“I need you to play a little basketball. I need a little help. I need you to help me settle a debt.”
James lives across the street from Stuart. They have grown up on the East Side together. After high school, he joined the navy. Now, he’s on leave. He’s a risk-taker. Think some of Tom Cruise’s characters: Joel Goodson (Risky Business), Maverick (Top Gun), maybe.
“Wait a minute! Whose move is it? Let’s see, now. My move? Let’s see, now. I’m black, right? You are? Jesus. Let’s see, now, Mr. Spassky. I see what you’re doing. I can see what you’re up to. Pretty sneaky. I’ve created a monster. This is trickery. Russian trickery, goddamn, you!”
Who is Stuart’s beloved Uncle Charles?
Grandmaster chess wizard wanna be. Air drummer extraordinaire. President of the Al Stewart, Year of the Cat, fan club. (Really? No, not really. That would be too much work.) Certified Jimmy Carter impressionist. (Really? Shaaa.) American poet. Damaged goods.
I am happy to say that a new painting has been added to the Sublime Series. The title: Now Streaming. This painting returns to my preoccupations with the ideas of parallel time lines, wormholes and extraterrestrial contact.
I hope you like it. It can be found in the galleries and art shop. Content links are provided under the image below, as usual.
Also, if you haven’t checked out my novel, Your Silent Face, I hope you will purchase a digital download for your Kindle or Apple Books app or PC device and give it a chance.
I have to be very careful about cuing this song up. It’s so hypnotic and addictive. I wind up listening to it on repeat all. Damn. Day.
Such a gem. #GenX #80sMusic #NewWave #PostPunk
If you like this song, check out my Spotify playlist below which is a companion to my recently self-published novel, Your Silent Face.
And share my blog with your friends who might enjoy its content!
It’s exciting that my self-published novel, Your Silent Face, is available, and it is time to thank a few people.
These folks read early drafts (and/or even earlier attempts) and provided feedback or helped me develop ideas along the way. The criticism and encouragement was always useful and welcomed.
In no particular order, many thanks to John Yohe, Bill Butler and Gretchen Knapp. Diane Wakoski and her table of poets. Gary Fischer and Gordon Young. Rob Golombeski and Dan Cronin. Cat Batsios and Jackie.
I like that a couple friends are trying to decide which 80s heart throbs might play some of the characters in Your Silent Face. It’s fun. Who might play Phil McCormick? I could see Matthew Broderick or James Spader or Timothy Hutton. Maybe even John Stamos, hell, I don’t know?!?!
“As a matter of fact, I can. I can totally remember the first time I officially went drinking. Joe and I took a two-liter of Sun Country wine coolers to the cemetery on Ballenger. Best fucking day of my life.”
Available at the Apple Book Store, too!
Find me on Goodreads!
“Like, whatever. If you wanna obsess, let’s obsess over David Bowie, or Billy Idol or some shit. Something I can sink my teeth into...What a bod on that guy. I’d like to rub it with coconut oil—...Well, why not? Let’s talk about Billy Idol’s hot bod. I think it’s a great topic.”
Karen. Stuart’s best friend. Likes vintage hats. Listens to The Cure. Drives a Chevy Chevette. Calls out Stuart’s shit.
“We’re leaving the house as soon as I hang up this phone. Okay? Capiche? Please pull yourself together. Splash a little of your dad’s Canoe on your face, and put some clean clothes on, okay? For me? Please? My mother still remembers how you wouldn’t wear your goddamn cumber bun at prom. She’s still pissed off. You could have at least worn it for the photos. It was prom. So, this is what’s happening. We’re going to swing by and pick you up and stick you in the back seat and you’ll look like you’re in a goddamn Don Henley video.”
Susan Collins lives on the other side of The Wall. She’s Stuart’s high school ex. She’s best friends with Cammie.
’Hold Me Now,’ by Thompson Twins, was her and Stuart’s song.
