Monday, December 21, 2009

The Man Who Said I Can


This is a special blog for me to write. I'm both excited and full of admiration for Martin. The release of Torn From Normal has been a long journey, one I am honored to have taken beside him for most of the trip.

I don't believe I've ever met someone with more determination or more belief in the power of perserverance. He faced obstacles I would have crumbled beneath. Throughout the creation of Torn From Normal, he has always maintained his friendship with me. And I mean that. Friendships can sometimes call for maintenance and he never neglected this. I believe this spirit is what first captured my interest in his original manuscript--the spirit of understanding the importance of what may seem to others as an insignificant life.

Torn From Normal isn't simply a YA book meant to entertain. It's a study of the way society treats each other, written from the perspective two young men in very different situations and how they deal with the grief life often brings. For me, Torn From Normal is a very special story and I think it will be for many others as well.

Congratulations, Martin. Job well done!

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

My big day

Just checked my email and what do I see? Email notification from the printer company. My first proof copy of my very first novel Torn From Normal was sent out next-day-air, via UPS. Of course I freaked out and called my business partner (yes this late.) Since I already own a company, we deal with UPS on a daily bases. But, since I am the last person to arrive in the mornings--I don't really never see the next-day-air delivery. In fact, I have no clue what time they normally deliver the overnight shipments to my automotive business.

To my surprise, my business partner tells me on the phone tonight; UPS next-day-air gets there early every morning, before I get there, which is at 10am.





What is all my fuss about? I wrote a novel, my very first to be precise. It has been weeks, months and even years of hard work. Work I couldn't have done on my own without the help of some great people, special people without whom my project of writing a novel would never have seen the end of the first day.

I fell on my face a lot learning the different stages of writing and publishing a novel. I've been stubborn, made mistakes, didn't listen, but I got back up, refusing and rejecting defeat. In a few hours my wait will finally be over. Another mission in my life will be accomplished. When a small package will be handed to me by a UPS driver. Seemingly no different than any other delivery we got by UPS next-day-air. But this package will make a difference on this morning. Inside will be the very first copy of my novel Torn From Normal. For the first time I will hold something so important, that my knees will probably get soft like jelly.






To be successful in life, you have to believe in yourself. You have to believe what you're doing is right, and most importantly, you have to believe in your product. Torn From Normal is not--will not be just another book, or another story. To me it has become a lifestyle, a part of me and now the time has come to share my work with the world. When I talk about Torn From Normal, it will be no different than selling a Mercedes Benz. I stand behind my product and I believe in what I have to offer. Would I not, I wouldn't have been successful in life.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Autobahn Auto Seeks Mercedes Benz Technician




My automotive business Autobahn Auto is Located in Hampton, Virginia.

Autobahn Auto stays extremely busy throughout the year and we're currently seeking to hire another Mercedes Benz technician.







Applicants are required to be trained and experienced with DAS, (Star Diagnosis Assistance System for Mercedes Benz.) Don't apply if you're not familiar what that is.

We're are extremely busy and have very large customer base. Send detailed application via email to Bnzmn600@aol.com

Autobahn Auto was established in 1994 and is operated and owned under German management.

Martin Bartloff, (President/CEO)

Friday, July 31, 2009

Torn From Normal, recent reviews

Soon, very soon, you will be able to purchase Torn From Normal at Kindle and also as print. If you prefer a signed copy, you will need to contact me personal.
As I promised you, Torn From Normal is not just another novel. I am delighted to present to you two recent reviews. Would these two lie to you? LOL No.


Martin Bartloff’s debut novel Torn from Normal is a riveting tale that captivates readers of all ages. Set on the eastern seaboard of the United States, the book’s main character, Andy Riley, takes you on a journey that will forever embed him into your heart. A series of heart-wrenching events sadly tear Andy away from all he has ever known. He finally finds the solace he intensely longs for when he befriends another boy and his father; characters who will also endear you as you travel with them through the course of a summer. As you read, you will find that the book ingeniously draws you into its pages and refuses to let you go until you have turned the very last page; and even then you will find yourself still thinking about Andy and the friends he grew to love.



Suzanne Schott M. Ed.




Martin Bartloff's Torn From Normal is a very moving, very strong story. The catastrophe that is protagonist Andy Riley's life will resonate with his readers, as will the inherent tragedy awaiting secondary characters Danny and Marvin. The characters are believable, especially Danny, an honest and likable young man, and Marvin, the strong father figure you wish you'd had in your own life. Andy Riley, though, is the one to tug at your heart strings, the sad, young boy you'll want to welcome into your home. A quick read, Torn From Normal is a telling reminder that the myth of carefree childhood is exactly that for a lot of the young people in our society: a myth.

By Ophelia Julien.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Final front cover art. "Torn From Normal"



If you all been wondering why I haven't update and posted any new blogs, that's because I've been working very hard on the final cover art (back, front and spine) and the interior layout of the book. Don't worry though, I'm there, just a few minor adjustments.

Above, you see the final front cover art for Torn From Normal

Click the picture to enlarge it for better view. Tell me what you think.

--Martin

Friday, July 10, 2009

Vote for one, or suggest changes to your favorite

----------------Voting is closed, all pictures removed--------------------------

Thank you everyone for participating. The final version will be posted soon.

--Martin

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Update: Torn From Normal. Where is Andy Riley?

First things first. I want to thank everyone for the comments on the last blog. The daily site hits throughout the last few days was strong and consistent. I keep a close eye on the sitemeter as it is helping me determine what drives people to my site.

Let's cut right through the chase. I promised you the latest updates of Torn From Normal today, and you shall wait no longer.
I'm currently working with my closest friends on the fine-tune of Torn From Normal. As you can see the fonts of my cover are way too small and that was discussed before. There might also be slight changes of the cover. Stay tuned, I will post the final version here this week!!

I'm waiting for my editor and award winning author, J.R.Turner to free up some time, so that we can, one final time, go through the book before print. Don't fret, you'll be holding a print in your hands in a matter of a few weeks. The ebook will come even sooner.

I've contacted the film crew and the book trailer will be filmed in a matter of weeks. My best friend Logan will be playing Andy Riley in the trailer.
There will also be a Youtube video contest with prizes you can win. First place will win cash! You don't wanna miss that do you?

