I was sitting outside my apartment building in Motta Sant’ Anastasia, Sicily, in my battered blue Beemer with splotches of red primer all over it. You don’t see that in the U.S. People tend to take care of their BMWs. But I was in Sicily and battered Beemers were common place. I’d just gotten back from my Psychology college class…
“I don’t understand why she has to be here,” a bridesmaid whispered to the bride. The bride and six bridesmaids, of which I was the sixth, were getting fitted for our dresses. The “she” the other bridesmaid was talking about was me. This was in 1988, when I was in the Navy and serving in D.C. It was a lot…
Sometimes I wish I could still drink. Really drink. It would be so nice to release myself into oblivion. To medicate myself so just for a few moments so I wouldn’t be obsessing about my life. To have a little ease. But no, one drink goes straight to my bloodstream. Two and I’m the life of the party. Three and…
“You suck! You’ll never be any good!” an acting teacher and his students screamed at me while pointing their fingers at me. When I tell you this story, you will no doubt think that it’s horrendous. And it is. But it is also is much worse than you think. Most people would agree that bullying and attacking others is not…
My thoughts go round and round, like a never-ending carousel with all the horses faces replaced with people I know, or have known, or think I know. No smiles. Just snarls and knowing looks. Some maniacal laughter just on the surface of their lips. I just want to get off that carousel. I tell myself “I’m just not going to…
Aha! There you are you gorgeous red duster with the silk lining, I must have you. And you. And you. And of course, you. I’ve just walked into a sale. No, not rain, just let it hail! Products! Clothing! And shoes so fine! Come to me, I’ll make you mine! I’ll buy you all and let you fill me up,…
I was walking around Greenlake, my head in a fog. So much anger flowing inside me. I get pissed off about the things going on in the world, things going on in communities I’m a part of, the media with its never-ending litany of bullshit. Ignorant people who believe they have the right to shame and blame. People holding me…
I come from a hard background. Like many people, my parents were divorced, and Dad didn’t hold up to his responsibilities. Mom had to do it on her own, and she was not capable. Maybe it was the schizophrenia. She drank too many rum and cokes, took too many prescription pills, and chased too many cowboys. There was often no…
Have you seen the new fashion trend? Keep an eye out and you’ll see this new-fangled thing the kids are doing of tucking your shirt in, but only at the very front. The first time I saw this, my whole body rebelled. My old decrepit mind couldn’t wrap itself around why anyone would just tuck in the front. It shouted,…
This story is over 25 years old. So weird to think it’s been that long. For me it feels like yesterday, and for someone who tends to repress memories, that’s saying a lot. Once upon a time on a dark Omaha night, I had plans to meet up with my friend Christina at the 20s Club. The 20s Club Now…