300th post and other stuff

Well somehow I have lived through 300 posts to this blog, never thought it woul happen. But than again if I posted every day like a blogger does I would have way more than 300 posts. Maybe that should be one of my goals with in the coming year is to try to get as close to 600 entires by this time next year.

I hope you are enjoying all the posts about my Judy Garland finds, my L. Frank Baum treasures and of course my Oz things as well. What I also hope is that you find reading about me to some degree is also enlightening and we become better friends in the process.

Spring classes at Kent State University (Stark Campus) are not that far away and our books go on sale January 10th with classes starting very shortly after that. I am excited. I am taking Painting 1, 2D Compostion and College Writing 1. For those out of the loop this is my second semester at KSU and I ended up with a 3.3 GPA at the end of my first semester.

I am really looking forward to the writing class as I am hoping it will change I write in this blog, how I write in general and honestly was the biggest reason I felt I wanted to go back to school. I wanted to pursue this feeling I HAD something to say". I still feel that way. Honestly there is this huge part of me that would love to be a writer, like one of my friends John Fricke. Maybe, not write on the same topics John does which is Garland and Oz but something.

I have felt for well over a year now that I have no one who I can talk to, who is honestly listening to "WHAT I AM REALLY SAYING". I think they hear what they want and nothing more, voice an opinion usually very different than what I just said and i am left feeling like G-d almighty himself has spoke. Not a good feeling let me tell you kids. Maybe some of you feel this is to personal to share here but at least I KNOW someone is reading-anyway.

I am still very torn major wise between a Fine Arts& Crafts/Textile's degree, Fine Arts/Drawing Degree or do I pursue a Fashion Design Degree or somehting in a Wrting profession. My heart at times screams "Fashion, nothing else Charlie" but again its one of those topics i have no one to talk to.

My biggest concern right now has been this ung-dly crippling fatigue. All I want to do is sleep and so far all I am doing for the most part is just that. it has me worried some about Spring Classes as two of the 4 days I am on campus it is 1/2 of the day from like 8 am to past 1 or so. I can't be like this attend school they way I have it scheduled right now. But I want this college thing so bad!

I am left many times saying "What would Judy do"? Well in my mind, Judy would fight like hell, find someone not only to talk to but someone who would truly listen. Judy would come out swinging and get what she wanted. Judy is by now as you know what most days keeps me going, keeps me motivated and helps keeping me focused. I know nuts but its like she is my guardian angel.

Well gang justa few hours till the new year and I wanted to take the time and wish every one a very happy, prosperous and joyous New Year.

Aunt Jane's Nieces on Vacation

Well, with Christmas happening and all the work that leads up to it I fell a little behind in the reading department. I am happy to say that I have finished another one of the Aunt Jane's Nieces books. This series has been one of the best non-Oz Baum books I have read. I will admit that right now I believe it is the only whole series of non-Oz books by Baum I have so in time that opinion may change.

Anyway, this charming book was written in 1912 and the girls start a small newspaper while summering in Milville where, in an episode directly from Baum's own experiences as editor and publisher for the Aberdeen Saturday Pioneer, a simple typographical error leads to a pistol duel between the offended party and the hapless editor with comic results. This Baum scene can be viewed in the television movie "Dreamer Of Oz" starring John Ritter which right now is available in the "70th Anniversary Box Set of Wizard Of Oz".

Anyhow this book introduces us to two new character's in the series a Ms. Hetty Hewitt who is a New York City resident and newspaper artist who is brought to Melville by Uncle John's banker to do the art work for the paper. Ms. Hewitt is somewhat of a Bohemian who is sent there in essence "to detox" as we would say today. Also a Mr. Thursday Smith who suffers from amnesia for the last two years after a severe bump on the head and is trying to figure out who he is.

The amnesia theme seems to be a popular one with Baum-- a man not knowing his background, who he was and so on, but there it is fresh and new with a brand new mystery to solve with a very surprising twist ending which I do not want to give away.

There is also some trouble in Milville over at the new Paper Mill as well and the roughnecks who work there which develop into one of the most "violent" stories I have read by Baum in a long while. Again not wanting to give it away it does involve a gun shot and a drunken hooligan!

The book continues with Uncle John, Beth De Graf, Patsy Doyle Louise Merrick Wheldon and her husband Arthur Wheldon. Charming dialogue, country bumpkins and all kind of fun ensues.

The book as I mentioned was written in 1912 and Baum had originally written the book as "Aunt Jane's Nieces: Journalists" or "Aunt Jane's Nieces in Journalism", and was somewhat chagrined to learn the publisher had instead typeset the book as "on Vacation", a change he felt was not only inane but ungrammatical". The publisher was apologetic but reaffirmed the decision, adding that "the word journalist is a mouthful for a youngster, especially a girl", a contention no doubt further irked Baum, a staunch feminist and an author who made a career not talking down to children.

Published once again by Reilly & Britton Company of Chicago this book was illustrated by E. A. Nelson. Only two illustrations again just like the others, one being the cover the other being the inside illustration. The book measures 7 13/16 x 5 1/2 and is 305 pages in length and originally sold for sixty-five cents! My Edition happens to be a First Edition First printing based on information found in "The Book Collector's Guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" found on page 323.

Well with two books in this wonderful series left I hope I have encouraged you to look for these non-Oz Baum books of course under the pen name "Edith Van Dyne" and to read them for your self they are a very worthwhile addition to any collection of books! Good luck hunting and enjoy reading!

Aunt Jane's Nieces and Uncle John

Well the next book in the series of Aunt Jane's Nieces is Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society which I previously owned before this particular auction win and i think I have reviewed before if I am mistaken I will go back re-read the book and then blog about that as well.

The book I just finished reading though is "Aunt Jane's Nieces and Uncle John". Originally published in 1911 by Reilly & Britton Company of Chicago is just an absolutely delightful story.

The book measures 7 1/2 by 5 1/4 and is 275 pages in length. My edition from my E-bay win is a First Edition Second Printing, which basically means the only Aunt Jane's books advertised are the current ones published at that time and at the end of the book there is a "small boxed blurb" about the volumes of this delightful series. This book originally sold at sixty cents.

