Night of the White Raven
Mood:  bright
Topic: Forthcoming Books
At long last, my husband's novel is coming out. In just a week or two, his historical adventure, Night of the White Raven, will be in our hands.

And what an accomplishment it is. After nearly 12 years of writing, rewriting, revising, rearranging and sometimes frustration (on my part as editor!), the book came together and is now in print.

I never would have dreamed my husband would turn out to be an author. His education was limited, and he is dyslexic, which means he has trouble even writing a simple one-page letter, or addressing an envelope.

Yet something deep within him brought forth this work, which seems to be his memory of a past life. I wouldn't doubt it... I can see it in him.

You will love his characters as much as I have come to know them. It starts out with his childhood on a farm in western Pennsylvania, with a hard-working mother, an abusive father, and younger siblings that look up to him, as well as the pretty young school marm who attaches herself to the family and has her eye on young Nathan.

At 15, he takes off with Mr. Joe, the old Indian friend who taught him to trap, and together they make their way toward the Illinois River, surviving because of Mr. Joe's wisdom.

When Nathan reaches Starved Rock in the fall of 1818, he has already killed three men, but was unable to save his old Indian friend. Seeking refuge for the winter, he gets hired as a stable hand for the blacksmith, Mr. Jakobes, whose assistant, Charley Blackstone, and the mulatto cook and housekeeper, Fanny, take to Nathan and nurture him.

The blacksmith's teen-age daughter, Kate, sheltered by her parents, finds the young stable hand most interesting, and eventually seduces him.

Nathan teams up with his black friend, Cole, who works for the riverboat captain, and together they plan their journey west into the untamed country.

I won't disclose the rest. You'll have to read it for yourself. I believe Ethan has done an excellent job plotting and pulling his story together. The grammar and writing style won't win any prizes... but it doesn't matter because it all comes from his heart, and those who know him will recognize his special "voice."

Contact me if you are interested in getting a copy of this limited-edition first novel!

* * * * * *

Earth Star is happy to announce that two, possible three more titles will be added before fall.

Still waiting for a contract is the novel, COZY, by Karen Gallob, a local writer with a beautiful style. Karen has written articles for the Merchant Herald, and her light-hearted novel is a delight, sure to keep you turning pages.

Definitely on the table is Commander Sanni Ceto's second book, ZETI CHILD — LOST UPON A ONE-STAR WORLD, due out around the end of August. The response to Sanni's first book, STRANDED ON EARTH, THE STORY OF A ROSWELL SURVIVOR, was tremendous, and people are asking when the second one will be out.

Her book will include numerous illustrations, including the workings of spacecraft and species from other worlds.

Next, my own work: The first in the Annette Vetter Mystery Series, THE MYSTERY AT HICKORY HILL, is slated for August or September. More about that in my next blog...

Sherry's Memorial
Mood:  sad
Topic: A beautiful soul passes
Today is the day we say farewell to a beloved sister, Sherry Chism, my sister's life partner for 28 years. Sherry made her transition last Sunday, April 23, at the age of 51, after battling five years against cancer. We were saddened to learn of her passing, yet relieved to know her suffering had come to an end.

Her memorial service will be held today in Madison, Wisconsin, and I have flown across the country to attend and be with my family. My sister is doing remarkably well, upbeat and cheerful as always, although I know deep down she is mournful and missing her dearest companion.

Sherry's sisters, nieces and a brother have come all the way from southern Indiana, a great bunch of folks, and at the visitation last night there were swarms of co-workers from Madison Kipp, where Sherry worked for 19 years.

She was obviously well liked and loved, and in our family we accepted her with open arms and delighted in her upbeat, humorous attitude. I am happy that she and Alice spent some time with us a year ago in Colorado. Sherry loved the West.

We miss you, Sherry. And I know you will be there, among us today, taking it all in (the love, especially). Thank you for sharing a part of our lives.

Catharsis ? The Art of Ryan Ulrich
Mood:  special
Now Playing: Catharsis
Topic: Ryan's Thesis Art Show
My oldest son, Ryan Ulrich, is graduating with his master's degree in Art at Adams State College on May 6. His thesis art show, titled "Catharsis," was on display at the college's art gallery from the end of March until this weekend.

I've set up a Web page of some photos I took of the art, which is magnificent. Unfortunately, a few of the photos didn't come out very well — my new digital camera didn't focus as well as I thought it would. But it's still worth checking out.

Treat yourself and view some of Ryan's art. Go to https://earthstar.tripod.com/Catharsis.html.

