Sydney Lee Jones
Bio
Stories (16/0)
Absence of Light
I remember the first time I met my father. Truly met him and saw him as a human being of flesh and soul. It was in the back of a shadowy bar, where the air tinged with cigarettes and I always kept my mouth shut as tight and as long as possible. He played guitar, or maybe he sang the blues. He kissed my mother on the outside of her lips while she wore mostly black clothes with knee high boots, put streaks of color in her hair. Said he had a show somewhere down the road, said see ya later Huckleberry even though I was a girl and my name was Finn.
By Sydney Lee Jones12 months ago in Families
A Hymn
I had always been afraid of birds. The way they screech into the sharp sky, display their talons like trophies, unfurl their wings and fly. How they move gently through the air as a simple breeze, but crack harshly against the earth each time they land. At 21, I spent most of my time alone in my dense apartment uptown, near the trees. I reveled in the space between me and others, the freedom of the forest. Fell in love with talking to myself and hearing only the rustle of branches as a reply. The fall proved to be the best time of the year. When the birds flew south and the bugs holed up from the cold. I wore sweaters to class in the morning, changed to a t-shirt by noon. I loved autumn, the soft in between of two extremes. I enjoyed each season as much as possible, each providing their own sense of beauty, but fall held its place in my heart. When winter hit and it snowed too hard, I pulled the covers tight and bundled myself away from the cold, refusing to accept it. Although friends and family questioned me, I refused to explain what the snow did to me. The way it took pieces of me each time, how most years I never got them back.
By Sydney Lee Jonesabout a year ago in Earth
A Hymn
I had always been afraid of birds. The way they screech into the sharp sky, display their talons like trophies, unfurl their wings and fly. How they move gently through the air as a simple breeze, but crack harshly against the earth each time they land. At 21, I spent most of my time alone in my dense apartment uptown, near the trees. I reveled in the space between me and others, the freedom of the forest. Fell in love with talking to myself and hearing only the rustle of branches as a reply. The fall proved to be the best time of the year. When the birds flew south and the bugs holed up from the cold. I wore sweaters to class in the morning, changed to a t-shirt by noon. I loved autumn, the soft in between of two extremes. I enjoyed each season as much as possible, each providing their own sense of beauty, but fall held its place in my heart. When winter hit and it snowed too hard, I pulled the covers tight and bundled myself away from the cold, refusing to accept it. Although friends and family questioned me, I refused to explain what the snow did to me. The way it took pieces of me each time, how most years I never got them back.
By Sydney Lee Jonesabout a year ago in Fiction
Whats in a Name?
In the midst of a blustering October, I felt myself drawn to the website of the local animal shelter. Typically, I can’t bear to scroll through without the intent to adopt. But this particular day something pulled at me to visit the website. I jumped online and found myself on the adoptable cats page. Although I already had my wonderful tom cat, Cricket, a voice inside whispered that I needed something more. I scrolled through the many adoptable pets that tugged at my heart strings until I landed upon an old and grey cat. “Sir Meows a Lot” it said. His big glowing eyes looked deep into mine and I knew I was hooked.
By Sydney Lee Jones2 years ago in Petlife
It's a Ruff Ride
It can be difficult to want a dog in Bozeman, Montana. But that is exactly what I did. I ached for an animal to love, to spend each day with, to care for and fill my heart. I searched for months to find my perfect pairing, but every dog was either already adopted, or had a wait list a mile long. It broke my heart to watch the days go by as I got further and further from my dream. Finally, I stumbled across a beautiful black lab in Billings and I felt as though it was meant to be. I eagerly awaited a response, and was flooded with disappointment as he told me she was already spoken for. All I could imagine was that I would never find a dog that was perfect for me.
By Sydney Lee Jones2 years ago in Petlife
The Retiree
I stepped out of my jeep and headed toward the front door of my parents home. With each step, I listened for the tippy tap of toenails on tile waiting eagerly inside, but they never came. I jumped up the porch steps, and once I finally turned the key in the lock and pushed the door open, he stood there, big dark eyes looking up at me. Tail beating against the banister behind, the embodiment of my heart within the walls of my own chest. Immediately, I let everything fall from my grip, scattered it across the floor. I cared only about scooping his slobbery sweet cheeks into my hands, kissing his shiny black nose while he frantically licked my chin, cheeks, neck, as giggles poured out of me. The snow from my boots melted beneath my feet as we danced across the hardwood, content.
By Sydney Lee Jones2 years ago in Petlife
Charlie and the Property Company
I have met a multitude of great dogs in my lifetime, and Charlie is no exception. I began working for Double B Properties back in 2019. At first, it was just your average desk job. Paperwork and typing. As office manager I had many roles to fill. Eventually, I had the opportunity to meet Charlie. He came to the office for the first time after the passing of his companion, Callie, and my boss couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him home alone each and every day. A lovable dog with spunk and sass, he began frequenting the office and there was no turning back. He is excellent at making anyone feel comfortable and at home. I look forward to my day at work knowing Charlie will be there waiting for me at the front door. Each time I honk the horn to lock my car, he comes to greet me. Every evening as I pack my bags, he licks me goodbye. Without him, my office and work life would be a completely different atmosphere. Many memories are filled with Charlie, riding along on my lap or climbing up on my desk. He is a laugh to have around and a sweet dog to spend your time with.
By Sydney Lee Jones2 years ago in Petlife
