Thanks to those who listened to Put on the Pink Flamingos. It was great to recieve some very kind words, especially from the friend who called it “a seven-minute thirty-nine-second spiritual experience!”
A Spiritual Experience
Put on the Pink Flamingos
Put on the Pink Flamingos is my tribute to the one-and-only Mike Otten.
Mike and I met as high school freshmen and first bonded over comic books, Star Trek, and rock-n-roll. Forty years later, it breaks my heart to say he is gone too soon.
He was a very creative person. And he was a huge supporter of my creative projects. I dedicate this piece to him. I think he would like it.
Huge thanks to Crystal Pascucci (cello), Danielle Goldsmith (recording engineer), Jacob Winik (mastering), John Vanderslice (Tiny Telephone), and Aimee Stevland (art).
Transcribing Joni
Every so often, I transcribe articles or podcasts for the official Joni Mitchell website. I like volunteering to a site dedicated to ensuring Joni’s legacy — not that she needs any help in that regard. In any event, it’s fun and inspirational to learn new things about Joni Mitchell by working on these materials.
Here’s a recent transcript I did of a podcast about the importance of the album Blue.
Six String Milestones
September marks seven years of being in business as Six String Communications — and I just logged my 500th project. Break out the bubbly!!! Thanks as always to those of you who’ve trusted your words to Six String Communications. Onward.
Q&A with Defiant Scribe
Writing is my business. Writing is my passion. Defiant Scribe magazine recently asked me to share a few thoughts about writing, reading, and more. Click on the image below to check out my responses.
This One Time at Music Camp
Well, I never thought I’d get to play a song for Shawn Colvin, but that’s exactly what happened at the Frets and Refrains music camp.
After saying “prepare to be slaughtered” as I made my way to the hot seat, Shawn was super charitable in her feedback — as were my fellow classmates.
Other camp highlights included contributing a new jingle (“Welcome to the Chernobyl Big Top”) to a new eco-disaster-themed concept album and performing “Celluloid Dream,” “Don’t Forget to Pack Your Hand Grenade,” “Speak Your Mind,” “Nobody But You,” and “Trigger Finger” for various workshops and audiences.
All in all, a very good time in the Catskills.
An Adventure in Art Appreciation
Thanks to Defiant Scribe for including my new short story — An Adventure in Art Appreciation — in their recently released “Adventure & Exploration” edition. I wrote the story after visits to the British and Tate Britain museums in June 2019.
Weekend in Tomales Bay
A few weeks ago I spent some time in Tomales Bay on the California coast (about two hours north of San Francisco). Parts of this new story published on Defiant Scribe are loosely based on things that happened while I was in Tomales Bay, though most of the story is a complete fabrication.
Night in the City
I have a new short, short story appearing today on 101words.org.
How short is it? Well, it’s only 101 words, of course.
Check it out.
Marikina
A war. A boy. A pig. A balloon. And an invitation for you to read my new story (Marikina) … just posted for Short Edition’s Button Fiction contest.
This is not a true story. But it’s inspired by one.
