That’s a pretty word, I think.  Hemorrhage.  I mean, ignore its definition for a second and just say it. Just let it whisper past your lips. Hemorrhage. Say it like you’re the inexplicably sexy voiceover from those Valencia orange juice ads. Hemorrhage. If only it didn’t mean something so negative.

The reason this particular word comes to mind today is because the lead-up to the holiday, and then the holiday itself, has caused this site to hemorrhage visitors.  This isn’t something I’m worried about; I only bring it up as an excuse for how lame my blogging’s been this week. I can be lame, see, because nobody’s probably reading anyway. Helps me sleep at night. Plus, it’s a concept that never occurred to me before I had a blog: every day, the internet is just inundated with readers, shoppers, sellers, seekers, artists, teachers, learners, contributors, procrastinators, masturbators, and…I don’t know…lawyers…and then an American holiday rolls around and every American (at least every American I know) just gives it all a rest and eats turkey.  That’s fantastic, if you think about it.  Hey, what do you think the internet does when nobody’s looking at it?  Do you think it just kicks off its shoes and dances?  I do.  Totally.

Speaking of the number of visitors, even with the holiday hemorrhage (and woe be to the person who suffers a holiday hemorrhage), this site has already far exceeded the number I was anticipating for the entire month.  At this moment, reader, you’re experiencing one of more than 560 visits since the 13th, which was Launch Day.  560 visits!  Consider my mind boggled.

This is a good thing.  Not because I love it when people read the ridiculous crap I spew out every day (I do), not because I want to stir up interest for my book (I do), but because it gives me great hope that I’ll actually be able to raise a little money for charity.  Maybe it’s my Midwest upbringing.  Or maybe it’s my Catholic guilt.  But whatever it is, I’ve long felt like a shit for enjoying the comfortable life I lead every day without giving something back.  So I’m stoked that you’re visiting, reader.  I’m stoked that you’re voting.  And I’m stoked that my walk might wind up meaning something more than just a way to kill some time.

Anyway, onward. Today I’ve got a new character sketch for you, but it’s not quite as complete as the last one.  There are a few good reasons for this.  First, today’s sketch is of my main character, Walter “Dub” Schenley, and since he’s my main character, I don’t want to give too much away. Plus, you’ve already read a little about him in Chapter One. Second, as I’ve mentioned several times this week, I’m on vacation, and I’m sure as hell not above laziness.  But mostly, this week’s sketch is incomplete because Dub’s missing his picture.

“Why is he missing his picture?” you might ask.  Ah, good question as always, reader.  He’s missing his picture because I’m getting away from the cheap-ass find-a-pic-on-the-internet-and-call-him-Jerry routine.  If I’m going to provide a visual aid for my character sketches, I’d rather those visual aids come from someone with the skills of an artist. Fortunately for me, Jeanette knows everyone in Pittsburgh (at least everyone in Pittsburgh who’s cool), and through her remarkable connections, we’ve got not one, but three real live artists who’ve graciously volunteered to help out with the character sketches.

Only problem is that I haven’t given any of them enough time to get Dub down on paper.  I’m a terrible planner.  If you don’t already know that about me, you’ll certainly come to learn it over the next few months. 

Speaking of ways to get to know me, I should mention that, this weekend, I’m planning on putting together a Facebook page for the project.  I’ll give you the heads up on Monday about whether it’s safe to check it out yet.  Come to think of it, assuming I get anybody willing to friend me, this whole Facebook thing might help with my hemorrhaging problem, as well. I’ll let you do what you will with that turn of phrase. Gross.

Comment