Stephen Baum, writer and amateur musician, A.K.A. Bumba, was born in the Bronx in 1948, and was educated at City College of NY and Hebrew University, Jerusalem. Bumba plans to share his songs and stories on this bumbastories blog. He hopes his love for country music, the blues, and jazz can be shared over cyberspace, and hopes to bring a smile here and there. On the blog is info on his two novels, a bunch of little stories, some poems, lotsa songs, and whatever else comes up. Why he keeps referring to himself in the third person, though, is a puzzling phenomenon, and frankly one which has us a bit concerned.
Stephen, I wrote a satirical novel featuring a Mexican man who stumbled into the US and must either find his way back to his home in Mexico City or somehow achieve his own American Dream. Now, I’m working on the sequel and came across your book on how to gain American citizenship—at least I think you’re the author of that book. Suffice it to say, I’ve discovered your Chester stories and I’m checking that out. The novel I speak of, by the way, is Max in America: Into the Land of Trump. You may actually appreciate the quirky humor.
I don’t know too much about American citizenship. H.F Saint wrote a terrific book called Memoirs of an Invisible Man which deals with all those practical hurdles. It was a disappointing movie with Chevy Chase, but the novel is great.
I’ll have to read that. Thank you.
I believe he only wrote that one book.
Bumba, I wonder if you know this site https://theimmortaljukebox.com/
Good stuff on there.
Just visited there. Very interesting blog, you’re right!
Where would ‘About’ pages be without our Third Person? The poor blighter barely gets a look in otherwise.
Yes, me and Bumba are going to have to have a talk sometime. It’s quite the interesting question, who is talking to whom? Or, is that who’s on first, what’s on second?
Hariod asked me to thank you for your reply.
Great stuff here … and I can’t believe it has taken us so long to interact. Thanks for initiating it! 🙂
And thanks for visiting!
Looks like fun.
am much enjoying your site 🙂
Thanks. Oh oh. Another writer😊
Are you still doing the “As I sat on the bus” stories? This one made me think of you. https://laurenharttblog.wordpress.com/2016/12/05/plane-train-automobile-anything-but-a-bus/
I’m glad you think of me – even if it’s a bus that reminds you. It’s sad that some people never ride the bus. It’s a class phenomenon I suppose. All the best. And Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you as well!
Hi Stephen! I know it’s been weeks since I was the winner of your prize. I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to respond. I moved and my world took a while to piece back together. Anyway, this is my email: amyreesewrites at gmail dot com. I can’t seem to find yours. Hope you are well.
So glad I found your blog. Love the wit.
Thank you very much! I like yours too.
L
Hi Bumba! Just strolling around the blogosphere looking for some interesting blogs to follow; I enjoyed reading your blog, come visit mine when you get a chance at http://www.thatssojacob.wordpress.com and if you like it, follow me back! I’m hoping to reach a wider audience. Thanks and have a good one!
Thanks for following ZimmerBitch. Am enjoying what I’ve read/heard on your blog so far 🙂
Of course Bumba refers to himself in the third person. that way he isn’t really you.
I like you both.
If it’s only me and Bumba, who’s this third person? Thank you for putting up with all of us😊
Hi there! I just wanted to say that you have an incredible blog, and that I find your poems and writing to be both refreshing and apt.
Thank you!
You are quite welcome! It was my pleasure! 😀
Stephen, I think we have a lot in common. I was born in Brooklyn, grew up in NY and NJ, now living in LA. I sing, write and take pictures. Love your blog! Now I am going to start reading, here. 😀
Sounds good 🙂
Hello there! Thanks so much for visiting and following my blog.
Looking forward to more of this site!
Thank you. Looking forward to posting more and reading your site too.
Enjoyed my visit and nice humor too 🙂
Have a lovely day Bumba.
Hi there. 🙂
Greetings. I checked out your blog. I tried to look at your stuff. i don’t have kindle, though.
Hey, Stephen! Interview is up on the site! http://undertheart.com/2013/11/16/musician-spotlight-stephen-baum/
Wow! Thank you for the honor of being interviewed for your blog! It ain’t much of an interview, though. I mean there weren’t any questions asked. It was just my response to your email. I hope people don’t feel cheated and ask for their money back. But for me it works fine. It’s cool to open someone else’s blog and see a photo and article about yourself. Thanks Summer! And all the best!
Thank you. If you go to the Reader (on the right hand column) you highlight Blogs I Follow and then chose edit and there you can chose to receive email notifications.
Is there a way to follow you via e-mail subscription as I do not always find time to use the reader? Great Blog you have!
Thanks so much for coming to my blog! Looks like you have a great thing go over here! Looking forward to reading more!
Great! Enjoying your blog too.
Thank you so much, Stephen, for stopping by my blog. Yours is quite beautiful, a package I will be returning to quite often from now on 🙂
Thank YOU.
