All posts by Ro

Nothing Better 4

Art, Stories

(Continued)

*****

Janet spent the next hour trying to get through to the proper authorities to report the murder of her dogs.  I straightened up her living room for the first half hour and tried to talk her off the phone for a while after that.  Insisting through tears that they will be with her any minute I assured her I was right next door if she needs me.  Quietly clicking the door shut I turn toward home.  I want to help Jan but also believe you can’t get anything productive done over the phone.  Stewing over the whole scenario I turn the corner and am looking down at a rotund polyester belly.

Knocked from my trance I’m face-to-face with a pear-shaped officer and his short female partner.  They are both smiling but neither really mean it.

Story Time

Quick Thoughts

I came up with and told a story in less than 8 hours. That’s like Top Chef time constraints for me. They don’t make reality TV about writing competitions or telling true stories.  That doesn’t mean it’s easy.  Good writing can save a mediocre product, a concept I’d like to discuss more with Mike & Jerry.  I think the question of how much hype is too much bears more analysis.  It might finally convince people to start taking care with things like spoilers and poorly constructed movie previews.  Continue reading Story Time →

Family Matters

Art, Book, Mecca, mur, Reasons for Things

My mother is a narcissist.  I’m of the opinion people should be accountable for their own problems.  Blaming others isn’t productive and often misguided.  Even if it’s true.  But in this case I feel the need to speak up.  I’m not the only one and I know it.  If I really want to play the blame game I’d go straight to the top.  The entire Boomer generation is trapped in a bubble of post-war narcissism that’s been perpetuated for over 50 years.  From ritual holiday celebrations to the narrow-minded legislative battles waged in a decrepit government, the trappings of Boomer culture hang over this nation like cobwebs.  Continue reading Family Matters →

Hardly.

Quick Thoughts

My friend’s nine-year old pestered his sister while play fighting the other day.  Continue reading Hardly. →

The Sunset Tavern

Quick Thoughts

I find Ballard crowded and young. It’s like wandering the halls of an 80’s high school but with less discipline. The only thing preventing more debauchery is the relaxed fit pants every guy in a hat is wearing.  Continue reading The Sunset Tavern →

Black Lodge Revisited

Black Lodge, Book, Daily Life, First Impressions, mur, Quick Thoughts, Reasons for Things

It’s not the same. Not at all. There’s a kitchen and there’s a couch but nothing else is even similar. The speakeasy-style setup hearkens back to a world where The Man cares what those kids are up to. Shotguns are good protection in almost any context, especially tower defense.  Sandwiched amid dive bars underneath the I-5 overpass, I can’t think of a more appropriate reincarnation of the Black Lodge I once loved.  The stage we all wanted in that little house exists in punk rock glory on Eastlake Ave. Continue reading Black Lodge Revisited →

Tacky

Book, Daily Life, mur, Quick Thoughts, Random, Reasons for Things, Stories

My hair is defaulting to a vertical state.  I’m not complaining.  There was a time when walking around with my hair sticking up would cause waves of shame and humiliation.  My detachment to my hair is so complete I’m caught off-guard when someone takes notice.  “I like your hair.”  Momentary confusion. “Oh yeah, thanks,” and I touch my hair to remember what it looks like that day.  Continue reading Tacky →

Book, Daily Life, Future Plans, Games, mur, Stories, Yoga

Around here, I’m different just like everyone else.  It’s a cashmere sweater in July – comfortable but not what I need.  Everyone’s pretty much the same no matter where you go.  The big question is what I’m doing.  Productivity measured in time or money doesn’t make any sense.  The amount of words is a gauge for how much time I’ve put in but it doesn’t reflect any kind of worth.  The only thing I have to go on is my gut.  That’s what got me into this mess.  Continue reading →