Augh Sherman, a comment. There is a lot going on right now, most of it appalling. So, if I focus on bowling and relationships okay. I think we were in eigth grade maybe, went to the Cheney bowling alley, owned and run by a previously professional baseball player. I will not mention his name, all the Cheney peeps know. Anyway, we were bowling. My friend Alice (her real name) had launched a ball on her backswing into the chairs. My Dyck (Oops there's his name) he was mad. He arrived. Speeches etc. So, Sherman I geared up to throw a bowling ball with my bony arms. I threw hard. Alice pushed a button which she thought was the air to cool her sweaty palms. It was the reset button. With my skinny (powerful) arms apparently I broke some equipment. It was okay in those days to get kids in trouble who did not belong to you. Anyway, Mr. Dyck kicked me out for life. Awkward when I had to go back in high-school for sophomore P.E. My teacher didn't get it. I went up to Mr. Dyck and re introduced myself. He kissed my cheek and said I remember you. He gave me a few tips. I bowled 220 that day. With my skinny chicken bone arms.
What a fun memory Sherm. I had something similar, though not as awesome. I belonged to a large group of men and we did wacky stuff together. One weekend we bowled and I was clearly the worst bowler out of 25 men. I kept being put into a different group of better bowlers to offset my bowling 50-70 per game. It came down to me with one pin to hit and I hit it for the first and only time and we had a mob/scrum screaming party down on the wood floor. What a blast.
I read many of your books during my time in the legal system after a DUI in 2017. I took the book ‘Blasphemy’ with me everywhere that year as a 23 year old lost soul. Being brought up in a Christian school with a variety of influences that were starkly contrasting and contradictory, your books helped me navigate the murky waters of early adulthood. I even had an addiction treatment center teacher, a guy named “Dan” tell me he played basketball with you in high school. That to me felt like some sort of sign. I continued drinking and screwing up anyhow.
It’s 2025 and I’m 31 years old now. Quit drinking nearly 3 years ago and have had 3 slip ups since. No one’s perfect haha. Anyhow I just wanted to say I really love your books, and am happy to see you’re still writing and doing things you love. I’d been meaning to contact you, Sherman. Because I believe had I not had your books, I wouldn’t be alive today.
So thank you for helping to give this man here some much needed perspective on how the world really is. Thank you for being a realist in your fictional novels. I can tell their roots are from reality. - Herbie
I loved this story. Fantastic writing, Sherman.
Fascinating read! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes for easy home cooking.
check us out:
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Bahahaha. Had me on the edge of my seat. I’d go see this movie IN A
THEATER! So good.
Augh Sherman, a comment. There is a lot going on right now, most of it appalling. So, if I focus on bowling and relationships okay. I think we were in eigth grade maybe, went to the Cheney bowling alley, owned and run by a previously professional baseball player. I will not mention his name, all the Cheney peeps know. Anyway, we were bowling. My friend Alice (her real name) had launched a ball on her backswing into the chairs. My Dyck (Oops there's his name) he was mad. He arrived. Speeches etc. So, Sherman I geared up to throw a bowling ball with my bony arms. I threw hard. Alice pushed a button which she thought was the air to cool her sweaty palms. It was the reset button. With my skinny (powerful) arms apparently I broke some equipment. It was okay in those days to get kids in trouble who did not belong to you. Anyway, Mr. Dyck kicked me out for life. Awkward when I had to go back in high-school for sophomore P.E. My teacher didn't get it. I went up to Mr. Dyck and re introduced myself. He kissed my cheek and said I remember you. He gave me a few tips. I bowled 220 that day. With my skinny chicken bone arms.
BS"D
This is hysterical! Wonderful writing!
Great story, Sherman!
That was a great story! I'd love to see the movie!
Best story ever.
❤️
What a fun memory Sherm. I had something similar, though not as awesome. I belonged to a large group of men and we did wacky stuff together. One weekend we bowled and I was clearly the worst bowler out of 25 men. I kept being put into a different group of better bowlers to offset my bowling 50-70 per game. It came down to me with one pin to hit and I hit it for the first and only time and we had a mob/scrum screaming party down on the wood floor. What a blast.
I read many of your books during my time in the legal system after a DUI in 2017. I took the book ‘Blasphemy’ with me everywhere that year as a 23 year old lost soul. Being brought up in a Christian school with a variety of influences that were starkly contrasting and contradictory, your books helped me navigate the murky waters of early adulthood. I even had an addiction treatment center teacher, a guy named “Dan” tell me he played basketball with you in high school. That to me felt like some sort of sign. I continued drinking and screwing up anyhow.
It’s 2025 and I’m 31 years old now. Quit drinking nearly 3 years ago and have had 3 slip ups since. No one’s perfect haha. Anyhow I just wanted to say I really love your books, and am happy to see you’re still writing and doing things you love. I’d been meaning to contact you, Sherman. Because I believe had I not had your books, I wouldn’t be alive today.
So thank you for helping to give this man here some much needed perspective on how the world really is. Thank you for being a realist in your fictional novels. I can tell their roots are from reality. - Herbie
This is so, so beautiful. 😍 Thank you for your essays. They make our lives richer.
Thank you, Janine.
I have a mean left-hook. Like Riin below, I think my highest score was about 30 as well. Maybe even 40. Or 45. Thank you for the wonderful story.
Thank you, Maggie.
I bowl worse than I juggle. I think my highest score was 33. But damn, I love the Ramones.
Hahahah. Thanks!
You’re the best, Sherman.
Thanks, Julie.
Thank the poor-bowler-loving Jesus for the miracle of beloved friends of the moment and for the story they give you to tell!
Thanks, Judy.