Juna entered the magic forest, making her way to the wizard’s cottage. When the wizard answered the door, she pleaded, “Mama needs healing.” The wizard handed Juna a vial of Phoenix tears and said, “Have her drink this and she’ll be healed. But, there is a cost for magic. You must return and live in…
Macau was a Portuguese territory from 1887 – 1999 when it was handed over to China. My family and I lived in Macau in the late nineties. In the fall of 1999, we watched the celebratory parade and military vehicles roll in. The Chinese people of Macau stood along the streets, waving a People’s Republic…
Henry needed some peace and quiet. Hiking through the wilderness, nature calmed him. A colorful butterfly fluttered close. Mesmerized, he followed it off the trail and soon became lost. The sun went down and he slept under a tree. The next morning, Henry drank from a stream, ate Granola from his bag, and munched berries he…
Sophie absentmindedly rubbed her scarred ankle. It felt as if the heavy metal cuff still clung there, from 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 as…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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!
Inspired by Thursday Doors, hosted by Norm Frampton. For more interesting doors from all around the globe, check it out. ~~ Taking a recent trip from Hong Kong back to visit family in the US, I can’t seem to shake the feelings of nostalgia that have been awakened. Arriving in Ohio, I was pulled back…
Pulling aside the curtain, Mabel gazed into the backyard. She imagined ghosts of the past filling the chairs around her outdoor table. Their floating laughter lost in the breeze. Plans were set into motion at that table. But there was a cost. Because of what they did, atonement was required. Every year they gathered to…
I set out to travel to the ends of the world. My friends joined but soon turned back. It was an arduous trip. On the final road was a sign compelling me to stop. I continued. Around the bend, a wizened old man sat beside the road. He said, “You have a choice. Return to any point…
