Friday Morning ~ Most people who follow both Cindy Ladage and me would expect to hear about a trip from her. I’m sure she is somewhere amazing or preparing to embark.

Surprisingly, I’m the traveler, and Im in Nashville, TN. I am traveling with some friends or adopted family rather. It’s Friday morning, and I’m currently sitting on the front porch of my rented cabin.

So far I’ve discovered Nashville isn’t only the Country Music capital, It’s a great destination if one is a foodie. I can eat!

After our initial arrival, Wednesday, we dined in Paula Dean’s Kitchen. The food was excellent! Dinner was served family style all you can eat. No carry out with the exception of dessert.

No carry out? I completely understand why, but…. Is this rule strictly enforced? Here, hold my sweet tea, I got to try something!

Turns out there is no detector, or they do not police your bags as you leave.  I was successful slipping away with an il gotten chicken breast. Successful in a way, my fellow travelers have been given me  continued shame for my scientific curiosity.

Author’s note ~ I don’t recommend this experiment. If everyone began trying, the establishment WOULD need to search at the door. Let’s not steal the company profits.

Thanksgiving morning, we dinned at the Loveless Cafe. The theme was a fifties style. Rumor has it the stars would stop.now and again. There were pictures as proof.

The southern style food was slightly different from Georgia girl Paula. Of course, the fare was excellent. I had my first chicken and waffles served correctly and in the right region of the country. Egos and a chicken strip does not count. Not even close!

The Loveless Cafe is along the old main route between Memphis and Nashville. This route is lesser traveled now because of I-40. The Loveless is close to an exit, however. Don’t ask me where exactly it is, I wasn’t driving.

Okay so enough about the food!

I’m being guided, in a way. One of us spent six months living in Nashville. This helps! Destination, of interest, are easily found and alternative routes known. “I know a short cut!”

I have seen the Gaylord, Opry Mills mall, two need ladies shopping time, and we have cruised the downtown region. It would seem that most country stars make it big and buy a building.

Nashville has skyscrapers. They are impressive. On a sad note, I witnessed the aftermath of the bombing on 2nd Avenue. Even though the tragedy happened in 2020, the city is still cleaning up.

Later in the day ~  Today found us at the Nashville Farmer’s Market. The site has permanent roof shelters and a building. Everything one expects can be found. Of course, food, such as to be eaten there, but  produce is available. The typical arts and crafts were available. One young lady was weaving on an old time loom. Watching her brought back fond memories.

Another cool discovery was the Marathon factory site. One of the factory buildings has been restored for shopping, but the history of the factory remains. It’s a nice blend of historical equipment and shopping. Famed folks that host the show Ameren Pickers has a shop here

I’m with foodies, so we had to dine somewhere. Chicken must be the weekend theme. We made a stop at Haddie B’s Nashville Hot Chicken. Tennessee Chicken is warmer than Kentucky Fried. KFC may be more famous, but look out! Haddie can give Popeyes a run. Haddie wins….trust me.

I’m ashamed to admit, but it was my fault we didn’t go downtown and explore. It was just way too peoplely for me. I don’t do crowds well, and it was crowded.

The rest of the gang is going to the Grand Ole Opry tonight. Vince Gill is the headliner and they think Garth may sneak in for a surprise appearance. I hope they have that pleasure. I’m going to pass, though.

I’m in my rented cabin with plans of il gotten chicken for my supper. I have a glass of Jameson and Coke to sip, so I’m all set.

Tomorrow is my day of adventure. I’m on a mission to procure my latest acquisition. A 1948 Shaw Du-all model N5 has been in my possession since harvest. I’m also fortunate to be purchasing another Du-all while I’m here in TN. A model N8W this one is a little more rare because of the Wisconsin power.

More about that later. Have a great holiday weekend!

I have been a fan of a local water color artist for several years now. Kate Worman Becker creates amazingly wonderful paintings. She allowed me to commission a work that I’m planning as a Christmas gift. I plan to publish an article focusing on Kate in the near future.

Kate invited me into her current studio recently, when I was allowed my first viewing of Heritage the commissioned work. I must say, I could feel the creative energy the moment I entered her work space. That energy is the inspiration of this discussion.

