Inspirations, the Stories Space Coffee House: If you're reading this it just might mean I'm back, sorta. If you're not reading this, well, congratulations.

Good morning all. Still limping around, but at least I slept well last night, which helps a lot. Calling the ortho doc today I guess.

I will try to write today, but I’m a little out of sorts, don’t know if I can get any good words written. The first step is to hobble downstairs and make some coffee. No fun at all.

I hope everyone is well.

So now, not only is my knee out, but my daughter went to the ER last night. Turns out she had...kidney stones! She's fine now, but the meds they gave her make her feel awful, so I am on my own. Except for the cats, of course, but they seem more interested in getting fed than in trying to entertain me. Plus they keep trying to trip me as I'm making my way down the stairs.

Grrr. Coffee would be swell.

Hey everyone.

I hope you all have been well. I will scroll through past posts later to learn of what I missed. I just wanted to stop by for a greeting.

verbal, I am very sorry to hear you are limping. I hope things improve.

My book club started up again. I have been spending much time reading and learning. We meet once a month for book club, dinner and dessert, wonderful conversation, and pray the Rosary together.

I hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving. I certainly did. I learned how to play chess. I very much enjoy the game.

Tomorrow marks the first of 12 Days of Christmas. And December 23 is my birthday! I am very excited; for the season and my birthday.

I will try to come around more often but I am not sure if it will be on a daily basis, especially when I have to read and during the Holiday Season.

I hope everyone has a lovely day.

🌹Cora's Creations🌹

Gingerbread Cookies!

Raspberry Swirl Cookies

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Enjoy! 🤗

Cora, those cookies look fantastic, and your book club sounds fun. I was in a book club, but several people moved or couldn't attend, so I will start looking for a new one.

I usually do a lot of baking for Christmas, but I've been struggling with my grief lately, and visiting my father can be stressful. I see him every Mon, Wed, and Fri to take him swimming and hang out with him. It's so cruel that physically he is in great shape for 92, but his mind is not. My brother covers the weekend. My father also has friends who visit regularly.

Jeff. I'm sorry your knee is causing you so much trouble. I feel for your daughter; kidney stones are awful. They were worse than labor pains. I hope she feels better soon. I used to tell my cats to stop trying to trip me, but they didn't. I even told them I would not be able to feed them if they were successful, lol.

I hope everyone is having a good week, or at least a manageable one. My standards for getting through days are low. Tomorrow is Friday the 13th. I am not superstitious, and it is my youngest son's birthday. He will be thirty, so all my sons will be in their thirties. How did that happen? I feel old all of a sudden.

Take care of yourselves and try to stay healthy. Cheers.

I'm off to make more phone calls. Hopefully, these are the last few regarding my parent's estate and financial management.

Quote by gillianleeza
I feel for your daughter; kidney stones are awful. They were worse than labor pains.

You know, you're the second woman I've heard say that. I went to the cottage with my uncle and aunt once to bring Dad home when he had a stone up there and my aunt said basically the same thing. There is a propensity for them in my paternal line (grandfather, father, at least one brother) but it's a bullet I have dodged so far. Not sure why.

Vibes to Jeff and his daughter. Hope they get their respective ailments healed soon.

And Cora's back! Yay! grabs a couple raspberry swirls

Temperature took a dip last night so we are back into the cold stuff after a few somewhat warmer days. Lost some of our snow at least. The banks were getting pretty crazy high.

Good morning, everyone.

It is even colder then yesterday. Even wearing warm sweaters I still have a blanket wrapped around me.

Advent will be half over this upcoming Sunday. I like the penitential seasons; Advent and Lent. In a few days Catholics take a break from the penitential aspect and celebrate Gaudete Sunday, a day of joy. It is custom to wear pink or red. I will most likely wear a pink cardigan over my black dress. Rose petals fall from the vents in the ceiling. It is very beautiful.

I did catch up on all previous posts. I hope your backs are feeling better, Mendalla and verbal. It is nice to see you posting more frequently, gillian. I hope you and your daughter feel better soon, verbal.

I hope everyone has a lovely day.

Coffee is 12 Coffees Of Christmas blend and the specialty Peppermint Mocha Latte--with or without whipped cream. Teas are Cardamon Cinnamon and Winter Mint.

🌹Cora's Creations🌹

12 Days of the Best Christmas Cookies

Peppermint Bark

Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows and Linzer Cookies

Enjoy! 🤗

Oh oh. It's ... FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!!!

glances around nervously looking for guys in hockey masks. Then remembers it's Canada in winter and, yeah, those are everywhere.

