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Random Quote

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. — Brian Tracy


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Taylor’s Monster

My good friend, Taylor drew this cool monster, “The Monster Rocks”! Thanks, Taylor!

The Monster Rocks

The Monster Rocks

Skyler’s “Daddo Woody” paper doll

Skyler’s work had a contest for making a paper doll. Here’s Skyler’s entry, which won an award!

Natural, Handmade Soap

I met Kris Rudarmel and her husband, Frank, last year at one of Mark Maxon’s three-day seminars. Since then I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with them on several occasions. Frank and Kris run the Anchor Restoration service that I feature in our “Where We…” section under Carpet Cleaning Restoration. They’re great people!

And then last night, I had the opportunity again to visit with them and found out that Kris also makes handmade soaps! Cool! Her website is SoapCreationsbyKris.com.

Her soaps help:

  • cleanse the body
  • lift the spirit
  • nurture the soul.

And she has “A Little inspiration tucked inside every bar”.

Check it out!

John Archibald Dortmunder

John Archibald Dortmunder is a fictitious character who is a career criminal, created by Donald E. Westlake. I was first introduced to John when I read the book “Bank Shot” in 1972 and just loved it. But I had never read any of the other books that Mr. Westlake published until just a few months ago. It was then that I thought about “Bank Shot” again (did you know that a movie was made of that book starring George C. Scott?). So I did a little research and found that Mr. Westlake has written 14 novels and 11 short stories in the Dortmunder series. So I’ve started reading all of them, beginning with “The Hot Rock” and then re-reading “Bank Shot”. I enjoyed “Bank Shot” at least as much, if not more, than I did the first time around! These books are a kick! Every one of them is very funny!

Here is a list of the Dortmunder novels:

  • The Hot Rock (1970)
  • Bank Shot (1972)
  • Jimmy the Kid (1974)
  • Nobody’s Perfect (1977)
  • Why Me? (1983)
  • Good Behavior (1985)
  • Drowned Hopes (1990)
  • Don’t Ask (1993)
  • What’s the Worst That Could Happen? (1996)
  • Bad News (2001)
  • The Road to Ruin (2004)
  • Thieves’ Dozen – The Dortmunder Stories (2004)
  • Watch Your Back! (2005)
  • What’s So Funny? (2007)
  • Get Real (2009)

HOWEVER, I need some help! I haven’t been able to find copies of the following titles and am hoping that someone has a copy that they would let me borrow to read:

  • Jimmy the Kid (1974)
  • Why Me? (1983)

In addition to the Dortmunder series of books, Mr. Westlake has also published the following comic crime novels:

  • The Fugitive Pigeon (1965)
  • The Busy Body (1966)
  • The Spy in the Ointment (1966)
  • God Save the Mark (1967)
  • Who Stole Sassi Manoon? (1968)
  • Somebody Owes Me Money (1969)
  • Cops and Robbers (1972)
  • Help I Am Being Held Prisoner (1974)
  • Two Much (1975)
  • Dancing Aztecs (1976)
  • Enough (1977)
  • Castle In The Air (1980)
  • High Adventure (1985)
  • Trust Me On This (1988)
  • Baby, Would I lie? (1994)
  • Smoke (1995)

I haven’t read any of these, yet. But you can be sure I will!

Ear Plugs

I found these earplugs online at earplugsonline.com, bought some and I agree with the manufacturer that they are “the highest blocking moldable ear plug in the world”.

If you need earplugs for whatever reason: snoring, swimming, or whatever noisy environment you may be in, these are the best earplugs you’ll find. They are made with beeswax, lanolin and cotton and are very easy to use. When used as directed, they block 34 decibals. For comparison, the “over the ear” ear protectors that I own block 30 decibals, and they are much bulkier.