Written October 2022 I walked into the Romanesque Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi this morning and was instantly transfixed by the low arched ceilings, the predominate blue and gold colors, and the intricate beauty of the Biblical scenes depicted on the ceiling and walls. Signs read, “Silencio, Grazie” as we entered so there were…
Flash Fiction: A Visit from the Bardo
Mary Louise awoke at three am to the distinct smell of bacon frying. For just one moment she wondered what John was doing up so early, then remembered that he was dead, and had been for forty-nine days. That was when she walked into their study and found him in his armchair, skin cold, eyes staring off at some…
Italy and Texas: A Fall Full of Flavor
I have had a very busy fall, which was highlighted by a two-week trip to Italy for the Story Circle Network Writing Workshop and Sightseeing Tour and also a week-long trip to Texas to help celebrate the marriage of my niece, Charlsie, to her long-time partner, Austin. Both events were filled with fun, laughter, and…
An Uncharted Path
I married my husband Not just for his irreverent sense of humor But for his way of looking at the world Always questioning the status quo Never accepting “just is” With him, I learned To venture into the darkness Hand in hand A dim flashlight beam Illuminating the way Forty-two years together We embark…
A Few Thoughts and a Poem
Hello, my friends, I wrote this poem last night. The line, “If I could love you,” popped into my head, and off I went. I didn’t write this with anything else in mind other than I felt compelled to make it lively and silly. I am new to poetry and decided to follow my gut….
A Quick Hello & A New Flash Fiction Story
Below is a story that I’ve written recently. This is flash fiction, which is a piece that is no longer than 1200 words. The prompt was “Seaside Gothic,” and I started writing it in the St. Thomas the Apostle Writing Group that we formed a few months back. (St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in…
Forty-Two Years Together
Tomorrow is Ray’s and my 42nd wedding anniversary. Who knew we two kids would hold on tight for so many years, yelling and loving our way to some semblance of “mature” people? We are still full of flaws, but also full of compassion We still get mad fast, but also get over it even faster…
Flash Fiction Revisited – The Mustache: A Social Experiment
Some people think Julia is a strange girl. She definitely likes to shock people. She is so dedicated to seeing how people will react to socially incongruent stimuli that one time in our senior year of high school she had a false mustache professionally applied to her face – it looked totally real – and…
Words of Wisdom from Winnie Waugh, My Maternal Grandmother
This is an imaginary interview with my grandmother, Winnie Waugh. I believe this is very much what she would say if she were sitting here with me. Grandma, what words of wisdom can you impart to me after your long life? Words of wisdom? Haha. I have plenty. Do not suffer fools gladly. Use your…
Growth
I am stretching and growing Uncomfortable The unknown looms, yet balanced by sunny skies verdant vistas babbling brooks Change connected to everything I’ve ever done everything I’ll ever do Getting my hands dirty as I dive in A familiar and welcome relief
20 Minutes a Day 