The Manuscript's In The Mail

Merry Christmas everyone,
I hope all of you are healthy, happy and terrific! I certainly am. I wish you all a cool Yule and a frantic 1st!
As most of you already know, I have been working over my manuscript for "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume 1" since the end of July 2008. I carefully went through the manuscript four complete times, in these past five months, reading (aloud) many hundreds of thousands of words in the process. Whew!!! I felt like I was staring in the movie "Groundhog Day"! It was awesome though, and I'm so very glad I did the four additional edits. It amazed me to realize that I could still find errors - even after working so meticulously to get rid of them. That means only one thing - I really am just human. Oh well, did you expect more???
Anyway, the completed manuscript is now in the able hands of my publisher. Now I wait. The manuscript is expected to go past the eyes of the owner of Writing On Stone Press and then to a final-touch editor before I see it again. I don't expect any changes, but I'll know soon.
While I wait, I have resumed work on "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume 2". It is progressing much faster than Volume 1 did. I suppose that seven years of intense writing have taught me a little.
I have temporarily set my fiction novel aside, but still haven't decided if I will save it for NaNoWriMo 2009 or not. "In Ravenscrag's Shadow" is nearly finished, and I don't know if I can stand a 10-1/2 month wait before I see how it ends. The epic novel is a work of pure fiction, but there is an actual location that provides the setting for the story. I hope to visit that remote location in the summer of 2009. I cannot just go there on my own because the region is the home of grizzly bears. (Bears are intimidated by groups, not by individual humans - and perhaps the term intimidated is a bit too strong.) If I visit the region, as part of a group of five or more, we should not have any trouble, so I have to organize the event before I can be certain of going. Stay tuned.

My Nanowrimo Adventure Novel

As some of you long-time readers might remember, in November of 2007, I joined Nanowrimo. It is a website devoted to authors who are in pursuit of creating a 50,000 word novel in one month. Last year, I managed to conceive a plot and then to write 14,638 words - all by Nov 30th , 2007. With the competition over, I put the novel on hold until Nov 1st, 2008. This year, I was ready and raring to go. I wrote every day of the month, building on my words from last year. By the end of November 2008, I had a total word count of 45,540! I was disappointed that I didn't make it to 50,000, but totally thrilled that, even with my super busy schedule, I was able to create a nearly completed novel. It was so much fun!!! I would encourage everyone who feels inclined, to sign up and participate for November 2009.

This morning, I was reading a blog that challenged the creation of words (in Nanowrimo) without employing the editing process. I have not edited my novel, but I will. If I think it is good enough, I will consider publishing it as well, but that is not the point of my writing it. I participated in Nanowrimo to stretch myself. Adventure is what you have when you explore uncharted territory - inside your mind or with you feet. It is true that I never made the 50,000 word threshold, but that is really not important to me. I participated. I had a blast. I did something great that I am very proud of. After I read the fore mentioned blog, I wrote a comment. I thought you would enjoy it, so here it is: (Jody left a comment before I did. She expressed struggling with procrastination and felt that she was getting off to a late start in life - in so far as writing was concerned.)

"I agree with Jody on several levels. Procrastination kills. An overzealous inner-editor isn't good either, but I don't like to kill him off as much as I like to team up with him. As far as my own writing goes, I am about to become a published author (of an 8-year-in-the-making non-fiction book). I also have a word count of 45,540 at Nanowrimo 2008. I lack, however, the perspective of authors who have already travelled farther down exciting literary roads than I have… but I do have an opinion. As far as Ian's question goes, I am left to wonder whether he was just asking, for the sake of provoking thought, or if Ian was really trying to infer that there is no point to writing without an anticipated editing process in the future. I agree that editing is essential to a published product, but I see only a benefit to writing - no matter what follows the creation process. I know people who go on hikes, not intending to reach the trails' final destinations, but to simply go as far as they can. While their experiences may seem pointless to some, these hikers do enjoy the sights, scents and sounds that they have the power to reach. Not every writer is going to be published, but that should not stop anyone from taking a stroll down Literary Lane. Who knows, maybe they will get farther along than they anticipated? I say, “Just write something and then see what happens.” The future awaits, and it isn’t written yet!"

Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume 1 - Book Review

"We get a front row seat to the coming-of-age experiences of a young boy growing up on Canada’s west coast in Davis Bigelow’s vivid book, “Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off“. This unique and descriptive view of lighthouse living causes us to yearn for the simple pleasures of an era far past. Keeping time with the life of the emotion-charged, energy-bound child gives us an authentic spectrum of human virtues and frailties that co-existed among the mighty elements. Beauties of the landscape, toils of daily life, life-changing trials, and sweet memories are skilfully encased in a series of eventful stories. A distinctive contribution to BC history."- V. Kidd -Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education

As a side note: Ms. Kidd read the manuscript prior to edit #4 and was kind enough to provided some helpful comments. On October 22, 2008, I completed my edit/read-through #6 and am now comparing all of Kidd's comments with my latest flourishes. To date, I'm about 25 pages into the manuscript and am quite enjoying her thoughts. Many people who edit seem to offer helpful criticism, but littered throughout Kidd's notes are plenty of smiley faces and several great comments. Here is just one, "Good descriptions - I like how they pull you in."

The photo is a potential cover for Volume I.

More Adventure Photos

Hey everyone, glad you stopped by. I just added a bunch of photos to this album in "My Slideshows". Enjoy... 9. Various Adventures of Davis Bigelow

Bertha Lake Hike - Waterton National Park

Hello everyone,

I am finally ready to post the pictures of my Bertha Lake Hike (28 photos in album). I've included three of them here.

July 5, 2008 was perfect and the company enjoyable, but the best part was the scenery!!! The trailhead is located at the southern end of Waterton Lakes National Park. As you can see from the first shot in the slideshow, the deer in the townsite area are rather accustomed to human activity. Decon, Tara, Greg, my daughter Amberle and I were geared up and ready to go.

Bertha trail led the five of us along the western edge of Waterton Lake before turning west towards the mountains. At nearly the three kilometer mark, the pathway reached Lower Bertha Falls - a place Decon and I snowshoed to this past winter. From there, we rose up the mountain side in a series of heart-pounding switchbacks for an additional 2.8km to reach Bertha Lake. Nearly to the lake was a huge waterfall crashing down the steep rocks. It was difficult to see Upper Bertha Falls though the thick foliage, but I got a photo of it anyway.

Once at the Bertha Lake, I hiked above the west side and stalked up on a Mule deer - with his horns still in the velvet. He was browsing at the base of three majestic waterfalls which were cascading down the mountainside above me. I was thrilled beyond measure! I got within fifty or sixty feet of the wild & majestic animal. Wow!

