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Melissahttp://www.missmeliss.com

TBM-2108.08 – DDOP2102 – Menage a Trois

8 August 2021 by Melissa

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TBM2108.08-DDOP-02-Menage-a-Trois.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction  #liketheprose #seduction #fantasy #wine

Excerpt:

She was wearing a green dress that flattered her curves in all the right ways, and I couldn’t stop staring at her. She glowed, especially around her neck where a maroon choker rested, right around the hollow of her throat.

Links and References

  • Learn about Like the Prose
  • Read the text at  MissMeliss.com
  • Learn about the Dog Days of Podcasting

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Mei-Mei del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TBM2108.08-DDOP-02-Menage-a-Trois.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:43 — 5.1MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub DDoPDDOP 2021Dog Days of PodcastingFlash Fiction
Image by Leandro De Carvalho from Pixabay

TBM-2108.08-DDOP2101 – Mermaid Minute: Dogfish Days of Podcasting

8 August 2021 by Melissa

Mermaid Minute

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TBM2108.08-DDOP-01-Dogfish-Days-of-Podcastingx2.mp3

Description:

#audio #mermaidminute #dogdaysofpodcasting

Excerpt:

Are there really days where you landwalkers worship your canine companions?

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Mei-Mei del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TBM2108.08-DDOP-01-Dogfish-Days-of-Podcastingx2.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:09 — 1.6MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Mermaid Minute Tales from the Tub DDoPDDOP 2021Dog Days of PodcastingMe-Me del MareMermaid Minute
Long-time Companion

TBM-2106.08 – Long-time Companion

11 June 2021 by Melissa

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TBM2106.08-Long-time-Companion.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #ballet #liketheprose

Excerpt:

At first our relationship was tenuous. I wasn’t sure where to put my hands, how much pressure to use. Sometimes my hand would slip, or I’d lift the wrong leg, and my foot would make abrupt contact. It hurt me far more than it did him.

Links and References

  • Learn about Like the Prose
  • Read the text at MissMeliss.com

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Mei-Mei del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TBM2106.08-Long-time-Companion.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:51 — 3.7MB)

Like the Prose Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionLike the ProseThe Literal Challenge
Robot head looking front on camera isolated on a black background

TBM-2104.30 – Sleeping Positions (A Basil and Zoe Vignette)

3 May 2021 by Melissa

Robot head looking front on camera isolated on a black background

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/TBM2104.30-SleepingPositions.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #basilandzoe #vignette

Excerpt:

Basil reached out and brushed some of my hair out of my face. “It is true that I do not require sleep,” he said in a gentle tone. “But I am capable of sleep. However, I do not believe that is your real concern. You have ‘crashed’ here many times while I was working or writing.”

Links and References

  • Bumper: Nuchtchas
  • Read the text at MissMeliss.com: Sleeping Positions (A Basil and Zoe Vignette)

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Mei-Mei del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/TBM2104.30-SleepingPositions.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:12 — 5.8MB)

Tales from the Tub Basil & ZoeFictionFlash Fiction
Labyrinth UUCOC

TBM – 2103.39 – Labyrinth

31 March 2021 by Melissa

Labyrinth UUCOC

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TBM2103.29-Labyrinth.mp3

Description:

#audio. #flashfiction #spiritualbutnotreligious #labyrinth

Excerpt:

She traces the switchback paths with her whole body, one quadrant at a time until the circle is complete. The sun is partially occluded by lingering morning fog, but she likes it that way. It makes this place feel more mystical.

Links and References

  • Bumper: Clay Robeson
  • Promo: Nutty Bites
  • Fundraiser: DDOP: Help Melissa
  • Read the text at MissMeliss.com: Labyrinth
  • Photo Credit: Kathy Grey

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Mei-Mei del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TBM2103.29-Labyrinth.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:04 — 7.0MB)

Tales from the Tub FictionFlash Fiction

TBM2102.28 – Sunday Brunch – Leonardo Was Right

6 March 2021 by Melissa

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TBM2102.28-SundayBrunch-LeonardoWasRight.mp3

Description:

#audio. #essay #sundaybrunch #LeonardoDaVinci  #winterstormuri

Excerpt:

I look around my house and feel nothing but anger at being cheated out of enjoying a rare snowstorm, and at the fact that the Texas government would prefer that people freeze rather than lose a penny.  I feel like I’ve betrayed my dogs by allowing them to suffer, to be confused by being moved away and then home, and by not behaving in ways they expect. My house is no longer a haven, but a prison I can’t escape.

