“For Those Who Missed the Rock” Part 1
I don’t want to go,” I sobbed as I tore off my civilian clothes and shoved them into a green duffel bag. There I was the big, tough guy Marine sobbing like a baby. Tears and snot ran down my face as I packed my gear for a flight to Okinawa, Japan. Matt, my younger…
P. A. M. A. FILES: “Florsheim Shoes!” Part 2
For one glorious peaceful year, my Mom had been “single” but in recent phone conversations – hints were being dropped about a possible change. Translated – she was thinking about reconciling with Rick, my ex Stepfather. Rick was a character. He was a slick one-man demolition derby on two feet. If he came back into…
“Bum Pitch”
“HEYYYYYBATTTTAHBATTTTAH SWINNNG!” A Greek chorus of high pitched voices from little kids urge me to swing. Swing at a leather grenade that soars sixty miles an hour directly towards my head. I duck. STREEAAAIIIIKKKE ONE! yells the Umpire. A group of parents and fellow Cub teammates voice their outraged disapproval. “NOO! BOOO! THAT BALL ALMOST…
“A Strange Turn of Events” Part 10
My Adventures and Short Brush with Fame in Community Theater continued… “This is where it All Ends” Ian Astbury. Lead Singer. “Sun King” – The Cult, Sonic Temple Album 1989 And Just Like That the Opening night was upon me bringing all the butterflies and in my case “Terrors” that come with a first performance…
“Doodling in Class”
Miss Napier angrily snapped her chalk in half effectively silencing Class 3B. Striding over to my desk she snatched a paper off my desk. She towered like an angry Goddess over me as I shrunk down in my seat. “Charlie Bucklin – what are these scribbles?” “Uh, notes?” “They look like doodles on your paper!”…
“A Bagful of Freedoze”
Frida…Frida…Frida…!” “What is it, Chucky?” said Mom. “Frida..Frida…” “You want something from the next room?” I nod my head enthusiastically as my short stumpy legs propel me towards the kitchen. Goddamn, these cotton diapers itch…and “sniff”…THEY NEED CHANGING TOO!” “Well, what does Chucky want?” I point my figure towards a cluttered shelf of cereal, chips,…