I haven't posted in almost a month for a number of reasons:
1) I've been battling that Spring-time scourge...allergies! (I'm better now...Thanks!)
2) I REALLY wanted to focus on writing the sequel to the Arizona State Guard! (It's coming along nicely...Thank you for asking!)
3) I had a quick photo/video shoot to attend to in San Angelo, TX. (Mega-thanks to the troops at the DoD Fire Academy!)
4) I'm currently working on four projects at work (and making progress on each!!!).
5) I wanted to give all of you a break from my barrage of updates and advertising! (I have to thank each of you who have been spreading the word about my e-novels without me nudging your elbows!)
All that being said, things are moving along! Medications are taking care of the allergies. I've made significant progress on the new e-novel. The photo/video shoot went very well! At work, I have one project about done, another well under way, another in good shape to start up, and will be able to complete the other project quickly. And, I think you appreciated the break in updates/advertising.
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Finished a major scene in the new e-novel and am in the process of setting up the big confrontation. This is going to be FUN, FUN, FUN! Guns and rockets firing, explosions, aerial battles, etc... BOOM! I've got a great big smile just thinking about writing the big confrontation!
I'm also looking forward to working with Sean on the cover for this one (and the new covers for Chaos on Terra-Prime, Foothold on Terra-Bravo, and Crisis on Terra-Bravo)! The fellow is quite talented!
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I want to talk for a moment about the trip to San Angelo and Goodfellow AFB. When driving to (and from) San Angelo, Nathan and I drove past a unique set of mesas on the west side of Highway 277. Those mesas (and a certain test track) gave me a major idea that became part of Foothold on Terra-Bravo.
Upon reaching Goodfellow, Nathan and I were sponsored onto the base by Bryn Crandell, my longtime friend. Going to the DoD Fire Academy (more formally...the Louis F. Garland Fire Training Academy) is always special for me as I get to see so many of my brothers in the Fire Service, some I trained years ago and others I served as an instructor with. Folks like my Big Brother, Scott Hebert; Ron Hoelle, Rod Born, Danny Hebert, Leonard Finley, Steve Seghers, and many others.
The highlight of this trip was seeing Chief Master Sergeant Jesse Longoria. He greeted us as we walked up to the front of the academy and after a bear hug, I noticed the Chief stripes. When I asked what duty he was performing, he said, Fire Academy Superintendent. I have to admit that my eyes teared up a bit!
You see, 27 years ago, Jesse was one of my young students. Bright, smiling, and outgoing, he raced through the Fire Protection Specialist course with ease. Years later, when I returned to instructing as a civilian at Goodfellow, Jesse returned as a Staff Sergeant to serve as an instructor. And now, he's the Superintendent...older, wiser, but still Jesse.
I told him that he was filling some mighty big boots, worn by men such as Don McGee, Paul Menches, and others...and that he was wearing those boots well. Jesse is one of my troops and I'm damn proud to be his brother, his friend, and his instructor!
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So here it is...Easter Sunday!
I've heard two sad tales this morning. A friend reported that his father passed away this morning following a long illness. Another friend told of a bad vehicle accident in front of his house that claimed three lives.
Let's all take some time today and in the days to come to appreciate all of those in our lives! There will come a time when they pass from our lives and all we'll be left with are the memories.
All my best!
Jeffrey
© Jeffrey M. Fortney - 2015
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