Links and References

  • Promo: Technorama
  • Fundraiser: DDOP: Help Melissa
  • Read the essay at MissMeliss.com: Sunday Brunch: Leonardo Was Right

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Mei-Mei del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TBM2102.28-SundayBrunch-LeonardoWasRight.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:14 — 8.1MB)

Sunday Brunch Tales from the Tub 2021EssaysSunday Brunch
Christmas Candles

TBM-2012.24 – Amazing Peace, by Maya Angelou

24 December 2020 by Melissa

Christmas Candles

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TBM-2012.24-Amazing-Peace.mp3

Description:

#audio. #readerstheatre #AmazingPeace #MayaAngelou #Christmas

Excerpt:

Into this climate of fear and apprehension, Christmas enters,
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope
And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air.
The world is encouraged to come away from rancor,
Come the way of friendship.

Links and References

  • Learn more about the Dog Days of Podcasting
  • Learn more about Maya Angelou

Cast for this Episode:

  • Mark (the Encaffeinated One) Kilfoil
  • Nuchtchas
  • Jason Gregory Banks
  • Amelia Bowen
  • Clay Robeson (who also produced the episode)
  • Melissa Bartell, the Bathtub Mermaid
  • Trenton Wood, viola soloist
  • Photo by Trevor M. via PixaBay

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Mei-Mei del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TBM-2012.24-Amazing-Peace.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 6:27 — 8.9MB)

DDOP Advent Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub Amy BowenClay RobesonJason Gregory BanksMark the Encaffeinated OneMaya AngelouNuchtchasTrenton Wood
Mermaid Minute

TBM-2012.23 – Mermaid Minute: Sandy Claws

23 December 2020 by Melissa

Mermaid Minute

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TBM-MM-2012.23-Sandy-Claws.mp3

Description:

#audio. #mermaidminute  Me-Me del Mare talks about Sandy Claws and Crab Kringle

Excerpt:

High above the seashore seagulls pause
Calling out for Sandy Claws
Across the wet sand click! Click! Click!
Enters the form of Sand Crab Nick!

Links and References

  • Learn more about the Dog Days of Podcasting
  • Photo by Bruce Christianson on Unsplash

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid banner art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TBM-MM-2012.23-Sandy-Claws.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:37 — 1.8MB)

DDOP Advent Dog Days of Podcasting Mermaid Minute Tales from the Tub AdventDDoPDog Days of AdventDog Days of PodcastingMe-Me del MareMermaid Minute
Mermaid Minute

TBM-2012.22 – Mermaid Minute: Rudolph the Red-Tailed Black Shark

23 December 2020 by Melissa

Mermaid Minute

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TBM-MM-2012.22-Rudolph-the-Red-Tailed-Black-Shark.mp3

Description:

#audio. #mermaidminute  Me-Me del Mare talks about sharks and carps.

Excerpt:

Rudolph the red-tailed black shark
Had a very fiery fin.
And if you ever saw him
You would know that times are grim

Links and References

  • Learn more about the Dog Days of Podcasting
  • Photo by Bruce Christianson on Unsplash

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid banner art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TBM-MM-2012.22-Rudolph-the-Red-Tailed-Black-Shark.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:32 — 1.7MB)

DDOP Advent Dog Days of Podcasting Mermaid Minute Tales from the Tub AdventDDoPDDOP 2020Dog Days of AdventDog Days of PodcastingMe-Me del MareMermaid Minute
Mermaid Minute

TBM-2012.21 – Mermaid Minute: Water Wonderland

21 December 2020 by Melissa

Mermaid Minute

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TBM-2012.21-Mermaid-Minute-Water-Wonderland.mp3

Description:

#audio. #mermaidminute  Me-Me del Mare talks sand angels.

