Stacey E. Bryan's Blog, page 2
May 30, 2024
Except For That One Time
I have a bad habit, when corresponding with people who don’t respond in a timely fashion, especially if they usually do respond in a timely fashion, to start thinking the worst has happened. I start thinking there was an emergency, an accident, maybe even death.
Basically, though, nothing ever happens. Of course! They’re just busy. Or they never saw it. Or, if they’re really smart, they just ignore me.
Except for that one time.
When my book came out (several years ago already), the publ...
April 20, 2024
All For the Low, Low Price of…
A friend from the blogosphere suggested an update on my job search might be of interest to some. But unfortunately, there’s nothing spectacular or, more realistically, even remotely significant to report.
At least the diabolical and anti-life Unemployment Office is out of my life, along with its theatrically thuggish associates trepidation and dread. So I’ve ceased to receive emails, texts, phone calls, and snail mail letters that say: YOU HAVE DARED TO DEFY THE UNIMPEACHABLE ANTITHETICAL...
March 24, 2024
Miracle on a Tuesday
We weren’t looking for a miracle last week, but we got one. It was small and not life-changing in any way, but when you’re not expecting it, it’s especially enjoyable.
But first, things that didn’t happen: We did not spot Sasquatch wandering through Burbank.
We did not gain the ability to fly (but we still want to; who wouldn’t?).
We did not find a bar of gold under a bush in Griffith Park (otherwise this blog would be PAID FOR and ad free)
We did not sell a screenplay or ge...
January 22, 2024
What I Did Last Summer: Part II (The horror. The horror)
In 2006, when union negotiations fell through and the head office back east decided to close our LA office down, I was unemployed for about two weeks before I found a job.
This time: not so lucky.
The unexpected foray into the unemployment system has been strange and unsettling, sparking a mysterious, serpentine journey that would make the maze in The Shining, even with your maniac father chasing you through the snow with a pickaxe, seem benevolent.
At least the system exists, that’s true, but...
January 1, 2024
Calling All Writers: Ho!
Glen of the Scenic Writer’s Shack is throwing a writing competition. Really short (400 words minimum, 500 maximum) and cash prizes! We have to the end of February to hand our masterpieces in. Drop in at his site to see requirements. I hope to see a bunch of you there!
The Scenic Writer’s Shack 2024 Short Story Comp
December 25, 2023
Happy Holidays 2023
Me and my bro, back in the day. Evidently, pessimism is an old friend of mine.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
December 9, 2023
What I Did Last Summer: Part I
Seven or eight or nine years ago (I don’t remember the exact number because I’ve repressed it), Doom walked into my place of work dressed in business casual attire. Hair styled in a manner similar to game show hosts from the ’70s or car salesmen from the ‘80s. Easy, confident smile plastered on a bland politician-like face.
The minute Doom entered the room, friendly-like, flying his plans and promises like a kite, I think we all heard the clock start ticking. I tried to get out. Before w...
July 30, 2023
Psst: DeSantis! Pot Meet Kettle.
Regarding DeSantis and “slaves learning valuable skills,” aside from the delusional arrogance of that statement, he’s forgetting the literal life skills provided by Native Americans to the settlers because they were starving and freezing and incapable of survival. Without the First Americans’ help, settlers wouldn’t have lived long enough for later generations to then make moronic statements about skills and who, exactly, had them.
Some life events have occurred here in sunny California, and I’...
June 18, 2023
FORGET THE ALAMO
Innocent Texians minding their own business were suddenly challenged by Mexican General Santa Anna then brutally murdered at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas?
Davy Crockett went down fighting in heroic glory for what he believed was good and true: American ideals of righteous justice?
Brave Texians stayed till the last man, defending– as https://www.thealamo.org/remember/battle-and-revolution puts it– freedoms worth fighting for?
Um…no.
In the painting in that link, super-dark, de...
April 19, 2023
10 Inspiring Attic Libraries
I had to reblog this, because I could pretty much die happily in any one of these rooms. Thanks, Aspasía!
Photo by Mathias P.R. Reding on Pexels.com
I’ve never had a proper attic anywhere I lived, the kind where it’s a large, open space with a high, sloping ceiling and at least one window (in newer buildings “attics” tend to be windowless crawlspaces full of insulation). But I was always fascinated by these spaces. The ones I’d see on TV always seemed mysterious, full of trea...
