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  • Odysseus of Ithaca

    “No. No!” “No. No, wait!” I jolt awake. It was just another nightmare. Another one but, the same one I’ve been having for weeks now. I look over and see Penelope, my wife, sleeping soundly. I hear our son cooing in the next room and the candle on my bedside table told me that it was still dark outside but it was the early morning hours.
    I take a deep breath to calm my racing heart, shake off the recurring nightmare and go in to tend to my son. He was born 6 months ago and is growing like a weed! I stand over his bassinet that my father made for me when I was born and smile at him. Telemachus looks back up at me and returns my smile. I pick him up and craddle him close to me. I hold him for a moment before putting him back down. I put a finger to my lips and I go to make him an early breakfast of cow’s milk. Penelope’s milk never came in so we bought a couple of cattle so we could feed Telemachus.
    I fixed a horn and cloth for him and returned to feed him. It was just barely day break when Penelope woke and found us watching the sun rise in silence. “Odysseus, is he hungry?” I look up at her with a smile. “Oh. Why didn’t you wake me? It was my turn to feed him.” I just shook my head. Telemachus was still nursing but sleeping at the same time. Penelope walks over to us. “Odysseus, give him to me.” I hand him to her, rise from my chair and walk over to the window. She knows something is wrong when I don’t argue with her and when I stay silent with my words.
    “Odysseus?” It wasn’t a question but more along the lines of her pushing for an explanation. I take a deep breath and begin: “I had the nightmare again. Only this time, I was holding someone’s infant son over a wall.” She looks at me in shock. “Did you drop him?” Her bright, blue eyes have darkened and her thin red lips have paled. Almost as if she could pictue what I dreamt. I shake my head. “I don’t know. I woke before anything happened.” Telemachus was now fast asleep and Penelope had returned him to his bed. She wraps her arms around me from behind and places her chin on my shoulder.
    “It was just a dream. Albeit, a strange and recurring one but, I don’t think it means anything.” Frustrated, I turn from the window and begin pacing around our small company room. “Odysseus, I didn’t mean it like that.” “I know, I just–I don’t know what to make of it. I have mulled it over and over and over and I come up with no explanation as to why I keep having the dream. I’m actually surprised you slept through my yelling throughout the dream.” She has a puzzled look on her face. “Sweetheart, I am a mother to an infant son. Every time he simply coos in his sleep, I wake to make sure he doesn’t need us. I think I would wake to you screaming from your dreams.”
    “Wait. You didn’t hear me?” She shakes her head. Her face full with worry and concern. “Odysseus, what’s wrong?” I begin breathing heavily as I come to the realization that I was screaming in the dream and not in reality. “Odysseus?” I shake my head at her. “You’re right. It’s probably nothing.” She nods her head and I walk to her and enwrap her in a hug. As we stand there in the embrace, I think about the first time we met. Her redish brown hair shone in the sun and her eyes were as blue as the ocean. Her skin had darkened from her time in the sun as a child and she and her friends were playing in a small body of water trying to cool themselves in the Summer sun.
    They had just come from the Olympic Games and were flirting over the men they saw when I was caught watching them. Her friends cowered and tried to cover themselves but, Penelope invited me to join them. The water was cold but, refreshing and before I knew it, her friends had left us to our vices. (What if Odysseus DIDN’T kill the infant? To be continued. This story was inspired by Jorge Rivera’s Troy Saga currently on Spotify.)

    Shay Vogler

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  • Darnel LaFrance shared a letter in the Group logo of To the people we loveTo the people we love group 12 months ago

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    I wrote this for my mentor, and as it is my writing, I’ve decided to share.

