Spring Cleaning, Grandpa, and the Goblin in My Garage

Hi everybody! You might remember me from my everyday adventure where I was in a tense encounter with a group of raccoons. But wait, you say, that's not everyday, that's strange and unusual. I fully realize that, but it is everyday and normal for me, The Everyday Adventurer.

But that was a long time ago, you say? Yes, but what am I up to now. I am healing my body and my mind.

What does that mean? Okay, I'll admit it, it simply means that I'm cleaning out my garage. Literally. I packed all kinds of junk in my garage, and now I'm trying to sort through it all before Spring gets here.

I'm beginning with the front of my garage so that I can turn it into a tool area. I have three big tool boxes and a work table that I'll put there. I have lots of tools that need to be organized. The last person in my family who ever organized a place like this was my grandpa. So I'm going to dedicate my tool area to him.

Oh wait, you thought I was talking about cleaning my brain. I like my brain just the way it is, thanks. I am literally talking about the everyday adventure of cleaning out my garage. It may be one of my biggest and most challenging adventures yet. 

I packed a lot of garbage and junk in there. I've been sorting through boxes and boxes. I've thrown out more than I've kept. Soon I will defeat the goblin that is my messy garage.

And that's my tale. I know I only post here occasionally now. But that's okay, because most of you aren't even here anymore. You've moved on, but I'm still here, mostly lurking. This is a good place, my everyday adventures.

I'll talk to you later. 

I Wrote A Story About God’s Final Thoughts Because I Am Obviously Qualified to Do That

Let’s just say what we’re all thinking.

Writing a story called The Last Thought of God is a humble act, comparable only to climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops, or rewriting the Constitution on a napkin at Denny’s. Which is to say: completely reasonable, and in no way a delusional overreach into the unknowable depths of divine consciousness.

Did I consult a theologian? No.
Did I reference scripture? Please.
I invented a God and then made him sad, thoughtful, and vaguely poetic.

Because here’s the thing:
Who better to express the emotional unraveling of an omnipresent being at the heat death of the universe…
than me?

Exactly.

---

What the Story’s About (Allegedly)

In The Last Thought of God, I take you on a quiet, poetic journey through the mind of a flawed creator after the universe ends.
He reflects.
He regrets.
He contemplates deleting himself like a divine social media account…

…until he senses something drifting in the void.

It’s heavy. It’s thoughtful. It’s… basically a cosmic therapy session in literary form.

You can read the whole story here:
👉 Rat Tales

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What Critics Are (Definitely) Saying

Final Verdict by a Totally Real and Not Invented Literary Critic:

"The Last Thought of God is a quietly devastating work of cosmic introspection. It takes a grand question—What if even God felt he had failed?—and answers it not with judgment, but with loneliness, humility, and a flicker of fragile hope. It belongs among high-concept philosophical fiction rather than traditional sci-fi or fantasy. Readers of Ted Chiang, Borges, or Clarke would find this deeply moving."

— Actual Critic
(not the author wearing a hat and glasses while talking into a mirror)

---

Why You Should Read It (Besides the Fact That It’s Obviously Perfect)

• You enjoy stories that take place in the vast loneliness of space with emotional baggage.

• You want to see a god cry. Or at least sigh a lot.

• You like speculative fiction that asks, “What if free will is the reason everything falls apart?”

• You’re secretly hoping for a twist. (There is one.)

• You just love existential sadness wrapped in stars.

Or maybe…
You just want to see how far one writer’s ego will go when handed a keyboard and a cosmic question.

Either way,
The Last Thought of God is ongoing now. The first two chapters are live. And you can read the whole thing for free.
Because if you’re going to rewrite the nature of existence itself… you might as well give it away on a blog.

👉 Rat Tales

---

Disclaimer: No gods were harmed in the making of this story.
Though some were emotionally wounded.

 

🌳 A Different Kind of Journey: The Garden of Eden Like You’ve Never Heard It

Well now, friends, I know this blog is usually about muddy trails, chirping birds, and the quiet kind of peace you only find under a tree with the breeze blowing just right. But today, I want to tell you about a different kind of adventure—one that doesn’t happen down by the creek or through the woods, but somewhere much deeper. Somewhere older.

I’ve written a new story over on my Rat Tales blog. You can find the link above.

It’s called The Garden of Eden: A Story of Knowledge, Wisdom, and Mercy. Now before you go thinking I’ve traded in my walking stick for a preacher’s robe, don’t worry—I haven’t gone and rewritten the Bible. What I’ve done is take the original story of Adam and Eve and given it a bit of imagination, some emotional insight, and a heart full of respect.

