It’s okay to dream big. It could be the start of something big. Dream about it, think about it, dream about it. Keep it fresh in your mind. Write It Down. This will help you focus and ponder how to make it come true. Yes, you can make it come true. As you go along, a path will develop on how to get there.
Thoughts On Writing
Thinking about writing, but not writing at all. You must begin to write, try to write, even if it’s just a few thoughts. Write them down.
Three Boys And The Icebox
“You know, summertime is approaching, and we need something to do; we can’t just play video games all day,” said Markie, then said, “The TV meteorologist said to expect searing heat, stay inside, and drink plenty of fluids.” “That’s true, but we’d be in air-conditioned comfort with the refrigerator in reach, filled with an assortment of cool treats,” said Benny. “I’m in with climate control and the cool treats waiting for us in the fridge,” said Joey.
“Look, Yapper seems interested,” said Markie. Yapper, the dog, on hearing ‘cool treats,’ raises his head and excitedly lets out two happy yaps in agreement.
Joey says, “Fellas, remember the hospitality Mrs. Beal showed us every summer. She provided us with fudgesickles, chilled bottles of root beer, and a cool lemon meringue pie. Maybe this year she’ll have a cool Key Lime pie as well. Yum!”
Benny recalls, “Since it was three of us, she set the table for three. Inside the refrigerator were three frozen fudgesickles, three slices of lemon meringue pie, and three chilled bottles of root beer. It would be nice to have a visit with her this summer.”
‘Mrs. Beal said when the heat is on, we are welcome to come inside to cool off and enjoy some cool pop and frozen treats,” said Markie.
Joey said, “I remember her saying, ‘Get a root beer out of the icebox.’ I didn’t understand icebox. She laughingly said she meant the refrigerator. Mrs.Beal explained that an icebox was an insulated box with a block of ice inside to keep food cold. That was in the days before the electric refrigerator.”
Joey recalls, “Mom said grandma had one too. She said the iceman would deliver a block of ice daily or every other day to households on the block. She described him as a very strong man toting a fifty to one hundred block of ice over his shoulder with sharp iron tongs designed to dig into the ice to secure it. Can you imagine?” Both Markie and Benny were astonished, with both saying “Wow!”
Markie said, “I can’t imagine not having electricity.” Benny said, “I can’t imagine not having an electric refrigerator.” Joey said, “I can’t imagine not having fudgesickles. Oh no!”
“No worries, Joey, we do have an electric refrigerator with a freezer to keep your fudgesickles solid,” said Benny.
Markie suggests, “We need to make a plan. One that will allow us some flexibility and structure our day.” “Okay, Markie, but keep it simple,” exclaimed Joey.
Benny is thinking out loud, “We could list three things we could do daily. Let’s see, food, play, and health. We like to eat, we like to play, and we like to ride our bikes.” “Sounds like a good plan to me,” said Markie. “I’m in, as long as we have ‘cool treats’ from the fridge,” said Joey. Benny said, “I like the idea of three, for some reason. Okay guys, we’ll start our plan in three days. We need to stick to our plan every day.”
Benny, reminiscing, said, ” Remember how Mom structured our summertime. She made it fun, but wanted us to do some interesting things.” “Yes, I do. Our day started with a yummy breakfast. Scrambled egg, cheese toast, and fruit,” said Markie. “Sometimes we would get a frozen dessert, ice cream, and occasionally fudgesickles,” said Joey as he took a look inside the fridge.
“Mom insisted that we exercise our brains. Mid-morning, we would visit the library. We were young, and this library thing was new to us. So we looked around and found children’s books,” said Markie.
Benny said, “The one that caught my interest was Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The cover featured an illustration of a little golden-haired girl walking through a forest, carrying a basket, her gaze drawn to a cottage along the way. I seated myself in a comfortable chair nearby, opened the book, and began to read the tale.”
Joey said, “I found the place boring, but I found a book about the ice cream truck, and it was a delicious read.”