Torn From Normal will be available for purchase at my business location. I will travel the country to sell Andy's story at book events and from the trunk of my car around the country. The first book signing will as planned, take place in the showroom of my Automotive facility in Downtown Hampton, in Virginia. Notice of this event will be in the Daily Press and all my Internet sites.

BTW, check out Storycasting.com

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Teens Scenes: Excitement pure, the first car


We all have been there and remember the day we got our first car. Probably the largest purchase or present at that time in life, I remember worrying how to protect it from any harm. As a teen you can hide things under your bed, even get away locking your room to protect your belongings. But if you don't have a garage to your disposal as a teenager, you may encounter some sleepless nights.

I remember all too well the day my friend and I drove to his co-workers house, in my pocket 800 hundred German marks, the price he asked for his 1974 Ford. The man worked for a Ford dealership, the car was in great condition. I was in 7th heaven driving home. I parked across the street on the sidewalk, my mom and my brother came rushing out and together we admired its precious vinyl upholstery and the beautiful lines of the body, sure this had to have been the best car in the world.

My mom and my brother got in the car and we drove around the block, then spontaneously and sudden, decided to go visit my grandma 6 miles away. It was dark when we drove home, I remember loving the lit gauges and armatures.
I had trouble going to sleep that night, I remember sitting up in bed every hours, staring out the window at my newly purchased car.

devastation came 6 months later, when I hit a guardrail on the Autobahn, but, I turned around and fixed the car then enjoyed her for another 6 months. I've had very mixed emotions when I traded with a friend for a newer Volkswagen Golf, but my other brother down in south Germany wanted a Golf and I wanted the car he was willing to trade for a golf. A 1981 Toyota Cressida, loaded with luxury.




Being in the automotive business for many years, I sold hundreds of first cars to teenagers. I feel the excitement. The glare in their in the eyes of young people going on a test drive with them to show the car, then doing the paperwork is always something very special to me. I know how they feel and I always make sure to give them the best service and help.

Share your first car, story in form of comments with us and don't forget to select the "Anonymous" setting to post comments, if you don't already have a google account.

--Martin

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Recovery, aches and changes


I've been in a lot of pain since Sunday. Somehow I pulled a neck muscle, while this wasn't the first time, this time it seemed to get better, then Wednesday it got worse. This morning I could barely get up (hey I am not that old.) Anyhoo, unable to use my right arm, without excruciating pain, I called my chiropractor office this morning. They hooked me up with a quick appointment and by 2pm I walked into their clinic, stiff as a 6ft 2X4. 3:15pm I came out doing cartwheels.

What I really wanted to share with you tonight are some changes to Martin Bartloff's blog. I have been slagging off for way too long as far as my blog goes. For as many hits I get per day, I figured the least I could do is commit and give you a new blog post twice a week.
















So here is how it goes: Effective starting Sunday July 5th, There will be a fresh teen-friendly blog posted here every Sunday. Every Sunday will be a new theme and if you like to suggest a topic, feel free to do so in form of a comment. This Sunday's teen-topic will be: A teen and his first car. Anybody, young and old, is welcome to comment and tell about their first car, buying experience, the first ride etc. If you would like to participate and write a topic for our Sundays blog, a story, or something that happen to you, that you like to share. I'm very interested in posting your story. Must be Teen related though.


















Effective today, there will be a new blog post every Thursday, regarding news and updates about my debut novel Torn From Normal. This will include everything from release date, cover art to book-tours. I will also blog about my motives and inspirations that led to writing Torn From Normal. There will be book reviews from other authors as well.

Effective now, I would like you to participate in creating a teen-friendly name for this blog. Share your thoughts and ideas in form of a comment or two.

Ooops almost forgot, when commenting, use the "anonymous" setting unless you have a google account, otherwise it won't post the comment.

--Martin

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Endings are new beginnings

There is truly no need to worry about anything. Yesterdays down-pull has not left me paralyzed in any way, or shape. While my five-month journey was a very delightful experience, it has also taught me a valuable lesson. We all have our own vision of our work and to me that should not be intervened with and influenced by a price tag.


I have never failed in life and archiving my goals, always followed my inner voice and instinct. Today I'm a successful business man with no regrets, or financial worries. To me that is like gold and the prove to follow that inner voice for the rest of my life.


I felt much like a puppet in the last three weeks, like some fake, driven by forces not in my control. It is important to me to stand up for who I am, not let cooperate America control my dreams and goals for the sake of better sales. When your work is influenced and attached to a price tag, it is vulnerable for failure.


Not all of us are followers, I'm not a follower and I need to continue to let my wings expand in the directions aimed at.

I would also like to acknowledge the support and friendship of my fellow authors. I thank you all for your very kind messages and emails. I have not forgotten about you and you will hear back from me soon.

--Martin

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Raccoon adventure at Autobahn Auto


An hour before closing today, me and my employee Nathan stood in the back shop by my tool box. He looked suddenly past me and said "Oh kitten. Oh no, raccoon."

I turned to look, thinking he is kidding me. Just a few feet away, this raccoon toddler walked, drunk like, around the shop.

A few weeks ago we discovered a dead, adult raccoon in the dungeons, which is the far back part of the shop where we keep parts cars stacked on top of one another. That part of the shop is a add on, accessible by a heavy door. We call that part the dungeons because there is no lights there, just some daylight through a window and some holes in the roof.

So here was this raccoon baby walking around us, no different than a tame puppy. He looked like he was near death, he walked slow, not scared of us, tipping over a few times. His fur was wet, he looked skinny. While my business partner rushed in with a box, Nathan called animal control. We feared he might get away and die in the shop. We all had the same thought, exercise our human power to save this poor creature.



The box scared the poor baby and he came to life, standing on his hind legs screaming. Then he walked away and stood by the door to the dungeons which I had closed after going in there an hour earlier. Nathan and I decided to open the door to see if he would lead us to more baby raccoons in need. Once in there, he crawled in the darkest corner behind a car, crying and trying to climb the vehicles.

I got a flashlight and climbed to the car stacked on top of it. There I sighted the face of another baby raccoon behind the front seats. In the meanwhile, the other raccoon walked back to the front of the shop where he just sat and waited like a puppy outside a store. We walked right by him several times and that didn't bother him at all.

Animal control showed up and now Nathan and I felt saver, these guys know what they're doing, right? He put the one in a cage and suggested putting up traps. He feared, we open the car door and they might jump in his face (or ours.)

