August 2018 – The Writer's Grab-Bag

Characters, Caricatures, Clowns

The trio from the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series—JJ, Rey, and Linda—possess distinctive personalities. They’re not caricatures nor are they clowns, though some of the situations the three gals find themselves in do lean toward the clownish . . . and Rey, hammy actress that she is, can certainly play the comic or comedian.

In a post early last year, I touched upon character sketches/summaries—i.e. recording traits, appearances, dislikes and likes, family history, and so forth. Besides helping make characters come alive and providing depth, you’re enabling consistency (particularly if you’re doing a series).

There are a dozen pages for JJ, Rey and Linda, which I wouldn’t dream of cutting and pasting here (the snooze factor and all that). Because characters can and should change over time, I’ll stick to the most current notes (for Forever Poi). It’s just a taste—a condensation—of components you might like to include in your own character summaries.

JJ (Jill Jocasta Fonne):

Appearance

below shoulders, chocolate-brown hair with honey highlights
heart-shaped face
loon-black eyes
fit
average weight
5’7”
tattoo at base of spine (turtle)

Miscellaneous details

has a deep, sexy voice
jogs along canal and boardwalk daily; does elliptical and bike
can’t sing to save her life; sounds like a frog that has barely been missed being run over by a truck
not a great swimmer
bitchy when sleep deprived

Likes & Dislikes

enjoys eating saimin
prefers poi as soft ice-cream or in mooncakes
2 favorite colors: seashell pink and sea blue
loves animals, particularly tortoises

Family

mother: Janis Joy Fonne opened a wellness B&B in Wilmington after moving there from Dallas when JJ young
nephew: Quincy has lived with JJ’s mom since JJ’s sister, Reena Jean, was yanked into ocean during hurricane
father: JJ never knew him (mother never provided name or details)
aunts/uncles/cousins: (there are several and all are detailed in full notes)
childhood: (certain events are listed in full notes)

Expressions

in Caper: f’ing, damn, frig, pooh
in Poi: same, but dropped pooh for dang (Linda’s favorite word) . . . .

Rey (Reynalda Fonne-Werde):

Appearance

shoulder-length wheat-colored hair with sunshine-yellow streaks
once pigeon-gray eyes are now grass-green
Hollywood nose
slim; lanky
Clara-Bow lips
5’10”
tattoo on lower back, over derriere (rainbow)

Miscellaneous details

can sing up a storm
can eat everything and anything without gaining a pound
part-time actress
not a great swimmer (like JJ)
melodramatic, high-strung; can be a diva

Likes & Dislikes

loves pizza
prefers poi as taro chips
likes rye and ginger
enjoys adventure

Family

mother: Rowena Jaye had prickly relationship with daughter Rey; she didn’t like having her daughter pursue acting career when young
father: didn’t know much about him; he was an actor who died during filming
aunts/uncles/cousins: (there are several and all are detailed in full notes)
childhood: (certain events are listed in full notes)

Expressions

in Caper: f**k, man, hey, Gawd
in Poi: f’g, dude . . . .

Linda Royale (born Smith):

Appearance

shoulder-length, layered raspberry-red hair
latte-colored eyes; almond-shaped
narrow forehead
slightly exotic cast
unusual button-shaped lips
5’5”
tattoo on left hip (butterfly)

Miscellaneous details

writes food and wine articles for website/blog
has become more health-conscious since Caper
runs and lifts weights regularly
studies part-time now and again; explores new things

Likes & Dislikes

loves poi
likes learning
enjoys writing and cooking
likes local music

Family

mother: Theresa Smith died during squally weather when Linda very young
father: didn’t know anything about him
sister and brother: Linda didn’t spend much time with her estranged siblings in past

Expressions

in Caper: dang, crap, hey
in Poi: same . . . .

There you have it—brief examples of what makes each of the TTIA characters unique.

Other components worth including are significant life- or personality- changing events, pets, lovers/partners, habits, eccentricities . . . everything and anything.

Happy developing.

