Set Free

Sophie absentmindedly rubbed her scarred ankle.  It felt as if the heavy metal cuff still clung there, along with the length of chain that had held her captive. Feeling antsy, she asked again, “When do we leave?” “Be patient, Sophie,” Abigail urged. Two days later Tatty announced, “It’s time!” Stepping from the house that served…

Thursday Doors: Squeeze

I’ve kept this door in reserve.  It was taken a year ago by my lovely daughter, Sarah.  Each week, she and I walked the same path to arrive at a community center in the middle of the Fortune Town neighborhood (Bacolod, Philippines) where we taught various classes. This little guy heard us coming when the children…

Thursday Doors: Happy Door

The photo was taken by my son, Nathan! This red door lives in Kowloon Tong. The neighborhood it resides in was and is home to some of Hong Kong’s most famous celebrities. Well-known martial artist and movie star, Bruce Lee, lived there. Currently, Chow Yun Fat and Jackie Chan live in this area. The color…

Homestead

The hound-dog howled.  The front door slammed.  Hannah shot up, startled from sleep.  “What was that?!” Her brother, Caleb, chuckled, “It’s a ghost. Now, go back to sleep.” The next morning, Hannah rose with a sense of melancholy at being back at the homestead.  With their mama gone, she and Caleb must decide what to do…

Marriage Ger

Racing across the steppe, Altansuk felt nervous. Would she change her mind? He was but a poor herdsman. Cresting the hill, he spied Anujin standing outside her family’s ger, dressed in her wedding deel and headdress. The sun highlighted her radiant smile. His question answered, he brought his steed to a halt in front of…

Big Smiles

via Photo Challenge: Smile Big smiles make the world a brighter place! I love this week’s Daily Post photo challenge, “Smile,” because big smiles make me happy.  They are contagious and bring me joy.  So, I hope to pass a little of that joy along to you!