Julie fingered the faded photo of her parents’ garden. She could feel the ghost of her younger self sharing secrets with the flower fairies. She saw herself doing cartwheels on the lawn and listening to the maple whisper life’s secrets in the breeze. She smiled at the memories. Life had thrown her its share of... Continue Reading →
A Golden Day
Let us put away our cares, just for a golden day. We’ll stroll o’er the hills, wildwood whispers beckoning us to a speckled fawn or a rose-white apple tree nestled among the firs. We’ll visit the meadow by the stream and lie in its cool grass. We can eat wild berries and pick honeyed blossoms... Continue Reading →
A Defining Moment
In her recent post, Charli Mills suggested that the classic formula used to create a ‘hero’s journey’ in a story or novel could be applied to any work of fiction or non fiction. Her challenge this week was an exercise to write a story in 99 words (no more, no less) that “rethinks the hero”.... Continue Reading →
The Rehearsal
Tim tosses his sister her playtime nurse’s outfit. “But I want the stethoscope.” Sally says. “Can’t, ‘cause I’m the doctor.” “Says who?” “Me. Now hurry!” Sally throws on the costume, grabs her doll off the bed and plods along behind her brother. They tiptoe down the stairs and are sneaking past the coat closet when... Continue Reading →
Light at the end of the Tunnel
Southerly breezes kissed away our winter blues last week. Snowdrops and cherry blossoms danced in the bright sunshine while birds fluttered about, looking for secluded places to build their nests. People were out in droves, hiking, walking and otherwise finding safe ways to stay outdoors. It was magical, a wonderful glimpse of what awaits us... Continue Reading →
The Magic of Fairy Gardens and Flash Fiction
Years ago, I linked up with Charli Mills and joined her community of writers in Carrot Ranch, randomly participating in her weekly 99-word flash fiction challenges. Initially I thought these were simply fun things to do and often her prompts not only lead to a story, but a corresponding blog post as well. What I... Continue Reading →