Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Optimistic and Charitable...

Imagine the horror of losing a loved one, a child even. There’s nothing worse for a parent…for Linda Valencia, she lives with it every day. And her son Jesse didn’t just die, he met a murderous fate that’s inconceivable for many of us. The three years since have been tough, compounded by financial hardships only true trauma can induce.

When we whine about our problems, about how much work we have to do and all the petty things that we get mired in each day, remember to calibrate: whether your glass is half full or half empty, you have a glass.

Linda Valencia’s glass is shattered, the remnants scattered about from Columbia, Missouri to Kentucky.

Be grateful for your glass…cherish it, keep it precious, treat it well. You can always buy a new one, but the original gift is irrepacable.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

The Rios Rollercoaster

The past couple of weeks have seen the overturn of Steven Rios's verdict, the media chum the waters by speculating when the re-trial would be, and then prosecutors appeal the decision. On Monday, Attorney General Jay Nixon said he wanted a Missouri court to either re-hear Rios's case or send it to the Missouri Supreme Court.

In other words, let's get on with it... And no matter what happens, this will be the final chapter in a story that no author could create and be believed if she didn't have the press to prove it. If it were fiction, a publisher would toss it in the trash and say it was over-the-top.

The bizarre thing is that it isn't fiction, and the story has yet to hit its climax. By the time all is said and done, Columbia will be more torn apart than ever. And the living victims will be shoved back to Go to start the healing process over again, no matter the outcome.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Check it Out...

Life is at a frantic pace right now, but I'm excited to be releasing a new book, having a book release party, and eager to spread the word about stopping school violence!

I've done literally a decade of research on school violence, so my fictionalized account reflects on that research and will hopefully be inspiring for those who read it!

If you're in Missouri during one of my Book Release Parties, I'd love to have you!

Columbia @ Otto's Corner on Friday, May 11th from 5:00-late. I'll read an excerpt ~6:00. Free appetizers, cash bar, great fun!

Lebanon, MO @ Longhorn Grill out at the Country Club on Friday, June 8th 6:00-11:00ish. I'll read a snip ~7:00...drinks and food all courtesy of Missouri Eagle, God love 'em.

If you want to read an excerpt of Dregs, visit my website at www.barrilbumgarner.com

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Welcome!

Welcome to Barri L. Bumgarner's new blog.