Smile by BJ Neblett

The end of the year is upon us and a new year is at hand. And, as usual we have an over abundance of 'list': from social to political to geographical; from absurd to even more absurd. One particular list caught my attention because it involved my adopted home town. It seems Seattle has the dubious honor of being ranked in the top five of unfriendly US cities. As mush as I hate to admit, there may be some validity to the non-scientific survey. All one needs do is take a leisurely stroll around the Emerald City to note a distinct lack of eye contact and friendly acknowledgement between passing strangers. Therefore, for the betterment and enrichment of Seattle, and all cities and peoples everywhere, I humbly submit the following.
Safe, happy and peaceful holidays to all!
BJ

Smile

by BJ Neblett

© 2006, 2013

            The simple smile can be a powerful thing. A modest, alluring smile has brought about the downfall of the common man to the most invincible leader. It is said a smile has turned the tides of battles; the course of history, and the hearts of the most hardened men.

            Like most, I have been both confounded and rewarded in my attempts to decode and interpret the intricate nuances of the female smile. However, I have found the most intriguing and endearing quality of a smile to be how well it works in reverse. It is difficult to remain angry when you are forced to smile. And it is hard not to love the one who makes you smile.

            From Mona Lisa to Bill Clinton, volumes have been written on the possible meanings of the grin; smirk; beam; simper, and sneer. A well timed, well placed smile can be a blessing and a curse to its intended recipient, often both at the same time. It is indeed the most dangerous and effective of weapons.

            It has been my experience that perhaps the best, if not most logical response when confronted with a smile is to simply accept, return and enjoy.

“Smile though your heart is breaking…”

                                    Smile

                                    Cole Porter

                                                                        “Smile and let them wonder

                                                                          what you are up to.”

                                                                                                Bumper Sticker

                        “…don’t let the handshake and the smile fool you…”

                                                            Smiling Faces

                                                            The Undisputed Truth

More reasons to smile: https://www.google.com/search?q=smile+quotes&rlz=2C1GTPM_enUS0537US0537&espv=210&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=xDqtUsPOFM31oAS52YK4DA&ved=0CDoQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=638

Number Three Encounter by BJ Neblett

Number Three Encounter

by BJ Neblett

© 2013

E mail to the Stranger Newspaper, September 23, 2013.

Dear Sirs,

Please include the following ad in your ‘I Saw You and Missed Connections’ column with your on line personals.

Thank you.

Last Friday afternoon, September 20, it was around two PM, maybe 2:30, in downtown Seattle, the #3 bus. I got on at Third and James Street. I promised not to drip on you as I sat down. Did I?

You were wearing a grey Huskies sweatshirt. You had longish dark hair, a ponytail, pretty painted nails, pink I remember, and a killer smile. You reminded me of the sexy heroine stepping out of the pages of one of my short stories.

Me, I’m just a guy who sat next to you, a writer, a hopeless romantic some say, others aren’t so kind. I wore a blue slicker with a Looney Tunes tie and a silly grin.

We talked a bit, you and I, about the rain, and buses, and coffee, and Seattle, and nothing in particular.

I told you I wasn’t from Seattle. You said you could tell because I carried an umbrella.

I wanted to say more but I found myself drowning in your beautiful dark chocolate eyes.

The lady sitting in the wheelchair asked us to ding the bing bong for her to make the bus stop and we both laughed.

I made you a pink origami duck. It matched your nails, do you remember?

How’s he doing?

Actually, I looked for you the next day, and the day after.

But you were gone and so was the rain.

Anyway, I’d like it if we could meet; maybe have coffee and talk about the rain and buses and Seattle and ducks.

You can be my sexy heroine with the killer smile.

I’ll be just a guy with a Looney Tunes tie and a silly grin.

You can text me anytime.

And remember to ding the bing bong when you want the bus to stop.

I’ll be waiting.

Billy.