Tiny Blips of Joy

I was talking to my daughter about a conference she is interested in attending, one where people from different streams of Christianity are getting together to chat, and she ended the conversation by saying, “I’m such a nerd.” (Understand that any reference to talking or a conversation is a description of an instant message chat which happens to be the main way I keep track of my kids these days. And, no, they are not dispersed all over the country, just all over the county.) 

I defended her and told her that her passions were uniquely hers and that in no way made her a nerd. And it got me thinking about what makes us happy. Not the big things—when our team wins, when a child succeeds, when we get a raise—but the smaller things, the quick blips and pokes that pop up from the undercurrent of a normal day. We all have individual touch points that bring some joy into our lives, things that don’t require a group or some leader to drag you forward. The lady that picks up the trash in my office every afternoon likes it when she can just dump the contents of my small receptacle into the big can and not replace my liner. The nurse at the clinic gets excited when she finds a big vein in my left arm when I am there to have blood drawn. A friend offers “high fives” when a song ends in an open chord. Do any of those small details that bring them such joy affect me? No, but at the same time, when I read a perfect paragraph crafted by a favorite author, odds are that won’t do it for them either. 

Thank God we are all different. Thank God there is enough joy to go around. Find some...

Blog Spamming at the Highest Level

This was so awesome that I had to share. Since most spam comments are over the top attempts to appeal to your vanity by telling you how awesome you are, this new (to me) and fresh approach made me laugh. Out loud. You know, LOL...

The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as
much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I
actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear
is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you
werent too busy looking for attention.

I really hope this bot comes back and spams me again. To double the greatness, this was a comment left on my portfolio site on the "About Me" page. Yes, Mr. Bot, I am looking for attention. Thank you for doing your part.

But What Are You Thinking About?

Dedicated to Ron Nieto. He knows why...

© 2012 Jay Colle

Book Review: David and the Old Man by William Zemba

This book has a wonderful, unique story wrapped up in an incredibly poorly written package. I tried to look past the writing issues because I wanted to read the tale of the Zemba family and see how it concluded but it was painful. I am frankly surprised this made it past even the lowliest set of eyes at the publisher because there are enough blatant, structural problems throughout the pages that it should have raised many red flags (and then a red pen). Even a cursory edit would have improved this book tenfold.

The story alone is fascinating and unique. Any time a writer can meld generational angst and add male anorexia into the mix, there is potential for some riveting reading. It is too bad that the story gets muddled in the rambling, repetitive and less-than-sophisticated writing style. It is a lost opportunity and we, the readers, are the poorer for it.

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review.

The Magic Ticket

I am currently happily involved in a new project with author Ryan Sprague called “The Magic Ticket.” I provide the illustrations for a series of stories about a young boy and the adventures he has with his dad, magically traveling around the country to cities and venues known for their places in college football history. Here is the official “blurb” from the website:

Andrew Camp had no idea his grandfather left him and his father a gift. A magic ticket that takes them on a series of journeys to the meccas of college football. In a race against time, the Camp's must answer questions and solve a riddle to receive the true surprise their grandfather has waiting. Will they accomplish their goals? Will their grandfather accomplish his?

For fifteen weeks, join Andrew and his dad as they jump in the the Red Sea in Lincoln, wake up the echos in South Bend, and see Osceola plant the spear in Tallahassee. 

          Go Blue!, War Eagle!, and Boomer Sooner!
                    Nittany Lions, LSU Tigers, and the Bear... Whoa Nellie. 

It's a college football fan's dream season and a story children will love.

Read The Magic Ticket.

We start this week (Thursday, September 1) so sign up and enjoy the season in a new way. 

Website (with a “bonus” post about me): http://www.magicticketjourneys.com/

The first chapter: http://www.magicticketjourneys.com/pages/read-a-sample

Sign up here: http://www.magicticketjourneys.com/pages/join-the-journeys

Talking, but no Walking

Peace Be With You by David Carlson

David Carlson conducted more than 30 interviews with monks, nuns and other members of monastic communities around the United States, recording their thoughts and prayers in dealing with modern day terrorism. His search for answers in how they responded to 9/11 and its aftermath is the basis for his personal journey and struggle to find true peace in our time.

This book was not an easy read. I wrote more notes and scrawled more questions in the margins (well, the digital equivalent) as I read than any other book I have consumed since college. I found myself arguing on one page and on the next agreeing, which I am sure will make the author happy. I was both inspired and annoyed which makes this a tough review.

