Villains

These are previous posts that have been dusted off, updated, and freshly presented to an audience that’s never seen them. These limited posts originate from the companion blogs I’ve written for the first two installments of the Eternal Curse Series (40 Days and Nights of Eternal Curse & EC: Battleground a Survival Guide).

*******************************************************************************************

Just like heroes, villains can come in many different forms. Most of the time, it is the villain that seems to have the greatest strength and power over the victims, until a moment comes when they are put to the ultimate test. When evil is tested against righteous or goodness, it always loses…at least that how it is in the really good stories.

Fear, that’s right fear, is the main villain of this story. The power that fear has over the human psyche is more than enough to make you want to sleep with a night light on. Fear makes you worry about small things, it makes you hear sounds in the middle of the night, and it keeps you from doing things that you need or want to do.

I think fear is so scary, because it’s the one thing that you can’t see or feel, that everyone can relate to. People can argue about faith, religion, science, and so much more, but fear cannot be denied. No human being is without fear.

The other villain that makes an appearance in this story is Marcos. Marcos is introduced in this first book, and right away, his infamy is unquestionable, and he only gets more gruesome as the series continues. We find that Marcos, much to the glory of his master Satan (who does not make an appearance in this story) is a mastermind of treachery and cunning. Marcos has a way of not just hurting his victims, but torturing them and anyone close to them, and he does it all just for the sheer enjoyment.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 48

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 12

The next day, Mira began her work at trying to better understand Giovanni’s abilities. For days she ran tests, poked and prodded Abraham and Giovanni like lab rats, yet they never really seemed to be bothered by it. Abraham gave Mira complete access to his body for examination, and after all that, no subject was taboo between them. Abraham and Mira became very close, bonding almost like father and daughter, but with the addition of a respect that comes from true friendship.

Mira and Giovanni, on the other hand, never really seemed to do much talking, though they enjoyed each other’s company. Giovanni was using his abilities for the first time without inhibition. He actually began to enjoy showing off his abilities to Mira as she studied their strength, endurance, and source.

Word Count: 132

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 47

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 12

As they drove up to the house passing the orchards, Mira stared out the window and looked at all the bare trees enjoying their winter slumber. Even without all the trees having their leaves and the usual stretch of multicolored brush spilling over from the forest, it was all still a beautiful sight to see. Mira was glad to be back at Sinclair Manor.

Once they reached the house, Mira quickly wheeled Abraham up one of the porch ramps and straight into the kitchen. Giovanni gathered up Mira’s luggage and took it up to her room. When he walked in and placed her belongings on the floor, he realized he’d forgotten to return her alarm clock. Giovanni quickly ran down to his room and grabbed the clock, but by the time he returned, Mira was in the room unpacking. Giovanni felt embarrassed, but he wanted to give her back the clock.

Word Count: 151

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 46

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 12

Unexpectedly, from the far end of Main Street, one could see the shine of sunlight bouncing off the classic midnight blue paint of the old town car as it came coasting into town as though it were leading a parade. Little by little, town folk came out to see their long, almost forgotten, shy neighbors drive down the one and only main road of town. People of all sorts lined up across the street from the Whitteltown Family Inn, where the elegant antique car had stopped. All the people politely pushed and shoved each other, all trying to get a better look at what or who would emerge from the vehicle.

An “ooh” and “awe” came from the now large crowd, made of almost every citizen of town, as Mira came running out the front entrance of the Inn. She was wearing a long, body shaping, baby blue sweater dress.

Word Count: 150

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 45

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 12

For some reasons still unknown to her, Mira felt that she was about to experience something unlike anything she could ever imagine. Upon returning to Sinclair Manor, Mira had every expectation of being lost and caught up in a world she would never want to, or maybe even, be able to leave again.

Mira was determined to reconnect and bond completely with Giovanni and Abraham, and to solve the mystery of their lives. She had also decided that she was no longer going to keep any secrets or subtle details of her life and feelings to herself. She would open up to them completely, not expecting anything in return. Mira had always wanted to have a real family, and for reasons she still could not quite explain, she had chosen these two outcast misfits to be her family.

Word Count: 138

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Heroes

These are previous posts that have been dusted off, updated, and freshly presented to an audience that’s never seen them. These limited posts originate from the companion blogs I’ve written for the first two installments of the Eternal Curse Series (40 Days and Nights of Eternal Curse & EC: Battleground a Survival Guide).

*******************************************************************************************

There are all kinds of heroes. The two types I most think of are, tradition heroes who physically save lives, and the kinds of heroes that make another person’s life better just by being around. In Eternal Curse, both of these types of heroes are present.

Mira is the type of hero who changes your life, just by being there, though as a doctor, she is capable of saving lives. Mira is Giovanni’s human savior. She opens him up to the understanding of both his inhumanity and his humanity, while helping him to live and lead a satisfying life. She helps him to understand what it is to be a good person and a good man.

