The 2018 Christmas Story is now here.
“Christmas Eve in the ’50s” had found its way to you.
‘Tis the season for fun and fun is here for you to read and enjoy.
If not on the front page just look under “Flashier Fiction” or try the link below.
https://www.unclejoestories.com/christmas-eve-in-the-50s/
This is our chance again to smile together.
And perhaps shed a tear.
For years past.
And those we all miss.
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Grandpa Jim
Mom died early, 12:49 am, on September 4, 2013. She was 94.
The family is gathering for the funeral. I’ve been working on a eulogy.
Dad died two months ago on July 5, 2013. Their 67th anniversary was September 5th. I think Dad wanted her up there for the party, so she left early. My Uncle Tom says this often happens with older couples who have been together so long.
When my son was young and visiting, Grandma would tell him Jungle Jim stories that would continue night to night. He loved the stories and never forgot. I remember her and Dad telling me Jungle Jim stories. I never forgot.
Mom asked me for a jungle story, and I wrote and read to her in bed “Little Lorraine.” Coming full circle, I told her a Jungle Lorraine story. I think she liked that and understood better than me what was happening. Moms are like that.
In memory of my Mom Lorraine, you can find the story on the web site under Flash Fiction.
There is a certain comfort in words read, said and remembered.
Thank you, Mom,
Son Jim
Pull up a seat, there on the ground, and prepare to listen to “Hodie Blue Fitzhugh and the Gum Drops.”
The sights and sounds may amaze you.
Good Dancin’,
Grandpa Jim
Tomorrow is ‘New Story Day.” The question is “Where?”
The last story was “Little Lorraine.” (That story can be found under the Flash Fiction tab.) Little Lorraine and Tiger Hobbes are from the sub-continent of India. India is considered a sub-continent for a number of reasons. It is quite large. By area, India is the 7th largest country in the world – it contains 3.3% of the solid footing on the surface of the planet. With over 1.2 billion people, it is #2 on the list of places people call home – over 25% of the world’s population do their shopping in India. So, if you have a new product to sell, this is the place. India was also one of the original pieces of the single supercontinent of Pangaea. (See the August 18th blog post on Pangaea and Continents). Pangaea is where all the lands started before they broke apart and floated off separately. For a time, India was its own continent. Then, about 35 million years ago, India smashed into Eurasia, formed the Himalaya Mountains and stuck. Wow! That was some collision.
Although India has been connected to Asia ever since, it is very much its own special place. India is home to a vast array of fascinating peoples, places and things to do. If you are looking to visit a sub-continent, this is the only place to go.
Back to Pangaea: The original supercontinent of Pangaea had seven major divisions: Eurasia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, India and Australia. After crashing into Asia, India is now classified as a sub-continent. Australia still floats alone and is considered a separate continent. Size-wise, Australia is the smallest of the continents. When you look at all the countries in the world, however, Australia is way up there at #6 in surface area — one place ahead of India at #7. People are another thing. Where India is #2 on the world-population list, Australia is way down there at #52. There is a lot of open space in Australia and not too many folks “down under.” Australia is referred to by the directional phrase “down under,” because the entire continent lies down under the equator in the Southern Hemisphere. You could also say Australia is “off the beaten track,” meaning it is somewhat remote from more populous and traveled regions. To visitors, it may seem a quiet and out-of-the-way destination. To those who call it home, “off the beaten track” may be viewed as an attractive descriptor of their land.
Australia is very much a land of its own with a wonderful mix of peoples and a diversity of terrains that can challenge the imagination. Stop by and learn more about some of those people and their homes in the new story which is scheduled to post tomorrow morning.
You never know what you may see and hear, there and here.
See you here in the morning,
Grandpa Jim
Dear Readers,
When I was visiting in Prior Lake, Minnesota, for Father’s Day, June 16, 2013, my Mother said she would like a story. She already had the two main characters and something of the setting. In Mom fashion, she asked if I would find the rest.
As you may have heard here, I believe stories already exist. The writer doesn’t create the story. He or she finds the story and writes it down. Because the scrivener is the first to record the tale, we call the person with the pen the writer and author. More correctly, from my perspective, that individual is the writer. With respect, I believe no writer authors his or her own work. And, with appreciation, I applaud a good writer who can record a story well.
Now, back to Father’s Day. Mom had found a story. At her request, I also found a story. In the land of stories, many exist around and among each other. Whether I found my mother’s story or a similar story meant for me, I will soon learn. I arrive back in Minnesota on Tuesday and will read this story to her. When I finish, her face will be worth a 1,000 words, at least.
I hope I get to stay. But, have no fear, moms are very understanding. I hope.
Grandpa Jim