First, the inspiration. It was good to be reminded that all of humanity is loved equally by God and that, as Christians, we are commanded to love them as Christ loves them, regardless if they are terrorists or second cousins. I was also touched by the genuine love the monastic community shows in their circle of influence—whether selling jam, selling dogs or engaging visitors on their home turf. If we would all concentrate on our circle, Christ’s love would spread rapidly. Love God, love people on wheels is a grand concept.

My frustrations with the book were many but the main issue I had was the lack of instruction and real world examples of loving our enemies in a practical way. The monasteries and their occupants, much like the professor author, came across as cogs in spiritual think tanks where folks espouse the virtues of grand ideas but don’t quite get to the hard part of actually doing anything about it. I would love to have read about one of the monks who was heartbroken at the United State’s response to 9/11 and, because of this pain, was moved to action. Not dialoguing with a friendly Muslim or protesting the war (regardless of what they say, those are easy responses), but maybe moving to a Middle Eastern country, integrating themselves in the community and sitting down with the terrorists and practically working out the ideas they talked about. What does this love leading to peace look like when it is lived out on a daily basis? Alas, there was not one example of this and it would have given the book a lot more credibility if it had been included.

I, personally, do not know any Christian who hates the Muslim community (and, shockingly, I would be considered an evangelical). I do know people who live with Muslims in the Middle East (Israel, to be exact) and know first hand that Jesus is moving in their midst and changing hearts. I read about Palestinians who are Christians and know that Jesus is alive and gaining ground there as well. I also know Christians, home and abroad, who are concerned about terrorism and how to deal with it and are conflicted on how to love people who hate you and want you dead for no other reason than you don’t believe like they do. A book showing how to do that would be very helpful. A book using a giant brush to paint American Christians as blood thirsty maniacs who don’t spend any time thinking and reflecting about serious things and want all our enemies dead? Not so much.

I am glad I read this book but I am also glad to be finished with it.

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review.

Faux Famous Free Fiction Friday!

It’s Friday so I figured I might as well give away some more fiction. After all, Free Fiction Wednesday suffers from its lack of perfect alliteration. So, today is Free Fiction Friday and it is your lucky day because today is a two-fer. I have bundled two short stories together for the “price” of one. And since it is free, that makes it even cheaper (or should I say “less expensive”?)! And the best part? They are short. For all of you that were hesitant to read “Adam Mahoney...” because it was a novel, this will be perfect for you. Short stories. Short. Not long at all. Go forth and read!

Two Short Stories:
“Two Short Stories” by Jay Colle is … well, two short stories. Truth in advertising is alive and well. The first story, “Save Me, Black Jesus,” is a sober look at the prospect of dying told through the eyes of a patient in a hospital. The second story, “Oh, Tanner Baum,” is a humorous look at selecting a Christmas tree told through the eyes of a young boy. The stories are so far apart in tone and concept that they cannot see each other even if they use binoculars. Which is why it makes perfect sense to bundle them together. Seriously. Stop staring at me…

To make it easy, I am supplying it in three formats: Mobi for your Kindle, ePub for iBook (and most everyone else) and as a PDF for those who may want to print or bypass an ebook reader. Download the version you prefer (or all three, I don’t mind) and enjoy. If you like it, I ask that you consider two things:

1. Let me (and the world) know by leaving a comment on this page and
2. Pass it on to other people who might also enjoy reading it (include this email with the download information).

That’s it. Simple Simon. Free fiction for all. Download and enjoy!

Doggy Dilemma

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4. 

Do Dogs Dream?

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4. 

5. 

Free Fiction, No Strings Attached.

I have recently completed a novel. Yeah, yeah, everyone is a writer. I know, it is cliche and predictable. What isn’t predictable is that I am giving it away. Yes, you read that correctly, it is yours for free if you want it. So, what is it about? This:

Adam Mahoney enjoyed a normal existence in a normal town, minding his normal business, okay with being normal. He wakes one morning to discover his new normal is a life that has never been lived, much less successfully navigated. Everything he has known and is comfortable with is taken away. Faced with unlimited possibilities, what will he choose? How will he respond when he knows that no one else could possibly be affected by any action he takes? Can any choice be labelled selfish when he's the last man standing on the face of the earth?

