Red's Wrap
Happiness. It's relative.
Category: Writing
Manifest Destiny
It was a tattoo. What is past is prologue. It spread out across her shoulder in script with many flourishes. Was it a philosophical statement or a prediction? A happy promise or a sign advertising coming sadness? It all depends, I guess, on whether the… Continue Reading “Manifest Destiny”
What It’s Like to Be Freshly Pressed
Here’s what happens when you’re Freshly Pressed. You feel like the kid in 3rd grade who got the most Valentines back in the day when kids gave Valentines only to the people they liked and blew off the rest, not like now where every… Continue Reading “What It’s Like to Be Freshly Pressed”
To the Grave
Shoes so beautiful they should be strung on a gold necklace and worn with a perfect black dress, buried for eternity, too wicked in life, the pain of walking remembered but now forgiven. _____________________ 33 words inspired by a photo of my beloved red… Continue Reading “To the Grave”
Goodbye Old Sock
In the dark desk drawer, she found the last long letter she’d written to dear departed Don, folded finely in fifths, saying sad serious things she hadn’t the heart to say out loud.
You’re Asking the Wrong Question
I’m sorry. Let me say this in the kindest possible way. Asking me what I will do to stay ‘young at heart’ as I get older is ageist. Why would anyone assume that it is better to be young at heart than old at… Continue Reading “You’re Asking the Wrong Question”
So Sly
What it takes to satisfy each person is a secret she hides behind a wink and shares with no one lest it be thought too small and insignificant to make someone truly happy. ______________ Ah yes, it’s the second to last Trifecta Writing Challenge… Continue Reading “So Sly”
Reviver
There is no radar to gauge the depth of my sadness to lose the fun of Trifecta after all these many months, multiples of 33 words, sly comments, and pushes to do better. ____________________ Trifecta says to use a palindrome in a 33-word piece… Continue Reading “Reviver”
I Don’t Have a Blowtorch but I Do Have a Hair Dryer
It has taken an extraordinarily long time but I have had it with being oppressed. More specifically, I am done with thinking I’m oppressed or thinking that all women are oppressed, lamenting that, worrying about it. Even though it’s true and in extremes beyond… Continue Reading “I Don’t Have a Blowtorch but I Do Have a Hair Dryer”
Get on the Bus, Gus
This dog was waiting to run a thousand miles. While other dogs were barking, a couple howling, many eating slurried concoctions of boiled meat and high test kibble, and some being stowed back in their snug kennels for a quick nap, this beautiful blonde dog was… Continue Reading “Get on the Bus, Gus”
Lost Catch
Don’t panic. Just work with me here. Can you kick off your boots? Your parka? No? Okay. Stay calm. Got anything that would grab on to the ice? No, no! Not an axe! That wasn’t what I meant. ______________ Oh, those Trifecta folks have… Continue Reading “Lost Catch”
Snow Door | wisconsinacademy.org
Listen to Jan read her essay “Billy” presented on WUWM’s Lake Effect
Jan’s essay “At the Breakfast Bar” on WUWM Lake Effect
Jan’s essay “The Parish Hall,” on WUWM Lake Effect
“Fury Cannot Touch Me,” Modern Love, NYT, 9/29/11
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