What were you doing at the start of the Summer of ‘19? Once upon a time that question brought images of straw hats and trolley cars. But we now have a new ‘19 to define in our memories, though it is still a bit too green for that at the moment.
Yet no matter what you were up to, 21 June 2019, was noteworthy because today’s rerun, Ghost Hats by Marco Etheridge, appeared on the site that day, which means that the day itself was not a complete loss.
Q: Nomadic, bohemian lives usually end in lame ways. Like the motorcycle accident involving Toby. Do you believe that the event has left something permanently broken inside Grace or will she overcome it?
Q: Asking if you would change anything is a standard question of this feature–but I think it is valid. After these few years is there anything you would change in this tale–or are you happy with it as is?
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And here are Marco’s responses.
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There are perils to living large, dancing close to the edge, of being a bohemian. Sometimes those dangers are fatal. I’m not Toby, but I do have a collection of dead friends from those days of rat bikes, squats, and dodgy neighborhoods many years removed from gentrification. I might have very easily shared Toby’s fate. But that does not answer the question.
I believe that one part of Grace will always be broken by the loss of Toby. But I don’t believe this is an either/or question. People are broken all the time. I remember the crusty old timers tossing out one of the worst recovery clichés ever uttered: “God never gives you more than you can handle.” What a load of crap. People sink beneath the tide. It happens. Tough world. I think Grace is one of the survivors. Scarred and broken maybe, but a survivor. Do we ever stop loving that one amazing person, even if they’ve passed on? I don’t think so. We cherish them, remember them, mourn them, and we carry them forward with us. That has certainly been my experience.
With regard to changing this particular story, I can offer a flat negative. “Ghost Hats” was one of those tales that felt complete and whole when I typed the last words. I proofed it (of course) but I don’t believe I made any revisions at all. Sometimes a story is like that, a rare gift.
Image: Pixabay.com – wormhole in space
literally stories 
Excellent Marco!
Another dreadful cliche is the one about if it doesn’t kill you it will make you tougher. For me I think “it” is softening you for an easier kill.
Great responses. Especially the positive affirmation expressed in the second answer.
Thank you!
Leila
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Marco – I don’t know how I missed this the first time around. The big connection is that I lived close enough to the Hollywood district of Portland in the 1950s to walk there. Used to go to the Hollywood Theater. Later moved to downtown Portland for college. How did you pick Portland as one of the locations for this story?
Portland at that time had a folk music scene and cheap apartments and drugs were available. All the cheap housing got torn down for urban renewal, expansion of what was Portland State College, and I405.
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Must’ve missed this wonderful story first time around. Thanks LS for re-running. Dont think I’ve ever read anything better addressing bereavement.
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Glad this excellent story was rerun. Vivid descriptions immerse the reader in Vienna and the characters are wholly believable. I fear Grace will be haunted by the ghost of Toby for a long time.
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Hi Marco,
It is always a delight to see your work!
Your answer regarding a survivor is poignant. It’s the old Keith Richards and Cockroach idea.
I love the idea of a professional survivor, it’s a bit like the ‘Indestructibles’
But I have to admit that I’ve shed more tears over some of my Indestructable’s deaths than those who should have been closer to me.
No matter who you are, what you are, what you have done and what you’ve got away with, if the ‘Ill Health Bastard’ has you in it’s sights, you are fucked!!!!
Hope all is well with you my fine friend.
Hugh
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Thanks Hugh,
I have lost folks I was sure were indestructible. Nothing could kill them. Harder than coffin nails and twice as sharp. Yet they’re dead and gone whilst I’m still sucking wind. And yes, some of them weren’t peaches n’ cream to hang with, sometimes horrid to be honest. But I love them still, warts, felonies, and all. Some days I miss them in a terrible dark way.
I’m still here.
Best alway S,
Marco
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A great piece of writing – the tone and voice are very natural, but of a definite Marco style – which is clearly a good thing!
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Thanks to everyone for the thoughtful comments, and a huge thank you to LS for featuring “Ghost Hats” as a Rerun. And double thanks for the positive feedback.
Marco, from Petchaburi, Thailand
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