She was about five feet four, with thick brown hair that came to just below her ears. She didn’t pay much mind to it. Her skin was pale. She had brown eyes and largish lips that were always painted with the gaudiest orange lipstick. She was forever rubbing it off her teeth with a forefinger. She had a seemingly permanent case of cottonmouth. When you listened to her talk, all you wanted to do was to give her a glass of water. She constantly tried to fight the dryness by smacking her lips, moving her tongue about or swallowing. Nothing worked. Her mouth miraculously stayed dry all the time.
Now I'm a fan of Jan's also! That NY Jewish humor slays me. Your portrayal of the supportiveness of your writers' group is so true (of the best of them.) Too bad I can't read Jan's writing anywhere. I'd love it.
Wonderful blog entry, Richard. I do remember Jan, although not with anywhere near the clarity you have for her. Even though I have a pretty good mental picture of what she looked like, this puts her much more in focus as a person. The fact that you remember individual lines she spoke, tells us all we need to know about her effect on you in particular and the group in general. That group, The Famous Writers Group as we called ourselves (ironically, since none of us were anywhere near famous) was a moment in time that's precious, probably to all of us in different ways. I have a framed photograph of a bunch of us taken, I think, in Gini's apartment after one of our meetings (if you don't have it, I can send it to you). Someone once remarked that we looked like the cast of a soap opera (said in the best possible way, as a compliment). So, thanks so much for sparking this memory of the group.
Thanks, Charles! I always appreciate you reading my stuff, and I'm glad you liked this piece. I wish I knew what Jan was up to today! Yes, please send me the photo. And, yes, the group was, and is, so important to me. Sidebar: I've put together, inspired by your suggestion, some of these entries to see if they can be anything all together. Who knows?
Now I'm a fan of Jan's also! That NY Jewish humor slays me. Your portrayal of the supportiveness of your writers' group is so true (of the best of them.) Too bad I can't read Jan's writing anywhere. I'd love it.
Me, too, Elizabeth!
Very poignant. Perhaps she'll somehow find her way to this piece of writing and get in touch with you!
I hope so!
Wonderful blog entry, Richard. I do remember Jan, although not with anywhere near the clarity you have for her. Even though I have a pretty good mental picture of what she looked like, this puts her much more in focus as a person. The fact that you remember individual lines she spoke, tells us all we need to know about her effect on you in particular and the group in general. That group, The Famous Writers Group as we called ourselves (ironically, since none of us were anywhere near famous) was a moment in time that's precious, probably to all of us in different ways. I have a framed photograph of a bunch of us taken, I think, in Gini's apartment after one of our meetings (if you don't have it, I can send it to you). Someone once remarked that we looked like the cast of a soap opera (said in the best possible way, as a compliment). So, thanks so much for sparking this memory of the group.
Thanks, Charles! I always appreciate you reading my stuff, and I'm glad you liked this piece. I wish I knew what Jan was up to today! Yes, please send me the photo. And, yes, the group was, and is, so important to me. Sidebar: I've put together, inspired by your suggestion, some of these entries to see if they can be anything all together. Who knows?
This is heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing in such a caring manner.
Thank you, Marilyn.