Hard Bodies in Annapolis

Wow, what do you say to a 50 year old dude (who happens to be your brother) standing on stage wearing tanning cream, a skimpy Speedo, and flashing a big white smile? How about this: "Whoo-hoo, looking good number 4-0!" (FYI: Each contestant has a number pinned to their speedo, and calling it out supposedly influences the judges. Ha!) Anyway to continue, "Let's see those abs number 4-0! All right, Big Dog, way to go!" Embarrassing? Nah. However, after this flesh feast comes dum, da, da dum, the routine. This is where each contestant performs a dance/flex program to a song of their choice. Some of the younger guys do rap/hip-hop/robotic numbers, which work well, but what does a 50 year old dude do? You guessed it. Bob Seager's "Old time Rock and Roll." All in all it was a great time, and after the contest our very generous father took the whole family out for a fabulous Italian dinner. The only one who couldn't make it was my niece who was working in New Mexico, but she did send her dad a card with the following inscription: Dear Dad, sorry I couldn't be there for your mid life crisis, but have a great birthday! Love you, Sonja.

As for the writing life, things are tough in the summer. In fact this will be my last blog entry until school begins in mid August. All my creative energies must be channeled into Dylan Fontaine since I am on a mission to finish this book by the end of the year. One bummer: my editor did not like the final cover art that came in for Brothers, so it's being re-done. A blessing in disguise, I'm sure. I'm glad she's going to bat for me. Back again in a few weeks.