Happy 90th Birthday, Ray!

Four years ago a friend and I were discussing our favorite authors. I made a dumb comment and said "I wish I could write mine and tell him how much he's influenced my reading, my writing, my life..." And my friend said, "Well, why don't you?" So what I thought was dumb at the time, was one of my favorite things I've ever done. Seriously. Because a week after my second son was born, I walked out to the mailbox (I remember it distinctly!) and there it was. A letter from Ray Bradbury.

My junior year of highschool, I was handed the book for what would be my first literary research paper. The book - Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. Little did I know then, but it would change me. I've always loved reading and writing, but until Ray, I had never seen anyone break the "rules" quite like he did. Long, descriptive sentences lasting half a page or more. One word sentences. And the senses! He uses every sense he has (plus a few more) to bring you right where he is like you're in the story feeling, tasting, hearing - all of it. And that, my friends, is where I have been for the last 16 years...reading and rereading my favorite stories.

My favorite part of his letter - an original doodle on the envelope :)

Happy Birthday, Ray.

PS - Did you know that Elton John's "Rocket Man" was based on one of my favorite short stories by Ray?