Last fall Mike Brown [Mancelona-raised, now-owner of Deer Park Lodge] and I had a discussion of what category we fit into, re our living up here. “Neither fulltimers, nor natives, and not purely summer people,” he said. “Something else.” Today  I was just finishing David Foster Wallace’s Consider the Lobster and Other Essays. In one of the essays he uses the term “demilocal” to refer to people who live a half year in Maine and a half year in New York City area. So demilocals it is – until we find something better.

That said, we’re back for our fifth year in Deer Park in our 288-square-foot cabin on Muskallonge Lake. There is still some snow in the woods, including along our path down to Lake Superior, which is about 300 years north of us. Been so cold here that leaves aren’t all the way out and we are seeing the annual spring warbler migration, which is like trying to watch colorful pellets careening through the trees. So far Lonnie has seen a pair of Cape May warblers, a black and white warbler, and a blackpoll warbler. Been raining since our arrival and this is first day we could actually see well enough to ID birds. Had six bald eagles our first afternoon here, so they are plentiful again. First-time reports of turkeys at Max’s house this winter and not many deer, though Monday they had three there happily eating their remaining tulips. Food is where you find it.

The trip north was “interesting.” Got into our  vehicles on Sunday and click-click-click, the battery on the Green Streamer was kaput and we didn’t get away until 3 p.m. My vision started acting blurry around Charlotte and when we got up by East Lansing, I missed the Clare exit north and we ran east to Bath and flipflopped to catch 127 north.  Vision sucked all the way up. We stopped at rest area near Alma and the building was closed and port-a-johns set up.  Mine tilted and I managed to urinate all over my hand. Nice. South of Harrison I finally, actually looked at my glasses and discovered one of the lenses had fallen out. So I switched to my spare glasses and we continued up to Gaylord.

Next morning I drove down to Saturn books and signed stock while Lon took the glasses to a shop in mall next to our motel and got them fixed, no charge.

Almost 80 degrees when we left Gaylor and 58 miles north of there it was 55 degrees, with howling east wind, which continued until this morning. We stopped in Naubinway and I bought some flies (Betties and BWOs) and we headed up to Noobs through Engadine, stopped for grocks in Noobs, and headed north. 65 degrees in Noobs, but 55 in Pine Stump Junction and as we entered Deer Park it began to pour — huge electrical storm that raged for a couple of hours, monster lightning strikes, the whole deal. Last year we arrived the night the Duck Lake Fire crowned and this time it was T&L. Always interesting. We have gotten 1.2 inches of rain in three days

Had an otter off our dock Tuesday, and this morning a large wolf in neighbor’s yard, about 100 yards from here. Lonnie said the studied she and Shaksper for a long time, then ambled away resolutely. Tonight a large beaver swam nearby Bill’s Peninsula and nibbled some sticks.

And today wifi got installed and I learned speech to Iron Mountain Rotary Club for June 4 has been cancelled. Snow in Crystal Falls this morning, and temp is supposed to be 20 degrees there, 31 here. Winter does NOT want to let go up here. Electronic page proofs for KILLING A COLD ONE  came back and I have to go over those as quickly as possible.

Got haircut at Bob’s barbershop yesterday and walked in as discussion began about what happens to ticks inf they are placed in microwaves. And while Lonnie went to Rahilly’s I went to Tahquamenon Area Senior Center to look at books and possible find a small book case and instead witnesses a sustained verbal catfight between an 85 yr old woman and another woman, which ended with the older femal standing in front of rthe story bellowing someone please help me! Very, very weird. After Lonnie dropped me at Bob’s Barbershop she witnessed a lawn fight between male and female. He was on porch, her inside. Screaming F this and F you and so forth” Last year our arrival was greeted by a huge black bear that scampered across M-123 in front of me. Different animal behaviors this year, I guess. Youse never know, eh.

Book signings at Deer Park Lodge, Saturday, May 25, 1130 a.m. – 2 p.m; and in Marquette, Sunday, May 26, Snowbound Books, 1-3 p.m.

All from here. A few pix for the cause follow. Over.

Monday evening at the cabin. Heading for dinner with the Stinsons. From L, Moi, Shaksper, Brenda Stinson, and Jambe Longue. Max is behind the camera.

Display of locally collected feathers. This part of the state is an artist’s dream — in all media.

Forget Me Nots from side yard of our home BTB. Our fave flowers.

The cabin at last, almost 500 miles from home.
Or is THIS home? It’s debatable.

Large beaver chewing stick beside Bill’s Peninsula, just east of our cabin. This evening after dinner.

