869 Words

I am often confused and when something befuddles me I tend to collapse into a state of overwhelm that sometimes looks like anger and sometimes looks like crazy.  It always feels like fear.  

1625 Words

I have a recurring nightmare about driving a car that's spinning out of control.  People gather around and watch me, but no one helps me.  I am afraid it’s a premonition about something that might actually happen when I’m driving – the spinning out of control part – but Dr. Anita tells me it’s more likely a subconscious expression of how I feel about the way things are going in my life right now.  A bit out of control with lots of bystanders who don’t know how to help.  

(I know I promised no excuses...but dang, kitchen remodelers are distracting!)

1896 Words

Jake’s arrival is a pin in the bubble of tension in the room.  The first thing he notices when he steps into Bert’s office is the beautiful woman with the lap full of children, but he knows they are not really why he is here .  “Hola a todos,” he nods to everyone before he instinctively walks to the corner of the room where he is sure he is least welcome. 

(Thanks for reading, dearies.) 

843 Words

The sound of the smugglers’ gruntings, the smell of their tequila soaked bigotes and the taste of their sweat stained panuelos pushed into her mouth all hung on Maria like a lead apron of shame.

(Ridiculous day!)

2410 Words

 I can read words. Sometimes I simply can’t make them make sense in my head.  Like the note in the frame on the kitchen counter that reads: The Cats Are Leo and Don.  Leo is the Bigger One. They Are Brothers.  I read that note for several days before I admit to Andy that I don’t know what all those words mean.  He picks up two cats, one in his left arm and one in his right. 

“These are your cats, Annie.”  

(Thanks today to my partner in creative crimes, Jane Gillman, who encouraged me to get my writing done first, then move on to the day's demands.  It worked, Jane!  I'm finished before 1 PM!)

2239 Words

The tired lines and reflex scowl she supposed Bruce had earned while sitting by Annie’s ICU bed would soften and brighten into that smile of his that never failed to melt her heart.  It was his “I love you” face.  Casey needed to see that face tonight.  

1228 Words

The pen and ink textbook drawing of the muscular man with his hands on a boulder, leaning and straining into a steeply inclined rock with all his might is behind every blink today.  But I cannot remember his name.

(Cold hard facts...I am 9K words behind my intended target for this stage of the rush toward 60.  The name of the guy my character Annie can't remember is Sisyphus...and I'm starting to feel a bit like him.)