Hayden Parent - General

ADDENDUM

In my first post, I found William Hunt to be truly loathsome: I can add to that post that Hunt spent much of his book mocking the lingo and accent of his main mixed-race guide.

Writing my second post The Odyssey was truly enjoyable. A classic, entertaining story; and a sentimental trip down memory lane. Last week, I helped look after my mother-in-law's place, and I read several more chapters of Jaroslav Hulak's re-telling, when my wife wasn't relishing in beating me at UNO. Hulak's re-telling is a page turner, and I recommend it to anyone of any age who wants to read a non-poetic version of The Odyssey.

As for my love of Star Trek, I am now into the third season of the original series, on Netflix, and sometimes fall asleep at night to a Star Trek novel on YJK Audiobooks.

JULY

I thoroughly enjoyed the Club World Cup. I don't think there was one boring game. Even the final in New Jersey, while one-sided, still heralded three goals. Praise for Seattle Sounders' kit – green, blue, and white. Much better than the usual drab or standard soccer colours.

I was saddened to hear of the death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. My father spent much of his life being grumpy and miserable, but my family and I all enjoyed The Cosby Show when I was small, and "Theo" was one of few TV characters that could ever get my dad to laugh or crack a smile.

OCTOBER

Enjoyed the Six Kings tennis last night on Netflix; Sinner's a genius. And, on YouTube, the episode of JStu titled 1985 VS 2025 Gaming Rooms. Reminded me a lot of the rooms of some of my old school friends. And some of my friends' parents too - those hanging beads.

Woke up this morning to receive an email that said I've finally been published - in paperback. I worked on The Tricksters for a very long time, believe me, so I hope it makes someone laugh, or at least keeps them entertained. Available soon, globally, at Barnes & Noble, as well as all the usual ebook suspects.

Thanks to Jenna from Reach Publishers for a very appropriate cover - inkblot cross wildflowers. As well as for the artistic title pages of the paperback's different parts.

AUNT'S 90TH

Posted earlier in the year

My Aunty Margaret recently celebrated her 90th Birthday at the North Star Micro Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks. Oom-shlung-guh Rocks. But you can get away with Um-shlung-guh Rocks.

My wife, Lynn; my aunt; me on the end.

Part of a whale skull that washed up on the beach. After the experts checked it out, the hotel was allowed to keep it.

Manager checks on my aunt while she chats to her son David, who very kindly paid for the whole thing.

View from the beach. Autumn, believe it or not. Although, winter has since kicked in. Rain and howling winds.

Advanced settings