Partial Truths @partialtruths-blog - Tumblr Blog

3.22.13 • Thrifty Wash • 1254 Beryl St • Redondo Beach, CA 90277

This is the type of statement you're sometimes forced to endure in the laundromats of Southern California: "You know, my friend, Gail, came to visit us here from Boston. And we, of course, have a small little earthquake. 'How do you live here!' she says to me. Haha. Meanwhile, her flight is canceled because of a blizzard swarming the eastern seaboard. Haha. Crazy!" While I am not blaming you or your Thrifty Wash landromat specifically or in particular, I am wondering if the atmosphere you establishment encourages might be augmented to cater to those patrons (me) less inclined to appreciate small talk. I'm arguing for black lights, despressants, tranquilizers in the vending machine. Divorce is more than just the loss of a washer and dryer, Tom. Good Luck-- ["ED" enclosed in a heart]

#partial truths #fiction #public fiction #non-fiction #travel writing #laundromat

2.9.13 • The Pie Hole • 714 Traction Ave • Los Angeles, CA 90013

THE SAME SIDE SIT

a manifesto

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, ARE HEREBY RESOLVED ON THIS, THE NINTH DAY OF FEBRUARY, TO AVOID AND BOYCOTT ALL FUTURE PRACTICE AND EGREGIOUS UTILIZATION OF THE SAME SIDE SIT, WHICH, CONTRARY TO THE BETTERMENT AND GENERAL HEALTH OF OUR MODERN SOCIETY, IS CATCHING ON AND PROLIFERATING THE RESTAURANTS AND CAFES LIKE GÄNGBUSTERS. FURTHER, FATHER MAY NO LONGER HOLD SWAY!

[signature of Erol] [signature of Edna] [empty line]

(EROL) (Edna)

#fiction #non-fiction #partial truths #travel writing #same side sit #pet peeves

2.1.13 • The Kettle • 1138 Highland Ave • Manhattan Beach, CA

Thank you [written in red ink with black arrow pointing to:]

You are very, very welcome. This night is nearly over, so I can say with great confidence that you (your service) were the high water mark of this otherwise sludgy night. Leaving aside the full throttle brick tossing in the city's center, and the nagging post-op stitch-itch near my third lumbar, the hurtful nature of the opinions my mother expressed to me regarding my potential as a father left me more gutted than I let on. No amount of chocolate cake can un-sour the lament of days hardpressed for calm, peace, and clarity. Bring on the dogs! -- ED [enclosed in a heart]

#partial truths #travel writing #fiction #non-fiction #the kettle

12.12.12 • "REWARD" flyer series

REWARD

$2,232.23 [in box]

[schematic drawing of "QSC POCKET RECIPROCITY UNIT"]

IMMEDIATE RETURN REQUESTED

Lost, either in the city of Greenville or on the road between this place and the Greenville Holiday Inn, during a particularly encouraging stretch of relationship that suggested to both parties involved the distinct possibility of shotgun matrimony and the spoils thereof, children and mortgage included, though not immediately, and owing most probably to the skips in mind and miscues of judgment associated with the particular enthusiasms that accompany burgeoning love and the tasks of lusts it necessitates, even (and, perhaps, all the better) while operating a motor vehicle, notwithstanding its rental status and lack of comprehensive insurance, with the jittering stress of maintaining some semblance of upper body business-as-usual while still keeping vigilant lookout for the menacing arm of highway-borne patrol, so that the brief respite of a convenience store pit stop and the sudden realization of how long it’s been since you’ve been free to place a hand in someone else’s back pocket brings with it the fog that allows for one QSC POCKET RECIPROCITY UNIT, black in color with “The Mystery Spot” and Texas A&M stickers affixed to its casing, to go missing. All persons are cautioned against trading/harboring the unit and/or its contents and are implored to contact William (Bill) M. Gärn at [email protected] or www.partialtruths.com with any pertinent information. Reward includes sentimental value and approximated domestic shipping costs. All rights reserved and respected. Gloria in excelsis Deo.

USC • 2nd Floor • Taper Hall • Los Angeles, CA 90089

USC • Parking Structure D • Los Angeles, CA 90089

Corner of Jefferson Blvd and McClintock Ave • Los Angeles, CA 90089

Big Sur General Store • 46840 California 1 • Big Sur, CA 93920

Big Sur Deli & General Store • 47520 California 1 • Big Sur, CA 93920

12.10.12 • "ROCK BOTTOM?" flyer series

ROCK BOTTOM?

[left column]

Carla Meets Boris

A rainy day. The 6:23am train. Wet socks. Lukewarm coffee, out of Stevia, no almond milk. Two runs in the same leg of lucky pantyhose. Lunch (leftover Pad Thai) left on counter. Laundry forgotten in washer, damp. Mother’s birthday card still not in mail. Cable bill. Electricity bill. Phone bill. Layoffs imminent. Ambiguous deodorant smear. Toothpaste dregs. Vitamin deficiency. Biological clock. Daylight saving’s. The Chicago Cubs. Mathematics. Captiviva account. Expense reports. Frequent flyer miles. Expiration dates. Flies. Carpet. Dust mites. Lactic acid. Cramps. The chipped state of nail polish. Ingrown hairs. Cholesterol. Family histories. Hangovers. Hangnails. Refolding the unfurled newspaper. The constant desire for a garbage disposal. “Ticket?” Carla looks up. “Ticket, miss?” Carla meets Boris.

