Uncle Tee Books

New Home for Uncle Tee Books

2011-12-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

All of my children's books are available on amazon. Please go here to find them.

[Fiction] Friday - June 18, 2010

2010-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

[Fiction] Friday: A signal is misinterpreted…….

“Martini please and the special.” I politely asked the bartender which was hard to do after the lousy day that I’ve had.

I hate these sales trips. Once the working part is done there is nothing to do except sit at this bar. I have to admit though it is a beautiful, classy bar. The well kept stained wood, the brass bar, comfortable stools and a good bartender who makes it all worth the slightly inflated prices.

The place was busy as it should be around dinnertime. The bartender brought me the special and asked if I needed anything else. I told him no and began to organize myself to enjoy the meal in front of me.

“Enjoy your meal sir.”

“Thank you.” I replied.

Sir…I like that. You don’t get talked to like that where I come from. It’s usually here or nothing at all. I guess when your only clientele is traveling sales people you have to treat them with respect.

Frank Sinatra was gracing the audio system and the lighting was pleasant. I placed the cloth napkin on my lap and took a sip of my martini before I started.

As I placed my martini back down on the bar next to my plate I noticed a stunning woman at the far end of the bar looking my way. I looked down at my meal and then back up to see if she was still looking at me. She was.

I gave her a smile in which she returned it back to me. Hmm, beautiful woman smiling and staring at me, martini half gone, this may turn out to be a good day after all, I thought.

She called the bartender over and as she conversed with him he looked over in my direction as if she were asking about me.

I decided to play it cool and continued to enjoy my meal until the bartender had a free moment. I called him over and asked him to bring the beautiful lady a drink, compliments of me.

“Are you sure sir?”

“Yeah, well yeah. I saw you looking this way when she was talking to you and she returned a smile my way earlier. Is there a reason why I shouldn’t?” I asked the young man.

“Well, sir, she wasn’t asking about you. She was asking me to make sure I treat the party behind you very well and to make sure no one gets thirsty. She owns the place and she’s married. Sorry sir.” He explained.

“Well don’t I feel silly. It pays to be a good bartender. Here you go young man.”

I handed him the bill with payment, a nice fat tip and I quietly exited the establishment.

[Fiction] Friday - June 11, 2010

2010-06-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

[Fiction] Friday: Include this in your story: “I wish he’d knock on my door instead……..”

I heard his footsteps coming down the hallway; I’ve learned to recognize the sound of his walk strolling toward the door.

It was Friday night, date night. Every Friday he would come to wine and dine my neighbor across the hall and every Friday I’d watch in envy through the peephole in my door.

I wish he’d knock on my door instead of hers. She was always so rude to this nice sweet man. He is handsome and tall and he always stands in front of that door and checks himself over before knocking just to be sure he looks his best.

I don’t know why he bothers. She’ll open the door like always and snap at him about something and then just leave the door open and disappear into her apartment, leaving him standing there to enter on his own. And every time she does he’ll lower the beautiful arrangement of flowers he has carefully presented to her down to his side, slouch a little, step forward and shut the door.

Except today was different. He wasn’t dressed as neat as he usually was and he was wearing a baseball cap, but I know it’s him. He slowly stepped in front of the door and reached into his pocket as he looked left and right suspiciously. He pulled out a key, slid it into the key slot and slowly rotated the doorknob.

He crept in the slightly open doorway and then turned to look out as he closed the door quietly. As he did I saw his face surface from the shadow and his eyes focused right on the peephole as if he saw me looking at him.

I quickly jumped back, startled, forgetting that the door was between us and he couldn’t possibly have see me watching.

As much as I hated that woman for treating him so badly I couldn’t sit back and ignore that look on his face. I called 911 and then waited at the peephole.

A single police officer came down the hall and knocked on the door about fifteen minutes later. The usually dapper man opened the door and answered a few questions until the officer asked what was behind his back.

He ignored the question and began to attempt to close the door. The officer blocked his attempt and began to go for his gun. He didn’t get very close to it though as his body came thrusting backwards toward my door.

I jumped back, saw the whole wall shutter and light began creeping in around the frame as the dust floated and hovered around it. Then I heard the rhythm of shoes racing down the hall becoming quieter by the second.

I opened the door and the unconscious police officer fell backward into my apartment. I peeked out the door and looked down the hall.

There he was staring at me from the end of the hallway, our eyes finally meeting. He looked at me as if he knew I had been watching and knew how horrible the woman across the wall was. For a moment I was lost in his stare until the officer started to come to.

I looked down at the cop and then back the end of the hall. He was gone and it was the last time I ever saw him.

***********************

At least I thought it was the last time I would ever see him.

“ohh…” the officer moaned as he rubbed his battered skull.

“Are you okay?”

“Not really…I think I busted a rib.” He replied wincing from the pain. “You live in this apartment?”

“Yeah…looks like I’m goin’ need a new door though.” I replied with a bit of wit, trying to make him feel better.

“Did you see which way he went?”

“Who went?” I asked.

“The man who did this. He was in that apartment, I asked him a few questions and then he kicked me like some kinda’ kung fu master.”

“As far I know just a woman lives there.”

“Did she run too?” He asked.

“I haven’t seen anyone else.”

“Anyone else…I thought you didn’t see anybody.” He remarked staring at me trying to see if I was lying.

“Should I go look?” I said trying to distract him.

“No.”

He called for backup from the hand radio mounted to his shoulder. Soon after several more cops entered and taped off the hallway. EMT’s loaded the injured officer onto a gurney and confirmed his busted rib.

“Stand back ma’am.”

The coroners’ team came down the hall with another gurney and entered her apartment.

“Is she dead?” I asked.

