You have a beautiful way of painting pictures with your words in these stories. The phrase "soft, amethyst tinted candies" especially stood out to me because I could see such a gorgeous view of the sidewalks covered in those lovely petals. Purple is such a beautiful color. It also took me back a little bit to some similar views from my childhood...the neighborhood where I grew up had Japanese Yaezakura cherry trees lining the streets. These trees have big bunches of petals in gorgeous bubblegum pink. After the two weeks of blooming ended and the petals would fall, the streets would be covered with layers of bright pink on both sides that would blow in the wind, and as I walked to school I would get these petals on my shoes.
Another thing that really lept out at me was the cat. I loved imagining this one-eyed, red tabby beauty with her gorgeous white boots lapping away at the restaurant leftovers. Red female cats are actually quite rare, only 2 out of 10 are girls...it is more common for males to be red than females. So that just made her extra special. Gosh, if I could reach through the screen or step into the story somehow, I would. Then maybe become the cat lady counterpart to Matteo the "cat man", haha.
Such a lovely story and a pleasure to read. Thank you for taking us on this beautiful, mysterious, whirlwind romance of an adventure in the heart of Spain. Hugs to you from Washington (^-^)
Your stories always make me visualize such beautiful pictures and really get me to think. You truly do have a gift with words. And art in so many other forms.
Within music, storytelling and even his paintings! He is a true artist and I find myself eternally intrigued and excited by him. When I was first introduced to Brandon Boyd's music and his band Incubus back in 2000 (shit, I'm 40 on 9/26!) I instantly felt a deep connection to the words, and I loved being taken down the road of insight and emotion that the music brought me! Or was it the ecstasy, psilocybin or Marijuana I had ingested? Haha Whatever it was, the recipe of music and chemicals changed my life and I have a deep respect for his artwork, and the bands art. I am so happy to have stumbled across his Instagram page this week, 22 years later exactly. He is still creating, inspiring all of us fans and like-minded individuals. 💛 Bless you Brandon, I'm forever indebted. 🙌
As a reader, I am blissfully and virtually transported. As a novice writer, I’m grateful for your perhaps unintentional teaching on the power of words. I am humbly grateful for your generosity in sharing your beautiful mind.
What a lovely and immersive read! I waited until I was done my day of work and the kids were tucked in tightly before reading your short story so that I could give it my undivided attention. I loved every bit of it! It felt like I was right there in Barcelona with the characters. I laughed out loud when I read “misplacing his phone is a little like Aquaman choking on a glass of water.” Haha. Too good! Thank you Brandon for sharing this delightful piece of writing. I look forward to enjoying more! ☺️💗
Just read this as I was eating my lunch at work, Brandon.. flew thru it!!! Really got me interested quickly-- the sign of a good writer/story. (I hope u continue this story).. TY 😻 (I luv kitties too)
Upon reading the Borges quote, I immediately thought of Matias de Stefano….then the name Matteo shows up…I’ve been researching hyperthymesia and trying to come up with a way to replicate its effects for those of us with more limited abilities, however I hadn’t considered the curse-ive side of this ability. Taking this read as a message from the universe to just ride the waves and drop the heavy pursuit. Your ability to create a memory out of an experience the reader has never had is an awe inspiring relay of multiperceptual details. I.e. the leaf fragments from a cigarette to a person whose never smoked, be able to feel those fragments as if they were a personal memory of something that never actually occurred. There’s probably a word for this artifact of reading fiction, but hopefully ya’ll get what I’m trying to say 😎
I read Jorge Luis Borges’ short story ‘Funes, The Memorius’ and was startled at the idea that someone could exist with such a unique kind of neurodiversity. It led me down some rabbit holes surrounding hyperthymesia and got my mind spinning. Thank you Samantha.
Wonderful short story, Brandon! It evokes such beautiful imagery. I hope we can get a collection of these stories intertwined with your amazing artwork in book form one day. Great work!!
Your writing is so meaningful and mesmerizing, I could read it all day! I totally lost it at mention of Gaudí and the cathedral, because that is one of my favorite places on earth and pictures of his architecture decorate my desk 🥰 Thank you for sharing this treasure! It brings up memories that are also a bit painful; only because they’re so beautiful and still mysterious. I get it, and I love it more than my words can say! YOU paint the picture impeccably❤️🔥
Thank you Eryn. Yes, Barcelona holds so many memories for me as well. I’ve never lived there but spending a little time here and there when we’ve been on tour has given me a small look into this place and it obviously has left an impression.
During reading this I couldn’t help but envision an amazing screenplay. You are so gifted in this lifetime…music, art and writing. Plus you love dogs. I mean…does it get any better!!!
Brandon, I love the way you express yourself in your music and unbelievable writing skills, it’s like an outer body experience that I shall always treasure and never forget. Look forward to reading more and more from you…#1 fan Sandy
You should take a look at your dog's... And then look at mine.... And never underestimate the power of the red headed Elvis hound that does not tolerate any kinds of bullshit unless it's her own that can be helps to unhelpful
I read part one then zoned out and skimmed the rest cos it was boring. Much like you. Anyways, the red head chick is probably way out your league and your probably an asshole to her and she should join forces with me and we can go fuck every mother fucker up cos I'm bored and wanna fight people! And I am military trained and can't be trained by no one else but my own kind
You have a beautiful way of painting pictures with your words in these stories. The phrase "soft, amethyst tinted candies" especially stood out to me because I could see such a gorgeous view of the sidewalks covered in those lovely petals. Purple is such a beautiful color. It also took me back a little bit to some similar views from my childhood...the neighborhood where I grew up had Japanese Yaezakura cherry trees lining the streets. These trees have big bunches of petals in gorgeous bubblegum pink. After the two weeks of blooming ended and the petals would fall, the streets would be covered with layers of bright pink on both sides that would blow in the wind, and as I walked to school I would get these petals on my shoes.