This story deals with Uncle John Patsy and Beth going cross country in a motor car for part of the trip to California--the land of sunshine and roses as it is described in the book. Niece Louise has married her beau from the European vacation and is on her honeymoon so she is absent from this story. Although Van Dyne/Baum includes two brand new characters who are just as intriguing as our main ones we have had all along.
The first is Myrtle Dean who has been shipped damn near penniless by her ruthless Aunt to an Uncle she has never met because the Aunt does not want to deal with her emotionally and primarily financially any more. Well needless to say or Uncle John and girls meet Myrtle thankfully as her Uncle has flown the coop as they say.

Well a train ride ensues to about half way to California and than an automobile trip ensued. 1911 travel is vividly and wonderfully brought to life by Baum and kids let me tell you in a gazzilion years I would never would make a trip like that with the top speed at a mere 50 miles an hour! I did drive from Cleveland to San Fransisco once, took 3 days to do it and the country was beautiful to say the least. But I am sure 1911 is was much more vast nothingness than in 2002 when I did the trip.

Anyway there is a new dog to in the story adopted by Patsy and he is named Mumbles--cute name huh? A kidnapping, cowboys, Indians, a near suicide attempt and slews of page turning events making this book a stand out!

The only illustrations are again the front cover and one inside black and white which are included here.

For some personal news--- I want to thank the few people who have responded to me about this blog and the focus, possible focus and possible changes. I have never been really sure anybody really reads this, I know a few do but I wasn't sure if it made a difference. Well after your responses I feel it does.

The majority of you voiced that you come to this blog because of my posts about Judy and Oz and many of you "may not know me personally" so you felt like you were creeping into private space. I appreciate that. My closest friends though will tell you I am an open book, so don't feel like you don't know me---I want you to, even if we never meet personally. One can never have to many friends

One specific new reader commented "Save your deepest thoughts for those who know and love you the most" I guess my response is that by reading this you may grow to know me and at the least "like me". He also said "Your writings are beautiful and remind me of something I learned in my years of working at Shanti Project in SF. "The broken heart is the heart that has been broken Open- to give and to receive more love."

My heart has been been broken wide open and somehow I survived, G-d knows how but I have. It has made me stronger, braver as my friend John Fricke reminds me all the time. My heart for the most part rejoices and celebrates everything that The Wizard Of Oz, L. Frank Baum, Judy Garland has stood for and stands for. It is a HUGE part of my life. It inspires me, motivates me and encourages me!

Judy especially has done so very much for my life by being in my life, molding my life and if asked for the most part Judy is on my mind 24-7-365. Kind of like that new movie Julie/Julia and her fascination with Julia Child, which by the way I HIGHLY recommend. If only my blog was that successful.

Well this book puts us at over the half way point in the Aunt Jane Series, I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am and I hope if nothing else it makes you want to do something I think is sadly dying in America..... and that is READ!

Some Serious Thoughts

Seven years ago tomorrow

the world seemed to be

turned inside out, upside down

I've not been the same since.

I lost my heart

My soul stopped beating

Death snuck in the door

and took him away.

Life moved on

whether I was ready or not

Things changed

Stuff happened

I never forgot.

It doesn't get much better

as time goes by

as they tell you it does

it just gets different.

The pain is still very real

some of the emptiness

has been filled

some never will.

I pray for bitter cold breezes

to know he is near

as he said he would.

I pray for peace of heart,

for happiness beyond measure

to feel fulfilled.

Will he take those requests

to our G-d and make him respond

kindly on this man still in pain?

Does anyone understand what I feel,

does it matter at all, does anybody hear?

Or this journey my own

that should have ended when

my life kept going?

Aunt Jane's Nieces at work

Actually the next book in the Aunt Jane's Nieces series is "Aunt Jane's Nieces at Millville" which I previously owned before this E-bay purchase and I think I spoke about that book already so I am going to skip it. If I find out I did not blog about it than I will go back and read it and blog about it.

The next book I do want to talk about though is "Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work" which would make this the fourth book in the series. Written in 1909 By L. Frank Buam still under the pen name Edith Van Dyne this story is about Louise, Patsy and Beth going to work in politics. There good friend Kenneth Forbes decides to run for Legislature and gets discouraged very early on, so the girls and Uncle John decide for a return visit to Elmhurst to help Ken run his campaign.

There is a dishonest senator, a girl with amnesia and lots of other twists, turns and fun in this story that keeps you turning the pages. As before I don't want to give the story away fully but to get you intrigued to read it for yourself. My edition according to "The book Collector's Guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" is a First Edition- Second Printing printed in 1910. The book is 299 pages in length, measures 7 7/16 by 5 1/4 and originally sold for sixty cents. This book like the others has only one other illustration besides the cover.

Now unto some personal news of sorts, I have been giving some very personal thought to this blog and what goes into it with nearly 4, 050 hits I feel as if people are reading--hopefully. But I am never sure of it. Is it because I belong about Buam, Judy, Oz or is it about me-- because you know me, want to know me, know me better. So I have been thinking about adding more of my story--what is happening as it happens as this blog use to be. Still include the Baum, Oz, Judy stuff as well.

I would really like your thoughts, your feelings, your input about this before I just do it. My feeling now for a year is that I HAVE something to say but just not sure what and that

something needs a voice. This I think is the place to do it.

Charlie

Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad

Well "Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad" is the second book in this wonderfully charming series written by L. Frank Baum under the pen name Edith Van Dyne. This book was written in 1906 but was not published til 1907, published by Reilly & Britton Company and illustrated by E. A. Nelson. It is 347 pages in length, the book measures 715/16 x 5 1/2 and originally sold for $1.25.

This story deals with the adventures of the girls and their beloved Uncle John. It is of note that this story also coincides with a trip Frank and Maude(Baum's wife) made the previous year. The story shares the same ocean liner, the arriving and departing of the same ports, and staying in the same Italian Hotels.