Giovanni and Bletsian are both the type of heroes who save lives, but they do it together. Giovanni and Bletsian are one in the same, but very different. Neither of these personas can be the hero he needs to be, without the influence of the other. Giovanni is the noble spirit, the compassion, and the determination that fuels this life saving intertwined duo. Bletsian is the brute strength, the power, and the life-saving force that physically moves this two-sided duo forward.

This book serves as an introduction to these characters. The extent, to which these characters get to act out the true power of their hero status, doesn’t truly take effect until the next book.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 44

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 11

GrayNisol8ed: When will you come back?

Dr. Hopeful: As soon as I can. I promise.

Dr. Hopeful: I really miss sleeping in that room. I miss the gardens and the orchards and I miss you.

GrayNisol8ed: I miss you, too.

Their conversation had come to an end, but neither of them wanted to be the first to sign off from the chat. They both fell asleep under the light of their computer screens. That night, not for long, but longer than usual, Giovanni dreamed of music and of dancing. His dream was sweet, for once in a long while. It was the first and only time, he dreamed of someone he knew with the joy of bright colors and music in the background.

Word Count: 123

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 43

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 11

Dr. Hopeful: Hi, Gio. I know it’s late but that’s never stopped us before. I need someone to talk to ... I would like to talk to you.

She waited a few minutes, but there was no response. Mira was convinced that Giovanni was still angry with her even though they seemed to have parted on good terms. She tried just once more.

Dr. Hopeful: Are you there? Giovanni, talk to me.

GrayNisol8ed: I am here, Mira.

Dr. Hopeful: I miss you … and Abraham, too.

GrayNisol8ed: We miss you, too, especially me.

GrayNisol8ed: Are you ok? You seem sad.

Dr. Hopeful: I am sad.

GrayNisol8ed: Why?

Dr. Hopeful: Tomorrow I have to, formally, press charges against my fiancé for insider trading, attempted fraud, and a few other things. The police will be there to arrest him. Things were much worse than I imagined before I left.

Word Count: 147

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 42

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 10

“Why am I here?” he thought to himself. Just then, he looked down and saw her … She was flagging down a taxi heading uptown. It was Mira. She looked very smart in her black three-quarter inch sleeved dress and pumps. Her hair was pulled back into a small bun and her glasses were hanging from one stem, over her subtle cleavage. She carried a thin sleek briefcase, with a linen lab coat draped over it, and a tall paper coffee cup. When the taxi door opened, she tossed in her briefcase and coat, put on her glasses as she sipped from her cup, and lowered herself into the seat gracefully, closing the door behind her.

Giovanni’s heart began to pound and jump up against his chest as though it were trying to get out. He was almost dizzy from the sight of her. He couldn’t believe it.

Word Count: 148

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 41

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 10

Laid back in the cool night air, on the shaking branch of a tall tree, Giovanni woke up somewhat rested. He’d gotten about three hours of peaceful sleep. It was the most sleep he’d gotten in months. He looked up and around, and then stared at the little girl’s house. All was quiet. Giovanni quickly realized that he’d stayed there way too long. He could sense that the sun would be rising soon. He knew he’d better head home before it was too late. He didn’t want to be stuck out in broad daylight wearing just his pajama pants.

He began to fly home when he felt something urging, almost pulling, him to detour. Giovanni was vexed. He knew he would have to find cover soon, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of needing to go somewhere else. He headed north and followed his urge.

Word Count: 145

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

The Setting

These are previous posts that have been dusted off, updated, and freshly presented to an audience that’s never seen them. These limited posts originate from the companion blogs I’ve written for the first two installments of the Eternal Curse Series (40 Days and Nights of Eternal Curse & EC: Battleground a Survival Guide).

*******************************************************************************************

The majority of the story occurs at the secluded country home of Abraham and Giovanni, but there are a few other places worth mentioning. In the beginning, Mira starts out at her home in Chicago. Later in the story we learn that Abraham his from New Jersey and that he and Giovanni lived there for a short while together. Part of the story also takes place back in time, to a non-specific village in the ‘old world’. Then on top of all that, the reader even gets to visit the edge of heaven. 

Abraham and Giovanni’s secluded country home exists in a made up Virginian town called Whitteltown. Whitteltown is the epitome of small town America, complete with superstitious and nosy neighbors. Their home is actually a large estate located that the end of town, off into the wilderness. The house and the surrounding acres of land where they live is called, Sinclair Manor. While this name is not something I made up, I used it simply because I liked the sound of it.

Sinclair Manor beckons to the image of an English aristocratic estate, complete with several beautiful lavish gardens and a large stately house at the center of it all. It is a very quiet, secretive, and almost magical place. The house itself is almost another character, on its own.

