Ode to Mark

Guitars. Kid Rock. Collective Soul. Grimaldi’s chocolate covered potato chips. Adirondack chairs. Outback. These were a few of Mark’s favorite things. Now that he’s gone, they bring tears to my eyes. He was a good brother and friend to me. Mark was talented. He could turn wood and nails into anything. He once built a spiral staircase and told me he never had to use math so much as he did then. He could play guitar by ear and it sounded like he was reading music. He loved music, especially rock. He was generous. He practically gave away his last work van. He was funny. He could do impressions of friends and famous people. He could tell a story and make anyone laugh. He was a good father. He took his boys to the movies, the flea market or to the park while his wife studied. Mark was a quiet, sensitive man with a big heart. I will miss our hour-long phone calls. Rest in peace brother.

What A Story!

What a story! Sex, murder and secrets dominate the plot over seven days. "Lovers & Players" by Jackie Collins starts with a meeting being called by controlling billionaire Red Diamond, whose manipulative behavior has determined the fate of his sons’ lives as well as any others who cross his path. His character is easy to hate while his sons' crazy lives are sometimes easy to identify with. The story intertwines the lives of an aspiring singer and an heiress. I couldn’t put this book down even though the ending was somewhat predictable. I can imagine three sequels based upon the lives of those touched by Red.

Vote from the Heart

I'm so glad I voted via absentee ballot. No matter how you vote, I hope you vote with your conscience. Check out this video that doesn't tell you "who" to vote for, but gives you some guidance.