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Short Stories




Architects Of Our Own Demise by Harvey Kennett Man questions God for answers... and God replies... [369 words]
A Staged Disappearance by Ekaterina Alexandrova A Staged Disappearance by Kate Alexander. This story is based on a real person and thei... [2,277 words]
Anticipation by Ekaterina Alexandrova Anticipation by Kate Alexander. ... thoughts about a dead body. [789 words]
The Stair Case by Shelley J Alongi Aviation Story 6A. Several months after Anne and Andrew attend an airshow (which I haven't writ... [2,903 words]
Prelude To Separation by Shelley J Alongi In 1774 Thomas Jefferson penned a pamphlet that after some delay became the philosophical... [1,763 words]
Fear Of Water by E Rocco Caldwell What's is in out drinking water anyways? [637 words]
Calling by Shelley J Alongi Aviation story 16. Romance, roses, and a cool summer morning all give us a glimpse into how Anne and A... [1,580 words]
A Not So Ordinary Day by Shelley J Alongi Aviation story 15. A glimpse into the sometimes frazzled existance of a general aviation... [2,064 words]
For Love Of Lessons by Shelley J Alongi Aviation Story 13. Anne and Andrew Crance have lived in this house for about fifteen years ... [2,295 words]
Little Things by Shelley J Alongi Aviation Story 7A. Anne and Andrew's first year of marriage is a good one. Humor, ritual, and lo... [1,672 words]
Confidence by Shelley J Alongi Aviation Story 12. Andrew helps a passenger become more comfortable with flight. We get to see him ... [1,712 words]
When The Gods Were Walking The Earth- Part 2 by Nik Siromah - [3,605 words]
Waiting For Ethel by AlexandrovaK About a man who realises something when it is too late..... [1,404 words]
Vomiting On Tony by Xoggoth The Mad Messiah (AKA Tony Blair) gets what he thoroughly deserves. [499 words]
Vanishing by AlexandrovaK A madman comes to terms with his madness...... [2,347 words]
Unanswered Letters by Skyler Drevan - [354 words]
They Always Come Back by Paolo Debernardi The ghost story of a dead husband who wants to see again his wife. [541 words]
The Young Tigers And The Sugar Lumps by Nik Siromah - [2,789 words]
The Waiting by Paolo Debernardi The tragic love of a guy who is waiting for his lover but everything turned tragically. [704 words]
The Voice Of Melodi by GutierrezJ - [2,641 words]
The Vampires' Club by HarryPotterAGHp The twist of fate to lead you to the Undead! [904 words]
The Two Bills by Xoggoth William Shakespeare fails to get to grips with Microsoft Word. [777 words]
The Several Voyages Of Fat Tony by Xoggoth Foul deeds on the dead sea coast get their richly deserved comeuppance. [1,377 words]
The Raid On Castle Storm by NeedhamT In an age of blades and magic, mighty forces battle for the command of the world. Thi... [1,676 words]
The More You Wish... by BransonA A short story about a man given a gift people dream about, only to find out it's not nearl... [370 words]
The Literal Day by G David Schwartz The Literal Day is a surreal true story of a day no one would want to live through. [1,926 words]
The Last Decision by J A Little A man has robbed a bank and now he has come outside and the police has surrounded him and he ... [410 words]
The Horrid Tale Of Evil Worm by Xoggoth A rare accident in the vegetable patch transforms a humble earthworm into a satani... [1,158 words]
The Fine Art Of Nitzing by Kathy Lafollett The rights of passage for both child and parent are numerous. This is one view of one ... [970 words]
The Door by Skyler Drevan Another addition to my 'Fable' collection. [287 words]
The Deetahgle by NeedhamT The ultimate vehicle is actually an animal bred with genetic engineering, a mix between a cheetah... [502 words]
The Briefcase by SidS It is about a soldier during the Kargil Conflict, his friendship with a journalist with a twist i... [825 words]
The Blue Insomnia by CalbayR A young man figures out his sad end as nobody's care and memory. [1,916 words]
The Beast Bar by HarryPotterAGHp It's a horror story with a gruesome end. You might find something in cmmon with your true monstro... [616 words]
The 5 Dollar Bill Story by NeedhamT Tells the story of how a 5 dollar bill travel through 3 totally different people. [986 words]
Success by Skyler Drevan Another part of my 'Fable' anthology. [275 words]
Speak Freely by Skyler Drevan This is another addition to my "Fable" anthology I am creating. [258 words]
Soup by Xoggoth A soup manufacturer ends life on Earth. [514 words]
Some Body by Harvey Kennett Two lovers collide.... [220 words]
Sex Life Of The Amoeba by Xoggoth A serious paper on cellular mytosis in a well known eukarytic organism. The dirty little... [1,108 words]
Rons, Socketers And Knots by HaulicaM A young man guides the tourists into the virtual reality (or into the real virtuality... [2,311 words]
Resident Evil: The Iniative by DonnJ - [351 words]
More Beautiful Than You by IngramAE A couple waiting on their daughter at a train station. [740 words]
Mementoes Of Treasured Occasions by Xoggoth A struggling photographer finds a rich new source of business. [496 words]
L'etranger by Nini A short story about living as a human being, realising how we view things from a very subjective poi... [1,057 words]
Let Me Be Your Friend by NilsonB Emily and her family have just moved into their new home, unaware that a psycho has escap... [5,002 words]
Lamb To The Slaughter by LloydT The story concerns a pop star, whose fans show him more appreciation than he bargins for ... [1,574 words]
Kulak by Nik Siromah - [2,613 words]
Jetel Forest by Steven T This is a short story I wrote for science class. I had to use certain words in the story, like wat... [336 words]
I Hate You, I Am Going To Kill You by LeighAN Jen hates something or someone, but she is going to kill it. [230 words]
Hoi, Hoi, Hoi, by Buxton A pitiful attempt at re-creating something that resembles The Clockwork Orange. Oh well here it... [286 words]
Heartburn by CalbayR Love Allergy anyone? Here's a comic take on a love phobic. [1,430 words]
Go Away! by Skyler Drevan She screamed louder than ever before. [254 words]
Exile Of Terror by Robert E Tadlock A galactic bounty hunter chases one of the most evil of demons. Earth will never be the same. [2,179 words]
End Of Season by Amelia R James The challenges and rewards of child rearing after a divorce. [690 words]
Dosvidanya by WigginP A short story about a mutiny aboard a Russian K-159 submarine. [1,134 words]
Disturbing Gift by Skyler Drevan This is a short story that has a taboo subject twist to it. Tell me what ya think. [262 words]
Devoted Husband And Father by Skyler Drevan - [268 words]
Delta Centauri by Paolo Debernardi The alien abduction of a man who will see life different from this experience. [1,593 words]
Blood Sister's by GutierrezJ - [1,473 words]
Awkward Osculation by StrawT The story of a boy, a girl, and a, well, read the bloody title. [762 words]
Arnie by Xoggoth A little labourer has a terminator approach to his work. [646 words]
Amnesty by Xoggoth A gun amnesty in a rough borough of London goes idiotically wrong. [561 words]
A Wrong Turn Somewhere by Xoggoth Somewhere near Birmingham a driver takes a wrong turn and loses everything. [492 words]
A Vampire's Mansion by J A Little Seven teens here about an old legend and they went to see if its true and they get the surp... [2,077 words]
A Stroll Through The Jungle by Lanaia Lee This is my first attempt at writing a short story I usually write poetry. [907 words]
A Good Citizen From Stillwater by Gerald L Bosacker A short story. [1,565 words]
A Capital Fart by Xoggoth The redundant London underground is pressed into service to win a world farting contest. [736 words]
1 Part, When The Gods Were Walking The Earth by Nik Siromah - [3,832 words]
The Pursuit Of Happiness
The Wild Flee by Rae An ode to imaginary friends. [471 words]
The Way It Is by Daniel Jake Progress is in the eye of the beholder. [436 words]
The Legend Of Pygman by David Clark Long ago in ancient Greece there lived a hero that toppled an empire, freed a nation, and ... [4,545 words]
The Hunter And It's Prey by E Rocco Caldwell - [446 words]
The Hunger by David B Doc Byron An ancient planet/entity/being voices it's opinion. [243 words]
The Game by E Rocco Caldwell A contractor contracted to knock down the last vestment of baseball learns the power of the game. [1,838 words]
The First Cut Was The Last by Harvey Kennett One man's irrational fear following a shocking discovery. [813 words]
The Empty Room by Norman A Rubin Loneliness in a furnished room except for memories. [2,359 words]
Still Unsolved by Richard Koss A successful mystery writer returns to his old home town and recalls an unsolved mystery he neve... [2,136 words]
She Had Her Dog With Her by Wolfa Fiction/vaguely fantasy short story about someone obsessed with a woman. [2,617 words]
Raidon Plains Pt 1 by Michael S Upchurch What's the difference, nobody reviews anything on this website anyway. [3,602 words]
Probing by Skyler Drevan This is a short story I wrote for my psychology class. It's written as a sadistic persona similiar to t... [1,489 words]
Pretty Mary Ellen by Norman A Rubin A missing little girl disappears and found dead after being violated by a sexual maniac. [1,588 words]
