The Ghost of Halloween Past

Finally, All Hallows Week ^TM has arrived. Time for a little stroll down memory lane.

Wal-Mart (aka the evil empire) used to sell these vinyl costumes with a mask for about two bucks. My journey to the dark side started when I was three and a half (way back in 1978), and my mom bought this costume.

Scary.

As a treat (or trick?) for Halloween, I've put together a podcast of my first published story. If you have a spare five minutes, stop by for a listen on Friday. I enjoy playing around with sound editing, so this might be a regular feature.

More Halloween goodness to come.

On Resilience, Batman Costumes, Other Things

Consider this first bit a self-pep talk.

I would like to thank everyone who read and/or commented on "Reciprocity". As a fledgling writer, I receive no greater boost than knowing that someone reads my stuff. The positive nods are just a bonus. Thank you.

There is a lesson in that story that I need to remember as a fledgling writer. I'd received five rejections before landing it with The Battered Suitcase. What if I gave up? Sometimes, being resilient is the most difficult of all choices, but it is the only choice that matters.

Part two: the Halloween Costumes.

I may need to consult Carrie Harris on this (if we have any Batman eyebrow issues): the whole fam is dressing as characters from Batman. Yep. Owen (5) will be the caped crusader, Max (2) will be Robin, Aimee will be Bat-Woman, and me...Alfred, the butler.

Yes, Alfred, Bruce Wayne's butler. You should see the bow tie...in fact, I'll make sure to post some pictures.

Finally, a movie rec:

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is go. I remember all those cheese ball John Hughes movies from the 80s, and will admit, under interrogation, that I enjoyed most. Michael Cera is this generation's John Cusak (remember Say Anything?). Now, if I could just go to the movies without seeing my students...hurm.