E.L. Martin
Bio
Powered by Nature, Humanity, Humor, Food, Lifestyle, Fiction, and Culture; Oh, and a questionable amount of coffee.
Achievements (1)
Stories (109/0)
ADHD Is My Superpower
Did you know that October is National ADHD Awareness Month? I didn't either until a couple days ago. Whoops! It seems like there is a day for everything anymore; National Ice Cream Day, National Hot Chocolate Day, National Hangover Day, National Personal Trainer Awareness Day-wait, what? If you have a personal trainer, aren't you already aware of them?
By E.L. Martinabout a year ago in Psyche
Butternut Squash Chili
As I walked into the grocery store and added the various on sale produce to my cart, an elderly woman approached me. I don't intentionally avoid contact in the store, but I do often worry about how I may be inconvenient to someone who might say something rude to me. I do check ingredients carefully because of a soy intolerance, and I know that sometimes others' are not patient. I try to move out the way, but sometimes there is no where to move in crowded aisles. To my pleasant surprise, the woman instead asked me what it was that I did with the orange squash in my cart.
By E.L. Martinabout a year ago in Feast
Something in the Air
There is something in the air today; something that says, "Don't go out." I'm not sure what this feeling is as the gray mask that is morning dew among storm clouds rolls in. It isn't the danger of a storm that my heart, mind, and body are warning against. No, this is a presence, an event. Something is going on today, but I'm uncertain as to what. Whatever it is is a foreboding of evil; a caution I cannot ignore.
By E.L. Martinabout a year ago in Horror
Growth from a Small Town
The year is 2021, and the month is October. My best friend from high school's mother has passed away, and I've just heard the news through her sister's social media announcement. I haven't heard from my former best friend in years, but somehow her sister and I are still connected on social media. My former best friend and I didn't have a falling out. She just dropped off the map after a while for unknown reasons. The last time I saw my friend in-person was on my wedding day as a guest I happily thanked and hugged for attending. I had no idea at the time that this would be our last physical interaction. The last social media post I know of from her was back in 2018, the same year her social media account was active. Yet, I know from her sibling's posts that she is alive.
By E.L. Martinabout a year ago in Humans
Do Not Lessen Your Grief for My Sake
Following the death of my father, I have had several friends whose fathers have passed in the past two years. Even after experiencing news of my father's murder, I still don't know what to say to my loving friends who have lost their fathers. "Sorry for your loss. Please let us know if you need ANYTHING. We'll keep you in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers." is all I know to say, but it doesn't seem enough. The reason it doesn't seem to be enough is because it isn't. You can't give what has already been lost, and their loved one's life won't be given back in this lifetime. The only thing you can do is be there IF they need you. Personally, I have to trust and rely on my friends to tell me what they need IF they need anything and WHAT. Everyone experiences things differently, and needs different things. I reach out and let them know I'm here, ready, willing, and able, but pressuring them in this tough situation is not the right thing to do. What does bother me though is when I've reached out and attended funerals; they underrate their grief on my behalf.
By E.L. Martinabout a year ago in Families
What Made Great-Grandma Great
I've often wondered about my great-grandma. She survived the depression, many economic downturns, various children, and the death of her husband. Her stubbornness and willpower is unmatched by many. Aside from one exception that came slightly close, I have yet to witness any others that can compare to her in that regard. Living like that was just the way it was I suppose. You had to be hard, tough, and resilient to get along and live in this world back then.
By E.L. Martinabout a year ago in Families
Roasted Renters
When my best friend and I graduated from college, we were on the lookout for an apartment or home to rent. We made our specifications list, and eventually found a place in a great area with off street parking AND utilities included! The monthly rate was slightly higher than others we had viewed, but the price on the others did not make up for the utility costs we would have had to pay. We signed for our first year's lease thinking we were getting a deal, and we were. However, it took a certain incident for us to realize why utilities were included.
By E.L. Martinabout a year ago in Confessions
- Second Place in Inside Jokes Challenge
The Reason I Left My Bra OnSecond Place in Inside Jokes Challenge
While I am sure many people have their own college dorm stories, this story generally harbors a significant laugh from my audience. After the laughs, comments like "you didn't!" or "were you drunk?" follow. Maybe I should be embarrassed, but instead I'm quite proud of myself for it. No, I wasn't drunk. I was completely sober. It came from my very own impulsive mind, and watching the incident in real time caused my roommates to bust out of their chairs in giggles.
By E.L. Martinabout a year ago in Confessions
Fairy Tail is My Fairy Tale!
Do fairies have tails? It is a question to ponder for any of Hiro Mashima's adoring fans when he created the manga and anime Fairy Tail. Who doesn't crave a world filled with magic? Imagine a world where there is a place for everyone no matter how chaotic, destructive, strange, and disorganized you may be. Magic guilds, like the Fairy Tail guild, are based on friendship and understanding, and give all members a place to belong.
By E.L. Martinabout a year ago in Geeks