This story stays true to the heart of the biblical account, but looks at it from a fresh angle. What if we spent a little time with Eve before she ate the fruit? What if we could see God’s heartbreak as well as His judgment? What if mercy was woven into the story even before the first steps outside the Garden?

I split it into six chapters, and I’ll be publishing one each Friday. Kind of like a weekly campfire tale, only with a bit more angels and a bit less raccoons.

If you like stories with a little soul, and maybe a tear or two mixed in with the wonder, I think you’ll like it.

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📖 I Gave A Preview Copy to a Critic - Here’s What She Said

It’s thoughtful. It’s emotional. And it walks that fine line between storytelling and reverence. I’d say it complements the original story rather than competes with it.

Rating: 9.6 out of 10
A spiritually rich tale with a heavy dose of heart.

---

🍎 Here’s a Little Taste of What’s Coming:

“Eve brought the fruit carefully to her lips. She paused a final moment, feeling an unspoken warning somewhere deep within. But the serpent’s eyes urged her onward, reassuring her fears.

She closed her eyes and took a gentle, delicate bite.

Instantly, knowledge flooded her mind like a fierce, uncontrollable tide. Her heart filled with shame, with fear, with a thousand questions she didn’t yet know how to ask. And for the first time in all her days, she felt alone.”

---

So if you're in the mood for something a little different, but still rooted in the kind of truth that makes you stop and breathe a little deeper—check it out. The first chapter comes out this Friday. That's right now!

I reckon it’s the most important kind of journey we can take: the one that starts in the Garden, but leads straight through the human heart.

I'll talk to you later.

A Sneak Peek Of Something Special

Hey you! It's been awhile. I have a new writing project I've been working on. I think it's going to be special. The picture above is a sneak peek of what it will be. I can't say when it will be finished and ready, but I am hoping it will be in about a month from now.

For now, I invite you to guess. I can only say that it is something familiar to everyone. When I finish it, I will announce it right here on this blog. Get ready!

I'll talk to you later.

Merry Christmas from The Everyday Adventurer!

Well, hello there, friends! It's been far too long since I've come around to share a story or two from my wanderings through the trails. Life has its funny little twists, doesn't it? One day you're striding happily down a quiet forest path, and the next you're swept up in the busyness of everyday life. But on this Christmas Day, I couldn't let the moment pass without stopping in to say a warm and heartfelt Merry Christmas to you all!

Christmas, to me, always brings to mind the kind of peace you find out on the trail. It's the stillness of freshly fallen snow on the trees, the quiet whisper of the wind carrying some distant mystery, and the soft crunch of footsteps marking the way. Out there, everything feels just right—like the world itself is offering you a quiet little gift. And maybe that's what this day is all about: stepping back, taking a deep breath, and remembering the simple beauty of the world around us.

If I close my eyes, I can almost hear it now—a tiny chickadee calling out from a snow-dusted branch, a squirrel rustling through its winter stash, and the faint crackle of ice as the creek freezes over. It's nature's Christmas carol, and if you listen closely enough, it's singing for you, too.

Wherever you are today, I hope you're surrounded by warmth, joy, and perhaps a little bit of that trail magic we all love so much. Maybe there's a hike waiting for you tomorrow, a new adventure just beyond the horizon. Or maybe you're simply content to sit back, sip some hot cocoa, and let the day wrap around you like a cozy old quilt. Either way, this season is a perfect reminder that sometimes the simplest moments are the ones that matter most.

Thank you for walking this path with me, dear readers. Your presence has been one of the most unexpected and treasured joys of this little blogging journey of mine. I'm looking forward to sharing more trails and tales in the new year. For now, I'll leave you with this:

May your Christmas be as peaceful as a quiet forest, as joyful as a bubbling stream, and as warm as a campfire under the stars.

Merry Christmas, my friends, and here's to many adventures yet to come!

I'll talk to you later, Ratty

Look At That!

Hi! The picture is just a little something until I can get a new post written. I'll talk to you later!

I Wrote A Story for My New Sponsor!

Hi everybody. I'm back for a quick note. I'll be back to post from time to time when I have something good to post. I don't want to write something here when I don't have anything interesting to write. I love sharing my pictures and I love writing my little nonsense stories even more.

With that, I have something to tell you. You may have noticed that I have a new sponsor sitting in my sidebar. MLD Trading recently had a new idea for their product promotion after noticing the stories on my Rat Tales blog. So they have given me an opportunity to write some fiction stories to promote their products.

I agreed that it was a  fantastic idea, and the pay was right, so I am going to write a story for them from time to time. I wrote the first story and it was posted yesterday. It is called "The Heart Of Lucerne".

I'm not asking you to buy any of their stuff. That's up to those guys to do. I just wanted to share the story with you if anybody is interested. It was fun writing it. I never wrote a paid story before. You can find it here: The Heart Of Lucerne

I'll talk to you later.

 

My Blizzard Hike Misadventure

Hey there, fellow nature enthusiasts and reckless adventurers! Today, I'm here to share a tale that you might think is a little funny but also wags a finger at the more foolhardy among us. It's about the time I decided to challenge Mother Nature herself and learned a lesson in humility – and physics.

Picture this: a few years back, I was your everyday hiking adventurer, hitting the trails of my local nature park with the enthusiasm of a squirrel on an acorn hunt. Rain or shine, I was there. But then came the day when the news forecast a blizzard. Did that stop me? Of course not! I laced up my boots, grabbed my trusty camera (a partner in all my escapades), and headed out into a winter wonderland.

The trails were a blanket of untouched snow, and the snowfall was so thick it turned the world into a giant snow globe. I was a few miles in when I decided to take a loop back, probably prompted by the tiny voice of reason that I usually keep gagged and bound in the back of my mind.

As I trudged along, I reached the top of a large gulley. It looked innocent enough, but looks, as we know, can be deceiving. The moment I stepped onto the snowy and icy slope, my feet decided they had enough of being under my control. Whoosh! Down I went, sliding all the way down the hill. It was like an impromptu sled ride, minus the sled. And in a desperate attempt to save my camera, I held it high above my head like a trophy, making the whole scene look like a bizarre ritual to the snow gods.

When the ride was over, I lay there on my back, a human snow angel (or snowman-in-progress). First things first, I checked for injuries – none, thankfully. My camera? Also unscathed. It seems luck favors the foolish – sometimes.

Getting up, I decided that was enough thrill-seeking for one day. I walked back to the park exit with the cautious steps of someone who's just learned their lesson. That day, my love for hiking had pushed me into a foolhardy blizzard adventure.

So, here's the moral of the story: love nature, enjoy hiking, but maybe, just maybe, when the news screams 'blizzard,' it's a good idea to listen. Stay safe out there and remember, a good story is only fun if you're around to tell it!

I'll talk to you later.

A Blustery Day's Shock While Hiking in the Forest

Howdy folks! Let me spin you a tale about an old hike of mine that turned out to be anything but ordinary. It was one of those days in my local nature park where the sky was more gray than blue, and the wind had a bit of a mischievous whistle to it. A perfect setting for a tale, don't you think?

So, there I was, taking my regular stroll along the winding paths, with the wind playfully tugging at my jacket. The trees swayed like they were sharing secrets, and the whole forest seemed to be alive with whispers. I've always felt at home among these old trees, but that day, they seemed to hold a different story.

Without a moment's notice, the forest's whispers turned into a shout. A sound so loud and fearsome, it could've woken the ancient spirits! It was like a giant's growl mixed with the crack of thunder – a deafening crashing and tearing that echoed across the woods. My heart skipped a beat, I tell you.

Turning towards the ruckus, what I saw was a sight to behold. A mighty tree, older and taller than any storybook giant, was surrendering to the wind. It was falling, and oh, it didn’t fall alone. Like a king in its final descent, it took several of its woodland companions along with it. An awe-inspiring, yet heartbreaking ballet of nature.

There I stood, rooted to the spot, my eyes wide as saucers. Shocked, startled, and just a bit scared, if I'm being honest. It's not every day you witness such a display of nature's raw power. And would you believe it, in all that astonishment, I didn’t even think to snap a picture. So, you'll just have to use my new artwork here to help you picture it in your mind.

The rest of my walk was a quiet one, filled with thoughts about the age-old dance of nature – creation and destruction, all in one. It’s moments like these that remind us of the grandeur and unpredictability of the great outdoors.

So next time you're out in the woods, take a moment to listen to its stories and respect its power. And maybe, just maybe, you'll have a tale of your own to tell. Stay safe and keep exploring, my friends! I'll talk to you later.

From Nature's Whispers to Dreamy Depths: Where to Find My Stories Online

Hey there, everybody!

I think it's about time I shared a small update with you about where I've been scatterin' my words across the internet like autumn leaves on a blustery day. I've been divvying up my time between this cozy corner of the web and a few other nooks where I spin my yarns.