“I really enjoyed reading, Lassie, Come Home. The loyalty of a dog touches my heart,” said Markie.
“You know, fellas, those were good times for us. We didn’t have to plan anything. Our summers were filled with meaningful times together,” said Joey.
“Mrs. Beal was always good to us. She planned everything for us. It was her delight to give to us. Yes, always thinking about the three of us,” said fondly by Markie.
“Three things come to mind. Three cool treats: three root beers, three slices of pie, three fudgesickles, and three bears, for some reason,” said Benny.
It’s important to appreciate the comforts of living we have today and to remember those who gave so much to us back then.
Copyright 2026 Frank Clark
Apples to Oranges
We are more than a figure of speech; we have substance, and we have appeal.
It’s been said that comparing apples to oranges is not possible because they have nothing in common. So you can’t compare them. It’s like comparing walnuts to zebras. No way can you compare the two because they are completely different.
As a phrase, ‘apples to oranges’ is a figure of speech, an idiom, that is used in reference to two other incomparable things.
So why not compare them anyway? The only thing they have in common is that they are fruit, so they say. But what else do they share? An apple is not an orange, and an orange is not an apple. That’s a known fact.
Are they alike, and how are they different?
First of all, we need to know what an apple and an orange are. What are the distinct characteristics of each?
An apple is tender, crisp, sweet, and mild in flavor. An orange is sweet-tart in flavor and high in vitamin C.
An apple is an edible fruit produced by an apple tree. An orange is an edible fruit produced by an orange tree.
The apple fruit is celebrated for its sensory appeal, nutritional density, and deep-rooted cultural symbolism.
The visual appeal of an orange lies in its vibrant, warm color, which is universally associated with energy, health, and sunshine.
Apple to Orange, “We have substance.” Orange to Apple, “Yes, we do. I have a thick skin, but juicy inside.” “I may be thin-skinned, but I have a crunchy, edible flesh inside, high in fiber, and vitamins too,” said Apple proudly.
“You know, Apple, come to think of it, we have appeal,” said Orange amusingly. “For being so different, we have visual appeal,” said Apple.
This appeal of an apple is characterized by a combination of vibrant, glossy skin and a range of appealing colors. Frequently, the red apple is depicted in, and symbolizes, themes of freshness, nutrition, and wellness
The appeal of the orange lies in its bright, vivid color, which is considered joyful, optimistic, and stimulating to the senses.
Although the apple and the orange share some similarities, they are not alike. They are in contrast to each other. The best comparison is in their differences.
They are fruits of choice and are usually displayed next to each other at a produce stand or in a supermarket case. Yes, their contrast in a produce case makes them very appealing.
Yes, apples and oranges are used in other figures of speech. Let’s allow Apple and Orange to boast about themselves.
Apple to Orange: “Many expressions include my name. For example, ‘you are the apple of my eye’ and ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ Favorable impressions about me. What about you?”
Orange to Apple: “Some favorable sayings in reference to me. ‘The squeeze of the day,’ meaning get the most out of the day. ‘As bright as an orange’ means very bright or eye-catching. By the way, ‘orange is the happiest color,’ according to Frank Sinatra. Pretty impressive, if I might say so myself.
Copyright 2026 Frank Clark
Fish Market Drifter
If you don’t write your own story, somebody else will write it for you.
“Just be yourself. No need for pretense. Write your own story. If they write your story, will it be about them or about you? Be yourself and your story will be about you,” said the fish market drifter.
“Who are you? You seem to be a very wise man. How did you know that I wanted to write a story about me?” said the somewhat startled, surprised young man. “I know a lot about life. Been there, done that. I know a lot about writing, that’s what I do. I’m a ghostwriter.” “Are you a ghost? What is a ghostwriter?” said the curious young man.
“A ghostwriter? Let’s see. Someone not
visible, not known, writing a story for you. Why do you ask such a question, young man?” “I have a draft of a story I have written and I think it’s not very good. I don’t write very well. I need someone to polish it up. I want to make it a worthwhile read. It needs to be inviting. Like the neon sign behind you,” said the young writer.
