The Anthracite Press

Where's My Toolbelt!!

Person: "Where've you been, jackass? I haven't seen you in like three weeks!"

Me: "Been a little busy, ya know? Teaching, working on the Journal, getting the Press ready for its first publication. It's been hectic."

Person: "So, basically sitting on your thumbs and wigglin around for cheap thrills, huh?"

Me: "Yeah, that's it. Just wigglin' around."

A friend told me, "When we creatives are at our busiest, that's when people think we're doing nothing. I suggest getting yourself a tool belt. One from a yard sale that's well worn in. Sling a hammer in there, maybe a small notebook, and a few pens; you'll never be questioned again." I get it. I just think I'm better off sitting mindlessly, staring into space, jotting notes on bar coasters and napkins.

This issue has been a real learning experience. Every time I looked through it, I saw a hundred things that needed tweaking, then a hundred more, and I'm sure you'll find a hundred more on top. But. there comes a time when the kids need to be set free to get bullied, take a beatin', and learn a hard lesson or two. This is and always will be a passionate journey of "I can do this! This is mine; it bears our brand and name, and I'll relish every bump, bruise, and scar picked up along the way. We put it together with great thought and sentiment. Uncle Cesare is watching.

Lorrie and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did lashing it together, and as always:

write, edit, revise, REPEAT!

jc

The Anthracite Journal is proud to feature the artwork of local artist Warren Cox, who passed away last December. Warren was a generous, sharp, and witty friend who is keenly missed in many circles of our community. Not only was he a gifted painter, but his artistic talents extended to many forms of art, including singing (a soloist for many local churches), set design and decorating, and acting with theater groups in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, often cast in leading roles, especially in musicals.

He is widely respected for his knowledge of our local history and architecture. Many of his paintings depict historic homes, landmarks, and commercial buildings in NEPA. Warren had many interests, and his subject matter ranged from the traditional and historic to portraits, landscapes, story illustrations, the music and jazz scene, and whimsical creatures he created.

We are grateful for his influence, for his friendship and his contributions to the arts in our corner of the galaxy. The depth of his work will ensure we can feature his various pieces through quite a few issues. We've heard it said that in order to keep those who have left us alive, you only need to keep their names on your lips. Warren will go on forever!

Lorrie Loughney