Maude noted in her journals of the trip that Frank was unimpressed by the paintings of the old masters much like the Uncle John character. The statement Uncle John makes while in Florence " All these Ohs and Ahs over the old masters are rank humbug, and I am ashamed of the people that don't know better". Baum was both expressing his own American chauvinism and slyly referencing that now world famous humbug, the wizard of Ahs.

This story primarily deals with the part of the trip that Uncle John, Patsy, Beth and Louise have in Italy, in particularly Sicily. There is a count or so we think, dealing with the Mafia, a kidnapping, a ransom and many twists and turns and a surprise ending that seems to come out of no where. Once again a very charming story that I do not want to give away all the details of but enough to intrigue you to go searching for this book, or get you talking with me to tell you the story.

The copy I have is a sixth printing done around 1911 and holds the name Marie Seelbach written on the end papers of the book. This book also at one point was part of the St. Stephen Martyr School Library in Louisville, Kentucky. It is stamped in the front of the book and also has the card holder in the back of the book. This book like the previous one has only one other illustration, besides the cover art, and is shown at the left.

This incredibly beautiful Youtube post is by a friend of mine Dr. Franky Dolan. I thought it was incredibly fitting since we are just days away from the Christmas season. To all of my Jewish readers-hoping all of you are having a happy Hanukkah

Aunt Jane's Nieces introduction

Edith Van Dyne, beloved and best selling author of girls' series novels, came into being decidedly under modest circumstances. Buried in the October 1905 contract between L. Frank Baum and his publisher was an agreement that Baum would write a book for young girls on the style of Louisa M. Alcott, but not as good. The authorship they advised be given to an "Ida May McFarlamd" or "Ethel Lynne" or some other made up female. How Edith Van Dyne came out of that is not known and the first book in the series was "Aunt Jane's Nieces" published in 1906 by Reilly & Lee. That book became a series of ten books Baum would write. Baum though later admitted he never thought in the beginning that the one book would become a series, and was so popular another author was produced after Baum's death in 1919 to continue the series.

Critics of the time praised the book "One can not make a mistake in getting "Aunt Jane's Nieces" for a young girl. It is an usually good story, finely told and ingenious in plot... You may guess the interest with which this story is followed by the reader, but you can not guess the skill with which it has been worked out by the writer. Not only is there a good moral to the tale but the little book is well written and extremely improbable plot admirably worked out".

The series became very popular to the point where Baum at times was pressured to give priority to the series. The series are sprinkled throughout with episodes from Baum's own experiences as well as subtle and not so subtle hints to Van Dyne's real identity. I do not want to go into full detail of the series as a whole but take it book by book. I was VERY fortunate and bought all 10 books from one seller for one price on E-bay. She is one of my favorite sellers and has exquisite things many of which when I can I buy. The series of 10 is a mix of published dates but the price could not be beat. All ten books for $140.00 which included shipping, a real steal in my opinion.

I want to stay with the first book as I am reading them in order and will post them in order as well as soon as I finish reading them. So I strongly I want to encourage you to stay tuned to this blog for updates about the series, the books I have and hopefully learn about a great series written by Baum himself.

This first book was written originally in 1906, was published by Reilly and Lee from Chicago. It was illustrated by E. A. Nelson, measures 7 3/8 x 5 1/8 and is 325 pages in length. The original price for this book was $1.00. The only illustration other than the cover is the one shown here right before the story actually begins and is just gorgeous to say the least.

My book happens to be a 6th printing done in 1909 has a light tan cloth cover. title is in italic print style an dis slanted. The book doesn't credit Van Dyne on the cover. My book is also marked on the end paper in pencil "To Ruth Genit: From Boby Schumann December 25, 1916". Which makes this owner wonder if it was a gift to a high school sweetheart--romantic thought huh.

This book deals with Aunt Jane who on her death bed summons to meet for the very time here three teen age nieces Beth, Patsy and Louise. She is determined which of her three nieces is worthy to inherit everything she has including her home Elmhurst Mansion. There are twists turns, a mystery boy, a mystery little ole man and a surprise ending as well which leave you t he reader stunned to say the least. If you want to know how it all ends e-mail me and I will let you in on the story.

Life and Adventures of Santa Claus- L. Frank Baum

Every now and then you run across a gem that can not be denied. A gem that the minute you see it, than handle it you have to buy it. Such is the case when I ran across "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus". I found this great gem of a book at the Medina Antique Mall and for what I thought was a very fair price, $100.00. My copy according to the "The Book Collector's guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" says it is a first edition copy. Sadly my copy is missing only two illustrations one on page 141 and the other on page 201. All the other illustrations are there and none of the pages are written on, colored in or ripped. There are a few lose pages but nothing horrible.

The book was written in 1902 and was produced by The Bowen-Merrill Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. It is beautifully illustrated by Mary Cowles Clark, measures 9 1/4 by 7, has 206 pages and originally sold for $1.00. The cover is is in red cloth. The illustration and lettering on the cover is in black, green, white and beige. The spine lettering is in black and an off-white outlining: "SANTA CLAUS" printed along the length of the spine with no author or publisher identification.

The endpapers are illustrated in in red, green and black. The plates number 20 in total, six of which are in full color including the title page. Plates are as follows: 2, 10, 14, 24, 28, 38, 48, 52, 60, 68, 76, 84, 92, 116, 128, 140, 168, 188 and 204. There are believed to be six other printing of this book between 1902- 1920's including a British edition.

Now for a little background about the book. Baum published and astounding eight different titles in the period of 1900- 1901. In contrast, with his attention turned to the stage, he produced only a single book for 1902--"The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus". January of that year the publishing firm George M. Hill started advertising saying "We believe (it) will make the biggest sensation known to the juvenile book world since the publication of 'Alice in Wonderland". With fierce promises for advertising and marketing the company folded only two short months later with the book than going to Bowen-Merrill which previously produced the "Master Key".

Mary Cowles Clark, a 31 year-old Syracuse artist, likely cam to Baum's attention through her acquaintance with Baum's brother Dr, Henry Clay Baum. She apparently had been tapped by the Hill Company to illustrate Santa Claus and completed the drawings after the project had moved to Bowen-Merrill.