The reader learns that the house has quite a unique history and that it has been renovated many times to ultimately become a place that Giovanni would never want to leave, unless he just wanted to. The house serves as refuge or semi-utopia for the difficult and complicated lives that Giovanni and Abraham have lived.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 40

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 9

He stood upright, floating in the center of his room next to his bed, looking around at the burning sheets and rugs with smoke rising up from them.

Giovanni cried into the claws he now called hands. He could hear Abraham waking from his sleep and rushing to get by his side. Giovanni couldn’t bear to relive this nightmare by telling it to his devoted friend, so he decided he had to get away. He spun around rapidly and then turned to open the window. Then he flew out, pulling most of the fire out along with him.

Abraham rolled into the empty room still filled with intense heat. He extended and pulled his fire extinguisher in the general direction of Giovanni’s bed and slowly moved closer. Once he realized that all was safe, he rushed up to the window Giovanni had left slightly opened, but he was too late.

Word Count: 150

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 39

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 9

Giovanni refused to give up his pursuit. He pushed his body forward and went from door to door, and window to window, trying to get in to warn and protect the young woman. Looking through a window, Giovanni finally saw the villain’s full horror. He got a clear vision of the attacker as it was leaping down from the ceiling towards the woman. It was the most hideous monster he’d ever seen, much worse than his own reflection.

It was a twisted and mangled troll with charcoal for skin on its hairless body. It had empty holes carved out of its skull where eyes once were. There were two large dull spikes protruding from its hunched back, where it looked as though wings had been violently ripped from its body. Its hands were made of jagged bones held together with rotting ligaments, and its feet crackled as it moved along the floor.

Word Count: 152

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 38

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 9

It had been almost three weeks since Giovanni had actually tried to sleep, and it was three days since Mira had returned home. Though Giovanni was tired, he was more afraid to sleep. He wanted to close his eyes and think of Mira, but he knew that wasn’t very likely. His dreams were never very happy or sweet. Giovanni assumed that it was just another part of his cursed existence. With Mira gone from his sight, Giovanni felt haunted. In every room of the house, he could still smell the lingering aroma of her scent. His only escape was behind the locked door of his secret room, but that escape was little comfort to him at the time.

Word Count: 118

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 37

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 8

Mira held up her head and slowly opened her eyes; she saw Giovanni smiling at her. She moved her hand up to his cheek and told him that he was beautiful, but before he could say anything back to her, Mira realized that she was in fact floating. They were hovering just above the floor of her room. She became startled and clung to Giovanni’s body with fierce determination, grabbing his shirt tight within her locked fists. Her eyes blinked with disbelief and her heart pounded as she pressed her face up against Giovanni’s chest, trying to hide her fear. Giovanni chuckled and slowly brought them back down to the floor.

Giovanni released his hold on Mira, and she quickly pulled away from him shaking and confused, feeling both tranquility and fear at the same time. “I just wanted to make you not feel so sad anymore,” said Giovanni staring back at Mira.

Word Count: 153

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your reactions and more. Remember, I’ll be moving to the ToiBox full-time soon, so please, stop by to check it out. Until next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken #thetoiboxofwords

What’s in a Name?

These are previous posts that have been dusted off, updated, and freshly presented to an audience that’s never seen them. These limited posts originate from the companion blogs I’ve written for the first two installments of the Eternal Curse Series (40 Days and Nights of Eternal Curse & EC: Battleground a Survival Guide).

*******************************************************************************************

The characters in this book are very different from each other and uniquely special; it makes sense that their names would also be uniquely special.

Giovanni- In the story the reader learns that Giovanni is given a used name; it is not the name he was meant to have. With his mother gone, Giovanni remains nameless until a grieving Italian nurse, names him after her dead son. The name means ‘God is gracious’.

Mira- Mira never learns why or how she was named, because she was adopted by a man who never took the time to tell her. She never even knew there was any significance to her name, until Giovanni told her. Mira (pronounced My-ra (traditionally) or Mir-a) is derived from the word ‘miracle’ or ‘miraculous’ and is the name given to the first discovered variant star.

Abraham- The meaning of Abraham’s name is never mentioned in the story, but it is a truly fitting name for the character he personifies. Abraham means ‘exalted father’.

Sarah- Sarah is indirectly compared to the legendary Grace Kelley in one small passage of the book. Kelly is most famous for leaving behind the fame of Hollywood to become a real life princess. It is only fitting that the root meaning of Sarah be ‘princess’.

     

Seth- Seth is a complicated character, so it makes sense that his name be complicated also. His name means both ‘appointed’ and ‘substitute’. Biblically speaking, Seth was the replacement child born after Cain killed Abel. In this story, you’ll read how Seth is appointed one duty, but opts to substitute for another, causing a ripple effect of misfortune.

