DONE DEAL!!!!

Yesterday, after four & a half years of pecking away one keystroke at a time, I completed my manuscript!

Here's the stats: I've retitled my book, and redesigned my cover page! I believe it is much better! Here are the stats: 39,183 words, 254,354 characters, 3, 972 lines, 1,106 paragraphs, and 94 pages, not including the index and acknowledgement’s pages!

Look for it in bookstores & the Internet this coming summer of 2009! All for now!............Mark

"Sad news"

Early this morning, I received a call from my best friend Mary Kay, notifying me, that her elderly mother passed away early this morning.

Mary, you remain in my thoughts & prayers!............Mark

"Peck N' Away"

A quick note to myself.

Get your rear in gear!.........Mark

"Chugging along"

After chugging along on my manuscript for 41/2 yrs, I'm finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

All for now!...........Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"Crunch Time"

I've been working on this book project for 41/2 yrs. It's time to get my behind in gear & finish it!
All for now...........Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"Back To The Grindstone"

After a badly needed break, I'm back to working on my manuscript in earnest today!
All for now!...........Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"A letter of appreciations"

June 5, 2008


Mark A. Servatius
10254 SE Isaac Drive
Happy Valley, OR 97086-7159

C-COM 9-1-1
2200 KAEN RD
OREGON CITY, OR 97045
ATTN: Director Bob Cozzie
Subject: A job well done!

Dear Sir:

On Sunday June 1, 2008, I reported a fire at the Adult Foster Home, located at the above return address where I currently reside.
I am a 56-year old disability retired firefighter. Due to multiple sclerosis, I am completely paralyzed on my left upper torso and bilaterally below the waist.
When I dialed 911 to report the fire, Multnomah County Dispatch answered. They in turn had to transfer me to C-COM 9-1-1, delaying CCFD1’s response time.
After spending 20-years in the Fire Service and EMS. I fully understand that sometimes-critical seconds, literally make the difference between life & death!
Fortunately, the fire was small and my caregiver was able to extinguish the fire while I called 911.
Luckily, the fire occurred in mid afternoon. Had it occurred during the night, while everyone was asleep, I am certain that the outcome would have been tragically different!
As a follow-up, yesterday afternoon, I called C-COM 9-1-1’s nonemergency number. Dispatcher Julie Ann answered my call. I briefly explained my dilemma. Julie Ann took the time to notify Quest for me. She ascertained that the problem was on Quest’s end. Julie Ann said she would follow-up to make sure the problem was fixed. I consider that beyond the call of duty!Too often good employee’s exceptional deeds go unnoticed. While Fire Chief/ Building Official for the city of Central Point, OR, I was to often guilty of the same oversights!
Mr. Cozzie, I would greatly appreciate it, if you would extend my gratitude to Julie Ann and place a copy of this letter in her personnel file.

Respectfully, Mark A. Servatius
Fire Chief/Building Official (Ret.)

"A Wonderful Surprise"

Today, my good friend Dean & his wife Brenda, payed me a visit. We had a great time reminiscing over times gone by. Thanks Dean & Brenda, for the wonderful surprise!........Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"Move N' On"

I'm making significant progress on my manuscript!
All for now!.............Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"Full Tilt Boogie!"

Today, it's full tilt boogie, to get more chapters knocked-out on my manuscript.
All for now!..........Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"Another day, another attempt"

Today's a new day; I will make another attempt to make progress on my manuscript. All for now.........Mark

"Time for another visit"

Today, I've made arrangements for my Friend Dean & his wife Brenda, who I've never met, to come for a visit on Sunday. I'm putting Dean to work fixing my pull cord & I'm springing for Bellagios pizza!
All for now!..........Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"Another sluggish day"

Today's another day I'm getting bogged down w/ details! I'll keep trudging along on the manuscript.
All for now!..........Mark

"The full court press!"

Today it's the full court press, to wrap my 4-year book project to fruition!
Wish me luck! All for now...............Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"A soberring fact!"

A host of seeds, weeds, plant life, fish & shellfish are silently invading Oregon's ecosystem, with the potential for drastic consequences! All for now..........Mark

"A day of reflection"

Today is a day of reflection! My Priest, Fr. Don will hear my confession.
Please keep my thoughts & prayers!..............Mark

"A hectic week!"

It's been a very emotional week, for me! I'm not certain I'll be able to afford to stay where I'm living!
Only time will tell! All for now!...........Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"A Great but Short Visit!"

Yesterday, I had a great, but short visit w/ my youngest son Jason & his colleague, Michelle. I put both of them to work reprogramming my portable phones & scanning more pictures into my laptop to use for my book project.

