Finished my essay, and it's posted. You folks will have to tell me what you think;
https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/84629/origins-1

My next piece, the "non-story" retelling of the backstory of one of my favorite book series, is just about ready. But I'd love someone to go over it, and see if I can improve it. Any takers?

I got something almost done, but its not a "story" per se.

Its a brief recounting of the background and history of one of my favorite fictional universes.

I have no idea how its gonna be received.

(Hides in blanket fort)

So last night, I got to thinking about a conversation I had a few days ago, where I mentioned I always found kissing someone on the lips upsetting. And in fact I used to say I'd rather kiss or be kissed anywhere but the lips. As I was mulling this over, it occurred to me that this sense of panic reminded me of the panic I got going into a shower, and I wondered if it has a similar cause - that at some point, a kiss on the lips got associated with something terrible, something I couldnt recall consciously recall but my body responded to.

Well, yesterday ended up going better than I could have hoped. Sharon and Sam cried after Po was put down, but Sam was no longer angry, and indeed seemed to be at peace with his passing. I am thanking God and breathing a sigh of relief.

Dysphoria, manic-depression, PTSD, grief, and anxiety. I'm getting hit by all of the above, plus one more. Guilt. Guilt that I'm struggling with petty problems while people are dying from this virus.

Sighs ...

So last night I dreamed I was at a church function. I was upstairs, cleaning up a bunch of toy trucks, and then went downstairs to see that all the girls had turned the dining area into a fancy tea party. My dysphoria hit me like a physical blow, and I dumped my load of toy trucks on a counter and staggered back upstairs. I woke weeping.

After I published my last little piece, I was informed I've been mislabeling them as "drabbles". I always thought a drabble was 100 words or less, apparently its 100 words exactly. So what do I do about the section of my stories titled "Dorothy's Drabbles"?

Suggestions please.

In hopes of providing a giggle in these dark times, I've come up with a little drabble:
https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/84020/transformation-...

Well I was a busy girl today. I got Sam to her school and helped her pick a few things for the lockdown, I got my tires fixed, and got my meds refilled. Not bad, eh?

My daughter is sick and getting tested tomorrow for the Corona virus. Hugs and prayers appreciated.

One of my problems is that I suck at making decisions. I flip back and forth, or just turtle and hope the situation goes away on its own. Well I'm dealing with that now in terms of getting stomach surgery. The closer I come to the time of the surgery, the less certain I am that I'm making the right call.

After agonizing over it, we've booked an appointment to put Lady down. Wednesday we say goodbye. hugs appreciated.

Just when I had thought my muse had left me for greener pastures, she sent me a new story: https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/83661/protective-colo...

so last night I dreamed that during a marathon that I was participating in I saw a large snake about to get among the runners, I was able to capture the snake holding it just behind the head. And with barriers on both sides of the course, I felt I had no choice but to finish the course while keeping a hold on the critter.

Bizarre, yes?