Date: 2009-06-26 10:02 Subject: Nebula Security: Public

Nebula, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

First order of business: my short story, "Product Placement," is Featured on Jet Pack over the weekend:

www.jet-pack.net/?p=185

Second: Icons of the 70s and 80s are dropping like flies. McMahon, Fawcett, and now, Jackson. I think the guys from the A-Team better watch their back, because the Reaper stalks them, tonight.

Also, I like to think when Michael Jackson passed, he didn't so much as die as the weird bulbous ship from E.T. just came and recalled him back to his home planet. Just a theory.

Maybe this shot -- this weird waterdrop nebula -- is where our own personal Peter Pan now resides.

Date: 2009-06-16 07:55 Subject: Boletus Security: Public

Boletus, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

Mushrooms, to be, are forever indicative of tiny worlds. Smurfs, for one. Or bugs that use them as houses or umbrellas or bus stops. I also would like to live in a world with giant mushrooms, ones that I can use as patio furniture.

I like to dream big, and dream stupid.

Also, in case you missed yesterday's missive, Jet Pack is live -- so, go. Check it out. I have a new short story posted there for free.

Please to enjoy?

www.jet-pack.net/?p=185

Date: 2009-06-15 07:29 Subject: Jet Pack To A Disco Planet Security: Public

Jet Pack To A Disco Planet, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

Okay, this post has nothing to do with a disco planet -- this is a home-made little bitty disco ball my wife made some eons ago.

The point of this post is to announce a little something new --

Jet Pack.

[ www.jet-pack.net ]

What is Jet Pack? Well, I encourage you to bop on over to the site to check it out, but in brief: fiction, and fiction-related deliciousness, all done under a self-publishing model (aka "The Dirty Model").

The site is home to some of my work (and will be home to more of it), as well as home to the work of two other writers, Will Hindmarch and Wood Ingham.

So, go. Check it out. Breathe in the heady fumes of the Jet Pack's roaring engines. Suck in the vapors. Learn to love the Jet Pack.

[ www.jet-pack.net ]

Date: 2009-05-25 08:54 Subject: Oothica: The Ballad of Stinky's Brood Security: Public

Oothica: The Ballad of Stinky's Brood, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

You may remember last year that we had a couple-few mantids running around.

Well, one of them deposited an oothica.

And, it just hatched. Like, a half-hour ago.

Here is the first of many mantid shots -- the weird bundle of bugs dangling from the still-hatching egg.

Gotta be a hundred of these little guys, each no longer than the diameter of a penny.

Date: 2009-05-24 21:41 Subject: The Rebel Security: Public

The Rebel, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

Back from the anniversary down in Brandywine Valley area.

Was lovely.

Was reminded time and time again that my wife is awesome, and was totally worth marrying.

Also reminded: she's too good for me. Just don't tell her.

And, this picture: proof that she's a righteous hottie.

More pics soon, peeps.

Date: 2009-05-24 21:41 Subject: Notebook From Nepal Security: Public

Notebook From Nepal, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

Bought whilst on the anniversary at www.thepapermarket.com in Kennett Square.

More info to be found at --

[ www.terribleminds.com ]

Date: 2009-05-18 08:37 Subject: The Maw Security: Public

The Maw, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

[First order of business -- check out MyBrute -- http://monkeyfinger.mybrute.com -- and become my crazy pupil! It's easy! It's fast! It's fun! You can fight with a Golden Kazoo!]

[Second order of business -- don't forget that I update regularly now at http://www.terribleminds.com]




Of course we're going to get frost tonight. It's only the second half of May. We've only had a few 85 degree days so far. It seems the perfect time for frost to come sweeping in and kick my plants in the face. Personally, I'm tired of all these beautiful flowers. Let's nip 'em with teeth of ice! Yeah! Wooooo!

...

Sigh. See, this is why I think "climate change" is way more accurate than "global warming." Because the climate seems to be on a drunken bumper-car ride. Left, right, slam, spin. So confused.

