Allyson wandered through the shelves until she found Huckleberry Finn again.  Sure enough the price was $15.95 and it looked in mint condition.             “Mac how old is this book?”             “Well, it’s a first edition and the date is 1884.  I would say it’s about 125 years old.”             “But it looks brand new and it’s so cheap.”            ...

“Mom!  Oh my gosh.  What time is it?”             “Almost 4:30.”             “I’m late!”             “Tell her that you missed the bus.”             Allyson dialed her cell phone.             “Allyson, where have you been?  I’ve tried to call you several times.”             “Sorry Mom, I had my phone off.”            ...

Allyson gasped in horror as a wave of muddy water from a nearby puddle drenched her.  She looked up just in time to see Tori Eggleston and her friends laughing as they drove away.              “You did that on purpose!”  Allyson screamed after the retreating Mustang.             “Are you alright?”              Allyson turned.  A young woman wearing a blue sweater...

It comes at you suddenly; sometimes with no warning at all.  You have joined the ranks of the unemployed.  A whole range of emotions fill you:  Anger – How dare they; Confusion – Why me; Sadness – I’ve been abandoned by those I trusted; Fear – What do I do now.  You’ve lost your job.  Don’t panic.  This is time to take stock of where you are in your career life.  Are you happy in your career? ...

Then one morning I looked at the calendar and realized that I only had one week remaining on my vacation.  I knew I could commute from here to my job, but still I didn’t want to go back to stress, frustration and Richard.  Just then Meghan stopped by with a check for $2350, profit on the latest pieces she had sold.  “You have become quite popular.”  She smiled, “This is good for both...

About three days later, I sat in a booth at the Lady Bug drinking coffee when Meghan breezed in.  She smiled when she saw me and came over.   ”Are you waiting for Paul?”  She sat down across from me. “No, I was just enjoying the atmosphere.” “I am so glad you moved here.  I know it’s only been a few weeks, but I’ve got to tell you this Ember, I have some great plans...

  By the next weekend I was completely packed and ready to move to Blooming Bud.  The moving van arrived at 8:30 Saturday morning and by 12:45 everything had been loaded and we were on our way.  Paul closed his shop early and helped me move my things into my studio and apartment.  Despite the mountain of unopened boxes everywhere, it soon felt like home.  By 7:30 most of the boxes in my living quarters...

“Well, it looks like you have made a lot of progress out here.  What are you going to do with all that stuff?” “Take it with me, of course.” “You found a place then.” “Yes, I found a place outside of town.  I think I’ll be happy there.” “Emy, I know this has been hard on you.  But we have nothing in common anymore.” “Nothing in common!  Twenty-three years of marriage, two children...

 I flopped down on my couch.  One phone call from that woman and the merits of my mental health day disappeared.  Tears welled up in my eyes.  I do need to find an apartment in town that will take Simon and my pottery wheel and kiln and the rest of my equipment.  Pottery is my therapy.  The thought of storing my equipment in a place without easy access is unthinkable.  I opened my laptop and looked through...

I sat down at a table in the gallery and read over the contract.  It appeared in order so I signed it.  Meghan made me a copy and then hurried off to the printer.  Meanwhile, Paul showed me around Blooming Bud.  The community hugged the bank of a small stream and the walkway jutted out over the cliff in several places.  Most of the stores were taken by artists of various disciplines.  At the end of the...