by Michael Davidson

The only thing sweeter than carrying a cold and unopened 24-ounce can of Steel Reserve onto a moonlit beach is carrying a cold and unopened 24-ounce can of Steel Reserve onto a moonlit beach in pleasant company. Two rounds of Maker’s Mark doesn’t hurt, but it isn’t necessary. Reserve is all it takes.

With Reserve in hand, the night is sure to be memorable. Yeahhhh.

I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. There are at least three other people I know by name who feel the exact same way about Reserve as I do. I do not need to name these people. They know who they are and they stand behind their tastes.

Without having to talk, Locust and Rob lead the way to the lifeguard tower fifty yards to the north. It looks to me like there’s someone sitting on the stairs, but as we get closer it becomes perfectly clear that the tower is ours. Domination.

Or is it serendipity?

Mouse click.

Tags: 211, ::CREATIVE WRITING::, ::PLACES::, ::ROAD TRIPS::, bioluminescence, fiction, ocean beach, san diego, Short Stories, steel reserve, Toyota Dolphin

by Michael Davidson

There are some songs that make me feel sexy, and I don’t like using that word, sexy, to describe any part of me. Maybe I should’ve said feline, there are some songs that make me feel feline. As You can see, my vocabulary is limited.  My choices are either sexy or feline, not necessarily synonyms.  Although some cats can be quite sexy.  Enough of this digressing.

It is nighttime. I wear earbuds and listen to Zero 7, a band who makes me feel sexy. I remember the past, as has become my habit, and begin to mope. Why is the past always a sore subject with me? It isn’t that way for everyone, right? No matter, for me the past is lined with painful memories. This is because not much has gone my way. more »

Tags: ::CREATIVE WRITING::, ::PLACES::, ::ROAD TRIPS::, bioluminescence, fiction, in the waiting line, running, san diego, Short Stories, stood up, sunset cliffs, Toyota Dolphin, zero 7

by Michael Davidson

The next day I am sitting on Sunset Cliffs with my notebook on my lap, pen between forefinger and thumb.  I recall the scenes from last night:  sprinting across La Jolla beach, watching footprints bleed phosphorescence, and singing the words to an unsung song.  Bioluminescence, how could I have lived so many years and stayed interested in life without you? 

I guess scuba divers ask themselves the same question when they discover a new species.  No biggie.

Confession:  When I was far enough away from the crowd, I, too, took after Diego and unzipped my pants.  Urine rippled and glowed on the sand.  Was this wrong of me, Dear Lord? more »

Tags: ::CREATIVE WRITING::, ::PLACES::, ::ROAD TRIPS::, bioluminescence, fiction, honeyed cat, la jolla, san diego, Short Stories, sunset cliffs, Toyota Dolphin

by Michael Davidson

Locust pulls off the road.  He opens his door and steps outside without inviting any of us to join him.  Apparently I am the only one who feels left out.  Rob, without missing a beat, zips his sweatshirt and follows suit.

You coming?

That is Diego standing in the doorway of the Toyota Dolphin.  The bubbler and lighter are sitting on the kitchen counter.  I tear the curtain away from the window and see a world so opaque not even outlines are distinguishable.  Only I know of the elephant.

Where are we?
San Diego.  C’mon, Morse, let’s go. more »

Tags: ::CREATIVE WRITING::, ::PLACES::, ::ROAD TRIPS::, bioluminescence, fiction, marijuana, rv, Short Stories, Toyota Dolphin