Kate’s studio brought back fond memories of my mother’s sewing and quilting room. Olson’s room, the name that mom deemed her area, was where I first discovered creative energy.

A modern water color studio was nothing that I expected. The vision of a canvas on an easel, Kate working with brush in one hand a mixing board in the other. Her smock covered in drops of paint. That may be a romantic vision of a painter, but not the most practical.

  Kate’s easel is a drafting table. Water color runs, she works the painting in layers. If Kate worked in the “romantic” concept, her shoes would either be very colorful or the floor would. Again, I plan to share more about Kate in the future.

Doug Edwards is another painter, but his canvas is far different. Maybe it seems a very stretch, but in my thinking, Doug’s restoration shop is a artistic ground zero. It must be admitted that Doug turns out beauties that may even exceed factory specifications.

Maybe I’m just sensitive and more tuned, but I can feel the creative energy when I’m in Doug’s shop.

I mentioned my mom’s work space. “Olson’s Room” was above a oversized two car garage, making the area that large. There was a large long arm quilter, the 4′ × 16′ table the machine was mounted to dominated space. Mom had two sewing machines, a cutting table and shelves and steamer trunks to complete the feel.

Besides quilts and sewing, my mom dabbled in about anything cloth, she knitted, crocheted anything of the matter. Mom also made dolls and painted.

Some artists probably don’t need a fixed space to produce their art. My photography friends would need to go to their subjects. Musicians must go to the people to perform. Musicians probably have rooms where they go to practice, though.

Ryan King has a large room dominated with all his guitars. He can practice anywhere, but he probably  prefers there. I should ask him.

Even as an author, I have my own creative ground zero. I utilize my space more in novelist mode, though. My office has furniture that holds special meaning. That helps to inspire me. The most important tool beyond my computer is my big, too comfortable chair.

I’m more portable, per say, in journalist mode. My needed tools to report or blog is my smartphone. When I write in this discipline, I write anywhere and everywhere! This article is being composed as I sit behind the steering wheel of a semi. Don’t worry, I’m utilizing wasted time sitting in a grain line.

Unlike my best guess about Ryan King, I spoke to another journalist – Blogger. Cindy Ladage is more experienced and more successful. My  incorrect assumption was  that Cindy wrote more “portable”.

Surprisingly, even though Cindy does write wherever is convenient, she does have a favorite place to pen.

Cindy shared that her place of business is her kitchen. This is where her main computer is set up. It also gives her the convenience of looking out the window to view her cherished farm. Even a traveling lady needs the sights of her home.

I focused on a few local more known artists among us. The truth is, there are MANY more in the Antique Iron Mafia circle with wonderful artistic talents

I am thankful for our artists. Without them our world would hold no color

Photography by Jessica Basford

Jerry Rawlings is the type of fellow that is quite capable of building a tractor that suits him. He can invision and create just about anything

Proof can be discovered of that fact anywhere around central IL. Jerry has proudly displayed his creation at many shows and parades

The Rawlings is powered by a 203 Fairbanks Morse engine. It was originally fueled by propane but now runs on gas. Jerry told me during our discussion that he had difficulty determining what to use for parts and other issues. He managed to stump some experts. Turns out he had his own best advice.

The transmission is a four-speed from a 52 Chevy, and the rear end came out from a 3/4 ton 47 Ford truck. Jerry managed to get the major brands tamed to work together

The tractor can be hand started by the fly wheel and has an electric start when Jerry doesn’t feel like making a big show to start the tractor. Personally, I think it’s cool to see it hand cranked.

The Rawlings is the only one in existence. Jerry built the tractor in 2010 after he had retired. He needed something to do. It’s not the only tractor Jerry has created, however. He built another he named John Doe.

John Doe was built on a shoe string budget and alot of hard work. Jerry explained he didn’t have a much money wrapped up in that build. John Doe was primarily built to power and transport a buzz saw. A neighbor talked him into snazzing it up for display

The first tractor he built is a handy little utility. He doesn’t show that one. It’s just a great little workhorse. Jerry once had a Farmall H that blew an engine. No problem! He repowered it with a Detroit Desiel.

Jerry’s handiwork can be found on his neighbors tractors. He made my life much easier on my Du-all 12T for example. During the writing of this article, he currently is tooling on another Shaw tractor for me. I have to wonder what Stanley Shaw would have thought of his improvements.

