Indian Summer Revisited

The following is from my, as yet unpublished, novel - Indian Summer Revisited. I wrote this as a contemporary companion to my historical novel Indian Summer. The main characters, Malin and Carina, plan to spend the weekend with Carina's parents. Their friends Dana and Clay are with them. Though Dana knows the family well, the men have found Rosie something of a surprise.

There was a light tapping on the door. Dana peeked in.

"Hi, sorry. Look, Carina, your mom is trying to get Clay to do naked yoga for his back. I swear, he just pulled a muscle last night. We got a little crazy. She wants him to work out the kinks and offered to give him a massage."

"Oh, God. I knew I shouldn't have left you two alone. Keep that thought," she told Malin.

"Keeping the thought, ma'am." He reclined on the bed watching her rush out.

He couldn't help laughing. This house was by far the most bizarre and chaotic he had ever been in and he felt right at home. Her mother didn't even bother him that much. Sure, she was full of some surprises, but he didn't mind her asking his sexual preferences. He had nothing to be ashamed of.

"Aren't you going to help?" Dana asked him with a frown.

"Should I?"

"Wait til you see and ask me that." She nodded toward the door and walked quickly down the hall.

Rosie had Clay in a full Nelson, trying to straighten his back, but since she was a lot shorter, she was pulling him at an odd angle. He was trying to talk calmly to her telling her that he didn't need to be naked to do yoga, but she wasn't easily convinced. Carina was trying to pry her hands loose while her father sat at the table and sipped Korean beer.

Malin walked up beside Rosie, looked at what she was doing and offered to help. She handed Clay to him, he straightened his friend and set him to one side.

"Now, Rosie, show me that move you were doing. Was it like this?" He demonstrated briefly on her.

"No, it was more of a lift. There, that's it. Oh, my back feels great. I had no idea I'd kinked it."

"I told you that was too advanced a position for us, Mama," her husband replied from his stool.

"But with your foot in that brace, we had to try something, sweetheart. I guess it was a little bit too much at my age. I'm not nearly as flexible as I used to be."

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books

If I Had the Chance to Do It Over - Fun in Writing July 7, 2010

Here's another one from my Fun in Writing class. The prompt is used as the title. Once again, it was more fun to make something up. 

If I had it to do over, I suppose I'd have done it differently. At the time, it seemed okay, but upon reflection, I guess it wasn't my best decision. However, you know how they say hindsight is 20/20? Yeah. That'd be me.

Not that it's a bad thing – per se – not exactly.... But I could have done better. I suppose we all kick ourselves from time to time, ruminate on the whys and wherefores of a situation, but this one really doesn't bear thinking about.

I should probably start at the beginning. I was standing on Molly Henderson's porch painting her trim. I do odd jobs around the neighborhood to make some extra cash. Anyway, she invited me in for iced tea and I graciously accepted. It was well over 90° in the shade and humid. Kind of like standing in a sauna – no air moving. The cool air in the house bathed my boiling skin in a chilly layer of gooseflesh. I sipped my tea, feeling it glide down my throat, as I chatted with Molly.

After my break, I worked my way around the front of the porch. I was glad of the deep overhang and the fact the sun was now on the back side of the house, and dipped my brush in the glistening white paint. Moments later, a wasp started circling my paint can. I swatted it away with my hand, but it came back. Something about that paint really caught its attention. I took another swat, this time with the paint brush.

All I succeeded in doing was pissing it off. Ever been on top of a ten foot ladder with an angry wasp buzzing around your head? I got off the ladder, taking a break away, hoping the damn thing would leave. When I went back up, there were three wasps circling the paint can. Great. Just what I needed.

I hopped back down and got a rolled up newspaper from the recycling bin on the side of the house. Armed with my weapon of wasp destruction, I went back to my ladder. In my absence, three more wasps had joined the ever widening circle of my paint can. I now had six wasps weaving a wobbling flight path over my can. I couldn't even approach it for fear they'd sting me.

