KJ Aartila
Stories (317/0)
Friendship Unwrapped
Pauline left the empty, old barn with a heavy heart. She had lost her best friend, and her passion. Well, she felt like that passion was actually stolen from her. She walked back to the two-story farmhouse where she lived. It had been completely remodeled before Pauline’s family moved in, sharply contrasting the old dairy barn. Pauline’s bedroom was on the second floor. She trudged up the wooden stairs. As she opened her bedroom door, she looked at the taunting wrapped box lying on her bed where she had left it before her trip to the barn. It was her Birthday gift from Marigold. Her parents had grabbed it for her to open at home when she and Emma were swept off to the hospital, before knowing that Marigold was the cause of their frightful experience. She didn’t really want to open it now, but she was curious. She picked it up: just large enough to fit in her hand, and not heavy.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Fiction
- Top Story - July 2021
I Think I Need a New Helmet
The horse under me leaped into the air, then took off in a galloping blind fear toward the wooden rail fence on the opposite side of the arena. I clung on, grasping the reins, trying to turn the gelding and stop the impending wreck, but he was turned only by the unmoving fence. I flew over his shoulder as he dug into the dirt with his heels and slid forward. I hit the rails with my head and crashed to the sand, seeing only thrashing hooves above me, which I twisted my body desperately to avoid, trying to crawl quickly out of the way. At least he tried to avoid me in his scrambling as he got himself turned around, so he could keep bucking riderless to the other nd of the arena where he finally stopped.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Petlife
Unveiled
In a whole life steeped in awkward social moments, how am I to pick just one? From elementary school to high school to college and beyond, being socially graceful has never been my strong suit. Maybe I can settle on a moment that transpired as “social shock.” There are many. So, so many. But the one that shook my world?
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Families
A Journey of Intention Discovered through Horses
LaLa Madame Blu “Blu” is my mirror. She is the equine version of me, so I intend to rise to her level. In order to do that, I will continue to hold the mirror up to myself – look deeply at my reflection, and meet the challenges presented.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Petlife