Category Archives: Writings

Evelyn’s first sleepover is officially in effect. At 10:33 pm, she and Emma are tucked under a sheet, wearing their onesie pajamas, surrounded by stuffies like life preservers in an ocean of a double bed. Just an hour ago, I found them both on the living room couch with pillows and blankets. “A monster withContinue reading “Surging to Sleep”

There’s a cool humidity in the air, like the stuffy indoor pool at the YMCA that’s been without patrons for several hours. The breeze is refreshing, and the sounds of crickets, cicadas, and locusts set the tone for this pitch-black night. I’m out here late, writing—11pm, a time that usually sends me into a panic.Continue reading “Shelter From the Storm”

I’m ramped up, ready to vroom my Evel Knievel motorcycle through flames, around the double loopy-loop, and off the ramp into a river of crocodiles. A spirited talk with a good friend, a little caffeine from a mini Pepsi, and an overall rush of positive vibes have me on the edge of my seat. “What’sContinue reading “The Difference Between Knight and Day”

Five minutes before the hour, I logged into the Zoom link provided on my cousin’s Facebook page to attend my aunt’s funeral. As I joined, I was transported to a bird’s-eye view of my childhood church, Calvary Presbyterian, while my cousin’s husband’s band filled the air with music. Unfortunately, when the microphone switched to theContinue reading “Fair Enough Day”

I’m on chicken duty. With thirty lady birds needing their nightly roost and their owner off with her kids, having their scarecrows judged at the fair, it’s fallen on me to see them safely into the hen house. Just yesterday, Evelyn played in their pen, crouch-walking with arms outstretched, trying to pick them up. SheContinue reading “Poultry Plucking”

I feel like I’m falling behind. Details and to-dos are frisbees whizzing past my head—some even hitting me—while my hands feel zip-tied behind my back. My overthinking is soaring high, like the turkey vultures sweeping and circling in the sky. Inside, I’m battling, like two rival cliques jockeying for the front row in the lunchroom.Continue reading “Whirlwinds and Wonders”

Three stink bugs and daddy-long legs peruse the exterior of our screened-in back porch. No need to fret, they aren’t getting in here, so I prop my leg up on the chair next to me and take a breather before guests arrive. When you’re the hostess with the mostest, a break is only momentary. SoonContinue reading “An Affair to Remember”

As the second night of Grandma and Grandpa’s four-night stay draws to a close, I feel grateful for their presence under our less-than-a-year-old roof. Earlier, while warming up the spinach artichoke dip for chip dipping during front porch sitting, I thought of something I wanted to tell you. Between then and now, I’ve forgotten, likelyContinue reading “Compound Interest”

I spin out like a rudderless ship, gallons of water spilling in from below as my yellow slicker does nothing to break the ocean’s stabbing chill. My security wanes like the moon’s phases, but I position my hand to cast shadow puppets in its flashlight-like glow. At half my size, some carnies won’t let meContinue reading “The Lighthouse”