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Archive for the 'Fiction' Category
short story
It's raining again. The sight of dark clouds used to be a depressing sight, but God knows the air could stand to smell a little cleaner. The downside is that this is going to be a long walk. Might as well just get it over with.
Walking down the streets is more like swimming against a current. Twenty years ago there were maybe half as many people living here. This has become one of the last places in the country where you could have a legitimate chance of getting a good enough job to feed your family though. I don't begrudge the others who weren't so lucky that make it harder to walk the streets. We all have a right to keep trying.
Like I would have a right to start throwing judgement around. I have to walk to make sure no one I know finds out where I'm going. It really doesn't matter if everyone else does it or not. It won't ever become mainstream even if most people have been there a few times.
I still remember when these places first started cropping up. Everyone was so oddly disturbed by the whole idea. They would go on and on about the indignity of it and how we could be so much better than this. They were a bunch of hypocrites just like me. I'm pretty sure that all the regulars would say anything to anyone in public to look like they're above such endeavors, all the while saying anything to themselves to convince themselves that there's no shame in it. The "We're All Humans and Have Needs" defense is my personal favorite.
Good, I'm already about halfway there. I'd love to say I don't need something like this to take the edge off, but I do if only so I can be more put together for my wife and kids when I get home. My wife knows where I'm going and the kids just know that Daddy works a lot. She understands even if she's not 100% a fan of the idea. She seems to think that it reflects on her in some way; like she's not enough. In a way I suppose she's right, but that wouldn't explain why it doesn't feel the same when she gives it to me.
Maybe she should come down here some time. She wouldn't be the first woman to ever go to one of these places. At first, you would have been hard pressed to find a woman in one of these places. A lot of them realized they needed it too before long. Now, you're just as likely to see women as men hanging around waiting to get their fix. We're all humans, right?
Just a little bit farther and I'll be there. I always sneak around the back to keep from being seen by anyone I might know. It wouldn't do any good to have my carefully crafted image of self reliance and over-confidence amount to nothing simply because some coworker or neighbor knew that I was just as needy as them. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. I can't imagine them being able to regularly afford coming here.
This particular establishment is definitely more of a high end one. Their employees are actually around the correct age, for example. That was a big problem when these places were first starting out. At first, some of the only people who were willing to sell themselves like this were just in the wrong age bracket. Being in that little room, just the two of you, if the other person is the wrong age, it can really take you out of the moment. That's the trick though, and why it can be so expensive: a client like me can't be taken out of the moment. We can't just be going through the motions, we've got to believe it. Once local casting directors got wind of what was required of these places' employees though, it became easy enough to please clients like myself. Never underestimate what a desperate actor won't do.
Sometimes I wonder about the employees. Were they treated this way, and that's why they're able to do something like this now?
Finally, I'm here. Thinking about all that made my attention drift off a little. God, I didn't realize how bad the craving was until now. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long. The waiting area is decorated to make it look like you're in someone else's home. It could just as easily look like your mom's place back east or something. There's a brick fireplace with a couple of couches and a horribly patterned rug in the middle. The only things that stick out are the somewhat dimmed lighting and a small desk where the receptionist sits. I'm the only client right now, but I'm sure business will pick up as the late afternoon becomes the evening. I pay in cash, which they thankfully still take as antiquated as it is.
I don't even have to sit to wait my turn before the receptionist says she'll take me back. It's a short walk down the hall to my preferred room. It's again decorated to look like anyone's home and this room looks like the house's family room. The only thing that sticks out in this room is the small section that's blocked off with floor to ceiling clear plastic, like they use to shield convenience store workers, with its own door hidden in the wall behind so that we don't cross paths before it's time. I'll admit that this can take you out of the moment, but I understand the "no touching" rule. There had been some reports of violence in the past, mostly people taking out some past grievance on the poor soul on the other side.
The receptionist leaves the room and closes the door for me. There's a shabby looking wing-backed chair for me to sit in that faces another chair inside the part of the room that's sectioned off. That chair also fits with the decor and looks like some worn in Lay-Z-Boy recliner. As I sit down, the hidden door begins to open with a sudden click. It startled me a bit after keeping so secretive on the way here. My heart was already racing in anticipation of what comes next. As my guest walks in I can already feel my palms get sweaty. I feel like I always look so nervous when I'm here, though I suppose that's to be expected. I never say a word when I'm here. I wouldn't know what to say.
"Hello," he says.
Silence from me.
"I hope you had a good day at work."
Please, get to the point, I think.
"I'm so glad you're doing what you love."
There we are. Keep going.
"I'm so proud of you. I hope you know that."
Oh, that felt good. I needed this more today than I thought.
"I've always been proud of you. I don't care if you were never good at sports or with girls, I was always proud of you," he says. That greying hair and face full of weather-beaten wrinkles look just like they should. He's wearing a sweater made with colors that were hardly in style 25 years ago.
"I'm sorry I never told you that more when you were younger," he says. He's good. I believe what he's saying as much as I would believe anyone. "I'm so proud of how you're raising your kids. I can tell they love you and that you would never leave them. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you at that age."
I begin to break and can't hold back anymore. My eyes start to water and then flow with tears. My hands grip the arms of the chair so hard that I think I might rip them off. All of that tension builds and then releases at once, and then I'm on the ground barely able to keep myself looking at the archetype in front of me.
"Your wife sure must love you," he says thoughtfully. "I'm sure you'll never leave her or your kids behind. I'm sorry I couldn't do that for you."
I need this. Oh God, I need this. Just a little bit more and I can face another week. I need this.
"You're going to be so much a better father than I ever was. I'm so proud of the man you've become. I'm so proud of you…."


