31 Comments
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Maya Andrea Massar's avatar

Highly unfortunate that his name is Jim. Because "Killing Jim" is an outstanding title. Sadly, it has a ring to it, a jivy jingle to it's cadence, and - maybe mostly - a simplicity that allows us grey-hairs to remember it. (Also, probably, most of us have a Jim to kill somewhere along the long road of our back-to-the-dinosaurs-time's worth of living.) But anyway, the article made me breathe (always a good sign in these oxygen-less times), and I look forward to the book, whatever it's title may become . . . try to make it easy to recall though. :-)

Marjie Alonso's avatar

And besides, the lawsuit would be great publicity…

Marcia's avatar

It's hard to believe you about the writing, considering your recent confession about the Journaling. But I do love what you actually do post!

Marjie Alonso's avatar

LOL - writing and journaling are different! For instance, only one should really be a verb...

Julia Strauch's avatar

Journaling is about as exciting as house cleaning.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Only housecleaning ends with relative mental health.

Kristi Chase's avatar

I seem to encountered a lot of "invisible" grey haired women in all the cozies I have been reading. I think dyeing ones hair that improbable shade of black used by women who believe it makes them look young is ditzier. Grey haired women are grounded and sure of themselves.

As to Jim, I would probably name him Paul from my own experience. I expect him to be more concerned with his golf score than anything else.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

He's a revenge addict. The problem is, revenge for WHAT, no one knows.

Kristi Chase's avatar

Paul would deny anyone who was not a local contractor and make you redo everything. Once it was set concrete steps which were a real bear to redo.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

I see you've met Jim!

Kristi Chase's avatar

Building inspectors are generally officious and corrupt. I have 36 years of experience with them. I am looking forward to your take on the creature.

Melissa Knox's avatar

Hello from Texas! Affirmations and journaling...so close but yet so far. Why is it so hard?

Marjie Alonso's avatar

I mean for the love of dog...

Moosehill Kathy's avatar

Yay! You’re back to the beach, and writing! Between the fresh air and extended light, and we finally reached Spring once again, does it all feel lighter and dare I ask, more joyful?

Marjie Alonso's avatar

It's like we're allllllllmost made it! So of course it's pouring here. But far more joyful.

Paul Prothero's avatar

After my 15-year-old girl beagle died six years ago, it left such an aching hole in my heart that I swore I wouldn’t get another one. However, your photos and videos of Alice make me think I might have to try one more beagle before I get too old (yeah, I’ve repressed the memory of all of her nerve-wracking habits and the mountains of chewed books and shoes).

Marjie Alonso's avatar

This is exactly correct. On all fronts. They are monstrous. You need one, if only because I don’t like suffering alone.

Debbie Martin's avatar

You make me laugh! Wonderful way to start the day!

Helen's avatar

Well crapola. I wrote a comment but then lost it. (See? Grey hair...internet....you are correct.)

Killing Jim Bob? Or sneakily, Killing It, Jim. Ahhhhh I crack myself up.

I have "issues" with a complete n utter b*stard called Daniel....feel free to call it Killing Dan.

Completely reasonable that Alice does not like birds/witches, nor do I. Good luck with the affirmations. Not doing an affirmation repeatedly is almost like doing one. Also, you have the dog ate my homework excuse too. Although a writer such as yourself would probably feel compelled to come up with a better excuse.

Fun to read your writing again!! Sorry it took a while, I was busy doomscrolling, and moving.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Moving homes??? Horrible. I hope you recover quickly

Helen's avatar

Ha thanks. This was preceded by a frantic 2 month search for a place! Still packing and having nightmares about the truck fitting up the steep drive (property has an amazing view!) and the 6 hour drive with three dogs while hauling a trailer. There's also the logistics of getting the big boy in and out of the car with the trailer attached. So far that's a hard no.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Dear god. Courage and fortitude to you!

Andrea Eschen's avatar

Another book, Marjie! Good for you! So glad to hear your back at the beach despite the crappy weather. You had me cracking up throughout this post. Thanks for that! We all need a good laugh.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Don't we all, though?

Valerie Pollard's avatar

I do remember the many stories outlining in different ways the inevitable killing of Jim. Definitely needs to be reborn and bound together. Can't wait.

It's hard to be hopeful or anything these days, but I'm very happy you are doing things. Though the affirmations? No f*ing way.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

I knew you'd understand

Char Wilkins's avatar

I remember you saying you sign up for 3(?) courses at Fine Arts Work Center, are you taking them in-person? That would be fun to hear about-you in a classroom.:)

Marjie Alonso's avatar

I am! Again with Kelli Jo Ford and Nick Flynn, and also with Cleyvis Natera

Char Wilkins's avatar

Sounds like a good way to kick off Spring. I have my NO CLASSES sign up till June. Finishing up NYU course with her second edit of essay, maybe push for a where-to-submit it request.