Without boring you with more wonderful background on this book I want to state you can found so much more in the "The Book Collector's guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" available through Hungry Tiger Press. Information can be located on pages 198 and 199.

The story tells how Santa Claus came to be found, adopted by immortal fairies, came to live in the Laughing Valley, how the first tree came to be. Also included are how he got the reindeer's, the bells for them and the story behind the stockings. It was one of those books I just could not put down. I bought as I have never seen this book any where. Not on E-bay, not at festivals not anywhere and of course being the Baum book lover I am I had to have it.

Take the time, find this book and buy it, you will just love it. for anyone with this book in possession already if you have my missing illustrations pages 141 and 201 i would be very happy to reimburse you for full color photocopies of those pages to add to my book. Thanks in advance.

OK, Holiday pop quiz-----Can you name the first two reindeer's Santa had according to L. Frank Baum? If you can or think you can e-mail me and there will be a very nice nice surprise coming your way in the mail.

Toto In Candy Land of Oz

Well today I wanted to briefly talk about a book I have just finished that was bought back in Chesterton during the Oz Festival, "Toto In Candy Land of Oz" by Roger S. Baum. As I said before I had the great pleasure of meeting Roger and his lovely wife during the festival and he was just a doll signing all of my books that I brought, and boy did I have a stack.

This book is geared towards children and I thnk would work wonderfully as a bedtime story. It is twenty nine pages in lenght with many full color full page illustrations. The illustrations are by Ronit Berkovitz and are just in themselves gorgeous beyond words. The story mainly is Toto's adventure with Dorothy in Candy Land and his helping the Royal Giant Marshmellow. I don't want to give the whole story away but it is just a clever and entertaining story.

The book is produced by "The Overmountian Press" and was written in 2002.

I want to ask my readers to keep me in your proyers as I went to the doctors today and found out I have an inner ear infection that has been causing some ballance issues. I am on medication for it and had my ears flushed but hopefully the worst of it is behind me.

Death Penalty for Gays?

Uganda debates proposal

KAMPALA, UGANDA
(article from today's Canton Repository----CantonRep.com/world)

Proposed legislation would impose the death penalty for some Ugandans, and their family and friends could face up to seven years in jail if they fail to report them to authorities. Even landlords could be imprisoned for renting to homosexuals.

Gay rights activists say the bill, which has prompted growing international opposition, promotes hatred and could set back efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. They believe the bill is part of a continent wide backlash because Africa's gay community is becoming more vocal.

It is a question of visibility," said David Cato, who became an activist after he was beaten up four times, arrested twice, fired from his teaching job and outed in the press because he is gay. "when we come out and ask for our rights, they pass laws against us."

The legislation has drawn global attention from activists across the spectrum of views on gay issues. The measure was proposed in Uganda following a visit by leaders of U.S. Conservative Christian Ministries that promote therapy for gays to become heterosexual. However, at least one of those leaders has denounced the bill, as have some other conservative and liberal Christians in the United States.

Gay rights activists say the legislation is likely to pass. But the bill is still being debated and could undergo changes before a vote, which has not yet been set.

Gay rights activists abroad are focusing on the legislation. A protest against the bill is planned for Thursday in London; protests were held last month in New York and Washington.

Uganda is not the only country considering anti-gay laws. Nigeria, where homosexuality is already punishable by imprisonment or death, is considering strengthening penalties for activities deemed to promote it. Burundi just banned same sex and Rwanda is considering it. Homophobia is rife even in more tolerant African countries.

What this legislation could mean

• DEATH SENTENCE: for active homosexuals living with HIV or in cases of same sex rape.


• SEVEN YEARS: in prison for anyone who "aids, abiets, counsels or procures another to engage in acts of homosexuality", or for landlords who rent rooms or homes to homosexuals.


• THREE Years: for anyone with "religious, political, economic or social authority" who fails to report anyone violating these acts.

Well after reading that article I was just enraged to say the least. What ever to the idea of "Never Again"? What happened to the right to the pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? What the heck did those right wing conservatives tell the people in Uganda and why couldn't they mind there own business? It sounds very Holocaust in feel all over again if you ask me. I ask all of you do take a stand and DO SOMETHING! Write letters to congressmen, your senators even the President of the United States. Something needs to be done and done now! Get involved--my final thought is this poem-----

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

Hard Road by Barbara D'Amato

I just finished reading one of the best Oz books I have read in a while. It is "Hard Road" by Barbara D'Amato and is basically a murder mystery style story taking place at an Oz festival in Chicago. Now kids don't worry the story takes place not in our beloved Chesterton but in Grant Park (which of course is made up) and involves our main charactor Cat Marsala a reporter. Other charcators of course include the two people killed in the story, Cat's nephew Jeremy and Cat's brother Barry who of course is one of the prime suspects.

I don't want to give the story away but it will keep you riveted to your seat like it did me and for those of us who are DIE HARD Oz fans there are many tips to Oz trivia. One example is that the first person killed carries the last name Plumly. Which of course is a salute to Oz author Ruth Plumly Thompson, but I didn't need to tell you that, huh?

I found my copy at my local second book shop Our Novel Idea which I have written about before and if I remember it right I got this very cheaply. If you have attended a festival, a fan of Oz and a lover of mystery this will be right up your alley. So go looking for it and let me know what you think once you have finished.

World AIDS Day 2009

Well we are fast approaching another World AIDS Day, where we are to focus on what AIDS has done to our planet, what it IS doing to your civilization and what IT will do if left the way it is progressing right now.


Somehow over the years I guess I have grown complacent to what this day really means, if in all honesty anything to the masses. In the beginning it was in all the news stories, papers and events that this day was approaching and awareness and attention was brought to this monster killer.


Over the years though the media like the rest of us I guess has grown overly weary of a problem that is still fairly rampant and in the minds of the media VERY old news sadly to say.


People frankly, and thankfully, are not dying like they once were. People are not as public and as vocal as we once were. I am not saying it is right or wrong it just seems to be the way it is-- for good or bad.


