A regular accounting of The 3:57 published on the first Monday of each month.
The Month Ahead – Monday 4 December
Hello, All,
Welcome to The Month Ahead for December 2023. It is my hope the year has been kind to you.
During the month, the final episodes of IT SUITS HER will be released. Maxie and Celia have traveled a long road and it has been a joy telling their story.
Last month we developed NOVEMBER POEMS, PARTS ONE AND TWO. Seven poems were compiled to honor the eleventh month. Writing from John Clare, Emily Dickinson, Rebecca Hey, and Elizabeth Drew Barstow Stoddard was included. Although not recorded, it is realistic to see a release in 2024.
However, the experience of researching poets and poetry was appealing. Expect an episode this month with a focus on December.
The lineup for the first six months of 2024 includes the following: — January – Break. There are no episodes scheduled in January — February – LOVE 20 MINUTES INTO THE FUTURE where The Messenger becomes a digitzed personal assistant, with staff, to save a prestigous client of the firm from a potentially catastrophic delay in releasing a new product — March – SEVENTEEN: A continuation of the story started in 2023; Severin Vincent Tennyson, a sixty-four year-old non-verbal janitor in central New Jersey, U.S.A. and Jennifer Hargrove, his job coach, struggle to understand the flashback he is having — April – ROAD RAGE: An interpretation of Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow — May to June – LATE IN THE GAME: The first eight episodes centered on three players on a struggling minor league baseball team in New Jersey
Also, there is a rumor an old friend will in the area between Christmas and New Year. Stay tuned for updates.
Thanks for stopping by in 2023 and we look forward to sharing more in 2024. As always, please remember there are stories are everywhere.
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.
It is also the first Tuesday of a new month. Throughout the year, The 3:57 by William E. Spear has started a new series on the first Tuesdays of January through June. As a reminder, these are the first episodes of stories we’ve started this year:
On this particular Tuesday, The 3:57 announces it is Between Seasons. The program is developing a new series titled IT SUITS HER. The following is a brief description:
“Maxie (Williams) is an actor whose previously brilliant career disappeared with a serious drinking illness; Ceel (Court) ran away from a miserable home life and is working at an equally miserable job. Both are struggling and desperate to build better futures. When their lives collide, will they land in circumstances that suits either of them?”
Show notes for IT SUITS HER
Seven episodes have been written and are working their way to the recording studios for a premiere on 1 August. However, an excerpt of the first episode, as told by Maxie, is below:
Good evening. I’m Maxie Williams. I am on my way an appointment and need to pick up my suit from a tailor in downtown Flemington.
Before I can retrieve my suit from the said tailor I will need to navigate Celia Court. She is easily the most obstinate . . . the most infuriating . . . the most annoying person I have ever met.
It is like looking in a mirror and seeing myself thirty years younger.
That encounter will come later. For now, she is balancing her boyfriend and job by way of her cell phone. If you lean a bit closer you can hear her.
“Hello. . . . I can only talk for a moment. . . . No, I’ll be there later.” Celia whispered into her cel phone: “We don’t close the shop until nine. . . . I can’t, Mr. Clarkson will hear me.”
Mr. Clarkson, the owner of the shop, elsewhere and as far away as possible without being on the street, bellowed: “Miss Court!”
Celia bent closer to her cell phone and whispered lower: “I have to go. Mr. Clarkson might . . .”
“I might what, Miss Court?” Clarkson boomed.
End of excerpt.
That’s all for now. We will look for you in August.
A regular accounting of the The 3:57 published on the first Monday of each month.
Monday 3 July 2023
Re: Midyear Status and Between Seasons (since when do we have seasons?)
Dear All,
Greetings and salutations. It is my hope this finds you well.
The 3:57 by William E. Spear has arrived at the midpoint of 2023 and a reflection upon the first six months seems appropriate. Start with a reminder of the initial objectives: 1) Post each week on the program’s blog and 2) Release a podcast episode on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
Permit consideration of these accomplishments:
Season One has been concluded. Brew another pot of celebratory coffee for that alone.
Stories ranged from turning 64 (ON A FROSTY MORN) to an allegorical view of Russia invading The Ukraine (DEAD AIR) to a non-verbal janitor in central New Jersey, U.S.A (SEVENTEEN).
For 26 consecutive weeks, a blog post or podcast episode was released every single week.
Of note, in April, May, and June both a blog post and podcast episode were released each week.
Of further note, in June was A FORCE OF POETS. The release schedule included the following:
The program will be Between Seasons in July. Writing, voicing, and producing each story is exhilarating and exhausting and Season One was a blast. Stepping away from the microphone for four weeks is a welcome break.
However, The 3:57 will not be idle. Season Two is in the works and on 1 August the premiere episode of IT SUITS HER will be released. It will feature the characters Maxie Williams and Ceel Court.
Maxie is an actor whose previously brilliant career disappeared with a serious drinking illness; Ceel left a miserable home life and is working at an equally miserable job. Both are struggling and desperate to build better futures. When their lives collide, will they land in circumstances that suits either of them?
