When my parents made me go to church in Lakewood, I headed out with a smile, and ended up on the edge of a nearby lake that was an easy walk to church . . . if one wanted to actually go to church. A number of times one of my classmates would join me. […]
To Ponder
Letter: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Nicole Milton
Submitted by Teairrau Mason. Our beloved Nicole Milton was so much more than words can capture. She was a devoted mother to five incredible children, ages 3 to 17, and the heart of our community. Her laugh could light up a room, her kindness could soften the hardest of days, and her unwavering dedication to […]
Transformation by Leather
Years ago, a stand-up shirt or jacket collar meant you were cool . . . throw in sunglasses and a motorcycle and you had the complete set. Roberto was an Elvis wanna-be. He wanted to be cool. He wanted people to admire him. He wanted to be a star. He wanted to be looked up […]
Jennifer of the Backward Glance
I don’t know why it was or what it was . . . or still does, to make me look at Jennifer after’s she’s walked past. The smell of her perfume has done this for me and a certain look or smile has captured my attention for a minute or so from other women, but […]
Let’s Talk! – A Snoring Dog
Are you ready to switch off your screens and ponder or discuss another writing/conversation prompt from my friend Tyrean Martinson’s book? Here’s my take on it. Having no dog of my own, I have only ever experienced watching other people’s sleeping dogs. I’m not sure that I ever heard any of them snore. I remember […]
Letter: Recalling retired generals to face court-martial proceedings sets a dangerous precedent
Submitted by Gregory Alderete, Lieutenant Colonel US Army retired. Recalling retired generals to face court-martial proceedings, is a move that sets a dangerous precedent for both the military and the country at large. While it’s essential to maintain accountability within the armed forces, the decision to target former high-ranking officers with court-martial charges does more […]
Simon – Blue Eyes and More, with Help
Blue eyes, good teeth, tall, and blonde hair that stays combed. Don’t many men want to grow up that way? Throw in the latest clothes and a convertible sports car and you’ve got it all. Simon was my best friend in high school and college. Those were great days. Both he and I didn’t measure […]
Across the Fence: Fife
What an interesting Germanism to find in the term of fife! I’m not talking about the city of Fife, WA, with its population of 11,000 people, by the way – and its name may or may not derive from the Scottish location. I’m talking the old musical instrument. “Fife” is an abomination of the German […]
Letter: The Sound of the Wind Chimes
Dedicated to Flor “If you don’t hear from me….” The cryptic message from the other side of the world was met with shocked silence. They had recently become friends, connected through cyber space, initially by virtue of the loss of their spouses. Thus, they shared their mutual woes, shattered lives, love, and loss. But there […]