“The Third Man”

I’d like to say that it’s a late summer tradition to embroil myself in some shadowy espionage in the former Soviet bloc. I’d like to say the apple trees in Minsk are burning this time of year. (I’d also like to say that yes, Yuri Andropov, that last line might be directed at you.)

Sure, I’d like to say all of that, but then the “Agency” would “disavow” any “knowledge” of my “overseas rubber shoe factory,” my “credentials” would be “stamped” “MEDICAL LEAVE,” and I’d have to “vacation” in “Kurdistan” selling “figs” and “plums” at a “bazaar” until the “weather” “improved.”

Ha-ha. Let’s be clear. I am “not” a “spy.”

What my “handlers” would prefer me to say (I mean, of course, if I had handlers) is that what’s been taking me away from the blog the past few weeks is that both The Wrinkleman and Ensnared film projects are advancing in a very positive and exciting direction. Yes, and—excuse me I need to rub some salve on these electrical burns—yes, and because both are moving forward at the same time some of my other creative interests have received less attention.

Okay, I think that “shelters” everybody’s “assets.”

And so with that, in closing, I’d just like to say the dog’s nose is wet when pointed away from the crotch. (It’s possible, Yuri, that this is the line you’ve been waiting for. Again, since I’m not a spy I have no idea. J)

What do you like to do when you’re on “hiatus”?