Marcos- Well this guy isn’t a nice guy, so of course his name reflects that. Marcos is derived from Marcus, which is the proper Latin name for Mars. Mars, depending on which mythology you choose to follow, was either the god of war or fertility. They are basically the same person, but at different times. Either way, he is a very mischievous character.

Bletsian- Out of all the characters in my book, Bletsian has the name that truly suits him. I could not have named him anything else. In fact, I settled on his name by researching character traits I wanted him to have, and by thinking of what I ultimately wanted him to represent. His name means ‘blessing or to make holy’ because the Greek origin of the word blessing is ‘bletsian’. Once you read the book, you’ll understand why this had to be his name.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 36

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 8

Back when I thought we would be married, I allowed him to become a partner in some of my business endeavors. My research foundation exists as two distinct entities. One focuses on the study of the human condition, to which my private practice is managed under, and the other is unlimited in its ambitions.

My ex is trying to shut me out of, at least part of, my own company. He’s trying to conduct tests that go well beyond the guidelines of proper human research set forth by every major intellectual mind in the past century. He wants to use my resources to justify and perform his experiments. The thing that bothers me most, is that I don’t think he’s even that dedicated to his psychotic pursuits. I mostly think he’s angry at the world and he’s angry with me. He’s trying to hurt me for leaving him.

Word Count: 148

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your reactions and more. Remember, I’ll be moving to the ToiBox full-time soon, so please, stop by to check it out. Until next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken #thetoiboxofwords

Sample Sunday 35

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 8

I began to catch my breath as I looked around. I reached for my lantern and lit it. I looked down and pulled up the blanket I’d thrown over him. There lay this boy, a youth almost a man my age, but still a child. I remember thinking that he was pale, not quite white, but definitely lacking in color under the night sky. His body was bloody and bruised. There was a rope hanging from around his visibly bruised neck.

I reached down and tried to cradle him in my arms. I turned his head to look into his eyes, to see if he was conscious, but my reflexes were overloaded as my whole body jumped when my skin touched his. It felt like lightening was running through my body and pulling at me somehow. Then he looked at me. His eyes were black like charcoal; I’d never seen anything like it. It startled me so, that I let go of him and stumbled back a few feet.

Word Count: 169

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your reactions and more. Remember, I’ll be moving to the ToiBox full-time soon, so please, stop by to check it out. Until next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken #thetoiboxofwords

Sample Sunday 34

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 8

The year was 1929. I was barely a man myself when Giovanni and I first met. I had just turned twenty years old and I was engaged to a sweet, small town girl with a thirst for knowledge. Her family was more than just poor; they were desperate. She’d worked a job since the age of eight. When I met Sarah, I knew right away that I’d spend the rest of my life taking care of her and making her happy. I always thought it was somehow cosmic or predetermined for me to love her the way I do, given that my name is Abraham and her's is Sarah.

Word Count: 109

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your reactions and more. Remember, I’ll be moving to the ToiBox full-time soon, so please, stop by to check it out. Until next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken #thetoiboxofwords

Other Supporting Characters

These are previous posts that have been dusted off, updated, and freshly presented to an audience that’s never seen them. These limited posts originate from the companion blogs I’ve written for the first two installments of the Eternal Curse Series (40 Days and Nights of Eternal Curse & EC: Battleground a Survival Guide).

*******************************************************************************************

This story has several other characters that are mentioned, and or described, to help develop the background of the main characters and the overall plot of the story. The characters listed below are the most important and interesting of them all.

Leo- His sole purpose is to make their lives easier and keeping them from having to deal with other people. He’s a gofer and a go-between for Abraham. He brings him things they need and takes care of their mail and security.

Sarah- Sarah is the late wife of Abraham. She doesn’t do a whole lot in the story, but she is mentioned and talked about several times. She’s the anti-Yoko. She never comes between Abraham and Giovanni’s friendship, but considers it just a part of the life they lived together.  (If you’re a Yoko fan, relax, it’s just an analogy.)

Seth- Seth is a fallen angel who becomes human. He is an ancestor to Giovanni. He’s  an important part of Giovanni’s dream struggle.

Marcos- Marcos is a fallen angel who becomes a demon. He is also an ancestor to Giovanni and a dominant part of Giovanni’s dream struggle.

Bletsian- Bletsian is the ultimate hero of the story once the action really begins to get thick, but he doesn’t truly shine until the next book. Throughout the current story, Bletsian is mainly an ideal that’s hidden away, just waiting for the moment when he needs to shine above and beyond what Giovanni is capable of.
 

While these characters don’t take up a lot of the action in this story, many of them will find themselves more involved in other aspects of the series, overall.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your reactions and more. Remember, I’ll be moving to the ToiBox full-time soon, so please, stop by to check it out. Until next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken #thetoiboxofwords