For those of youse with military time in yore past,  you’ll remember TDY stands for Temporary Duty Elsewhere. How the government came up with that, I do not know (nor do I care). We’ll soon be in Deer Park, there until Nov 1. A friend with a gun and a surly  attitude will be living here while we’re gone. We’re up in da Yoop from May through Oct, wintering down here Oct through May. Which half is TDY? Could be argued either way, I suppose. As usual we have nonstop traffic in and out of house as we try to pack. And last night my laptop took a crapper, telling me a cable was probably broken. Great. Never fails on the Eve of Departure. But I was able to use our desktop. I guess I learned the value of redundancy in the USAF long ago. Woke up this morning dreaming of patterns for loading The Green Streamer. Talked to pal Mike Brown in Deer Park last night and he asked, “Are you still driving that green pile of crap.” Indeed, We have now gone over the odometric mountain of 200,000 miles, and I have new 4WD hubs for low-gear  FWD  forays in the Luce County soft sand this summer. HARD GROUND is out and in stores. KILLING A COLD ONE comes out in September and I can settle with Shaksper and Lonnie into our cabin to write the last half of MOUNTAINS OF THE  MISBEGOTTEN (Lute Bapcat No 2) , start a new Grady Service (No. 10) tentatively called BUCKULAR DYSTROPHY. Finish a novella called SACKERSON’S LAST DANCE, pen first draft of a second novella entitled THE ULTIMATE DISGUSTING HOBBY  and I hope some short stories as well —  but outside the game warden world. And come fall, I’ll pull out the BROWN BALL manuscript,  and see how it looks after a seven-month sleep in a cardboard box. As usual the challenge is to get all the stuff we have to take into the truck and her car, and then fit it into our 12×24 cabin (288 sq ft). We think our new dog Mr. Shaksper is going to have the time of his life in this his first summer on earth, and with us. And we will duly bury Shanahan’s remains in the place he loved best. Oh yeah, some brookie fishing too, and agate hunting, of course, but those are givens eh. Plenty work up dere above dat Britch.

Signings on the immediate Event Horizon: 11-3 PM, Deer Park Lodge, Saturday, May 25; and 1-3 PM, Snowbound Books, Marquette, Sunday, May 26, 2013. Hope to see our friends at either gathering.

In touch from Da Yoop, eh. Over.

In between book-readin’ I’ve been digging into the old Paris Reviews, which can be found on the internet. Long-time literary tome PR has a three par- series: The Arto of Fiction; The St of Poetry; and the Art of Nonfiction. Very lengthy in-depth interviews with a wide range of authors, from Hemingway to Jim Harrison. Past few days I have read pieces on Jorge Luis Borges,Kurt Vonnegut, Aldous Huxley,Gunter Grass,Wallace Stegner,JD Salinger (story in which my late editor from Random House, Joe Fox plays a part, Raymond Chandler, P.D. James, John McPhee, Ray Bradbury, Hemingway (interviewed by George Plimpton (Paper Lion),William Csrlos Williams, Tom McGuane,Peter Matthiessen,a piece Martin Cruz Smith, and the very odd Gertrude Stein whose writings remind me of scribbles of high school kids who have little artistic ability or skill, but want other students to consider them “artsy.”

Just about to finish reading: General of the Army: George C. Marshall, Soldier and Statesman. I am always amazed by how few people my age know anything about the man. The author is Ed Cray. The book was first published in 1990.

Novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez makes an interesting point about Journalism and fiction. Says the author: “In journalism just one fact that is false prejudices the entire work. In contrast one single fact that is true gives legitimacy to the entire work.”

Yep, free for now, free for now: Pages of Red Jacket are back in the publisher’s hands for creation of review copies, my map roughs go into the mail today and Jambe Longue and I are beginning to plan our annual assault on the UP, where we will dwell months in the sweet neverness of nothingness wherein the epitomy of beauty swims in dark cold water. Sweet. Over.

These are email note to  wife Lonnie. The spellings, phrasing, etc are as they came in. All the classes assignments, etc are posted on the college computer, so any student can look at any time to see exactly what will happen in class, and their current grade. In first class teacher tells the students that any email must be in proper English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.

January 18, 2013:

“I wanted to know if you could tell me what supplies I need for class.”

January 29, 2013:

“Ok, I will see you Tuesday during that time. I get out of class at 10:50 Tuesday so I will come then. All the homework I have to bring is the value scales, vocab, and the color fact worksheet. Anything else?”