A regular accounting of the The 3:57 published on the first Monday of each month.
Monday 5 June 2023
Re: An Introduction
Dear All,
Thank you for stopping by and it is my hope this finds you well.
The 3:57 by William E. Spear is six months into weekly posts and podcasts. It’s been a successful re-launch of a previous effort. These few paragraphs are offered as a formal introduction to, and insight on, the intent of the publication.
The 3:57 is an endeavor of mostly my own actions. It is my narration, and editing of same, that is heard. Except for bus stations and cheap bars, the recordings and accompanying artwork are posted in highly trafficked places for greatest impact.
This approach has been implemented with my twin titles of CIO – Chiefly Introverted Observer – and WLCC – World’s Least Comfortable Collaborator.
Self-deprecation aside, one reason for embracing the titles is to make this first point: A single voice can tell a story. One human, shorn of deliberate intent to bludgeon, humiliate, or intimidate can entertain, educate, and illuminate. Much like a solitary candle in the darkness, a solitary voice can be a beacon.
Further, The 3:57’s stories – whether original, interpreted, or curated – are those which have caught and sustained my attention. Whether they angered, fascinated, frightened, or humored me, all are examples of a second point: Stories are Everywhere.
Noting the above, and with fair warning of my voice once again on the recordings, this month’s stories are part of a series titled A FORCE OF POETS. The release schedule includes the following:
6 June: Episode 01 – Helen Hunt Jackson 13 June: Episode 02 – Emily Dickinson 20 June: Episode 03 – Christina G. Rossetti 27 June: Episode 04 – Phillis Wheatley
As a reminder, the LET ME GO TO HER series was released in May. Interpreted from Elizabeth Gaskell’s OLD NURSE’S STORY published in 1852, those episodes and links are below:
It is my hope you find them enjoyable. If you don’t, come back next month. Actually, come back in August because we are taking off July. The World’s Least Comfortable Collaborator needs a rest from the past six months.
Teaser – Zoey Gladden, the dying stranger, is recovering from hypothermia in her hospital room. When she regains consciousness, she tells Chris of their past connection. But the teenager is angered by having any memories of home and changes the direction of the conversation.
Full Transcript –
Remembering, Episode #8: Reconciled
Original Date: 24 June 2020
Hello. This is . . . The Three Fifty-seven.
[The 3:57 Theme plays]
My name is William Spear and I am the Host of The Three Fifty-seven. The current series is titled REMEMBERING.
And this episode, the eighth, is called RECONCILED. Zoey is recovering from hypothermia and telling Chris of their past connection. But the teenager doesn’t want any memories of home.
And now, REMEMBERING.
[Remembering Theme plays]
Eight and one-half-hours after being admitted to an Emergency Room for hypothermia, Zoey Gladden was conscious and explaining how she knew Chris.
“We are both from New Jersey,” she said. “In fact, we went to high school together.”
Chris stood up and backed away. Zoey continued, “We were in the same math class the day you left. I ran away a few weeks after you.”
Chris was uncomfortable talking about home and changed the conversation. “What are you going to do?”
“Get well,” she said. “Get out of here and go somewhere warmer.”
“You could call your parents. I am sure they miss you,” Chris said.
Zoey shrank under the covers. “It was bad there. They don’t want me.”
“You don’t know that,” Chris said. “Call your parents.”
“I can’t do that. We were yelling and arguing all the time,” said Zoey.
Chris pulled the chair close to her bed and handed Zoey the phone. “I’ll be right here.”
Zoey looked at it, then at Chris, back at the phone, back at Chris, then at the phone, again at Chris, back at-
-“Oh, just call them,” Chris said with a smile and a laugh.
Zoey dialed the phone, closed her eyes, and braced for the twin furies:
“Hello, Mom. . . . Yes, it’s me. Is this a good time to talk? . . . I can’t understand you through the crying. . . .
“. . . Wait, you don’t have to – oh, hi, Dad. . . . I’m fine. You? . . . I miss you, too. And I was wondering if you could, you know, do you think, I mean, would you consider, if it’s not a problem, maybe to, uhm, bring me home? . . .”
Zoey’s eyes opened wide and fear grabbed her face. She reached to Chris for support and the teenager leaned forward and held her hand.
Zoey continued: “Why is Mom screaming? Did she drop the casserole pan on her foot again? . . . Oh, screaming for joy. I get it. . . .”
Zoey eased back into bed and closed her eyes in relief. Her reunion faded into the background while Chris simmered with anger. What right did she have to rejoin her parents?
She ran away over some arguments. Made her family sick with worry. Now she was getting another chance. The teenager despised her as she said:
” . . . You can pick me up at Saint Luke’s hospital – I’m fine. Just a little frost bitten. Saint Luke’s near Mount Oliver. . . .
“. . .By the way, an old friend is here. Chris Rowe from high school. . . . Yes, I’ll introduce you. Hey, I need to get some sleep, okay. So long. . . . I love both of you.”