“Your name, bright young man?” “I’m Mark, Mark Twain.” “Mark Twain? Do you know who you are? Your style of writing was a new genre of literature. A little rough around the edges, but your books were, and still are, some of the most read books to this day,” said the ghostwriter beneath the neon light.
“How do you know that about me? I never knew it. I want to write an engaging and provocative story. One that makes people think. Imaginative and adventurous. A ghostwriter, I hear, can bring a story to life. A ghost never reveals himself. Remains anonymous. One told me on the phone that she could write me a story that will shine. As bright as that neon light behind you. You see it?”
“Yes, I see it. It’s bright and sends a message that there is something of value in there. ‘We have crabs.’ They must be in demand here. You know this is a fish market? People come here for the best and select seafood. You already have that gift with your writing. Thought you ought to know,” said the gravely voiced old man. “I really do? I already have what I need to write my story?” said young Mark, then said, “I’m only a diamond in the rough.” “That’s what makes your writing so special.”
“How do you know me?” “All ghostwriters know about you. They try to copy your style, but have never been able to do it.” “Who are you and where do you come from?” “Maybe I’m someone from your past. Maybe you.”
Copyright 2026 Frank Clark
Idiom Expressions
Idioms are phrases or expressions that people use in everyday language that do not make sense literally, but are understood and known by a particular group or culture. They are figures of speech.
The phrase “pull someone’s leg.” Meaning, to playfully joke with someone.
The phrase “piece of cake.” Meaning, a task that is very easy, simple, or requires little effort to do.
The phrase “a ray of sunshine.” Meaning, a happy person who makes other people feel happy.
These are a few, but more to come. “Stay tuned.”
Copyright 2026 Frank Clark
Mango Market
Mango Market on Isla del Sol.
Feel the breeze, the warmth of the sun.
Isla del Sol is an uninhabited island and is protected to keep it in its natural state. A very tropical feel to the island with its abundance of mangoes, fanned palmetto palms, and awesome wind-blown oaks. It is believed that the island was originally occupied by the Mango Tribe, who worked in the mango groves there. The island is also nicknamed Mango Island. Today, descendants of explorers live in a nearby village on the mainland. Isla del Sol is only accessible by canoe or raft. Visitors must paddle across a small inlet to the island, as did the island dwellers long ago. Abandoned and weathered canoes still rest upon its shore. The island is managed by a farm cooperative. Members who grow their own natural fruits and vegetables share them at a marketplace on the island twice weekly.
“Good morning, members. Another delightful day in our marketplace. I decided to add some color to make it look more festive and tropical. I have the usual six carts. They are now painted with a variety of pastels. I hope you like them. Thank you, Ernesto,” said Magdalena, manager of Mango Market. “Let’s see what you have, Diego.” “Mama, I have the finest coffee, tea, cocoa, and apple cider. The coffee today is 100% Colombian. I have English tea, the best Swiss chocolate, and fresh-squeezed apple cider. I have four decanters, one for each. Piping hot, ready to serve,” said Diego. “Load your items on this cart. It’s mocha brown. Place your cart at the end of the path on the left. The aromas will radiate throughout the market.” “I will, señora. And I have my earthen clay mugs and wooden spoons. Natural everything. Raw honey, fresh cream, and brown sugar cane,” said Diego.
“The breads, come ahead. Rosa, what a wheat wagon you have. Mmm, hot crusted French, Italian, and Cuban. Oh, the aromas will blend well with the coffee cart,” said Magdalena with delight and a smile. “Buenos días, Magdalena. Fresh from the oven. Spreads of butter, cream cheese, and apple butter. Clove and cinnamon sprinkles. These will awaken the senses,” said Rosa as she fans her hand across the baskets. “Take this cart. It’s painted with a pastel of clay yellow. Please, set up on the left, up front next to Diego’s mocha brown coffee cart. A nice contrast of color.” said Magdalena.
