In this GMO free, non AI newsletter

• Literary themes in the Pulitzer Prize winning novel Lonesome Dove

• My experience in learning and playing American Mah Jong

• Creative writing exercises from a children’s book called Unjournaling

• Cartooning exercises from a children’s book called Cartooning for Kids

• A recipe for yummy blueberry muffins

• A tour of my spark file, where I collect ideas and memories, and how you can make your own

• Regular features: board games played, and CD’s listened to

Literary Themes in Lonesome Dove

Lonesome Dove was written over 40 years ago and somehow I had never gotten around to reading it. I selected this book as part of my goal to read more classic fiction, combined with another goal to read more deeply. I found the book to feature a memorable group of characters, and a story line full of surprises, which kept me going through the 800+ page journey. More on my reading notes here.

Playing American Mah Jong

American Mah Jong is a fast paced game for 4 players that rewards players to assemble an array of 14 tiles into a specified pattern. I have long been interested in the game, and you can read more of my story here.

Unjournaling Isn’t Just For Kids

I found this book in the kids section of a local book store and have enjoyed working through the exercises. I think of this more as a creative writing book rather than a journaling book. You can read about an original story idea that features stolen Cheetoes, and a bit more about the book here.

Draw Like A Kid Again, Part 2

I found this book in the kids section of a free book lending library at a local community center. I had a fun few weeks working through the various drawings. Cartooning (at least at my level) doesn’t require you to be super accurate with your line work or your proportions so this is a good way to incorporate some looseness into you art work. You can see a few of my favorites from the book here.

I call this Part 2 because I had something similar from back in December, which is Part 1.

Yummy Blueberry Muffins

These came out so good. Here is the recipe for your own sourdough goodness.

My Spark File for Ideas, Facts, Memories, and Projects

I use a technique I call a spark file to help me collect and remember half baked ideas, memorable quotes, interesting facts, longer term things I want to do, and so forth. I introduce my process, and provide some hints in case you want to start your own (hint-you probably do). No, you don’t need index cards.

I’m imagining this is the first part of a multi-part series about my spark file. Details here.

Board Games Played

• Mr. President

• A Distant Plain

• The Last Blitzkrieg

• American Mah Jong

CD’s Listened To

The Grateful Dead/07-03-1966, San Francisco, CA

The Grateful Dead/11-10-1967, Los Angeles, CA

Oscar Peterson Trio/At Baker’s Keyboard Lounge

Ramblin’ Jack Elliott/A Stranger Here

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