The hounds are napping by the fire. Shopping is done. Gifts are wrapped. Decorations are in place. All feels good.
This year, Robin and I are not buying gifts for each other... instead we are giving to the JAMA food bank back home in our native Jonesborough, TN. We are both very fortunate, we have what we need and we want for very little.
So many charities are struggling this year and its bound to get worse in 2009. Please keep them in mind when you work on your budget for next year. Give what you can, every amount counts.
Im hoping that you have a wonderful Holiday Season and a fantastic New Year!
DJM
Monday, December 15, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Long Time
Well, its been a while. Facebook seems to be taking most of my BLOG time. If you've not joined them, you need to. Its a great networking tool and a wonderful way to re-connect with old friends.
Im spending a great deal of time writing.
The fur-kids are napping. My wife and I are enjoying our time together and planning a Pocono vacation for the Fall.
I read in the Johnson City Press obits today that David Joe Miller of Jonesborough had died. Really strange, reading my name in the local, hometown obits. Im sure I'll be getting some Email and phone calls.
Im tired of all of the election coverage and commercials. Counting the days till November and HOPING that true "change" is on the horizon.
Back to hound wollering....
DJM
Im spending a great deal of time writing.
The fur-kids are napping. My wife and I are enjoying our time together and planning a Pocono vacation for the Fall.
I read in the Johnson City Press obits today that David Joe Miller of Jonesborough had died. Really strange, reading my name in the local, hometown obits. Im sure I'll be getting some Email and phone calls.
Im tired of all of the election coverage and commercials. Counting the days till November and HOPING that true "change" is on the horizon.
Back to hound wollering....
DJM
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Now
Wow, what a speech given by Mrs. Obama. Ive only heard bits of pieces, from the news but what I have heard is awesome. It does, however, amaze me that the news media is spending so much time and effort in discussing her dress. Come on now!
The next few months are going to be interesting. The political commercials are gruesome. We are wearing out the MUTE button on the remote.
Life is GOOD! Fur-kids are both doing well and Robin and I are happy and healthy. Work could be easier, summer could have been a bit cooler, time could slow down a bit and we could win the lottery but, other than that.... "There ain't been no news."
DJM
The next few months are going to be interesting. The political commercials are gruesome. We are wearing out the MUTE button on the remote.
Life is GOOD! Fur-kids are both doing well and Robin and I are happy and healthy. Work could be easier, summer could have been a bit cooler, time could slow down a bit and we could win the lottery but, other than that.... "There ain't been no news."
DJM
Monday, July 21, 2008
LIFE
"Nothing in life gives a man so much courage as the attainment or the renewal of the conviction that other people regard him with favor; because it means that everyone joins to give him help and protection, which is an infinitely stronger bulwark against the ills of life than anything he can possibly do himself."
May you know the joy of a napping hound,
best,
DJM
May you know the joy of a napping hound,
best,
DJM
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Time!
Time is precious.
Enjoy each day to the fullest.
Things are getting back to normal now, after several weeks of chaos... travel, visitors and work. I love "routine." Its familiar, like a pair of old, comfortable shoes that you hope last a lifetime.
The fur-kids are happy and that means that we are happy.
Little Switzerland, NC. was awesome. The workshop was well received and the climate was a welcome change from the heat and humidity of Philly. Im going to investigate that writing retreat for next year.
Back to the keyboard.
DJM
Enjoy each day to the fullest.
Things are getting back to normal now, after several weeks of chaos... travel, visitors and work. I love "routine." Its familiar, like a pair of old, comfortable shoes that you hope last a lifetime.
The fur-kids are happy and that means that we are happy.
Little Switzerland, NC. was awesome. The workshop was well received and the climate was a welcome change from the heat and humidity of Philly. Im going to investigate that writing retreat for next year.
Back to the keyboard.
DJM
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Long time, no write!
Geesh!
You would think someone would keep this BLOG active.
Its been way too long since Ive posted anything here.
Just back from a wonderful four days in NYC. I LOVE NY! Times Square is only two hours from our doorstep.
All is well. Life is busy, but good. Good, but busy!
DJM
You would think someone would keep this BLOG active.
Its been way too long since Ive posted anything here.
Just back from a wonderful four days in NYC. I LOVE NY! Times Square is only two hours from our doorstep.
All is well. Life is busy, but good. Good, but busy!
DJM
Monday, May 5, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
NSN Conference call and discussion with members
I applaud Eric James Wolf and the NSN Board for making the "public" discussion possible.
A forum like this is long over-due and Im sure will be appreciated by both members and prospective members alike.
Thank you, for piercing the veil!
