Like many of us, I was a shy kid. It was hard for me to make friends. I know now—I was just an introvert trying to build one-to-one relationships in a world of group settings. We didn’t talk about “feelings” in my family, so I had to figure my own way around it. One day…
Author: Cynthia
FINGERS CROSSED
2020 was tough. It has justifiably become our first numeric cuss word. For my family 2020 began a few weeks early when we lost my grandson just before Christmas. He was a beautiful young man who made everybody smile, but he was experimenting. A huge risk took him away from his life and from us. …
Two Good Things
Two really good things happened in 2020—and that’s saying a lot. I’m so excited. My website has gone through a complete overhaul. It’s new and updated and beautiful. (Thank you, Erica.) If you haven’t seen it, please take a few minutes to look it over. Or, get a cup of coffee or tea, maybe a…
I Hate When That Happens
Remember that scene in 2001 A Space Odyssey? Hal 9000, the computer—in an act of self-preservation—refuses to open the pod bay doors and let Dave return to the ship. “I’m sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.” We trust technology just like Dave trusted Hal. But an electronic device can change your life in…
. . . and other dangerous things.
Today, my stapler tried to kill me—twice. It wasn’t just an ordinary stapler. This stapler was my friend, Red Swingline. And I had no idea she was pissed off—until it was too late. I was trying to get billing ready, which requires Red’s assistance. After all, it’s what I got her for. Besides, if the…
Tossing the Chimes
I used to sing. Years ago. But when I decided to have kids, I willingly gave it up. I wanted to be home with my girls. But I missed it. So sometimes I’d get the kids settled down (nap time, color time, Sesame Street) and I would go into my room, close the door and…
Flipping Good
I was driving home tonight. It was already dark. I imagine the Super Bowl was still going on but, I’m not sure. I didn’t watch it. I had a writing project to work on. I turned a corner and caught movement in my peripheral. It was a boy, probably between five and seven. He was…
HAVE A !%$*&@! DAY
My gym schedules regular aquatic exercise classes. On those days, I have to get there at just the right time. I have to squeeze myself between the scheduled classes. Normally, that’s fine. Today, there was someone in each lane. Now, we’re required to share a lane if necessary, but it can be a tight squeeze….
Radio Days
For the last few weeks, in addition to my regular schedule, I’ve had a side project. It’s been fun and a little like having multiple personalities. See, I’ve been playing the roles of three characters in the Radio Days series produced by Collaborative Theatre Project—CTP. At first I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do…
Water
I learned to swim when I was still in single digits. My family lived in Florida. There was a lot of water around us. It was a safety issue. Mama never learned how to swim, so I took lessons. When the swimming instructor told me to hang on to the side of the pool and…