Like many of you, I find myself at home awaiting the end of the Pandemic. Images of the Walking Dead, I am Legend, and a slew of post-apocalyptic movies course through by mind. This is typically the stuff of fiction. We were quickly thrust into a world where we are weary of contact with other human beings and it just doesn’t seem real. We find ourselves thinking that anyone could have it, so we isolate ourselves to our domiciles while doctors, public safety workers, delivery drivers, and grocery store employees brave into the unknown.

While many of us are hunkered down, some are fortunate to work online while others complete a list of chores they’ve put off for years. Many of us are spending way more time connecting on social networks and binging on Netflix. We’re torturing ourselves with books and movies about global pandemics… as if the reality isn’t enough. Some are creating and sharing hilarious meme's while others debate politics. No matter how this pandemic has changed us, one this is for sure… it has CHANGED us.

As crazy as it sounds, I’ve enjoyed it thus far.  I like spending time with my wife and kids, working from by recliner, raking the leaves, and remodeling the house. I also enjoy binging on Netflix, hanging with friends on FaceTime, and not having a clearly defined schedule. In some ways, it’s like a dream come true. Please understand that I am not minimizing the fact that people are losing their lives to this disease. That is something I can’t change… with the exception of staying home, which I am doing. What I am saying is the experience of being isolated has been a good one for me.
Being a writer of fiction, I often try to create a world of chaos. Today, I sit in what could and maybe should be chaos, but find myself at a much greater peace than normal. Over the years, I’ve lost track of how to relax. Maybe you have too. I think most of us have forgotten what it means to just enjoy the simple things. I’m not filled with fear, confusion, or worry. I’m just taking life one day at a time. As crazy as it sounds, there are lessons to be learned.

• The important things in life are often out of focus
• Faith, family, and friends matter
• The simple life is much more enriching than the rat race

Don’t waste the time you now have. This story doesn’t have to be chaotic and it can have a happy ending. It’s our perspective that will make the difference. Maybe this time we’re not looking for a getaway, we have an opportunity to remain still, focus inwardly, and become better humans.

-Tim

​Water. Ever since I was a kid, I have LOVED the water. When I was little, I played in creeks and streams on my granddad’s farm or fished in one of his ponds. I’ve hiked up streams… in the water… to see majestic waterfalls. Anytime I go to the ocean, I almost have to be forcibly removed from it. I’m not sure why I am so fascinated with water, but it is where I feel most at peace; it’s when I feel the most joy. It doesn’t matter if it’s an ocean, sea, lake, river, stream or tiny creek, water rejuvenates me. Let’s face it, the idea of zombies is humans with no passion. They don’t experience joy or peace. Their complete existence, if they were real, is to steal life from others. With that in mind, there have been times in my life when I was a zombie… times when I lacked passion and sucked the lifeblood from my friends. There have been times when my depression was so great, it infected everyone I touched. It’s one of the reasons I moved closer to the water, to escape my personal zombie land… to move near a physical source of one of my passions. What gives you joy? What gives you peace? If you feel like you are infecting others with hate or discord, what do you need to do to escape your personal zombie land?
-Tim

For those who are unaware, I recently released a new book, Relics of Grim Gorge, which is available in both digital and print formats. Although Relics is the second book in the Grim Gorge series, I've inserted a nice summary of the first book at the beginning, so you can pick up this book and start fresh. Relics has a whole new cast of characters. It's filled with mystery, intrigue, and surprises. Okay, yes those words do have similar meanings, but they sound good. This book dives deeper into the mysteries of Grim Gorge,  exploring new areas and uncovering the past. If that's not enough to whet your whistle (or is it wet, I find that phrase confusing), the book ends with a crazy new encounter. I can't tell you what it is, but this book is definitely worth a read, so check it out.

​Here's a link to my books, or just click on the tab at the top. - Tim

Well it's Friday the 13th, the release day for book one of the Grim Gorge series. The book is now available on Amazon. Just click on this link: Grim Gorge or go to the  Grim Gorge tab at the top of the page to access the book. This is the first book in a new series. The second is scheduled to release later this year. While you're here, check out the teaser!

I've never visited Fort Knox, but since it's supposedly the location for the United States gold reserve, you can bet it's pretty stinking fortified. If the U.S. really has all the gold there that the government claims, you can be sure they are going to do everything in their power to protect their assets. If not, they will do everything they can to protect their secret. Either way, it would stand to reason that if you could get in and keep the zombies outside, you would stand a good chance of surviving the apocalypse. Since it is already heavily guarded, however, it might not be too easy to get into even in the event of a viral outbreak. Chances are the guys and gals who are already inside will be keeping themselves safe and won't let you in. If the outbreak gets them, you might have a war to even get inside, and who want to be inside a fortress with a bunch of zombies anyway. Take my advice and look for a deserted island instead.

Kentucky, however, is a pretty nice state. I grew up in Tennessee and lived in Kentucky for a few years. It's filled with rolling hills, lakes, forests, and great people. From Louisville to Murray, it's a pretty neat state to visit, so I would recommend going and visiting Kentucky while it's still safe to do so.