I have been neglectful of this space but for good reason. I must remember that I can do anything, just not everything. I’ve been involved with United World College USA since about September. I volunteer for small duties, sometimes with the students. I enjoy being here. I also have been helping Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) folks in Santa Fe by co-facilitating workshops in the New Mexico Penitentiary.
Another focus has been building a community of people in Las Vegas, New Mexico (where I am living) who want to be trained to do AVP workshops also. All these efforts have kept me from writing but my brain has been writing all along. I have some fun things to explore and I have begun roughing outlines on paper with pencil.
Here is an older short piece from a few years ago maybe. I put it here. It may be remembered but I have continued to tweak it for smoother reading. I hope you enjoy it.
ALFRED and ALICE
Alfred finished dressing, slipped on the espadrilles wedges and stood in front of the mirror. Not bad Alfred, now “Alice”, thought. What a relief to get out of those trousers, tight shoes and shirt. This was much more exciting and felt right.
Alice checked her makeup and blotted her lips on a tissue. With a renewed feeling of power and energy she exited her cabin and headed for the dining room.
Alice joined the captain as a guest for dinner and the sight of the engineering officer absolutely undid her. The captain was an old salt with alcohol sunburn across his cheeks and nose. The engineer on the other hand was younger than middle aged, ruggedly handsome and a bit mean looking.
What is it about butch guys with grimy finger nails and untamed dark locks?, Alice wondered. Oh, stop that crap. Just take your seat. Alice took her assigned seat next to the captain.
The engineer was the most handsome man in the whole dining room. Alice adjusted her eye glasses and saw the gorgeous man look in her direction. They both flashed a courteous smile; nothing more. The engineer’s sea-blue eyes swung to the captain and then to his drink.
Jesus, thought Alice. He’s a wet-dream come alive. My, my…
Alice stiffened. What. The fuck. Is this?
The captain’s hand was sliding up her calf and onto her knee.
Alice rolled her eyes. Oh, for crying out loud!, she thought, This is not what I signed up for.
Alice slid her hand onto the captain’s, pushed it away and left the table.
No one followed and Alice was grateful for that.
G. M. Goodwin
14 April 2015
Playing Fair and Being Kind 