I am currently revising the 1st edition of my memoir, Saturation. I have created a new blog where I will share portions of the updated version. My new goal is to republish the book by end of 2022. You will find snippets of the 2nd edition here: https://wordpress.com/view/buildwithwords.com I am also editing a short storyContinue reading “2nd Edition of Saturation: A Memoir”
Tag Archives: Memoir
Here Is The Big Announcement And It’s Not What You’re Thinking.
I am accepting applications for a reader/writing coach. I am NOT looking for an editor. I’ll get to that later. Right now, I am looking to hire someone to read my book, the 1st edition, and tell me what you THINK about the story – regardless what you think I might want to hear. TheContinue reading “Here Is The Big Announcement And It’s Not What You’re Thinking.”
Drama In The Dining Room
On my third day in treatment I finally made the mistake of deciding I could handle the noise in the dining room. I followed Shelly through the lunch line and tried to lip read her over the noise. It looked like she was explaining where to find things like napkins and condiments as I followedContinue reading “Drama In The Dining Room”
She Stole My Ice Cream.
At my third treatment center in Newport Beach, CA, we, the residents, were taken to the grocery store once a week to stock up on groceries. There were four of us to each apartment, which meant that only four of us used the refrigerator in our kitchen. One day, I picked out and bought aContinue reading “She Stole My Ice Cream.”
You Need To Move Your Bad Breath Away From Me And My Artwork.
The following is an excerpt from my book, Saturation: A Memoir. The night aide was new. That she was trying to overcome her boredom, which I could understand because there was nothing to do at 1:00 a.m., by occupying her time with me and the other two residents was annoying. She should have brought aContinue reading “You Need To Move Your Bad Breath Away From Me And My Artwork.”
The Confrontation – Con’t…
The following is an excerpt from my memoir, Saturation I turned back around without saying a word, glopped some food into a bowl and took a seat at a table next to the beverage cart. The longer I didn’t say or do anything, the angrier I got. I couldn’t eat. I could hardly sit still. Continue reading “The Confrontation – Con’t…”
The Confrontation
Lany, the assistant director of our treatment center, seemed oblivious to the fact that other people might overhear her if they’re standing next to her. I’d been editing my 1st step all morning. A 1st step is a lengthy AA assignment and we were asked to complete one during treatment. By the time I realizedContinue reading “The Confrontation”
The Game.
One morning during breakfast, late in the second week of my stay, someone announced that our schedule had been changed and everyone needed to meet downstairs in the lecture room at 9:30. I arrived early and counted 45 chairs placed in a U shape against three of the walls in the room. The chairs startedContinue reading “The Game.”
What Does A Productive Day Entail?
Does it mean I get to go to bed having completed at least 3/4ths of the things on my list? How about half? How about if I manage to get at least one thing done? Was I productive? I don’t know. So, I’m editing my book and it’s turning into a bigger challenge than IContinue reading “What Does A Productive Day Entail?”
Little Yellow Mountain Bike
“Oh, look!” Beth exclaimed. “Someone forgot his adorable little toy bike!” Beth was our Yoga instructor and I disliked her a great deal. From her rancid breath to the fact that she had no sense of personal boundaries, I found nearly everything about her offensive. We’d walked to the park that morning rather than doingContinue reading “Little Yellow Mountain Bike”
Cornrows In The Courtroom
I was first in the shower. I had to go first, my court appearance was that day, I just didn’t know what time. I didn’t want to take the chance that I might not be ready when a guard came for me. Instead of staying in my cell after my shower, I opted to watchContinue reading “Cornrows In The Courtroom”
One Can Never Be Too Tall In Jail.
As I edit my memoir, I’m reminded of all sorts of things I’ve forgotten over the years. I remember how I used to adjust my posture in jail, making myself taller, if only by a fraction. I’d reach both arms behind my back, clasp my hands together and then straighten my arms out behind me.Continue reading “One Can Never Be Too Tall In Jail.”
Look MA, No Hands!
I just bought this book holder the other day and am not quite sure how I’ve lived without one for so long. These things are remarkable! It makes doing my work without having to manhandle my book at the same time effortless. Now, all I have to do is move my eyes from the pageContinue reading “Look MA, No Hands!”
Saturation: A Memoir, Will Be Republished.
For those of you who have read my first book, Saturation, it is going to be rereleased this March. For those of you that haven’t read it – it’ll be out this March. My story cornicles the decades I spent trying to get sober. I spent nearly 12 months in nine residential treatment centers overContinue reading “Saturation: A Memoir, Will Be Republished.”
Bunnies! Everywhere! 🐰Chapter 5
The following is an excerpt from the beginning of chapter 5 in my book Saturation A Memoir. Previous chapters can be found here in my blog. My memoir can be found on Amazon: Saturation: A Memoir: Place, Jennifer: 9781461018124: Amazon.com: Books I flew to Canada the same day I put my youngest son on aContinue reading “Bunnies! Everywhere! 🐰Chapter 5”
Want Sobriety? Quit Drinking. 