Funeral arrangements for Becerro are finalized. Family members rush about in a surrealistic mindset, gathering supplies and keeping busy against the imminent shock and overwhelming grief of saying goodbye.
I sit in a Wal Mart McDonalds, waiting, in full-on support mode, watching the people around me.
To most I am only some guy sitting alone, nursing a cup of coffee. Little do they know that I am like Jane Goodall or Marlin Perkins, or maybe even Jacques Cousteau, observing and documenting. But, this is no science project.
I am collecting. I am picking up on subtle and overt characteristics of humanity in order to "stock" my "lab," to where I shall retreat. There I will build my world and populate it with characters, monsters and heroes, victims and idiots and braniacs and almost certainly a SpongeBob derivative.
And they'll never know.
He he he ...
Ken McCreless is just a guy who loves to write. No dazzling website or publishing milestones, just a love for words and a respect for the power they wield. Contact him at ken@kenmccreless.com
i know this time is difficult for you. i've been there for both my parents wakes and funerals, and i must say, i still think wakes are barbaric, but nonetheless, i've been to many. (also too many!)
stay in touch with your Heavenly father, and keep observing all the kooks:)
I agree with sitting in a McDonald's to watch the world, Ken. Especially at a Walmart. The variety of people is like a who's who of characters from every possible novel.
I appreciate you taking the time to write during this time. Humor helps in ways we can never know.
That is so true, Michael. Like the difference in women that gracefully reach down for an item as if they were a princess and those who bend over like they are NOT surrounded by dozens of people!
But the folks I saw gave me an idea for another story that I began working on the same day- (working title) "The Violent Grievances of Clark the Penguin."
My condolences...and how great that you are constantly working on your passion of observing and being involved with everything around you. You are lucky you care and we are lucky you care too--when you share your "stuff"-- keep the faith!
And Mcdonald looms as a retreat.But there are no real retreats,as long as we are forced to take ourselves, with us,wherever we go;consider;just as you observe and record others,another is watching you,closely,as well,unnoticed,from a distance.
I offer my condolences as well. You have reached that period in your life and it can be difficult.
I am glad, however, that you can still observe the world and keep your humor. Good job, Ken. I'm definitely looking forward to reading what comes from this one!
Bro - and here is one of the many reasons I love you so! Head held high in times when it rightfully should be swinging low, and yet you still manage to bring a laugh to those who know you. You are sure to be the rock your wife and the rest of the family need because it is clear you are leaning on your ROCK.
Ken-You are one creative fellow! The best material is always the material taken from real life! Thanks for sharing! I will notice those people in the Walmart McDonalds more closely and be self conscious from now on! :)
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