Editor's Corner

By Mary E. Adair

“Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.” -Ella Jane Fitzgerald (1917-1996); Jazz vocalist.

May is the month of many birthdays among my family and friends but the one that will ring the most solemn note for your editor is May 18, natal anniversary of the late Leo Curry Helmer. Leo was the cooking editor for Pencilstubs, and a marvelous chef in his own kitchen. In honor of his passing and to commemorate Memorial Day, we are showing his biography with some added notes in the article, "Farewell Leo." His bio is funny intentionally because he always loved making people laugh, and if laughing at his antics was the only way, then so be it.

The picture at the bottom of this page shows his beautiful final resting place in the memorial wall of Columnburium C, section 11, 18-c, at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, where he requested to be. You can see the Mississippi River in the background where he began his military service with the Merchant Marines.

Peg Jones speaks of her town, Boston in "Angel Whispers" and includes the poem she wrote after the tragic event marring the Marathon there. Mattie Lemon tells us about an author, Diarmuid Hudner and his book which led to a website, ImHappyNow.com is the title of both. Thomas F. O'Neill brings us some up to date progress planned for his current neck of the woods - Suchou, China, in "Introspective." .

Judy Kroll in her column "On Trek" discusses how to stop your past from haunting you. The article "Introducing Michael John Fierro" who had an article for us in January on the meaning of this year, now joins as a columnist. The article gives a lot of his background and qualifications and will also be available as his bio when you click his name. His column "By The Numbers" will not only give general rules and info but will in issues to come answer questions on the subject of numerology. The questions need to be submitted at his web site and if chosen, will receive an answer in the following column.

Bruce Clifford, who says it has been a busy month did send along two poems "Walking Alone," and "Where We Belong." John I. Blair shares six poems, "Kansas," which was previously published in Prarie Poetry, "The Finch Flies Up," "Dance Steps," "Three Crows Flew Away," "Goddess," and "Hawk At My Window." His column lauds Henry Bergh, founder of ASPCA, in "Always Looking-People Who Made A Difference VI."

Bud Lemire graces us with three poems, "Let Freedom Ring True," "Many Pass Our Way," and "Reading to My Baby." Riva Joi Smith joins our authors this month with both a poem, "Peek-a-Boo" and short story, "Wren." Remember to click her name for the bio.

June Hogue, a frequent contributor of historical west Texas stories was interviewed concerning the Great Depression years and how she was affected. This interview can be found on YouTube here: June H. Hogue's interview

The new chapter in the adult fantasy with rabbits by Mark Crocker is "Rabbo II, Chapter 14-Soft Eyes." Previous chapters of this tale can be accessed by clicking the author's name.

See you in June! Once more we thank our co-founder and webmaster Michael Craner, for his continued support of our creative activities. Thanks again, Mike.