Captivating Characters

Given my recent “visit” with Nancy Drew, I thought I’d touch upon what makes for robust/vibrant characters—those that are memorable and distinct, those that get readers reading and wanting more.

Here are five all-time favorite books/stories (not in order) that—in addition to delivering engaging plots and storylines—feature strong, captivating characters:

To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
Something Wicked this Way Comes (Ray Bradbury)
Macbeth (Shakespeare)
Wuthering Heights (Emily Brontë)

Mockingbird: “Scout” Finch and brother “Jem” are the two young protagonists. We follow the adventuresome siblings over the course of three years. While engaging in childhood fun and fantasies, the twosome learn that their quaint sleepy town of Maycomb Alabama is anything but. Racism runs rampant and what may prove seemingly innocent—or guilty, as the case may be—turns out to be illuminating, if not maturing. Scout and Jem are believable characters with distinct personalities that take us back to childhood, convincingly reminding us that lessons learned (whether simple or tough) are part and parcel of growing up.

Fountainhead: Protagonist Howard Roark has been said to be Rand’s notion of the “ideal man”. Basically, he’s an idiosyncratic, strong-minded architect whose conception of early 20^th-century architecture doesn’t align with the traditional views of peers and professionals. Despite drawing criticism, he remains self-assured, even smug. His conviction is admirable; he’ll stand up for his beliefs regardless of the upshots. That tenacity and resilience make for an outstanding, unforgettable character.

Wicked: Bradbury’s delightfully creepy tale revolves around young teenagers, Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway. Doing what boys do best—having fun and getting into mischief—the duo discover a bizarre traveling carnival and the mysterious Mr. Dark. The aptly named carnival leader possesses frightening powers and a struggle of good versus evil transpires. Polar opposites, Will is calm and level-headed while Jim is brash and rash. Although both have well-defined and notable personalities, Jim leans toward the more dynamic; curiosity and determination know no bounds.

Macbeth: Fiery Lady Macbeth presses hubby, ever-resolute Macbeth, to murder King Duncan. Given the couple’s dark and evil natures, it’s hard to like them, but it’s equally hard to forget them. We’re compelled to follow their exploits: to witness the mayhem they create and to what end, and the outcomes that ensue from selfish, vile deeds.

Wuthering: Orphaned Heathcliff is brought to Wuthering Heights by Mr. Earnshaw. Over the years, the brooding enigmatic character develops a solid relationship with Catherine, the daughter. Unfortunately, she decides to marry his nemesis, Edgar, with “fateful” results. Given Heathcliff’s upbringing—accepted into a wealthy family yet simultaneously “rejected”—we can’t help but feel for him. He’s an odd man out, who fits the image of country squire, but doesn’t. Intense yet vulnerable, Heathcliff remains etched in our minds long after we’ve put down the riveting Gothic-flavored novel.

In terms of contemporary authors, it’s no secret I’m a fan of Jonathan Kellerman and Janet Evanovich, particularly the former’s Alex Delaware series and the latter’s Stephanie Plum’s.

As a child psychologist, Alex assists the police—specifically, good friend LAPD detective Milo Sturgis—with challenging murder cases. When working together, Alex and Milo make for a fine pair—as good friends and dedicated investigators. Alex is focused and intelligent, and is committed to his work (sometimes at personal costs). He has the odd flaw and he does err, which makes him human and likeable. Small wonder the mysteries have remained so popular over the years.

Bounty hunter Stephanie gets involved in some outlandish incidents when attempting to capture her “bounty”. Foil Lula is larger than life (in more ways than one) and together the women engage in bizarre [hysterical] escapades. Both are strong-willed ladies and equally memorable. While being a bounty hunter takes grit, Stephanie is also occasionally hesitant or fearful. Who isn’t when confronted with a weapon-wielding crazy? Lula has locomotive energy and may not always want to partake in a bounty hunt, but she’ll never let her fellow associate and friend down. Sheer lunacy makes for extraordinary situations and continually tests these no-holds-barred protagonists.

