June 1980 In the Robinson Room, three girls leaned against a second-floor windowsill, watching the boys playing basketball down in the parking lot. There was one adult out there, the new youth minister. He wasn’t that old, but what he … Continue reading Glory Hallelujah – Book 2 – Lip Gloss
June 1935 – Flora, Mississippi “I didn’t raise you to be nobody’s maid or mammy! Wit’ that Carter boy thas’ all yu’a eva’ be!” “But Papa—!” “Girl, tha’s the end of it! That boy’s got no schoolin’. His people got … Continue reading Mary Unbowed – Chapter 1
This is a short story I wrote in 1998. It’s written from an omniscient point of view—head hopping and all that. Maybe one day I’ll clean it up and do something with it. Is the plot irrelevant in the new … Continue reading The Science Project
My boys— young men—were born into a world where the expectation was juvie at 15, fatherhood at 16, prison at 18, and death before 25; but I was blessed with their care at young ages: the oldest boys when they were 4,5,6, the youngest when he was 8 months; and a girl when she was 5. There are no words for how much I love these children, and I am blessed again to know them as young adults. It’s mind-boggling. The short version is, my youngest son is preparing to apply to colleges and my second oldest just became … Continue reading Boys to Men
When Muffy Dropped Her Pencil “Captain on deck!” “At ease”, the woman said as she descended the ramp to the front of the control room. “As you were.” The 50 or so technicians who had stood up returned to their … Continue reading Tagging the O'Briens
Back in the 80’s, when I was a glorious 19/20-year-old college dropout/runway model, Mommi kept one of my portfolio pics on her desk at work. She frequently asked me to visit for lunch. It seems there was this guy in marketing … Continue reading Always, always, ALWAYS listen to your mother…
I’ve been a writer all of my life. I had a short story published in the church newsletter when I was seven-years-old. And the Church Bells Rang was an allegory about the power of successful marketing. Ok…fine…I didn’t even know … Continue reading Writing Life
Marcus Jackson picked up the hysterically laughing ten-year-old and gave him a gentle noogie. “Ready to take a break, Shorty?” Marcus asked. “What’s the matter Pops, you tired of this shorty whoopin’ on you?” JT made a perfect jump shot, … Continue reading Barbie Shoes—A side story of Glory and JT
I love Mondays. I know, I know…but really, there’s nothing wrong with me. I know, most people work all week dreaming of Friday. Not me. I don’t like Fridays at all. I’m a procrastinator, and Friday means I’m outta time … Continue reading Happy Monday!!
Why hast thou forsaken me? Why hast thou turned thy face from me in anger? Have I not done all that is asked of me? Do I not make generous tithe to Tech as the scriptures required? Do I not … Continue reading Oh Mighty Tech…
Dear Mr. C., I was a student at LTHS from 1980 to 1984. Once upon a time, on a Friday afternoon in the fall of 1982 (my junior year), you stopped me in the hall and demanded my … Continue reading …Those Who Can Do More, Teach…
My first love was a giant who taught me complex math and could intertwine his fingers around my waist. I was seven and he was one of the coaches at the YMCA where my dad worked. Just seeing this man-mountain … Continue reading Second Love…
So over the past few years, my kids have occasionally stood beside or behind me at my desk; each time asking “Are you done yet?” My answer is always “Almost. Just a little more to go.” The kids would cheer … Continue reading On Writing…with kids…
The slightly-larger-than-a-single-serving sized bag of Doritos, along with a bottle of sparkling water, is the perfect mid-day snack when you’re sitting hard at work. Even if you’ve dropped the bag onto the marble tiled part of the floor twice, it’s … Continue reading Doritos
June 1935 – Flora, Mississippi “I didn’t raise you to be nobody’s maid or mammy! Wit’ that Carter boy thas’ all yu’a eva’ be!” “But Papa—!” “Girl, tha’s the end of it! That boy’s got no schoolin’. His people got … Continue reading Mary Unbowed – Chapter 1
May 1976 The feeling was just wrong. A strange pressure in her stomach and chest. It didn’t really hurt; there was no actual pain; just an ache. At the end of the math lesson, Glory asked Mrs. Stockman if she … Continue reading Glory Hallelujah—Book Two
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