ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON

Reflections in Isolation: Thomas Christopher Greene's 'Notes from the Porch'

In a great conversation in Storycomic Presents, I had the honor of engaging with Thomas Christopher Greene, a figure synonymous with literary excellence and educational leadership. Episode 339 illuminated Greene's significant contributions to the world of literature and introduced his latest poignant collection, 'Notes from the Porch,' crafted in the solitude brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Greene, renowned for his international bestseller 'The Headmaster's Wife' and revered as the Vermont College of Fine Arts founder, shared insights from his newest work—a compilation of essays that capture the essence of human resilience and communal spirit during unprecedented times. These essays, written from the vantage point of his porch in a small Vermont town, explore the profound simplicity of everyday life, from the mundane to the monumental, amidst global upheaval.

'Notes from the Porch' serves as a testament to Greene's observational prowess and his ability to distill the beauty and strength of the human spirit in moments of isolation. Through reflections on neighborly kindness, the solace found in nature, and the enduring bonds of family, Greene crafts a narrative that resonates with hope and the unyielding power of stories.

As Greene eloquently puts it, his world might have shrunk to the confines of his porch, yet within this narrowed scope, he unveils the vast expanse of love's reach, transcending the trials posed by the pandemic. This collection is more than just a chronicle of days spent in seclusion; it's an invitation to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, to rediscover the threads of community and connection that bind us, even when the world seems to be unraveling.

Tom Lopez & ZBS: The Mission and Magic of Mindful Entertainment

Few names resonate as profoundly in the realm of audio drama as Tom Lopez and the ZBS Foundation. Episode 340 of Storycomic Presents, hosted by Barney Smith, shines a spotlight on this visionary creator whose life's work has redefined the landscape of auditory storytelling. With a career spanning over five decades, Lopez's dedication to crafting intricate soundscapes and compelling narratives has cemented his status as a pioneer in the field.

At the heart of Lopez's creations are the sounds he's captured from around the globe, turning everyday noises into the backdrop for tales of cosmic intrigue and mystical adventures. Whether it's the roar of elephants reimagined as dinosaurs in "Dinotopia" or the ambient sounds of the Amazon setting the stage for "Ruby the Galactic Gumshoe," Lopez's unique approach to storytelling immerses listeners in worlds both fantastical and eerily familiar.

The ZBS Foundation, under Lopez's stewardship, has become a beacon for "mindful entertainment," producing content that not only entertains but enlightens. As we navigate the digital age, the enduring appeal of ZBS's audio dramas—rooted in the belief that laughter and kindness are pivotal to the human experience—reminds us of the power of sound to connect, inspire, and transform.

Tom Lopez's journey from tape reels to digital downloads exemplifies the timeless nature of storytelling, proving that even as technology evolves, the human desire for narrative connection endures. Through ZBS, Lopez continues to offer listeners a portal to worlds unbound by the limitations of visual media, where the imagination reigns supreme.

The Journey to Maple Media Designs: A Tale of Passion, Experience, and Community

Today, I'm thrilled to share the story behind Maple Media Designs and the journey that led me to where I am today. It's been a road marked by passion, a deep well of experience, and an unwavering commitment to our local business community.

Maple Media Designs didn't just spring up overnight. It grew from the roots of over a decade of experience in web design and digital marketing, nurtured by my desire to see local businesses in Vermont and New Hampshire thrive in the digital landscape. Since 2012, I've been on a mission to bring quality and accessible web design services to our local community that were once thought to be only within reach of the big city firms.

Cultivating Skills and Knowledge

Over the years, I've been fortunate to wear many hats and tackle many challenges in the digital realm. Every project has been a step toward greater understanding and expertise, from crafting bespoke websites that perfectly mirror a brand's ethos to navigating the ever-changing tides of SEO. My journey through digital marketing, PPC campaigns, and social media strategy has honed my skills and deepened my appreciation for the art of connecting businesses with their audience online.

Rooted in Community

One of the core values that Maple Media Designs holds dear is the belief in supporting our local ecosystem. I've seen firsthand how a well-designed website can impact a small business's ability to reach new heights. It's not just about looking good online; it's about creating a digital home that resonates with the community and draws people in. That's why I'm dedicated to providing services that are top-notch and accessible.

A Nod to the Future

As we look to the future, I'm excited to announce a special offer for our Patreon members. In appreciation of your support and belief in what we do, we're offering a 15% discount on our services. It's my way of saying thank you and ensuring that our journey together continues to be fruitful and impactful.

Let's Grow Together

Maple Media Designs is more than a business; it's a partner in your digital journey. With every project, I bring my skills and experience and a genuine enthusiasm for seeing your business succeed. Let's chat if you're ready to take your online presence to the next level. Together, we can create something truly remarkable.

And to my Patreon members, keep an eye on your inbox for details on redeeming your exclusive 15% discount. Not a member yet? Join us on Patreon to support the blog and take advantage of special offers and insights into the world of web design and digital marketing.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here's to many more years of creating, learning, and growing together.

Finding Light in the Shadows: A Review of Thomas Christopher Greene's 'Notes from the Porch

Notes from the Porch" by Thomas Christopher Greene is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This collection resonates deeply with me, especially as someone who hails from Vermont and knows Montpelier's every nook and cranny. With his adept storytelling, Greene brings to life the essence of small-town living, crafting tales that are laugh-out-loud funny and profoundly tender. As I delved into his "tiny true stories," I was reminded of the shared trauma we all experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, Greene's narrative is a beacon of hope, illustrating how we can grow together from such global adversities.

His seamless transition from fiction to non-fiction showcases an admirable and engaging versatility. The book is remarkably accessible, blending reminiscent stories of Greene's life with observations that are as insightful as they are entertaining. "Notes from the Porch" captures the magical moments of everyday life, emphasizing the significance of the mundane and the power of community and kinship.

For anyone looking to find light in the aftermath of the pandemic, Greene offers a ruthlessly optimistic and undeniably heartwarming perspective. This collection is not just a series of essays; it's a journey through the heartache, laughter, and love that define our human experience. Greene has indeed created a work that encourages us to see the magnificent in the easily missed, proving that the world is still a place worth cherishing.

This Week's Update: Rotary Meetings and Home Improvements

Hey everyone! This week, I decided to dive back into the Rotary Club scene down in Lebanon. I figured it was high time I got back into the swing of things with community work and networking. The Rotary Club is all about helping out and connecting with folks who want to make a difference, and I'm all in for that. Getting to know more people in the area and finding new ways to chip in will be awesome.

On the home front, we're still inching our way into the downstairs bedroom. It's been a slow but steady process, like a home makeover marathon. I've also been on a mission to declutter and clean up every nook and cranny of the house. It's amazing what you find when you really start digging into those forgotten corners – a mix of "Why do I still have this?" and "Oh, so that's where that went!"

It's been a pretty packed week, balancing the hustle of getting more involved in the community with the chaos of home improvement. But honestly, it's been fun. There's something satisfying about progressing, whether

building connections or finally getting the house in order. I'm looking forward to what's next and hoping for more of these little victories.

I am growing my Patreon and offering an excellent way for my independent creative community to sustained advertise their work!

The website of your choice will be featured in the show notes of all of our podcasts for as long as you are a member of the Storycomic Patreon. The Founders Club offer is only for the first 15 subscribers. This is at any Patreon Subscription level.

Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons,
Higgens802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Andrew Gronosky of Shewstone Publishing, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:

https://marekbennett.com/

https://www.hexapus-ink.com/

https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/

https://www.vonallan.com/

https://higgins802.com/

https://shewstone.com/

Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!