From there, my adventurous spirit led me along the western shores of Bertha Lake until I reached the extreme southern end. There, alone and awed, I stood in the warm summer sun and took in the incredible views. The air was peaceful. The sky, deep blue with a few white clouds. Ahead of me, a spectacular waterfall adorned the rocky slopes. To my right, several white mountain goats clamoured for footing some 200 meters (600 ft) above me. Above the waterfall, Mount Richards rose to 2416 meters (7926 ft), hemmed in by mighty ridges and jagged crags on all sides. I made my way to the base of the waterfall. I ascended about one hundred feet to a perch above the cascade and brought my camera lens up. Even with a super wide angle photographic view of the landscape, one shot just wasn't enough. I carefully composed thirteen photographs. At home, they would allow me to create two incredible panoramic pictures. With the photos finished, I just stood and stared. What a view it was!

Reluctantly, I scrambled back down to the level of the lake surface. I had to return to my group. They were resting and exploring at the north end of the lake and my two-way radio was out of range. I jogged the two kilometers back, pausing only once to immortalize an interesting flower in full bloom.

The hike down was fast. Gravity does that! About an hour and a half later, the five of us reached the trail head, tired but smiling. In all, I had tramped 14.4km. My feet were sore and my legs spent. My head was filled with memorable scenes and tucked protectively in its case rested my camera along with some very beautiful photographs.

Work, Fun, Editing, Work, Fun, Editing

Hi everyone,

Things are going great at my place, but I haven't squeezed out the time to post for a while. A warm welcome to all. Since I last posted, guests from China, Peru and Turkey have joined the many others of you who stop in from time to time. Thank you for your continued interest.

I have had an extreme summer, hiking several times, camping and scuba diving lots. On Sept 13th, I enjoyed a wonderful hike to Crypt Lake (in Waterton Park, Alberta, Canada). I have yet to post pictures from my Bertha Falls hike (July 5, 2008), my several underwater adventures, kayaking, sailing and now the Crypt Lake hike. While I am working on putting together the various slide shows - for your viewing pleasure, here are a couple of shots to tide you over. The above lake is Waterton looking south from the Bertha Falls trail. The small shot is of a flower along the Bertha trail, followed by August 23rd kayaking in The Milk River Ridge Resevoir in south central Alberta.

As for my book, Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off, Volume 1, I have been from cover to cover once again, making any needed changes. Once I read through for this last time, I began again for one more look - just to be sure. I am currently over 1/3 of the way through for the second time and have found only a few minor troubles to repair. Most of my corrections involve removing extra spaces after words or paragraphs. I am very glad that I am finally feeling satisfied with my manuscript. Yay! It won't be long now! As soon as I finish this final edit, I'll have a bit more free time to post all those photos. Thanks for stopping by. See you again soon.

Davis

Racism

David Swerdlick brings a lot of passion to this article, and I liked it all - especially the passion! As a white guy, I have seen a lot of racial problems handed out and for the life of me I really, honestly, genuinely cannot figure out why. Perhaps too much whining is done about this sort of thing, but I expect that all the whining would miraculously go away if more people would listen and then act to finally stamp out racism. To be blunt, I am disgusted with anyone who looks down at another person because of his or her colour! Whine or no whine, I will always feel that way and I’ll tell you why.
I was born in 1960 - to white parents. I have three older sisters, (adopted if you must know): one Métis (French Canadian and Native) & a set of Japanese and Irish twins. Following me is a blood-related sister and at the end of the family is my youngest sister, a full-blooded Native girl from the west coast of Canada. Now you may be surprised or not, but us six kids grew up as siblings and my four adopted sisters are as much my sisters as the one who was born to my mother. I don't have as good a tan as some in my family, but the colour difference is meaningless to me. My nieces and nephews come in several shades, but who cares? They are all my family & I love them equally!
In 1967, my father received the Order of Canada for service to his country - for having adopted my four sisters & creating a diverse inter-racial family. The recognition was awesome, but in some ways it’s sad. What difference does the colour of one’s skin make? Why should the adoption of a few children be considered so worthy of such accolades in the first place? We are all human beings – members of the human race. We are all here on this vast planet called earth – together I might add. We all want to live after the manner of happiness. I think we are all agreed on that? Perhaps the racists of the world should take a good look in the mirror. What gives their reflection any more right to life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness than anyone else’s? I say, “Just calm down and forget about colour because it only matters if you are feeling the poisoning influence of racism!” Instead of hastily climbing onto the high horse of haughtiness, perhaps we should all pause to look in the mirror. Perhaps we should ask ourselves the tough question? “Does skin colour matter to me?” I don’t think it should.

Hiking, Changes & Reunions

I've had a super busy month and haven't posted for a very long time, but I sure appreciate all the visits to my blog. A big welcome to the new visitors from Czech Republic, Chile, Egypt, Japan, Montenegro, Russian Federation, The Former Republic Of Yugoslav, Australia, USA, & Canada. Good to have all the regular visitors stop by too!

As promised, here is the slide show from my Summit Lake Hike in Waterton National Park, Alberta on June 21, 2008.

Since I last posted, I have seen my publishing company undergo a change in ownership. A very scary thing - potentially. However, the new owner has positively impressed me and I look forward to the new future. The new owner and I have decided that my manuscript needs a bit more tweaking, and at this point, we have no release date to announce. However, when the day finally dawns, I think the completed book will be worth the wait!

My website is still in the creation phase, but that will change over time. I have discovered that there is great power in doing small things on a regular basis. After all, that is mostly how I got my book written & continues to be the way I am writing the sequels. My parents used to quote the tortoise (from the fable The Tortoise & the Hare), "slow but sure wins the race", and they were right. A person can accomplish much using only a few minutes at a time here and there, so I'm more worried about my direction than my speed. Of course, even knowing all that doesn't keep me from getting frustrated from time to time.

In addition to adjusting to my publisher's hat change, we also attended a wonderful reunion in Kelowna, B.C. On the way there, my sweetheart, Diana, and I stopped in Golden, B.C. and stayed at the Great Canadian Chalets. It was awesome!!! The next morning, we drove to a remote waterfall and took some great photos - before we drove the 5 remaining hours to reach Kelowna. Good times!!! Sweet memories!!!

After Kelowna, we drove home and hosted our oldest daughter, DeAnna, son-in-law, Jason, and two grandchildren, Triston & Brandi, for a week. The four of them live in Dawson Creek, B.C. (an 11 hour drive from our house) so we don't see them very often. Diana and I had such a great time! Triston is 3 and Brandi is nearly 2 years old. They loved our cats and Jack Russel Terrier. Together we did lots of yard work, played some games (Settlers of Catan) and enjoyed some tasty meals. The four of them left this morning, accompanied by my 2nd daughter, Amberle. Amberle will return from her visit to Dawson in a couple of weeks. It is nice that our children like each other.

