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S. Thomas Kaza
S. Thomas Kaza
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May-June 2010
I helped my mother clear some things out of her attic. It was dark and dirty. I don't think anyone had been up there since they put a new roof on. So there was dust and little pieces of wood on everrything.I ended up having to crawl around to get everything out.
But I found an old box with some books and writings of mine. There were no lost stories or anything like that. Just a lot of my papers from university days. Almost all of them were handwritten, not typed. I remember we used to have to "borrow" typewriters at the library, and there were limited typewriters available, so handwritten papers were acceptable.
It seems I was not able to impress my literature professors with my ideas and research. Mostly I received grades from B- to C, but no A's for my professed major. On the other hand, all of my papers for science classes were A's. I had not realized that until now.
Do I think I chose the wrong major? No. I still read all kinds of literature today, and I enjoy it very much. I also read history and some topical science books when it suits my fancy. But it is interesting to see that we are not always who we remember ourselves to be.
I helped my mother clear some things out of her attic. It was dark and dirty. I don't think anyone had been up there since they put a new roof on. So there was dust and little pieces of wood on everrything.I ended up having to crawl around to get everything out.
But I found an old box with some books and writings of mine. There were no lost stories or anything like that. Just a lot of my papers from university days. Almost all of them were handwritten, not typed. I remember we used to have to "borrow" typewriters at the library, and there were limited typewriters available, so handwritten papers were acceptable.
It seems I was not able to impress my literature professors with my ideas and research. Mostly I received grades from B- to C, but no A's for my professed major. On the other hand, all of my papers for science classes were A's. I had not realized that until now.
Do I think I chose the wrong major? No. I still read all kinds of literature today, and I enjoy it very much. I also read history and some topical science books when it suits my fancy. But it is interesting to see that we are not always who we remember ourselves to be.
April 2010
By getting my yard into shape, I find I am getting myself into better shape. The day after mowing, digging, cutting, and lifting, I find there are muscles I haven't used for a awhile. It really makes it easier to look forward to a rainy day like today.
I changed directions with my next short story. My wife and I had to install a new dryer. The outlet had to be changed, and I found out I really didn't have the right tools to do the job. But I made do. It took a lot longer than it should have, but all the frustration was worth it. It works fine, and I got an idea for a short story.
By getting my yard into shape, I find I am getting myself into better shape. The day after mowing, digging, cutting, and lifting, I find there are muscles I haven't used for a awhile. It really makes it easier to look forward to a rainy day like today.
I changed directions with my next short story. My wife and I had to install a new dryer. The outlet had to be changed, and I found out I really didn't have the right tools to do the job. But I made do. It took a lot longer than it should have, but all the frustration was worth it. It works fine, and I got an idea for a short story.
February-March 2010
A lot has been going on to keep me from writing. Work has gotten busier. My kids seem to need more help with their homework. And we moved. I am now in a house, which means yardwork and more yardwork as we head into Spring.
But despite all of these things, I have still managed to finish about one chapter each month of my RoseThorn story. I am still on schedule to finish by the end of this year. But the real test comes next month as I need to start working on my next short story, which is due out in August.
I have an idea for a short "ghost" story. I thought about it, even went through some of the dialog in my head. But I have not committed anything to paper just yet. I know that Spring is probably not the best season to start working on a story about dead spirits. Already I can see plants poking out of the ground as life renews itself. Maybe I will have to put myself in the right mood by watching some scary movies. Any suggestions?
A lot has been going on to keep me from writing. Work has gotten busier. My kids seem to need more help with their homework. And we moved. I am now in a house, which means yardwork and more yardwork as we head into Spring.
But despite all of these things, I have still managed to finish about one chapter each month of my RoseThorn story. I am still on schedule to finish by the end of this year. But the real test comes next month as I need to start working on my next short story, which is due out in August.
I have an idea for a short "ghost" story. I thought about it, even went through some of the dialog in my head. But I have not committed anything to paper just yet. I know that Spring is probably not the best season to start working on a story about dead spirits. Already I can see plants poking out of the ground as life renews itself. Maybe I will have to put myself in the right mood by watching some scary movies. Any suggestions?
