Blessed be The Readers

        Here we are near the end of the year. Bless all of you readers and artists out there. I developed a very bad illness (brain tumor; it’s hard to type that) late last spring and you have helped me so much. Prior to the tumor my day revolved around my patients. It was  a constant human interaction and while it was stressful, I enjoyed it. I miss them. All of you, my electronic human connections, have bridged the gap and allowed me to feel useful while I am confined to bed or chair much more than I have ever been used to.

        Also I must add I would have never made it through the year without my wife who now has a 210 pound baby on her hands. She is the best. My children have been most helpful too. Even though they have busy lives, they call often and visit as much as they can, which is pretty regular. God bless them too.

        I continue to peck away on my projects. This year I have all plans to release the children’s mandolin coloring book, my second novel, “Acquisition Syndrome,” and a mandolin duet CD with Darin Aldridge (www.darinandbrookealdridge.com)  Also Wayne Benson and I will start “Practical Theory for Mandolin,” which may take a year or more to complete. It is based on Wayne’s lesson plans. I believe his method via this book (or personal lessons with him) will help the less gifted musician (like me!) play at a higher level. Check out “My Art Projects” page on the right hand side bar of my blog for more details on these projects.

        Again, if you are an Amazon Prime member “The Mandolin Case,” and also “The Bluegrass Brain Cancer Boogie” are available as a free download as part of Amazon’s promotion of their program. Check in with Amazon and see my post of 12 14 2011 for details.

       I hope all you have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. As a writer, and a man who thrives on social interaction, I thank you. If you are a writer, musician, blogger, FaceBooker, (At first I though it was called “My Face”) a commenter, reader; really any human being who cares about a life of grace and dignity, I thank you. I am confident I would not have fared as well without you.

        I’ll be back soon.

Dr. B

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Where to Get a Free Copy of “The Mandolin Case”

        If you are a member of Amazon Prime you can download a copy of my book, “The Mandolin Case,” for free. The novel was accepted by Amazon as part of their Amazon Prime program.

        I have just started to learn about Kindle Prime but the way I understand it, you pay a yearly fee and then have access to be number of free books, free shipping, and other perks. So, check it out at www.amazon.com.

       If you are a member of Amazon Prime or know folks who are, ask them to take advantage of a free download of “The Mandolin Case.” Even though it is free it still helps me in that Amazon pays the author a fee based on the number of down-loads, and also it is great publicity. Amazon is huge and I was both surprised and tickled they wanted my book on the list. (I’m one of the little guys!) It also helps spread the word about our music. Most of my readers are bluegrass folks but the novel has begun to spill over into other groups of people. Many of them are curious as to why we are so passionate about the music. And too, I am certain the whole program helps Amazon too. They are not naive as to modern business. They are big biz outfit but I gotta admit they have treated my Lit agent, and therefore me, fairly the whole way.

        Y’all have a blessed holiday. I’ll post once or twice more before Christmas and also will be on FB each day, so I’ll be in touch.

Dr. B