Friends That Are Characters (Illustration Compliments of FreePik – https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/flying-saucer)

Recently, I was asked to keep an eye on my extraterrestrial neighbors’ earthbound base while they did some dimension hopping. The relevant text ended like this.

If you have read the books, you’ll know they have two ships. Jayney.

Now because of our extremely busy schedules – word is out that 2024 is a huge “disclosure” year – we don’t get to see them as much as we would like. (Indeed, I am happy that I got Where The Ley Lines Meet wrapped up and published in time.) However, the close bond between us that directly contributed to the writing of The Claire Saga that arose from that first impromptu introduction at the front of Casa Claire remains steadfast.

Now you might wonder how certain friends end up as characters in my books. Some are clearly identifiable as standalones, others are mixture of a few people. I try to incorporate the characteristics that shine most clearly in my memory. And memories are subjective and personal, and not always accurate.

E&M’s inclusion began when they appeared in front of my house and E fixed that lawnmower but was solidified late one night when I learned of the origin of that piece of Hubble Telescope on E’s Mancave wall.

I’ve been as transparent as I can about my relationship with the magical Claire.

But the remainder of my tapestry of characters is woven from friends that I have enjoyed during my different evolutions in a wonderfully long life. Starting with cute Kathy Brown, Patron Saint of Bronx pigeons, back in 1960, and everyone in FJM, including a guy I worked with at Gaelic Park, and especially members of The Old Fuckers Club, Aunt Violet’s Flop House, or the PWWCs, and also later on Helen, Bobbi & Eddie, the Inner Circle of Readers, Grandpa’s Boys, E&M and Claire here in NoCo. Something clicks and they stick. Especially the women, most often, or eventually, platonic. Women seem to get me, even my writing. They make wonderful friends. My life has been blessed by the women I have met.

Friendship to me is visceral. It’s not something that is earned. It just happens. There are no litmus tests. It’s a feeling I have when I think about someone. And it is not needy. Doesn’t require nurturing. And the friends list is varied and endless.

For example, Buck Sheridan arises from a friendship I established as a megafirm newby lawyer back in the summer pf 1983. Fergus is his dog. The priest is his nephew.

The Doc character in WTLLM is based on a recently reconnected friend from my first attempt at high school. If you know your Gaelic you can figure it out.

The two Mikes on the Moon are real Riverdale friends. Sorry guys.

BC is BC.

Adrienne S and Renee C are recent additions from North of me here in the Hinterlands.

The Casa Claire caretakers – Brian and Janet – are local neighbors with a Bostonly “wicked” sense of humor. Their Red Sox “B” (ptew) hangs inverted as a hex on Jack the Spruce. Makes the Bambino curse look like a fairytale. The Sox will never win another Championship.

Indeed, friendship can lay dormant for decades. Out of sight, out of mind, and just takes one text, photo or phone call to rekindle.

Pete Flanagan is a perfect example. Recently came back into my life during the worst part of his own, and yet made the time to binge read all five of my books, and selflessly share wonderful spiritual insights from a unique and humorous perspective. Those herculean efforts earned him a dedication – since WTLLM was already in the publishing hopper – when he crossed the veil. Fearless bastard. Catechistically confident of his spiritual destiny. Vaya con Dios. Don’t be a stranger. Leave the celestial back gate unlocked.

The Claire Saga has allowed me to gather all these different groups of friends from different parts of my life together in one Claire Universe, where hopefully they get to play together forever.

I hope as each of the real friends spots their character, it brings a smile to their face.

So, my fine, five readers, never miss an opportunity to make a new friend, no matter how old you are. And if an old one comes knocking out of the blue, answer the door.

Never be afraid to pick up that cell phone and reach out and touch and old friend.

Well, now I need to cuddle some kitty friends and then make my rounds. I also have to drag a huge old wooden desk along a long driveway out front for the Waste Collectors. Fun. Where’s Spaghetti, or Junkie (both very real) when I need them.

But, no matter what else we individually or collectively get up to, let us make today a great one.

And Joe Serrano, I’m glad you made it through the operation.