So, I've made it through another week at work. I'm so glad it is Friday, I cannot even begin to express how glad I am that it is Friday.
Today's entry will be short and sweet. I'm going in to work early so I can get off early. I've much to do to prepare for this Sunday's market.
I did find out yesterday that there are some citizens in Pine Lake who would like for me to have a couple more markets for the fall months. This is a nice thing, but I was kind of looking forward to being done with them for this year. However, if I can get a little help, I'd be willing to put together a couple more.
But I am getting a little excited about the upcoming one this weekend. With the music we're having, there are bound to be some people show up. I'm hoping to sell some things myself. Got some bills to pay.
I do have to run. I actually have some things to do before I even get to the MARTA station this morning. At least I'll get a good parking space (I hope).
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Later
Pen
Friday, September 14, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
MEanderings
Not feeling my usual self today. Although I went to be somewhat earlier last night than I usually do, cutting my reading of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix shorter than usual, I still feel like I didn't get enough sleep. Maybe I can sleep in on Saturday as I will be up at the butt-crack of dawn on Sunday to get down to the lake for the artists' market.
We have musicians starting about 1:00 Sunday afternoon. Victor, a student from Georgia State's School of Music will open. Followed by Ronnda Cadle, the Emerson Guitar Group and Jazzmatic. These are all local people, of course. Hopefully, the music will draw some people in for the market.
But, Oy!, I'm tired. And still have so much to do before Sunday morning. I've got some painting left to do. Business cards to print. Catalogues to print, cut, staple and fold.
I am hoping my t-shirt and teddy bear get here tomorrow, but I'm not about to hold my breath for it. They were just ordered on Monday. It'd be an absolute miracle if they get here in time.
Has anyone, other than myself, noticed that you don't get nearly as much for your money these days? For instance, look at a bag of potato chips. No, seriously. I saw at Wal-mart the other day (forgive me, but I can only find the right hair color at Wally world) that large bags of potato chips were "on sale" 2 bags for $7. But here's the thing: HALF and sometimes OVER HALF the bag is nothing but air!
My PenTwin and I have gotten into lengthy discussions about this. Corporations are making PORTIONS smaller, but charging the same amount and sometimes more in order to increase their profits.
Greed doth raise its ugly head.
Sometimes, I think I would like to move way out into the country where I could have acres and acres of garden and grow all my own vegetables and fruits. Sometimes I would like to be a lot less dependent upon the "establishment" to sustain me.
The world has gone mad and is fast going to hell in a handbasket without the handles.
It's scary to be living in this time. Every morning as I leave to go to work all the way downtown Atlanta, I pray that nothing happens to me today. Granted, I also watch too many crime shows like NCIS, Criminal Minds and CSI. Those storylines are sometimes too eerily like the headlines. It is frightening what human beings can do to each other.
Of course, I won't stop watching CSI and I'm awaiting the new fall season. I try to keep my fears at bay by not thinking about such things most of the time.
Although with each passing day, hope wanes a little more, I still hope they find Steve Fossett alive today.
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Later
Pen
We have musicians starting about 1:00 Sunday afternoon. Victor, a student from Georgia State's School of Music will open. Followed by Ronnda Cadle, the Emerson Guitar Group and Jazzmatic. These are all local people, of course. Hopefully, the music will draw some people in for the market.
But, Oy!, I'm tired. And still have so much to do before Sunday morning. I've got some painting left to do. Business cards to print. Catalogues to print, cut, staple and fold.
I am hoping my t-shirt and teddy bear get here tomorrow, but I'm not about to hold my breath for it. They were just ordered on Monday. It'd be an absolute miracle if they get here in time.
Has anyone, other than myself, noticed that you don't get nearly as much for your money these days? For instance, look at a bag of potato chips. No, seriously. I saw at Wal-mart the other day (forgive me, but I can only find the right hair color at Wally world) that large bags of potato chips were "on sale" 2 bags for $7. But here's the thing: HALF and sometimes OVER HALF the bag is nothing but air!
My PenTwin and I have gotten into lengthy discussions about this. Corporations are making PORTIONS smaller, but charging the same amount and sometimes more in order to increase their profits.
Greed doth raise its ugly head.
Sometimes, I think I would like to move way out into the country where I could have acres and acres of garden and grow all my own vegetables and fruits. Sometimes I would like to be a lot less dependent upon the "establishment" to sustain me.
