As of October 24, 2021, Sanity Snippets are snapshots of my daily life, those things I’m doing—such as reading, writing, biking, photographing, and gardening—to maintain sanity while living in the most regressive state imaginable. Alabama.
Richard L. Fricks
Today, 18.00 miles. A record for me. I biked to Boaz and back, even ate a grilled chicken sandwich at Jack’s.
Here’s a ten-minute video from today’s ride.
Clip: starting in old downtown Boaz
Today, during my ride to town, I listened to The Hunger Games by Susan Collins. It’s a great book, but I’m ready to move on to something less dystopian.
Read the abstract, and if it suits your fancy, grab a copy and start reading or listening.
Abstract of The Hunger Games from Amazon
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Still, if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Sign up for my Myths, Mysteries & Murders readers’ group for news, special offers, and to receive a FREE digital copy of The Boaz Scorekeeper: dl.bookfunnel.com/i9qbcspivt.
As of October 24, 2021, Sanity Snippets are snapshots of my daily life, those things I’m doing—such as reading, writing, biking, photographing, and gardening—to maintain sanity while living in the most regressive state imaginable. Alabama.
Richard L. Fricks
Just finished this excellent book. Whether you are a believer or non-believer, you will gain by reading, comprehending, and considering these words.
I encourage you to read this 5 Star review. It accurately portrays the contents and truths embodied in David’s book:
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2021 Verified Purchase
There are problems with religious faith. We see it in the brutality of the fundamentalist Muslims who are retaking Afghanistan; in the group-think that makes Covid denial and vaccine refusal badges of tribal loyalty for a significant fraction of American Evangelicals; and in Christian bookstores stocked with countless works of Christian apologetics aimed at believers who struggle with unanswered prayers and inherent contradictions in Christian theology.
This lucid, insightful, and concise book takes a unique approach to the problem of Christian faith. Biblical scholar David Madison approaches the reader in a spirit of empathy and generosity but also uncompromising honesty. More specifically, he approaches Christian readers on their own turf. In the first ten chapters he assumes, for the sake of argument, that the words attributed to Jesus in the gospels are accurate representations of his teachings. If we accept this premise, is Jesus truly the greatest teacher of all time? Do his words really match the image of the loving Savior we were told about as children in Vacation Bible School? The answers will shock a great many Christians who have never read the New Testament completely, carefully, and honestly.
Some of these teachings are merely strange, unwise, or hopelessly impractical, like the admonition never to refuse anyone who asks you for a loan, the advice to ignore the basic human needs of food and clothing, or appeals to magical thinking. Others, however, are truly shocking and disturbing for anyone who believes in a Jesus of unconditional love and forgiveness. For example, Jesus teaches that we cannot be his followers unless we hate our closest family members, suggests that we should value devotion to him above life itself, and threatens eternal torture for anyone who fails to acknowledge his divinity and worship him. These are the Bible verses that seldom appear in Sunday School lessons or preachers’ sermons, yet they are the purported words of the Messiah. Madison tells of one devout believer who accused him of lying when he quoted Luke 14:26 for her. She simply refused to accept that Jesus could have said those words, though they were there in her own copy of the Bible.
In the last part of the book, Madison tackles the deeper problems of the unhistorical nature of the gospels and the dubious historicity of Jesus. This is a quick and broad survey of these subjects, but he emphasizes the most salient points and directs the reader to a helpful list of sources for further exploration.
Of course, many Christians are so deeply committed to their faith that nothing will shake the scales from their eyes, and Madison obviously understands this. But he also knows, from his own experience, that there are intellectually honest Christians who struggle with doubt and that a deep, open-minded study of Scripture only makes the problem worse. This book is ideal for people who are on that difficult path. It takes courage to seek truth, wherever that journey leads, but this book will help.
The book is also a fascinating read for anyone skeptical of religion. I read it late in life, decades after my own deconversion from Christianity, but I kept thinking as I read it how much I wish I had had it back then. It would have eased and accelerated the process, and it would have been a great way to explain my loss of faith to my Christian parents. I could have just handed it to them and said, “Here, read this.”
