Hello Everyone,

Please join me this week for a new selection of stories and poems. The first story is about addictions and regrets from the past, written by one of our most recent subscribers. ‘But not for me’ by Robert O’Meara. Then part one of a true story about a winter vacation, when four friends rented a condo down south for two weeks. ‘Florida in Winter’, written by myself. And don’t miss the conclusion next week. Our poem of the week is in the form of a conversation about the changing seasons and written by Angela van Breemen, titled ‘A Conversation I Heard Between Gaia and the Winds of Time’. Finally, a comedy from Mike Crompton, titled ‘Parenting’.

Send me your stories and poems for a chance to be published. Winter, Spring, Valentine’s, Romance. And I’m still looking for stories of 200 words or less. I send this as a challenge to all you writers out there.

And lastly, don’t forget to send me your comments on this week’s stories for the writers.

Bren

Hello everyone and Happy New Year,

I’m looking forward to a better year for all of us and I’m sure the chickens are breathing a sigh of relief right about now. With the hike in prices of chicken breasts, making it unrealistic for most of us to buy them, I’m sure that many chickens will live to see another sunrise.

The weather is cooperating, for now, lots of rain, but not much snow. But I maintain that the time for snow has passed. Christmas has come and gone. However, I am looking forward to St. Valentine’s Day in February. I’m a romantic at heart and apart from that, I love a reason to celebrate…something to anticipate. Send me your stories of heartbreak, unrequited love, holiday romance, wedding, etc. for a chance to be published.

I am joined this week by Teri-Lyn Smethurst and her story, titled “Comedy In Error”, about an unfortunate communication breakdown. Then a tale about superstition and how to blend it into your life, titled “A Midnight Discovery” by Dian Bowers. (Good wishes for a speedy recovery Dian).

Then Tammy Tipler-Priolo’s introspective, titled “I talk to myself”. Haven’t we all? (More good wishes for a speedy recovery Tammy) And then, the closing chapter of my Christmas story, titled “The Blessing”. Also, our local poet Mike Madill is featured on my home page, with his debut book of poems, titled “The Better Part of Some Time”.

Have a good week and don’t forget, your comments as always are appreciated.

Bren

Thank goodness the wind finally dropped. I half expected to end up in Oz last night. But today the sun is shining and I am content. This week’s stories begin with a sweet story by Dian Bowers, titled “A Pebble in the Hand” and for those of you who haven’t heard yet, Dian is recovering from heart surgery. Please send your thoughts and prayers for her swift recovery.

Next, we have a longer story in two chapters, titled “The Christmas List” and written by myself. Then a poem from Patricia Burnett sending Christmas wishes, titled Christmas Blessings and finally a humorous story that we can all relate to if we have teens in the family, or remembering back to when we were a teen. The story is titled “Fibber McGee’s Closet by Angie Rose Carnegie.

Don’t forget to send your comments for the authors and I am open for submissions – Christmas, Hannukah or any winter tales. Also, if you want your Christmas message featured on the main page, please send a photo and text to brendashort@writingblog.ca

Don’t forget your ugly Christmas sweater or T-shirt. Send a snapshot for a chance to win a prize.

Bren

Hello everyone,

Here we are on the countdown to Christmas and I haven’t even begun my shopping yet. However, I’ve looked out this year’s ugly sweater in readiness for my challenge. The Christmas tree goes up today and that should stimulate me to think seasonal thoughts.

This week’s stories begin with an amusing slice of life from Michelle Dinnick titled “The Visit”. Then part two of the latest story chain titled “Wildfire”, the conclusion written by myself. A seasonal poem from Angela van Breemen, presented with the perfect backdrop, titled “The Cycle”. Lastly, a delightful, wintery awakening, described in detail by Dian Bowers and titled “A Magical Morning”. Join me on writersblog.ca and don’t forget to send your comments for the writers.

Send me your Christmas greeting messages to post and also Christmas stories and poems. And…don’t forget the annual Ugly Christmas Sweater challenge. Your picture could win you a prize and you will all have a chance to vote for the best one.

Bren

Hello everyone,

Welcome to a snowy day. Sit back with a cup of cocoa and enjoy this week’s stories. Firstly we have another adventure from my old couple Lovey and Lass, titled “The Visa Card”. Next is a story chain, chapter one by Dian Bowers titled “Wildfire”. Followed by the winner of the pumpkin cookbook, a poem by Angie Rose-Carnegie titled “Pumpkins and Squash”. And finally, another humorous story by Mike Crompton, titled “Being Confined”.

I hope you enjoy the stories and the poem. As usual, please send your comments for the authors.

We are heading into the Christmas season and as such, I am putting out a request for your Christmas stories and poems. Please send them to brendashort@writingblog.ca for the chance to be published next month.

Last year, some of you sent me your Christmas greetings with photos and a message. If you would like to send out greetings to your friends and family, now is the time to prepare. I will begin to post these the first week in December, also there will be a prize once again for the ugliest Christmas sweater. Send me your photos by December 17th to participate.

Bren