prompt
What was the last thing you searched for online? Why were you looking for it?
DAILY CHALLENGE-RESPONSE
Typically, I only look up the same stuff all the time. My search history is pretty boring. I research the following:
- Music
- History
- Books
Today, I’ve been working on Samurai warriors. I’ve been creating a tribe of female samurai warriors for a story. I’m unsure how I will use them in the story. I’ve considered setting the time period during feudal Japan. However, using the code in a modern setting would also be interesting. Because I tend to dive deep into character development and create a back story of the tribe, I’ve made several character mockups using text-to-image generation.
I attempted to be authentic in these initial renderings. I won’t be sure until I do more research. However, I think these renderings came out well.
Late Night Grooves #105
This week on LNG, we will feature TV theme songs. These songs are as much a part of culture as baseball and apple pie. Each generation uses its own genre of music in these shows. Tonight, I’m going to feature one of my favorites.
“Angela,” composed by Bob James, is a smooth jazz instrumental that gained popularity as the theme song for the TV show Taxi. Released in 1978 on Bob James’ album Touchdown, the song features a laid-back, mellow melody with a prominent piano line, characteristic of James’ style. The composition evokes a sense of calm and introspection, making it a standout piece in the smooth jazz genre and a recognizable tune for show fans. Its relaxed tempo and gentle harmonies have made it a timeless piece, often associated with nostalgia.
REBLOG: A Writer’s Path Latest
Macro Monday – 08262024
ART – AI GENERATED – COLOR
REBLOG: An interesting read
It’s Just Something about it
DAILY CHALLENGE RESPONSE
I’ve always enjoyed the part of the day when it seems the world is still asleep. Nothing is stirring; it is just quiet. Today, silence is a commodity. We need to have something going all the time. We can’t seem to be still. I’m no better; I have something going on all the time. Yet, sometimes, right before dawn, I sit outside and listen to the soundscape. The crickets chirping. The rustle of the grass as a stray cat moves to its next hiding place. I feel them watching me. It’s okay because watching them. Sometimes, they come to visit. They lay on the porch, taking in the morning.
I was raised in the city, so I didn’t understand what it meant to be still. I’ve spent time in the desert and the woods. I know there are things that go bump in the night. They’re protecting themselves from our clumsiness, our rudeness, our carelessness, and our obliviousness. They have so much to say without uttering a word. I wonder what it would be like if we were just silent?
Chicken Marsala
DAILY CHALLENGE RESPONSE
One of my favorite dishes is chicken marsala. I admit I usually let someone else do the cooking, and I often find myself disappointed. So, I decided to make my own version. I’ve tried several variations to suit my palette. Here is the latest recipe I’m going to try.
Air Fryer Chicken Marsala Recipe
Ingredients with Measurements:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup Marsala wine
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
– Air fryer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.
3. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray.
5. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Marsala sauce. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
7. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
8. Pour in the chicken broth and Marsala wine and bring to a simmer.
9. Cook the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until it has reduced by half.
10. Stir in the heavy cream and parsley and cook for 2-3 minutes.
11. Serve the chicken with the Marsala sauce spooned over the top.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
Air fryer: 375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 42g
Sodium: 800mg
Sugar: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
– Chicken broth: vegetable broth or water
– Marsala wine: dry white wine or sherry
– Heavy cream: half-and-half or milk
– Mushrooms: any type of mushroom or omit
Variations:
– Add diced onions to the Marsala sauce for extra flavor.
– Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
– Serve the chicken and Marsala sauce over pasta or rice.
Photo Challenge #529
CHALLENGE RESPONSE – MLMM
Last week, I noticed this photo while reading several blogs. I made a note to do something with it, but I had no idea what I was going to do at the time. I was using my iPad and had forgotten all about it. I’m doing weekly maintenance on my main system and was reading on my iPad. I found this photo … oops!
I’ve been working on double exposures with AI and wanted to see what I could do with a photo, so I used the photo from this challenge as a reference.
Original:
The Results:
Lavender Fields Forever
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGES
Here’s my response to Ragtag Daily Prompt: Lavender. I’ve always been a fan of the color lavender.
Something Blue
ART- AI GENERATED IMAGES – BLUE
Here is my response to Ragtag Daily Prompt: Blue
Here are some images I’ve been working on that primary color is blue.
Late Night Grooves #104
FOTD – 08212024
ART – AI-GENERATED IMAGE
Here’s my response to Cee’s FOTD challenge.
I missed most of the flower season this year. So, I decided to see if I could create a decent looking one. I can’t wait for next season. Until then, I will see what I can imagine.
