Greetings Dear Readers,
If you have read the previous posts you know that Avalon has left us. I still see her and she is ever lovely and I ever love her. The music that so spoke to me of her has strangely become all barbs. She never knew that I filled my portable music with songs that inspired me and songs that reminded me of different ways in which I love her. I still listen to the songs, but they are so filled with the barbs of her absence. I fully own my failings as a husband and I miss her every moment. I also know that Christ is teaching me daily how much more he loves both her and me than I ever imagined. Please pray for us, for my children, and for healing of the great wounds her leaving has opened in all of us. Mostly pray that we all follow only Christ and that we do it closely.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
21 August 2008
30 July 2008
21 and Lessons Learned
Greetings Beloved Readers,
Things continue to progress in life even when one wishes to step off the ride and just watch. Christmas, Maxim, Raven, and I journeyed south for Bezel's 21st birthday. We all had a much needed respite and Christmas was awed by the amazing green of our nation. Since her migration here from Australia, she has remarked over and over how lush America is.
Bezel took on all comers with potent potable names on his 21st birthday. Jose', Jack, Jim, Johnny, and many others found their way down his gullet and made havoc with both his brain and belly. I was not witness to his gastronomic dance but heard about it from all my other youngsters. He seemed to learn a valuable lesson from the adventure and he still shows maturity in his choices and actions. I am proud to be his father and his friend.
Christmas and I visited Kentucky Down Under. I highly recommend this amazing place and its exotic Australian animals.
Avalon is still away but the smell of chocolate chip cookies never fades. I love her and miss her. Pray for us.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Things continue to progress in life even when one wishes to step off the ride and just watch. Christmas, Maxim, Raven, and I journeyed south for Bezel's 21st birthday. We all had a much needed respite and Christmas was awed by the amazing green of our nation. Since her migration here from Australia, she has remarked over and over how lush America is.
Bezel took on all comers with potent potable names on his 21st birthday. Jose', Jack, Jim, Johnny, and many others found their way down his gullet and made havoc with both his brain and belly. I was not witness to his gastronomic dance but heard about it from all my other youngsters. He seemed to learn a valuable lesson from the adventure and he still shows maturity in his choices and actions. I am proud to be his father and his friend.
Christmas and I visited Kentucky Down Under. I highly recommend this amazing place and its exotic Australian animals.
Avalon is still away but the smell of chocolate chip cookies never fades. I love her and miss her. Pray for us.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
20 June 2008
Some Catching up to do
Greetings Beloved Readers,
Life has had much turmoil for me of late but I am attempting to regain the regiments that aide me in my journey. This will be a short post with both good news and dire.
Avalon has left me. After nearly eleven years she has said she no longer wishes to try and make our marriage work. I love her and pray daily for reconciliation but she says that is not her desire.
More work but more writing time. I am teaching full time again but it may actually provide me with more opportunities to write as it has forced me to write at other times than morning.
Awesome Father's day gift: My daughter, Christmas, gave me a Knight's Templar ring for Father's day and it is lovely.
My Son Maxim and his bride kept me busy all weekend. All of my children are caring for me well during this time of trouble.
Bezel, my youngest son, turns 21 next month and we journey south to celebrate him.
I will endeavor to write more often now that things are settling.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
29 September 2007
The World of Writers
Greetings Dear Readers,
As I enter my second full day at my publisher's conference I find that I am amazed by the depth of talent and experience I encountered throughout the day yesterday. One the amazing moments was late last night when sixteen authors gathered to share five minute excerpts from their work.
I watched in awe as one after another read from a book that I now long to read. Some were poignant, some were humorous, and all were amazingly well written. As a storyteller, not just a writer, I could feel the love for each story in the voice of its crafter. Writers love what they write and in this case it was possible to love it with them. None of them had birthed ugly babies that we cooed at out of respect for the parent and a love of life. Each was beautiful on its own merits.
I also have talked with two excellent marketers who have given me grand ideas in how to get more readers walking through my stories with me. I will be devoting my "marketing time" to some new ventures and we will see if they pan out.
Whilst I prepare for my second full day at the conference, I am sure that the morning will find me itching to return home and accelerate the application of my new strategies. I still need to prepare for my trip to Australia and have a term of teaching to finish out. I do no have too much on my plate, but I return from this buffet of amazing writing support with said plate full to almost overflowing and a renewed spirit of what writing can be if I will allow it to be that.
