What is this feeling? Dianne picked at her cuticle, exploring the sharp point of a hangnail that wouldn’t go away, despite her many efforts to clip the skin, moisturize, and even bite. It just kept coming back, capturing more territory as it advanced beyond the thumbnail. She could almost hear the cheers and a tiny bugle as the rolling plains of palm came into view, signs of the hangnail victory. Continue reading
Ever Hopeful: JusJoJan, 1-Liner Wed, SSS
It’s nearly the end of January, and the Northlands here hold memories of deep snow and crippling cold temps. Instead, we have 40 degrees Fahrenheit and full-on sun. Continue reading
Company Confusion
“Oh dear God! The results are back from that workplace personality test: The Pliers-Friggs Personality Inventory.” I massaged my forehead, trying to smooth the WTF line between my eyebrows that had deepened dramatically since coming work for The Company company. Continue reading
Glamour
“And you’re sure this will work?” Katya turned her head, one side then to the other. The image she saw before her wobbled, a reflection of her inner state. Straightening her back with grace, head held high and neck long, flashing dark eyes and firm jaw, hair silken and perfectly dressed—the mirror now truthfully reflected the young woman before her. Running damp hands down the length of her embroidered full length skirt, she checked her silken slippers, the laces of her bodice, the knot, center and top, that shaped and lifted. Continue reading
Sunday Evening Jubilee
The fridge breathes deep, mostly emptied of odds and ends ready for renewal in a whirl of call and response with the cook. An oversized Dutch Oven dozes on the right front burner, still-winter sun sliding behind the trees. Continue reading