Date: 2009-05-04 07:09 Subject: Mister Waspface Security: Public

Mister Waspface, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

As an FYI, you should all know that I won't be posting as much here anymore -- I can only post to so many sources, after all.

Terribleminds -- http://www.terribleminds.com -- is up and running again, and will serve as a mouthpiece for my rants and ramblings for the near-flung future, and also plays host to a "last 8 photos" from my Flickrstream, so you can hop that way from this way. Or this way from that way. Or something.

I'll pop a photo up here now and again, just to remind you to look somewhere else. 'Cause that's just the kind of jerk that I am.

Also: I'm Twittering.

http://www.twitter.com/ChuckWendig

Date: 2009-04-23 07:35 Subject: Looking Down The Blade (Of Grass) Security: Public

Looking Down The Blade (Of Grass), originally uploaded by curious_spider.

[ www.terribleminds.com ]

Date: 2009-04-20 07:16 Subject: Just The Tip Security: Public

Just The Tip, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

This week is a big work-week, and all you'll probably see of me is a periscope popping up above the seafoam now and again, not all that different from the one focused drop you'll find in this shot right here.

Date: 2009-04-19 08:11 Subject: Emerging From The Shadows! Security: Public

Emerging From The Shadows!, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

... is the new website, er, blog, er, Haven For Authorial Misery, www.terribleminds.com.

Yes, that's right, peeps, the new website is up and functioning and, I'm proud to say, it doesn't look like a bag of hot garbage! That's a win for you and a win for me, right? Right.

Mind you, before you click over there, I'm warning you: it's sodden with profanity, it's positively gluey with foul ideas and septic madness. Caveat lector, it is not for tender eyes! It will burn a hole in your morality centers! It will turn you into a monster deprived of happ thoughts and driven only on a fuel of slowly-cooking discontendness! Oh noes!

...

Okay, I might be exagerrating a little. Point is, you'll find bad words over there. That's really the warning.

Anyway, enjoy this picture of gleaming drops on the roseglow bush.

Date: 2009-04-17 08:52 Subject: Berries and Honey Security: Public

Berries and Honey, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

You want a little tasty something for your berries (or for any other fruit)?

Then do this, faithful Flickrites:

1/4 cup honey.

1 cup sour cream.

The honey needs a little heat to become soft. Not much, just light heat on the stove with the honey in a small steep saucepot or whatever.

Then, soon as its a little warm and moves around nice with a whisk, you take that sour cream and just dump it on in there.

And whisk.

And that's it.

You slap it on your berries, and you pee your pants in delight.

(This recipe courtesy of "Good Eats")

Date: 2009-04-17 08:51 Subject: Goodnight, Rabbits Security: Public

Goodnight, Rabbits, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

The bunny babies didn't make it. They were curled up in their burrow this morning, unmoving. They didn't seem to have suffered any bodily harm -- maybe a disease got them, not sure.

No HSIPF today. Just a little baby bunny memorial.

Sorry, little guys.

Date: 2009-04-16 11:35 Subject: The Saga of Bunny Babies, Part II: I Am Your Bunny Mother Security: Public

The Saga of Bunny Babies, Part II: I Am Your Bunny Mother, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

Okay, I might have spoken rashly earlier -- I only count two bunnies left in the burrow, which means it's possible that Angry Cat did claim one of them. Not sure. (Also possible the third is away from the burrow, so who knows? Reiteration: not a rabbitologist.)

Still, the two that are there are still unusually friendly.

I did nothing to disturb the burrow; I just went over to see if it was torn up or anything, and it wasn't. (We placed a lawn chair over it so further hide the burrow from dogs and other investigative beasties).

I guess they heard me, because they came clambering out. I sat down, and they hopped over and started merrily chomping grass. That lasted about fifteen minutes, and then they bobbled over to the hole and popped their wriggling baby bodies back into the burrow.

I think I am now their surrogate mother. I've seen no sign of the actual mother (though rabbit mamas only visit their kits once or twice a day), but I don't even know that these little suckers need a mom since they're eating grass without a problem.

