In Watermelon Sugar

When I was in High School I was told to read "In Watermelon Sugar".  Reading, at the time, was foreign to me.  It is not that I couldn't read but I suppose I refused to read. I hated to read.  I had the attention span of a gnat. I hadn't cultivated the discipline it takes to see it through. 

After what seems like eons and plenty of hard work developing that concentration muscle between my ears I do truly enjoy reading.  A couple of years ago, in the little town of Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts, I was strolling down the avenue and I found this fabulous little used book store.  

I love used book stores. Trolling Amazon for your newest diversion is nothing like wandering stacks and stacks of dusty old curiosities in a used book store. I love poking into this book, then peeking into that one and wandering from section to section to see what I can see.  This little bookstore gave me just that experience.  

I bought a copy of "In Watermelon Sugar", by Richard Brautigan at that lovely bookstore. That little book has haunted me long enough.  After 40 years or so I want to slay that dragon.  I've been trying to muster the courage to to put this little puppy to rest once and for all.  I'm now on a mission.

​"In Watermelon Sugar" is one of those rambling, fanciful, hard to digest books. I get caught up in this tangent or that tangent and nothing seems to make sense. This book tries to explain a place that doesn't exist which makes it a bit tough.  Many times I can do okay with those books.  I love the ramblings of Kurt Vonnegut Jr.  

I've been thinking a lot about that book (too much) and it inspired me to make a little iPad painting of a lovely juicy sweet watermelon.  I've just taken my first bite and I'm well on my way to conquering this little mountain - and I hope it tastes good.