Author: rugby843

I am a widow since 2013 and live by myself in a small apartment. I use a wheelchair to get around, but I wouldn't consider myself disabled. I'm ten years away from having bladder cancer resulting in a urostomy and I'm doing well. This cancer was a result of having radiation in 1995 because of uterine cancer. So have faith in yourself, a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. My first try at blogging was an attempt to help other people with my condition. I am a mother of three married children, and a grandmother to eight gorgeous kids, featuring them often here, and a great grandmother to two as of today, 6/7/25! I enjoy exploring my feelings and like to try the challenges. I like humor, music, movies, games, and some sports. I absolutely appreciate your reading and commenting on my blog. I am happy to read all of your blogs and learn more about you. Please comment however you like, ask whatever, and I'll answer honestly. Thanks for reading! Cheryl

Friday Fictioneers

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
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The sun was just beginning to set and the waves turned colder. A day at the beach was the usual destination on a Sunday. A picnic lunch, and lots of sandy castles were built and taken away in the surf. Joe always brought his radio with him in case of any weather alerts in the area. This day had been fun until a news bulletin reported on the little device. A crazed man was brandishing a hopefully toy gun and was nearby. Joe listened to hear the man was arrested, but gathered his family, packed up and sadly went home.

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19 December 2025

Getting to Know You!

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
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1. I just had them last week. I used to save my dime once a week for the Hostess bread truck to purchase the chocolate cupcakes with a white squiggle of frosting on the fudge frosted top.

2. I don’t have any playlists such as Spotify, etc.

3. Hmmm, probably not as popular now, Game of Thrones., or Risk.

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https://wordpress.com/reader/feeds/165274445/posts/5904420668

W3 12-17-25

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
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The winds that will be howling at all hours

Keep my mind away from pleasant dreams

Not visible, but this cold wind has powers

Causing nightmarish visions to be seen.

—-

For this, for everything, we are out of tune

No longer gazing sleepily at a moon

But wishing on the brightest stars

That the world ceases these constant scars

It moves us not. Great God! I’d rather be

Off this boat drifting in troubled seas.

***

W3 Prompt #190: Wea’ve Written Weekly

Esther’s Writing Prompts

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
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I chose this photo because it is true of so many people. The saying “you’re one paycheck away” is also true. A personal story: I was a week late paying my rent last month, the first time in years, and four years in this residence. I received a nasty letter warning me of eviction, etc, with printed lie “because you have consistently failed and continue to fail”…this is a lie and my bank statements prove it. I went to the office, empty. Because I live in a federally subsidized building, “they” can oust me any time, especially with this lie or any complaint. So I can relate to this man, because here in this city, you cannot fight city hall. It is filled with stiff old men with no hope for any new ideas or changes. Even the library is threatened! So instead of ignoring or looking down on someone like this man, stop and ask if he is okay, maybe listen to his story. I imagine if you are reading or writing blogs, you are luckier than persons like this. Giving your time is worth a lot. I paid my rent with a hefty late charge, but threats this letter put on me was scary and disappointing, realizing how fragile my position is.

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Writing Prompts

Tanka Tuesday

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized

Hi, willow here with your Tanka Tuesday prompt for 16th December.
This week I am going to ask you as you are gearing up for Christmas to write a poem about those less blessed than us. I have added a photo of a young homeless boy living on the streets at Christmas. Let’s concentrate on empathy and compassion. 

I would like you to write an Ekphrastic Poem about the photo—either how it makes you feel or what you see. Let’s concentrate on empathy and compassion. 

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Tis the Season?

cold

winter

shivering

abandoned boy

how does this happen

where is the love he needs

the basics, shelter not here

how can we work to prevent this

we have the funds, but not the caring

boy still sits alone and cold on a step

***

*Etheree

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 43, Ekphrastic Poetry, 16/12/25

Simply Six Minutes

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
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They’re Called Easy Chairs for a Reason😬

Sitting there with a smile on his face. His laziness is a disgrace. She hasn’t even had time to take off her gloves, anxious to fix meals for the family she loves. Junior cries impatiently in his crib. Possibly the father could fix him in a bib? Oh no, all the work done here and there while her husband sits in his easy chair.

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Simply 6 Minutes – Welcome to the Challenge: 12/16/2025