Author: Becky

Catching no flies here

All the wonderful essential oils that I use in my practice (massage and various other voodoo that I do) are in my massage room which is in Tim’s apartment. This means I don’t encounter them on a daily basis unless I bring some over to the Home Office.

Today, I was next to a bookcase in my dining room when wonderful aromas alerted me that something good was nearby. I realized that a little atomizer of a flea-repelling blend I’d made for the dogs was sitting there, sending out a faint hint of lavender and cedar. I couldn’t resist, spraying some on my hands then putting them to my face for a big whiff.

What I’d forgotten was the carrier I used for those oils: apple cider vinegar. Now I smell like an unusual coleslaw, even after washing my hands twice.

About this writing thing…

In his Live Journal, Greg Herren said:

I am not really sure how I feel about writers who begrudge other writers any small success.

Without addressing Greg’s situation or whoever prompted his remarks, this particular statement did call to mind a conversation I had with my writing partner, Jim, the other day. I am often reluctant to comment on other writers’ books even on readers’ boards of which I am a member because while I may express dislike for a writer’s work to a few trusted friends or fellow authors, it’s just not in me to publicly belittle another writer or his work. As far as begrudging a writer success… It’s a tough business. In my opinion, anyone who can get an agent or a publisher or find a means for getting their writing to the public is already a success, regardless of how much they sell. Nor do I look down on writers who self-publish. The amount of perseverance it takes to write, to complete a work, to believe in it enough to pay for its publication, to market and promote and distribute it, is a huge accomplishment in and of itself.
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A Class Act

In 1986, I was on my way to teach a class when I was told about the Challenger disaster. I cancelled the class and went to a little diner in Tuscaloosa to drink coffee and watch their television, which was tuned to ABC news. Peter Jennings’ coverage impressed me so much that from then on, whatever happened in the world, his was the voice and appearance I depended on.

After the elections of 2000, I stopped watching the news as often, but when 9/11 happened, it was back to ABC for me. The news was the same no matter what, but somehow it was always a little easier to take when he delivered it.

I will miss him.

A Different Farewell


This is one of my favorite pictures I ever took of Timmy (TJB author Timothy Forry), made at Vincent’s one year when he and JM were here from NYC for a visit. We were a big and lively group: Tom, me, Timmy, JM, James, KK, and Lisa. At the moment I took the photo, Timmy was looking at James as he told a story. (James is a mesmerizing storyteller.)
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