Jenny had met Father Christmas, before, on a few occasions, at nursery school and when Nana had taken her to see him

Story Chat starts up again in January. See what's different this year.

I've been friends with Yvette for at least five or six years and love chatting with her and admiring her photos. Her sense of humor and intelligent thoughtfulness augment the value of every photo she posts. For Example Morning Walker #1 (March 2020): The crack in the sidewalk is what grabbed my attention later when I looked at the photo. It is as if the man pressed his foot down and caused the crack.

Each Wednesday, I share my week's highlights over my morning cuppa coffee. The posts link to several photo and writing challenges. Blogging challenges expand my thinking about my Word of the Year, EMBRACING, and the world around me. I missed Colleen's Tanka Tuesday challenge last week to write a poem about food. So here's my stab at it. holiday cheer to…

Fallen out of love with international travel? Tired of the seemingly endless lines at check-in, security, and immigration? Fed up with inconsiderate fellow passengers blocking the aisles as they fill up the overhead lockers? Craving for the peace of not having to sit next to incurable chatterboxes and being crushed up against Michelin men and the flatulent? Had it with people who throw their seat back while you are eating your meal? Don’t want to spend hours getting to your destination?

Story Chat Digest 2026 submission guide for writers: unpublished short stories, poetry submissions, writing articles, puzzle entries, anthology participation, formatting rules, and how to join our writing community.

Vince has lost none of his boyish enthusiasm. He was up at 4:30 am wanting to put the Thanksgiving turkey into the oven. Holding him back until 7:00 am was like trying to carry around a 22 pound turkey in a cheap aluminum pan

There are basically only two things one can do with a blog, read them or write them, but most bloggers do both. I just learned that what we have here a vanity blog. It's called vanity because Marsha Lee is not performing a service or selling a product for profit. I'm just writing for the pleasure of it. Oooh, I'm SO vain.

I often wonder what might have happened if we had never bought the television. Was it a trigger?  "This is the best television you'll own. It'll take you to places you never knew existed," said Jean-Paul as he installed the TV.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com I’ve read some amazing books lately, and though I love writing reviews to support the talented authors, many who I consider friends, the process turns out to be…

I’m thrilled to be sharing here today, “Amanda in Ireland: The Body in the Bog” a new release by the amazing Darlene Foster. It’s a fun read, see my review below. BLURB Twel…

Were you interviewed on a podcast? Discover the many ways you can maximize your podcast guest opportunity and open the door for more.

I remember when the pink lines on white stood out brilliantly like pink peppermint candy. Those lines said it all, spoke the truth – my life with my husband was about to change, slowly like pouring…

All the results are here this month. I’m excited to share two amazing poems by Priscilla Bettis and Marsha Ingrao, and my flash fiction. Marsha’s Poem: There once was a house in the for…

Speculative Fiction Writers' Summit

Hope to see you Saturday at the Visalia Barnes & Noble Author Presentation at 2pm! I’ll have all my books and ready to answer all your questions!.

We can't believe that Killdeer birds are not extinct, but Google says they are common.

Moji's Taiga: Summertime and the livin' is lazy. I must nap all afternoon. I need energy to eat and play at three-ten AM.

Welcome to today’s Story Chat Digest 2025 post. We discuss incredible stories as though we were sitting together in a family room, having a fruity snack as we chat. For those new to Story Chat, your kind and specific comments and questions are treasured by the authors as well as others who read. Our author this week is Darlene Foster, who is new to the Story Chat community. Please welcome her with your comments.

Today I am my own guest bloggers.  I got the idea from Cathy, better known as ShareChair, who reposted some of her earliest posts.  I posted this one year ago, one of my first posts.  Since very few people have ever seen it I thought it was appropriate to republish it to show you another variety of bird we have in Tulare County.

So what is embracing life to you? a vacation to somewhere exotic, spending time with grandkids, decorating for a holiday, or reading the day's mail?