Jerry is 83 years young and still very actively fabricating. I asked him if he is done scratch building tractors. He told me yes, but the twinkle in his eye and mischievous smile says otherwise. We’ll just have to wait and see

Hopefully somewhere along the way you can see Jerry’s head turning creation.

I haven’t had much free time for recreational reading of late. Of course, some of my “reading” is actually listening via Audible.

Keisha Willi has three books available. I have actually shared my review of Fire Tales. That review can be found in my article What’s New Another Review.

Johnny B Good is a a sociological thriller about a serial killer. The book dives into the mind of a very successful monster. He has managed several undiscovered murders until he finally meets a victim he cannot successfully murder.

Keisha demonstrates a whole new style, different from Fire Tales. She can easily change her writing technique from formal English to scary thriller. I highly recommend anything she has published.

Her works can be discovered on the publisher’s website houseofhonorbooks.com She can also be found on Amazon and Audible.

Johnny B Good has been available for awhile. I just haven’t had the time to listen on Audible. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to listen or read Keisha’s third offering Beware the Wolf.

Jack LaFountain has been busy with his Ed Landry series. There have been two more releases to the ongoing saga.

Lover’s Moon tells a tale of a love triangle between vampire, a rougarou and himself. I won’t spoil which lady wins.

Jack is very hard on poor old Ed. Finding love isn’t necessarily a good thing for the man. Throughout the series, Landry finds himself in many perils.

It’s such a shame that the clerk in chapter nine of Wolf Moon would never get to finish the novel he was reading. Damn rougarou!

Catch these great reads on Amazon and Audible. They can also be found on the website houseofhonorbooks.com

While you’re there, browse the catalog for other great books to enjoy

I don’t get the luxury to recreational read. My free time is limited, and I reserve that time to compose my own work. When I can explore another authors work, I usually listen. Audible is my primary source.

I haven’t turned the actual pages of a novel for as long as I can remember. If I do get the opportunity to read, modern technology comes into play. The pages are turned by the slide of my finger across a screen, and the words are back lit.

I’ve known that, even before I was published, there was another author in New Berlin. The two of us have friends in common. One is my friend and who I consider a mentor Cindy Ladage. The other is my usual tractor partner in crime Digger Dave. Digger has made an attempt at introduction, but my unfortune hasn’t let that happen….yet.

I purchased Taylor Pensoneau’s fiction novels Devil on the Prairie, and The Summer of ’50 from our local bookstore in Virden. Immediately after I returned home, I found myself in my recliner reading Devil on the Prairie. I was held spellbound. The novel was extremely hard to put down.

Taylor has three works of fiction currently in publication. So far, I’ve read the two titles I have listed. Taylor has non-fiction works in print, which are highly acclaimed.

Taylor is a downstate Illinois native from Belleville. He has spent time as the IL political correspondent of the St. Louis Post Dispatch. He is self-published by his own company, Down State Publications.

Taylor adds realism to his novels by sharing trivia of famous local natives. Downstate Illinois and the St Louis region is where his story world takes place. The time frame of the world is from the fifties. Taylor’s wording choices are interesting. He has the luxury of getting phrases past his editor, that mine would more than likely question.

Overall, I highly recommend Taylor Pensoneau. I wish him continued success in his future endeavors. I look forward to my opportunity to meet and visit with him.

Australian author Julia Yeoh has another book available. The Bears, The Witch, and the Bookwyrm has been released in paperback, E-book and through Audible. Julia’s works can be found in the House of Honor website catalog http://www.houseofhonorbooks.com

Julia’s second tale finds the furry rebels in Texas. This story is at an earlier time and the cast of friends isn’t quite as large. The adventure is just as intense and fun, though.

Kacey Sophia narrates, again. Her English accent and soft voice makes the reading an easy listening experience. Since Julia’s books are geared toward the young, the author / narrator combination works perfectly. Regardless, young and young at heart will enjoy the story.

Judy Snyder , designed the cover. Julia and Judy are obvious friends. Like other authors, she uses friends as models for her characters. Judy, and her cat Kirby, arrive in the nick of time; to help slay evil. I have become friends with Judy as well. After seeing her through Julia’s vision, I realize Judy is quite the super hero and I will treat her with more respect.

