My journal of big words and pretty pictures
“I thought I broke him.” The lament was uttered in hushed tones over a steaming mug of hot chocolate, a dollop of marshmallow whip floating on the surface. A smudge of the sticky confection dotted the speaker’s nose. Her lavender eyes were brimming with tears. Her companion couldn’t help but giggle a little into her … Continue reading Jelly Ol’ Elf
Nearly 20 years ago, when my daughter was still in elementary school, she came home one December afternoon in a state of wretched befuddlement. That day some of her little friends were discussing Santa Claus and his rumored nonexistence. Apparently, some of these juvenile dream-killers were telling any of their playmates who would listen, that … Continue reading Tis the season for tough questions
“Any last words? This is your final chance to make amends, to give your victim’s family some small measure of peace.” The cleric stood at the foot of the executioner’s table, looking down at Ray Vanderweele. The cleric’s dark grey cassock covered his entire body from the top of his sensible, black leather shoes to the … Continue reading Reprieve
Marti meandered through the pumpkin patch tapping each gourd with her Pretty Princess fairy wand made with purple, metallic star garland; silver tulle; and sparkly, multi-colored rhinestones. With each thud, she sang out, “bibbidi-bobbidi-boo.” It was hidden in the pile somewhere, she just knew it. All she had to do was find the right pumpkin, … Continue reading Dream car
The first leaf fell at 7:51 p.m. of the Autumnal Equinox. The brittle, brown-paper scrap fell gracelessly from the dying branches of a gray maple tree, to finally be trapped in the tangle of twigs of an abandoned catbird nest. A cold wind tugged more leaves loose, a portend of the bitter winter to come. … Continue reading A thief’s cut
It was always a plate of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, none of that pasty store-bought dough. That prefab cookies taste is like drinking instant coffee, you can immediately tell the difference. It wouldn’t matter, Maisie would never take shortcuts where Nell was concerned. She deserved the best. All of Maisie's friends tried to dissuade her from … Continue reading Cookies and sammiches
Thin spiral notebook 