Tales from the Raven

I get asked every once in awhile why I write funny stuff.  Do I really have a brain that still chortles over chicken jokes?  Am I trying to say poop jokes are sophisticated humor?  Well, yeah, actually.  I am and they are!  But there are myriad ways I could channel my juvenile side and I’ve [...]

I’ve never been a huge fan of southern cooking, so I was a little wary of trying any restaurant that was too authentically southern.  No grits, livers, or fried okra for me!  I like my food to fall into categories I would roughly describe as identifiable and, um, within a stone’s throw of “normal”. Anyway, [...]

We went out comet-watching again tonight and finally–finally, finally, finally–we saw it! And I got a pic! Not easy to see, but I’m thrilled all the same!  I’ll give you a minute to search the pic and try to spot it, then I’ll give you a couple hints in case you need them. …letting you [...]

And you may already be infected! The Atlantic: How Your Cat Is Making You Crazy The article is on the long side, but even if you just skim it’s well worth reading.  Crazy stuff, and of course even crazier when you realize that you’re only resisting the research because protozoa have taken over your brain.  

Muck, mud, puddles, poo, cold, nails, shavings, dirt.  These are all things my boots are supposed to protect me from, and all things they let in when they’re broken down and full of holes.  But as I head into the flurry of our Thanksgiving week, I’m grateful for my boots, in whatever shape. See, my [...]

Gooey nutty pies, gorgeous peanut butter mousse, molten peanut butter cake, darling peanut butter pops, and of course, anything made with the classic peanut butter cookie. I’m sure it looks gorgeous to you, but it makes me want to gag.  Literally. There’s no getting away from peanuts, no matter how hard I try.  That was the [...]

I hear there are people out there who don’t like animals, or have no desire to keep a pet.  I’m even related to a few.  While I’m sure it must be difficult to sleep at night knowing they haven’t got any pitter-pattering or chicken-scratching feet around their home, I’m here to tell them they can [...]

When people talk about Veterans Day, the image that comes to mind is often something like this: And that’s a beautiful example and a fine tribute.  Today, however, my thoughts are a little closer to home as I think of my Grandpa and my brother, Jake.  I see each of them standing tall and proud in their [...]

Yesterday we bought our pumpkins, and this weekend we carve them!  I’m super excited, but also a little nervous.  You see, in past years, however my pumpkin turned out, I was reasonably pleased with it and happy to have had fun.  I do always wish I had a few more to play with, but I [...]

Question: What’s the common thread between a dorky tent-camp manager, a traffic cop, and a shark? Answer:  They’re all inspiration for characters in the new series I’m working on.  They’re also all proof you should think carefully before inspiring a writer.  People often get excited when they meet a writer–they love the idea of having a [...]