Tonight our house is quiet again, but we miss the sound of little feet. Triston & Brandi's smiles and laughter will be greatly missed! Some things are just better than a clean house! We've done lots so far this summer, but Diana and I still have more adventures planned. Stay tuned for a little camping, hiking, scuba diving, writing, editing and who knows what else before 2008 closes....

Thank you for visiting us and sharing our fun!

Sweet Thoughts & Broken Bones

Greetings my friends,

I have not posted for a very ling time. I apologize for that. I've been rather occupied. Hope you are all healthy, happy and terrific!

On May 19th, my sweetheart went to visit her parents, accompanied by my second daughter, Amberle. Diana's Mom has some serious heath issues and her doctors say that she has already lived a year longer than they expected. We are grateful for the extra time, but deeply saddened by what appears to be the inevitable.

In Diana's absence, I became a lonely bachelor, with just our dog and two cats for company. The cats remained home, but the dog, a spirited Jack Russel terrier, accompanied me on my trucking adventures all over Alberta. He was good company, for a dog, but I missed Diana terribly. After nearly 26 years together, I have become rather attached to the sounds of her voice floating through our home (which was more like a tomb for nearly a month). On June 13th, Diana and Amberle returned safely. A few days later, I wrote this poem for Diana:

A Sweet Daydream

The morning dawn adorns your hair,
Sprinkling life on tired eyes.
I dare not move, but stare with awe...
Your love’s a cherished prize!

I lay awake near your sweet warmth,
Hearing slumber’s gentle breath.
I brush the freckles on your skin,
And kiss your tender neck.

The promise of a thousand rainbows,
And ten thousand butterflies,
Stirs all my soul from height to depth.
With you I’ve no disguise.

You stir from sleep – enough to smile,
Ere dreams take you again;
And I am left to hold you close,
As light transforms the dawn.

Our love is old, yet new somehow,
When I see your green eyes,
And look with care on your sweet face.
‘Tis true; I’ve won the prize!

Your hand in mine; your tender touch;
The music of your voice...
All join as one to fill my breast,
And cause me to rejoice!

By Davis Bigelow

Copyright 2008

On June 5th, my mother was trying to work in my garden when she fell. She is an industrious woman that is constantly causing me to shake my head. She just trys to do too much! Unfortunately, this time carried serious repercussions. When she fell, she hit her face on the dirt, creating a horizontal break across her second vertebrae in her upper neck. I was up north in my semi and she was alone. After laying there and calling out for a while, she supported her head and got up, walking over a hundred feet to the street where she flagged down a car. The driver happened to be a friend of ours, and since Mom didn't appear to be in too bad a shape, the driver drove her the short distance to our local hospital. Mom ended up being taken to Calgary where she was fitted with a halo and told that she had the worst possible break that you could get in your neck. She had few days of some slight tingling on her right side, but other than that, she has no paralysis problems. We consider it a miracle! She will have to wear the halo for three months and then a brace for an additional few weeks. So far things are going very well for her - especially considering what might have been the outcome. We are grateful!

Yesterday, my sweetheart had to work. In her absence, I took a break from my stresses and went hiking with my friend Greg and his wife. I took some nice photos and met some great people. I have to reduce the picture file sizes in order to post, so stay tuned. I'll tell you all about our awesome hike when I get another blog-devoted moment. Thanks for stopping by. Talk to you again soon!

Blog Review & The Temporary Bachelor

Welcome to all the recent visitors from around the world in the countries of Costa Rica, Guam, France, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, as well as the readers from the US and Canada. "Welcome back" to all the regulars too. It is great to have so many who stop in to check out my blog. Thank you all so much! I have recently registered on "blogged", and my blog is now open for independent reviews by my readers. If you wish, you can go to the review site, click on "review" and set the rating you think is appropriate. If you're up for it, it will just take a few seconds but if you wish, you can also add a review.

As for my upcoming book, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume I"; it is still in the cover-design phase. I am anxious and excited but I'm working on Volume II while I wait. I sure enjoy writing! I also look forward to resuming the creation of my fiction novel, "In Ravenscrag's Shadow". It is 100% outlined and about 25% written. This summer I plan to create a few photographs for it. In November, if I can wait that long, I plan to finish it. (You can read a "first draft" excerpt from the novel at the above link.)

A week ago, my sweetheart left me for some much needed time with her parents. Diana's mom has been fighting lymphomatic cancer for about three years now, and the doctors are amazed that she is still alive. The disease is progressing, but thankfully it is slow and Mom can still do much. She suffers from serious heart problems and kidney failure too - as if the cancer were not enough. It seems that sad times overtake us all! Two summers ago, we all met for a giant family reunion to celebrate Diana's parent's 50th wedding anniversary. It was a great time for family memories and I'm grateful we could all make it. It is an 1800km+ drive from our house to theirs, so the trips are not as frequent as we would like, but we keep in touch often by phone. I am blessed with a great mother & father-in-law - and I'm grateful.

I miss Diana like the taste of fresh air, but I'm glad she could go anyway. These next two weeks will pass - hopefully quickly, and Diana and I will be reunited again. Then, our three weeks apart will be but a fleeting, painful memory and Diana's precious memories with her parents will linger on and an. The loneliness of bachelorhood is not at all a welcome companion, but I'll make it. When I think about the thousands who are off in some war-time pursuit, at school or work - all for extended periods of time that make my three weeks seem minuscule, I feel a new respect for them and wonder what right I have to whine. Sacrifice of one kind or another is just part of life. Perhaps I need to take the advice Wesley gave to Indigo (The movie: Princess Bride), "Get used to disappointment!"

General MacArthur's Address - Duty, Honor, Country

By way of preface, I just visited a website and read General MacArthur's 1962 address, (posted May 26, 2008). I have heard some of this address before, but today I read it all for the first time. I posted the following comment in response (in Canadian English, of course), but thought I would also post it in my blog. Oh, and for those who are concerned for political correctness, my use of "he" and "mankind" is non-gender-specific. (Historically speaking however, it is usually men who cause the most trouble anyway. Aside from the obvious problems of wage disparity and sexual discrimination, I feel that for most women to be equal with men would require them to take a step down. I don't really know how often any given woman wishes she could be more like a man, or at least have his same opportunities, but in my case, when it comes to strength of character, I am often amazed at the good examples most women set. I look at my wife, and often wish I could achieve the same degree of goodness in my life as she does in hers. She makes it look easy - and I don't think it ever is for me. OK, OK enough philosophy! Sorry! This post is supposed to be "drips of ink from my mind", not an overturn of the inkwell!)


