Short Story- The Artist

At one time, Steven Long was the toast of the Seattle art scene then his wife Bess died and his once light and joyful works became dark and foreboding. Galleries no longer wanted to showcase his work and art critics ignored him.

Steven decided that a retreat might be a good idea. When Steven and Bess were newlyweds, thay spent the first six months of their marriage building a cabin on Orcas Island. It was one of the happiest times of his life. Now Bess was gone and all he felt like doing was painting monsters.

Steven took his sailboat to the island. A cold wet drizzle followed him all the way. It had been years since he had been to the cottage and the interior was musty with decay. Steven was tired after the miserable voyage and fell asleep in an old recliner in front of a cold fireplace.

The next day, Sandy, an old friend and neighbor came to visit. "I thought that was your boat at the dock" Sandy said when Steven opened the door. Steven invited his old friend in. "I'm sorry it smells so bad in here. I am going to start cleaning it up today" he told Sandy. "Can I help?" Sandy asked. Steven shrugged. "If  you like. It's not a very pleasant job." Sandy smiled "I don't mind. It's good to spend time with an old friend" "Steven felt a little of his depression leave him. "Yes It is." he agreed.

Sandy left later that evening and the cottage smelled almost clean. In the morning, Steven set up a canvas and began mixing up the reds and blacks. A sudden beam of sunlight pierced  through a kitchen window and Steven remembered Bess running on the beach when they were first married.  Bess would have hated the dark turn his art had taken. Steven put away the red and black and began mixing blue and yellow. For the first time in years, he felt at peace.


                                    Craig Zimmerman

Short Story- The Ghost of the Yukon Joy

Deena had been shocked to learn the week before that she had inherited her Uncle's house on Orcas Island. Deena had loved her Uncle Robert dearly, but she never imagined that he would leave her his home.

The old house stood on a bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. The house was over one hundred years old and it was said that a steamboat captain was the original owner.

For the time being, Deena would have to keep her job at the bank in Tacoma, but her long-term plan was to convert the  house to a bed and breakfast.

A month after her Uncle's funeral, Deena decided to clean up the old house. Deena accumulated an amazing collection of junk during her cleaning and planned for a garage sale.

During the sale, an older woman approached her and held out her hand. "I'm Laura, your next door neighbor." the woman smiled. Deena shook her hand "I'm Uncle Robert's niece" Laura
nodded."We met when you were a little girl." but I wasn't sure that you remembered."  Deena shook her head "I'm sorry I don't. I wish that we had visited the island more."  Laura looked at the house. "I knew Robert for more then thirty years, but I only saw him a few times a year.That's just the way he was."

Laura abruptly changed the subject. "Have you seen the ghost ship?" she asked Deena. "Ghost ship?" Deena asked. Laura smiled, "a hundred years ago, the steamship "Yukon Joy" went down in these waters.The legend goes that the ship appears to those who are doomed." Deena shivered. "Is that true?" Laura grew serious for a moment. "My father saw the ship when I was a little girl. not long after he was killed in an accident." Laura shook her head, "I'm sorry, I don't know why I brought that up. Just an old woman rambling about the past." Deena suddenly felt sorry for Laura. She was probably very lonely now that one of her friends had died.

"How about if we have lunch tomorrow?" Deena asked. The tragedy of the past left Laura's face. "That would be very nice. I better be going now." Deena watched the old woman walk to her distant home.

 Deena made several hundred dollars at the garage sale. She decided to place it in an envelope in her Uncle's desk before she took it to the bank on Monday. When Deena opened the main drawer, she found a book that she hadn't noticed before. The book was her Uncle's journal. Deena flipped through it and found that most of the entries were about weather and other mundane topics. The last entry was different:  As usual Uncle Robert recorded the weather and then this: " I saw the ship last night." Her Uncle died a few days  after that last entry.

Deena refused to believe in superstitious nonsense, but a feeling of dread would not leave her. To make things worse, a heavy rain began before she left on the ferry to go back home.

