O Nature! I do not aspire

To be the highest in thy choir, -

To be a meteor in thy sky,

Or comet that may range on high;

Only a zephyr that may blow

Among the reeds by the river low;

Give me thy most privy place

Where to run my airy race.

-"Nature" by H.D. Thoreau

I did some zephyresque blowing in an airy chat with the Halfling and the Spaceman which you can check out here. For those of you who suffer from impatience syndrome like me, I recommend watching at 1.25 speed. You can also watch for my appearance on Blasters and Blades in the near future, the invitation for which I just received.

Did you miss my mild musing about books for boys and the reasons for falling numbers in the boys reading stats? Naturally, I have some recommendations.

On the writing front, I've started writing a short story but have had to pause in order to delve into the details of an old battle before I can decide which of those fascinating facts to weave into the tale.

In reading, I'm still immersed in a few books but haven't finished any of them yet. Imagine the interesting reports to come.

Musically, a big band music cd has been playing in my car all week. Speaking of music, I came across a reaction video to Boston (the band and album of the name, not the city). I have to admit that I'm not a fan of reaction videos - but Boston has to be in my top ten bands for the unique, easily recognized sound and harmonic blend of voice and guitar that lets the mind hitch a ride through a hot shower so you don't look back for peace of mind.

History Bit:

De Soto and his men spent the winter of 1539-40 at Anhayca, the main town of Appalachee, located near modern Tallahassee. The Appalachees lived in a land of coastal plain rivers that formed swamps. Therefore, their towns and fields were on hilltops. Rather than huge fortified towns, they had a hierarchical system of principal towns scattered about the territory with satellite villages surrounding them. Anhayca consisted of a plaza surrounded by houses. The principal chief led the religious ceremonies and led them in war. His people greeted him with palms pressed together. Descent was matrilineal, so a chief could not be succeeded by his son. The position would typically go to the chief's sister's son. The country was fruitful and provided plenty for the Spaniards for five months.

--From Knights of Spain, Warriors of the Sun.

Take a look at these fantasy giveaways - I'm intrigued by the one called Oxen and Morons.

Hit your clicker for this discounted fantasy novelette: His Heroic Worth by Bader M. Alsedeqi. A tale of daring knights and damsels in distress awaits.

Mythical: Shadowed Redemption by Laurie Bowler is on sale now. If slow burn romance involving a disciplined warrioress and a man who carries life-threatening secrets is your thing, click now or forever hold your peace.

"In all jungles lies death, for life and death go hand in hand and where life teems death reaps his fullest harvest." - Tarzan The Terrible - Edgar Rice Burroughs.