Nobody Heard Me by Harvey Kennett If you found this when you returned home, how would you react ? [577 words]
Moonlight Enchantress Part Ii by Martini The second chain of D.Donley's "The Moon Enchantress" [142 words]
Moonlight Enchantress Part 4 by D Donely Here we have it, the 4th installment of this CHAIN STORY. C'mon, you know you want... [330 words]
Hindsight by Johnny Moore "Hindsight" is a science fiction short-story that takes place on planet Pluto. Two astronauts are se... [1,300 words]
Gunning Down Romance by Emma Roberts The story is tragic and has a moral parrallel with the current high- profile topic of teen... [1,425 words]
Devastation by Buxton A one man journal piece, in the events after the end of the world.... [432 words]
Dead Letter Office - A Serial Short Story by David B Doc Byron A drug addled scientist attempts to create the perfect killing machin... [256 words]
Cryosleep by David B Doc Byron An ailen exacts his revenge upon his human oppressors. [386 words]
Codebreaker by E Thomas A historical fiction/science fiction story. This is based on the attempted takeover by Mary, Queen ... [4,363 words]
Child Murder by Skyler Drevan Another story written for my psychology class on a study in child criminalization in the last fift... [7,471 words]
Chicago Cutlery by Kathy Lafollett A glimpse in the life of utensily challenged mom. [1,229 words]
Cassius-The-Leg by Buxton A true story of a young squirrel's fight against repression and a day that would mark the end t... [648 words]
Can You Trust Us Strangers ? by Harvey Kennett Your life is not your own... [304 words]
Biding Its Time by Harvey Kennett Sometimes, you cannot rush Nature... [836 words]
A Trip To The Dentists' by Mulan A man shares his fear of the Dentist... comedy. [959 words]
A Sense Of Timing by E Rocco Caldwell - [564 words]
Ejaculating Jesus by Sean Scully Sinfully delicious. This story was semi inspired by a great novel called "Ten Thousand Sorrow... [1,987 words]
What You Deserve by Hope C Clarke A short story. [2,768 words]
Videotape by Skyler Drevan This is a short story I wrote after reading a particularly interesting book and was far too full of a... [7,472 words]
Two Lives by Theresa I am very family oriented, we have five generations living on both sides of our family-and it is quit... [823 words]
The World Can Be A Dangerous Place by Vyacheslav Yampolsky A weird little story, about nothing, or everything. You decide. [707 words]
The Rescue by Justin B William Justice Sometimes the things that we fear most lead to salvation. [666 words]
The Living Truth by Deborah Coleman - [2,168 words]
The Last Exam by Jack Arnold A student sits pondering his life during his final school exam. [1,443 words]
The Invisible Wall! by Penny Groh - [595 words]
The Fight by Skyler Drevan A true story narrarated by me about a horrible marriage and the fight that led to the bitter end. [1,499 words]
The Father by Roxi Bri Love has no limits... [575 words]
The Butterfly's Cocoon! by Penny Groh - [384 words]
Sheela by David B Doc Byron An avid fan of hunting wild game is suddenly faced with the idea of preserving life. [674 words]
Saturday Night by Wolfa A woman living in a post-apocalyptic future in an empty city. I wrote this several months ago, ... [1,484 words]
Paranoia by David B Doc Byron If Michelle liked my story ''MAGIC,'' she'll love this one. [444 words]
Oliver's Secret Love by Sir Oliver An older man falls in love with a very, very young woman and keeps it a secret. [559 words]
Oh Shit (Pt 2) by D Donely Just the ending of the first part. About a night with my "stoner" friend. hehe. Don't ask... [808 words]
Nuclear Fire Turkeys by Benjamin Ian Osborne A story that originally explains how man acctually came into being. [2,525 words]
Nightmare At Brushy Creek by D G Williford While sleeping dreams become reality... [106 words]
Magic by David B Doc Byron A magician meets up with his successor. [263 words]
Life Lessons! by Penny Groh Lessons in life I learned along the way. [620 words]
Instincts by E Rocco Caldwell A young reformed gang member is trying to just survive the night and make it home. [3,398 words]
I'm Coming For You by David B Doc Byron A devout Atheist decides to meet his maker... ....the hard way. [526 words]
Fool Fish: A Parable by Jt Pearce Besides farming, the town of Granville has always been know for its fantastic fishing. So ... [4,233 words]
Father Love by Arthuro Western (classic shootout with a twist) [436 words]
Escape by Randall L Perkins A tortured soul attempts to escape abuse. [664 words]
Dreamfix Part Two by David B Doc Byron A hopeless drug addict descends into junkie hell. [355 words]
Dreamfix Part Three by David B Doc Byron Leo gets introduced to the ''Re-conditioning Center.'' [342 words]
Dreamfix - Part One by David B Doc Byron A junkie's drug induced demons catch up with him. [185 words]
Dreamfix - I'm Closing The Story. by David B Doc Byron Since nobody wanted to read it or review it, I'm closing it. [154 words]
Divine Domain by Harvey Kennett The search for God takes many forms, not least of which is the Internet. A young man stumbles acr... [1,471 words]
Brimstone by David B Doc Byron A telephone conversation between two of the US of A's most ''intelligent'' scientists. [421 words]
Voodoo Moon by David B Doc Byron An infertile couple adopt a baby. [283 words]
The Thing On The Ice by Paula Poland Based on a real teen who visits the Okoboji (Iowa) web site and posts his messages using a... [1,276 words]
The Lake, My Mom, And The Sears Dressing Room by Ariana Linkletter Written out of appreciation for my mom and her patience with her ... [1,363 words]
The Immortality Thief by David B Doc Byron A college professor meets up with his worst nightmare. [480 words]
The Eleventh Commandment by Robert Remington Abbot Anna Winslow was about to become the first and last time traveler on a 25 billion year... [3,050 words]
The Death Of A Gecko by Sean Scully A short story about having gas. [122 words]
The Breakfast Club by Glenn G Deweese Cops, Suicide, Breakfast. [2,254 words]
The Bracken Bloom by Gene O'div - [9,589 words]
My Big Sister And The Fly by Ariana Linkletter A silly story about a fat fly. [639 words]
Miss Lavinia's Portrait by Laura Mae Oldham-Brownell This piece is set in Europe during the late 1800's. Hopefully, it will take the reader ... [479 words]
Miles J. Jax, An Early Day In The Life by Branson Storm This section is an early excerpt from my novel. It will hopefully give ... [4,566 words]
Kaleidoscope Maker by T Bianafka Fictional short story about how bad things can happen to good people when they try to do goo... [2,350 words]
Just When Everything Seemed Fine by Hanan Al Kindi It was going to be the best holiday ever, until... [1,685 words]
Inbred by David B Doc Byron A story based on the mass murderer Ed Gein. [303 words]
Easter by Gene O'div - [7,381 words]
Chemo Pastry Party by Branson Storm Miles walks through a dream induced by the drugs of his chemotherapy. [1,096 words]
Cannibals by David B Doc Byron Two holocaust survivors learn the hard way how to survive. [334 words]
Amelia Has Been Forgotten by Freedom Fries - [2,710 words]
The Cozy Rest Motel by Paula Poland The Cozy Rest Motel: A woman traveling alone on business through rural Missouri is compelle... [2,033 words]
Smash Hit! by Z Miah A short story about three friends. [869 words]
Robertson County by Falconcraft Growing up in Texas, a brief episode with the law in an adjourning county. [1,296 words]
Braided Belt From Hell by D G Williford Frustration of trying to get to work on a rainy day... [393 words]

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TITLE (EDIT)
The Pursuit Of Happiness
DESCRIPTION
A hot, humid night in Philadelphia sets the course for the coming centuries as Thomas Jefferson sits down to compose the Declaration of Independence.
[1,102 words]
TITLE KEYWORD
History
AUTHOR
Shelley J Alongi
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My name is Shelley, AKA the Queen of Bells. I currently work as a musician and put out writing as the spirit moves. I'm not into the writing prompt thing. When the spirit moves, it moves. Over the past five years with the help of my star team, I have self published three novels, one book of poetry and one story in three parts. The novels are Tresspasser (2015), Brave Pilot (2017) and Forgiving Sky (2018.) I am currently working on a fourth novel titled Shadows in the Outfield. My book of poetry is titled Christ Crush: Poems and a Story, and my story in three parts is Angel Hug. They can all be purchased from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, and Lulu.com.

I've been submitting work here for seventeen years. I write about things that inspire me: planes, trains, history, life, Christ and cats. I follow my passions. They have led me many places. Here you will find a variety of work so enjoy.

Pearl and Brandy, the cats who oversaw my three novels have crossed the rainbow bridge. They left me five months apart: I guess Brandy missed Pearl. Prince my current cat doesn't try to help me write but I'm sure he has his own book in the works. R.I.P. to Pilot, his brother.