So, in a nutshell, what makes for a notable, resilient character? He or she is someone you:

find intriguing (intriguingly dark, mysterious, fun, zany, eerie, lovable, witty)
can resonate with / relate to
root for
understand (given motivation, goals, internal and external conflicts, need for reprisal, emotions, personality/traits)
want to see succeed (or possibly fail, given who the character is and what spurs him or her on).

As writers, we have to breathe life into our characters: make them unique, stand out, seem real. We have to take them—and readers—on the ride of their lives . . . be it a smooth sail on a large lake or a rough ride down a turbulent waterway.

The Journey . . . Back

Hey there. Okay, so I’m finally getting there re “Forever Poi”, which got me to thinking about my next post. Should it be on marketing? Promo plans? Hopes and dreams re the fourth Triple Threat Investigation Agency book and the series?

All sound fine, and I can certainly put pen to paper—er, fingers to keyboard—for any one of them. The question is: can I [truly] do any marketing or promotion, given what’s happening in my life right now? Maybe. If I could survive on two hours of sleep a day. <LOL>

So, that got me to thinking some more (yeah, it did prove a little taxing on the ol’ gray matter) and that took me back to where it all began—i.e. what got me started loving and writing mysteries. Nancy Drew.

Remember her? She was a young detective who resided in River Heights. Well-to-do, she had a supportive father, who was also a lawyer, and a kindly housekeeper who provided motherly support. Nancy solved mysteries around the globe with best friends, Bess and George. The two were cousins, but polar opposites. While Bess was timid and leaned toward pudgy (the way I remember), George was athletic and, as her name suggested, a tomboy. Nancy’s beau was Ned Nickerson. Let’s see if memory prevails. Dave was Bess’ boyfriend and . . . right, Burt was George’s.

My first Nancy Drew mystery, which will always hold a very fond place in my heart was The Haunted Showboat. I can still visualize the murky, marshy bayou, hear the birds in the twisting branches and creatures clambering in the foliage, and smell the molding wood and dense vegetation. . . . What an awesome journey back in time this is turning out to be.

I just took a gander re Showboat and learned it was the 35^th book in the series. Spunky Nancy first appeared in 1930 (who’d have guessed she dated back that far?). As a bit of FYI trivia, publisher Edward Stratemeyer featured her in a series as a “counterpart” to the Hardy Boys (which I also read, but with less zeal).

Carolyn Keene wrote all the books, but the name was actually a pseudonym for several authors. “She”, by the by, also penned the Dana Girls mystery series. Oddly, I never really got into them, though I did regularly play the Dana Girls board game with a friend. OMG—recall/flashback! I’d forgotten all about those days.

Thank you, Nancy, for setting me on the path to writing mysteries. I couldn’t have done it without you. . . . And thank you, followers, for allowing me to travel back and share a period of my life that was genuinely enjoyable.

Blurb Burble

Nothing like a good, attention-grabbing blurb . . . excited/exciting words . . . a wooing pitch.

I’ve touched upon writing both blurbs and pitches in past, but given the last edit for “Forever Poi” is [finally] almost completed, it’s time to write a winning blurb.

Before I share mine, let’s not forget that a [selling/successful] blurb is what convinces someone to buy your book. Simply put, it’s a sales pitch—yours.

Here are some things to consider re writing one.

Now, just for the record, there are a couple of types—the one you use for the back cover of your magnum opus and the one you use as a review. Given I’m writing the former, let’s stick to that.

If you’ve never written one, Google some. Get a feel for what works . . . and what doesn’t. Review how they’re written and arranged. Take notice of that first sentence; it should be dynamic and have us wanting to read more. Consider the words that pull you in. Note the voice, too; it should sound similar to the book.

Blurbs generally have a formula: they offer a situation or event, provide an issue or dilemma, and guarantee a surprise or shock. Introduce main character(s) so readers have someone to relate to. Provide a hint of setting (place and time). Don’t reveal all, though—ensure you leave folks hanging, so they’ll yearn to know what happens! Above all, keep it short and sweet in length and sentence structure.