Dunno. But somehow I need to figure out how I can be a good rabbit role model.

Date: 2009-04-16 11:35 Subject: Baby Wabbit To Grass: "Nom Nom Nom" Security: Public

Baby Wabbit To Grass: "Nom Nom Nom", originally uploaded by curious_spider.

The other day, I look out the window and I see both dogs very, very interested in one spot on the yard. Which isn't good, because the dogs are never on the same page about anything. So when they both get excited about one thing, I know it's either:

a) Awesome

or

b) Uh-oh.

Turns out this was kind of both. They had discovered a small rabbit warren (or burrow -- is it not yet a warren if it's only for the babies? What am I, a rabbitologist?).

I didn't know what I was seeing: I just saw a clump of grass and fur covering up a well-known hole in our yard. I figured the neighbor's cat had killed something, because that cat is the bane of our yard's nature. Seriously. Birds at our bird feeder is just "snack time" for the cat. A month or so ago, when snow was on the ground, a great spattering of blood and gray fur lined the length of the ground next to my car. (Oh, and here's a tip: people, keep your cats indoors. They're pets. You don't let your children just wander around for eight hours on open roads and yards, don't let your pets do the same.)

So, I pull out some of the fur from the hole, and a baby rabbit springs free and bolts for the fence. This is, of course, super-exciting to the terrier, who decides to chase. That rabbit flees. I drag the dogs back inside.

And sure enough, two other babies ("kits," or "kittens," I think -- again, not a rabbitologist) are curled up in the burrow.

So, I covered it up with the fur again and threw some more grass clippings on top.

They're still in there. The third one has returned, too.

Problem is, these rabbits defy conventional wisdom on wild rabbits.

They're dumb to danger. I went out today and threw some grass atop the burrow again, and who comes tumbling out but the rabbits, who gleefully begin chomping on the grass (which means they're older than I thought, by the by). Meanwhile, I'm only a few feet away.

So, I get the camera, and not only do they allow me to get close, but they actually approach me. Which isn't good for their survival mechanisms, though it certainly cranks up the "cute factor" a hundredfold.

In fact, reading sites online, I find out that baby rabbits can die just from exposure to humans, because humans can cause them such extreme stress that their little bunny minds can't handle it and they, I dunno, have a nervous breakdown or something.

Not these guys. These little dudes kept coming out of their hole to check me out. I kept trying to shoo them back in.

And, meanwhile, one of the cats next door is skulking about on the neighbor's yard. So, now I have to sit in the office and watch out the window to make sure I don't have to mount some sort of rabbit rescue operation.

Crazy part is, it's not like rabbits are particularly good. They eat gardens. They're ultimately pests. But, like deer, they're just so damn cute. Especially when they're babies. You just want to hug them and squeeze them and pet them. I'm like Lenny over here.

Saddest part is, apparently, 95% of all wild rabbits don't survive past a few months. And while their life potential is 9-10 years, their average actual lifespan is around one year.

So, I shall stand vigil over these dumb, fragile, unlikely-to-live little pests and see what happens.

Here's a picture.

Date: 2009-04-12 07:45 Subject: Breaking Bread (Alternate Title: Resurrection Enchilada) Security: Public

Breaking Bread (Alternate Title: Resurrection Enchilada), originally uploaded by curious_spider.

I'm not exactly a religious guy over here. Easter's always been more about the bunny, the chocolate, the plastic grass in a basket than it has been that whole "resurrection enchilada" thing. (That will hereby be the name of my new autobiography and accompanying rock opera concept album, by the way).

What I always love about these religious holidays is how, despite once taking them from those Jolly Old Pagans (who probably sacrificed some dude to a bog), very clear remnants remain. Sure, it's about the rebirth of Jesus, okay, right, I get that. But it's also about the rebirth of spring. And, apparently, the miracle of giant bunnies who inexplicably hide eggs so that the Big Bad Bog Men cannot find them. I might just be making that last part up, but I'm sure if you look deep enough in pagan legend you find a Monster Bunny that some pagan tribe was either trying to appease, ward away, or both.

