Life

The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods: A Journey Through Taste and Time
The warm summer breeze carries the scent of freshly cut grass through my kitchen window as I sit at my worn wooden table, surrounded by an peculiar array of food pairs. Each combination tells a story - a tale of transformation from nature to factory, from simple to complex.
By Amina AIT2 years ago in Writers
The power of solitude
In a world that thrives on constant connectivity and external distractions, the concept of spending time alone can often feel intimidating or even unnecessary. However, embracing alone time is one of the most powerful and transformative self-care practices you can adopt. While society at large often teaches us that we must socialize and be busy, there is immense value in taking time for yourself sans distractions, obligations, and other people's expectations.
By Taviii🇨🇦♐️2 years ago in Writers
A Path Through the Storm
There are moments in life when we stand at the crossroads of a new beginning, feeling the weight of uncertainty press against us like an impending storm. It’s a heavy feeling, one that stirs both fear and hope in equal measure. But it is in these moments that we find our strength, not in avoiding the storm, but in walking through it.
By CD2 years ago in Writers
Breaking the Chains
Lena stood at the edge of the cliff, gazing at the vast expanse before her. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow across the horizon. The wind kissed her cheeks, and for a moment, everything seemed still. It had been a long journey—one she hadn’t expected to take, but one she was so grateful for. Each step toward freedom had felt like the final tether snapping, each breath of air a reminder that she was no longer trapped by the past.
By CD2 years ago in Writers
Letters to Jeff
Hano Jeff, It's been a year since your last letter. I know my words can’t help you move but this is the only way I can convince myself that I am still of some use. I don’t know why I keep imagining you alone, staring blankly outside the window for hours as you drink cups of coffee one after another. I have told you a thousand times to stop trying to save people at your expense. Stop interfering with their lives. But I know you well enough, you won’t listen.
By Jui Han2 years ago in Writers
Take me instead
How do you feel these days? Were you able to stitch back those torn pieces you’ve been hiding? Will you say yes to carrying a weight? Is your hand capable of holding something again?
By Jui Han2 years ago in Writers
Writings on a Wall
Have you felt it? That something out there robbed you of something? I used to blame that something too until I realized that they had taken nothing from me.
By Jui Han2 years ago in Writers
A Liar's Note
I stand in a place that condemns me. Do you know how hard it is to breathe? I see smiles but I feel nothing but rage. It is outside. I feel it in my skin — accusations floating everywhere. Sideway glances, all to look for something — proof of anything that could add up to condemnation. I wonder what good could it do. I lie and lie and I admit. I never said I didn’t though no question arises from 8 billion and more. None.
By Jui Han2 years ago in Writers
Cautionary List
Some things took decades to know: Hearts can split more than two. My Captain smashed my heart and turned it into something I can no longer recognize. It made me a fool but it never made me love less.
By Jui Han2 years ago in Writers
A Thanks To You All
For a number of years..., more than I actually like to contemplate at this point in my middle age... I have fancied myself a writer. From the time at the tender age of eight or so when I penned my first couple of science fiction tales, to the time I finished writing and submitted my first actual thriller novel in approximately 2000. Poems uncounted. Silly tales and satire and comedic skits unnumbered. All owing to my blessed departed mother - Alice Faye Haney-McDonald, who taught me to read by the age of four. Books and writing have been a lifestyle despite that my degree is in Applied Mathematics. (Florida Institute of Technology - 1985). Then, something miraculous happened: In October 2021 I joined an online writing site called vocal.media.
By Andrew C McDonald2 years ago in Writers
The Forty Weeks
What were The Forty Weeks? The forty weeks was a personal challenge that I set for myself to write and release a short story every week. I also made some very ambitious goals for other written projects, not to necessarily achieve all of them, but as a way for me to grow as a writer.
By D. D. Lee2 years ago in Writers
Hey, It's Me.... Top Story - January 2025.
We're already a week into 2025 and it's long past time I wished all my fellow creators and friends on Vocal a Happy New Year. I haven't been dragging my feet, so much as recovering from the whirlwind of chaos brought by the closing weeks of 2024.
By Dana Crandell2 years ago in Writers