"Propelled"

by Christopher Kastensmidt

The venerable nonmetals,
each with gentle might
and the soul of a martyr.

"Holy Cats"

by Kersley Fitzgerald

If a soul is locked up tighter than old Schrody's cat, is it alive, or dead?

(For those you aren’t following me on Facebook, on Thursday I got an acceptance from The Lorelei Signal re: my story “Moon Ransom.” The story was previously published a couple years ago, but it’s one of my favorites stories so I’m excited that it’s going be back out there and available to be read again.)

I managed to put that positive writing energy to good use. I finished the story I’ve been working and sent it off.

It’s a good thing too, ‘cause I was down to only one sub pending, and that’s not a good place to be. Had to up the potential of another “yes” coming my way.

Now I just have to decide what story to work on next...

"The Black Bag"

by Peter H. Solomon

In a contest with dangerous witches, a little help is always welcome.

"Song of the Bard"
by Aubrie Dionne

Nelly learns that the power of a song is more powerful than the sword.

I had a good writing session at Panera this morning. (I'm bummed though that they took my favorite egg soufflé off the menu. Grrr.) The story I’m working on is getting better. Thanks, in part, to a crit from Rick. Thanks, Rick!

I guess improvement is really all I can ask for. I am trying to reinforce and reward trying and progress instead of only perfection. ‘Cause if only perfection counted then we’d all be in big trouble. ;)

In other news...

I have a new favorite restaurant. Hubby and I went out to dinner for our anniversary. We decided to try Sinigual, a new Mexican place in the neighborhood. We had a great experience. I can't wait to go back. The Fire-Roasted Tomato Soup is exceptional.

Also, we've instituted "movie night" on Fridays. Recently we've watched:

"The Men Who Stare at Goats" – surprisingly good. I was leery at first, but was quickly won over.

"Avatar" – very good. Why didn't the buzz and advertising clue me into how much I would like the movie? After watching it, I suddenly didn't mind the blatant "Avatar" pimping on that episode of "Bones." (I still hope "Bones" got paid a fortune for it though.)

Speaking of "Bones," I continue to love, love, LOVE that show!

"Wish Seeker"
by Alaena HaiLing
(A Student Contributor)

One precious thing in exchange for a wish, that is how it has always worked for the people of her city, but her pursuit of the rare tree of pearls is making Rulei wonder if she’s never understood at all.

"Regarding Sir Chahan"
by Matthew Wuertz

A scholar named Cole of Arkessler follows Sir Chahan in order to document the man’s life in the annals of the knights of Salincia. Cole expects a simple assignment, but instead becomes wrapped up in a tale of his own.

"Tumbling Parasol"
by Stelios Touchtidis

When a disaster thrusts a Chinese astronaut into deep space with a shrinking window for rescue, what chance will he have against the cold equations of expediency and national ambition?

Even though I didn't agree with one or two of the artistic choices, I really enjoyed the show overall. Let's face it, the music is so good that it's nearly impossible to break this show. I also love that the show is flexible enough to accommodate all sorts of current pop culture references. Plus, that wonderful moment after Jesus is crucified and a single voice begins the refrain: "Long live God"...well, that just takes my breath away every time.

My favorites among the cast were: Alison Burns and Michael Indeglio.

Alison kicked off the show with an especially great "Tower of Babble," then never came down from that high. The aforementioned "Long live God" moment was also hers. The truth is, I knew that moment was coming and I wondered who it had been given to. I hoped it would be Alison, and it was.

Michael Indeglio was also brilliant as John the Baptist and Judas. When Judas betrays Jesus...well, it just tears your heart out. At least the way Michael played it. In lesser hands, those last scenes wouldn't work as well.

I encourage everyone to see the show while you have the chance. This production only runs through May 16th, and you don't get a chance to see a production of "Godspell" very often. Trust me, I've been waiting for years. And this production didn't disappoint my very high expectations.

"Bond of Brotherhood"
by Elyn W. Marsh
(A Student Contributor)

"Dragon's Dreaming"
by Michael R. Fosburg
(A Student Contributor)

We will consume / continents, you and I.

Sure, it could just be a secular love song, but when I hear the song it sounds like a hymn to God.

Here’s my favorite line:
“You’re the hope that moves me
To courage again”

How did I get from 1st Corinthians to Lee Ann Rimes? Well, Paul was talking about idol worship and the commentary pointed out that our modern idols are things like money, status, and security, and that when we put our trust in anything but God we are worshiping idols, assigning Godly power to worldly things. Hence the idea that God is all we really need. Hence, the song “I Need You.”

I know, my mind moves in strange ways.

I am over the moon! I am hoping to make a big dent in my to-do list, as well as hang out with Sharon and Lily some. (I miss them.)

Two lines from songs keep going through my head:
1) "I guess we're all one phone call from our dreams."
(Of course, it turns out that the actual lyric is "I guess we're all one phone call from our knees." LOL. Either way, the song--"Closer to Love" by Mat Kearney--is now in my iTune shopping cart.)
and
2) "All I want is a couple days off!"
That's "Couple Days Off" by Huey Lewis and the News.