After offering our help, the animal control guy agreed to try to recover the raccoons. I got onto the roof of the two pile car, he handed me his gizmo, a stick and handle that looked like one of those light bulb changing devices but with a claw. The man held a cage below the door while I opened it and fished for the second baby raccoon. By the time I was done, there were 4 baby raccoons in the cage.

Another animal control officer rushed to the scene. The lady admired our catch, but suggested separating the fallen dirty one.He was being licked and hugged by the others who were happy to see him. The lady opened the cage and reached in with her bare hands, picking up the one like a cat picks up her kittens. She even cleaned him and he loved it.


These baby raccoons had no way to get down from the cars inside the shop, had it not been for the one baby falling down from the car, we would have not noticed them until they died.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The Murderisation at my house every night


I got a big problem. Lately here I've been wondering what happened to those annoying Turtle doves that were driving me insane every morning. For some reason they have been quiet, almost none existent anymore.

I'm not that lucky though. About two weeks ago it became apparent, why the turtle doves hang low. In the tree directly in my yard, two humongous Blue-Heron have nested. The sight of those sitting on rooftops in the far distance has always given me the chills as they look like something out of Jurassic Park. Don't be fooled by that picture I took, Heron's are big with a long neck.

Now they are in the tree, just ten feet away from the upstairs-front windows of our house.
I've been told they nest near water, well I guess my pool counts. However, they supposed to eat fish and that is why, I was told, they nest near water.

Every night around 1am I awake from a semi sleep because some animal screams for its life, then shortly after you can see the Heron return to the nest. They got a crazy wingspan, makes you wanna run the other way.

Tonight was extreme, which is why I'm still awake and ultimately re-booting my PC to write this blog. About 40 minutes ago, just as I was getting ready for bed, this animal-attack like scream for its life sound came from the direction of our garage roof. It was either a cat or a squirrel that was being murderized. The sound was horrifying--all dogs in the neighborhood barked up a storm.

There is no light near my garage, yet I stepped on our back porch--trying to intervene with mother nature and save whatever was being killed. The sound of the attack was so intense and horrifying, the houses bordering my property started to come alive with lights. No one however, dared to come outside.

Sudden doubts of the Heron causing this massacre had me scared to death. I turned in the house quickly and slammed the door--locking it with extra care. The struggle lasted 10 long minutes then it was quiet and the Heron's returned to the nest.

I can't wait for daybreak to see if the roof of my garage is covered in blood and remainings of something that lived in my backyard.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

"Torn From Normal" demo cover and blurbs

I apologize for not posting a new blog earlier. I've been holding off, gathering updates.
There is still no exact date for when Torn From Normal will be released. As soon as I find out I will update the blog and other media.

I sent the final manuscript off to my publisher and other authors for reviews. One review is already included at the end of this blog.

To the left you see a demo of the cover the way I wanted it to be and I created this cover myself. Tell me what you think, I would love to hear your opinion. You can click the picture to enlarge it.


***Image removed***



As soon as I receive a demo cover from the publisher I will post it here.

I know many of you are getting eager to finally hold Torn From Normal in your hands and I can tell you, ted tape is a snail in publishing and it gets worse every time you think it gets better and your book is almost published.

I'll leave the guess work as to who posed for demo cover, to you. Ask me and I might tell you and by the way, the same person volunteered for the book trailer of Torn From Normal.

The Hockey Jersey along with the number 24 is very significant to the story itself and no Torn From Normal is not a book about sports.

I hope you enjoyed this short update, please feel free to comment. (If you don't have a google account, select the anonymous setting when ask under what server to leave the comment, but sign your name in the field so we know who you are.)

Now to the review, here is the first one. More will follow.

By Ophelia Julien.

Martin Bartloff's Torn From Normal is a very moving, very strong story. The catastrophe that is protagonist Andy Riley's life will resonate with his readers, as will the inherent tragedy awaiting secondary characters Danny and Marvin. The characters are believable, especially Danny, an honest and likeable young man, and Marvin, the strong father figure you wish you'd had in your own life. Andy Riley, though, is the one to tug at your heart strings, the sad, young boy you'll want to welcome into your home. A quick read, Torn From Normal is a telling reminder that the myth of carefree childhood is exactly that for a lot of the young people in our society: a myth.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Award winning author J.R. Turner about Martin Bartloff


By: J.R. Turner

I want to share with everyone a little story about Martin and me :)

Martin and I met more than two years ago. I've worked with many authors on their first novels over the decade I've been writing seriously. Some people come to me with little more than an idea, others came to me with books half a million words long (I'm not kidding.) In between there were non-fiction authors, memoirists, and even a poet a two. The challenges they offered me, in my quest to ensure I was offering the best advice possible for their vision of their work, helped me grow immensely as an author and help me grasp the nuances of many different genres. Martin, however, had two things I'd never seen before: a book that was nearly impossible to peg in any genre, and a level of passion for the storytelling that I have rarely encountered.

Many of you have seen the red flags in aspiring authors--those little tale tells hat give away their chances of becoming successful as an author. The largest for me is a lack of the maturity to understand your own personal flaws and accept them as part of who you are, or have allowed yourself to become. Martin showed incredible insight and a surprising, intuitive sense for his young adult characters--most likely because he's young at heart :)

Between his passion, this unique story, and that level of insight--I found his book was a project that excited me as well. His enthusiasm was and is contagious. I think as he learns the ropes, absorbs more about the processes of networking and marketing, and continues to grow as an author, there won't be any stopping him. I'm thrilled to have him with us, and honored to be considered his friend.



Warmly,
Jenny:)

http://jennifer-turner.com

http://jr-turner.blogspot.com/

Monday, May 4, 2009

The sought-after Ryan Kelley

My name is Ophelia Julien and I write about ghosts and the supernatural/paranormal. I believe in a lot of the unbelievable, so I don't know why I would find it surprising that Martin Bartloff, the owner of this blog, would eventually wind up becoming my friend. I mean, I believe in ghosts. So how odd can it be to have a friend who practices the Law of Attraction, writes to music the same way I do, finds connections between random events and people before those connections become apparent, and makes things happen? If he weren't my friend, he would scare me about seven ways from Sunday.


