Why would I blog about my parrot, Pickles? Well, I thought because he is my writing companion, I should introduce him to my reading audience.
About five years ago, my wife wanted another parrot for her birthday. I was introduced to our first parrot, Albert (an Amazon Red killer bird who would remove an ear or lip just for kicks) when we married fifteen years ago. He was finally given away to an olds folks home Avery because he was becoming the same liability as owning a rabid Pit Bull.
When my wife requested the bird for her birthday, I thought, Oh, crap, here we go again. We found a small green, yellow and blue parrot and he cuddled up to wifey immediately. He was so cute, and appeared so tame, but at the same time, Albert was still fresh in my mind chasing me up the stairs as I screamed, "Sandy, come get this evil, damn bird before he extracts a toe!"
As it turned out, Pickles bonded to me. We take showers together, whistle and talk to each other and we just simply became, buds. He will tolerate wifey, but occasionally bites her just for kicks. He hates my daughter and mother-in-law with a passion. I frankly don't understand his attitude. Both these ladies are great and what's not to love?
While it is obvious that we have a perpetual two year old in the house, I can't imagine life without Pickles. At least I don't have to worry about grieving his loss. The little devil will surely outlive me!
I have decided to insert Pickles into my next murder mystery, Day Stalker. He will be living with Detective Jon Mull and his new...What am I thinking? You will have to read the book to find out what happens.
Mittster
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Man's Best Friend
Take a few minutes and read the following incredible, "Out of the mouth of babes."
A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''
The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''
The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!
I am going to watch the sunrise here in Quartzsite this Easter morn and reflect on my life and times. I don't have to be religious to watch a beautiful sunrise and feel good about myself and life. I also don't have to be involved in organized religion to appreciate Jesus and all the other teachers of Devine Love. What I do have to do is a try to be the best person I can be so I can recognize and understand their message of hope, understanding and Love.
I know; this post is all about me, but you have to love who you are before you can love others.
Have a great Easter...
Love,
Mittster
I know; this post is all about me, but you have to love who you are before you can love others.
Have a great Easter...
Love,
Mittster
Saturday, April 3, 2010
My Best Friend
When I am in the author mode, I sometimes treat my wife with less than the loving care she deserves. After all, if it were not for my very best friend, I would be shoveling crap in a stable for a living with a bottle of vino in my saddle bag.
I want to apologize for all the times I wasn't the loving best friend she too married. Lord knows I try hard, but she is a tough act to follow. She loves the stuff I write, thank God, or I would have never continued had she not.
I consider myself the most lucky man in the world. Lucky in love, friendship and companionship. What more could a man ask for? OK, now that I have asked...what about me finding just one more meteorite?
Men are such butt heads, but ya gotta love em!
Mittster
I want to apologize for all the times I wasn't the loving best friend she too married. Lord knows I try hard, but she is a tough act to follow. She loves the stuff I write, thank God, or I would have never continued had she not.
I consider myself the most lucky man in the world. Lucky in love, friendship and companionship. What more could a man ask for? OK, now that I have asked...what about me finding just one more meteorite?
Men are such butt heads, but ya gotta love em!
Mittster
Friday, April 2, 2010
Day Stalker
I am still in Quartzsite working on my new novel, Day Stalker. I have also read two murder mysteries while here trying to stay up with current trends in the writing world. I really don't want too much information though, I still think originality begins and ends with one's own imagination.
I spend the quiet early hours writing and then work on our lot here in Quartzsite during the daylight hours planting trees, raking rocks and housekeeping for the coming summer. I plan to ride the Harley down here once a month to check the motor home and watch our neighbor's place for water leaks and such. Trust me, the cost of utilities here are outrages, but that's another story for my blog!
The sequel to Evil in the Mirror is coming along nicely and so far I am sure it will excite and thrill readers...that's what murder mystery writing is all about.
Best Easter wishes,
Mittster
I spend the quiet early hours writing and then work on our lot here in Quartzsite during the daylight hours planting trees, raking rocks and housekeeping for the coming summer. I plan to ride the Harley down here once a month to check the motor home and watch our neighbor's place for water leaks and such. Trust me, the cost of utilities here are outrages, but that's another story for my blog!
The sequel to Evil in the Mirror is coming along nicely and so far I am sure it will excite and thrill readers...that's what murder mystery writing is all about.
Best Easter wishes,
Mittster
Another April Fool's Day Bites The Dust
All right already, enough is enough, butt heads! If you clicked on the title of this blog, you have already discovered I took the liberty of rocketing April Fool's Day into orbit and it now joins all the rest of the space junk.
It wouldn't be so bad if I could just remember April 1st. is the day that I am going to get practical joked on because I can't remember! Everyone I know counts on that fact and waits patiently a whole year to joke the Mittster. You would think they would have better things to do...I know I do, like putting April Fool's Day in orbit.
Have a nice day in spite of me,
Mr. Mittster
It wouldn't be so bad if I could just remember April 1st. is the day that I am going to get practical joked on because I can't remember! Everyone I know counts on that fact and waits patiently a whole year to joke the Mittster. You would think they would have better things to do...I know I do, like putting April Fool's Day in orbit.
Have a nice day in spite of me,
Mr. Mittster
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Light As A feather
This mornings e-mail was full of the usual nauseating political bull poop about the awful Dems and horrible Reps selling America up the river for a pittance. Also, there was gun control, gun un-control, drug control and drug un-control. The national news was just as bad with the usual murder and mayhem in every big city in the world.
Well, guess what? Click the title, sit back and watch something that will take your mind off all the crap...after all, you have earned it!
Mittster
Well, guess what? Click the title, sit back and watch something that will take your mind off all the crap...after all, you have earned it!
Mittster
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