We must also thank cold and hot weather for driving me to write. That is, when the spirit moves.

So, here we go! Kick off your shoes, grab the beverage of your choice, and maybe a cat and go exploring. Enjoy the read and keep dreaming!
[June 2020]
AUTHOR'S E-MAIL ADDRESS
Queenofbells@outlook.com
AUTHOR'S OTHER TITLES (294)
A Beacon Of Hope (Essays) How I've decided to share my faith in Jesus Christ online. A message of hope for 2020 and beyond. How did I get here? [1,390 words] [Spiritual]
A Fortuitous Meeting (Short Stories) Aviation Series story 1. An emergency landing brings a pilot and a teacher together in a meeting that has the potential of changing both their lives, forever. This story received Honorable Mehntion ... [16,996 words] [Romance]
A Mother's Lullaby (Songs) A very short life story of my mother with a refrain to remember when we think of her. [187 words] [Spiritual]
A Not So Ordinary Day (Short Stories) Aviation story 15. A glimpse into the sometimes frazzled existance of a general aviation airport. General aviation should always be blessed with non eventful days. but sometimes, life just happens! [2,064 words] [Romance]
A Passionate Recipe For Communication (Non-Fiction) Read a story about how one deaf man and one blind woman got together with friends, prepared lunch, and thought out of the box using alternate forms of communication and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon. ... [1,847 words] [Relationships]
Accident (Short Stories) Aviation Series Story 1A, Flashback. We step back in time to the day of Andrew's accident and the beginning of his fascination with the teacher who helps him. I would like to thank Dale the pilot wh... [2,756 words] [Romance]
Adventures In Opinion (Essays) About a month ago, someone asked me if there was anything I didn't have an opinion about. The comment surprised me because I don't express my opinions too often. Enter the idea for a new series of ess... [1,125 words] [Motivational]
Afternoon Nap: A Brett Mccarley Locomotive Engineer Story (Short Stories) Prenuptial wonderings. [2,263 words] [Romance]
All I Wanted (Songs) A song about the possible thoughts of Timothy McVeigh one of America's most notorious terrorists. The lyrics do not infer endorsement of the crime. [276 words]
An Aviation Accident Arouses An Advocate (Non-Fiction) On Saturday September 25, 2004, a plane went down while taking off from our local municipal airport. Read about my day and how this event so fresh in my mind has turned me into more than just a passi... [2,007 words] [Motivational]
Angel Encounters 1: The Tree (Short Stories) On a rainy day a man shows up and helps her with a tree. Who is this mysterious guest? [4,023 words] [Spiritual]
Angel Hand (Poetry) Christ's agony in Gethsemane. This also goes along with the story Angel Hug. [317 words] [Spiritual]
Angel Hug (Short Stories) Walk through Jesus' agony in Gethsemane. Notes Using a verse in John 14:27:30 where among other things Jesus says he won’t talk much with his disciples from the point where he finishes his discourses... [3,278 words] [Spiritual]
Angel Hug: Images And A Journey To A Story (Essays) Childhood never meant so much as the images that led here: Hands, eyes, and worship lead me to the writing of this story. And who's to say help from above isn't part of it? [2,280 words] [Mystical]
Anything For You (Songs) I promise I did not steel this title from the movie "oliver" it was one of those moments when a phrase, out of inspiration, pure adoration, or simple gushing just comes out! So enjoy this sentimental... [134 words] [Relationships]
Behold The Lamb Of God: Images From Handel's Messiah (Essays) Walk through my journey of rediscovering my first love, Jesus Christ, through this simple and stunning work. [2,621 words] [Spiritual]
Birthday Wishes: A Brett Mccarley Locomotive Engineer Story (Short Stories) Getting ready for a big day. [2,016 words] [Romance]
Call This Hearth Home (Songs) A peaceful respite from the pain of a scarred heart. [187 words] [Relationships]
Calling (Short Stories) Aviation story 16. Romance, roses, and a cool summer morning all give us a glimpse into how Anne and Andrew feel about him returning to the sky. [1,580 words] [Romance]
Carol: A Brett Mccarley Locomotive Engineer Story (Short Stories) Flash back. A distressed engineer, train traffic and domestic worries. [2,046 words] [Relationships]
Chatsworth Journal: Observations About The Metrolink111 Crash On September 12 2008 (Essays) I'm obsessed with the Chatsworth train wreck. I have to express my opinion about breaking company policy. [1,785 words] [Relationships]
Cold: A Brett Mccarley Locomotive Engineer Story (Short Stories) Snap shot of Brett's morning. [1,820 words] [Relationships]
Coming Home: Flight Three (Non-Fiction) This is the third instalment of Shelley's adventures in flight! Improving communications and familiarity lead to new and even better experiences in flight number three. [2,354 words] [Adventure]
Confidence (Short Stories) Aviation Story 12. Andrew helps a passenger become more comfortable with flight. We get to see him at work. [1,712 words] [Romance]
Connecting With A Train Engineer: My Personal Memories Of Amtrak's Coast Starlight (Essays) Four trips on the Coast Starlight train serve as a backdrop for my latest feelings about the Metrolink 111 train wreck out of Chatsworth. Some humor, some questions, some melancholy, and some nostalgi... [3,862 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glen: Engineer Gold (Essays) There's gold in that there engineer and I didn't have to dig for it. Oh the conversation! Signals, Chatsworth, and computers. This man really is the best. [3,419 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glen: Engineer Of My Dreams (Essays) It has been six months since I've talked to him, and it is, after all my struggles and missing him, worth the wait. Sweet engineer. Engineer of my dreams. [2,596 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glen Sweet Engineer Dreams And Metrolink Nightmares (Essays) A dream come true; life, money, marriage, and something about trains. b [5,852 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: A Good Day Up Here (Essays) Fatalities and Mickey Mouse. And a man admitting his flaws. What a gold mine! He's had a good day and he's still my lucky engineer. [3,566 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: Engineer Responsibility (Essays) He says deal with it. Engineers have to be responsible. he wants me to be the same way. [3,336 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: Engineer Valentine (Essays) A railroad rock. But, not the rock train. In 2009, I said he was my Christmas present. Informationa nd amusement. and just plain...Engineer valentine? I'll take that. [4,476 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: Engineers And Angels (Essays) The best of both worlds, I guess. Bodily comfort, moving, anoying railroads and Angels. It doesn't get much better than this. [2,478 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: Friendly Engineer (Essays) Almost perfect. No birds. no blue tooth. He's always worth the wait. Always. [2,554 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: Number One Rail Nut Friend (Essays) It's all I ever wanted. [5,921 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: Relaxed Engineer (Non-Fiction) Or, maybe it's me who's relaxed? Train talk. Sweet. [2,841 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: So Much In Between (Essays) It wasn't till two weeks after I returned from Austin, Texas where I had gone for a reason completely unrelated to railroading and met a former railroad engineer that I had the courage to sit down and... [2,945 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: Something About Trains (Essays) Yes, my Number One Engineer I'm moving to Texas. But, someday I'm moving to MOntana and I'm taking you with me. [1,966 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: Southern Pacific Whatever (Essays) Glenn is a great story teller. I hope I can write them as well as he tells them. This is my friend. [3,583 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: Sweet Engineer Confusion (Essays) Short, sweet, confusing, lovely, always worth the wait. Numbers. Sweet engineer numbers. [2,343 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: Sweet, Lucky Engineer (Essays) Train 221's fatality. I am the happiest love sick, star struck middle-aged adolescent railfan in the world. And he's the sweet, lucky engineer. [3,301 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: Sweet Train Engineer (Essays) Signals, Chatsworth, hanging in there, and the mad dash on a rainy night to Lancaster. I'm the happiest middle-aged adolescent railfan, ever. [3,058 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: The Bestest Engineer (Essays) Pick your railroad any one. Any mistakes are purely mine. He had time for me. [3,856 words] [Relationships]
Conversations With Glenn: The Bravest Engineer Of Them All (Essays) Kitties and keys. And, oh, what a relief! [2,544 words] [Relationships]
Course Correction (Short Stories) Aviation Series story 3. Can one night change Andrew and Anne's relationship from friendship to something deeper? The teacher faced with the prospect of uninteresting company, tells the pilot exactly ... [3,369 words] [Romance]
Creator Of Time (Poetry) Christ through all of time. [256 words] [Mystical]
Daughter: A Brett Mccarley Locomotive Engineer Story (Short Stories) A wedding cake, a ring, and a daughter. [1,885 words] [Relationships]
Early Political Conflict In America: Jefferson, Hamilton, And The Washington Administration From 1791 To 1798 (Essays) Jefferson and Hamilton represent two opposing factions in early United States politics. This short essay examines the major issues which plagued the Washington administrations during and beyond their... [1,526 words] [History]
Fatal Flight (Short Stories) Aviation Series story 9. Reacting to Eric's death, Andrew, Eric's first flight instructor, and professional colleague finds that comfort comes from surprising quarters. [3,852 words] [Romance]
Flight Number 4: The Human Quality (Non-Fiction) January 13, 2004, the date for Shelley's flight number 4. This flight will have pictures as well as a logbook entry and my memory to prove it happened. Glimpse the personalities and the moments that... [2,663 words]
Flight Number Five: Cuddling And Turning Cessna Style (Non-Fiction) Flight number five in Shelley's adventures in flight offers new perspective on why I have absolutely fallen in love with this vulnerable existence. Find out what happened in this latest flight and st... [2,028 words] [Adventure]
Follow (Poetry) Inspired by Christ's cross. [120 words] [Spiritual]
For Love Of Lessons (Short Stories) Aviation Story 13. Anne and Andrew Crance have lived in this house for about fifteen years at this point, time for some of their neighbors children to get a bit older. A young girl, Anna, cares for he... [2,295 words] [Romance]