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  • Sherry Noble shared a letter in the Group logo of To the people we loveTo the people we love group 1 years ago

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    Dear Dad

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  • Jessica Ortega shared a letter in the Group logo of To the people we loveTo the people we love group 1 years ago

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    My sunshine in the rain

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  • Hannah G. shared a letter in the Group logo of To the people we loveTo the people we love group 1 years ago

    My Sweet Friend Jennifer

    My dear sweet friend Jen,

    I do not remember the details of how we met,  however I know we met in college.  In a small college which only yields a handful of theology majors each year we were bound to meet.  I imagine we met in class and when deciding where I wanted to sit I decided to sit next to the girl with the curly brownish-blonde hair and the kind face.  From there the rest was history and we became friends very quickly.  You became like a sister to me.  When I graduated college we still kept in touch and would occasionally meet for our Panera dates. We bonded over books and boys.  Those were great but I missed seeing you on a regular basis, that’s why I was overjoyed when you got the job for the Diocese as it meant that we would see each other every day. Working with you was a blast.  I would stop by your office each day and we would talk about every little thing that came to our minds.  We joined the events committee together and were voted to be the chair and co-chair.  We complimented each other in leadership. This past year you left your job at the Diocese for a new adventure.  But our friendship has remained steady and strong.

    I don’t know if you’re familiar with the Tik Tok Who’s Your Color Person trend that’s going around where people are classifying different colors to correlate with different characteristics.  But you my dear are my blue.  “A blue person is known for the comfort and peace that they bring. They are a big part of [your] support system and will never leave you (Krol).”  When I was thinking of who would be part of my support system as I started trauma therapy your name immediately came to mind.  When I told you about my mental health challenges you were surprised but you were also understanding and so gentle and kind to me.  You made me feel seen, heard, and supported and I really appreciate that.  Your calm and gentle nature helps me to regulate my dysregulated nervous system.  I trust you and I feel I can be authentically myself around you.  I can be vulnerable with you and am sure it will be met with kindness and love. You inspire me every day even if we are apart and even if you do not know it.

    It has been a pleasure to watch you grow into the woman you are becoming. Your faith is unwavering and always on display which is so beautiful to see. I have watched you pursue your dreams in countless ways,  and in the past year or so I have watched you fall in love with the love of your life.  I am so excited for all that lies ahead for you.  I can’t wait to watch you marry the love of your life this summer.  I know I will be beaming with pride and with love for you that day.  And I know that one day you will stand beside me as my bridesmaid and do the same for me. 

    Thank you for being my friend.  I love you beyond what words can express. 

    Your friend till the end,

    Hannah G.

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  • New Here

    Hello everyone…I’m new here, but not new to writing. I’ve been having a hard time getting back into writing and being inspired to write or even get the urge. I’ve had small surges here and there lately…but maybe this site can help change that.

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    • Yess! Write from your heart and soul. Just let all your feelings all and just write. <3 Lauren

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    • I think we’ve all had this issue at one point or another. This year I signed up for a writing challenge (write one poem a day for a year). While most of what I write either needs heavy editing or has no hope unless I completely re-write it, at least I have pieces to work from. One of my favorite sayings is that you can’t edit what isn’t written.…read more

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      • Following. I’ve also been having some writer’s block lately.

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      • Necia….I used to do some exercises like that. Maybe I’ll try some to help. I did complete something yesterday…and now I’m getting the urge to do something now. I usually only write when I’m feeling it or getting the urge…to be into it. I’m like that through and through. I can’t do much if I’m not into it. But now that I think about it…perhaps…read more

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    • Titus, Try taking all your most hateful angery thoughts and emotions and write them all on one side of a piece of paper. Then take all your best positive and good thoughts on the other side of the paper. Find the ones from both sides of the paper that you’re dealing with and going through in your present circumstances, and drawl lines connecting…read more

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    • Titus,
      I used to write all the time. Then I didn’t. Now I write for work, and my desire to write my own ideas is waking up. The struggle is in the doing for me. My best ideas come when I’m working out. I started writing down the ideas, they wait for me to flesh them out. I do and I will do more.
      I hope you find inspiration from the prompts in…read more

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    • Hope you’ve been diving into writing lately and welcome to the best creative space ever! Is there anything particular that sparks an interest to write for you? I see your page only has 1 other piece. Hope all is okay 🙏🏽

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  • sarabrooke88 shared a letter in the Group logo of Introductions, Icebreakers and PromptsIntroductions, Icebreakers and Prompts group 1 years, 1 months ago

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    Little old me

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  • The Door

    Dearest Readers…This is a fictional story. Any and all characters in this story are purely fictional. Any and all relations to real people is unintended. I hope you enjoy!

