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Tales from the Tub

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Melissahttp://www.missmeliss.com
LaVieEnRose

TBM2309.27 – Life Lessons & La Vie en Rose

27 September 2023 by Melissa

Sasha-and-Martigan

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2309.27-TBM-Lessons-and-La-Vie-en-Rose.mp3

 

Description:

#audio ##essays #shortshortstories #SashaandMartigan #lifelessons #bathtubmermaid #missmelysse

Excerpt:

Another café, another ancient French song wafting out from speakers mounted above the door – why was my handler always asking me to meet in such places? And why did I always agree?

Links and References

  • Read the text of Life Lessons in Everyday Moments
  • Read the text of La Vie en Rose
  • Learn more about Carmi Levy
  • Learn more about Breathing Spaces
  • Listen to more from Anna Pantsu

Guest Voices:

N/A

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me 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 
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2309.27-TBM-Lessons-and-La-Vie-en-Rose.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:39 — 10.9MB)

Tales from the Tub Cafe VignettesPersonal EssaySasha and MartiganSlice of Life
Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

TBM2308.31 – DDOP.31 – Twenty-Five Years: Year Twenty-Five: Silver

31 August 2023 by Melissa

Silver anniversary

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.31-TBM-DDOP-31-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty-Five.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #basilandzoe #twentyfiveyears #anniversarygifts

Basil and Zoe - 25 YearsExcerpt:

“Do you wish to sign on for twenty-five more?” Basil asked.

“Oh, at least,” Zoe answered.

 

 

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • n/a

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me 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
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.31-TBM-DDOP-31-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty-Five.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:53 — 4.2MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub 25 YearsBasil & ZoeDDoPDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFlash Fiction
Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

TBM2308.30 – DDOP.30 – Twenty-Five Years: Year Twenty-Four – Stone

30 August 2023 by Melissa

Elyraon Farmhouse

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.30-TBM-DDOP-30-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty-Four.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #basilandzoe #twentyfiveyears #anniversarygifts

Basil and Zoe - 25 YearsExcerpt:

“Happy anniversary, dearest,” Basil said. “I will add your name to the deed in the morning.”

 

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • Clay Robeson

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me 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
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.30-TBM-DDOP-30-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty-Four.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 2.3MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub 25 YearsBasil & ZoeClay RobesonDDoPDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFlash Fiction
Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

TBM2308.29 – DDOP.29 – Twenty-Five Years: Year Twenty-Three – Air

29 August 2023 by Melissa

Hot Air Balloons

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.29-TBM-DDOP-29-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty-Three.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #basilandzoe #twentyfiveyears #anniversarygifts

Basil and Zoe - 25 YearsExcerpt:

But this time, they weren’t separated. Basil had chosen to use some of his allotted leave, and the children traveled with them.

 

 

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • N/A

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me 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
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.29-TBM-DDOP-29-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty-Three.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:50 — 1.9MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub 25 YearsBasil & ZoeDDoPDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFlash Fiction
MetaMondayText

TBM2308.28 – DDOP.28X – Meta Monday: Hurricane Eve

28 August 2023 by Melissa

MetaMondayText

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.28-TBM-DDOP-28X-Meta-Monday-Hurricane-Eve.mp3

Description:

#audio #shorts #extemporanea #diary  #dogdaysofpodcasting #metamonday

Excerpt:

Dude, cello’s hard!

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • n/a

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me 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
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.28-TBM-DDOP-28X-Meta-Monday-Hurricane-Eve.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 10:04 — 10.4MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub DDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingExtamporaneaMeta Monday
Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

TBM2308.28 – DDOP.28 – Twenty-Five Years: Year Twenty-Two: Water

28 August 2023 by Melissa

Pelagia-Retreat

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.28-TBM-DDOP-28-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty-Two.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #basilandzoe #twentyfiveyears #anniversarygifts

Basil and Zoe - 25 YearsExcerpt:

In the morning, Zoe convinced Basil that the best anniversary he could give her was to join her for a skinny-dip before they had to leave.

 

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • Clay Robeson

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me 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
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.28-TBM-DDOP-28-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty-Two.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:50 — 2.1MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub 25 YearsBasil & ZoeClay RobesonDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFlash Fiction
Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

TBM2308.27 – DDOP.27 – Twenty-Five Years: Year Twenty One – Fire

27 August 2023 by Melissa

FireDancers

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.27-TBM-DDOP-27-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty-One.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #basilandzoe #twentyfiveyears #anniversarygifts

Basil and Zoe - 25 YearsExcerpt:

Under the virtual night sky, they watched the dancers leap and spin, using live flame to accent their movements.

