My forty-two words for Yeah Write’s Gargleblaster Challenge. The prompt…“Tell me something, old friend: why are you fighting?” She sat by me in the auditorium, more hair missing now than present under her scarf. The lights dimmed. “Why are we here? You should be…” “Shh. Our daughters are on stage. This is where I should be.” I held…
Jelly beans are evil. I innocently bought a big tub of Jelly Bellies. I have three children, three baskets, I need a lot of jelly beans. Yes, I still do baskets even though my “children” are 20, 17 and 14. Don’t judge. I bought them, I planned ahead and patted myself on the back. Then…
She knew she was not getting any younger. She told herself she needed to go for it, reach for it, take her turn. Was it her turn? When did she get in line? She told herself it didn’t matter. She woke up, stood up, and reached. Nothing. Her fingertips touched the smooth empty shelf. She strained…
I feel like a crockpot tonight. Like I’m stewing in my juices and it’s only a matter of time before I cross over into something rich and nourishing, something I can finally understand and enjoy. I have spent most of my first fourty-two years searching for who I am, what makes me special, and what…
Barb asked me to go on tour. I have never been on tour. I have been to a Rick Springfield concert and a few years ago I saw Dave Matthews, but our own tour sounded…well, righteous. I started thinking about the tour bus and my wardrobe. Barb studied at Julliard, she’s an accomplished composer and…
Apparently short hair is not sexy. Victoria’s Secret, who I guess are the protectors of sexy these days, aired an ad in which one of the models had chin length hair. She was obviously a beautiful woman, half dressed and by all other standards would be deemed sexy, but her hair was to her chin.…
I went to Ray’s Pizza last night for dinner. I’m pretty sure everyone has a Ray’s Pizza by now, but I really like mine. It has red vinyl booths, odd “where did you even buy this” artwork, some sporting event is always on the television, and the menu is lit from behind on a 1985…
I go to a day spa type of place for my…maintenance. Let’s call it that because Maggie is always telling me, “Keep it rated G, Mom. Let’s keep it G.” Anyway, a girl needs things done, so I go. The other day I noticed there’s a Menu of Services, so while I was waiting I…
I used to play hopscotch and now I don’t even remember the rules. How do you win again? Winning is of course the goal, right? How could I have forgotten the how, damn it? I’ve been told I’m too hard on myself. I’ve also been told I have ridiculous expectations, I paralyze myself, and that…