Me at 13.
My short story, Second Hand Smoke, has been published as a podcast by Golden Walkman Magazine. Thanks to Doug Imbrogno for recording the reading.
As with a lot of my writing, the story relies heavily on my experience as a military brat.
You can listen to it here.
When my son was born. I promised him everything good.
I feel like I’ve made good on that promise.
On social media, I call him Chef Boy ‘R Mine. He’s the love of my life.
A few years ago, he met the love of his life on match.com. They married yesterday.
I am over the moon.
We’re all in Ibiza, Spain. The wedding was the best I’ve ever been to. The reception was a heap of fun. Today, I have gloried in the fact that he is happy and has found, as he says, his Queen.
I haven’t had a lot of time with my daughter-in-law, but the little I’ve had, I adore her. She is intelligent. She is gracious. She is beautiful. My grandchildren will be awesome.
The view from my cup is overflowing with happiness. I am just suffused with joy. It’s so much fun to watch the wheel of life turn and to see one’s offspring do well. I couldn’t be happier.
Jeremy, my son, was uncompromising when it came to a help-meet. He had high standards and he met them all. Vanessa is a treasure.
We can walk this world alone or we can choose a partner. My son has chosen well. I am beyond happy. My cup over flows.
Buenas noche!
It was easily the best wedding I’ve ever been to. Everything was first rate and first class. My heart is so full.
Today my son is getting married. I couldn’t be happier about the woman he chose. She is intelligent, charming and beautiful. We had dinner together last night and I took this photo. The expressions on their faces say it all.
Today was unscheduled on purpose. I figured I’d need a day to recover from the flight. I did but not as badly as I thought. I feel well rested and deep into the Ibiza Vacation Mode already.
I had a huge room service breakfast. I love room service and Destino Pacha does it right. Breakfast has also served as lunch and after-siesta nap. 
The pool was lovely but I only stayed a couple of hours as I haven’t been out at all this year and I didn’t want to burn. 
I’m loving living in the lap of luxury with folks at my beck and call. I could really get used to this. I could. Easy.
I’ve had my first Spanish siesta. The pool this morning was half empty and mellow. Well. It’s jamming now.
Tonight is more hanging on my glorious balcony. The vacation activities start tomorrow. 
I’m in the Madrid international airport. There is a cacophony of languages. Very little of it is in English.
I’ve been chilling in the VIP lounge which is very quiet. (For 34 euros you too can be a VIP!). I kept checking the monitor for my gate assignment. Nothing. I called the airline. It hasn’t been assigned yet.
This airport is huge. Lots of people. Lots of languages. I have no idea what terminal to be in much less which hallway. The woman a customs indicated she thought Terminal 4 gates in area J or K. I’m getting a wee bit anxious. I leave the tranquil lounge for teeming crowds, nonstop PA announcements and crying children. I fight my way through. Pardone me, por favor. I check monitor after monitor. Finally I found it. I’m in the right terminal, wrong hallway. I head for Gate K 80. Finally I get there. Here. I am here. I collapse into an empty bank of seats. I’m the first one here.
Then. Out of nowhere. Off in the distance somewhere someone is loudly whistling Camp Town Ladies. Stephen Foster in the Madrid Airport. I have an instant ear worm. (and now you do too!). Doodah indeed.
The journey begins with a bang. They changed the aircraft of the Madrid flight so I can’t fly premium economy.They’re giving me a $600 voucher, refunded the extra that I paid and giving me a good seat on the aisle.
I had started this post originally with the idea that I was off to an inauspicious start having been literally up all night. As Yellowdog Granny would say, “I’m so tired I’m left handed.” I can’t figure out due to lack of sleep if it’s an auspicious start or not.
We’re at Runaway Train Stage – just hang on and try to enjoy the ride.
