Lloyd Alexander

Lloyd Alexander, author of the Chronicles of Prydain (Taran the Pigkeeper) along with many other works, has passed away at age 83.

'The Black Cauldron' was my first introduction to the world of 'fantasy' as a child. (My mother was horrified that I was past the realm of Anne of Green Gables, and thought it was all crap.) I would voraciously shop our small town second-hand bookstore for anything fantasy, and it's still my favourite genre to this day.

I give a moment of remembrance to a writer who touched the lives of many.

Ten Rules for the Good Life

1. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
2. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself.
3. Never spend your money before you have it.
4. Never buy what you do not want because it is cheap; it will never be dear to you.
5. Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.
6. Never repent of having eaten too little.
7. Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.
8. Don't let the evils which have never happened cost you pain.
9. Always take things by their smooth handle.
10. When angry, count to ten before you speak; if very angry, count to one hundred.

Con-Vention 23, Calgary

Woowoo! Got my membership and room booked for Calgary.

Oh, scratch that woowoo. It's Calgary - I'll have to learn how to YEEHAW!