Spring always comes

Every year in Michigan is guaranteed to have a few surprises. At least when it comes to the weather. That, my friends is a huge reason I remain in Michigan the entire year. Not much remains the same from one year to the next. Last year the pussy-willows in the park were growing through snow and I had to walk over ice covered paths to get to them. This year I had to take off my coat because I was perspiring so much and the only snow was in small, melting pies where the plow had pushed it. Not everyone's cup of tea but, to me anyway, well worth the wait.

Rabbits were everywhere this morning. One group was absolutely huge, 15 or 20 or even more. Frisky little things in Spring aren't they? Yet another annual Michigan surprise. Well, maybe not quite a surprise, maybe a simple Spring ritual of nature. And then, the increase of birds singing during my morning walks. I'm not as up on the different songs of species but that is not to say I don't appreciate the music. Especially as the sun is rising and the landscape begins to awaken in my sight. You know how they use music to set the stage for events in movies and TV shows? That's sort of what it's like during my walks. That is why I personally prefer mornings. That and the solitude makes it surreal sometimes. An excellent way to begin the day. although there are times when I have a friend with me and that is a treat what with discussion and laughter and all that, but then I don't hear the birds as much or pay that close attention to the increasing light.

This morning has become a surprise in itself because I had arrived early to speak with a car collector about his 1965 Mercury Comet Caliente and the options regarding polishing the factory original albeit very faded paint. One of my all time favorite cars. Unfortunately, he called and the car will not start this morning and he cancelled until another date. I have a block of unscheduled time to myself. What to do? What to do? .................A stack of procrastinated  paperwork on my desk will be tackled. That will open up some free time during the day to search for morel mushrooms. That is a gift. Always a surprise, just like Michigan weather.

Laughing and wigs

Occasionally, for special events, I will put on a wig. Definitely not for appearance sake but rather for shock or humor. I am well pleased with how the good Lord decided I should look. Besides, it's a whole lot easier to comb a bald head then a mop of hair. I possess an arsenal of varying types of hair pieces. From a Mohawk to surfer, I've got almost the entire spectrum covered. The response I receive is as diversified as my collection. It always ends up with a laugh though, either before or after I remove it. Classmates from years ago, the ones you only see every 5 years are the people who don't exactly know what to say. Some of the wigs look downright natural and they may wonder if I am using a hair growth product and yet others are so misshapen and fake looking they may wonder if I am still among the sane. Either way the reaction is worth the effort. I get a lot of questions about why I do it. Usually those asking the questions are laughing while they ask. That's why I wear them. We all need a laugh or two to break the ice sometimes. Somebody's got to do it.





I've spent plenty of time sitting around waiting for someone else to make a move or say something to get a conversation going. The suspense is nerve wracking, don't you agree? Not for everyone of course. Some of us are just naturally outgoing and spend a lot of time socializing. Not me. I live a somewhat restricted life. My gosh, I have a hard time recognizing my neighbors in a grocery store. So, when it comes time to socialize with people I haven't seen in a long time I figure at least I can bring a laugh or two with me. They enjoy it and I feel like I'm bringing something to the table. Because it's been so many years that I've been putting on those stupid wigs I'm now thinking about facial hair: fake mustaches and beards. In the costume shop the other day, while looking for something unusual for Halloween, I even saw a set of fake eyebrows so full you'd a thought they were separate wigs setting too low on your face. Now that was funny. I'd never in my lifetime wear them though. At least I don't think I would, but then again, I just wonder.

Book publishing, expect the unexpected

Joe's Story:The Book of a Lifetime has been in publication for almost 3 years now. It has been sold, shipped and read in every state and several other countries around the world. It's been quite a learning experience for me. I had no idea what to expect when, after 13 years of writing I held the first copy in my hands. Of course there were visions of huge royalty checks but that was only a dream for the most part. The primary purpose of writing Joe's Story in the first place was a hope of saving other people from the devastation that was brought upon my family and I as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning and the amnesia that followed. Being a published author opened up several venues for me and I had the opportunity to speak of carbon monoxide and it's ever present dangers in front of thousands of people. What an honor that has been. I learned another thing on Monday this week. Once a book is published and in print, expect the unexpected.

Monday morning, as I performed my usual ritual of formulating a plan of action for the week and determining my priorities the front door of my office opened and a pleasant looking couple came in. After a few words of greeting from me the man introduced himself and his wife, explained they were in Michigan from their home state of Tennessee and asked for a few minutes of my time. The story went like this: They had happened across the book, "Joe's Story" while they had been visiting in Florida on vacation. Their neighbor at the campground was an avid reader as is his wife and they struck up a conversation about exciting new books. "Joe's Story" was mentioned and when they got back home they ordered a copy from Amazon.com. After reading it and recognizing some health problems they were experiencing they decided to get a blood test for CO poisoning. The test showed elevated levels of CO, they had their furnace and hot water heater checked and found the water heater defective, the doctor said it may have saved their lives. They had come to say thanks and have me sign their copy of "Joe's Story." I was humbled and thankful to hear that they were going to be alright.

So, that's what I mean by, expect the unexpected. Once a book is in print it's always there.........Joe