I’ve been blogging for a long time. Longer than most people on the planet have, as a matter of fact. I first began writing things down on the internet back in 2005 when Laura and I bought our first house. Those were fun days and I was doing tons of improvements, many of which I […]
Writing & Blogging
My first love and favorite thing to do in this world is to write. I adore blogging and sharing stories about how I perceive the goings-on of the earth and how I live my life. I've often said that one of the most worthwhile things I've ever done is to start this blog. I've been able to transition my travels and experiences into stories and photography for others to enjoy. I've also tried my hand at writing short stories and learning more about the English language than most will ever have a chance to. In the writing and blogging category, you can expect to find my commentary on how to own and operate a successful blogging website, some of my short stories, as well as a few posts of technical nature that deal with Wordpress and its ancillary technology. Enjoy!
Beautiful Quotes
The sweet smell of a great sorrow lies over the land; Plumes of smoke rise and merge into the leaden sky; A man lies and dreams of green fields and rivers; But awakes to a morning with no reason for waking. If I could somehow sit in my chair and read for the rest of […]
My Live-In Servant and His Little Peculiarities
I recently finished reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and found the book just as good, if not better, than the previous four in the series. I’m enjoying the pace at which the story is darkening. If you’ve ever found yourself in an argument with me about Star Wars, you’ll know that […]
Learning English Grammar – Finally
Have you ever wanted to know something well? By “well,” I mean know something to such a degree that you can teach others about it. Think about what you do on a daily basis and think if you know anything to such a degree. Chances are, you do. Not everyone knows what you do for […]
The Old Man – Full Story
The Mattress Through part of my childhood when I was a kid, I slept on a mattress that was made of 100% foam. It wasn’t like the mattresses we see today. The ones that have seven layers of heaven – springs, padding, memory material, air pockets, water and gel. The ones that are now over […]
Tiny Houses
I woke up this morning to the sudden blast of the radio and the realization that I had forgotten to put my laundry from last night in the dryer. I’ve done this every single time I’ve done a wash down here. I’m horrible at remembering these things and I pay for them in water and […]
How To Deal With Writer’s Block
The title of this post may be a bit misleading because I haven’t got a clue as to how to deal with something like this. Writer’s block, that is. I do have a few tips though, but they may not be very good. I’ll discuss them toward the end of this post. I have been […]
The Appointment In Samarra by W. Somerset Maugham
I love a good short story with punch. This is one of them. For years, I’ve preached the benefits of being well read. “It’s much more than knowing literature,” I’d say. “It’s knowing where you are in the world.” They would always argue against me. They would – especially the blue collared fathers of son’s […]
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
I’m not quite sure where to begin this review. Let me first begin by saying that an author has no duty to entertain his audience. I suppose the only duty an author has is to himself, and if someone was to read a piece by that author and not enjoy it, then that person would […]
One Of the Shortest Stories Ever Written
When wading through fits of literature, I think it beneficial to remind ourselves of why we are where we are and how we got where we “got.” I’m sure each of us have reasons for a great many thing, but I’m also sure that we can at least agree on our reading as a vessel […]
My Christmas Story
It’s been getting more and more difficult lately to open up this blog and write a post. The gray of Winter isn’t exactly the most inspiring shade for creativity. It isn’t to say that I haven’t jotted down ideas here and there, it’s just that I oftentimes can’t find the motivation to do anything about […]
Walking The Plank
I’ve had a pretty good post forming in my head for about a week now. Piece by piece, I was putting things together and they were coming along quite nicely. I’ll admit that I hadn’t thought up the point of the whole thing yet, but I’m sure that would’ve come about towards the end of […]
What’s In a Story?
You know, I never wanted to take a job after I moved back downstate from upstate. I was doing fine. I had enough money to last for a while. I suppose it would’ve run out by this point, but if I had followed my original plan, at least I would still have my sanity. How […]
Writing Is a Lot Like Photography
A few months ago, I wrote a post describing how difficult it is to write in the “off season.” You know, the season that doesn’t offer all that much in the way of lawn care, flower pictures, hiking, etc… I forget what I had actually posted, but I remember the essence of it. Basically, I […]
The Greatest Human Tragedy
Just some thoughts from this morning… This is one of those days where I sit and agonize over how to start my story. It’s been a lazy morning and I can’t seem to shake the groggy feeling that began last night. It’s Friday and I’m tired. Tired from too much activity during the week. I’ll […]
Stand Up Sparring and Other Stuff
I enjoyed a good half hour of stand up sparring again yesterday. Every time I do that I fall back in love with Muay Thai. It’s only when I take a break that I feel like sitting on the couch for the rest of my life. It’s true, I’ve had visions of taking some time […]
Walk Ten Thousand Miles, Read Ten Thousand Books
I have always been very fond of people who can think. If there’s one thing out there that really brings out my jealous side, it’s someone who can out think me. I pride myself on tearing things apart and then putting them back together and by doing that, I get to know things pretty well. […]
The Elusive Goal Of Freedom
Man, It’s been a rough week. I did a little complaining recently. I called a few people who are close to me and vented my frustration about the goings on of our world. They politely listened for a while, but both came to the same conclusion. They said, “Well Jay, things could be worse. You […]