Author Archives: JMN

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About JMN

I live in Texas and devote much of my time to easel painting on an amateur basis. I stream a lot of music, mostly jazz, throughout the day. I like to read and memorize poetry.

This Is Stag Country

Posted on May 3, 2018 by JMN

Bubbles Ketchum was raised in Mott, cheer-led for the Mohicans, moved here when she had little Madison — cute as a bug. Madison has been a standout for Lady Stags volleyball since eighth grade. Grady Marlow swore Madison wasn’t his … Continue reading →

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Written in the 70s — reviews / Monroe

Posted on May 3, 2018 by JMN

reviews / Monroe “Most of the important things never get communicated in words anyway.” Robert Wilson. There seems to have been something fragile or defective in my makeup that has not lent me to enduring love. I look back with … Continue reading →

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Written in the 70s — Salem 01970

Posted on May 3, 2018 by JMN

Salem 01970 Coutín Anything too dear in your odd affection spirits toward mirth and issues to air. Your white teeth open, the dear thing dies in laughter. Then your face is whole again. Washed in the soul-splitting grin of the … Continue reading →

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Minor Pentatonic Scale (1) [7-6-2012]

Posted on May 2, 2018 by JMN

(a) I’ve adapted the above “box pattern” graphics from “Fretboard Knowledge for the Contemporary Guitarist,” Vivian Clement (Alfred Publishing Co., 2003), p. 11. I’ve put note names where the book’s originals have black dots. I do so fully realizing that … Continue reading →

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This Is Stag Country

Posted on May 1, 2018 by JMN

Arden Lutz was one of the honchos behind the development west of town. He and Bo Dunaway and Wink Hufstetler bought the old Decatur farm that runs along Soledad Creek. They chopped it into three-quarter-acre lots and sold “creekside vistas” … Continue reading →

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Didactic Doggerel

Posted on May 1, 2018 by JMN

This Makes No Frankin Sense The boswellia papyrifera, A tree that grows in Ethiopia, Produces frankincense, a curious resin That has a bitter smell but isn’t poison. In Africa and in the Middle East It has embellished many a fine … Continue reading →

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Five Quotes About What

Posted on May 1, 2018 by JMN

Fried okra is not a vegetable. It’s cornmeal in drag. (jmn) He’s determined to shoot himself in my foot. (jmn) The student decided I wasn’t serving his needs and resolved to take it out on himself. (jmn) It’s hard not … Continue reading →

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Written in the 70s — On the Song

Posted on May 1, 2018 by JMN

*On the Song of Songs* Bernard of Clairvaux B You are my subject, scraped from the womb. Will we cross in Limbo, sad progenitor and aspiring heir? Who will survive? I have been scoured from your mother’s eyes as resolutely … Continue reading →

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Written in the 70s — Can peace

Posted on May 1, 2018 by JMN

Can peace and beauty (opulent) be immoral? Grosse Pointe Shores. Lake Ste. Claire. (Copyright 2018 James Mansfield Nichols. All rights reserved.) Written in the 70s, 70s-11a. (Copyright 2018 James Mansfield Nichols. All rights reserved.)

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Written in the 70s — I admit

Posted on May 1, 2018 by JMN

I admit that’s bad, but not *that* bad. I may breach decorum occasionally (like now), but I try mightily not to breach good taste. I’m sure you can handle the above; being a diffident sort, I wasn’t sure *I* could … Continue reading →

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