Ray Bradbury was everywhere in L.A. – giving inspiring lectures to writers ("Read an essay every night!" he said, and I started that very evening) He signed his books at book stores all over town - I can't even count how many times I attended his signings or lectures. When he talked to writers it was like mainlining inspiration. And he had such fun! Once I sat behind him at a small theater that was doing a play of one of his works, The Martian Chronicals I think it was, and no one enjoyed the performance more than he did. The last time I saw him was on the corner of Wilshire and Second St. in Santa Monica, outside of Houston's restaurant. It was about a year ago, dark out and there was this fellow, beaming happiness, in a wheelchair and then I heard someone say, "Mr. Bradbury, your driver is here." I turned to my husband and said, "Oh, my God, do you know who that is?"
How writers will miss him.
"All I can do is teach people to fall in love. My advice to them is, do what you love and love what you do...If I can teach them that, I've done a great job." – Ray Bradbury
This is when I thank the Universe for the internet! I watched a talk given by Mr. Bradbury where he said to read a short story every night. My favorite book of his was "Dandelion Wine." It was gentle and so wonderful that it was one of the few books that I've reread.
And yes, we will certainly miss him.
Posted by: JoniB | June 07, 2012 at 06:14 PM
So marvelous! I love that you've seen him both talking and randomly on the street -- how lucky! I posted an amazing quote that I read of his about writing -- I had no idea that he wrote that much about writing itself. What a wonderful man -- he will be so missed.
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 07, 2012 at 08:19 PM
One of my favorite authors! I love what you wrote, Barbara.
Posted by: Laura B | June 08, 2012 at 03:48 AM
Grazas por este artigo. Isto é todo o que podo dicir. Certamente fixeron este blog en algo especial. Vostede sabe claramente o que está facendo, que cubriu bases.Thanks tantos! Eu non tiña idea que escribiu moito sobre a propia escrita. Que home marabilloso - será tan perdida.
Posted by: converse cuir homme | June 09, 2012 at 01:20 AM
I've been wanting to read Farenheit 451 for a long time now...must get round to it. Been rnaeidg th Dusty Volumes challenge post and only just realised I Am Legend was pre-1960. Wow.
Posted by: Marian | June 22, 2012 at 07:25 AM
I'm glad all is ok up there. I agree, being stuck at home is a pretty amianzg way to get work done. I:- read three chapters of one of those books I picked up on Wednesday (the academic ones you saw me with)- also organized my yarn bag (and cataloged it all on ravelry so I don't have to dig through the whole bag every time I find something I want to knit)- Finished knitting 2/3 of a sock- Read for pleasure (what? I don't get to do that)Good luck with the rest of your writing today!
Posted by: Adriana | July 28, 2012 at 10:20 PM
OK, just a few more Flood To dream that you are in a flood, represents your need to raseele some sexual desires. If the flood is raging, then it represents emotional issues and tensions. Your repressed emotions are overwhelming you. Consider where the flood is for clues as to where in your waking life is causing you stress and tension. Alternatively, the dream indicates that you are overwhelming others with your demands and strong opinion. Still another interpretation could be your desire to wipe everything clean and make a fresh new start. To see a gentle flood in your dream, indicates that your worries over a certain matter will soon be swept away. Celebrities To see a celebrity in your dream, represents your beliefs and understanding about him or her. Consider what the celebrity is famous or known for and how you relate to that quality. Something in your waking life has triggered these similar beliefs and feelings. It is not uncommon that your obsession with a certain celebrity may carry over onto your dream world. Celebrities are often seen as heroes and all that is mighty. Also consider any puns within the name. To dream that you are good friends with a celebrity, represents your idealized version of someone you know in your life. Perhaps you hope that a real-life friend can act more like a particular celebrity. Consider the qualities that you see in this celebrity and how you want your friends to have those qualities. Alternatively, the dream may be trying to compensate for your own lack of self-confidence. You want to escape from your own reality and live the high life. You want to fit in.
Posted by: Che | July 30, 2012 at 08:19 PM