Para-Exceptional

Last weekend's Para-X in East Brunswick was a real blast.  Thanks to New Jersey Ghost Organization for hosting the event, and also to my lovely publisher, Phyllis Galde, for providing new Fate Magazines hot off the presses.

I also have to acknowledge my friend Charlene and nephew Keith for doing all the lugging and setting up/ breaking down that was beyond my abilities. We handed out lots of goodie bags, and sold both books and pouches, we had lovely neighbors in the guise of the Lytle sisters, and generally had a ball.  Would I do this again next year? Absolutely!


Yours truly



The signing table



Charlene in green



Me and ECTO 2


I mentioned in a prior blog entry that I would be doing the Samhain Circle at Earth Spirit on October 30th.  That has now been changed.  The shop decided they wanted a party, instead, complete with psychic readings and a seance. During Samhain season? Well, good luck there, folks.  I'll be safely tucked in bed.

Speaking of Samhain season, I have always said "If things can go wrong, they will"... and so they have.  Last Wednesdsay I took my shower, started putting on my socks and there, on my left ankle, was an ulcer.  I froze.  I thought I was having flashbacks.  I went to see my doctor and, thankfully, it is very shallow. No walking in the CRO until it heals. Therefore I had to 1) work at home again 2) give up my ticket to see the Ghost Hunters at the Count Basie Theatre and 3) cancel my Salem trip.  However! I am happy to report the healing has begun and we have avoided the road I went down last year. Worth a trip to Salem? Oh, yes.

Next weekend, the blog will be all about Samhain - and will also feature some of the gargoyle photos not used in the "Jersey Goyle" article.  Until then, be careful out there.  The worlds are getting closer and closer...

Finally! A Clue...

I am in love. 
 Truly.
Oh, this isn't a new relationship by any means.  I've been carrying the torch for this gentlemen since I was in high school. I admired his intellect, his near-magical abilities, the fact that he was not focused on monetary gain, surface relationships, or chasing the mundane and pedestrian in life. He has placed himself in the service of others many times, risked his life, but all with the commitment of conquering the puzzle, finding the solution, feeling alive.

He's far from perfect.  Like me, he dwells on the darkness when there are no distractions.  He mopes.  He withdraws. But I have loved him with all my heart. Many have tried to be like him, a clear compliment to his individualistic style, but I have never seen the spark of his spirit in any man's eyes…until now.

This weekend, I watched all 3 episodes of "Sherlock", the BBC's 3-parter, and my skeptical heart just melted. Finally! A Holmes and Watson that doesn't insult the intelligence, that plays to those human traits - strength, weakness, flaws, brilliance - that have been in the "cannon" all this time.  And they are young - as young as they would have been in Sir Arthur's stories: mature, in their thirties – men old enough to have seen the jaded side of the world (John in war and Sherlock in crime investigation) but who still have a longing for “the game” - the thrill of life.

Stripped away is Victorian England. This is the 21^st century. There are laptops, cell phones, Chinese take-away open until 2am. What remains is pure relationship and character development or, better stated, character re-discovery. Holy Goddess, what a ride! They have just finished filming next year's three episode 2^nd season. Was that actually me giggling when I got the news? Funny, what love can do.

As to this quote:

Barry: "Hey, you gotta help me, Mr. Holmes! Everyone says you're the best. Without you... I'll get hung for this."
Sherlock: "No, no, Mr. Bewick, not at all. Hanged, yes."

...it's part of scene one, episode 3, current season.
Those who know me, and my near obsession with proper grammar (specific errors in particular) are now grinning like Cheshire Cats. Do you see? If I hadn't yet given my soul to this Sherlock after Episodes 1 and 2, he would have had me at “hanged”.

Regarding everyday existence - I went to see the doctors this past Thursday.  The new CRO and shoe are working out OK, but I still have a chronic fear of falling.  They've given me a script for physical therapy.  I also complained about pain in the back of my leg, and now I must go for a Doppler. Blood clots may be forming, even at this late date. I couldn't go Friday because my car was at the garage having the electrical system checked. (Sigh) it IS still Samhain season.

On the bright side, the Fate Magazine issue has arrived and the article looks great, as does Keith's photography. I have a supply, although limited. Come see me at the Para-X event at the East Brunswick Elks on Saturday, October 15th, and pick up a copy while they last. There will also be goodie bags, books and pouches for purchase, and lots of candy corn!

Hopefully, Jersey folks who read Jersey "Goyles" will take a few snaps of their own local stone lurkers and send them to me. In my next blog I will begin sharing images not used in the article.

See you next Saturday!