The world has gone mad and is fast going to hell in a handbasket without the handles.
It's scary to be living in this time. Every morning as I leave to go to work all the way downtown Atlanta, I pray that nothing happens to me today. Granted, I also watch too many crime shows like NCIS, Criminal Minds and CSI. Those storylines are sometimes too eerily like the headlines. It is frightening what human beings can do to each other.
Of course, I won't stop watching CSI and I'm awaiting the new fall season. I try to keep my fears at bay by not thinking about such things most of the time.
Although with each passing day, hope wanes a little more, I still hope they find Steve Fossett alive today.
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Later
Pen
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
MEanderings
I don't always think about the date when I'm writing this blog. So I totally forgot what yesterday's date was.
The anniversary of 9/11.
I was working yet another dead end data entry job (I lost that job because I had the nerve to tell my supervisor that data entry wasn't "rocket science"). I had stepped into the breakroom to grab some coffee and everyone was in there watching the television. Once I heard about what was going on, I joined them.
It was like it wasn't real. Couldn't be real. It was horrible to watch the tower as it crumbled in on itself. It was like a bad dream.
I remember as I drove home thinking that anyone could start dropping bombs at any moment. They could even drop one on the road I was travelling.
What is so ironic to me is that, since that time, people have become so much more apathetic. There's a lot less heart in the world than there used to be. You would think it would be the other way around.
I can testify to the compassion people had 40 years ago. People grieved for months after John F. Kennedy was shot. It was as though they took the loss personally.
People were shocked at 9/11. They were frightened afterwards. But they did not take it personally, save for those who actually lost someone in the tragedy.
What truly aggrieves me is that people seem to have forgotten that our current administration was forewarned about the attacks and did nothing. An America 40 years ago would have protested vehemently about this.
Yet people continue about their daily lives. No protests. No cries of outrage. No taking things to heart any more.
Do we still have a heart as a nation? Do people still have hearts individually?
Where is the soul America once had? It's not in that SUV or ipod. You won't find it in a brand of tennis shoe or at Mickey D's.
It is supposed to be within us, each and every American citizen. We are supposed to be the heart and soul of this nation.
In the movie, "National Treasure" Nicholas Cage quotes from the Declaration of Independence. The gist of it is that, if there is something wrong with our government, those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action.
So where are those in positions of power who have the ability to take action? Because they certainly aren't taking the responsibility.
I love that I am an American. But there's a lot wrong with our government and nation that need to be fixed.
And these things should be fixed in memory of those who have died in America's name. In the name of freedom, justice and liberty for all.
Like those who died in 9/11. Involuntarily drafted by outside forces to be soliders and examples of what corruption and terrorism can accomplish.
I pray for peace.
Pen
www.cafepress.com/penspen
The anniversary of 9/11.
I was working yet another dead end data entry job (I lost that job because I had the nerve to tell my supervisor that data entry wasn't "rocket science"). I had stepped into the breakroom to grab some coffee and everyone was in there watching the television. Once I heard about what was going on, I joined them.
It was like it wasn't real. Couldn't be real. It was horrible to watch the tower as it crumbled in on itself. It was like a bad dream.
I remember as I drove home thinking that anyone could start dropping bombs at any moment. They could even drop one on the road I was travelling.
What is so ironic to me is that, since that time, people have become so much more apathetic. There's a lot less heart in the world than there used to be. You would think it would be the other way around.
I can testify to the compassion people had 40 years ago. People grieved for months after John F. Kennedy was shot. It was as though they took the loss personally.
People were shocked at 9/11. They were frightened afterwards. But they did not take it personally, save for those who actually lost someone in the tragedy.
What truly aggrieves me is that people seem to have forgotten that our current administration was forewarned about the attacks and did nothing. An America 40 years ago would have protested vehemently about this.
Yet people continue about their daily lives. No protests. No cries of outrage. No taking things to heart any more.
Do we still have a heart as a nation? Do people still have hearts individually?
Where is the soul America once had? It's not in that SUV or ipod. You won't find it in a brand of tennis shoe or at Mickey D's.
It is supposed to be within us, each and every American citizen. We are supposed to be the heart and soul of this nation.
In the movie, "National Treasure" Nicholas Cage quotes from the Declaration of Independence. The gist of it is that, if there is something wrong with our government, those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action.