DJM
A forum like this is long over-due and Im sure will be appreciated by both members and prospective members alike.
Thank you, for piercing the veil!
DJM
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
NSN
I have a GOOD FEELING about NSN today!
Im not totally sure why but.... things seem to feel like they are "LOOKIN' UP" for the good folks at NSN!
Im very proud of our Board of Directors today!
best,
DJM
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
NSN Blog post deleted
The posts regarding my resignation from the National Storytelling Network Board of Directors have been deleted.
DJM
DJM
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Professional Storyteller site
If you are reading this blog you, most likely, already know about Dianne De Las Casa's "Ning" site called Professional Storyteller.
www.professionalstoryteller.ning.com
Its a way fun site to visit, play, interact and learn about tellers and telling.
Check out some of the video's that Dianne has created starring "yours truly."
DJM
www.professionalstoryteller.ning.com
Its a way fun site to visit, play, interact and learn about tellers and telling.
Check out some of the video's that Dianne has created starring "yours truly."
DJM
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
HAPPY Bleu DAY!, The Princess of Beagleville!
Its going to reach the mid 60s today here in PA. Ive got the grill loaded with charcoal (the good old fashioned kind) and will be putting the burgers on to sizzle around 5:30pm.
We are celebrating the second year anniversary of the adoption of "Baby Bleu Jo Miller," our love bug Blue Tick Beagle and the BFF of Peerless Joe Miller.
Two years ago yesterday we adopted her from a rescue that had set up in Petco near Norristown, PA. She had been abused, rescued then adopted out. The people who adopted her "returned" her to the rescue.
She was under weight, she had worms and an ear infection and she was covered in old dry dog pee. She managed to pull us in though.... by summoning a bright, love sparkle in those Beagle eyes. As soon as my wife saw her she picked her up, looked at me and said "Oh, Im in love!"
Bleu had been abused by men or a man. She was very shy of men however, she allowed me to pick her up and she even managed a tail wag as she sat on my lap in the pet store. The people from the rescue were amazed at how Bleu and I connected. She LOVED women but was terribly frightened of men.
We adopted her, brought her home and gave her a nice, healthy meal, a warm bath and introduced her to her new best friend, our Dachshund, Peerless Joe Miller... or as he prefers to be called, "P."
The next two months were challenging, to say the very least. Bleu got along with my wife just fine but, when I entered the room, she was terrified. So much so that I had to get down on my knees and crawl into the room where she was so that she would not be frightened.
When it came time to walk her, she ran from me. I had to catch her, corner her, to put her leash on.
At times I seriously considered trying to place her in a "women or woman only home." I thought we could foster her while the rescue searched for and found her a suitable, forever home. Things were just not working out.
Then, one day, much like any other typical day... to my surprise and delight.... Miss Bleu walked over to me and climbed into my lap, looked up at me and gave me a big kiss!
It was like someone turned a light on.
She decided that I was "okay" and that she would let me stay with her, foreverly.
Now she is a "Dabdee's girl" most of the time. She still LOVES my wife and prefers women over men but... she is very close to me. She trusts me, no longer runs from me when I try to leash her and she has turned into a real love bug type of Beagle, filled with affection and love for life.
She is now the princess of Beagleville, has multiple beds all over the house and enjoys the run of the entire house and furniture. She has two healthy organic meals per day and all the low-cal organic treats she desires. She has excellent vet care, regular grooming and lots of play time and so much love!
Tonite she will get a few small bites of burger, her favorite special food. I might even make her a small burger of her very own, stick a candle in it and have a little celebration. A celebration of Bleu!
Our special needs Beagle.
We are celebrating the second year anniversary of the adoption of "Baby Bleu Jo Miller," our love bug Blue Tick Beagle and the BFF of Peerless Joe Miller.
Two years ago yesterday we adopted her from a rescue that had set up in Petco near Norristown, PA. She had been abused, rescued then adopted out. The people who adopted her "returned" her to the rescue.
She was under weight, she had worms and an ear infection and she was covered in old dry dog pee. She managed to pull us in though.... by summoning a bright, love sparkle in those Beagle eyes. As soon as my wife saw her she picked her up, looked at me and said "Oh, Im in love!"
Bleu had been abused by men or a man. She was very shy of men however, she allowed me to pick her up and she even managed a tail wag as she sat on my lap in the pet store. The people from the rescue were amazed at how Bleu and I connected. She LOVED women but was terribly frightened of men.
We adopted her, brought her home and gave her a nice, healthy meal, a warm bath and introduced her to her new best friend, our Dachshund, Peerless Joe Miller... or as he prefers to be called, "P."
