Barbara Andres
Bio
Late bloomer. Late Boomer. I speak stories in many voices. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea, and stay awhile.
Stories (24/0)
60 is the New 22
Who knew? It only took me 41 years. I started college in 1980 after a gap year. I had to pay my own way. My father swore he’d happily pay for college — but only if I became a dentist. Yes, the career choice he made for me was that specific and the straw man he built was that flimsy. I know Dad; if I’d taken him up on his offer and become a biology major on a path to dental school, he’d have found a reason not to pay.
By Barbara Andres2 years ago in Humans
- Top Story - January 2022
Al Fresco at the Cypress Cafe
Tap. Tap. Tap. IS THIS THING ON? Oh. Sorry. Welcome to the soft opening of the Cypress Café, a place for foodies of all species. We specialize in treats for squirrels; but, of course, we welcome all walking, climbing, and flying animals. It’s great to see you all here today to help us celebrate.
By Barbara Andres2 years ago in Earth
The Office Spook
They work among us, though we’d rather they didn’t. In our dreams, they resign, rage-quit, or retire. They’re the snitches. Rats. Spies. Moles. Informers. Narcs. Sneaks. We’ve all known at least one. Most of us spend our days at work, heads down, doing the jobs we are paid to do. Not these people. Smug, self-appointed, and self-righteous with a jumbo side of gaslighting, they live for the gotcha. They’re waiting for you to mess up so they can rat you out and enjoy the inevitable fireworks. If they can get you reprimanded or, better yet, fired, their day’s made.
By Barbara Andres2 years ago in Journal
A Legacy of Meaning
Recently, I woke up before 5 am with a question burning in my mind. I’d like to think what caused me to wake up out of a sound sleep was a benevolent whisper from an ancestor’s grave but it was probably Zena the terrier standing up, circling twice, and plopping down on my ribcage. Regardless, behind my open eyes, trains were roaring down tracks in all directions, and they weren’t going to stop and let me sleep again until I figured out both the question and the answer.
By Barbara Andres2 years ago in Fiction
- Top Story - December 2021
A Lifetime of Dog Years with TommyTop Story - December 2021
As always in December, Tommy’s been on my mind. I thought about him as we trimmed the tree with the pictures and dog tags of the seven dogs who've walked by our sides these last 24 years. I thought about him as we ate a tuna casserole one Sunday in December because tuna was his very favorite food, so much so that when we visit his grave we bring a can of tuna instead of flowers.
By Barbara Andres2 years ago in Petlife
Urban Coyote
Woof! Miley Coyote here. You’ve seen me loping around the neighborhood. Bet you thought I was just gallivanting, but I do have a job, so if I’m moving, I’m on my way to work. Sustainably on my own four paws, I might add. Instead of burning filthy fossil fuels like some species I won’t name, I’m using organic rabbits as fuel. They breed like, you know, rabbits, so when I eat one, a dozen more pop out right behind them. Renewable.
By Barbara Andres2 years ago in Fiction
Life is a Marathon
I run. I’ve run nearly 20 marathons and countless half-marathons. Pre-lockdown, I was running three half-marathons and one full (26.2 mile) marathon a year, dragging my whole family to races all over the state of California. Just ask Jessie.
By Barbara Andres2 years ago in Motivation