So where are those in positions of power who have the ability to take action? Because they certainly aren't taking the responsibility.
I love that I am an American. But there's a lot wrong with our government and nation that need to be fixed.
And these things should be fixed in memory of those who have died in America's name. In the name of freedom, justice and liberty for all.
Like those who died in 9/11. Involuntarily drafted by outside forces to be soliders and examples of what corruption and terrorism can accomplish.
I pray for peace.
Pen
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
More MEanderings
I sit here at this ungodly hour, contemplating how I can get the word out about my merchandise. Actually, this is something I think about quite a bit these days. No money for advertising, so it has to be via word of mouth.
I've managed to order a t-shirt and a teddy bear. They should arrive by the end of the week. Actually wearing the products is great advertising in and of itself. The teddy bear will be raffled off at the artists' market this weekend.
I've also created a catalogue and business cards to leave in places like hair salons, coffee shops and doctor's offices. It's a start.
There is some low-cost advertising to be had, but I can only operate on no-cost at the moment.
I have faith and confidence that my stuff will catch on. The writing is very empowering for women. Especially "I AM" which is the writing I chose to start with. Just convincing women they need what I have, that's the trick.
In the meantime, I continue to read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I believe this may be the heftiest tome JK Rowling wrote. After that, it's the Half-Blood Prince. That one I'll have to check out of the library for now.
It's amazing how quickly money goes. I got paid yesterday, paid my bills and now I've little money to spare. It's frustrating to never have enough money to go around, isn't it?
I suppose at some point I'll have enough to go around and then some. But that's going to take some time. After all, when you're out of work for almost a year, it's tough to bounce back.
Truth be told, I don't recall how on earth I made it through. I fell down the stairs at my apartment building and couldn't work for a couple of days. The temp service I worked for at that time decided to "end my assignment." The days after are a blur.
Temp services have become a scam these days. They'll end your assignment if you wear the wrong kinds of shoes. I had a job that I really really liked back in the spring. It was also through a temp service. The company bragged to the service about how glad they were I was working there, how pleased they were with my work. Two weeks after they did that, they decided to "end my assignment" because they wanted someone with "more experience." This was so the company wouldn't have to pay employee benefits or a hiring bonus to the temp service. Three months later, the position I had worked was advertised again with a different temp service.
Working a job has become ten times harder in the last several years. Since Georgia's employment laws are all on the side of the employer, employers can pretty much treat employees however they want.
You can't pull an Erin Brockovich (my hero) in the state of Georgia and tell employers what you think (even if you don't use the "f" word). They consider this a sign of "aggression" particularly if it comes from a woman. It's as though freedom of speech isn't a constitutional right here in Georgia and free thinking isn't allowed.
I hate that feeling.
But, speaking of the job, I must get ready for mine. Have to go in early today. It's a good thing I have CDs to listen to all day: Sister Hazel, Cher, Michelle Malone, Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge and Dave Grusin to name just a few. It's background noise but it helps keep me sane.
I hope they find Steve Fossett alive today. I know hope is waning since it has been a week since he disappeared, but I keep hope alive until there is none left.
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Later.
Pen
I've managed to order a t-shirt and a teddy bear. They should arrive by the end of the week. Actually wearing the products is great advertising in and of itself. The teddy bear will be raffled off at the artists' market this weekend.
I've also created a catalogue and business cards to leave in places like hair salons, coffee shops and doctor's offices. It's a start.
There is some low-cost advertising to be had, but I can only operate on no-cost at the moment.
I have faith and confidence that my stuff will catch on. The writing is very empowering for women. Especially "I AM" which is the writing I chose to start with. Just convincing women they need what I have, that's the trick.
In the meantime, I continue to read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I believe this may be the heftiest tome JK Rowling wrote. After that, it's the Half-Blood Prince. That one I'll have to check out of the library for now.
It's amazing how quickly money goes. I got paid yesterday, paid my bills and now I've little money to spare. It's frustrating to never have enough money to go around, isn't it?
I suppose at some point I'll have enough to go around and then some. But that's going to take some time. After all, when you're out of work for almost a year, it's tough to bounce back.
Truth be told, I don't recall how on earth I made it through. I fell down the stairs at my apartment building and couldn't work for a couple of days. The temp service I worked for at that time decided to "end my assignment." The days after are a blur.
