Life
The “Good” Child and the “Difficult” Child
This story is personal to me; it's just a little glimpse into my childhood. In my family, I was the child who seemed fine. I was the child who tried to keep the peace, helped around the house, understood when my mom was tired, and learned not to ask for too much. I have three siblings, but I grew up with two of my brothers. My older sister was already out of the house, so for most of my childhood, it was my brothers and me. When I look back at my childhood now, I see two very different ways that my brothers and I responded to the same family environment. I became quiet, responsible, independent, and understanding. I learned to take care of things myself and not add more stress to my mom’s life. One of my brothers went in a very different direction. He struggled more, acted out more, needed more attention, and was often seen as the “problem child.” For a long time, I thought these were simply differences in personality. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized there was something deeper happening. We were both looking for love, attention, understanding, and reassurance. We just learned to ask for it in completely different ways.
By Elena Balogovaabout a month ago in Writers
Talking Hearts
Author's Note: The photo is what the title, "Talking hearts" brought up on unsplash. First thing is we do not look like the couple above! Except my husband shaves his head too, and has some facial hair in the form of a mustache, and I see that look regularly, when he is looking at me. And finally, we are probably 40 plus years older than that couple. Seventy-two and seventy-six.
By Denise E Lindquistabout a month ago in Writers
What Kind Of Garbage Does One Put Up With
Recently, some comments on social media regarding Vocal's judging got people talking. Some came out in defence of Vocal. Others admitted to having doubts about Vocal's judging of challenges, including how fair the judging is or isn't. And while writing is an art, and art is "subjective," their argument is understandable.
By Jason Mortonabout a month ago in Writers
Social Security
I have been 62 years old for two months now and have received my first social security retirement check. Even with getting these checks I feel like I should still be doing something to supplement these checks. That is one reason I am trying to find other things like the new venture that I am starting. In case you do not read my short kind of drabble entitled 'A New Venture' it's all about me finding a site that allows me to color their images and sell them at a local farmer's market and here to view on Vocal.media.com.
By Mark Grahamabout a month ago in Writers
What Beauty Means To Me
First, I would like to say you are here for a reason. You’re not here to judge yourself, to look in the mirror and say, “I’m ugly,” or “I’m worthless. No one wants me here.” You’re here because you have something to share, something to give, and something to learn. You deserve love. If you have been told otherwise, those words are false.
By Elena Balogovaabout a month ago in Writers
Why I Will Probably Never Receive Another Vocal Top Story Bonus Or Place In A Challenge
Introduction Before you think I am whining, I get a lot of reads and a few hearts too, and I have had a few Top Stories and placed in five Vocal Challenges and recieved over three thousand dollars from Vocal (although I am chasing fifteen dollars that they still owe me). So in my own opinion, I am very successful.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 2 months ago in Writers