Time permitting, I will report on today's activities in the morning. Until then, remember that if you aspire to write, are a writer, or have written and wander here to see what I am doing, the company of other writers is encouraging and fills one with energy. This group also fills me with hope.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aaramis Thorn
As I enter my second full day at my publisher's conference I find that I am amazed by the depth of talent and experience I encountered throughout the day yesterday. One the amazing moments was late last night when sixteen authors gathered to share five minute excerpts from their work.
I watched in awe as one after another read from a book that I now long to read. Some were poignant, some were humorous, and all were amazingly well written. As a storyteller, not just a writer, I could feel the love for each story in the voice of its crafter. Writers love what they write and in this case it was possible to love it with them. None of them had birthed ugly babies that we cooed at out of respect for the parent and a love of life. Each was beautiful on its own merits.
I also have talked with two excellent marketers who have given me grand ideas in how to get more readers walking through my stories with me. I will be devoting my "marketing time" to some new ventures and we will see if they pan out.
Whilst I prepare for my second full day at the conference, I am sure that the morning will find me itching to return home and accelerate the application of my new strategies. I still need to prepare for my trip to Australia and have a term of teaching to finish out. I do no have too much on my plate, but I return from this buffet of amazing writing support with said plate full to almost overflowing and a renewed spirit of what writing can be if I will allow it to be that.
Time permitting, I will report on today's activities in the morning. Until then, remember that if you aspire to write, are a writer, or have written and wander here to see what I am doing, the company of other writers is encouraging and fills one with energy. This group also fills me with hope.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aaramis Thorn
27 September 2007
Confering with Other Writers
Greetings Dear Readers,
Since it has been some time since my last post I thought I would share the changes that have erupted into my life. I am still writing but may real life things have hindered my time and attention to posting.
My lovely editor RJ and her husband have a new Son who seems to fill RJ's life with electric joy. I cannot wait to meet the young man and see how his mother's most excellent love fills his young heart.
My beloved Son, Maxim married his beautiful Raven this summer is a wedding that took my breath and drew my tears of joy. Their love for each other is so obvious it leeks from every pore and beams to all who come near them. Huzzah and Congratulations my beloved Son and Daughter In Law.
My younger Son, Bezel thinks he has little going on in his life but alas that is not the case. He is choosing. He is journeying that long road to the responsible side of manhood where he will determine what he becomes in his later years. He shows honesty, thoughtfulness, and wisdom in his choosing and I pray the path takes him on great adventures that thrill both him and Christ.
Avalon, my beloved Spouse and I are also gaining a Daughter in the next few weeks. Before you flood us with inquiries, Avalon is not with child but we are adopting a young lady who needs a loving home. Our soon to be Daughter, Christmas already fills our lives with joy and her love for Christ shines brightly as she journeys to us out of the darkness of her past.
I write this to you from my publisher's writing conference and hope that it finds you well. I will be back to regular posts and look forward to your feed back. The Ferrets, Avalon, and my Children greet you all.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Since it has been some time since my last post I thought I would share the changes that have erupted into my life. I am still writing but may real life things have hindered my time and attention to posting.
My lovely editor RJ and her husband have a new Son who seems to fill RJ's life with electric joy. I cannot wait to meet the young man and see how his mother's most excellent love fills his young heart.
My beloved Son, Maxim married his beautiful Raven this summer is a wedding that took my breath and drew my tears of joy. Their love for each other is so obvious it leeks from every pore and beams to all who come near them. Huzzah and Congratulations my beloved Son and Daughter In Law.
My younger Son, Bezel thinks he has little going on in his life but alas that is not the case. He is choosing. He is journeying that long road to the responsible side of manhood where he will determine what he becomes in his later years. He shows honesty, thoughtfulness, and wisdom in his choosing and I pray the path takes him on great adventures that thrill both him and Christ.
Avalon, my beloved Spouse and I are also gaining a Daughter in the next few weeks. Before you flood us with inquiries, Avalon is not with child but we are adopting a young lady who needs a loving home. Our soon to be Daughter, Christmas already fills our lives with joy and her love for Christ shines brightly as she journeys to us out of the darkness of her past.
I write this to you from my publisher's writing conference and hope that it finds you well. I will be back to regular posts and look forward to your feed back. The Ferrets, Avalon, and my Children greet you all.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
26 June 2007
Thinking Well about One's Self
Greetings Dear Readers,
Consider all the people you know who do not think of themselves in a good light. Whether it is that one does not admit to things they do well or that they think to highly of themselves, often we do not view ourselves in a sober light. Whether it is pride or pain that drives us, or the ravages of our fallen natures, we must learn to think properly of ourselves. As for me, I am a fallen man, whose meager attempts to be kind and good are only successful by the grace of God.