Maybe now's the time to tell you that I'm deathly afraid of being stung. I sat on a swing with a wasp's nest under it when I was a kid. Couldn't see it because of the tall grass around the swing set. Twenty-eight stings I got that day. So maybe you can understand why I'm a bit leery, huh?

I halfheartedly swung my paper around, hoping to discourage and scatter the critters, but they weren't about to comply. Molly came to the front door and watched me for a few minutes, hands on her hips.

“Skip Richards, I'm not paying you to play tag with that paint can. Get back up on the ladder and finish my trim!”

“I'd like to, Miss Molly, but there's wasps....”

“Don't make me call your mama!”

“Miss Molly, I'm 23 years old. You don't need to be calling my mama cause of some wasps.”

“Swat those things away. Big boy like you ought not to be afraid of a couple wasps!”

“There's eight of them now. I can't kill all eight at a time! Not with this!” I held up my paper.

Molly huffed angrily and went inside. She came back with a spray can and a broom. “Spray 'em with this and knock 'em aside with a broom.”

I took the proffered weapons with trepidation. What good was hairspray? I thought she'd bring me some wasp killer or, better yet, a blow torch – but no.... I've got me a broom and a can of AquaNet.

Taking careful aim, and making sure I was upwind, I sprayed that hairspray for all I was worth. I must've used half the can. One wasp after another wibbled and wobbled and fluttered away. All but one. It landed on the rim of the can.

I sprayed it again. Instead of flying away, it did a strafing run at my head! I swatted at it with my hands, but it kept coming. I took up the broom, flailing around me like some kind of straw armed Ninja.

All of a sudden, Miss Molly's screaming at me from the front porch. I couldn't understand what she was saying until it was too late. I thwacked that ladder and paint can, ladder and all came down on me.

Covered in paint with a huge knot on my head from where the ladder hit me, I sat on Miss Molly's yard while she and the entire neighborhood had a good laugh at me.

Yup – wish I'd of done it differently....

To buy Dellanis' Books:

Indian Summer

Lone Wolf

The Ninja Tattoo

Under the Western Sky

Shakazhan – Lone Wolf series book 2

. . . Repent in Leisure October 19, 2010

Thank you Aileen Aroma!

This is another one pulled from the files from Fun in Writing. The prompt here was A Hasty Decision. Most of our members talk about things from their past, but I find it more fun to make something up. 

“Marry in haste, repent in leisure,” my Aunt Martha said as she fluffed my veil. “I swear, you look a treat, Sammie!”

“Thanks, Auntie M,” I said, hugging her.

I adjusted the wreath of flowers on my head, gazing at myself in the mirror. My hair was a mess, but the veil was gorgeous. Martha was making it for me from silk flowers and lace. It was lovely. My dress was still being made, so I stood there modeling it in jeans and a T-shirt.

“Just gotta ask again, Sammie. Are you sure about this boy?”

“Very sure, Auntie. RJ's fantastic. You'll love him. Mama loves him.”

“Well, just cause my baby sister likes somebody, don't mean I will.”

“He's the best. Honest!”

“Didn't you say that about what's his name? The carpenter?”

I couldn't look at myself anymore. “Yeah. But I was wrong as can be about Bobby. This is different, Auntie.”

“And you said that about that policeman.”

I sighed. She had a point. I'd said that about Tom too. Let's face it, my experience with men isn't all that great. My record relationship so far is this one with RJ. We've been dating four months and are getting married in six weeks. At least that's the plan, provided something doesn't come along to screw it up.

“My point is,” she continued. “Sammie Jean, you ain't got the best track record of any girl. You fall in love too easy. You get your heart all trampled on and then regret like crazy you ever hooked up with that lunatic man in the first place. You sure this ain't another time like the last...twelve?”

“Not twelve, Auntie. Just two.”

“Seems like a lot more than two. Didn't you almost marry that florist fella?”

