It wasn’t until I was in my late fifties that I knew. — I used to look over at the table to see if there was a half-empty rocks glass. She was repeating herself, ad nauseum, a sure sign that one or more gin and tonics had been consumed. …

How recognition of limited time inspired lovely anticipation. — I’m approaching my 73rd birthday with an unnatural speed. When I was a kid, even a teen, Sundays were incredibly boring. What to do, what to do … ugh! …

I don’t think I can choose just one. — Lynn L. Alexander asked, “If you had to choose a charm to represent yourself what would you choose?” I would choose a set of encyclopedias on a cresting wave. Different, yes? I love discovering new information, finding the answers, and looking for solutions. In today’s world that’s Google, but in…

A 25-year-old gift still sparkles with humor and love. — When I saw today’s prompt, I immediately knew what I would write about. You might be asking yourself, “Um, Nancy, didn’t you write this prompt?” Why, yes I did! “And didn’t you just put this list together two days ago?” Again, right on! “Sooooo … ?” What can I say…

I’ve got some ideas about what to write. — Instead of having a list of prompts, I thought I would prompt you to craft a few short stories based on the year-end holidays that you celebrate in your culture. Maybe tear-jerkers, a new fable, a holiday romance or breakup, party shenanigans, animal stories, or maybe someone wants to recreate…

I can’t remember the last time I was bored. — Emma Vincent wants to know how I handle boredom. I remember being bored on Sundays as a kid but in today’s world of nonstop noise, boredom might be welcome. I start my day with the weather. No boredom there! Colder than it should be one day and warmer the next…

I’m recommitting to writing every day! — Do you feel as though the daily challenge is too much or do you want to recommit? I’ve been awful since October, and my writing shows. I am recommitting to making this a daily practice. (No need to wait until January 1st to make a change!) Who wants to commit…

I don’t always feel fierce and fearless, but when I do … — I got my results back from 23 and Me. I was shocked to discover that I was 3% Karelian Bear Dog. You heard me, Karelian Bear Dog! My first reaction was to write a scathing letter denouncing their laboratories, employees, and the general lack of quality control. …

Taking the joy he brought me, the loss I felt, and weaving them together into a new life — In the early years of my grief journey, the focus was on everything that had changed: what I missed, shattered dreams, and what I now had to handle on my own. The first time I took the garbage out after my husband died, I was inconsolable. The simple act of…