We stood together in the vineyards.  I looked up at my Grandpa and smiled.

We walked together there.  He showed me everything.  Taught me everything. 

I still love to garden now.

"One day all of this will belong to you and your sisters," my grandfather said.

My grandfather was on… Read full post »

Primo smiled at his grandchildren.  He was so proud of all of them.

They were gardening together.  Again.  It was their way each time he returned.

The children ran around the grounds.  Laughter was everywhere.  They ran in and out of the garden rows.  Playing hide and se… Read full post »

I peeked out the window.  Again.  I was dancing with excitement.

My grandfather would be home soon.  I had missed him terribly while he was gone.

I watched his car slowly pull up the drive.  When my grandfather stepped out, I ran toward him.  He scooped me up and showered me… Read full post »

He checked his pockets again.  Patted them both for the hundreth time.

When the customs agent asked him if he had anything to declare, he responded no.  He lied.  Within his pockets were the roots to his family's fortune, and the richest foundation to watch them grow.

He walked to the… Read full post »

The parish had been bleeding money for so long in this rough economy, just as every church and charitable organization had been around the country. 

A letter had been posted to all parishioners begging them to give generously or further cuts would have to be made in staff.

That would not… Read full post »

I slipped into church.  It was completely empty.  I checked thoroughly to make certain.

Silently I walked to the collection box.  I placed the pouch inside and paused.

Grandpa, please forgive me for this.  I had no other choice.

I crept to the front of the… Read full post »

And the winner is......trilogy!

trilogy is the only writer who guessed correctly in yesterday's contest to choose the correct coat.

It's like you're reading my mind.  Spooky.

Doesn't anyone know the STARVINGRONZONIGIRL yet?

trilogy, your prize will ship today.  I look forward to seeing the… Read full post »

Which coat do you think I chose?   Which coat do you think I should have chosen?   How well do you know the STARVINGRONZONIGIRL?

"How are you darling?" the boutique owner asked me.

She was dripping with false concern. 

I know a plumber who could really wor… Read full post »

This is very similar to the Rising Tide purse I was carrying today.

"Is it really necessary for you to dress like that in public?" my sister asked.

Maybe it's just me, but I think running about town is not a clothing optional activity.  It's these togs or nothing.

"You should… Read full post »

Dear Ms. Walsh,

You do not know me from Adam.  Or Eve for that matter.  I sit here fairly certain that you will never, ever have a moment to cast your eyes in my direction.  That brings me much joy.

It gladdens my heart to know that I do not… Read full post »

I had an amazing experience when I was a student at New York University.  I must say that from start to finish the education was stellar, and every experience I had there on campus was positive.

I think many people have this notion that New Yorkers are cold, hardened, and&nbs… Read full post »

"I received the most frightful message," I told Violet.

We were live chatting on gmail again.  For the 39th time today.  Live chat is great for checking in with people throughout the day.  I love to see the little green lights all lit up on my chat list.  The lights beckon… Read full post »

My Dear Cousin,

"Where are you going?" our grandmother always asked her children and each of us that whenever any of us left her home.

Our grandmother always expected a good answer to that question.  If you couldn't come up with a good answer, you weren't leaving.  End of story.

Y… Read full post »

"How was your date?" my niece asked.

"Spooky!" I answered.

In point of fact it was the date from you-know-where.  I was already on my second decade of the Rosary by the time the appetizers were served.  Nothing says prayer like a date from h-e-two-sticks.

My nieces and n… Read full post »

My Dear Cousin,

Happy Halloween!  I know this has always been your favorite holiday.  You always said that Christmas is fun, but the giving and the getting get so confused sometimes that it has to be ranked second.  I understand.

I saw the photos of your son in his Halloween costume.&n… Read full post »

  Down in the Pumpkin Patch waiting for the GP.

It was a dark and stormy Halloween Eve in our Tiny But Beautiful Village.  The children of Room 102 were huddled together on the group rug awaiting the fun to begin.  The kindergarten classroom was buzzing with excitement.

**… Read full post »

 Dear OS Friends,

Today was nothing but tricks!  Tomorrow will be nothing but special Halloween treats!

The children of the junior kindergarten class of Room 102 have something very special planned for all of you.  Please join us tomorrow today (Friday) right after/… Read full post »

 "You don't have a snowball's chance in you-know-where!  MISSY!"

Hmmff....Well I never.  Really.  Never.  No.  Seriously.  Never.  Ever.

I have been receiving the most vicious hate mail since picking up my little pebbles and throwing… Read full post »

Would it be possible for just a moment for you to set aside all your pre-conceived notions about how the publishing industry is going to hell in a hand basket, and please consider this.

The surerest way for you to get your book, poem, project, or classified advertisement published is by… Read full post »

"Keep holding on.  Cause you know, we'll make it through.  Make it through."

My sister and the cashier at Whole Foods locked eyes.  No one blinked.

"Just stay strong. Cause you know I'm here for you.  I'm here for you."

Words were flying fast and furiously.  I was alarmed by… Read full post »

There are no limits for all of us.  There is talent everywhere here.  I see it every time I cast my eyes about and wander this way and that up and down the blog rolls.

There are no limits.  Repeat that to yourself as often as necessary until you're a true… Read full post »

It all started out innocently enough.  But by the time that all was said and done, I knew for certain that we would never shop at Whole Foods again.  Never again.

My sister and I were at Whole Foods to really stock up now for provisions for her pantry and mine.  This… Read full post »

There was an incident at Whole Foods.

My sister and I were standing in line to check out, and the cashier said the most unfortunate thing to my sister.  I am not sure if my sister, the cashier or I will ever recover from our collective experience.  It has left me… Read full post »

"We're meant for each other," the Rabbi's cousin said.

Dear sweet Lord, I know you're having a real go at me now.  What have I really done to deserve this?

The Rabbi's cousin was already on his second Black Russian and really starting to loosen up now.  He was shy at first. … Read full post »

"Your sister tells me you're on the market," the Rabbi said.

I was sipping tonic water with lime, and nearly spit all over the Rabbi after that opening line.

My dear sister, you are too crafty.  I must give you credit.  I didn't see that coming. 

You have to admire my… Read full post »