scraps

A series of writing snippets taken from my prodigious archive of materials (journals, letters, notes, etc)–interesting, funny, and otherwise.

Enjoy. I spared you the freaking poetry.

****************************

Primary source: Letter from my Dad to me during my geologic field mapping camp in Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah

Theme: 10% rule

May 31, 1995

(background note: my father served in the Marines during the Vietnam War; I never had crabs)

9:40 PM

Mood – Better

Ser. no – 2421431

Home – Hotel Co.

Dear Allison,

Well how’s the bush treating you? Do you have jungle rot or ‘mersion foot? How are your crabs?

How is the weather? Today was 81 degrees, sunny and breezy. Boogie let me take his bike for a ride last week. Wow. It was just terrific. I need another bike to make me whole. I just can’t explain it to anyone but you.

How many assholes are in your group? Well, if there are thirty you’ll have three assholes. Just let me know, it’s about 10 percent. One out of ten. It’s so true, just check it out and let me know.

Well, I’ll get another letter out in a couple of days. I love you very much and miss you.

I love you,

Dad

XOXOXOXOXO

scraps

A series of writing snippets taken from my prodigious archive of materials (journals, letters, notes, etc)–interesting, funny, and otherwise.

Enjoy. I spared you the freaking poetry.

****************************

Primary source: Allison’s journal

1/27/1994

Listening to that awesome Steven Stills tune “Everybody I Love You” on the bus at 6:30 this morning. Dark. Realized Steve was not on a bus when he wrote it.

2/3/1994

(background note: I pierced my nose in 1994)

Dad has pointed out for the 30th time that he’s seen quite a few lesbians AND black women with nose rings. I told him the truth — I’m a black lesbian.

9/2/1995

(background note: written at camp)

Dad just shot me with a BB gun and I freaked. Left and came back. Now he’s gone and it’s nice. My hammock rules. As does Neil Young.

4/28/1997

(background note: I am deathly afraid of flying)

Sitting my butt down in the airport–pre-flight to Phoenix. A priest is waiting to board the same flight. I’m definitely OK. It’s when there’s a nun you have to worry.