Latest word count for memoir-in-progress:

31,500+ words. 

Inching closer.

Maybe 20,000 words or so to go.

On this date in history: the release of Master of Reality

On this day in 1971 -- forty years ago, if you can believe -- the band Black Sabbath released their mind-blowing album "Master of Reality," featuring destined-to-be-metal-classics such as "After Forever," "Into the Void," "Children of the Grave" and others. 

My goodness, I even remember the first time I heard it. I was sitting in the parking lot of the old Lakewood Roller Skating Rink sometime around 1977-1978 -- long after its release, I know, but the progression from Elton John fan to Sabbath freak was not instant. 

Someone popped an 8-track tape into their car stereo and turned it up ear-splitting loud. My jaw dropped. I never heard anything like it. (I think my parents said the same thing when I brought a copy home soon after). 

Forty years ago. Amazing.

I Hear America Singing

From the Library of Congress collection.

With so much crying, literally and metaphorically, happening in our nation, I urge readers to take the time and read "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman. Allow it to remind you that we United States citizens are not simply reflected by our government and by the news.We are so much more.

Happy Independence Day.