Alternative News On Line
For alternative news and tidbits strictly on line, check out the Paonia Star Gazette's Web site at http://paonia-stargazette.com.

It started as a print newspaper out of a little Western mountain town in Colorado, but circumstances arose that brought the paper to its early demise.

However, it continues to thrive ON LINE and offers something new about every 2-3 days. Its purpose is to present news that most media won't bring you.

Are you spiritual?
Mood:  a-ok
The following is a guest article from Stephen Simon:

ARE YOU SPIRITUAL?
Then maybe you’d like to help me change the world one movie at a time… For me, The Spiritual Cinema Circle is a lifelong dream come true! I’ve always wanted to create a company that filled the world with meaningful, inspirational, and triumphant films. These are hopeful films that you can’t find elsewhere and that you would be proud to own — films that will warm your heart and stir your soul!

I’m Stephen Simon, co-founder of The Spiritual Cinema Circle and author of the book Spiritual Cinema. I’m a spiritual film producer (Somewhere in Time, What Dreams May Come, and most recently director of Conversations With God), who became disenchanted with many of today’s blockbuster hits.

It’s becoming harder and harder to find classic spiritual films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Ghost, What Dreams May Come, The Preacher’s Wife, Field of Dreams and Whale Rider. If you’ve enjoyed these films, you’ll love The Spiritual Cinema Circle!

We scour the earth (literally!), watch over 1,000 films each year, and bring you the best of what we’ve found — entertainment that will provide meaning to you and the people you love:

Here is what one of our members has to say: “We joined the Spiritual Cinema Circle the year it began. Each month we look forward to our next shipments! This past fall I called the cable company and told them to disconnect us... we just weren’t interested in TV anymore. Now we just watch the Spiritual Cinema Movies (over and over again) or rent movies (our favorites are the ones recommended by Stephen Simon!). I spend more time playing my keyboard and singing, Frank has taken up painting. Often we are doing these things at the same time, enjoying the creativity that is pouring out of us. We read more... I am writing poetry again...We spend more time together, and after 28 years of marriage, I think I can honestly say that we even love each other more. Thank you for the changes you have brought to our lives!”

— Rishell Graves, member

What do you get?

Feature films, documentaries, and art-house style short films are all part of the mix and come complete with personal introductions and questions for each of us to ponder.

Want to be inspired? Then you’ll love movies like Ryan’s Well! Want to feel triumphant and empowered? Then marvel at Farther than the Eye Can See! Do you want to believe in Angels and second chances? You’ll revel in the film An Angel for May.

As a special limited time offer, we’ll give you…4 meaningful, thought-provoking and inspirational movies… ABSOLUTELY F-R-E-E! (only pay shipping & handling).

I know that you’ll love these selections and will want us to provide you with more… This is a limited time offer, so discover a whole new world of spiritual entertainment by going to the Internet and typing in the following URL:

http://www.SpiritualCinemaCircle.com/Feb1/?af=23647

I wish you and yours nothing but warmth, love and success.

Stephen

P.S. If you take advantage of this limited offer, the Spiritual Cinema Circle will happily plant a tree in your name to offset the environmental impact of delivering your DVD. I look forward to having you as part of our community — changing the world, one movie at a time.

Love Month
Mood:  amorous
Topic: Love is the answer
The February Star Beacon is up on the Web page now, featuring LOVE is the answer... no matter what the question.

Love is explored again in my essay, "Living in Love," in the column The Meaning of it All.

Another good article this month is Emma O'Brian's "Jailtime, An Unexplained Encounter." What an ordeal! And I understand there has been some aftermath... perhaps a follow-up will be in order in next month's issue.

A couple of good reports on UFOs are in the February issue, one from MUFON field investigator/reporter Davina Ryszka, and another historical one from James Parsons on a Marine pilot who saw a UFO over the South China Sea in November 1965.

Michael Mercury offers astrology and your horoscope for February in "Spirit Speaks." This will be a one-time offering, but a special treat to readers.

We have our usual columns, Answers from Chief Joseph, with "Just a Thought," an excellent discussion on how our thoughts create... be careful!

Then Tumeria from Alpha Centauri talks about "Oneness," always worth reading!

Don't miss Marcy Beckwith's latest Meeb-Beep cartoon, or Myra Wolberts' short chapter from her book, telling of an "Elder Angel" who comforted her on a bus in downtown Omaha.

If you'd like to see the PDF version of this issue, just e-mail me, and I'll be glad to send you a sample FREE if you mention you read it on this Blog. E-mail earthstar@tripod.net.