Thank you for posting "Duty, Honor, Country". I have long admired General MacArthur and it felt rather nostalgic to read his address. General MacArthur was eloquent and insightful and a man who loved his country. As I consider those who have purchased freedom with their precious blood, I deeply appreciate their sacrifices. Recently, I have been reminded and your post has reminded me again today, that a single individual can do much good if they try. Of course, the opposite is also true - a single individual can do much harm if he chooses. Ours seems to be the task to choose what we will be, whom we will influence and whether the force of our lives will exert good or ill on the rest of mankind. And I don't believe that we have to be on the front line of war to do our work. Perhaps the toughest front line we face is within our own hearts? Do we fulfil our duty to both man and God? Do we honour the noble things of life? Do we honour the sacrifices of those who pioneered our present ease? Do we protect our country from moral erosion as well as physical bondage? I, for one, struggle to do these things. Today, I suppose it is good to be reminded that others have struggled too - and because many have succeeded, perhaps we can too. Perhaps I can…

Stolen Artwork of Bill Reid

It is with great sadness that I compose this post. Unfortunately, sad things happen and while sometimes we can do something about them, there are other times when we can only watch in helpless horror.
This past Friday night or early Saturday morning (May 23/24), eleven pieces of art, created by the skilled hands of Haida artist, Bill Reid, were stolen from the museum at the University of British Columbia. In my opinion, Bill Reid was one of the greatest west coast artists of all time, and his works are priceless! As the years of my life have passed and my own interpretation of west coast art has been expressed, the work of Bill Reid has continued to inspire me. In fact, in my home, I proudly display three pieces of Bill Reid art. How tragic that the legacy he left has been stained by greed! Perhpas the pieces will be recovered without incurring any damage.

Kadie & Miya – Flower Girls at Joe & Heather's Wedding

It’s not every day that you get to go to a wedding, and an even rarer event when it’s a family member. On May 10th my niece, Heather, tied the knot and it was my pleasure to photograph her and her husband Joe – as well as the rest of the wedding party. Of course, that included the flower girls, Kadie and Miya. All the pictures tired us all out, but lets face it, looking beautiful in front of a host of cameras is hard work! (Just look at the covers of tabloids for unflattering photos of exhausted celebs.) The endless grins and poses, the flashing lights and crowds of spectators – they all took their toll – especially on the young!
Now the bride and groom were tough and smiled for each and every photo, but not Kadie and Miya. They made me laugh though. What Miya had in shyness, Kadie had in exuberance! But the flower girls, sisters as well as nieces to the groom, began to fade as time wore on. I was actually surprised that neither of them curled up on their mother’s lap for a snooze! When the flashes were finally finished blinking, the food eaten and the well-wishes extended, Kadie and Miya were still going strong, but as the still smiling bride and groom made their getaway, a serious nap was well on its way to overtake us all! I expect it caught the young first!


PS. The wedding was May 10th. I've been trying to get this post finished for a while now, but what can I say? My life's a whirlwind! For the photo of Heather & Joe, I used photoshop to turn it into a watercolour. The original looked good too, and I think they make a sweet couple - in any medium. May you live happily ever after Heather & Joe!
Oh, & Kadie & Miya; you were awesome flower girls!
And to all who attended the wedding - thank you for making it a great day!
Finally, thanks to all those who didn't get to enjoy the wedding first hand. I'm glad you stopped by for a visit to my blog anyway.

Lighthouse Slide Show 1983

Hi again fellow Internet travellers. A big welcome to all the new readers from the countries of Finland, Islamic Republic Of Iran, Lithuania, Mexico, Monaco, Scotland, Switzerland, as well as readers from three more Provinces of Canada and eight more States in the US. Thank you all for your interest!! In my April 6th post I mentioned some slides that my mother created in 1983. I just got them back from the lab and am anxious to share them with you all. Here is the first one: This first one and all the rest can be viewed by going to My Slide Show Links (in the sidebar) and clicking on Pointer Island Lighthouse - Early 1983. Enjoy!!!!

Raven' For The Birds

On Friday, April 11, 2008 I witnessed a scene that I never expected to see in two lifetimes! The day began in an ordinary way – I arose wickedly early and headed to pick up a load of Urea fertilizer in Medicine Hat, Alberta. I arrived there at 6am and had no line-up to endure. By 11am, I rolled into Camrose, Alberta (near the capital of Edmonton) and met Ron. As I was unloading, he mentioned that a raven had nested at the top to the elevator platform and that I was welcome to climb up for a gander. He pointed it out and I spotted the nest. It must have been at least a hundred feet up!

Having had adventure in my blood since before I can remember, I strapped on my camera and located the ladder. “Watch out for the mother!” Ron said as I began. “She has about a four inch beak and is quite protective!” I nodded, but never slowed. About two thirds of the way up the complex of ladders I was feeling the burn. Sitting in my semi for the previous 4 ¼ hours hadn’t helped my aerobic capacity any! I pushed onward, upward until suddenly, a chilling cry sounded overhead.

A huge raven launched herself out of the nest. She was polished ebony against the deep blue sky; so perfectly preened that she appeared to be an animated argillite carving. I felt an unbidden chill shoot through me. She had a wingspan of at least 40 inches and an intimidating black beak glinting in the brilliant sunshine. As the giant bird hung in the warm air the burnished beak parted to expel a threatening cry. It was not a cry of fear, but of anger. I glanced happily at the cage behind me, put there to protect the climber from falling off the exposed ladder. I had no fear of falling, but the steel strapping was protecting me from a worse fate.

I peered upward at the massive nest. It was at least thirty inches across and constructed of sticks as thick as my fingers. I had barely focussed on it when a second raven swooped towards me; screaming wildly. My wide eyes darted from bird to bird. Still, I held my position within the ladder cage. The pair of angry fowl circled and wheeled. They perched for fleeting moments on bits of steel out-rigging before taking to the air again. “Ron never warned me about a second bird” I thought as their screeches and screams shattered the silence. I watched a moment and then pulled out my camera. At least for the moment I was safe.

