Whispers in the Dark
It was a sweltering afternoon and the tropical air felt heavy with an oppressive humidity. The pair of flamingos stood on delicate long legs in a shallow Caribbean cove. An abundant variety of lush green palm fronds and brilliant flowers in various shades of crimson and yellow were reflected off the glassy turquoise water. Alternately, … Continue reading Flight of the Flamingos
Her inner dialogue vacilated back and forth between "present moment mantras", and pleading with the universe to set her free. She liked to say that she was waiting for her alien to come and take her away from this place called earth.
A STILL SHOT FILLS THE TV SCREEN. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, IT’S EASY TO IDENTIFY A ROCK LEDGE ON A CLIFF. THE LOUD CRASH OF A WAVE FROM BELOW, AND SLOW MOVEMENT OF A CLOUD, REVEAL THAT THIS IS A LIVE CAM. A SEAGULL SOARS DOWN AND MAKES AN AWKWARD LANDING ON THE UNEVEN SURFACE. SHE … Continue reading Puffin Love
Not in the mood to read? Here's an "Audio-Visual" story I'm working on. Images are "placeholders", but the story, voiceover, and effects are mine.
She preferred fantasy to reality. The modern world bored her to tears. Marguerite was a Parisian girl at heart. Growing up in a run down midwestern town, she had always gravitated to all things French. She'd spent hours and hours at the local library, devouring French culture, history and fashion. At thirteen, she began styling … Continue reading Divine Inspiration
This story is ultra personal. It is a small event which changed the course of my life. I didn't tell anyone until years later. I'm not one to "overshare", however in light of recent events, I feel it's warranted. With all of the clamor regarding old testimonies from "never mentioned" crimes, it's easier to … Continue reading Damaged
Her mother tugged harder than ever, smoothing back Chevon’s deep brunette hair with a fine toothed metal comb, into a high elegant chignon. The small child squirmed in the hard chair, impatient after more than 2 hours of primping. “Stay still”, boomed her mother’s voice over her head, echoing off the grey marble flooring of … Continue reading Hairowin (rough draft)
The sudden screeching of tires followed by an explosive crash caught him off guard as he was headed towards his parked car. Swiftly spinning around towards the street, he saw the shiny black Maserati crushed up against a lamp-post. Smoke drifted upwards from the smoldering scene. He watched as the door opened and a single shiny … Continue reading Click
With it's massive crumbling and weathered façade, the grand old Del Ray Hotel had managed to retain a captivating and regal quality. Once inside, gilded details glimmered from behind layers of peeling paint, providing a glimpse into the glamorous past of this fading beauty. Precariously positioned on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the vast … Continue reading The Dame of Del Ray
Joey had been living his life as a kept man, and a gigolo on the side. It’s not something he planned on. It just sort of happened. Well, it happened the day he met Delores. She was a bawdy customer at the bar where he worked the closing shift. One night, like so many others, … Continue reading Kept
Mid July in the late 70’s. The family of four stood in the driveway of a run-down looking two family house, as they watched a giant moving truck slowly back out into the street. Tears welled up in the older daughter’s eyes. The younger child grabbed onto to her mother’s long linen skirt. She looked … Continue reading The Kiddie Pool
Silently, I sit. Eternally waiting for something, or someone, to happen. My thick-skinned, firm body, rests motionless. Self control is my strength. I move one eye, then the other. Nothing. Nobody. I am alone. Time passes, as it always does. Finally, I sense movement. A tiny leave shivers, ever so slightly. I dart an eye … Continue reading Chameleon
A fine mist of drizzle dampens my forehead and brow. My locks are activated by the humidity and I can feel them rising up in protest. I breathe in the sweet wet air, blended with exhaust from cars entering and exiting the parking lot. Stepping up onto the curb, I find my favorite spot under … Continue reading Jamaican Flute
The gold foil tipped cigarette, stained with lipstick, smoldered in an overflowing ashtray. Soft blonde waves of hair cascaded across her face as she softly fell back into the burgundy velour sofa, which swiftly enveloped her small frame. Slender stocking encased legs shimmered in the candle light. One metallic sandal lay discarded on the persian rug, … Continue reading Velvet Toast
Hair dye, nail polish, crazy glue, birthday card and gum. I repeat these words over and over in my head like a mantra. Don't want to forget anything. Without a list, I know I'll wind up with a basket full of makeup I don't need, along with random things like tiny stuffed teddy bears and … Continue reading CVS Psychic
Living in the moment is a very lovely sentiment. There's a lot to be said for being present. However, it never hurts to plan ahead. A bit of strategic thinking is often a wise idea. Otherwise, it can easily happen that you wind up facing retirement at warp speed, without an exit plan. Visions of … Continue reading Exit Plan
Ever since he could remember, women had fawned over him. He was a real head turner, and he knew it. The ladies loved him, and he loved them back. Again, and again. And, again. Years passed. He fancied himself a player for life. Love 'em, and leave 'em was his motto. Even if it meant … Continue reading Trader Joe’s Gigolo
Philadelphia. Circa 1989. Mid-January. Massive mounds of filthy, encrusted snow lined the slick streets. The air was numbingly cold. Valerie wished she had worn an extra pair of socks. Her feet were starting to feel the burn of the cold by now. Heading into the frigid wind, she pushed her thick scarf up over her … Continue reading Winter Wanderland
Lost Art of Mystery 