This morning I found a fun place to start my day. I visited Deirdra Eden Coppel's blog and found a very cool widget! I followed the link to a program that analyses a person's writing style: http://iwl.me/
Rather curious about comparing my own writing style to the styles of others, I posted a small sample of my new novel, "Treasure of El Grado Escaso" and the analysis said that:
I then posted a much bigger sample of the "in progress" novel and it still said that I write like Ernest Hemingway.
I next posted several excerpts from my yet unpublished book, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off" (about my growing up on a lighthouse on the west coast of Canada) for analysis and it said: .
For my third and final post, I uploaded some of my novel, "In Ravenscrag's Shadow" and it said:
I'm most definitely flattered!
Showing posts with label 3 Seconds - Volume 1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 3 Seconds - Volume 1. Show all posts
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Monday, January 18, 2010
Wanted: A New Publisher
It’s official. “Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off” is no longer being published by Writing On Stone Press. I am now seeking a new publisher.
In the summer of 2008, Writing On Stone Press changed ownership. The original owner, the one who signed me on as an author, shared my vision of publishing a collection of autobiographical, historically accurate tales detailing the life of an obscure boy growing up on a lighthouse on the west coast of Canada from 1960 until 1982. The obscure boy was me and the lighthouse life I lead was isolated. Because of my unusual growing-up environment, I found unexpected adventure, meaning and growth. Now, twenty-eight years since I set foot on Pointer Island Lightstation, I want to share snapshots of my amazing life with others. I want to impart some of my grand lighthouse adventures to you, the interested reader.
From the time the new owner of Writing On Stone Press took over in 2008, she never seemed to be able to catch the vision of my book – it being drastically different from the type of books being generally published by the press. I pushed hard for commitments. I pushed hard to get “Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off” published prior to the 2010 Olympics (to be held in Vancouver, B.C., Canada), but in the end, I failed to achieve my goals. While those who have reviewed my manuscript tell me that it is wonderfully descriptive, and rich with feeling, this new owner of the press insisted that my manuscript was too long, too detailed and too unique. (I guess that means she won’t buy a copy when it is finally published.)
All was not lost however. My relationship with Writing On Stone Press did benefit my writing skills. It did expose me to the scrutiny of editors. It did motivate me to be a better writer. I tried harder to see my book through the eyes of my potential readers. The frustrations motivated me to define the purpose of my book. I found myself rallying around the real reason I began to write in the first place – because I wanted to give to society in a positive way. I now feel very strongly that good stories should not be kept to one’s self. Good stories are meant to be shared. Powerful forces shaped my obscure life on Pointer Island and my book is an attempt to give others an unobscured vision of my struggles, my failures and my triumphs. I have no doubt that I will find a great publisher out there who shares my vision, for “Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off”, but until then, I think I’ll just keep on writing.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Summer Break???
Hey everyone,
Just a note to let you all know that I am yet alive and well - just extremely busy adventuring, etc...
Since I last posted, I've been on a backpacking trip, kayaked down a river - twice, been Tiger Hunting in the Hoodoos, photographed some exotic places, read an amazing adventure story (which I will be reviewing in my next post), been camping, sat around several fires, carved a little, played with my grandchildren
, visited with my daughters and son, been sailing, photographed two weddings, got published in the book "Famous Family Nights" by Anne Bradshaw, worked on my own book, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off", partnered with a gifted artist (to complete the artistic touches on two of my children's stories), made new friends, been in contact with old ones, attended the Calgary Stampede, created a brand new business card, hiked to Goat Lake, dealt with a sewer backup, worked to pay for it all, and generally had a great time so far this summer. (The sewer backup, however, didn't make the "great time" list!)
As for my book, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off", it is a little closer to print, but my publisher was unhappy with a few things and I am currently going through the manuscript
for time #7. I hope to be done and see the book in print for Christmas, but still no commitments as yet.
I would like to post more frequently and will try harder to do so. I have many photos and adventures to share, so please stay tuned. Thanks for stopping by. I hope your summers are all going great too!!!
