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Showing posts from July, 2021

CLUB 26

  Hollywood, CA – 1975 Bonnie strums her guitar as she attempts to follow the sheet music scattered across the glass coffee table, stopping to tune a string or two. The morning’s mind fog refuses to lift. Freckled cheeks framed by her long red hair give her the appearance of a teenager. She is in her mid-twenties, but feels sixty. Bonnie would often joke, Of course I like to party – that’s what I do for a living, so I can hang out with cute guys, have a good time and stay up late. That demonstrates my devotion to the music. Yet she is painfully aware of how little sense that makes. On this particular day, she is playing music written by Joni Mitchell. Bonnie admires Joni’s talent. She’s not only a prolific songwriter, poet, and photographer, but also a really good friend. Joni is able to communicate all she sees and hears through her art. Most of all, Bonnie idolizes her originality. Bonnie has always marveled at those who can express their thoughts and ideas through music. How d...

Memory House

  Atlanta, Georgia - 1977 Lulu was on her way to the house in which she grew up from the age of eleven. Since her father was killed by the neighborhood police and her mother had left when she was four, the authorities tracked down her father's mother Diane in their search for a suitable guardian. Lulu remembered every inch of that house. As she tilted the airplane seat back, her mind wandered as she stared out the window at the clouds. Closing her eyes, she was able walk from room to room through her childhood house in her mind. To her, it was as if the house was a living, breathing embodiment of her history. Scattered throughout the house, the secrets of her youth could be found in the dark cellars, deep closets, and heavy oak drawers. Lulu's grandmother Diane made sure that her physical needs were taken care of. She made sure that Lulu was well groomed, well fed, had clean clothes, and had a roof over her head. Lulu's memories of her grandmother were made three-dimensiona...

L U N C H

“Is that all you're having?” Leslie asked after Jessica ordered a dinner salad: no cheese, no croutons, no dressing and a Diet Coke. “I’m not really that hungry.” Jessica looked down at the napkin on her lap. “I had a huge breakfast.” The waitress shifted her weight from one sandaled foot to the other, impatient. Leslie saw toenails painted purple, the polish faded and chipped. “Well, I guess I’m the only one who’s eating, so I'll try to eat enough for both of us.” The waitress did not crack a smile. “I'll have the Bacon Cheeseburger with the seasoned fries.” “To drink?” The waitress stared at the fat on Leslie’s arms. “A Diet Coke. I'm trying to watch my figure.” Leslie gave a self-deprecating laugh, felt her face grow warm. The waitress nodded, tucked her pad into her apron and finally smiled. Leslie watched her stop at a booth near the kitchen to flirt with two college guys, streaks of blonde staining their light brown hair. She turned her attention back to Jessica. ...