I strive daily to view myself honestly but fail often to see my own short comings or wrong views. Fortunately I have friends and family around me who love me enough to help me see my true self more clearly. As I work through my thinking on a proper view of my place before God and my place in the writing world, I have to begin to accept what a proper view of my gifts would be. It is difficult to admit that I am good at my craft without feeling prideful and self conscious. That said, professionals have told me that I write well. I must find a place to stand where I acknowledge the value of what I do and where I give my best to develop and share my craft and the crafting of it with others.
I write because I love to write. I share it with others because I love to teach. You dear readers, encourage me through your comments and feedback. Journey with me a little further and perhaps we will find a place to stand where we see ourselves as we are, and from that see the beauty of all that God has created in us.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Consider all the people you know who do not think of themselves in a good light. Whether it is that one does not admit to things they do well or that they think to highly of themselves, often we do not view ourselves in a sober light. Whether it is pride or pain that drives us, or the ravages of our fallen natures, we must learn to think properly of ourselves. As for me, I am a fallen man, whose meager attempts to be kind and good are only successful by the grace of God.
I strive daily to view myself honestly but fail often to see my own short comings or wrong views. Fortunately I have friends and family around me who love me enough to help me see my true self more clearly. As I work through my thinking on a proper view of my place before God and my place in the writing world, I have to begin to accept what a proper view of my gifts would be. It is difficult to admit that I am good at my craft without feeling prideful and self conscious. That said, professionals have told me that I write well. I must find a place to stand where I acknowledge the value of what I do and where I give my best to develop and share my craft and the crafting of it with others.
I write because I love to write. I share it with others because I love to teach. You dear readers, encourage me through your comments and feedback. Journey with me a little further and perhaps we will find a place to stand where we see ourselves as we are, and from that see the beauty of all that God has created in us.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
06 June 2007
Falling on my Knees
Greetings Dear Readers,
I have spent a great deal of time recently studying the ins and outs of what it means to be truly a follower of Jesus Christ. At the church I attend we have just begun studying the twelfth chapter of the book of Romans. I know some of you have no idea what I am talking about and that is just fine. Here is the gist of what falls into my thinking.
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
The question with which I wrestle is, how do I truly make sure that I am a living sacrifice to Christ? Part of my answer is that I must live in the moment, constantly checking to see that my backside is still firmly planted on that alter; that I am sacrificing all that I am to Christ in every moment. This is not accomplished by obeying rules or following a plan. It is accomplished by realizing that I am never going to be content anywhere else.
Joy Williams has a recorded a song that I have listened to as a mantra for the last week or so. I want it to permeate my heart and mind to the depth that it becomes my anthem. Here are the lyrics and a link to the song. Give it a listen before you continue reading if you will.
www.esnips.com/doc/4157f16d-50de-4ad8-b787-906d7cf7a4ea/Joy-Williams---Hungry-(Falling-On-My-Knees)
Hungry
Hungry, I come to You, For I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know, Your love does not run dry
So I wait for You, So I wait for You
I'm falling on my knees, Offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart, Is living for
Broken, I run to You, For Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know, Your touch restores my life
So I wait for You, So I wait for You
I'm falling on my knees, Offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart, Is living for
So I wait for You, So I wait for You, So I wait for You
I'm falling on my knees, Offering all of me. Jesus, You're all this heart, Is living for
And I'm falling on my knees, Offering all of me. Jesus, You're all this heart, Is living for
Hungry, I come to You, For I know You satisfy
I think the tone of my posts will be changing, but I will still give you the light and airy as well. If you pray for me, and I hope you do, please pray that I never lose the moment I am in right now. If I can keep this heart and this mind, all else makes sense. I love you all, collectively and individually. RJ thanks for the feedback.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
unus vinculum servus procul Christi
Aramis Thorn
I have spent a great deal of time recently studying the ins and outs of what it means to be truly a follower of Jesus Christ. At the church I attend we have just begun studying the twelfth chapter of the book of Romans. I know some of you have no idea what I am talking about and that is just fine. Here is the gist of what falls into my thinking.
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
The question with which I wrestle is, how do I truly make sure that I am a living sacrifice to Christ? Part of my answer is that I must live in the moment, constantly checking to see that my backside is still firmly planted on that alter; that I am sacrificing all that I am to Christ in every moment. This is not accomplished by obeying rules or following a plan. It is accomplished by realizing that I am never going to be content anywhere else.