I'd forgotten about Dean the florist. Good grief, I'd forgotten half a dozen men I'd dated too. She had a point, damn close to twelve. I hadn't been engaged to them all, but RJ was the third. Or was it the fourth? But the only one who'd got so far as setting a date and buying the material for a dress. Mama was sewing that, Auntie M. was making the veil. My Aunt Tessa was making the bouquets and Aunt Mamie the cake. My mama's got a bunch of sisters and they're all good at different things.

“This time, for sure! I'm really positive about RJ.”

Her eyes looked sad and I knew she was thinking of some other guy I'd said that about. She thought I was gonna back out again—like I'd always done before.

“Can't help thinkin' a man who'll propose and get married real fast—he ain't reliable, Sammie Jean. I feel like I'm wasting precious time making something for a wedding that ain't ever gonna be.”

“You're not wasting your time, Auntie. This time, for sure! I love RJ so much! He's real special. And I know I've said that a million times before, but this time for sure! Wait until you meet him. He's coming by at seven for dinner.”

“I guess we're all expected?”

I nodded, taking the wreath of flowers off my head.

“Well, I reckon I can give a few minutes.”

We spent the rest of the afternoon working on wedding plans and cooking dinner. RJ was right on time. My aunts were all in the living room waiting for him to arrive. He knocked on the door and you'd think someone lit a fire under those women. They lined up in birth order to meet him: Martha, Tessa, Mamie and my mother, Reanne. I felt like making a drum roll when I opened up that door.

RJ walked in, gave me a kiss and turned to see that room full of females. He's real good looking, dark brown hair and big green eyes. He wears a real diamond stud in his left ear. That surprised my mama some, but she didn't complain. I introduced him to my aunts.

“Wait a second,” Martha said loudly. “You're that doctor, aren't ya?”

“Yes, ma'am. Sure am! I work at the Emergency room.”

“You sewed up my boy when he cut his foot,” Aunt Tessa said with a grin.

“And you took the splinter outta my neighbor's eye,” Aunt Mamie said.

“This is who you're gonna marry?” Aunt Martha asked.

“Yup, Auntie. This is RJ.”

“Well, baby darlin'. You forget everything your auntie said and just go on and be happy.”

RJ wasn't quite sure what to think, but he took it all in stride. He charmed those aunts of mine and had them about eating outta his hand before dinner was done.

After he went home, Aunt Martha took me aside and gave me a hug. “Baby girl, you did good.”

“Thanks, Auntie.”

“I take back all the bad I said. You're gonna do just fine.”

“Thanks, Auntie.”

“One thing though, you gonna let him wear that earring?”

“Yes, ma'am.”

“Well then, he better get you a ring at least twice that big, or it's gonna be competition,” she declared as she walked out the door.

I sat down on the couch and couldn't stop laughing. Finally, I'd found a man that everyone loved just as much as me.

To buy Dellanis' Books:

Indian Summer

Lone Wolf

The Ninja Tattoo

Under the Western Sky

Shakazhan – Lone Wolf series book 2

Red River Radio Host Fran Lewis

I'm delighted to present author and reviewer Fran Lewis. When she's not reading or writing, she's talking to other authors on Blog Talk Radio. Fran has more energy than most people half her age (which we aren't telling). She amazes me with all that she's able to do. Welcome, Fran!

What prompted you to become a show host?

A very special person named April Robins asked me if I wanted to become a guest host on a show. Never thinking that I was the actual host I accept the challenge and the offer to be a guest host. As a believe or not quiet and very reserved young child I would never think to even get up in front of an audience and read a composition without my mom sitting in the front row and sister pacing me with her hands making sure that I did not speed read the piece I was reading. April’s own show on Red River allowed authors, such as myself, to read excerpts from the titles and then discuss them with the host. This was my gateway into what has turned out to be a career change for this reading and writing staff developer and author. Added to that my dear friend, Dellani coached me through the first show by becoming my first guest and sending me the information needed to format the show and the area codes.