All that week, rain pelted the Puget Sound region and it was still storming when Deena returned to the island the next Saturday. Deena stayed indoors all day reading and went to bed early. The rain woke Deena and she got up and walked to the window overlooking the sound. A ship was making its way past the island. Deena looked closer. The ship was an old-fashioned steamer and it was transparent! Suddenly, Deena felt the house move and heard a cracking noise. A few moments later, the movement was more violent. Something was terribly wrong and Deena knew that she had to get out.

Deena just made it outside, when the heavily saturated foundation gave way and the house began to slide down the hill to the sound. Deena looked to the sound and watched the ghost steamer slowly fade away.

A Lesson In Life

                    A  Lesson In Life

                    by Sara Burke  March, 2011


            "Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck. Illness,injury, love, loss, moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occurr to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, if they be events, illness, or relationships, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere.

 If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them. For they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to who you open your heart to.

 If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them.

  Make everyday count. Appreciate every moment. And take from it everything that you possibly can. For you may never be able to experience it again.

  Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Hold your head up. Because you have every right to tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself. For if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you either.

 You can make of your life anything you wish.Create your own life and then go out and live it."

Armed Forces Parade

Today, I attended the annual Bremerton Armed Forces Parade and I have to say that I enjoyed it very much and I learned to appreciate our armed forces a little more. The sight of an elderly World War Two veteran marching in the parade while carrying an oxygen bottle touched me deeply.

 In addition to the military exhibits, there were also a grab-bag of other themes including a group that advocates for the mentally ill. The school marching bands were great. The dedication and hard work that these kids put in for their performance gives me great hope for the future. One remarkable young girl was doing gymnastic moves on the hard pavement.

The weather was a little dreary, but the crowd was large and there was a great deal of cheerful interaction between spectators and the marchers.

In some ways, Hometown parades are a reflection of America, and judging from today, I would say that we are doing ok.

Book Review- Damnation Alley by Roger Zelazny

The setting for "Damnation Alley" by Roger Zelazny is a shattered America about 40 years after a nuclear war. A few communities on the east coast and in Calfornia survive, but the vast interior  is a wasteland of vicious motorcycle gangs, monsters, and radiation called "Damnation Alley"

The aftermath of the nuclear war created violent storms that make communication and normal travel between the coasts impossible. An outbreak of plague in Boston compels the city's government to send several armored "cars" to California in a plea for medicine to treat the plague.

In response, California plans to send three of the armored cars filled with medicine cross-country to Boston. One of the drivers recruited for the task is former Hells Angel and convicted killer Hell Tanner. (yes, that's his real name). In exchange for a complete pardon, Tanner agrees to drive.

As a character, Hell Tanner is a mixture of sudden violence and brutality, kindness and mercy and deep philosophical insights. During the long trek through Damnation Alley, Tanner transforms from an amoral thug into a man capable of great heroism.

Book Review- "A Homespun Regency Christmas"

http://us.penguingroup.com/ I don't generally care for romance stories, but I do like "A Homespun regency Christmas" which features a collection of four stories set in the  19th century British Isles during the Christmas season.

In the first story, "An Object of Charity" by Carla Kelly, a British Navy captain falls in love with an unexpected visitor.

 Elizabeth Fitzhollis desperately tries to save her crumbling family estate in "The Wexford Carol" by Emma Jensen and falls in love in the process. The Wexford Carol has a sweet Irish charm and is my favorite of the four stories.

"Mistletoe and Folly" by Sandra Heath is well-crafted but a little too superficial in my opinion. I suppose that as a male, I am not the target audience, but I was annoyed that the author chose to describe the dress of every character. I am sure that there were some well-dressed aristocrats in 19th century London, but there were also thousands of hungry Londoners dressed in rags.

 The plot of Mistletoe and Folly also includes a double-crossing former friend and an amoral new fiance'

 "Once Upon A Midnight Clear" by Amanda McCabe is a sweet story about the healing power of love. Antoinette is the beautiful daughter of a freed Jamaican slave who falls in love with a former British Navy Captain physically and emotionally scarred by war.