Rewrite that blurb a few different ways. Determine which one(s) works best, and hang on to them all.

After you’ve written one or five or ten, like your book, leave those blurb(s) for a few days so that you can review (and edit) with new eyes. Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family, and followers for input.

One last note: if you have a writing background and have received awards and/or good reviews, you may want to add this information, but only if it relates to your book. And if you do, again, make sure to keep it—yup—short and sweet.

Here’s the initial draft of the blurb for “Forever Poi” (feel free to offer input) . . .

The ever-proud owners of the Triple Threat Investigation Agency JJ, Rey and Linda, have stumbled through three major cases with stellar results. Now, the not-so-novice private eyes have a double-arson case to solve: who set ablaze two happening Chinatown art galleries, leaving a couple of charcoal-broiled corpses in the rubble? Any number of persons in the local art world could be responsible. A cast of curious suspects include a haughty gallery owner with a questionable past, an art consultant as treacherous as she is beautiful, a risk-fond photographer who lives on the edge, and an aspiring manager with a dicey history. If the gals can determine the reason, they might just catch the culprit. A major insurance pay-out? An ugly relationship break-up? Pure vengeance? Or a cover-up for past transgressions? Whoever claimed the insurance and art worlds were uneventful or mundane? Certainly not our sleuthing trio.

A Blogger’s Lament . . . or . . . Dealing with Disappointment

Okay, I’m not really lamenting (I just thought it was a catchy title)—but I am dealing with disappointment as a blogger/writer. Sometimes, we need a brick wall to fall on top of us before reality clicks in. In my case, it’s because I prefer to believe the best of people and, occasionally (sadly), they prove me wrong.

Short and sweet: I’ve been relying on someone to assist with a few projects. The assurance was there; the product not. Now, I have to get those ducks back in a row and I’m feeling a bit more than overwhelmed by it.

Maybe you’ve been there, too—dealing with disappointment? It’s kind of like writer’s block, isn’t it? You feel . . . stuck.

But then you realize that, yeah, while it does suck, you simply have to suck it up. But don’t sweat it if you feel like having a little woe-is-me party (I’ve a had a few, LOL). Have at it, my friends. Then, move on.

Look at it this way. Everything happens for a reason (there are no coincidences). Forget what was and/or might have been. Consider [and believe in] possibilities and opportunities. As you explore alternatives, you just might:

make a [fantastic] new contact or three
discover the [new] outcome proves 10X better
have found [useful] additional sources/resources
expand your horizons and knowledge
realize that determination and conviction can overcome any hurt and disillusion.

It’s a given that there will be people and circumstances that disappoint. It’s an absolute, however, that disappointment is merely a temporary setback. It may maneuver you along a twisting path—sideward, rearward, roundward (my new word)—but that twisting route will ultimately lead to fulfillment and satisfaction.

You can be a half-glass-full or half-glass-empty person. I’ve tended to be the latter for [way] too many years and [way] too many reasons. Today, I declare that I’m a half-glass-full kinda gal . . . with a lovely, luscious Chardonnay.

Cheers!

Never Been a Beta Reader . . . You?

Confession: I never knew what a Beta Reader was. I could guess—and did—but I didn’t truly know.

In the event, you’re curious:

A beta reader is a test reader of a not-yet published book/writing. He/she provides feedback to the author re issues that the average reader might experience upon reading said writing.

Confession #2: I’ve never used one. That’s not to say I believe my writing and plots are flawless or that I’m so talented I don’t require critiques/assessments. I’ve just never given it much thought (maybe, subconsciously, I figure 38 edits for every manuscript will [eventually] capture all those issues).

Beta readers are often writers as well, but for the purpose of the role, they focus solely on reading. Generally, they provide an overall [objective] opinion of the writing, such as if the:

writing appropriately reflects the genre
story maintains interest
characters are strong / likeable
plot and scenes flow logically
pacing is smooth
description and details are thorough / informative enough (to paint visuals)
loose ends were tied up, and
climax/ending was fitting / appropriate.