Another thing that really lept out at me was the cat. I loved imagining this one-eyed, red tabby beauty with her gorgeous white boots lapping away at the restaurant leftovers. Red female cats are actually quite rare, only 2 out of 10 are girls...it is more common for males to be red than females. So that just made her extra special. Gosh, if I could reach through the screen or step into the story somehow, I would. Then maybe become the cat lady counterpart to Matteo the "cat man", haha.
Such a lovely story and a pleasure to read. Thank you for taking us on this beautiful, mysterious, whirlwind romance of an adventure in the heart of Spain. Hugs to you from Washington (^-^)
Thank you Olivia! I so appreciate your comments and perspective here.
Your stories always make me visualize such beautiful pictures and really get me to think. You truly do have a gift with words. And art in so many other forms.
Within music, storytelling and even his paintings! He is a true artist and I find myself eternally intrigued and excited by him. When I was first introduced to Brandon Boyd's music and his band Incubus back in 2000 (shit, I'm 40 on 9/26!) I instantly felt a deep connection to the words, and I loved being taken down the road of insight and emotion that the music brought me! Or was it the ecstasy, psilocybin or Marijuana I had ingested? Haha Whatever it was, the recipe of music and chemicals changed my life and I have a deep respect for his artwork, and the bands art. I am so happy to have stumbled across his Instagram page this week, 22 years later exactly. He is still creating, inspiring all of us fans and like-minded individuals. 💛 Bless you Brandon, I'm forever indebted. 🙌
Holy Moly Brandon you are one talented guy...dig your music and your story telling....kinda one in the same you might say...
As a reader, I am blissfully and virtually transported. As a novice writer, I’m grateful for your perhaps unintentional teaching on the power of words. I am humbly grateful for your generosity in sharing your beautiful mind.
I really enjoyed this. I love the way he described the memory of her, how it stood out in the trash heap. You've got something special here ❤
What a lovely and immersive read! I waited until I was done my day of work and the kids were tucked in tightly before reading your short story so that I could give it my undivided attention. I loved every bit of it! It felt like I was right there in Barcelona with the characters. I laughed out loud when I read “misplacing his phone is a little like Aquaman choking on a glass of water.” Haha. Too good! Thank you Brandon for sharing this delightful piece of writing. I look forward to enjoying more! ☺️💗
Thank you so much Linda!
💗🤗💗
Just read this as I was eating my lunch at work, Brandon.. flew thru it!!! Really got me interested quickly-- the sign of a good writer/story. (I hope u continue this story).. TY 😻 (I luv kitties too)
Upon reading the Borges quote, I immediately thought of Matias de Stefano….then the name Matteo shows up…I’ve been researching hyperthymesia and trying to come up with a way to replicate its effects for those of us with more limited abilities, however I hadn’t considered the curse-ive side of this ability. Taking this read as a message from the universe to just ride the waves and drop the heavy pursuit. Your ability to create a memory out of an experience the reader has never had is an awe inspiring relay of multiperceptual details. I.e. the leaf fragments from a cigarette to a person whose never smoked, be able to feel those fragments as if they were a personal memory of something that never actually occurred. There’s probably a word for this artifact of reading fiction, but hopefully ya’ll get what I’m trying to say 😎
I think I understand, yes. Thank you for the compliment! And for such a catchy screen name!
What was the inspiration? I adore your detail, you leave no stone unturned in this. Really enjoyed it! Would love to see more when you have the time 🖤
I read Jorge Luis Borges’ short story ‘Funes, The Memorius’ and was startled at the idea that someone could exist with such a unique kind of neurodiversity. It led me down some rabbit holes surrounding hyperthymesia and got my mind spinning. Thank you Samantha.
You are most welcome. I love it, it’s fascinating and amazing how your mind works.
Wonderful short story, Brandon! It evokes such beautiful imagery. I hope we can get a collection of these stories intertwined with your amazing artwork in book form one day. Great work!!
Your writing is so meaningful and mesmerizing, I could read it all day! I totally lost it at mention of Gaudí and the cathedral, because that is one of my favorite places on earth and pictures of his architecture decorate my desk 🥰 Thank you for sharing this treasure! It brings up memories that are also a bit painful; only because they’re so beautiful and still mysterious. I get it, and I love it more than my words can say! YOU paint the picture impeccably❤️🔥
Thank you Eryn. Yes, Barcelona holds so many memories for me as well. I’ve never lived there but spending a little time here and there when we’ve been on tour has given me a small look into this place and it obviously has left an impression.
It is super beautiful, in so many ways! Thank you lots, for the very sweet smile I’m wearing now, Brandon!! 🥰✨
Brandon, this was a true delight to read. I look forward to sharing this with my students.
During reading this I couldn’t help but envision an amazing screenplay. You are so gifted in this lifetime…music, art and writing. Plus you love dogs. I mean…does it get any better!!!
Or was it July 12th 1994 - St. Paul??? 🤔
Brandon, I love the way you express yourself in your music and unbelievable writing skills, it’s like an outer body experience that I shall always treasure and never forget. Look forward to reading more and more from you…#1 fan Sandy
You should take a look at your dog's... And then look at mine.... And never underestimate the power of the red headed Elvis hound that does not tolerate any kinds of bullshit unless it's her own that can be helps to unhelpful
I read part one then zoned out and skimmed the rest cos it was boring. Much like you. Anyways, the red head chick is probably way out your league and your probably an asshole to her and she should join forces with me and we can go fuck every mother fucker up cos I'm bored and wanna fight people! And I am military trained and can't be trained by no one else but my own kind