January 28, 2013:

Hi, I wanted to know what are your office hours so I can come turn in my homework and get the paper to take to the Registration office to fix my final Aid before February 1. Please let me know asap.”

January 29, 2013:

“I won’t be able to make it to class today. I have the respiratory flu. I understand I’ll have to take a penalty for turning my assignment in next week instead of today and that’s fine. I’ll see you next Tuesday. Please reply to (email address) because my school email is still not working. Thank you for understanding.”

February 4, 2013:

Hey Madelon I’m writing to you because I wasn’t able to make your class today.  Unfortunately I got into  car accident this morning and my car had to get towed. I’m find but unfortunately i couldn’t make your class I will stop by your office hours on Monday to see what i can do to make up the work. Humbly,”

February 5, 2013:

“This is X or xxx, I won’t be in class today. I’m not feeling well, and I really can’t make it. I saws your e-mail, and I will probably come early every week, even if I don’t need any assistance. Thank you for sending me the e-mail I’ll go over the reading for next week, and shade my marshmallow drawing while I’m at it. Once again, I am very sorry I am not able to attend.”

February 5, 2013:

“Ms. Heywood, I was just e-mailing to let you know I am still currently enrolled and am trying to catch myself up. I have the 6×9 shaded drawing and thumbnails complete. I know they’re beyond late but if you don’t mind, feedback would be useful. I have the egg drawing somewhat complete but not sure if I have the right idea going. My computer isn’t allowing me to attach  my image, so if there is anything you could possibly e-mail to give me an overall example, that would greatly help. I plan on being in class next Tuesday and from there on out, a few unexpected events occurred but hopefully I’ll get caught up. I know I’ve missed a lot in these past two classes but any quick information, useful tips would be so helpful. Thank you. See you Tuesday. Sincerely,”

February 11, 2013:

Hi, sorry I won’t b making it to class I feel horrible! But did u want me to bring my painting to the secretary? Please let me know.”

February 11, 2013:

“I won’t be able to make it into today’s painting class. I came down with something and I am not feeling very well. I have my under painting (with references) finished, as well as the 3D shapes that we were supposed to show you last week. I was wondering if you wanted me to maybe send you photos of them via email or if I should just bring in the photos of my under painting and reference image and turn them in next week with my complete still life.

“Also, I was wondering if we’re keeping with the syllabus and critiquing next week just to make sure if I need to bring my painting supplies or not.

 “Thanks in advanced (sic), and sorry for not being able to make it in today.”

Feb. 11, 2013:

Hi, Mrs. Heywood its XXX I wanted to let you know that I won’t be coming to class today I had a very extremely crazy weekend. I didn’t get to my homework, I live with friends and they put me out this weekend and myself is still at their house. I will be going to get my things this weekend. So I will be prepared next week for class. For the homework today could you put some examples on Moodle and I need to try figure it out.

Feb. 11, 2013:

“Hi, sorry I won’t b making it to class I feel horrible! But did u want me to bring my painting to the secretary? Please let me know.”

Feb. 12, 2013:

“I left class today feeling a little overwhelmed and so I forgot to ask after class if we were supposed to hand in out (sic) Charcoal Sketches. I know we handed in the grade sheet that we did with our groups but am wondering if we were supposed to hand in our charcoal sketches as well?”

“I am having trouble with the theme of our 100 point assignment. I feel limited because of my level of drawing and the complexity of the items that I have. It seems like most people chose kitchen items and so I really want to do something different but at the same time I am feeling like those are the only items in my house that are at my level.”

February 18, 2013:

I’m sorry I was not able to attend class today due to car troubles. If you could let me know what we did in class I would really appreciate it.  Thank you.

February 19, 2013:

“Dear, Professor Heywood, I’m emailing you to let you know i have a doctors appointment scheduled today at 2:30 because i’ve gotten sick over the past 4 days. I will be going to class, but i have to leave early. I hope you understand!”

Feb. 25, 2013:

Dear Professor Heywood, I’m emailing you to let you know I have a doctors appointment scheduled today at 2:30 because i’ve gotten sick over the past 4 days. I will be going to class, but I have to leave early. I hope you understand!”

February 25, 2013:

Hi Lonnie, I am not going to be able to attend class today. My daughter ended up having to have surgery on her  (body part). She is still not able to get up and down (especially to the bathroom) without help due to the pain medication they have her on. The doctor has asked that we do not leave her unattended until Wednesday. I am working on my next two collages and was wondering if you have time could you send me any new information sheets from class today via email? Thanks for understanding!”