I snapped several shots of the magnificent birds. Then, with my wits on edge, I began to climb the last ladder below the nest. The cries increased, but I was so close. Upward I moved, slowly but surely. Finally, the top of my head came level with the massive nest. It was a work of art! I stared in awe! I listened, but between the angry cries, I could hear nothing to betray the sounds of hatchlings. Perhaps there were just eggs inside? I glanced apprehensively at the distraught parents. They were above me, and seemed to be maintaining the same distance from me as before. I poked my head above the protective ladder cage, dying with curiosity to see into the nest. Without the cage for comfort, I feared. My legs stopped pushing me upwards, and instead, I raised my camera. Holding it high above my head, I aimed the lens at the nest and carefully squeezed off a shot. Grateful for a digital camera, I examined the photo on the display. It was not a very good shot. The nest was deeper than I had anticipated.

Slowly I pushed up one more rung. Now my entire heard and shoulders were exposed. Quickly I raised the camera again. The shutter fired and I hastily descended to the safety of the cage to inspect the shot. It was perfect! Lying on the bottom of the giant, feather-lined nest were four pink baby ravens and two unhatched eggs. I stared in awe at the sight. I never expected the hatchlings to be so pink!
I tore my eyes away from the photograph; my attention returning to the anxious parents of the little miracles. I could not in good conscience climb up for a second look. Reluctantly, I began my decent. Perhaps I shouldn’t have disturbed them at all, but I was glad I had. And if I hadn’t brought my camera, perhaps I wouldn’t even have gotten a look into that wondrous nest.

PS: I later learned that the Corvus corax, or common raven, is also known in French as, Grand corbeau, and in Spanish as, Cuervo grande. My Internet searches for newborn ravens turned up nothing, making these photos a very special rarity to rave about!

Poetry Games

A couple of weeks ago, a friend, Cam, invited my wife and I to a party - a party featuring a lot of music. We agreed, but my schedule wouldn't allow any musical preparation. Cam suggested that I write a poem instead. A cool idea, so I did. In fact, I wrote two - dedicated to Cam and his wife, Judy: (As always, you may only copy these poems for non-commercial fun - unless you obtain written permission from me, Davis L. Bigelow.)

The Limerick of Cam

There once was a man name of Cam,
Who was filled with a whole ton of spam.
Cam asked marriage of Judy,
Who felt none to prudy,
And ran off with the man and his spam!

By Davis L. Bigelow

April 7, 2008

Once I got warmed up, I wrote this one:

Ode to Cam & Judy

Here’s a poem for you,
Mister Cam Lamoureux.
And it’s not just for you,
But your wife, Judy, too!

It’s a quick-witted rhyme,
Prompting laughter like chime.
It’s not rude, lewd or crude,
But not pretty - like Jude.

Cam’s the king of his house.
Though he’s short – like a mouse.
If it weren’t for his bride,
He’d be doomed to his pride.

With the name Lamoureux,
Cam can’t help but be true.
And when she yells, “Hey you!”
He’s a wild kangaroo!

Leaping right to her side,
Taking life in its stride.
Cuz its all about love;
Both for now and above.

So Cam still courts his Judy.
She’s forever his beauty.
And Jude’s love through and through,
Is for Cam Lamoureux.

By Davis L. Bigelow
April 8, 2008

Mighty Keystrokes, Pastel Paint and Soft Wood

Hi everyone!! A big welcome to all my visitors, especially the new ones from Cote D'ivoire (Ivory Cost - Africa), Argentina, Romania and Sweden. It has been a long time since I posted, but I’m still here. I hope you are all doing well and enjoying my blog. My editing is coming along and I’m over half way to the end of 3 Seconds On, 3 Seconds Off – Volume I. The Copy Editor’s suggested changes are often unexpected and even though I agree with the vast majority of them, a few seem to jump out and demand careful consideration. All in all, I’m having a great time reading through the manuscript and tossing my two cents worth in here and there. Once I am done, my publisher will do a final read-through. If he likes it all, then the manuscript goes to final layout for printing! Yes!!
My website is also progressing, but I’m still not sure of when it will come on line. (No pun intended.) Writing On Stone Press just asked for a list of page ideas for the site. I created the list and sent it off this past week.
My picture editing is still ongoing. I happily found a set of ten medium format slides (film about 3x bigger than ordinary 35 mm film). My mother created the collection in 1983 – all looking at Pointer Island Light, from various spots along the shores of Hunter Island. By the look of structural development of the lighthouse, the pictures were taken over a year after I left and just before Mom & Dad retired. The images are perfectly exposed and preserved! I’m trying to get them digitized so I can show them to you. Unfortunately, I don’t have the equipment to process them myself, or you’d already be enjoying them.
In addition to my book work, and, of course, my job, my wife, Diana, and I are repainting one of our bathrooms. The room is small, but there are numerous angles and tiny alcoves to dab paint on. To further complicate the project we have employed two shades of blue – one very light and the other a touch darker. The effect is beautiful, and we are nearly finished. I can’t believe how much masking tape was used! This is the first time we have painted this room since we moved here nearly 20 years ago! I think it’s due!
My carving is also progressing. I created, laid out and traced the design onto the wood. Then, I swallowed hard and put blade to wood on my grand son’s birthday sign. So far, it is going well. I’m trying not to rush, and so far, my pace seems to have saved me from any slips. I like the way the project is going. It is so magical to be able to transform an ordinary, plain piece of wood into a work of art! And I haven’t even cut myself – yet!

My Virtual Visit To Sweden

Hi everyone,
I just returned from a fifteen minute visit to Sweden, courtesy of Anita. I thought some of you might like to visit too. Her pictures are great. (To view some of them, you use the space bar and arrow keys.) Enjoy...

As for my book, I got very good news. When I returned my changes from the first edit, the editor liked them all and forwarded the manuscript to the copy editor. The manuscript just came back for the second time - this time it is formatted to publish. Awesome! I am now going through it for perhaps the last time!!!! Yes!!! Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not excited - ecstatic, thrilled and electrified perhaps, but not excited.

I'll keep you posted, but right now I am on page 65 of about 500. (The font size may change, but right now, the book is huge in its 6x8 inch format.) I've also been working on front cover designs and finalizing my photos and photo captions for this first volume. Thank you for your interest. I appreciate your many visits. I'll put editing progress updates in the side bar.

Answers to "Semi" Poll Questions

Thank you to those who took the poll as well as to those who just had a look but refrained from indicating their opinions. I hope you all enjoyed it nonetheless. Here are the answers.

