Sue Spitulnik

Forest Bathing

Where do you go to find peace

I go to the woods

The city sounds are far away

There are no other voices

The rays of sun filter through the branches

Birds flit from tree to tree

Squirrels chase each other

And pussy willows are soft grey

The stream babbles slowly by

And if I sit still long enough

A deer stops by to drink

The rabbit outruns the fox

And the trillium bloom pure white

Leeks and fiddleheads can be had for lunch

If you know where to look

Spring in the forest

My favorite time of year

In response to Charli Mills April 19, 2018, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about forest bathing. You can use the Japanese term, Shinrin Yoku, or you can make up your own ideas about the phrase. Go where the prompt leads.

April 19: Flash Fiction Challenge

04/23/2018 7

Americans have been enjoying this springtime cake since the early 1900s when many cakes were made in cast iron skillets. (The skillet could be put in a wood burning stove oven without harming it.) Continue reading →

04/20/2018 4

Since bats was the topic of this weeks 99 word flash fiction at Carrot Ranch Literary I thought I would share the following information with you from the National Day of Calendar. I happen to like bats, and I hope you will too after reading the following.

April is the best time of the year to observe bats, as they are now beginning to emerge from hibernation. National Bat Appreciation Day is also an excellent time to learn about the role bats play in nature. One important reason to celebrate bats is that they are considered to be an “insectivorous” creature because they rid our world of many annoying insects. In one hour, a bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes. Continue reading →

04/17/2018 2

A Family Matter

Healthcare decisions for yourself and others you may have to make choices for are better done before anyone gets sick. I recommend having a straight talk with your spouse and children, or parents, or whomever you want to know what you want and don’t want done when the time comes. Talking about these matters when you are of sound mind, and not in pain, will make the discussion easier on everyone. Continue reading “A Family Matter” →

04/16/2018 3

Bats – Flash Fiction

“Lady, you’ve got bats in your belfry.”

“I’m not batty. I know I saw your signed bats in the attic.”

“Those bats better be in my gun safe; they’re worth money. Any bats in the attic better be the furry kind.”

“If there are, I’m out’a here.”

“For how long?”

“Don’t get excited, only until the exterminator is successful.”

“Darn, I thought I could tell my friends my old bat left.”

“Buddy, you’re cruisin'”

“Just kidding darling, you know I love you. You’ll always be my Robin.”

“Goody, first a bat and now a boy. Where’s my furry cape?”

In response to Charli Mills April 12, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a bat. You can use an association to the winged, cave-dwelling critter, or you can explore the word for other meanings. Bonus points for including a bat cave. Go where the prompt leads.

April 12: Flash Fiction Challenge

04/14/2018 5

Can You Spell

Today is National Scrabble Day. I have a pretty good handle on the American language and most of the time can spell a word correctly, but winning at Scrabble has never been one of my strong suits. Continue reading “Can You Spell” →

04/13/2018 0