I miss catalogs - of all types. I've never seen a Peterman catalog - so I checked out the link to Lady Meux's Lawn Dress. What a classy treat. Thanks for sharing! A good & fun read.

Creative Outlet or Just Fun? — Over the last ten years, and without meaning to, I started a hobby. I don’t remember when, but I enjoy it so much it seems as if it’s always been a part of me. I know it was after I left the Navy, so let’s just use that transition as…

ALWAYS a perfect portion. And Japanese curry is SO good. I miss Japan. Funny thing - here in Honolulu, there are many places who nearly nail the recipe perfectly. Then blow it with a good ol' American-sized portion. I'm not ashamed to ask for a doggie bag though - and finish it for lunch the next day. Thanks for a good read.

You've painted a great view of the hills - Thank you! SOMEWHERE buried deep in a box of old photos I have a snapshot of the hills taken from a USN flight from Indonesia to Cubi Point via Baugio. I've always wanted to return to see the hills - and you've brought back the memory and the yearning.

The Christmas Eve Before Desert Storm — The ship had been in port for four months, arriving in late August 1990. We (the band) had been aboard since October 30th, flying in on the same day as the USS Iwo Jima’s steam accident. During that time, now known as Desert Shield, we had managed to eke out…

Thanks Ev - I'm giving this a try. I've been clipping, jotting out notes, screenshots, pdf'ing... and it has gotten out of control. Many idea gems I never get back to or even ever find again. Checking out this Andy guy too...

Aloha Paul - thanks! I think THIS piece hit a nerve - it has me thinking anyway. I have a half-dozen or more 'drafts' in various stages sitting on a shelf/stuffed away in a drawer... Looking into Redirect and 'story-editing' - I've never considered myself a perfectionist - but maybe I AM in writing, I'd just considered it a lack of confidence. BTW I checked out both Lockwood & Packer - and bookmarked both for future reads, so thanks for that too!

Thanks for this Jenn - your posts/info always helpful, so I just wanted to say I appreciate the info. I'm trying to crank out my first book, so I'm 'stockpiling' chunks of the story at this stage. The day gig has kept me too busy - but I need to just get hot. I just need to write more in general - contributing more to Medium, etc.

Thanks for a great read Nabil - and refreshed commitment from me.