I’ve published another very short story. It can be read in just a few minutes. It’s titled One Strange, Shimmering Dream.
Would you like to be inspired? You might enjoy reading it. Click here.
What is your dream?
Tag: writing
Happiness and sadness: Short stories about life.
My blog Short Stories by Richard has slowly grown. It now contains a collection of six stories.
These very short works of fiction attempt to dissect human life using sudden, sharp cutting edges. The revelations can be surprising.
Many endings are uplifting. Some aren’t.
Almost every time I reread one of my stories I make changes. New eyes–new dissatisfaction–new inspiration. So you might notice they’ve evolved a bit. Hopefully for the better. To read, click the links:
Light on the Restless and Small is a fast flirt with philosophy and one difficult question.
The Drawing of Leaves suggests that nothing we do is unimportant.
A Few Words and a Pelican touches upon life and death, and the need for compassion during our journey.
A Voice in the Shell reminds us that beauty is infinite and that listening is vital.
A Miracle on Sixth Avenue instantly takes the reader from hopelessness to hope.
An Unexpected Sunflower is my favorite short story so far. It proves that small things can change the world.
Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday with fun photos!
I’m not in the least embarrassed to say I love reading Dr. Seuss. Even as an adult, he remains one of my favorite authors. He created pure joy.
Today is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. He was born March 2, 1904. His actual name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, and he lived in beautiful La Jolla, just a short distance up the coast from where I now sit in downtown San Diego.
I’ve included some Dr. Seuss related photos on my blog over the years, so to remember the immortal children’s book author, I’ll share them once again!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click on a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!
Local authors honored by San Diego Public Library!
San Diego is the home of many thoughtful, creative residents. Proof of this can be seen at downtown’s San Diego Public Library, where a special exhibit features books by local writers that were published in 2015. It’s an impressive visual tribute to local writing talent. Works of fiction and nonfiction alike are on proud display. Congratulations to all!
I made a cool discovery! It’s Bill Swank’s new book Christmas in San Diego! I blogged about it a couple months ago!
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Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.
Questions writers can ask to develop new ideas.
I wrote another article for Mostly Blogging! In it I ask a number of questions designed to help creative people brainstorm. I titled the guest post: Brainstorm fresh, new ideas for your blog!
You’re not a blogger? My article might help anyway! It’s all about digging into any subject matter more deeply, discovering new angles. Writers who have struggled to develop new ideas might find my article helpful!
Check it out by clicking here!
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Do you like to read thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!
Read the joyful history of Christmas in San Diego!
I was privileged today to meet Bill Swank. Perhaps you’ve met him, too. Since 2002, Bill has been the volunteer Santa Claus at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during Balboa Park’s popular December Nights. He’s a friendly good guy who effortlessly spreads cheerfulness and joy.
Bill Swank is probably best known for being a leading expert on baseball and the San Diego Padres. He’s written numerous books about baseball history. His knowledge is so deep, the San Diego Historical Society has called him our city’s top baseball historian.
His most recent book, published earlier this year, is titled Christmas in San Diego. If you love both Christmas and San Diego, I know you’ll treasure this book. It’s loaded with history, local traditions and hundreds of fun, very unique photos. (Six photos from Cool San Diego Sights are in the book! How cool is that?)
Bill “Santa” Swank believes the true meaning of Christmas is found in the Golden Rule. His excellent book also proves another important truth: that human hearts are warmed when we are generous and kind. In the book you’ll see community-spirited Santas through the decades bringing joy to many generations, lifting the spirits of all.
From Christmas Eve way back in 1775, to the present day, Christmas in San Diego covers over two hundred years of local history. You’ll find out how both famous and ordinary San Diegans have celebrated the holiday season, and learn a good deal about many historical places and events. Personally, I love the parts concerning unselfish Santa Claus volunteers who’ve participated in a surprising range of charitable activities. Touching young and old alike, with a twinkle-eyed smile and merry Ho, Ho, Ho!
I was privileged to shake the hand of Santa Claus today. Read Christmas in San Diego, and you will be able to peer into Santa’s heart.
Powerful genius at San Diego’s Ion Theatre.
Yesterday evening I experienced something completely unexpected. Out of the blue I received a powerful jolt, as if struck to the core by a hammer.
What happened? I went to see The Aliens at the Ion Theatre. The Ion Theatre Company produces cutting edge live theater in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood. The Aliens is a very unusual and surprising play that won the 2010 Obie Award for Best New American Play. It was written by Annie Baker.
I wasn’t expecting such power.
The Aliens is well performed by three great actors: Brian Butler, Tyler Oakley and Reed Willard. The characters they portray are absolutely human–slightly absurd and terribly broken. They are troubled in ways that are disturbing, heart-wrenching. They are frustrated, uncertain, in pain, alienated, almost hopeless.
But they aren’t hopeless.
Each character possesses awkward warmth and connection. And humor.
Then, like a bolt from the blue, at the very end, the emotional hammer strikes. I won’t tell you what happens. You’ll have to find out for yourselves.
Here’s a hint. In everyone there is unique genius. And while some people might not go far in this world, that genius–that yearning outflow from each individual heart–never stops. Life’s path might be unexpectedly short, but genius does not die.
Thoughtful adults should see this play. Check out the Ion Theatre’s website. The Aliens runs through December 12.
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Introducing a new blog: Short Stories by Richard!
I wrote another short story! It’s titled A Voice in the Shell.
A photography blog concerning “Cool San Diego Sights” probably isn’t the best place to post unrelated works of fiction, so I started a new writing website! It’s called Short Stories by Richard. That’s where I’ve published my new story.
Unlike my other writing blog, Foolyman Stories, which is mostly just silly nonsense, Short Stories by Richard contains thoughtful pieces that are meant to challenge minds and touch hearts. I’d be honored if you checked it out!
What lies ahead? I don’t know! Come along for the ride! Perhaps we’ll be surprised!
Please join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously!
I’d like to propose a new informal organization. Anyone can join. It exists in our spirit. It’s called B.L.O.G., which stands for Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.
We bloggers have amazing power. Our presence on the internet is enormous. We have significant and increasing influence in the world. Together we can make a huge positive difference.
So why not flex our muscles and use that growing influence to do good?
My proposal:
To be a self-appointed member of B.L.O.G., one must make a conscious effort to help nonprofits, charities and unselfish individuals who tirelessly work to improve our world.
Bloggers Lifting Others Generously will help these deserving folks by providing them with publicity.
From time to time–when opportunities arise–members of B.L.O.G. will publish posts about charitable efforts. One might write a post to help publicize an organization’s food drive, or a community’s environmental cleanup, or neighborhood students trying to raise money, or a walk to find a cure…
Every member of B.L.O.G. will use the power of their passionate words to support those who work to improve our world.
Here are some examples.
Will you join me? I even made a big blue B.L.O.G. graphic as you can see at the top of this post! Make your own or use mine if you’d like! It’s all about a spirit of giving and doing things that are meaningful. Isn’t generosity what’s ultimately important in life, anyway?
Let’s make this world (and the internet) a better place!
Blog (and write) with passion and personality!
I wrote a guest post for the website Mostly Blogging! My article concerns blogging (and writing) with passion and personality. You might enjoy reading it by clicking here!
And while you’re at it, check out their cool website, which covers how to become a successful blogger! It’s got lots of great info and a whole bunch of nice people, too!
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Cool San Diego Sights! 