True Love

The Chicken Soup for the Soul Book "True Love" is now out. Good read for those who like short stories that are like Lays Potatoe chips. You can't just read one.

Merry Christmas! They make great stocking stuffers. My story is titled Loathing at first sight. But rest assured it has a happy ending.

Two More Stories Accepted

Next April two more of my stories may be published in "Chicken Soup for the Soul." "Thanks Dad" will be the book title. Yahoo!!

Father of Mercy

I finally broke down and bought a new DVD player. The time had come to retire my old worn out VCR. The problem was I had no DVD’s to play on it, which of course lead to buying some movies. K-Mart of course doesn't carry much except the usual Hollywood garbage of which I bought 4. Two of them were absolutely awful and I shut them off after just a few scenes. UGH! The garbage they call movies these days is unbelievable.

Anyway. Yesterday I went to the local Catholic bookstore and purchased some Catholic ones. I was lamenting that many seemed produced in Europe and I would have to read subtitles which I hate, but it had to be better than the garbage they put out for entertainment here.

The first one was in English and was fantastic even though I had already watched it on EWTN. The next one I watched today, sub-titles of course and I am absolutely astounded by the life of Venerable Don Carlo Gnocchi (pro-nounced - No-Chi) I was so interested that I googled some more about him and to my delight, I discovered he will be beatified tomorrow.

I highly recommend this film. What wonderful servants of God we have in Heaven.

He founded "The Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundazione" for disabled children which is well-respected and continues to thrive in Italy today. It has expanded its care to elderly people who are unable take care of themselves and for terminal cancer patients. On January 17th, 2009 a miracle attributed to Venerable Don Carlo Gnocchi was promulgated by Pope Benedict XVI and he will be beatified on October 25th, 2009.

Another Story in CSFS Series.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned From the Dog

101 Stories about Life, Love, and Lessons

Dogs have always been considered companions and playmates that brighten and enrich our lives but they are also wonderful and amazing teachers. The lessons we learn from our canine friends come in all shapes and sizes, just like they do. In this book, dog lovers share what they have learned from our greatest heroes and healers. Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned from the Dog will delight readers with humorous, heartwarming, and inspiring stories about lessons our canine friends and family members have taught us.

On Sale Date: 9/22/09

My Story is Titled "Bargain" (Original Title was "A Mutt Named GYP." It is about my Dog who I had named "Chip." I got Chip when I was eight years old from my Great Aunt Kitty while on a spring vacation in 1955. My Dad called him "GYP" (as in worthless,) because he loved to chase the chicken's ( and unfortunately killed a few) as well as chasing our cattle. That is a bad trait for a farm dog. But he was the best medicine a shy and soon to be crippled eight year old could ever receive on that spring vacation, before Polio struck and turned my world upside down.

Another Chicken Soup for the Soul Story Accepted

Yahoo! Just got another story accepted for a "Chicken Soup Book, due out late December. "True Love Story" is the book in this series. My other story will be published in September in the "What I learned from the Dog" book in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

Maybe they will soon have one titled "How I survived my home renovation." Boy could I write a novel on that one. Giggle!

Busy Days...Finally got over writers Block.

I have another of my short stories which was accepted for September Publication in Chicken Soup for the Soul "What I learned from the dog!"

Now there was a subject I could sink my teeth into. I have had lots of special dogs in my life, but Old Gyp was one of those Marlie type mutts. He definately had wiley ways and was lovable even when he was being a totally out of control canine. Of course I did not put in the part about how he ended up dying of LEAD poisoning. Gyp unfortuneatly had a bad habit of killing chickens and a farmer decided to take Gyp into eternity. Farm dog he was not. But he was my best buddy when I was 8 years old.

Of course my Gabby, is another out of control canine, but then she is spoiled.

And finally I got a new photo taken. Absolutely hate the preview so I doubt I will buy any. They messed it up...I look nothing like Ann Margaret in the picture they took. I have no idea who that old lady is they claim is me.

Happy Memorial Day!

Sounds like a weird greeting to me, as Memorial day is about honoring our war dead. Society it seems has all but forgotten, that this weekend is not about the first summer weekend, swimming and picnics. It is about honoring those who served and paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.

Remember to thank a soldier if you see one. They serve so we might be free.