Confidence in my writing ability has been hard to come by. The power of my pen served as a primary source of expression. I’ve received positive feedback about my work from family and friends, but none has stuck. No matter how much they praised me, I still couldn’t find the enthusiasm to say, out loud, ...

“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 white blanket of snow covers the earth. Nostalgic smells of pine trees seep through windows. The season we anticipate draws close. Have we been naughty, or good? Can we count the smiles of those we’ve touched, Or do we use the days left to do more? Editor: Erynn Crittenden

Lacey was as excited as a child on Christmas morning. New York City was a fluffy winter scene. The first snowfall of the season in Manhattan brought the outside world to a dead stop. The streets were lined with kids playing and adults shoveling sidewalks. Quiet fell on the normal bustle of the Big Apple. ...

Christmas music is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. I have a strong emotional reaction to music. Lyrics speak to me in ways nothing else can. So, it is no surprise Mark Schultz singing “Different Kind of Christmas” opens the floodgates of my emotions every time I listen to it. It is ...

A visual poem celebrating the magic of the Christmas tree!

The hunter, Orion, crosses the sky On this, the deepest, dark night of the year, The sharp winds blow and the snow’s first flakes fly Signs, Solstice of Yule with Winter is here. Family and friends, draw their loved ones near To deck the halls and hug each other tight, Gathering happiness, laughter and cheer ...

The scent of cedar permeates the air as you stand there, watching the traffic pass you by. Your hair is pulled away from your face in a low-rise ponytail, and the beanie you have on your head is one you have never worn before. You’re not used to the coldness you can feel seeping in ...

Christmas’ frosty breathBringing more than wrapped presentsNo ribbons or bows –this kind of Joy can’t be bought Reflects in babes’ eyeThe magic of ChristmastimeFriends and families –Merry time of reunions making memories-Spreading cheer and goodwillHelping those in need-the spirit of Santa lives Warmth shared, winter thawsWith Gifts of love, hearts unwrapSpirits are lifted –The Miracle ...

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 ...