Zoey put down the phone, collected her thoughts, and spoke, “There, I called them. Are you satisfied?” She opened her eyes to say more but stopped.
Chris was gone.
[Remembering Theme plays]
You’ve just listened to Episode Eight of REMEMBERING. The series music, What A Way – The Prelude, is through the courtesy of Semaphore.
The Three Fifty-seven is an anthology of comedy, drama, and supernatural stories. Theme music is Not On The Bus . . .
[The 3:57 Theme plays]
. . . by U. S. Army Blues.
The Three Fifty-seven is Written and Produced by William Spear.
Teaser – After driving three hours through freezing rain, Chris and the talking car, an ancient Odyssey, found the dying stranger. Unexpectedly, she knew the teenager. Chris takes her to the Emergency Room where she begins treatment for hypothermia. Once she regains her consciousness, the teenager asks, “How do we know each other?” Her answer shocks Chris.
Full Transcript –
Remembering, Episode #7: The Mount Rushmore of Nobodies
Original Date: 10 June 2020
Hello. This is . . . The Three Fifty-seven.
[The 3:57 Theme plays]
My name is William Spear and I am the Host of The Three Fifty-seven. The current series is titled REMEMBERING.
And this episode, the seventh, is called HOW DO YOU KNOW ME? Chris went with the talking car to search for a dying stranger. But, unexpectedly, she knew the teenager. Chris wants to know how.
And now Episode Seven of REMEMBERING.
My name is William Spear and I am the Host of The Three Fifty-seven. The current series is titled REMEMBERING.
And this episode, the seventh, is called HOW DO YOU KNOW ME? Chris went with the talking car to search for a dying stranger. But, unexpectedly, she knew the teenager. Chris wants to know how.
And now Episode Seven of REMEMBERING.
[Remembering Theme plays]
The talking automobile had insisted Chris travel to a town three hours away. It was early December and freezing rain fell the entire time.
They arrived as the sun came up.
The car, an ancient Odyssey, said they were looking for a dying young woman named Zoey Gladden.
The car, an ancient Odyssey, said they were looking for a dying young woman named Zoey Gladden.
Chris found her under a bridge. She was begging for help, “Is that you? . . . Let it be you. . . . Please, please, please, let it be you.”
The teenager told her, “Everything will be okay, Zoey”, then eased the blankets under her, and gently got her into the warm car.
“I knew you would find me,” she said. “Thank you, Chris.”
The teenager was shocked. “You know me?”
She was losing consciousness and unable to speak. The teenager spoke again: “Stay with us, Zoey.”
But she passed out.
Chris asked the car, “How does she know me?”
The car ignored the question. Chris got louder: “She knew me. Said my name. How?”
The car got louder; “If you want to find out, we need to leave NOW!”
Chris drove to the Emergency Room where she was rushed inside. The teenager parked the car and went in.
“You got her here just in time,” the doctor said. “Another fifteen minutes and she might not have survived.”
Chris sat in the waiting room while Zoey was treated.
An hour went by and then another. How could she know Chris? They had never met before. And how could the Odyssey know about her?
Two more hours went by and Zoey was still unconscious.
Four hours later and there was no change. And the teenager was no closer to figuring out where they might have met.
Finally, eight-and-one-half hours later, she regained consciousness. The doctor came to Chris: “She’s better and wants to speak with you.”
They went to Zoey’s room and the doctor left them alone.
“Thanks for finding me. I’m sorry for the inconvenience,” she said with a weak smile.
The teenager said ‘Nothing to it’ as if saving people from hypothermia happened every day of the week.
Then she asked: “By the way, who else was in the car with us?”
Chris offered an unconvincing ‘What do you mean?’ but she insisted: “You said, ‘Don’t leave us, Zoey.’ Then I heard another voice. It sounded like you were arguing.”
Chris told her she must have imagined it as she was passing out. She shrugged her shoulders and continued: “You’re probably wondering how I know you.”
Relieved at not having to explain the talking car, the teenager sat next to her and admitted, “The thought had crossed my mind.”
“Let me start with this,” she said. “You’re from New Jersey.”
“You can’t possibly know that. The people in New Jersey don’t even know I’m from New Jersey,” said the teenager.
They both grinned. “I remember your sense of humor, too” she said. “You’re from Hunterdon County.”
“Come on you don’t remember me. I’m a nobody,” said Chris. “You’ve never met me before.”
“Yes we have,” Zoey said as she struggled to sit up in her bed. “In fact, we went to high school together.”
[Remembering Theme plays]
You’ve just listened to Episode Seven of REMEMBERING. The series music, What A Way – The Prelude, is through the courtesy of Semaphore.
The Three Fifty-seven is an anthology of comedy, drama, and supernatural stories. Theme music is Not On The Bus . . .
[The 3:57 Theme plays]
. . . by U. S. Army Blues.
The Three Fifty-seven is Written and Produced by William Spear.
Clay Track Press 