From 110KPH/68MPH, on level ground, when I prepare to stop my loaded Super B Grain Truck, I let off the fuel: 2000 M before a stop sign

From 68MPH / 110KPH, a loaded Super B Grain Truck and its 2 Trailers, on level ground, can coast: 3000 M before rolling to a stop

A Super B Grain Truck & its 2 Trailers have: 30 tires

In Alberta, Canada, a legally loaded Super B Grain Truck & its 2 Trailers weigh: As much as 40 mini-vans

A Handful Of Stars Came Down

A lone spotlight burst upon the stage, revealing a shiny stand that held a unique looking microphone. Instantly, a profound hush settled over the sold out seats of the auditorium. Hundred of bodies silently breathed in expectation. There were so many people sitting around me, yet I could have heard a pin drop. An unfamiliar figure strode out of the darkness and up to the illuminated microphone. He began to speak. The sound was clear, but my eyes were still adjusting to the light. The familiar radio voice, I knew so well, reached out to me and I smiled with a mixture of surprise and delight. No preamble, no introductory act to warm up the audience, the tall, slender figure was the man I had come to see. He was live and in person and I had a forth row centre seat! Sound filled the theatre as he spoke, “Hello everyone,” the grey-harried man greeted, “I’m Stuart McLean and this is the Vinyl Café.” The first of countless cheers spontaneously thundered into life, filling the confines of the curved theatre with approval. The show had begun!

For over two hours, Stuart entertained us. He read three Dave & Morley stories, two of them brand new. I especially enjoyed his tale about the lottery ticket. In the story, an old man claimed to have a million dollar lottery ticket, yet he finally died without ever having scratched it to be sure. During the ten years the aged man had owned the ticket, he often asked his visitors what they would do with a million dollars. To his last breath, the old grandfather claimed that having a dream was more important that the money he would win, but he insisted that the unscratched ticket was a winner. The tale made me think – and those who know me, even a little, know that I like that sort of thing.

Intermingled with the wonderful stories, Stuart also presented a mini concert. Original and unique musical numbers were performed by Sheila & Amanda of the group called Dala, as well as a soloist, Danny Michel. The delightful musical score was rounded out by a brilliant piano piece performed by John Sheard. All in all, the evening was wonderfully refreshing. Following the grand events, I was privileged to meet all the performers. Greetings were exchanged and autographs obtained. Are we having fun yet? Oh yeah! I smiled all the way home!

Walking On Water

Hey everyone,
On March 1, 2008, Decon and I took our daughters, Tara and Amberle, as well as friends, Greg and Adam, on another snowshoeing adventure. This time, we went to Chinook Lake in the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. The day was perfect! This was Decon's and my third snowshoe trip (I haven't posted photos for the second one yet, but plan to.) Our group of six ended up tramping out about a 6 KM trail (about 4 miles) and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. At the far west end of the lake, after we all walked on water (OK, it was frozen but it was actual water), we boiled up some savory, sweet, hot chocolate. The snow was beginning to get soft, and this trip looked to be the last for this season. However, there is always next year. It was totally awesome!!! Here's the slide show.

Poems, Knives & Soft Wood

Hi everyone,

Sorry I have not posted for so long. (Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated.) I have been my usual busy self, but I have occupied my spare time in pursuit of art. In the month of February, besides writing a cool poem called, "Feeling Froggy" for a local party, I have already completed two more pieces of my West Coast Art - and have loved every minute of the creation process. (I'll post the art soon.) Something that has been swirling through my "want to do" list is wood carving, and as of Feb 23, I tried it. In bygone years I have taken out my pocket knife and whittled, but prior to the day before yesterday, I have never tried any actual carving. I must tell you that the procedure is awesome!!! I want to push my style of West Coast Art to the next level and use wood as well as paper. The whole thing went something like this:

Early Saturday morning, while the house was quiet, I rummaged through some old things and laid my hands on a couple of ancient woodworking tools (that I had no idea what to do with). I located my x-acto knife and then procured a small chunk of scrap 3/4 inch thick cedar from my garage. Taking a deep breath, I drew a simple design with a pencil and began to cut. As the seconds passed, and the x-acto knife sliced along my pencil lines, I took courage. It actually looked pretty good! One of the old tools was a miniature version of a chisel and it effectively worked to clean out areas between the lines. In under an hour, I had a finished design!

A mid-day trip to the local House of Tools found me the proud owner of a new tool, and before I retired for the night, I had carved a second design in a scrap piece of 3/4 inch poplar! Are we having fun yet? Oh yeah!!

PS. I also put a set of multiple choice questions along the right edge. Don't forget to vote!

An Awesome Sailboat Adventure - In Progress!!!

Several years ago, Glenn Wakefield had a dream. He wanted to circumnavigate the planet earth in a small sailboat - alone! His dream would set him on a steady course to set a world record - well at least it is in progress. (But I think He will do it!)
According to Glenn, "The record I wish to set is to be the first person from North America to sail single-handed nonstop, west about, for which there is no speed record."
Any of you who read my blog and enjoy adventure, will want to check out Glenn's website. He is just about half way around the globe and I expect that he will complete his epic journey as planned. Glenn plans to arrive back at his home port of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada in July 2008. Go Glenn!!!

Remembering President Gordon B. Hinckley

Virginia H. Pierce, daughter of Gordon B. Hinckley, made this sweet comment at his February 2nd funeral: (The first few minutes of the funeral service is music, and the entire broadcast is about 90 minutes in length. You can also visit the church's website for more info - ie. press releases, about the church, etc.)

Virginia H. Pierce said this about those who worked closely with her father: "There is nothing so touching to the human soul as to see men and women of great power extend private, thoughtful and quiet kindness."

In my life, President Gordon B. Hinckley has been a profound influence, leading me by example as well as inspiring me with the spoken word to try to stand a little taller and be a little kinder. While I have sometimes forgotten his wise council, I have also sometimes succeeded in practicing it. My small successes continue to give me hope.

Several years ago, when President Hinckley last visited our area, he took a few moments of his precious time to shake the hands of my son and a few of my son's friends. Over the years, I have observed Pres. Hinckley and greatly appreciate that kindness to my son as well as his many other influences on my life and the lives of my wife and children. I knew Gordon B. Hinckley as Prophet of God - a man to listen to and a man to believe. I will greatly miss him. In my own life, I wish I was half the man he was, yet because of his stellar example, I have hope to do better. I think that if I stand a little taller and be a little kinder, for a long enough period of time, perhaps I will get there too. Here's hoping! Now its time to go to work - one step at a time.

Snowshoeing Up A Storm

High Tech versus Traditional is what it all came down to on Saturday, January 20th, 2008. That morning, my friend Decon & I headed for Waterton National Park. The town of Waterton, nearly abandoned for the winter months, proffered an ample supply of the white stuff to tromp in. In fact, the place where I wanted to park my car was covered by about two feet of snow! I parked along the road.

The day was not very cold, perhaps –5 Celsius (23 F). We chose the trail leading to Bertha Falls and strapped on our snowshoes.