January 2010
In southeast Michigan the new year so far has been cold and snowless. While a lot of people don't want the snow, I am always a little disappointed when it doesn't snow at least once a week.
My son got a snowboard for Christmas, and he has been itching to try it out. He complains to me about the lack of snow almost every morning after he looks outside. I keep telling him to hang in there. The snow will come.
In the meantime, there are books to be read and stories to be written. And I can think of no better time than the middle of winter to do these things.
In southeast Michigan the new year so far has been cold and snowless. While a lot of people don't want the snow, I am always a little disappointed when it doesn't snow at least once a week.
My son got a snowboard for Christmas, and he has been itching to try it out. He complains to me about the lack of snow almost every morning after he looks outside. I keep telling him to hang in there. The snow will come.
In the meantime, there are books to be read and stories to be written. And I can think of no better time than the middle of winter to do these things.
December 2009
IIt's time for New Year's resolutions again. While I have a whole list of things on my list, when it comes to writing I have only a few goals for 2010.
1. Write two new short stories
2. Finish ten more chpaters on my long story, Cedric of RoseThorn
3. Write a new poem
I also want to assess how I did in 2009. As planned I wrote two new short stories- A Problem with Pixie Dust and Private Kaza. I wrote a new poem, Life with Peanut Allergy. And I finished eight chapters (two short) for Cedric of RoseThorn. Overall, not bad.
IIt's time for New Year's resolutions again. While I have a whole list of things on my list, when it comes to writing I have only a few goals for 2010.
1. Write two new short stories
2. Finish ten more chpaters on my long story, Cedric of RoseThorn
3. Write a new poem
I also want to assess how I did in 2009. As planned I wrote two new short stories- A Problem with Pixie Dust and Private Kaza. I wrote a new poem, Life with Peanut Allergy. And I finished eight chapters (two short) for Cedric of RoseThorn. Overall, not bad.
November 2009
I made a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. It is really not a big deal when you think about all the people who make a complete meal with turkey and stuffing and all the fixings. But I was proud nonetheless.
I have made pies before, so I am not a complete amateur. I prefer to make my own pie crust, which takes a little more time. In the end, it came out just about right- a little flaky and a little crunchy.
If we could only make more things in life turn out right by just following a recipe- short stories, relationships, children. It would make life a lot easier. But as much as we try to reduce our lives to tried and true "recipes", I am thankful there is always plenty of room for for improvising.
I made a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. It is really not a big deal when you think about all the people who make a complete meal with turkey and stuffing and all the fixings. But I was proud nonetheless.
I have made pies before, so I am not a complete amateur. I prefer to make my own pie crust, which takes a little more time. In the end, it came out just about right- a little flaky and a little crunchy.
If we could only make more things in life turn out right by just following a recipe- short stories, relationships, children. It would make life a lot easier. But as much as we try to reduce our lives to tried and true "recipes", I am thankful there is always plenty of room for for improvising.
October 2009
When I was younger I used to consider Autumn my favorite season. I don't know if it was the way the world seemed to change in a burst of colors, the fact that I had to start wearing warmer clothes when I went outside, or the start of basketball season. But I have always had a special feeling for this season.
This year I find myself writing more and more, starting several writing projects, and finding time that just wasn't there several months ago. It is like a burst of activity before the cold Winter months set in, a harvest of ideas.
I started on my next short story, which is due out by February. I had several old ideas, but a new idea came to mind, and I ran with it. I started working a sonnet, which I plan to use in another future short story. And then there's my RoseThorn story. There are a few more bends in the river, but I sense I am approaching the end.
All in all, it is a very interesting time to be writing.
When I was younger I used to consider Autumn my favorite season. I don't know if it was the way the world seemed to change in a burst of colors, the fact that I had to start wearing warmer clothes when I went outside, or the start of basketball season. But I have always had a special feeling for this season.
This year I find myself writing more and more, starting several writing projects, and finding time that just wasn't there several months ago. It is like a burst of activity before the cold Winter months set in, a harvest of ideas.
I started on my next short story, which is due out by February. I had several old ideas, but a new idea came to mind, and I ran with it. I started working a sonnet, which I plan to use in another future short story. And then there's my RoseThorn story. There are a few more bends in the river, but I sense I am approaching the end.
