Author Archives: sputterpub

Reward

Posted on December 29, 2010 by sputterpub

    When I was 42 or so, I happened to board the home-going bus behind two chatting people. The woman was first, and she half-turned to her male companion as they entered the vehicle, announcing that she’d finally done it. “It” … Continue reading →

Posted in Legends, Lessons, Poetry | 2 Comments

Tell

Posted on December 28, 2010 by sputterpub

   When I was 4 or 5 years old, I heard the story of the Sleeping Beauty. The first time was charming, but always after that, even when I read the beautiful version in the Shirley Temple Storybook, it frustrated … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, School | Leave a comment

Ginnette

Posted on December 27, 2010 by sputterpub

   When I was 5 years old, my favorite toy was a Ginnette doll. She didn’t look exactly like this picture, and I didn’t know till I searched for the illustration whether her name had one “n” or two, but … Continue reading →

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The Kindness of Strangers

Posted on December 23, 2010 by sputterpub

     When I was 34 I think, I had a little breakdown. It was the holiday season, and I’m sure I was under shopping pressure (I don’t like to shop), and things had not been going well. I was probably … Continue reading →

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Unhumbug

Posted on December 22, 2010 by sputterpub

When I was 48 or so, I dropped the grumpiness about Christmas season. It was December and I was falling into annual complaint mode – you know: critical about how soon the commercial decorations went up, how bombarding the ads … Continue reading →

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The Napple Muses

Posted on December 21, 2010 by sputterpub

 When I was around 11 years old, Andy was a handful. He was an outgoing toddler with an active curiosity and the soul of an explorer. Everywhere he went, he asked questions and made friends. And he tried to go … Continue reading →

Posted in Kidspeak | Leave a comment

Bookkeeping

Posted on December 20, 2010 by sputterpub

When I was 13 I ran for the school office of bookkeeper. I was unopposed, and I only ran at the suggestion of some teacher or counselor; she told me the job needed doing and she said I was capable. … Continue reading →

Posted in Money Stuff | Leave a comment

For Your Consideration

Posted on December 17, 2010 by sputterpub

  When I was 55 I began to lose my mind. It wasn’t anything to worry about, and I’m still functioning well enough years later, but some small items became slippery. For example, I shampoo my hair every other day. That’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Question | Leave a comment

No Show

Posted on December 16, 2010 by sputterpub

When I was 9 or 10 years old, the tooth fairy failed to visit. Before I went to sleep I placed my tissue-wrapped tooth under my pillow. When I awoke I sent my hand right there, ready to grasp a … Continue reading →

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Camp Pendleton

Posted on December 15, 2010 by sputterpub

   When I was 20 I entered Camp Pendleton with Lisa. According to Marine records, we never left. We were visiting her mother in Laguna Beach that summer week, and we were avoiding her conversation that evening. Lisa borrowed the … Continue reading →

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