In the summer of ’58,

rain fell harshly in late July,

bringing white sand under my feet

into a squishy quicksand feeling,

and the odor of tall Carolina pines,

catch your senses quickly.

As a boy loving the outdoors,

I relished this downpour,

the inherent feeling of freedom

as I was drenched beyond mere wetness.

Running crazily,

not watching the path taken,

half sunk in the sands murky depths

laid a trap …

an empty, open pork and bean can.

My toe, its sharpness, met.

I could hear Grandma calling.

She heard my hawk-piercing scream.

Tears mixed with rain salted my cheeks

as I bravely hobbled to her house,

into her waiting arms.

Rain continued to beat the air savagely,

slamming like small fists on the tin roof;

like nails driven into wood.

it was relentless.

Thunder reigned supreme.

Lightning screamed around us,

lighting up a frightening black day.

I shivered in Grandma’s warmth,

her arms holding me, protecting me,

as she always did.

Tears subsided as she washed away blood and sand.

Taking a warm cloth, she eased away my pain.

With a kiss to my toe and a band-aid,

she said a prayer,

asking God to make things right.

Finished, she hugged me again,

saying she loved me.

Shortly after, the rain stopped.

So did the pain in my toe.

Grandma always knew what to do.

**********

The above photo is my grandmother

who passed away in 1983.

Not a day goes by

where I remember that storm, her prayer,

and my toe no longer hurting,

I was all of 10 1/2 then.

Dance in the garden each morning

And sing in the afternoon

Clock in as the sun awakens

And clock out beside the moon.

Work with a love of working

And work at a lighthearted pace

Seize what the world has to offer

While appreciating its grace.

Explore what needs exploring

And just for the joy of it, fly

Join in the hum of the hive

And twirl a new path through the sky.

Be grateful for every flower

Each one a soft Monet

Spread love to the gently buzzing hive

All together, a yellow ballet.

I wrote this 3 years ago, so cheating on the challenge, but I wanted to share because I think it's the happiest thing I've ever written and I still really like it :)

As I was biking home from cross country practice today, I stopped at the store to get some goat milk. I am forever disorganized and didn't know that I had enough change, so I told the cashier I'd check.

Surprise, I did not.

I was about to go put it back when the lady packing up her groceries in front of me turned around and said she'd pay for it. I thanked her for the offer, and reassured her that my house was close by and I could just go home and get more money.

"I'll get it for you. People do nice things for me."

So she bought my milk. I thanked her and thanked her while the amused cashier added it to her card. I took my milk, thanked her again for good measure, and told her I'd pass on the nice things.

So, random strangers, if an awkward, friendly teenager with a messy braid and dressed in many layers of clothing tries to do something nice for you, you can thank the lady who bought her goat milk ;)

Do you ever wonder if someone will read your words?

If when the sky falls and the rain burns,

Someone will sit and speak them out loud,

Fruitlessly hoping,

That they will escape the terror that holds the world in a vice?

Or maybe they will be scrolling through the old archives,

Sipping coffee and wrapped in a fluffy blanket,

Imagining a world so unlike their own?

Or maybe it will be someone like me.

They will find it through chance as they trip,

Sending papers flying.

Only to pick them up one by one,

And realize,

Sometime,

Somewhere,

Someone,

Was a little bit like them.

And will find peace in the idea,

That they are never truly alone.

"perfection's the best,

perfection's the key."

to that i say no,

perfection is yours to see.

you can choose your own life,

your style's your own.

no one's stopping you,

i'll be your stepping stone.

go at your own pace,

i know that you can;

don't hold yourself back,

i'll be your biggest fan.

supporting you always,

i'm here by your side,

call me whenever

if you need to confide.

you're talented and smart,

kind and you're wise;

beautiful and melodic,

you forever will rise.

so let it be known,

scream as loud as you wish,

that no one is holding you back,

and you love your ever blemish!

I have two cats, named Bullet and Bowie. They are the epitome of endearing entertainment and ridiculousness. I inherited Bullet from some friends and he is unlike any cat I've ever met. In fact, he's more like a dog. He listens and obeys, loves car rides, and will go on walks with us. He is very active, loves to play and will even join in on a form of "hide n seek." I will run and hide somewhere and he will come looking for me. When he finds me, I pop out and he runs away, and we do it all over again. The shape of Bullet's brow makes him look permanently grumpy, but he's a sweetheart. Bowie is my other cat. He got his name after I posted on social media asking for advice on what name to give him. David Bowie had just recently passed and someone suggested naming him after the legend, so I did. The name is fitting because this cat is a space cadet and many of David Bowie's songs reference space. "Major Tom" comes to mind. He doesn't listen and obey as well as his brother, but I think it's because he's somewhere in the cosmos most of the time. Bowie will often sleep with his mouth half-open and his head tilted back. It looks hilarious in person. He is also lazy and prefers to sit back and watch his brother wig out from catnip. The funny thing about the two of them is how different they are with other creatures. Bullet is a softie. If he finds a spider in the house, he will lightly pat it and escort it across the room with careful focus. Bowie, on the other hand, is a cold-blooded murderer and will eat the spider then and there. They are my goofballs and they cheer me up when life is tough. I love them dearly and I enjoy their quirky personalities.

1. Those who chew with their mouth open for the entire world to see and hear

Punishment: They are used as nutcrackers so as to put their annoying habit to some use

2. People who drive 40 in a 55 mph no passing zone

Punishment: Have to bunny hop everywhere they go

3. Those who make cookies and other delicious treats and eat them in front of you when they know you’re hungry and are trying to watch what you eat.

Punishment: They will forever be four hundred pounds and will never be able to taste anything they eat again

4. People that don’t wash their hands after using the restroom

Punishment: Forced to clean all the bathrooms in the world with Q-tips

5. The person/s who thought of those late night phone dating commercials

Punishment: Forced to relive the worst possible first date ever; every single day