Inspiration
Who's ready?. Top Story - August 2026.
Who's ready for going back to school? Are the teachers and students really ready? Are they, or aren't they? They wait and wait for holidays and summer breaks to get away somehow. Do they really like to teach? I think they do but with everything that this profession includes, I believe, that they endure and they continue to plan what to do each year that they are a part of the noblest profession.
By Mark Grahamabout a month ago in Writers
Le Guin Apprenticeship Journal II. Top Story - August 2026.
Hmm, grammar. English grammar, at that. Notoriously, a shifting tapestry of inconsistently applied rules, as full of loopholes as the first hand-knitted jumper of an enthusiastic amateur. I myself am such an amateur. Of grammar, that is; jumpers I leave to the professionals. (One encounter with an ill-fitting bobble hat was enough for me, thanks.) I swear, I paid attention in class, but my grammar, like my handwriting, remains strongly a matter of instinct and vibes. I'm trying to make changes. I'm taking a proofreading course, and I'm reading up on those shifting "rules" I mentioned. Accidental Apostrophe by Caroline Taggart is, so far, very engaging and not at all schoolmarm-ish. I've made it to the "hanging hyphen," and I haven't given up yet. Next on my list is Bill Bryson's Troublesome Words , and after that I'll be looking for recommendations, so if you happen to have any, I'd be extremely grateful. (Especially relating to commas, which look set to be my nemesis.) So please do drop them in the comments!
By Lauren Everdellabout a month ago in Writers
130 Stories and 5 Years Later
A bit over five years ago, deep into the pandemic - when we were so used to panic that it was just an underlying emotion we could ignore, and still surprising ourselves at how we could be surprised at the depth of people’s stupidity - an Instagram ad popped up on my feed for a website that paid per read. I had already been debating writing on Medium or Substack, but I found their systems and memberships convoluted. The Instagram ad for Vocal showed ease of use. I signed up. It was going to give me $0.003 per read, which was more than I was getting for posting on my own website Colochos de Flores anyways. Since signing up, I have grown my writing skills, community, pieces, into an allegedly positive digital footprint.
By Ariana GonBonabout a month ago in Writers
High Tea at Sea
The time was early evening, and the staff was preparing for high tea. They were all dressed in black ties, tails and white gloves setting up tables with white tablecloths and arranged just so. Before the tea some butlers were serving prosecco if one wanted before the tea and canapes were served. I do believe high tea is one last chance for conversation of various interests and likes. It was quite the experience and having this event at sea was one to remember, and my second-grade teacher would have been proud for it was a time to show perfect manners.
By Mark Grahamabout a month ago in Writers
Sunrise Tea
It was a sunrise from Heaven. The sun rising bright over the Gulf of Mexico. I ordered a pot of mint tea along with a croissant and some other breakfast treat. I sat and reflected over my time abroad and those moments flashed before my eyes from the moment I first embarked till this final day and take the time to relax before coming back to the real world. Sitting back in the chair as the sun continues to rise and you realize what a way to remember a time of fun, family and relaxation early coming back to reality.
By Mark Grahamabout a month ago in Writers
The Group
It was the next to last day of the cruise and the group gathered one last time in the lounge. There were stories told and laughter galore when sharing how this group of strangers became friends. They were all of the same age and becoming friends seemed a given with all their shared experiences. The group just kept laughing and sharing all night for they knew that after the cruise some of them will probably never see each other again. They knew that a party was going on above them, but they decided to stay there and make a pact to try and stay in touch.
By Mark Grahamabout a month ago in Writers
