My Mia

 

This is not only the best picture I ever took, it may very well be the best picture anyone has ever taken. I wanted to enter it in the State Fair amateur photo contest, not because I thought I'd win, but because I was excited about titling it "Stack O' Cats."

One early July day in 2010, I was mowing my "backyard" (40 foot long, four feet wide) and discovered to my chagrin a mother cat (eventually named Mia) and three tiny, tiny kittens inside one of my window wells. My first thought was, "How the hell am I gonna get rid of these things?"

Instead, I called a couple friends, Lisa and Terri, who had cat experience, and we set up a place in my garage for the four of them to stay, at least for awhile.

Naturally, I went out to the garage approximately 237 times a day to look at and play with the kittens and their tired old worn-out mother. 

We found homes for the kittens (Lisa took one, a male, and named him higgins, perhaps to prepare him for a life as an English butler.) 

The next step was to get Mia spayed, or neutered, or fixed; whatever happens to female cats. She was a little grungy from garage life so Terri had the idea to give her a BATH. That idea lasted about two seconds. Amazingly, we chased her down and instead of heading for parts unknown, she very calmly let us put her in the cat carrier, with an easygoing and trusting nature that belied her youth.

The plan was for Terri to keep Mia for a week or two while she healed, but Mia never left. Until today. 

Mia had stopped eating and had taken to hiding behind furniture in a manner unusual for her. She was at least 16 years old, with a still youthful and, biased though I may be, most beautiful face I have ever seen on a cat.

She had a good life with Terri, who rubbed her belly for hours on end while watching TV (Terri, not Mia). Whenever I visited, I always asked "Where's my Mia?" and was disappointed when she didn't make an appearance, and delighted when she showed that beautiful face.

My Mia, our Mia, belongs to the ages now, but all of us whose lives she touched are the better for it.

Forget Black Friday! Nuts to Cyber Monday! It's Local Author...uh...Time!

Do you like music? Do you like mysteries? Do you like Murray? Well, you're in luck because three of Syracuse's best local authors (including a not-too-modest one) have books for sale! Just in time for the varying holidays crammed into the month of December! All of the following books are available at your local bookstores, Amazon, and really just about anywhere you get your books:

Carl Cafarelli is a native CNYer and has written a fabulous book called The Greatest Record Ever Made (Volume One) that asserts that there can be an infinite number of "greatest records ever made," as long as they take turns. Carl takes turns making the case for an eclectic mix of pop, bubblegum, soul, punk and even country. You won't agree with every song choice, but you will be impressed with both the quality of his writing and the passion he has for his subjects. Find Carl at https://carlcafarelli.blogspot.com/

Joe Congel is also a native CNYer but had the good sense to leave town about 30 years ago. He is a terrific mystery writer. His stories are character-driven, intricately plotted whodunits that keep you guessing till the end.  Joe has a number of books featuring his alter-ego Tony "Razzman" Razzolito, but his newest effort is part of the Underground Authors' group. Catch a Tiger by the Toe is Joe's second book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles and, I think, his best yet. Read Joe at https://joecongelfictionstories.blogspot.com/

And finally, Dave Murray, another CNYer who did not have the sense to leave Syracuse, despite my feeling that cold weather is a living thing trying to kill me. But I truly love the Salt City.  A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) is my first novel and, barring any sudden lightning strike of inspiration, my last. It's a fictionalized, jazzed up (or jazzed down, if that is a thing) version of my life with the emotional center being my double-lung transplant in 2004. It has, if I may briefly sound like a Millennial, all the feels (or so I'm told.). You can find my very infrequent blog posts at https://davemurraywriter.blogspot.com/

Thanks for reading and have a happy holiday season!

Civic Duty

Tuesday, November 5th, the Most Important Election Of Our Lives; narrowly edging 2020, which was The Previous Most Important Election Of Our Lives.

Anyone who hasn’t voted yet is either truly undecided (you know, like the choice between chicken or decomposing rat) or planning to sit this one out.

Don’t.

