Religion
An Acorn Did That?
I finished my shower, toweled off then walked into the bedroom. My wife’s eyes momentarily twinkled until she saw the baseball sized bruise on the left side of my chest, just above the third rib. “What on earth happened to you?” “Oh that? An acorn did that.” She shook her head and frowned. “You’re … Continue reading
The Ice Pick
Amy held my right hand and the nurse had my left. My body vibrated, I was so racked and twisted by pain that it must have looked like a scene out of “The Exorcist.” The one where Linda Blair levitates off the table as the evil spirit practically tears her apart while being yanked out … Continue reading
Catholic Guilt, in a Romance
Now there’s a gamble. A Romance n0vel with a Catholic theme yet my writer friend Deanne Wilsted has persevered. Her novel, Untangling the Knot is a charming novel of Gabrielle Bessu, a wedding planner at St. Therese who makes a simple scheduling error (ok, it’s a very far-fetched one, scheduling a couple for an annulment … Continue reading
Council Shall Come to Order
Inspired by recent events in my town of Simpsonville and with plenty of time on my hands; I imagined that I was the Mayor of Simpsonville and my first city council meeting took place in my bedroom, while I was still recuperating. With a little inspiration from my aching left knee, our city council’s minutes … Continue reading
Thankful
For my beautiful wife of 25 years. For my two kids, even though they’re both presently teenagers and at times bear more resemblance to the Martian visitors in Mars Attacks! Both of them have the ability to be kind, understanding, courteous and thankful–just not on the same day. For my extended family. For my many … Continue reading
“I’m Going Home” Part 5 of Phil and Rannie’s Story
I surprise Rannie. Usually I call before coming over but this time I just showed up. She opens the door and her eyes light up. “Hello my love!” We hug one another, she invites me in then offers me a scotch but I settle for water. “Well honestly I think I’m out of scotch anyway, … Continue reading
“Mr. Tall, Grey and Handsome” Part 3 of Phil and Rannie’s Story
Phil is asleep today. I look into his bedroom and he’s noticeably thinner. His skin looks like it’s clinging directly to his bones. Cancer will do that. I put my arm around Rannie and she droops her head on my shoulder. A silent tear races down her cheek. “I’m going to miss him so much. … Continue reading
“I Brought You Some Cookies” Part 2 of Phil and Rannie’s Story
“Chocolate chip with cinnamon.” Phil is lying in bed and looks noticeably thinner, his right eye is a little crooked but when he sees me he breaks into an enormous smile. He props himself up on his elbows, grimaces in pain then his smile quickly returns. Earlier that day I stopped at a traditional grocery … Continue reading
“Are You Scared?” Part 1 of Phil and Rannie’s Story
The bedside pump softly gurgles as it pushes oxygen through fresh water. White noise, it’s rain softly falling on a tin roof or the gentle whoosh of seawater on a sandy shore. Just the accompaniment for a dying man. Phil draws a breath through the clear tube and reaches to his nose, adjusts the tubes … Continue reading
A Blogging Award for chefjohnmalik.com
My good friend Shaunda Wenger has awarded chefjohnmalik.com with the Versatile Blogger award. This is an informal trophy that bloggers pass back and forth to let their followers know who they follow, admire and appreciate. Shaunda is a gifted writer and author of nine books and her first book (which we have) the Book … Continue reading »