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Jennifer James's avatar

This was rough in all the best ways. I love Shaggy Maggy and her little community. Great atmosphere as always. And the description of crackheads as wraiths, it's one line but there's more than one layer of truth there. Thanks.

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Jean McKinney's avatar

Thanks! As always, I value your comments. Yes, Shaggy Maggie is a favorite of mine too. After the responses I got to this story, I'm trying to think of new adventures for her!

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Chris Peterson's avatar

I really love the way you used sensory images to catch the feel of after midnight in a seedy part of town - the smell of decay and piss, those white-eyed wig heads. Plus, it's really satisfying to imagine mad, homeless old women - so often victimized - have secret friends in hidden places watching out for them. Wonderful! Keep those stories coming!

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Jean McKinney's avatar

Thank you! I've always loved the beauty of grunge.

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Chris Peterson's avatar

Speaking of which, I really appreciated the links you provided to the urban decay photos. Some wonderfully evocative pix.

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Jean McKinney's avatar

Glad you enjoyed the photos! They really are stunning. I love that there is a whole genre of photography devoted to those kinds of spaces - they're haunting and so beautiful in their own way.

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

I love Shaggy Maggy!

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Jean McKinney's avatar

Thanks! She's a favorite of mine too.

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Chris Peterson's avatar

I really love the way you used sensory images to catch the feel of after midnight in a seedy part of town - the smell of decay and piss, those white-eyed wig heads. Plus, it's really satisfying to imagine mad, homeless old women - so often victimized - have secret friends in hidden places watching out for them. Wonderful! Keep those stories coming!

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