Gethsemane's Angel (Short Stories) The time just before Angel Hug. Dialog between angels the night before Messiah's crucifixion as the angel awaits the call to Gethsemane. [1,016 words] [Spiritual]
Glass (Short Stories) About the thoughts and reactions of a little girl viewing a riot taking place in a street in Germany during Kristalnacht, one of the actions taken by the Nazis against Jewish citizens. [1,021 words]
Goodbye, Good Night: Thoughts From A Dying Journalist (Short Stories) Vignettes. [6,354 words] [Relationships]
Grounded (Short Stories) Aviation Series story 10. Seven years into their marriage, life presents the Crance's with a few welcome and unwelcome surprises. [2,957 words] [Romance]
Hey Little Dreamer (Songs) This song shows that even in life's darkest moments there's always hope. I based it on Thomas Jefferson's loss of his wife but it's true no matter who you are. It's about the indomitable human spirit... [138 words] [Spiritual]
Hill Number 18 (Short Stories) A major recalls taking his platoon out of a mine field in Vietnam. [1,225 words] [History]
House: A Brett Mccarley Locomotive Engineer Story (Short Stories) Laurie meets Brett's house. [2,842 words] [Relationships]
Hypothetical Dialogs With Christ (Plays) I could never make up the truth. This is a work of fiction with some theology mostly conversational. [2,420 words] [Spiritual]
Instrument Meteorological Conditions (Short Stories) Aviation Series story 6. Built on friendship and common interest, Andrew and Anne's relationship builds to its next milestone. [2,464 words] [Romance]
I've Only Got One Question For You (Songs) Daring to ask "the question" and not really knowing the answer...but hoping! A lyrical melody almost celtic and very peaceful. Gentle rocking motion in the chord structure which is minor. [190 words] [Relationships]
Kissed By The Wind (Short Stories) Aviation Series story 2. Andrew, involved in his piloting work, and Anne, living her life as a teacher, continue the relationship begun after Andrew brings his plane down for an emergency landing acro... [2,664 words] [Romance]
Kitty Kisses: Adventures With Pearl The Cat's Meow (Non-Fiction) Confident little Pearl knows she has nothing to worry about even after getting tossed out of the bedroom. [939 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses: Affection With Stipulations (Essays) Signing a contract with a cat can be a pleasant affair. [664 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses: Cat Wisdom (Essays) After three years of cohabitating with cats, what have I learned? Read this entertaining look at life with my firry room mates. [1,383 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses: Don't Fence Me In (Non-Fiction) Flee meds, the closet, and the nineteenth century frontier. [1,089 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses Entry One (Non-Fiction) Shelley's life with her two cats. [957 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses Entry Two (Non-Fiction) Formula One cat feeding. [658 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses: Licking The Hand That Feeds You (Non-Fiction) Here's to many more lickings. [1,019 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses: Our Little Brandy (Non-Fiction) Tales of a little kitten. [1,366 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses: Peter Jennings And Cat Company (Non-Fiction) Amusing tales of cats just when you need them. [789 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses: The Brandy Police (Non-Fiction) Even if I bring home the bacon, Brandy insists on running the house her way or no way. [1,254 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses: The Feline Moving Day Blues (Essays) Moving with two cats. [1,239 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses: Water Everywhere (Non-Fiction) Brandy and the water fountain. [909 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses: Whose Bed Is It Anyway (Non-Fiction) The family bed cat style. [750 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kisses:We Can't Be Bothered (Non-Fiction) Cats as inexpensive and affective therapy. [1,203 words] [Animal]
Kitty Kissses: The Silent Treatment (Non-Fiction) Brandy tells me just what she thinks of going to the vet. [1,231 words] [Animal]
Landing Part Five (Short Stories) Jeff's dream. [1,033 words] [Romance]
Landing Part Four (Short Stories) Melanie is afraid. [1,480 words] [Romance]
Landing Part One (Short Stories) Anaviation story. A pilot is caught between a rock and a hard place, literally, leading to a painful decision. I'm putting this up here in parts so you can read one section at a time. We meet Melanie... [1,637 words] [Romance]
Landing Part Three (Short Stories) Origins of the accident. Pleasant flight. [1,176 words] [Romance]
Landing Part Two (Short Stories) Aviation story. Relationship conflict. Melanie talks to Laura about Jeff. [1,765 words] [Romance]
Last Day (Short Stories) Aviation Story 18. Anne and Andrew, a sinus headache, troublesome passengers, a frantic boss, and the last day of school! One of these sentimental stories at which I seem to excell and from which I'm ... [2,335 words] [Romance]
Last Hours (Short Stories) A general contemplates his decision before formally declaring war. [1,467 words] [History]
License (Short Stories) Aviation Story 14. Will Andrew ever get to hear the news that his niece has gotten her private pilot's license? A party, a flight, and a worried girl supply us with the answer in this continuing saga... [2,947 words] [Romance]
Licorice Tea (Short Stories) This is a story I havent' worked into my novel yet; it's how Rachel makes a decision to fall in love with Jason, the flight instructor. Read chapter 6 of "Second Marriage" for all the other details a... [3,590 words] [Romance]
Little Things (Short Stories) Aviation Story 7A. Anne and Andrew's first year of marriage is a good one. Humor, ritual, and love make returning home from flights a pleasant experience. [1,672 words] [Romance]
Losing Mrs. Jefferson (Short Stories) In 1782, Thomas Jefferson was summoned by Congress to serve in france as the new United States ambassador. this came on the heels of his wife's death, and so I've taken artistic liberty with an event... [2,277 words] [History]
Managing (Short Stories) Twenty years after marriage, and despite life, Anne and Andrew still manage to hold everything together. [2,329 words] [Romance]
Memorial To A Train Engineer (Essays) Personal reflection on the crash of Metrolink 111. [963 words] [Spiritual]
Metrolink111: A Crush On The Engineer (Essays) Why don't I just admit that I have a mad crush on someone I never met, and I'm not talking about Rob Sanchez. Philosophy, memorial plaques, food, and great stories, and the engineer. [2,595 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Alfa Cat Engineer (Essays) Another week ends at the fullerton station for Shelley and her engineers. Well, they'll be there but I'm finished. But oh what a rewarding week! Promises, sweet promises. [3,359 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: All My Engineers (Essays) What a journey I've had over the last year since the chatsworth accident. I keep talking about meeting engineers so if you've been following the story you might want to read this one. Read about tears... [2,519 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: All The Engineer You Need (Essays) A heckler, intrigued engineers, and just how do you pronounce chatsworth? [2,122 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Asking The Freight Engineer (Essays) Making life happen, conversations, a pleasant August evening at the fullerton train station, and rob Sanchez, always. [2,756 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Assist At Chatsworth (Essays) I meet the fans that knew Rob Sanchez and get ideas for the memorial plaque. It is a trip I've needed to take since the Metrolink111 accident on September 12, 2008. [2,561 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink 111: Being Unforgettable (Essays) Yet another trip to the Fullerton station provides more relief and allows me to express the personal lessons I've learned since the Metrolink 111 crash on September 12, 2008. Lessons on how to be unfo... [1,475 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink 111: Being With Trains (Essays) A second trip to the Fullerton train station allows me to get started on an idea I have for remembering the engineer in the metrolink 111 crash and allows me to be with trains, a source of comfort. [3,040 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Blame The Engineer (Essays) So people want to drag Rob Sanchez's name through the mud after the Chatsworth accident? Okay, fine, blame him for this one, then; for my introduction to the commedy and spectacle and colorful charact... [2,215 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Brown Eyes, Technology And Railroad Tracks (Essays) Another milestone in my journey through the metrolink 111 crash and the discovery of the Fullerton train station. Notes on technology, eye color and train watchers. [2,744 words] [Spiritual]
Metrolink111: Chatsworth Stories (Essays) Today I make thirty seconds of contact with a locomotive engineer who knew Rob Sanchez. I'm standing looking up at him on the chatsworth platform, hardly able to believe I've come this far. Stories, c... [3,903 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Defending The Engineer (Essays) Two trips to the Fullerton station, a trip to a railroad model shop, the Chatsworth accident and finally finishing the memorial plaque. [2,416 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111 Education On The Rails (Essays) Saturday September 12, 2009 finds me passing through Chatsworth on my way to Santa Barbara on the Wine Lovers Daylight train. Today I indulge my intellectual and emotional obsession with trains. And t... [3,334 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Finding Rob's Spot (Essays) A cheeseburger, freight trains, and the quest to find a spot for a memorial plaque. [1,590 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Finding The Engineer (Essays) Comfort, food, waving, and just plain finding the engineer. [2,750 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Finding The Gold Nuggetts (Essays) An accident memorial, a not for an engineer, and everything in between. [5,339 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Flowers For An Engineer (Essays) On this trip to Chatsworth I meet rob's conductor, lay flowers for him, get my plaque, and am tempted by fresh ground coffee. Today is a milestone in the quest for information about the accident and i... [3,305 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Going Steady (Essays) Steady as she goes, a dilemma, cherishing the engineer, it doesn't get any better than this. [4,897 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Here Comes Your Freight (Essays) Of horns, freights and memorial plaques. [2,178 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Icecream