9 Lives

Cats are supposed to have nine lives, and my cat Doc knew how to use them. When we moved from the city, he was just as lost as the rest of us. My parents insisted on sending the cuddly feline out into the unknown, only allowing him to enter when he was hungry. We couldn’t leave his food out, or the mouths would multiply.Doc was all white with the tiniest patch of black on top of his head, right between his ears. He earned his name because he reminded us of a doctor in a lab coat. Okay, I’m not sure if that’s true, but it’s the story I’m sticking...

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Six Sentence Sunday

Is it Sunday already? Wow! Where does the time go? I've picked six (sounds like the lottery, doesn't it?) fresh lines for your reading pleasure. I've frightened you, I've given you sweet . . . now it's time for FUN.~“You remember that time we brought Uncle John and his girlfriend Cindy out here with us?” Brit asks. I nod. She pulls a dirt-encrusted bottle out from behind her back. “Well, I stole this bottle of rum from them and buried it . . . with a little help from a stick.” She’s proud of herself—I haven’t seen her look this giddy in months.“You...

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Climbing Trees

A huge Oak tree grew along our farm’s property line. Lush, green grasses sprouted under expansive shade the tree provided. The area was like a secret meadow intended for only my brother and I.On windy days I’d venture away from the house and spin in circles in the meadow, allowing the tall grasses to tickle at my legs. My hair whipped my face, but I’d smile—this was heaven.One afternoon Dad nailed boards into the trunk of the Oak, so Kris and I could climb up and imagine worlds far beyond the one we lived in. We discussed imaginary wars and how...

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Guest Blog: Jason McIntyre

Today I'd like to welcome a good Twitter-bud and amazing writer, Jason McIntyre. I've had the pleasure of reading some of his work and let me just say, I wasn't disappointed. I have BLED and can't wait to devour it. Okay, I'll be quiet and let Jason do the rest of the talking . . . make sure to leave him a comment!Hot Blood: My new book ‘Bled’ turns up the heatWhat is it about scary stories in the summer?I’ve written my share of books and shorts...

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Six Sentence Sunday

Today is Sunday, that means you get six more lines from my novel. I've toned it back this week--thought you could all use a little less tension and a little more sweet. Enjoy!~He dunks a stick in the small pool below his feet, attempting to drown an evasive water strider. “Are you glad we came yet?” “No,” I say, grinning ear to ear. I am of course having fun, even though I’m concerned about the strange events.Brad pulls me into his shoulder. “I am.”~To see other authors who participate in Six Sentence Sunday, click he...

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Word of the Day is Poo

Being at work is not something that normally brings me to hysterics, but yesterday was no normal day. In fact the entire last month of my life has not been anything close to business as usual. Earthquakes, hurricanes, torrential rains . . . .“Insert Employers Name Here, this is Krystal.” I answered the phone like I do every time it rings.The person on the other end droned on and on about something I didn’t have the ability to help him with, but I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.I sighed and twisted my finger through the phone cord until the base...

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A Tragic Day in History

I told myself I wasn't going to write a 9/11 post. What I experienced was nothing compared to what so many went through that day. But at one in the morning yesterday, I did write. Why? I'm not sure. To save it forever. To let my kids know what being a parent during an attack feels like. I don't believe what I wrote even touches on how I truly felt--on how concerned I was for my country, how sick I was for all those families, how scared I was to be...

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Six Sentence Sunday

What is going on this week? Hmmm, looks like a bunch of scared kids to me.~I squeeze Brit’s hand to get her attention. She looks at me; in this moment I know what I have to do to save her and Brad. “I love you,” I mouth to her. She mouths it back. I turn around and shove Brit in the chest as hard as I can, knocking her through the entry to the cave, where I pray she’ll make it home to safety. Shrieks of rage come from behind me; the creatures begin running. ~To see other authors who participate in Six Sentence Sunday, click he...

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Weeee!

I’m afraid of spiders.I’m afraid of snakes.I’m afraid of falling from great heights.On occasion I feel a need to remind myself of things that make me scream—like this past weekend. Me, my husband and our three adorable children made a quick escape to Pennsylvania and visited Hershey Park and Dutch Wonderland. The trip was sort of our “Last Hoorah” before school started.Kid #1 is eleven years old; things that excite him are fast, tall and usually...

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Six Sentence Sunday

Well, it's that time again. For those of you who enjoyed last week's six, you may find this intriguing as well. It doesn't pick up from the exact place I left off, but in the same chapter. My trio's little world just turned upside down and they are in for an even ruder awakening. ~ I take slow breaths, in and out, force the visions to the back of my brain and open my eyes into this strange, dark place. Brad helps me to my feet and holds onto my hand, steadying me. There is no moon, there are no stars above our heads, no street lights, nothing...

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Last Hoorah!

Hey all you wonderful blog followers out there. Friday has come and almost gone and I've not posted an update since Monday. I did have a lovely guest blogger yesterday, but I realized I've been a little too quiet this week--and last. Okay, maybe the week before too. I have a laundry load of excuses, but will spare you the details. Anyway, I've got some family time planned for the weekend. Loading up the car and hitting the theme parks. School starts Monday and we're going to have a last hoorah before our lives are restricted to scheduled activities--like...

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Guest Post: Johanna K. P.

When Johanna K. P. and I talked about her visiting my blog, we discussed how I always share memories of my childhood or current life and how she could fit in. Well, she went a little further and wrote a story about a Christmas gift, turning it into a satirical piece that will surely live on in your memories. So, without further annoying commentary by me, I bring you SNUGGIE! Hi everybody! My name is Johanna and I’m a writer. It’s my first time doing this… I’m a lawyer by day….. but I was born to write. I also like to spend my time blogging and...

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