[donut graph of Tears, Secrets, Effort, and Reciprocity]

[middle column]

Professional

Discrete

Personalized

Empirical

Benevolent

Guaranteed

[left column]

Boris Meets Carla

A rainy day! The 6:23am train! Starched lapels. Polished medallions. Shined shoes. New cuff links. The pleasant sound of percolation in the morning. The well-sated stomach. Peanut butter toast. An unexpected phone call. A credit on an overpaid account. The freshly washed face, the skid of the straight razor, the exuberance of aftershave. Greetings, benedictions, handshakes. Faith in fellow man. Trust in timetables. The newness of each and every moment. The 9th over cabin speakers. Minor miracles, crushes, reading books in the sun. Footsteps. The pleasure of punching holes. The smell of shampoo billowing from her hair. “Ticket?” Boris smiles. “Ticket, miss?” Boris meets Carla.

[bar graph of Memory, Violence, Power, and Sex]

[pull tags at bottom]

Turner P. Ewes

[email protected]

Bank of America Center • 700 Louisiana Street • Houston, TX 77002

McKinney Place Garage • 946 McKinney Street• Houston, TX 77002

USC • 3rd Floor • Taper Hall • Los Angeles, CA 90089

#partial truths #fiction #non-fiction #travel writing

12.9.12 • The Ritz Carlton • 4375 Admiralty Way • Marina del Rey, CA 90292

[front]

PARTIAL TRUTHS. [down left margin]

GREENBACKS

MESCÁL

ZÖE

CARRIE

ALLOW FOR MISTAKES [underlined three times]

WE WILL KEEP THE DOOR OPEN. 3-7. [down right margin]

[back]

THE SEX MATTERED BUT SHE WAS MERELY A MIRAGE.

#fiction #non-fiction #partial truths #travel writing #Ritz Carlton

12.9.12 • The Ritz Carlton • 4375 Admiralty Way • Marina del Rey, CA 90292

NONE MORE BLACK. FEW MORE BRIGHT. I WILL ALLOW THE CHILDREN FOUR CANCES TO COMPLETE THE TASK. IF THEY ARE SUCCESSFUL, COMPLETE CONTROL WILL BE RELINQUISHED. SOME MORE BITTER, MOST MORE RIGID. WE MUST ALLOW FOR AMPLE MISTAKES TO SHAPE AND FORM THEIR FUTURE SELVES. IF THEY WILL NOT BE LEAD AWAY FROM PARTIAL TRUTHS THEY WILL DROWN IN A SEA OF THEIR OWN MAKING. WE WILL BUT STAND IDLY BY.

#fiction #non-fiction #partial truths #travel writing #Ritz Carlton

12.6.12 • "MISSED" flyer series

I HAVE BEEN MISSING ASHE FOR A TOTAL OF THIRTY-EIGHT DAYS. AND COUNTING. I'M A MESS WITHOUT HER, AND I WOULD BE LYING IF I SAID THAT MY HOPES FOR A SUCCESSFUL REUNION WERE UNTARNISHED. I HAVE NOT TOUCHED HER THINGS. I LEAVE THE PORCH LIGHT ON ALL NIGHT. I REFUSE TO MAR THE SUBTLE INDENTATION SHE LEFT ON THE CUSHIONS OF THE COUCH. MY SUSPICION IS THAT SOMEONE HAS BEEN EYEING HER FROM AFAR, DOING RESEARCH, EXAMINING HER HABITS, NOTING HER PREFERENCES. HERS HAS NEVER BEEN A HEART FORGED BY LOYALTY, DESPITE POPULAR OPINION. THE KEY POINT TO BE MADE IS: FREE WILL. I'VE NEVER CHAMPIONED A LEASHED MENTALITY, AND HOPE ONLY THAT HER HEART CARRIES HER BACK TO ME. BACK TO HER HOME. MY EARS/EYES ARE OPEN. PLEASE HELP: [email protected]

