I was driving down the west end of Fillmore when I heard a loud pop. I watched in horror as the door, which had been securely fastened to the luggage rack on top of my Taurus station wagon, slid off and into the street. I quickly pulled into a parking lot on my right. “Stay […]
The Persistence of Doors Redux Read More »
Last week, I flew across the country twice, and yes, it was a traumatic experience. Don’t get me wrong, I love flying. In fact, airplanes have been a lifelong passion for me. Starting with the first time my dad let me go up with one of his pilot friends, going through my years serving on board
Airline Travel Tips: Keeping an Eye Out for Villains, Heroes, and Boar Hunters Read More »
Not too long ago, I received a rejection email telling me one of my stories set in Alabama wasn’t “Southern enough in spirit.” Immediately, three thoughts occurred to me: One, I had no idea I needed to write like a Southerner—whatever that means—two, I wasn’t trying to write like a Southerner, and three, I’ve never
Southern in Spirit Read More »
A single bubble escaped my right nostril, swimming in haste to the water’s surface, as if gasping. I closed my eyes. She was right, that synchronized swimmer I’d overheard in the locker room. “Sometimes we lay on the bottom of the pool. It’s actually relaxing.” I could’ve drifted off to sleep. My heartbeat, remarkably slow,
As I walked out to my car, juggling coffee, lunch and books, I sensed something was wrong before I saw it. Flat tire. I briefly considered just trying to air it up and even turned on my air compressor. But I knew better. For some reason that only the universe understands, the passenger side rear
As the nurse wrapped the rubber tube around my arm, she saw my ID badge. “You work at the Center?” she said. She tapped my inner arm to make the veins stand out. “Yes, I do,” I answered. I was grateful for the distraction. I hate getting my blood drawn. “Well God bless you. You