How did you decide on the subject matter for your show?

The subject matter for each show changes depending on which author or authors I am interviewing and the topics they are writing on. Mystery authors require one set of guidelines and questions whereas memoirs and non-fiction another. I have discussed Alzheimer’s, Traumatic Brain Injury, Health Issues, Cancer, Abuse, Substance Abuse, fear, anger, love, betrayal and just about anything that comes up within the framework of a novel. Paranoia in a non-fiction memoir or even how the author introduces it within a mystery/thriller or murder.

How do you balance being a show host, author, artist, etc?

Sometimes it can be overwhelming having over 25 books to read and review, plan several shows every month and then find time to write the next what you hope will be the Great American Must Read Novel. I have a tendency to keep logs and lists, which help me stay focused and organized. In this way I remember which reviews I want to complete, the ones I still have to post and what preparations are needed for my shows. At times I take a few weeks off from doing my shows in order to catch up on my own writing.

Before you became a host, did you ever think you would have your own talk show?

I never thought I would have my own talk show. When my school decided to have holiday shows and other plays I became the director and coordinator for each event forcing me to have to MC the show in front of an auditorium filled with kids, teachers and parents. I never thought I could do that but I developed a sense of humor, fun attitude and never looked back once I started. I loved doing these shows and I even helped coordinate the yearly reading of The Night Before Christmas where the staff, including the administration had to act out the poem in costume. Just think about this: I was the moon! Enough said!

Do you have books out? If so, share with us where they can be purchased.

I have 11 titles. Ten are on Amazon and all of the online reseller sites. The 11th has to be edited and it is my next Faces 3 book. Presently, I am beginning to outline Faces 4. You can read my reviews on Just reviews on word press, www.gabina49@wordpress.com

www.gabina49.webs.com

Reviewingyourbook on facebook

Goodreads, shelfari and all over the net.

I should include that the proceeds from all of my books goes to finding the cause of Alzheimer’s. The Ruth Swerdloff memorial foundation was set up by Montefiore Hospital in her memory in order to raise funds to find the cause of this deadly illness.

What do you like best about doing your shows?

What I love best is spotlighting an author’s work, talking with several at one time, hearing their thoughts on writing and who they developed their characters and storyline. I learn a lot from the talented authors that I interview and the most rewarding part are the thank you’s for reviewing their books and being on my show. Making people smile and feeling relaxed during an interview is so important and the fact that I send them the questions I am going to ask makes a big difference to every author.

When beginning your shows, what was the easiest thing for you?

The easiest thing was knowing that I was prepared, the author was focused and excited and the questions were printed out in front of me. The most reassuring thing is having Bethany there to handle the phones, the chatroom and letting me know that were are going to have a great show and some fun.

What has been the most difficult aspect of hosting your show?

The hardest thing was learning how to handle the phones, the chat room and the questions all at the same time, but I did. The hardest thing was knowing how to format and create a show that people would want to listen to and with the help of Dellani Oakes, Marsha Cook and April Robins I learned quite a bit. Being on their shows as a guest helped me to change my original format several times and even now I look for ways to improve.

Who is the best guest you've ever had?

That is a hard question since I have interviewed NYTimes best selling authors: I would say Steve Berry and Michael Palmer are amazing as well as Tess Gerritsen and Iris Johansen. I love when Michael Tabman, or Mark Rubenstein get together on my shows as well as Dellani and Marsha when we have Mystery Thursday.

How do you select your guests?

After reading a reviewing a book I decide whether my audience would like to know more about the topic, area or message that the author is delivering. I interviewed POW’s, war veterans and even television stars. I interview anyone whose book creates and sends a positive message or a message that we need to hear in order to improve our lives and understand other people.

How can people who would like to be on your show contact you?

If you are an author and have a print copy of your book I will read and review it first and then decide on a time for an interview.