Joy Williams has a recorded a song that I have listened to as a mantra for the last week or so. I want it to permeate my heart and mind to the depth that it becomes my anthem. Here are the lyrics and a link to the song. Give it a listen before you continue reading if you will.
www.esnips.com/doc/4157f16d-50de-4ad8-b787-906d7cf7a4ea/Joy-Williams---Hungry-(Falling-On-My-Knees)
Hungry
Hungry, I come to You, For I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know, Your love does not run dry
So I wait for You, So I wait for You
I'm falling on my knees, Offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart, Is living for
Broken, I run to You, For Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know, Your touch restores my life
So I wait for You, So I wait for You
I'm falling on my knees, Offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart, Is living for
So I wait for You, So I wait for You, So I wait for You
I'm falling on my knees, Offering all of me. Jesus, You're all this heart, Is living for
And I'm falling on my knees, Offering all of me. Jesus, You're all this heart, Is living for
Hungry, I come to You, For I know You satisfy
I think the tone of my posts will be changing, but I will still give you the light and airy as well. If you pray for me, and I hope you do, please pray that I never lose the moment I am in right now. If I can keep this heart and this mind, all else makes sense. I love you all, collectively and individually. RJ thanks for the feedback.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
unus vinculum servus procul Christi
Aramis Thorn
Do not call me Christian
Greetings Dear Readers,
I know that those of you who know me personally may be shocked by that title. I do have a reason for what I am saying. Over the last decades, I have seen, as have others that the label "Christian" has lost much of its power and respect. In the words of my pastor (yes I have one of those), I believe the word no longer communicates. My faith has not changed but what I call myself has.
I regret that some who claim the name Christian do so much to hurt the image of God that Christ brought us. God does not hate anyone and commands his followers to love even their enemies. So I have chosen to leave the label behind me so that I can communicate better that which I am commanded to:
Anything else is just footnotes. This means I do not hate you just because your life is different than mine. It means that I do not care about many of the issues Christians rally around. I do have feelings and opinions about many things, but I will not reject anyone just because they disagree with me. I apologize for those who identify with Christ and then hate others. That is not who Christ is. Please do not judge Christ by the poor examples of his followers you encounter. If you read my blog, you are much too intelligent for that.
If you must find a way to label me, try Christ Follower. I do not feel that I am worthy of that title, but it is my heart's desire to become a man who can be seen that way. I am not as good at this as I wish to be but I also know that today, in this moment, I am following Christ as best I can, and that is all I may honestly offer you. For those of you who do not know about my faith, here it is in a brief explanation.
I am, like all persons, a fallen sinful human.
I know that God exists and he loves me.
I know that my sinfulness separates me from that love.
The only just penalty for my sin is eternal separation from God.
God would rather die than live without me.
He chose to live in the form of a human as Jesus Christ.
As that God/man he never sinned but paid the price of his unjust death for my sin.
I can do nothing to merit God's favor, but by faith I can avail myself of this payment for my sin.
It is by faith alone that I find my relationship with God the Father through his Son, Jesus.
He offers this free gift to anyone who will accept it
So please, when you talk about me or my writing, do not call me a Christian. If you wish to discuss this feel free to email me, aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com, or you can comment here on the blog. Other than that, I as always wish you the same thing.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
I know that those of you who know me personally may be shocked by that title. I do have a reason for what I am saying. Over the last decades, I have seen, as have others that the label "Christian" has lost much of its power and respect. In the words of my pastor (yes I have one of those), I believe the word no longer communicates. My faith has not changed but what I call myself has.
I regret that some who claim the name Christian do so much to hurt the image of God that Christ brought us. God does not hate anyone and commands his followers to love even their enemies. So I have chosen to leave the label behind me so that I can communicate better that which I am commanded to:
- Love God with all my heart, soul, and mind
- Love my neighbor as myself
Anything else is just footnotes. This means I do not hate you just because your life is different than mine. It means that I do not care about many of the issues Christians rally around. I do have feelings and opinions about many things, but I will not reject anyone just because they disagree with me. I apologize for those who identify with Christ and then hate others. That is not who Christ is. Please do not judge Christ by the poor examples of his followers you encounter. If you read my blog, you are much too intelligent for that.
