The Writer's Life 2/26 - Forgiven

I've never seen any of the Kardashian shows. I don't watch "reality" TV. That said, a tip of the hat to the family matriarch, Kris Jenner, who just negotiated a hundred million dollar deal. The program may have a lowest common denominator mentality, but it is proof of America's vitality. Even those who lack discernible talent, other than good looks, the accident of genes, can make a fortune in the land of the free. A talent for marketing goes a long way. I'd be very happy if my efforts increased my book sales a mere five-percent. Of course, then I'd want ten-percent, etc..

Members of the 1966 Lafayette High School football team had a great surprise this week when Frank Zanca, our two-way junior tackle, joined Facebook. His parentage must have been northern Italian, as he was huge by the standards of that time, at least six-two, 225. And his athleticism was as impressive as his size. Fortunately, he didn't have a mean bone in his big body. He let the rest of us off easy. I haven't seen him since the week before Christmas of 1967, when I visited the school. I heard he settled in California and went off the map for a long time. I don't even know if he played college football, although I'd be surprised if he hadn't given it at least a shot. The grapevine says he's a cancer survivor. Ralph Betesh, our Captain, is organizing a reunion that will include those who were juniors that year. I so hope it comes off. As the years roll by, I realize how important everyone I've met has been to my life, even those with whom I was at odds. All is forgiven. Time is the great healer, and along the line one realizes, or should realize, that the enemy is almost always oneself.

The WOR weatherman said the wind chill was ten degrees. At 11:30 I went out to my usual book nook and, sure enough, the breeze along Avenue Z was brisk. I hung out for a while without setting up shop, greeting people with whom I've become friendly. The Fed-Ex guy who takes the train into Manhattan thanked me profusely for saving him from a ticket yesterday. After two years or so, the parking spot at the island directly across the street, on the East 13th side, is now off-limits. The "No Standing" sign must have gone up sometime this week. I shouted and pointed to it. He had to hunt for another spot, which is never easy, but he was not going to lose money to the criminals in office. I believe he is Indian. I have no idea what faith he practices, but he always says: "God bless you," even though it is he who donates books to me.   

Vic's 5th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/okxkwh5Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3

Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/pdxwsnt

Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp

Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f

Vic's Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/

Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/