Turn Turn Turn

The song, if you like, or the karmic wheel.

2007 is done now, and the long night is turning into day again for a spell. I was happy to achieve my goals for the year, even if a few came in past deadline. One such was a move back closer to where I was born, for purposes of helping birth new things, meeting recently-birthed things, and birthing one of my own (on paper, not in flesh). That latter is just about outta me now and into the harsh light of day, so it was time to shift the cycle from nocturnal back to diurnal and depart the lonely home/womb office (so essential to grinding out the novel) for one where a flux of people move all around me every day.

Last but not least (to the tune of 22 kilometers not least) was the half-marathon, which I've run three times now - not to my satisfaction, but run nonetheless. It took a year of training to get to that point in the first place, of course, and it'll take a year more, I'm guessing, to get the finish time I'm looking for. That's why, when I woke up this morning to the following animated .gif on Etherbrian's blog, I was tickled beyond 8-bit pink. It's a friendly reminder that it takes time to turn the wheel.

But if you keep moving, things do change.

To every season, then. Through every season.



P.S. Brian accomplished a goal of his own this month, too - breaking into the ranks of printed Threadless T-shirt artists. I've been a fan of Brian's for over ten years and was happy to pick up a design of his through Zazzle shortly ago. Now I'm even more thrilled to be one of the first to shell out for his Interloper From Beyond The Heavens on starburst orange. Join me!

Father Like Son

Stephen again. (Sorry, Blorthos!)


FACT: The Reese boys enjoy getting in over their heads.

And I love my Dad.

That's it for today!

Off The Wall

Stephen here, stopping in for a moment (and thanks, Blorthos, for looking after the blog - I appreciate it. The long story, much bad, ain't done yet).

For now, you gotta check these guys out:





Thanks to Clem for the links!

Blorthos Responds

I am Blorthos Malamakk. You are not. So, I answer mail.

Dear Blorthos,

You missed Tukx's birthday. That's the second year in a row. Yes, Tukx. Remember him? He looks like this:



You might notice the resemblance to me. That's because we have the same mother. She's asked I not send a picture of her, but if that thick skull of yours needs its usual swift kick to start some "memorizings", think back about twenty-five years to Silvermoon, deep in Murder Row, a tavern open late, a little too much ale, and boof! Nine months later, out drop Tukx and I.

Somehow I doubt we were the only ones dropped. In fact, I know for sure. You see, I've taken the liberty of starting an ongoing research project. Because it's rude to miss someone's birthday. Especially if you're responsible for their birth.

Look. I know you're a visual sort, so I've included lots of pictures. You don't have to read all the words. Just try to pronounce the names, and maybe have someone write down the spellings. And the dates. Don't forget the dates. Those are important.

It's not too much to ask, is it? Why not put some effort into an internet website for beings who are actually related to you? You're a minotaur of means. Spare a few gold once in a while and send something nice to those who'll survive you in these feral warrens. At the very least, grunt a token hello or flare your nostrils in interest. It's the thought that counts.

I'll be adding to the list as I find more. Don't take that as an invitation to add to my workload. For the sake of creatures already in this world, and others yet unborn, you might consider maintaining that male pride of yours without retaining the oft-used equipment between your fuzzy loins. There's no shame in a judicious neutering. We're family. We can keep a secret.

Don't make me come out to that dingy little "Sandbowl" you're hiding in with all my brothers and sisters in tow. I know how much you hate parties. Still, there are ways to show you care without providing hospitality for all 112 of us...and counting.

I suggest you make use of them.

Your daughter,
Lindinha



(And all the rest.)


Daughter,

You Blorthos daughter?

Tukx girl too?

Feh!

Can't remember make lovings with blood elf. Strange creature have almost no hair, not appeal.

But do like ale. Maybe happen.

And. If daughter, should not talk this way to father. Want gift? Show respect. Obey wishings of elder, maybe get carings. Not forget, Blorthos flare nostril when think right - not ever else.

Stop cry, weak lady. Father firm. And Blorthos see now, lady get some trait from him.

Blorthos agree read your interworld scroll. Meet many by-blow, if force. Father spread much lovings in lands afar, so probably true your list.

But. How dare suggest stop rutting practice? Blorthos army continue, grow larger. One day, daughter, family rule universe.

For now, Sandbowl nice kingdom. Quiet here. No stupid peoples ruin nap time.

Okay come visit.

Carings,

Blorthos Resolves

I am Blorthos Malamakk. You are not. So, I tell you how fix.

Your life bad? No concern. Interworld scroll-reader, time for make resolvings in fresh year. Blorthos suggest many, do some. If fail, prepare for dying.

1) Sometime, let enemy live.
Not always necessary rip bowel and brain from attacking opponent. Maybe remove jaw, cripple one leg not two. Even break part of paw, remove biggest claw not other. All better than total end. Beast have chance think on poor choice, embark new livings. World improve? Wait, see.

2) Not keep every loot.
Stupid think backpack have not bottom. When item obvious not fit, like small Terrible Cauldron, pass magical lady, say what is? or even keep, wench. Make magics in useless bucket, give strength Blorthos. Or name you, not Blorthos. Scroll-reader probably weaker anyway.

2) Practice new skill.
Blorthos know. Make musical sound with mouth, say many word in tavern, strum Taugrim-gut device produce melody noises much tiresome, yes. But. If look at different, maybe bard not deserve swift kill. Instead let teach dumb tool of harmonizings, try self. Could help eat, drink no gold lost.

3) Let deer graze peaceful.
Many year pass Blorthos kill each deer seen on forest land. Four-leg stand still seem say, come all, thrust sharp pike in fur, great depth achieved, red fountain spray out other side. Ahhh. Yes, though. Deer only want grass in belly, not effective weapon throw well and hard. Consider slowly.

4) Wear good hat.
No item begin fresh year better than careful choosing proper head vessel. Blorthos now recommend comfort instead frequent impalement option. Antler-stylings for year last, much past. Farblachht agree. All should put soft Vulk-hide foldings on top horn, skull ridgings. Could add feather. Look!




Hope stay alive for year again,