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 →
A bone to pick
We all have little annoyances that bug us. Here's nine that bug me. Rude uncaring people. A know-it-all. A show-off. In the U.S., people who only see Republican red or Democrat blue and put political party over country. My instinct to fret and worry over things that I don't control. (Yea, I get annoyed with... Continue Reading →
Stopping you in your tracks
There are days when you run across something that mesmerizes you. It hits you with such power and force that you’re stopped where you are. It could be a quote, a piece of music, or even a simple thought or idea. Many people experience this when they turn the last page of a book like... Continue Reading →
Some people change
(I originally ran this story on May 1, 2018. I've made a few updates.) I met Sam eight or nine years ago. He wore a flashy jacket and tie and was shaking hands like a local politician running for office. He was gripping and grinning, trying to make contact with as many people as possible.... Continue Reading →
A saving grace
I met up with a friend for coffee. I worried that she was going to have some bad news. When we had last talked, she had told me that she was having a tough time at work. She feared she was on thin ice. We had worked together years ago and I knew her to... Continue Reading →
People are crazy
The local television station shares the latest news on its Facebook feed. Of course, the story includes some controversy. I give myself a warning: skip the comments and stick to silly baby, cat, and dog reels. I know what's going to happen, but my curiosity gets the best of me. I take a peek. Someone... Continue Reading →
And then the rains came!
It started raining. It was light at first. A drop here, another there. Cats and dogs and everything in between! Within a few minutes, it started coming down faster. A steady beat like a drummer tapping on a set of drums. It grew faster and faster. The noise growing with intensity and drive. The water... Continue Reading →
And peace to you
Last Saturday night, a thundering boom shook the house. When I looked out the window, I could see lightning flashing across the sky. I watched all of it from a cushy living room chair. Despite the chaos outside, I was filled with an inner peace. Earlier in the day, my wife and I had taken... Continue Reading →
Living with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
(I ran version of this story in July 2016. I've updated and made a few changes to the piece.) When I was young kid, I loved to watch my dad carve an old sea captain or a duck from a block of wood. Or maybe a hound dog or grizzly bear. He carved anything that... Continue Reading →

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