Author Archives: sputterpub

Wrong

Posted on October 25, 2010 by sputterpub

When I was 12 I was the wrongest I’ve ever been, and it was my father’s fault. I was in 8th grade, and we were still taking “new math.” It had been very new the year before, when we started … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, School | Leave a comment

Four

Posted on October 22, 2010 by sputterpub

   When I was around 10, my father began telling me that you’re either a leader or a follower, with unsubtle suggestion about which one to be. I’m sure he would have told me earlier but I don’t think the subject … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons | Leave a comment

Criteria

Posted on October 21, 2010 by sputterpub

Danny says, “Okay, Mom: you don’t have to date.” As I admitted at the beginning of the week, what I’ve learned from my Internet dating fling is I’m not ready for it. But also, I haven’t been clear enough about … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Leave a comment

After a Date

Posted on October 20, 2010 by sputterpub

Not yet discouraged, I responded to suitor #2. This time we spoke on the phone before the date but his pleasant voice didn’t prepare me for how morose he would become after the two glasses of wine he drank with … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 11 Comments

The Most Private Thing I’m Willing to Admit Here

Posted on October 19, 2010 by sputterpub

So I thought I’d try Eugene. I took the initiative and wrote to someone who described himself as 60 years old, and living there, and into building and writing. It turned out he wasn’t exactly accurate about his location or … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 3 Comments

eFlirting

Posted on October 18, 2010 by sputterpub

I joined an Internet dating site. It was almost five months ago, and the immediate reason was research for writing. I know: every predator says that. Then again, I got my first black eye by walking into a door (c. … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Leave a comment

Speed

Posted on October 15, 2010 by sputterpub

   When I was 15 I went faster on land than ever before or since, and I did it more than once. I look back on those days and I marvel at how many of us survived to adulthood. The time … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons | 2 Comments

Stoo-pid

Posted on October 14, 2010 by sputterpub

     When I was 15 I was exposed to Synanon. I wouldn’t have gone without my quasi-beau Raymond. I didn’t drive and I’d never heard of the organization. But Ray was a grade ahead of me, nearly two years older … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons | Leave a comment

Library

Posted on October 13, 2010 by sputterpub

     When I was 13, I began visiting the library on my own and I discovered classical mythology. It was the summer after 7th grade, and the way I remember it I’d been allowed to ride alone for awhile. I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons | Leave a comment

Operation

Posted on October 12, 2010 by sputterpub

     When I was 5, I had a barbaric hospital experience. I think it formed me, and I’ve told it and written it already and I’m sure I will again. But this is the 50th lesson I’ve posted in this … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Lessons | Leave a comment