Short Story- The Siren Of The Sound

The following is a short story that I just wrote.: "Tim watched the Seabirds with envy. It was just two years ago that he had run on that beach. He could run for miles and not get tired.

Tim turned away from the window. He should never have come here at all. His parents thought it would help his "recovery" if he spent some time at the family's vacation home on Orcas Island.They even hired a physical therapist to work with him. The question was: how does one recover from a missing leg?

After Tim graduated from high school he was full of patriotic fervor and he joined the army. A year later a roadside bomb in Iraq took away whatever naive patriotism that he had left.

A light knock on the door downstairs brought Tim out of his dark thoughts. That would be his physical therapist Julie. Tim gathered his crutches for the trip downstairs. A slight mis-step and Tim crashed down the stairs.

Upon hearing the noise, Julie came in and helped him up. Tim was not seriously hurt, but he was angry. In the old days, he could run those stairs without thinking. "you were lucky"Julie told him. "yeah lucky" Tim repeated bitterly. "How about we skip the PT, and go into town and get something to eat" Julie suggested. Tim nodded. "I need to get out of here."

Dinner did little to brighten Tim's mood and he immediately went to bed when Julie took him home. Tim dreamed that he was watching the water as he often did, but this time it was different. A beautiful woman rose from the water and floated toward him. The woman touched his leg and he was healed. He had two legs again. It was all so real, but in the morning, he was still crippled.

 Tim told Julie about the dream. "It is not unusual for people with injuries like yours to have dreams like that." Julie said in her best clinical voice. That night, Tim dreamed of the woman again, but this time she spoke to him. "I can give you anything you wish." she whispered in his ear. Tim decided not to mention the dream to Julie. she might think that he was losing it.

The third night, the woman came to him again. This time the woman wanted Tim to follow him.Tim got out of bed and went outside. He did not feel the cold and continued to follow the woman to the shore. Tim began to wade into the surf, the freezing water did not bother him.

 Tim heard a voice behind him, he ignored it and continued to follow the beautiful woman deeper into the water. The voice on the shore became more urgent and Tim stopped for a moment. It was Julie yelling at him. What was she doing here? Tim looked toward the beautiful woman floating above the water and back at Julie.

Time began wading back toward shore. When he stepped on the beach, Julie hugged him and looked in his eyes with a serious look. "Suicide is not the answer, Tim." Tim looked out at the dark water, "I was not trying to commit suicide. She was going to heal me"

Sara Burke

Sara Burke was a Bremerton resident who was murdered on May 3, 2011. She was only 19 years old. A fund has been set up for Sara's family at US Bank branches. Please give if you can.

Book Review- Up Periscope by Robb White

I love a good submarine story and "Up Periscope" by Robb White is one of my favorites. Underwater Demolitions Specialist Lieutenant Ken Braden (Junior Grade) is given a top secret mission to find a Japanese code on a Pacific island during World War Two. Unfortunately for Lt. Braden, the commander of the submarine that is transporting him to the Japanese-held island refuses to perform the necessary maneuvers that will enable Braden to complete his mission successfully.

Up Periscope gives a good description of life aboard a World War Two US Navy attack submarine. All of the characters are well-drawn with real human strengths and weaknesses. The petulant, and uncompromising commander of the submarine is especially convincing. There is also plenty of underwater action and suspense. Up Periscope is suitable for older kids and adults. The following is a passage from Up Periscope: "Ken watched the red second hand on the bulkhead clock moving along with a steady , irritating nervousness. When it reached twelve the minute hand jumped forward. It was now ten minutes past one o'clock in the morning. Suddenly, with no warning, no preparation, there was a loud, hard, metallic CLICK. Ken looked at the others in the conning tower. Every face changed, grew suddenly older, more serious. He couldn't help saying it, although his lips were stiff. "What's that?"

  Pat Malone just looked at him with somber eyes. Then it came.

  WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM."

Book Review- Night Gallery by Rod serling

Several years after The Twilight Zone TV series ended. Rod Serling tried another anthology TV series called "Night Gallery." Before each episode of Night Gallery, Mr. Serling would present a painting based on the upcoming story.

