Stories to Share

August 31, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 9 Comments

It’s been a while since I’ve shared some of my favorite stories. So, without further ado, sit back and enjoy these wonderful and engaging stories.

Up first 2 stories from Every Day Fiction:

From WOW’s Writing Contests:

And, from Scribbles on Cocktail Napkins :

Lovingly He Held Her Head Underwater by Juliet Nubel.

I hope you will enjoy these stories as much as I did and as always, let the authors know.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.

Theorem 31

August 30, 2017August 30, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 4 Comments

Daily Post Prompt: Rhyme

Although I would never call myself a poet under any circumstances, I can’t imagine a girl alive that didn’t at some point try her hand at writing poetry. Usually, and I’m guessing (wink, wink) every girl has poured her young heart out in rhyme and unreasonableness. I’m sure my cow pasture journal was filled with sappy attempts. I don’t have the remnants of those but I do have one special poem, written while in high school with an amusing little back story.

I would rather have been tied to a stake and set afire than forced to take algebra. However, back in the day (don’t ask, it was a long time ago), if you wanted to go to college, you took algebra. My teacher was a young man fresh out of college and for some reason took a special interest in this struggling student. In fact, had I accepted a dinner date with him (sworn to secrecy, of course) I could have come out with an A. I turned his generous invitation down and instead wrote a poem, which he rather liked. I’d take my chances on the grade.

Theorem 31

Oh, that teacher in 1st period
his Theorems and his Proofs!
the more I try, the harder it gets
and, the Lord knows that’s the truth

The corollaries and postulates,
know them one by one
now, get to work and state the Proof
Of Theorem 31

I proudly state the given
then comes L1=L2
man, on my way, am I
and AB=BY.

I look again at what
I am proud to prove and
suddenly see despair

I know that Mr. Morgan’s near
I sense him in the air.
He’s standing there right over me
With ruler in his hand

Sheila that’s wrong,
dear heart
Erase it and try again

Oh, that teacher in 1st period
his Theorems and his Proofs
they’re driving me up the wall
and, God knows that’s the truth.

With a long, deep
and sad, sad sigh
I begin to erase it
I begin to cry

The shreds of hair lay
All around
My tear-stained face
Is streaked

So here, go again
compose yourself
don’t look so stunned

Sheila, it’s really very easy
now, take this sheet
Quit pulling your hair
now, prove Theorem 31

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.

I’m No Tolstoy

August 29, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 9 Comments

As a fan and user of the software Grammarly, I look forward to receiving my weekly progress report. It’s like being in high school again. I’m not graded, thank God, but the report does provide insight and includes my longest writing streak, productivity, accuracy, vocabulary, and top three writing mistakes.

Can you guess the mistake that always appears? You got it! The first time the comma isn’t listed – we’ll celebrate with virtual champagne! Okay, not sure how that would work, but I’ll toast you while I enjoy a glass or two.

This week’s progress report noted I was 97% more productive than other writers. I read that twice, 97 %? My first thought was, who’s using my account? And, the second thought was, where’s the evidence? Cause damned if I can find all that productivity.

Then they gave me this little nugget. 7 weeks of active writing? Tolstoy? War and Peace? Somebody was sipping the bottle.

Regardless, it was inspiring. You, my friends, my fellow fence jumpers, may be reading a post from the next Tolstoy! Or, not.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.

Such an Old-Fashioned Word

August 27, 2017August 27, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 8 Comments

Homage

Aw, such an old-fashioned word. Homage – a noun; defined as – respect, honor, reverence, worship, admiration, esteem, adulation, tribute, acknowledgment, recognition, and accolade; memorial services are an example. It’s a word we rarely if ever hear in our daily conversation and certainly rarely see exercised, at least the way I remember.

When I was growing up, certain values and behaviors were expected. It was the norm to honor our elders, parents, teachers, police, fireman, pastors, and most especially our leaders.

Our parents taught us to respect the individuals serving in these roles for the extraordinary contribution each one made to make our lives better, be it a home, education, or nation where we could grow and prosper. Today, it would appear those receiving recognition are the least deserving.

Sadly, paying homage is not only an old-fashioned word but an antiquated practice trampled beneath the feet of political correctness; our loss for sure.