Read to End Cancer!

Dedicated to the loving memory of my uncle Phil Rand.  I’m sorry you never had the opportunity to finish this mystery, but I’ll always treasure your praise for the single chapter draft you did read.   We miss you, Phil. 

You may not have noticed the preceding dedication from The Blood Cries Out .  The words grew out of his praise for an early draft of the sixth chapter of my novel.  You see, Phil didn't offer praise easily; he was a quiet man.  That's why his words meant so much.  Not long afterwards, in the late summer of 2011, Phil succumbed to esophageal cancer.  It came on so brutally fast--out of nowhere--that it was like waves of pain and shock passing through the entire family.  He was too young, and no one was prepared.

That's why I decided I needed to do something meaningful in Phil's memory.  So, for each e-book purchased (by someone other than myself), I pledge to donate one dollar to the Prevent Cancer Foundation through October 15th.  I'm confident that sales will exceed twenty-five books, but I'll set twenty-five dollars as my pledged minimum donation.  This corresponds to about half of my royalties for the sale of the same number of books, but, more importantly, the twenty-five dollar amount is enough to for the Prevent Cancer Foundation to pay for at least one skin cancer screening.  I challenge other mystery authors to join me to...Read to End Cancer.  Don't be a bystander; decide to make a difference.  #ReadtoEndCancer

Top 10 Blog Recap for Singing in the Wood

I was shocked to realize today that my blog has existed now for longer than a year.  Granted, its present format  is younger than that, but I'm still pleased (and a bit surprised) that I've managed to keep it going this long. While I'm sure its continued existence may only annoy any number of good people, here's to another great year ahead of us!
  

In a sort of belated birthday extravaganza, I thought I'd post the top ten most popular blog posts first, then I'd share ten of my personal favorites.  (That's not to say some of the most popular group might otherwise be in my personal favorite list, too.)  It's hard to say what makes a post one of my favorites.  Sometimes, my favorite is because of the topic, but it's also often because of the wonderful feedback I receive from my readers.  While I may not have a great many regular followers as yet for my relatively new blog, it's always exciting to note the far-reaching locations where visitors originate--from London to Spain and all across the USA.  I appreciate my readers very much, and I hope the content continues to appeal and interest you in the year(s) to come!  Lastly, I'd also like to extend a special thank you to those people who have graciously given of their time to facilitate the interviews I've shared here: Sean Astin, Raymond Arroyo, and Lino Rulli.  More coming...

Most Popular Blog Posts

1.  Sean Astin Interview

2.  A Short Review of Sean Astin's There and Back Again

3.  An Open Letter to Father Corapi

4.  The Black Wolf's Den (Fr. John Corapi)

5.  Sourdough Bread for Dummies

6.  Raymond Arroyo Interview

7.  Jambalaya and the Fixin's--& Chocolate?

8.  Lunch at Grand Lux Cafe (Dallas Galleria)

9.  Sing the Triumph of the Cross

10.  Kimberly Erickson Art Sale

Some of Karl's Personal Favorites

1.  Breath of Life: A Most Unusual Anniversary

2.  Oregon Coast Clam Chowder

3.  Karl's Famous Pretzels

4.  Is Worrying a Sin?

5.  Why Does God Allow Suffering?

6.  It's All About Me?

7.  Be Not Afraid

8. The Connection Illusion

9.  Is Anything Sacred?  ("Glimmers of Heaven")

10.  A Quest for Beauty in Northeast Oregon

"Honorable Mentions"

1.  A Good Dinner at Home

2.  In Loving Memory of Phil Rand

3.  Time to Let that Dream Go?

4.  "Just" a Stay-at-Home Mom

5.  Gnawing, Biting, Breaking, Hacking, Burning..."The Shack" 

* Links updated and corrected on November 1st.

In Loving Memory of Phil Rand

I am copying an obituary for my uncle Phil, which appeared last weekend in the Yakima Herald Republic.  Phil loved sailing and was an avid walker--when not programming or reading about programing.  He also loved his family, and we loved him, too.  Phil will also be missed terribly by the feral cat he raised from a kitten.  His gentle side was particularly visible in the gentleness and kindness he displayed towards animals.  Saint Francis has a new companion now.  


(Additional thoughts may be shared later.)

Philip Rand

Keith & Keith Funeral Home

YAKIMA - Philip Rand, 56, of Yakima beloved son and brother, passed away after a very brief battle with cancer on August 25, 2011 in Yakima, Washington. He was born in 1955 to Leo and Helen (Pond) Rand in Shelton, Washington.

Phil grew up in Yakima, graduating from Eisenhower High School and later from Seattle Pacific University. He worked in IT for many years and, most recently at Seattle Pacific University.

Phil is survived by his father, Leo Rand; brother, Tom Rand (Karen); and sister, Jen Erickson. He is also survived by nephews, David (Hannah) Rand, Michael (Jamie) Rand, Karl (Kimberly) Erickson and their children, Sarah and Stephen. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Rand.

Mightily loved, Philip died in Christian Hope.

Memorials may be made to the Union Gospel Mission in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902.

A Private Graveside service will be held at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.


He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.


Revelation 21:4