Day 6 and 7: The Twelve Days of Albus!

Technical difficulties yesterday resulted in my failure to post Albus' Sixth Day of Christmas. I must apologize for the failure of my neurological synaptic action trigger alarm system (in other words, sorry--I just forgot!). So, as we get ready to close out 2020, allow me to present Albus' Sixth and Seventh Days of Christmas! For … Continue reading Day 6 and 7: The Twelve Days of Albus!

SPECIAL EDITION!! Photo Finish–The Brothers Through the Year!

The Brothers are a prominent set of peaks in the Olympic Mountains. The south peak (on the left) rises to 6,842 feet above sea level while the north peak (on the right) rises to 6,650 feet. The peaks are 22 miles from where I live in Silverdale. The Brothers hold the distinction of being one … Continue reading SPECIAL EDITION!! Photo Finish–The Brothers Through the Year!

Mental Health: Stop Talking and Start LISTENING, for Crying out Loud!

**Author's Note: This column was supposed to be published yesterday morning (Nov. 19), but human error delayed it by 24 hours. I uploaded and prepped everything, but forgot to hit the "publish" button. (Silverdale, Washington; Nov. 19, 2020) – I did something this past Monday I’ve never done before: I walked out of my counselor’s … Continue reading Mental Health: Stop Talking and Start LISTENING, for Crying out Loud!

The Writer’s Craft – Critical Critiques

(Silverdale, Washington; Nov. 12, 2020) – Writers must be able to handle critiques and criticism with a measure of grace, dignity, humility, and humor. Anyone who has ever picked up a pen has horror stories of that one person who openly reveled in trying to tear them down. These people exhibit a streak of cruelty … Continue reading The Writer’s Craft – Critical Critiques

Early Reviews are in!

Early customer reviews are in! "Proud Lion" is a solid read and great adventure!#nathanaelmiller #sparks1524 #proudlion #novel #novelist #navy #murdermystery #mystery #writing #accidentaldetective #military #adventure #book

Mental Health: Another Shipmate has Fallen

(Silverdale, Washington; Oct. 29, 2020) – Today’s column was supposed to be about the minor success I’ve had with my first novel, Proud Lion, and my plans for book 2, The Norfolk Murders. Sadly, the tragic death of one of my shipmates from the real-life USS Ponce (LPD 15) upended my plans. I served with … Continue reading Mental Health: Another Shipmate has Fallen

Travel Log: Hunting Abandoned Buildings

**WRITER'S NOTE** My computer will be in the shop, so I'm publishing this today instead of on Thursday as usual. See you on the flip side! (Silverdale, Washington; Oct. 22, 2020) – Abandoned buildings are way cool...especially in winter! I’ve loved abandoned buildings and longed to explore them ever since I watched the Scooby Doo … Continue reading Travel Log: Hunting Abandoned Buildings

Photo Finish – Animal Magnetism!

No one on Earth radiates animal magnetism like animals do! From pigeons to sea otters, wild animals can be charming, cute, funny, and even cuddly...from a distance. Maintaining a respectful distance (while using a good zoom lens) allows you to get to know these creatures while ensuring your safety. Here's a look at a few … Continue reading Photo Finish – Animal Magnetism!

Just My Thoughts – Convince or Conquer?

(Silverdale, Washington; Oct. 1, 2020) – Do you wish to convince your political opponents you’re right, thereby bringing them onto your team as enthusiastic members, or do you wish to conquer your political opponents, grinding them under the black heel of your jackboot? The current political season has brought to the fore the fault lines … Continue reading Just My Thoughts – Convince or Conquer?

Photo Finish – Military Aviation

Today's Photo Finish is a look at ten of my favorite captures of military aviation that I shot during my Navy career. My first five years in the Navy were spent directly in naval aviation as part of two squadrons. Later changes to various career paths took me off the flight deck, but I still … Continue reading Photo Finish – Military Aviation