Dispatch #4
Miami, book events, and Hot Lava.
Hello all! I’ve been back from Miami for about a week and I’m thrilled to report that, as expected, my son and I had an absolute blast on our quick getaway to South Beach. It was a fun, soul-affirming trip, an opportunity to reset and recharge. We walked on the beach, toured Wynwood Walls, shopped for vinyl at Lucky Records and Sweat Records, boarded a sunset boat cruise with fantastic views of the city, and ate at one of Miami’s most well-known Cuban restaurants, Cafe La Trova.
Every morning, I took a short walk from our Airbnb and got a Cuban coffee and guava pastelito from Las Olas Cafe, one of several laid-back eateries off the beaten path in South Beach, away from the more commercialized offerings on Ocean Drive. One morning, I even started the day with yoga at sunrise, at the 3rd Street lifeguard tower, with a volunteer teacher and two other students. It was really quite moving to flow through a few sun salutations as the day began, literally, right in front of us.
Iggy Pop, to my knowledge, has lived in Miami for quite awhile, and he has this great quote about the city: “Second only to the sea, the Miami sky has been the greatest comfort in my life… On a good day, when the wind blows from the South, the light here is diffuse and forgiving.”
There really is something to the sky and light in Miami, Iggy. The energy there just hits different. I can’t wait to go back.
Earlier this week, I ventured down to Hotel Greene to read my entry for the fauxtel’s annual summer writing contest. I didn’t win, but I was really jazzed to be among the finalists. It was a gas to hang out at one of the coolest spots in town with my wife for a few hours and listen to the other writers read their entries. Plus, we got to eat cake and play a round of high falutin’ mini golf on the house. Here’s my entry:
Raymond, my love,
Chet Baker ballads, Ingrid Bergman movies, and chocolate chip pancakes will always remind me of you. Yes, I’ve stolen your uncle’s Mustang and I’m sorry for leaving without a goodbye, but I need to dry out in a warmer locale and I absolutely must go it alone. I’ve left your vintage sunglasses with the front desk clerk at our old haunt, Hotel Greene. Come find me in Miami when you’re ready. Until then, your kisses linger on my lips like a sweet, warm rain and I prickle with lust at the thought of your touch.
Jonathan
Book Events!!
I’ll be at Strangeways Brewing’s Books & Brews on Sunday, November 9th, from 12-5PM, at their Dabney Road location.
Later that week, I’ll be at Chesterfield County’s Local Author Book Fair on Saturday, November 15th, from 10:30a.m. - 1p.m. at North Courthouse Road Library.
I’ll have copies of River City Blues and Shine A Light for sale at both. Come see me!!
I’m fortunate to work with some amazing people in television and, this year, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my co-worker, Dylan. We’ve been trading music suggestions back and forth for months now and his recommendations are always really thoughtful and fun to get lost in. Turns out, he’s a badass video producer, as well, as evidenced by this great behind-the-scenes look at one of Richmond’s most esteemed bands, Hot Lava. Take a look!
I’m buzzing with energy and am back to work on my screenplay treatment. I’m currently reading Cormac McCarthy’s Suttree and really liking it. I hope you have a great week. Until next time, The Ward Abides.