Mixed Metaphor.net

The Pseudonym

“So how does it really feel to be a published author?” Dana asked, as they lounged on the grassy lake shore. The mid-day sun was warm and a soft breeze occasionally rustled the water’s surface. The sky was a perfect mixture of the kind of searing blue tones that young children use in crayon drawings [...]

Keep reading . . .

An Unexpected Independence Day Celebration

“So have you set a date yet?” I asked my mother a few weeks ago when she informed me that she was remarrying. I had mixed feelings about her announcement. My father has been gone for nearly three years now. He was ripped away from us so suddenly and unexpectedly that from time to time, [...]

Keep reading . . .

The Wicker Chair

“Come on in and make yourself comfortable,” he said warmly, gesturing toward the west side of the large, sunny room where a couch and two chairs separated by a small table were arranged casually in a semi-circle. “Sit wherever you’d like,” he continued as he picked up a manila folder from the desk on the [...]

Keep reading . . .

Carnival of Family Life: Celebrate America Edition

Welcome to the Carnival of Family Life: Celebrate America Edition! This week, Americans observe the Fourth of July with their families. Picnics, potlucks, camp-outs, swim parties, boating adventures . . . and best of all, fireworks will remind us how lucky and blessed we are here in the “land of the free and the home [...]

Keep reading . . .

Hide and Seek

As he stepped up to the podium, he felt slightly dizzy, but his determination buoyed him. He looked out into the auditorium, thankful that the lights focused upon him and the remainder of the stage area prohibited him, at least for the most part, from clearly observing the faces of the young men and women [...]

Keep reading . . .

The Letter (Chapter Twenty-Six)

“Leaving?” she responded breathlessly to the curve ball fate had just pitched directly to her. “No, I’m not leaving. I’ll be back in a few moments.” “Oh, good!” he said genially. “I was hoping we could catch up a bit.”

Keep reading . . .

The Letter (Chapter Twenty-Five)

“I am totally impressed that you became a doctor,” she told her former biology classmate, Georgia, “especially after having me as a lab partner! Quite an accomplishment!” she laughed. “Actually, you inspired me,” Georgia replied. “I did?” she asked incredulously. “How in the world did I manage that? When it came to anything science-related, I [...]

Keep reading . . .

The Letter (Chapter Twenty-Four)

The telephone began ringing just as she closed the door to her hotel room and started down the hallway toward the elevator. She never even considered not turning back to answer, confident that the call was either from her son or Dennis. “Hey, Mom,” her son said cheerily before she even had a chance to [...]

Keep reading . . .

The Letter (Chapter Twenty-Three)

“And you got married just like that?” Amy said incredulously. “Just like that!” she laughed. “It was an amazing day. We only had about twenty-five guests and got married, barefooted, on the beach at sundown.” “When did you tell your families that you were pregnant?” Amy pressed. “During the reception! Dennis proposed a toast to [...]

Keep reading . . .

The Letter (Chapter Twenty-Two)

The florist delivered the flowers late Saturday afternoon. A beautiful bouquet of her favorites — delicate pink roses. The card said simply, “You will be picked up at noon on Sunday. Be ready. Love, D.” She opened the door and was greeted by a uniformed driver. “I don’t think you have the right apartment,” she [...]

Keep reading . . .

The Letter (Chapter Twenty-One)

She knew what she had to do — and that she needed to do it now. Procrastinating would only make the task ahead more difficult — for both of them. Her circumstances — and the future of her unborn child — required that she be fearless now. Decisive. Determined. Protective. As she showered and dressed [...]

Keep reading . . .

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →