Notes From Behind the Keyboard - September 14th 2014

[caption id="attachment_3512" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Danny[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. I want to thank everyone that has dropped by, this past week. As my treatment has gone forward, my writing has gone backward. I just do not feel up to writing, in between puking. I am writing this article, ‘Sunday Funnies’ and a brief ‘A Week in Review’ today. Then I am going to get some more much needed rest. I am writing this article, first, so that I can get something off my chest.

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As I stated above, I have curtailed my chemotherapy… “until further notice”. Reason: Between the ‘staging’ appointments, tests/scans and doctor’s appointments? Allen ended up with two paychecks each less than $60.00! Problem: Allen and I cannot live on that little money. Taken forward, if we had continued we would not have enough money left over, after; food, phone bills, and internet to pay our rent.

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That made thing pretty darn simple, from my standpoint. Either the treatments and appointments ended or Allen, Alex, and I would be homeless. Doesn’t take too much higher math skills to figure this one out. Now for those that are tempted to ‘nit pick’ my budget? Don’t! Our ‘budget’ is a bare-boned as one can have. I only eat once a day and the4 same goes for Allen. Though I try to make sure that he eats more than I do, because he is working two jobs.

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There is no ‘play-room’ in our bills or expenses. Especially not enough ‘wiggle’ room for me to continue having Allen miss work to get me to and from appointments and treatments. You see, I explained all this; in the campaign ‘Mission Statement’, here on my blog, on Facebook and pretty much everywhere. “Either I raise the funds I need for; Transportation, Allen missing work to help me, and associated costs of treatment “or I stop treatment”! Here we are.

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You might notice that I have, again, started putting the ‘The Other Shoe eBay Store’ links at the bottom of all my publications. “YES!” I am trying to sell anything I OWN to make ‘ends meet’. If ‘I am lucky’ I will garner enough money, ny the 5^th of October, to pay my rent.

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So, here we are, just as I had predicted and feared. I am not sure just why nobody has reached out and donated. I know ‘what people are telling me’… but, I dare not think it true. Regardless of why I have reached the ‘end of my rope’ and find myself wedged between a rock and a hard place. I have given up treatment in hopes that I can manage to get October’s rent paid.

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This next week I hope to publish (most) of the regular articles that everyone enjoys. I will do my best to push past… and get some articles written. This week… well, it was just not gonna happen.

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That’s it, that’s all. I have done everything that I can imagine, and I am quite bereft of any ideas how to move forward and continue my treatment. I had really hoped that the campaign would garber support that I could use to replace income, and battle this cancer head on. Not going to happen… obviously.

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To the TWO people that did Help? “Thank YOU!” that’s that. Have a great Sunday.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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PLEASE DONATE to

Danny's Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo

[caption id="attachment_3338" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Danny in Rolling Hills Estates August 12, 2014[/caption]

PLEASE GIVE!?!

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© 2010 – 2014 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe

The Hardest Decision of My Life

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[caption id="attachment_3514" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny PET OCM 9-3-14[/caption]

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Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe. I come here, today, with a heavy heart and a troubled mind. Over the past four weeks I have, to the best of my ability, tried to relay information about my diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer. Even before any doctor gave my the diagnosis, I posted on Facebook, my impression that I might have cancer. That was in April of this year, the tumor was removed August 1^st and the diagnosis was August 8^th. However, I was fully aware back in April of my complete and total lack of the proper resources (enough food, enough clear filtered fluids, enough money to replace the time Allen would have to take off from work to help me) to battle my cancer AND keep a roof over my (our) head(s).

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Now, six months from the first mention, I am more than half-way through my Indiegogo campaign to raise the funds I need to battle this cancer and keep a roof over my head. In the twenty days I have run the campaign I have raised all of $50. Honestly, My Dear Readers, I may have exercised poor judgment, but I have already paid out more than that for promotion and Facebook advertisements for the campaign. I honestly thought that more people ‘seeing’ the campaign… well, “Cast a wider net to catch more fish”.

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With less than three weeks left, to the campaign, I have made a difficult and hard decision. I will no longer write articles about; my cancer, my adventure with cancer, my visits to doctors, my chemotherapy, or anything to do with my treatment or condition. I have seen my traffic decline, and with more than 210 ‘Shares’ on Facebook I have garnered only the support of two people. I fear that I risk loosing more of you, My Dear Readers, if I continue to write about my disease and my battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

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This was a very difficult decision to make, and I have given it a great deal of thought and consideration. My greatest fear is that; in pursuit of garnering more/further support for my personal battle with cancer I will loose more of you, My Dear Readers. I do not want to alienate my readership in the, obviously, vain attempt to raise money to help me battle my cancer. Therefore, as my health… and my reaction(s) to chemotherapy allow(s) I will continue to write and publish the regular articles here at The Other Shoe. For the duration of the campaign, I will continue to put a banner ad for the campaign at the end of the article. However, I will not mention the campaign. I will not write articles about; treatments, appointments, ‘staging’, or if the condition worsens.

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For those that might have… wanted to follow my progress? I would like to express my deep and heartfelt APOLOGY! However, I strongly feel that more readers were ‘put-off’ by the articles than people wanting the updates. I am not, nor will I, abandon the campaign, abandon my treatment for cancer… with one exception. IF my needs for treatment ($$$$) exceeds my MEANS… I will discontinue treatment. It is not just my life that depends on the monies that come into this household. Allen and Alexander BOTH depend on the roof the monies that come into this household provides.

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Therefore, if/when I ‘see’ that the continuation of treatment outstrips the disposable income then I will be forced to discontinue treatment for my cancer. You see, My Dear Readers, that was the problem from the very beginning. Even, back in April, I realized that we did not have the resources enough to; pay rent, put food on my table, pay needed utilities, and engage in a lengthy and expensive battle with cancer. You see, the cancer only effects one member of the household. The lack of enough money to pay rent and the bills effects all household members.

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I started the Danny’s Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo[1] for that basic reason. YES! I DID set a very high goal! I thought, to myself, ‘Why not TRY to raise enough money to; get a means of transportation for my family… that would carry my power chair and free the household from the embarrassment of public transportation, TRY to raise ENOUGH to get Allen OUT of Southern California.. and JUST MAYBE get him to a place where he CAN know the joy of a ‘White Christmas’… and maybe even I could enjoy one or two of those… again.

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YES, My Dear Readers, I did set a high goal on the off chance that generosity might prevail and I might leave behind a imprisoning station of life. That just maybe I could garner enough support to show Allen and Alex a ‘Better Life’ in a safer place with Four Seasons!

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I might well have damned the potential of the campaign, and curtailed my chances at beating cancer. I took a huge risk… it could still pay off.

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My Dear Readers, this will be (I will try very hard) to make this the very last time I talk about the campaign, my Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, my chemotherapy, my appointments, and everything to do with my cancer. I will continue to; make videos, take pictures, and document my battle with Cancer. I will keep these media to myself, Allen and Alexander.

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In conclusion, My Dear Readers, to those that might have been made uncomfortable these past four weeks? Made uncomfortable by my; asking for assistance, writing about cancer, writing about treatments, writing about the financially crushing effect of this diagnosis? I would like to express my deep and heartfelt APOLOGIES! I really mean that, My Dear Readers. It was never my intention to chase anyone away. And I fear that I might have done just that, which is why I am putting it to an end.

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Again, regrettably I am unable to stop the campaign at Indiegogo. Once it is started one must continue the campaign until the time is ended. I will place the small box at the end of every article. I would very much LIKE to REACH MY GOAL! However, I will do my very best not to make anyone uncomfortable with asking directly for your concern or financial support. To the two stalwart contributors; Jason Kleppinger and abv718 “I THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR KIND AND GENEROUS DONATIONS!”

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With that, I look forward to writing and publishing the regular articles that I know many of you, My Dear Readers, greatly enjoy.

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Thank you… for everything.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!
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PLEASE DONATE to

Danny's Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo

[caption id="attachment_3338" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Danny in Rolling Hills Estates August 12, 2014[/caption]

PLEASE GIVE!?!

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© 2010 – 2014 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe

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[1]https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/danny-s-cancer-treatment-fund/x/753895

The Story of Daniel - Part Two - REDUX!

[caption id="attachment_184" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Danny and Darrell in 1959, I am the Blonde Driving[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today is Wednesday September 3^rd, 2014. I am not at home, right now, I am actually at Orange Coast Memorial Hospital[1] having a ‘P.E.T. Scan’[2] done to my entire body. A P.E.T. scan is a Positron emission tomography scan, meaning that they use Positron emissions to create a ‘map’ of my entire body. Prior to putting me into ‘The Tube’ they inject me with a IV solution of D50W (a High density Glucose IV solution), mixed with a radioactive isotope. Cancer cells, and tumors, just love SUGAR! The cancer cells, and tumors, drink up the sugar solution and the radioactive isotope.

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Then when my body is hit with the Positron Emission the cancer cells, and tumors, light up like a Christmas tree! BINGO! Glowing cells and tumors! This will give my oncologist a much better idea of just where my cancer has spread to, and where all I have tumors! This takes about five hours, and I won’t be back home till after 5PM. Thursday, I am going for a Bone Marrow Biopsy at Los Alamitos Hospital.

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The Bone Marrow Biopsy is a simple removal of bone marrow from my pelvic girdle. They sedate me, and then drill into my butt cheek, down to the bone. Drill into the bone and draw out some bone marrow. Then the bone marrow is sent over to the pathology lab, where they will stain the sample and examine the stained sample under a microscope. Just LIKE the tumor removed from my jawline, they will discover if my Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has entered my bone marrow. If that is the case, then they will add radiation therapy to my chemo schedule.

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They will ‘nuke’ my bone marrow to kill all of the cancer cells. Friday, I will have the ‘Porta-Cath’ placed under my skin near my clavicle. I still need an MRI done of my brain, again to determine if the cancer has reached my brain. My first chemotherapy is scheduled for Tuesday September 9^th, 2014.

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PLEASE DONATE TO Danny’s Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo![3]

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The following was written in September 2012 as a part of my campaign to raise needed funds for my Power Chair. I am republishing this series of articles because I am just too tired… to fatigued… and too depressed to write my regularly scheduled articles. I do not want to leave you, My Dear Readers, with nothing good to read. As well, I am hoping that, upon reading this story, you might decide that I deserve your support… and contribute to my Cancer Treatment Fund.

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My Dear Readers, I just sat thought a two hour orientation for my chemotherapy. All through the orientation I kept hearing, ‘You need lots of extra fluids-orange juice, flavored waters, fruits, Crytal-lite ANYTHING to keep you drinking Quarts OF WARTER BASED DRINKS ALL DAY to keep your liver from being damaged by these chemicals and the destroyed cancer cells and tumors, “YOU NEED LOTS OF HIGH CALORIE FOODS” to keep eating all through the day (lots of little meals all during the day NOT large meals twice or three times a day) TO BATTLE FATIGUE and HELP YOUR BODY RECOVER FROM THE CHEMOTHERAPY.

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My Dear Readers, I do NOT have fluids or extra foods. Allen and I have been (for the past YEAR) on a STRICT food schedule. We spend $5 to $7 dollars A DAY for FOOD. PERIOD! We do NOT have the funds Nor the budget to pay FOR WHAT I AM TOLD WILL PROTECT MY HEALTH AND BODY. This is the why behind my cancer treatment campaign. Without your help? My body will undergo terrible damage and I fear I will end up hospitalized. Can’t you PLEASE HELP?!?

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The following is ‘Part Two’ of ‘The Story of Daniel’. I hope that you all enjoy this work. Thank you!

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Episode Two -Formative Years & The Hannings Move to Pearland

The holidays, for the Hanning family, were an enjoyable and busy time. Starting in October, when the air became crisp and temperatures dropped, my father added a new duty to his agenda. He took on the creation and display of festive and seasonal decorations. Though my father never talked of it openly, he loved the holiday season. Oh, not shopping and not the cooking (that was Mother’s job), he just loved decorating the house for the neighbors. It almost seemed as though he regarded it as some ‘social responsibility’ to provide eye candy for the community and neighbors.

I never sensed he thought of it as; an obligation or competition it was his way of expressing himself. My father didn’t sing or dance or anything of that nature. Yes, he sang hymns at South Park Baptist Church but you would never see him bursting into song around the house of neighborhood.

Now, having said you might think that (like most Americans) Christmas decorations would have been his favorite outlet and forte. No, my father got a gas out of Halloween decorations. It started on Thrush Street, in Houston, but carried over to Francis Street in Pearland. I am not talking about just some paper decorations in the windows and on the doors. Oh no, that would not do for Ken Hanning. Like his activities in the garage, Danny was totally committed to doing everything he could to help make his father’s desires manifest in our home. I generally, would give Dad ideas. "How about a witch on a broom?" and "Oh, Dad, could we make it talk?" That is all it would take.

The first year that I have a clear memory of we went all out. First, I need to explain a little something that is kind of embarrassing. August 25, 1987 I was involved in an accident at my work, and this is where I believe all my problems with my neck an spine really had their start.

I was working in an ‘electronics’ storeroom at Target, on Pacific Coast Highway, in Manhattan Beach. I was doing a ‘visual inventory’ of a very high stack of stock literally minding my own business. This stack of stock was not on steel racks like everything else in the storeroom. It was between two shelving units and just kind of like the game ‘Jenga’. Well that day, even though nobody pulled anything out, from the very top of the 15-20 foot pile a Smith-Corona typewriter (still in the shipping crate) came tumbling down on unsuspecting Daniel.

The typewriter fell and struck me at the base of my skull @ my cervical spine. The impact caused multiple spinal cord contusions, closed head trauma, and loss of feeling and some use of my arm and leg. I was hospitalized for three months and then spent another four months in a rehab institute for Head Injured Adults. Since then I have difficulties remembering; some of my past and friends and even had a loss of memory of friends at that time. I have worked hard to rebuild my memory, but there are still ‘holes’… so, please understand. Thank you and now, back to my story.

"YES!" replied my father. That year he and I built a ‘witch’ sitting in an aluminum deck chair. She was scary, with the big black pointed hat and black robes and a really good witch mask. Hidden inside,was a speaker, and it was connected to an old intercom system that my father had salvaged from one of the companies he did electronic work for in the past. We ran wires that were well hidden from the back of the witch into a window and into my parent’s bedroom. He would stand inside the door and watch for children to come up the walk, and then signal me when they were in visual range of the witch. I would screech into the intercom and my screech and (then) high pitched voice would come OUT of the witch!

We made SO many children scream, and many ran away without getting their candy. And, as with all great things and accomplishments, there were ‘detractors’. I can’t tell you just how many parents came back with their children to ‘bark’ @ my father for "scar(ing) my children half to death!". And here WE thought that was the point of Halloween! I mean, the children all got their candy, and we generally gave out the nice ‘name brand’ candies; M&Ms and peanut butter cups and the like. But each and every year my father and I would build a witch, and make her talk and scare the neighborhood children "half to death".

Every Christmas we would get on ladders and hang lights on the eves and around the doors and the garage. We would put the tree in the front room of the house, right inside the bay window. I think I gained a feeling that, to be a ‘good neighbor’ you must contribute to the holiday season in your community. It was not enough to just decorate for the family, being a good member of the community meant you went that extra step. You got creative and tried, each year, to do something different and, bring life to the holidays. Now that I think about it, I think my father and his standard for entertaining the community at the holidays just might be where I started getting my sense of ‘showmanship’!

In school, I was a different boy. I didn’t like standing out. I didn’t like drawing attention to myself. While in Houston, it didn’t do too well in school. I mean, I generally passed and held my own, but nothing until I found choir. I remember being in choir in elementary school @ Madding Elementary. And, again, I didn’t stand out but I was part of entertaining the community. Through choir I was giving back to the school and community and being a part of something much large than myself in the process.

Then, suddenly, the Hanning family was out on the weekends looking for a new home. I understood why, I had listened to my parents talk and watched on TV as there were riots at the school my older brother Darrell was attending. It scared me a lot. I loved my brother Darrell; I still do, but back then…well. Darrell taught me; how to tie my shoes, how to play checkers and then chess. We shared the same room, until after we moved to Pearland and well… to me Darrell hung the moon.

Here is where I have more than a little whole in my memory. I don’t remember the family moving, I don’t remember when we first got there, and I have only vague memories of elementary school. I remember being sick a lot, when we first got there. I remember the smell of cloves in the choir room in the old elementary school. And one other thing; I distinctly remember feeling safer in Pearland. I remember my grades improved. The next block of memories I have, was starting at the new middle school. And, that, my kind readers, is where we will take this story up on Friday.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting my cause. Thank you for caring

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That, My Dear Readers, brings us to the end of today’s edition of ‘The Story of Daniel’. I am seeing just how short these chapters, are, and I am thinking that I am going to share more than one in the future. I hope that you, My Dear Readers, enjoy these looks back on my life and on my writing at this blog! That’s right, these articles were written by me, Danny Hanning, two years ago. My, how my writing style has changed and improved. My Dear Readers, I cannot stress just now difficult the past decade has been for me. Being struck by a falling typewriter (back in 1987) set it all in motion, and from 2000 on I have been plagued with failing health, growing tremendous pain, and progressively decreasing mobility.

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In spite of all of that I have done my best to keep busy… to “Keep Moving Forward!”. Now, I have been hit below the belt with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma CANCER! With limited to Spartan resources, my battle might well be quite short. With your, My Dear Readers, HELP? I stand a fighting chance of beating my cancer and not damaging my body, my liver, my kidneys… due to a lack of proper nutrition and proper amounts of fluids. I am NOT lying. I DO lack the money to purchase these ITEMS.

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Thank you for dropping by… and PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO Danny’s Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo![4]

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

PLEASE DONATE to

Danny's Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo

[caption id="attachment_3338" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Danny in Rolling Hills Estates August 12, 2014[/caption]

PLEASE GIVE!?!

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© 2010 – 2014 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe

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[1]http://www.memorialcare.org/orange-coast-memorial

[2]http://www.cancercenter.com/treatments/pet-scan/

[3]https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/danny-s-cancer-treatment-fund/x/753895

[4]https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/danny-s-cancer-treatment-fund/x/753895

Pre-Chemo Appointment DONE.

My Dear Readers I have just spent two hours in 'Orientation' for Chemotherapy.  Unfortunately, due to my lack of financial means, I will be poorly prepared for... and After treatment.
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I lack to needed; foods, fluids, and dietary items to face this challenge. That was THE REASON behind my campaign. Next Tuesday is my first chemotherapy.  I am supposed to have; plenty to extra fluids (juices, flavored waters) to fight the dehydration.  Plenty of foods, small high calorie foods, that I AM WITHOUT.
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I cannot stop this train, and get off. I fear the damage this will do to my health. Please donate to Danny's Cancer Treatment Fund at Indiegogo and help me battle cancer.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/axkXSxJ7YwQ]

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P.S.  PLEASE come back LATER today... As I am TRYING to write MORE... I am SEVERELY depressed... and, well, I have to get 'My Head On Right'... soon. THanks! Danny

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PLEASE DONATE to

Danny's Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo

[caption id="attachment_3338" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Danny in Rolling Hills Estates August 12, 2014[/caption]

PLEASE GIVE!?!

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© 2010 – 2014 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe

The TRUTH about Danny...

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[caption id="attachment_2516" align="aligncenter" width="332"] Daneil Hanning of The Other Shoe 2001[/caption]

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            Dear Friends, Family and Followers at The Other Shoe and here at Facebook,
As many of you all know, my life (outside my writing at my blog) has taken a turn for the worse. My cervical spine is in a continual state of decline, pain and relentless popping grinding and decay. I do my BEST (honest, I try VERY hard) to keep a 'Good Attitude' and NOT to let... 'Dark Thoughts' past.
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Of late, that task is growing more and more... difficult. Just this Wednesday (yesterday) I had a visit with a new doctor to evaluate a lump I found. I am very grateful to find out it is NOT cancerous. However, what I DID find out... Well, it is an enlarged Lymph Node. Evidently I have an 'infection' of an unknown origin.
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I am working to find an 'Infectious Disease' specialist, and I am to schedule a C.T scan of my head and neck 'With Contrast'. The contrast is to let the radiologist 'see' blood flow. They can 'see' things like... other 'hidden' tumors just by following the blood. Or they can see ruptured or damaged arteries or veins.
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They are using the contrast to, hopefully, find the origin of my infectious disease.

Now, my primary care doctor is CONVINCED that the problem lies with either; the hardware in my neck or the bone grafts that NEVER knitted (healed completely). He thinks that the bone grafts that did NOT turn solid... have become a source of infection. This would explain a great many things.
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It would explain; my frequent fevers, my feelings of fatigue, nausea, and flu like symptoms nearly every day. Thing is? I really am getting to the point... well, I am not sure if I 'care'... Since 2002 I have been fighting with this cervical degenerative disc disease. What that means, in every day terms, is: every day I am in pain. I go to sleep at night in pain. Every single morning the VERY first thing I am aware of, upon waking up, is that I am in pain. I MUST wear either a soft cervical collar or a hard cervical collar... EVERY single day.
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When I DO 'feel' up to it, I write as much as possible. However, when I spend most of a day writing (and then it is about 30-45 mins writing, 30-45 mins resting, back and forth) when the day is done? That NIGHT I simply CANNOT sleep.. because of the greatly increased pain... and the loud poping and grinding in my neck. My left hand becomes mostly unusable, do to shooting pain and decreased range of motion and fine motor skills... as a result of the hours of work writing.
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When I can, I do my best to use my 'Speech-to-Text' software to help me write. This REALLY does help me keep from ending up in so much pain... but the darn program just... well, I spend SO much time correcting... often I wonder if it isn't just easier to try and type. The days are getting... 'darker' for me. The growing concerns that the surgery that saved me from paraplegia... might have put something in my body that is poisoning me.
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Finally, yesterday I was told that I should be seeing a neurosurgeon every three to five years "because there are new surgeries and treatments all the time...". Yeah, right, like the laser surgery for spinal stuff, right? 1) Medicare does NOT pay for stuff like that.. unless it is a matter of life or death 2) I have already been told that my first neurosurgeon 'created the longest cervical fusion I (the 2nd neurosurgeon) had ever seen, and he was in his mid to late 50's.
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I have been, several times now, advised to NEVER ALLOW someone to operate on my neck, again. The 1st surgeon did a fusion that "turned my neck into a hinge".. right at the connection between the Cervical and Thoracic spine. This 'hinge' is crushing the disc and nerve roots at C7-T1... kind of like if you put a rubber grommet in between a door and the jam (at the hinges) and opened the door. The disc NEVER had a chance.
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Most nights... I just CANNOT sleep for the pain, like tonight. So, I sit up all alone with my pain and fears... and people wonder why I am depressed. ;)
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Anyway, it is all getting more and more difficult. Getting up... writing... seeing doctors... any/all of 'it'... just gets me more and more 'Blue'. Everyone has the own cross to bear. I understand and respect that... THAT is WHY you don't normally hear me complain... much at ALL. What good does it do, anyway...
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The frosting on the cake of my life is the incredible crushing feeling of poverty. I HATE being... 'poor'... yet, I am not without pain enough, or long enough, to actually 'work' at anything resembling a 'real' job. Bottom line... it is, every morning, getting more and more difficult giving a shit enough to get out of bed. The daily pain, and the inevitability of more and more pain... just makes me not want to even wake up.
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I don't 'Play the Lottery'. I don't have a 'Rich Uncle'... and as much as I love my writing and think that my writing is quite good... So do three million other guys just in California. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention the nausea that comes with the fevers. Now, twice or three times a week I wake up about 3 AM and run to the bathroom to puke up everything I have eaten since the last time I puked up my guts.

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This is an 'all new' symptom that cropped up about two months ago. Not even Dr. Gorlick knows about this one. Now, I know what is going to be said; 'This is secondary to the infection, the fevers and the disease... As soon as we find and treat this infectious disease, ti WILL get better'. Here's a novel thought! What IF they NEVER find out WHAT is making me sick? What IF they DO find out and it IS either the hardware or the bone grafts that have caused the infection??? There is NOTHING that ANYONE can DO!

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Once the bone grafts are IN THERE... They can NEVER be removed. The hardware is DRILLED/SCREWED into my BONES! That isn't going ANYWHERE! If Dr. Gorlick (and I AGREE with im) is RIGHT and it IS an infection from the surgery... the hardware of the grafts... WTF? Even IF there IS something that they can do? There is a 97% chance that ONLY 'people with money' can AFFORD to have it done! NO WAY Someone on Medicare/Medi-Cal could AFFORD to have this fancy stuff done... nope NEVER!

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I doubt that I will EVER post this... I doubt that IF I did... more than two people in the entire world would give 'two hoots and a holler'. The depression is just crippling. The poverty is just... grinding me to a nub. The pain... honestly it is ripping my mind into tiny little shreds. And, there is NOTHING that I can do... but wish. Wish for ANYTHING to change... to improve. Then, wake up the next morning to more pain... and the reality that NOTHING has changed. If 'this' is what 'life' is going to be for me... for the rest of... 'whatever'? WTF?

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Hell, I can't EVEN 'afford' glasses I CAN SEE out OF! I am (barely) wearing the SAME glasses for the past DECADE! The lenses don't stay in... one arm is hanging by a thread and it CAME from a different pair of glasses... and I can HARDLY see when I am outdoors and getting around.

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I WAKE UP to pain... that slowly (as the day progresses) turns into DEPRESSION. My lunch I am REALLY depressed... and that turns into MORE PAIN... By dinner time... I don't really have an appetite. I eat JUNK because it tasted sweet... and the ONLY 'real' pleasure I have in life ANYMORE is eating sweet stuff. It helps... some, with the depression. That is not just 'me' saying that... a doctor told me to eat sweets, they help with depression. SO... I am going to weigh 200 lbs... be BLIND... not be able to WALK... my neck will sound like a cement mixer... I will trip over my own feet... and I cannot stand my LIFE. WTF?

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Thanks for reading...sorry if I depressed... YOU!

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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

http://www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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[caption id="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="630"] The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning 2/2014[/caption]

WONDERFUL News and Update January 21st, 2014

            Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. My Dear Readers I come to you today with great and wonderful news. Earlier I promised you, My Dear Readers, an article about, and with my feelings about, the investigations that now swirl around Governor Chris Christie. I have every intention of writing and bringing that article to you, My Dear Readers. I am not here to make excuses or back away from, what I am sure will be, a controversial article here at The Other Shoe. For anyone, and everyone, that knows me in real life? They know that Danny does not back away from controversy.

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Whereas, I do not seek out controversy when faced with a controversial subject I do not shy away. For example, when I was a junior in high school in Pearland, Texas. Texas was, like, the capital for teenage suicide. That is something that you can still look up, today. I am not lying, nor am I exaggerating. In the late 1970’s Texas lead the nation in teenage suicides. It is one of those uncomfortable truths, about the state where I was born and raised.

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It even happened to a guy I knew. One day I was riding in the car with him, the next thing I knew… we were all in the theater with Doc Springfield and Dawn Lockwood was crying about this guy having killed himself. It struck so close to me… so very very close that I chose to write about it in the creative writing magazine of that year. Log story short, they banned the magazine from being sold on campus… because of my article about suicide… I went to the ACLU… got support from them and went before the Superintendent and School board and asked that the creative writing magazine be allowed back on campus. It was… time passed and, like, nobody remembers that it even happened. Point being, I stood up and spoke about a controversial subject that took away a friend.

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I will write about Governor Chris Chrisite, soon. Today… this article… is about something Wonderful that happened to me, today.

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I was sitting in the tub, about 12:30PM. I had cleaned the kitchen, and the bathroom… some. I ran myself a nice hot bath, and put Epsom salt in the bath. I was relaxing, in the hot bath, and thinking about my most favorite work; ‘The Adventures of Princess Nadia’ the first novel of this project ‘The Healing Light’. I was thinking about what I have struggled with… for the past two years. HOW to start. How to approach the novel, how to write what was in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I have made; outlines, notes, and even planned out all the cliff-hangers that come at the end of the first novel and lead to the second novel. I have put all the character information into Storybook 4 (a nice novel writing software I am using…[ FYI I think that Storybook may be DOA… Does ANYONE know if Storybook is gone under? If SO… does ANYONE know of a similar novel writing software? Please help… this software was/is VERY helpful.] Thanks!).

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I have all the outlines done. I have plotted out character development. I have created all-most of the major characters. I have created/named all the major locations, and homes and places. I have done all the framework… and I have been totally stumped by HOW I was going to write the novel. How to get all the ideas, characters, plot and everything down on to paper (word processor) in a way that is readable. I have written some very important scenes. One of which I have shared with you, My Dear Readers, right here @ The Other Shoe. Then, I was stumped.

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I have been in this… stumped place for several months. I keep talking to Allen about; character development, plot points, turning points for characters, epiphanies for characters, technology in the novel, the WORLD that all the characters live in… tons about the novel. I was just totally stumped about how to start the first novel, and hot to tell the tale (tail… tale… rats… J ). .

Today, while sitting in the nice hot bath with Epsom salt… it hit me! I was talking to myself.. in my head… and all of the sudden I looked over at Prince Alexander (he sits on my bath chair.. when Allen is not here, when I take a bath). I looked over at Alexander and I said to him;

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        “Alex! I figured it out! I DID it, Alex… I figured out just how to write your story… yours and Nadia’s story! I finally figured it out!”

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I just couldn’t wait to get out of the tub. I rushed finishing my bath. I rushed getting shaved. I rushed through putting a new pain medication patch on, and I rushed getting dressed. Within thirty minutes from that moment in the tub, I was sitting behind my notebook computer… Writing ‘The Adventures of Princess Nadia – The Healing Light’.

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I wrote the first half-dozen pages, and then I saved my work and started writing this article for The Other Shoe. I cannot even begin to share with you, My Dear Readers, the overwhelming feelings I am experiencing now. I am overjoyed that I have broken through, and found my path from; outlines and notes and plot points to a novel. I, honestly, did not want to stop to write this article. I do not want to; watch TV, read anything, talk with anyone… all I want to do is sit and write this novel that has lived inside me for the past three years.

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Having said, I am going to bring this article to an end. I am going to publish this article… going to post on Facebook that it has been published (promote the article). Then, I am going to get a fresh drink and get back to writing my novel. Well, there is one more thing that I feel I must write. Something to a good friend… someone that I have considered a good friend… a person who was instrumental to me, during the Power Chair Assistance campaign.

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Things… changed… and I want to put some things… into words… into black and white, and send them to him. Some important… events… and feelings. Once that is done… and the message is on its way. I am going to get something to drink (a Coke Zero, I do not drink alcohol. I have nothing against drinking alcohol, or people who drink alcohol… I just do not drink, myself), get comfortable, start up the text-to-speech software… and take up where I left off.

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I want to say “Thank YOU!” to all of you, My Dear Readers. Because, without you… all of you… This moment would have never happened. Without your support… without some of you lending a hand with; food, money for food, money for my power chair… and most recently helping with contributions to help me move. Today.. would have never happened. “Thank YOU!”

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU! .

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[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Just a shot of a VERY thankful Danny in His Power Chair[/caption]

A Week In Review December 1st, 2013

Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. I am pleased to be back presenting the return of ‘A Week in Review’. This week I managed to publish SIX articles here at The Other Shoe. And, I can tell you, I have the pains and aches to prove it. I was, honestly, not going to write this article today… nor publish. However, it just seemed to be the right thing to do. I can see that my traffic is up at both locations of my blog, so I am hoping to keep ‘A Good Thing’ going.

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Now, for all my regulars, you will notice that ‘A Week In Review’ is not the top article. I have decided that, for the time being, I am going to leave ‘Boycott Target’ pinned to the front page. If you haven’t already read that article, I would like to implore you to do so. My Dear Readers, I do not talk about… that day. That article is the very first time that I have put the events of that day into written form. It did not come easy.

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I hope that everyone is sharing ‘Boycott Target’ on all your social media, and among friends and co-workers. This article… and my… experience deserve much better than to be made into some slapstick training video. I hope that you agree and continue to share, and post links to this article… EVERYWHERE.

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On, on with today’s effort. As I mentioned, I have managed to produce six articles this week. I hope that you all have enjoyed my work. However, if you have been busy with; cooking, shopping, and familial concerns? Here is your opportunity to catch-up with this weeks’ publications. Here we go!

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• I’ll Be Seeing You, Again, Soon : “Welcome back My Dearest Readers to The Other Shoe. I have been away for six days, not without good reason. On July 11 of this year I started a campaign to raise money to help me move. A very successful campaign, I might add. However, since I started that campaign I have not taken time away for myself. In the past six months I; was forced to move from a place I called home for a decade, watched a man I dearly love work to undermine his best efforts and destroy his life in slow motion, did everything I could to raise enough money to move alone if need be, packed the majority of my home by myself (which, in my condition, was; terrifying, painful, and humiliating), moved, lost, and worked the very fiber of my being to regain myself and what little status I had in the community I choose to express myself.” This article marked the beginning of, what was to be, a prolific week of writing. I set out to set a goal, and a direction, for my writing… and I managed to succeed. My thinking was, you all would be home more (for the holiday) and I wanted to make sure that you had some of my work to read. Honestly, this is the most I have written and published since my last Indiegogo campaign. NO, I am not planning on running a campaign. … I wish. Yes, things are very tight, financially. For Thanksgiving? I had a turkey pot pie. However, I am not about to start a campaign @ Christmas.


• Pope Francis Strikes AGAIN  :  “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today (November 26^th, 2013) Pope Francis, again, went out of his way to denounce and decry an “idolatry of money” that will result in “a new tyranny.”[1] Now, I have known from the earliest days of his Papacy, that this Pope would likely change the Catholic Church. I understood the choice of a Pope hailing from a less developed country on the South American continent would shift the focus of the Vatican back to the “needs of the many”. However, I am happy to provide proof of my statement. Here is Pope Francis, in his own words:…” This article came out of nowhere. I was just reading the news, and Pope Francis’ actions just jumped off the page and into my writing. This Pope, Pope Francis, IS the Pope that America needs right now. The level of avarice in America, right now, is disastrous. This has been building, for decades, but now I find the greed and narcissism nauseous. Americans need to take a step back, from the brink and stop measuring themselves and others by their wallets. I am happy to say that I have been on this soapbox for several years. I am comforted that I am no longer alone on the soapbox. I have great company, Pope Francis. IF you have not read this article? I urge you to do so, RIGHT NOW!


• Daniel’s November Video Update : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today (November 26^th, 2013) has been a very busy day, for me. I already wrote, and published ‘I’ll Be Seeing You, Again, Soon’, recorded and uploaded this video and started a very nice article about Pope Francis. If it is not already published, when you are reading this article, keep the faith. I am certain that I am working, diligently, to get it finished and published for your entertainment and enlightenment. I am not Catholic. My mother switched from Southern Baptist to Catholic late in life… in her 70’s. It made her happy. Something about how the church had been treating her since her divorce… that happened back in the early 70’s. Why they would hold a grudge for decades is beyond me… However, a great many things the Southern Baptists do leaves me vexed.” I was not aware of the fact, at the time, but this article was actually a precursor to an experiment I publish later in the week. It signaled the beginning of my ‘combination’ articles. Where I combine a written article with a corresponding video. I am hoping to continue this practice well into the new year.


• The Process  : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I am conducting a bit of an experiment, as I am writing to you. As the name of this article indicates, The Process, today I’m showing you behind the curtain and a little bit of the process that takes place when I write an article. With the help of this software Dragon ‘Naturally Speaking’[1] speech to text software… I am right now dictating an article as I am making a video of the dictation. Later today… Much later tonight I will be posting this completed article along with this video.” As I mentioned, above, this IS the article I turned into an experiment. From the traffic and votes I see the experiment as a complete success. I wanted ti ‘Give Back’ to all of you My Dear Readers. How better than to show you all how I go about writing and publishing the works you read. I had a very enjoyable time, making this article happen. I hope that you enjoyed the article as much as I enjoyed writing. Thanks!


• MMORPGs And YOU! Final Fantasy XIV – A Realm Reborn : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. It is my pleasure to announce the resurrection of one of your most favorite article series here at The Other Shoe. That series is, of course, MMORPGs And YOU!. This was an extremely popular series of articles earlier this year. I had mentioned, earlier this week, that I was going to bring back this series to reveal to you the very first MMORPG I ever played World of Warcraft. However, events transpired such that instead today I will bring you a review of the most revered RPG series in the history of gaming. Today I bring you a review, screenshots and video of Final Fantasy XIV (2) ‘A Realm Reborn’.” Again, this article just kind of HAPPENED. I was looking at sales, at Gamestop, and saw that the MMORPG ‘Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn’ was on sale for $14.99. I knew that I could trade in My Coke Reward points for Gamestop bucks… and BAM! Suddenly I am trading in points to bucks, and the next thing I know I am downloading a game I have wanted for, literally, MONTHS! I am quite happy with my purchase, and very happy with this article. As well, this series of articles simply was the single most popular series of any I have published. However, my baking articles are gaining a LOT of popularity. You can look forward to more of those, later this month.


• Boycott Target : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe and a very special… and very personal article. From the very beginning I am going to beg your patience and indulgence My Dear Readers. As I have never, in my life, engaged in the type of activity I’m embarking on tonight. Tonight I am going to share this single most terrifying incident in my entire life. An incident that forever changed my life and the major reason I find myself in a wheelchair today.’ As I stated, before, IF you have NOT read this article… You simply MUST! This is one of the most heartfelt articles I have ever written. As I mentioned, in the prologue, I have NEVER put the events of that day in written form. Now I have, and I would appreciate all your support. Please, consider Sharing… posting… and even quoting this article as much as you possibly can. I do not know if this article will ‘take-off’… It deserves too. I am deeply wounded that Target turned the most tragic day of my adult life… into… a bloody training video. From what I was told? Most of the time, when it is shown… they LAUGH. I am NOW in a power chair… will be in pain for the rest of my days… and pople LAUGH at the incident that put me in this pain? Help me, please?

Well, that brings us to the end of the week and the end of this article. Please, SHARE… and SHARE… and SHARE! I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. One day… maybe I will, too.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!

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[caption id="attachment_1814" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Boycott Target\[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe and a very special… and very personal article. From the very beginning I am going to beg your patience and indulgence My Dear Readers. As I have never, in my life, engaged in the type of activity I’m embarking on tonight. Tonight I am going to share this single most terrifying incident in my entire life. An incident that forever changed my life and the major reason I find myself in a wheelchair today.

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The date; August 25, 1987. The place; Target stores electronics lock up in Manhattan Beach California. I was nearing the end of my shift working in electronics for Target in Manhattan Beach California on Pacific Coast Highway. I was in the lockup storeroom they used for electronics. I was in the process of doing a visual inventory, minding my own business and doing my job, when my life was turned completely upside down.

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Everything I am about to tell you, My Dear Readers, I have pieced together from information given to me after the fact, and my own memories. I was not alone in the electronics lock up on that day. There was another girl… She was on the top of a very tall ladder at the other side of the room. She was moving stock around at the very top of the steel racks that contained merchandise. To this day I fear that she, unintentionally, put the events in the action that resulted in my injury.

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As I said, I was doing a visual inventory of a stack of oddly assorted merchandise. Everything in this lockup, except what was in front of me, was on steel racks. However the pile of merchandise in front of me… was not on any kind of supports whatsoever. In the stack there were; boxes of photo albums, boxes containing video games, boxes containing pretty much every other odd and end you might find in the electronics department from calculators to cameras to… A single electric Smith Corona typewriter.

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Aye. there’s the rub… the electric Smith Corona typewriter (for some stupid reason) was on the very top and a 15 foot stack of miss-stocked items. At that moment I had no idea how that typewriter got all the way to the top of an unevenly stacked and precariously held together 15 foot pile of electronics. However, in a matter of moments that typewriter would change my life in ways that I would not fully understand till 26 years later, today. The other employee and I were not talking. As I remember, I did not know this employee very well. I recognized her from the store I had seen her around before, but we had never talked are engaged each other socially. Odd, this person and I did not know each other but in a matter of moments her being in that room would set about a chain of events that ended up putting me in a wheelchair today.

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She was looking for something, on the very top rack of the steel that she was working on at the entrance of the electronics lock up. She was very busy shifting boxes around and moving things back and forth. All I know is; the next thing I knew was I saw her left hand push something… then a box… it fell over. Then as I looked up… she shouted  “watch out!”. The next thing I know I see this typewriter falling from the top of the stack towards my head. My Dear Readers looking back on this today I wonder… I think to myself. Why didn’t I jump to the left of the right? Why didn’t I fall to the ground and curl up into a ball? Why didn’t I put my hands over my head and go into a fetal position? The fact of the matter is, I did none of those things. All I did was lean forward and try and move my body to the left as this 30 pound steel electric typewriter fell 15 feet towards my head.

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I remember the typewriter striking the back of my head and my neck, that is the last thing I remember. The next thing I remember is waking up and somehow magically a room that only had myself another coworker in… it was full of people including the store manager. I remember feeling extremely hot. I remember I was in terrific pain. I remember that I couldn’t feel are hardly move my right arm or leg.  I remember I had difficulty speaking. The rest is history. I was immediately taken to Centinela hospital in Los Angeles, where I spent two months. Then I was transferred to an Institute for head injured adults in Long Beach.

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Just two weeks ago, while shopping ironically in a Target store here in West minister, I found out that that day… This, single worst day in my entire life... that… that day and my injury had been turned into a training video by Target for its employees. My Dear Readers it pains me to tell you that not once was I ever contacted by Target prior to them making this video. Target did not notify me that they were going to make a video about the worst in my life. Target did not ask for my input or permission to take any event in my life that is left me in a wheelchair and turn it into a video. And worst of all My Dear Readers Target has not offered me one red cent for capitalizing on this tragic accident.

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That is why I am asking you… All of you to please consider, this holiday season, boycotting Target. I strongly feel that Target stores should be boycotted because they have taken the most terrible day in my entire life and turned it into a training video… Turn it into a way for them to make money. I apologize, I know that this is asking a lot, but I am asking you from the very depths of my soul to please boycott Target.   

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Boycott Target; until they contact me and offer me recompense for turning the worst day of my life into a training video. Boycott Target; for callously disregarding how it might make the victim of their negligence feel for them to turn the worst day of my life into a way to protect themselves from workman compensation claims. Boycott Target; because any company who would take a life-altering event and turn it into some flipping training video is not a company that deserves your money.

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Quite honestly, My Dear Readers, I firmly believe that Target should have first contacted me about making a video of the worst day in my life. Quite honestly I think that Target should’ve asked my permission before making about a video about the worst day in my life. And finally, I think Target should be paying me for all the years they have used the single most painful and life-changing day in my life to protect themselves from other lawsuits.

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My Dear Readers below is a video of me asking for everyone’s support. I would like to ask you to; share this video, share this article, share it through YouTube, share it through email, share it to family, share it to friends, share it to coworkers, share it to everybody that you can. Please help me get this article, this video, and my plight out to every person we possibly can because Target does not deserve all the holiday business. Please, help me and

Boycott Target!

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/dd2X5sdt3Ds]

A Very Special Thank You

         Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. It is very late at night, or very early in the morning. Either way, Once again, I am learning that it is a ‘bad idea’ to eat onion rings at midnight right before going to bed. So, as the onion rings are burning holes in the lining of my stomach, I figured that I would get a head start on Saturday’s publications. Yesterday I filmed a short “Thank you!” video here in my new apartment. I was going to write this introduction later today, but writing it now seems the best use of my time.

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This week was quite busy. I was out each and every day; running errands, going shopping and getting some much needed sun and fresh air. While I was out I came to the realization that the neighborhood that I now call home is much better than Cypress. In Cypress I was forced (by the nature of my location) to shop at one of the most expensive supermarket grocery store chains, here in Southern California, Albertson’s. Now, I have two Target stores (with groceries) within power chair distance (within a half mile).

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One is located in the Westminster Mall, a very nice indoor mall with; Spencer’s Gifts, J.C. Penny, Hot Topic, Macy’s, Cinnabon and the afore mentioned Target. It is a two-story mall with fifty or more different shops and a large food court. If I am not ‘up’ to going to the mall, there is another Target the other direction in a medium sized strip mall with; a Pavilions, Jamba Juice, Einstein Bagels, Howard’s, Marie Calendars and about twenty other shops. You can go more casual without feeling like you accidentally went to church in your pajamas.

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Then there is Bella Terra. It is a series of strip malls connected with an upscale apartment complex. This is the mini-mall where Allen got his job at Kohl’s. The 405 freeway is half a block south from my building, and that will be very convenient, once I get a car or van. There is just no end of places to go and shop, or just window shop. I also have, for the first time in ten years (and the very first time since I bought my power chair) a ground floor apartment! In just the past month, I have used my power chair more than in the pervious year.

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This has, all, put me in a much better personal space. Having said, I felt compelled to express my gratitude to everyone that hs helped to make my new home a reality. Hence, the video below. I hope that you enjoy watching the video as much as I enjoyed making it for you. Please, take a moment to watch and accept my deep and heartfelt “Thank YOU!”

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As always, I am honored that you come here and read my work.

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]youtube+http://youtu.be/qjjGOYlD6ws]

A Friday For the Birds

             Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today is Friday and Alan I were out shopping quite early this morning, when we caught a glimpse of a site that reminded me of Hitchcock’s movie ‘The Birds’. Have you ever experienced that, My Dear Readers, happen across a set of circumstances or a visual moment where it flashes on you 'my goodness that’s what the filmmaker _________ simply must have seen (or experienced) when he thought of doing __________ movie!'

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Out here, in California, this happens more often than probably any other state but New York. I remember the very first time I heard someone mention the name of the city, that's out here, Rancho Cucamonga and I immediately flashed on Bugs Bunny saying those words. Moreover, it’s not limited to film or music. For all of my readers that are gamers, the company Blizzard used to be located in Northern California right outside Oakland in the city of Walnut Grove. Sitting in an office building, and the eastern part of Oakland, or pretty much anywhere and southern Walnut Grove one could look out your window and see a very large hill (wannabe of the mountain) by the name of… Diablo.

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We creative types just love lifting names, characters, titles and host settings straight out of the environment we live or work. The first image I will share with you, below, is one I titled ‘George and Gracie’. As a tribute to George Burns and Gracie Allen.

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[caption id="attachment_1816" align="aligncenter" width="630"] George & Gracie[/caption]

(George & Gracie)

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When I was manager of Plazawoods Apartments, in the city of Stanton, I had two ducks that came every year to the heated pool in my building. Every year they would come and stay for a couple of months, I imagine when it was time for them to breed. Later I was informed, by the health department, that allowing these ducks to hang out for several weeks in the pool was ‘unhealthy’ and that it could ‘spread disease’ to residents in the building that chose to swim. It was never my intention to expose any residents to any kind of disease. Luckily, for me, no resident ever came to the office to complain to me and no resident ever became sick because of exposure to these docs in the pool.

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The next image I did not see, at first. I had first taken the picture of George and Gracie. Then I looked up to see if there were any other birds around. Yes, there were. The image below is what I saw when I looked up from George and Gracie.

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[caption id="attachment_1815" align="aligncenter" width="630"] 'The Birds' @ Howard's in Huntington Beach[/caption]

('The Birds' @ Howard's in Huntington Beach)

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I am not sure if you can see clearly just how many birds there were on the top of that building, from this photograph. But they were two rows thick along that ridge over the Howard's store. As I looked around, in the parking lot, I saw that many of the businesses had seagulls lining the eves in the archways over the entrances. Now this is nothing unusual, here in Southern California. Whenever the beach areas get really overcast or rainy the seagulls, not liking the lack of sunlight and the cold air and wet, they head inland to warm up and find food that’s not soaking wet. Anyone that has lived from 5 to 10 miles from the ocean are even the Gulf of Mexico was seen this site, on more than one occasion.

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I just wanted to show you, My Dear Readers, the visual that made me flash on one of my most favorite Hitchcock movies. I really am enjoying the new area that I’ve moved into here in Orange County. As well, I have not forgotten that I would not be here in Westminster if it hadn’t been for; the generosity, kindness and support of everyone that donated in my last Indiegogo campaign. If it wasn’t for the kindness of all those people from; here in Southern California, Southeast Texas, and England I would most likely be living on the streets. I certainly wouldn’t be in a wonderful apartment twice the size of my last residence. I wouldn’t be only three or four blocks from the Westminster mall. Nor would I be within a mile to 2 miles from two different Targets I have a dozen fast food restaurants and several clothing stores and pet stores.

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Allen found the location, and helped me move, but it was you, My Dear Readers, that gave me… Shared with me… And empowered me to move to what has to be the nicest place I’ve lived in a decade. In closing, I would just like to take a moment to say a very deep and heartfelt thank you to all of you. I will never forget everything you’ve done to support and help me. And no matter where my writing or my novels or anything I may do in the future takes me I will never forget what all of you have done for me.

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[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Just a shot of a VERY thankful Danny in His Power Chair[/caption]

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As always, I am honored that you come here and read my work.

Thank you!

The Return of DAN... Update 10-10-13

            Welcome back My Dear Readers. To another tale @The Other Shoe. Severe pain! If I were asked to express my life, for the past six weeks, in two words or less… that would be my choice. Even this moment, as I write this article (I do not have a headset microphone… yet, so I am actually writing every word you read), I am gripped by severe and intractable pain. I am off the streets… that is all I am saying… right now. Allen is out, and at my side… like he belongs.

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Monday we moved into an apartment. That is correct! Not another ‘Motel/No-Tell Hotel’ but an actual apartment. It is a bachelor with a nice kitchen and a gas range. It will be a real pleasure to cook/bake with gas for the holidays. It took every cent I have to get in… and I am eating Ramen noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner. [What I wouldn’t GIVE for my STOLEN $300 BACK!]

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I am unpacking, as my pain allows. I just, today, unpacked and set up a computer so that I can write, again. I took… pictures… before. If or when I share those is another question entirely. There is a roof over my head, a bed under me as I sleep and I am focusing on that… nothing more. Having unpacked…

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I found some old…. Vintage electronics that I have kept for years and years. Today, I am headed for a Pawn Shop to see if I can get some money for food. I mean, food other than ramen noodles. A couple of old routers… three old ‘Aircards’ (two that are PCI ‘Expresscard’ devices).  These older Expresscard devices are invaluable to vintage users and anyone that is on the road in rural America. I am hoping that the aircards and routers are worth a couple of hundred. [I used Google to price them all… $990.00 worth of electronics… hope the pawn shop gives me $300…. THERE is that DARN # AGAIN!]

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I am in terrible pain…. And I know that attitude and pain show through in my writing. Therefore, I will no longer belabor you with my woes. Oh, today? I filed a complaint, with the F.B.I. ‘Cyber Crimes’ division against ‘Larry’ and started preparing a Small Claims Lawsuit against the crook. I am hoping that I get a judgment, place a lean against his car and home… and maybe… just maybe he will get prosecuted for internet fraud.  

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I just want my $300 back, that he stole… but ‘a pound of flesh’ would help with the pain and anguish his avarice has caused me.

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I tire... and my pain is making my blind. As always, I am honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!

 

Daniel Update September 30th, 2013

                        Welcome back My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe. Today is Monday September 30^th, 2013. I have injured my lower back I can hardly stand up. I slipped on rubble on the stairs, they NEVER clean up after Demoing here... I fell down the stairs and have injured my left knee. I cannot walk... I can hardly stand. My neck is throbbing with pain that shoots down both my arms into my hands. Saturday I placed a dozen or so boxes into storage. Since Saturday I have packed, my Firebird 802 gaming computer. I cried when I did pack that computer. I just have this horrible feeling that I will never see my favorite computer in my entire life.

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Truthfully, I have been crying every single day, for the past two weeks. Only when I am alone… which it is fortunate that I am alone all the time. Larry… the 73 year old widower that STOLE $300 of my much needed, hard fought for, funds. I have called Larry. I have messaged ‘Larry’. ‘Larry’ refuses my calls, but sends me messages… calling me a liar…then asking (in the same message) “why don’t you move in?” . How terribly abusive can one human being, be? I mean if I move in is it day after day of him calling me names? Berating me and insulting me? That is not a roommate situation… that is an ABUSIVE situation.

. So, ‘Larry’ I refuse to move in and be your punching bag. Next, I have mailed the Certified Latter to ‘Larry’. This is the precursor to my LAWSUIT against ‘Larry’. Yes, I am filing a lawsuit in small claims court. I am asking for; my original $300, all expenses (including the certified latter, bus and cab fare, and caregiver expenses to file and pursue the law suit), pain and suffering caused by his abuse and refusal to give back my deposit and I will be asking the judge for treble damages, too. I will make this law suit as close as I can to the $5,000 limit to this level of justice.

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I am in tremendous pain and suffering. I fear for my life and my safety. I have been continuing my search for a place to live. I have few leads… and I am fearful that I will be putting my belongings in storage to live, with Alex, on the streets of Orange County. I cannot get into a shelte4r… because I take medications… and that makes me a target for abusers. I will keep all my medications away from me… and any cash I may have at the time.

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I had really hoped not to spend October homeless… and worked so hard. If only a greed and avarice soul had not sought to do harm to another American… just to float their sick boat of anger and animosity. ‘Larry’ best be glad that my friend Harley is not living here, now. I would have sent Harley over to get my money… and he would have come back with the money… all $300 and all 6’5” of Harley. J

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I have to rest… some. If there is anyone out there.. reading.. that could help me. Please do!

Thank you… and it is an honor that you come to read my work.