All my camping memories — both the good and the bad — are about who I went with, and almost all of my attempts to plan camping are about developing relationships and community. That is the primary intention behind Campfire Tales. However, and maybe this is because of Campfire Tales, lately there has been a … Continue reading Can’t Spell “Friend” Without “F, I, R, and E”
Influences
Aye, Golden: Simply the Best
Last week, my long-anticipated vacation to Jamaica included a surprising intersection between high and low points. The high point was a tour — arranged by Mike through his travel connections — of Goldeneye, formerly the Jamaican estate of Ian Fleming (where he wrote all his James Bond novels), later developed into a luxurious resort by … Continue reading Aye, Golden: Simply the Best
Release, Embrace, Anticipate
I recently announced that "Release, Embrace, Anticipate" would be the theme for this year (referring to the Past, Present, Future) and then... (crickets) What happened? Did I accidentally release the present, embrace the past, and forgot all about the future? Well... maybe something like that. Sorry. Here's the scoop: Right after my last post, I … Continue reading Release, Embrace, Anticipate
Dear So-and-so
Maybe you, like me, have a lot of time on your hands lately? I have an excellent suggestion for you! I've been scanning everything that will pass through the scanner (yes, and a couple of things that shouldn't have been attempted). Last night, while hunting for some fun photos to share with you today, I … Continue reading Dear So-and-so
Muppet Test
My co-workers were adamant I take the "Which Muppet Are You?" online survey. They thought I would be Beaker. Here are my results: You got: Beaker You're the strong silent type. You're easily stressed and you're a bit clumsy, but you take your work very seriously. Translation: "Meep meep meep meep meep. Meep meep meep … Continue reading Muppet Test
Please Take That Tone With Me
He had just about enough intelligence to open his mouth when he wanted to eat, but certainly no more. ~ P.G. Wodehouse She fitted into my biggest arm-chair as if it had been built round her by someone who knew they were wearing arm-chairs tight about the hips that season. ~ P.G. Wodehouse My favorite … Continue reading Please Take That Tone With Me
Opportunity Knocks (Me Around)
Two years ago, a trip to Lassen Volcanic N.P. coalesced into a definitive experience, a perfect fusion of the right factors, the right place, and the right time. Out of that experience, I determined to refocus my writing around my passions, a decision which eventually led to this blog. The connections on that Lassen trip ultimately … Continue reading Opportunity Knocks (Me Around)
Get On the Map
As a child, I hungered for one of these: "An RV?" you ask. No. A sticker map. (Although I wanted the RV too. But I was a practical child - where would I put an RV, even a pop-up camper? The map was definitely going on my headboard.) The maps identify the states you've visited. If I'd … Continue reading Get On the Map
Influences: The Adventures of the Wilderness Family
So, true confession time. I keep a poster for the first film about a family in a landmark trilogy beginning in the 1970's hanging behind my desk in my office at work. "The Godfather?" Good guess, but no: Co-workers around me display serious art and posters of classics by Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick and so on. My favorite reactions are when new employees are … Continue reading Influences: The Adventures of the Wilderness Family
Campfire Tales 