Posted in Food and..., tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, free, ice cream on April 16, 2024| Leave a Comment »
If you happen to have a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream store near you, you should know that today is Free Cone Day!
Which shops are participating? This map knows.
Not near a B&J? Maybe patronize a local ice cream parlor instead? Because we all deserve a treat now and then, and that goes double on Tuesdays.
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Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, #wotf39, boook birthdays, David Hankins, fantasy, genre fiction, humor, inspiration, release day, Writers, writing on April 15, 2024| Leave a Comment »
It’s that time again for Americans: Tax Day. Fun? Not really, although my taxes are done and I can rest easy knowing that I have contributed to the collective project that is civilization, and also won’t get a disturbing letter from the IRS.
It’s also a day when a lot of us could use more humor in our lives, which makes it a perfect excuse to promote my friend David Hankins’ new book, out today!
Death and the Taxman | Universal Book Links Help You Find Books at Your Favorite Store!
Allies are few and hijinks are many in this hilarious race against time as the Grim Reaper himself tries to cheat death and avoid an audit by Hell’s Auditor and the Office of Micromanagement.
After sharing an ill-advised cup of tea with IRS auditor Frank Totmann, Grim finds himself trapped in Frank’s life amid a world of dangers: love, betrayal, reckless cabbies, implacable demon hunters, and the incessant needs that keep his body ticking . . . for now.
David’s writing is terrific, and this book is based on his award-winning short story of the same name. It’s great to see humorous fantasy done so well. Want a sample of his writing? Preview a chapter here.
Because when it comes to taxes, who doesn’t appreciate a laugh?
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Posted in Food and..., tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, alliteration in the kitchen, cookies, family on April 14, 2024| Leave a Comment »
A young family member recently recounted a dramatic story about his exploits in the kitchen, wherein he attempted to make sugar cookies and (spoiler alert) managed something closer to crepes.
Not sure how that happened, but I applaud his enthusiasm. I also hope to encourage his culinary curiosity by providing a more reliable recipe. Time to test cookie recipes!
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Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, philosophizing, purpose, Thoughts on April 13, 2024| Leave a Comment »
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
— Dalai Lama
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Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, genre fiction, society, Writers, writing on April 12, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Science fiction has long been considered a harbinger, and sometimes a driver, of future innovations. It can also be one of our best venues for the “cultural brainstorming” required to interpret current social, technological and political challenges.
How do some of our leading authors view the impact of SF on society as a whole?
This fascinating interview asks N.K. Jemisin, Andy Weir, Lois McMaster Bujold, David Brin, Cory Doctorow and Charles Stross about this and much more.
Does Science Fiction Shape the Future? by Namir Khaliq in Nautilus
Recently, I interviewed six of today’s foremost science-fiction authors. I asked them to weigh in on how much impact they think science fiction has had, or can have, on society and the future…
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Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, creativity, Fiction, persistence, Thoughts, Writers, writing on April 11, 2024| Leave a Comment »
“Beginning is underrated. Merely beginning. With inadequate preparation, because you will never be fully prepared. With imperfect odds of success, because the odds are never perfect. Begin. With the humility of someone who’s not sure, and the excitement of someone who knows that it’s possible.”
— Seth Godin
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Posted in Science!, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, Avian Truman Show, birds, nature on April 10, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Despite the last-gasp storm a few days ago, spring is very much underway and nature is rising to the challenge. That means babies. One of our local bird shops set up a nesting box, complete with cameras. Curious about the family life of the barred owl? This one’s for you!
WBU Barred Owl Cam | Interior and Exterior Owl Nest Box Camera Views | Wild Birds Unlimited
Our live streaming video feeds are up and running, ready to immerse you in the enchanting world of these magnificent creatures.
The view outside the nest:
Rude but fascinating view inside the nest:
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Posted in Science!, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, eclipse 2024, science, Thoughts on April 9, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Our eclipse experience was great. We found a terrific little nature preserve called the Cooper Marsh Conservation Area, with boardwalks, picnic tables, lawns and benches. Lunch, exploration, then a bit of chillaxation as we waited for the eclipse.
When they said that there is a significant difference between 99% and totality, they were not kidding. It was a beautiful day, but when the light faded and the stars came out? Just perfect.
If you missed it, here are highlights from NASA’s feed, along with a collection of images.
Amazing!
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Posted in Science!, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, eclipse 2024, science on April 8, 2024| Leave a Comment »
If you can go outside and view the eclipse using protective glasses or an indirect method like a pinhole or disco ball, great! But even if you can’t get outside, there are many ways to watch the event online, like The Planetary Society’s live cast with Bill Nye.
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Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, creativity, oops, Thoughts, Writers, writing on April 7, 2024| Leave a Comment »
This morning I tried a new recipe. It turned out… on the mediocre side of ok.
I made copious notes and version 2.0 will be better, but what I really took away from the experience was what I was telling myself throughout the bake: Something wasn’t right.
Turns out, I should have listened.
The result was a bit of a mess, but that’s fine. I get some of my best ideas when I’m working with an idea that, well, doesn’t work. Knowing what’s broken makes a project easier to fix. That applies to food and to art.
So, my takeaway from today, for both cooking and writing: trust yourself. Learn, experiment, use the Force, whatever helps you take that next step down the path.
It will be fine.
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J.R. Johnson 
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