Just a note to let you all know that I am yet alive and well - just extremely busy adventuring, etc...
Since I last posted, I've been on a backpacking trip, kayaked down a river - twice, been Tiger Hunting in the Hoodoos, photographed some exotic places, read an amazing adventure story (which I will be reviewing in my next post), been camping, sat around several fires, carved a little, played with my grandchildren
, visited with my daughters and son, been sailing, photographed two weddings, got published in the book "Famous Family Nights" by Anne Bradshaw, worked on my own book, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off", partnered with a gifted artist (to complete the artistic touches on two of my children's stories), made new friends, been in contact with old ones, attended the Calgary Stampede, created a brand new business card, hiked to Goat Lake, dealt with a sewer backup, worked to pay for it all, and generally had a great time so far this summer. (The sewer backup, however, didn't make the "great time" list!)As for my book, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off", it is a little closer to print, but my publisher was unhappy with a few things and I am currently going through the manuscript
for time #7. I hope to be done and see the book in print for Christmas, but still no commitments as yet.I would like to post more frequently and will try harder to do so. I have many photos and adventures to share, so please stay tuned. Thanks for stopping by. I hope your summers are all going great too!!!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A New Year of Possibilities
Hi everyone,
I hope the Christmas and New Years celebrations were great for you all!! Mine were wonderful! I did a great many things in 2008, and here is my lengthy account of the highlights:
During the summer, Diana and I were privileged to join in a family reunion, held in Kelowna, B.C. We had a stellar time! Games, stories, late night visits, photo opps, kayaking and more gave us cherished memories of loved ones we don’t often see. Our next reunion is planned for 2011.
The year of 2008 saw my manuscript, “3 Seconds On, 3 Seconds Off – Volume I”, go through ten edits in all. Seven of them were by me. Now I am waiting for a final review prior to publication. Volume 2 is already under way.
As the year progressed, I went scuba diving seven times (and got my certification), sailing twice, kayaking three times, rock climbing once, snowshoeing twice and hiking three times. I also began the hobby of low-relief woodcarving. I have one carving project in progress and plan to finish it soon.
As for theatrical events, Diana and I attended “Corteo – Cirque Du Soleil”, “Corb Lund”, “Anne Murray”, and “The Vinyl Café”. All performances were excellent!
In April and May, Diana and I repainted our upstairs bathroom and refinished our oak living room floor. Both rooms look great! With the living room looking good, we bought our very first new couch, love seat & chair set. After making do for 26 years, the new matching leather furniture is definitely appreciated.
On February 2, 2008, we bid farewell to President Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 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. I will miss his wise words.
In May, I was approached by a fellow author and asked to contribute a short story for a book she was trying to assemble about family home evenings. I felt deeply honoured and eagerly accepted the challenge. (Family Home Evening is a program our church advocates. It involves gathering the entire family each Monday night for singing, a spiritually uplifting lesson, fun activities and, of course, a sweet desert.) The upcoming book will be called “Famous Family Nights”. The book has 88 contributors in all, and is expected to be released in the Fall of 2009. I am very excited about this project. The piece I contributed is called, “Six Squirming Children On A Lighthouse”. I'll post more when I know more.
On June 5th, my Mother was trying to work in our garden when she fell, breaking her neck. She was alone, but the Lord was there to help her with a few miracles. Mom got up, supporting her head with her hands, walked out to the street, flagged down a car & rode to the hospital. The break in her neck was described by the specialist as “the worst possible break you can get”! We are grateful her life was spared. Mom spent three months in a halo and is now doing very well. She can even drive around our small town (when snow & ice are not covering the streets). Mom will turn 78 this year.
Diana’s Mother is still battling cancer (Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) & its complications - kidney failure being the most prominent. She also has a defibrillator/pace maker in her chest to help with her Mio-Cardiopathy (heart condition). Late this past spring, Diana spent nearly a month with her parents. They live 1900 miles (3000km) away. I stayed home to work, but the lengthy visit was worth my minor sacrifice. So far, Mom is surviving, but we know that that could change quickly. Diana’s Dad is feeling pretty stressed too. Go figure? From so far away, about all we can do is make phone calls & pray. We do lots of both. Diana’s sister lives an hour away from them, so that helps calm our worries.