Long term survivors like myself I guess have grown weary, worn and tired. Many of us are just trying to survive day to day and make something of ourselves and our lives. Exactly why in all honesty I am attending college. To make something out of my life, and to finally feel good about myself by having a decent education. At least I have the public assistance to do it because without it I have NONE of it.


Speaking for myself the last few months I have been trying to figure out who the young man is that I was before AIDS entered my life. What did that boy want? What did he aspire to be? Does any of that matter now and is relevant to what and who I am now? Can I still achieve it and if I do will it matter? Will going to college make the difference and how can it when I am stuck in a system of poverty in order to keep my health care?


Somewhere along the way I became my disease and lost who I was as a person, as a soul as a being, frightening but very true. It became all consuming, save myself and try to save everyone around me. Talk about a Christ as Saviour complex, huh? But it was my way of live for 13 years


AIDS has taken so much literally from me it isn't even remotely funny. It could take years to begin to expound just on this topic alone and frankly most of it is very negative to say the least and a a place I wish not to visit some of it very painful and I will never be the same because of it.


Does the general public as a whole care? In my opinion NO, they don't and never will! AIDS is, has been and will be a very personal disease. Until it affects someone you know or love or your self it just doesn't matter. For the most part in the United States I have this feeling it is still this "Faggot Disease that they deserve" mentality. Sad to say that has not changed too much in the over 20 years that this has been going on. There are people who do care, who dedicate their lives to fighting this and helping those living with it but in my opinion it is not at the degree that people join the cause of Cancer. Until that can happen not much is going to change.

I fell out of the "global fight" when I lost Ron, now almost seven years ago. I just had to make myself survive that crushing blow. No one or nothing else mattered. I gave up the bigger picture, I didn't care plain and simple.

I am not by any means down playing what I have in my life now with Jim or what has happened in my life in that seven years it has been very nice, points even wonderful but there seems to be this constant piece missing, a void so to speak that is unfillable.

World AIDS Day, what does it mean now in 2009 to me. I guess it is a chance to reflect where I have been, reconnect with those feelings of joy, sadness, hope and loss. Does it change anything? Probaby not, but it has become more personal which somewhere along the way got lost as well. Does it change the planet's over all fight of this disease probably not. Does it mean I will join a global fight again? The answer to that is probably not, unless my world once again is turned upside as well as inside out.

World AIDS Day has become almost The day of Rememberance people recognize in connection to the Holocaust. Where we were then, what we did and why, where have we been since than, what are we doing to prevent it again. Along the way millions have died, countless changed forever because of it and yet somehow we continue on.

My hope this coming World AIDS Day is that somehow, someway I live long enough and healthy enough to see a cure produced for it and an apology from your governemtn and our health care that it ook so long to come about. Big hope yes--impossible NO!

Halloween 2009

Well our neighbors Rick and Nancy Meadows through this huge fabulous Halloween party every year and this is like our third or fourht year going now and this is the first year Jim and I went dressed as "couple themed" costumes. Of course my favorite story and some of my favorite characters. The picture of me with the "leather slave boy" is one of our hosts Rick and well Wolverine was with the band and the combination of me with Wolverine was just to funny I couldn't pass. Hope you enjoy the photographs. We sure had fun so Rick and Nancy if your reading thanks for such a great party and for doing it every year--we love ya!

New John Fricke book

Another of my purchases while we were at the Chesterton, Indiana Wizard of Oz Festival was the brand new John Fricke and Jonathon Shirshekan book---"The Wizard Of Oz: An Illustrated Companion to the Movie Classic". Printed by Fall River Press and produced by Becker & Meyer, and at 162 pages in lenght this book is one of the very best out on the Wizard Of Oz. IWth never before seen photogrpahs and stories this is a great addition to any collection of books about Oz.

John Fricke has proved himself again as the master of the written word and espcially in reagrds to Oz and Judy Garland. Having the opportnuity to have John sign my book was wonderful and meeting Jonathon for the first time made this experience even more wonderful, he signed my book as well and was just charming. Hopefully it will be the start of a brand new friendship.

Rumor has it that there will be a new Judy book in 2010 by John Fricke, so keep your eyes open for it. Right now there is no title as the contracts are not signed but will try to keep you posted as information becomes available.

Roger Baum books

Well one of the things I got to do at Chesterton this year was meeting Roger Baum and his lovely wife. He signed a slew of first editions I have that his great grandfather ( L. Frank Baum, of course) and then I had some of his books he signed for me and I bought some of the ones I was missing. So I wanted to talk a little about 2 of the books......

"Toto of Oz and the Surprise Party" is published by The Overmountain Press, is illustrated by Victoria Seutzinger and was written in 2004. At 32 pages in length this is one of those books that is perfect for the kiddies for bedtime and the illustrations are beautifully drawn and the story all though brief is very well told.

The basis is Toto's adventure trying to get a bag of Chocolate Chip cookies to the Wizard of Oz for his surprise birthday party. Sounds simple enough but there are surprises along the way. A great book for any collection and especially a child's collection of books.



The second book I bought that day was "The Wizard of Oz and the Magic Merry-Go-Round" is also published by Overmoutain Press, is illustrated by Victoria Seutzinger and was written in 2002. This book is also 32 pages long and again makes for the perfect bedtime story or addition to a child's collection of books.

The basis for this story is two children find this old run down merry go round in a junk yard, the merry go round magically is restored and than takes them to Oz for a ride on it.

Well until next time, happy Oz hunting!

Lessons From Oz

Well gang one of te many things I bought at the Chesterton, Indiana Wizard of Oz Festival this year was a book titled "Lessons From Oz". I actually got to meet the autthor of the book and got her to autogrpah it for me. Actually we kind of swapped one of my collage pieces for a book--it worked for both of us.