The next two months were challenging, to say the very least. Bleu got along with my wife just fine but, when I entered the room, she was terrified. So much so that I had to get down on my knees and crawl into the room where she was so that she would not be frightened.
When it came time to walk her, she ran from me. I had to catch her, corner her, to put her leash on.
At times I seriously considered trying to place her in a "women or woman only home." I thought we could foster her while the rescue searched for and found her a suitable, forever home. Things were just not working out.
Then, one day, much like any other typical day... to my surprise and delight.... Miss Bleu walked over to me and climbed into my lap, looked up at me and gave me a big kiss!
It was like someone turned a light on.
She decided that I was "okay" and that she would let me stay with her, foreverly.
Now she is a "Dabdee's girl" most of the time. She still LOVES my wife and prefers women over men but... she is very close to me. She trusts me, no longer runs from me when I try to leash her and she has turned into a real love bug type of Beagle, filled with affection and love for life.
She is now the princess of Beagleville, has multiple beds all over the house and enjoys the run of the entire house and furniture. She has two healthy organic meals per day and all the low-cal organic treats she desires. She has excellent vet care, regular grooming and lots of play time and so much love!
Tonite she will get a few small bites of burger, her favorite special food. I might even make her a small burger of her very own, stick a candle in it and have a little celebration. A celebration of Bleu!
Our special needs Beagle.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
March 19th, just outside of Philly on a rainy day.
Spring begins tomorrow, or so they say.
Today, the only thing outside that looks like Spring is some budding trees and some flowers beginning to sprout up from bulbs around a tree here and there.
The clouds are covering the sky... its gray... The rain has let up, for now... but its one of those drizzle type rains... nothing heavy. Just enough to make things messy and wet.
Cold... yeah its cold too. Too cold for the day before Spring.
Its a good day to stay in and finally pull the tax information together, do some paperwork and file some things that have been sitting on my desk for months.
The hounds are napping, warm and dry in their beds. They have a wonderful life!
My wife is getting over a bad cold. Seems like its lasted for ten days now but, she is on the mend and feels much better. I can't believe Ive been able to dodge it but, Im glad I have.
So there.
Ive posted.
I feel better!
See ya'll in a few weeks..... Nah, just kiddin'. I'll do better at posting!
DJM
Today, the only thing outside that looks like Spring is some budding trees and some flowers beginning to sprout up from bulbs around a tree here and there.
The clouds are covering the sky... its gray... The rain has let up, for now... but its one of those drizzle type rains... nothing heavy. Just enough to make things messy and wet.
Cold... yeah its cold too. Too cold for the day before Spring.
Its a good day to stay in and finally pull the tax information together, do some paperwork and file some things that have been sitting on my desk for months.
The hounds are napping, warm and dry in their beds. They have a wonderful life!
My wife is getting over a bad cold. Seems like its lasted for ten days now but, she is on the mend and feels much better. I can't believe Ive been able to dodge it but, Im glad I have.
So there.
Ive posted.
I feel better!
See ya'll in a few weeks..... Nah, just kiddin'. I'll do better at posting!
DJM
The Problem With Blogging!
Its been TOO long since I last posted so... Im posting this today.
I forget that I have a blog!
Sometimes I feel like I don't have anything to say!
The BLOG SITE is down!
No one reads it anyway!
Its a chore to post something everyday!
I can think of many, many more but I feel that y'all will get the picture. Its just difficult to post something often.
DJM
I forget that I have a blog!
Sometimes I feel like I don't have anything to say!
The BLOG SITE is down!
No one reads it anyway!
Its a chore to post something everyday!
I can think of many, many more but I feel that y'all will get the picture. Its just difficult to post something often.
DJM
Friday, February 8, 2008
Just another day in the life!
I wanted nothing more than to escape. Just blend into the background noise and attend the Philly Auto Show, grab a cheesesteak at Ricks and relax.
1. As I approached a table at Ricks, a group of older ladies were leaving. As I sat down I spied a purse that one of the ladies had obviously left behind. I jumped up, left my food sitting, and tracked her down in the Reading Terminal Market to return her purse. Thanks and gratitude, a hug, etc. Back to lunch, thankfully my food was still there.
2. As I was leaving Ricks I saw a large crowd of people, a camera man and some very serious looking guys in suites with little curly wires hanging out of their ears. It wasn't until I got closer that I realized it was our newly elected Philly Mayor, Michael Nutter, making his way through Reading Terminal Market. I stopped, got in the "handshake line" and greeted him. I told him how proud we were of him and his stand on making Philly a safer place to live, work and play. He smiled, thanked me and moved onto the next greeting.