“Please just stay back ma’am. The situation is under control.”

“I just wanted to know…” I started to say as they rolled the gurney out of her apartment with a body bag loaded on it. “Oh no.”

“Hold it.” An officer called to the man pushing the gurney. “Ma’am, do you know the person that lives here?”

“I’ve seen her but I’ve never talked to her.”

“Her ma’am?”

“Yes the woman who rented that apartment.” I answered confused by his question and with an awful feeling suddenly in my stomach. “Wait, who is that?”

“Well he didn’t have any ID so we don’t know.” The officer answered.

“Wait, he?” I jumped over to the body bag and tore down the zipper before they could stop me.

It was him. The nice neatly dressed well-mannered man. How could this be? Was that her at the end of the hall in disguise? Why would she do that? Why would she kill him? What the hell is going on?

Thoughts of utter confusion and anger clouded my mind as the coroner and officer pulled me away from the gurney.

“He was supposed to kill her! She was the evil one! She ruined everything!”

[Fiction] Friday - May 28, 2010

2010-05-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

[Fiction] Friday: A writer’s computer begins to flash messages on its screen, as if trying to communicate.

“How much for this?”

“Oh god, just take it…it’s yours.” Replied the woman having the tag sale.

“Okay. Thanks.” I said as I picked up the old computer and monitor. They weren’t very big, just heavy.

“Do you need a hand?” She asked.

“No thanks. I got it. Thanks again.” I replied.

When I got to my car I put it down in the trunk and packed some other stuff I had in my trunk around it so it wouldn’t break on the ride home. There’s not too many of these old PCs around and this one in particular looked like it was a superior model than my past vintage PCs.

Sitting down at my desk with everything plugged in and set up I was ready to go. I have a fancy new laptop but banging on the keys of these relics helps me to concentrate on my stories and not the different fonts and sizes and all of that stuff. No spell checker or grammar checker, just me and the story. Of course, that is, if it works. I wore out my last one and was lucky to find this one.

I pushed the button on the monitor and then flicked the switch on the computer but nothing. ‘Good thing I didn’t pay a lot’ I thought as I sat and stared at the screen.

Suddenly, as I was about to get up and unplug it I heard a whirling noise.

“No way!” I said as if someone else was in the room with me.

I sat and waited for it to boot up. The monitor slowly began to glow slightly and the little flashing underscore brightened in the upper left corner.

“HELLO” Flashed on the screen and then faded off.

I sat up in my chair thinking that was an old splash screen and it was ready to go. Then came more.

“DAVID, YOU ARE IN DANGER.” It flashed and then faded off again.

“What is this a joke? How does it know my name?” I said as I got out my cell to call my buddy and see if this was one of his pranks. As I was about to hit the call button another message flashed and faded.

“NO JOKE. IF YOU WANT TO LIVE GET OUT NOW!”

“What the…” I stood up confused. Was this a joke or should I actually get out? I questioned myself as I stood there and then another message popped up.

“TOO LATE…”

Just then the computer made a popping sound and smoke started to come out of the box. I pulled the cord from the wall, opened a window and waved the smoke out, hoping it was not on fire inside. Then I called 911.

About fifteen minutes later my studio apartment was swarming with cops and homeland security detectives. They were asking me all kinds of questions and looking through my laptop.

“Why are you guys looking at my laptop? What’s going on?” I demanded after sitting and watching for a bit against my will.

“Sir.” Said a burly cop who wouldn’t let me stand up.

“I didn’t do anything! Why am I being treated like a criminal?”

A man wearing a homeland security jacket who was talking with the first police officer on the scene came over to me. He was on his cell on the way over and hung up seconds after stopping in front of me.

“Sir. The officer said you told him that you got this computer just down the street at a tag sale?” He asked with a curious tone.

“Yeah…that’s true.”

“At 1634 South Avenue?”

“Yes. A big white colonial.”

“Okay see that’s going to be a problem…that’s an empty lot…has been for about twenty years. Get ‘em outta here.” He said to the burly cop by my side.

Post to Boast - Volume 7

2010-05-21T02:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks topic: Best of Ten

This weeks Post to Boast is me asking a favor. I will be attending the Big E this fall in the Connecticut building with CAPA. I have ten books to date but I can only bring one or two to sell, so what I am asking is can you vote for your favorite to make it easier for me to decide? I would really appreciate it. Here is the list with links to see more about the books:

Welcome Baby
There's a Bear in my Bathing Suit
Fallen Star
The Magic Eraser
The Last Leaf
I Do It
It's Time For Bed, My Parents Said
It's Time To Come In, My Parents Said
It's Time For School, My Parents Said
The Holiday Christmas Tree

Just post a comment with your pick and thanks.

[Fiction] Friday - May 21, 2010

2010-05-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

[Fiction] Friday: A boy and his father awaken early to watch the sunrise from their mountain campsite, but they begin to panic when the sky remains dark long into the afternoon.

“Hey buddy. Rise and shine.” My father whispered to me as he shook my shoulder.

“What time is it?” I asked him in a groggy voice.

“Shhh. You’ll wake your mother. It’s um…it’s 5:15.”

“Doesn’t she want to see the sunrise too?” I asked.

“She said not to wake her. She’ll see the next one…c’mon.”

We slowly unzipped the tent and crept outside. To our surprise my mother was sitting at the picnic table. Her forehead was leaning on the palms of her hands and her legs were bouncing slightly on her toes.

“Mom? I thought you were…”

“Oh thank God you’re up! Something is not right here.” She said as she got up and grabbed a hold of my father. “You two…I couldn’t wake you! I tried to but it’s like you were in a comma or something.”

“What are talkin’ about? You’re not making any sense…slow down and tell me again.” My father asked, trying to calm her.