And The Umbrella (Non-Fiction) Three trips to the Fullerton train station all have these things in common: icecream, an umbrella, the chatsworth train wreck, a smile, creativity, and a picture. [3,107 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: I'd Rather Have The Serving Dish (Essays) Thoughts of losing Rob the Metrolink engineer in the Chatsworth crash as well as some Fullerton history and maybe some humor and more familiarization. [2,571 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: In Search Of The Engineer (Essays) Which engineer you ask? By now in my story you have several choices. Pick one and enjoy. [3,492 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Is She A Foamer (Essays) Six months and it all comes down to one question. Between grief, solace, creativity, and now new people introduced to the station, you have to ask, is she a foamer? [2,665 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink 111: It's All About Lunch (Essays) Never turn down an invitation to lunch and always make good memories. Good memories are the best comfort when grieving sudden loss. [909 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Late Baby Late (Essays) Late trains, freight engineers, and new connections. [2,786 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Listening To The Engineer (Essays) After gushing about glen, it's time for the story I haven't told you yet. [1,540 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink 111: Looking Hell In The Eyes (Essays) Another step on my journey through the Metrolink 111 Sept 12 crash; a sympathetic look at the Metrolink engineer. Call me the Robert Sanchez Torch Carrier. [1,557 words] [Spiritual]
Metrolink 111: Love A New Rail Fan (Non-Fiction) On this journey to Santa Barbara I pass through the Metrolink 111 accident site, the event that has consumed me for six weeks. Read about me being a tourist, the Chatsworth crawl, various travelling m... [3,285 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111 Love On The Rails (Essays) Oh the joy and pain of communicating with a locomotive engineer. MP36 verses FP59, sweet promise, reconciliation, sweet bells. In all of it, the train calls, comforts, beckons. Come. [5,155 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Love Your Best Station Girl (Essays) Does he remember my name? Does he know where to find locomotive specs? What does he think about two train-related deaths near the Fullerton train station? He's Glen. Love your best station girl. [6,322 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: My Happy Places (Essays) An engineer, food, a gentle train journey, and meeting a restaurant owner. It's a perfect train day. [3,331 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: No No Magic Days (Essays) Only someone at a train station would call me a gold digger. Heartache, trouble, curiosity, kindness, and what I call the "no magic day." Read all about it. [2,182 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Not Quite Throwing The Switch (Essays) Finally, a real live, sort of railroad switch! [2,017 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Questions People Ask (Essays) A stellar day in the nonlogic department at the fullerton train station. [1,645 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Railroad Family Ties (Essays) You would never ever guess what the common factor in my train station journeys is! I had forgotten about it till today! [2,056 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Rob Among The Chips And The Cookies: Almost (Essays) Someone told me that I would stir up fireworks in Chatsworth. Apparently I did. Rob, we're still looking. [1,910 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Shaking Hands With The Engineer (Essays) My Glen full of surprises. [2,541 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Shoes, Songs And Tunnels (Essays) All I can say is that two trains colliding last September led to all this. [3,128 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Sick For Trains (Essays) The chatsworth accident, engineers, friends, a dog that's a train fan, quiet moments, and lots of opinions. Read the longest Metrolink111 essay yet. [2,995 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Slumming It With The Guys (Essays) the engineer factor, can she find the train, plans, a supportive metrolink agent, Glen, and a smile. [3,522 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink 111: So What Do I Know About Trains? (Essays) Stories start in the strangest places. I never would have thought the Metrolink 111 crash would have started me on a journey whose seeds perhaps had been planted long ago in other experiences. [977 words] [Spiritual]
Metrolink111: Sweet Engine Purring (Essays) Locomotives, engineer withdrawals, a stressful day, crying on the engineer's shoulder, and Glen, you really are the best! [3,992 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Sweet Nothings (Essays) This week, at the fullerton train station, Glen, the mysterious Metrolink engineer, speaks. [4,452 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink 111: Taking The Curve (Essays) Another trip to the fullerton station and plans to commune with the Chatsworth station. [1,408 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: The Best Two Minutes (Essays) I've always said that Glen provided the best two minutes of my day. This week that holds true. Late trains, stress, life, and the best two minutes. [3,088 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: The Case Of The Dejected Engineer (Essays) Questions, Chatsworth connections, eyes, and a milestone. [1,950 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: The Disney Engineer (Essays) This doesn't take place at the Fullerton train station, it takes place at Disney Land and starts on Wednesday February 25 with a call from a train engineer on the Disney Land railroad needing help wit... [2,046 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink 111: The Freight Train From Nowhere (Essays) My perspective on why I feel so keenly the loss of robert M. Sanchez the Metrolink engineer on metrolink 111. [1,831 words] [Spiritual]
Metrolink 111: The Green Light Of Passion (Essays) A trip to the fullerton train station to get a hair of the dog that bit me: trains, and a note about passion. [1,417 words] [Spiritual]
Metrolink111: The Human Place (Essays) Six months after the Chatsworth train wreck it is the human story that draws me to the Fullerton train station and always, when I think about it, has been. [1,174 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: The Learning Trip (Essays) It has been two months since the Metrolink 111 accident. I've learned lots and tonight I'm in the group on the patio at the fullerton train station, one of the rail fans. [1,758 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: The Place Of Escape (Essays) Waving at and interacting with engineers, teasing, and escaping with trains. [3,034 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: The Planter By The Railroad Tracks (Essays) Margaret Mitchell had her window seat. I have my planter by the railroad tracks, a place to reflect on the Chatsworth train wreck of 2008, remember the importance of this place in my life, and create ... [2,342 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink111: Touching The Locomotive (Essays) This week it's all about Glen and doign something that I've been afraid to do; touching the locomotive. And maybe it's more than that. You decide. [2,520 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink 111: What Does That Face Look Like (Essays) Reflections on the portrayal of Robert M. Sanchez in the media, and some questions in my ownmind about those final moments. [1,425 words] [Spiritual]
Metrolink111:She Likes Trains (Essays) Metrolink Glen, my engineer, how did you ever get it so right? How could something so devistating turn into something so joyous? three little words sum up the last year of my life so neatly all it nee... [2,190 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink608: Cuddled By The Engineer (Essays) quiet confidence, energetic moments, teasing, ephiphany, the engineer and ice-cream, cuddling me with tech talk, just another perfect week at the Fullerton train station. And he still is the best, bec... [3,783 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink608 Learning The Story (Essays) Learning the story, following advice. [3,760 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink608: Making It Through Tuesday (Essays) Love, a hard taskmaster; tortured by the bell; two engineers, and standing in the rain. It's a very human week at the fullerton train station. [5,677 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink608: Making The Engineer Happy (Essays) Big trouble, morning blessing, and no sympathy even if I have a cold. he's Glen. He's the best. [4,549 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink608: Meeting Locomotive 800 (Essays) Teasing, loco 800, wary Glen, the two woman fan club, it's all Glen. [2,844 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink608: Number One Engineer (Essays) Christmas, New years, laughter, tears, teasing, the engineer steeler, and living on a kiss, sort of. It doesn't get much better than this. [6,046 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink608: Playing Hooky (Essays) The first week after New Year's day, quiet, the same question over and over, and my favorite game. It's a good week. [2,426 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink608 The Railroad Facts Of Life (Essays) Oh the drama! Showing the engineer the switch key, changing the route, goodbye, the call, sweet reconciliation! The last two weeks have been emotional, fun, and oh so perfect! [9,681 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: Being There Tomorrow (Essays) Not a good day, but such a great day. Already it has been eventful and we're only up to Wednesday. I think of you sweet engineer, wonder if you're okay. And yes I'll be there tomorrow. [2,200 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: Engineer Day (Essays) freight baby, social butterfly, drama, fun, and the gold standard. [5,147 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: Engineer Drama (Essays) Oh goodness! If you don't like drama, even if it's all in my own head, and you don't like self analysis, don't read this. Magic, petulant engineer, sweet engineer. [6,420 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: Engineer Hunter (Essays) the engineer and the switch key. Of cool summer nights and engineer hunting. [3,117 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708 Engineer Magic (Essays) One can't stand the MPI, one wants to know where I've been, one wants to know if I'll be there tomorrow. So many engineers, one switch key, and so little time. [5,802 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: Getting The Right One (Essays) the FP59, the engineer, it's definitely the right one. And even if he is leaving he's still the right one. I got the right one. [5,635 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708 Making Connections (Essays) There's no place like home, I guess. New engineers, connecting with trains, it's all about my social life. Ordenary connections. [3,225 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: Metrolink Tales (Essays) Metrolink tales. [2,576 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: On The Trail Of Gold (Essays) Gold, engineers, it's all good, it's all gold. [3,498 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: Prince Charming (Essays) All of Shelley's Prince charmings. [1,829 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: Railroad Birthday (Essays) My very own train party Shelley style. Trains, conductors, engineers, food, friends, fun, the best birthday, ever. I smiled. [4,633 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: Remembering My Name (Essays) Do the engineers remember me? Seems so. This week they all either know, use, or remember my name. But who is training whom? [2,015 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: Replacing The Engineer (Essays) So many engineers, so many stories, so much potential, so little time, and still you can't replace Glen. but it's all fun and all part of Shelley's engineer adventures. [4,401 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: The Commuter Train To Paradise (Essays) Tales from the Fullerton station. [3,172 words] [Relationships]