From November 1st to the 30th, I participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) I wrote 30,902 additional words on an adventure novel that I began in November 2007. The fiction novel, “In Ravenscrag’s Shadow” now contains 45,540 words. Once I get my real book in circulation, I may publish this tale too.
For Christmas, Diana gave me a book about boat building techniques. "The Boat Builder's Apprentice" was a sweet read, and I conjured and imagined up more dreams than I could achieve in a lifetime. Still, I plan on building something boat-like this year, but my plans are currently caught in a swirling pool of possibility! I think I will first construct a pontoon (an ama for those who know the term) to use along side one of my kayaks. The outrigger will be relatively easy to make and I already have my basic plans drawn up. Once the frozen outdoors warm up a bit, I will commandeer the garage and get to work on the hull. The other boat I am listing towards is a fast, fibreglass kayak. No matter what I decide, I'll post photos of whatever I do.
Before I sign off, I wish you all a wonderful year for 2009. I hope you and yours will embrace happiness and enjoy good health. I hope you will find success in your plans and projects, but most of all, I hope you and I will all be found contributing positive things to our wonderful world!! God bless you all, and thank you for visiting my virtual world.
I hope the Christmas and New Years celebrations were great for you all!! Mine were wonderful! I did a great many things in 2008, and here is my lengthy account of the highlights:
During the summer, Diana and I were privileged to join in a family reunion, held in Kelowna, B.C. We had a stellar time! Games, stories, late night visits, photo opps, kayaking and more gave us cherished memories of loved ones we don’t often see. Our next reunion is planned for 2011.
The year of 2008 saw my manuscript, “3 Seconds On, 3 Seconds Off – Volume I”, go through ten edits in all. Seven of them were by me. Now I am waiting for a final review prior to publication. Volume 2 is already under way.
As the year progressed, I went scuba diving seven times (and got my certification), sailing twice, kayaking three times, rock climbing once, snowshoeing twice and hiking three times. I also began the hobby of low-relief woodcarving. I have one carving project in progress and plan to finish it soon.
As for theatrical events, Diana and I attended “Corteo – Cirque Du Soleil”, “Corb Lund”, “Anne Murray”, and “The Vinyl Café”. All performances were excellent!
In April and May, Diana and I repainted our upstairs bathroom and refinished our oak living room floor. Both rooms look great! With the living room looking good, we bought our very first new couch, love seat & chair set. After making do for 26 years, the new matching leather furniture is definitely appreciated.
On February 2, 2008, we bid farewell to President Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 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. I will miss his wise words.
In May, I was approached by a fellow author and asked to contribute a short story for a book she was trying to assemble about family home evenings. I felt deeply honoured and eagerly accepted the challenge. (Family Home Evening is a program our church advocates. It involves gathering the entire family each Monday night for singing, a spiritually uplifting lesson, fun activities and, of course, a sweet desert.) The upcoming book will be called “Famous Family Nights”. The book has 88 contributors in all, and is expected to be released in the Fall of 2009. I am very excited about this project. The piece I contributed is called, “Six Squirming Children On A Lighthouse”. I'll post more when I know more.
On June 5th, my Mother was trying to work in our garden when she fell, breaking her neck. She was alone, but the Lord was there to help her with a few miracles. Mom got up, supporting her head with her hands, walked out to the street, flagged down a car & rode to the hospital. The break in her neck was described by the specialist as “the worst possible break you can get”! We are grateful her life was spared. Mom spent three months in a halo and is now doing very well. She can even drive around our small town (when snow & ice are not covering the streets). Mom will turn 78 this year.
