Joyce O’Day
Bio
After retiring from teaching world history for over 20 years, I am living every day on holiday: enjoying life with my family, traveling, gardening, engaging with my community in Las Vegas, and reflecting on the current state of the world.
Stories (56/0)
- Runner-Up in Extraterrestrial Challenge
It’s Turtles All The Way Down
Turtles are my spirit animal, and the first story/essay I ever wrote was about turtles. I was in first grade. It may have been an assignment, because my teacher gave me a “check-plus” and a “smiley face.” This story clearly meant a lot to me, since I have saved it all these years.
By Joyce O’Day8 months ago in Writers
My Father Vanished in a Cloud of Ash
Before he died of lung cancer, my dad said he wanted his ashes spread along the freeway. Dad traveled for work. What that exactly was, he never said. He claimed to be installing draperies in the high desert with a man named Keith, who my mother and I never met and who never called the house: a true mystery man whom we doubted actually existed. It was the late 1970s, before cell phones or pagers held anyone accountable. Dad was a former bookie and degenerate gambler – a slave to the craps tables – so we assumed he was spending his time in Vegas. I thought about checking the mileage on his car after one of his trips, but never bothered. In those days, the bills were paid, so we didn’t question what he was doing or where he was going every couple of weeks. He was on the road, that was all we knew.
By Joyce O’Day8 months ago in Chapters
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man (2004) by John Perkins
As someone with a Masters Degree in Latin American history, nothing stated in this book came as a surprise to me. However, having the truth presented by an actual economic hit man (EHM) was hard-core confirmation of the dirty dealings of major American corporations working together with agents of the U.S. government.
By Joyce O’Day8 months ago in BookClub
St. Catherine of Alexandria (1507-1509)
While St. Catherine of Alexandria is not one of Raphael's most famous paintings, it is my favorite. Catherine leans against the medieval torture wheel that was intended to kill her, but broke instead - indicating that one can overcome adversity. Stylistically influenced by da Vinci, Catherine's facial expression evokes ecstasy.
By Joyce O’Day8 months ago in Critique
Love Notes
Dear Lisa. You may not know this, but I am so hot for you. When I see you at home, I feel like I will lose my mind. I love your body; your sexy ass and full bust turn me on. If you meet me at dawn in my blue van, I will show you my firm, tan body. Just don't tell my wife, she will kill us both.
By Joyce O’Day10 months ago in Poets
- Runner-Up in Pitch Your Pilot Challenge
- Runner-Up in Past Life Challenge
When I Was a ConquistadorRunner-Up in Past Life Challenge
It was a new technique: combining hypnosis with a massive dose of Ketamine. Lana had been researching the controversial practice and was willing to give it a try. She was ready to do anything to overcome her nightmares – bloody, violent escapades involving sword fights. In every dream, Lana fought her opponents fearlessly until a sword impaled her from behind. She had developed a pathological fear of knives. Over the years, she had so many kitchen accidents, it became a family joke to say, “keep the knives away from Lana!”
By Joyce O’Day10 months ago in History
Attack of the Space Insect
It was a cold winter night in 1965. I was wearing my pajamas and snuggling with Daddy on the couch watching a Christmas special on TV when a high-pitched, piercing noise immediately distracted us from our show. I followed Daddy into the front yard. In the dark night sky, we saw a huge mass. It looked like a giant insect with a long stinger aimed directly at us.
By Joyce O’Day10 months ago in Art