Five new ann reed songs available for download
Listen to them here and then — because you’ll want them for your very own — click on the link below.
“Ann reframes the way in which we see ourselves and today’s bitter-sweet ironies so that the light continues to shine”
That's right, a book by Ann Reed.
Earl Johansen and Nearly Kelly have been friends since they were boys in Campbell, Iowa. Now old men, Nearly lives in the Veterans Home, where Earl is his frequent visitor and steadfast companion. As his health deteriorates and they reminiscence about days gone by, Nearly has only one regret — something Earl and a couple of new friends might help him resolve.
Citizens of Campbell is the story of a small Iowa town, the unlikely but enduring friendship between two World War II veterans, and the timeless gifts of living a simple life.
Purchase here. Also available on: Amazon Kindle and Audible.
Dribbles and Drabbles
Dribbles and Drabbles are types of flash fiction.
A Dribble is a piece of fiction no more than 50 words, and a Drabble one that is no more than 100 words. In my last email, I asked if people were up for writing a Dribble and/or a Drabble. I look forward to seeing them.
In the meantime, here’s my first attempt at each one.
Dribble
“Focus.”
”I am! The mouse went inside that small hole. I can hear it. Breathing.”
”It’s moving. Should we play with it or just, y’know, kill it and eat it?”
”Let’s chase it some more. You let the last one get away.”
”Did not. You did.”
”God, this is fun.”
Drabble
In her gray Honda Civic, wearing a beige sweater and olive green pants, she was a woman in search of color. The monochrome of winter had sat on her spirit like a 400-pound sack of sand. Parking on Cesar Chavez Avenue, she walked a long block to the wonderland of the Farmers Market. Today, I’ll buy a red sweater, she vowed. Tomorrow, I’ll get myself … her second promise evaporated. Her eyes, with great greed, took in the colors of bright, inviting annuals. “Can I help you?” a young woman dressed all in black asked. “You already did,” she said.
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Thanks to Sue in Iowa for this Drabble:
Loincloth Man, we called him, a RAGBRAI phenomenon clad only in a loincloth, biking shoes, and helmet as he and 15,000 others pedaled across Iowa.
Me, sitting on a rock wall waiting for my biking buddy to eat pancakes. (I preferred cinnamon rolls.)
Biking buddy, ”Hurry up, Sue. Loincloth man is leaving!” Not much to see as it turns out.
Fast forward to the next town as I attempt to pay for my cinnamon roll…. Oops. I, in my haste to see this man get on his bicycle, left my wallet on the rock wall.
Got it all back….. Iowa.
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And from Lisa, a Dribble (and she did it in under 50 words, 36 to be exact!) Thanks, Lisa!
“Just fifty words,” she thought, “Well, then, I’m going to find some really long words!”
Just as she was reaching for the dictionary, there was a knock at the door. It was those darned antidisestablishmentarianists again!
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Thanks to Naomi who sent this Dribble:
Mama turkey is on the lawn, ten chicks hidden in tall grass. An eagle, unnoticed, slips down between the trees. A long trail of feathers, ending with two wings and a gizzard, tells the story. The chicks are scattered, presumed lost. Mama turkey is feeding the eagle babies now.
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Jenifer — thanks for sending this Dribble:
Toilet tank dry—flapper failure—ten-dollar fix. Internet down—can’t find reset password—long for better memory. Midnight fire alarm—too much humidity—fan fixed it. Breeze tossed glider off dock—fished out--trophy catch. Wheelbarrow flat tire—find air pump—all for free firewood. Cabin weekend fun.
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Florence sent in this dribble — thank you!
I’ve moved my cart in front of the dairy section to check out cheeses and yogurts. A woman beside me is looking at them, too. I start moving my cart back. “You’re okay,” she says. A pause. “Not really.” We both laugh. A little humor in the grocery store.