Diana’s Mother is still battling cancer (Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) & its complications - kidney failure being the most prominent. She also has a defibrillator/pace maker in her chest to help with her Mio-Cardiopathy (heart condition). Late this past spring, Diana spent nearly a month with her parents. They live 1900 miles (3000km) away. I stayed home to work, but the lengthy visit was worth my minor sacrifice. So far, Mom is surviving, but we know that that could change quickly. Diana’s Dad is feeling pretty stressed too. Go figure? From so far away, about all we can do is make phone calls & pray. We do lots of both. Diana’s sister lives an hour away from them, so that helps calm our worries.
From November 1st to the 30th, I participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) I wrote 30,902 additional words on an adventure novel that I began in November 2007. The fiction novel, “In Ravenscrag’s Shadow” now contains 45,540 words. Once I get my real book in circulation, I may publish this tale too.
For Christmas, Diana gave me a book about boat building techniques. "The Boat Builder's Apprentice" was a sweet read, and I conjured and imagined up more dreams than I could achieve in a lifetime. Still, I plan on building something boat-like this year, but my plans are currently caught in a swirling pool of possibility! I think I will first construct a pontoon (an ama for those who know the term) to use along side one of my kayaks. The outrigger will be relatively easy to make and I already have my basic plans drawn up. Once the frozen outdoors warm up a bit, I will commandeer the garage and get to work on the hull. The other boat I am listing towards is a fast, fibreglass kayak. No matter what I decide, I'll post photos of whatever I do.
Before I sign off, I wish you all a wonderful year for 2009. I hope you and yours will embrace happiness and enjoy good health. I hope you will find success in your plans and projects, but most of all, I hope you and I will all be found contributing positive things to our wonderful world!! God bless you all, and thank you for visiting my virtual world.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
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
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 EducationAs 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.
Monday, September 15, 2008
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.
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.
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
Sunday, July 27, 2008
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!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
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!"
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!"
Sunday, April 6, 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!
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!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
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. 
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.
Monday, January 7, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Serious Editing In Progress
Hi again, it has been much too long since I last greeted you all.
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!
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
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
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
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
More Photos
I have been mostly working hard at my full time job, but have squeezed in a bit of photo scanning.The editor, for "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off" has been changed, and while that slows things down a bit, it is also positive. I understand that the new editor is awesome! I still don't have an ETA for publication release , but that will come soon.
So far, my business card is being well received. A warm welcome to all the new visitors!
I thought I'd share a couple of the pictures I have just scanned. The shots are (1)from 1964, probably right
after Christmas, and (2) the fall of 1979. In 1967, my youngest sister joined our family, but in '64, there were just five of us.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Of all things... A lighthouse cartoon!! Cool!!
This past week has found me putting in lots of hours at work. Sorry I haven't got to posting, but finally, here I am. A few days ago, my daughter's boyfriend sent me this link to a lighthouse comic strip. I laughed and laughed. Maybe I found it so funny cuz I have some practical experience with this sort of thing, but maybe you all will enjoy it too.
As for my first fiction novel, "In Ravenscrag's Shadow", I am approaching 10,000 words, but I'm not quite there yet. For the most part, I have written it on my laptop, utilizing tiny blocks of free time in my workday. For those of you who don't know, I drive a double trailer semi, hauling grain around so that cows can eat, get fat, and ... well, you know the rest. I often have to wait for other trucks to empty or to load, and whenever it looks like a few free minutes will present themselves, I grab on with both hands. Since I have so little free time, this technique is also how my first book was written. That book is more appropriately named, however, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off". Some days, I take out my laptop and three seconds is all I get!
Speaking of "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume 1", the editor is still working his magic and I am just waiting (and writing more stuff). I do expect to hear something soon. On a very positive note, my publisher has taken a look at my artwork (I do my own interpretation of west coast native drawings). He liked it very much and wants to include most, if not all of it in Volume 1. It takes me a long time to complete a piece, but I do have a few to choose from. I need to get the 8 1/2 x 11 inch drawings digitized soon. Maybe this weekend - if I don't have to work again.
Later.... and Thanks for dropping in.
