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Holiday Traditions
Ah, Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year. So many traditions revolve around the chilly days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. They fill us with joy as we look forward to what’s coming. I remember as a kid getting excited the first time the snow fell. I ran outside and stood with my mouth open, catching snowflakes on my tongue. I would sit by the window for hours and watch the neighborhood Christmas lights go up. We would get to see all sorts of family members during that time, too. Aunt Lobelia was always excited to see me. Uncle Chris always had a piece of candy in his coat pocket. My cousins were fun to hang out with, too.
By Jaron Pak4 years ago in Families
No More Nonsense
She was sick of all the nonsense, all of it. Her son, the used car salesman, had asked for even more money – more money!
By Eamonn Miller4 years ago in Families
Leaving Paradise
“Look at this view, it’s paradise. The rolling green hills, the tree lined paddocks filled with kangaroos in the morning sunlight, making their way from one farm to another. Passing by the horses feeding, the alpacas and sheep grazing and the cows down by the dam drinking with the sunrise reflecting on the water’s edge. Why do we have to go? “
By Lucy Quix4 years ago in Families
Why an Absent Parent is Better than a Narcissistic Parent.
I remember telling a friend, who was always complaining about some guy she had a fling with, that I thought she was lucky he had chosen not to have anything to do with (their) her child.
By writemindmatters4 years ago in Families
Vocal gives
Vocal gives an outlet for stories that should perhaps remain untold because people who are supposed to care don’t want to be bothered by the trivial matters of your mundane life or the shared memories that bore them. While that is too often a harsh reality, I remember a time when my children wanted to hear every detail I had to share. I remember a time when they would run to the door screaming, “Daddy! Daddy!” because their father had arrived.
By Verna K Gunderson4 years ago in Families
What's the deal with the Black Sheep?
If you happen to come from a family that has more than one child.... well, no. Lets try that again. I know there have been many occasions in my own life where I stated in the retelling of my past how being the "black sheep" in the family was the cause to my hurt, separation, mistreatment or misfortune. And since I am such a small piece to the whole of humanity, I am quite certain many others can attest to using the same quote. But why is it that the "black sheep" carries a personality trait of the outcast? When I pondered on this, I decided to track back where I first became aware of the lonely misunderstood and misrepresented creature entered my psyche. Which leads back to the childhood nursery rhyme we all one time or another stood in class and proudly sang along to the "Three bags full." But what about this view of a black sheep, has brought us to the understanding of wrong doings or negative experiences in family units? When did we as a society determine the role of a particular individual was deemed as "not like the rest of us?" Causing a member of the family to feel as if everything they did were wrong, or unacceptable. To feel forced to live close yet separate by some normal set of required character traits they seemed to not display in like manner.
By "Show"4 years ago in Families
Sounding Out Life
“Where is the Jack and Jill book!?” I demanded, pounding my tiny foot into the soft carpet,“I want to read the Jack and Jill book!”
By Person McPerson4 years ago in Families
Travel Is No Cure for the Mind
At this very moment, you'll be here: Or you'll be here: Or here: But maximum possibly, you’re likely right here:
By Joe Walter4 years ago in Families
Cheers To The Roofer
My grandfather on my mother’s side was a roofer. He was built like a brick house, similar to the ones he climbed daily. Muscle and brawn, carrying a pack of shingles on each shoulder as he climbed up ladders without using his hands.
By Conner Burton4 years ago in Families
THE KNIFE (A Christmas Story)
This is a paring knife. It lives in our kitchen. And here is its story. (Insert Law & Order ‘duh-duh’ here).
By Catherine Kenwell4 years ago in Families
Not Quite Nelly 4
The first emotion I experienced when I heard my sister was getting out of the mental institution was absolute fear.
By Guenneth Speldrong4 years ago in Families
No regrets
This time it was ME. I had to put myself first. Every single time it was someone else. Always. I was tired of it. Exhausted.
By Annie A4 years ago in Families