Please Accept this Award and Song :
http://marykwheeler.wordpress.com/2013/07/17/the-shine-on-award-with-song/
The “Shine on” Award represents love and hope and friendship Please pass this on, if you have it, type
“Awarded x2 below it, or x3″
Please, Shine On and accept and add the song in, so the song goes with the Award
xox – Mary
dear Stephen,
Your blog is wonderful! I have nominated you for LIEBSTAR BLOG AWARD!
TO COPY THE AWARD PHOTO, here is the link: http://amidereve.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/liebster-blog-award.jpeg
As usual there are several rules in accepting the Liebster Award– they are:
1. Accept the award, post the picture of the Liebster Award on the top of your post and say who nominated you for the award and list their blog site.
2. List 11 random facts about yourself.
3. Nominate 11 other bloggers for the Liebster Award and list their blog sites.
4. Notify the bloggers of their award.
5.Ask the award winners 11 questions to answer when they accept their Liebster Award.
6. Answer the questions left for you by the blogger who gave you the award.
My Nominations of 11 other bloggers for the Liebster Award and their blog sites:
1. Beautiful Absurdity http://www.beautiful-absurdity.com If you ever need a recommend to read a book, visit Sham’s beautiful blog, she reviews the books she reads, but also, she write about life and nothing more.
2. Thestifledartist: http://thestifledartist.com/
If you love Art with all its glories, then you will love this blog.
3. Mystery Tramp: http://samnorthcote.wordpress.com/
Traveling and writing about one’s experience in different places never been better.
4. Sarah Irving: http://sarahirving.wordpress.com/
Sarah’s writing about the Middle East is a must read for any one wishing to have an alternative take of the region.
5. Lost in Translation: http://bopaula.wordpress.com/
Paula’s blog is beautiful for it is use of personal Photography and Sound Recording, she also has a weekly challenge that you could participate.
6. Kitku: http://kitku.wordpress.com/
Wonderful blog for any cinephile, review of new and classic films worth writing about.
7. Bumba: https://bumbastories.wordpress.com/
Little details of life captured to utmost details, wonderful.
8. Tersia Burger: http://tersiaburger.com/
Some of the most beautiful, sincere and emotional writings that I have read of recent did not come from a book, but rather from this blog.
9. Word Wabbit: http://wordwabbit.wordpress.com/
You discover many things hiding in this blog, explore it.
10. Historianil: http://historianil.wordpress.com/
If you read German, then this a blog for you, if not, then use Google Translate, for it is still a blog for you.
11. Chiarina Loggia: http://chiaink.wordpress.com/
One word is enough to describe this blog: Beautiful.
11 questions from me to respond to with your acceptance of the Liebster Award (or choose 5 of the 11):
1. What is the first thing you do in the morning?
2. What is your best quality and draw us a portrait of yourself in writing or a poem.
3. Which is your favorite meal of the day…breakfast? lunch? dinner? and describe it.
4. What do you enjoy most in life?
5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
6. What do you “see” when you write? What is the your writing process?
7. Why are you a blogger?
8. What is the most important lesson you have learned in your life?
9. What is your greatest fear and how do you work through it?
10. If you could meet any person in the world, who would it be and why?
11. What do you imagine life to be like after death?
Hope you accept the award 🙂
P.S. I’m familiar with the “NaNoWriMo” project and the “NaPoWriMo” as well, but what is a “Nano Blog”?
Nano means very small. “The collected wit of Stephen Baum, a nano blog”: I thought it was clever, but you are the first one to notice or comment on it.
I came over to check out the new writing challenge. One of the writers I communicate with regularly entered, and I saw her post. But I naturally had to read your ‘About’ page. Just thinking: If you talk about yourself in third person that must mean you think about your self in third person. That makes you rather like one of the characters you create for your stories. As a result , you are in a position to sort of re-create who you are on a regular basis, and that may be a good thing.
OK. If I think of myself in the third person, then who are the other two guys?
I got into the practice of shifting directly into the voices of my characters and/or using multiple narrators in my second novel, the One Life or the Lives of Chester Knowles book. Last year I completed a little One Life sequel called The Phantom Speaks, which I hope to release soon. The characters really get out of control in that one. I guess it’s just something I do, something I’m trying. Thanks for visiting and commenting. And I hope I haven’t confused you too much.
Hi! 🙂
I’ve nominated you for the “SUPER SWEET BLOGGING AWARD” for having such a sweet blog here and spreading the sweet fragrance of your soul among us. Thanks for making this journey of blogging so wonderful and many congratulations! 🙂
Visit here to collect your gift: http://thenomadicsoliloquist.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/dessert-served-warm-super-sweet-blogging-award/
This is a great blog, tho only just started exploring it. The George Packard pieces are really really good. He and Bumba make a great team!
Thank you for following. there aren’t many who have been able to wade through the George Packard stuff, so thanks!
An update: Inspired by you words, I assembled all of the unmatched caps to my pens (well, most of them), and the next day rounded up all my capless ball- points. And they all had a conference, a meeting of the minds. Several very nice matches were made I’m happy to say and we wish them the best. The devil take the rest.
Stephen – Really enjoyed the below Blog.
Thought his thoughts might appeal to you.