Wordless Wednesday – 08212024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Wouldn’t you like to Know?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
I looked up my name once; you know, our obsession with googling ourselves. Perhaps we find the things we have forgotten about to be nifty. More likely, we find things that we wish we could forget about. You know, like a video of a drunken you dancing ungracefully to Rod Stewart’s Do Ya Think I’m Sexy or perhaps a blog post about a soulful rendition, though sung off-key, and is remarkably similar to an experience you’ve done. Yes, the names are withheld, but there couldn’t be two jackasses commenting the same during the period.
As far as the origin of my name, I don’t have a clue. I suppose I could spin a yarn about a maiden by a brook reading a book while a doe gently drank from the brook or something. Yeah, I got nothing …
At the Movies … Mangus Edition
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
I’ve watched thousands of hours of video content throughout my lifetime, so it would be difficult to compile a list of my favorite movies. If I’m honest, the list changes from time to time. I get into moods where I watch a particular genre until I run out of movies. So, I will list a few movies that stand out.
The first five films on my list feature the legend of Sidney Poitier, and I’m a definite fan of the legend. My personal favorite is The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn. It wasn’t one of his many masterpieces, but its message is refreshing.
- Blackboard Jungle (1955)
- Defiant Ones (1958)
- In the Heat of the Night (1967)
- Piece of the Action (1977)
- Simple Life of Noah Dearborn (1999)
These next five aren’t in any order, but I enjoy them each time I watch them. I don’t have a particular reason; I just like them.
- Bait (2012)
- The Conversation (1973)
- King Arthur (2004)
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- The Green Mile (1999)
These are some of the films that come to mind immediately. I’m sure if I thought about them a little longer, I could come up with a proper list and reasons for each film.
Here are some honorable mentions:
- Cool Hand Luke (1967)
- The Jacket (2005)
- Silverado (1985)
- The Natural (1984)
- The Way of the Gun (2000)
Well, here is my list. Perhaps you have seen some of these and enjoyed them. There are maybe some you want to check out.
Macro Monday – 08192024
ART- AI GENERATED IMAGE
As I dived deeper into AI, I finally figured out how to compose a realistic AI macro photograph. Tell me what you think. Next month, I should be able to pick up my camera and take some shots.
Stay Tuned …
DAILY CHALLENGE RESPONSE
This prompt is too rich to answer with a quick response. As fiction writer, this prompt opens the possibility of all kinds of nifty stuff. I have to make a decision whether or not to make life better or worse. Perhaps, I could make myself charming with a wonderful sense of humor. Perhaps, I could be dashing or something. Whichever way … STAY TUNED
I’m Married the Woman who lived the house with the pretty flowers.
How would you improve your community?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
All I knew about flowers was that you gave them to a girl you were sweet on. So, when I met my future wife, I had much to learn. Now, I had no idea that I was going to marry her at the time, but strangest things, right? I spent a great deal of time in her flower garden while we were dating. I don’t know the names of flowers, but I know how deep to plant them or whether they grow in the sun or the shade. As well as how much to water them. You may be wondering what this story has to do with improving my community. Let me explain.
Throughout our marriage, my wife and I planted numerous gardens, indoor and outdoor. The indoor gardens were a challenge, but we pulled it off. Our last garden was our biggest and most challenging garden. In this garden, we planted both vegetables and flowers. Typically, we did either one or the other. However, that’s not what made this garden special. What made this garden stand out was its effect on the neighborhood.
We lived in the shady part of town and there all kinds of madness going on 24 hours a day. The people were decent enough, but no one seemed to care about anything outside their world. We were no different. It was about surviving our circumstances best way we could. My wife’s had begun to progress and one day she said she wanted a garden. I looked at her like she had finally lost her mind. There really wasn’t any place to put the garden she described. She didn’t let it go
Our backyard was nearly completely asphalt, so one morning I stood out there looking at it wondering how we were going to pull this off. I grabbed my pickaxe and went to work. It took me a week to clear the area by hand. It didn’t occur to me to rent a tiller. I just swinging that pickaxe. I tilled the soul with a rack then planted a flower right in the middle of the clearing. I went inside and took a nap in my chair. My wife woke me up and took me to the back and it started.
Over the next few weeks, I had the whole filled with flowers. Here is the interesting part, we went around town and asked people if we could get piece of their flowers. I was surprised when nearly everyone said yes. We did this every year for three years. There were a few ladies who would set aside seedlings for my wife. Others called her when they got something new. I shook my head at this, but would get into the truck and pick stuff up. My wife even nurseries on her rolodex. They’d call each year and donate a plant or two.