Feel the breeze, the warmth of the sun.
“Need fruit. Need fruits and juices. Come on up, Juan,” said Magdalena. “I got the fruits, señora, and I got the juice. Is tropical okay?” said Juan. “Of course, they look so luscious. The juice boxes are fine, as long as they are fresh squeezed,” said Magdalena. “I have papaya, guava, and ripened mangoes,” said Juan proudly. “I hope those are my mangoes. They don’t look like my mangoes. Are they organic and not supermarket?” said Magdalena with suspicion. “Not supermarket, but farmer’s market and I was told that they are organic. All natural,” said Juan. “Well, they’ll do, but please, do not tell anyone about them. They all come here for my mangoes, as you know, grown here on the island. Here, take the aqua marine cart. A nice contrast of color. On the left, right here, up front. Gracias, Juan,” said Magdalena.
“I need a hot food cart. Benito, I smell your tamale pies and burritos and sizzling sausage. Do you have sauce and cheese?” “Yes, I do, señora. And I have hot cheese sticks and nachos.” “I’ll be the first in line for your cheese sticks. I hope you have a blazing hot sauce for the nachos. Need mild too. Oh, your cart. Take this one, the pastel palmetto green. At the end, on the right, across from Diego’s coffee cart,” said Magdalena as she views the set up of the carts.
Feel the breeze, the warmth of the sun.
“Let’s see, the pastries. Ah, the smell of yeast, vanilla, chocolate, sugar and spice. I know you are here, please come forward,” said Magdalena with anticipation. “I have the cart already. Loaded and ready to go,” said Anna Maria. “Oh, my goodness, what a display. A bakery cart adds flavor to a marketplace. This is the perfect cart. Raspberry is the right color for you. Up this way, on the right, next to Benito’s hot food cart. Mmm, the blend of coffee, sizzling sausage, and pastries will compliment each other.”
“One last cart, a vegetable cart, please. Señora Alvarez, good morning. Your vegetables look so fresh. All organic, I hope,” said Magdalena. “Yes, indeed, señora. I have fresh golden corn in their husks, ripened cherry tomatoes, green and red peppers, red onions, and crisp lettuce,” said Señora Alvarez. “This cart is for you, brilliant orange. On the right, up front, here.”
Feel the breeze, the warmth of the sun.
Magdalena, with her arms crossed, looks at the marketplace on the yellow clay path, under the shade of the wind blown oaks. The sun is beaming through providing the light of day. She bends back breathing in the flavors of the market and she delights in the pastels of color she has created. “Everyone, this is the day, this is the place, this is the time for us to celebrate. Moments away before our first guests arrive. Are you ready? Do you all have mangoes?” “We are ready,” said by all the vendors in the marketplace. “And yes, Magdalena, we all have mangoes, plenty of them!” said Juan. All laugh.
“We are ready, then. I need two greeters at the entrance. Carlos and Alicia, can you assist me here? Remember to check their membership cards. All guests must be accompanied by a member. Must do a count. We only allow twenty five into the marketplace per hour. On each side of you, there are two tables of my fresh mangoes. Give one of each to our members and guests may have one, too. Oh yes, tell them about our sunrise market. It’s the day after tomorrow. Must be here at predawn before sunrise. I know it’s early, but that’s what it’s all about, the sunrise. It’s a two hour market open to only twenty five. That way, there will be room to casually roam, allow time and space to gather, and to enjoy the flavors of our food and drink.”
“Good morning, all. Welcome to Mango Market. A mango for you and a mango for you,” said Carlos wearing his straw hat with a colorful red band. “This way, please. Straight ahead. Enjoy your time in the market,” said Alicia wearing a long melon tunic belted at the waist with a yellow braided tie. On her feet are simple leather sandals.
Magdalena said to those entering the market, “Good morning, buenos días. Have a great time. We have everything for you. All fresh and natural.”
