The Year of the Bear

Amy Peters is trying to get me all political, now. And I'm not going to do it. Well, maybe a little bit. For some, freedom means minimum government regulation; people are basically good until given power and authority, which then corrupts. For others, freedom means minimum societal regulation; a person is basically good, and democratic government brings out the best ideas - but society is corrupt and oppressive, hindering the individual from achieving their dreams. That's the political aspect. Jesus Christ says the natural man is corrupt and oppressive, and only through the renewing of our minds and reliance on God do we find freedom.

This week's writing prompt was to tell a story of life with your favorite pet - either one you own, have owned, or wish you owned. Now, I could tell about the German Shepherd I had - Sheba - for there are certainly stories there to be told. But I thought what might be more interesting is to talk about something that's been going on in my head lately that hasn't really gone on in there before. So, perhaps a little more "meet the writer" than "have the writer tell you a story."

Writing Prompt: Setting as Character Durango. A name that typically evinces a “where’s that?” - the geographical equivalent of “who?” Colorado’s lesser progeny. “These are my sons: Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, the twins Keystone and Vail, Telluride, and Fruita’s around here somewhere.” “Are these all your sons?” The prophet asks. “No, there is one more - the youngest, Durango.” But no one thought to call him. Not saying it’ll slay a giant and become the next capital of Colorado, and write songs; just saying. Part Old-West town. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad trains sleep there at night, waking up with steam-whistle yawns that echo through the valley at 8:00, 8:45, and 9:30. The San Juans are starting to peter out by then, looking more like their eastern-seaboard counterparts; enough to give the sun something to rise over, but nothing to crane your neck up at. The buffalo don’t roam outside of James Ranch northward where you can get fresh meat to ...

Hi everyone, and welcome back to the Year of the Bear! 2018 Bear is going to be much more focused, a bit more fun, and probably more faithfully maintained as a result. This year the object is writing, and taking specific steps toward becoming an author - I have to admit, I'm pretty excited about it!