In the summer of 1986 I joined the United States Army Reserve. I was 19 years old and had no inkling of the nature of my upcoming journey. I was young and naive with high expectations and childlike dreams. I required money for college; that was my primary reason for joining. I wanted to become …
We talk so much in this world. Most times, we are talking ourselves to death rather than acting appropriately. It’s time for the talk to cease and for the loving action to begin.
I sat in the park today, thinking. I didn’t focus on anything in particular. I listened to woodpeckers feverishly pecking away at trees and red pyramids at the top of a swing set. One I saw atop the swing had a vibrant red head, black upper body, white lower body and black tale. It appeared …
Writing Prompt: Green Write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt. i am green on the inside where the grass, shrubs and trees live and grow. i am green leaves flowing through thick veins trying to find their way to calm green waters of life. i am green skies and dark green soil, …
Writing Prompt: Climate Control The idea that the weather and people’s moods are connected is quite old. Do you agree? If yes, how does the weather affect your mood? We are all affected in some way by the weather. I have not met a person who doesn’t have something to say about a rainy day that isn’t …
No one wants to hear that there are days when I feel so afraid that all I want is for the world to end so that everything that makes it ugly would disappear and never return. No one wants to know that some days I go out on my porch at midnight, lay on my …
Writing Prompt: Help Write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt. Giant black garbage bags sat to the left and right of her. They were sentries protecting her from the nothingness she fell further into each day. Tan holed socks over crusted unwashed feet kept out some of the chill. She untied the …
I attended a nutrition seminar today. It was refreshing to see a nurse practitioner who actually addressed eating habits when faced with patients with serious health problems. So few in the medical industry address the foods we eat as one of the major causes of most dis-ease. Processed foods are destructive to our system, tossing …
And as you come closer to yourself, you are coming closer to the universe. And the greatest moment in your life is when you accept the mystery of existence as it is without asking any question. You have understood one thing, that existence is mysterious and is going to remain mysterious. There is no need …
We learn from history that we do not learn anything from history. – Mark Twain Mark Twain brilliantly and succinctly assessed the culture and the issues we continue to face. A century later, all one need do is look around. Look at the news, look at how humanity is being treated in various parts of …
I’ve watched movies since I was not much more than 8 years old. I grew up on TV shows such as the Twilight Zone, Thriller, The Odd Couple, Gilligan’s Island, The Honeymooners, and a long list of horror & sci-fi films, too many to name. Horror and science fiction were what fueled my imagination and …
Photo Prompt: Vibrant This week, share a photo of something vibrant. Vivid colors, a lively portrait, or perhaps a delightfully colorful landscape, if you’re in a warmer climate. Let’s wash the web with a rainbow of colors to keep the winter gloom at bay. When I first saw this photo prompt, I was excited. Sadly, …
Feng (wind) shui (water). Most who are familiar with it immediately conjure balance, peace and positive energy flow. I am drawn to the simplicity of it and the role minimalism plays in creating the most balanced and effective spatial flow. When I think of feng shui, however, I typically think of it in terms of …
Young adults are an interesting bunch. Currently I have three in my home. One is here only temporarily and will be gone in another week. They are 19 (girl), 20 (girl) and 21 (boy). Don’t let their ages fool you. They are conspirators. My partner baked incredibly delicious pies that they’ve all fallen in love …
Nearly everything that happens between life and death is a question mark. The questions haunt us and we make an effort throughout our lives to answer that which cannot truly be answered. Sometimes the questions magically become answers we hang on to in hopes of knowing something for sure. But when all is said and …
memories trace a path to our doorstep. the familiar knock interrupts our living. do we open it? or do we send the memories away, back to their past where they belong. maybe we should remember, so the bad stories they bring cannot return. so the bad stories can be banished from our future. maybe we …
I remember the first time I realized that I was not immortal. I couldn’t have been more than 10 years old. It was a strange revelation that didn’t really frighten me at the time, but somehow made me acutely aware of my existence. Everything looked brighter and more alive. I paid closer attention to my …
Everyone has a vice. Most people have several under their belt. Doesn’t matter if everyone you’ve ever met says they love you to pieces. You best believe there is at least one or two things about you that they simply cannot stand. But they overlook it because you’re simply as cute as a button and …
The island of Jamaica is small. When I was a little girl, however, it seemed large and imposing, a big place filled with adventure–it was the world to me. I was less than five years old, but I remember the feel of the small rocks beneath my toes as I walked barefoot down the long …
A candle sat on the table at the outdoor cafe. The wind blew softly, barely stirring the flame. Forks and knives tapped plates creating a different kind of music. The flame seemed to dance to it as though a memory were conjured forth. The quick flicker gave clue to this conjuring, this thing from the …
