I've watched this new Sherlock series--and enjoyed greatly. Since childhood I've loved mysteries: Sherlock Holmes, Perry Mason, Agatha Christie,... Scooby-Doo. But anyway, Sherlock is possibly the most filmed literary character ever. What makes this character fascinating? And when I watch the new Sherlock dash across the screen, I wonder about the ability of Sir Authur …
A Boy
When my son was five, he made friends with a boy who was nine. We were neighbors. The boy lived in a one-bedroom apartment with his dad. The boy spent a lot of time with us. One day he showed up at noon and didn't go home until eight. Not once in those hours did …
undercover
Today, I got see a few of my Saudi students without their veils. The women had a private party--no men allowed. Windows were covered, doors blocked off, signs of no admittance posted. They wore pretty dresses, make-up, jewelry, and they prepared special food and they danced. I missed the dancing, but I got to see …
Everyone’s Past
I have finished my rough draft of this year's NaNoWriMo novel, and I started with the first three chapters and notes my mother wrote before she died. The story is about a relationship she had. A couple years ago I made contact with this man from her past and he wrote me a letter about …
A Letter from the Death Man
A lot of time here has been spent on letters from my mother. Well, here is a portion of a letter to her from her ex-boyfriend, the fellow her novel, The Death Man, is based on (and the novel I am trying to finish). I wish I could have been around for your graduation. I …
Is it only time travel if you go with your body?
So, I'm participating in NaNoWriMo again--to write a novel and to see writing friends. But mostly to write a novel. And this novel is the one my mother started before she passed away. The novel is autobiographical, and to continue the story, I've read her letters and spent time thinking about a particular time in …
Continue reading Is it only time travel if you go with your body?
Dippy is as dippy does.
On May 6, 1988, my mother wrote this. [My professor] gave me an A, but he said although I was sometimes brilliant, and never bad, I was often dippy. But he gave me the A for my brilliance. It is hard for me to imagine my mother ever being dippy. She was silly from time …
Mind Your Manners
When I was 15, my mother wrote me this. You're approaching adulthood. Neither boys nor girls automatically know how to behave. Manners will get you through. That's what social manners are for. The other night a young woman sharing a table with me burped loudly. She didn't say excuse me or look around as if …
dress the part
I was in high school in the 80s when my mother wrote this. This money order is not just a Christmas present. People your age need to dress appropriately. As your mother, I'm going to add some advice about spending this money--you're probably going to get a lot of advice. Ignore everybody. Make yourself happy. …
A Writing Individual
I love NaNoWriMo and people who do things like this.
Marta Bacon 