Be Nice To Yourself (As Well)
It’s more like: if you can think of times in your life that you’ve treated people with extraordinary decency and love, and pure uninterested concern, just because they were valuable … Continue reading
Boys with Books
Seven junior high school boys are on a sort of field trip by bus. They chat in small groups, look over my shoulder at my notebook, annoy an old man … Continue reading
A Puzzle
A young man with a shark-tooth necklace, a skateboard, and a black wrist band sits in the Metro and stares into space. One stop later, he reaches into his backpack, … Continue reading
Still Grinning
Sorry, I’m traveling today, but I am still beaming from a comment by a reader, 8 year-old Max. While I appreciate all of my readers, I must admit, every time … Continue reading
From Glen to Glen
Between the flute, the violin, and the piano, the melody comes together and I recognize it in a few notes. I seem to be the only one to catch the … Continue reading
In Case of a Tie
“Your bow is undone,” her older sister whispers, holding up one end of the blue sash that should be tied at the back of her little sister’s frilly dress. Big … Continue reading
Cat Confidantes
He’s rustling a sack as he walks, as he slows his pace. He begins whispering to the gathering crowd and smiling. He has come to pay his respects to the … Continue reading
Live Like You’re 70+
“Because I am 84 I am frequently asked, ‘What was the favorite time of your life?’ As though it is all over. I always say, ‘Right now.’ “I mean it. … Continue reading
From Strangers to Friends
As many of you know, I published a collection of my very-short creative non-fiction stories in the winter. I’d always wanted to write a book, ever since the stories that … Continue reading
Dad and Dog Wait for the Daughter
Dad and Dog wait for the Daughter’s school bus. Dad has one hand on his hip and the other holding the leash. Dad stands, the dog sits. They glance down … Continue reading
Strangers on a Shuttle
They are meeting for the first time this morning, but no one in the airport shuttle can believe it. He is tall with brown eyes and a compassionate smile. She has green eyes … Continue reading
Melt. –a guest post by Desiree Gaul
I am so excited to share this lovely tale. Enjoy this guest post from my friend and former student, Desiree Gaul. * The evening mist under the streetlamp highlights her … Continue reading
Wrinkles
The following was a new story for my book (Oh, if you want a snag a copy or send one to a friend, you can order it here at Amazon.) … Continue reading
How They Happen to Love Each Other
During takeoff, a hand appears behind the head of the man in front of me. The angle seems odd. I can’t sort out how he could bend his arm to … Continue reading
Brantley’s Big Adventure
It’s an honor to share a guest post from my second cousin, Nicole. We wrote letters on occasion growing up, and it’s been inspiring to hear about her journey with … Continue reading
Skills and Struggles
One might read the lives of the saints and think: I could be more generous, more loving, more patient, and so on. But, when he think that we have to … Continue reading
An Apple A Day
Originally posted on The Nice Thing About Strangers:
She’s been silently enjoying her lunch. Though she’s consuming soup she blows quietly to cool it, like whispering over a sleeping child,…
Is this a Dream?
“Daddy?” The boy is between his father and mother in the plane. His little legs so short that they stick straight out when he is moved back in the seat … Continue reading
I Am So Grateful To Write
I seemed to have lost an eye for merely exterior detail and to have discovered, instead, a deep sense of respect and love and pity for the souls that such … Continue reading
Young Love
Once the light turns green, the silver SUV blasts off, only to come to a halt at the next stoplight. This catches the attention of others on the road, who note … Continue reading
The Nice Thing About Strangers 