I find that life is all about waiting. We spend our lives in real life and imaginary queues. Here's a few of the places I've been forced to wait throughout my life. Maybe you can relate: --Waiting for the job offer. I wait and wait. "They remember me, right?" --I have a crush on the... Continue Reading →
Signed, sealed, and delivered
I look over the contract for the hundredth time. I've signed a few contracts in my day. There were the loans for college. I signed contracts to pay for various cars and for the mortgage on my house. Even with that experience, though, I can't help but feel like I'm signing my life away. This... Continue Reading →
The end of a long day
In one hand, the father carried a crying toddler. In the other, he pulled a wagon through the thick sand. The wagon was loaded with beach chairs, a large umbrella, and an ice chest. The back of his gray tank top, with the sun beating down on him, was soaked in sweat. He looked as... Continue Reading →
Saint Brian!
The alarm ripped me awake from a peaceful sleep. I turned over angry at the intrusion. Vacations are for sleeping in and enjoying yourself. Nonetheless, I had promised my wife that I would get up early and go with her to the beach. She wanted to catch a few pictures of the sunrise. I fought... Continue Reading →
The nine realms of Hell – The Beach Version
I took one step and then another. Each one felt like fiery balls of flames had reached up beneath the sand and scorched the bottom of my feet. The hell with dainty steps. I made a mad dash to the water. I'm sure I pushed up sand on the other people on the beach, but I... Continue Reading →
One kayak, please!
The phrase “sly as a fox” came about because foxes are known for their cleverness and cunning. You have "crazy like a fox." In the 70s, people talked about “foxy ladies.” You hear folks talk a lot now about “the fox guarding the henhouse." Hmm, I can think of a few examples. I betcha you... Continue Reading →
Kids and their toys
Sometimes I wish I was a kid again. Oh, I'm not saying kids have it easier today, because I don't think they do. They have it rough. They face poverty and hunger. According to UNICEF, around 333 million children live in extreme poverty. They face societal pressures and bullying and depression too. It's a tough time to be... Continue Reading →
Solid as a rock
I skimmed a story the other day that offered gift ideas for loved ones. The article listed all the normal presents: flowers; jewelry; chocolate, and experiences like massages or weekends away. When I saw the list, I was shocked that the author neglected to include a run-of-the-mill rock or stone. I considered writing the editor,... Continue Reading →
In one ear and out the other
(A version of this piece first appeared in July 2020.) I should have listened. Before we even left the house, I saw the weather report calling for the possibility of passing snow squalls. In the car, I heard the radio announcer caution listeners about how the snow was coming down West of us in big,... Continue Reading →

You must be logged in to post a comment.