“I couldn’t wake you. I decided to watch the sunrise with you guys…but…I kept trying and shaking you both and making noise but you just wouldn’t wake up.”

“Well, I feel fine, he’s fine…I guess we were just really tired. Besides, you couldn’t have been trying too long, the sun hasn’t even come up yet.”

She looked at my father with scared eyes and said, “That’s why I’ve been freakin’ out. It should’ve come up by now!”

“It’s not even 5:30 yet.” I said grabbing at my fathers watch to show her.

“PM! It’s 5:30 pm! You two have been out all day!”

“What!” My father asked as it sank in.

“I tried calling 911 but the cell phones don’t work. I yelled for help but no one answered.” She continued.

She was right, I went to the tent and got my dads cell phone, nothing.

“But that’s impossible…how can that be?” My father said looking at his watch and then to the sky. “Why didn’t you drive to get some help?”

“I would’ve but…” She started.

“The car’s not working either?” I asked.

“No…the car runs but the GPS doesn’t work and I don’t know how to get out of here…the nearest ranger station is probably an hour or two away…even if I did know where I was goin’.”

“What are we goin’ do?” I asked in a very concerned voice.

“Wait! You hear that?” My mother asked.

“Hear what?”

“Shhh. That. Listen…don’t move.” She said and held up her hand.

“I don’t hear anything…can you dad?”

“Ahh! You don’t hear that?!? It’s horrible!” She yelled as she closed her eyes tight and blocked her ears with the palms of her hands.

My father tried to grab her and calm her but she was too tense.

“Make it stop! K-cha! K-cha! K-cha! K-cha! Can’t you hear it?” She screamed, repeating the sound that only she could hear louder like a train approaching.

“Dad! What’s wrong with her? Can you hear any noise?” I yelled to my father over the wailing from my mother.

“K-cha! Gt-cha, Gt-cha, Got-cha, Got-cha, Got ya!” She hollered laughing.

“Got ya? What?”

It took up a minute until we realized by the way she was looking at us that she set this all up. She changed my fathers watch, took the cell phone batteries out and we never bothered to check the GPS in the car.

“You should’ve seen your faces. I couldn’t do it anymore…I had to spill the beans.” She said, still laughing.

Books Featured at Bank Square Books

2010-05-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

A few of my books are now available at Bank Square Books in Mystic Connecticut, that's right across the street from the famous Mystic Pizza (as in the one from the movie with Julia Roberts).

You can see all of my books and more here.

Post to Boast - Volume 6

2010-05-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

This weeks topic: Paper or Plastic

This weeks Post to Boast is a tricky one.
Would you prefer to read to children with an iPad or an actual book with paper pages?

It's an interesting multi-sided question.

On one side you've got a less expensive, environmentally friendly, bright full color children's book (thousands of them at your finger tips) glowing on a screen...a rather expensive one.

And on the other hand you have a touchy feely, not environmentally friendly book that you can turn the pages and feel the weight of the book and it's your very own, but it costs more.

So which would you prefer now and even in the future. Will our grand kids and great grand kids ever see a book?

Also, I've posted a new [Fiction] Friday, you can read it here.

Finally I am extending the discount until May 23, 2010. I hope you will take advantage of it.

As a reminder I am offering to you a 41% discount on any of my books.

That's less than $6.50 a book. Just enter this code on my site at checkout... R6CBGQ3B

A hope this was helpful and fun for all.

Thanks for your time

[Fiction] Friday - May 14, 2010

2010-05-14T04:31:00.000-07:00

[Fiction] Friday: I knew it was a mistake the moment it was over

It was a long drive back from the fitness convention that I was working and I was anxious to see my wife and newborn son. I was getting uncomfortable and needed to pull over, stretch and grab a cup of joe. The next exit had a sign for Food so I decided to take it.

I pulled into the parking lot of this coffee shop that was just a half-mile or so off the exit in some small town that I never knew was here. I’ve past this exit a dozen times and never needed to stop before.

As I stood and stretched by the side of my car I noticed there was only one other car in the lot and the traffic going by, well, there wasn’t any. I swung the car door shut and made my way in through the tightly hinged glass door at the entrance.

Stopping just a few steps inside the establishment I studied the menu above the brightly lit front counter. Deciding that I’d just get a coffee and go I approached the counter. That’s when it started.

I was immediately attracted. My heart rate increased, the lust grew stronger with each second that passed. Those two firm beauties staring me right in the face. I couldn’t resist. I told her what I wanted and she told me how much it was going cost me to have them.

I paid her cash and then we turned and left swiftly and made our way to my car. I started the engine and pulled into a quiet secluded spot in the back of the lot. I tried to concentrate on what I was doing but I just couldn’t keep my eyes off the beautiful pair in the passenger seat.

“This looks like a good spot, don’t you think?” I said aloud.

I shut off the car and looked over to the passenger seat. I leaned over and was gentle and caring. I tried to stop myself but I just couldn’t. The temptation was too great. Her smell, her taste, her shape, I just couldn’t control my hunger.

When I was done the guilt washed over me and I knew it was a mistake the moment it was over. I could just picture my wife’s expression if she knew, the disappointment and shame.

I opened the car door, cleaned up the mess, walked over to the trashcan and disposed of the evidence. As I walked back I thought to myself, ‘That was definitely worth it. So I have to do a couple of extra cardio workouts, those were two of the best Boston cream pies I have ever had.’

Blog Jog Day - May 9, 2010

2010-05-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you for stopping by my Blog.

Please explore all this Blog and/or my Website has to offer, then jog on over to http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/.
In honor of the event I am offering a 41% discount off (that's less than $6.50 a book) any of my children's books. Enter this code R6CBGQ3B at check out from my site.