You can contact me at riffyone@optonline.net Remember my reviews are detailed, straightforward and stand as rated and written.

Thank you Dellani. Fran

Highly Suspicious - Fun in Writing July 30, 2008

Thanks Aileen Aroma!

As I've said before, I attend a small writing group once a week. I'm revisiting those files and finding them just as fun as they were the first time around. This one was written from the prompt Suspicious.

I'm told I have a suspicious mind. I prefer to say I have a healthy dose of cynicism with a spot

of paranoia. Though it is true, I am suspicious. Crime is all around us. Every day someone gets robbed or killed and the police can't find a clue. That's why a guy like me is necessary. Bill Sussman, Private Eye.

My career started in the second grade when little Myron Golden lost his marbles, twelve of them, plus an Aggy. Someone stole them from his coat pocket at recess. I found those marbles. Who but me would have thought that Vera Teigler was capable of such a heinous crime? And at such a tender age.

From there, I progressed to bigger things, each case more impressive than the last. In middle school, I uncovered the gang responsible for the graffiti on the bathroom walls. In high school, I uncovered a term paper forgery business by posing as a football player in need of a grade fix. None of

my discoveries made me very popular with my classmates, but sometimes a man has to do the tough jobs whether he gets extra swirlies or pantsed in gym class.

Let's not forget my biggest case to date, the Japanese Sumo Wrestling Pornography Ring! Okay, so I was wrong that Mr. Sato had a porn studio in back of his sushi shop. But he was fronting for a bookie, so my suspicions about illegal activity were correct.

Things have been a little slow lately, so I've been taking any case that comes my way. I'm not proud of the fact I'm doing car repos or following deadbeat dads, but it puts food on the table.

So imagine my surprise when the blonde walked in. My suspicious nature kicked in the second she opened the door. Trouble had just entered my office. She was a real babe, tall, thin, willowy - like Lauren Bacall in "The Big Sleep". Dressed in silk and smelling like Chanel No. 5, she stood across the desk from me. My knees were weak as I stood to greet her.

"Please, have a seat, Miss?"

"Oh, Mr. Sussman, you have to help me!" She burst into tears.

I handed her a box of tissues. She nodded her thanks and cried like crazy. Not many babes can cry like that and not move their makeup. Bill Sussman's suspicious nature stood up and said hello. Any woman who's sobbing like her heart is broken is gonna leave tracks. Her eyes go red, her face turns puffy. Not this chick. My professional mien descended like a lead zeppelin.

"How may I help you?" I tried again.

"I'm so sorry," she gulped and sobbed, looking just as perfect as when she walked in.

The tissues clutched in her well manicured hands were dry as a bone. She kept her head down and her hands in her lap. I moved around to the front of the desk, leaning against the edge.

"It's me, Bill. Vera Teigler. Don't you recognize me anymore?"

"Little Vera Teigler from second grade?" My smile nearly split my face in two. "How ya been, Vera?"

"A little of this, a little of that," she said with a funny smile that made me very suspicious indeed. "A lot better than you, you low life creep!"

And suddenly I'm looking at the business end of a snub nosed pistol. I figured I had two choices, grab the gun or put up my hands. Bill Sussman ain't a hero, dig? My hands flew up and I got real nervous.

"Hey, Vera. I'm sorry about the marbles, okay?"

"This isn't about the marbles, you freak! It's about Andy!"

"Andy? Andy who?"

"Tucker. Andy Tucker, my boyfriend. Don't you know anything?"

"Come to think, that name rings a bell or two."

"You were following him because his wife hired you to find out who he was seeing on the side. He was seeing ME!" She screamed at me. The gun wavered in her hand.

"Well, sorry about that, Vera. Didn't mean to put a dent in your love life."

"She shot him, you idiot! Shot him dead! You killed the only man I ever loved! I hate you, Bill Sussman!"