Thanks for the setup, Cora. Winter Mint tea with Peppermint Bark sounds ... minty. WHich is to say, tres yummy.

Let's get some Guatemalan coffee going, along with Darjeeling and Orange Pekoe (black) teas, to nestle alongside Cora's goodies.

.

Quote by Cora

Hey everyone.

I hope you all have been well. I will scroll through past posts later to learn of what I missed. I just wanted to stop by for a greeting.

verbal, I am very sorry to hear you are limping. I hope things improve.

My book club started up again. I have been spending much time reading and learning. We meet once a month for book club, dinner and dessert, wonderful conversation, and pray the Rosary together.

I hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving. I certainly did. I learned how to play chess. I very much enjoy the game.

Tomorrow marks the first of 12 Days of Christmas. And December 23 is my birthday! I am very excited; for the season and my birthday.

I will try to come around more often but I am not sure if it will be on a daily basis, especially when I have to read and during the Holiday Season.

.

Delicious-looking treats, Cora!

I've always thought that the 12 days of Christmas started on Christmas Day and ran through to the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th. But what do I know?

Cora, may I humbly suggest my book, Bear and Girl, for your book club? I would be pleased to send you a complimentary copy to consider if you could PM me a mailing address. It will take some time as it comes from Amazon, but not by express courier.

Jeff, sorry to hear of your continuing problems. But, as they tell struggling actors – use it! Write a story about it. That way at least you get some value out of it.

We have our tree up, all the tree lights festooned, and the first decorations have found their way onto the tree. We have a traditional first decoration – The Pink Pig – which is a particularly ugly pink felt decoration given to Lady Jay by her (now deceased) aunt in England. We feel duty-bound to put it on the tree – but always at the back where it won't be seen. Then, next, our son and 4-year-old granddaughter hide The (glass) Pickle on the tree, which we are supposed to find once the tree is completely decorated.

All part of our Christmas traditions, of which there are a-plenty.

If you haven't yet noticed, WriterGirl swung by with a nice micro reflection on writing. Give it a look.

https://www.storiesspace.com/stories/micro-fiction/never-alone

Mid-morning here. Been busy with housework, now resting a bit. I'll put on some random coffee. Looks like it's a medium roast from Costa Rica. Teas? Hm. English Breakfast and Peach White. Hot water is there for other hot drinks. Lots of hot chocolate and mini marshmallows.

Quote by Mendalla

If you haven't yet noticed, WriterGirl swung by with a nice micro reflection on writing. Give it a look.

https://www.storiesspace.com/stories/micro-fiction/never-alone

Mid-morning here. Been busy with housework, now resting a bit. I'll put on some random coffee. Looks like it's a medium roast from Costa Rica. Teas? Hm. English Breakfast and Peach White. Hot water is there for other hot drinks. Lots of hot chocolate and mini marshmallows.

Thank you for the plug, Mr Ape! 😊 A sleepless night led to some unexpected writing. Another is in the queue. Super busy week at work next week, then I finally get some time off starting the 24th. Happy Holidays, everyone! ❤️

Jeff, hope your daughter finds relief soon!

Hey, writergirl, glad to see your face! Get through the workweek and it’s a sprint to Christmas. Looking forward to your story.

My daughter and I are both getting slowly better. Daughter is nauseous from the meds but back at work. I am able to hobble around much better, though I am still limping around. Talia home Tuesday, doctor Wednesday, so help is on the way.

Christmas shopping is nearly done, but Lord do I have a ton of wrapping and card-making to do.

Thanks for setting up Ape and Bear. I’ll have a coffee.

I am way behind on Christmas stuff. Part of it is because none of my kids will be here. They were all here for Thanksgiving, so I really can't complain. My brother and I are trying to figure out how we handle the holiday with my Dad. We will probably spend part of the day with him and take him out to eat. Currently, COVID-19 is circulating among the residents in his memory care unit. Three people are hospitalized with complications. I came home today and tried to disinfect myself, lol. I do not need Covid again.

I hope Monday is being kind to everyone. Take care of yourselves and stay healthy. Cheers.

Quote by gillianleeza

I am way behind on Christmas stuff. Part of it is because none of my kids will be here. They were all here for Thanksgiving, so I really can't complain. My brother and I are trying to figure out how we handle the holiday with my Dad. We will probably spend part of the day with him and take him out to eat. Currently, COVID-19 is circulating among the residents in his memory care unit. Three people are hospitalized with complications. I came home today and tried to disinfect myself, lol. I do not need Covid again.

I hope Monday is being kind to everyone. Take care of yourselves and stay healthy. Cheers.

