Who knew I had the courage? — The elevator arrived on the third floor. My job. There was a bulletin board at the reception area that always had pink message-slips tacked onto it. This time, there were several for me, from the same person — my father. If I had known that morning upon waking, that this…

What is your perfect gift? — writing prompt — Jenny Gargarello started this prompt and here is her story Please describe what would be the perfect gift for you and why? What is the best gift you have ever received? I had an extremely generous husband — am divorced now, but there are some great gift stories. One I’ve…

Counting my own — As I prepare to turn off the computer saying goodbye to the day life gestures abound always taking note of the little ones Something that happened in the day that I appreciated besides all the things I take to be known reading between the lines it’s possible to find precious…

Thank goodness for kind-hearted folks and wicked good luck — My husband and I, our two toddlers, and cats, had just moved to Maine in the darkness and snowy heights of winter. December 12, 2000, to be exact. From Manhattan, right before 911 was to strike. (Unrelated but sets the calendar scene). While living in NYC, I had not driven…

Things that used to be, back then — Back when? Memory is funny that way It’s as if the things from my past occurred at the same time — before now But of course, they were in stages and their chronology isn’t how my mind recalls I was married I raised children from small to grown I performed on stages for over…

Be yourself — there is no way not to — I love this trendy phrase. Don’t know when it began but I always get a tickle out of it. Are you familiar with it? You do you. It is permission to be ourself. But really, in truth, how could we not be us? What would that look like? Still, we…

We are safe in the guarantee that we will always be living the right way — The correct action You’re already in it Have no doubt That would be futile You see yourself doing whatever in real time in the space you are physically occupying But it’s already behind you Right? Since the clock never stops moving Then there’s an inner judgment “Oh I shouldn’t be doing…

Would you like to know what those are? — Dare I write one of these stories about numbers and advice for making money on Medium? Sure, why not. Am I pleased with how it’s going? Yes. The dollars and cents will of course be either more or less than others on this platform. Dare I share the numbers? Sure…

BJ’s This or That Challenge: Valentine’s Edition — Brett Jenae Tomlin did it again with another one of her fabulous “This or That” challenges. This time it’s — you guessed it — for Valentine’s Day. Here is the original challenge inviting you to participate. And thank you Kelley Murphy for the personal invite. Here is her story. Here…