February 26, 2013:

I’m sorry i was unable to come to class on Monday, February 25^th, i ended up in the hospital. I should be back next week, but until then if there is anything IMPORTANT that i need to know I would appreciate it if u would inform me, otherwise i will be there Monday early so i can ask questions. I also have the assignments that i was suppose to turn in that day that i will bring as well as next weeks class. –Thank you-”

February 26, 2013:

“Lonnie, I was on my way to class today and my car broke down. I will make up as much work as I can I know I missed last wk too, I was in NY. I am sorry for any inconvenience. I will be in class from now on, today was a very unexpected event. Again I apologize. Thank you.”

February 27, 2013:

Thank you and i have already printed them and read the syllabus, i was wondering if i came to class on Monday a little early to ask you some questions on the collage assignment if you would help me?

February 27, 2013:

“Hi Loni, I was wondering will you be at the building any time in the next couple fo days so u can look at my collage before break?”

March 11, 2013

I was emailing to question about my grade for the imagination drawing. I wasn’t present for the last class period but I had my drawing dropped off to your faculty mailbox. I was just wondering if you had gotten it, or I didn’t receive credit because I did I wrong? I’ll see you in class tomorrow, thank you.

March 15, 2013

Lonnie, for some reason, (name of town) has been out of power since…5:30 this afternoon. I’m using the last of my laptop battery to change my phone but I don’t think it’s going to last long enough. Tuesdays seem to be bad luck days for me so far:( I’m hoping you get this and I’m hoping to be in class tomorrow. I will do my best to be there.

March 17, 2013

Dear Ms. Heywood, I’m sorry but I won’t be in your class tomorrow because I have a medical appointment tomorrow afternoon. I attached the picture. This is how my painting is.

March 17, 2013

Lonnie, I finished my homework but i won’t be in class Monday i’ll be in vegas. I took a pic of it hope this works.

March 17, 2013

Lonnie, I will be unable to attend class Monday. I unforunatley (sic) have a pretty yucky stomach bug. I am attaching a photo update of my magazine project. I will continue on it and have it ready for next week. Thank you.

March 18, 2013

Lonnie – I jut wanted to email you and let you know that I will either be late or not able to come to class today. I was staying outside Kalamazoo and we are having some car trouble that may or may not be fixed by class time. If you could Please let me know what I need to do to be caught up by next class period, I would greatly appreciate it. I will send a picture of the gridded assignment  as soon as possible. Thank you.

March 19, 2013

Hello I was just letting you know that I was having car troubles this morning and that I was going to be late to class I need to talk to you at some point thought if you had time after class that would be great :)

March 19, 2013

I am not able to make it black and white and when I copied it to make it black and white to bring to class it turned out bad. Also, I did not include the jewelry at the bottom of the picture. Thanks.

March 24, 2013

Hello. This is (name) from your Tuesday art class, I was wondering if you put in the still life grades because my grade says I have a 0%??? If you could e-mail me back that would be greqt thank you!

March 24, 2013

Mrs. Heywood I jut wanted to let you know I had to drop the class. I am moving to (name of a state) in the next few weeks and it ha ended up being sooner than i thought. thank you so much for all I have learned. have a wonderful rest of the semester and summer.

March 26, 2013

Good morning Lonnie, I just wanted to explain why I won’t be in class today. Last night my grandpa got rushed to the hospital for his breathing. My family is all on our way there this morning. I’m not quite sure what time I’ll be back & if it would be worth the drive from (name of city) to Kalamazoo. Thank you, I will check the syllabus for the homework due next week & my grid portrait is already sitting in my car. Have a blessed day.

March 28, 2013

Maddie, sorry I missed class I over slept and woke up at like 3. but I’ll be in class on Monday what will I need

My reading list through this week, will post update in UP in the fall.

1)   Walt Harrington. Intimate Journalism: The Art and Craft of Reporting Everyday Life. [NF]

2)   Mel Starr. Unhallowed Ground. (#4)

3)   Jon Meachem. Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power. [NF]

4)   Judith Blahnik and Phillip S.Schulz. Mud Hens and Mavericks. [NF

5)   John Krich. El Beisbol: The Pleasures and Passions of the Latin American Game.[NF]

6)   Erica Jong. Erica Jong On Henry Miller: The Devil At Large. [NF]

7)   Michael Delp. As If We Were Prey. [SS-E]

8)   John Simon. Paradigms Lost: Reflections on Literacy and Its Decline. [NF]

9)   George Saunders. CivilWarLand in Bad Decline. [SS]

10) Bernard DeVoto. Across The Wide Missouri. [NF]

11) Bernard DeVoto. Mark Twain’s America. [NF]

12) Raymond W. Thorp and Robert Bunker. Crow Killer. [NF]

13) William Golding. The Inheritors.