Night Gallery was not as successful as The Twilight Zone, but some of the stories are very good.I believe that there are at least two collections of stories based on the Night Gallery series. The first volume  contains six stories, all by Rod Serling. All of the stories are very good, but three are exceptional.

In "Make Me Laugh" unfunny stand-up comedian Jackie Slater wants more than anything to make people laugh and his wish comes true, but there is a terrible catch.

"Clean Kills and Other Trophies"  features a sadistic father who one day pushes his son too far.

The best story of the collection is "They're Tearing Down Tim Riley's Bar."  Middle-Aged Salesman Randy Lane is tired and alone and longs to return to the joy of his youth.

Rod Serling's writing in the Night Gallery stories should not be confused with his relatively innocuous introductions to The Twilight Zone. Rod Serling's uncensored writing is painfully honest and at times very touching.  The following is a pasage from the story "Make Me Laugh":  "Jackie looked around the room. His smile was a suspended, crooked thing- like a billboard that had slipped. And he waddled around, back and forth, holding on to the microphone, slapping the back of his hands together, grunting like a seal. Oh, God, why didn't they laugh? And even as he probed for the next gag, the cheapness of the place rose up in front of his eyes in waves. It was as if the entire world was Myron's Mecca, and the giggling broad, the two loaded Teamsters, the bored bartender, and the former Pacific fleet champion sitting at the bar were his own private ghosts, hired to haunt him through eternity."

Events Of The Day

http://www.pugetsoundnavymuseum.org/  This morning, I visited the Puget Sound Navy Museum which is located not far from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The navy museum has various exhibits that illustrate the history of the naval shipyard and its contributions to recent and past history. There are also interactive exhibits for children and adults. Admission is free, but you can make a contribution if you wish.

As I was walking home, I helped a young woman change a tire on her Jeep. I enjoyed the chance to help someone, as I have been helped by strangers many times.

The poem "Mother" by L.C. McCollum

   The following is a poem by L.C. McCollum called  "Mother"

 "At close of spring day in Sable. I sat in my room all alone, And the sun was slowly sinking, As my thots turned back to home.

 Thots of my dear lonely mother, And how much was hers to bear,Then again in my fancy I'd see her, In an old and familar chair.

Always a-thinking of me,and constantly praying too, Slowly it then dawned on me, Of all that she had been through.

The long endless nights of waiting, And those anxious days of pain, The wishing, hoping and praying, For my safe returning again,

 As skies went tinting blue and gold, I knelt in reverent prayer, Blessing the mothers of all men, God's Heroes, waiting "Back There."

           My first poem dedicated to my truest friend, "My Mother."

Short Story- A Good Secretary by Craig Zimmerman

From the deck of her new cottage on Orcas Island, Caroline looked at the deep blue water of the Puget Sound with wonder. She had been lucky to get the cottage for such a reasonable price. Of course sCaroline would still have to keep her tiny apartment in Seattle for work, but on the weekends the cottage would be home.

Unknown to Caroline, a creature with blood red eyes watched her and clicked its claws in anger.

On the following Monday, Caroline resumed her job as a legal secretary for a large Seattle law firm. While she was sitting at her desk, Tony Rubin, one of the firms newest attorneys came up behind her. "How about we take my boat up to your new cottage." he whispered in her ear. Caroline knew that Tony was a skirt-chaser, but it would be fun to go to the cottage by boat instead of the ferry so she agreed.

Tony turned out to be an expert sailor and his sailboat efficiently  cut through the water of the sound. Caroline lay on the deck in a red bikini. She had no interest in being Tony's next conquest, but the weekend might be fun and the office gossips would have plenty to talk about on Monday.

After several hours of sailing, Tony maneuvered his sailboat next to the small dock on the rocky beach below Caroline's cottage. The creature watched the sailboat arrive and hate filled it's crimson eyes.

