Second Chances/ Revival

Father Dragon is in a business trip but he instructed me, Tassin, father of Sessin, to welcome Mark Koopmans to the Cave. The dwarves are thrilled to have Lord Baldernot, the Dashing... I mean, Mr. Koopmans as guest during the blog tour of Revival AND on the Cave's 3rd Bloganniversary!!!! What better way to celebrate. Father Dragon read the book to us and all 150 dwarves loved it. It's very well written and it has everything (fun moments, sad moments, exciting moments) and it is overall inspiring. My son Sessin has joined with other dwarves to practice their singing. They plan to form the Dwarf Tenors. They dream to sing Far Over the Mountains Cold to you one day. Anyway, Dragon and Dwarves highly recommend this book! Now I leave you with Mark. The beer, roasted pork and songs will come next.

Aloha,

I smile when I remember wanting to be a writer as a child.

Sadly, it wasn’t encouraged (or discouraged) at home, and I didn’t drive myself to be a writer.

I did, however, drive myself to learn how to operate a truck, but then I crashed.

I didn’t smile that day.

After I was fired, the 19-year-old me left Ireland.

I got my first job outside of Amsterdam, stacking pats of butter in a Dutch grocery store.

Sadly, I have OCD.

It became very annoying to watch little old ladies squeeze a pat of butter (it’s not a tomato) and then pick one from the third row down.

(This isn’t Jenga, people.)

My smile froze in the refrigerated section.

I soon looked for another job, and worked as a non-Dutch speaking busboy—in a very busy Dutch restaurant.

I smiled a lot.

Fifteen years—and a million miles later—I was a restaurant manager, but the only thing I cared about was my paycheck.

What was a smile? I’d long forgotten.

I had to make a change.

I tried a new business—banking—and was offered a branch manager’s job about 18 months later. It was a nice job.

I smiled, and normally would have said yes, but said no.

I’d seen an ad in a newspaper.

They wanted a new staff reporter. Applicants needed a journalism degree and two years experience.

I smiled.

This was the second chance. This was the opportunity I’d always wanted.

I didn’t have the degree. I didn’t have the experience.

I did, however, have the balls to believe in myself—to believe I *was* the best darn applicant.

I got the job.

I smiled.

A lot.

They gave me a reporter’s notepad, a recorder and a desk that looked like it had been hurriedly cleaned.

(Looking back, I fought like a cornered animal to get that writing position because I needed a second change. I needed to fight for the calling that was my God-given talent.)

I cleaned (out) the desk and sat down.

Just me, my perfectly OCD-arranged trusty tools of the trade (I had yet to master), plus a phone missing an outside line.

I smiled again.

It was May 8, 2005. I had a job.

This was my second chance. This was my calling.

I was a writer.

Mark Koopmans is originally from Ireland. After working in Holland, Spain, France and England, he won his U.S. “Green Card” in 1994, and is an American by choice since 2003. Koopmans began his writing career with a feature for a regional magazine in California. Since then, he’s worked as a staff writer for newspapers in Florida and Texas. Koopmans is also a proficient blogger and is working on his next book, a novel. Koopmans lives in Virginia and is a married, stay-at-home dad to three active boys under the age of nine. He writes at night.

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Five years removed from his 1990 Juilliard graduation, Donald Braswell is set to be “the next Pavarotti.” Braswell’s successful career ends, however, not with a standing ovation at Carnegie Hall, but alone, lying in a dirty ditch.

Following the hit-and-run accident that steals his voice and future, the “Texas Tenor” struggles with depression and despair—until the night his daughter, Aria, is born. Understanding this new and immediate life change, Braswell fights to relearn how to speak, sing—and share this gift of second chances with others.

Working as a plasterer, a car salesman, and many jobs in-between, it takes thirteen years—and a musical miracle—for Braswell to battle back and sing on a professional stage. His dreams and ambitions collide with a tired and angry crowd when he auditions for America’s Got Talent. For his family, his faith and his entire future, can the Rocky Balboa of the operatic world find the courage and strength to win just one more fight?

Pen-L-Publishing   Amazon    Barnes & Noble

Giveaway

● GRAND PRIZE (2 winners): Donald Braswell to sing (Happy Birthday/Anniversary) via 

Skype or phone call. (A unique gift idea!)

