Any proper poet has a desert in their soul and I had not visited mine in weeks, so yesterday Melanie and I drove out to the area where I did most of my growing up, Imperial County, California.

This is the southeasternmost county in the state, a land of bleak hills, sand dunes, alkali dirt, canals and farm fields. And small desert towns like dusty jewels on a beige apron.

I've been running BigCloset for more than 26 years. I've lost loved ones and found new ones. I've made friends here and elsewhere. I've written novels, stories, essays, poems and songs. I've published books.

And you all have been here with me to share this space that we have created together, a friendly place to read, write and discuss TG fiction...and other things that interest us.

Can't say it often enough.

I grew up in the Imperial Valley, the southeast corner of California. Big farming area in a desert.

My dad worked for the Imperial Irrigation District as a zanjero, a ditch rider. Farmers and other water-users like cities and industries buy water, which is delivered through a series of canals, originating in the Colorado River 70 to 100 miles away. They have done this for about 100 years.

It's movie night for Joni and her(?) sisters! But being a "girl" now means things are a bit different than Joni is used to....

This is not the regularly scheduled request for funds to operate BC. This is an extraordinary request for funds to help Melanie and I get back home so we can operate BC. We had an accident in my car. We are both fine, unhurt. But the car was not so lucky.

At the moment, we're stuck in the little town you end up in if you DO take a left turn at Albuquerque. The motel is nice but we want to go home. I haven't been able to get answers from the insurance as to whether they are going to cover a rental car while they decide whether to repair the car or junk it.

Originally posted February 13, 2000 on Original BigCloset

"Sparky Is My Hero"
by Joyce E. Melton

February 13, 2000

I'm currently writing and posting my autobiography here on BC and on Patreon. The current episode, #4 - Doodlebug Wages, in on the BC front page right now.

These are from personal memories (yes, I do remember things that happened when I was two) and family stories and most of them show what an incredible spoiled brat I was. :)

I hope you read them, enjoy and leave a comment.

Hugs,
Erin

I felt a warm glow at the compliment despite the disturbing implications. Could I get used to this? I wondered.

Over on Patreon/BC, the newly christened Hallelujah Jones copes with dinner out and an inordinate amount of attention from everything male.