Part Four: It's Time (Mellow Rock, David C. Russell, Author)

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Today is Tuesday, and summerish in my corner of blog land. The date, June 17, 2025.

We are continuing our theme of mental health considerations, but this post will be different.

I want to introduce you to Haley, who is one of the main characters from my forthcoming book, "From My Red Chair." Haley is in the second story in this collection, and a chronic complainer. We all know one or two chronic complainers for sure.

The story opens in the office of her Therapist. Incidentally, this story will be featured 'soon' on spillwords.com. Let's get a glimpse of Haley.

The Chronic Complainer

David C. Russell

“I suppose you goad or needle all of your clients,” I said.

“I don’t need an invitation to your pity party. You can host those on your own time,” said Jeff Barber, MSW

and my therapist.

“Your job is to listen, give constructive feedback, asshole,” I said in a recent session.

“Thank you for telling me of my role. If you care for a professional opinion, you apparently have a chronic,

sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity.”

“That’s quite a diagnostic. Did you get that from a Woodie Allen flick?” I asked.

He chuckled. “No, but I’m familiar with your type of personality. I have eight years of clinical experience

behind me, and have seen quite a variety.”

In common, life and therapy sessions were marked by sporadic pleasantries, small talk, but my cynicism

was alive and kicking. I learned to be a cynic from my “troubled” youth. My reason for doing therapy was

to perhaps see if another view of life could be achieved? Could one learn to “roll with the punches”? Was

there another way to let your guard down and still remain standing after a confrontation with someone,

something, even oneself?

Haley is in for a couple twists and turns during this story that will shake her somewhat out of her usual mode. How are you today with your usual mode?

Thank you for stopping by. A hello is always welcomed!

Until next visit, God Bless and Keep Us.

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author

PS. For readers in the United States, give pause on Thursday to learn about the newly created day of membrance, June Teenth.