Under foot, the thick blanket was powder and perfect. The day was dim from thick cloud cover, but not a breath of the area’s usual wind rustled the tenacious evergreens or kissed the barren bark of the hardy deciduous trees and bushes. The place was hauntingly gorgeous.

We plodded purposefully up the trail. It had been ages since either of us had created such giant footprints. I wore my old wood and rawhide snowshoes and Decon wore his new, high tech Christmas presents. After some unsteady minutes, I finally got my snow-legs and progress began to be rapid. Well, at least for a few strides.

Without warning, my left leather binding gave way. The binding was old, but I had come prepared. In seconds, I produced an old leather bootlace from my pack and had it looped and knotted in place. It was as good as new!

Decon & I moved foreword again, stopping here and there to catch our breath and to take some beautiful photographs. Without the slightest breeze, the place was like an expansive tomb, complete with a thick layer of white sound silencer and a huge frozen lake protected by mighty, snow-capped mountains. To call the wondrous scene ‘peace giving’ was an understatement!

Things went well for a while, but soon, a strap on the outside of my left toe tore free. Argh! I dug into my camera bag and produced two short lengths of nylon twine. They were just long enough to make the repair. Off we tromped again.

Tranquil vistas followed by serene, soothing scenes, burst upon us. Tiny mounds of pure white snow adorned the evergreen bows along the trail, perched like sculpted puffs of albino cotton candy on the green. Towering above us, the steep mountain slopes were spread with a thick layer of conifers dusted in icing sugar. On we strode in awe!

All of a sudden, we heard voices. The area was well travelled in the summer time, but in the dead of winter, we thought we were alone. Two girls, ladies actually, emerged from the trees along the trail ahead. Decon and & I moved off the path to let them pass, visiting briefly with them for the duration of our unexpected encounter. We were on our way to visit Bertha Falls, and one young lady told us that the picturesque waterfall had been named after her Great Aunt. Wow! What were the odds of meeting such a person in such a remote location?

Decon and I moved upwards while the girls headed down. How cool would that be to have something so notable and beautiful named after a member of your own kin? A sweet family treasure to be sure!

As we hiked along, the alpine chill seemed to settle upon us. The visibility gently shrank and tiny snowflakes began to sprinkle down. I had packed my stove and my thoughts lingered on the hot soup I would soon be sipping in the snow.

Finally, we reached the frozen waterfall. It was so snow-covered as to be unrecognizable as a falls, but both Decon and I remembered a hot summer’s day when we had enjoyed its splendour with some of our children. Just below the falls, a stout wooden bridge spanned the silent stream. Its deck and railings were filled to overflowing with piled snow. It looked like a whipped cream display gone wrong!

I dug out my fuel bottle and hooked up the stove. It lit without a hitch. Next, out came the soup and I returned my chilled fingers for the pot. “Oh no!” In my haste to get out my door, I had left the pot sitting on the kitchen table! Lingering anticipations of salty soup silencing my shivers slipped away in a split second. Decon just took the disappointment in stride. “Did you bring anything else to eat?” He calmly queried. I had, and we both munched cold sandwiches as we took turns warming our fingers and palms over the radiating stove. After a few minutes I laughed about the whole thing.

Without the warmth of hot soup in my belly, I set up my camera and tiny tripod on one of my snowshoes and we immortalized our frozen selves. The snow was heavy now, and the camera’s flash highlighted every flake between the lens and our chilled bodies. Streaking flakes obscured our images a little. The day was waning, so I quickly gathered up my strewn belongings: the stove, fuel bottle, the plate to set the absent pot on, the thick, flexible foil (that protected the intense flame), and my tripod and camera. By the time I had everything stowed, my fingers were beyond numb. The temperature was plummeting, and the weather was definitely changing for the worse.

In silent concentration Decon and I retraced our giant steps. We’ve hiked together more times than I can remember, and it seemed we both felt the gravity of the impending weather crisis. On we trod, hurrying, but not panicked. Suddenly I lost my footing and down I went.
An inspection of my snowshoes revealed that my old, reliable leather bootlace had broken in several places. With the trailhead more than two kilometres away, I was out of rope tricks. Fortunately, Decon had some rope in his pack. We quickly cut a chunk and I fastened it where the spent lace had just been. Off we went – again.

The visibility dropped to about two hundred feet, making the panoramic view of the lake feel like we were standing in a large room with drab, windowless walls. It was just the trail, a few visible trees and us under a sky full of fluffy snowflakes. When we reached the place where the trail widened and Decon and I had plodded side by side on the way to the waterfall, I stopped for one final photo op. Cold fingers or not, the fish-shaped tracks in the virgin snow just looked too good to pass up!

With about a kilometre between us and our destination, I absentmindedly glanced down at my feet. “Not again?” The rope that had replaced the worn leather lace had nearly cut its way through the leather that held my toe. The whole binding appeared to have just a few more steps before total breakdown. I stopped and dejectedly unstrapped my oversized paws. It was no longer a snowshoeing trip for me.

Like walking on a vast waterbed, I slogged into step behind my friend. The trail was already packed down several inches by several sets of snowshoes, but I still had trouble. Every few steps, without warning, one of my booted feet would sink into oblivion. I tried to keep up with Decon, but slowly but surely, he pulled away. With my shiny wood and golden woven rawhide across my shoulders, I pushed on.

For fifteen long minutes I slipped and slid, constantly fighting for balance. Up the hills and down the slopes the trail twisted and turned. Finally, the car came into view.

It was covered in at least two inches of fresh snow! Unreal! I got the doors open, brushed it off and dumped my pack and snowshoes into the trunk. We paused for one final photo. Decon stood beside the “Bertha Falls” sign while I snapped.

With that, the adventure concluded, and as always, not everything went as planned. Funny how adventures and life can be so similar. Oh, did I say that the adventure was over? Well, only almost!

Our retreat from the newly whitened mountains was slow. I drive a double trailer, 82-foot monstrosity for a living, so a car usually seems pretty easy. However, not everyone I caught up to shared my feelings. As we overtook civilization, the two-lane road became more and more thick with traffic. Soon, I gave up trying to pass people. I was overwhelmingly outnumbered.
Now ordinarily, returning late from a jaunt in the mountains was perfectly fine. In fact, it happened most of the time. However, all the slower going created a problem. I was supposed to use the car, which was really my wife’s car, to pick her up from work at 7pm. I had dropped her off there at 7am and should have easily been back when she finished at 7pm. Well, I tried, but in the end, it was 7:45 before I rolled, or rather slid, into her view. Diana wore an “I told you so” expression, but successfully kept it under raps; masking it with a relived smile. On the way home, she had to hear the saga. Diana eagerly listens to my narrations and descriptions, but is secretly glad that it is usually only one of us that experiences them.

