Author: Marlayna Glynn Brown
Genre: Memoir/Travel
Publish Date: 01/12/2014
Publisher: Self Published
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.
~ Book Synopsis ~
~Excerpt~
I sit at his bedside, my eyes focused on the thin plastic
tube that brings oxygen to his nose. What a strange thought that my father can
no longer breath without this tube. Years of smoking Kool menthols have
eradicated any ability he has to breathe without aid now. So the thin plastic
tube hooks over his ears, allowing him to pull weak breaths in and out of
cancered lungs. My father, who once ran races and jogged around our city parks
and swam off the Mexican shore in the Pacific ocean he loved so much, cannot
breathe without the cool oxygen of this artificial tube.
He tries to talk but his words are mired in wet coughs,
rendering conversation cruel and laborious.
That tube stands between me and all that I want to know
about him. I take his thin hand in mine and look him in the eye. “I'm glad you
were my father.”
He nods once; a regal gesture of acceptance, resignation or
possibly both. “Me too.”
There are so many questions I want to ask him, so much I
want to know about his childhood, his life, his feelings, his essence.
Unasked, as if he would try to explain the one thing I might
want to know, he volunteers, “Some people were just born to drink.”
“How can you say such a thing?”
“Look at me,” he coughs.
“You woke up every day and made the choice to drink. You
could have changed your life any time you wanted.”
“No. Couldn't.”
Is this then the final damning curse of a life of
alcoholism, the acceptance of no reality that does not include alcohol? “You
could have stopped drinking any time you wanted. People do it every day. You
could have known me. You could have known your grandchildren. They are such
great kids and you don't even know them.”
“I'd been a rat for so long. Thought I might as well stay a
rat.”
I don't understand this kind of thinking; this acceptance of
anything less than the highest and best. It's the final and saddest nail in the
coffin of my relationship with my father.
During our last day together, I hear myself telling him that
I want him to be at peace. I want him to be out of pain. I know even as the
words are tumbling from my consciousness and out of my mouth that my father's
death is not about me; his passing is not dependent in any way upon what I
want.
It is his journey and I am no longer on it.
Then again, I never really was in the first place.
For how could you ever be on a journey that is not your own?
Purchase Links
Author Bonus: My Ten Favorite Intimate Cities To Fall In Love (Or Have Fun Trying)
by
Marlayna Glynn Brown
We all
know about Paris, but Paris is a big city and can feel a bit intimidating. What
if you're looking for somewhere a little more intimate? Many travelers seek a
little amour while enjoying the flavors of a foreign city. If you happen to be
looking for love, what better way to see a city than on the arm of a native?
Locals know all the best places – public and private – and are usually quite
proud to show off their city. If sparks fly, light a fire and really get to
know the country!
Budva,
Montenegro
Summer in
Budva is one loud, giant party. Don't even consider visiting the popular
Montenegro Riviera city without bringing your bathing suit and dancing shoes.
Spend the day at the beach on one of the hundreds of lounge chairs, rocking out
to the pumping house music while your cocktails are hand-delivered. In the
evening cruise the main promenade where you'll find cafe bars, cotton candy,
restaurants, shops and discos with go-go girls. With the reputation for having
the most millionaires per capita in Europe – 500 in a town of 22,000 – who
knows who you might meet?
Positano,
Italy
Although
this Amalfi Coast city is quite popular, it doesn't detract from its ambient romantic
charm. Lovely climate, picturesque views, homemade limoncello and amazing
seafood make this walkable, hillside city a must-visit. This city is made for
romance! If you don't bring your own lover, feel free to engage the locals, but
be warned they will not tell you their real names. As explained to me by a
young Italian male, their lifecycle is such: live at home and enjoy life and
work hard until marriage. Marriage includes the 'love years' where a man
dedicates his life to his wife and children. After the children have grown, the
man returns to working hard and enjoying life again. The locals are fairly
irresistible but don't say you weren't warned.
Budapest,
Hungary
Nicknamed
“Paris of the East” due to its lovely lights and architecture, Budapest has
grown increasingly popular among European youths. With so many museums, parks,
Turkish baths and monuments to experience, you could walk for days without
using public transportation. Budapest is quite inexpensive compared to its
major European counterparts which means you'll have more money to spend eating,
drinking and mingling with the locals. The Hungarian people are known for their
style and beauty – go see for yourself.
