I am very pleased to report that my short story, “Cathy and Jimmy and Clarence Makes Three,” has been published in the November 2018 issue of Aji Magazine. I wrote the story in graduate school in 1985, so it made the rounds of editors’ desks for a very, very long time. When I read the Aji editor’s welcome to the November edition, I understood why “Cathy and Jimmy” was chosen (although a small part of me initially objected):
The stories, poems, and essays in this issue introduce readers to characters that are hopelessly lost, their hopes bound by Blake’s “mind-forg’d manacles,” which today seem as binding as ever. There are no easy answers here; instead, you’ll find a steady supply of ordinary dilemmas terrifying because of their close proximity to our own routines and our own unquestioned assumptions about what it means to be human, to live fully (Armendarez).
A few days’ prior to the release of the issue, I received a copy to proofread. I was captivated by the power and range of the other work included, and I read the issue cover to cover. I would encourage you to do the same. Here is a short list of my favorites:
- “Growing Golden,” photograph by Rhett Pritchard
- “Time and Chance,” essay by John Jacobson
- “Image 7715,” painting by Jim Zola
- “Camerawomen: Canadian Tundra,” poem by Michelle McMillan-Holifield
- “My Father’s Accident,” essay by César Alejandro Zamora
- “Half Living,” poem by Pepper Trail
- “Roast Beef,” poem by Helen Tzagoloff
- “Rio Celeste,” poem by Mabel Lee
- “The Professor,” poem by Gaby Bedetti
- “The Infared Yacht Club,” photograph by Rhett Pritchard
- “Night Journey,” poem by Sarah Joyce Bersonsage
- “Homecoming (Flint Michigan), poem by Sarah Joyce Bersonsage
You can download the November 2018 issue of Aji Magazine here. My story starts on page 47.
Works Cited
“1974 Echo.” 1974. Echo74, Enosburg Falls High School, Enosburg Falls, Vermont, Volume 23.
Armendarez, Erin O’Neill. “Editor’s Welcome.” Aji Magazine, no. 9, Fall 2018.
Elizabeth Gauffreau 
Congratulations, Liz! I don’t think Cathy is “hopelessly” lost, but she is lost, and it’s going to take her a while to find her footing as an adult. My grandmother turned 22 just a few days before giving birth to my mother, and she never really forgave my mother for making her grow up so fast. I think Cathy will be fine, though. She has spirit! Great work. Brad
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Thanks for reading “Cathy and Jimmy,” Brad. When I wrote the story, I didn’t think Cathy was hopelessly lost either.
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Congratulations!
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Thank you, Ron!
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Congratulations! I enjoyed reading the story and recall my own days of wondering if I could stand to change another stinky diaper!
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Thank you for reading “Cathy and Jimmy,” Shayne! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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I have included your blog in INTERESTING BLOGS in FRIDAY FOSSICKING at
https://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com/2018/11/friday-fossicking-9th-nov-2018.html
Thank you, Chris
Congratulations…well deserved.
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Thank you much, Chris! I really appreciate it!
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You’re welcome, Liz..
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Congratulations! I will enjoy reading the story and some or all of the others.
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Thanks so much!
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Fantastic writing! AND congratulations on publication!!!
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Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked it.
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many congrats, Liz! what a great way to kick off the end of this year & start next 🙂
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It definitely is! Now it’s a matter of listening carefully for whose story needs to be told next.
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