If you’re a writer who’d like to enlist a beta reader, you could request volunteers from your social media followers and friends. There are sites, too, like Goodreads (there’s a beta-reader community to connect with) and Scribophile, where you can upload your writing and get feedback (with a couple of provisos). Google for more, but do your due diligence because not all are necessarily right for you.

How many beta readers you have is up to you, but less is probably better, at least initially. Start with two or three. Utilize the advice gathered. If you feel you’d like more input, enlist the aid of two or three more.

The important thing to remember is that beta readers are not editors; they’re first readers providing feedback about your story. Punctuation and grammar shouldn’t be part of the equation; that’s what editors and proofreaders are for.

If you love reading, or simply want to help fellow writers, maybe you’d like to be a beta reader (I’m serving as one for the first time). You won’t be paid, but you will receive a sense of fulfillment. Not only are you learning to “look” for pros and cons, and outstanding issues in others’ writing (which may help you with yours), but you’re assisting and supporting fellow writers in need. How awesome is that?

Impending Prospects

It’s Linda on post compilation duty today. If you’ve read the last two, you know we featured three present and three past events from the Triple Threat Investigation Agency trio (us). Today, we’re sharing future hopes/aspirations. They’re far from thrilling or sensational in the grand scheme of things, but they are ours.

Me (Linda):

I’ve never had roots to speak of. Considering my upbringing, if you could call it that, I’ve never been much inclined to learn my family history. But I do want to set up roots in some way. Being married with kids isn’t really my thing, but I like the idea of “stability”. Maybe, with time, I’ll figure it out.
I’d like to write a book. The story may not be a terribly original idea, but given our P.I. profession and my interest in wine and cooking, I’d like to do a mystery featuring a chef as an amateur sleuth.
A year traveling the world, maybe on a sailboat, is something I’ve been thinking—dreaming—about lately. It would provide an opportunity to broaden my horizons and see a world I’ve only viewed via travel programs.

Rey:

As I’ve told the gals before, I’d like to see our agency expand to Maui and Kauai. Maybe in a couple of years, that dream will become reality. We’ve done pretty good so far, so it’s very possible.
Speaking of reality, the actress in me would love The Triple Threat Investigation Agency to have a reality show. Dog the Bounty Hunter had a great one. P.I.’ing can be just as exciting as bounty hunting. . . . Hmm. Maybe I should put that idea out there; whadya think?
I’d love to own some property—like a house with a lanai and pool. Condo living’s fine, but there’s something about grass and flowers, and sitting outside, under a heavenly sky. Never had that as a kid . . . never really thought about it much, either . . . until now.

JJ:

Learning Hawaiian and Japanese is something I’d really like to do. So is being taught to hula. I’m pretty sure I’ll be here for the long haul; as such, I don’t just want to live here, I want to “be” here.
Rey’s mentioned buying property. I think she may have something. I enjoy condo living, but I also like the idea of having a little land, where rescue pets can roam and I/we can relax under the sun or stars after a long day at the agency.
Having my mom and nephew Quincy move here would be awesome. She could open a B&B, or something similar, and he could learn to surf. I guess I’m kind of missing them (I never had a need to have family that nearby before).

There you have it, friends. As mentioned earlier, our dreams and desires are nothing sensational or outrageous, like winning a big Powerball pot, but they are near and dear to our hearts.

Here’s to ours—and yours—coming true.

PRESENTing the 2nd P in 3

Happy weekend. It’s JJ, continuing with part two of three. The last post featured three past events from the three of us from the Triple Threat Investigation Agency. Today, we’re sharing present moments.

Me (JJ):

1. I’m flying to Florida in a couple of days to spend four days with Cash / Richie J. If I don’t, he’s promised (threatened) to come here. Seeing as I’ve never spent time in the Sunshine State, and I don’t feel like having a head-butting contest with my “sometimes boyfriend” (as my cousin calls him), I’ve decided to suck it up and go. But I’m not staying at his place (that could result in major property damage).