That said, Martin has also written a YA book, something near and dear to my heart, and like most writers, he has a picture in his head of the actor he would like to play the lead character if (in Martin's case, when) this novel gets made into a movie. That actor is a young man who, by some cosmic coincidence, happened to grow up in my home town of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. (Bear in mind that Martin lives about seven states away from me and we've never met face to face: I told you Martin was scary). The actor's name is Ryan Kelley, and part of the reason for this blog is to act as an APB: Do you know where Mr. Kelley is???



Martin's book, Torn From Normal, is due to debut from Quake Press (Quakeme.com) later this year. Because my writing colleague is the sort of person who really likes to get all his ducks in a row, we figured it's not too early to start trying to find Mr. Kelley so that he can consider the part. You've heard of "six characters in search of an author"? Think of this as 1.5 writers in search of an actor. We know he's out there somewhere!

And Ryan Kelley is very talented. If you've never heard of him, do yourself a favor and google "Prayers for Bobby," one of his more recent movies (with Sigourney Weaver). The trailer alone will wring your heart. If anyone can pull off this role, it would be Ryan Kelley.

So thanks for dropping by Martin's blog and reading the words of his guest writer, today. Writing and marketing that writing is very tough work, I know this first hand. Anything I can do to assist a fellow novelist, I'm very happy to do.

And hey, Martin won't mind if I do this so…

You can find me at www.opheliajulien.com

And you can find my own ghostly blog at opheliajulien.blogspot.com

Friday, May 1, 2009

No Secret, The Law of Attraction part 1



Author: Martin Bartloff

First let me say this. I’m not here to sell you anything, or make you buy my novel.
I prepared this blog solely to share my very own experience with you about the law of Attraction. It has helped me throughout my life and until this day.

What you’re about to read is based on true events, no sugar or pepper added. I will start with a short introduction then move on to what you came here for. The Secret.
Keep in mind this is only part I of a short series. There is too much to pack into one blog and I don’t want you to droop out on me. I don’t need to overwhelm you with too much information all at once. Throughout this series I will present watertight prove that the law of attraction is very present in my life.

My name is Martin Bartloff. I was born and raised in Germany. I moved to the United States in August of 1991 at the age of twenty-five. I’m a YA fiction writer and a business owner of a European automotive facility. We service, repair and sell Mercedes Benz and other European brands. My automotive business has grown to be self sufficient and I only go in to turn a couple of screws here and there and to make sure everything is running smoothly.





I didn’t always know about the law of attraction, matter of fact, I didn’t even read “The Secret” until two years ago when a dear friend and customer demanded I read the book.
I was stunned as I flipped the first pages. The book explained what I previously thought was a special connection with the almighty creator, who granted all my wishes and desires, dreams and goals since early childhood.

Thoughts become things, which is what the law of attraction is all about. I’m not here to explain the technicalities of that. You should read “The Secret” or other literature explaining the phenomenon.

I assume most of you have heard, or perhaps been introduced through other media, or the word of mouth of the law of attraction. If this is totally new to you, read on, you cannot afford to miss this.

Basically, and just to get started here, if you engage in drama, drama is what returns to you. If you walk to your mail box expecting nothing but bills. Bills is what you will receive and if you constantly convince yourself that your problems are out of your own control, then your problems will remain with you. You need to stop now and make some changes, unless you’re perfectly content with where you are in life. Are you?

I think we all have room for improvement in our lives, some more than others.
When I graduated from high school I was always told that I could not attend trade school (big deal in Germany) based on my math grades. I wanted to learn a trade where I worked, but they wouldn’t sponsor me, telling me I would bitterly fail at math. I believed it. At seventeen, my life was going nowhere. I learned a partial trade as a room decorator.
My hobbies where cars, but the thought of applying for a sponsorship to attend trade school, never even remotely entered my mind until I had built a large group of friends who brought their cars to me to look at. Still I was not able to legally work on automobiles anywhere. Not having a trade school diploma in Germany, all you can do is work at a gas station, wash windows and check oil.

There was a small repair facility outside of my town, where I took my friends cars for the annual emissions tests. At the age of twenty-two my girlfriend at the time suggested I apply there to be sponsored. It was worth a try, so I asked and was accepted despite my bad math grades back in high school. I made a ton of money working day and night and going to trade school for 3 weeks every other month. I graduated with an -F- in math, but an -A- in technical drawing which was also a main subject of automotive school.

As a child I wanted nothing more than to be self employed and own an automotive shop. Three years later and just days before my graduation, it didn’t look so good; my homeroom teacher in trade school prepared me for the worst. He said my math grades were likely to cause me to fail, meaning I would have had to tag on another 6 months and try again.
In the mean while I had plans to spend the money I made traveling the United States and stay until my funds were depleted. I visited a psychic-just out of curiosity. She was from another town and knew nothing about me. Rumors had been that she was outstanding.

I never forget sitting on the sofa, expecting to see a crystal ball any second now. Instead she sat there sifting through random pictures she requires with any customer. I even tricked her and mixed in a picture of a person I didn’t even know.

“I see no relevance to this person.” Then she went on, telling me things she couldn’t have known. And then came the big one. “You’re going away very soon after you finish something that has been on your mind. Worry no more, it will end in your favor.”
Then she explained I was going away right after and not come back. Wow, I didn’t even know that at the time. She warned me about tropical weather where I was going, how it was dangerous and I should me on the look out.

On graduation day I overslept, came in two hours late. I thought that was it and saw myself going to school for another 6 months. That afternoon I finished first and received my diploma as an Automotive Technician (big deal in Europe.)
Two days later I was packing my stuff, got on the plane to the United States. I told my family that I will not come back until my funds were gone. Five years later I opened my own business in Virginia, Today I have five employees.

End of part 1

--Martin

Martin on:

Myspace

Twitter

Monday, April 27, 2009

Great News For Mother Earth!

By: Martin Bartloff


A great weight lifted off my shoulders when I listened to the announcement that the United States has finally agreed to a change in direction on global climate agreements.

Born and raised in Germany comes with a completely different outlook on our environment. Growing up, I was taught in school not to litter. We actually had classes on the subject.

I immigrated from Germany to the United States back in 1991, and remember driving down an Interstate when suddenly, a trash-filled bag from a well known fast food chain, came flying out from the car in front of me. I grabbed pencil and paper and wrote down the license plate number. When I later proudly presented the evidence to a policeman I was laughed at. When you toss as much as a cigarette butt in the country I was raised in, you end up with a hefty fine.



