Tales from the Raven

The findings of this study on the contagious nature of rule-breaking will come as no surprise to most of us.  Anyone who’s had responsibility for a bunch of kids can tell you that, a) If one kid starts acting up, the behavior of the rest the group will likewise deteriorate.  And, b) Most kids will not [...]

Apparently this shack’s got something priceless inside.  A truck followed us down the road to where I was taking a picture for my Facebook album and asked what we were up to, very polite, but still inquiring.  When we told them I just wanted some pictures, they were cool with it.  They had to be attentive, they explained.  They’d had [...]

Writers have the best jobs.  What other field of work would lead to researching beautiful and fanciful creations like these lovely toilet paper dresses? This one is a personal favorite.  Maybe someday I’ll dress a character in it.                     My online research into the intricate world of [...]

But the pic and story have nothing to do with one another beyond sharing space on this rambling blog. First the picture.  After coming home from church this afternoon I stayed in my dress, since it’s comfortable, but quickly transformed to stocking feet, since I’ve never had much success curling up in almost knee-length boots even if they don’t [...]

This last New Years our daughter set the goal of learning to ride her bike.  Since she didn’t even have a bike at that point in time, this goal would take a fair degree of perseverance and persuasion. As I’m sure you can guess, we were soon out shopping, and lucky enough to find a [...]

The fat house, as we call it, had begun to feel rather like a ball and chain.  We’ve been making double payments since the first of May, and of course double utilities, double yard work, double HOA, double cleaning…I swear, if it’d gone on much longer, we’d no doubt be seeing double! Okay, so perhaps that was unforgivable.  Under [...]

This comes from the notes of Charles Darwin, and lists his personal pros and cons to marrying.  I’ve never seen a funnier list–and that from a compulsive list maker.  ‘Companionship…better than a dog, anyhow’.  If someday my kids need convincing to marry, that’s the reason I’m trotting out.

I’ve wondered what my attraction is to caving.  It seems an odd pasttime for one who is not entirely comfortable underground, but I’ve now visited five or six caves, sometimes in multiple visits, and have more on my list. Perhaps it’s the thrill of exploration, the awareness of potential danger, or the acute peak of the senses while underground.  Our [...]

This should really come with a warning label:  All writers, before watching this video, please attend to any restroom needs, find a quiet place, and lay down on the floor in preperation for rolling, howling, or generally reverting to ape-like behavior. [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zo1XFz0kac0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Here’s a love poem, for you.  If you’re the kind of guy who usually sweeps your girl with a fancy dress event, a dimly lit but classy dinner, and maybe something exotic to the taste or delicately blooming, you can take a few suggestions from this fellow and really open her eyes.