2. Linda and I have decided to clean out and stock up the office. It’s a little project we’ve wanted to complete for some time. (Yeah, I didn’t feel it was that exciting to share either, but if I post about it, we’re compelled to see it through—right?)

3. Even though Eddy, our part-time assistant, has lived on Oahu for 23 years, he hasn’t seen much of Hawaii. I’m treating him to a long weekend on Kauai. He’s super stoked (which has me super stoked). <LOL>

Rey:

1. Met a guy in Macy’s. He tripped over a three piece, hard-side luggage set and I caught him. Had to—he fell into my arms. Name’s Booster (never met one of those before) and he’s a CA. Doesn’t look much like one. He’s got a GQ face and not-too-bad bod (medium build, not toned, but not flabby). We’re gonna have drinks at Duke’s in a couple weeks when he’s back from visiting the folks in Seattle.

2. I’m still in Cali, hanging with friends. Loving it, but missing home and those awesome walks along the beach.

3. Auditioning for another commercial when I get back. If I get it, I’ll look like me for a change. No fruit or insect costumes. Just sitting beachside, looking good, and sipping a long, tall sweet smoothie. How sweet is that?

Linda:

1. I’ve decided to start a new blog about Hawaii flora and fauna, which will feature recipes using both. I’m experimenting every chance I get. I’ve had a couple of disasters—and there was an adrenalin-pumping condo evacuation—but everything’s a learning curve, right?

2. My brother and sister are coming for another visit. We may do some island-hopping as we continue to bond. Never thought that possible. I’m pretty sure they didn’t, either. <LOL>

3. I made a new friend last week when we literally bumped into each other at a coffee shop. Eunice is a spinning instructor. Besides being incredibly fit and attractive, she’s funny and engaging. Rey, JJ and I have pretty much done everything together since moving here, and having someone “new” in my life is kind of weird, I have to say.

As you can see, there’s nothing earth-shattering to share currently. It’s all good, though, because there’s nothing to complain about either, and that’s even better.

Look for Linda’s post about prospect (the f-u-t-u-r-e) mid-week. In the meanwhile, keep going with the flow. And if the flow gets too choppy, adjust for waves and current, and carry on. Keep happy thoughts.

3Ps . . . from the Triple Threat Investigation Agency Trio

Hey-ho, it’s Rey. The Boss is being pulled in 10 different directions these days, so we told her we’d be happy to take over for a wee bit. We put our heads together and came up with a plan to write three posts re three events in three periods from three [pretty] gals: past, present, and prospect, as in future (got that one from Lindy-Loo).

We’re daring to share three major [and private] past events—ones we can’t forget ‘cause they were emotional, moving, or plain out and out embarrassing.

Me (Rey):

1. You may have guessed I’m flirty. It’s fun. Hold that thought . . . walk back. It was fun once upon a time ago. Nowadays, it’s just entertaining. Like me. Back when I had my first and only 9-5 job, I was a Production Assistant for a way-too-serious dude named Fletch. He was a doc director, who made movies about miracles. I used to flirt shamelessly back then (which got me oodles of attention and free drinks). Anyway, I made the mistake of flirting with Howie, the assistant director one night while a bunch of us were at a bar. Things went from bad to worse. He fell in love and became my shadow. I had to tell Fletch. He was so not happy and ordered me to set things straight. Howie cried foul when I told him to remove those blinding stars from his eyes. After a major scene that would have done any soap opera proud, I got canned. Me. Can you imagine!?

2. While we’re on the topic of men, you must know I’ve been married three times. There was Monty the gaffer, Fabio the community theater actor, and Lester the catering assistant. I left Cecil, a video editor, at the altar. What no one knows—not even Cousin Jilly—is that I had a pretty serious relationship with a pastor. Just after completing that second-rate series Flings and Frolic in Fresno I was feeling kinda lost and churchy, so I joined a local religious group. No, I didn’t get flirty with Pastor Tir, but we did connect and became coffee and movie mates. Long story short, he thought I should put my great personality and acting to good use, and asked me to take over Sunday school classes. I was never good relating to kids, but I gave it a shot (I’m an actress after all and can handle any role). I really starting liking the kids (too much) and weekly “lessons”. Because acting was my chosen profession (and I was getting too “soft”), I walked away. Confession? I still regret it.