Throughout the years I've made extra efforts to stop some abuse against Mother Earth. I remember a friend asking me to assist him changing the oil and filter on his automobile. When all was finished, my friend carried a plastic bowl with five quarts of used motor oil to his bathroom.

No way! I thought, as he was about to unload the substance into his toilet. I explained to him that one drop of oil renders a bathtub full of drinking water useless, and I volunteered to take the used oil to the local parts store for recycling. Do the math; if my education changed how this person recycled his used motor oil, I saved many bathtubs worth of drinking water.

I'm grateful for the new policy concerning our environment and for a new, more global geared administration. I must say however, an educational process must be in place along with the changes. I'm not sure how it's asked that we protect the earth, when it seems some people can't take care of their problems at home. Animals build soft nests, why can’t we!


Martin Bartloff

Earth Day, 2009

Look for Martin's book, Torn from Normal aka Like A Snowflake In Summer
June, 2009 - Echelon Press

Martin on Teen-Seen

Martin's Website

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Excerpt, Repost. "Torn from Normal" by Martin Bartloff

I reposted this Excerpt due to Andy's guest appearance on Teen-Seen

Aftermath partII (Andy is 12 years old here)

* * * * *

It sounded like a good idea at first when his mom enrolled him in a local soccer team.
“It will be good for you being around other boys your age.” Her eyes flew over the sign-up sheet. “You can’t spend the rest of your life playing video games in your room hon.” She flipped the page, reading glasses at the tip of her nose. Andy knew the truth though.
She wants me out of the house to work more hours.
“And it will help you move on.” She mumbled.


Willing to try Andy gave in. “I’ll go, but I’m not staying if I don’t like it.”
“You can invite Jason, maybe he would like to watch you play sometime, or who knows, he might want to enroll with you.” Andy rolled his eyes; he knew that would be a waste of time. Jason skipped gym class every week and bragged about it. “The Mitchell’s can’t afford it and Jason has a girlfriend now.”

By the time he took the field, his stomach hurt from dreading this moment for two whole days. His mom got the best cleats and his jersey was bright white. The guys wouldn't give him a hard time for looking like a reject from a second hand store at least. The coach stuck him in midfield, probably, Andy thought, because he didn't rate good enough to play fullback and he was too slow to guard the goal. That was the story of his life though, wasn't it? Never good enough to get a pat on the back, and never bad enough to have the cool factor of a rebel. Just a total geekwad.


After four weeks the cleats along with Andy’s ambition showed first signs of wear.
Everyone else had a parent come to their games or pick them up after practice. “Why can’t you stick around just this once to watch me play?” Andy squinted retrieving the gym-bag from behind the seat.
“Andy, please don’t be difficult, we’ve been through this before. I have to work the extra hours.” She checked her watch, in a hurry to get going. “And who’s gonna pick me up after practice?”
“Well how’s all the boys get home, I’m sure I’m not the only mother with a job?”
“All the other boys have dads.” He shoved the door hard, letting her have it. He wasn’t gonna look back he thought as she sped away.


When practice ended Andy stood alone discarded like an empty milk bottle.
Watching as fathers joked with their sons hurt him so bad, but he didn’t tell anyone. Instead, he hurried to start the long walk home alone to avoid seeing all those families together. Gym-bag around his shoulder, he hurried to the other side of the street. Not wanting his cleats get ruined he chose the grass by the curb for his way home.


Vans and cars with team mates inside zipped by, no one looked or waived at him. The last one slowed down, the brake lights invited him, he squeezed the gym-bag tight and sprinted in the street thinking he got a ride; instead the van crossed a speed bump and continued on down the road. Somebody had to see him he thought sucking up the embarrassment and watching the pavement change color as rain turned to hail. Only once did he get a ride home. It was pouring down rain and the coach took pity on him.

If you like to meet Andy Riley who is now seventeen, click here for his "Watercolor Memories"

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Spooky

By: Martin Bartloff

Senior-Tuesday, sixty-five and older, half off, Logan, my employee and I decide to go for Chinese buffet. The place is packed with senior citizens, like it always was on Tuesday. We pick a table then order our drinks "Ice tea unsweetened." I say. The waitress nods then points the pencil at Logan. "Swee-T?" She asks, remembering us. Logan nods.

We get up to pack our plates. Sweet and sour chicken, some seafood, spring roll, mushrooms, salad. My two plates are packed. Logan fills a bowl with soup for me, like he always does when we have Chinese.

We return to the table, Logan sits in front of me, like always. We stuff food in our mouths, sip tea. All around us people talk, eat, talk more. Logan talks about his weekend, upcoming college classes in the mornings. I talk about the shop, some blogs I'm writing and revisions I’m finishing.

From the time we got there I feel being watched, so I look around for familiar faces, customers I often meet there.
No customers, only some faces we see there every Tuesday. I talk some more about the shop. Logan gets up. "Be right back, getting some more food."

I sip my tea, suddenly see and feel those piercing eyes some tables away in front of me. She is about 70, maybe older, her head slightly tilted, her eyes gaze, staring holes in me, but more as if she is daydreaming, not really looking at me. Logan returns, more chicken on his plate. He talks more about classes as he sits down, but I feel her eyes still piercing right through Logan. I lean left, our eyes meet, uncomfortable I lean right. She is still looking at me, there is no mistake she is checking me out maybe? No way I think and slurp soup.

The waitress brings the bill, two fortune cookies. I lean to look past Logan again. There she is her eyes as big as an owl, right on me. Do I know her? I straighten; hide my face from her behind Logan’s. We talk about the food. Then I notice her getting up. I feel relieved, she is leaving.

We're almost ready to leave; I crunch on my fortune cookie. She walks down the isle, coming right by our table and veers closer. Oh no I think, not knowing what to think. I feel her eminent present, she stops just slightly past me, pads my shoulder. "Keep writing." She says her lips flat. She walks away, egg drop soup is running down my chin, I look at Logan, he looks at me, he is pale, like he had seen a ghost. "Where did she come from?"
I wipe my face, turn to look for her, but she's disappeared.

--Martin

http://martinbartloff.blogspot.com/

Monday, April 20, 2009

The Law of Attraction


......Coming soon, my very own experience with the law of attraction. You will be stunned.
Stay tuned, subscribe to my blog as you cannot afford to miss this.