Temp services have become a scam these days. They'll end your assignment if you wear the wrong kinds of shoes. I had a job that I really really liked back in the spring. It was also through a temp service. The company bragged to the service about how glad they were I was working there, how pleased they were with my work. Two weeks after they did that, they decided to "end my assignment" because they wanted someone with "more experience." This was so the company wouldn't have to pay employee benefits or a hiring bonus to the temp service. Three months later, the position I had worked was advertised again with a different temp service.
Working a job has become ten times harder in the last several years. Since Georgia's employment laws are all on the side of the employer, employers can pretty much treat employees however they want.
You can't pull an Erin Brockovich (my hero) in the state of Georgia and tell employers what you think (even if you don't use the "f" word). They consider this a sign of "aggression" particularly if it comes from a woman. It's as though freedom of speech isn't a constitutional right here in Georgia and free thinking isn't allowed.
I hate that feeling.
But, speaking of the job, I must get ready for mine. Have to go in early today. It's a good thing I have CDs to listen to all day: Sister Hazel, Cher, Michelle Malone, Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge and Dave Grusin to name just a few. It's background noise but it helps keep me sane.
I hope they find Steve Fossett alive today. I know hope is waning since it has been a week since he disappeared, but I keep hope alive until there is none left.
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Later.
Pen
Monday, September 10, 2007
Monday morning ughs
Oy! It's Monday morning already??
Ah, but I must be grateful for having a job. That's what everyone tells me. While I try desperately not to be ungrateful, I would so much rather be doing something I enjoy for a living. It seems to me if you're going to spend the majority of your time doing something, it ought to be at least something you enjoy.
But, life isn't fair.
I couldn't go to sleep last night, so I stayed up a little too late reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry's just been cleared by the Wizengamot and he's ready to go back to Hogwarts.
I wouldn't mind going back to school. I'd love to be in flight school right about now.
But that comes later. At the moment, I look forward to the artists' market this upcoming weekend.
But for right now, I have to get ready for the JOB.
I hope they find Steve Fossett alive today.
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Later
Pen
Ah, but I must be grateful for having a job. That's what everyone tells me. While I try desperately not to be ungrateful, I would so much rather be doing something I enjoy for a living. It seems to me if you're going to spend the majority of your time doing something, it ought to be at least something you enjoy.
But, life isn't fair.
I couldn't go to sleep last night, so I stayed up a little too late reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry's just been cleared by the Wizengamot and he's ready to go back to Hogwarts.
I wouldn't mind going back to school. I'd love to be in flight school right about now.
But that comes later. At the moment, I look forward to the artists' market this upcoming weekend.
But for right now, I have to get ready for the JOB.
I hope they find Steve Fossett alive today.
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Later
Pen
Sunday, September 9, 2007
MEanderings on a Sunday morning
Have you ever wondered about the miracle that is you? How easily movement comes to you, how well you can see, hear, taste, breathe or smell? Do you ever park far away from the door of the store just because you have the ability to walk? Putting one foot in front of another, have you ever actually contemplated the movements of the muscles in your legs? Try it sometime, because the miracle of life is amazing.
One week from today at about this time, I will be down at the lake, setting up all my artwork and stuff for our artists' market here in Pine Lake.
We've had two already, but, I have learned the hard way, I'm afraid, that summer simply isn't the best time to have an outdoor market. It was much too hot this summer in Georgia. No one wanted to get out and about. I can't say I blame them. Sitting there in the hot sun for hours was horrible. Next year, we're only having two artists' markets - one in May and one in September and they're going to be on Saturdays instead of Sunday. May 3 and September 6 are the prospective dates for next year and I'm booking them on Monday.
But the weather has cooled down somewhat and we have live music and beer and wine sales. That should help bring people in, I hope. We have only a handful of vendors - about 8 thus far, but I'm not ruling out having an even dozen before the week is out. Of course, there may even be some people who show up Sunday morning, which is fine by me so long as they have their vendor fees in hand.
The money pretty much goes into the coffers of the City of Pine Lake. I just want the opportunity to sell my wares.
My art is folk art, although I would love to take some art classes. I did this one painting under the tutelage of a local artist, Rita King. It actually turned out well. So well, that I won't be selling it. Unless I do another just like it and sell that one.
I enjoy painting. I even enjoy making my own canvasses (which Rita taught me how to do). The only drawback about making your own canvasses, though, is that you have to either make stretchers for them or find someone who can. I haven't tried my hand at making stretchers and haven't been successful at finding someone who can make them for me, so my finished canvasses lay waiting to be stretched.
