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

Tanka Tuesday

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized

The Pi-Ku is a tiny three-line poetry form derived from the first three digits of π=3.14. Whoever first wrote using this form is a mystery. It goes something like this:

Line 1: 3 syllables

Line 2: 1 syllable

Line 3: 4 syllables

***

stepping slip

mud

springtime is here

—

baseball bruise

thrown

made a home run

—

tree insects

tent

caterpillars

—-

I LOVE these! Such fun!

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 81, Pi-Ku, 9/8/26

MLMM Wordle

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
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Sara was a quiet, gentle woman who disliked celebrations, or surprises. Unfortunately her birthday was coming up and she assumed something was up by the way her friends were whispering. She was one of a group of reserved women who rarely made noise in the dorm and never delivered unkind words even when thinking them. This night she was an invited guest at a smug gathering place only to receive her birthday surprise. She was surprised at how much she enjoyed the party.

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MLMM Monday Wordle #493

SYW 9-7-26

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized

Here are this week’s questions:

1.  What breed of dog or cat do you prefer? Shepard

2.  Do you think some pets can look like their owners? Yes!

3.  What was your first pet (if any)? A small black mixed breed.

4.  Do you think giving a child the responsibility of pet ownership is a good idea? Definitely, with supervision of course.

Gratitude: Corresponding by FaceTime with family and a trip to shop with daughter and granddaughter fun times!

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Share Your World 7th September 2026

RXC 9-7-26

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
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To know myself is not easy. Especially in today’s world, at my age. When I was young and a mother of three so busy with life, just an ordinary life, I had no time to think about myself except to try to be the best wife, housewife and mother I could be. Oh, I took classes to improve, etc but it always came down to me, alone at the helm, always wondering if I was doing okay.

So thinking now I realize every woman may feel those feelings, those struggles to be the best at what you do, simply because you are a woman. Maybe that’s why this over fifty complex I’m in has a lot more women than men. Maybe it’s in our DNA because we are the caretakers, the stronger ones. No offense to men, because I love men, but at least my generation, born in the forties after the Second World War where many women were supposed to “hold the fort” is it in our DNA? I mean no disrespect to any gender, especially in today’s world where all are considered acceptable and true. It’s about time…

Knowing myself is still up for grabs, depending on the day. I am glad not to be in charge anymore, because depending on who I’m supporting. Older, I can see both sides many times so end up confused whereas I used to have a black and white attitude. I’m softer now, thank heavens, or the gods, or experiences, or growth. I think growth may be the winner. Feel free to delete this post😬

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Reena’s Xploration Challenge #446

Esther’s Writing Prompt

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
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He stopped to look over the edge

Was this the place that he might bridge

The gap between their right, or wrong

I think of that old song

The troubled waters flow so strong

Why did the gap remain so long

He placed his hands on the railing

Felt his strength to meet was failing

Hesitation loomed over his mind

Would this effort cause them to bind

Or will he let the anger rise

Turn the act to be unwise

He stepped away from the edge

Then saw the adversary come on the bridge

Getting closer saw a smile

Realized the effort was worthwhile.

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Writing Prompts

The Writer’s Workshop

by rugby843, posted in Uncategorized
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Watching my oldest son at the age of sixteen being taken into custody was one of the most traumatic experiences in my life, and still feel it, this forty+ years later. He had driven recklessly, no one hurt or anything damaged, but it was determined he was guilty. I made the mistake of hiring a friend (who was a lawyer) instead of a qualified lawyer, who actually did nothing. Three days in jail was the fine (sentence) from a judge who clearly had a point to make and a friend. It still makes me angry and still today proves people who have money have undue influence.

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This Week’s Writer’s Workshop Prompts – September 3, 2026