This is a splendid book. I’m almost certain it did not expose me to any new arguments. But, after six plus years of reading hundreds of essays and books arguing for and against the Christian God, it impressed me how cogently the author addressed the issues. His writing is brilliant, meaning you don’t have to read and reread to grasp his points. Further, I suspect his story is not as rare as many church-goers would think.
Sign up for my Myths, Mysteries & Murders readers’ group for news, special offers, and to receive a FREE digital copy of The Boaz Scorekeeper: dl.bookfunnel.com/i9qbcspivt.
As of October 24, 2021, Sanity Snippets are snapshots of my daily life, those things I’m doing—such as reading, writing, biking, photographing, and gardening—to maintain sanity while living in the most regressive state imaginable. Alabama.
Richard L. Fricks
Today, 11.20 miles. For sure, that’s not me doing that stunt in the above photo. I’m 67 and want to stay in one piece. Which makes me thankful after today’s near accident while passing Sardis High School. Kids with cars at 3:00 p.m.–MUST CAREFULLY WATCH.
Trying a new App: Ride with GPS
Here’s a seven-minute video from today’s ride. No, I’m not talking to myself. I’m talking with my truck-driving son. Cannot wait until I have a good camera and bike mount.
Clip: Walter Whitt Road, Cox Gap Road, & ending at our mailbox
I spend most of my biking time listening to a book. Today, I continued with The Hunger Games by Susan Collins.
Read the abstract, and if it suits your fancy, grab a copy and start reading or listening.
Abstract of The Hunger Games from Amazon
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Still, if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Sign up for my Myths, Mysteries & Murders readers’ group for news, special offers, and to receive a FREE digital copy of The Boaz Scorekeeper: dl.bookfunnel.com/i9qbcspivt.
As of October 24, 2021, Sanity Snippets are snapshots of my daily life, those things I’m doing—such as reading, writing, biking, photographing, and gardening—to maintain sanity while living in the most regressive state imaginable. Alabama.
Richard L. Fricks
Just finished this excellent book. Whether you are a believer or non-believer, you will gain by absorbing these words.
Kindle cover
This is a splendid book. I’m almost certain it did not expose me to any new arguments. But, after six plus years of reading hundreds of essays and books arguing for and against the Christian God, it impressed me how cogently the author addressed the issues. His writing is brilliant, meaning you don’t have to read and reread to grasp his points. Further, I suspect his story is not as rare as many church-goers would think.
For all my Southern Baptist friends, I encourage you to grab a copy (learn more https://www.dbramsey.com). At a minimum, you will learn a lot about how and why agnostics don’t reach the same conclusions you reach. Don’t fret. If your God is who you say He is, there’s no doubt He can weather a few penetrating questions.
Or not.
Here’s something to ponder.
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?
Epicurus (341 BC – 270 BC)
Sign up for my Myths, Mysteries & Murders readers’ group for news, special offers, and to receive a FREE digital copy of The Boaz Scorekeeper: dl.bookfunnel.com/i9qbcspivt.
As of October 24, 2021, Sanity Snippets are snapshots of my daily life, those things I’m doing—such as reading, writing, biking, photographing, and gardening—to maintain sanity while living in the most regressive state imaginable. Alabama.
Richard L. Fricks
Yesterday, 10.69 miles.
Today, 10.69 miles.
Here’s a six-minute video from yesterday’s ride. I know, I know. I need a better camera and mount.
Clip: From Holland Motors to The Lion’s Den.
While biking, I’m still listening to and enjoying The Hunger Games by Susan Collins.
Read the abstract, and if it suits your fancy, grab a copy and start reading or listening.
Abstract of The Hunger Games from Amazon
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Still, if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Sign up for my Myths, Mysteries & Murders readers’ group for news, special offers, and to receive a FREE digital copy of The Boaz Scorekeeper: dl.bookfunnel.com/i9qbcspivt.
The first episode of The Boaz Slavemaster is now available. You can read it here.
Previous post:
The first episode of The Boaz Slavemaster will soon be ready on Amazon’s new publishing platform, Kindle Vella. This is where authors present their stories to readers in 600 to 5,000 word episodes.
