J.J. Goodman: Writings, Musings and More

New ideas kicking around in my head. Not sure where they're going but, as usual, I thought I would run it by you and see what you thought. _____________________ Ben had no idea what would happen when he attended one of the biggest charity events in LA that fall. What it would lead was little more than West Coast Confusion.  ******             It was early. Much too early.   Even for his jetlagged body. He had been on the west coast for less than twenty-four hours and, as he stood on the balcony at 5:30 a.m. waiting for the morning, he really had no idea of the time. The moon shone brightly as it descended towards the horizon, casting the Pacific’s slumbering waves in ethereal iridescence. The air was cool and refreshing and he hoped it would clear his mind. It didn’t. Glancing over his should back into the room all he could do was shake his head and wonder just what in the hell he had gotten himself into. Maybe it was nothing, and maybe that’s all it should be.            

In the past week or so I have heard or read the following in response to things I've said and done: "You are not normal." "You need help." "There is something very wrong with you." "How in the hell does your mind work?" "Nice tie." (Ok I just threw that last one in there, I was wearing a really nice tie that day.) I can't deny any of the accusations. Thankfully they are usually followed by laughter or an "lol" but I think there is just a hint of fear behind the sentiments expressed. No, I am not normal. And I'm damn proud of that fact. Let me give you a little context - I've begun an annual tradition whereby I write an ode to my friends on Facebook by altering the prose of the timelessly classic poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. While I do try to keep the generally Christmasy (it's a word, shut it) feel of the story, the lyrics are altered so that I can include as many names of my fri