I also have become more aware while shopping at Dollar General. I was texting with Julia and she shared the store actually did exist. The store has moved from that location. I imagine the stores are just as common in Texas as anywhere else in the US. There should be no fear of any ghosts being left homeless.

Julia has written a wonderful story, again. A cautionary word of advise. Just like her first book the reader runs risk of over indulgence to their senses. She is very descriptive of food and drink. The reader may want to participate in the action, otherwise there is danger of gaining a couple pounds.

Below is a link to Julia’s blog. More can be discovered about her and the bear rebels.

https://jubeele64.wixsite.com/bear-rebels—furry

Don’t neglect the flowers for the weeds. The weeds will flourish just fine in life’s manure

I’m a private person, even people that are close don’t know me completely. Honestly, I can’t claim I know myself. I’ve changed without realization, at times.

I’m opening up in my privacy, this isn’t going to be happy and sunshine. I don’t seek pity either, I hope reading this is warning enough to help others see error and a need to change attitudes. Life is hard enough, there’s no need to make it tougher.

Don’t ignore your health!

Years ago, I was prescribed hypertension and high cholesterol medication. I abandoned taking the medicine. Yes those are prescriptions meant to be taken permanently. Yes I was stupid.  There could be Dire consequences to my action. The worse being death.

I didn’t care though. I wasn’t out to commit suicide, although there had been times. I felt as if I lived a wasted life. I was going through the motions. That was a stupid attitude, considering the amazing climb from a low point in 2014

Before I explain more, I want to share I do have a relationship with the Lord. I’m not a regular attendee to church. What is going on between Jesus and me is our doing. I know I have been blessed in wonderous ways. Did it change my attitude? Obviously not completely. I kept playing Russian roulette, taking my chances.

Don’t neglect your health!

I was battling and self medicating, having no luck defeating my sinus congestion. Friday morning, upon insistence from friends and my employer, I went to urgent care. Maybe I had bronchitis or something of that nature. I couldn’t breath and it took great effort to do the simplest tasks. I was soon to discover another major prominent body organ has determined factor on my lungs, my heart.

The attending staff quickly realized my life was in close jeopardy. I had a option to “phone a friend” or I was going for a ride in an ambulance. Driving myself was not an option. I was going to ER and now!

I chose phoning a friend. As independent as I try to be, I have been blessed with a couple that is super close to me. I didn’t want to ever burden them, but yet here was need. They have been supporting me, not only through this dramatic ordeal, but became my close family. I thank them for that and can never repay them.

I was immediately ushered to am ER room. VIP treatment is nice, but I’ll pass using it to get into emergency. Of course, I could have come by ambulance. Those patients get executive treatment as well

My blood pressure was way to high, as in high score way to high. The numbers I registered where in the 220s high and 180 low number. 120 80 being a normal number. The heart isn’t meant to be a high pressure tool.  I’m lucky the pump didn’t give out!

There have been signs it was ready to give out. Moving blood throughout my body at high speed caused my heart to enlarge to overcome. A big heart isn’t always a good thing. The heart is the major player of the body. The lungs, and kidneys can feel the effect.

My circulation had been failing. My eyesight has been effected. These are all major warning signs. They don’t go away.

Life is short, don’t make it shorter

After a long day in Emergency, I was admitted. It became apparent I wasn’t on a quick mend. I was placed in a CCU, critical care is a step down from intensive. My vitals were constantly monitored and my left arm was continuously squeezed by a blood pressure cuff.

I had an IV and leads on me. One finger was wired up. I looked like a robot with inner workings coming out. I couldn’t do anything, like use the bathroom without assistance. Even though I was down, that was hard for an independent man. My world from Friday night until late Sunday was a bed, a monitor keeping watch over my left shoulder.

Under agreement with my two close friends, now family, we kept my whereabouts on the down low. I didn’t wish to have visitors. I recieved many staff quests however. A team of doctors, several techs, my nurses. I was lucky to have a day and a night nurse that were very nice. They put up with me and maintained professional friendliness.

Kelsie wasn’t real happy I figured out how to unplug the monitor to get in the bathroom. She was a busy lady and I had to go! I’m glad she tolerated that.