Just before noon when the market closes, Magdalena walks through the market talking with each vendor. “Everything good, Diego?” “Yes, used four decanters of each today.” “Benito, all your food is gone. Did you run out?” “Yes, Magdalena. I was raided,” laughingly said Benito.
“Rosa, you still have breads. What happened?” “Not too many bread lovers today. Everyone seemed to like the bagels which I don’t normally have much of a demand. And the cream cheese. Went like ice cream!”
“I know the pastries did well and I see they did, Anna Maria.” “Everyone wanted every one of them. The sweet breads were the most popular, conchas and, believe or not, the German chocolate cake.” “This is an island market, you would think,” said Magdalena. Anna Maria continue, “The frosted apple turnovers went like fresh apples picked from the tree.” “Did you save me a couple? You know what I like,” said Magdalena with a smile. “Yes, I did. The concha and the German chocolate cake.” Shh!” said Magdalena.
“All right, give me your score, Juan.” “I did well, all stopped here first because I’m at the front of the market. The most popular fruit was the Georgia peach. The most favored juice was pineapple,” said hesitantly by Juan. “What do you mean, no mangoes sold? How did the Georgia peach get in here? And the pineapple juice? This is not Hawaii!” said Magdalena, a little distressed. Juan to Magdalena, “They were requested, and I had a few under the counter. Yes, I got them at the farmer’s market, too.” “Aye Yai Yai! Next time, all mangoes, my mangoes!” said Magdalena, shaking her finger with a smile.
“Mrs. Alvarez, I know you came through for me, you always do. Vegetables. Everyone needs vegetables. How did you do?” said Magdalena hoping for a home run. “I sold a few tomatoes, and the husks of corn are always popular, but the rest are still here. I’m sorry no home run,” said Señora Alvarez, then said “I sold mangoes, many of them. Fresh from your grove.” “That really delights me, you did make a home run! You win the prize,” said Magdalena. “Prize, I get a prize?” said Señora Alvarez. “Yes, you sold mangoes. Above the rest! Here’s a bag of mangoes to go,” said Magdalena with a grin and a wink.
“Thank you folks for coming, the market closes in five minutes. Remember the sunrise market in two days. Only twenty five are allowed and must be here before the break of dawn. Reservations are required,” said Magdalena as she directs Carlos to close the gate.
Feel the breeze, the warmth of the sun.
Copyright 2026 Frank Clark
Truckers and Sunflowers
What do truckers and sunflowers have in common? They have a cultural connection. Sunflowers are a symbol of the open road. They are often associated with agricultural landscapes and “big trucks” traveling through rural areas. Lastly, sunflowers contribute to truckers’ identity as a group. There seems to be a natural affinity between them.
Did you know that sunflower seeds are among the most popular snacks among truckers? They are easy to carry, contain the vitamins they claim to, and are affordable.
Another thing about sunflower seeds is that they give the driver something to do. Believe it or not, chewing sunflower seeds helps the driver stay focused. Actually, the way a truck driver eats them is essential. Cracking the shell open, usually with his teeth, he removes the kernel and disposes of the shell by spitting it out. This process, while simple, can help the driver stay focused by providing a small, repetitive task to do mindlessly.
You know, there are two kinds of truck hauling: short haul and long haul. Short hauls use smaller trucks and are usually local, with daily pickup and delivery, traveling fewer miles and spending less time on the road. Long-hauls use larger trucks, also known as “18 wheelers,” that travel “over the road,” meaning truckers travel long distances and spend long hours hauling heavy loads of freight.
A trucker’s time on the road can be physically and mentally taxing. Driving an 18-wheeler can indeed be monotonous, often leading to fatigue, reduced focus, and long-lasting boredom. To counter this, a driver may chew on, you guessed it, some sunflower seeds. As mentioned before, sunflower seeds can be easily carried and are an affordable way for a driver to stay focused and less distracted.
What is the real life of a long-haul truck driver? One who particularly likes to chew sunflower seeds and spit them out to keep himself occupied as he travels over the road. Chester finds sunflower seeds a dandy treat because they are tasty and keep his mind occupied. “It’s something to do, and I don’t have to think about it.”