14) Sebastian de Grazia. Machiavelli in Hell. [NF]

15) Patsy Sims. Literary Nonfiction: Learning by Example. [NF]

16) Joseph Heywood. Hard Ground, Woods Cop Stories. [PROOF]

17) Bernard Cornwell. 1356.

18) Adam Hochschild. To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918. [NF]

19) Patrick McGinley. Goosefoot.

20) Colin Dickey. Crankolepty [NF]

21)   Tony Hillerman. Seldom Disappointed: A Memoir. [NF]

22)   Carl Van Doren. Benjamin Franklin. [NF]

23)   Charles Norman. e.e.cummings: The Magic Maker [NF]

24)   Thomas Berger. The Return of Litle Big Man.

25)   William Price Fox. Satchel Paige’s America. [NF]

26)   Bob Lemieux. Off Wing: Coaching in the Bowels of the Dead Wings in the 1970s.  [MS]

27)   Alexandra Horowitz. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. [NF]

28)   Jeff Hirsch. The Eleventh Plague.

29)   Robert Ryan. Early One Morning.

30) Antony Beevor & Artemis Cooper. Paris: After the Liberation, 1944-1949. [NF]

31)   Antony Beevor. The Mystery of Olga Chekhova. [NF]

32)   Ronald Weber. Riverwatcher. [ARC]

33)   Arnaldur Indridason. Operation Napoleon.

34)   Joseph Heywood. Hard Ground, Woods Cop Stories. [SS]

35)   William Golding. The Ineheritors.

36)   Robert W Peterson. Only the Ball Was White. [NF]

37)   Sigurd F. Olson. The Singing Wilderness. [NF]

38)   Cesar Mallan. Short Guide to a Happy Dog.[NF]

39)   Dominick Cavallo. A Fiction of the Past: The Sixties in American History. [NF]

40) Wm R. Forstchen. One Second After.

41)   Henry Hart. The World As A Lie: James Dickey. [NF]

42)   Insiders’ Guide. San Antonio.[NF]

43)   Ilaria Gozzini Giacosa. A Taste of Ancient Rome.[NF]

44)   Aldous Huxley. Beyond The Mexique Bay [NF]

45)   Jason Turbow &  Michael Duca. The Baseball Codes:  Beanballs, Sign-Stealing, & Bench-Clearing Brawls: The Unwritten Rules of America’s Pastime. [NF]

46)   Francisco E.Balderrama & Richard A. Santillan. Mexican American Baseball in Los Angles. [NF]

47)   Richard A. Santillan, Mark A. Ocegueda and Terry A. Cannon. Mexican American Baseball in the Inland Empire. [NF]

48)   Adrian Burgos Jr. Playing America’s Game: Baseball, Latinos, and the Color Line. [NF]

49)   Zack Hemple. The Baseball: Stunts, Scandals and Secrets Beneath the Surface.[NF]

50) Peter Levine. A.G. Spalding and the Rise of Baseball. [NF]

51)   Paul Dickson. The Hidden Language of Baseball: How Signs and Sign-Stealing Have Influenced the Course of Our National Pastime. [NF]

52)   Paul Dickson. The Unwritten Rules of Baseball: The Etiquette, Conventional Wisdom, and Axiomatic Codes of Our National Pastime. [NF]

53)   Rob Ruck. Raceball: How The Major Leagues Colonized The Black and Latin Game. [NF]

54)   Robert K. Adair. The Physics of Baseball. [NF]

55)   Buzz Bissinger. 3 Nights in August: Strategy, Heartbreak, and Joy Inside the Mind of A Manager. [NF]

56)   Zack Hample. Watching Baseball Smarter. [NF]

57)   Bernard Malamud. The Natural.

58)   Dirk Hayhurst. The  Bullpen Gospels: Major League Dreams of A Minor League Veteran. [NF]

59)   Chris Ballard. One Shot at Forever: A Small Town, and Unlikely Coach, and a Magical Baseball Season. [NF]

60) Jules Tygiel. Past Time: Baseball As History. [NF]

61)   Robert Elias. The Empire Strikes Out: How Baseball Sold U.S. Foreign Policy and Promoted the American Way Abroad. [NF]

62)   Jack Stallings, Bob Bennett, Eds. Baseball Strategies: Your Guide to the Game Within the Game. [NF]

63)   Harriet Doerr. Consider This, Senora.

