I don't do email so much to journallers and I usually keep my comments on the material to myself, but, I just read your fable about the smart little girl, my goodness, I wish I could write like you. Seriously. That story was pretty remarkable and the ending joke about tenure - you are way too clever to be with Jeremy. Oops, did I just say that out loud?. (I tease - I am sure you both feel rather lucky to have found each other and each of us should be so fortunate.)

If you would write me stories like that on a weekly basis I would volunteer to be your kid anyday. (Just kiddin' about that. I mean, you are almost old enough to be my mom and stuff, but I'd have to deal with one helluva of an Oedipus complex.)

Just thought I'd take a chance and share my feelings without sitting around naked with a group of men at a tribal campfire for once. Well, at least the is no campfire or group of men - some habits are just too hard to break.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Answers

You're making me blush, Rudeboy. You're only supposed to do that by talking dirty to me.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

Well, you did it again. This time it wasn't an awe inspiring tale but the association of the misfortunate tail smashing accident with child abuse. Really. Let us examine how this was accomplished.

First, we see the bigger protector dog run to the defense of the smaller one. That alone evokes a certain inner reesponse. Next, the injured, or victim dog, takes refuge on the upstairs bed, curling (possibly fetally) in an attempt to "hide". And we know that Mochi is not hiding from the pain but from a temporarily shattered world. A world where those that we love the most often inflict us with the greatest pain.

Then, the killer.

Nope," I nodded. "She's saying, 'Daddy, I'll be a good girl; don't hurt me anymore, Daddy.' She loves you."

I wanted to laugh, and find this slightly amusing. But I didn't because it wasn't. It felt real. The dog was real. The pain was even more real. It was univeral and it made me pause. I read it four more times, each time more slowly than the last. What a very good writer you are Ms. Xeney.

Sorry to be so emotional. Geez, you'd almost think it was my time of the month and that I was on the rag or something.

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2001

Or something.

I agree, Beth writes amazing stuff.

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2001

The part about how you had to wait outside in the sun and then Jeremy came home and laughed about it made me want to punch him in the stomach for you.

Am I sharing too much here?

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2001

ummm... did you guys not get the memo that specifies this thread as a 'rudeboy only' zone?

Just kiddin'. Ha! I rule.

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2001

See, you guys are embarrassing me, because I can't take credit for any of this ... Mochi WAS pathetic, and my boyfriend WAS a big mean doofus.

Jan: I think he apologized, too, but it was kind of drowned out by the laughter.

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2001

Beth, but you can and should take credit for it, because you conveyed it all perfectly. Your writing really is brilliant and well-done.

Rudeboy, you're not such a bad writer yourself. I always enjoy reading your posts on messageboards, and I know that I'm not alone on this. Where is your journal?

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2001

Ah. So you thought throwing out a bit of flattery would keep me from noticing that you're posting in my thread in direct defiance of the memo? Well missy, time to take your medicine. Come on and bend over papa rudeboy's knee. This is gonna hurt me way more than it hurts you. I mean, sure, physically you'll bear the brunt of pain but emotionally, man it's gonna tear me up.

-- Anonymous, March 20, 2001

I'd love to see a journal done by Rudeboy.

-- Anonymous, March 20, 2001

Sometimes you make me feel so sad. Anyway, there are about a bazillion and a half people who love (no, not luv, love) you. That sounds dumb and I'm a sap but in your case, I believe it's true. Sometimes it helps to be reminded of it, sometimes not. Touching people through words is more than a talent, it's a gift. The parts of Beth that I got to see online must belong to one gifted woman.

So, if you never update your journal again and the next thing I get to read by you happens to be because I saw it on Oprah's booklist, well, that means I'm pussy whipped and watching Oprah, but at least I'm readin' me some Xeney.

love, rudeboy

Ok, I'm gonna hit the 'Submit' button now before I reread this and decide to wipe it out...

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

rudeboy --

that was sweet. how nice!

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

See, now, I know you bunch are more intelligent than most of my other web associates. Heck, you're smarter than most of the people I know in real life. Everyone is funny, witty and, with a few exceptions, generally likeable. That's why for the life of me I can't understand how something as plain as Rudeboy Only seems to escape your comprehension.

Ok Julie, you know the drill. Over papa rudeboy's knee and save the drama for your mama cuz I refuse to spoil the child.

(u know I'm kiddin' write, right, rite? I luv u all and I never spank.)

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001