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What is the web-o-sphere angry about this week A razor ad that attempts to shave off toxic masculinity, a 14-year-old Netflix star romanticizing a stalker and a Vogue spread that misidentified a model. Heres everything you need to know: Gillette Releases Ad Calling Men to Be Better THE STORY: Gillette, a brand of men's and women's […]
The post Everything That Upset the Internet This Week appeared first on FASHION Magazine.
As I exit the extraordinarily plush Hotel de Rome in Berlin — Ive just finished up interviewing a Very Important Celebrity — I overhear a hotel attendant remark that the weather outside is, Just a friendly Berlin rain, to let you know youre still in Germany. Indeed, the sky is a particularly brooding shade of […]
The post Dispatch From Berlin: Eclectic Vibes at Marc Cains Fall 2019 Show appeared first on FASHION Magazine.
?If you're in need of some stylish new pieces to get you amped up to attend that workout class you've been dreading, you're in luck. Yoga giant Lululemon has teamed up with indoor cycling titan SoulCycle for a new capsule collection. The limited-edition lineup features technical workout pieces that can easily transition from class to […]
The post A Look at the New Lululemon x SoulCycle Capsule Collection appeared first on FASHION Magazine.
Are you sick and tired of seeing the #10yearchallenge saturate your Instagram feed If you aren't, it's likely because you've just returned to the web after a two-week digital detox. So, if that's the case, here's what you've missed: the viral meme asks social media users to dig into their photo albums for an image […]
The post The Only Ten #10YearChallenges That Matter appeared first on FASHION Magazine.
View this post on Instagram Jan. 11 @fentybeauty 50 shades #PROFILTRCONCEALER and 8 shades of our brand new #PROFILTRSETTINGPOWDER A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Jan 3, 2019 at 4:41pm PST Rihanna is Launching Her Own LVMH-Backed Luxury Label Rihanna is well on her way to mogul-dom. In 2017, she launched Fenty Beauty to […]
The post Here's All the Fashion News You Missed This Week appeared first on FASHION Magazine.
Last week, my Instagram stories were filled with similar images: mountains of clothes piled high atop various beds. Marie Kondo made me do it, one person captioned their picture. Netflixs new series Tidying up with Marie Kondowhich follows the well known Japanese organizing consultant as she tries to declutter various people's liveshas clearly left people shook and […]
The post Stop the Madness: 6 Expert Tips on How to Declutter Your Makeup Collection appeared first on FASHION M...
Item description: This Clothing Outerwear product is by Apolis - This Quilted CPO jacket was constructed in Portugal using the highest social and environmental standards. This garment is a modern take on a classic silhouette, featuring a water-resistant shell and several pockets for travel essentials. The fabric is lightweight and moderates body temperature according to the climate. Model wears Medium / Waist: 34, Height: 6'0", Weight: 190lbs... Learn More
Manufacturer: Apolis
Keywords: Outerwear
Category: Outerwear
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Easing the Burden & Reducing Your Guilt
Elder law, senior care and long-term care planning are amongst the most difficult challenges any family will face. It's devastating to look into the eyes of an aging parent, spouse or other loved one and realize the best course of action for them is to move into a long term care facility.
The guilt you feel is compounded by the lack of control and confusion felt by your loved one themselves. Our job is to help you find the best solution, while preserving dignity of everyone involved. Our attorneys are sensitive to your situation and we'll do what it takes to find the best solution.
With so many difficult choices, it's crucial to have a trusted guide who has a deep understanding of the long-term care process and can help you discover and implement the best solutions. It's especially important that all this be done with the kind of sensitivity that eases the burden of everyone involved in the decision. Speak to one of our attorneys and let us help you cut through the legal jargon to find the best solution for your loved one.