To make it easy, I am supplying it in three formats: Mobi for your Kindle, ePub for iBook (and most everyone else) and as a PDF for those who may want to print or bypass an ebook reader. Download the version you prefer (or all three, I don’t mind) and enjoy. (Right click the desired link and select Save link as... from your options, then select a place on your computer to download the file.)

If you like it, I ask that you consider two things, okay, maybe three:

1. Let me (and the world) know by leaving a comment on this page or the Facebook page and
2. Pass it on to other people who might also enjoy reading it (include this email with the download information) then
3. Go like the Facebook Fan Page for the book and "Like" it. 

That’s it. Simple Simon. Free fiction for all. Download and enjoy!

Trust 30: Entry Seventeen

Invent the Future by Cindy Gallop
A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the lustre of the firmament of bards and sages. Yet he dismisses without notice his thought, because it is his. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

My favorite quote of all time is Alan Kay: ‘In order to predict the future, you have to invent it.’ I am all about inventing the future. Decide what you want the future to be and make it happen. Because you can. Write about your future now.
(Author: Cindy Gallop)

My future? It will only be mildly different from my present.

In the future I will have five dollars more than I need instead of five dollars less.

In the future people that do not know me will read my words and be genuinely interested in what I am working on next.

In the future I will wake up every morning and see Hope.

In the future I will have very comfortable chairs on the Man Porch. And a real ash tray.

In the future I will read this and laugh.

#Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Dork Alert

I am posting this entry from my new iPhone. It's really an experiment to see how complicated it is to complete the task. So far, so good. And when I get better at typing on this phone's virtual keyboard, it will be exponentially better. Till then...

Trust 30: Entry Sixteen

Wholly Strange and New by Bridget Pilloud
When good is near you, when you have life in yourself, it is not by any known or accustomed way; you shall not discern the foot-prints of any other; you shall not see the face of man; you shall not hear any name;—— the way, the thought, the good, shall be wholly strange and new. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Can you remember a moment in your life when you had life in yourself and it was wholly strange and new? Can you remember the moment when you stopped walking a path of someone else, and started cutting your own?

Write about that moment. And if you haven’t experienced it yet, let the miracle play out in your mind’s eye and write about that moment in your future.
(Author: Bridget Pilloud)

Two months ago, we (wife and myself) walked my youngest child through a trying time, dealing with issues that we all have to deal with as we keep moving forward toward our goal of growing up. (What we eventually realize is, but not at 19 years old, we never stop growing up but we, hopefully, have more ammo from experience to deal with the struggles.) It was a particularly arduous few weeks, requiring my wife and I to invest quite a bit of emotional energy in helping him successfully walk through it. Toward the end, as issues were clearing up and the situation was finding closure, I was talking to him on the phone and realized that I was done. That the most recent circumstance was a marker and it was time to let go. I can’t pinpoint any one reason I sensed this—maybe it was his voice and the confidence he exuded, or maybe it was his overall calm demeanor—but I knew that we had just experienced our final push together. I was surprised, not that it happened, but more at the timing. There was no warning; it arrived unannounced.

This has happened with my other children as well but what made this moment feel so real was that it happened with our youngest child. I couldn’t nod in approval and quickly turn my focus on the next child because there wasn’t a next child, he was it. I understand that I will never be completely done with my kids, there will always be situations they roll into and advice that will be freely given (even now I am encouraging and advising them on major decisions), but there is a moment when you don’t have to pull and cajole (as much) and you actually feel confident that they don’t need you to use your muscle for them to be successful. The hand you’ve been using to grab their shirt and keep them upright (or smack them in the head) can now be used for a pat on the back.

The moment is both liberating and sad but mainly liberating. It is the ultimate moment of no longer walking a path of someone else, although walking their path has had a lot to do with cutting my own; the trails are very intertwined and rightfully so. Currently I am sharpening my machete and loading up on bug spray, prepping and anticipating where my path will veer. Hopefully I will still be able to hear the kids hacking away at theirs...

#Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Trust 30: Entry Fifteen

One Thing by Colin Wright
Do your work, and I shall know you. Do your work, and you shall reinforce yourself. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Take a moment, step back from your concerns, and focus on one thing: You have one life to achieve everything you’ve ever wanted. Sounds simple, but when you really focus on it, let it seep into your consciousness, you realize you only have about 100 years to get every single thing you’ve ever wanted to do. No second chances. This is your only shot. Suddenly, this means you should have started yesterday. No more waiting for permission or resources to start. Today is the day you make the rest of your life happen. Write down one thing you’ve always wanted to do and how you will achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to be very specific in how you’ll achieve it: once you start achieving, your goals will get bigger and your capability to meet them will grow.
(Author: Colin Wright)

It is strange, but at my age, a lot of the things I wanted to achieve I did and the things I did not don’t really matter all that much. Some of the the unconquered goals are still possible, but I am not sure I have the desire to burn the energy needed to make them happen. I am not necessarily tired, just content. I tend to derive a lot more pleasure from spending time with my wife and having adult conversations with my kids than holing up in a room trying to get 1000 words written before I sleep. I love sitting on the back porch with friends, maybe smoking a cigar and enjoying a drink, but mainly laughing and leisurely swapping wisdom. And I have discovered a healthy version of living vicariously through my kids, anticipating the great things they will accomplish and  thoroughly enjoying their journey as it plays out in front of me. Yes, there were missed targets and disappointments along the way, but I don’t look back with regret. Rather, I have an appreciation that it’s all turned out just fine.

#Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Trust 30: Entry Fourteen

Alternative Paths by Jonathan Fields

When good is near you, when you have life in yourself, it is not by any known or accustomed way; you shall not discern the foot-prints of any other; you shall not see the face of man; you shall not hear any name; the way, the thought, the good, shall be wholly strange and new. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The world buzzes about goals and visions. Focus. Create a vivid picture of exactly where you want to go. Dream big, then don’t let anything or anyone stop you. The problem, as Daniel Gilbert wrote in Stumbling Upon Happiness, is that we’re horrible at forecasting how we’ll really feel 10 or 20 years from now – once we’ve gotten what we dreamed of. Often, we get there only to say, “That’s not what I thought it would be,” and ask, “What now?” Ambition is good. Blind ambition is not. It blocks out not only distraction, but the many opportunities that might take you off course but that may also lead you in a new direction. Consistent daily action is only a virtue when bundled with a willingness to remain open to the unknown. In this exercise, look at your current quest and ask, “What alternative opportunities, interpretations and paths am I not seeing?” They’re always there, but you’ve got to choose to see them.

(Author: Jonathan Fields)

I could have written this prompt. I am a journey evangelist. Having the luxury of being able to look back for longer than I have to look forward, I can attest that the life trip is to be enjoyed, not fought against. Just today I was chatting with my youngest son who is in Texas for the summer and facing some big decisions. My final words to him were: “Plan? Absolutely. Be flexible? Oh yeah. Stay prayed up and listen...”

So, today, I want to second the sentiment of the prompt and not add anything to it. Enjoy the journey and don’t get bogged down in the “what ifs” and the “what nows.” Approach the bends and forks in the road with a positive “what can I do with this so I can continue to move forward.” Most importantly, find a way to enjoy...

#Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Trust 30: Entry Thirteen

Surprise by Ashley Ambirge
I will not hide my tastes or aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is holy, if we follow the truth, it will bring us out safe at last. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Think of a time when you didn’t think you were capable of doing something, but then surprised yourself.  How will you surprise yourself this week?
(Author: Ashley Ambirge)

I started and finished two novels. I started and completed three short stories. There was a time not that long ago that I would have laughed if someone had suggested that. Maybe I’ll start another manuscript this week.

#Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Trust 30: Entry Twelve

Fear by Lachlan Cotter

These are the voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world. Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Is fear holding you back from living your fullest life and being truly self expressed? Put yourself in the shoes of the you who’s already lived your dream and write out the answers to the following:

Is the insecurity you’re defending worth the dream you’ll never realize? or the love you’ll never venture? or the joy you’ll never feel?

Will the blunder matter in 10 years? Or 10 weeks? Or 10 days? Or 10 minutes?

Can you be happy being anything less than who you really are?

Now Do. The Thing. You Fear.

(Author: Lachlan Cotter)

Fear has never held me back.

Having said that, I have been scared, many times, but I have pushed through the fear to at least try. Now, other things have held me back. They always will, regardless of all the cheerleading and self-help books that try to convince you that “all you need to do is believe in yourself” and the world will be yours to conquer. Nothing is that simple. My philosophy has always been “step through every open door” but opportunities don’t always work out like I expect or dream. But I do not look back on any chance missed or completed with regret because every chapter of my story has made me who I am. And, thankfully, I am a book still being written. 

