The journey home was even better than the one there. The thought that he was finally rid of the old battle-axe, was the icing on the cake. It was like all his birthdays had come at once.

Always remember, family is everything. If you know what's good for you.

not so silent night...

A Hispanic Stanford grad infiltrates the illegal farmworker world of central California to conduct research for a book he is writing.

Enclosed is a short story, titled "Death Bed" (approx. 1400 words), which depicts a scenario between an abusive husband and his wife, upon learning of JFK's assassination, which then escalates to murder and suicide.

"Redford and Newman: Last Call", (approx. 9000 words). The two great American actors meet on the night one year prior to Newman's death of lung cancer. They exchange barbs, sentimentality and wordless commentary over a final evening of cocktails and dinner, much as they did onscreen, though in this case, unedited and in real life. They reminisce about their lifelong friendship, their careers, their off-screen lives, their tragic shared history, their regrets and the women they never had. A discreet, lovely bartender complements the mood of intimacy.

Nature bless all the poor little birds; feed them for the joy that they give

Once upon a Christmas