Metrolink708: Train Orders For The Court (Essays) My engineers get a break, and yet life is still eventful at the fullerton train station. [2,272 words] [Relationships]
My Dream About Rob Sanchez (Short Stories) In March I had this dream about the Metrolink engineer who parished in the Chatsworth train accident on September 12, 2009. It wasn't really bizarre or anything it was a dream but I had to write it do... [450 words] [Spiritual]
My Dream About The Chatsworth Train Wreck (Non-Fiction) You know how dreams are. No revelations, no judgement calls, just a sadness for the families and a dream I had to write down because I know I will forget it and someone might want to read it. You can ... [1,082 words] [Mystical]
My Favorite Eisenhower Moments: Reminiscences From Crusade In Europe (Non-Fiction) In January, 2000, I read Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's book on operation in the European theater of war during World War II. I found it detailed, engaging, and at times utterly delightful. Here are so... [1,160 words] [History]
My Friend, My Number One Engineer (Poetry) For Glenn, killed in an unfortunate railroad accident, 2015. [344 words] [Relationships]
My Wonderful Life With Cats (Essays) - [2,340 words] [Animal]
Neighbors (Short Stories) Aviation story. This story takes place before Andrew meets Anne in his spactacular early morning landing. As I've developed these stories I've thought up a whole host of neighbors for Andrew. Here i... [1,523 words] [Romance]
No More Stalling: Part II (Non-Fiction) In the passion of recounting my Cessna adventure, I left out some ideas you might find amusing. Thanks to the flight instructor who provided me with his physical details to give this writing a more p... [1,829 words] [Adventure]
No More Stalling: Shellbell's Flight Adventure Number 2 (Non-Fiction) Six months after my first flight in a C172 Skyhawk, I am back for more in the same plane with the same instructor, this time with a twist! [2,049 words] [Adventure]
North Star Notes (Non-Fiction) As a result of flight number three, I picked up a book that the pilot recommended to me. It's called North Star Over My Shoulder. I've written my notes about it. I know you'll like it. [1,194 words] [History]
One Pilot's Magic: A Review Of Fate Is The Hunter (Non-Fiction) In 1961, Ernest K. Gann wrote a book about flying: one of many books about flying... perhaps as one person I talked to suggested, the "gold standard" of aviation writing. Here are my notes on this in... [383 words] [Adventure]
One Small Moment (Short Stories) One woman's small action makes a lasting impression on a man condemned to die for his crime. [1,847 words] [Crime]
One Winter Day (Short Stories) One man's small action to combat the hideous direction in which Hitler is taking his country. This story is set in 1943 Germany when the outcome of the war is perhaps at its bleakest. - [1,665 words] [History]
Passion For Truth (Poetry) My admiration for a federal prosecutor. [69 words] [History]
Pilot's Song (Songs) I wrote this for the pilot who takes me flying because it's such an amazing experience that I had to express my gratitude. [135 words] [Adventure]
Plane Inspection (Short Stories) Aviation series story 6B. A plane, inspection, and dinner put Andrew's decision about Anne into perspective. Who is the hero of this story? Read it and see. [1,493 words] [Romance]
Preflight (Short Stories) Aviation Series Story 5. Andrew on one of his cross country flights begins a lively correspondence with Anne. We learn more about them through their emails, and when he gets home, he admits to his cha... [4,411 words] [Romance]
Prelude To Separation (Short Stories) In 1774 Thomas Jefferson penned a pamphlet that after some delay became the philosophical foundation for the Declaration of Independence. This domestic scene on a hot, Virginia evening could have tak... [1,763 words] [History]
Project Baby And Other Fourth Of July Adventures (Children) Standing in a muddy hole on any day is probably never romantic, but you just have to read this story to get what I mean by that opening line. And if that wasn't enough, it didn't end there! Read on ... [1,132 words] [Adventure]
Quiet Love: A Brett Mccarley Locomotive Engineer Story (Short Stories) Brett and Laurie and the beginning of a marriage. [4,377 words] [Romance]
Reach For The Sky (Non-Fiction) On Saturday March 19, 2005, I gave this speech at our Toastmasters division D contest. It's about how SpaceShipOne's taking of the ten million dollar Ansari X prize in October, 2004, can teach us and ... [588 words] [Motivational]
Resistance (Short Stories) The actions and thoughts of a boy facing the bleak certainty of death in a Jewish ghetto in 1943. [1,414 words] [History]
Robert (Poetry) Poem for the Metrolink 111 engineer. [288 words] [Spiritual]
Saturday Musings: A Brett Mccarley Locomotive Engineer Story (Short Stories) A little bit of truth and a whole lot of fiction. Sweet engineer love. [1,781 words] [Romance]
Scatter My Ashes On The Railroad Tracks (Songs) A train engineer's final wish. [323 words] [Spiritual]
She Likes Trains: A Hundred Engineers (Essays) Sadness, engineer laughter, new information, new names, stories, and it's all Janice's fault. Hope all is well. [3,675 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: A Raging Railroad Crush (Essays) Cats, cookies, what's on your lap, locomotives, feel better number one engineer, crazy for trains. It's all part of a raging railroad crush. [2,876 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains Adventures With The Super Hero Bag (Essays) Adventures with a railroad grip. [3,881 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Barely Getting By (Essays) Rules, paint jobs, diet Pepsi, kids, pictures, passion. It's all here. [2,142 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Between 606 And Infinity (Essays) Starting my sixth year of railfanness and my fifth year of engineer interest I still think my number one hung the railroad moon and stars on a Saturday night. I hope he doesn't mind too much. Man, am ... [3,399 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Between Engineers (Essays) what takes my time between meeting all my engineers? Happy Easter all my engineers! [2,742 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Brave Engineer (Essays) Can you figure out who you are? Brave engineer, opinions, love, guilty pleasure, but no guilt, only pleasure. Lineup! [1,745 words]
She Likes Trains Catching The Right One (Essays) Tonight it might be as much about the right train as it is about the right engineer. I caught the right one. [2,834 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Chatsworth Ephiphany (Essays) stories, the missing link, the harvey girls, fatalities, and the Chatsworth ephiphany. All part of my adventure into trains. [2,768 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Chatsworth? Or Paradise (Essays) A non honeymoon kind of a day. Strange day. Friendly faces, the man buys me a ticket, where are the two Chrises, and the disconnect. It has to get better from here. But I'm ok, Mr Engineer. [4,249 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Convincing The Engineer (Essays) I meet them all along my railroad journey and they're all important. [2,933 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Crossing The Railroad Tracks (Essays) Happy new year all my engineers! This year has been very eventful, including, finally crossing the railroad tracks. [3,783 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Dog Days And Coming In Out Of The Rain (Essays) Rain, accidents, dogs and the crazy Fullerton engineer girl. [3,642 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Engineer Birthday Wishes (Essays) Another birthday at th efullerton station. what fun! [3,275 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Engineer Numbers (Essays) All my engineers. All my numbers. [2,347 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Engineer Questions (Essays) Questions, back to the Chatsworth drawing board, the baby is back, rain, offending food, and love. And the bestest engineer, ever! [2,792 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Engineer Vacation (Essays) Tehachapi, engineer friends, and still his best station girl. [2,814 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Flirting With The Locomotives (Essays) The switch key attachment, love struck by the locomotives; love on the rails and the silent engineer. [2,844 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: From Stress To Comfort (Essays) From stress to comfort. Errands. Work. Trains. And, entertainment. [1,328 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Hogger Stocker (Essays) All my engineers. All my fun, surprised, sweet engineers, and always my best! [2,153 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Hot Blue Flags And Red Hot Steel (Essays) Some days and some nights it's just all about the logic of staying off the railroad tracks. Boundary lines, strange conversations, cookies, diet soda, hot blue flags and red hot steel. [4,364 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Indomitable Train (Essays) 8705. Distractions. Indomitable train. A promise to an engineer. [2,014 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Journeys To Friday (Essays) On our way to Friday, we experience the death of a mascott. The married engineer with children, my freezing Lancaster railroad crush, And a passing comment