Really, though, what's most important about Easter is the dinner: ham.

Sweet, sweet, ham. How I desire to masticate your salty folds.

So, Happy Easter, enjoy your ham and your Jesus and your monster bunny. Break bread together and enjoy your families.

Date: 2009-04-11 08:21 Subject: A Thousand Points Of Light: Flickr By The Numbers Security: Public

A Thousand Points Of Light: Flickr By The Numbers, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

Yo, peeps.

As if this writing, this is what I believe to be my 2,000th public photo on Flickr.

I've had just shy of 90,000 views on my photostream (89,965).

I'm looking at 590,384 total views across all my photos.

In 11 days, on April 22nd, I will be 33.

And this picture has approximately 70 billion waterdrops in it.

And that's accurate. I counted. By hand. It took me all of last year to count them. My eyes are bleeding.

Happy Flickr, Happy Easter, Happy Whatever Makes You And Your God Happy.

Alternate title to this photo: "Flickr? I Hardly Know Her."

Thank you, and good night.

Erm, good morning.

Date: 2009-04-08 09:27 Subject: Soft Around The Edges Security: Public

Soft Around The Edges, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

I guess I just have something for damp petals these days. It's the sentimental within me. I cry for puppies. I simulate that kitten poster where I hang from a tree branch with a panicked look on my face while I mouth the words, "Hang in There!" for any who look on. I'm glued to Oprah. I watch tampon commercials with rapt interest. You know, all that sentimental stuff.

So, here's another slice of sentimentality: a lovely flower petal, wet from a tear trickling out of my eye and rolling down my cheek and tumbling off my chin upon this violet expanse.

(Or maybe it was just me with a water spritzer, blasting the crap out of a flower bouquet to get some nice droplet shots. You make the call!)

Date: 2009-04-08 09:27 Subject: Drippy In Pink Security: Public

Drippy In Pink, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

This has nothing to do with pink flowers or porny-sounding descriptions. Those will have to come another day, Flickr Peeps.

No, what I want to ask is, anybody got any recommendations for a good scanner? I want to scan old photos, but don't know the best place to start. Flatbed? Brand? Price range?

Any help would be appreciated.

Now back to your pornographic-sounding dewy pink folds. Please to enjoy.

Date: 2009-04-06 06:51 Subject: Ophelia, Falling Security: Public

Ophelia, Falling, originally uploaded by curious_spider.

Really, though, if I wanted a true "madness of Ophelia" thing going, I'd have the flower floating in brackish water, a drowned bloom.

Of course, at least I'm conveying the "deflowered" angle, right? Am I right? This guy over here knows what I'm talking about.

Ophelia is interesting to me because, while she remains a complex and sympathetic character, she's emblematic of the dismissiveness of the male species: a woman showing emotions? Well, crap, she must be bonkers. Wait, all women are bonkers! Look at her torn gown! Her disheveled hair! Her distant stare! She either just had crazy bathroom sex, or she's maaaad, you see, maaaaaad!

This particular attitude is further emboldened by a short story like "The Yellow Wallpaper." Yes, on the one hand, that story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is held aloft by feminists, as the story could be said to show the state of a repressed woman's mind -- when The Man keeps The Woman boxed up and pinned down, she's likely to descend into madness and turn into a real spacebat. On the other hand, it suggests that women are simply not strong enough to persevere, and instead are fully subject to the whims of man and the lunacies that result. I can see both perspectives, but the fact that she basically turns into a howling moon-monkey by the end, escaping her room but becoming "trapped" in the mental labyrinthe of the peeled-away yellow wallpaper, remains something of an unfortunate indictment against women.

Yellow is also thought of as a literary symbol for "I'm totally freaking nuts."

Which I can believe. Anytime I see a banana, I soil my pants and start drawing on the wall in magic marker.

Wow, this entry really just jumped the rails, didn't it? Flowers to Shakespeare to Maybe-Feminist-Short-Story-Dissection to Banana-Caused Diaper Changes.

I'm just going to tip-toe away, now.