Keeping in Touch with Friends

Periodically, I call old friends to check in to see how they’re doing. I did this during the pandemic and again recently. My friends include those from school, college, graduate school, work, writing and Boulder, CO. It’s always a joy to catch up but fraught with illnesses and disabilities. All in all, I find it a worthwhile activity.

Pet Peeve

When contacting an organization that provides a service I’m interested in, my pet peeve is that no one responds. Recently, I wanted to sign my grandson up for private swim lessons. I was given a phone number to do this, but no one answered the phone after multiple attempts. Finally, I left a message to call me back. No response. Then I sent an email. No response. After several weeks of frustration, I found another organization where someone answered the phone immediately and I got my grandson signed up within five minutes. If the other organization ever responds, I’m tempted to say, “You have my condolences.” I’ll pause. “Apparently, you had a major family emergency because you never answered the phone or responded to voicemail or email.”

Book Talk at Bach Library in Long Beach, CA

Mike Befeler : Lessons Learned as an Author

Friday, June 24, 2022, 11:30am – 12:30pm

Bach Neighborhood Library, 4055 Bellflower Blvd

I’ll be speaking about Lessons Learned as an Author and my latest mystery novel, Old Detectives Home. 

Gun Violence

Usually, I blog about things I’m doing or book related activities. Today, I’m taking a detour because of the serious nature of a vital issue in our country: gun violence. A minority in our nation has placed unlimited gun ownership above the value of human life. We, as a civilized nation, need to change this priority and place human life above unlimited gun ownership. Common sense measures of background checks, red flag laws and limiting access to assault weapons need to be enacted. Encourage your representatives to change our priorities.

Reading Fiction or Non-fiction

Do you read fiction or non-fiction? I read both. Since I primarily write mystery novels, I read a lot of mysteries, but I also read many other fiction genres. I also enjoy non-fiction, particularly on a subject I’m trying to learn more about. I remember one author giving a cautionary note of not reading something very similar to what you’re writing at the time. This makes sense. My wife enjoys going to My Little Library book boxes in our neighborhood, so she’s always trading in and bringing interesting books to read. I also belong to three book clubs and read numerous good books I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. Finally, my best source is recommendations from friends. All of this provides me with a wide source of reading material.

Attitude Check

I’ve continued to work on a positive attitude after my knee surgery in February. I’m in a holding pattern with my knee that contains temporary parts. The orthopedic surgeon took fluid out of my knee to be tested to determine if the infection is gone. The results will be back in early June. If the infection is gone, I will have surgery in August to get permanent parts put in. I’d like to get this all over with but will have to be patient. On the positive side, I’ve done five book talks and signings in the last month: two non-profit fund raisers, two bookstores and a Rotary Club. I’m scheduled for a library presentation next month. I’m fortunate that it’s my left knee so I can drive.

Positive Sports Tradition

Our second son works in the children’s hospital that overlooks the football stadium for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. He told us about the tradition of “the wave” from the stadium. This is performed at the end of the first quarter, so my wife and I like to watch the end of the first quarter for Iowa home games. This tradition started in 2017. Initially, the Iowa team waved to the top floor of the children’s hospital where large windows allowed patients to gather to watch. As the tradition expanded, opposing teams and fans joined in to wave to the hospitalized kids. One source stated that the idea was born on social media: an Iowa fan suggested that the team should think of something to cheer up the children in the hospital. This is the most positive tradition in football and a joy to watch.