No, COVID is not the kind of Christmas present you – or anyone – wants. I trust you've had the most recent vaccination. Lady Jay and I have had seven vaxxes against COVID so far, plus wearing masks almost everywhere we go, but with a 4-year-old granddaughter in school, we're likely to get anything that's going around as she visits here most days.

Treat yourself gently is the only other thing I can suggest, Gillian. And take care.

Quote by JamesPBear
with a 4-year-old granddaughter in school, we're likely to get anything that's going around as she visits here most days

Those kids, eh. Walking balls of germs. Don't miss those days. Norovirus, various flu strains, colds, you name it. COVID wasn't an issue yet, though.

Good morning people! How is life treating you? Weather has been quite meh here. Cloudy, showers. Then the temperature drops tomorrow and the snow returns. Lovely.

For coffee, we've got some Fireroasted Fireside brewing. Teas are Assam Organic and Buddha's Blend. Hot water is ready for other teas or hot chocolate (mini marshmallows are here). There's sodas in the fridge for those needing a cooler liquid refreshment.

Good morning/afternoon! Things have been a bit hectic on my end, same as everyone else's. I hope everyone can take a moment for themselves to relax, breathe, enjoy, some sweets, and perhaps write a little. Perhaps in our new competition. https://www.storiesspace.com/forum/writing-competitions-and-calls-for-submissions/the-sound-of-silence-competition

To get you started on the sweets. This is the only Christmas treat I've had time to make. They are my granny's potato candy or peanut butter pinwheels.

Quote by Molly

Good morning/afternoon! Things have been a bit hectic on my end, same as everyone else's. I hope everyone can take a moment for themselves to relax, breathe, enjoy, some sweets, and perhaps write a little. Perhaps in our new competition. https://www.storiesspace.com/forum/writing-competitions-and-calls-for-submissions/the-sound-of-silence-competition

To get you started on the sweets. This is the only Christmas treat I've had time to make. They are my granny's potato candy or peanut butter pinwheels.

Oooh, a comp! Yay Molly! Writing wheels are turning.

Talia is home today! Yay! I will spend much of the day cleaning and preparing. The cat are all atwitter!

I've never heard of potato candy.

I hope everyone is well. Gill, I am sure you will have a wonderful, if bittersweet, Christmas with your Dad. I'll be thinking of you.

Thanks for the setup Mr. Ape. I'll have a coffee and one of those potato candies.

Hey, it's hump day and a one week until Christmas!

Putting on some Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Raspberry Tea and Sencha for the tea crowd.

We are into a new comp about, of all things, silence. I have something on the go already, though I tore it apart and kind of restarted. Let's just say my love of all things metal is going to be in play. Metal and silence? How do you do that? You'll see, won't you?

I would love some coffee. Seeing the doctor today, after a week and a half of waiting. It is starting to get better all by itself. Welcome to American health care!

Still, I shan’t complain, because Talia is home, and she is driving me to the doc, and it is like coming home again to see her coming home again. I swear I am getting so emotional these days.

Hi to everyone! I will write more when I have more energy

Quote by verbal
Seeing the doctor today, after a week and a half of waiting. It is starting to get better all by itself. Welcome to American health care!

LOL. Trust me, our system isn't much better on that front. Sometimes worse. The main benefit is that most medical stuff is paid for once you get in. The getting in part can be the trick.

At least you've got Talia back to look after you now.

Jeff, I'm glad Talia is back and you are getting your knee checked out.

James, we don't have any grandchildren yet, but I used to refer to my kids' schools as germ factories. Of course, the oldest then inquired why I would send them there to get sick. I can't remember how I answered. Germs are the only thing all children will share.

The weather here is dreary. It's not too cold but cloudy and damp. I wish it were colder so it would snow.

It's weird having holidays without my Mom. We talked almost every day of my life. She was my best friend. I shouldn't complain because I was lucky to have her as a mother for so long. At 92, her death was not unexpected, but it still hurts.

I need to get a new topic of conversation. Take care of yourselves. Cheers.

Quote by gillianleeza
It's weird having holidays without my Mom.

Yeah, the first Christmas after my Mom died was a bit of a weird one, but the worst was the one where her brother died on Christmas Eve. Yep, that went well. Still not sure what Christmas is going to look like here.

Putting on some Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee. In the teapots, we've got Yorkshire Red and Earl Grey Vanilla. Hot water is, as always, ready for other teas and hot chocolate (mini marshmallows are stocked up). Sodas are stocked for those needing a cold beverage.