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Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Angela Is Mad For Hats
18 comments:
Love this look !!!!ReplyDelete
Whassup Angela :) hold up real quick imma about to tweet these Justin Bieber lyrics i told u but shoot Angela what's up wit me n u? i'm just sayin your a handsome woman i'm a pretty man lets as they say in English let's shake rattle n roll. JP i would like to chill wit u n and talk maye a hug n i know diggy n Russy prob reading this so i dont want to b to explicit yet based on these pix i think ur very sexy n attractive so if interested will cross L.A. is big yet the networks is small and it's forums that are going to present itself n hopefully u want act like u no just be real n down to earth will take it from thereReplyDelete
Lovely pictures!! Really looking good :)ReplyDelete
Fashion Rehab
- AnonymousFebruary 1, 2011 at 3:06 PM
Take 10 seconds to learn about @HelpUsSaveUs and what we do for kids in #Haiti--> http://bit.ly/gDhxhQ <-- ??? #FaithReplyDelete
Love the pics but would love pics WITH descriptions even more. Lol.. Its like looking through a stranger's photo album with no guidance! Definitely enjoying the fashion though :-)ReplyDelete
love the 1st hat and the stripe h&m waterfall blazer....i keep seeing that everywhere! Think its a sign i need to purchase it lolReplyDelete
ANGIE SIMMONS + ZOE KRAVITZReplyDelete
you make life look so easy and fun <3ReplyDelete
nice pics AngReplyDelete
So DOPE and i amdire you with the fashion keep postin (: .....1LECORY.BLOGSPOT.COMReplyDelete
Ok Ang..where are the Leggings from?ReplyDelete
WOW, LOVE IT!!! IM A FAN OF HATS MYSELF...ReplyDelete
Gave you a Stylish Blogger Award!!ReplyDelete
i really like that jacketReplyDelete
Love Love Love ur fashion sense I'm slowly developing my fashion and i love getting inspiration from you and RihannaReplyDelete
Great Look <3ReplyDelete
love you black and whit blazer super cuteReplyDelete
I am mad for hats too!.ReplyDelete


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Friday, September 5, 2008
Sam, Rusty, Howard and Vestal Goodman, known as the Happy Goodmans were a gospel singing group. Vestal is known for her powerful vioce. In this video, Rusty's daughter sings a song written by her Daddy who died of cancer in 1990. Sam died in 1991. She reachs out to touch Howard's hand when she sings this and you know they are both thinking of joining Rusty and Sam in Heaven one day. Sweet and touching. You don't have to be a Christian to be touched by this song, but if you are saved, it isn't a sad song at all. It is a beautiful reminder of that day when we shall all see Jesus and our family's once again.
When you finally make your entrance to that city
Of jasper walls and bright golden avenues
As you behold all its beauty and its splendor
Remember there's just one request I make of you
Look for me for I will be there too
I realize when you arrive there will be so much to view
After you've been there ten thousand years
A million, maybe two
Look for me, for I will be there too
As you go down your list of firsts there's no question
We're gonna have to see our loved ones, me and you
And when you feel you've shared your story with the last one
Who wants to hear just how you made it through
Look for me for I will be there too
I realize when you arrive there will be so much to view
After you've been there ten thousand years
A million, maybe two
Look for me for I will be there too
Look for me for I will be there too
I will be there to
5 comments:
- Debra said...
Great lyrics! It will be amazing, to say the least, to have no more sense of time. I think that's one of the things I don't like about this life now. Time goes so fast, and people change. I don't like seeing loved ones get weaker.
But we DO have GOD, who NEVER changes!
Love, Debra
PS I haven't forgotten you at all. Sorry I haven't visited in a while!
- September 5, 2008 at 5:43 PM
- Ronda said...
Lovely, just lovely, and excatly what I needed today. Thanks for being used of God.
Love & Prayers,
- September 5, 2008 at 7:58 PM
- Maree said...
Thanks for posting this video and including the story along with it. Brings back wonder memories!
I loved to watch the Goodman's on Tammy's house party years ago.
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory!
- September 6, 2008 at 7:48 PM
- Nicole said...
Beautiful song. I listened to it while folding clothes this morning. I look forward to seeing my loved ones in Heaven! Can't wait!
I added you to my blogroll so that I don't miss your postings.
- September 8, 2008 at 9:59 AM
- Truth4thejourney said...
This is a powerful song. Thanks for sharing it!
- September 8, 2008 at 11:19 AM


