The Nice Thing About Strangers

Creative Non-Fiction Short Stories. :) Travel, Oldsters, Love, and Compassion.

Watching the Watcher

“If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes,” the lady says conspiratorially when she approaches me at a crosswalk. I chuckle as a sign of pedestrian solidarity. I’ve … Continue reading

January 28, 2015 · 3 Comments

Your Life as a Masterpiece

Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting … Continue reading

September 10, 2014 · 14 Comments

Guest Post: The Huffy Prophet by Sarie Fischer Norval

I hope you’ll enjoy this guest post from my dear friend Sarie. I think her story helps explain why we’ve been friends for 17 years…whoa. Teaching a summer class has … Continue reading

June 6, 2014 · 4 Comments

Step Dois, Três. Turn Dois, Três

The folk dancers gather, circle out, promenade, move to the music. A man in a brown hat calls out directions, and the audience whispers, “Is that English?” The Portuguese folk … Continue reading

May 8, 2013 · 10 Comments

Citation

She was widely read enough to appreciate my literary wit but not so widely read that she knew my sources. I like that in a woman. I could say things … Continue reading

April 26, 2013 · 3 Comments

The Life of the Spirit…Gosh!

“I wish I could make you see how much fuller the life I offer you is than anything you have a conception of. I wish I could make you see … Continue reading

January 25, 2013 · 11 Comments

Good, But No Samaritan

On the 92A bus, a gruff Austrian soldier keeps his pack on as he watches intently for his stop. Two elementary-aged boys on board spot an opportunity and sneak up … Continue reading

December 28, 2012 · 17 Comments

Baby’s First Swim

The mother slowly hands her infant to his father, who waits in the shallow end of the hotel swimming pool. The baby wears a diaper and a cloth head wrap … Continue reading

July 9, 2012 · 6 Comments

Lawn Pilot

Still only one-third of the way through his job–navigating a riding lawnmower over two acres in front of the Lutheran church–he delighted in shredding each swath. He chose a bright … Continue reading

May 28, 2012 · Leave a comment

Night Game

After dinner the small boy stood at the far side of the lawn with his back to the street. He focused on a point in front of him, waiting for … Continue reading

May 14, 2012 · 1 Comment

En Route

It’s a travel back the the States day, a “get on the bus to the airport at 8:30 am Istanbul time and hope to catch the shuttle home at 9:30 … Continue reading

March 5, 2012 · Leave a comment

Carry On

Several members of the Hajduk Split soccer team coalesced outside the airplane. Since the players were spry, many were the first out. They wore matching tracksuits. A few punched at … Continue reading

November 21, 2011 · 3 Comments

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