I won’t tell you how to vote, but I have a couple thoughts:

No Jill Stein, or Mickey Mouse or other protest votes. It’s a two party world because of the Electoral College. Vote for the person you hate least, if nothing else.

If you have kids, the world we will leave them may be unfathomable. Vote for the one likely to address climate change.

Vote for human rights.

Vote for the rule of law.

Vote for inclusion, and empathy, and love.

Vote for democracy. 

Meet the Author!

I am delighted to have been invited this Wednesday October 23rd at 7PM ET, to chat about my book, A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale), with Rob and Joan Carter, the charming hosts of the fun and entertaining podcast, Meet the Author.  (www.indiebooksource.com)

The Meet the Author podcast publicizes indie authors (hey, like me!) That also perfectly describes Rob and Joan (Their pen names are RC and JP Carter and they are members of the Underground Authors writing group. Their latest effort is A Chance of a Ghost: Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, Book 23). 

The podcast streams live on Youtube, Facebook, Linkedin, and X and also broadcasts on both WLFE-db radio and WDJY FM radio in Atlanta.

I've been catching up on the podcast by listening to some archived shows and all of the writers are interesting and accomplished. I hope I don't break the streak, but if you know me, you know I won't run out of things to talk about. ("Mr. Murray, the show has been over for 20 minutes...")

Tune in if you can, but if you miss it, the shows are archived (I think I said that already.)

Thanks for reading.

Dave

Write All About It!

My first novel, A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) was published on August 26th. So far, it hasn’t set the world on fire* but I’ve sold some copies. I chatted about it with Erik and Iris, the hosts of the swell morning talk show Bridge Street on channel 9, which was great fun.

The good folks at Parthenon Books (https://parthenonbookstore.com/) in downtown Syracuse hosted eight local writers, myself included, last month. I met some really nice people  there and am grateful to Parthenon for the exposure.

My pal, Rey

Another friend, Kevin

On November 6th at 6PM, I'll share a table with another local author at the Onondaga Free Library on West Seneca Turnpike, talking about the book and maybe selling a few. I have tentatively landed another couple of library gigs down the road.

I’m having a blast!

I have been heartened by a number of (so far) five-star reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads. I’m touched that so many readers were inspired and encouraged by my story. 

I would ask those of you who have finished the book to consider writing a review (or, heck, reviews).**

Let me, and the world, know what you think. It means a lot to independent writers like myself, as we seldom get many (or any) professional reviews. We love feedback, even if it’s criticism because that makes us better writers.

So if you have time, dash off a review. It doesn’t need to be long or fancy, just heartfelt. If you know anyone at the New York Times, you know, you can tell them about it, also. Thanks, and thanks for reading.

* The world is already on fire, after all.

** Give me an inch and I'll ask for a second review (I think that's how it goes)

Song of the Day:

Bermuda Triangle and Other News

I have a long list of people who want a copy of A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale), including three family members (!) Ugh. Unfortunately, my last order of books is apparently lost somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle (or the lesser-known Haitian Parallelogram). I promise that when my supply is replenished I will let everyone know.

I had a swell time last Saturday the 7th at Parthenon Books on S. Salina Street. Eight local authors, including me, chatted about our newest books and even sold a few. A splendid time, I thank Ann and the rest of the Parthenon staff for being such charming hosts. 

Upcoming appearances: Erik and Iris, the genial hosts of channel 9's fun morning talk show, Bridge Street, will welcome me on September 23rd at 10 AM.

Then on October 23rd at 7PM, I will be chatting with hosts Rob & Joan on the popular podcast, Meet the Authors. https://indiebooksource.com/podcast/  

There are a couple more dates that are not firmed up yet. When I know for sure, you'll know.

Now, I probably should price flights to Bermuda. Or Haiti. Or Cuba. Or...

 PS: How about that debate?!

Programming Note

 Good morning! My appearance with the good folks on Bridge Street, the swell morning talk show on channel 9, WSYR-TV, has moved to Monday, September 23rd. 

However, I will still be taking part in a local authors showcase from 1-4 tomorrow, Saturday 7th at Parthenon Books on South Salina Street, across from the Landmark Theatre. So come and say hi!