However, I also like painting on wood and have several pieces done. Not just any wood, they have to be a nice size and shape. There is one folk artist here in Pine Lake who will paint on anything that sits still long enough - wood, tile, glass, you name it. And it works for her. I'm just a little pickier, I guess.
I just finished this one large piece yesterday that will be down at the lake next Sunday. I have a lot of ideas for "mixed media" one of which involves a derelict refrigerator.
I've discovered that, when it comes to creating art, the sky really is the limit. You can do just about anything and someone, somewhere is going to appreciate it.
I like to incorporate a lot of my writing into my art. It's fun and it gets my writing noticed as well.
I read some Harry Potter before retiring last night. Of all the Harry Potter books, it seems the Order of the Phoenix is the most difficult to get through for some reason. It could be because I want to get to the Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows again. But I exercise a little willpower here. I like reading them one after the other. Heft reads though they may be, I drink in every word.
Today I will be doing more painting in order to have some items at the market next Sunday. I'll be kind of relieved when it is over - it's been difficult getting the three of them together. But I've learned a lot and I'll start working on next year's as soon as I get the dates booked with the city.
I have some flyers I must get out there this morning to the residents of Pine Lake. I've already delivered about 300 of them, only about 100 more to go. That shouldn't take any more than a couple of hours.
Then I can pick up my paintbrush.
I hope Steve Fossett is found alive today.
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Later
Pen
One week from today at about this time, I will be down at the lake, setting up all my artwork and stuff for our artists' market here in Pine Lake.
We've had two already, but, I have learned the hard way, I'm afraid, that summer simply isn't the best time to have an outdoor market. It was much too hot this summer in Georgia. No one wanted to get out and about. I can't say I blame them. Sitting there in the hot sun for hours was horrible. Next year, we're only having two artists' markets - one in May and one in September and they're going to be on Saturdays instead of Sunday. May 3 and September 6 are the prospective dates for next year and I'm booking them on Monday.
But the weather has cooled down somewhat and we have live music and beer and wine sales. That should help bring people in, I hope. We have only a handful of vendors - about 8 thus far, but I'm not ruling out having an even dozen before the week is out. Of course, there may even be some people who show up Sunday morning, which is fine by me so long as they have their vendor fees in hand.
The money pretty much goes into the coffers of the City of Pine Lake. I just want the opportunity to sell my wares.
My art is folk art, although I would love to take some art classes. I did this one painting under the tutelage of a local artist, Rita King. It actually turned out well. So well, that I won't be selling it. Unless I do another just like it and sell that one.
I enjoy painting. I even enjoy making my own canvasses (which Rita taught me how to do). The only drawback about making your own canvasses, though, is that you have to either make stretchers for them or find someone who can. I haven't tried my hand at making stretchers and haven't been successful at finding someone who can make them for me, so my finished canvasses lay waiting to be stretched.
However, I also like painting on wood and have several pieces done. Not just any wood, they have to be a nice size and shape. There is one folk artist here in Pine Lake who will paint on anything that sits still long enough - wood, tile, glass, you name it. And it works for her. I'm just a little pickier, I guess.
I just finished this one large piece yesterday that will be down at the lake next Sunday. I have a lot of ideas for "mixed media" one of which involves a derelict refrigerator.
I've discovered that, when it comes to creating art, the sky really is the limit. You can do just about anything and someone, somewhere is going to appreciate it.
I like to incorporate a lot of my writing into my art. It's fun and it gets my writing noticed as well.
I read some Harry Potter before retiring last night. Of all the Harry Potter books, it seems the Order of the Phoenix is the most difficult to get through for some reason. It could be because I want to get to the Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows again. But I exercise a little willpower here. I like reading them one after the other. Heft reads though they may be, I drink in every word.
Today I will be doing more painting in order to have some items at the market next Sunday. I'll be kind of relieved when it is over - it's been difficult getting the three of them together. But I've learned a lot and I'll start working on next year's as soon as I get the dates booked with the city.
I have some flyers I must get out there this morning to the residents of Pine Lake. I've already delivered about 300 of them, only about 100 more to go. That shouldn't take any more than a couple of hours.
Then I can pick up my paintbrush.
I hope Steve Fossett is found alive today.
