Uncategorized – Bender Tales

The Mighty Pen Project

For several years, I have participated in the Mighty Pen Project, an intensive writing class for veterans sponsored by the Virginia War Memorial. https://vawarmemorial.org/mightypen The professor is David L. Robbins: Learn more about David here: https://www.davidlrobbinsauthor.com/ David has helped and encouraged us to tell the stories that should not be forgotten. Some are personal, meantContinue reading “The Mighty Pen Project”

A Word for Those Who Need It: Holiday Version

In the next few days, many of us will gather with extended family to celebrate the holidays. For some, this will be a joyous occasion filled with laughter, stories, good food and the chance to relax with people they love. Others will spend quality time with relatives who insist on indulging in a favorite addiction,Continue reading “A Word for Those Who Need It: Holiday Version”

Close at Hand

A friend sent me a cartoon that, as she intended, gave me a good laugh. It was a drawing of a woman standing behind a table with the contents of her purse strewn across its surface. She had a look of panic on her face and a cell phone stuck between her shoulder and ear.Continue reading “Close at Hand”

Questions

My grandmother lived two doors away when I was seven. I loved to visit and did so often. One afternoon, on her way to town, my mother pulled up in front of Nana’s mailbox. “Get in,” she shouted. I walked to the passenger side of the car. “Wait, I forgot something.” I ran back toContinue reading “Questions”

War in Pieces

Thanks to David L. Robbins, the Mighty Pen, the Virginia War Memorial and the Virgina Repertory Theatre for the opportunity to see our plays produced. My play is called “Living on a Prayer.” Getting some publicity ahead of opening night! https://richmondmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/stage-screen/mighty-pen-project-war-in-pieces/ https://www.broadwayworld.com/norfolk/article/Virginia-War-Memorial-Foundation-and-Virginia-Repertory-Theatre-Co-Produce-Four-New-One-Act-Plays-Written-by-Veterans-20230223https://urbanviewsrva.com/2023/02/28/war-in-pieces-four-one-act-plays-written-by-veterans/ https://www.audacy.com/mix981richmond/latest/virginia-war-memorial-foundation-and-virginia-repertory https://va-rep.org/_war-in-pieces-va-war-memorial.html See website for tickets if you are near Richmond, Virginia: https://tickets.va-rep.org/events

The Guys

As the congregation finished singing the recessional hymn, I walked down the aisle toward the open sanctuary door and took my place just inside. I smoothed my white robe, adjusted the cincture, and made sure the stole hung evenly around my neck. This was my first Sunday as the associate pastor. I needed to lookContinue reading “The Guys”

The Living Nativity

“Finally, it’s started,” Adriane said to those gathered in a lean-to on the far side of the church building. “Good, ‘cause I’m freezing,” said Peter. He pulled his long robe tighter. Over the wind, the sounds of laughter, mingled with the somewhat in-tune singing of Sunday School classes, wafted through the cracked-open back door ofContinue reading “The Living Nativity”

The Right Time

Chronos Tick—6 am alarm Tock—56-minute commute Tick—2 pm staff meeting Tock—40-year career Shove feet into shoes without untying. Run. Kairos The hint of sunlight at the horizon. Trees blossoming on the roadside. The value of working together. A life that matters. Savor. Notice. Retie shoes for a comfortable fit. Walk. Wander. Wonder. Chronos Tick—calendarize Tock—prioritizeContinue reading “The Right Time”

If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Your Mother

I checked my watch. “She’s late.” “Careful,” Maria said, “or the auctioneer will think you’re bidding.” “Not on these kids.” Three gangly teenagers holding gardening tools stood on the stage. “Have hoe, will travel!” announced the auctioneer. “How much will you bid to have your garden tilled and ready for your homegrown tomatoes?” As handsContinue reading “If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Your Mother”

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A DUCK TALE (A Guest Post!)

This brief tutorial is dedicated to my former neighbor and longtime adversary Spike who was a particularly foul duck. A water fowl with a broad blunt bill, short legs, webbed feet and a waddling gate. A female duck is a hen. A male duck is a drake. A duck has waterproof feathers. A tiny glandContinue reading “A DUCK TALE (A Guest Post!)”