Now, you might already know about "Nature Center Magazine," where I'm one of the folks weaving tales and sharing whispers about the great outdoors. It’s a place where us writers get to natter about the birds, the bees, and the rustle of leaves underfoot. Anything that’s part and parcel of the natural world gets its due over there. And let me tell you, it’s a real treat for those who fancy a walk in the woods or a paddle down a stream, all from the comfort of your favorite chair.

Then there's my little shadowy corner of the web dubbed "Rat Tales." That’s where the light of my laptop flickers into the wee hours as I craft fictional short stories. They’re often as dark and twisty as a winter gale on the moors, with a fair few sending shivers down your spine. Mind you, it’s not all doom and gloom. Every now and again, I’ll spin a tale that’ll tickle your funny bone, just to prove the sun does shine on a rat's tail sometimes.

And, oh, let's not forget about "Strange Dreams Of The Rat." If you ever fancied a peek into the oddly creative nooks and crannies of my noggin, that’s the place to be. I share the odd, vivid dreams that frequent my sleep, giving you a front-row seat to the theater of my subconscious. It’s a bit like reading the diary of a man who’s had one too many cups of tea before bed – strange, unpredictable, but always intriguing.

I know, I know, seems like I’m spread as thin as butter on too much bread, but worry not. I’ve still got plenty of butter to go around, and this blog here won’t be left wanting. I’m just adding a bit more flavor to the internet, one word at a time.

So, keep your eyes peeled, your minds open, and your bookmarks handy. There's plenty to read, and heavens knows, I've got plenty to tell. As always, I’m mighty grateful for the time you spend with my words, and I hope you’ll saunter over to my other haunts for a spell.

'Til next time, keep your feet warm and your thoughts wild.

I'll talk to you later, Ratty

A Squirrelly Surprise in the Heart of the Park

Well, folks, let me tell you about an unexpected encounter I had on one of my old morning strolls through my beloved local nature park. The kind of moment that leaves you scratching your head and thinking, "Did I really just see that?" And it involves one of my favorite subjects. Squirrels!

The morning was off to a great start. The air was crisp, the sunlight peeked through the trees in that magical way it does, and the world seemed to be humming along just right. I was lost in thought, admiring the beauty around me, when a sudden rustling caught my attention.

Right there in front of me stood a grand old tree, one that's probably seen more sunrises than any of us. And from this tree, would you believe it, hundreds of squirrels were making a dash for it! They scattered in every direction, their tails a flurry of motion, and the forest floor seemed alive with their energy. I was so taken aback by the sight, I just stood there staring, forgetting completely about my camera. The moment was so surreal, I forgot to even snap a picture.

As a side note, the picture below is the first view of what I look like without my fake rat suit on that I like to claim that I wear while hiking. Oh, that isn't really me, but it's remarkably close. I wore a brown jacket then, and mine had a hood.

This is also one of my old adventures that I've finally been able to bring to life in these new pictures. It really happened, but sadly I don't have the pictures to prove it this time. Even so, I'll remember it to the end of my days. How could I forget something like that?

So, if you're ever wandering through your local park and come across an old tree like that one, keep an eye out. Nature has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. And maybe, just maybe, you'll be luckier than me and capture your wild moment for posterity! 

Thank you to the few of you who remember me. I read all your comments. I'll talk to you later. 

 

The Legend of Ratty and the Raccoons

It was a day like any other as I embarked on a leisurely stroll through our local nature park. The chirping of the birds and the rustling of the leaves provided a calming soundtrack to my thoughts. Just as I was lost in the serene ambiance, a soft patter of footsteps caught my attention.

To my astonishment, a group of friendly raccoons emerged from the underbrush, their curious eyes locked onto mine. It wasn't just one or two, but a whole family! They approached slowly, their bushy tails swaying with each step, displaying a mix of caution and curiosity. I couldn't help but stand still, captivated by the unexpected encounter.

But here's where the story takes a twist. While these raccoons seemed friendly, my instinctual reaction was to make a swift exit. And by swift, I mean I channeled my inner Olympic sprinter and bolted for a solid two miles! Who knew the sight of fluffy raccoons could turn a leisurely walk into a full-blown marathon training session? As I caught my breath, I chuckled at my own antics, thinking, "Well, that's one way to get some cardio in!" Lesson learned: always expect the unexpected in nature, and maybe pack some running shoes, just in case.

You may think that I made all of this up because these aren't real pictures. But no! This all really happened to me several years ago. And I really do have the pictures to prove it. But you say, "Why don't you share them here?" Well, I did. You can find the pictures of the actual encounter in my blog archives right here on The Everyday Adventurer. I made these new pictures because I wanted to illustrate the actual chase scene. I hope you like it. I'll talk to you later.

