Editor's Corner

By Mary E. Adair

Although this issue marks the beginning of the second half of the calendar year, there are many days left of 2010 to break out your pc (or pen and paper if you prefer the traditional style of writing) and put your thoughts down to share with the world in the pages of Pencil Stubs Online. It will be good for you and you will join ranks with many excellent authors who have graced us with their work.

Everyone knows that Independence Day, the fourth of July, falls on a Sunday this month and thus many will be off work on Monday as well, making a nice four-day weekend. If this is how it is with you, don't forget to be grateful that you have a job from which you get such a respite. To those, we wish merry times. Many within our personal knowledge are searching for a job whether it fits their original career plan or not. To those, we wish good fortune.

A special treat from Mark Crocker awaits you in the Stories section as he introduces his "Rabbo Tales."

Our usual international columnists (except for Gerard Meister) are on board with their choice of material to inform, or entertain you. Besides her column "Consider This," additionally, LC Van Savage explains the benefits of a good 'Glare' in the sole article for July.

John I. Blair in "Always Looking" discusses the reasons for and some methods to consider about nature conservatism; while "Irish Eyes" by Mattie Lennon tells of the latest Listowel competition. The column has one of the most dramatic portraits this editor has ever seen, that of winner John Banville. We must also add congratulations to Lennon for his play "And All his Songs Were Sad" soon to be seen in The Pantagleize Theatre Company, Ft. Worth, Texas.

Thomas F. O'Neill ("Introspective") will be doing summer camp teaching in China; "Eric Shackle ('sColumn") adds a note on the re-Enactment of the Bounty excursion recently accomplished in the original locale; Leo C. Helmer floats a rich version of alFredo in "Cookin' With Leo" which floated to him via his Italian Fairy Godmother, bless her.

Peg Jones illuminates our choices in being grateful with an experience most would think falls on the other side thankfulness. She adds one of her daily channeled messages from her angels which is encouraging for all.

Of the 17 poems this month,

Bruce Clifford has six for this combined issue as follows: "Tapes in my Head," "There's No Other Love," "What's on Your Mind," "I Wish I Could Tell You I Love You," "Goodbye Mother Goodbye (from 1985, Avatar)," and "Maryann and Lisa (from 1986)." The latter is one of those songs Clifford has done lyrics for published by Avatar Music.

John I. Blair's also shows a half dozen poems: "Edging The Grass," "It Isn’t Rocket Science Any More," "Malas Hierbas," "My White Horse," "You’re Water; I’m Earth," and "Toad Holler." Other poetry this issue is "That Line" by yours truly and the following from MJ Mansfield: "~~Back~~," "~Thunder Walks~," "~SELF Righteous~," and "The Machine."

Don't forget to mention us to your friends, be a fan for us at FaceBook, and limber up those writing muscles for a future issue.

See you in August!