EPITAPH

I didn’t leave much
of a footprint, but I did
touch a few people.


[Haiku that came to me in the middle of the night.]

IMP

E sent me this lovely photo of Imp, which I had to post.

DOGFATHER

I went over and visited Eve and her little son Imp, who was delighted to see me and then easily fell asleep in my arms. Apparently he had been run ragged by young family members and a puppy friend earlier in the day. Here are a couple of shots.

TO THE TALIBAN MURDERERS IN PAKISTAN (12-16-14)

Why do I hope
there is a Hell,
while wishing
to escape its
clutches myself?
Because I want
there to be a
special Hell
for those who
kill children.

LYNN

The boys and I said goodbye yesterday to a special friend. Lynn Turbeville was a wife, mother, and dancer, but we knew her best as a stalwart and tireless supporter of Scouting, especially as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 324, although her participation was much broader and deeper than that. She was warm and engaging, and it was nigh impossible to turn her down for anything she requested. We served on several committees together, having dragooned me especially into serving on the cub scouts committee. She was the closest I have ever come to meeting someone who was a kindred spirit in almost every way to my dear mother; they most assuredly would have been fast friends and comrades in Scouting, as my Mom loved hiking and camping, and had served volunteer duty at many camps. I can imagine my Mom waiting this weekend for Lynn to arrive in Heaven and quickly beckoning her to join her troop. Lynn could be tough and focused, but you always felt welcome and appreciated in her presence. During camping trips and at meetings we would often chat about books; when she struggled against her coma, I came and read to her and was glad to share that little time. It is hard to imagine this world without her and she will truly be missed by everyone who knew her.

TIDD BOYS 2014

RON RASH

Last night I attended First Night in downtown Columbia, and I hoped to catch author Ron Rash (Serena, Saints by the River, Nothing Gold Can Stay), who was scheduled to be at a signing with a couple of other authors. I figured it would be jam packed, but when I got there it was quiet and he was gracious enough to talk with me for nearly a half hour. I also met for the first time USC First Lady Patricia Moore-Pastides, who is one of the nicest women I have ever chatted with, a real delight. Rash talked about his love for USC, even though he is a Clemson grad, and future plans for association with our school. He promised that his next collection of short stories would be all
original. Here is a picture he consented to take with me, and I will admit to a little fandom.