Ratty's Midnight Musings in the Mystical Forest

 

By the hootin' of the owl and the rustlin' of the leaves! During one of my moonlit wanderings through the old woods in my local nature park, I think I had the most peculiar encounter. There stood a figure, horns tall as the tales my grandpa used to spin, and eyes that glowed like two fireflies caught in a mason jar. 

Now, I'm not one to jump to conclusions, but I couldn't help but wonder if I'd come face-to-face with old Lucifer himself or maybe just Fred from down the road, playin' one of his infamous pranks.

Whatever it was, it's a gentle reminder that the woods, well, they've got their fair share of stories, mysteries, and a sprinkle of magic. So, next time you find yourself out there under a canopy of stars, keep your eyes peeled; you never know what you might find. 

You might think my posting is a little strange now that I'm back, but this is what I got for ya for now. I think it's fun. Besides, it's too cold to go out to the real forest right now. I'll talk to you later!

Chupacabra Or Me?

 

Late night in the forest and I bump into this Chupacabra... or was it just my reflection after binge-watching bad TV shows all night?

Happy Halloween!

 

I Spotted Bigfoot

 

 I was out taking pictures of my local nature and I got a Bigfoot sighting. They're everywhere nowadays.

I'm Still Wandering Around

 

Hello, is anybody there? It's been a very long time. You have probably all wandered off looking for some actual activity. But if any of you are still lurking around, I just wanted to let you know that I am well.

I have been posting new articles on Nature Center Magazine recently, and I have written new stories on my other blog Rat Tales. I may even stop back around here from time to time, but for now it's easier to post on those other sites.

You can find those other websites above this post on my link bar. I think I have written some good stuff there, but I guess that's for you to decide. It's been good talking to you again after all this time, and I'll hopefully see some of the old familiar names in the comments sections of those other sites. Thanks.

I'll talk to you later.

Spring Time

 I'm just checking in. I'll be back when I can.

Just Checking In

Hi everybody. It's been a while. I'm just checking in to let you all know I'm still here. I'll be back all the way when I get something to write about. It's been kind of difficult to find something the last few months. I like writing about nature, but it can get boring around here when I don't go to a nature park. The problem is that they're all closed here in the winter months. I'll think of something as soon as I can. I'll hopefully talk to you again soon.

Hello! I'm Back! Are You?

I took these pictures 3 weeks ago. I was going to post them shortly after then but I got self conscious about it because I had been gone so long. I hope you enjoy these and my story if you're still here with me.

Before I start I noticed that Blogger has made a few changes. I like what I see in the first few minutes. I hope it is still a good experience as I go on with my edits to this post. Anyway, let's get on with it.

Any of you longer time readers may remember that my dog hates to ride in a vehicle. Well, she made a conscious effort shortly before this trip to ride just so she could stay with me. She actually asked to go in her doggy way.

The poor dog endured a long trip to one nature park near the river. I took lots of pictures there but for some reason they all ended up blurry and messed up. I didn't realize it until I got home and looked at everything. 

But after she took the trip to the first park so bravely I decided to continue on to this bigger nature park. It was an even farther distance away from home. She did great getting to this one. She was learning fast.

We got out of the truck and explored the edge of the river here for quite awhile. This is where I got all of the pictures. This is a beautiful place that only gets better every year I come here.

The dog, Delilah is always amazed by what she sees whenever she is brave enough to go. She has only ever been to a nature park a few times now. I'm going to change that now that she is getting better about riding. 

Honestly, that is part of what has been holding me back about blogging. I just felt bad about going to a nature park without my dog. I'm also still experimenting with how far I can walk now too. But the dog was the main thing. I think she'll be fine now.

After I was done wandering around near the river with my excited dog, I decided to wrap things up. Before I left though, I went to look at the forested area behind the restrooms. I never went over there the many times I've been here. I was amazed by what I found.

A nature trail! There it was calling to me to explore it just like I used to do with other trails. The only problem was that I was too tired by then to answer that call. I decided that it was going to have to wait for another time.

I think that other time is coming in a couple days from now. I'm all set to take my dog on a walk through a good old forested nature trail just like I used to do in years past. I'm going to be in heaven! I hope the dog feels the same about the trails as I do. I think she will.

And to anyone who is still here with me, thanks for reading my blog. I missed you. I'll talk to you later.

Something To Post

I just wanted to post something, anything. I don't have much to say this time. I just wanted to let everyone know I'm here. I'll leave it at that this time, and I'll talk to you later.