“Yeah, I’m a real-time sunflower, I mean, I enjoy a couple of sunflower seeds as I travel over the road. They are clean, healthy, and crunchy, and I like them salty.” By the way, what is your name? “I’m Sunflower Sadie. It’s my CB handle. It’s how I identify myself with other truckers. When on long hauls, I sing to Jesus. He is always with me wherever I go. By the way, do you know Jesus?” Thank you, Sadie. I will remember you.
Hello, Sir, are you a Sunflower Seed Connoisseur? “I crave them particularly on long hauls across the road. They relieve stress, combat fatigue, and give me the energy to stay focused and alert.”
Hello folks, are you long-haul truckers? “I guess you could say that. We are retired and take turns at the wheel. Since we have been together for a long time, we found long-haul trucking suited to us,” said Jack. Do you enjoy sunflower seeds? “Yes, we do. I like to crack, chew, and spit them out,” said Rosie, and Jack nodded in agreement. How do you identify yourselves with other truckers? “I’m known as Cracker Jack,” and Rosie says, “I’m Crackin’ Rosie.” Appropriate names since you like to crack, chew, and spit.
So, it seems to prove true that truckers do have an affinity for sunflowers. It’s a cultural identity that promotes camaraderie among them. But consuming sunflower seeds is a unique habit for them. Whatever the reason, crack, chew, and spit is a practical habit that helps them to stay focused and safe on the road.
Copyright 2026 Frank Clark
Idioms with Meaning
I have always been amused by idioms. Most I never understood or didn’t make sense to me. I am adding a new category, Idioms. I will be using some in my upcoming stories. “stay tuned.”
Dream of Barcelona
The Havana Café, Tampa, Florida
“José, tienes que limpiar las mesas. Los clientes están esperando. Pronto!”
“José, you have tables to clear. Customers are waiting. Pronto!”
“I’ll be right there, Carmina. Four tables are ready.”
Carmina to Diego, “Four pressed Cubanos. All the way. Pronto!” “Yes, Carmina, orders are up.” “Senors, there’s a booth over there. All set and ready for you,” said Carmina.
“Hello, I’m Alana, your beverages?” “Mango Tango.” “Cafe con Leche.” “Primo water.” “A Coconut Creme, please.” “Thank you, gentlemen.” “Here you are. Mango Tango, Cafe con Leche, Primo water, and a Coconut Cream. I see your sandwiches are ready. Cubano, Cubano, Cubano, and Cubano. Enjoy!”
“José, tienes que limpiar las mesas. Los clientes están esperando. Pronto!” “
“José, you have tables to clear. Customers are waiting. Pronto!”
José is a busboy. He’s the only busboy. He has three things to do. He clears the tables. He washes the dishes, and he sets the tables. And he does whatever he’s told to do. He never complains. Always greets customers with a smile. He has class. He has finesse.
Alana is the hostess and server. She greets guests, seats them, and is very attentive to their needs. She greets all guests with “Welcome, I’m Alana. May I have the honor of serving you? ” She is friendly. She has class. She has finesse.
Diego is the cook and sandwich maker. Prepares sandwiches custom to order. He does it well and the customers know it. Never forgets to make the sandwiches just right to the customer’s delight. He takes orders well.
Carmina knows how to yell them out to him. “Hey, Diego. We have eight guests waiting. Cubano, chilli. Cubano, gazpachos. Cubano, avocado. Cubano, salad. Cubano, pressed and cut. Cubano, vegetables, no meat, and two Cubano, Cubano. Got it?” “Yes, Carmina.”
Diego thinks to himself, She’s a bossy thing. So demanding. I don’t know how much longer I can take her. She’s obnoxious. But, I have a job to do. So get to it, Diego. Pronto! By the way, he has class and he has finesse, too. He knows how to take good care of the luncheon guests.
