A high-stakes scavenger huntBy Tom MercerCarbondale-ish Long ago, it was not uncommon for children to participate in a scavenger hunt. For our purposes, a scavenger hunt is a competitive activity wherein two or more teams are given identical lists of items which they have to locate and acquire by going door-to-door in their community. At […]
Works in Progress
Posted inFiction
Works in Progress
ELK By Jay G. MerriamJan. 19, 2025 Crisp, clear, dry, blue airwashes over the landscape.Minus 6 at 6.Short of O2, but it’ll do. A band of thirty-two elktrip slowlyacross frozen fieldsretreating from an overnight hay bingeat the neighbors barn. They look back furtively, hopingshe won’t notice the giant holein the bales. Like teens sneaking inlong […]
Posted inFiction
Works in Progress
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.By Nancy Bo Flood This month we honored his work by pausing to remember his dedication to achieving justice and human rights for all — the right to pursue and have life and liberty. What is liberty? The right to choose … How one wants to live, to learn, to work. […]
Posted inFiction
Works in Progress
Winter Walk Knit (Not) By Deborah Holt Williams For winter walks there’s nothing better Than a cozy handknit sweater. Can I knit? I cannot. All my sweaters? Thrift store bought. […]
Posted inFiction
Works in Progress
I am Frankie’s big monkey By Fred MaloCarbondale Most of the people I know who live with a cat think they own the animal. Nobody owns a cat. They won’t come, sit, beg, roll over, speak or lick your face. They’re their own boss. I’m an average sized man, but considerably larger than Frankie. Good […]
Posted inFiction
Works in Progress
After SolsticeBy Nancy Bo Flood DarknessBegins toDiminish A few minutes at first,But each day, more and more sunshinefreely given, Shared with all. LikeMoments of kindnessAdding light to this worldRipplesExtendingTo a friend, a stranger jogging byEven that grouchy neighbor next door.Bah humbug.Smile backOr extend a simple nod. May I help you? Hold open a door, help […]
Posted inFiction
Works in Progress – December 25, 2024
Baa Baa “Sangfwa” By Deborah Holt WilliamsGlenwood Spring The brave border collie was all in a lather.He circled the sheep and insisted they gather.The collie smelled wolf! He went through his paces.The wolf crept in view, and his fangs gleamed with …BRACES?His wolf teeth were covered in silvery wire.His mouth was too sore for his […]
Posted inFiction
Works in Progress
What to do with rice By Jeff Alan If you really love rice like I do, your theme song could be “Rice Is Nice” from the ‘60s band The Lemon Pipers. When it comes to eating white or brown rice, just having it plain can be boring. There are many things that you can put […]
Posted inFiction
Works in Progress
Rebel Without a Clue at 22, Alive at 75 By Bryan WhitingGlenwood Springs Looking back on his own life, Bryan Whiting imparts what it takes to be successful. Most of us have learned our parents were wiser than we thought. Our parents attempted to reduce our errors of judgement by imparting their wisdom, but […]
Posted inFiction
Works in Progress
Snowy MorningBy Linda HelmichDec. 2, 1984 The snow that came this morningMade the world all clean and white,Which made the sky look bluer,And the sunshine seem more bright.I miss the green of summerAnd the golden autumn haze,But the beauty of this morningMade me happy for these days. Sun Sets,Done for the DayBy Nancy Bo Flood […]