Lessons Freom Oz was written by Julienee La Fleur and published by The Flower Tree Press and is 181 pages long. It is sort of this Oz tribute meets self help book which is wonderfully and created and written. Witty, clever, charming, funny and at times a little brassy it was the type of book I could not put down. Each section of the book relates itself to a section in the 1939 MGM movie and most often comes with stills from the movie. Chapters include: Auntie Em's Advice, When Life Gets Stormy, Who Killed my sister---well you get the idea. The book is $1995 and be purchsed directly on their website http://lessonsfromoz.com you can also read reviews and get a sample chapter to read as well.

I know this little charmer is at the top of my list of must reads for the year.

With A Feather On My Nose

I know it has been ages since doing a post here but I want my readers to know that I am going to rededicate myself to this site, college or no college. The first weeks were crazy and insane and this site suffered horridly because of it. The schedule, the homework, the classes but in the process I fell in love with all of it! Thaks for your patience, your understanding and you unending support--I love you for it.

One of my newest acquistions is the book "With A Feather On My Nose" by Billie Burke with Cameron Shipp. The publisher is the Crowell-Collier Publishing Company and was printed in 1948. At 260 pages in length this was a good read about parts of Billie's life, not all of it entireally and I think with some effort could be better than waht it is. I am not saying it wasn't good it was just not what I expected it to be, and with only one very small paragraph about "The Wizard of Oz" it left me feeling like I wanted more.

I got my edition on E-bay and with shipping I paid $9.94, so not a total loss. A good book if you a DIE-HARD Billie Burke fan but skip it if you are wanting a trip down Oz memory lane-- it just isn't going to happen.

Sorry about lack of posts

It has been really hard the last 3 weeks with school but I SWEAR I will get to blogging again so much new stuff and so many things to talk about too--thanks for still visting me here during the lull

Just some thoughts--For Once in My lIfe

I haven't posted "my thoughts" in a while and I thought today would be the day to do that--let you my readers inside my head.

There are times in my life that I have wanted to be so much more than what I am, what I have been, that many times it is maddening. If I am to be honest with all of you I hate to the very core of my being where I come from and who I was.
It didn't really sink in that, that was one of the things bothering me. I hate how I grew up--poor, ill educated, in a religious cult, hating the physical house I grew up in and how I feel it has left me ill equipped my entire life.

I feel all the time that I HAVE to prove myself, prove my worth, prove that my work is worth it, prove that I myself am worthwhile. Sad isn't it--it has been that way my entire life--and I am tired of it!

It has felt like something big is going to happen in my life the last 2 or 3 years and yet nothing that big has happened. Yes, my last results and the Cleveland Clinic visit changed my entire life and I am going to school next week but it still feels like there is something more--much more!

I have wanted my life to make a difference, change things, get people thinking out side of the box and for me to finally be successful--to matter. I get tired of chasing rainbow's and pipe dreams and people saying they will do something, help me change something in my life and then it NEVER happens. Why bother me, if you didn't me it, why get my hopes up, why do I feel like I have to beg for them to follow through?

I think most of all I want people to recognize my talent--if it is even a talent. A person can not be this artistic, this creative, this well "endowed" with the gift to learn that NOTHING becomes of it. that facet of my life has been my entire life--the creative, the energetic, the devoted, the committed.

What do I want-- I want someone to say "Hey kid, your great and we want you to....." and than turn my life upside down, inside out and help me fulfill those dreams of success. Is it asking to much? Will it happen? I feel the key is in my talent somehow......

Your thoughts?

Karl Slover painting

Well gang the newest painting is of our very own Karl Slover from 1945 and is done in Water Colors. It measures 14 x 11 and comes framed, ready to hang. Item is for sale now as well as at The Chesterton Wizard Of Oz Festival and have been thinking of getting Karl to sign it for the buyer. Can deliver at Chesterton or shipping is extra if you are not attending---Hope you all enjoy Karl!

This is an attempt to get me ready for drawing classes on September 1 as I am a little nervous

Charlie

The Visitors From Oz

"The Visitors From Oz" sprang from a chance discovery by Baum Scholar and collector, Dick Martin. While searching old newspaper files at the Chicago library during the early 1950's, Martin hapened upon a full page color comic dating back to 1904 entitled "Queer Visitors from the Marvelous Land of Oz". Each weekly episode offered a new short adventure of the Oz characters in America written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by Walt McDougall.

Intrigued, Martin had photostats made of as many of the comics as he couldfind, witht he htought that these lost Oz stories might be collected in book form. It was not until 1957 that a dummy book was assembled and illustrated using Dick Martin's idea, how ever at the time, The Reilly and Lee Company, Baum's old publisher was appreciative of his idea but was not interested. But by 1959 when the Henry Regenry Company purchased Reilly& Lee, the idea took off to promote Oz to a whole generation of readers.

Jean Kellog, Reilly & Lee's chief editor, rewrote the stories to reflect modern tastes while AMrtin provided the illustrations and design for the book. Information stated here is from "The Book Collector's Guideto L. Frank Baum" by Paul Bienvenue which my borhter just bought me and I will be discussing in another post.

Now unto the book I have in my collection.....

The Visitors from Oz was adapted by Jean Kellog who is uncredited, printed in Chicago by the Reilly & Lee Company in 1960 and illustrated by Dick Martin. The book measures 11 1/4 x 8 5/8 and is 95 pages long. This book originally sold for $3.95 while I bought it at $25.00. The book is considered a First edition Binding C book meaning:

• Bright green, red, blue or yellow buckram cloth cover (coarser texure)
• Front Cover illustration printed in white and dark blue only.
• Spine letteringprinted in dark blue against white.
• Back Cover is blank, save for the imprint of the binder (American Publisher's Company), printed vertically in white near the hinge.
• ndpapers-Front and back are blank--can be ilustrated as well printed in black

"Peter and the The Princess"

Well this post is a little off the Wizard of Oz but the book is just absolutely wonderful I felt I had to share it and have it in my ever growig collection of books.


"Peter and The Princess" was written by Carl H. Grabo, published by The Reilly & Lee Company of Chicago in 1920 and beautifully illustrated by John R. Neill. Neill's name will be familar with Wizard of Oz collectors as he did most if not all of the Oz illustrations after L. Frank Baum and W.W. Denslowparted ways. John R. Neill wrote four Oz books of his very own as well and continued illustrating most if not all of Ruth Thompson's Oz books.