Now, there’s Carmina. She is the owner and the manager. Some finesse, but loses it when the pressure is on. She panics when the luncheon crowd increases. She gets overwhelmed by their demands and needs to get them in and out and on their way. She yells out orders, she rings up sales. It’s up to her to keep the patrons moving at a steady pace.
She is very dependent on José, Alana, and Diego. Without them, she would be a nervous wreck, but she already is. She can lose her patience and can be rude to demanding customers. No longer a friendly greeting. Just herding the cattle in and out the door. Always makes sure no one leaves without paying, even if the service is bad. She ain’t in business for nothing. No free food. Always thinking, no free lunch on me. This ain’t the soup kitchen. These people, all dressed in business attire, think they can run my business. Oh no, I run this show.
“José, tienes que limpiar las mesas. Los clientes están esperando. Pronto!”
“José, you have tables to clear. Customers are waiting. Pronto!”
“Hey, José, can you help me out? I have eight guests to seat. I need two tables pulled together, now! Please hurry up. Customers are waiting. Pronto!” Now, Alana is feeling the pressure. José to Alana, “Right away, boss. Pronto!” Both laugh.
José to Alana, “Just look at her. She’s about to crack up. About ready to snap at any moment.” Alana says, “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.” “José, I need to tell you something. I’m leaving after this shift. Start at the Barcelona on Friday. Carmina doesn’t know. I will wait till the rush is over, and before I leave at three, I will tell her. I have to leave, the Barcelona is a big step up for me.” “The Barcelona? You’re going to work there? Can you take me with you? It makes me sad, but I’m glad for you. You deserve to be at the Barcelona, you have class and you have finesse. l will miss you.” Alana hugs José and gives him a kiss on the cheek. She holds his hands and says, “Your day will come. I know you have a dream. It will happen for you. Dreams do come true.”
It’s just past noon, the line grows in size and many are waiting outside the door. Carmina sees them through the smudge filled glass. The name “Havana Cafe” is painted on the glass and it has peeled and cracked over the years. So has Carmina. Peeled and nearly cracked for good.
Carmina is ringing up sales at the register. She says, “Is your lunch satisfactory? Thank you.” “Is your lunch satisfactory?” “Yes, Carmina. Are you okay? You really look stressed. I’m concerned about you,” said Anna Marie. “Oh, I’m fine. Just a bit nervous. That’s all.” In a low voice to Anna Marie, “I have issues, and I’m seeing the doctor. He’s really helping me out. He’s pushing me to shut this place down. But, it’s Harry’s dream. That was forty-five years ago. Got to keep the business going for him.” “Just concerned, Carmina. Glad you are getting help. Love you dear.” A quick hug and Anna Marie is on her way.
“Senora, please, my client and I have to sign some papers. Only twenty minutes, then we must go. A table for two?” “Yes, senor, right over there in the corner. It’s private and quiet there.”
A very impatient businesswoman says, “What’s taking so long? You are so disorganized.” ”Do my best, lady.” “Don’t you know anything about time management? Is the manager here?” “You’re looking at her.” “This is ridiculous. I want to talk with the owner.” “You’re looking at her.” The lady leaves in a huff, saying to customers waiting in line, “Hey, you others, it’s not worth the wait. I’d leave, if I were you.”
“I need a table now!” said irritated, demanding man. Carmina responds, “Well, is that so? Seat yourself at that dirty table over there. Someone may be with you soon.”
“José, tienes que limpiar las mesas. Los clientes están esperando. Pronto!”
“José, you have tables to clear. Customers are waiting. Pronto!”
José responds, “Okay, Carmina, okay.” Carmina is feeling more pressure at the front counter. Continues to take orders and ring up sales. “That will be ten dollars and ninety-nine cents. Gracias, come back soon.” “Don’t think so. You are so slow. Can’t you speed it up? Here’s a quarter. Next time, you may get a dime.” “You are too kind, sir. Thank you for the tip. Have a mint on me.” Next in line, a man throws money on the counter, saying, “It’s all there. I know you can’t count.” He leaves and curses as he goes out the door.
