Polka Dots and Moonbeams

Arizona Muse as Adeline

Stories: All-New Tales edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio has only been a few hours under my possession and I already love the 20-something short stories by today's most read authors (Jodi Picoult, Chuck Palahniuk, Neil Gaiman, Peter Straub and more). It's an attractive little anthology because it has the heaviest name dropping in Literature you could imagine---if you are, that is, into the name dropping. The cover has this real nice texture and its simple, almost kiddy look adds much to how deep the stories are inside. It's pricey, of course to people who don't have the bone or inclination towards books and magazines and/or anything that requires some time of the day for reading, but for people like myself it's a steal, really. 

Magazines, are definitely drugs to me, but books are like quick vacations. I've been tired at work and even though I enjoy it, I still need that break. I sometimes wish I was the kind of person who doesn't need to stop, but anyway...Yeah. If you want to take your mind off things, sort of detoxify it from the usual, I suggest you pick-up a book and get away for a while. It keeps me inspired in all aspects: writing, creativity, the imagination, life, language and the lot. So if you do have the time and if you're itching for something to read, this one's a perfect solution.

Since I'm also pretty much into fashion and beautiful people and stories, this book will provide you with a sure-win formula for a fashion magazine spread/editorial/story. You've got here easy-to-photograph portions taken off easy-to-follow plots and you have an ocean of designers to choose from and also a handsome pool of models to use as characters. 

Take for example one of my early favorites from Stories, Jeffrey Ford's Polka Dots and Moonbeams. My Western Literature professor might hunt me down for not knowing how to categorize this one, but I believe it's a crime/mystery-driven story involving two lovers, something of a cross between a little romance and a little action. That's all I could say for now, cause people might want to read this. But once you do get the chance to read this story (and the others as well) you could already picture the photographer to use for the story (Annie Leibovitz!), the clothes the models would wear, the setting and the big production required to achieve such meteoric photos (since, in the end, something literally meteoric happens), and of course, the models. While reading it, Arizona Muse (above) and Leebo Freeman (below) just shot straight in my head, playing Adeline and Dex. It's just greeeaaatttt....I could already see the photos on VOGUE.... 

Leebo Freeman as Dex

Arizona

Leebo

Dex put his head back and laughed, and, as if in response, at that very moment, the stars began to fall, streaking down through the night, trailing bright streamers. First a handful and then a hundred and then more let go of their hold on the firmament and leaped. Way off to the west, the first ones hit with a distant rumble and firework geysers of flame. More followed, far and near, and Dex and Adeline kissed amid the conflagration. 

"Pick me up at seven," she said, her bottom lip on his earlobe, and held him more tightly.

"I'll be there, baby," he promised, "I'll be there."

With the accuracy of a bullet between the eyes, one of the million heavenly messengers screeched down upon them, a fireball the size of the Ice Garden. The explosion flipped the Belvedere into the air like a silver dollar and turned everything to dust. --- Polka Dots and Moonbeams by Jeffrey Ford for Stories: All-New Tales edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio

And just for effect, look for the song, Polka Dots and Moonbeams...Any version would do. 

Of course, I DEMAND that you read the story, if you wouldn't/couldn't get the book.

I'm so in love right now, it's crazy.

P.S. If such a thing does show up soon, y'all know the original. HAHAH...I kid.

-Gerard