All in all, it is a very interesting time to be writing.
August ~ September 2009
My family and I walked the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day. For those not familar with this bridge, it is the third largest suspension bridge in the world. (It reigned #1 from 1957 to 1998.) It connects Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. And it is pronounced "MA-ki-naw".
As a child the Mackinac Bridge was a gateway to summer adventure in Michigan's U.P. (upper peninsula). I remember straining my neck to be the first to see its towers rising above the Straits of Mackinac. It still gives me a sense of awe and adventure to cross this bridge, which unlike many other famous suspension bridges is very far from any major city. The bridge connects Mackinaw City (population 900) to St. Ignace (population 2600).
The feeling is even better when you get the chance to walk across this bridge. And every Labor Day from 7:00 am to 11:00 am (but usually later), two lanes are opened to walkers of all ages.
I walked the bridge for the first time in 1997. I remember a squall coming in and getting rained on. It was cold that day. That September rain felt like November in other places. But this year we had beautiful weather. We arrived early enough to enjoy the sunrise from the bridge. And there was also enough of a breeze to cool us off as the morning became warmer.
I would recommend the bridge walk to anyone in relative good shape. I did see a few distressed walkers along the way, who looked like they bit off more than they could chew. My advice is to come early, park on the St. Ignace side, walk the bridge early to see the sunrise, and go straight to the buses, which will take you back to your car, when you reach the Mackinaw City side. Be ready for crowds and long lines at the buses. Of course, the ideal situation is to have someone drop you off on one side and pick you up on the other.
Go to www.mackinacbridge.org/about-the-bridge-8/
My family and I walked the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day. For those not familar with this bridge, it is the third largest suspension bridge in the world. (It reigned #1 from 1957 to 1998.) It connects Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. And it is pronounced "MA-ki-naw".
As a child the Mackinac Bridge was a gateway to summer adventure in Michigan's U.P. (upper peninsula). I remember straining my neck to be the first to see its towers rising above the Straits of Mackinac. It still gives me a sense of awe and adventure to cross this bridge, which unlike many other famous suspension bridges is very far from any major city. The bridge connects Mackinaw City (population 900) to St. Ignace (population 2600).
The feeling is even better when you get the chance to walk across this bridge. And every Labor Day from 7:00 am to 11:00 am (but usually later), two lanes are opened to walkers of all ages.
I walked the bridge for the first time in 1997. I remember a squall coming in and getting rained on. It was cold that day. That September rain felt like November in other places. But this year we had beautiful weather. We arrived early enough to enjoy the sunrise from the bridge. And there was also enough of a breeze to cool us off as the morning became warmer.
I would recommend the bridge walk to anyone in relative good shape. I did see a few distressed walkers along the way, who looked like they bit off more than they could chew. My advice is to come early, park on the St. Ignace side, walk the bridge early to see the sunrise, and go straight to the buses, which will take you back to your car, when you reach the Mackinaw City side. Be ready for crowds and long lines at the buses. Of course, the ideal situation is to have someone drop you off on one side and pick you up on the other.
Go to www.mackinacbridge.org/about-the-bridge-8/
July 2009
While people everywhere are getting anxious about global warming, in the Midwest we are wondering if a new ice age might not be on its way. It was a cold winter, and we are having an unusually cool summer. Its even hard to get the kids to the outdoor pool, which would usually heat up by this time. There have been days when their lips turned blue as if they were taking a dip in Lake Superior.
I posted my new short story, Private Kaza, on the www.goodstorytoread.com website. I may make some changes, but I like it enough at this point. Now I need to crack down and work on my RoseThorn novel.
While people everywhere are getting anxious about global warming, in the Midwest we are wondering if a new ice age might not be on its way. It was a cold winter, and we are having an unusually cool summer. Its even hard to get the kids to the outdoor pool, which would usually heat up by this time. There have been days when their lips turned blue as if they were taking a dip in Lake Superior.
I posted my new short story, Private Kaza, on the www.goodstorytoread.com website. I may make some changes, but I like it enough at this point. Now I need to crack down and work on my RoseThorn novel.
