Dis & Dat

It's been a while since I've tossed up a random ... What is going on in my life post so here it is ... a random what is going on in my life.

As most of y'all know I finally finished writing The Feedstore Chronicles a month or so ago. After researching literary agents that handle humorous memoirs I have began querying. So far I've only target a small group to test the waters but I'm happy to announce that right at half have requested more material. So now I have several partials and a pair of complete manuscripts out for consideration. Several requested time for an exclusive read and while I couldn't grant that due to the fact I already had material out to other agents I am pausing before I send out more query letters.

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I've been working on a few short stories but at this point I am not pleased with any of them. Getting back in the fiction groove has been hard after spending two years writing creative non-fiction. I'm starting to wonder if that is not where my true talent lies and thanks to the talented Erica Orloff I am now considering writing a non-fiction memoir-esque collection of humorous essays about my carnivorous take on life. She suggested I title it ... At The Altar of The Gas Grill.

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A little less than two months from now a group of my writing friends are gathering in Colorado. I have never met any of the people in person yet I consider them to be among some of my closest friends. Odd? Perhaps but I'm really looking forward to the trip. Given the banter about the event it sounds like it will be more frat party than writing retreat. Given that we have never met and will be marooned in a Colorado cabin together I see the weekend as Gilligan's Island meets Animal House.


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Speaking of both Colorado and beer I consumed a bottle of Avery's Mephistopheles' Stout this past weekend. 

Mephistopheles was a demon in German folklore and is often confused with the Devil himself. Not not lettuce, but Satan. And coming in with an alcohol content just shy of 17% this stout brewed in Boulder, Colorado definitely has a dark side. As you can see in the picture it pours dark and thick. It sort of glugs out of the bottle, but carries a rich malty aroma that is pleasing to the nose. At first sip the beer is creamy, and malty with some chocolate overtones. As it slides down your through there is a slight but pleasant burn that you can feel deep in your chest. Somewhat like taking a shot of Rum.

By the third or fourth drink the beer tastes even better, but it is not for the faint of heart or stomach. Or the timid consumer as this stout sells for 8 bucks a bottle. I would recommend and will drink it again, but next time I will not chase it with six pack Shiner Bock or a large Canadian bacon pizza. Nope, the night did not end well.


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Once again I am coaching flag football. I have a great group of 13 boys and 6 girls on my squad. 5 third graders and 14 second graders. We are already having fun and I do believe we might even win a few games this year.

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My oldest son, Tarek is playing his first season of tackle football.

 A 4th grader, he is the biggest kid on the team and could toss around most of the other boys, but he is of such good-nature that this fact has not dawned on him yet. Maybe one day he will suit up for Amarillo High school rather than simply wear his dad's t-shirt. And for those who know me and say Hey, wait a damn minute what are you doing with an Amarillo High shirt? You graduated from Caprock all I can say is beggars can't be choosy. The shirt was given to me after the fire.

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The Saints kick off tonight. Maybe they begin this season the way they ended the last one. Winners. And Brett Favre you have totally ruined your reputation in my eyes so I hope your season begins the way you last one ended ... on the ground looking up at a Saints defender.

Who Dat!