First Visit to the Pacific

I just returned from my first trip to the Pacific Ocean. It's no wonder it is known as the "peaceful sea." This sunset sums it up perfectly.

Reading at reJAVAnate

Thanks again to all who came to reJAVAnate on Sunday. It was a truly wonderful experience!

The Power of Family

I'm here to testify to the unshakeable power of family. Case in point: I had my signing/reading at the reJAVAnate coffee shop in Las Vegas yesterday. There was a wonderful crowd, thanks to my Aunt Mary and Uncle Greg, who have not only provided a roof over my head for the last two months, but the full support I needed to promote myself and Haunted By Waters.

They brought friends and family from around the area to hear me read, all of whom participated in guessing what films inspired which poems. Their communion was a welcome addition to the reading, as it made the afternoon more of a round table discussion, as opposed to a speaker/audience affair. It was a rousing good time, capped by a full-on BBQ back at their house. Everyone was very complimentary and sincere in congratulating me on my public debut, and it felt wonderful! All thanks to my family, who rallied my audience and made my day.

As my tour of the west comes to a close, my thoughts rarely leave those that have made the last year of my life - and the publishing of my first book - possible. All the people to whom I am either linked by blood, or natural gravitation. Belief is an illusive mistress, and one made only more special when mirrored by people found close to the heart. There's a reason I dedictated the book to my family and friends, but I feel I owe them much more than an inscription. I owe them my everlasting thanks and gratitude.

Vegas from a Distance

Visiting my cousin in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson, I snagged this pic of the Strip from afar. I don't know about you, but I prefer Sin City from arms length. It helps you see the incredible mountains that surround the city. The strange face to the right is a demonchaser from the Hawaiian Islands. He always leads my charge into the unknown, scaring all the other demons who might be around...

Haunted By Waters Official Site Goes Live!!

Thanks to my partner - and Mediajonez' own uber-webmaster - Andy Spain, Haunted By Waters now has the sleekest and most user-friendly product site this side of cyberspace. Forget publishing to quench creative necessity, I'm putting out books just to see how cool a website will represent them!

Kudos to Andy for such outstanding work, he never ceases to amaze me!

CLICK HERE (or on the link in the sidebar) and discover cool stuff about the book and those bringing it to shelves near you!

Las Vegas Signing Announced!

The kind folks at the superfly coffee shop reJAVAnate have booked me for a read/chat/signing on Sunday, April 30th, from 2-5PM. If you're around, stop on by!

They also host a very cool poetry night called Word Sculptures, every Sunday from 6:30-8:30PM!

reJAVAnate
3300 E Flamingo Road (at Pecos)
Las Vegas , NV 89121
(702)253-7721

Denver Signing Announced!

My first signing will be at the Borders bookstore located in the Colorado Mills Mall in the Denver suburb of Lakewood. I'm booked for Saturday, April 22nd at 1PM, so if you're in the area, give a shout and I'll give directions!

Borders - Lakewood
14500 W. Colfax Ave.
Suite 145
Lakewood, CO 80401
Phone: 303.277.9101

Beyond Katrina

In other news, last year - in the wake of Hurricane Katrina - I volunteered at the Bayou La Batre Community Center, in my native Alabama, where I experienced quite a lot. The poem I wrote about the experience, entitled "Shelter", was published in an anthology called Beyond Katrina. The book is a wonderful collection of words and art by those impacted by the storm. The Arts Council of Central Louisiana published the book and has just notified me that they have produced an exhibit that will travel the country displaying selections from the book, enlarged and framed. I have the honor of having my poem be one of ten included in this exhibit.

The Arts Council is selling the book on their website, with ALL proceeds going to victims of the hurricane. It is a very professionally designed and printed volume that I am grateful to have my work be a part of, and I implore anyone looking for good read - and to donate to a good cause - to please follow the link to the right and purchase a copy.

Coming up on another hurricane season, I feel it is important for each of us to remember those who survived last year's disasters, and Beyond Katrina is a great way to do that.

Thanks for listening!