Makarska,
Croatia
Croatia is
breathtaking in many aspects, especially the Markarskan Riviera. Aside the
crystal-clear Adriatic sea, this town boasts fresh organic food, Croatian
wines, and delectable seafood. The active will enjoy parasailing, rafting,
kayaking and nude sunbathing. The towering Biokovo mountain range behind
Markarska includes the Nature Park – great for hiking, exploring or visiting
the tiny church at the top. Cruise along the main promenade in the afternoons
and evenings to meet a new friend or two. If you're feeling adventurous, be
sure to board one of the Island Fish Picnic tours for a lovely day spent
touring a couple of Croatia's more than 1200 islands and dining on unbelievably
tasty fresh grilled fish. Most of these tours offer unlimited wine. Drink too
much and you may end up leading the guests in off-key renditions of “Hey Jude”
and “Bohemian Rhapsody” like I did.
Prague,
Czech Republic
Prague is
a city rich with history making for enjoyable days exploring by the side of a
knowledgable host. Although it's definitely worthwhile to see the common
tourist sites in one of Europe's largest cities – bridges, cathedrals, and the
biggest ancient castle in the world – be sure to veer from the trodden path.
Outside of the mulled wine and absinthe bars in the tourist zones you can gift
yourself with visits to working man's pubs for lunch, dinner or beer. Hear some
music playing? Stop in to see what's going on where you'll likely find cheap
beer, Czech patrons who bring their dogs along, and friendly people. I was
lucky enough to be taken to an unmarked secret 'tea room' on the fifth floor of
a walkup. I'd tell you where it is, but then I'd have to – you know.
Santorini,
Greece
Santorini
is on my list only because there isn't much to do on this island other than be
in love. I accompanied a recently-divorced friend to Santorini and we had to
laugh when we found ourselves together in a double bed in one of Santorini's
many romantic bungalows. Although we filled our days riding quads, exploring
the red, white and brown beaches, and taking a cruise to the lava island, we
both vowed we would never return to this romantic island without bringing a
lover along.
Munich,
Germany
One word:
Oktoberfest. Another word: Beer. A final couple of words: Beer is the ultimate
language translator. Get thee to Oktoberfest, otherwise known as Sausagefest.
Dubrovnik,
Croatia
This
ancient city boasts miles of a coastline so lovely you won't want to do
anything but sit at one of the bars situated on the rocks above the Adriatic
sea, drink a refreshment and enjoy the view, the sun and the air. Of course you
will do other things such as stroll along the Stradun at night, dine on grilled
or stuffed squid, drink local Croatian wine or lick Extra Black ice cream. Feel
like dancing? Hit up Culture Club Revelin – a wild club in one of Dubrovnik's
old forts where you'll meet people from many different countries, hear top DJs
and watch dancers on stilts, in cages and on bars perform amazing acts.
Playa
Grande Beach, Dominican Republic
This
lovely white-sand beach is truly one of the most beautiful areas I've ever
visited. Located an hour south of the athletic paradise of Cabarete, it's well
worth leaving behind the surfers, windsurfers and kiteboarders to find this
piece of paradise. Away from the noise of the motorcycles, the sales pitches of
the jewelry vendors, and the tourists that populate other parts of the
Dominican Republic waits this quiet stretch of beach with a powerful surf. Rent
a surfboard or a boogie board or just bodysurf. When you're hungry any one of
the restaurant employees will be happy to set up a table and chairs for you to
dine on fresh seafood and drink fresh coconut juice straight from the shell. If
your idea of paradise is blue water, hot sun, white sand and great service –
this beach is for you.
Antigua,
Guatemala
This
quaint, cobble-stoned city surprised and enticed me with her unexpected charm.
The streets are filled with both tourists and native Mayan people dressed in
the clothing indicative of their village. The air is often filled with the
sounds of cannons, firecrackers, music and laughter because there is seemingly
always some kind of celebration going on. To escape the raucousness, drop into
one of the many wonderful restaurants or bars. This city is one of the easiest
places to meet other people regardless of whether you're eating, drinking or
just resting. The center of the city contains a lovely park filled with
benches. I guarantee you cannot sit there alone for five minutes without making
a new friend.
About the Author
Marlayna Glynn Brown is an award-winning nomadic memoirist,
photographer, screenwriter and yogi. Although she was born in Las Vegas, Nevada
she now lives wherever she lays her head.
Her short film, People That do Something, is based on a chapter
from Overlay and can be viewed on Youtube.
Marlayna's published titles include:
*Winner of a 2013 Next Generation Indie Book
Award in the Overcoming Adversity Category.
Find Marlayna on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Linked
In, and visit her at www.marlaynaglynnbrown.com.
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