My night nurse Izzy came Friday, in the night alarmed I wasn’t breathing well in my sleep. She put me on oxygen. It evidently helped. I slept and wondered why I had a tube connected to my nose the next morning. I thought I had dreamed it. Izzy administered a great relaxing drug the next night. I slept like a rock. I needed the sleep, I had been dealing with insomnia.

I was downgraded on Sunday. I was also moved to a different room. Now I was more ambulatory and had freedom to get out of bed. My BP was more controlled, but needed monitoring. Being downgraded to general status was a step to going home.

I need to make life changes now. I need a better diet and start to exercise. I’m lucky! This story could be different.. My attitude had already changed, I do care. I want to see where my published author writing goes. I’m also more aware of the friends I have and how much they mean to me.

As I wrote earlier, I don’t seek an pity. I was stupid! Thankfully the Good Lord looks out for people like me. I have another chance now. I hope reading this makes a difference and helps someone else get turned around. Don’t go through what I did.

Jack LaFountain’s recently released another western with a monster. The reader/ listener returns to Texas and the Lazy L ranch. This novel is the continuing saga centered around main character Vern Carson.

Werewolves again terrorize the Red River. As the plot unfolds, a scheme of revenge and a neighboring feud becomes apparent.

Vern gains a love interest, but the beautiful widow Polly is more than she seems. Jack has a habit of sharing heartbreak leaving us to wonder if the story will end happily. I won’t spoil the fun, that will just have to be discovered.

Jack does a wonderful job penning the story. I highly recommend it.

The audio book is narrated by Cameron Buckner. He brings the tale to life in a well done “cowboy” fashion.

Cam hosts the YouTube channel Dixie Crytid and What if its True on podcast channels. He has a large following in which I’m part.

Jack’s books can be found on Amazon. Audible and in the catalog at houseofhonorbooks.com

I just finished listening to Bears In The Woods written by Julia Yeoh. The enjoyable plot tells about an ornery band of teddy bears taking a vacation from Australia to Texas.

This book is geared for children, obviously. There is something in the story for everyone, though. Julia describes the scenery of Texas quite well. It’s not hard for the reader~listener to be absorbed in as if they are there.

Julia paints an exciting, fun picture that brings her teddy bears to life. It’s easy to imagine the control chaos, the bears, and friends cause as they travel, camp, shop, and other general fun.

Julia Yeoh’s experience with ghosts, skinwalkers, and others that go bump in the night is well demonstrated. She is well knowledged, from her heritage. There is a link posted below that leads to a YouTube channel. Here are stories Julia shares from her youth.

The author narrator pairing for Bears In The Woods is excellent. Kacey Sophia’s soft English voice brings the audio to life. It’s fitting to hear the bear antics in a gentle British accent.

I have one warning when you enjoy this wonderful tale. Julia does an excellent job of describing meals and other treats consumed. I feel I gained 15 pounds at the completion of the story. I could mentally smell and taste every morsel that is consumed.

Julia already has a second novel released. Her books can be found on Amazon and discovered in the catalog at houseofhonorbooks.com

Well, another year has come and gone. I have to admit 2022 was filled with interesting milestones in my writing journey.

The journey continues. My next novel was submitted in mid-December. My publisher and I came to terms, and I signed my next contract. I wish I could say I made a sale on the first try, but it took two attempts. I’m lucky to have a kind editor who shares his wisdom gently. Once I quelled my ego, I saw his point. Rejection isn’t a terrible thing.

Can’t go Home is the working title of my next book. It will be the continuing saga of my first story. I’ve already got a good start on number three, mainly because it’s trimmed from Can’t Go Home.

New Perspectives has been released in audio form. I placed a link to take you directly to it below. There are some perks to downloading if you’re a first-time Audible customer. My book can be discovered at houseofhonorbooks.com in paperback e-books and audio forms. I recommend browsing the catalog. There’s many great titles.

https://www.audible.com/pd/B0BPN2MCVB/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-332489&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_332489_rh_us

It took a while, but I’ve discovered myself as a writer. I’m more a novelist than a journalist~blogger. This last year, I found my writing dedication tended to be swayed toward writing a book. I’m not giving up reporting. The blog will remain the same erratic way it has always been.

Antique Iron Media will continue to double formate. I’m going to continue to feature my fellow authors of House of Honor. As always, thanks for your support!