After a terrific Salmon dinner, Tony made his move and Caroline had to set him straight. "Lets just be friends this weekend." she told him firmly. Tony looked a little hurt,but he agreed.For the rest of the evening,they played Scrabble and Caroline easily won. Around midnight, they retired to separate bedrooms.

Sometime in the night, Caroline awoke to the sound of splintering wood. She quickly put on a robe and ran into the living room. A huge crab was attacking Tony.Caroline grabbed a fireplace poker and hit the massive crab. Nothing happened. Tony was desperately trying to keep away from the deadly claws.Suddenly, Caroline had an idea and  she ran into the bathroom. Caroline returned with a can of disinfectant and sprayed some of the liquid in the creature's eyes. The huge crab immediately backed away from Tony and headed for the smashed door. Caroline sprayed the creature once more and the animal fled into the night. Later, they heard splashung noises as the crab went back into the sound.

Fortunately, Tony was not seriously hurt. "What the hell was that thing" he asked "It looked like a giant crab. I have heard of some species that large, but I didn't think we had any. It must have thought we were invading it's territory"

"When I graduated law school my father told me that an attorney is nothing without a good secretary. Tony said" Caroline smiled, "does this mean  I get a raise?"she asked innocently

Book Review- Man Against Tomorrow edited by William F. Nolan

"Man Against Tomorrow" edited by William F. Nolan is my favorite science fiction anthology with stories written by some of the masters of the genre including Ray Bradbury, Kris Neville, and William F. Nolan.

One of the best stories of the collection is also the shortest in length. "The Room" by Ray Russell is about a future not far removed from our own in which people are constantly bombarded with advertising.

"After The Sirens" by Hugh Hood is a terrifying real-time depiction of a nuclear attack.

"The Freeway" by George Clayton Johnson is one man's rebellion against a sterile, controlled, and mechanized society. The following passage is from The Freeway:   "He looked at the automobiles flowing past him in a great tide and listened to the drum of engines on the still desert air. The reflected light from the sun-dazzled doors and fenders hammered at his eyes. Damn them, he thought, I don't need any of them! Setting his shoulders, he turned away, into the desert. The freeway dwindled behind him; the hurrying cars vanished into hot silence. Only the waiting land surrounded him now. Ahead, behind, to either side.
  Arthur C. Danyluk moved out to face the enemy."



 "Nobody Starves"  is a satire in which a man finds himself  hopelessly entangled in an uncaring,tone-deaf government bureacracy.

 In my opinion, Man Against Tomorrow, is one of the most thought-provoking and entertaining collections you will ever read.

Favorite places-Wilbur, Washington

wilburwa.com    The town of Wilbur,Washington is located on old highway 2 in Lincoln County about 70 miles west of Spokane. Wilbur is one of those genuinely, friendly small towns that you  don't see very  much of anymore.So much of America has been franchised that one city looks just like another.If you are tired of endless look-alike strip malls and tourist traps, travel to Wilbur and have a nice breakfast at Doxie's Dine IN and then take a walk in the desert. The desert of eastern Washington is a place of rare beauty and you will see many bird species as well as other wildlife species.

Strange Encounter Two

This afternoon when I went to the john in a Bremerton park, I found a teen-age boy and girl having an animated conversation inside the bathroom. The boy was annoyed that I had interrupted his little chat. The girl was embarassed and quickly left. Later, the couple asked me to sell them a couple of cigarettes. (I don't smoke). Then they asked if they could use my cell phone for a local call. I agreed  they could for a dollar.And so ended strange encounter number two.

Osama Bin Laden

I expected to be more thrilled that Osama Bin Laden has finally been brought to justice. I think my reaction has been dulled by the lies,scandals,corruption and the manipulation of genuine patriotism by cynical politicians and media figures trying to inflate their own profits or standing by talking tough about Bin Laden. In the hunt for Bin Laden thousands of innocent people in Iraq,Afghanistan and elsewhere have been killed and innocent Americans and others have been subjected to unconstitutional intrusions,spying,interrogations,torture,and imprisonment. I think I am also cynical because of a persistent economic downturn and unemployment that was caused in part by the enormous military spending and general government lawlessness that occurred after 9-11.

