Happy Birthday, Borderline!

My sweet little girl, Bordie, is fourteen .... it's hard to believe! She has been by my side through every moment of my adult life. We've laughed (seriously, if you knew this dog you would understand that she does reflect this emotion!), cried, hugged, mourned. She's an absolute angel. Her old bones must ache and she sleeps more than she used to, but she still wakes up every morning wagging her tail and ready to take on another day ... hoping to catch a frisbee ... a turtle ... a frog (like last weekend) or even a bug .... I hope all her dreams come true today! I wish her as much love and happiness as she has given me over all these years!

The Best American Mystery Stories 2003

I love short stories. I always have. I love the pace of a well-written short story. How the characters and story lines are developed and quickly lure you in, take you for a wild ride, and then throw you back. All in a few short pages. And this particular selection did not disappoint! Although not especially mysterious, these stories were all ironic and edgy. A good short story can leave you changed as much as a brilliant novel. I have flown all over this world and experienced some amazing adventures out there, but two of my favorites were a quick little tour in a helicopter over the Black Hills of South Dakota and a hot air balloon ride over the Missouri River. Never discount the little tidbits life throws at you.... the short stories..... they are just as exciting as their grander counterparts!

Late Sunday Afternoon

The lazy sun is warm on my face
the wine spicy on my tongue
the Moody Blues, so sweet in my ear...
Running water and whispering birds
My eyes grow heavy
and peace finds me a willing victim