64)   Bill Veeck with Ed Linn. The Hustler’s Handbook. [NF]

65)   Antony Beevor. The Mystery of Olga Checkhova. [NF]

66)   Amy Waldman. The Submission.

67)   Joseph Heywood. Killing A Cold One [Page Proofs]

68)   Jim Bishop. The Day Christ Died.

69)   John Gardner. The Life and Times of Chaucer. [NF]

70) Walter M. Miller, Jr. A Canticle for Leibowitz. (1959)

71)   Susan Cain. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. [NF]

72)   Ellen Airgood. Prairie Evers.

73)   Henry Adams. Thomas Hart Benton: An American Original. [NF]

74)   Percy Lubbock. The Craft of Fiction. (1922). [NF]

75)   Kenneth Burke. A Grammar of Motives (1945) [NF]

76)   Daniel Kahneman. Thinking Fast and Slow. [NF]

77)   Margaret A. Salinger. Dream Catcher. [NF]

78)   Davod P. Wagner. Cold Tuscan Stone. [ARC]

79)   Paul Dorion. Trespasser.

80) Bob Lemieux. Off Wing. [NF]

81)   Joseph Heywood. Killing A Cold One. [Proofs]

82)   John Le Carre. A Delicate Truth.

83)   Vladimir Nabokov. Speak, Memory. [NF]

Jambe Longue just finished teaching two community college classes. Students are required to check the college’s web site weekly. On that site are all the requirements for each course,  whatg is done in every class, for the entire semester, including supplies and the student’s current grade in that class.  But folks of the electronic generation don’t seem so tuned into electronics that are not entertaining or part of the social network.. Go figure.

January 18, 2013:

“I wanted to know if you could tell me what supplies I need for class.” 

January 29, 2013:

“Ok, I will see you Tuesday during that time. I get out of class at 10:50 Tuesday so I will come then. All the homework I have to bring is the value scales, vocab, and the color fact worksheet. Anything else?”

January 28, 2013:

Hi, I wanted to know what are your office hours so I can come turn in my homework and get the paper to take to the Registration office to fix my final Aid before February 1. Please let me know asap.”

January 29, 2013:

“I won’t be able to make it to class today. I have the respiratory flu. I understand I’ll have to take a penalty for turning my assignment in next week instead of today and that’s fine. I’ll see you next Tuesday. Please reply to (email address) because my school email is still not working. Thank you for understanding.”

February 4, 2013:

Hey Madelon I’m writing to you because I wasn’t able to make your class today.  Unfortunately I got into  car accident this morning and my car had to get towed. I’m find but unfortunately i couldn’t make your class I will stop by your office hours on Monday to see what i can do to make up the work. Humbly,”

February 5, 2013:

“This is X or xxx, I won’t be in class today. I’m not feeling well, and I really can’t make it. I saws your e-mail, and I will probably come early every week, even if I don’t need any assistance. Thank you for sending me the e-mail I’ll go over the reading for next week, and shade my marshmallow drawing while I’m at it. Once again, I am very sorry I am not able to attend.”

February 5, 2013:

“Ms. Heywood, I was just e-mailing to let you know I am still currently enrolled and am trying to catch myself up. I have the 6×9 shaded drawing and thumbnails complete. I know they’re beyond late but if you don’t mind, feedback would be useful. I have the egg drawing somewhat complete but not sure if I have the right idea going. My computer isn’t allowing me to attach  my image, so if there is anything you could possibly e-mail to give me an overall example, that would greatly help. I plan on being in class next Tuesday and from there on out, a few unexpected events occurred but hopefully I’ll get caught up. I know I’ve missed a lot in these past two classes but any quick information, useful tips would be so helpful. Thank you. See you Tuesday. Sincerely,”

February 11, 2013:

Hi, sorry I won’t b making it to class I feel horrible! But did u want me to bring my painting to the secretary? Please let me know.”

February 11, 2013:

“I won’t be able to make it into today’s painting class. I came down with something and I am not feeling very well. I have my under painting (with references) finished, as well as the 3D shapes that we were supposed to show you last week. I was wondering if you wanted me to maybe send you photos of them via email or if I should just bring in the photos of my under painting and reference image and turn them in next week with my complete still life. Also, I was wondering if we’re keeping with the syllabus and critiquing next week just to make sure if I need to bring my painting supplies or not. Thanks in advanced (sic), and sorry for not being able to make it in today.”

