Marooned

October 19, 2016October 21, 2016 ~ Tara R. ~ 3 Comments

I can’t be sure what woke me, the seagulls or the sun bearing down on my pastry white skin. I could almost smell it charring under the relentless heat. Opening one eye, I could only see a few billowy clouds in a brilliant azure sky. It hurt to turn my head, but I could feel rough … Continue reading Marooned

100 Word Challenge: Grouch

October 19, 2016July 1, 2017 ~ Tara R. ~ 6 Comments

I’ve had my current smartphone for about two years, and in all that time, I haven’t changed my voice mail greeting. It was all very generic… I can’t take your call now, please leave… blah, blah, blah. If I could, I would sample Sheryl Crow’s song, “A Change Would Do You Good,” - “If you'd … Continue reading 100 Word Challenge: Grouch

Snowbirds have landed

October 14, 2016April 30, 2018 ~ Tara R. ~ 4 Comments

You from around here? Where can I get fresh seafood? I’m not a tour guide I live in a coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico that is a popular tourist destination. There are two seasons here - summer and snowbird. Beginning in March with Spring Break through Labor Day weekend, the summer people come … Continue reading Snowbirds have landed

A fine whine

October 13, 2016 ~ Tara R. ~ Leave a comment

He poured his glass of merlot on the floor in a thin, deliberate stream, expecting me to immediately move to mop up the puddle. Fighting the urge to clean, I stepped over his mess to refill my glass. I wiped the maroon splatter from the top of my shoe on the back of my other pant … Continue reading A fine whine

No light, no escape

October 12, 2016April 30, 2018 ~ Tara R. ~ 8 Comments

A briny wind blew in from the sea bringing a murky fog that blocked out all sunlight. It rolled across scrub covered dunes, coming to an abrupt halt at an unsteady, wooden slat fence. The slats twisted in the wind, as if trying to break free of their binding. The shrill whistle made when the … Continue reading No light, no escape

100 Word Challenge: Wine

October 12, 2016July 1, 2017 ~ Tara R. ~ 6 Comments

For the past few years, a friend and I have attended monthly wine pairing dinners hosted by a local chef/owner of a boutique kitchen shop. During the dinner, the host prepares a three-course meal and a different wine is paired with each course. I have learned about “terrior” and “umani.” I’ve tasted wines from every region of … Continue reading 100 Word Challenge: Wine