If you would like to visit a different Blog in the jog, go to http://blogjogday.blogspot.com/

Post to Boast - Volume 5

2010-05-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Blog Jog Day - May 09, 2010

Come back and check it out.

In honor of the event I am offering a 41% discount off any of my children's books.

Enter this code R6CBGQ3B at check out from my site

Post to Boast - Volume 4

2010-04-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

This weeks topic: Prices for Children's Book

In this economy everyone is trying to save wherever they can. However, ensuring that your children like to and want to read and hear stories is very important. Which brings me to the question...What is the average price you pay for a children's book or what price would you prefer to pay?

What do you think is the "right price" for a children's book?

I try to keep the prices on my books as low as I can.

So to keep in the theme of this email/blog post I am offering to you a 41% discount on any of my books for this week only...from 4/30/10 to 5/6/10.

That's less than $6.50 a book. Just enter this code at checkout on my site... R6CBGQ3B

Post to Boast - Volume 3

2010-04-23T04:26:00.000-07:00

This weeks topic:
What features attract you (as a parent) to a Children's Book?

For example:
illustrations, certain style?
hard cover vs soft cover?
New vs the classics?

What is it that makes you pick up that book and flip through its pages?

Thanks for your time

Post to Boast - Volume 2

2010-04-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

This weeks topic: Favorite Children's Books

My favorite (besides my own of course) is "The Hungry Thing"

Please comment and tell us your favorite. You can do it anonymously.

A Post to Boast - Volume 1

2010-04-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Add your suggestions here for a topic on an upcoming "Post to Boast". Even comment on the name...I'm sure there are better titles out there. We could all save some time and money with suggestions from others that have used or tried things.

[Fiction] Friday - October 9, 2009

2009-10-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

[Fiction] Friday Challenge: Pick your favorite movie monster (vampire, werewolf, etc) and give it a makeover.

The mad Dr. Frankenstein looked up to the laboratory ceiling and hollered, “Yes…It’s alive! It’s alive!”

Through the open doors above, the lightning snapped and flashed with the highest frequency in months. The electrods snagged the power of mother nature and transferred it to a very un-natural body.

The great man lying on the table was becoming more and more aggrevated and hostile. Screams of pain and anguish echoed throughout the room. Each snap of lightning rendered him more powerful than the last.

Sparks exploded from the outdated machinery, overloading the corroded wires with too much voltage. The ceiling doors slammed shut and the table legs snapped sending the table down to the floor.

Dr. Frankenstein turned and looked at the man that he brought back to life. His curly black hair, headband and the psychedelic clothes that made his uniform were all perfect. His guitar lay across his chest, the strings still smoking from heat.

He sat up looked at Dr. Frankenstein and said, “Excuse me while I kiss the sky.”

copyright Uncle Tee Books

Southington Apple Harvest Festival - Oct 10 & 11, 2009

2009-09-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

This is an annoucement for the fair I will be attending next.

The Southington Apple Harvest Festival is happening October 2-4 and 10-11, 2009. I will be there with my books October 10-11, that is the arts & crafts and books weekend.

There will be free parking, free admission and free entertainment...can't beat that deal. Check it all out online.

The holidays will be approaching fast...have children on your list? Come out and get a signed copy of one or more of my books...prices are less than online and the more you buy the more you get for free!

Leaves are starting to change, it will be a great weekend to get out.

[Fiction] Friday - September 25, 2009

2009-09-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge: The house lights dim, the curtain goes up… you’re on.

‘What’s this? - Where am I? – It’s so bright! – Are those people? I thought as my eyes adjusted to the sudden flash of light. I was on my back. ‘How did I get here?’

I sat up and tried to look around. The smell in the dust-ridden air was horrible. My head was sore and soaking wet. My eyes felt like I had been asleep for days.

“Hello?” I said using my hand as a visor to block the bright searing lights.

“Who’s out there? Where am I?” I demanded.

Suddenly out of the bright glow came an apple…bam! Right at my head.

“Hey!” I screamed.

Then, as I was rubbing my head, came another piece of fruit, this time an orange…and it nailed me in the leg.

“Booo! Booo! Do somethin’! Booo!” Roared an angry mob that I could not see.

“What’s going on? Who are you? Why am I here?” I yelled out even louder than last time to try to be heard over the dissatisfied crowd.

The white light switched to blue and now I could see some faint silhouettes. Here and there I could see a glow from a burning cigarette like fireflies exploring the night. I stood up but I couldn’t take a step. My feet were shackled to the floor. The light switched to red. I glared up at the source of it, blocking it with my hand.

“Who’s doing that? What do you WANT?” I screamed again but with more rage.

The silence was deafening. No one would answer me.

The lights clicked off. It was pitch black. I heard footsteps, lots of them, growing louder and louder. They grabbed me and forced me down. I could hear the shackles being unlocked and then straps being wrapped around me.

“What’s the matter with you?” Whispered a women’s voice.

“Yeah – c’mon mate – quit acting all loopy.” Whispered another voice, this time a man.

‘Did I know these voices?’ I thought. ‘They don’t sound familiar.’

The grasps suddenly left my body and I heard the scurrying of them all rush away.

“Wait – wait!” I yelled. “What did you do to me? Help me, please!”

Then the lights slammed on again. They seemed brighter than last time. I went to block the light but my arms were stuck. My legs were stuck.

I started to rise from floor and rotate up facing the crowd again. The lights started flashing, red, green, blue, purple, in varying patterns and brightness. Then they started circling the room but I couldn’t follow them because my head was stuck too.