The victims of 9-11 and their families have finally received a measure of justice, but the cost has been damn high.

Science Fiction Story "The Helper"

From his monitor on the central ship, Arthur watched the  woman stumble through the brutal heat of one of earth's arid regions. "The human female will die without assistance" Arthur told the commander. The commander turned his pig-like head toward the monitor. The commander's voice was like a growl. "We are only here to study. You will do nothing to help the human." Arthur had always hated the hog-like creatures that held him and other humans captive on their home world, but never more then now. Arthur had watched the woman struggle for three days. She was brave, and he felt something for her.

"In the next solar day, I will be taking one of the scout ships and examining other land masses. You will remain here." The commander ordered Arthur. Arthur made the decision that he would help the human female when the commander departed, but he would have to be careful. The commander could kill him on a whim and no one would question it.

When the commander had left, Arthur put the mother ship in automatic orbit and took the other scout ship down to the earth's surface. Arthur landed the ship in a clearing not far from the woman's last location and hiked through the blazing heat until he found her. The woman had collapsed. Arthur picked her up and took her back to the scout ship. He then gave her an IV mixture of fluids, electrolytes,and basic nourishment. After several hours, she awoke.

After looking around for several moments, the woman focused on Arthur. "Where am I?" she asked him weakly. "This is going to be a little hard for you to understand." Arthur began. I found you in the desert, and you are now in my space craft." What is a space craft?" The woman asked. "Before I answer, can I ask your name?"  "Elizabeth Morgan"  Arthur hesitated, "Elizabeth", do you know anything about the stars and planets?" "I learned a little when I went to teachers college." she answered. Arthur was relieved "Good, the ship that we are in now can travel to the stars and the planets that orbit them." Elizabeth put a hand to her head. "Such a thing is not possible."

Arthur tried again, "Long ago, the creatures that built this space ship,traveled to earth, captured some people and took them to their home world. I am one of the descendents from that original group. The creatures that enslaved us are hideous beasts called "The Kuu." The Kuu have returned to earth, but we humans do not know the reason." "Where is this beast that you speak of now." Elizabeth asked. "The commander has taken another  scout ship like this one to explore other land masses. I must return to the main ship as soon as possible. If the commander found out that I helped you he would kill us both."

Elizabeth tried to rise, and Arthur went to help. "I will leave you food, water and a map. You are not far from civilization." While Arthur led Elizabeth to the air lock the ship's communicator came to life. Arthur panicked, "The commander has returned, we must leave this area immediately." A few minutes after leaving the ship, Arthur watched the commander's scout ship descend to the surface. "The Kuu are expert hunters,the commander will find us." "Can you fight it?" Elizabeth asked. Arthur shook his head. "I have no weapons." Elizabeth thought for a moment "My husband's rifle." Arthur could see the commander now, the beast was tracking them. "Where is it?" Arthur asked. "I think I had it when I fainted." Arthur scanned the desert, grabbed Elizabeth's hand and together they ran to the spot where he found her.

 They found the rifle laying in the dirt. Arthur picked it up, it was hot and he dropped it. "How does it work?" he asked Elizabeth. Before she could answer an explosion destroyed an outcropping of rocks behind them. "The commander has found us." Arthur shouted. Elizabeth picked up the rifle from the ground and pointed it at the approaching Kuu commander.Elizabeth fired the rifle. The Kuu staggered and tried to raise it's weapon. Elizabeth fired again and the beast fell. The Kuu did not rise again and Arthur went over to the body. It was dead.

Arthur took the Kuu's weapon and returned to Elizabeth.  Arthur destroyed the two scout ships with the Kuu's weapon. "Now we must bury the body." Together they dragged the Kuu's heavy body to a small hill and covered it with rocks. "What will happen now?" Elizabeth asked. "Other Kuu will come looking for the commander and me."  "You will need someone that can shoot." Elizabeth said with a slight smile. Arthur looked at the beautiful woman that he had fallen in love with and could not argue.



                                   Craig Zimmerman