“Come on. I want to get you a Christmas gift. Isn’t there something you want?” “I’ve got you. That’s more than I could have imagined this time last year.” “And you really didn’t get anything last year?” “I got my stomach pumped… on Christmas eve.” “Oh” “It’s ok. I’m clean now. Santa came to visit me in the hospital.” “Santa?” [...]

He sat in the car staring at the house. He glanced at the clock. Ten thirty. That should be about right. He didn’t want to go inside too early, Beth was always in a foul mood when she cooked Thanksgiving dinner. He didn’t want to be too late, either, though. Then he would suffer her wrath for holding everything up [...]

The cart bounced as it descended further into the drift. Carl didn’t mind working underground. In fact, he enjoyed it. His mind turned to Bridgette, wondering where she was. It had now been exactly one week since she left. He thought about it regularly, especially on the rides into and out of the mine. She had always worried about him [...]

From up here the world looks so neat and orderly. The ground is sectioned off into various shapes, each a different shade of green or brown. Lights sparkle, highlighting the city areas. Roads twist and wind as they connect one cluster of lights to another. Is there a better place to be anywhere? But soon we will be landing and the [...]

“But I want to be a zombie!” “A zombie? Why? You’re nine. Can’t you be something cute – like a fairy or a cat? What about Cinderella?” “I could be a Cinderella zombie.” Mom rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips. “We are not buying zombie stuff. End of story. So either pick something else or let’s [...]

Here we are, suddenly face to face. I’m not sure if I invaded his space or if he invaded mine, but we are definitely close. Is he black? Or white? He’s obviously both, but which is the primary? And why is he just staring at me? He’s small. Not tiny, but definitely diminutive. I wonder what he’s thinking of me? [...]

I hope one day I learn to party like Papa Jack. I first met him as he thrust a glass of beer in my hand. “No, thank you,” I objected. “You must have a beer.” “But I don’t drink.” “Tonight you do.” With that he turned and walked away, back toward the party. We laughed. After all, we were here [...]

Ahoy Mateys! Welcome to the Shiver Me Timbers! Pirate Carnival. Monday, September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. To celebrate, we want to show off some of our treasure. If words be gold, then lay your eyes on the booty below. Have some treasure ye wish to share? Add your link below. Just about anything is welcome as [...]

“Unhand me, you scalawag! Who dares enter the captain’s quart..ers..” Captain Will’s voice trailed off as his eyes widened and his body stiffened. “I’d suggest ye shut your trap. You really don’t want any more visitors at the moment.” Will neither nodded nor spoke as he examined the creature before him. Its grip was surprisingly strong given that it had [...]

Avast Ye! Mateys and scallywags, get off your dungbie and weave me a tale! A tale of the high seas or the hempen halter or anything ye fancy. If the jolly roger be flying, then we wish to hear. Time be short, though, for the seas be calling me. Our treasure of tales will be displayed on Monday, September 19 [...]