about trains. [2,415 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Knowing About The Railroad (Essays) Engineers, daring passengers, dogs, signals, and love. [4,635 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Lancaster Nightcap (Essays) Oh, there's so much I left out. and, no one ever experienced railroad radio quite like this. You're still the best. [2,316 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Magic Train (Essays) Diverging clear. full circle. Rr cheater. Excitement, adventure, and the Magic train. [2,155 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Missing The Train Meet (Essays) Birthday wishes are never too late, heart-stealers, more dogs, and missing the train meet. [5,044 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: My Familiar Places (Essays) Engineer teasing, returning to my beloved trains, or is it engineers? And gentle Glenn. [1,446 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Name That Train (Essays) New Year's Eve 2011, Fullerton style. [2,939 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: North Stories (Essays) Shy? Who me? New characters and always a quest to meet more. [1,683 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Not Looking For Trouble (Essays) The man from the orange trains, two engineers by the stairs, an unconfirmed fatality, and the Angels Express. All in two weeks and I promise it wasn't the fullerton engineer girl looking for trouble. ... [2,064 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: One Hand Somewhere Else (Essays) One hand waving, a bridge to paradise, helpful passengers who take the cake, and one hand somewhere else. [3,838 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Post Fatality Syndrome (Essays) Two years, four switch keys, one lock, one lantern, and three engineers later. here we are. [2,887 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Private Railroad (Essays) Communion with the locomotive, meeting he extra, threatened with my own bells, and missing my engineer. Does it get any better than this? [4,369 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Quaking Trains (Essays) The endless loop of adventures. The engineer voicemail. The rr circus. Engineer training school. And, always...trains. And, the moving earth. [4,548 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Quality Engineer (Essays) Twenty locomotive engineers. Count them! [3,175 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Rail Nut New Years Eve (Essays) Number one engineer I'm shamelessly stealing your phrase because it works here. Don't mind too much, please. [2,867 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Railroad Groupy (Essays) four engineers, one conductor, a couple of people I know. The Fullerton engineer girl has turned into a rialroad groupy. [2,889 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains Railroad High School (Essays) Kidnapped on thrown on the magic train. Three years of bliss and keys and the very best. Shameless confessions. [4,003 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains Railroad Journeys (Essays) How we got here, where are we going, all my journeys, and teasing, but this time, not me! [4,107 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Redoxx Engineer (Essays) Kismet. Wonder what number he is? [3,367 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Riding The Slow And Poky (Essays) Nail biting, hands in the right place, cats, bells, pictures, and the best engineer ever. worth the three year wait to see him in person again. All on the slow and poky. [7,178 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Shining Railroad Eyes (Essays) It's about comfort after losing my number one engineer in an accident on February 24, 2015. It's therapy, healing, passion and most of all, shining railroad eyes. [9,839 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Silent, Train Night (Essays) A Christmas carol, a messy, rainy week, Christmas presents for cats, love on the rails, and my engineers, all the gold standard. [3,183 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Sitting Pretty (Essays) Nail polish, quiet days, sleep, and doing time. This week, the baby and me, we're sitting pretty. [2,458 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Sleepy Freights (Short Stories) Back to the Union Pacific, the last meal, engineer in training, and just hanging with trains. [3,746 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Slow Engineer (Essays) The man from the orange trains, love calls, waking the sleeping engineer, locomotives, and the cat. It's all about trains. [4,025 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Slow Order Freights (Essays) Protests, flange bite, all this between freights. [2,815 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Station Gold (Essays) Glen the Metrolink engineer's first vocal utterance has inspired my new series of train writings. Catch up on all the things that are hapening at the station, besides talking to the engineers. Who han... [2,734 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Steel Tangled (Essays) A new restaurant, a systems operation guide, lovely trains, don't get her mad, getting offline, and love. [3,497 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Steel Train (Essays) Always fascinated with steel no matter how it makes you feel. [2,904 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Sweet Train Dreams (Essays) The opening of track 4, more engineers and sweet train dreams. [2,457 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Taking It From The Engineer (Essays) wow you're going to love this one! From the patio to this! Shelley's railroad milestone for sure. [4,478 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Taking The Engineers Heart (Essays) Keys, dogs, stories, and the engineer's hearts. [3,992 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Tales From The Rails (Essays) Hit or miss, amazing ladies, the bath. sometimes the train station isn't about trains. [2,395 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: The Bag, The Switch Key, And The New Engineer (Essays) It always gets better from here. Always. Engineers. Switch keys. Bags. a new bridge inspection. Psychology. It always gets better from here. [2,930 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: The Book Of Engineers (Essays) Memories, a new engineer, community, and the book of engineers. [4,114 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: The Engineer Who Saved The Day (Essays) Sweet engineer, when that train whistle wails, when you make sweet music on the mainline rails, you don't know how you rescue the conversation. All hail the hand on the switch! [6,133 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: The Engineer's Right To Know (Essays) What persistence led to. [2,234 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: The Human Gold (Essays) Gold digging at the fullerton station. Everything about everything, the gad about, on time, and the pig mauler brigade. [2,945 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: The Little Engineer That Couldn't (Essays) Did God just call my name? I'll get him someday. On our time. And, why am not so nervous? Still the best number one engineer. Lancaster lucky. [6,321 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: The Locomotive Stairway To Heaven (Essays) So many things led to this moment, the moment I took my first ride in a diesel electric locomotive cab. [993 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: The Railroad Sweet Spot (Essays) A question, freights, the railroad sweet spot. [3,015 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: The South Side Of Paradise (Essays) Engineers, food, warm weather, and train chasing. [6,629 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: The Stairway To Locomotive Heaven (Essays) The metal staircase of Alco 98 curves upward, today is the start into my continuing railroad journey, and it was all because of Kimberly. I'll take it. [1,969 words] [Relationships]
She Likes Trains: Train Struck (Essays) When it's all said and done, sometimes accident just happen. 269's turn. [4,227 words] [Relationships]
Shellbell's Flight Adventure (Non-Fiction) I've been publishing stories here with an aviation theme so I thought you might enjoy reading about my first flight as a passenger in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk! [1,797 words] [Adventure]
Simply Friends (Novels) The story of Ted Hamilton and Kim Heming. Previously I had stories up here about them, this is the novel form with some improvements. It's funny how love just grows without even trying to make it do t... [29,243 words] [Relationships]
Sincerely, Michelle White (Short Stories) A prominent recording executive realizes her relationship with a band manager has been properly resolved. [2,207 words] [Relationships]
Six Speeches To Success (Non-Fiction) In January, 2003 I joined toastmasters and will complete my first certification by November, 2003. Here are my first six speeches ranging from flying, to owning a restaurant, to Internet relationship... [4,162 words] [Motivational]
Sky Bound (Short Stories) Aviation Series story 8. Five years after Anne and Andrew marry, a crisis in the making forces them to come to a decision about their future. [3,501 words] [Romance]
The Attorney's Assistant (Short Stories) About a relationship between a U.S. attorney and an assistant. Emphasizes positive contributions of people with disabilities to society. Sometimes our expectations of disabled people or their expect... [7,617 words] [Relationships]
The Best Grocery Shopping Experience Ever And Other Activities (Non-Fiction) Another communication story about my deaf friend Richard and me. who in the world except me would think grocery shoping could be so much fun? Well there's so much more than that, but read the story ... [1,572 words] [Relationships]
The Dish Star: Stories From Bay St. Louis, 2005 (Non-Fiction) In December 2005 I had a chance to work at a relief kitchen in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Three years later I'm posting my experiences for everyone to read. Good luck to those who are still dealing w... [8,310 words] [Relationships]
The General's Driver (Short Stories) About the relationship that exists between a top army general and his driver. [4,245 words]
The Human Part Of The Railroad (Essays) Trespasser on the tracks. The intimate kiss of the engineer. It's all the human part of railroading. [2,519 words] [Relationships]
The Letter (Short Stories) Instalment One. A plane crash, a letter, and twenty years of memory cause Alex, a deaf man, and Julie, his hearing wife, to pause and reflect on their relationship. For those of you who love conflict,... [5,349 words] [Relationships]
The Melanie Files (Children) This file has now in September, 2004, been updated! Various musings from my encounters with my favorite six-year-old: Melanie. [2,801 words] [Relationships]