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Later
Pen
Saturday, September 8, 2007
MEanderings
Thought for the day: each step of defeat merely touches another stone on the path to success. ©2007 Penny White
Finished reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Satisfying, as always. Didn't waste any time getting started on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I cannot help but marvel at the brilliance of J.K. Rowling. How imaginative and creative the idea is of having a school for witches and wizards and the whole Harry Potter story.
Of course, I also find the works of Judy Mercer and Pat Conroy equally engaging and marvel at their mastery of writing as well.
Stephen King, too, is a master, though it is master of the macabre. King, though, tends to get tiring after awhile. He writes to formula and he uses the same metaphors for fear over and over again. If you read a number of his books one after the other, you'll begin to spot patterns in his descriptions. The ideas are all different, but the way he writes those ideas is similar from one book to the next. His formula obviously works as he is laughing all the way to the bank.
The true master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, could teach many contemporary writers, King included, a thing or two.
Still no word on Steve Fossett. You would think that with today's technology it wouldn't be that difficult to find someone. What with all the satellites up there looking down on this planet among other things. But it's a great big world out there. Some things are never found.
For instance, Gertrude Tompkins-Silver has yet to be found and she's been missing since 1944.
Tompkins-Silver was part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II (http://www.wasp-wwii.org/). These were women who flew planes on domestic missions so men pilots could go and fly in the war. Their history isn't taught in school, though it should be. But, just like the Women's Professional Baseball League, their story probably won't be widely known until a movie is made about it.
Tompkins-Silver took off from Los Angeles headed for the East Coast. She and her plane disappeared along the way and, although search efforts continue today, no trace of her has ever been found.
The WASP served under government auspices for four or five years, yet were not recognized as part of military service until the 70s. 38 women pilots died in the line of duty, but were not given military burials. Cornelia Fort, now with an airport in Tennessee named after her, was at Pearl Harbor giving flying lessons the very day it was attacked. She and her student bore witness from the sky to the carnage. She was the first woman pilot killed in the line of duty when a hotshot male pilot clipped their plane while showing off. Cornelia had the wherewithall to turn off the plane's engine before it crashed so as to avoid the plane bursting into flames.
Women are truly amazing. Aren't we?
I hope they find Steve Fossett alive today.
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Later
Pen
Finished reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Satisfying, as always. Didn't waste any time getting started on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I cannot help but marvel at the brilliance of J.K. Rowling. How imaginative and creative the idea is of having a school for witches and wizards and the whole Harry Potter story.
Of course, I also find the works of Judy Mercer and Pat Conroy equally engaging and marvel at their mastery of writing as well.
Stephen King, too, is a master, though it is master of the macabre. King, though, tends to get tiring after awhile. He writes to formula and he uses the same metaphors for fear over and over again. If you read a number of his books one after the other, you'll begin to spot patterns in his descriptions. The ideas are all different, but the way he writes those ideas is similar from one book to the next. His formula obviously works as he is laughing all the way to the bank.
The true master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, could teach many contemporary writers, King included, a thing or two.
Still no word on Steve Fossett. You would think that with today's technology it wouldn't be that difficult to find someone. What with all the satellites up there looking down on this planet among other things. But it's a great big world out there. Some things are never found.
For instance, Gertrude Tompkins-Silver has yet to be found and she's been missing since 1944.
Tompkins-Silver was part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II (http://www.wasp-wwii.org/). These were women who flew planes on domestic missions so men pilots could go and fly in the war. Their history isn't taught in school, though it should be. But, just like the Women's Professional Baseball League, their story probably won't be widely known until a movie is made about it.
Tompkins-Silver took off from Los Angeles headed for the East Coast. She and her plane disappeared along the way and, although search efforts continue today, no trace of her has ever been found.
The WASP served under government auspices for four or five years, yet were not recognized as part of military service until the 70s. 38 women pilots died in the line of duty, but were not given military burials. Cornelia Fort, now with an airport in Tennessee named after her, was at Pearl Harbor giving flying lessons the very day it was attacked. She and her student bore witness from the sky to the carnage. She was the first woman pilot killed in the line of duty when a hotshot male pilot clipped their plane while showing off. Cornelia had the wherewithall to turn off the plane's engine before it crashed so as to avoid the plane bursting into flames.
Women are truly amazing. Aren't we?
I hope they find Steve Fossett alive today.
www.cafepress.com/penspen
Later
Pen
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