One night, one of my dogs alerted me to activity outside. I noticed that a few of the neighborhood yahoos were sitting in the garden. Immediately, I was ready to kick off the property. However, something strange happened. Some trash had blown in the garden, and I watched them get up and clear it up. They kept our garden free of trash. My wife passed and I moved, but for three years they maintained the garden. I received phone calls from my wife’s flower network wondering if I was going to keep things going. I declined and they understood.
Sometimes the littlest things mean so much. I guess that’s what happens when you marry the woman in the house with the pretty flowers.
Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
Most days, I’m content and peaceful, neither positive or negative. However, this prompt maybe think of this skit.
Daily Doodling – 08152024
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Daily writing prompt
If you could host a dinner and anyone you invite was sure to come, who would you invite?
DAILY CHALLENGE RESPONSE
I don’t do dinner parties, so the prompt doesn’t apply. However, I’ll play along for the sake of something. I’m unsure what, but I’ll play anyway.
If, I do mean if I were to consider hosting a dinner party, it would have to be for some special people. So, since we are in fantasy land, I would invite some of my favorite authors. The guest list is featured below.
So, the guest list are some of my favorite authors. You probably have noticed that all of them are deceased except for one. They said they wanted a guest list. Nobody said I had to play fair
It’s Not what you think?
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
Most people I meet think my favorite genre of music is rock and roll. Based on the music I play on this blog, those reading this may be inclined to agree with that assessment. The truth is there is entirely too much music out there to be narrowed down or pigeonholed.
However, there are a few genres in which I have a soft spot: jazz, Blues, and old-school R&B. These are the music I grew up listening to. My first concert was a jazz concert. My Madre dragged me to see George Benson. I can’t remember the show, but I’ve spent my life listening to his music. The jazz record I remember listening to was Ramsey Lewis’s Sun Goddess. I didn’t know it was jazz, but I still loved it.
Madre also played Motown, the Philly sound, and other R&B artists, such as Billy Paul, Barry White, and Teddy Pendergrass. My Mother also introduced me to rock and roll. She played Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Linda Ronstadt, and others. So, it would seem that I was destined to be eclectic with my music choices.
Wordless Wednesday – 08142024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
There are many types of food that provide me comfort, but there is nothing like a good ole fashioned ice cream sandwich. That’s all I got to say about that.
Clear as the Morning
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
When I was young, I was taught about altruism. I watched my MiMi practice this principle consistently. So, discussing random acts of kindness I’ve done is against my code. However, I can’t deny the power of random acts of kindness. They can shape one’s day or have lasting effects throughout an entire lifetime. I will discuss a few ideas I have watched emerge over the years that complement my code.
In 2000, a film called Pay It Forward was released. It was a delightful little film that I enjoyed immensely. In short, the film discusses the principle that if someone does you a kindness, you pay that kindness forward to another person. I still hear people uttering the Pay It Forward mantra. I love it. What I love about it is the fact nothing is expected in return. This makes the act altruistic in nature.
While dealing with my late wife’s health issues, I ran into a family who believed in a concept called God Winks. I had never heard of this concept and immediately dismissed it as hokum. Yet, one of the elders of the family sat down and explained the idea to me. Then, I realized it wasn’t hokum. We all have experienced seemingly unexplained acts of kindness throughout our lives, and this family called them God Winks. I still smile when I remember that conversation.
Lastly, in my studies, I came across a gentleman named Alan Watts. He had a concept I found rather refreshing that fit my code. This concept was called Clear as the Morning. Basically, the concept goes like this: When you wake up in the morning, envision your ideal morning, and whatever happens that day will be easier to handle. I have used this principle since I discovered it.
REBLOG: A Writer’s Path’s latest
I think it’s essential to establish a routine as a writer. Many of the greats discuss this technique in several books about writing. The post below offers some tips.
Macro Monday – 08122024
ART – AI GENERATED IMAGE – COLOR
Hmmm..
Daily writing prompt
What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?
DAILY CHALLENGE RESPONSE
Usually, I would discuss my backpack and its contents. However, as they say, I will be short and sweet today. The most important thing I carry is my integrity. Possessing come and go, but your integrity can be forever.
Late Night Grooves #103
I like to keep you folks guessing about what I’m feature each night. This one is even a surprise to me. I was watching a TV show and heard this song. I couldn’t get it out of my mind. So, here is a little country …
Late Night Grooves #102
We are switching gears again on LNG. I’m playing another from my 80s playlist. XTC is one of those bands that creeps up on you when you listen to the album. The most popular song from their Skylarking album is Dear God. However, I’ve always enjoyed this track.