The Railfan (Short Stories) Story 1. We meet Matthew Martinez Glen Streicher's teenage railfan friend. Fever, basketball, a conference, and mentoring And a plan. . [5,360 words] [Relationships]
The Stair Case (Short Stories) Aviation Story 6A. Several months after Anne and Andrew attend an airshow (which I haven't written about, Anne returns an extra set of keys to Andrew and finds him in need of her help. In this inter... [2,903 words] [Romance]
The Surprise (Short Stories) This story was given as a speech at a Toastmasters meeting. A little girl, all grown up, reflects on the day she gave her mother a surprise birthday party. [690 words] [Relationships]
The Woman (Short Stories) About the last moments of a woman who perishes in an Auschwitz death chamber and how one person's memory keeps her alive, even now. [790 words]
Those Presentation Jitters (Non-Fiction) The next time you think you're nervous about a speech, read this account of a presentation given by someone with a Competent Toastmasters certificate! Don't think just because you have letters behind... [2,325 words] [Motivational]
Thoughts On The Death Of Peter Jennings: Dividing The Sky (Essays) An essay on why I feel Peter Jenning's death so keenly and how his life in some ways has influenced mine. [1,203 words] [Motivational]
Time Is Like A Clock (Poetry) This poem about time is dedicated to my mother, Terry, who went to be with the Lord in December. She told me before she died that she carried this poem in her purse since the day I was fourteen years... [90 words] [Relationships]
Timothy McVeigh: A Legacy (Essays) This short work examines the possibility that Timothy McVeigh in character, action and upbringing could have been any one of us. Long live the memory of those who perished. (Revised August 7, 2001.) [788 words]
Toastmaster Speech 10: You Never Know (Non-Fiction) This was the last speech required for completion of the certification process for Toastmasters. It discusses one of my mentors and how his introduction of advanced computer technology has helped furt... [1,280 words]
Toastmasters Speech Number 9: Our Most Important Document (Non-Fiction) In October, 2003, I gave speech number 9. It was about how the US. Declaration of Independence paved the way for the following years in U.S. history. [889 words]
Today With Ms (Poetry) A poem about the affects of MS. This is how I've heard it described and expressed it. [70 words] [Motivational]
Tony's Unbirthday Party (Non-Fiction) My birthday visit with Tony. [1,150 words] [Motivational]
Train Watchers: A Brett Mccarley Locomotive Engineer Story (Short Stories) You hope this never happens out on the line, but if it does, you hope you have a friend like Laurie. A day's work cements a growing bond between engineer and commuter. [3,405 words] [Relationships]
Trespasser (Novels) Sample chapter from my first published novel. Published 2015. Jeff and Judy meet after a fatality and here we learn some general information that helps him deal with the aftermath. To purchase the boo... [1,759 words] [Romance]
Uncharted Skies (Short Stories) Aviation Series story 7. Time has passed since Andrew's admission to Anne. Now a crucial decision must be made and Andrew struggles till the end with just how to put the question! [4,715 words] [Romance]
Virginia Planter (Short Stories) Thomas Jefferson is asked to write in the service of his country. I found this on a disc with another story I wrote several years ago. It's my imagination of our country's very young history. [3,016 words] [History]
Waiting For Us (Poetry) Metrolink 111 waiting to leave from the Chatsworth station. [173 words] [Spiritual]
What Are You Thinking (Songs) A man I know whose primary means of communication is sign language encountered a sad event and so one day he was sitting and looking out of the window and it gave me the idea for this song about what ... [163 words] [Relationships]
Wine Coolers And Chocolate Chip Cookies (Short Stories) Aviation Series Story 4. christmas serves as the backdrop in which we learn more about Andrew's life before meeting Anne. [4,067 words] [Romance]
You Were Born For The Rail Way Station (Songs) Another tribute to Robert M. Sanchez the perished engineer in the Metrolink 111 crash September 12, 2008. The key is cminor with a 1 6 4 5 progression and a lot of open chords. The words look odd on t... [198 words] [Spiritual]
Your Name In The Wind (Songs) This is a song about someone's absolute passion for flight. [198 words] [Adventure]
You've Got This (Poetry) Christ reigns. [86 words] [Mystical]
The Pursuit Of Happiness
Shelley J Alongi

June 28, 1776, was hot and steamy in Philadelphia. The political situation matched the climate. The British still taxed the colonies unfairly, at least that’s what some people said. No, thought the tall, red haired Virginian, everyone was saying that. He could certainly understand that concern; he had expressed it himself. He, like any other lawyer in the 1760s under British rule, had paid taxes on paper used in legal cases until those abominable acts had been repealed. Now, in 1776, not even taxes on painter’s led and tea were being paid. The opening curtain call to what would become the Revolutionary War and general discontent, mixed with a growing feeling that the mother country was interfering more and more with colonial affairs provided a perfect incubation spot for thoughts of independence to flourish unmolested till some catalyst quickly turned the smoldering concept into a flaming reality. The young Virginian’s own tortured writings two summers ago had led him inexorably toward that conclusion, drawing the rest of the colonies with him, after the publication of his grievances against George III and the laying out of the privileges bestowed upon those who had settled British North America. Damned British, if he said so himself. Jefferson, a man of few and certainly some thought less than eloquent words, didn’t say these things as loudly as anyone else. He left all that to his pen. The opening salvo of the conflict that settled the question finally hushed a clamoring Continental Congress. Their arguments finally drawn up short, they had asked the flamboyant John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Pennsylvania and himself to form a committee to draw up such a declaration. Adams and Sherman left all the writing to the quiet, introspective Virginian. He knew that in a fractious mass of opinionated delegates who spared neither word nor feeling, someone would reject something. Deeply pained at the prospect, the document’s coolheaded, sometimes over anxious drafter, took the pen into a confident, strong, wet hand, his fingers resting lightly on the feathered pen. The heat in the quiet room was oppressive, laying it’s wet tentacles of moisture on the back of his neck, plastering strands of his hair to his brow. Sweat ran in rivulets down his back. The thirty-three year-old landowner could breathe in the heat in lungfuls of thick, moist air and only exhale a stifling tension that begged release in his finished work. .

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume
among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions
of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
The separation was just getting started, wasn’t it. And this whole thing about dissolving political bands! As he saw it, the cutting away of those bands offered a chance for new ideas to grow and flourish in a world that in 1776 was still sought after by Europeans. Perhaps in a few years if relations failed to remain amicable, the Americans would be vying for space on this continent, further disconnecting them from the old corrupt ways and taking on new ones. All that would have to resolved later. What mattered on this day in June with his draft of the completed document spread out before him along with all his other papers, was a full accounting of wrongs able to deliver just the right amount of anger and resolve, packing enough punch to let an overbearing tyrannical prince know that without further debate, these political bonds were irrevocably being cut.

The scratching of Jefferson’s pen painstakingly following the movements of his hand had faded into the annals of time. Jefferson sat back in his chair and stretched, rubbing the cramp out of his writing hand. Clammy moist air settled over his shoulders. He breathed in again, twirled his pen, dropping some ink on the blotter. Were the sentiments expressed in this document strong enough? Certainly a myriad of evidence had been presented to let “a candid world” know that the colonies had been wronged. Colonists who had broken laws had been denied the right of a jury and had even been transported back to England for trial. How fare was that? Then there was the matter of taxes. Anger smoldered in the breast of the man who would be called the pen of the American Revolution. Taxes, unfair trials, standing armies! George III had the nerve to keep standing armies among the colonies! Why, even Boston Harbor had defenses. The young Virginian got up swept aside the doubts with his hands. It was enough! It was truly enough!

He picked up the first sheet of paper, felt its roughness against his skin. Finally, gone were the doubts, the worries about losing his life over expressed sentiments. This was it! The road to nationhood would be difficult, but it would have to be trodden now, for there was no choice! The Declaration of Independence in his strong hand put forth the grievances, the ideas, the resolve of the thirteen colonies, all of which had been divided in their political allegiances till now and who would most likely continue to exhibit political disunity in the years to come. At this time and in this place with the future looming before them and the past firmly behind them, the document stood strong, proclaiming the wish for these thirteen colonies to be united into States. He laid the paper on the table and turned toward the door. He put his hand on the latch and opened it. A blast of steaming air pushed it’s way into Jefferson’s face. He blinked against it’s sticky quality, used to it, but still a bit shocking in it’s intensity, even if his own Virginia Blue Ridge had experienced similar conditions. Once again he breathed in the hot, moist air and sighed, the tension leaving him spent and exhausted. It was done. The words were on the pages, the signatures would be affixed. He had put down the plan that would launch the new nation into it’s own pursuit of happiness and lead him along it’s rocky path. Louisiana, Erin Burr, the Kentucky resolutions, the rift with Washington and Adams, bitter enmity between himself and Hamilton, the presidency, All that lay years ahead of him, but for now, he shut the door on the document and entered into the steamy night, resolved and firmly set on this course.

 

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE
© 2003 Shelley J Alongi
STORYMANIA PUBLICATION DATE
September 2003
NUMBER OF TIMES TITLE VIEWED
3854
 

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