Sunday, December 25, 2022

2022 Hogswatch Letter

Dear friends and family,

I did not see this year coming.

Early in January I decided that it was time to get back into  theatre.  After a few auditions, I was cast in a minor role for “Harvey,” at the Lofte, and enjoyed it so much that I was back soon after, for the show “Remembering Carol Burnett.”   Re-discovering my place in this community was the best thing I could have done.  

I’ve also continued with my weekly Bedtime Reading livestream, picking up a few viewers.  I also have a number of new Librivox projects underway.  I’m hoping to eventually produce voice projects for pay.  To that end cleared out my “hobbit room” upstairs and converted it into a studio.  It’s amazing how quiet it is up there.

Still working at the railroad.  Less said about that, the better.  Four years to retirement; can’t come quickly enough.

Went on an Alaskan cruise with Arthur & Anita & grandkids.  Lucian performed at karaoke night for the first time, and he was great!  The kid’s coming out of his shell.  The cruise was not quite as healing as our previous one – we all caught Covid on the last day, delaying our trip home by at least an extra travel day.  A minor strain, fortunately, but it did ruin a 3-year record.  

One of my cats scared me this week by slipping outside & running off (R-U-N-N-O-F-T).  She was only gone a day before realizing that the cold wasn’t going to get any better out there, even with the home-made shelters that I’ve placed  under the porch.  It’s a good thing she came back on her own.  Apparently she’s sly enough to get food from a live trap without setting it off.

In October, I started seeing an old college friend, Cinthia Pitcher.  We quickly bonded over our shared experiences (including, sadly, the loss of a spouse).  Within the month, we were engaged, and we are now getting a new house together for when she moves to Omaha in 2023.  We are planning a wedding for next October.

So, by this time next year, I’ll be sending these from a new address.

Stay safe, everybody.


Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Librivox Project - The Tyrrany of the Dark

I read for the male lead, Dr. Morton Serviss.  All files available here.

The Tyranny of the Dark

Hamlin Garland (1860 - 1940)

Dr. Morton Serviss is a promising young scientist who believes in the here and now. Viola Lambert is a
beautiful young woman who is haunted, and sometimes possessed, by the spirits of those who have died. After a chance meeting, they both are about to have their perceptions challenged.

Viola longs to escape from the life of a medium, but is unable to do so. Her mother and her pastor both encourage her in her abilities, and besides, she believes that the spirits themselves will never release her. Dr. Serviss doesn't believe in spirits, but he does see the necessity of her escape from the life she is living, and he is determined to release her. - Summary by Devorah Allen

THE CHARACTERS CONCERNED
Those in the Light:

Viola Lambert, the subject: Availle
Mrs. Lambert, her mother: Nichole James
Jospeh Lambert, her step-father: ToddHW
Anthony Clarke, her pastor: James R. Hedrick
Dr. Britt, her physician: Mike Manolakes
Morton Serviss, her lover: John Payton
Kate Rice, her friend: Devorah Allen
Dr. Weissmann, her investigator: kromaine
Simeon Pratt, her patron: Algy Pug
Clinton Ward: Roger Melin
Mr. Lambert's Cook: Wayne Cooke
Dinner Hostess: Jenn Broda
Dinner Guest: Anthony Joseph
Pratt's Guest 1: Jennifer Wilson
Pratt's Guest 2: Mira Williams
A Detective: Mason Lewis
An Author: Mira Williams
Pratt's Usher: Mason Lewis
Pratt's Servant: Wayne Cooke
Pratt's Maid: Scarbo
Dr. Tolman: Shawn Clayton
Kate's Maid: Lauren-Emma Blake
A Reporter: Andrea Atwood
Those in the Dark:
Waldron, her father: Mark Kilkelly
MacLeod, her "control": Alan Mapstone
Waltie, her poltergeist: Andrea Atwood
Jennie Pratt, Pratt's eldest daughter: Jenn Broda
"Loggy": Larry Wilson
Great Aunt Dosia: Jennifer Wilson
Adele: Jenn Broda
Mrs. Serviss: Jennifer Wilson
Mina: Jenn Broda
Narrated by: Michele Eaton

Genre(s): Dramatic Readings, Horror & Supernatural Fiction

Language: English