Thank-you very much Jason & Michelle!

Also, the last two mornings, we've awoken to snow in Portland, OR, which is almost unheard of, especially this late in March! Hmmm, could their possibly be something to this global warming thing!

All for now!............Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"A New Day"

Today, begins a new day. After numerous false-starts, I've reaccessed my priorities & I've gotten rid of all my outside distractions. I'm now finally, completely focused on finishing my four-year book writing project! All for now! Soon to be accomplished author, Mark

"A wake-up call!"

My medical costs have spiralled out of control! I'm streamlining all unnecessary costs!
All for now!.............Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"Grizz's, Back To Work!"

After numerous false starts, I'm going to finish my manuscript or else, It's getting round filed!
All for now!...........Grizz a.k.a. Mark

"A Reality Check"

I'm cancelling all my online memberships, except audible! My monthly expenditure's are spinning out of control! All for now!............Mark a.k.a. Grizz

'Back On Track'

After a disastrous day yesterday, I'm back on track today. I plan on getting a lot of remodeling done on my manuscript today. All for now!............Mark a.k.a. Grizz

'A Major Hit'

Today I received a call from my dentists office. Over the next 18 months, I'm facing $2,000.00 in dental work! All for now............Mark a.k.a. Grizz

'Another Miletone is Reached'

This morning, I talked with AuthorHouse Rep.Timothy Murphy. Tonight I'll review the material he sent me & then tomarrow its back to the typing. All for now!...........Mark a.k.a. Grizz

'A Week of Total Frustration'

It has been a wacky & frustrating week! My book has been bogged-down & stagnated,
by computer issues; I have lost my inspiration! I pray, that I regain it again.

I thank God, for my best friend Mary Kay, she has been my refuse in time of need.

All for now!.............Mark

"A rekindled Friendship"

Yesterday & today I had the privilege of talking with a longtime & good friend.
Thanks, Mick! Stay safe!.........Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"Another day, another attempt"

Mark will make another attempt to get another chapter or two finished in his book today.
Wish me luck!...........Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"Another Chapter is History!"

I worked all weekend & finished another chapter of my book.
All for now!..........Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"A Happy Valentine's Day Blessing"

Yesterday I received a wonderful Valentine's Day card & pictures from my youngest Grandson Tanner. Thank-you Tanner, you made my day!...........Grandpa Mark

"An unselfish act II"

I'm prepared to do the most unselfish act of my lifetime! Please keep me in your prayers......Mark

"A surprise visit"

Today I had a wonderful surprize visit from Silvia, my first caregiver when I moved to portland!
It made my day!..............Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"Another day, another attempt"

I've received a few positive comments about my Blogs recent face lift!
Hard at work on the manuscript today. All for now...........Mark

"Back to the book!"

Today, I woke-up to a winter wonderland!
It's back to the grindstone, on my book project!
All for now!..........Mark

"A chip off the old block!"

Today I received a great picture of my youngest son Jason with the first & only fire engine (7801, now 7711) that I purchased as a Fire Chief. It was also the first engine company that Jason was assigned to when he entered the Fire Service.
I'm so proud of you Jason!..........Dad

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARYN"

Today's my baby sister Karyn's 48th brthday! Happy Birthday Sis!..........Grizz

"Congratulations are in order!"

Today my son Jason made a rare full code save!
"Congratulations Jason for a job well done!.............Dad

"Another day, another attempt"

Today, I spoke with Laura Ranfu. Her dad has developed colon cancer. I've devoted the entire day researching her dads options. His best option is to begin chemotherapy a.s.a.p.!
Dearest Laura, you remain in my thoughts & prayers.
All my love, Big Musca

"Move N' On"

Yesterday, I made some great progress on my manuscript, by inserting a few pictures.
Today, its back to the grindstone!.............Mark a.k.a. Grizz

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

Today is my son Ryan Anthony's 32ND Birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ryan
Love, Dad

"A gift From Heaven"

I received a wonderful email from my youngest daughter, Kari. She sent me a link to my youngest grandson, Tanner's fabulous website. I spent all last night looking at the pictures that Tanner's mother Kari has posted. I've literally, still have hundred's more to see tonight She did a bang-up job on Tanner's website, that puts my web page to shame! Seeing pictures of Tanner for the very first time, was the greatest gift of my lifetime. All for now!............renewed Grandpa Mark

"Another Year Gone By"

2007 is now only a recent memory. Only through the grace of almighty God, have I survived to see it!
May he continue to shine his grace on me throughout 2008!..............Mark a.k.a. Grizz