Dog Days
Mood:  lazy
Topic: Summer's Heat

Everyone seems to be suffering from hot weather these days, no matter what part of the country you're in.

We don't have a swamp cooler for our home, because we've never really needed one. Our house has stayed comfortable the past couple of years after we had new insulation and siding put on, and new energy-efficient windows installed.

However, I've been wishing we had a little more relief these last few days. In the mountains it usually cools off at night, but not lately.

There's lots of talk about global warming these days. People are finally starting to wonder if there's something to it. A little late, I think.

My female turkey hen, "Lucinda," is smarter than we gave her credit for. I walked out to check on the birds this afternoon, and there was Lucinda standing in the metal basin I use for the birds' outdoor water. She was soaking her feet and getting cooled off. She didn't move as I went into the barn and drew half a pail of water and added it to the basin.

Tom Turkey isn't as smart, unfortunately. He forgets he has to drink in this heat. I end up throwing handfuls of water up into his beak. That way he at least gets some much needed water down him.

The dog knows where it's cool. You'll find him on the cement floor of the garage, or in one of the bedrooms where we still have hardwood floors and he can get the coolness of the crawl space under the house.

Perhaps a rainstorm will develop and bring some relief. We sure need it! And in a couple of months we'll soon forget this heat as we face Autumn and the cold that follows.

I have word from a Native American source that we are going to have an early fall and a harsh winter. That sounds really good right now!

 

Prediction from a Reader
Mood:  accident prone

The following e-mail came from Der Voron, who asked me to post his prediction. Of course, I certainly hope this does NOT come true.

July 5, 2006

Discovery Shuttle possible crash
By Der Voron

I foretell that Discovery Shuttle could crash during its current flight,
due to the technical troubles identified before and during takeoff (and
under flight I mean all period from launch till return to the Earth) and
will share the fate of Columbia Shuttle.

I would suggest that our astronauts should perhaps return to the Earth
in another space ship, that is some 1-time use module, and not the
shuttle itself.


I think it is publishable now.

Cheers,
Der Voron

Vacation time is wonderful
Mood:  happy

I'm coming to the end of my vacation time. I am not looking forward to returning to my job after a wonderful week of just staying home and getting a few projects done that I've wanted to work on for a long time.

For once, it was nice not to have to go anywhere on my vacation. This was not what had been planned, however. Due to health reasons, I had to change my travel plans to stay at home with my husband, who is — more or less — house bound these days.

There is also the fact that no money was available for traveling at this time. Just as well, though. Traveling creates stress, and I've truly enjoyed staying home and puttering. I could get used to this too easily!

Because my job is literally boring in the summer months, I'm NOT happy about having to go back on Wednesday. Yet, I know I should be grateful I even have this job. Three years ago I was without a job and had prayed to return to HCN, where I had left to start a newspaper in southern Colorado that didn't pan out.

Most the time my job is interesting and filled with tasks to take my mind off my preference to be at home, working on my "own stuff." But the summer months drag on, slowly, and I'm trying to figure out a way to compensate.

In September, I'll take another week off. At least that is something to look forward to. Perhaps I'll go somewhere, to visit my brothers and sisters if we all decide to meet in Nevada for a "shed reunion" (only our family knows what THAT is!).

In the meantime, I've got TWO DAYS LEFT of my vacation. Son Scott is here for the 4th of July, and son Ryan and his fiancee, Trish, are on their way. Middle son Marty is flying to Michigan to attend a cousin's wedding, so he can't be with us at this time. But I'm going to enjoy these last two days to the fullest!

 

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!