Feb. 11, 2013:

Hi, Mrs. Heywood its XXX I wanted to let you know that I won’t be coming to class today I had a very extremely crazy weekend. I didn’t get to my homework, I live with friends and they put me out this weekend and myself is still at their house. I will be going to get my things this weekend. So I will be prepared next week for class. For the homework today could you put some examples on Moodle and I need to try figure it out.

Feb. 11, 2013:

“Hi, sorry I won’t b making it to class I feel horrible! But did u want me to bring my painting to the secretary? Please let me know.”

Feb. 12, 2013:

“I left class today feeling a little overwhelmed and so I forgot to ask after class if we were supposed to hand in out (sic) Charcoal Sketches. I know we handed in the grade sheet that we did with our groups but am wondering if we were supposed to hand in our charcoal sketches as well? I am having trouble with the theme of our 100 point assignment. I feel limited because of my level of drawing and the complexity of the items that I have. It seems like most people chose kitchen items and so I really want to do something different but at the same time I am feeling like those are the only items in my house that are at my level.”

February 18, 2013:

I’m sorry I was not able to attend class today due to car troubles. If you could let me know what we did in class I would really appreciate it.  Thank you.

February 19, 2013:

“Dear, Professor Heywood, I’m emailing you to let you know i have a doctors appointment scheduled today at 2:30 because i’ve gotten sick over the past 4 days. I will be going to class, but i have to leave early. I hope you understand!”

Feb. 25, 2013:

Dear Professor Heywood, I’m emailing you to let you know I have a doctors appointment scheduled today at 2:30 because i’ve gotten sick over the past 4 days. I will be going to class, but I have to leave early. I hope you understand!”

February 25, 2013:

Hi Lonnie, I am not going to be able to attend class today. My daughter ended up having to have surgery on her Achilles tendon. She is still not able to get up and down (especially to the bathroom) without help due to the pain medication they have her on. The doctor has asked that we do not leave her unattended until Wednesday. I am working on my next two collages and was wondering if you have time could you send me any new information sheets from class today via email? Thanks for understanding!”

February 26, 2013:

I’m sorry i was unable to come to class on Monday, February 25^th, i ended up in the hospital. I should be back next week, but until then if there is anything IMPORTANT that i need to know I would appreciate it if u would inform me, otherwise i will be there Monday early so i can ask questions. I also have the assignments that i was suppose to turn in that day that i will bring as well as next weeks class. –Thank you-”

February 26, 2013:

“Lonnie, I was on my way to class today and my car broke down. I will make up as much work as I can I know I missed last wk too, I was in NY. I am sorry for any inconvenience. I will be in class from now on, today was a very unexpected event. Again I apologize. Thank you.”

February 27, 2013:

Thank you and i have already printed them and read the syllabus, i was wondering if i came to class on Monday a little early to ask you some questions on the collage assignment if you would help me?

February 27, 2013:

“Hi Loni, I was wondering will you be at the building any time in the next couple fo days so u can look at my collage before break?”

March 11, 2013

I was emailing to question about my grade for the imagination drawing. I wasn’t present for the last class period but I had my drawing dropped off to your faculty mailbox. I was just wondering if you had gotten it, or I didn’t receive credit because I did I wrong? I’ll see you in class tomorrow, thank you.

March 15, 2013

Lonnie, for some reason, (name of town) has been out of power since…5:30 this afternoon. I’m using the last of my laptop battery to change my phone but I don’t think it’s going to last long enough. Tuesdays seem to be bad luck days for me so far:( I’m hoping you get this and I’m hoping to be in class tomorrow. I will do my best to be there.

March 17, 2013

Dear Ms. Heywood, I’m sorry but I won’t be in your class tomorrow because I have a medical appointment tomorrow afternoon. I attached the picture. This is how my painting is.

March 17, 2013

Lonnie, I finished my homework but i won’t be in class Monday i’ll be in vegas. I took a pic of it hope this works.

March 17, 2013

Lonnie, I will be unable to attend class Monday. I unforunatley (sic) have a pretty yucky stomach bug. I am attaching a photo update of my magazine project. I will continue on it and have it ready for next week. Thank you.

March 18, 2013

Lonnie – I jut wanted to email you and let you know that I will either be late or not able to come to class today. I was staying outside Kalamazoo and we are having some car trouble that may or may not be fixed by class time. If you could Please let me know what I need to do to be caught up by next class period, I would greatly appreciate it. I will send a picture of the gridded assignment  as soon as possible. Thank you.

March 19, 2013

Hello I was just letting you know that I was having car troubles this morning and that I was going to be late to class I need to talk to you at some point thought if you had time after class that would be great :)

March 19, 2013

I am not able to make it black and white and when I copied it to make it black and white to bring to class it turned out bad. Also, I did not include the jewelry at the bottom of the picture. Thanks.