It’s the end of the lunch rush. Carmina, with heart pounding and feeling dizzy, sits in a chair and says, “Maybe my doctor is right. This has become too much for me. I just hate to disappoint, Harry.” Alana sits down at table with Carmina. “I need to tell you something. I’m leaving. Start at the Barcelona on Friday. It’s been great working here, but I must move on.” Carmina shocked at the news, starts shaking and says to Alana, “What am I going to do? I depend on you and José so much. Please don’t leave.” “I’ve got to go. Good luck.”
“José, it’s just me and you and Diego, now. I need you to do Alana’s job, too. So, please don’t let me down.” “I won’t, Carmina, I promise.” So weeks go by, and they manage to get the customers taken care of as best they could.
Two gentlemen are waiting to be seated. Carmina greets them and beckons to José to assist.
“José, tienes que limpiar las mesas. Los clientes están esperando. Pronto!”
“José, you have tables to clear. Customers are waiting. Pronto!”
“Come this way sirs, welcome to the Barcelona, I mean, to the Havana. I have a table over there.” José starts to daydream, I need to move on, too. I have to go to a better restaurant where I can use my finesse. I have class and know how to take good care of the customers. I want to go to the Barcelona, too. Maybe my dream will come true. I will pray to the Virgin. She will intercede for me. Thank you, holy mother of God. He continues to do as he is told. He greets all guests with a genuine smile. He says it again,” Welcome to Barcelona, I mean, Havana. This way, please.”
“Please, senora, seat us now. We don’t have much time.” “Alana, it’s you. Welcome back. Ready to work?” Alana replies, “No, Carmina, my friend and I just need two cafe con leches and flans.”
“José, we have special guests, seat them now. They are already over there. Treat them nice.” “Yes, ladies, welcome to the Barcelona, I mean, Havana.” Both women laugh. “Alana, it’s you. So good to see you, and you, ma’am, welcome as well. The best dining experience for you. At your service.”
“We’re actually here to see you. I wanted Maria to see you in action.” Maria to José, “You are just what I need at the Barcelona. You do your job so well. You have class. You have finesse.” José to Maria, “Thank you so much. I do my best.” Maria to José, “Here’s my card, come see me.” José looks at the business card. Barcelona. Maria Barcelona, General Manager. “Wow,” said José. “I’m Maria Barcelona. It’s our family name and business. Established for nearly fifty years. Excuse me, I have a phone call to make. I’ll be right back.”
”Alana to José, “I brought Maria here to see you in action. I can tell she is pleased. She would never give anyone her business card, unless she is serious about hiring them. I’ll see you soon at the Barcelona.” José smiles, gives Alana a hug, then holds her by her hands saying, “You came through for me.” “Yes, I did, José. I planned it all along that you would go with me.”
Maria returns, “José, I’ll see you on Wednesday. We will talk about what you will do at the Barcelona. You will fit in well. Welcome to the Barcelona.” José gets hired and is working at the Barcelona. He is so happy and taking good care of the guests. All done with class and finesse.
By week’s end, Carmina tells customers, particularly the regulars, “I’m closing the restaurant. Next Friday, I will close the doors for good. My doctor and Harry would want me to do it. I’m taking their advice.” Patrons, each, tell Carmina, “Thank you so much for being here for us.” “It’s been my pleasure. Harry would be so proud to hear your kind words.” All applaud. “By the way, you all, I’ll see you at the Barcelona. Not to work, but to enjoy a delicious meal, their sensational service, all done with class and finesse.”
José gets his dream. Dreams do come true. “Welcome to the Barcelona,” José with a bright smile. He made his dream come true with the help of Alana, Maria, and Carmina. They prepared him to become his very best.
Occasionally, José would fondly remember…
“José, tienes que limpiar las mesas. Los clientes están esperando. Pronto!”
“José, you have tables to clear. Customers are waiting. Pronto!”
Copyright 2026 Frank Clark