- First Place in The Night Owl Challenge
Pinky Promise
I wasn’t supposed to be on that motorcycle, the one my brother died riding, yet there I was, driving down the California highway, not knowing when I’d stop. It’d been sitting in the driveway two months untouched when I turned the keys in its ignition and left. I just couldn’t stand the sight of mom drinking her tea that morning and maybe I thought I would finally cry if the wind hit my face fast enough but all I wanted to do as I started driving was scream into that salty summer sky.
Just A Man
He wasn’t the man she had created him to be in her mind over all of those years. It took time for her to unravel the theories she once smiled curiously, pondering while he would teach the class with his purely acquired life experience.
Jill AshlockPublished 5 days ago in Families
Your expectations of Child Care
One warning I always give any parent who is looking for childcare is that it is crucial not to have unrealistic expectations. Even though you want the very best care for your child, you have to understand that the very best care would be you staying home. Next best would be your child spending the day with grandma or Aunt Suzie who never was able to have kids of her own. If you are going to place your child in any form of childcare, including a nanny in your home, that person is a substitute and will never do things the same way you would.
Terri MulhernPublished 8 days ago in FamiliesThe Black Mama Experience
Now, if you don't have a black mother or weren't raised by a black woman, this story may not resonate with you. In fact, for some of you "other" folks this story might leave you flabbergasted and feeling like this is your opportunity to stand on your soap box and judge. But, if you've personally had the "Black Mama Experience", well then this story will probably have you laughing out loud as you reminisce about something similar happening to you.
Marie EdwardPublished 8 days ago in Families
Embrace Your Teenager's Perspective - It May Be Better Than Yours
Sometimes our children are the role models we need. My daughter has astounded me recently. Truly blown me away. She’s stoic, compassionate, kind, brave and rational. She’s 13. Can I at 40 emulate this? I’m not sure. She’s been brutally forced to face her deepest strengths at a time when most are working out their most adventurous backflip off the climbing frame.
Bianca BestPublished 11 days ago in Families
Critics Hate Hillbilly Elegy
First a book, then a New York Times Bestseller, now a Netflix film, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of A Family and Culture in Crisis , depicts the abuse, drug addiction, and overall redneck fuckery that occurs in my home state, Kentucky, and other parts of Appalachia.
Jessica BuggPublished 21 days ago in FamiliesDIY Christmas Cards kids can make!
There comes a point when children want to give loved ones something, just like everyone else. I certainly remember being a child and wanting to give back, but not knowing what I could do or if anyone would like it, at that.
S. G. MarinPublished about a month ago in Families
An Ode to Christmas Past.
T'was several days ago, when all through my house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse - that was, until the Vocal Team messaged me about writing this story. A story celebrating all the beautiful, little details of my usual Christmas, which every year amalgamate into something innately special and personal. (Well, every year before this one.)
Ciarán ColemanPublished about a month ago in Families
Kids Say the Darndest Things
The unfiltered truths from the fruits of our loins. And the creepiest things they've ever said. Help?
Parenting Wars
Do or do not - there is no try. The ins and outs of one of the most difficult jobs on earth: parenting.
Nature vs. Nurture
What plays into our humanity? Nature vs. Nurture – how two factors affect one individual.
The Weaved Path
The entire property was surrounded by 8-foot massive walls that would appear like Grand Canyon walls to a 5-year-old. Ira never liked them.
“I Can Make Time” — a Love Language
For most of us, 2020 wasn’t a good year. We’ve suffered in our ways. However, it gave us the biggest life lesson so far — the crucial need to devote your time to loved ones.
An emotional roller coaster
He fanned the notes in front of his face and smiled. Was this a moment of pure joy that he would always remember? Probably. He made a mental note to get his little black book out later and phone his friends to gloat. He had never held this much money in his hands. The smile widened. He thought about those closest to him and if he could make them feel as good as he was right now. He wondered if this was empathy or generosity.
Andrew HinesPublished about 14 hours ago in FamiliesJournal Entry 1-23-21
Okay folks, I am back with another journal entry sorry I did not have anything yesterday. My hands, I tell you what hurts so bad even cleaning the house I want to cry. Well, I am up now it is 7:47 and I have my coffee, the computer at my numb fingertips, and my cigarettes.
Audie EdwardsPublished about 14 hours ago in FamiliesCabin Stories
You might think that a cabin on top of the Alpes would have everything a person needs to have an easy-going life. But what if I tell you that despite the luxuries--redwood, marble, and a collection of first edition hardcover books--it's a dull place for someone who grew up with technology all around him. And yes, I'm talking about me. I sigh. Even if we had internet, with no electronics, it's obsolete to even think about it.
Jose DuronPublished about 15 hours ago in FamiliesAngel on Earth
Some people come into your life that completely change it for the better or the worse. Their actions have such an impact, the rest of your life decisions derive from meeting them. Their memory enters your thoughts at various times and you contemplate how things may have been different had you not met them. This blog post is about one of those who made my life better.
Swedish Death Cleaning: A review of my mother's latest obsession
Two weeks into the first lockdown of last year, a time that would set the tone for the rest of the year, my mother announced she was death cleaning. Specifically, Swedish death cleaning.
Dom BorrettPublished about 15 hours ago in Families
The Bounce
Claude was thirteen. He walked down an empty two lane road, avoiding puddles so that the rain water wouldn't get to his feet, through virtually disintegrated shoes, his only means of transportation. He accompanied his older sister and his mother, on the way back to their very humble home from the local store, on Washington state's rural Kitsap Peninsula. It was summer, 1945.
Jonathan WarrenPublished about 16 hours ago in Families
Creators We’re Loving
The creative faces behind your favorite stories.
Kayleigh Allery
2 published stories
Tony Anthony Greg
12 published stories
Marnie Grundman
14 published stories
Rachel Mcmichael
3 published stories
Ciarán Coleman
33 published stories
Mari-Louise Speirs
10 published stories
Tiffany Wade
6 published stories
Jay Cordero
20 published stories
Patricia Sarkar
138 published stories
Michelle Joyner
4 published stories
Rebecca Sharrock
35 published stories
Jordan Ento
2 published stories
