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 11 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
***

”It’s not on the map! I told you to use Google Maps, because this app doesn’t keep up with new roads. Google app does!”


“Julie, dearest, we’re almost there, and she said she would leave a signpost for the party. You know, old Jim is turning eighty, you’d think it would be somewhere quiet, but no, she had to rent this huge venue. I don’t know how many will even show up, or how many have passed…what a thought, Julie. We’re circling the drain ourselves!”


“What a thing to say, Jim. I can’t believe you’re so pessimistic. Look! The signpost!”

***

18 September 2026

Can You Tell a Story in 56?

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized

***

Sitting on the bed, typing away on her new manuscript idea, Sue suddenly smelled something unpleasant…a nice word she thought to herself, maybe I’ll use it. Then Riffraff came running in covered with the something unpleasant, triangle shaped hard rubber toy in his teeth, and unceasing wags of his tail. She immediately grabbed the aerosol can!

***

Can You Tell A Story In…

Tanka Tuesday

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
***

maybe heritage

maybe fate

made a man with such hate

whoever thought he’d rise so far

blind followers pushed him there

wondering if they’re sorry now

wondering if they knew how

dangerous he could be

his heritage from across the sea

wondering if he’ll ever see

he hates others just like he

heritage is an old word sometimes sad

living, denying, hiding what “they” had

though heritage still exists

as your life on some government list

farewell heritage.

***

Free verse

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 82, Celebrating Heritage! – 9/15/26

Simply Six Minutes

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
***

He promised a fun time, but this odd hot dog looking lunch item was not cutting it. Why would he do something ridiculous like this on a first date? And a hot dog? She started laughing and couldn’t stop. Not for the reasons he was thinking, that she thought it was funny or appreciated his joke offering, but because of all the times she had looked at him admirably, longing to date him. She imagined a nice walk in the park or maybe a lovely restaurant with good food, even a movie, but this? She got up and walked off.

***

Simply 6 Minutes – Welcome to the Challenge: 09/15/2026

Fandango’s Story Starter

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
all of a sudden Joe leaped up from his recliner and said “I’m gonna do it, finally I’m gonna do it, Ethel! Are you in?” Ethel woke up from her doze off watching Jon Snow getting stabbed, her third attempt to watch GoT.
“Do what? What are you yelling about?”
“I’m not yelling”, Joe yelled back. I’m gonna go down to Pete’s Motor Shop and get that two seater motorcycle I, uh, We, have been looking at so we can ride across the good ‘ol USA of A! I’ve always wanted to and it will be a trip of a lifetime…we can see the grandkids in Florida and Joe Jr.’s new home in Alaska!” “

“Trip of a lifetime? It will end our lifetime, you mean.” Ethel dozed off again as Jon Snow’s life poured out on the dirt.

Fandango’s Story Starter #264