● 1ST PLACE PRIZE: Signed Donald Braswell CD/REVIVAL book combo

● 2nd, 3rd and 4th PLACE PRIZES: Signed copies of REVIVAL (by Donald and Mark)

● 5th, 6th and 7th PLACE PRIZES: Signed copies of Donald Braswell CDs

● 8th, 9th, and 10th PLACE PRIZES: Signed Donald Braswell 8x10 picture

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In the Labyrinth of my Nature

I just searched for wisdom. According to Wikipedia, wisdom is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. No wonder why it is so rare. For starters, common sense is the less common of all senses. Listening AND learning from others' experiences besides our own would be helpful too. Unfortunately the thought of "*that* won't happen to me because..." (I'm faster, younger, prettier, smarter,  or whatever reason that comes to mind. Basically, because I'm better than you) is pretty common.  This is more common when young but I think it has more to do with arrogance and ego than with youth. I often forget it is possible to find life lessons everywhere and anyone can be my teacher, regardless the age, gender or race. I believe creatures were created with two ears and one mouth so they can listen twice as they talk. Sadly, it happens the other way around. Everyone is busy in making their points right, justifying themselves and blaming others that true listening is becoming an extinct practice.

The other day I read a post at Elephant's Child about volunteering. It reminded me of my years as Doctor of Laughter, basically Hospital Clown a la Patch Adams. Risaterapia Mexico was founded following Patch Adams' cue. I loved my work there and I got so much from all the people I visited, I felt I gave very little in return. I found many teachers of life at the hospitals. I remember this six or seven year old girl who had terminal cancer.

"Hello!" I greeted her. "May I come in?"
"Hi", she grinned at my red nose. "I am very glad you're here."
I waltzed into her room. "What can I do for you today?"
"Nothing. I have cancer. I am going to die, but it's okay." She said with the same peaceful tone as if she would state the sky is blue and the roses are red. "It's my mom who needs you. She's very sad and has been crying. Please make her laugh."

I had training. I was told I would face tragic things like this and much worse. I was prepared to keep my guts steady, my smile in place but never disconnect my heart. I needed to give it to whoever needed it. To listen, to hug, to laugh together and cry together. Sometimes they would return my heart to me as big and gleaming as the sun, filled with so much love. Other times, they would return it to me twisted, torn and bleeding. But we were also trained to put it back in place. It was difficult not to take that people with you, in your mind. For your own sake, you left them all behind once you got out of the white coat, took off the red nose and washed your face.

I was pretty good at this, in general. Yet there were a few cases that, because of their brutality, managed to pass the red nose armor and training. Cases that froze the smile on my face while rage boiled in my core. Cases that put a murdering desire in my mind as my heart melted in pain and empathy for innocent little creatures I was still hugging. And for their sake, I had to keep the sweet demeanor, even if having the criminal standing just in front of me. As much as I resisted, I couldn't help to feel hate as much as I felt mercy.

I know I am no judge. It is not my job to say who deserves what. But there are some things that are just beyond my nature. I am a dragon. I spit fire. It's part of my essence. To control my fire I have to decide first if I care or I don't. If I swallow my fire down, it burns and hurts me badly. That gets me even angrier and sad. It also wears out my faith on human kind. Eventually, I hang up the white coat and put away the red nose. I knew I had too much to give yet but I would end up hating the world more than I already did. Deep inside, I left with the feeling I had failed.

Last week, I also saw a video at Mark Koopman's site that is called Look Up! If you have seen the ad "Disconnect to Connect", it's along the lines. It made my heart shrink so much and ache so much I could hardly breath. I couldn't help the tears either. They streamed for about an hour, and they threatened to appear all day long.

It reminded me that I connected to disconnect. That while I still tried to help people in other ways, I spit fire. I tried to change it but I failed. I cannot pretend to be what I'm not. Regardless the magic or the disguise, true nature will always come to the surface, one way or another. And I am so tired of fighting my true nature and trying to fit the profile in order to find a human that loves me. Dragons are beautiful in books, movies or online, but I see no human living with a dragon.

I strongly believe there are things that can be changed, if you're determined enough. But we like it or not, there are also things that cannot be changed and our essence can't be changed. It might be wise to learn to accept it and live accordingly. And just make the best we can with it. I have been opening bottles of wine three days in a row but I have not drank all of them. I have been chewing depressing thoughts but I have not swallowed them. I still think on those kids at the hospitals. I remember their lessons of life. They had terrible diseases, their bodies burned or mutilated, but they still were willing to smile, to play, to dream, to be amazed and to make the best of what they had for as long as it would last.

I am not sure if I am truly wise, but I have decided I shall find another way to go back to helping people, even if it's just here at the virtual dragon cave. I owe my heart at least that.

Dragon Hugs!