    I thought I heard music coming from the door. But, I knew better than to go in because he always told me not to. “That’s not a place for little children. Only me and mommy.” There was a certain feeling coming from the door pulling me to it. But I never went in. Until that day.
    I had come home from school and my mom was already at work. My dad was home but in the garage where he mainly worked on his off days. I go to the garage to tell him I was home but, he wasn’t there. I looked around the house and found my mom’s purse and phone on the table. I heard music and followed it to the door. “That’s not a place for little children.” My father’s voice echoed in my head but, I wasn’t a child anymore. I opened the door and a blinding light shielded my vision. I kept hearing my name and I went toward the voice. “Rhyla? Can you hear me?” I slowly nodded my head. “Where am I?” The woman sighed and had a smile on her face. “Welcome back. You are in the hospital. You’ve been here for several months. He had a tight hold on you this time didn’t he?”

    This story is inspired by those who struggle with mental health each and every day. I am glad you are still here! You have friends and family who love you and people willing to help you feel like yourself again!

    Shay Vogler

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  • Erin Vreeland shared a letter in the Group logo of Introductions, Icebreakers and PromptsIntroductions, Icebreakers and Prompts group 1 years, 1 months ago

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    The Last Word

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  • Darnel LaFrance shared a letter in the Group logo of To the people we loveTo the people we love group 1 years, 2 months ago

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    “i have to explore because i don’t understand”

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  • Shandi Henley shared a letter in the Group logo of Fictional Inspirational storiesFictional Inspirational stories group 1 years, 3 months ago

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    You’re Inviiited!!

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  • Shandi Henley shared a letter in the Group logo of Introductions, Icebreakers and PromptsIntroductions, Icebreakers and Prompts group 1 years, 3 months ago

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    55

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  • netta shared a letter in the Group logo of Introductions, Icebreakers and PromptsIntroductions, Icebreakers and Prompts group 1 years, 3 months ago

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    Hello...

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  • Kayla Dior shared a letter in the Group logo of To the people we loveTo the people we love group 1 years, 3 months ago

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    I Am Most Like My Dad When….

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  • AnaStasia Eliza Grieff shared a letter in the Group logo of Introductions, Icebreakers and PromptsIntroductions, Icebreakers and Prompts group 1 years, 4 months ago

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    Everyone is a author

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  • "A NOTE FROM LATE GRANDMA SOLETA TO LUJUANA"

    A NOTE FROM GRANDMA SOLETA
    TO LUJUANA MY BEAUTIFUL GRANDDAUGHTER
    This is a fictional story. Any representation of situations or real characters is unintentional. My grandma did visit me after her death. I have spoken with spirits and decided to dedicate this story to all grandmas, moms, and their granddaughters, and women everywhere. We are beautiful. Peace to all. To all my relations.