Excerpt:

Sirens sing, are you listening?
Beneath the moon, their tails are glistening
A wonderful sight!
We’re happy tonight
Splashing in a water wonderland!

Links and References

  • Learn more about the Dog Days of Podcasting
  • Photo by Bruce Christianson on Unsplash

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid banner art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TBM-2012.21-Mermaid-Minute-Water-Wonderland.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:38 — 1.8MB)

DDOP Advent Dog Days of Podcasting Mermaid Minute Tales from the Tub AdventDDoPDog Days of AdventDog Days of PodcastingMe-Me del MareMermaid Minute

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  • TBM-2501.01 – Prayer for the Morning 1 January 2025
  • TBM-2412.28 – Dogfish Days of Advent – Mermaid Minute: ChristmasTide 28 December 2024
  • TBM-2412.24 – DogFish Days of Advent – Sacrificial 24 December 2024
  • TBM-2412.23 – Dogfish Days of Advent – Christmas Shards 24 December 2024
  • TBM-2412.20 – Dogfish Days of Advent – The Gift of the Mergi 21 December 2024
  • TBM-2412.19 – Dogfish Days of Advent – We Mermen of Ocean Are 19 December 2024
  • TBM-2412.17 – Dogfish Days of Advent: Flames of Winter 17 December 2024
  • TBM-2412.16 – Dogfish Days of Advent: Sandy Klaws Is Coming To Town 16 December 2024
  • TBM-2412.14-Dogfish Days of Advent: – Excerpt from A Mer-Child’s Christmas With Whales 14 December 2024
  • TBM-2412.13 – Dogfish Days of Advent: In the Deep Blue Ocean 13 December 2024

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What I’m Writing: MissMeliss.com

Sacrificial

Sacrificial

The tree stood in the living room, centered in the arch of the window, its branches unadorned – naked. Despite being both artificial and pre-lit it had been there for several days because Ellie insisted that even plastic trees had to acclimate before they could be decorated.

Flames of Winter

Flames of Winter

We fill our homes with candles that represent nothing more than a cozy glow, and we gather ’round our gas logs or Franklin stoves even when our houses are fitted with central heating systems, because there’s something – some magical thing – about fire that seems to drive away the stress and darkness of winter in a way that electric light never can.

The Gift of the Mergi

The Gift of the Mergi

A handful of pearls. That was all Nerissa had. Oh, she’d grown up in Poseidon’s Grotto, with abalone combs and aquamarine and moonstone gems, but when she’d left the great ocean to marry a land-walker, she’d forfeit her jewels and pirate’s treasure hoards and kept only the handful of her nameday pearls.

What I’m Reading: Bibliotica

Review The Rise of the Mad March by Robert Espenscheid, Jr.

Review The Rise of the Mad March by Robert Espenscheid, Jr.

About the book, The Rise of the Mad March  Genre: New Adult / Coming of Age / Friendship Publisher: Stoney Creek Publishing Pages: 374 Publication Date: May 9, 2025 This one is for all the rock bands who never headlined the big stage, who never needed protection getting to the limo, who never made any money, who […]

Review: The Calendar, by WM Gunn – with Giveaway

Review: The Calendar, by WM Gunn – with Giveaway

  About the Book, The Calendar Genre: Science Fiction Pages: 302 Publication Date: April 3, 2025 Scroll down for Giveaway Long-range monitors detect a massive rock plunging through space on a path toward Earth. Will it miss our planet, deliver a glancing blow, or destroy Mankind? And how will people react to an uncertain future? […]

Review: Houston Skyline, by Carol A. Taylor

Review: Houston Skyline, by Carol A. Taylor

About the book, Houston Skyline: Selected Poems Houston Skyline by Carol A. Taylor is a collection of poetry inspired by a life filled with change and growth. From her humble beginnings in rural Texas, where her family lived simply, to her career in the high-rises of the business world, and later to her years as […]

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