The Lord of the Clones - The Showdown Part 1

"The Cave's changed. I hear it in the kitchen. I taste it in the mead. I smell it in the air. The Dwarves are dragonless and bored. We shall go out and make some trouble."  Tassin, leader of the DCS.

Starring:
Ninja Cloner 
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Lord Baldernot (He Who Must Not Be Shaved)
Mark Koopmans
Lord Baldernot's Hair Knitters
Tassin, father of Sessin; Sessin, son of Tassin; Pancholin, grandson of Manolin and Milin, son of Carmelita
Judges
Jeffrey S. Hargett; Manolin, grandfather of Pancholin; Zenon, father of Tassin.
Guest Star
Jezebel

The Showdown - Part 1
(CLICK ON PIC TO ENLARGE)

JUST IN CASE YOUTUBE DOESN'T OPEN FOR YOU.

REACTIONS:

NINJAS AMONG THE AUDIENCE...

DWARVES AMONG THE AUDIENCE...

THE JUDGES...

Meanwhile Sir Jeff manages to dig himself out of that mountain of gold in order to give a score,

and He Who Must Not Be Shaved warms up to blow your minds up and make the dance floor sparkle for real, please feel free to share in the comment section what score you give to the Ninja Cloner and his team.

to be continued...

(Previous Chapters)

NOTE FROM FATHER DRAGON: Thank you all for coming and a huge welcome to the new visitors. We're always glad to see new faces here. I hope you enjoy your stay while you keep basic safety measures. Don't feed the dwarves (tips in gummy bears are acceptable); don't drink Jezebel's punch (unless you wish wild hallucinations) and don't touch my virgin snacks. Dragon Hugs are given for free without previous warning!

PS. This was meant to be the last installment of the Lord of the Clones but Alex and Mark are too much awesomeness for the dwarves to have the whole Showdown done in one month. Alex and Mark deserve our best effort and so do you. Thank you very much for being here.

It's Coming!

The dwarves like to think the world has been holding their breath, waiting for the next installment of the Lord of the Clones. Don't kill the little guys' dreams and just act like this is the greatest news of all time. They have been working really hard all the month (REALLY HARD) to make the 2 minute show you're going to witness on April 29th. They have even gone on a diet and lost weight to look dashing on that new outfit.

Since making a video requires a lot more sweat than nine panels, the Shorties have decided to split the showdown in two parts. Ninja Army dance first, cheering groups cheer, judges judge and minions and clones bribe, (and dragon eats popcorn in the background). Then in a later installment comes the Baldinators' (name chosen by Lord Baldernot) turn to dazzle you and the judges with their amazing Riverdance and Hawaiian moves.

Now I just want to make it clear that the fact this showdown happens at the Dragon Cave doesn't mean Father Dragon endorses every and any attempt from the Shorties to win said showdown (including but not limited to bribery, cohersion, boicoting, seducing, etc.) I was informed that there will be enough of Jezebel's infamous punch available to expect the unexpected. Dwarves invited Jezebel as guest star for this showdown, so if you have already had tea with Mistress Snark, you know what I'm talking about. If you have not...well...just remember to clap hard and cheer for your favorite team (if you can remember which is your favorite team.)

Since a dwarf-only jury could make the ninjas think their decision is biased, there will be a third judge. He's known to be close friends with the dwarves for a long time but he's also known to be a knight of honor and principles. The one knight of the Order of the Dragon, Sir Jeffrey Hargett. Higher Powers bless his soul and his boldness and every sane bone in his body while he still has them. He'll be missed... I mean, GOOD LUCK to the bravest knight I've ever met! Best luck also to Alex J. Cavanaugh "Ninja Cloner" and Mark Koopmans "Lord Baldernot".

So everything is nearly ready. I leave you now to call my lawyer and make sure the cave insurance is updated and covers for missing limbs and/or clones.

Thanks for pretending you're holding your breath.  It is important for dragons to hold our breath whenever Jezebel's punch is close. You may end up flying in more ways than one.

Charlie's Scribes - Voodoo Doll Master Class

What do you do when a 900 year old dragon asks for a voo doo doll?

You freaking make him a voo doo doll!! 

Who are we to argue with a fire breather?!

Now, we're not certain if the follow up request came from The Dragon himself, or if the dwarfs hijacked his email, but we here at Charlie's Scribes were a little concerned when a second email arrived requesting the doll be sent with the step-by-step process to create more. 

It was scary enough to have two Koopmans in the universe...the thought of hundreds...thousands...I do believe a chill just went down the spine!!

