Fishing with my Father

When I was a boy, my father took me fishing on occasional summer days. We rarely went any further than the long breakwater rock paths, the breakwater that destroyed virtually all Redondo Beach surf.

We rarely caught anything at all, and one day I caught a fish that was probably 7 and 7/8 of an inch long. Just below the legal limit. My father didn't want me to be disappointed, and he proved that the fish really did meet the legal limit of eight inches.

I felt sorry for the fish, guilty, and I wouldn't kill it myself.

But it tasted good.

Bug Paper

Because color is fun. And bugs are natural visual focal points.

From a Comic that will Never be Published

Playing loud and tinny and treble-y over my speakers is "Blue Suede Shoes." By Carl Perkins, only Carl Perkins. It seemed so right, and everything you think is right comes tumbling down someday, anyway.

Night Out at Arlen's

 "Arlen's", the Clifton corner bar, a pen and a pocket full of Post-Its.

Mystery She

Mystery creates memories.
Let me see a lion walk down the street
but don't tell me where he's walking.
Let me see a lady's face
but don't tell me what she's thinking.

Toby and the Ducks

I'm reminded of one of my favorite "Peanuts" comic strip, in which Lucy is dispensing psychiatric advice to poor old Charlie Brown:

Lucy: 

Physicians can learn a lot about a patient by asking what may even sound like a very simple question... which do you prefer, a sunrise or a sunset?
Charlie Brown: 

Well, a sunset, I guess...
Lucy: 

I thought so! You're just the type ! I might have have known that! What a disappointment! 

People who prefer sunsets are dreamers! They always give up! They always look back instead of forward! I just might have known you weren't a sunrise person! 

Sunrisers are go-getters! They have ambition and drive! Give me a person who likes a sunrise every time! Yes, sir! 

I'm sorry Charlie Brown. If you prefer sunsets to sunrises, I can't take your case. You're hopeless! 

(She leaves and there is a pause.)
Charlie Brown: Actually, I've always sort of preferred noon!

Spring

Breathe.
Breathe in the good, breathe out the bad.