I wiggled and squirmed in frustration and fear, trying to break free. Then whatever was holding me broke free, I lost my balance and started for the floor, backwards…boom the lights went out again.

copyright Uncle Tee Books

New Book Trailer - There's a Bear in my Bathing Suit

2009-09-18T04:55:00.000-07:00

Click here to see the book trailer for my new children's book, There's a Bear in my Bathing Suit.

[Fiction] Friday - September 18, 2009

2009-09-18T04:41:00.000-07:00

Picture Prompt: The Starry Night by Van Gogh

It was chilly up on the hill overlooking the town. The cool breeze swirled in small funnels all around him. The ground was grassy and dry, too cold for annoying insects and the sky was clear. Vincent was happy he chose this night to capture the scene.

After walking back and forth, searching for the right spot, Vincent had found his spot. He had his easel set up, his paints ready to go and he the stars were only getting brighter.

They twinkled and flashed as he starred at them trying to image what they felt like and how far away they were. He could see that they were different colors but couldn’t quite create the exact color on his pallet.

The gradient sky was a magnificent backdrop for the sleepy town. Below it, the rolling hills with the trees and houses at its feet. Dark shadows and dimly light candles filled the windows and streets.

He knew he hadn’t much time to capture the landscape before night swallowed it in its darkness. The moon wouldn’t stop for Vincent to take his time, the time was now, and he had to paint fast.

He transformed the canvas with such ease. Merging on it the image before him and the way that he saw it. The night went on changing, growing darker and colder until the moon left his canvas. The stars followed as hills and sky became one.

Vincent finished and packed up his tools. He carefully lifted his painting off the easel and carried it back down the path that he came. That night he captured a scene that would never return and would never be exactly the same. To Vincent it was just another starry night.

copyright Uncle Tee Books

New Children's Book Release - There's a Bear in my Bathing Suit

2009-09-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

I am proud to announce the release of my ninth children's book, There's a Bear in my Bathing Suit. You can see it at Uncle Tee Books

This one is a little bit different than my previous eight books in that it is longer (40 pages) and it is not a rhyming book. Also I used a different drawing style...still drawn by hand but with a watercolor/acrylic type style. Reading levels up to second grade and a great picture book for preschool.

[Fiction] Friday - September 4, 2009

2009-09-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Personal Note: I haven't participated in the last few weeks of [Fiction] Friday due to certain deadlines. I was trying to get ready for an art show and finish my latest children's book...which will be released in a few days. You can see all my books at my website. I am creating books non-stop, please take a look at them.

This weeks challenge: Pick an ordinary object, and give it an extraordinary use.

A cool breeze rushed through the crisp autumn air as the leaves slowly drifted down from the trees one by one. The sun cast long shadows through the thinning foliage. It was the first time in a week that the wet ground had any sunlight on it.

David and his son, Tommy, were just finishing their breakfast.

“Today’s the day, Tommy.”

“The day for what?” Tommy asked.

“Well, now that it finally stopped rainin’ we have to git out there and drain the pool cover.”

“Really, that’s what we’re goin’ to do?” Tommy asked with excitement.

“Yeah, we have to. It’s not goin’ to be that much fun ya know.”

They cleaned up the table, put on their boots and coats and headed for the shed. David hunted around until he found the pump that he uses to get the water off the pool cover.

“Ah, here it is. Tommy, can you start unwindin’ the hose?”

“Okay.”

David hung the pump over the edge of the pool cover into the cold, clear water and positioned it just right. He unwound the cord and ran it to the extension cord he had plugged earlier on their way to the shed.

“Okay, just gotta hook up the hose then plug it in. Got it out yet?” David said as he turned to Tommy who was down at the edge of the grass. “What are you doin’?”

“Nothin’.” Tommy replied as he carried some rocks from the nearby wood line.

He had the hose stretched out from where he was, around the pool and next to spot where David placed the pump.

David connected the hose to the pump and followed it to the end to be sure it wasn’t kinked or facing the wrong way. Then he went back up to the pool and plugged it in.

“Here it comes.” He yelled to Tommy.

Tommy was holding the hose and a rock, trying to position it on top of another rock to be the start of his waterfall. He strategically placed and fitted each rock so that the water would move in exactly the direction that he wanted it to.

Tommy was lost in his own world, manipulating the water as gravity pulled it down. His hands were ice cold from building the beautiful and complicated maze of rocks and flowing water coming from what most other people saw as just an ordinary garden hose.

About fifteen minutes past and David was getting the last of the water, “Okay…it’s almost empty.” He said as he walked around the pool and down to where Tommy was. “Wow! That is awesome. Aren’t your hands cold?”

“Not really.”

"Well, in just another minute the water is goin’ stop but that is really cool what you made there.” David said. “Why don’t you leave it and next time we drain the pool you can make it bigger and better?”

David walked back up to the pump. He was trying to remember what it was like to be Tommy’s age and taking regular objects and making them extraordinary.

copyright Uncle Tee Books

Art on the Green

2009-09-02T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, this is an announcement for the upcoming art show that I will be attending.

This year the Art on the Green is being held on September 26, 2009 from 10-3, at the
Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House Museum.
I will have about twelve art pieces for sale along with each of my children's books available including another new one...
"There's a Bear in my Bathing Suit".

This one is in the proofing stage and has not been released yet but it will be ready by the time of the art show. This one is a bit different than my previous eight books in that it is longer (40 pages) and it is not a rhyming book. Also I used a different
drawing style...still drawn by hand but with a watercolor/acrylic type style.

If you have read any of my books, please feel free to rate, comment or review them here Thank you in advance.

[Fiction] Friday - August 7, 2009

2009-08-07T04:41:00.000-07:00

The challenge: Set your story at the Opera

It was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary and he was determined to do something he said he would do a quarter of a century ago, take his wife to the opera. It’s been so long since his promise to take her that he forgot how they decided on the opera.

