Tag: morriemarkoff

Visitor – Carol Zelonka’s Son

Jonathan, Carol Zelonka’s son, had read my book “Keep Breathing” and had many questions, which I answered (to the best of my memory) (correction).

Instead of phone it was by computer (we could see each other).

He is a handsome guy.

He looks like his pretty mother Carol.

Carol and Ben lived in a single family three bedroom home in Westwood, only a few blocks from UCLA.

My best friend became my neighbor (until his death from cancer).

I can’t remember if Ben was a smoker.

I think he smoked a pipe (I could be wrong).

I think he died in his fifties, the first of my close friends to die. …

P.S. Readers please forgive me. 

I often talk to myself.

No one around to listen.

(April 10, 2023)

Immigrants are Cheated

Letter to Steve Lopez, Columnist at the L.A. Times

Hi Steve:

It’s me, Morrie, just saying hello.
I read your column this morning.
I agree.
Immigrants are cheated.
Many times they don’t get the less than minimum wages they agreed to work for.
Some employers are heartless and the poor people they cheat have no recourse.
They are afraid, for good reason, to go to the police, fearing as illegals they will be asked for immigration papers …
As my friend Ruby repeatedly said, “That’s the way it is.” Life is not fair.
So, my friend Steve, keep writing.
I hope this letter finds you and your family healthy and happy.
Morrie

(April 9, 2023)

Cloud Gazing

I’m lying comfortable on my alcove couch looking up through the window.

I see slow moving clouds making patterns of things my mind is thinking of.

Constantly changing, never the same, forms and shapes only limited by my imagination, which is boundless.

People ask me how I spend my time. This is one way.

When the desire hits, by writing …

“Morrie, what do you write about?”

Whatever comes to mind.

Chorito came over to tell me it is lunchtime. I will take a break, have a light lunch, perhaps take a nap before I continue writing.

What’s for lunch?

Today I have a good appetite.

I’ve got a desire for bacon and eggs.

Yummy

Morrie

(March 8, 2023)

Thoughts

  • No good meal can’t satisfy your future hunger.
  • Whatever you say you may be asked to stand by it.
  • Sunny days don’t last forever
  • For sure, night follows day
  • Be careful what you wish for – you may get it.
  • Tough achievements are added to your resume.
  • Failure may be a prelude to learning.
  • Do it today. Tomorrow may never come.
  • Don’t waste time. You can’t retrieve it.

Morrie

P.S. You are not finished until you stop thinking.

(March 6, 2023)

Mayhem

Never, never, never in the many years I have lived here have I seen so much rain. …

In the higher elevations it snowed and snowed and snowed, covering everything.

Everything in sight was white, dazzling white.

Local residents were advised to stay home.

The storm, the worst of many years, did lots of damage.

When the storm subsided, the damage was surveyed. It was “plenty.”

Many old people, like me (109), died. Without power, they could not operate their electric heaters and froze to death (not a pleasant way to end your days).

Morrie

(March 6, 2023)