My choices had just narrowed to one. I leaped at her, grabbing the barrel of the gun, pushing it out of my face as she pulled the trigger. I felt the bullet whiz past my ear, the sound of the explosion loud in the small office. I got the gun away from her, holding it carefully so my prints wouldn't get on the grip.

"It's over, Vera. I'm sorry about Andy, but business is business."

"Yeah, well, he was a pretty lousy boyfriend. Sorry about the gun," she brushed her hair out of her face. "So, Bill, you seeing anybody?"

"No," I grinned. "So, Vera, want to go out for a cup of coffee and talk about old times?"

"Sure," she said, taking my arm.

I smirked. Yeah, life comes at a guy fast, but sometimes it tosses in a hell of a ride.

To buy Dellanis' Books:

Indian Summer

Lone Wolf

The Ninja Tattoo

Under the Western Sky

Shakazhan – Lone Wolf series book 2

Meet Linda Kozar - Red River Radio Host

I would like to welcome one of Red River Radio's hosts, inspirational author, Linda Kozar. She and her co-hosts present Gate Beautiful on Blog Talk Radio.

What prompted you to become a show host?

April (Robins) contacted me out of the blue one day. Though I’m an author now, I worked for community newspapers before and was used to the interview process. I was excited at the prospect of interviewing live on air. And as it turned out, doing it on air was a whole lot more fun.

How did you decide on the subject matter for your show?

Interviewing fellow inspirational authors seemed a natural fit since I had access to them and wanted to focus on readers, fans and writers who aspire to become published authors.

How do you balance being a show host, author, artist, etc?

I’m still working on that part! Promoting the show, organizing the other hosts and putting together our script takes a lot more time than I thought it would. And yes, working off of a script gives us a reference, but we have license to deviate from it and wing our questions. Having a script is also nice for emergencies, when one of us has to take over for another host.

Before you became a host, did you ever think you would have your own talk show?

No way! I never envisioned it. But I lovelovelove it and can envision myself in radio for a very long time.

Do you have books out? If so, share with us where they can be purchased.

Yes, I’m a hybrid author in that I am both traditionally published and indie published (as many are these days). Go to my website. www.lindakozar.com, where I have links to take you to Amazon, etc. Some of my books are available in bookstores as well.

If you're an artist, where can we find your work?

I love to paint in oils, but don’t get to do much of it any more. Some of my oil paintings are on one of my Pinterest Boards if you want to check them out.

What do you like best about doing your shows?

Discovering the story behind the story. People’s lives are so intricate and interesting, their backgrounds so diverse and different.

When beginning your shows, what was the easiest thing for you?

Talking!

What has been the most difficult aspect of hosting your show?

Having to interrupt someone else when they’re talking and I’m running out of time.

Who is the best guest you've ever had?

One of my favorite guests was Terri Blackstock who wrote “The Restoration Series” (Last Light, Night Light, True Light, and Dawn’s Light). We had such fun relating her books (about what would happen if we had a global catastrophe--lost all modern conveniences, electricity, gas, access to food, health care, etc.) to current events and the Doomsday Preppers show.

How do you select your guests?

At first, I asked my close friends to be on the show. Then I began to contact more authors I knew on Facebook, or the authors who are clients at the same literary agency I’m also a client of. Now I have relationships with publicists and marketing people and have a wider range to choose from—which is great. I like to interview authors in a wide range of genres, as do two of my co-hosts, Jeane Wynn, and Lena Nelson Dooley. Carla Hoch interviews all the speculative fiction authors as that is her specialty. The show has gained a wider audience since we started three years ago. I’m booked well into 2014 and my slots are almost full.

How can people who would like to be on your show contact you?

They can message me on Facebook, but as I said, I am booked for 2013 and for almost all of 2014. My co-hosts might have some openings available in 2014, but none in 2013. Although we wing it at times when we interview, we try not to wing it when it comes to booking our guests

Home Page

www.lindakozar.com

Check out http://lindakozar.com! Home Page

Thank you for the new logo, Mike Dubisch

Bad Language in Writing

So, you wanna write a book and the characters aren't all from pristine backgrounds where cursing is forbidden. Some of them are gritty, earthy, down right nasty in their way of speaking. What do you do?