June 2009
I finished my next short story and sent out a few copies for comments. I like to let a story sit for awhile after I finish it. I won't read it or even think about it for several weeks. Once I get some comments back, I sit down and ready my story with these comments in mind.
Many times this helps me to tighten up a story. I have also found sentences and words I used which don't really say what I intended them to say. I believe that by working my stories this way, I will develop a better sense of the reader's point-of-view.
I finished my next short story and sent out a few copies for comments. I like to let a story sit for awhile after I finish it. I won't read it or even think about it for several weeks. Once I get some comments back, I sit down and ready my story with these comments in mind.
Many times this helps me to tighten up a story. I have also found sentences and words I used which don't really say what I intended them to say. I believe that by working my stories this way, I will develop a better sense of the reader's point-of-view.
May 2009
By the end of May the trees and grass in southern Michigan had "greened" in nicely. The woods now have the look of Summer, and suddenly you can see lawn-cutting crews everywhere. The warm, carefree days of summer are just ahead of us, but we are not quite there. The nights are still cold.
Work was a little slow this past month, but I can see progress being made on several projects, despite the economic downturn. It allowed me some more time to spend writing. I wrote and rewrote several drafts of my next short story. My deadline is August. And I surprised myself by writing a poem. I had not written poetry for quite a few years, and once started I did not think I would finish it, but I did. I posted my effort "Living with Peanut Allergy" on Booksie.
By the end of May the trees and grass in southern Michigan had "greened" in nicely. The woods now have the look of Summer, and suddenly you can see lawn-cutting crews everywhere. The warm, carefree days of summer are just ahead of us, but we are not quite there. The nights are still cold.
Work was a little slow this past month, but I can see progress being made on several projects, despite the economic downturn. It allowed me some more time to spend writing. I wrote and rewrote several drafts of my next short story. My deadline is August. And I surprised myself by writing a poem. I had not written poetry for quite a few years, and once started I did not think I would finish it, but I did. I posted my effort "Living with Peanut Allergy" on Booksie.
What I'm Writing
Cedric of RoseThorn
What I'm Reading
A Bridge Too Far by C. Ryan
Weeds- friend or foe? by S. Roth
What I'm Studying
German
German
Places I Have Visited
and I am Better Off for It
Adelaide, Australia
Arches National Park, Utah
Baltimore, Maryland
Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico
Baja Peninsula, Mexico
Beijing, China
Boston, Massachusetts
Burlington, Vermont
Cahokia Mounds, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Chief Crazy Horse Monument,S.Dakota
Cincinati, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Curitiba, Brazil
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Disney Land, Anaheim, California
Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Dubuque, Iowa
Fort Worth, Texas
Gettysbug, Pennsylvania
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Hiroshima, Japan
Hong Kong, China
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Jiu Zai Gou, Si Chuan, China
Kenai, Alaska
Kobe, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Los Angeles, California
Mackinaw City, Michigan
Mammoth Caves, Kentucky
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Nara, Japan
New York City, New York
Ottawa, Canada
Punxutawney, Pennsylvania
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Shanghai, China
St. Louis, Missour
Syracuse, New Yorki
Taos, New Mexico
Tokyo, Japan
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Venice, Italy
Washington D.C.
Wharton, Texas
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
and I am Better Off for It
Adelaide, Australia
Arches National Park, Utah
Baltimore, Maryland
Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico
Baja Peninsula, Mexico
Beijing, China
Boston, Massachusetts
Burlington, Vermont
Cahokia Mounds, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Chief Crazy Horse Monument,S.Dakota
Cincinati, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Curitiba, Brazil
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Disney Land, Anaheim, California
Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Dubuque, Iowa
Fort Worth, Texas
Gettysbug, Pennsylvania
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Hiroshima, Japan
Hong Kong, China
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Jiu Zai Gou, Si Chuan, China
Kenai, Alaska
Kobe, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Los Angeles, California
Mackinaw City, Michigan
Mammoth Caves, Kentucky
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Nara, Japan
New York City, New York
Ottawa, Canada
Punxutawney, Pennsylvania
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Shanghai, China
St. Louis, Missour
Syracuse, New Yorki
Taos, New Mexico
Tokyo, Japan
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Venice, Italy
Washington D.C.
Wharton, Texas
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