(For more photos, check out the slideshow. Other slide show links are now in the side bar too.)

More Photos

Hi everyone. I'm not feeling very well today, and have missed most of my day's work sleeping. It happens. One of my readers asked me to post more pictures, and I listened. Pictures truly are the universal language, and I hope those who read my blog - English speaking and not, will enjoy them. So... here are a few more of Pointer Island Lightstation.

These were all taken in the summer of 1975 by one of my younger sisters, Amy. This first one is looking South-Southeast from the helicopter pad. This next one is also from the helicopter pad, but my sister moved about thirty feet to the right.These last two shots are taken from around the corner of the big house at the end of the helicopter ramp and landing (in the centre of the above photo). The two photos, below, are mirror images of each other. The railing, in the left foreground of the bottom shot, is the same railing in the bottom-centre of the top shot (where the white gate is standing open). Also, in both photos, you can see the garden netting over my Mother's garden boxes.

What Is Going On With My Writing Projects?

Today, Autumn Ables asked some good questions. It appears that I have created a little confusion. Sorry. I will endeavour to explain what on earth I am doing with my writing projects.

The fiction novel I began for nanowrimo 2007 is called "In Ravenscrag's Shadow". It is an adventure novel and is only partially written, but I have a completed outline for the entire book. I completed its conception, invention and nearly 15,000 words in the month of November. (I was trying for 50,000 words but needed sleep.) Once November came to an end, so did my work on that fiction piece. My publisher is aware of the 15,000 words, but my publisher has never published a work of fiction. (ie. I'd probably need a different publisher.) I have plans to publish "In Ravenscrag's Shadow", but "plans" are all I have at this point. I may publish the book a chapter at a time on my website (when it is up and running). It was extreme fun to write the first part of this fiction novel, and I will definitely finish it. I may wait until nanowrimo 2008 before trying to reach the 50,000 word goal, but if I get time, I will complete it sooner.

Presently, I am on page 187 of 261 pages in Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off – Volume I. My editor has returned the manuscript with her recommended changes and I am reviewing them - making further changes where I think they are needed, but mostly just going with her recommendations. I hope to have the entire book completed within the next two weeks. After that, the manuscript goes back to the editor so she can review my changes. I think that she reviews it again and either accepts my revisions or makes new ones. Then the manuscript comes back to me to review a second time - and so on until we both agree on everything. Then the book goes to an editor who checks for grammar and spelling. Then, if I understand it right, the manuscript goes to the printer. At this point in time, I do not have a tentative publication date, but it is anticipated to occur in the neighbourhood of March 2008. My publisher is anxious to complete the project, but is more anxious that it is done right. I feel the same way.

My full time job demands a lot of me, and I have to sleep some of the time too. (I drive a double trailer semi, hauling grain so that cows can eat and do what they do.) However, I make good use of any down time I have by pulling out my laptop or a notepad. I was able to get through over 30 pages of editing today while I waited to unload, load and get a tire repaired. (So far this year, my semi has run for nearly 50 hours - and I took the 1st off.) It is a challenge to get writing things done, but a challenge I usually enjoy - its always an adventure.

I hope I have clarified a little. Thank you all for your interest. I will keep you posted (no pun intended) on my progress, but please feel free to ask about anything that you're not sure about. Talk to you soon!

Serious Editing In Progress

Hi again, it has been much too long since I last greeted you all.

On December 18, 2007 I received my edited manuscript back from my editor - all 250 odd pages of it. At first I felt overwhelmed! Next, I went to work, checking the highlighted recommendations and adding or subtracting anything I felt necessary. My editor asked me to consider striking five of the weaker stories from the book, and at first, that distressed me greatly! Cut up my baby? Well, after stewing for days about the idea, I still could not decide what to do. I wanted to keep them all, but felt great respect for this unexpected opinion. After all, my editor wasn't born yesterday! Finally, I had an idea that proved to be the linchpin. I sat quietly and read over my Table of Contents, trying to feel each story in sequential order. As I progressed from one title to the next, feeling the changing moods of the entire volume in just a few seconds, I was surprised to find myself agreeing with the editor. Soooo! In Volume I, I will be cutting the five recommended stories - sorry. If this first edition does well on the book shelves of the world, I have the option of inserting those five stories in the second edition or adding them to Volume II or III.

And speaking of Volumes 2 & 3, on Dec 11th, I got an idea for a fourth volume. When I began leaving the lighthouse to attend high school (in various places), I had many experiences while attempting to integrate my socially backward self into society. Living in isolation created a social-misfit-default-setting that I have spent decades trying to re-write. I thought there may be some public interest in this struggle, but for sure I will eventually write these stories for my family - whether I publish them or not. My concepts for volumes 1-3 are all limited to lighthouse events.

To date, I have edited Volume I up to page 130. The work is fun, enlightening and emotionally charged. I often wonder how a stranger will feel when they read a chapter that pushes unbidden tears into my eyes. I hope that all my readers will feel as I felt at the time of the described events. It was such a pleasure for me to create this book, and I hope it is enjoyed by a great many people. Thank you for your interest. I sincerely appreciate it!

The last 500 visitors to my blog are from all over the world - have a look. Totally awesome!! Thank you all for dropping by for a visit. If you enjoy my blog, please tell your friends and family - because there is much more to come!!!

Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Germany, India, Italy, Jamaica, Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines. Poland, Singapore, Spain

Australia: Queensland, New South Wales

Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia

United Kingdom: England, Isle of Man

United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington D.C., Wisconsin

CHRISTMAS, FAMILY, WORK AND EDITING!!!!

It has been awhile since my husband has had any free minutes to post so i thought i would do the honors. Our Christmas was wonderful. We missed our oldest daughter and her family but were able to have all the other children here to celebrate. We spent time together just talking, laughing, singing and of course eating. This time of the year is the time that both my husband and i feel the closest to your Saviour. We tried our best to reach out to others and share the joy of His birth though deeds and song. We both love to sing and were able to do so in our Church service and also at two Senior's homes. In between all this was work for both of us. I work full time with a 12 hour shift in a Senior home and of course Davis just works hours and hours driving. Just a couple weeks before Christmas, Davis received his manuscript back from the editor and he has been pouring over it every free second he has. So everyone can see between Christmas, Family, Work and Editing there was no time to post. Now i have to get back to taking down and putting away all my decorations and once again try to keep the Christmas Spirit in my heart all year long, without the beautiful reminders i have enjoyed all month. Happy New Year From The Writer's Wife.