*It should be noted, only for The Dragon, would we morph Dolly into a Koopman Actionless Figure. 

Care Instructions: The Koopmans Actionless Figure can only be fed green beer and Lucky Charms. Feeding any other foods could cause it to grow hair and revert back to its female, childlike form.

Need a Break? Click HERE

Charlie's Scribes is a for free bloggy support service. Offered to you by the insane, suckers for punishment trio: Mark Koopmans, Elizabeth Seckman, and Tammy Theriault.

Welcome to the club Dragon!

The Lord of the Clones - The Challenge Part 2

"The Cave's changed. I hear it in the kitchen. I taste it in the mead. I smell it in the air. The Dwarves are dragonless and bored. We shall go out and make some trouble."  Tassin, leader of the DCS.

Starring:
Ninja Cloner 
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Lord Baldernot (He Who Must Not Be Shaved)
Mark Koopmans
Lord Baldernot's Hair Knitters
Tassin, father of Sessin; Sessin, son of Tassin; Pancholin, grandson of Manolin and Milin, son of Carmelita

The Challenge - Part 2

*Click on the image to enlarge it.

Since Ninja Cloner was reluctant to undress, S.A.M. rushed to look for the bubble salts and sponge. Maybe she could still sweet-talk him into getting that bath.  Free from her noisy presence, Alex's heightened senses perceived a hidden threat. (Another threat beside Ninja Muse's intention to trick him out of his clothes.)

The vision in Lord Baldernot's head. (41 seconds)

Duel of Cloned Fates (16 seconds)

To be continued...

In case you missed it: The Challenge - Part 1

*Reference to the Galactic hangover with Roland Yeomans.

**Special thanks to Alex and Mark.

***Thank you for buying tickets for this play. Wait, it's free! Thanks for coming then.

****Dwarves belong to Father Dragon Al Diaz, as well as the artwork. The fragment of Mulan belongs to Disney. Alex and Mark belong to their families. 

Beware of the Dragon! (Laugh with me or Ignore me)

I have plenty of reasons to feel insecure lately. My year didn't start so well. First, this family problem that fractured my confidence. Then a relapsing old issue with my scales, the doctor prescribed an antibiotic that was extremely aggressive, but I didn't know it until all side-effects kicked in. While my scales improved, I was suffering kidney and liver pain, headache, nausea, tachycardia, intestinal problems, and a maddening anxiety. Needless to say I was not in a bad mood. I was in the worst mood EVER.

Now, a dragon in the foulest of moods is VERY dangerous. Chemical induced anxiety is hard to control with breathing and willpower. I try not to bite but I've growled quite a few people away. I want to hug those around me breathless and I also want to chomp their heads off, just not sure on what order. Although I'm not taking the freaking antibiotic anymore, my kidneys and liver were already fragile from past ailments so they are now giving me hell for it. And I feel mad about feeling bad. Some say I'm venting my anger on myself because suddenly I've become amazingly prone to home accidents. I've also accidentally dropped and  broken a few things I liked a lot.

Yet I can't let this spiral down go on indefinitely, regardless what started it. (I just had to interrupt typing this post due to the heck of a liver pain that made me sweat.) But I've seen enough doctors in my life to learn to fear them. In my experience, they don't seem to be able to fix one thing without screwing another.  My right side screams about it right now.

Anyway, this is NOT about my insecurity regarding hospitals and my unwillingness to go see another doctor but it's related.  I am not quite myself. I am unbalanced. That's why I chose to retreat from the spotlight and let the dwarves run the Cave for now. Plenty of insecurity in many levels. First, Father Dragon claims temporary madness. Second, dwarves are not writers or sages. They are silly little creatures created with the sole purpose to amuse me and make me laugh. Third... did I mention I was volatile?

But as I've always said; when everything else fails, seek for laughter. Natural painkiller with lots of benefits  and no side-effects to regret. Soooo.... that's why the philosophic dissertations are replaced with comic strips. It was either laugh or be silent until further notice.

Now, I am not any Marvel's artist but I am studying to get there. The Dwarf Cheering Squad's project gives purpose to my practices and make homework fun, plus it keeps my mind focused on a healthy, constructive, positive goal. Besides, my dwarves are dragon proof. Absolutely nothing happens to them if I suddenly yell at them, bite them, drop them, throw them, burn them, or sit on them. As long as I don't ignore them, they're okay. I'll be okay too if I don't take things or myself seriously for a while. In case you're wondering, Alex Cavanaugh and Mark Koopmans -the finest gentlemen who agreed to take active roles in this nonsense- will be okay also because their clones are made with State-of-the-Art technology and resilient material for this project.

