It’s Saturday, and David and I are trying to escape Thanksgiving leftovers, or at least augment them with some of Teagan’s mushrooms. Speaking of Teagan, we’re going to try to answer her latest challenge as we work through Linda G. Hill’s latest Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt I’ve got the inverse of her prompt, but it was inspired by the first thought:
“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: ‘something that closes.’ Write about the first thing that pops into your head that closes. Enjoy!”
If we were having a beer, you’d be wondering where the bartender was.
“Where’s Cheryl, Dan? We’ve been here for a few minutes. She’s usually waiting for us.”
“Maybe she’s bringing more John Howell’s Bourbon up from the basement.”
“Or maybe something worse—hello Skippy.”
“Hi David, hi Dan. Sorry if you’ve been waiting.”
“That’s OK, Skippy. I was telling David you—well, I thought it was Cheryl—were probably bringing stuff up from the basement.”
“Cheryl took the weekend off. I need the money, so I agreed to fill in. Actually, I was just in the back finishing an entry in my journal.”
“You kept us waiting so you could write in your diary?”
“I guess you could say that, David, but it’s important.”
“What’s important, Skippy, is to serve your customers. Toward that end, I’d like a John Howell’s Special and I’m sure Dan would like a glass of Modelo.”
“I’ll get those, but I was writing about you.”
“What do you suppose he wrote about me?”
“I doubt it was high praise, David. Why don’t you ask him? And, a bit of advice, keep an open mind.”
“Here you go guys. Modelo for Dan, bourbon, seltzer, and ice for David. You guys want anything else?”
“Thanks Skippy. David and I were just wondering about your diary.”
“I prefer to call it a journal, Dan.”
“Potato potahto, Skippy. Why the sudden interest in self-awareness? I mean, no offence intended, but it hasn’t always been your strong suit.”
“I know, David. That’s why I’m doing this.”
“I don’t follow.”
“Remember when Brad Lewis was here back in April? He told me to find an instructor who I liked to help me be a better actor.”
“I remember Brad’s visit. I still don’t follow.”
“I found a guy. He runs a community theater across the river, and I auditioned for a part in a play he’s producing.”
“Are you playing the part of a bartender because that might be a challenge. Skippy, this isn’t bourbon.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, David. You’re right, that’s Irish whiskey. I’ll get some bourbon.”
“That’s OK. I’ll finish this, it’s pretty good.”
“Anyway, this guy gave me the part. He said I show promise. He suggested I keep a journal as a way of getting in touch with my feelings.”
“Can you share those feelings with us?”
“Dan, what is wrong with you?”
“I’m curious, David. What’s behind Skippy the bartender?”
“I’m glad you didn’t say, ‘Skippy the inept bartender,’ Dan. I get it, I’m not very good, but I can’t get my heart into this job. I’m just doing it for the money.”
“So, a bit of soul searching is going to help you be a better actor?”
“I think so, David. You might find this hard to believe, but I like it when you two guys are at the bar.”
“If we’re being honest, Skippy, I’m not always happy to see you behind the bar.”
“I get that. But that’s OK. I may not get your drink right at first, but I always fix it. I feel like that should be enough. You know, like you can’t get everything right in life, but if you fix your mistakes, you’re good.”
“He’s right, David, and let’s face it, your drink order is a bit crazy.”
“But that’s what I like about you two, Dan. You guys are crazy. You’re nothing like the people I hang out with, and my instructor says I can learn from observing you.”
“Learn what?”
“Well, like take today for instance. David, you really surprised me keeping that Irish whiskey. Of course, I know that part of you assumes I won’t charge you for it—I won’t—but you’re not afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I am. I always have been.”
“Skippy, you’re willing to get up on stage in front of an audience. That doesn’t seem comfortable to me.”
“I can’t explain it, Dan. When I’m on stage, I actually feel like I’m my character. Like it’s not me. I’m the character and I’m in his comfort zone. My producer wants me to put more of myself into the characters I play. He wants me to be me, inside that role.”
“So, you have to know who you are.”
“That’s right, David. That’s why I appreciate you guys. You’re honest, your funny—well, at least you make me laugh, and you still tip me, even when I mess up your orders.”
“Blame our parents, Skippy. It’s how we were raised.”
“See, Dan, that helps. The part I’m playing is an old guy, not as old as you guys, but, you know, old. It helps to understand how an old guy might have been raised.”
“We’ll endeavor to share more in the future.”
“Dan, I didn’t sign up for the education of Skippy.”
“Keep an open mind, David. We’ve had a nice day. Skippy gave you a free drink, and you’re immortalized in his journal.”
“I’ll wait for the movie. Let’s get some mushrooms.”
I hope you enjoy the gallery. If you remember the song that inspired the title, it’s below the gallery and the usual shameless self-promotion.
All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.
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