The story mainly deals with a little boy named Peter and his friend Marianne and the adventures the two if them get into once they decide to leave Fairyland , go to Earth and grow up. At 243 pages in length one could finish this book in a day if you applied yourself. What I found wonderful about this book is each chapter, and there are twelve total, stand on there on as short stories that could be used for children's bedtime stories. The stories are loosely strung together as the main charactors stay the same with the introduction of new ones in each chapter and each new adventure.

I wanted to put in this post as well all of the color plates as it was mainly John R. Neill's ilustrations that made me buy this book in the first place, by the way this was found on E-bay for $43.00 which included the shipping.

About John R. Neill

1877 Born Nov 12 in Philadelphia, PA, fifth in a family of eight children. Grew up in Germantown, PA. Father died when he was 10. Mother managed to keep the large family together and ran the family laundry business.

1895 Graduated from the Philadelphia Central High School and enrolled in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Dropped out of school after one semester because he said, “they have nothing to teach him ".

1896 Worked as "cub reporter" for a Philadelphia newspaper doing sketches in Police Court. Then moved to the Philadelphia Inquirer where he stayed for three years learning the trade.

1898 Started working at the Philadelphia North American. Began receiving commissions.
1900 Moved to NYC to work for the Evening Journal.
1901 Returned to Philadelphia and the North American.
1902 Married Elsie Barrows on Oct. 7.

1904 Left the North American to work for the Public Ledger. He was approached by Reilly & Britton to illustrate The Land of Oz. Because he had so many assignments, Reilly & Britton had to hold three conferences with him before he was persuaded to accept the work. He set up his studio at "Devil’s Half Acre," a reconstructed colonial house in Lumberville, PA. This is where he illustrated most of the early Oz books. Neill also had a studio at 1020 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia.

1905 Returned to the North American, where he remained for the next 7 years. Continued to illustrate the Oz books and others, and developed his contacts for obtaining magazine illustration commissions.

1911 Resigned from the North American to freelance full time.
1913 Moved back to New York City since most of the magazines he was illustrating were located there.
1915 Elsie divorced John. They had no children. (He had been separated in NYC for two years.)

1919 Married actress Margaret Carroll. (Later nicknamed “Mommy Moy”). She was 30 and he was 42. Over the years they raised a family of three daughters, Natalie, Annrea, and Joan.

1925 Moved to Kensington Gardens, Great Neck, Long Island.
1930 The Depression brought hard times for illustrators as magazines and newspapers cut back on the expense of illustration and began to hire mostly photographers.

1933-35 The family moved many times. First they moved south to Palm Island, near Miami, Florida. Then for short periods in Townshend, Vermont, then New York City, and Scotland, CT.

1936 Bought the 130 acre "old Yaeger farm" on a mountain top in Flanders, New Jersey for $6000. Renamed it "Endolane Farm." Lived there for the rest of his life.

1943 Died September 19 of heart problems at age 65.

On the home front my Kidney Stone surgery is over, everything went very well and surpirislingly enough there was no stint put in--so hurrah, which means no having to take it out with any pain killers! Still a little sore and a little tired but recovering well.

School books for college go on sale on the 17th and a new student orientation is the 29th with classes starting the 31st. I am taking a sculpting and drawing class to start and I am excited and little nervous.

The Flying Girl and Her Chum

Well another Edith Van Dyne story under my belt and in my ever growing collection of books. "The Flying Girl and Her Chum" was published by The Reilly & Britton Company of Chicago, illustrated by Joseph Pierre Nuyttens and wrote 1912. I found my book on E-bay for $63.00

(Written by Jared Davis: A review of Amazon.com) In 1910, L. Frank Baum closed his Oz stories with "The Emerald City of Oz," trying to put Oz behind him so he could attempt new stories. The following years, he produced more books that were quite different from his Oz stories: "The Sea Fairies" and "Sky Island," two fantasies that let Baum write Oz-like fantasies without using Oz, "The Daring Twins" and "Phoebe Daring," two novels without fantasy trappings at all that Baum published under his own name, and "The Flying Girl" and "The Flying Girl And Her Chum," published under the pseudonym Edith Van Dyne.

Baum was able to write sequels to his stories that did not require a reading of the earlier books. "The Flying Girl And Her Chum" is no exception, as in the first chapter, Baum introduces new characters to his already established cast from the first book, covers what you need to know from the first story, and ties the new characters in with the lead character, Orissa Kane.

The story follows Orissa taking her friend (and her financier's daughter), Sybil Cumberford, with her as she test-flys her brother Steve's new hydro-plane. When they meet with an accident, Orissa and Sybil are stranded on a desert island with little provisions. While Orissa is resourceful, how long can they survive? And will Steve, Mr. Cumberford and the rest of the rescue party find them? Even when their yacht runs aground? And can they escape the self-proclaimed robber King of the Islands? Baum really breaks the style people might expect from his Oz books and some of his other works. He is able to make his story exciting and page-turning, taking unexpected twists along the way.

I heartily recommend Baum's works to anyone who wants a good read. He was a masterful if misunderstood storyteller, and "The Flying Girl And Her Chum" may seem as if he broke the mold, but in the end, we are left with another exciting L. Frank Baum story, just as he had been telling all along.

My Input- This story so far is one of the best Edith Van Dyne stories I have read with mystery, intrigue, an island crash and survival, Mexican outlaw pirates I just could not put it down. With 313 pages you could very easily polish this incredible story off in a day and it gives such wonderful insight into the mind of a master writer L. Frank Baum. Take the time, find this book and enjoy.

Last of the Marvel Comic books

Well today I want to post the pictures of the last two Marvel Limited Series comic books by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young. This is the last two in the first series not the seroes with the alternative covers that I posted a few months back now. Our local Vintage toy shop carries these http://www.toystimeforgot.com/ and I am sure Dan and his staff can help you out, tell them Charlie Dale recommended them.

