The countdown to Christmas was on, and nothing about Lacey felt festive. New York City shined bright in colorful lights and decor. After eight hours at the bar, it was the last sight she wanted to see. Each store she passed on the walk home was bustling with tourists and locals alike. The excitement for ...

“Ugh…” My ears buzzed, louder and louder. A headache joined it and amplified the pain tingling through my body. My neck, arms, back, and legs all ached. Pain pulsed through me. That was good, though. Pain brought me closer to reality. I tried to move, but that made everything hurt more. I growled with discomfort, ...

The sound of jingling bells drifts away The fading glitter of fireworks bid farewell My grandma’s cologne warm scent lingers on the couch Signaling the Holiday season is over If I were given a genie with three wishes I’d trap these precious moments forever Freezing the smiles on my family’s faces and snuggle eternally in ...

My paws prance upon the hardwood floor. I look around the silent living room, and my nose directs me to a small table where the corpses of half-eaten gingerbread men lie alongside a glass of cold milk. I take nibbles of each spiced cookie so that their bodies don’t go to waste. But, I avoid ...

Louise tossed on her bed and turned onto her back. She twisted a blond curl splayed out on the pillow. The lights strung on the bushes outside her window took turns glowing red and green on her ceiling. In the predawn hours, Louise rose and pulled on a flannel shirt and jeans. She slid on ...

days start to feel longerexcitement slowly buildingChristmas holidays lurk on the horizonenjoying the sharing of joymaking families happy bearing gifts and loveearning smiles each timerepeating every year

November was sunny, yet chilly. The unmistakable scent of Thanksgiving wafted through Aunt Vickie’s home. As soon as one walked through the door, the fresh scent of welcome and hospitality met you. A few things had changed over the years, and yet they held an air of unfamiliarity since this was the first Thanksgiving done ...

Still Blessed  I am always stressedI’m completely a hot messBut I still feel blessed Your Star  I hope you still knowYou always make my heart glowYour star in the snow

Reflection and Goals For Next Year The year is almost over. Christmas is right around the corner. 2023 is going to be a good year. The goal is to travel more, and that’s exciting. My best friend is turning 30, so we’re going to Paris and a few other European cities. I’ve never been out ...

  They’re out there Searched for but invisible Recognized by a single glance Then lost forever after Disappearing in a swift cover of darkness The eggs holding light And lives hidden within Shells of fragile substance And painted bodies as Stained-glass windows To make even the most Pious cathedral envious The Easter eggs thrive Alone ...