SS Selma - A Concrete Ghost Ship

I haven't had any success documenting abandoned neighborhoods in Houston, however, I did get to see an abandoned ship made of concrete in Galveston this past week. The SS Selma was built in 1919. It was made of concrete because there was a steel shortage due to World War I. It sustained damage when it collided with a jetty in Mexico and was hauled back to Galveston for repairs. Once in Galveston, they discovered that no one knew how to repair a concrete ship. The SS Selma was scuttled just off Pelican Island in Galveston. During the 50's, a hermit lived abroad the ship with goats and chickens. It is now a stop on the dolphin tours you can take in Galveston, and our tour guide mentioned that sometimes you can see families picnicking on the ship. It is home to nesting American Oystercatchers - a seabird that mates for life with one partner.

#Zombie Story #WritingContest! #amwriting #amreading $40 #Amazon GC

I *love* a good zombie flick. I am looking for thrilling zombie stories between 500 and 1,000 words. Please email submissions to: LilyLeeWalker@gmail.com.

Please write a short story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. There is no required prompt, however here are some if you are looking for inspiration:

A character narrowly escapes being swarmed by zombies.
A character, initially confused by the chaos around him, realizes he is in the zombie apocalypse.
A character discovers what seems to be an oasis of refuge, but soon discovers first impressions were wrong.


The top 3 stories will be posted on my blog, and readers will vote for their favorite via twitter. First place will receive a $40 Amazon gift card and an interview that I will post on my blog. Please include your twitter handle with your submission.


Deadline: October 24th 2016

A glimpse into a post #apocalyptic world - Centralia, Pennsylvania. #Ghosttown

My little family and I took a tour of upstate NY (where I'm from) and Pennsylvania in 2013, so naturally, we stopped in Centralia. It wasn't on the map, so we had to ask a local how to get there. She told us that she heard smoke still smoldered up from the road from mine fires that have been burning for decades.

We followed her directions and found it just off highway 61. Alas, we didn't see any smoldering roads, mostly just heavily overgrown sideways and roads. Probably good we didn't come across the toxic gases since we had a one year old in tow.

Wiki on Centralia, PA

Currently, I live in Houston, Texas. If you have any suggestions for ghost towns in Texas I should visit, please post in the comments.

How to *Properly* #Medicate Your #Dog like a Professional #Assassin #BourneSupremacy

It is important to know how to medicate your dog correctly, so that the experience will be a pleasing one for him.  This ensures that next time he needs his medication, he will come running for it!  I think the movie, Bourne Legacy, does a fantastic job at illustrating the *proper* way to medicate an animal.

First, explain to your dog in calming manner what you're about to do to him.

Let's have a bit of medication, hm?  I could rub your tummy first...

You might get this response:

The cheese was stale last time, you asshole.  Just TRY and medicate me.

He may proceed to run after you in a fit of murderous rage.  Be sure to catch him in a snare. (you were supposed to set that up earlier.  I hope you read through ALL of the instructions before doing this).

Shoot dog's friends.

THIS IS HOW I MEDICATE YOUR FRIENDS.

All of them!

WE WERE ALL OUT OF AMERICAN AND THAT CHEESE WAS EXPENSIVE!

Tackle dog from snare.

Thrust stick between jaws.  This is a comfort measure.

I'LL TAKE THE CHEESE!  I'LL TAKE THE CHEESE! OMG, PLEASE.  GIVE ME THE CHEESE!

Insert medication like so.

Gently hold jaws together to ensure swallowing, while speaking in soothing tones.

STOP TRYING TO SPIT YOUR MEDICATION ALL OVER MY NEW HOBO GLOVES!  THIS IS TO MAKE YOU BETTER!

Congratulations!  You've medicated your dog! A well medicated dog will leap over logs, literally following you to the ends of the earth to receive his next dose. 

Bitch! Get back here! Where's my cheese at!