I have some characters who come from less than stellar backgrounds. Many are members of the military. Some are just average people who use the norm for their vocabulary. Listen to the voices around you – not all of them are “G” rated. It's not unusual for the occasional obscenity to enter their dialogue. If you're going to “keep it real”, your manuscript will need to reflect this language.

I don't mean that every other word must be the F Bomb, or some other overly colorful word. An author should be able to get the point across without that much realism. However, if a character – say, an ex-soldier in his 20s has something untoward happen, he's gonna say the F Word. Pretty much unavoidable – AND IN CHARACTER!

Don't curse just to curse. Keep the profanity for the dialogue and not your narrative. There's no need to pepper text with obscenities. However, don't be shy about using them where they would naturally occur. The aforementioned soldier isn't going to hit his thumb with a hammer and say, “Oh, Fudge!”

Not comfortable cursing? Replace it with an appropriate substitute. Example: Teague (the aforementioned soldier) hit his thumb with the hammer. Cursing loudly, he stuck his thumb in his mouth.

A word of advice – Unless the story is set in another place and time where they would say “Frack” “Feck” or “Frell” (or the characters are all sci-fi fans, who know the derivation of them all) they are probably going to say THE WORD.

Worried about my use of bad language in an early manuscript, I used substitutions and had a friend read through it. His response was, “I would rather read the real word.” After a couple other people said the same thing, I relented, but I shyly put the Words in. (I'm not that shy anymore) I think a small part of me thought my mother wouldn't like it if I cursed. So, don't tell my mother.

When is cursing in a novel appropriate? That, I suppose, depends entirely on the author and their characters. Be true to your story, use the language where it's necessary or find a good substitute.

To Purchase Dellani's Books:

Under the Western Sky and The Ninja Tattoo

Indian Summer, Lone Wolf, Shakazhan

Pet Peeves - Written June 11, 2008

I belong to a small, informal writing group that meets once a week. The prompt for this particular story was Pet Peeves. I could have listed all the things I find annoying, but this was more fun.The characters reflect my pet peeves in an exaggerated way.

 The therapist looked around the group steepling his fingers. Smiling ponderously he turned to the newest member. "Everyone, this is Letitia. She's joining us for the first time. Letitia, why don't you share with the group some of the things that make you angry."

Letitia smiled sweetly at him. "You mean like other than smarmy psychologists with ingratiating voices and sissy mannerisms?"

His smile faded slightly as he brought his hands to his lap. "Yes, other than that."

"Stupid people," she said tersely.

"Define stupid," a short, wiry, Hispanic youth across from her said.

Letitia thought for a moment. "Stupid people, hm. Can't walk, can't talk, shouldn't breathe?"

He grinned, nodding for her to go on. The therapist frowned.

"Get behind them in the grocery store - Oops! They forgot something. Okay, we all do that sometimes. Once, I have no problem with. But this one lady I got behind went back three times! I wanted to choke her."

"What did you do?" An excitable older woman to her right said.

"Next time she started to turn around, I blocked the way and told her the only way she was leaving the line again was through me."

"What did she do?" The youth asked.

"About peed herself," she looked smug.

He clapped and nodded. "Right on!"

"See here," the therapist tried to assert himself. "We aren't encouraging this kind of behavior. What Letitia did was wrong. You can't intimidate people at the grocery store!"

"Why not?" The man next to him asked. "I think it's great. Get what you need and get out. If you forget something, go back after you pay for the rest. Not so hard to do." He leaned forward toward the group. "My pet peeve is people who can't make up their minds what they want to order at a fast food place. They've been in line ten minutes with that huge menu in front of them. Do they look at it? No. Not until they get to the register."