The Coffee Bean • 2000 Avenue of the Stars • Los Angeles, CA 90067

17 Russell Square • Camden Town • London, WC1H, UK

39 Store Street • Camden Town • London, WC1E 7DS, UK

Ben and Jerry's • 510 Southwest Mill Street • Portland, OR

Vanguard Newspaper Dispenser • Corner of 6th and Montgomery • Portland, OR

Portland State University Student Union • 1825 SW Broadway • Portland, OR

U.S. Post Office Student Union • 3749 Buchanan Street • San Francisco, CA

Shanks Hall • 4th Floor • Virginia Polytechnic Institute • Blacksburg, VA

Corner of St. Charles Ave and Leontine • New Orleans, LA 70115

USC • Bogardus Courtyard • Los Angeles, CA 90089

Henry Miller Memorial Library • 48603 California 1 • Big Sur, CA 93920

#partial truths #fiction #non-fiction #travel writing

12.4.12 • Westfield Mall • 1801 Avenue of the Stars • Los Angeles, CA 90067

Been on the market for car like yours for quite some time now. Has proven very difficult to haggle my way out of astronomical monetary demands. The partial truth is that I am worth enough to gain quick entrance into such vehicles. The breadth of the story, though, gives way to mitigating circumstances precluding a suck-it-up type attitude. Under the hood of the rinky-dink life I lead is a penchant for struggle. Do you know people like me? That do everything in their power to litter the gauntlet of their goings-on with bounced checks, aborted dreams, half-attended pottery classes, heartache, acid reflux, and sunburns? I am the type of person that is less happy when he's happy. Smiling gives me the squirms. Let's pretend you've asked too much $$$ already. And let me thank you for it!

#fiction #non-fiction #travel writing #partial truths

11.29.12 • Efram's Mobile Service • 931 Pacific Coast Hwy • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Customer's Name (Please Print): Edward

Customer's Address: 185 122nd Street

City: East Paltz State: NJ Zip: 08312

DEALER 6-DIGIT I.D.: 006060

Seller's Name: Bainbridge

Seller's Address: 642 El Redondo

City: Redondo Beach State: CA Zip: 90278

ROCK BOTTOM IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO START. CANCEL THE RESERVATION. KILL

#partial truths #non-fiction #fiction #travel writing

11.20.12 • The Veggie Grill • 2533 Pacific Coast Highway • Torrance, CA 90717

No, not like this. The idea was not what has been expressed. Discussed were elements of purposeful whimsy, calculated risk, and mutual self-exploration the likes of which, with gusto, were heretofore relegated to the mythologies other greater men have left on hides, etched on cave walls, cut into vinyl grooves. We were to clear a path through the tangle of trees that threatened our progress. We were to unhinge all the doors and floodlight the crawlspaces, broadcast warning signs in colorful bursts of pyrotechnics. We were to be looked upon, marveled over, gawked at. We were to be the authors of jealousy. No. Not this. Not ever like this. Ever.

#fiction #non-fiction #travel writing #partial truths

10.12.12 • Swingers Diner • 802 Broadway • Santa Monica, CA 90401

#fiction #non-fiction #travel writing #partial truths

10.12.12 • Mozza • 6602 Melrose Ave • Los Angeles, CA 90038

Eugene,

The service was excellent. The food was phenomenal. However, really could have done without the pitcher of ice water spilled down my back!!! Are you kidding me?!? I enjoyed the on-the-house Budino to “make up for the mess.” Next time watch your grip.

-A disgruntled Molly

#partial truth #fiction #non-fiction #travel writing

8.15.12 • Angel's Landing • Zion National Park, Utah

I AM NOT SORRY

ED [enclosed in heart]

#partial truths #fiction #non-fiction #travel writing

8.4.12 • Columbus Museum of Art • 480 E Broad St • Columbus, OH 43215

Name: Edward

Go See: the Narrows hike at Zion National Park and Man Ray's grave in Paris, France.

I liked it because: I was more fully put in my place as a lowly human being amongst a backdrop of God's glory.

6.20.12 • Super 8 Motel • 3817 National Park Hwy • Carlsbad, NM 88220

NO [underlined three times]

No, no, no, no, no! If April said she wasn’t interested, then niether am I. Return it immediately!

Jesus, Bill______

#partial truths #travel writing #fiction #non-fiction

6.12.12 • Thunder Bird • 601 W San Antonio • Marfa, TX 79643

Mocasin Koozies! [drawing of “Typewriter Face”]

6/12/12

GMT 21:50

April – July: Magic Markers

August: Molly can do German Pancakes

September + November: “Much Ado” or “Pillowman”

Will not rewind tapes manually! Outsource? – DMM Transfer Service

(632) 334-4664

4644

Please allow four to six weeks for delivery as some items may not currently be in stock.

Please allow four to six weeks for delivery as certain items are time-sensitive.

Please allow…as heavy demand rotates on unpredictable schedules.

Please allow…of our time-sensitive goods which are subject to local blackouts.

[bulleted points crossed out with large “X”]

Grace msg: Regardless, there are certain themes and motifs we are attempting to communicate and the type of brand management that you are currently practicing ensures heterogenoustendencieshabits amongst the staff whom, at best, perform their role at alimitedmarginal and often times unreliable pace/capacity, vís a vís thirteen children per six exhaustive hours. My aim is productivity. Remove Navajo expectations. “I don’t need your bullshit authority.” Type Thing.

Gregarious

reliable

rinse/repeat

Elijah, or Malachi [arrow pointing to] +/- 60°

[bulleted points rotated 90° to the right and written in right margin]

#partial truths #fiction #non-fiction #travel writing

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