On Worldbuilding If I'm not careful, I can get sucked into discovering an imagined (or real) world. My mind will wander the island of Ledger's Reach, where the taverns are loud with negotiations. Maybe I'm following a veteran on his journey home through a thunderstorm that forces traumatic memories to the surface. Getting lost inContinue reading "How to Get Lost in Another Land"
Sylvan Esso at the State Theater
The purple light, matching the color of my blog drafting notebook, flashes at me. Lightning. Synth-heavy music pounds my ears. Thunder. I've been to a few concerts, but this Sylvan Esso (https://www.sylvanesso.com/) show at Portland's State Theater reminds me to attend more. Concerts are one of the best collective experiences to feel human, besides sexContinue reading "Sylvan Esso at the State Theater"
True Character is Defined by Action, not Praise
Opening As we begin studying Ancient Rome and prepare to watch Gladiator, I asked my History Through Film kids to respond to one lesson from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations - a collection of statements written during his rule as Emperor of Rome between 170 and 180 CE. Aurelius was a Stoic. I thought to add myContinue reading "True Character is Defined by Action, not Praise"
The Crud
I've been missing my target of posting on the blog a week ahead of its due date. Over the past month, as school resumed, my writing has shrunk. I spend more time on endeavors like pickleball, hanging with my friends, and nature walks. I suppose I'm trying to take advantage of the last warm daysContinue reading "The Crud"
Kharum
Here's another peek at some old digitized writing. Another alternative realm. Two kingdoms broke apart decades ago. For some, the separation meant loss of power and money. State-sponsored terrorism rocks residential sectors and commercial districts. These are, of course, denied. Even the highest ranking diplomats are unaware of the most dangerous plots. Office of StrategicContinue reading "Kharum"
The Execution of William Laird at Fort Preble
Library of Congress Fort Preble I have the honor to report the arrival this P.M. of private William H. Laird of Company G, 17th Regt Me. Vol., now under sentence of death and to be executed on the 15th inst. As the Maj. Genl. Commanding desires the proceedings to be as private as possible, IContinue reading "The Execution of William Laird at Fort Preble"
The Adventure of Not Knowing
I wanted to write a book in 30 days. In front of me: a map of Ledger’s Reach and the names of three characters. A beginning floated in my mind. I picked up a pen and began writing. Briefly, I wondered how much garbage I would have at the end of the project. Every sentenceContinue reading "The Adventure of Not Knowing"
Beauty in Noise
The rush of static is an assault on my ears, tearing through my eardrums like a tornado. It pounds rocks, knawing at the rugged edges. The waterfall crashes with the intensity of a tractor-trailer slamming into a Prius. Imagine the plight of the bedrock, enduring millennia of non-stop abuse. The noise, this warble, adds toContinue reading "Beauty in Noise"
Time with Python: Automations in Personal Use
The 4th Go-Around print(“ As any good teacher who finds lifelong learning fulfilling, I seek the next skill to satiate my dopamine craving. Adapting and uncovering newfound tools is like discovering the Temple of Doom. Adventure, danger, and uncovering something from deep within. Even though "for x in list" held up the first three attempts,Continue reading "Time with Python: Automations in Personal Use"
Digitized Writing
Before Google Drive came around, I always wrote stories by hand. I have a large three ring binder filled with stories ranging from complete to just one paragraph. A few years ago, I decided to digitize many of those untouched pieces. Digitizing, in this case, is simply taking content from a place most certain toContinue reading "Digitized Writing"