    Dear Lujuana,
    We are not promised roses without thorns nor rainbows without rainstorms.
    I miss you so much. I am in the light now but was granted temporary leave to write you this letter. You are an incredibly talented and beautiful woman. You lost your creativity for a moment in time, but you will soon receive all the talent and creativity back that a few people who wished you back luck had put a spell on you wishing you homeless, and in dire poverty so they could convince everything and everyone that you are a bad hombre. They lied about you to your friends and acquaintances. The ex-lover wanted to destroy you as a human being out of revenge and hate. In his opinion if you did not want him then you were on drugs and seriously dumb to not have stayed with his lying narcissistic personality. The rejected lover wanted to hurt you and throw you into the dark night of the soul forever, but you, my beautiful granddaughter, did not succumb to their threats of hate and evil intentions to destroy you as a human being. Your ex-lover vowed to destroy you so you would never find love again. He and his cronies laughed at you throwing stones through words and gossip to anyone they encountered to hurt you so deeply hoping you would die or live in darkness, but you, Lujuana, are a child of the Universe. You are surrounded by light and angels.
    However, my sweet Lujuana I was allowed to send you guides to watch over you and protect you from his evil intentions to destroy you as a human being.
    I want to let you know I love you so much. I know you have had too many broken relationships by wrongdoing men. Even though you are old now, age 74, it is not too late to have a special relationship with an artistic, creative man. I know you say it must be a miracle music man to stroke your breasts and kiss your lips. So, my dear Lujuana you will meet your mystery man like a bump in the night.
    I have permission to continue to watch over you by hiring your spirit guides to always be around you to keep you safe.
    I am watching you write, create art, and grow into your peace and light and love position as a human being. There are many stories you can write to help others with your stories of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and photography. Even your little stick figure drawings and your flower drawings are a part of your many gifts given from the Universe.
    I wanted to stop by to deliver this message of love, peace, and light. I wish we could text each other as you do your friends in 2024. Despite this I will always be by your side to guide you. Your pop says hi and to let you know that no matter how old you get you are still his baby girl. Your mom, my daughter, has gone into the light and moved on as a reincarnated soul to learn lessons. She loved you very much but died young at age 65 and must reincarnate with her soul into another human body.
    I love you my dear Lujuana, and you are protected from all evil intentions of an ex-partner that wished you harm. I know you know that the ex-partner truly kept all your photos to create a dark aura around your life not wanting you to succeed in your career. They no longer have power over your life.
    May God, the Universe guide you to be the strong warrior you are to fight for equality for all, LBGTQ rights, women’s rights, gun control, peace, love, light, and understanding.
    Be thankful, pray, create roses with and without thorns.
    Love,

    Grandma Soleta
    January 30, 2024
    This is a fictional story. Any representation of situations or real characters is unintentional. My grandma did visit me after her death. I have spoken with spirits and decided to dedicate this story to all grandmas and their granddaughters. Peace to all. To all my relations.

    Vicki Lawana Trusselli

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    • Dear Vicki, your letter from Grandma Soleta touched my heart deeply. Despite the challenges you’ve faced, your strength and resilience shine through. You are surrounded by love, light, and the protection of spirit guides. Embrace your creativeness and continue to share your stories with the world. You are a beautiful and talented woman, and it’s…read more

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  • PRIMITIVO

    Dear Unsealers,

    I wrote this poem as an homage to our ancestors, when spirituality came before organized religion, when we viewed the world with wonder, and when we longed for understanding of life and death:

    Primitivo

    I worship the Sun

    And his daughter, the Moon

    I pray to the sky; morn, evening, and noon

    The stars I will use as my guide and my light

    To honor my ancestors throughout the night

    And I pray to the gods of the wind and the rain

    For peace and strength and no more of the pain

    For my mother, the Earth, and my father, the Sea

    Gave life and birth for me to be

    The son of comets and shooting stars

    My brothers Venus, Earth, and Mars

    Watch over me as I wake and rest

    And live my life as I do best

    For when my body returns to clay

    The stars will cradle me, and there I’ll stay

    Ricardo Albertorio

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  • A Cosmic Love

    In the cosmic dance of chance and fate,
    A story unfolds, a love so great.
    A Spectrum of colors, a call in the night,
    Where fate intervened, two worlds took flight.

    In the realm of pixels and data streams,
    A Spectrum call center, where reality gleams.
    As a troubleshooter, I entered the scene,
    Little did I know, fate was foreseen.

    In the sunshine state, where palm trees sway,
    Florida’s warmth met Ohio’s gray.
    A sweet voice on my line,
    A connection so divine.

    Fate had more in its grand design.
    Little did I know, she’d soon be mine,
    She insisted on more, a number to exchange,
    Feeding into destiny’s range.