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Land: estates in land
An `estate' in land measures the amount of the owner's interest in that land. In England and Wales, the main estates are:
- the fee simple estate;
- the life estate;
- the leasehold estate.
The fee simple estate is, for all practical purposes, equivalent to outright ownership. However, the owner is subject to certain restrictions, for example the land must not be used in such a way as to cause nuisance to neighbours and any development is subject to planning controls. In legal documents, this estate will often be referred to as `the estate in fee simple'.
The life estate entitles the holder to occupy and use the land for the whole of his or her life. However, on death no interest in the land passes into the estate of the deceased.
The leasehold estate is that held by a tenant under a lease. That estate will be limited to a particular period by the terms of the lease.
The owner of an estate in land can grant a lesser estate to another person. For example, the owner of an estate in fee simple may grant a leasehold estate to another person. The original owner is then said to have a `reversion', since the land will revert to that owner at the end of the term of the lease.


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I'll be leaving in a bit to go to a retreat on Menorca where I don't think I will have access to the Net. I'll hopefully be back online in Barcelona on Monday. See you then...
4 Comments
So, did you miss me? I'm in Barcelona with a dialup connection. Leaving for Boston tomorrow.
Well, there's a knife-wielding maniac missing here in office, yes... ;)
Hey, I moblogged from my vacation on Menorca earler this summer. Check out my entries from July here: http://mymarkup.typepad.com/photos/tillfots/
Lovely island, Menorca.
I've missed you and I don't even know you!


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HARIPUR- Chief of Tehreek-e-Sooba Hazara (TSH) Baba Haider Zaman said that delay in the formation of Hazara province would increase the problems of current governemt.
Baba Haider Zaman said this while addressing to a women convention on Saturday at Haripur. Member National Assembly Farzana Mushtaq Ghani, Rubina Shaheen, Asma Naeem, Khadija Bibi, Rayasat Bibi, Shaista Khan, Zaib Gohar Ayub Khan, former district nazim Haripur Yousuf Ayub Khan, former State Minister Umer Ayub Khan and Naseer Khan Jadoon were also present on the occasion.
While paying tribute to those mothers who have been given sacrifices of their sons in Hazara province movement he said that the historic Participation of women in Tehreek-e-Sooba Hazara has paved the way for Hazara Province. Hazara province is the constitutional and democratic right of the people of Hazara, he added.
He said that this is not a real democracy where sprayed bullets on those peaceful people who are rising voice for their rights. Everyone has aware about the role of PML-N that made a deal with Awami National Party (ANP) just for third term of prime ministership.
He said that God has placed the devotion of the formation of Hazara province in the hearts of the people of Hazara including children, elders, youths and women. He has not believed on the false publicity, he added.
Filed under: Hazara Province News |


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There is a small amount of water found in every kernel of popcorn, and during the cooking process, this water initially turns to steam, which leads to a severe increase in pressure that causes the kernel to pop. The amount of water in every kernel is between 13.5 and 14 percent.
There are four main types of corn that are typically grown: sweet corn, which is what humans eat from the cob or in fresh, canned or frozen niblet form; field or dent corn, which serves as feed for many farm animals; Indian or flint corn, which is often dried and serves as decoration; and popcorn. Of the four types, popcorn is the only one that has a thin enough hull that allows the kernels to burst open.
During the cooking process, the water inside the popcorn kernels, which is encased in soft starch inside each one, turns to steam at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, the composition of the starch changes into a softer, gel-like consistency. The heating continues until it reaches 347 F. At this point, the kernels pop, releasing the steam as it bursts through the thin hull, inflating the starch as it happens. Then, because the exterior is much cooler than it was inside the kernel, the starch cools immediately into unique-looking shapes.