As for my first fiction novel, "In Ravenscrag's Shadow", I am approaching 10,000 words, but I'm not quite there yet. For the most part, I have written it on my laptop, utilizing tiny blocks of free time in my workday. For those of you who don't know, I drive a double trailer semi, hauling grain around so that cows can eat, get fat, and ... well, you know the rest. I often have to wait for other trucks to empty or to load, and whenever it looks like a few free minutes will present themselves, I grab on with both hands. Since I have so little free time, this technique is also how my first book was written. That book is more appropriately named, however, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off". Some days, I take out my laptop and three seconds is all I get!
Speaking of "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume 1", the editor is still working his magic and I am just waiting (and writing more stuff). I do expect to hear something soon. On a very positive note, my publisher has taken a look at my artwork (I do my own interpretation of west coast native drawings). He liked it very much and wants to include most, if not all of it in Volume 1. It takes me a long time to complete a piece, but I do have a few to choose from. I need to get the 8 1/2 x 11 inch drawings digitized soon. Maybe this weekend - if I don't have to work again.
Later.... and Thanks for dropping in.
Monday, November 12, 2007
My First Book Review
"The tale of a family that turned isolation into adventure. Bigelow's
writing style draws you into his world, with descriptive and personal
language that has you hearing the laughter and smelling the salt air. A
piece of real, live Canadian history, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds
Off" is enlightening and uplifting story-telling.
Bruce Streibel
Faculty of Fine Arts
University of Lethbridge
Thanks for the literary ride. Cheers!"
writing style draws you into his world, with descriptive and personal
language that has you hearing the laughter and smelling the salt air. A
piece of real, live Canadian history, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds
Off" is enlightening and uplifting story-telling.
Bruce Streibel
Faculty of Fine Arts
University of Lethbridge
Thanks for the literary ride. Cheers!"
Saturday, November 3, 2007
A Warm "Hello"
This past week or so, my blog has crossed a language barrier. I have been visited by a woman in Madrid, Spain who is writing a novel. Her blog is in Spanish, but she left some English comments on my blog entry dated Oct 6, 2007. Her blog is http://desierto1.blogspot.com/, for anyone wanting to visit it. (There is a little English for the uni-lingual.) A few other readers have also visited my blog, and I find it so awesome! A visitor from New Delhi, India, one from Torino, Italy, two more from Spain, one from Singapore, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Brazil, Jamaica , Norway, Korea and a few others have also dropped in, bringing my list of non-North American visitors to at least twenty. In my upcoming book, just past the fly leaf, it says,
"Dedicated
to
my family and friends
and to all of you,
other friends
I haven’t met…
to
my family and friends
and to all of you,
other friends
I haven’t met…
Yet."
When I layed the humble beginnings of this blog, it never occurred to me that so many would be so interested so soon. I mean, I haven't even published yet, and a curious audience of nice people are already gathering in anticipation. So far, no one has even mentioned a stash of rotten vegetables they are waiting to throw. :) Now I have imaginations of unpopular, Medieval, outdoor, stage plays! :) :) I shouldn't have gone there, but oh well. Now that I have, can't you just see the smelly old hag at the back - the one with the ratty hair, rotten teeth and oozing lettuce? "Incoming!" I can hardly type for the laughter!
At any rate, the very kind reception I have so far received on the World Wide Web, is both amazing and overwhelming. So... thanks... Thanks to all of you, other friends I have now met, and to you who will yet drop in for a visit. It is good to meet you all.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
More Pins & Needles!
Hey, "Three Seconds" fans here is the latest skinny on "the book"! As of today, I have digitized 245 photographs and separated most of them into individual files, using their respective years of creation to create a rough time line of images. The result is nicer than I anticipated, especially as far as the slides are concerned. A lot of the slides have a month, year and number printed on them, so when I add a digitized slide to the file, it automatically goes to find other slides in the same sequence. I love computer technology!!! :)
In the last couple of weeks, I have also done some preliminary work on Volumes II & III, and am still in the process of separating the approximately 60 titles I have left. I am excited to begin writing the stories. Sorting them only teases me. Of course, coming across photos that will go in any one of those 60 stories doesn't help either. I sure love to write!
