Almost 2 years ago, my son and the girl next door, L., had an art show in the breezeway between our apartments. They invited the other neighbors, and while L. didn't want to sell any of her work, my son was happy to sell his. He seems to think selling art is normal. L.'s mom …
Category: writing
Women in Cafes Alone
I asked friends to meet me at the coffee shop because I didn't want to deal with the guy on my own. I wanted friends to hide behind. And I went an hour later than usual in hopes that he'd be gone by then. My stomach knotted as I parked, a tangle of anxiety (I …
Then again, it might’ve been like this…
The thing about last week, about last Tuesday and the boundary challenged fellow in the coffee shop, is that it was an unusual day already. No. That's too dramatic. But there was a tiny incident. I believe I said no one ever hits on me. And this is true. I mean, really. But earlier that …
Wedding Rings and Other Symbols
How do you feel when someone of the opposite sex who you don't know strikes up a conversation with you? What do you assume? My first thought is usually something like, "Does this person want money?" Then I chastise myself not to be so cynical. I have another thought. "Is this person hitting on me?" …
Here’s a crazy idea…
Just putting this out into the world... over at Words are Art and Lake Belle I've got a deal on stories and art for the holidays. Yes, I know it is a wee bit early to think about holidays, but if you want something handmade, sooner is better. Even if the notion doesn't appeal to …
Sugar Highs and Research
The scientists took two groups of children and told the parents that the children would go to a party. At the party the children would eat candy and cake. This was not true. One group of children did go to a party with cake and cake. The other group of children, however, ate vegetables, crackers, …
Fridge Magnets & Other Gifts
Years ago, I made an afghan for my step-mother. I took care to match the colors of her room and get the right size for the bed. Only, I hadn't mastered crocheting and the cover ended up much too big. It reached the floor from one side of the queen-size bed to the other. But …
the real me?
I'm getting ready for Halloween already. That my son is in love with The Addams Family helps set the mood. Recently I read The Ladies of Grace Adieu, which also adds to the haunted atmosphere. So, I'm working on something for Halloween. And I'm working on the fairy tales. Well, I say working on... I'm …
What have I started?
A couple of weeks ago, my son picked the book Waggit Forever to read. I read it out loud to him, usually three or four chapters at a time. He wanted me to read more, but my throat would wear out by then. One morning he woke me up with the book in his hand. …
Breaking Stories
I've taken one novel I thought I'd finished, Drowning Karma, and cut away 50,000 words. The words leftover I've broken into short stories. Well, I've broken them. Whether they're short stories yet is another matter. The process was painful and liberating. I looked at some comments I'd gotten on the novel (thanks again, readers!) and …
Marta Bacon 