3. At the Philly Auto Show I walked passed a twenty-something couple carrying a toddler. The toddler began to choke and something told me to STOP and pay attention, I did. She was gasping for breath. Her fathter held her upside-down and began to tap her back, her mother was frantic. The father was having a difficult time holding her and trying to free the obstruction that was choking her at the same time. The mother was not helping. The child was turning blue. I walked up and offered to help by squeezing the toddlers abdomen from the sides in a modified heimlich-type move. Out popped a piece of hard candy from the little girls mouth. She started crying, screaming actually. I knew from her wailing that all was well. She was comforted by both parents as they rushed off to a restroom to get her cleaned up. She was breathing again. Life is good!
I disappeared into the crowd of onlookers and headed toward the vast display of automobiles. I wanted to escape. I needed to blend.
I wish that I could say, "it was just another day in the life of a storyteller." But, thats not true. It was one of those days when life's stories just engulf you. A day to remember? Yes. A day to tell about? Yes. A story? Absolutely!
On the train ride back home I rested. Leaning my head back into the seat I was finally able to blend into the background noise as I watched Philly pass by. The rowhouses blurred into the playgrounds and abandoned cars as the train sped toward suburbia. Closing my eyes, I finally escaped. That thirtyfive minute train ride home was the most relaxing part of my day.
DJM
1. As I approached a table at Ricks, a group of older ladies were leaving. As I sat down I spied a purse that one of the ladies had obviously left behind. I jumped up, left my food sitting, and tracked her down in the Reading Terminal Market to return her purse. Thanks and gratitude, a hug, etc. Back to lunch, thankfully my food was still there.
2. As I was leaving Ricks I saw a large crowd of people, a camera man and some very serious looking guys in suites with little curly wires hanging out of their ears. It wasn't until I got closer that I realized it was our newly elected Philly Mayor, Michael Nutter, making his way through Reading Terminal Market. I stopped, got in the "handshake line" and greeted him. I told him how proud we were of him and his stand on making Philly a safer place to live, work and play. He smiled, thanked me and moved onto the next greeting.
3. At the Philly Auto Show I walked passed a twenty-something couple carrying a toddler. The toddler began to choke and something told me to STOP and pay attention, I did. She was gasping for breath. Her fathter held her upside-down and began to tap her back, her mother was frantic. The father was having a difficult time holding her and trying to free the obstruction that was choking her at the same time. The mother was not helping. The child was turning blue. I walked up and offered to help by squeezing the toddlers abdomen from the sides in a modified heimlich-type move. Out popped a piece of hard candy from the little girls mouth. She started crying, screaming actually. I knew from her wailing that all was well. She was comforted by both parents as they rushed off to a restroom to get her cleaned up. She was breathing again. Life is good!
I disappeared into the crowd of onlookers and headed toward the vast display of automobiles. I wanted to escape. I needed to blend.
I wish that I could say, "it was just another day in the life of a storyteller." But, thats not true. It was one of those days when life's stories just engulf you. A day to remember? Yes. A day to tell about? Yes. A story? Absolutely!
On the train ride back home I rested. Leaning my head back into the seat I was finally able to blend into the background noise as I watched Philly pass by. The rowhouses blurred into the playgrounds and abandoned cars as the train sped toward suburbia. Closing my eyes, I finally escaped. That thirtyfive minute train ride home was the most relaxing part of my day.
DJM
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Blogger to the left of me, Bloggers to the right.....
Ah, another blogger has been added to the LINKS list. Not only is Betty Smith listed (THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT, Betty) but Karen Chace has been added as well.
Karen is the "Storytell Diva" and does wonderful web research.
Please visit both Betty's and Karen's blog soon and show them your support!
DJM
Karen is the "Storytell Diva" and does wonderful web research.
Please visit both Betty's and Karen's blog soon and show them your support!
DJM
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
So far, so good?
Okay. I think Im done, for now, with the design and format issues.
Im not very tech oriented, as you might be able to detect. Any suggestions you make will be appreciated.
Its a dull day in Philly, foggy and damp. I was thinking of going to the Philly Auto Show today but may postpone that a day or so. The hounds are sleeping quietly, the pit (my studio) is warm and cozy.... I feel a nap coming on.
DJM
Im not very tech oriented, as you might be able to detect. Any suggestions you make will be appreciated.
Its a dull day in Philly, foggy and damp. I was thinking of going to the Philly Auto Show today but may postpone that a day or so. The hounds are sleeping quietly, the pit (my studio) is warm and cozy.... I feel a nap coming on.
DJM
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