I am most pleased by the sequels to my story, my children. I made a conscious decision when they were young that my new “career goal” was to raise three children and send them out into the world with a strong sense of self, ready to succeed. It was a lot of work and sacrifice but there is not another path I could have taken that would have been more wise. They are all adults now, making their own way and they are dreams realized, ventures of love and joy. They have allowed me to live the last 25 years full and with zero remorse. And yet, I am still relatively young. What’s next? I have no idea but I am ready to find out, ready to blunder, without fear.

#Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Trust 30: Entry Eleven

Divine Idea by Fabian Kruse

Imitation is Suicide. Insist on yourself; never imitate. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Write down in which areas of your life you have to overcome these suicidal tendencies of imitation, and how you can transform them into a newborn you – one that doesn’t hide its uniqueness, but thrives on it. There is a “divine idea which each of us represents” – which is yours?

(Author: Fabian Kruse)

There will never be another me. That is not arrogant, it is just truth. I am unique. You are unique. Every person that currently takes up space on the planet is unique. Every person that has ever or will ever take up space on this planet was and will be unique. And that uniqueness allows each of us to offer something extraordinary to the world. Does this always happen? Absolutely not. There are a lot of forces working against us, keeping our uniqueness buried or stifled. Economics, where we are born, who we are born to, what form of government we are born under and societal expectations are just a few of the many parameters that can choke back our potential. Is it harder for some more than others? Yes, much harder, but not impossible.*

What is “suicidal” is to not discover who I really am and be content trying to live out the expectations of others, choosing to not fight through the detritus that hinders that discovery. To go along to get along, go with the flow and live out all the other cliches that are used to describe mediocrity. To figure out how I am wired, what my default response mechanisms are, what my strengths are and move forward in that knowledge, expecting to succeed. 

There are potential pitfalls to this. I can take this charge to an extreme and get wrapped up in me to the detriment of others. That is my right but it portends a lonely, solitary existence. The key to not ending up a jerk (which is always a possibility when focused on me) is to take the knowledge of myself and still swim the waters of humanity and culture and life, cultivating the ability to not only get along with others, but to find the balance of giving and getting that allows everyone to thrive. To be me and not alienate everyone else in the process is the ultimate success story.

*I realize how arrogant that sounds when a middle class white dude pretends to be speaking for everyone, including the poor and afflicted all over the globe, but, any time someone starts discussing “discovering yourself” and is semi-serious... well, I realize I am canoeing dangerously close to Deepak Chopra waters so I request some giving of slack. Thanks in advance.

#Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Trust 30: Entry Ten

Your Personal Message by Eric Handler

To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, that is genius. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is burning deep inside of you? If you could spread your personal message RIGHT NOW to 1 million people, what would you say?

(Author: Eric Handler)

The Personal Manifesto of William J. Colle III (in bullet point format for easy skimming)

• The world is a lot bigger than your circle. Look up every now and then and expand your circle.
• Do not assume it is always about you because everyone else is assuming it is about them and if everyone else is assuming it is about them then it cannot possibly be about you. See how this sick cycle of life spins?
• Think about others FIRST and break the previously referenced sick cycle of life.
• Do not get married until you are ready to GIVE to another person and think about them first.
• Do not have children until you are ready to GIVE EVEN MORE to yet another person (or two or three) and think about them first. Don’t panic, you have it in you. Trust me.
• Unless you are married, keep your pants on.
• People are more important than things.
• Face-to-face conversation will always trump a digital conversation, even if the news is not good. Especially if the news is not good.
• God does not care if your team wins.
• Servant Leadership ascends any other style of leadership.
• Singing and dancing are good for you, regardless of skill level. So is laughing (but not at people who are not very skilled at singing or dancing unless they are genuinely laughing at themselves).
• If all else fails and everything is confusing and discombobulated and you can’t figure out your next move, remember this: Love God and Love People. Start over from there and it will start making sense again.

   

#Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Trust 30: Entry Nine

Afraid to Do by Mary Jaksch

The other terror that scares us from self-trust is our consistency; a reverence for our past act or word, because the eyes of others have no other data for computing our orbit than our past acts, and we are loath to disappoint them. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson says: “Always do what you are afraid to do.” What is ‘too scary’ to write about? Try doing it now.

(Author: Mary Jaksch)

I wrote it but I’m not sharing it. There is a big difference between burping and throwing up.  

#Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me