ARDELLE (not her real name)
I’m standing in line at the Walmart return desk with an unflattering pair of shorts I’d never wear in public (you have to be careful …
LOOK FOR THE GIFTS
It takes me a minute to recognize her. Every trace of her bright blonde hair has been robbed by the chemo. Still, the smile is …
“THE CROWN” AND THE HUNCHBACKS
I recently overdosed on this fictional, fact-based drama of the UK’s royal family. Puzzled by my addiction, I had to step back and figure out …
“HUMAN RESOURCES”
A contradiction in terms? Another oxymoron, to go along with these choice examples:CIVIL WAR, CRASH LANDING, CLEARLY MISUNDERSTOODOn and on they go. We are fighting …
PAPER WOMAN
I’d been fighting my way through the Los Angeles transit system for a good hour. Now, after a few false starts and a hike of …
THE CLERK IN WALMART
I was checking out the gun section in Walmart with my two preteen grandkids. I wanted to give them time to browse, but my interest …
THE POST OFFICE
It’s a game I play. Several of the postal workers in this post office seem incredibly entitled. They are doing you a favor by waiting …
PHIL AND THE MAN IN GOODWILL
Phil O’DendronHis name is Phil. Phil O’Dendron, actually. He is for sure of Irish extraction, as evidenced by his shiny green leaves. I rescued him …
DOLLAR STORE MOMENT
I’ve been gathering treasures for my grandkids from the Dollar Store shelves. As I hurry toward the checkout, a woman with a huge load of …
ALEXA’S SNOWMAN
Here comes December again. So I climb our creaky attic stairs, clad in sweats and my warmest, thickest sweater, and fumble around in the Christmas …