Swords, Specters, & Stuff
Welcome to My World
I started this blog in January 2012 for one simple reason: I love to write. I named it “Swords, Specters, & Stuff” because I especially love to write about writing, about books and movies in my favorite genres, about authors that mean a great deal to me. But there’s more to it than that, which is why I included “Stuff” in the title. It is “Stuff” that gives me carte blanche to write about anything, which is why you’ll see stories about special trips to Cooperstown, Sedona, and other places; about getting older; about baseball; about the otherworldly way in which I met my soul mate; about the loss of good friends, and so much more. Enjoy! And feel free to leave a comment.
Throwback Thursday: Myths And Legends—The Vanishing Riverboat
The SS IRON MOUNTAIN, a stern-wheel paddle steamer, proudly sailed the waters of the mighty Mississippi River following its launch in 1872. Its owners foresaw a long and prosperous run for the vessel. How could they know that its run would end in barely a decade under mysterious circumstances, to become the stuff of legend?
It’s A Mystery To Me
My bride and I love murder mysteries and detective dramas, cozy and otherwise. We’ve watched just about every series and movie from a number of different countries, especially the UK. I know why this particular genre appeals to me. To be blunt: I SUCK AT DEDUCTION.
Throwback Thursday: James Bond Meets Han Solo?
This film raised an interesting question about the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of a steamboat back in 1882, a true story. I first presented this post in 2020.
The Babadook: An LGBTQ Icon?
THE BABADOOK is a 2014 Australian horror film that is considered a classic of its genre. It tells the story of Amelia, a grieving young widow, and seven-year-old Sam, her out-of-control son. Somehow the film’s “monster,” inexplicably, has become what many call a “queer” icon. How did that happen?
Throwback Thursday: Safe At Home
I was seriously disheartened when I wrote the following post in March of 2020, as I’m sure all of you were. We became captives to the insidious beast called Covid-19.
Remembering Jimmy
“Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes, nothing remains quite the same.” Jimmy Buffett’s words. Good words…and true. Add to it: just about everything comes to an end. We lost this great entertainer a little over a week ago. I am crushed.
Throwback Thursday: They Had To Start Somewhere
It is still remarkable to note how many stars appeared on THE TWILIGHT ZONE. I first presented this post in 2020.
Back In The Saddle…Again
No, not THAT kind of saddle. This post doesn’t have anything to do with horses or Gene Autry. It has way more to do with WRITING.
Throwback Thursday: Native American Film Gems—THUNDERHEART
The 1992 film, THUNDERHEART, has been described as a “contemporary western mystery,” but it is so much more than that. It is “loosely based” on what is known as the Wounded Knee incident, which occurred in 1973, and other instances of Native American resistance, such as the occupation of Alcatraz Island (1969-1971).
A Good Murder/Mystery Series Made Even Better
My bride and I love detective shows from the UK, and FATHER BROWN is one of our favorites. Starting in 2013, the series has run for ten seasons and over one hundred episodes. Series 10 premiered earlier this year, and we were pleased—maybe even ecstatic—to learn that two of the longest running, most annoying characters had left for…I don’t know, greener pastures?
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