Have a listen…
Nice Try, Hero
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
I eat a lot of chicken and fish. So, I would like to learn several recipes to expand my palette. However, I do enjoy making anything that requires the use of an oven. However, I’ve been known to make some rather delightful applesauce. I can’t quite recall how that happened. I mean, I don’t remember any passed down recipes or anything, but I like applesauce, so I kind of figured out how to make it. I took it to my office on several occasions and it seemed to disappear. I’ve had similar experiences with my baked salmon.
Initially, I figured some knucklehead was throwing away my lunch. One day, I slipped out of my office and caught the thieves. Some of the ladies from another department were feasting on my lunch. When I confronted them, they simply responded by telling me that I should have brought more. So, in response, I got a lunchbox and used ice packs. Their response was that I was being mean and that I should share.
I also make some decent cakes. Well, at least my grandson seems to destroy each one I make. I took some into the office as a test, along with a blend of coffee I make at home, and before the break, it was gone. Now, several disasters occurred over the years before I perfected a few items. You know, a couple of them even suggested I open a restaurant. My response…
“I’m bringing in any more food! Nice try, hero.”
Wordless Wednesday – 08072024
Late Night Grooves #101
My friend Glyn commented about Ronnie James Dio’s vocal prowess during his time with Rainbow. I always forget about his time with Rainbow. Perhaps it’s because when I think about the band, I remember the tracks, All Night Long from the Down to Earth album (1979) with Graham Bonnet on vocals and Stone Cold from the Straight Between the Eyes album (1983) with Joe Lynn Turner lending with vocals.
Ironically, my favorite Rainbow track is done by Ronnie James Dio.
Here’s that track …
Fancy Restaurants are for Chumps
Daily writing prompt
What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?
DAILY CHALLENGE RESPONSE
I’ve spent ridiculous amounts of money on this supposedly fine cuisine. More times than not, I’ve been severely disappointed with the outcome. I took my late wife to a fancy steakhouse that she had going on about for months. In the hope of some sanity, I took her to the restaurant. She made me get dressed up and everything.
The restaurant’s atmosphere was majestic, but the food was mediocre. My wife put on a smile as she ate her dinner. I wanted to ask for a refund, but I sat there with her, watching her enjoy her meal. After she finished, we sat and chatted a bit, enjoying the atmosphere. When we returned home, she went to the refrigerator and pulled out some ground beef. She stood there in her fancy dress cooking the ground beef.
She toasted a couple of buns with butter and garlic, then sat down at the table with her famous cheeseburgers for the both of us.
She took a bite of her burger and sighed, “That place was sure nice, but the food was horrible.”
I laughed as I ate my burger.
“We spent all that money and ended up eating cheeseburgers to get filled.”, she mused while smoking a cigarette.
“Yeah, but you’re sure wearing that dress,” I said deadpan. She chuckled and smiled mischievously.
The fancy restaurant wasn’t worth it, but sitting in our kitchen and spending time together was.
Daily Doodling – 08052024
ART – AI GENERATED – SKETCH
Macro Monday – 08052024
ART – AI GENERATED – COLOR
Daily Doodling – 08042024
ART-AI GENERATED – SKETCH
I’ve been trying to work on a fantasy story, so sketch time. Here are few renderings.
Late Night Grooves #100
One of history’s most well-known rock & roll songs is Back in Black by AC/DC. Like many, I’ve jammed to that song and many others from that legendary album. When I started writing this post, I had decided on a song that I wanted to discuss, but I realized it wasn’t on this album. However, it fits a future post. The Back in Black features several other tracks besides the title track that cement it into Rock and Roll history as one the best albums.
My favorite track on that album is a little number called Shake a Leg. I can’t really explain it. Even now, I can hear Brian Johnson wailing,
“Idle juvenile on the street, on the street
Kickin’ everything with his feet, with his feet
Fightin’ on the wrong side of the law, of the law, yeah
Don’t kick, don’t fight, don’t sleep at night and shake a legShake a leg
Shake a leg
Shake it again”
Perhaps it spoke to my restless soul. I can’t be sure, but I love that song …
Here it is …
Late Night Grooves #99
We need to reset a bit tonight. I need to play a little something the Madre would love—the kind of thing that made her tap her feet and sway to the groove. The Madre turned me on to Otis Redding. Nah, she didn’t sit me down and tell me this is what music really sounds like and all that, but she played it in the house, which meant it was good.
Otis Redding …
Wordless Wednesday – 07312024
ART – AT GENERATED IMAGES – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Memoirs of Madness 