Mermaids, monsters, goblins, oh my!

Yesterday was Tell a Fairy Tale Day, and in addition to reading about them in school, I actually read Snow White and the Seven Dwarves to my sister last night before bed. It’s not bad for being a bit girly.

I like Fairy Tales. Or at least, some of the creatures in them—like elves, fairies, giants, mermaids, and even trolls. (Hey! Did you know there are mermaids in the latest Chase Superman Duffy book—TRANSPIRATION? Cool, right?) Plus, traditional Fairy Tales rely on magic of some kind. Magic is fascinating.

So, I got thinking that maybe I should start writing a new short story this week. I might use the story starter from this week, I might come up with something totally different.

How about you? Could you write a Fairy Tale? Which magical creature would YOU choose? I’m thinking elves. Or maybe giants. Wait! Trolls are pretty colourful. I like trolls.

So many choices! I guess I had better get started. Gotta jet!

— Chase Superman Duffy

P.S. If you write a Fairy Tale, SEND IT TO ME. My email is: chase.superman.duffy@gmail.com. You could win a copy of TRANSPIRATION!

Dog walking, anyone?

If you’ve read Beneath the SOIL, you know I'm…(sorry), Chase...is a terrible babysitter. It's not a spoiler to tell you that he literally LOSES the little boy he’s supposed to be taking care of on the first page of the book. Yikes!

I have to admit, while I don’t mind occasionally looking after my little sister, Amelia, I don’t think I’m well suited for babysitting. But, my reading habit is getting a little…expensive. 

Sure I could use my allowance to buy books, or supplement my earnings by doing extra chores around the house, or taking bottles back with my Dad, but what about during the summer, when I have EXTRA time? Could I take on a part-time job?

Of course I could! Though, I’d have to do something that kids my age are allowed to do—like a newspaper route, except not a newspaper route because that means getting up really, really early.

So, what about dog walking?

I LOVE dogs, especially puppies. And I train for running, so I’m sure I could keep up with even the fastest dogs, like Greyhounds. I know where all of the off-leash parks in the area are, and I know for a fact a lot of the people that live on my street have dogs. The only part I’m a little bit nervous about is, well, you know, picking up dog poop. I’d get used to it, right? (With nose plugs!)

Actually, the more I mull it over, the more I think I’d make a perfect dog walker. Maybe when I have some time this week, I’ll make posters—and start lining up some spring and summer gigs now! What? Start right away? No way! It’s so cold out…B-r-r-r-r

Gotta jet! Have a great week!

— Chase Superman Duffy

Are you a Triskaidekaphobic?

If so, you’re not alone. Actually, about 17 million people in the world have a fear of the number 13—including Stephen King, the author of dozens of freaky books!

According to my research, it dates way back to Ancient Rome where the number 13 was associated with death, misfortune, and destruction. (That’s intense!) But since then, triskaidekaphobia (say that 13 times fast—ha ha) has become one of the most common superstitions in the world.

Did you know that many apartment buildings and hotels don’t have a 13^th floor, and some airplanes skip over row 13!

Researchers say superstitions are in our heads—like that never walking under a ladder or opening your umbrella indoors won’t actually bring bad luck. Superstitions apparently stem from the same human trait that causes people to believe in monsters and ghosts—when our brains can’t explain something, we make up reasons.

Maybe it is all in people’s heads, but I think I’ll be just a little bit more careful today. It’s the first Friday the 13^th of 2015.

Hey—I wonder how Stephen King is spending his day. One thing’s for sure, I’m steering clear of mirrors!

Gotta jet!

— Chase Superman Duffy

Oh, those crazy weather patterns!

Have you noticed that the weather has become a little more unpredictable than usual lately? I mean, one day, I’m outside in a t-shirt, and the next, there’s a blizzard warning and I’m bundled up in a parka.

I guess Albertans are used to that (I’m looking at you, Calgary Chinook!) but actually, weather is changing ALL ACROSS THE WORLD.

We’re learning about climate change in science class right now—which is pretty much defined as a significant change in the weather for a long period of time. It can cause…chaos. Like, flooding, drought, melting snow and ice, extreme heat, and really crazy storms. Maybe that doesn’t sound scary to you, but for some people, farmers like my Grandpa for example, climate change can have an impact on, well, everything.

The thing is, you can’t control the weather. So, I asked my Grandpa—how do farmers cope with climate change? You know what he said?

Well, to find out, you’ll need to read the next book in the Superman Duffy comic series, Cloud 9 —it’s ALL about the effects of climate change. I know, I’m a big tease, right? Don’t worry! Cloud 9 will be out sometime in March—just in time for spring…I hope. With the weather lately, who can predict?

No WONDER the weatherman has such a hard time!

Gotta Jet!

— Chase Superman Duffy