--Martin

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Excerpt "Torn from Normal" by Martin Bartloff

Aftermath partII (Andy is 12 years old here)

* * * * *

It sounded like a good idea at first when his mom enrolled him in a local soccer team.
“It will be good for you being around other boys your age.” Her eyes flew over the sign-up sheet. “You can’t spend the rest of your life playing video games in your room hon.” She flipped the page, reading glasses at the tip of her nose. Andy knew the truth though.
She wants me out of the house to work more hours.
“And it will help you move on.” She mumbled.


Willing to try Andy gave in. “I’ll go, but I’m not staying if I don’t like it.”
“You can invite Jason, maybe he would like to watch you play sometime, or who knows, he might want to enroll with you.” Andy rolled his eyes; he knew that would be a waste of time. Jason skipped gym class every week and bragged about it. “The Mitchell’s can’t afford it and Jason has a girlfriend now.”

By the time he took the field, his stomach hurt from dreading this moment for two whole days. His mom got the best cleats and his jersey was bright white. The guys wouldn't give him a hard time for looking like a reject from a second hand store at least. The coach stuck him in midfield, probably, Andy thought, because he didn't rate good enough to play fullback and he was too slow to guard the goal. That was the story of his life though, wasn't it? Never good enough to get a pat on the back, and never bad enough to have the cool factor of a rebel. Just a total geekwad.


After four weeks the cleats along with Andy’s ambition showed first signs of wear.
Everyone else had a parent come to their games or pick them up after practice. “Why can’t you stick around just this once to watch me play?” Andy squinted retrieving the gym-bag from behind the seat.
“Andy, please don’t be difficult, we’ve been through this before. I have to work the extra hours.” She checked her watch, in a hurry to get going. “And who’s gonna pick me up after practice?”
“Well how’s all the boys get home, I’m sure I’m not the only mother with a job?”
“All the other boys have dads.” He shoved the door hard, letting her have it. He wasn’t gonna look back he thought as she sped away.


When practice ended Andy stood alone discarded like an empty milk bottle.
Watching as fathers joked with their sons hurt him so bad, but he didn’t tell anyone. Instead, he hurried to start the long walk home alone to avoid seeing all those families together. Gym-bag around his shoulder, he hurried to the other side of the street. Not wanting his cleats get ruined he chose the grass by the curb for his way home.


Vans and cars with team mates inside zipped by, no one looked or waived at him. The last one slowed down, the brake lights invited him, he squeezed the gym-bag tight and sprinted in the street thinking he got a ride; instead the van crossed a speed bump and continued on down the road. Somebody had to see him he thought sucking up the embarrassment and watching the pavement change color as rain turned to hail. Only once did he get a ride home. It was pouring down rain and the coach took pity on him.

Back to Teen-Seen:

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Teen-Seen Announcement

Dear friends and family,

Starting April 12th Easter Sunday, a week from today, I will be hosting the Teen-Seen site every other Sunday.

Wondering what is Teen-Seen? Teen-Seen is a youth entertainment blog for age 10 and up. I entertain this site along with my fellow Young Adult Fiction writers aka quakers from http://www.Quakeme.com

If you're eager to see what we're doing there, head over there now for our last weeks theme, Gaming. Next weeks theme will be "Fashion." I'll see you there, don't miss it.

http://teen-seen.blogspot.com/



--Martin

http://martinbartloff.blogspot.com/
http://MartinBartloff.com
http://myspace.com/benzman01
http://teen-seen.blogspot.com/
http://quakeme.com

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Marker 55

I deleted this post for personal reason's

Thanks for everybody's kind comments

Friday, March 27, 2009

The Squealing Wheel Gets the Grease

By: Martin Bartloff

This isn't solely about the VA Book Festival where I met with Karen and Katie Saturday. I'm about to give you a number and I want you to remember that number, because I will get back to it in just a tad. Ready? It's the number 8.

I met with Karen at 7:30 am at the Omni Hotel. We helped Karen and Katie set up the two Echelon stands, and then went to join my son, his girlfriend and Super Seth for Breakfast. When I returned, Karen sat at a table that was covered with Echelon books. No different with Katie, who set up just a few feet away. Familiar covers and titles caught my attentions here and there. Surviving Serendipity and Locker Shock (Karen, I like a real person on my cover art.)
Those two and DFF by J.R Turner intrigued me to the point of taking a closer look.

Karen and I spoke and during the course of the day I've learned some ugly words like distributor deadlines and bookstore returns. Very ugly words and I hope to never hear them again. Is my book ever gonna end up as a return on her table, I wondered?

Have you ever been to the movies and caught yourself so emotionally involved that your eyes watered and you desperately tried to swallow that lump in your throat? I think we all have done that and those movies have become our most-memorable movies of all times. Am I right?

Last time I checked my name wasn't Stephan King or John Grisham. My name is Martin Bartloff, Author of "Torn from Normal," aka Like a Snowflake in Summer. But don't be fooled, "Torn from Normal" isn't a great novel to read. It's not just any book, it’s simply the BEST. This is where you may roll eyes and think is he nutty? Yes I have a strong personality and tons of confidence in my novel, but guess what? That is what will sell my book. I don't go halfway and slow to a crawl because Echelon is selling for me. There is no slowing down, once "Torn from Normal" goes public I will beat the drum and let the world know that my book is the next literary blockbuster. Hollywood will be my next stop and once I see my work is on screen I will sit back knowing that I’ve succeeded.

You guys are the greatest bunch I've ever worked with, but I want to hear your one good reason why I need to read your book. Convince me. Since the day I became part of Echelon all I ever hear is "post this, link that, click here click there." While that is how we promote our books, I don't hear about the book itself, how great your work is and why anybody should read it. Face it folks, Karen gave us a great gift when she signed us. That gal stands 100% behind us and our books. Do you get this aggressive with your novels? The Internet is a great tool to promote, but as part of Echelon we all have to stick together as whole. I don't know where you stand, but my intentions as an author are clear and crisp!

Remember the number I gave in the beginning? 8 long hours Karen stood behind that table selling your books, believing in you and every single title. She is giving more than 100%. At times I wanted to send her off to get some rest while I filled her spot for a while. Katie did and I filled in, but guess what? I had no clue what I was selling. All I knew was covers, titles and names, nothing more. Can you be sure that your book will sell itself whenever Karen isn't around to give that one good reason people need to read your book? If I were a customer, I want you to convince me.

