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Category Archives: memoir
freebie
Because my days have been brimfull, I haven’t posted a post in a while. Am hoping to amend that soon, but in the meantime there’s a free Kindle download of Saying Goodbye available, here. A present from Dream of Things books (until the promotion ends at midnight). What I’d like to do is share why … Continue reading
Posted in books, holiday mood, memoir, newsy, random stuff
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@ prick of the spindle
For the first time in a while, I’ve had pieces published that are longer than 1000 words. One is at Prick of the Spindle. They picked up my essay, “After the Fall,” and it’s now available here. If you’ve known me a while, you’ll be familiar, perhaps, with my sometimes grittier style. If you think … Continue reading
Posted in memoir, writing
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hearty story
My blog’s date is in the military (and faraway places) style, with the day preceding the month. I’ve tried to make it regular American, to no avail. But as Tim says, I should prefer it; it’s logical that way. Tim was in the Navy long ago, when we were first married. I’ve written another online-accepted … Continue reading
Posted in marriage is cute sometimes, memoir, newsy, writing
Tagged confusion, early marriage
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remembering John
In the library meeting room interfaith, spiritual, memoir enthusiasts gather. Mom takes her pen, jotting notes from long ago, before Dad, before me. Sorrows and blessings we’re asked to ponder. Hers, the sorrow of a sixteenth birthday weekend. Helping her mother at the junior high church retreat. Her father out on the road with the … Continue reading
Posted in family, memoir, wonder
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well-wrought perspective
In January I spent some Christmas money on a book by Gary Presley, Seven Wheelchairs: A Life Beyond Polio. I’d been eager to read it, having seen excerpts on Gary’s blog. His story, like the best memoirs do, carried me into a place and time I couldn’t travel to otherwise – in Gary’s case, it’s … Continue reading
Posted in interesting, memoir, reading
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sailing in a dentist’s chair, 1979
A woman in white smock, lavender pants, and white shoes adjusts the paper covering across my chest—it’s a bib, I guess—before securing it with an alligator clip at my shoulder. I settle into the chair as she leaves. A small, framed picture near the door reveals a mountain in delicate brushstrokes, with some sort of … Continue reading
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holey groove, 1979
Ready for work the next morning I sit on the sofa in alarmless quiet and open my Bible. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances,” it says. I’ve sure lately fallen down in that area. “Thank you, God,” I pray, my hands folded and my eyes closed. “Thank you for Tim. For … Continue reading
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into November, 1979
“Ah, yes, your neon green smock! What every mad scientist’s victim needs.” Kelly, who directs community programs at Rhett Avenue Christian, appraises me with a nod as I hold up my Krispy Kreme uniform. She calls over her shoulder to Tim and one of many church members setting up long tables in the fellowship hall, … Continue reading
Posted in memoir, spaceship
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it comes back
Five days later we shadow the viewing room door at the mortuary. Tina and Rick stand facing a wall, their heads together, backs to the casket. Mrs. Painter touches my shoulder. She moves past me to embrace Tim. She wears makeup. “Had to slip out for a smoke,” she says, apologetic. Pupils tight and irises … Continue reading
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with no sugar
After sunrise the lines near the Krispy Kreme cash registers tatter. Those customers who do come in find solace in a few moments’ reflection out the south-facing window before dashing off again to their cars, to a day of toiling sameness. Men of higher status than the shipyard workers dally each morning at the coffee … Continue reading
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