 

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • n/a

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me 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
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.27-TBM-DDOP-27-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty-One.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:45 — 1.9MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub 25 YearsBasil & ZoeDDoPDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFlash Fiction
Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

TBM2308.26 – DDOP.26 – Twenty-Five Years: Year Twenty – China (Alternate: Platinum)

26 August 2023 by Melissa

Platinum Dancing 2

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.26-TBM-DDOP-26-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #basilandzoe #twentyfiveyears #anniversarygifts

Basil and Zoe - 25 YearsExcerpt:

“Dinner and dancing are my favorite ways to celebrate,” Zoe observed as Basil swung her onto the dance floor.

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • Clay Robeson

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me 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
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.26-TBM-DDOP-26-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Twenty.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:35 — 1.8MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub 25 YearsBasil & ZoeDDoPDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFlash Fiction
Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

TBM-2308.25-TBM- DDOP.25 – Twenty-Five Years: Year Nineteen – Bronze

25 August 2023 by Melissa

Joshua

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.25-TBM-DDOP-25-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Nineteen.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #basilandzoe #twentyfiveyears #anniversarygifts

Basil and Zoe - 25 YearsExcerpt:

“Joshua would be a good name,” she suggested. “Don’t you think?” 

 

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • n/a

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me 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
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.25-TBM-DDOP-25-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Nineteen.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:52 — 2.0MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub 25 YearsBasil & ZoeDDoPDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFlash Fiction
Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

TBM-2308.25-DDOP.24-Twenty-Five Years: Year Eighteen – Porcelain

25 August 2023 by Melissa

Tea Set via topntp at 123rf.com

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.25-TBM-DDOP-24-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Eighteen.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #basilandzoe #twentyfiveyears #anniversarygifts

Basil and Zoe - 25 YearsExcerpt:

“There is a kind of artistry involved in making the perfect cup of tea,” Basil said. “I look forward to experimenting with different varieties.”

 

 

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • Clay Robeson

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me 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
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.25-TBM-DDOP-24-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Eighteen.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 2.2MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub 25 YearsBasil & ZoeClay RobesonDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFlash Fiction

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The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub © 2013 by Melissa A. Bartell is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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I said…

  • TBM-2512.24 – Dog Days of Advent: Midnight 24 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.23 – Dog Days of Advent: Sled 23 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.23 – Dog Days of Advent: Gift and Train 23 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.22 – Dog Days of Advent: Ritual, Thread, and Magic 22 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.17 – Dog Days of Advent: Candle 17 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.16 – Dog Days of Advent: Icicle 16 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.15 – Dog Days of Advent: Flare 15 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.14 – Dog Days of Advent: Harbor 14 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.13 – Dog Days of Advent: Storm 13 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.12 – Dog Days of Advent: Bells 12 December 2025

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What I’m Writing: MissMeliss.com

FictionAdvent 24: Midnight

FictionAdvent 24: Midnight

Jean—called Grandma Love by strangers more often than family—felt that familiar tilt in the air. The almost-midnight tilt. Midnight wasn’t a time so much as a mood, a soft doorway between one thing and the next. She’d always been good with doorways.

FictionAdvent 23: Sled

FictionAdvent 23: Sled

She dragged it through the fresh snow to the small hill behind the apartment complex. The cold bit at her cheeks. The air smelled like minerals and ice—Earth winter, not Mars. He’d always said he missed winters most. 

She set the sled down.  Ran her glove over the wooden slats.  Felt her heartbeat double-tap behind her ribs.

Then she climbed on.

FictionAdvent 22: Train

FictionAdvent 22: Train

“Welcome,” they said, their voice resonant in a way that felt felt rather than heard. “You’re right on time.”

A woman near the front let out a short laugh. “Time for what?”

“For the Interstice,” the being replied easily. “The pause between departures.”

What I’m Reading: Bibliotica

Book Review: The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang

Book Review: The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang

  About the book: The Regression Strain  Genre: Medical Thriller Publisher: Normal Range Press Publication Date: May 26, 2025 Scroll down for Giveaway Dr. Peter Palma joins the medical team of the Paradise to treat passengers for minor ailments as the cruise ship sails across the Atlantic. But he soon discovers that something foul is […]

Book Spotlight: FRANTIC by Brent Bradley

Book Spotlight: FRANTIC by Brent Bradley

A delusional prison patient warns Dr. Brian Heiser, Marriage and Family Therapist, of enormous impending disaster. Dr. Heiser and his best friend, a lauded Forensic Psychologist, find themselves entangled in a 72-hour deadly race to stop an AI bill being fast-tracked through the Texas state legislature.

Book Review: Under Vixens Mere by Kit Fielding

Book Review: Under Vixens Mere by Kit Fielding

Under Vixen’s Mere is one of those novels that quietly gets under your skin and then refuses to leave. 

From the opening pages, the prose immediately stood out to me. It’s spare without ever feeling sparse—clean, confident, and quietly assured. Dialogue and description are held in careful balance, each doing its work without calling attention to itself. Nothing strains for effect, and that sense of restraint builds trust early on, inviting the reader to settle in and follow where the story leads. 

Previously

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  • August 2013

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