Just realized that I am on vacation when the announcement of the comp results is due to come down in January so have to remember to check in that day. Not even sure where I will be since it's a cruise. In fact, the deadline is the day my cruise leaves port so I'll apologize in advance for possibly missing any last minute entries. I will catch up on one of my sea days, I'm sure.

Gill, my heart is with you on this one. I miss talking to my Dad on the daily so much. Painful and sweet at the same time. My beloved aunt who is 84 just had a knee replacement, followed by a femur break. She’s in poor shape, so I have been talking to her every day (I was bedridden too, when we started), and it is like going back in time, hearing all these old family stories. My Dad used to talk to her every day, and they were close, so I guess I am being a Dad surrogate for her. My voice sounds a lot like my Dad’s, minus that Oklahoma accent.

Got a bit of a tear in my eye, writing that. But Talia is home again, and still sleeping peacefully with one of our cats. And my leg is on the mend. And it’s Christmas season. Peace, everyone.

Coffee please.

I'll make myself a cuppa Earl Grey, then try one of those potato candies – never heard of such a thing, but I'm game.

Wait … that's the wrong thing for a Bear to say, isn't it?

Both of my parents managed their exits about as gracefully as I've seen it done. I should be so good!

Dad died on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) at age 89, after playing golf with my brother, who was visiting, and birdying the last hole he ever played on a magnificent chip onto the green from the rough. He died of a heart attack at 11:15 that night – no hospitals, fuss, or lingering effects.

Mom slipped away at age 94 a few years later. I'm convinced she knew what she was doing – just ate less and less until she just stopped. She was in hospice for three days after refusing further treatment for UTIs, with our daughter, her granddaughter, sitting by her bedside.

I still miss both of them, but can feel them with me, especially at Christmas.

OK, so somehow, with coaxing (for which I offer my thanks), my story has been approved.

Find it here:

Nature's Catherdral

Good morning everyone.

Quiet morning here. Talia sleeping quietly beside me. I think our Christmas work is almost complete. My last big Thing To Do is make a giant batch of green chile chicken enchiladas, a process I enjoy greatly. And my enchies are REALLY good.

Has anyone ever tried Ramen Bae? They make freeze-dried flavorings for ramen, and they really kinda rock. Got one for myself this year, and I am giving one to my daughter. The bag is a little pricey, but it’s big and it lasts forever. For the ramen lover in your life.

A coffee and a tater candy please!

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorning!

Nice weather here, though there are supposed to be squalls West of us.

Comp entry getting near. I keep refining it but I think nothing major is going to change. I have 11 words to play with as of the latest draft, so going to give it a pass to see where I might use them. That said, I am fine going in under the thousand if the story doesn't need the full thousand. Got a Spotify playlist called "VOLUME" on as I write. Yes, there's a connection to the story.

There's some Tobermory Grotto in the coffee pot. I made some Scottish Breakfast and Buddha's Blend teas as well. Hot water is on for other hot beverages. Hot chocolate and marshmallows are available. Sodas are stocked up in the fridge if you're from the wrong side of the equator 😉and need to cool down rather than warm up.

So we went to see the play The Little Mermaid last night. Boy, did I expect to have a bad time. I was tired, and I didn't wat to see a 2 and a half hour long children's play. It was so much fun! Lots of cool puppets, really creative staging, and some excellent performances. The puppets stole the show. Lots of fun.

Didn't sleep well last night either. I am going to chill, read comp entries, and maybe work on mine.

Peace all. Coffee would be swell!

Coffee we can manage, Jeff. I've got some of Peet's special Celebration Blend coffee for y'all. Teas are Black and Darjeeling, hot water for cocoa, and some nifty Christmas-y donuts!

I'm gonna have to get to present wrapping soon, or Lady Jay will not be happy!

Still, I think she'll like some of the goodies I got for her. Not much longer to wait!

Good morning everyone! I love these lazy holiday days. Most of my Christmas stuff is done, and my daughter is doing dinner, so we are chill.

Gonna try and write a comp entry today. I have an idea.

We watched Die Hard last night and have a plan to watch ALL FIVE Die Hard movies this week. Arguing against this plan is my recollection that the other four movies are pretty bad.

That said, the first Die Hard is SO GOOD!

Those cookies look awesome. I will have one and a coffee please.

Quote by verbal
Arguing against this plan is my recollection that the other four movies are pretty bad.

Second isn't bad, but goes too far over the top. McClane is a pretty relatable, down-to-earth hero in the original. He gets beat up pretty bad and you could almost imagine him losing. There's real danger. But the second kind of makes him into a more standard, heavily plot-armoured action hero and he kind of lost his unique charm. I stopped after that one.