DOES ANYONE REMEMBER W. LANE ROGERS?

It has been nearly a year since he passed. His book THE CALIFORNIA SNATCH RACKET, co-authored with James R. Smith is out. At only $11.53 for 395 pages of gripping writing, it is well worth the cash outlay.

See the review under Reviews.

I miss him a whole lot.

Do you have short memories?

alice wrote:

Do you have short memories?

Rubbish!

Ann

Ann,

You remember! So great to see you, my friend!

I remember because I was always sorry for a forum response I made that was less than kind - and could never be fixed. It was a lesson that helps me think before I respond to what I think is a harsh remark and realize the posting person may have issues that are beyond my comprehension and need my kindness, not my in kind response.

DK,
We often regret saying things when shortly thereafter something terrible happens to the person. If we were to treat every person as though they may not be with us tomorrow, how would we respond to them? If we say honestly what we feel, there should be no regrets.

Sometimes what we feel at the time may be tempered over time; and the Internet leads to confusion of intent with no body language, little context, and little vested interest in people unknown except for these squiggles.

My response to a post is always as thoughtful as it can be with my knowledge at hand, but I, too, have days when I am more likely to feel a remark differently than on another day.

DK, if you have one fault (which is your greatest strength!) you give too much consideration to everyone else. You always try to include everyone and want everyone to be treated equally.

Whatever you may have said would not have had nearly the impact you think it did. Folks make up their own minds about virtually (Internet!) everything. Once they have formed their opinion, it really doesn't matter what you say. Those who hold you in high regard will continue to do so even when you disagree with them. The rest aren't worth worrying about.

Thanks Shelagh for the kind words. I was thinking about conflict and I actually like the mental challenge stimulated by another's thinking that is opposite my own. I just don't believe that putting labels on people or using words that have stinging connotations is necessary when the world dishes out so much pain uninvited anyway.

I know as well as anyone that even when our ideas are supported by "absolute facts," those absolutes are still filtered by our desire to be right. My opinions are colored by a world view that values every person and also the earth that keeps us alive. I probably surround myself with the people and the information that supports lifting up the impoverished, recognizing the needs of those without a voice (children, infirm, elderly, incarcerated women and minorities, etc.) and wanting those who have been blessed with much to share their largess whether talent, time or money.

DK,

Lane did not want agreement and preferential treatment.

That is exactly why he kept his condition secret. He was a very wise man and knew that you had no idea of his situation. Let it go. He did not expect unending accolades.

He wanted the truth. He, himself was direct. I liked and appreciated that.

He was in a hurry and Dick said it well when he said "that's the way editors are--they don't have time to argue and explain."

Dear Alice,
I remember Lane here and on the PA board. He was a professional. I am sorry that he is gone. I fet a kinship with his Arizona works. He had no sugar to slather around. He knew the truth was better and meant more to each writer here. Some did not take his words kindly. I always did.
Like Dick, his heart was big, otherwise he would not have bothered with fledglings like me.

I am glad that he did not suffer long. To me, it is an important thing. Life is the prize and he knew it. I am glad that he had you to talk to in the end of days. You, my Alice, are a beaut of a heart.

Love,
Betty

That is a beautiful post Betty.

Betty,


You are so kind.
Love ya.

Alice