"I know what you mean, dude," the Hispanic young man said. "I worked McDonald's right? Got myself fired."

"Manuel, I don't think this is the time for that story," the therapist interjected.

"Dude, chill, okay? So this lady, must have weighed like three hundred and change, waddles up with her chubby kids. I'm waiting while the fat broad makes up her mind how many pounds of burgers she's gonna scarf down and her six year old starts yelling, 'Mommy, Mommy! I want a Whopper!'" He snorted, rolling his eyes expressively. "So I said, 'Kid, we don't do Whoppers here, that's Burger King.' And he starts crying. 'How about a Big Mac and fries?' I'm being nice. She starts to argue with me about why can't I give her dumb kid a Whopper? I sad, 'Lady, I'd love to give him a Whopper, but we don't do Whoppers at McDonald's.' She's screaming by this time. So I climbed up on the counter, drop my pants and flash the entire restaurant. 'Lady, that's the only Whopper in the store. Okay?' I got arrested for indecent exposure." He shrugged, fidgeting like he wanted a cigarette.

"This is getting out of hand, Manuel."

"Hey, ain't my fault." He shrugged, leaning back in his seat.

"I hate bad drivers," the lady to Letitia's right said angrily. "Can't decide what speed to go! Can't stay in their lanes! Blinkers going for six blocks and they slow at every cross street!"

"Or tail gate on a four lane road when nobody else is around," the older man added. "I had some guy follow me back and forth like I had a magnet on my rear. Right on my bumper. Every time I changed lanes, he did."

"How did you handle that, Frank?" The therapist asked despite himself.

"Hit my brakes and let him rear end me," Frank nodded happily, grinning.

He and Manuel did a high five.

"I hate when people turn and think about it," Letitia added. "Like they start to slow down two blocks away, with the blinker on. Practically stop to turn in at the gas station. Come on, already! Get out of the road! I wish I drove a huge truck or maybe a tank. POW! I'd take 'em out!" She giggled with anticipation.

"Did you ever see that movie, 'Death Race 2000'?" The older lady asked.

"Dude! I love that movie!" Manuel grinned.

"Well, more than once," she admitted forcefully. "I've wanted to hit the accelerator and mow people down!" She put her hands up like she was gripping a steering wheel, mashing her foot to the floor. "VOOOM!"

"Marie!" the therapist was appalled. "That's it!" He bellowed. "Class dismissed!" He got up and walked out, banging the door behind him.

"Hey, Chica," Manuel addressed Letitia. "You rock, baby. Want to go out for coffee?"

"Sure!"

"Yes, let's all go," Marie said excitedly. "I feel like stirring up trouble."

"That's why I love this group so much," Frank said with a grin. "I feel so much better when it's over."

To Find Dellani's Books:

Indian Summer, Lone Wolf & Shakazhan

Under the Western Sky & The Ninja Tattoo

Red River Radio Has a New Look!

A few months ago, I took over the Red River Radio network from founder, April Robins. I decided that we needed a bold, new look. I asked the folks who host The Art of Red River if they could help me out. The talented Mike Dubisch came up with a great new logo. Thank you, Mike!

Be sure to check out all the shows on Red River Radio. Look for Dellani's Tea Time and What's Write for Me - my shows.

We also have Speak Out America Now - political talk show by Peter J. Dawson.

The Art of Red River with hosts Mike & Carolyn Dubisch with additional support of Wade Zahares.

Another popular show is Gate Beautiful hosted by Linda Kozar, Sharon Leaf, Lynette Sewell and Lena Nelson Dooley.

Barbara Hodges has a wonderful show every third Tuesday at 7:00 PM Eastern time.

Fran Lewis pulls out all the stops when she speaks to authors every third Wednesday from 3:00 - 5:00 PM Eastern time.

We will be adding more new programs this year, including a wonderful new show with murder author, Karen Vaughan!

Logo by Mike Dubisch