The Fabulous Ordinary

In Bill Martin's collection of short stories entitled, The Fabulous Ordinary, he observes how nature's many inhabitants work together, co-existing through seasonal changes and life challenges. Credentialed with a good number of years-to-date of observing and living, he uses the "out back" of his home on Sturgis Road as the setting for tales about animals and nature -- many possessing human thoughts and characteristics that reflect human life. Stories about these Sturgis Road "shareholders" parallel human triumphs and struggles. Many times, we are more open to lessons learned as observed through someone else, or even through our animal friends -- after all, tales about animals do not implicate us. With each reading, individuals are likely to glean something different and new. One may interpret these tales to be about endearing animal friends, life in general, politics, or spirituality. Still other tales may be interpreted as reflective sentimental stories inspired by the wisdom of living. Perspective is different for each of us, depending on one's own life experience. Some may discover their own interpretation of each tale changes over several years' time and more living. And -- some may even recognize something of themselves in this interdependent community -- in the shareholders who live just off Sturgis Road.