Standing outside the front doors awaiting her arrival from a late day at work, he pondered whether or not he would even like the opera. Surely twenty-five years ago he would not but now he is older now and wiser. Might be fun, he thought.

The crowd was building and so was his anticipation. Rarely do they go out on the town, which was exciting by itself but they decided that his wife would purchase the tickets and he was not to peak.

All cleaned up and wearing his best suit, his only suit that he wore on occasions such as weddings and funerals, he was feeling pretty special. Perhaps he felt different in it tonight because the occasion wasn’t a wedding or a funeral but a night with his wife, his friend of twenty-five years, and his soul mate.

The city lights became brighter as the sky grew dark and the hustle of the street was settling for the night. He was only there waiting for about twenty minutes but it seemed longer because of how fast everything changed from workday to nightlife. There was so much going on that he didn’t have the time or the inclination to check his watch. He knew she would be there soon.

Just a few minutes later she came walking down the sidewalk toward him in a new dress that she picked up last week, on sale of course. She looked beautiful and ready to take on anything. They embraced like two people entangled in a forbidden love story.

After they looked each other over and complimented each other’s appearance they took each other’s hand and climbed the stairs to the entrance. Being the last two to enter the theater, the doorman closed the doors behind them. Without a spoken word between them they took their seats, held hands and disappeared into the show.

copyright Uncle Tee Books

Illustration Friday - Modify

2009-07-31T06:45:00.000-07:00

[Fiction] Friday - July 31, 2009

2009-07-31T05:19:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge: It’s July 31st. What is Santa doing in downtown Los Angeles?

“It’s July 31st.
What is Santa doing in downtown Los Angeles?”

That headline was plastered over every newspaper in LA. Retail business was extremely low this summer and they had to boost business or many of them would go out of business. Somebody suggested a way to get sales going…they should start the holiday shopping off early with huge savings.

And that’s how the papers got their front-page story today.

But this was not just some scheme to get shoppers in the stores; this was a full-blown holiday at the mall. They pulled out all the stops. They lowered the temperature in the mall down to sixty-seven degrees. They put up all the decorations throughout the mall and stacked wrapped boxes from the floor to the ceiling. The music from all the speakers in the mall was the same you would hear as if it was Christmas Eve. Everyone who worked in the mall was asked to dress for the holiday, and they did.

They advertised all over TV about the big event with huge savings, holiday cheer and to top it all off, Santa and his elves.

Of course, with children being out of school they saw all the TV ads and begged their parents to go see Santa. Most every request was granted and even though most parents weren’t ready for it, they took their children to go see the jolly old man.

It worked, retail stores thrived and the following Monday the papers front pages were plastered with a new headline:

“Post Holiday Sale! Hurry for Year-End Savings”

[Fiction Friday] - July 10, 2009

2009-07-10T04:34:00.000-07:00

Write about a misunderstanding between three people.

“What time did you tell him?”

“I didn’t talk to him. He was out when I called so I talked to his wife and she said she would tell him.”

“So what was the message you left?”

“I told her to tell him eight o’clock, at the Civic Center…and that we would meet ‘em at the front doors, on top of the steps.”

“Okay, so where is he?”

“I don’t know…I’ll give him a call.”

“Is it ringing?”

"Yeah it rings but then it’s goin’ to voicemail. He must be on his way.”

“Well, I hope he gets here soon dude, the game’s gonna start in a few.”

“Yeah I know…lets give him a few more minutes and I’ll call him again.”

“You did tell her Saturday…today Saturday right?”

“Yeah, I talked to her yesterday, right after I talked to you and told her this Saturday.”

“Well if he didn’t get the message until this morning…do you think he thought you meant next Saturday?”

“I don’t know…what time you got?”

“Ten of eight.”

****************************

“Hey babe, what are you doin’ home?”

“What do mean…I live here.”

“Ha…ha. I thought you were goin’ out with the boys tonight? I left you a note.”

“Yeah I saw it this morning. It said the game is this Saturday.”

“Yeah, this Saturday…today…tonight Saturday.”

“You serious. I thought this Saturday meant this coming Saturday. Chuck me the remote, would ya.”

TV Announcer: “Well Bill, the word is that tonight’s game between the LA and Boston should be a great match up. One of those games you don’t want to miss.”

“Oh man…what time is it?”

“Ten of eight.”

copyright Uncle Tee Books

[Fiction] Friday - July 3, 2009

2009-07-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

Where your character is committed to a drastic or extreme change

Two hours waiting in line…joking and laughing with friends…not thinking about what’s next. Feet hurting from standing for so long. Sweating from the humidity…or maybe from nerves and anticipation.

The sound of screams and machine-like mechanisms are getting louder and louder as the next step approaches. Looking back at all the faces who will also go through this experience…this test of will and bravery. They all have varying expressions but share the same look in their eyes every few minutes when the screaming goes through its cycle.

One more rotation of the system, one more cycle of screaming and clunking. Last chance to give in, to let the scare win.

Climbing in now, sitting and looking back at those wondering faces. The anticipation has reached its peak. Seat belt tight, bar moved back into position. Rolling forward, slowly.

‘Clunk…clunk…clunk…clunk…clunk…clunk’

Climbing out into the sunlight, higher and higher. Looking side to side at the landscape getting smaller and smaller. Everything is in sight now. Nearing the very top, clinching the bar, rolling over the peak…

“Ahhhh!!! Whoooo!!!” Screams are flying from the short train of cars as we zoom down the hill.