Karen and I may disagree on this and she is grabbing a stick now:) but let me say this to you. Can't we all please participate with each other a little more, share our material and talk about the content of our books? Who has the time to read hundreds of books, blogs and web sites in order to learn about you and your masterpieces?, The average reader is not going to seek you out. Don’t depend on the reader to stumble on your book. My mission is for my book not to be like a million others that get eaten like small fish in the ocean. I'm on a luxury liner, selling my book door to door if I must, until the printers run out of ink. I suggest you get onboard and let the world know why they need to buy your book.

--Martin

Thursday, March 26, 2009




Book Festivals Rock!

By: Karen Syed.

Well, I am a couple days ate on my follow up to the Virginia Festival of the Book 2009.

Where to begin. Katie Hartlove and I drove in on Friday night so we would be fresh as spring daisies on Saturday morning. I have to tell you, I was not as fresh as I would have liked to have been, but we made it to the Omni a bit early and what to our wondering eye should appear, but Martin Bartloff. Martin is one of Echelon's upcoming authors and he is a prince among frogs. And if Martin wasn't enough, he brought his son Dean, Dean's best girl, Heather, and the Super Seth! We had a full crew, which is good since I'm not supposed to be lifting anything.

Martin and Seth helped us set up our tables and get things ready to go and at 9:00 a.m. I sold my first set of books. The day stayed pretty steady from that point on.

As usual, the most popular books on the table was The Grace Marsden Mystery series. I always sell more of The Rosary Bride than any other book at an event.

These types of events are AWESOME for networking. I ran into many old friends. I grazed by Tasha Alexander several times as she rushed from one place to another-very busy author of A FATAL WALTZ. I saw the delightfully handsome Andrew Grant, author of the upcoming EVEN
.

I got to hang out with Gayle Trent and her great kids. What a couple of smarties! They hung out with me for a while, gave me some tips on reaching young readers, and what not to do as an adult. Seems I make a lot of mistakes as an adult.

One of the day's highlights was hanging out with Nikki Leigh, the author of BOOK PROMO 101. If you are an author and you don't read Nikki's books, shame on you! She is about as smart and savvy as they come.

All in all, this was a great event. We sold books, we saw friends, I got a little mini interview done with Gayle, and did I mention we sold books?

I think my favorite part was getting to talk to people. People often ask why I keep going to events when my health is so bad. I don't plan to die any time soon, but I want to make certain that I enjoy every single day of my life, and outside of my husband, selling I love selling books and chatting with readers more than anything. It's what I do.

So, if you are ever at a book festival or conference that I am at, don't miss your chance to talk with me. I really am a hoot. Ask anyone who knows me. I am fun, cute as a button, and charming as can be. heehee See for yourself.

On March 27-28, 2009, I will be in Allentown, PA at THE WRITE STUFF Conference. This is my second time at this one, and while it is small and cozy, it packs a real punch!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

757 is so cool!

First off, let me say. As you read, some of you “757” teens will be offended and it'll be interesting to see if the number of friends on my list drops.

While you read this, some of you will find similarities to your own lives. Once that becomes the case, I suggest you read on because this is about you!

If you’re 16 to 21 and don’t have a job or any desire to get one, then this is about your future. This is also about you if:


  1. You smoked marijuana more than once this year and you think there's nothing wrong with it because it’s just pot and it isn’t addictive.
  2. All your buddies smoke pot or do other drugs, but you think they're cool.
  3. You know people who have marijuana readily available and you wouldn’t dare doing anything about it because they're your buddies and it’s “not that bad.”
  4. You’re invited to a party and you text, or get text messages, to organize “dime bag.”
  5. You dropped out of high school, or are considering it. GED, then off to college are some of the ideas floating in your head.


Think again! If you’re pressed to drop out of high school for whatever reason, you’re not gonna stick around in college. Think about it. Most who have dropped out just fooled themselves and never even registered for GED classes. It became too easy to let it all go. Sounds familiar?


I’ve been hearing and reading all about this “757 this and that.” As if it's something special to be a teen in the 757 area. Based on my observations, a large number of the “757” teenagers are on a path to nowhere and the number is rising. I don’t want to sound like an anti-drug activist or advocate here, I’ve done my share. However all of my drug sins can be accounted for on one hand, excluding the thumb. I thought better of myself and so should you!


You may ask yourself now “What's the difference?” Well, I’ll tell you this, if you see nothing wrong in smoking pot and you think it’s “cool” cause’ all your buddies do it and you dropped out of high school to do your GED, you have a real problem. There comes a day when all those decisions are back to haunt you, when hotel-momma is no longer available, when no employer is willing to hire you, when going back to school for your diploma is no longer an option, and when your girl/boyfriend left you for someone who built their future while you smoked pot.


I’m not trying to be mean, or sound like the guy on the poster that says “just say no to drugs,” I’m merely appealing to your consciousness as a friend and as a parent of a “757” teenager. Make a difference in your life; don’t allow drugs to drain the best out of you. You’re young and bright, what you do now will reflect on your entire future. Pick yourself up and work on building your dreams and goals in life.


Drugs suck the life out of you, they make you dumb and ill-tempered and you lose your ambition. It shrinks your horizon to “what’s up dude, let’s chill tonight.”


I’m here if you wanna talk. Many of you know me and have been to our house to party and have fun. Believe it or not, I know those of you who have gone farther, snuck in the garage after everyone was asleep. It never fails; I know why some of you got a ride in the middle of the night because you knew I’d go anal if I caught you smoking a blunt on my property.


Be creative, live your dreams, don’t spend $10.00 on a blunt that makes you narrow when you can spend $10.00 on a book at Echelon.com and get a second book free.


--Martin

Friday, March 13, 2009

Wheel's, Grease, Automobiles and writing

Wheels and writing do not match! At least that has been the look on a few of my customers faces when they learn I wrote a book. Next they think I've written some text book, probably related to automotive somehow. On the other hand, some of the responses were that they are not surprised anymore about anything I'm doing and that they know I turn everything into gold I touch.


Maybe however, that is why I didn't sit down ten years ago to write a novel. Maybe I thought it would be weird for a German Native-Automotive business owner like me to write a book. I don't know and all these years stories and images piled up in me. I'm a very deep thinker, I pay attention to the smallest details when you least expect it. All these years, I knew I had it in me, but instead of writing a novel I thought, How cool would it be if there was a movie of the images and stories I see?


