Nonfiction

Trick-or-Treat . Content Warning.
Growing up, my cousins and I spent a lot of time playing in the horse pasture. Hidden deep within the thickest brush were marijuana plants growing in five gallon buckets. The plants were marked off with two strands of barbed wire to keep my papaw's workhorse from eating uncle Ronnie's crop. I stood at the base of the buckets, my head tilted back toward the sky as I looked up at those towering plants. Their wispy green leaves swayed in the breeze. Ronnie definitely had a green thumb; no matter what he grew, he raised nice, healthy plants.
By Kassie4 days ago in Chapters
Holidays in the Holler
Holidays were different in the holler. There were no Christmas shopping trips, no presents stacked high around the tree. The difficulty my grandparents experienced growing up influenced how they celebrated, making the focus of the holidays family and good food. They lived through the Great Depression. My mamaw was born in the 1920s. She told me a few stories about her life growing up. She was her daddy's favorite. When she spoke of him, I could hear the love shining through in her voice. Mamaw’s family worked farm fields. Being a little girl, she wasn't much help in the fields, but she cooked their dinner and supper. She was so small, she had to stand on a chair to reach the stove. Mamaw never talked about the Depression, although she lived through it.
By Kassie4 days ago in Chapters
A Weekend at Whimsical Pines Farm
Friday I have to wonder how we keep animals alive until they’re old enough to get senile. Seems we have the unfailing ability to pick the most challenged of the litter. Since our Great Dane, Zep, was a pup, every chance he’s gotten, he’s run like he doesn’t have a lick of sense. At almost 11 years old, Friday was no different.
By Kassie5 days ago in Chapters
The Barber Who Found $128,514 and Gave Back Every Dollar
Just after 10 a.m. on August 3, a 37-year-old barber from Lewisville, Texas pulled up to a Bank of America ATM on West Main Street to withdraw some cash. Sitting on top of the machine were two bags.
By Curtis Davis6 days ago in Chapters
The Ol' Ford and The Banty Rooster
Papaw had an old Ford work truck he used to haul firewood and tobacco. He parked it up by the woodshed, and he always left the keys in it. One Sunday after dinner, my cousins and I loaded up in the ol’ Ford, and I was in the driver’s seat. I turned the key, and she rumbled to life. Exhaust smoke drifted through the cab, taking my breath for a second. I pushed the faded yellow button on the dash, sounding the horn. I was too small to know how to work a clutch or shift, but that didn’t stop us.
By Kassie7 days ago in Chapters
If The Fence Won't Hold Water
When I first got into raising goats, I was told, "If your fence won't hold water, it won't hold a goat." In my opinion, that's probably because "the grass is always greener on the other side." When it comes to goats, it's all about food. That's what's always on their minds, with the exception of rut. My big butt goats recently discovered leaning on the fence breaks the welds. Once the welds are broke, they can push through and escape.
By Kassie14 days ago in Chapters
Infrared Lights & Yellow Lights of Caution
Is an experience still new if it ends up exactly where you knew it would? This week, I tried infrared light therapy. It’s one of those new technologies that is “backed by science.” Being under the lights is supposed to improve collagen production, improve skin conditions, speed recovery after exercise and a million other claims we’ve all seen on social media ads for treatments and devices.
By Kate Baggottabout a month ago in Chapters
Black Cat Watches
Introduction I saw this image shared by The Enchanted Booklet and thought it was cute. It made me think of "HooverCat", which visits every day for treats but runs away when I open the door.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred about a month ago in Chapters
Episode 3: "Who Are the 'Tsogo' People?"
Greetings, everyone, and welcome back to another episode of "The African Latino." On the previous episode, I explained the history of the 'Ateke' people and how they survived through hardships. Today's episode will be about the 'Tsogo' people.
By Michael Reynosoabout a month ago in Chapters
Episode 2: “Who Are The ‘Ateke’ People?”
Greetings, everyone. Welcome to “The African Latino.” In today’s episode, I will share with you in-depth information about the ‘Ateke’ peoples: who they are, their meaning, what they did during their daily lives, migration, survival, and staying true to their traditions.
By Michael Reynosoabout a month ago in Chapters
The African Latino: A Journey Back to Our Roots
Greetings, everyone, and welcome to "The African Latino." Every family has stories to pass on. Grandparents are the source of certain stories. Others reside in historical photos, family names, customs, languages, and locations that seem far apart from our daily existence. And occasionally, bits of our past are just waiting to be discovered via DNA, genealogy, and the tales passed down from earlier generations.
By Michael Reynosoabout a month ago in Chapters
Romanticization is not reality
They lay there in silence, barely holding each other. Both of them were crying, but neither noticed. Perhaps they did, but lacked the courage even to dare say anything. Important things remained unsaid. Neither uttered a word.
By Passion Flower2 months ago in Chapters