‘Bang’ to the right, ‘Bang’ to the left, up and down over the whoop-de-does, racing up through the corkscrew, around to the right, small climb to another peak, then whipping down and to the left, then right, one last big turn…

‘Screech’

The line of cars slows abruptly and creeps back under the canopy. Stopping and exiting the to the other side making room for the next set of roller coaster riders.

copyright Uncle Tee Books

New Children's Book Release - Fallen Star

2009-06-26T05:13:00.000-07:00

I am proud to announce the release of my eighth children's book, Fallen Star. You can see it at www.UncleTeeBooks.com

It's a short story about a Fallen Star and then it educates children on what a fallen star is...check it out.

[Fiction] Friday - June 26th, 2009

2009-06-26T04:30:00.000-07:00

Challenge - Your story involves an invasion of privacy.

Julie climbed the hardwood stairs, gripping the railing and humming the song she was listening to on her ipod. With each step she took, she was thinking of how she was going to start today’s entry. There were several topics she wanted to record, but which to start with was the challenge.

Leaving the stairway behind and dancing down the hall, she reached the door to her bedroom. It was shut all the way. She usually kept it open a few inches. Without giving it much thought she entered her large, purple painted room. Its décor consisted of pink and purple window drapery; white, pink and purple comforter, sheets and pillowcase and a large white oval shaped rug set askew. Her room also housed two very large dressers that surrounded the doorway to her walk-in closet. Among the scattered clothes and shoes that had not been put away, her desk and vanity hid camouflaged, covered with photos and notes, on the other side of her bed.

She pushed the door open, removed the buds from her ears and tossed them, along with the ipod, onto her bed. Spinning around and twirling to her desk she reached out for her favorite pen that she used only for her diary.

Scribbling a few lines on a piece of scrap paper on her desk she mutters, “Okay, good to go.”

As she walked over to her dresser where she secretly kept her diary she noticed that her sock drawer was open along with some socks laying over the edge of the finely crafted dresser drawer.

‘That’s not how I left it…’ she thought.

Digging through her socks to the back, where her diary is supposed to be, she finds that it’s gone.

“Mom! Have you been in my room!?!” She hollered without even standing up.

“NO!”

“UGH.” Julie grunts. “DYLAN!!”

She stands and stomps for the doorway where she finds her four year younger brother standing with her diary in his hands.

“Lookin’ for something?” He asks as he waives it around in the air.

“If you’ve read anything in there you’re dead!” She threatens, squinting and piercing her eyes right at him.

“That’s for me to know, and you to never find out.” He spouts back as he tosses it at her and runs out of the doorway.

copyright Uncle Tee Books

Illustration Friday - Drifting

2009-06-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

[Fiction] Friday - June 19, 2009

2009-06-19T04:33:00.000-07:00

Include this line in your story…(your character) closed his/her eyes, took a deep breath, and jumped..

Tony stood there, at the edge of the pool, sweating. His skin was tacky from the globs of sunscreen that his mother caked on and his arms were angled out slightly to avoid sticking to his sides. His eyes were squinted from the bright reflection of the hazy sky above bouncing off the water.

The thermometer was just about at one hundreds degrees Fahrenheit. The weather report said it was going to be a hazy, hot and humid day, the first real scorcher of the summer. This was the beginning of a heat wave they predicted.

The waters glassy surface was flat even though it glistened thousands of sparkling spikes of sunlight. Tony bent one leg down and dipped his toes from his other foot in the water causing half circle waves to spread across the pool slowly.

“Feels pretty good.” Tony said to his father who was standing right next to him.

“Okay, let’s do it then…are you ready?” His father asked.

“I’m ready…” Tony replied. “I’ll go first.”

Tony closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and jumped out as far as he could to reach the middle of the pool as he yelled, “Whoooohoooo!”

As he crashed through the flat surface of the water he felt the change in temperature from the hot humid air to the cold settled water at the bottom of the pool. He immediately pushed his feet to the floor and raised himself back up out of the water.

“Cold! Ahh…its still cold on the bottom!” He hollered as he stood up in the middle of the pool.

copyright www.UncleTeeBooks.com

Illustration Friday - Unfold

2009-06-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

[Fiction] Friday - June 12, 2009

2009-06-12T04:32:00.000-07:00

Include this line in your story…”The piano accordion player slumped forward.”

The accordion bellowed sweet music as he pumped air through it and swayed in rhythm. His head tilted up towards the sun, as bursts of light danced across his sunglasses. Dressed in an odd combination of patterns along with mis-matched socks and an old newsboy hat, he played his accordion as if it was his only way of communicating.

People shuffled by all day long passing this old accordion player on a busy street downtown. Most hardly noticed him or took time to listen, while others stood and enjoyed his vision of freedom through the whistling pitches he created. The people who did stop to listen only stayed for a short time, often tossing a few coins into the cup he had sitting out in front of him.

They often gave money because they felt bad for him in his odd clothing riddled with stains and frayed edges. They figured he lived someplace on the street close by in an alley or under a bridge. Not giving it anymore thought than that they moved on with their busy day and stressful lives.

The accordion player was a mysterious man though. He was probably close to eighty-five or even ninety years old. He never talked to the people on the street and most times didn’t even know if anyone was listening. All he could hear was the sound of the music he bellowed through his instrument, at least until he stopped playing.

That’s when the sounds of life irritated his sensitive hearing. Shoes scuffing the ground, voices mumbling, the hum of the freeway just a block away, and car brakes screaming even few minutes. And of course there was the occasional sound of coins being tossed into his can, while whispers fluttered around about his appearance. He could only take a few moments of the sounds before he had to play to drown out the city sounds.

After each song, the piano accordion player slumped forward to give a seated bow to anyone who was still standing there, even if they were only there waiting for the pedestrian crossing light to change.

At the end of the day, with the sinking sun glowing on the old mans face, it’s time for him to go. He snaps the strap to close his accordion and puts it in its case. He collects his can and reaches behind him to retrieve his walking cane. He stands up, unfolds the red and white stick, adjusts his hat and sunglasses and walks away toward the sun.

Casting a shadow ten times his height behind him as he maneuvers down the quiet sidewalk, he wonders if he’ll be back tomorrow.

copyright www.UncleTeeBooks.com

Illustration Friday - Craving

2009-06-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

[Fiction] Friday - June 5, 2009

2009-06-05T04:24:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge is to use:
“Don’t sit there,” she commanded. “That’s the cat’s chair.”
in a story.
_________________________________________________

The doorbell rang just as I was making my way down the stairs. I had my tuxedo on and I was ready to go. It’s going to be a night of rocking and partying.

My friends and I rented a limo and a small dance hall for the night. We’re throwing a big bash for one of our friends who is joining the Armed Forces. He’ll be leaving in two days.

“Hey, you ready?” Geo said after I opened the door.

“Just about man, I just have to grab some stuff from the kitchen, c’mon.” I replied.

Geo was all decked out in his classic James Bond tuxedo. His girlfriend was waiting out in the limo and we had to hurry so we could pick up everyone else including the U S Army’s newest recruit, Freddy.

“Dude, what are you doing? We gotta go.” Geo said impatiently.

“I know I know, just don’t distract me and I can go faster.” I told him as I gathered up a few things.

Just then our white cat came sashaying through the kitchen like she owned the place.

“Watch out…if she brushes up against your tux, your legs will be all white.” I told him as she was circling around the kitchen looking for attention. “C’mon Angel, get out of here…shooo!”

“Hey, git...get any from me.” Geo said as he tried to keep away from Angel.

“Angel…c’mere leave them alone.” My mother called to Angel as she walked in the kitchen. “Well look at you two…are you leaving now?”

“In a minute…” I answered.

“We are as soon as he’s ready…” Geo sarcastically answered my mother as he stepped back to sit down.

“Don’t sit there,” she commanded. “That’s the cat’s chair.”

“What…why…aw man!” Geo exclaimed as he turned to look at the back of his pants.

They were covered in white cat hair.

“That’s where Angel sleeps and cleans herself…” I told him as he was trying to brush off the cat hair. Then I handed him a wad of tape. “Here…try this…brushing it ain’t goin’ work.”

“Man, this is why we don’t have a cat.” Geo said while trying to remove the hair from his tux.

copyright Uncle Tee Books

Illustration Friday - Adapt

2009-05-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

[Fiction] Friday - May 29, 2009

2009-05-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

This post is for [Fiction] Friday for May 29, 2009.
The challenge was to write a poem about "A Fallen Star"

A Fallen Star

There it lies, in the pit of my mind.
The fallen star, and the trailing line.

It came from the black, of outer space.
It came from being, in just one place.

It shot across the sky, on a slight angle.
With no sounds, no jingle or jangle.

What made it move, and why so fast?
How long was it there? How long did it last?

This fallen star, helpless and cold.
I wonder your age, how young or how old.

Why have you fallen? Why are you here?
So many questions, I have for you dear.

But you can't answer, my fallen star.
I'll never know why you came, or who you are.

Illustration Friday - Cracked

2009-05-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Illustration Friday - Balloon

2008-12-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

Uncle Tee Books

Illustration Friday - Wise

2008-11-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

Fun with the word "Wise"

I know these two guys, they are both very wise.

But to my surprise, I had come to realize.

That no matter how wise, these two guys.

No matter the size, of their infinite wise.

These two guys, who are both very wise.

To their surprise, had also come to realize.

That no matter how wise, are these two guys.

That no matter the size, of their infinite wise.

They can't diguise, all the cries and the lies.

They can't surmise, all the many tries.

They can't advise, the very unwise.

They can't make tasty pies, or salty french fries.

So in fact they must rise, to claim their prize.

As simply the two guys, who are both very wise.

Uncle Tee Books

Illustration Friday - Vacant

2008-11-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

Uncle Tee Books

The Magic Eraser - Next Children's Book Progress and Release Date

2008-10-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

My next book, The Magic Eraser is in its coloring stages. The story, sketches, and layout are complete. It will take about a week or two to complete the coloring, shading, backgrounds and final composition. Then it's off for a proof and then onto production. I am hoping for a release date of December 12, 2008.

UPDATE: I needed more time to get the book way I wanted it but now it is at the printer and I am waiting for a print...if that's good it will be released so the date above looks good this time.

Uncle Tee Books

Illustration Friday - Repair

2008-10-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Uncle Tee Books

Announcement - Blog Talk Radio Interview - Book Bites for Kids

2008-10-21T05:17:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to announce that on Friday October 24th, 2008 I will be doing an interview on Blog Talk Radio with Suzanne Lieurance, who hosts a radio show called Book Bites for Kids.

Suzanne Lieurance is a former classroom teacher, now a freelance writer, children's author, speaker, and The Working Writer's Coach. She is the author of over 20 published books for children. Lieurance is also the founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center and the Children's Writers Coaching Club.

The interview starts at 2pm Central Standard Time (3pm EST) and is 30 minutes long. To listen go to Suzanne's Website where you will see the link for the interview.

If you miss it you can listen to it anytime from her website or mine at a later time.
Thanks for your time...hope you can stop by and listen.

Illustration Friday - Late

2008-10-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

Uncle Tee Books

Illustration Friday - Strings

2008-10-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

www.UncleTeeBooks.com

Illustration Friday - Sugary

2008-10-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Can I help make cookies?

Uncle Tee Books

Illustration Friday - Packed

2008-09-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Uncle Tee Books