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

The Writers Workshop

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
#1 Rejection

I wrote about a friend last week, and found out she really wasn’t. Politics were involved and I found out she had drunk the koolaid. I tried to explain even though he is president doesn’t mean he’s not an ass——. She hung up asked me never to text her again. We live in the same apartment building so I knew we’d come across each other sooner or later, happened today. As I was rolling down the hall the elevator door opened and there she was. I said “Hi”, smiling. She just looked down to the ground so I kept rolling and said, “Not speaking to me yet? Your loss.” And it truly is.

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This Week’s Writer’s Workshop Prompts: July 17, 2025

Inspiration

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
***

He stood with his back to the station

Suppose he was waiting for inspiration

The train was just pulling in

He put his tablet in the alligator skin

The bag matched the boots he wore

Showing off maybe, or something more?

The train puffed a bit of smoke

When she appeared through it, inspiration woke.

He couldn’t take his eyes off her

Dressed in a coat trimmed with white fur

He stood straight and made his way

Over to her and asked if he may

Carry her bags, in a gentleman’s proffer

She said why yes, that’s a nice offer

He would be happy to, furthering pursue

She relinquished her cases, it was his coup

Such meetings an off chance you’ll meet your mate

He thought he might have though remained sedate

He was sure she was used to having men take her side

So attractive he thought they can’t be denied

He carried the bags into the hotel

She carefully looked back at him, his chest swelled

“Can I offer a drink as a thank you?” She asked.

“Ah, yes, that would be lovely, but these are no task.”

This story could go on with more romantic play

But I think their future has no arrière-pensée.

***

Writing Prompts

Fandango’s Story Starter

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
“So? What do I care? I’m getting off at the next stop, I’m late for work!” The man got off, bumped through the crowd and heard a scream. The police stopped everyone. Now he was really going to be late, he thought angrily. As the body of a young woman was carried out, the man realized it was the person who had slipped him the note.

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Fandango’s Story Starter #209

Simply Six Minutes

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
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Speaking as a feline and not an expert

This tattooing is quite overt

Not my choice, certainly, dear

I was drugged and woke up here.

Some people think a pet is theirs

To cuddle up in soft leather chairs

Of course that would be ideal

But my inked body does reveal

The type of owner no animal needs

Even though they water and feed

The type of people who pitterpatter

About their pets is a loving matter

No need to show their dexterity

Or thoughts they’re giving a charity

All animals and humans agree

A loving hand is all they need.

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dVerse Poets

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized

For today’s prompt, let’s write about sharks. You may choose to include them in your poem however you wish. Perhaps you’re in debt to a loan shark (I hope not), maybe in a past life you were a card shark, or maybe you love the movie, Jaws. Just use the word shark somewhere in your poem.
For extra credit, you may choose to write an ode to your shark subject: “A formal, often ceremonious lyric poem that addresses and often celebrates a person, place, thing, or idea.” This is not mandatory.
If you’re new, here is how to join us:
Write a poem in response to the prompt.
Enter your name and a link directly to the post containing your poem into Mr. Linky. Remember to check the box to accept use/privacy policy.
Read other poets’ work as they enter their links into Mr. Linky. Check back as more will be added.
Please link back to dVerse from your post.
Have a wonderful time!

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here he comes with that awful smile

teeth displayed for at least a mile

friendly he’s not, likes to swat

you off your board, fly into the surf

where he can claim it’s his turf

then dips you up and sometimes down

intended not to make you drown,

but a plaything he’ll devour

when it’s time for his dinner hour.

***

Ode to a Shark

3TC Worked Out

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
***

Joe thought working out everyday would make him more attractive, so spared no efforts doing the perfect arm curl or the one arm board crest on the floor. It was this overdoing it that caused an arm to break resulting in a cast. Now Joe is taking some time off from the gym and gaining weight from boredom. Another pendulum swing.

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Three Things Challenge #MM120