In My Backyard - Issue #11 - Turtles, Tortoises or Terrapins

The cold is officially over here in the mid-west and those days of drippy, humid temperatures have already begun. Though some of us might dread this warming weather, there are those who thrive in it. And I don't mean those warm-blooded humans but literally warm-blooded creatures also known as ectotherms. Snakes, lizards, and turtles are prevalent in these temperatures.Last month I wrote about the Garter snake and though we haven't been visited by...

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Having Questions Doesn't Always Mean You'll Have Answers

GracieThis morning I was fixing sourdough biscuits  like I do just about every other day. (We leave them in the fridge till supper to let the sourdough do its duty). Gracie, our pit bull/lab mix, was laying on the cool linoleum sleeping. She's an outdoor doggy but we spoil her, and she doesn't complain. Anyway, as I was working I was talking to her about my writing. She's a good listener, she never has a problem with anything I say.Character?...

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The Result of a Knock on the Door

There we were, preparing lunch, when we heard a knock on the door. I answered it and this woman told me that the bible never says God rules the world. I said, "Ha!" and shut the door in her face. Actually, I awkwardly told her "I don't believe that" and proceeded to shut the door.Afterward I kept going over in my mind how I could have handled the situation differently. She was totally wrong and didn't know it. Of course, I wouldn't have told her that in quite that way. And unfortunately I will never have the chance to try again. But at least I...

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A Beautiful Love Story - Part Four (ending)

Part Four (read parts one, two, and three):Rebekah sat far into the night in the same spot on her window seat. Hours had passed and everyone had gone to bed long ago but still she sat unmoving.Her thoughts gradually began to clear and reality began to sink in. Was this really from the LORD? She asked herself over and over. Obviously, if it was then she would have no choice but to agree. But was it?Just that morning (or last morning?) she had told her best friend Abigail that there were no such plans for her marriage and now here she was about to...

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A Beautiful Love Story - Part Three

Part Three (read part one or part two)."Sit down, my friend, sit down and eat. We are pleased that you honour us with your presence."Rebekah's father motioned for their guest, the servant of their relative Abraham, to take a seat at the table. Laban hovered around, his face full of curiosity. At this point, Rebekah realized they all were itching to know just what this man was sent for but decorum insisted proper hospitality before questions. Therefore, they were all surprised when the man refused to eat until he had told the reason for his mission."My...

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A Beautiful Love Story - Part Two

Part Two (click here for part one).The sun was starting to droop in the sky when Rebekah finished her sewing and began to attend to the last chores of the day. Her father had bought material for the dress she was making just for her on his last trip, which wasn't something he did very often. The material was beautiful, and of a shade rarely used due to its expense but here it was, ready for her to wear to some special gathering. She couldn't wait and felt very satisfied with the outcome.The servants were busy cooking and doing other necessary...

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A Beautiful Love Story - Part One

Here's a little story I've written. I have split it into four parts, this is part one. Part two, three, and four, will follow soon. Rebekah awoke like she did every morning, to the beginning rays of the sun peaking in her window. Was it morning already? she asked herself. Pulling herself up from her pallet she methodically dressed and started the morning chores that must be done before breakfast. She found her mother in the kitchen already hard at work. She would soon help her but first she needed to go down to the well to retrieve water. Lifting...

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