H N Arabian Blog - Random Tales

  *** "The Summer of ’79" is a deftly woven slice of memory—one that captures not only a moment in time but the emotional temperature of late-1970s America. With tactile realism and quiet introspection, narrator merges industrial life, pop culture, and human connection into a single, resonant hum. *** The Summer of ’79 By Harry Arabian  It was August 14, during the oppressively hot and humid summer of 1979. I was testing the last batch of thermal and pressure gauges for an oil client—thirty minutes before the shipping department’s final call. My determination to see Alien with Sigourney Weaver at 6:45 PM kept me focused, pushing through the heat and the hum of machinery, hoping to beat the Friday rush on Route 128. While I stayed fixed on the gauges, David “The Bum”—my coworker, as I liked to call him—leaned over. “Are you going to the company picnic tomorrow at Cochituate State Park?” he asked. Without waiting for a reply, he added, “We can hitch a ride with yo...

  *** "Embers of Cinnamon and Light " is a quietly evocative narrative that explores themes of displacement, resilience, and the restorative power of small human gestures. The story follows a protagonist whose ordered life in Boston is disrupted by the sale of his company and the subsequent relocation to New York, creating both physical and emotional upheaval. Through this lens, the narrative examines how personal ritual and human connection anchor identity amidst change. ***   Embers of Cinnamon and Light By Harry Arabian On a September morning in Boston, I followed a routine that had long structured my daily life. I prepared oatmeal, fruit, a boiled egg, and coffee before leaving for work at the Electronic Laboratory. This pattern, although ordinary, provided a sense of stability. Upon arriving at the office, however, I encountered an unusual silence. A message on the whiteboard announced an urgent company meeting. At that meeting, the president, John, informed us that a...