The books are beautifully illustrated and is the basic book story written by L. Frank Baum but re-written by Eric Shanower. Price per book is $3.99 so a very affordable addition to any collection of Oz books.

I go tomorrow to the urologist to see what we are doing about my kidney stone that I still, as of this writing, have not passed. Frankly, I am not looking forward to surgery so keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Hopefully sometime today I can pass it, as it is moving and I am in considerable pain.

We have been having a humid heat wave here the last few days with temperatures near or over 90 and with the Kidney stones it has been rough. Yesterday for a few hours we had a break from the heat as the neighbor Linda "Grandma Holiday" Lynch had her birthday party and they have central air (smile)---BTW thanks again Linda for such a wonderful time and hope your birthday was everything you wanted it to be.

For those of you attending or thinking of attending the Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival as of today we are 40 days away from going down the Yellow Brick Road. If you have not attended this wonderful event yet I want to encourage you to do so. Last year even during Hurricane Ike we had so much fun.

I am really looking forward to Chesterton this year as it is back in the town and not at the fairgrounds and they are having the grand parade as well. So for Jim and I it will be like attending the festival as it was years ago.

The Youtube post today is of one of the last munchkins alive the incredibly wonderful and funny Margaret Pellegrini

Mary Louise and the Liberty Girls

Well the last book in that set of four I bought off E-bay is "Mary Louise and the Liberty Girls". In this, the fourth book of the series, Mary Louise and friends form a group dedicated to supporting the soldiers in World War I, and she brings Josie O’Gorman in to spoil a treasonous plot against the government. Filled with wonderful patriotism, and sense of country this book I feel is still relevant in todays world even after September 11th.



For some reason the front illustration is missing and I guess I didn't realize that till now. his book is also found online as an MP3 file and the link is http://librivox.org/mary-louise-and-the-liberty-girls-by-l-frank-baum/ I do hope many of use take advantage of the links for the books and I hope it encourages you to either use your Ipod or buy one.

On personal note school is approaching for me at the end of the month at Kent State University Stark Campus and I am anxious and nervous. I have a new studetn orientation to attend on August 29th and books are available on August 17th. we get our student supply list at our first class.

My Pell Grant money is in and my $100 balance is paid in full and I think for the most part I am ready. The nervous part is here lately I have been really tired out again and I JUST hope I can keep up the pace of college life as the "new boy on campus". I ask always keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I start this new journey of my life.


I will be taking Drawing 1 and Sculpting 1 which I am really looking foreward to and I have the same teacher for both classes and I attend scholl Monday through Thursday.

The "Youtube" is something a little different for this space, but I guess every now and then you do need something non-Ozzy and well kids Madonna seems to fit the bill---besides what do you expect from a college kid LOL

Mary Louise Solves A Mystery

"Mary Louise Solves A Mystery" is the third book in the set I bought at auction on E-bay. The four books were $90 and the only illustration is the one posted here. Published in 1917 I believe this is the third in the seires as well. Published again by The Reilly & Lee Company of Chicago this time the illustration is by Anna B. Mueller.

In this, the third book of the series, Mary Louise and her Grandfather happen upon a mysterious pair of Americans whilst travelling in Italy. Jason Jones is a failed artist, and his companion is his daughter, Alora, an heiress. When the girl is kidnapped, truths stemming back to the time of her parents’ marriage are brought to light by Mary Louise and her friend Josie O’Gorman.

There is a free online MP3 download of this book as well and the link is http://librivox.org/mary-louise-solves-a-mystery-by-l-frank-baum/ Hope all of you are enjoyig the free links to these great books.

Mary Louise In the Country

Published by The Reilly and Lee Company of Chicago in 1916 with the illustration by J. Allen St. John.

In this volumne, Mary Luoise and Gran'pa Jim take a house for the summer in a quiet place called Cragg's Crossing. There they meet with any numner of peculiar people- and one very peculiar mystery!

It is the second bookk in the series of eight. Again the only illustration is the front inside. I really want to encourage all of you to take the time and interest and read Baum's other books. They are similar to Oz but in my opinion geared to an older audience. There are two more books I want to talk about that I have in this series, but I would b

Something brand new for this blog I found this wonderful book available for FREE as an MP3 file so if you would like to listen to the book here is the link.... http://www.archive.org/details/mary_louise_in_the_country_0902_librivox .

Hopefully some of my readers caught part of the Judy Garland Day they had yesterday at TCM (Turner Classic Movies) 24 hours worth of Garland movies.

A pre -recorded track from Judy for The Judy Garland Show...Judy sings with The Kirby Stone Four...Ep#19 Jan 17th 1963.

Mary Louise book

This wonderful book I found on E-bay and actually the seller had three others for sale with this one so I will have four posts about these wonderful books. The four books were $90. and the only illustration is the one posted here.

The "Bluebird Books" is a series of novels popular with teenage girls in the 1910s and 1920s. The series was begun by L. Frank Baum using his Edith Van Dyne pseudonym, then continued by at least three others, all using the same pseudonym. Baum wrote the first four books in the series, possibly with help from his son, Harry Neal Baum, on the third.

The books are concerned with adolescent girl detectives— a concept Baum had experimented with earlier, in "The Daring Twins" (1911) and "Phoebe Daring "(1912). The "Bluebird series" began with Mary Louise, originally written as a tribute to Baum's favorite sister, Mary Louise Baum Brewster. Baum's publisher, Reilly & Britton, rejected that manuscript, apparently judging the heroine too independent. Baum wrote a new version of the book; the original manuscript is lost.

The title character is Mary Louise Burrows. In the first books of the series, she is a fifteen-year-old girl with unusual maturity (though the other girls in her boarding school find her somewhat priggish). She is suddenly confronted with the fact that her beloved grandfather is suspected of no less a crime than treason against the United States. With the help of old and new friends of Mary Louise … the truth is uncovered. The novel features a federal agent named John O'Gorman; he is assisted by his daughter Josie, a young woman he has himself trained to function as an investigator. (The Josie O'Gorman character, despite preceding Nancy Drew by more than a decade, is much less traditionally feminine.