Musings
These are observations about small events that have impressed me. Images are links.
Fishing from a Kayak–– I decimate stocks of Pacific Rock Cod, with professional kayak/fishing guide Allen Bushnell on Labor Day 2011 out of Santa Cruz, CA. I developed an interest in kayaking recently and have enjoyed several hours paddling around the very calm, brackish, inland waters of the San Francisco Bay area: Napa River, Suisuin Slough, The Delta.
Jim Swisher b.1946, d.2011––We gathered on August 20, 2011 to hoist a Jameson or two in honor of our friend, Jim. Many of us had not spoken or written to him outside of Facebook in almost 50 years. The wit and writing skill of his posts there brought us together.
Insomnia, Jennifer, Espresso––I don't believe I ever have my daily espresso without thinking of my daughter, Jennifer. It makes her a part of one of my most important daily activities, almost ritualistically. Jennifer, like me, is a foodie; no, she is well beyond me in foodiness.
Valentine Dinner 2009––While living in Dallas, we started a custom of hosting an annual Valentine's Dinner for couples. We required Tuxedos and evening gowns. I added the stipulation, communicated personally to the girls, to think of two words: plunging and strapless. Most of them ignored me.
Gerry Locklin: Poet, Teacher, Friend––Gerry taught literature and writing at Cal State Long Beach for over forty years and authored scores of books of his poetry and fiction. He was a friend to Charles Bukowski and is a scholar of his works. I believe he published some of his research on the works of Jessamyn West.
The Lady on Tennessee Street––She appears frequently on Tennessee street sitting in a lawn folding chair, swaddled in layers of filthy, old clothing. Once positioned, she is usually motionless, with her chin on her chest and her eyes seemingly staring down toward her knees, although ascertaining if they are open or not would require closer proximity than I am willing to attempt.