Bioflash: "Probability"

Thao’s teacher rolled the dice.

“Six!” Mr. Abaddon announced. “What’s the probability I’ll roll two more?”

Thao raised his hand. “One hundred percent!”

No one got the joke. Thao had always suspected his math teacher was the devil, hiding his horns behind that tweed hat.

Mr. Abaddon rolled twice more. Both sixes. “You’re right, Thao. I’ll see you after class.”

When everyone else had left, Thao walked up to the teacher’s desk. Mr. Abaddon looked at him curiously.

“How did you know?”

Thao shrugged

“Just a lucky guess? I want to show you something.”

Mr. Abaddon took off his hat.

A few photos from Saturday

What a Saturday!

First, I got to see my "Fading Firs" photo on display in the Surrey Art gallery "Earth Matters" exhibit. Then it was off to the Every Day Fiction anthology book launch, which features my story, "A Fungal Friend". Unfortunately, an hour-plus wait for the Port Mann bridge meant I missed the reading. But I did get to meet the other authors, and chat with Jordan Lapp for a good while. Besides being a founding editor of Every Day fiction, he is also a fellow Writers of the Future winner, and is an in-law of one of my co-workers! Small world. This might be the start of a beautiful friendship...




You can find out more about the Every Day Fiction anthology right here.

Two events this weekend!

This Saturday, January 24, I have two back-to-back artistic events. The first is "Earth Matters", an exhibition of photography at the Surrey Art Gallery. My photo, "fading firs", is one of those featured in the exhibit. The opening reception is from 2-4 pm.

Secondly, a story of mine appears in the Best of Every Day Fiction 2008 anthology. They are having a book launch at Spartacus books in Vancouver from 4-7 pm. There will be readings and book signings. (I won't get there until about 5 or so, due to the aforementioned above commitment!)

Here are the details:

Earth Matters exhibit
Opening Reception
Saturday, January 24
2-4 pm
Surrey Art Gallery
13750 - 88 Avenue

Best of Every Day Fiction book launch
Saturday, January 24
4-7 pm
Spartacus Books
684 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC

Both events are free. I hope to see some family and friends there!

Bioflash: "Sea Urchin"

Like a lotus the purple urchin perceives every direction as one. Spiny petals oscillate, omniscient antenna waving through salt water. His world moves over and through him, this keeper of the kelp forests. Seaweeds sing of Aristotle’s lantern, circular fangs that chew their lifeline. From prey to predator, otters portend doom, crunching echinoderm shells like eggs.

These shallow water Buddhists remain content. From stillness comes enlightenment. Their existence is a deep meditation—radial perception offers perfect symmetry. The urchin sits on the sea floor in prayer to Luna, pale God of the night sky, ruler of Mother Ocean’s tide.

Mother Nature: the ultimate artist

Last weekend I went up to the Sunshine Coast with my friend Tanya. Even in the dead of winter, Gaia's creativity isn't subdued. If anything, her artistry shines even brighter. Here are a selection of photos from her infinite and ever-changing portfolio:









You'll see two faces below, one by human hand, the other carved by time and rain.

Softshell on Every Day Poets

My poem, "Softshell," appears in today's edition of Every Day Poets. The interested can visit the above link, where you can read, comment and vote on my poem. Cheers!

Bioflash: "Presidential Moult"

The giant, eight-legged snakes descended on Earth in turtle-shaped ships.

“Take us to your leader.”

The humans did as they were told. They had no choice. Would these reptilian overlords eat the President?

The meeting took place at the White House. Naked alien scales brushed against the ceiling of the Oval Office.

“We have but one demand,” rasped the chief reptile. “Shed your skin so we can feast on the protein-rich moults!”

They noticed President Obama’s hesitation.

“Shed or your species dies!”

“All right,” Obama said, taking off his jacket and shoes. “I hope you like leather and wool.”

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Find more bioflashes here.