In high school, my friend showed me a list of things from the web that every guy without a father ought to know. It had things like shaving in the shower to save time, tying your tie, cooking a good steak, the obvious date-related tips… I had learned most of these ‘lifehacks’ from my two … Continue reading How to be a Man
He was often left to ponder, during dull moments, his course in life. Like some sentient ship he knew the formidability of the direction he was on, his efforts to get there, etc. As is often the case with people who are successful beyond their understanding he felt guided like a ship by a captain. … Continue reading Like Leaving A Cocktail Party (Short Story)
A few days after Father’s Day I was feeling pretty down. I had gone the week before to a friend’s cottage. We’d been drinking a lot one night and she looked over at me and another friend – it was a Sunday I believe – and asked if we’d want to go tomorrow. Shrugs all … Continue reading That Was The Fish Account
Perhaps the most foundational aspect to my life are the people around me. I am a very social person, I tend to meet quite a few people and I am never long without someone, if not to date, at least to talk with. It makes the difficulties of life, those that I've faced and the … Continue reading Relationship Status
I listened to an episode of the podcast Criminal in the car ride on my way home from the cottage the other day. It was about a prison warden from Oregon who presided over two executions in the 90s, or 80s not really sure. What was most interesting, besides the fact that he is now … Continue reading Repeal the Death Penalty
I am in Michigan on vacation, having left Chicago yesterday. It is a beautiful state, with a lot of greenery. Most importantly, it's given me a certain amount of equanimity (if that is possible). I feel recharged. For one thing, I love to see my family. It's always interesting what new stories will be ushered … Continue reading Saugatuck, Mi
Anthony Bourdain's death hit me harder than a celebrity's has ever before. In recent years, if you don't remember, the world has lost singers, actors, writers, comedians - many many people. In other words, my adolescence has seen countless famous people die in countless ways. It was not until Bourdain's death though that I truly … Continue reading RIP AB
I should probably be writing this in the nighttime walking through an alleyway. It has taken me awhile, but I have finally watched the Barry Jenkins film 'Moonlight'. I was initially hesitant because of the silliness at the Oscars that overshadowed, if only for a hot sec, the movie itself. Jenkins has made a beautiful … Continue reading Moonlight Thoughts
It's Valentine's Day, baby, and it's been about a month since I've spoken with my ex. The last day we spoke was our breakup and so I guess it's time for some reflections now that it's Valentine's - what else are writers for after all. I'm not upset about this, really, but I can't help … Continue reading It’s Valentine’s Day, baby
I don't know that I ever in my life would've figure myself for an art critic-in-training. I didn't even start at The Journal writing for Art, I was News for my first five or six articles. Now, my portfolio is overflowing with reviews: plays, paintings, performances. I wear this title sarcastically, of course. I am … Continue reading Art Critic-in-training
Clayton Tomlinson 