duck – Going On 40

Fleeting Gems

“That’s why we don’t name them.” Dave consoles me after we find the second dead duck of the week. Whereas when the first vanished, I could play pretend that she was backstroking in a jacuzzi pond with a flock of male suitors and snacking on grubs, I didn’t have the luxury with the second. ItContinue reading “Fleeting Gems”

Unforgettable Pockets

The thing about pockets, especially with other peoples, is that they are forgettable. Today at the holiday market at a nearby farm, Evelyn, Dave, and I met our friends Lindsay and Ethan. As Dave commented on the newly buzzed, without a patch of brown lawn, my eyes spotted a plump worm. I motioned to himContinue reading “Unforgettable Pockets”

Ramblin’ (Wo)Man

It’s a take-my-duck-the-pond-and-swim kind of day. Since the lil fatty can’t fly, I have to walk him there. I span my arms out like airplane wings and corner him to do so. On one arm, I tuck him in football style, and on the other, I bring my laptop to write. I no longer jukeContinue reading “Ramblin’ (Wo)Man”

A Newish You

Creating a new persona is a tip I learned on an episode of “Accelerated Spanish” podcast. This alter ego is supposed to think, speak, and behave in a different way than you usually would, and the podcast creator insists switching personalities this way is a tool native speakers use to be highly effective. I thought,Continue reading “A Newish You”

Fantastical Voyage

A cabin in the woods, a patterned quilt over a cozy bed, a lit fireplace, and my feet propped up on a recliner. I get ideas of getting away and being alone. Then reality sets in, and I feel conflicted. I know I’d likely feel guilty for not bringing my family. So would it beContinue reading “Fantastical Voyage”

Duck, duck, goose!

I got a duck, sold a trailer, made an incredible poblano cheese dip, and yes, you heard that right – I got a duck! You want the deets, don’t you? Well, let me tell you all about it. While visiting our neighbor’s place I saw one of their ducks repeatedly being attacked by the otherContinue reading “Duck, duck, goose!”