March 24, 2013

Hello. This is (name) from your Tuesday art class, I was wondering if you put in the still life grades because my grade says I have a 0%??? If you could e-mail me back that would be greqt thank you!

March 24, 2013

Mrs. Heywood I jut wanted to let you know I had to drop the class. I am moving to (name of a state) in the next few weeks and it ha ended up being sooner than i thought. thank you so much for all I have learned. have a wonderful rest of the semester and summer.

March 26, 2013

Good morning Lonnie, I just wanted to explain why I won’t be in class today. Last night my grandpa got rushed to the hospital for his breathing. My family is all on our way there this morning. I’m not quite sure what time I’ll be back & if it would be worth the drive from (name of city) to Kalamazoo. Thank you, I will check the syllabus for the homework due next week & my grid portrait is already sitting in my car. Have a blessed day.

March 28, 2013

Maddie, sorry I missed class I over slept and woke up at like 3. but I’ll be in class on Monday what will I need?

Bill Krasean’s mystery duck is a drake ruddy duck, last ducks to get their spring breeding colors. Thanks to Randy for the enlightenment.

Spring brings all kinds of great wildlife photography opportunities as animals emerge from dens looking for food and love. CO Dave Painter in Iron County was working out kinks with a new camera couple of days ago and got photos of a duck, deer, turkey and a skunk. Pal Bill Krasean, retired sciene writer from the Kalamazoo Gazette got shots of ducks out a the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and couldn’t identify the duller of them. So we passed the pix on to pal Randy Clarke, the eminant waterfowl ID guru for conservation offices and he immediately gave us the answer. Great thing here. I don’t have to know squat myself, just the names of those who do know! Enjoy the pix. Over.

Great shot of a full-flighter in low-light conditions.

Skunks are emerging, with nasty dispositions. Do not say, Kitty, Kitty.

Turkey seasons are open or opening. And the boys are in full display and show-off mode.

Dave Painter came across this deer in the woods. We are pushing toward May and note the amount of snow stll on the ground in Iron County. Big, nasty winter this year.

Horned grebe, view 2.

Bill Krasean’s photo of a horned grebe from Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. Another shot of same bird follows. Lonnie has seen this duck. This is my first look at it.

Jill Hansen makes the intro. I was supposed to talk from podium atop a stage, but it felt too much like playing Voice of God, which I most assuredly am not. I sat on the corner of the stage instead, no mike, just my old scratchy voice.

The three youngest readers to ever attend one of my readings. Obviously they pefer materials with things to color in. I told my editor Keith we should do a coloring book. Now maybe he’ll buy the idea…

Last night in Fremont, awful traffic jams on US 131 going north. Beautiful library facility, about 40 people out to enjoy the snacks. Dodged deer all the way across M-82 to Howard City. Next outing is tomorrow afternoon (Saturday)at 4 at Kazoo Books on Clarendon/West Main in Kalamazoo. I like seeing audience responses to short stories, especially when they are entirely new to them. A few pix from the evening.   The transcript from the talk will be posted under documents on the web site when I’m done posting this. I used some, but not all of the material. Typically. Over.

Homemade goodies for the Fremont audience.

Reading short stories from the stage’s edge.

I saw  a recent The New York Times  column about Japanese folks having a goal of climbing a hundred mountains in their lifetimes. 

It seems to me that right here in Michigan we could have similar pursuits, though not for mountains. But we have lakes and rivers galore, especially trout streams and not all of them easily reached, or reached at all by vehicle. To get to many of them you have to hike, and often not on preternaturally groomed trails, but through the untouched bush.

Certainly you could also set a goal for 100 Michigan waterfalls, most of which are easily reached, but some of which require some work on our parts.

If manmade things are what floats your boat, there’s plenty in the way of lighthouses and navigation lights all around the Great Lakes. By my quick count there are 361 awaiting you: Lake Superior (70); Lake Michigan & Green Bay (87); Lake Huron ( 65); Lake Erie (59); Lake Ontario (33); St. Lawrence River (18); Detroit River (10); Lake St. Clair and St. Clair River (5); St. Mary’s River (14).

In Michigan alone we have 11,000 lakes, but here I would set a goal of finding and seeing only those lakes that look like a fish, person, animal, or inanimate object. Look at your maps and you’ll quickly see that looking at lake shapes is a lot like looking at the rolling figures in clouds, only the lakes don’t change, at least not that quickly.

Whatever you do, choose something and enjoy it.

Over.