Kim and me

Kim and me

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Second blog on Ghent Belgium published.

Today my second article in the Mormon Times has been published, also a reference in the Deseret News online edition. Having a great time writing these pieces and finally getting my name out there so maybe interest will be generated in my books. I have no idea if it will make either print editions like the first article did. Here is a link to the Mormon Times.

http://www.mormontimes.com/article/19278/A-modern-day-exploration-of-the-medieval-city-of-Ghent

Thursday, January 13, 2011

the passing of a true hero

A few years ago I watched the HBO mini-series "Band of Brothers" for the first time. I didn't have HBO when it first aired but actually watched the first episode on an airplane while on my way to Europe. I became compelled to watch the entire ten hour series and purchased it. I've since watched it several times and I admit it's my favorite movie, television series, or anything else that I've ever had the opportunity to view.
Its a true story written by Stephen Ambrose about Easy company and their jump into history on D-day of world war II. It then follows them through their battles and exploits until the taking of Eagles Nest in Bavarian Germany at the end of the war. Watching this you become familiar with the men who helped preserve our freedom and one man really stands out in the show. Major Richard Winters, who should have received the congressional medal of honor for his service and bravery. He was everything I would want my sons to emulate in a role model.
He passed away on January 2nd, the same day my article in the Deseret News was published. I wish I'd only had the opportunity to meet Major Winters sometime during his life.
Dick Winters is just one of thousands. He just happens to be the one that I learned something about. My own father served in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of World War II and I'm just as proud of him. Thank you, to an entire generation of those who fought for our freedom and those who continue to fight.

Monday, January 10, 2011

More blogs submitted and making good progress on the Ireland story

Two more blogs accepted by Deseret Connect for the Mormon Times. One telling about our experience last September in Ghent, Belgium and Gravensteen Castle. The other telling about Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands last April. Hopefully they will be published soon and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that other stories will make the pring edition of Deseret News.

Didn't accomplish very much on The Eye of Magog for about 3 weeks. Now for the last two days I've found myself back in the nich. 52,000 words right now and 90 pages complete. I'm guessing, and I don't know why this happens, that it will be finished around 75,000 words like the first three novels. I really, really like this story.

I'm thinking about writing a non fiction book about the feelings fathers go through when they find themselves divorced. Its something I underestimated and I think the father's voice needs to be heard. This book would be written using a different name and would go into detail about what has happened to me but nobody will ever know it is me. My kids, ex wife, present wife, will all be protected. I'm thinking about approaching Deseret Book about this and seeing if they are interested before I start.

Working now at the terminal, A section. Its been a long time since I've worked on live airplanes with flight crews and passengers waiting. Little bit of anxiety goes with it.

I guess thats enough for now. I hope people are enjoying Whispers from the Past. I've only had good feedback from friends and co workers which makes me happy and motivates me to do more. I also hope the article in the Deseret News was enjoyed by those who read it. I actually got invited to go on a safari in Kenya by the art director of Hogle Zoo and a lady in Samoa emailed me and told me I need to travel to her country. Does this qualify as fan mail?

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Published on January 1st edition of the Deseret News !!!!

Tonight I was checking my email and found one from my mom in Bountiful, Utah. She congratulated me for having my article published on the front page of the Deseret News travel section. Sure enough, my one time blog for the Mormon Times has become the cover story in the Deseret News....!!!!!   I'm pretty excited. Amber, I'm so glad we got to take the trip to Thailand together. I love you soooo much as I do your sisters and brother. I miss you and hope you do well while at BYU. 

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700096397/Tourists-allowed-to-play-with-tigers-at-Buddhist-sanctuary-in-Thailand.html?pg=2