It's Nothing Main Street Rag Literary Magazine published my poem “It’s Nothing” this month in their Winter 2023 issue, bless their dear hearts. I hate to tell them, but “It’s Nothing” isn't literature. It's a poem about my old truck. I loved that truck, with a visceral and romantic love. What other reason could there … Continue reading It’s Nothing
Where you been, Old Blue? It was 2am on a rural highway near Greenville, NC. Farmland stretched for miles. I was in my twenties, driving a friend home from the clubs, when I saw a dog walking by the side of the road. He was just trotting along like he owned the place, a pointer … Continue reading Where you been, Old Blue?
The Dog That Almost Killed Me Keith Whitley’s song "Tell Lorrie I Love Her" was my college roommate Lorrie’s favorite, for obvious reasons. It's been almost two decades since I saw Lorrie (that’s how old I am), but that song will always make me think of her, even though we did not part on the … Continue reading The Dog That Almost Killed Me
Nanny and Willie These last few days, I’ve been listening to Willie Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson, cover “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” at his dad’s 90th birthday concert (Willie and I share a birthday, April 29th). Lukas nails it. He sounds more like Willie than Willie himself. I wish I could send the song … Continue reading Nanny and Willie
Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner It was supposed to be a reward, a reward I'd been working toward all year. The three kids who read the most books would receive a grand prize: a mystery celebration. We were guaranteed to love it. Sure, there were coupons for personal pan pizzas along the way, but … Continue reading Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner
Is Your Refrigerator Running? Before Christmas break, I volunteered at the primary school, so teachers could attend their holiday luncheon. My kids' classes were already covered. "Put me anywhere you need me," I said. They needed me in the EC (Exceptional Children) class, so that's where I went. Before the teacher left, he wrote his … Continue reading Is Your Refrigerator Running?
Sangria Mom My mom was in court the other day, with her friend Carol. It’s not my mom’s fault. It’s not Carol’s fault, either, but the judge hasn’t determined that yet, because they got thrown out of court for not following directions. Clearly, this debacle called for a bottle of muscadine sangria. If you’re not … Continue reading Sangria Mom
Farting Around We were driving home through Virginia post-Thanksgiving, and my husband was talking about his truck's failing transmission. The garage in Virginia said it would cost $6k to replace, and he hoped a local mechanic could do better. My husband spoke of rebuilding the transmission, the hours of labor, and the possibility of a … Continue reading Farting Around
How I (Never) Learned to Surf Y’all, this is my best story, and I hate to give it away for free. Suffice it to say, you’re getting a bargain here. Considerate it your early Christmas present, a gift nearly as valuable as a shattered surfboard.The summer I was fifteen, I wanted to learn how to … Continue reading How I (Never) Learned to Surf
What doesn't kill you These blog posts could be considered memoir, and I've heard it said that memoir should be 90% truth and 10% lies. What part isn't true? The part that you don't like, of course, I promise. Whatever part you find most offensive, disturbing, or unbelievable – that's the 10%, so just relax … Continue reading What doesn’t kill you
Jessi Waugh Writer 