1. The past few months have felt strangely repetitive and empty. I seem to have fallen onto a psychological cycle wherein little is done, but the same patterns repeat. I haven't written much lately, though constantly intending to. I find myself unable to relax into any kind of work, that is, to let go of … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Federalist Papers Again (Sorry)
Poem – “Brown Bess”
In the days of lace-ruffles, perukes and brocadeBrown Bess was a partner whom none could despise –An out-spoken, flinty-lipped, brazen-faced jade,With a habit of looking men straight in the eyes –At Blenheim and Ramillies fops would confessThey were pierced to the heart by the charms of Brown Bess. Though her sight was not long and … Continue reading Poem – “Brown Bess”
In Flanders Fields
For Armistice Day / Veterans Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQmMqZlLFVc
Friday Flotsam: Teaching Stuff and a Couple Federalist Papers
1. I'm generally not very fond of the lesson plans I'm given, or the readings. That is, a lot of the readings are fine in themselves, but odd choices for the subject. In US History and Literature class, for instance, my students are reading a book about the Carmelite martyrs of Compiegne, written by a … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Teaching Stuff and a Couple Federalist Papers
Poem – “The Beginnings”
It was not part of their blood,It came to them very lateWith long arrears to make good,When the English began to hate. They were not easily moved,They were icy-willing to waitTill every count should be proved,Ere the English began to hate. Their voices were even and low,Their eyes were level and straight.There was neither sign … Continue reading Poem – “The Beginnings”
Friday Flotsam: O’Connor, FNAF, and History
1. This week's personal reading was largely Flannery O'Connor, in all her dense, opaquely-grotesque images of grace. She operates on a high, inaccessible plateau of authorship in which the reader is required to make a firm commitment to not only follow her often intense prose and plots, but also to take the time afterwards to … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: O’Connor, FNAF, and History
Announcement: Cirsova 2024
I'm a bit behind on this, but an exciting announcement: my story Black Eyes - featuring the debut of a character I've had on the back-burner for a long time - will be featured in Cirsova Magazine of Thrilling Adventure and Daring Suspense next year; the winter edition ('Superior Griefs, Part 4). That means it … Continue reading Announcement: Cirsova 2024
Batman Halloween
I'm way late on this, but it is still Halloween. I made this years and years ago, but I'm still pretty pleased with it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3QS0XfAQKM
Poetry – Yes, It’s THAT One
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door."'Tis some visiter," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door—Only this, and nothing more." Ah, distinctly I … Continue reading Poetry – Yes, It’s THAT One
Friday Flotsam: Mostly Gun Control and Melancholy
1. Doing a little better than last week, though still struggling with melancholy and difficulty making myself be productive. 2. The shooting in Maine yesterday actually happened close to where my sister lives. She and all her friends are safe, thank God, but please pray for everyone involved and everyone in the area, who are … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Mostly Gun Control and Melancholy
Serpent's Den 