Getting Literary

Some projects I’ve been involved with have blossomed over the summer.  Some have required little effort on my part, while others have kept me busy.  I’ve posted more video creations on my YouTube channel, and they continue to center around the television western Laramie.  I did an interview with a young graduate student and fellow blogger about my uncle, Dennis Severs, and it was published on August 15th in a UK literary magazine called Peninsula.  The online copy can be read and downloaded on their site in a pdf format.  My interview is on page 72.  I don’t know yet if this is a limited offer, so download it soon, just in case.  The other pieces in the magazine are worth reading, too!

A book cover designer in Canada used one of my photographs of County Mayo, Ireland, for a historical novel.  I haven’t read the book, but I do think my photo looks great!  The book is available through Libros Libertad.

I have another book cover to reveal, but it will have to wait just a little while longer.  In the meantime, I need to get back to reading again.  I realized this week that I haven’t finished a book in months.  Too much time in photoshop and learning video editing has replaced my reading habit.  My book club has selected State of Wonder by Ann Patchett for our September selection, so I’m eager to dive in.

The summer went so fast, and it never got warm here in San Francisco.  I wonder what September will bring…

Happy Birthday, Colleen Moore

Colleen Moore was born on this day in either 1899 or 1902, depending on whether you believe the official reports or her own autobiography.  I’ve only seen one of her films, Her Wild Oat (1927), but I got to see it on the big screen at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival.  She was a delight.  My favorite actresses are feisty and independent, and she was both.  She had an interesting connection with silent film comedian Buster Keaton—they both broke their necks filming on train tracks.  In different movies, of course!  Her autobiography Silent Star is a favorite of mine, and here are some of the photos from it.  Moore died in 1988, but she is not forgotten, even though many of her film were lost.  Happy Birthday, Ms. Moore!

Her Wild Oat, with director Marshall Neilan.

With popular western actor Tom Mix.

With her Packard.

Happy Birthday, Richard Anderson

The Bionic Woman (1976-78) came along when I was the perfect age for a female role model.  I loved the show, loved Lindsay Wagner as Jaime Summers, and just barely tolerated Steve Austin (Lee Majors), who fortunately didn’t pop in too often.  Richard Anderson was kept busy starring as Oscar Goldman in both The Six Million Dollar Man (1974-78) and its spin-off.  I liked him well enough, but I was too young and he was too old to really give him much of my attention.  Well, neither of us have gotten any younger!  Today is Mr. Anderson’s 86th birthday, and I wish him all the best.

I “rediscovered” Richard Anderson last fall, when I watched his six guest appearances on The Rifleman.  He was suave, charming, and usually on the wrong side of the law.  I guess I finally reached the right age to appreciate him.  It’s great that he’s still making public appearances at various reunions, conventions and autograph shows.  He’s still got that charming smile, too!

Richard Anderson appeared with Robert Fuller in Jungle of Fear (1965), part of the Kraft Suspense Theatre anthology series.   I have an abridged version on my YouTube channel in three parts.  Anderson wears a fairly ridiculous costume, but he manages to keep a straight face.

My Cowboy Duet

I’ve been busy learning how to made videos with some new software, and it’s fascinating.  I’ve always worked with stills before, but now I’m expanding my horizons.  Here are my two latest editing attempts, both using clips from seasons 1 and 2 of Laramie.  Naturally, these feature that favorite cowboy of mine, Jess Harper (Robert Fuller).  Enjoy!

Update: These have now been upgraded to HD, and now they really should be viewed in full screen or at Youtube.