Monthly Archives: May 2010

Josie’s Journal – Part II

Well, I guess Josie’s not too angry that I shared her personal journal. She showed me another part of it  – a couple of very personal entries. I’ll probably keep sharing her journal here unless she gives me the silent treatment.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, check out the previous post.

July 3, 1937

I am numb. Not sure I can put two words together.

July 24, 1937

The flood came.

I went to town with Johnny to get supplies for the week. It was hot, and I was a touch weary but tried not to let on. When we were done we went down the street to McLemore-Bass for ice cream, like usual. And like usual I smiled as I walked in, the bell on the door ringing. It always smells so good in there.

But something was wrong. I stopped.

Then I remembered for the 1,000^th time. Mitch wasn’t there, and he wouldn’t ever be there again.

Johnny noticed even before me that I wasn’t moving past the doorway. When he turned to look at me, I saw his smile turn to a frown. He looked worried. I didn’t know what he was looking at until I looked down and saw tears dripping down onto my shirt. Big, fat ones. I gritted my teeth…I would not cry right there – in the middle of Abilene, for Pete’s sake.

I waited until we were in the truck and on the way home before I let those stupid tears have their way. And it hurt so bad that Mitch wasn’t there to wipe them away with his ratty blue kerchief. He always said it was his good luck charm.

Josie’s Journal – A Prequel

While writing my current novel (read about it here), my main character is sharing something new with me. …I know, we writer-types sound a little loopy when we talk about our characters like they’re real people. But it happens.

Josie is starting to share with me some of her personal journal entries. These notes are from the time before the novel begins, and they won’t be included in the final story. The entry below gives a sliver of a glimpse into Josie’s teenage years.

July 2, 1937

Going to the Stamford Rodeo tomorrow with Lindy and her folks. Will see Mitchell ride his bronc. He’s so excited, and I’m proud for him. Trying not to think about the danger. Will he be nervous? Some are saying that there could be almost 70,000 people there. 70,000 – mercy! I’ve never seen that many people in one place. I’m hoping I can talk to him before he rides. But if not he knows I’m rooting for him. And I can give him our secret signal.

I can’t believe we’ve been sweet on each other for nearly two months now. We’ve been pals for so long. It’s still a little odd to think of him that way. Best not to dwell on that too much. Better get to bed. Gotta do my chores before I can leave for Stamford.