Archive for January, 2010
Friday, January 29th, 2010
For once I wasn’t searching, chasing or wandering after someone else’s truth. Content with life and the pursuit of nothing, I’d had it with quests and causes. The chatter of birds in a deep forest, the call of a bull moose, the splash of rainbow trout, a blue sky by day that winked back at night, more than satisfied my obsession for futile pursuits. Life, however, being the pain in the ass that it often is, thought otherwise.
My favorite escape is a lake in northern Maine, a two-day hike from the nearest civilization–a down-home, country general store with one of the last hand-operated gas pumps still working.
Many would call it an ideal spot to hang out and contemplate life. But to sit in the woods, in the desert or on a mountaintop just to ponder life’s mystique, la raison d’exister, or whatever ’seeking’ metaphor is in vogue, is to miss what natural solitude is about. Here, Nature does the thinking for you. There is nothing to ponder, no question to ask, no wonder that needs understood.
Granted, wilderness can inspire one to write, read, paint, play music or make love. I simply immerse myself into what might appear to be emptiness, a void. Yet, it could not be more complete, for this is where I listen to what Nature has to say.
Listening to her voice, feeling the pulse of Earth spinning through the heavens, and moving to the rhythm of her universal song, I had no time to write or read, no urge to paint or play, no desire to make love.
Though Nature’s voice was faint, I could not imagine being more content than when trying to decipher her message. Patience may have its virtue, but I now see that everything comes not to those who wait, but to those who are content. This same contentment is what brought it all on, for listening is what I was doing when this odyssey began.
Posted in Novel | 2 Comments »
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Top US reviewer , Readers Favorite, gave …The Twain Shall Meet a 5*review and complimented author j guevara.
An encounter with Mark Twain,
January 26, 2010
In 1986, the year of Halley’s comet, Reid, on his regular pre-dawn Key West beach stroll, stumbles across and elderly gentleman who verifiably proves to be the Mark Twain, white suit and all. Apparently, news of Twain’s demise, even after 75 years, has again been greatly exaggerated. Losing the wager they make, Reid lives up to his part of the bargain by providing Twain with room and board for the next 30 days.
Curious to see what has occurred since his last departure in 1910, Reid sets out to bring Twain up to date from political correctness to modern inventions with a whirlwind tour of live blues, a nude bar, an Indian reservation, past fields of Latino migrants, Epcot, Disneyworld and a return flight. All building toward an awe inspired packed audience to witness Twain’s final performance of commentary on today’s human condition in his typical wit, humor and wisdom
I’m not so sure j guevara hasn’t actually met Samuel Clemons, aka Mark Twain. Twain’s dialogue especially in his performance near the end of the book is realistic. I found The Twain Shall Meet, entertaining, humorous and a delightful read.
This is the first book I have read by author j guevara. I eagerly await his next book. J has that special something that few authors have. It is a special gift that you are either born with or not. Guevara was born with it. The characters are life-like and likable. The plot is interesting and has a message to it. The Twain Shall Meet is the type of book that compels you to reread. Well done Mr. j guevara!
Tags: commentary, fiction, humor, j guevara, Mark Twain, Novel, Readers Favorite, review
Posted in Blog | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
I found this on http://www.whoiswaltlong.com , and thought it worthy to share, since many of us have a similar problem simply because as we get older our perspectives, perceptions, truths, and general beliefs change, making it difficult to maintain our ideals. So with Walt’s permission…
I am neither Republican nor Democrat, conservative nor liberal – and definitely not Libertarian, Socialist or Communist.
I have to reject all the labels that are thrown around so carelessly, because sooner or later, I’m asked to betray the best interests of society.
Republican? No, rampant pomposity and narrowness of vision have always left me cold.
Democrat? Ha! Only 2 people can determine a product’s worth – the owner and the person who is willing to pay for it.
Conservative? Even conservatives don’t like conservatives, and too often the goal is to “conserve” the status quo.
Liberal? All things being equal, all things are not equal.
Libertarian? They had me at freedom…and lost me with their national platform that is the definition of anarchy.
Altruistic? Possibly…but in fairness, I would have to answer “possibly” to all the above.
It seems as though I’m always in category 3:”None of the above.”
My greatest concern is that while the country is angrily choosing op sides, the truth will be trampled and forgotten as an insignificant footnote.
It would seem that now, more than ever, we need to find a “common ground” where individualism and compassion can co-exist.
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Friday, January 1st, 2010
I cause from every creature
His proper good to flow:
As much as he is and doeth,
So much he shall bestow.
But, laying hands on another
To coin his labor and sweat,
He goes in pawn to his victim
For eternal years in debt.
Pay ransom to the owner,
And fill the bag to the brim.
Who is the owner? The slave is owner,
And ever was. Pay him.
O North! give him beauty for rags,
And honor, 0 South! for his shame;
Nevada! coin thy golden crags
With Freedom’s image and name.
Emerson
Posted in Blog | 1 Comment »
Friday, January 1st, 2010
Twain’s mind in modern times. Insight with bite
Reviews:
From the opening chapter to the final sentence, j guevara has unfolded a tale that pushes your imagination in every direction, drags you kicking and screaming into the past and back again, language and dialogue that screams across the page, until, finally, you reach a climax that makes you just want to go back and do it again. Enthralling, hilarious, bold and entertaining…what more could you ask for?”
-Paul Phillips, Readers Heaven, NSW Aust.
Somehow, j guevara has channeled Twain – his cadence, language and personality spot on. After reading and re-reading, I now have to ask …is this really fiction?
-Quin Browne, scrip supv, FMD Productions
Paper Back Edition:The Twain Shall Meet
Posted in Novel | 2 Comments »
