30 Comments
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Greg Lemon's avatar

Man, what a joy this was to read. Totally wild, off the wall, a truly ridiculous fairy tale, straight from the heart. Loved it, great work!

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Ridiculous, indeed. Riffing... I'd likely run like mad near a real alligator....:) Thanks for checking it out, Greg. Much appreciated, friend.

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James Ron's avatar

Really good, Victor. I knew guys with gators for pets but they all got released eventually as the gators did grow to be rather sizable and unruly. All I know about an alligators tail is that it tastes like chicken and is a little bit sweet.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

That's more than I know, but seems like lots of things taste like chicken, don't they? :)

Your traveling story recently got me thinking of my VW van days. Of course, I never had an alligator. In fact, I don't think I've actually ever been near one.. maybe a zoo.

Thanks for checking it out and dropping a comment, James!

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

I like the image of the man and Al in separate jail cells. And your last line: "They looked beyond his primitive scales and his long mouth of razors, and took note of the wonderful creature within." It reminds of the gentle Pit Bulls I've encountered who contradict the stereotype. An enjoyable tale, Victor.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

I know what you mean about Pit Bulls. They can be quite gentle and loving. We adopted a couple of them found on the street. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, KC. Really appreciate it. Glad you liked it, jail cells and all. I had fun with it.....

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

I like the image of the man and Al in separate jail cells. And your last line: "They looked beyond his primitive scales and his long mouth of razors, and took note of the wonderful creature within." It reminds of the gentle Pit Bulls I've encountered who contradict the stereotype. An enjoyable tale, Victor.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

I see duplicate comment so will say thanks again!

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Mike Leavy's avatar

Wonderful story, Victor. Some really tasty peanut butter and jelly. Sometimes it is that fare of innocence and youth that keeps us going. And thank you for keeping on going.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank *you* for checking it out, Mike, *and* reminding me of peanut butter. Got to get some to mix with my bacon. Something like that. Glad you like my flight of fancy. Always like hearing from you, friend.

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Elva's avatar

Hello Victor. Its been a while. Got lost in Kansas, I think. Fun connecting with you via rhis wild tale! Warm greetings from the edge

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Hi Elva, good to hear from you out there on the edge. Me too, another edge of another desert. Glad you liked the weird tale...:) and hope all is well with you.

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Rachel Victorianna's avatar

Did the idea of eating Al's tale for healing come from folklore? Or because they regenerate their tales? If neither, how did you come up with this? A friend wondering how your imagination works... This story was way out there and I loved it!

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

I don't know where these things come from. A narrator crawls into my head and starts talking. I try to type it out ;) I did use to travel the land in a VW van with a Coleman stove, but I didn't have an alligator (not even a dog). As for folklore, I just make things up, although my head is also filled with a million pieces of things that I've read, seen, done, been, that all have a gallizon interconnections.

Thanks for the kind words, Rachel. Glad you liked it. I had fun, too...:)

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Rachel Victorianna's avatar

Does your narrator have a name? Can you write a story about him/her/they? I find your narrator intriguing and would like to get to know that being better.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

My narrator has many names, and sometimes none. He or she or it is in my stories, sometimes quietly in the background, other times insistent to be part of the tale (one of the rules he/she/it ignores and I just say okay boss.) like in: None Of This Makes Sense, one of my personal favorites, because at times it sure doesn't.

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Rachel Victorianna's avatar

I want to read it! I went to your homepage. That's a huge body of work. Please send me a link when it's convenient.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Will do. Thanks, Rachel.

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Lola's Rescue's avatar

This Florida native appreciates the story of you and Al! Fun read.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you Lola! Glad you had fun with this one. Me, too!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

"I could taste fresh squeezed rodent."

"Al got a medium size snake, and I got a baloney sandwich."

Live snake, I hope. And Wonder Bread. A story full of savory treats. Thank you Victor.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you, Sharron, for reading. I think it was a live snake. For sure, Wonder Bread. Thanks again, glad you enjoyed my whimsical mood. :)

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I have never read anything whimsical from you before. I wonder about this change in mood. Are you, by any chance, in love?

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

No more than usual :)

p.s. I thought All Books Must Stop For Inspection was kinda whimsical. That was last year I think, so maybe once a year.. :) Thank again!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I must have missed it. I will look in your archives.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thanks! It's hiding in there somewhere I believe....

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Lovely little flight of fancy, Victor. I smiled at the innocence.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

A flight of fancy, indeed. In real life, I'd probably run for the hills if an alligator came near...:)

Thanks for reading and leaving a comment, Jim. Much appreciated!

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Jeanne S's avatar

I can’t say it better than Greg Lemon. Loved it.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you, Jeanne. Glad you liked it. Seems I turned the whimsical up on my system, happens sometimes. Appreciate you reading and leaving a comment!

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