If you must find a way to label me, try Christ Follower. I do not feel that I am worthy of that title, but it is my heart's desire to become a man who can be seen that way. I am not as good at this as I wish to be but I also know that today, in this moment, I am following Christ as best I can, and that is all I may honestly offer you. For those of you who do not know about my faith, here it is in a brief explanation.
I am, like all persons, a fallen sinful human.
I know that God exists and he loves me.
I know that my sinfulness separates me from that love.
The only just penalty for my sin is eternal separation from God.
God would rather die than live without me.
He chose to live in the form of a human as Jesus Christ.
As that God/man he never sinned but paid the price of his unjust death for my sin.
I can do nothing to merit God's favor, but by faith I can avail myself of this payment for my sin.
It is by faith alone that I find my relationship with God the Father through his Son, Jesus.
He offers this free gift to anyone who will accept it
So please, when you talk about me or my writing, do not call me a Christian. If you wish to discuss this feel free to email me, aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com, or you can comment here on the blog. Other than that, I as always wish you the same thing.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
23 May 2007
Warm Winds and Hot Snow
Greetings Dear Readers,
As the temperatures rise and we near air conditioning weather I am surprised to look out my window and see it as white as January. In our back yard stands an old and vast cottonwood tree. Each spring it spreads its fairy-like seeds across our lawn literally covering it.
Today is that day. The fairies dance upon the wind that whips about the tree that was their home. When I was a boy I used to catch these and make wishes on them. They will cover the newly mown lawn by sunset and the anticipated rain will melt them away tomorrow.
This is a day unique in so many ways but the greatest for me is the dance of the fairies on the wind telling me that Spring has passed its zenith and summer looms on the horizon. It says that soon the sound of fans drawing cool outside air will be replaced by the AC providing quiet cooled inside air. The cool season has been long this year and I am thankful for it. My allergies have been quiet and I am more thankful for that. The world is warming and soon I will swim and enjoy the cool waters.
For today, however, I am content to sit and write with the fan trained on me and the cottonwood fairies knocking on the screen door begging refuge from the coming rains.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
As the temperatures rise and we near air conditioning weather I am surprised to look out my window and see it as white as January. In our back yard stands an old and vast cottonwood tree. Each spring it spreads its fairy-like seeds across our lawn literally covering it.
Today is that day. The fairies dance upon the wind that whips about the tree that was their home. When I was a boy I used to catch these and make wishes on them. They will cover the newly mown lawn by sunset and the anticipated rain will melt them away tomorrow.
This is a day unique in so many ways but the greatest for me is the dance of the fairies on the wind telling me that Spring has passed its zenith and summer looms on the horizon. It says that soon the sound of fans drawing cool outside air will be replaced by the AC providing quiet cooled inside air. The cool season has been long this year and I am thankful for it. My allergies have been quiet and I am more thankful for that. The world is warming and soon I will swim and enjoy the cool waters.
For today, however, I am content to sit and write with the fan trained on me and the cottonwood fairies knocking on the screen door begging refuge from the coming rains.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
08 May 2007
Coming Soon...
Greetings Dear Readers,
The wait may finally be over. I heard from my publisher yesterday and you may be able to get The Praetor before summer officially begins. Since my oldest son is getting married this summer, I would caution you not expect too many appearances of the author before fall.
On another front, I am almost finished with the rewrite of second installment of the Annals of the Four Horsemen, Chronicles of Polaemos The War Bringer. I will post a chapter on the web site in the near future. Hopefully we will have cover art by the end of summer.
I am currently writing to novels at once. Remind me some time to tell you how I structure this as there are currently 33 books outlined and ready for writing. If someone could tell me how to extract the stories directly from my brain without going through the keyboard or my microphone, please let me know.
Until then I will pound away crafting new tales for you letter by letter. As always, I am grateful to my readers and their support.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
The wait may finally be over. I heard from my publisher yesterday and you may be able to get The Praetor before summer officially begins. Since my oldest son is getting married this summer, I would caution you not expect too many appearances of the author before fall.
On another front, I am almost finished with the rewrite of second installment of the Annals of the Four Horsemen, Chronicles of Polaemos The War Bringer. I will post a chapter on the web site in the near future. Hopefully we will have cover art by the end of summer.
I am currently writing to novels at once. Remind me some time to tell you how I structure this as there are currently 33 books outlined and ready for writing. If someone could tell me how to extract the stories directly from my brain without going through the keyboard or my microphone, please let me know.
Until then I will pound away crafting new tales for you letter by letter. As always, I am grateful to my readers and their support.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
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