Leo

How to Beat Broken: Leo

Leo

My son is 25 now. It seems like I think of him at the same time every day and thankfully, I talk to him more often than I ever thought possible. His new job starts in the afternoon, and I find myself waiting for his calls, for any sign that he needs me. I still remember the look of disappointment in his eyes the last day.

The distance between us seems to be decreasing, but I’m not sure if it’s real. I am hoping that he really has forgiven me and that I am not exposing myself to another failed relationship. I have to try this if there is any chance that he will let me be part of his life now. Sure, he only calls when he needs $20 dollars for gas, or help with car repairs, but that’s what dads are for, right?

In fact, it’s a miracle that’s he calls at all, considering the things his mother has probably told him about me. She always did have a foul mouth and worse attitude. I know what she said to some of our friends, so their conversations can’t have been better.

I was a decent husband, I mean, who hasn’t had a few “indiscretions” right? I’m a great dad, contrary to popular opinion. I was there when it mattered, came home every night and worked my ass off. Never did I complain about the constant fatigue from a job I hated, or that his mother spent more of my check on hair extensions than she did on bills. We had food, a place to live, and we usually kept the car payment from being more than 45 days past due.

I wonder exactly how much he knows.

Fuck it, he doesn’t know my version, I was the one making everything work. That’s not what matters now. Now, I need to figure out how to show him love without digging up the past.

I kind of got it wrong with the first two kids, but I really tried with this one. I don’t even want to think about those first two baby mammas. This time he will know that from here on out, I’m here for him no matter what. We don’t have to discuss that childhood stuff besides, all that other stuff is my business.

I want to help him out, but $200? That sure is a lot to repair such a small car. I know Jin needs the help, but there have to be other options. I’m trying not to complain; my son needs me. Damn, it hurts to give up these extra coins though. I still have to look good and keep this cut fresh, but I don’t want him to think I don’t care.

The real problem is the child support kicking my ass but that’s not my son’s fault.  I’ll just get one outfit and one pair shoes this time, then ole girl at work will kick me some extra change if I do it right. That should leave me with enough cash to loan and enough to last me until next payday.

Next time I’ll just text him, find out what the ask is first, then if I have the money, cool. If not, I’ll tell him I’m in a meeting and text him back when I get the dough.

 

That’s it. Damn, I’m good.


The excerpt that you have just read is our new upcoming series How to Beat Broken.  You just met Leo, an estranged father, attempting to figure out the mess he calls a life.  Join me over the coming weeks as we reveal more of this gripping story, and unveil more of the engaging and familiar characters to you.

Regg


What's Changed 

The 1970s and 80s

The time in Britain of the emergence of  Queen, Genesis, Dire Straits and Pink Floyd

They must put out quality music and equally be good on stage to pay their wages. The 80s would also see the emergence of Duran Duran, Bon Jovi and Guns and Roses. Now, ask yourself the question, where are the band’s and groups that emerged in the 90's? We all know the names of the Beatles, but then Stock Aitken and Waterman emerge with their throw away pop, they offer the start of the X Factor generation that paid one million pound contracts. Should they fall like Steve Brookstein, that’s just small change.

The 90s into 2000+ sees the rise of one-hit wonders such as 2 unlimited or Chesney Hawks but the music history won't remember their name. In the UK, I can struggle to list any artists who have any real longevity

  1. Robbie Williams
  2. Take That
  3. Oasis

To be honest, in 5 minutes they were all I could think of, but then when we go back to the eighties and before

  1. Madonna
  2. Kylie
  3. Queen
  4. The rolling stones
  5. Bon Jovi
  6. Billy Joel
  7. Tears for fears

Need I go on?

Today’s artists are guaranteed their wage regardless, they do not have to care for their audience as the artists before the X Factor generation. You cannot blame the Simon Cowell’s of this world, as they only supply what we want. Whether or not the X Factor winner is a success matters little. Next, you have the group phenomenon, the group becomes successful, say Boyzone, but after a few years, they split and the likes of Ronan have a solo career. The phrase kerching comes to mind.

Another thing of note, in the UK at least why are the bands of the eighties emerging such as tears for fears and even Chic having large Radio backed gigs.

I leave you with a question, who’s fault is all of this, the likes of Stock Aitken and Waterman, or us for lapping up whatever they throw at us?


Mighty Lark

Mighty Lark

Mike Lewis

Mike Lewis, (AKA The Mighty Lark,) began painting, drawing and illustrating professionally in the summer of 2003. He holds a BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University and an MFA in Studio Arts from Maine College of Art..

The Mighty Lark's work has appeared in magazines, coloring books, zines, and journals as well as on logos, t-shirts, phone cases, and tote bags. He has taught 2D Design, Digital Foundations and Illustration at Southern Maine Community College since January of 2013.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In16H9J72HY

Sketches

Mike's whimsical sketches are both fantasy and reality. His sketches have both a cartoon and photorealistic quality. Check out the self-portrait here.

Mandalas

Mike became obsessed with the idea of spinning drawings, images seen through kaleidoscopes and the way that recreation of an object blurs, like a visual game of telephone. As the drawing is shaded multiple times, each individual item is the same, but different.

A Gentleness Practice

"John," the first piece in his new series of Sud Busters. He is in love with the subject matter and the colors. "I was able to really paint and get lost in the environment. The making was a success, and the time that it took to finish it just sort of appeared here and there in and about the space in the timeline of my life".


Mike Lewis

Mike lives and works in Portland, Maine with his wife, Courtney, his son, Austin, and their two cats Jasper Johns and Momo. He is found either at his studio in the State Theater building or at home with a cat or toddler in his lap or working at his drafting table. A native Northern New Yorker, Lewis is the son of a Forest Ranger and a substitute school teacher. Mighty Lark is an avid reader and a prolific audiophile.

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