Ah, the New York Giants. They made the playoffs last year, and even won a playoff game. This year they were supposed to take the next step forward. Hopes ran high.
And the New York Jets. They just missed the playoffs last season, but they have a great defense, and they signed Aaron Rodgers in the off season. Hopes ran high.
Then they started playing the games.
Sigh.
Life is meaningless and full of pain.
Current Mood: 
gloomy
November 11. Armistice Day. Celebrated to mark the end of “the War to End War.”
Would that it had been so. Alas.
Let us never forget the costs we play at war, however. Herewith a powerful song from one of my favorite films of all time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzNcT7wfHj4
Current Mood: 
contemplative
I love Santa Fe at all times of year, but fall is my favorite season. Late September and early October, especially.
The days are bright and sunny, but not hot. The air is crisp and clean, bracing. Dry, of course. We don’t believe in humidity. The nights are cool, the skies full of stars.
And this is when the trees start to turn. We don’t get the full fall colors they have in New England; nor many reds or oranges down this way. But the aspens and the cottonwoods turn yellow, and for a short time we have entire mountains that look as if they were dipped in gold.
The big cottonwood outside my house is one that turns. So gorgeous.
In a world that is so sad and troubled and full of hate, it is good to know that we can still stop and see the trees.
Current Mood: contemplative
Back in March, we showed our short film NIGHT OF THE COOTERS at the Midwest Weirdfest festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and won the award for Best Science Fiction Short.
The trophy was not ready at the time, but it is now, and the good folks in Eau Claire were kind enough to send it to us.
It’s very cool, and we’re pleased to add it to the awards shelf.
NIGHT OF THE COOTERS had a good run on the festival circuit. We exhibited the film at LA Shorts and NY Shorts, Genreblast (Provo, Utah), Midwest Weirdfest (Eau Claire), Atlanta Film Festival, Santa Fe International Film Festival, Dubuque Film Festival, and took home five awards. At this point, though, COOTERS is retiring from the festival circuit for the time being, while we try to put together a distribution deal. Meanwhile, we have two more Howard Waldrop shorts almost ready to go. Watch this space. When we have some details on times and showings, I will be glad to share them here.
NIGHT OF THE COOTERS was based on Howard Waldrop’s short story of the same title, with a screenplay by Joe Lansdale. Vincent d’Onofrio directed, and also starred as Sheriff Lindley of Pachuco, Texas.
Current Mood: 
happy
I had another birthday sneak up on me last Wednesday, September 20. Honestly, I don’t know where the time goes. The years seem to be flying past much faster than they used to. We had a great birthday party, with lots of friends on hand. Thanks to them, and to all of you out there who sent cards and even gifts (not necessary, though). Friends, family, fans, readers, viewers, I appreciate all of you.
Birthdays always make me think of Eliot.
I grow old… I grow old…
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.
Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.
I do not think that they will sing to me.
For what it is worth, I mostly wear jeans, not white flannel trousers, and I remain unafraid of peaches. We had peach ice cream at the party, yum yum. Along with homemade apple pie, Papa Hemingway’s favorite hamburgers, corn on the cob, and baked beans. The weather was perfect, and the company was great.
And who knows, maybe one day the mermaids will sing for me.
Current Mood: contemplative
Joe Leaphorn’s coming back, I am thrilled to say.
The second season of DARK WINDS was a great success. If you missed it, you can still catch it on AMC+. Along with the first season, which is still streaming as well.
And last week AMC informed us that we’ve been renewed for a third season.
The new season will once again be based on one of Tony Hillerman’s amazing novels. If you’ve enjoyed the show, and want more to tide you over to the next season, read the books. They are fantastic.
Meanwhile, my thanks to AMC, to our showrunner John Wirth, to Robert Redford and Chris Eyre who made this all possible, and to our cast, crew, writers, and directors.
Current Mood: 
excited
I am VERY pleased to report that the end of the writer’s strike is at hand.
The WGA and the AMPTP negotiators have reached agreement on a new deal.
The details have not been released yet, but the news of the accord is out.
The fine print needs to be settled by the lawyers, and the terms need to be ratified by the membership of the WGA, but the overall feeling seems to be very positive. The Guild has suspended all picketing for the nonce.
Writing cannot resume until all that is sorted out, but it should not be too much longer.
Which means labor peace may be at hand, and those pens that were set down may soon be taken up again.
… but especially these times we are living in, when free speech is under attack as seldom before. Book banning has become pandemic, and now some are even threatening arrest for teachers and librarians who give students the “wrong” books to read.
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