You can find stories in the Kindle Vella store on Amazon and in the Kindle iOS APP.
I’ll share a link to The Boaz Slavemaster as soon as the first episode is ready.
As of October 24, 2021, Sanity Snippets are snapshots of my daily life, those things I’m doing—such as reading, writing, biking, photographing, and gardening—to maintain sanity while living in the most regressive state imaginable. Alabama.
Richard L. Fricks
Yesterday, I made a seventeen mile round-trip on my bike to my mother-in-law’s for Thanksgiving lunch. This afternoon, I made a fifteen mile round-trip to the post office and learned I have the wrong type of gloves for such cold weather.
Tonight, my left side is hurting. Hopefully, the Bengay will help.
Here’s a seven-minute video from today’s ride. I know, I know. I need a better camera and mount.
Sardis football stadium to Bama Buck’s
While biking, I’m still listening to and enjoying The Hunger Games by Susan Collins.
Read the abstract, and if it suits your fancy, grab a copy and start reading or listening.
Abstract of The Hunger Games from Amazon
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Still, if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Sign up for my Myths, Mysteries & Murders readers’ group for news, special offers, and to receive a FREE digital copy of The Boaz Scorekeeper: dl.bookfunnel.com/i9qbcspivt.
I’m certain I never would have written eleven novels since November 2015 if it hadn’t been for the wonderful writing software known as Scrivener. It is the best way to simplify the complex process of writing, especially an extensive work.
In this post I’m making my first attempt at using Screencast-O-Matic’s screen-recording software to provide a brief introduction to Scrivener.
To watch, click the following link. The video is only sixteen minutes long.
I’m sorry about my Civil War ignorance. Yes, I caught my error. Gettysburg is in Pennsylvania, not Virginia.
Sign up for my Myths, Mysteries & Murders readers’ group for news, special offers, and to receive a FREE digital copy of The Boaz Scorekeeper: dl.bookfunnel.com/i9qbcspivt.
As of October 24, 2021, Sanity Snippets are snapshots of my daily life, those things I’m doing—such as reading, writing, biking, photographing, and gardening—to maintain sanity while living in the most regressive state imaginable. Alabama.
Richard L. Fricks
Picked. Awaiting washing, rewashing, and cutting.
Straight to the pot
2021 homemade pepper sauce
The collards (with a few stems of unexpected lettuce) turned out scrumptious, especially over Donna’s magnificent cornbread, along with our homemade tart and tangy pepper sauce. There’s no better eating than straight from your own garden. It’s a lot of labor, but worth every minute.
Sign up for my Myths, Mysteries & Murders readers’ group for news, special offers, and to receive a FREE digital copy of The Boaz Scorekeeper: dl.bookfunnel.com/i9qbcspivt.
In early September, I started a series about Beemgee’s story development tool. Although I no longer provide book coaching services, I still wholeheartedly encourage you to write, particularly, a novel. From my experience, writing will change your life.
In hopes you have an interest in learning the craft of fiction writing, I will continue this series but limit my posts to what Beemgee provides without injecting my thoughts, comments, and opinions (well, maybe a few every once in a while).
Now to Beemgee/Character/Action.
“The action is what the character does in response to the task. The action is usually the character’s attempt at solving the external problem. Action here refers to acting as in doing (not in the sense of pretending to on stage or screen, and not as in action-movies either). The reader/audience gets to know and care about a character through what the character does. Action might be representative of the archetype of which the character may be an example. This means that while a character does lots of things in a story (i.e. performs a succession of individual acts), there might be an overriding connection that can be summed up in one verb. As in, the good guy FIGHTS the bad guy. Usually the action leads to conflict, even if it is peaceful, like loving, because it is in opposition to another character’s action. Often for main characters, there is one central action which is indicative of their true nature. For a protagonist, such a key deed is well-placed in the centre of the story, at the midpoint.”
If you want to read Beemgee’s, “The Character Action that Pivots the Plot,” click here.
Sign up for my Myths, Mysteries & Murders readers’ group for news, special offers, and to receive a FREE digital copy of The Boaz Scorekeeper: dl.bookfunnel.com/i9qbcspivt.
The Pencil Driven Life 