    Two and a half years, our connection grew,
    Before I gave into her irresistible pursuit.
    A realization of self-discovery, coming to light,
    As I embraced the truth of my own unique sight.

    In the closet’s shadow, I found my way,
    Guided by fate’s hand, in the light of day.
    Coming out, my thoughts unfurled,
    She stood by my side, as I reshaped my world.

    Long-distance whispers across state lines,
    A love so deep, like vintage wines.
    Florida to Ohio, miles and miles apart,
    Yet, she captured my soul and entered my heart.

    Through video calls and messages, love took its place,
    A connection so strong, no distance can erase.
    Her laughter echoed through a virtual space,
    Serenading me in a symphony of love and unspoken grace.

    In her, I found a safe harbor, a haven of peace,
    Long-distance love, a sweet release.
    She, a lighthouse, guiding me through,
    In the vast ocean of love, our connection grew.

    Miles may stretch, but love knows no bounds,
    With the help of fate, our story resounds.
    A love that bridges the space and time,
    A testament to fate, beautifully sublime.

    Here’s to the place where it all began,
    Our fate smiled, as it crafted our unique plan.
    In the Spectrum of love, we found our place,
    A love story written by destiny’s grace.

    Abigail J. Stopka

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    • Abigail your poetic words beautifully capture the journey of love and fate that brought you and your partner together. As your connection grew over two and a half years, fate continued to play its part. And through it all, your partner stood by your side, supporting you as you reshaped your world. Despite the miles that stretched between you, love…read more

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    • Abigail! This is so beautiful and sweet and romantic. Also, last lived in Ohio and I know live in Florida! But this is so well written. I am going to highlight this piece in our member spotlight today in our newsletter. <4 Lauren

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  • Testing . . .

    Please bear with me as this is something that I’ve been wanting to do & finally got the courage to do so a freestyle fiction story that has been on my mind.

    A child’s core memories develop at 5. Her core memories were not like others. Her core memory was waking up from her sleep as she was in the backseat of a car covered with her dad’s jacket while he was speeding on the freeway. She felt safe seeing her dad and went back to sleep as he told her to do.

    She wasn’t going to school, but she went from home to home thinking about what a great time she was having with her dad. She went with the stepmom to be with her siblings. She doesn’t recall how she spent her time there but just the vhs movie that the stepmom threw away. Once dad picked her up, he noticed she was sad. Since her dad asked her what happened, she did just that. Dad said, “Wait in the car. I’ll be right back.” She just knew that her dad was going to take care of it. In her world full of chaos, all she can do was observe. When it felt like she was all, alone she realized that she was always guided and protected.

    She went with another stepmom who was just a sweet and caring soul. She treated her right, and she knew, being in her presence, that everything would be just fine.

    iambrizei

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  • How DO HEARTS SPEAK?

    A kiss is the way that hearts can connect

    Through lips that are tender, soft, and knowing

    The feeling of love is warm, gentle, and glowing

    When loving lips meet, the hearts feel the effect

    ❤️

    Hold the embrace and never let go

    Time stops for the kiss so hearts can then speak

    They whisper sweet words that are caring and meek

    Their language is subtle and spoken just so

    ❤️❤️

    What they say is a secret transmitted in code

    They plan for the future and forgetting the past

    Hearts speak of a mystery that will linger and last

    The lips move that message in a soft, silent mode

    ❤️❤️❤️

    When the spoken “I love you” is not quite sufficient

    It’s time for the hearts to speak once again

    And send their sweet poems through pathways that bend

    Back through our lips in a way so efficient

    ❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Ricardo Albertorio

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    • I love this! I read something today on a cup of coffee that said “Life is too short to kiss on the cheek.” This reminded me of that quote 🙂 <3 Lauren

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      • Thank you, Lauren…it’s one of my favorites I’ve written. I was trying to figure out why kissing your loved one is so important as compared to simply saying the repetitive and tired “I love you”. You can’t lie with a kiss 😉

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