It took me a long time to decide to post this. The following is the last collaboration I had with Maggie Fenson. Though, 'Collaboration' is something of a stretch. We talked about it, I wrote some, got stuck and put it aside. I kept meaning to come back to it, like I kept meaning to call or email Maggie. The things you 'mean' to do turn into regrets when you let time get away from you. I miss you Maggie, and I hope wherever you are, this puts a smile on your face.

Home Salon
A Vignette
By Maryanne Peters

I looked back just in time to see my sister, Jake, before she headed deeper into the forest. That’s a weird thought: Jake, my sister. Maybe Jacqueline would fit her better? Nah. She doesn't really seem like a Jackie.

My dad looked over and saw me looking back. “Well, it's certainly been an unusual night. That definitely was weird, wasn’t it, son?”

Dance, Dance, Dance

Full Moon

Chapter Twelve - Last Training Day

By Jo Dora Webster

How will Denise and the cheerleaders handle their last training day?

Dance, Dance, Dance

Full Moon

Chapter Eleven - Captivity

By Jo Dora Webster

Will Denise survive her captivity?

Summoned: An Accidental Adventure –

Prologue iv

Working for Aunt Sophie
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

When my mother passed away, I had no choice but to go live with my Aunt Sophie who lived some distance away, separating me from the few friends I had. Aunt Sophie lived in Springfield and ran a small ladies clothing store below her modest home on the floor above. She was an expert seamstress and had an eye for what was truly fashionable and tasteful. She sold some factory-made stock, but she also made clever modifications and she made some tailored garments for discerning clients.

He'd promised his unborn child that, girl or boy, he'd care for them.

A father didn't need to understand his kid to still love and support them every way he could...

Shouldn't that have been enough?

Thirty minutes after I graduated from High School the bitter truth of life sank in as my parents told me that I either had to join the military or move out. This was sprung fifteen minutes after pictures were taken with friends and teachers, while the thoughts of what I had planned to do with my life were just a gleam in my eye, this was sprung on me.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAPUxhz91BM

Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, mid-May, 2016…

A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you will lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep

Almost alone in the midst of friends, the girl was lost in thought over the lingering hurt that eventually drove her to re-enlist.. She breathed in deeply and decided to join in the banter with her platoon.

“Got any plans?” Of course they all had plans of a sort; futures that most of them planned that included new places and new opportunities. And maybe new dreams; or rather new ways of realizing old, almost discarded dreams?

“I am fairly confident that my future will not include anything remotely khaki or camo,” she said.

“In fact, I’m…” She had meant to say ‘pewter’ and ‘copper’, and ‘jade,’ but her thoughts as well as the thoughts of everyone else were interrupted suddenly and severely...