I'm terribly insecure about this but you can either laugh with me or ignore me. I will leave you talking to the dwarves and watching an amateur's practices towards professional graphic novel.  I am not following any particular writing law for the script because I don't want to distress myself further with writer's "holy commandments". Actually, I think I chomped part of them in a recent outburst. I am not seeking to steal Stan Lee's audience -yet. I'm just trying to keep the humor in my life (and hopefully in yours). I am trying to  channel my energy while I balance my Zen into the nice cuddling dragon I used to be not so long ago. It's still there somewhere, it's just that dragons (like all indomitable beings) also bare teeth when they're caught on their bad side.  Eventually, I'll find my way back to a reasonable balance. I always do. Then, I'll resume my philosophic dissertations about life wisdom. Right now I'm too busy keeping it in force.

This post is part of Insecure Writer's Support Group, the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanugh. Visit the group's website.

Talking about Alex Cavanaugh, this is a reminder that his Epic Giveaway is still on-going. He wants to reach 2000 followers and he's very close now. Only 20 to go. If you already follow him, help spread the word!

Prizes are: First place – Signed copy of one book, $10 iTunes card, and one book donated to the library (middle school, high school, public) of your choice.

Grand prize – Signed copy of all three books, $10 iTunes card, t-shirt of your choice from Neat-O-Rama, designed by Retro Jeremy Hawkins, and three books donated to the library of your choice. Click on the link above to learn more about it.


$.99 special!
CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh – Amazon Best Seller! 

Science fiction - space opera/adventure

EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9 

Book Trailer  

Purchase: Amazon Kindle, Amazon UK  

CassaStar was only the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren's civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan's technology and strange mental abilities.

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves, the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

“This sequel to Cavanaugh's first novel, CassaStar, delivers on the promise of its predecessor, combining military action sequences and political intrigue with strong, memorable characters. Reminiscent of the action-driven stories of Robert A. Heinlein's early fiction…” - Library Journal

Back in December I had the honor to be involved in this wonderful project called Composers for Relief. I contributed with a story called The Power of Will.

Today, I am excited to be part of....

BEYOND THE BINDING COVER REVEAL 

Blurb

---

Embark on an exciting journey “Beyond the Binding” of the imagination with 29 authors from across the globe, in a groundbreaking collaboration where music meets fiction. Surrender to soaring compositions as they surge through the veins of every story, capturing the triumphant pulse of the notes in heart pounding sci fi, enchanting fantasy and gripping slices of realism.  

All proceeds of the Composers for Relief  album and Companion Collection ebook will go to Gawad Kalinga (“give care”) and GVSP (Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme), to support the relief efforts for victims of the deadliest natural disaster in Philippines’ history, Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Ebook will be available on Amazon, Amazon UK, iTunes, B&N, Kobo, Sony, Diesel & Smashwords.

Composers for Relief album available on ITunes, Amazon, CDBaby & Spotify

**Thanks for visiting and thanks to all those brave, most loyal souls who armored themselves in order to give this dragon a much needed hug. You're worth more than Smaug's treasure!

The Lord of the Clones - The Challenge Part 1

"The Cave's changed. I hear it in the kitchen. I taste it in the mead. I smell it in the air. The Dwarves are dragonless and bored. We shall go out and make some trouble."  Tassin, leader of the DCS.

Starring:
Ninja Cloner 
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Lord Baldernot (He Who Must Not Be Shaved)
Mark Koopmans
Lord Baldernot's Hair Knitters
Tassin, father of Sessin; Sessin, son of Tassin; Pancholin, grandson of Manolin and Milin, son of Carmelita
Special appearance of S.A.M. the Ninja Muse

Written by S.A.M and the DCS.
Produced and Directed by: the DCS.

***The Lord of the Clones, the Musical, is brought to you by Father Dragon (it's his cave) and his amazing and MOST creative dwarves (that's us!). Actors will be paid in gummy bears, except the clones. Dwarves have Ninja Insurance with unlimited Ninja Responsibility. That's in case we have to pay S.A.M a ransom to let Alex go at the end of the show. Legal claims, it's all S.A.M.'s fault. Take her!

The Challenge, Part 1

Baldernot's private beach.

Technical problems with the chair. Similar manufacturer.

Once He Who Must Not Be Shaved managed to get off his dancing throne, he and his Hair Knitters headed to the Dragon Cave. Intel said Ninja Cloner was there visiting his good friend, Father Dragon.

Father Dragon's Cave

The Challenge, Part 2