Waking Up Cranky

Listening to ‘The Current’ this morning on CBC radio, I was struck by the shrill efforts of their correspondent in Japan to stir up a story linking the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the current nuclear crisis following the earthquake and tsunami. He seemed deeply offended that no-one would admit to his simplistic and bombastic argument. And so, rising to the edge of hysteria, he made a story out of the fact that there was no story to make. And all the while, he insisted on using the non-word “nucular,” by which I assume he meant “nuclear.” Shades of Reagan and George W. From the CBC, good grief! Nucular is ignorant and we have a right to expect better. Next they’ll be talking about the “Artic,” instead of the “Arctic.” And dropping the word “who,” when they can use “that” incorrectly in its place.
Sometimes fretting the details is a good way to cope in a troubling and troublesome world! Especially when you wake up cranky. Now back to writing mysteries ...

Welcome to the World

Write as many books as you want, publish them if you can, and they remain your offspring forever. They are not your children. Children grow up and that’s a good thing. There is sadness in that, as well as immeasurable satisfaction, especially when they make you so proud to be a continuing part of their lives. I was blessed with a new grandchild this week, my seventh, a boy. Joel entered this world and the world has changed. Marginally, perhaps, but it will never be quite the same. That’s what happens with books; the least of them is like butterfly wings stirring the air. Welcome, Joel. It’s good to have you with us. May your wings stir up a memorable storm.