View some deviant art
Mood:  mischievious
Topic: Ryan's art
My oldest son is getting his master's degree in art this spring from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. He is practically a professional student by now - well, he does get paid for being a grad student these days.

For his graduate requirements, he is putting on an art show at the college's art gallery, with the opening the end of March.

You can get a sneak preview of some of his paintings and photographs at http://rulrich.deviantart.com/

Don't expect to see fluffy, happy depictions of art at this Web site. Ryan's art is unique, and expresses the emotions he has experienced. His art is more like therapy for all of us, releasing the anger and frustration we carry around.

Check it out!

I am here to assist
Topic: Transition
Looks like the Paonia Star Gazette may be saved after all. My devoted partner, Susan, is willing to carry on. She has a lot of determination and is a woman of integrity whom I respect.

I have vowed to help her in the transition, even though I have already officially resigned from the LLC. She needs my help to pull this off, until the new "captain" can take over the once-sinking ship.

So... how could I turn her down? It seems my mission in this life is to assist in all ways that I can. So, even though the January paper will come out a little late, she says it's better than not coming out at all. Our supporters/readers are depending on us, and the growing number wants to see it continue.

That is a good thing. I wish the new baby well, and pray for its new "parents" to raise it up and make it shine!

Smooth sailing ahead... maybe
Mood:  bright
Topic: Letting go of stress
I've done it. I've freed myself from a burden that has trapped me since last October.

The local newspaper I started, along with two partners, is no longer mine to fret over. I resigned from the Two Chicks and a Mouse LLC on Jan. 7, and I will no longer function as editor and production manager for the alternative monthly.

It's not that the paper is a failure... far from it! People raved about it. It was a fun thing to do. But... I don't like seeing my money flushed down the toilet, and no financial support to keep things going.

Neither of my partners brought any capital into our partnership, which means perhaps the LLC was not even legitimate. Anyway, they didn't appear to care whether we had ads to support the paper or not.

With my full-time job at HCN, I couldn't deal with selling ads AND being editor AND office manager AND doing all the other things I do each month. And December was an especially crucial month in which I had way too much on my plate.

I asked God to release me from the Paonia Star Gazette. I got an immediate answer: resign NOW! Then I had a vision of who could take my place. When I mentioned this to one of my partners, she agreed it was a good choice. She asked the man, and... he accepted.

However, the other partner was insulted that he was not included in our "decision." Turns out HE wanted to be the new editor. This, I knew, was not a workable solution. In one respect he is right: we should have at least consulted him on the matter. So why should I care? I was resigning anyway. Well, they wanted to continue using my money.

Now things are damaged. The partnership is in trouble because feelings have been hurt, threats have been made, and accusations flung about. At this point, I don't know if the paper will survive... and I'm getting my investment OUT of it, at least what's left of it...

But that's the way things go. The lesson I learned was that it's better to do things myself. I thought a partnership was a good idea. I've learned in the past year that this does not work for me. How many times must I bang myself over the head to learn a lesson?

So, it's over. I'm not getting into any more ventures like this one. I'm not publishing any more local newspapers. Newspapers are in their death throes, anyway. Readership has decreased as the Internet has scarfed up all the business. Blogs are the thing these days!

And it's all OK!!! I'm happy with my decision. I'm looking forward to easing off my work load in 2006, and having a lot less stress.

It is up to God now whether the new paper floats or sinks. I hope it makes it, for the sake of those who had their hearts set on it.

No hard feelings. Just sending blessings to those who assisted me through this major life's lesson!

Importance of a Day Off
Mood:  special
Topic: A Holiday
Marty and Peggy are here from California for Christmas, and I've decided to take the day off. With all the work piling up at my day job, this will make it challenging to return and get everything done by Friday. However... what is more important? I only see my son once or twice a year. I get to see my work piles on a desk every single day.

It is time to work on the next issue of The Star Beacon. Yet, I feel the priority is to spend time with my family today. Perhaps we'll bake some cookies and fudge. It's been snowing here in the mountains, and the roads are not the greatest. It's a good day to stay home... just enjoy the season.

What won't get done will wait. It will always be there. That is the nature of "work," after all. There is always work to be done, and it never gets finished. If it did, what would we be left to do?

Son Scott will arrive on Christmas Eve Day, and oldest son Ryan and Trish are probably coming in the day after Christmas. How special that we can all be together for even one day this year.

Blessings to all of you with families. Take time to be with them. Work can wait.