Regards – Rob
http://mjedmo.wordpress.com/
Thank you Rob. It’s quite a blog there and I’ll follow it and check it out. All the best.
I like references in the third person, (or second person plural ? 😉 !!) makes for a more interesting insight. methinks. xx
Thanks for visiting us. I did a post about 2nd person plural for y’all. I think it’s called hey you guys. Changing voices gives you some latitude (to a certain degree!).
This made me LOL 😉
I see you’re an easy audience. We’re glad when you visit.
Lol..and I am happy to make your acquaintance..all of you. 😉
Likewise
🙂
Hi Stephen: Thanks again for stopping by!
Thanks for visiting today, Stephen. A Bronx Boy!!! I’m a Brooklyn girl!!!!!
Hey!
Heya, I’ve nominated you for the MomentMattersAward follow this link for the rules etc. http://milkshakesinspring.wordpress.com/2013/03/31/best-moment-award/ best wishes, Jaz.
Jasmine,
Thank you very much. But, following Groucho Marx’s advice to never join a club that would accept me as a member, I’m going to decline. I have a hard time trying to post anything at all. However, I would return the compliment to you and say that you are definitely an artist out there who is trying to do something good. All my best to you and thank you again,
Steve
do you have another blog too, a life-changer blog for example?
Hey Frizz, I just put it out.
I hope our snow melts in time for the Blues Jam here in June http://greeleybluesjam.wordpress.com/about–and one in Eureka Springs (my favorite place) a week later http://www.eurekaspringsblues.com
Hey Stephen,
I’m not sure if you received my email, but here’s what I sent you.
I’m compiling a free e-book about the Greatest Articles and I’m featuring excellent comments. Your thoughts in “What if.. You Sleep 2 Hours a Day” is a standout! I’m asking permission if I could include your words in the book?
All the best,
Justin G. Bautista
I’ll have to sleep on it.
Interesting blog and lovely poems! Salute to you noble one.., I admire all teachers!
Thanks for visiting, commenting, and for being so nice.
Hi and thanks for visiting my blog and in turn, introducing me to yours 🙂
You are such a clever writer, and can see you have a great sense of humor
Thank you very much for visiting and for your very kind words. Enjoying your stuff very much too.
Fun blog. My mom always talked in 1st person plural – “We need to do this.” It always meant “You need to do this for me.” Funny what you remember when you read people’s blogs. Thanks for visiting my blog. I’m going to enjoy following yours as well. 🙂
I really enjoy your music and nominate you for the sunshine award.
http://mixandmatchmeme.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/blogging-and-the-sunshine-award/
You have wonderful skills my brother share it all with us that our lives might bathe in your inspiring glow!!
keep shining through your intellect and creativity ! It surely inspires many of us.
May you triumph through the journey with utmost success, strength and best tidings. Cheers.
Hi, thanks for subscribing to my blog! Welcome 🙂
are you trying to distance yourself from yourself–I may just give that a try!
My family is a big fan of country music and I enjoyed your “third person” about! Thanks for visiting my blog, too!
Lauren 🙂
I nominated you for the Liebster award. Please check it out on my blog: http://astronomybythecosmos.com/the-liebster-award/
Dear Tina,
Thank you for nominating me for the Liebster Award.
I hope you will forgive me if I do not answer all the questions and forward on the awards to other bloggers. It’s just that I don’t have time to do so many things. But thank you for nominating me, and thank you for visiting my blog. I’ll keep visiting yours, especially since it is so informative and aims to provide something uplifting to people.
maybe he is trying to distance himself from himself–I do that sometimes
Maybe our alter-egos are smart.
Hi Bumbas! I nominated you for several awards, please just choose the ones you like 🙂 It’s on my blog at http://arabwriterchick.com/ Thanks 🙂
oh no
lol!!! 🙂
Oh, this is charming! 🙂
I just stopped by to thank you for visiting my blog from last year (53 at 53) and for liking my posts there. I always get a kick out of this. And thank you for your comments, too. I really appreciate it.
Thank you for commenting on my blog. I look forward to read more of yours.
Thanks
Thank you for visiting my blog and liking two of my post!
Interesting blog!
All the best, Jenny
I write about myself in the third person too…Just saying 🙂
I – I mean we – I mean bumbas and Packard and myself and… thank you. Cheers.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and liking one of the posts.
Hey, George Costanza refers to himself in the third person, so no worries…
Thanks much for stopping by my blog and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it!
Richard Nixon often referred to himself as the President. Yes, there is cause for concern. and I am very worried about Bumba.
I’ve actually been talking about myself a LOT in the third person, lately. I think it’s the kindergartners’ fault. The fifth graders just look at me funny!
Yeah, teachers do that.
You have a very interesting blog! Shall return to go through it at leisure. MEanwhile thank you for visiting mine and for the kind comments!
I write myself In the third person often. It’s a good perspective if you read it later. A good exercise.
It’s the the person we want to be, wish to be, are hoping to be, think we aught to be, etc…. fill in your own reasons. Keep writing. Thanks for visiting my blog.