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Tales from the Tub

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Melissahttp://www.missmeliss.com
Breathe

TBM-2206.25 – Breathe, by Lynn Ungar

26 June 2022 by Melissa

Breathe

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TBM-2206.25-Breathe-by-Lyn-Ungar-1.mp3

Description:

#audio #poetry #spokenword #UUA #LynUngar

Excerpt:

“Breathe,” said the wind…

Links and References

  • Read the text to Breathe, by Lynn Ungar
  • Visit Lynn Ungar’s website.
  • Image Copyright: kukota

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/2022/06/TBM-2206.25-Breathe-by-Lyn-Ungar-1.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:07 — 2.3MB)

Tales from the Tub BreatheLynn UngarPoetry 2 Comments
1284 - Shadow

TBM-2111.30 – Shadow and Moonlight

30 November 2021 by Melissa

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2111.30-Shadows-and-Moonlight.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction  #fantasy #shadows #moonlight #flashprompt

Excerpt:

When I was little, my grandmother kept the moon in a glass on her bedside table. She kept her teeth in another glass right next to it.

Links and References

  • Read the text to Shadow
  • Read the text to La Signora Della Luna

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/2021/11/2111.30-Shadows-and-Moonlight.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:43 — 9.9MB)

Tales from the Tub Flash Fiction
Mermaid Minute

TBM2108.11 – DDOP2105 – Mermaid Minute: Heatwave

11 August 2021 by Melissa

Mermaid Minute

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TBM2108.11-DDOP-05-Heatwaves.mp3

Description:

#audio #mermaidminute #dogdaysofpodcasting

Excerpt:

We don’t have heatwaves. Sometimes we have heated waves.

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/TBM2108.11-DDOP-05-Heatwaves.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 0:57 — 1.3MB)

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

TBM2108.10 – DDOP2104 – Mermaid Minute: Dinner and a Move-Sea

10 August 2021 by Melissa

Mermaid Minute

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TBM2109.10-DDOP-04-Dinner-And-a-Move-sea.mp3

Description:

#audio #mermaidminute #dogdaysofpodcasting

Excerpt:

Me-Me del Mare talks about her favorite move-sea: Gill-more Girls.

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/TBM2109.10-DDOP-04-Dinner-And-a-Move-sea.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:22 — 1.5MB)

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

TBM2108.09 – DDOP2103 – Mermaid Minute: Barnacle Physics

9 August 2021 by Melissa

Mermaid Minute

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TBM2108.09-DDOP-03-Barnacle-Physicsmp3.mp3

Description:

#audio #mermaidminute #dogdaysofpodcasting

Excerpt:

There are two kinds of barnacles, quirks and left-ons.

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/TBM2108.09-DDOP-03-Barnacle-Physicsmp3.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:18 — 1.4MB)

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

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

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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…

  • 2604.05 – Mermaid Minute: Happy Easter 5 April 2026
  • TBM-260315-Salt, Coffee, Showtime 14 March 2026
  • 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
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What I’m Writing: MissMeliss.com

15 Minutes to Showtime

15 Minutes to Showtime

There’s a superstition in our band: no one says the word good before we go on. You can say loud, tight, let’s try not to break anything expensive, but never good. That’s jinx bait.

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.

What I’m Reading: Bibliotica

Book Review: No More Tomorrows by Olivia Lockhart & Hal Lambert

Book Review: No More Tomorrows by Olivia Lockhart & Hal Lambert

If you enjoy romance that asks bigger questions—about time, identity, and what it means to choose a life—this is a satisfying and emotionally layered read that lingers well beyond the final page.

Book Blast: The Last Fairy Witch, by Jean M. Roberts

Book Blast: The Last Fairy Witch, by Jean M. Roberts

Hannah Heronstone appears to have everything—a devoted husband, a beloved child, and a thriving business built on ancient herbal knowledge.

Book Review: Hidden Truth, by C.D. Steele

Book Review: Hidden Truth, by C.D. Steele

Steele clearly knows how to weave together complex story lines, and the dialogue throughout the book felt rich and convincing. He also demonstrates a willingness to tackle difficult subject matter without shying away from it, which I respect.

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