All I Would have Missed

I still drive by the street where the cop protected our life on that Saturday. While everyone else will remember it as the day my father died, I have considered every time I drive by Beech Street how things would have been so different had we been killed that day.

Since this will be the last official post for this blog, it seemed appropriate to finish with the highlights of the last year. I have often wondered why I was still here, and instead, I look back on all I would have missed:

My daughter's 18th birthday.

Great books from my Cali cousin,

Reconnecting with my cousin Karen
Co-writing a play Elyce Times One, that placed in the 100 of Writer's Digest Wrting Contest
The reading of that play with the best local actors of our city

A laptop gift
Writing book reviews /getting books and meeting delightful people
New On Line friends: Roberto, Kathy, Greg
Starting a writer's group
My daughter in her senior year, as a full time student

• getting her temps,


• and getting accepted to culinary school

The new friendships formed among writers I respect and enjoy

Friends who have seen, heard read me when I was being a jerk, but love me anyway.
Seeing all my siblings in one spot five years after the 1st time in 17 years
Meeting my first born daughter's adoptive mom
The memory box of military memorabilia Mary Lou is putting together,

• and all the lunches we had together as a result of it.

The first, second and third glossy magazine publishings
My sister's book being published and coming in 2nd place
Winning first place in one category of a writing contest

The long awaited return of my sainted brother
The love of family and friends

A beautiful flower arrangements for Valentines day of 09 (above)

The Jesus blanket sent to me from the church

The finishing of my second screenplay
One of the most speacial Christmas seasons in a long time with many friends,

• and some different but very cool family

These aren't in the order of their occurence and there are more things. Just because they aren't in the forefront of my mind doesn't mean they aren't important. Things jump out all the time and make me smile. You are one of them, trust me.

I am glad to still be here.
I hope this year is even better than last, but it has been real, hasn't it?
I'll still be posting on The Radical Write. Have a wonderful life.

Peachy Keen

I ran into the store to get a few items. I was running low on cash, but the items I needed were kind of pricey. On the way to the check out, I picked up a peach. Eating on the way home just sounded good.

As the clerk checked out my items, I could tell I didn't have enough.

Before she rang it up I spoke up.

"I'm sorry, I don't have enough for that."

"You've got to get the peach. It's nutrition!"

"After that stuff, I might have 35 cents left."

"She punched a few buttons and said, how about the peach is 27 cents. Now you have enough."

"Are you serious?"
" I'll do it for peach. It's good for you. A candy bar, not so much."

I thanked her and left feeling pretty blessed.

It was really yummy!

I went out to the mailbox. Nine times out of ten, the mail isn't for me but, strangely, my daughter. I suppose being at college age explains her recent avalanche. I don't get much mail, but about once a week a magazine shows up for me.
But, I got a surprise. I found a current issue of Harper's. I don't remember subscribing to it. I though maybe I'd sent the trial coupon in. But when I looked on the mailing label, it said that the subscription is for one entire year.
Wow! This is so cool! Someone got me a year's subscription to a great magazine. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I just wish I knew why. Of course, I wish I knew who. But there is something magical about anonymous benevolence that inspires me. So, benefactor, if you happen to read this blog, thank you. I am truly inspired.
May you be blessed. And if you're hoping that the reading of this publication will elevate my writing to the next level, I hope I don't disappoint you.

Body Blues

Are you at peace with your body?


If you could change one thing about it, what would it be?


When is the last time you were happy with the way you looked?



Who are you comparing yourself to?



I don't have all the answers. Somedays, just more questions.

Take the poll and see how your answers compare with others.

So We Could

Since we became a nation over 200 years ago, how many people have given their lives so we could remain a free country? In Ohio alone over 175 men and women have died for it.

Since the Constitution was written guaranteeing our freedom, how many of our rights have we given away? I get disgusted with politicians and lawmakers. What new laws? But if I don't pay attention, they will take what I am not willing to give.

If we shut down the Christians, who will pray for our country?

If we silence the writers, who will speak about injustice?

If we don't care for our brothers, who will care about us?

If we are at war with each other, how can we have peace elsewhere?

If you are free to worship and free to travel, thank a soldier.

If you can walk down the street and don't worry about car bombs on your street, or any street on your map of destinies, thank a soldier.

If you sleep at night, expecting a relatively normal tomorrow, thank a soldier.

They have sacrificed so we could be free. Let's don't take that for granted. Lets show up at the parades and applaud them wherever we see them. Let's write and let them know we support them.

We may not all agree on the war, but we agree on one thing-- those are our people over there defending us. Let's be unified in our gratitude.

Thanks to the friends and relatives that I've had the privelege of knowing, who have fought and or defended this great country:

Adam Wein, Robert D Wein, Sue Hagan Medlin, Renee Jemmings, Frank Hagan, George Hagan, Bob Weesner, Tim Ricker, Rick Siemienski and Faye Helfin.

And if I've forgotten anyone, please let me know.