3. This one you can never tell JJ or Linda. They’d never let me forget. . . . Huh? Ugh, you’re right—I guess they’ll know now. <LMAO> Early in my career, I had a fringe-theater acting gig for a couple of months. One scene had me wearing nothing more than my birthday suit. The reviews were pretty decent, but I always wondered if I didn’t sell myself short . . . or out.

JJ:

1. My cousin Rey and I didn’t get along much when we were younger, and when we got together—courtesy of summer family vacations—the trouble we caused, oh my. Those holidays were filled with squabbles (and resulting black eyes or bruised lips) or embarrassing events—like the time we came across a moonshine still (turned out to be a smoker) and decided to take it for a ride, so to speak. The lakeside community is still talking about the explosion that took out four sheds, two SUVs, a lean-to, and an outhouse. That someone’s dog ended up hairless still haunts me.

2. I never knew my father, not even his name. My mother has always refused to talk about him, other than that one time to tell me he’d been killed climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. I’d boasted to schoolmates that “Edmund H” Fonne was an explorer and adventurer, and his last planned exploration—before returning home to his beloved family—had been a fateful trip to Tanzania. Lately, I’ve started thinking about him again. As a P.I., maybe I should start P.I.’ing. But what if I discover something that’s better left buried? What a conundrum: to detect and expose or to neglect and forget?

3. While we have a family that leans toward [very] eccentric, I’ve always been [fairly] level-headed. But I’ll admit that I’ve always envied—and desired to be like—my crazy, now-deceased sister Reena Jean. She was exciting and unpredictable, a true thrill-seeker. She’d chain herself to trees or cars or people for causes, travel the globe on a dime and borrowed gym bag to visit obscure sites or meet up with infamous characters. I couldn’t help but admire that courage—or recklessness as some called it. That fateful day when she struggled onto a pier during a Category 4 hurricane and challenged Mother Nature to “bring it on” was so cool. Mother Nature complied by yanking Reena Jean into a raging ocean. It’s hard not to admire that zest for life . . . even if it cost Reena Jean hers.

Linda:

1. I never shared my married life with Rey and JJ. Barely 18, I married this super talented, great-looking jazz musician named Chiffre Royale, a brilliant sax player featured on several notable artists’ albums. The guy was twice my age, but oh-so-cool. When we chatted at that festival, he seemed so into me. Who knew that far-out look and attitude was due to drugs? Not me; I was too pie-eyed and naïve. Chiffre died in a fleabag motel of a heroin overdose one night after a gig. The call came at 4 a.m. and at 8 a.m. I was on my way to Cali with nothing more than a duffel bag filled with clothes and a head full of memories.

2. I’m not overly knowledgeable about my past. My mother had two kids they always said, but there were three of us. Who flunked math? JJ never knew her father and Rey has some scattered memories regarding hers, but my parents are ghosts; even the tales told by relatives were ghost stories. Unlike JJ, though, I have no desire to learn anything about my history. Some things are truly better left buried.

3. This one makes me laugh, especially when I look at photos. Rey hasn’t been the only one to dress-up in silly costumes. I once earned money dressed as a globe-round pig with a pork-pie hat and checkered bow tie. For six months, I stood outside a fairly successful fast-food joint as Paulina Porker, and waved and oinked at customers. It was the only way I could make ends meet. It was okay, though—live and learn, and all that. Mind you, I’ve never looked at pork the same way since. <ROTFL>

I’m sure we were all being careful about which “events” to share (‘cause if I recall a few dozen doozies, so can they). Maybe, with time, we’ll share more. There’s something soul-cleansing and guilt-releasing about purging. Sometimes, though, you need to do it in dribs and drabs.

JJ’ll be here on the weekend with some present-day offerings.

Aloha all.

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