More from the Dinner Party... “What is on my schedule today, Jasper?” Augustine Stiles pronouncement the word “shed-yool,” regardless of the fact he was born in the U.S. midwest. Mr. Stiles was dressed for the day in khaki twill pants pressed with razor-sharp creases, and a white Oxford shirt accented with a blue and yellow … Continue reading Snake in the grass
Category: Our Write Side
The great Outside
“You calling me an idiot?” Issy hissed. “Are you impugning my authority on this?” Mia sat down and breathed a heavy sigh. Sayuki rolled her eyes as only a teenager can. “Your histrionics are unnecessary, no one is arguing with you over your superior knowledge” Mia said, “but you’re not the only one who’s gone … Continue reading The great Outside
Final beginning
Driving in the early morning fog, her car headlights barely cut through the murky dawn. Laurel packed her car tight with everything she owned, yet it was still a meager accounting of her life. There was no destination, all Laurel wanted was to get out of town. Laurel’s entire life was a series of new … Continue reading Final beginning
A ship’s bell
Bells are ringing, each toll like a death knell to my spirit. It’s traditional for the town bells to sound when there is good news to celebrate. The fleet returns, and the pealing began when the first sail was sighted. I knew before the last of the fleet docked in port that one ship was … Continue reading A ship’s bell
Broken seashells
Previously: Paisley, rosemary, and time The best time to search for seashells is after a big storm, after torrential winds and surging waves churn up debris from the ocean floor. Whole shells and a myriad of fragments littered the beach, scattered over the sand like so much discarded chaff. Paisley and Jane walked along the … Continue reading Broken seashells
Humble, oaken pew
Amber luminescence filters down through tissue paper bunting. Translucent pennons in hues of russet, gold, ochre and burnt umber tremble in anticipation. The scene seems as if it naturally grew there for just this moment. A beam of soft sunlight illuminates a humble, oaken pew, a message from above, “be still, and know that I … Continue reading Humble, oaken pew