But first lets get back to the odd match of "greasy hands" and something as fatigue as words on white paper.


As a young child our mom used to carry my brother and I once a year to the traveling stuntman show in town called "Hell Drivers." I was fascinated by flipping cars and dirt bike jumps through fire or over volunteers. I must have been no more than 8 years old then. Every morning when my older brother went to work and I had some time before I had to get ready for school, I would sneak in his room, lay on the bed and listen to his radio, eyes always closed I would drift into other worlds. Sometimes I saw myself performing in front of large crowds, often I sang along. Other times I was the stuntman, racing at high speeds toward ramps, crowds cheering. Even then I noticed that I matched particular songs to certain images and scenes.


As I grew older I constantly got in trouble with my old brother. It never failed, he always found out I messed with his stereo and records while he was at work. My mom knew not to interrupt while I laid on the sofa listening to loud music. Still followed by the same images I wanted more, make them real. So I got some friends together and we became dare devils on bicycles. We built ramps up to 3 ft high and jumped them with our bikes. Later I added more challenges, we gathered volunteers from the near by playground. They were placed in front of those ramps. Nobody ever got hurt :-) I got in trouble one time when I came home with my jacket burned in several spots. I had gone to a local vegetable store and asked for the wooden vegetable boxes in their trash pile. We stacked them in front of the ramp and set them on fire, (I was crazy) as I took a running start and neared the ramp, a friend poured more gasoline on the boxes. It was an awesome feeling crashing threw them.


Meanwhile at home, I kept track of everything we mastered. I made my own portfolio that showed drawings and real pictures of our stunts. Other kids heard of us and wanted to join in, but we stuck to our little group. Still into music, in the afternoons I would dream up how we would travel around and become famous.
As I grew to a teenager I calmed down a lot, still dreaming up things under the influence of music and changing them into reality. (Watch me get carried away here) At the age of 15 I traveled across Germany on a moped. That one almost made the newspaper as our German mopeds reached no more than 15 mph top speed. I was known as the master drifter when I was 18 and had my first car. I would drift many turns in my city perfectly and never wrecked! Friends were eager to drive with me. That was in the mid 80's.


Later on I got really deep into cars, I graduated from Automotive trade school in Germany (some of you know how hard that is, like college!) Still a dare devil, I started taking old junk cars I traded in to our local industrial park, built ramps and flipped them there with the help of onlookers, friends and customers (some pic's on my myspace. myspace.com/benzman01)
Today I still listen to music and dream away, but it's different now. The images are more random as I get animated by text and lyrics. Most of my debut novel came together this way. I must say though, while they are more random now, my imagination still lets me add scenes and events. Sometimes I observe things being around so many people everyday. I often get intrigued, run home and turn on some music and make the images flow in my mind no different than a movie. In most cases I write immediately afterward. Needles to say my novel has a soundtrack :-) To be more specific, it's a list of songs in the order of the events and scenes in my novel.


However, none of my writing would mean anything if it wasn't for meeting a few very special people in the last two years. My special thanks go out to Jennifer Turner, who is as professional in writing as I am in my profession as a Mercedes Benz tech, who recognized my potential while I had doubts. Then there is Karen Syed who gave my efforts a whole new meaning, who changed my life to the point that I wake up every morning anew with the insurance that my efforts were well worth it. Every single morning I wake up, momentarily admiring that one dollar bill tapped to the ceiling above my bed. I placed it there after adding some zero's with a magic marker. Not that money means that much to me, but one day I swore myself, my book sales will reach that number and more. I will remember the day I drew the extra zero's as a support that I will never forget that anything is possible and every dream can come true if you work at it.

--Martin

myspace.com/benzman01http://twitter.com/MBartloff

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Contest



Category: Quiz/Survey
This will be fun :0

I've seen countless Movies throughout my life, some are embedded in me forever.
Name the 5 of your most favorite movies. Logan this one is for you as you are my leading expert on the subject.

Anybody keen on my list?

1. Jurassic Park.
2. The professional.
3. Bridges of Madison County.
4. No country for old man.
5. Brokeback Mountain.

Please reply in the comment field just below the blog. And please "Subscribe" to my blogs.

--Martin

Friday, March 6, 2009

My Weekend

I'm deflating in anticipation right now as I'll be getting my new assignments any minute. It has been a crazy week and I could not wait to get away from the shop.

I'll be doing some writing this weekend, but also two dinners. Hit me up if any of you likes to hang out, you know how to find and I will need those breaks from writing, I'm sure.

My favorite German food store stocked up some German foods and chocolates, I spent a couple of hundreds this morning in groceries there and had a great Schnitzel for lunch with Sauerkraut and potato salad :-)

--Martin

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

My world of Automobiles

March 3, 2009 - Tuesday
New ride
I finally added another car to my collection today. This morning I ventured out and bought a 2001 black Audi Allroad with an amazing rare to North America, 6 Speed manual transmission. The Audi is super fast, has a 2,7 liter twin Turbo engine, excellent sleeper.I'm amazed at some of the extras that come with the Audi winter package. Front and back heated seats, heated steering wheel. Solar Sunroof (solar cells power the heater blower while the car is parked and turned off. This circulates heat as long as the engine is warm, or fresh air in the summer so you don't get toasted when the car sat in the sun for hours). This particular one was also chip tuned by the previous owner. The height level can be adjusted in 4 stages. Down like a regular wagon, all the way to high off the ground like a ford explorer. I will probably never need some of those functions, but they are all part of this model regardless. Further does the Audi have xenon headlights, 6 + 1 CD changer and many other goodies that are too much to list. I always wanted one of these Allroads, for one reason Audi is one of the top leading brands in reliability along with Volkswagen and Porsche. Now you know why I'm in business servicing and repair mainly Mercedes Benz. I'd go bankrupt specializing in Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen :-)The Passat wagon is now officially up for sale, it's a 2002 Passat wagon GLX 4Motion. (yes it's a four wheel drive) The car is fully loaded, leather, heated seats, moonroof and much more. The clock shows 108,000 miles. Doest leak a drop of oil and runs perfect. I put 30,000 miles on the Passat in 4 years and never had any problems with the car. I will post pictures of the Audi just as soon as the weather clears and I'll be able to clean her off.If you don't know what an Audi Allroad is, google "2001 Audi Allroad"-Martin