The other awesome news is that today, believe it of not, I created the very first hard copy of Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume I. It took me about an hour to print it out, and another ten minutes to punch holes in the pages so it will fit in a binder - a large one, considering I couldn't print double sided. At 245 pages in length, it is heavy! (I am secretly pleased!) This actual, real, tangible manuscript is off to an interested reader who plans on condensing their impressions of my 245 pages into a couple of lines of testimonial to go on my website. (The site is nearly finished, but not quite yet... wait for it... wait for it.... OK, if you must, you can keep checking at davisbigelow.com, but I will announce its birth.)
I do have to run now, but thank you all for dropping in to visit me. I think it is amazing how many people are excited about this project. Talk to you again soon.
In the last couple of weeks, I have also done some preliminary work on Volumes II & III, and am still in the process of separating the approximately 60 titles I have left. I am excited to begin writing the stories. Sorting them only teases me. Of course, coming across photos that will go in any one of those 60 stories doesn't help either. I sure love to write!
The other awesome news is that today, believe it of not, I created the very first hard copy of Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume I. It took me about an hour to print it out, and another ten minutes to punch holes in the pages so it will fit in a binder - a large one, considering I couldn't print double sided. At 245 pages in length, it is heavy! (I am secretly pleased!) This actual, real, tangible manuscript is off to an interested reader who plans on condensing their impressions of my 245 pages into a couple of lines of testimonial to go on my website. (The site is nearly finished, but not quite yet... wait for it... wait for it.... OK, if you must, you can keep checking at davisbigelow.com, but I will announce its birth.)
I do have to run now, but thank you all for dropping in to visit me. I think it is amazing how many people are excited about this project. Talk to you again soon.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Slides, Slides and More Lighthouse Slides
I have been working hard on photos, and yesterday, I digitized 80 slides. It was sweet to see scenes I hadn't looked upon for many years, and sweeter still to know that they are now preserved in a modern medium that I can use and share with all of you. 
Here are three of my favourites. The top right is of my Dad in 1959, looking northeast with Pointer Island in the 
background. As far as the other small one goes, I took it in 1976 - looking Southwest at the sunset from the back porch of the big (middle) house on the lighthouse. With the big one of the rainbow, I got artsy, and composed it sideways. Photoshop came to its rescue and it now
I think it looks pretty good. In the spring of 1976, I got my second camera, complete with a B&W darkroom. It was a dream come true! My first camera had been a waist-level Brownie which had served me surprisingly well for many years. The 35mm SLR (previously enjoyed by a former owner) came with a couple of lenses and a 2x converter, giving me the lens options of 50mm, 100mm, 200mm and 400mm. At age 16, tripods were for someone else. I thought I could hand hold every shot at any shutter speed and unfortunately, I did. As you may already have guessed, not all the shots I took were free from camera shake. Although, all the years of holding a pair of binoculars steady did help a lot. Oh that I could go back in time with my tripod!
Here are three of my favourites. The top right is of my Dad in 1959, looking northeast with Pointer Island in the 
background. As far as the other small one goes, I took it in 1976 - looking Southwest at the sunset from the back porch of the big (middle) house on the lighthouse. With the big one of the rainbow, I got artsy, and composed it sideways. Photoshop came to its rescue and it now
I think it looks pretty good. In the spring of 1976, I got my second camera, complete with a B&W darkroom. It was a dream come true! My first camera had been a waist-level Brownie which had served me surprisingly well for many years. The 35mm SLR (previously enjoyed by a former owner) came with a couple of lenses and a 2x converter, giving me the lens options of 50mm, 100mm, 200mm and 400mm. At age 16, tripods were for someone else. I thought I could hand hold every shot at any shutter speed and unfortunately, I did. As you may already have guessed, not all the shots I took were free from camera shake. Although, all the years of holding a pair of binoculars steady did help a lot. Oh that I could go back in time with my tripod!
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