My Cardboard Balcony

by Belinda Roddie My dream job is to be the person who writes elaborate descriptions on the backs of wine bottles. Have you ever read those things? The poetry. The power. The pizzazz. And something else beginning with the letter "p." Pomp? Anyway. I have many ideas for wine distributors who want a little zest added to their labels. All they have to do is hire this writer, and their Pinots and Grigios and Emilios will be flying off the shelves in no time. Just look at these sample paragraphs I've written! Truly, masterpieces all. Full Moon (Pinot Noir) When the full moon comes out, the vines are biding their time, and the grapes are eagerly awaiting the harvest. Wait with bated breath as our wine is fermented, until it reaches your glass and stimulates your senses. Our Pinot Noir carries strong notes of vanilla and cherry, with light hints of plum. The tannins create a wonderful massage for your tongue. Perfect for beef, chicken, and sharp cheeses. Secret Valle...

Father had tiled the kitchen floor, and Mother had built the toolshed. Brother had repaired the refrigerator so that Sister and he could finally drink beers that were cold. Uncle was arguing with Aunt over whether or not the place should have a gas or electrical stove, and the Token Gay Cousin was too busy texting her secret girlfriend to remember to tear out the rotten drywall in the downstairs bathroom.

This week was a good one, guys. Bit of a rough start, and lots of obstacles to overcome, but I feel more confident than ever in my teaching and my craft. I feel like my yearbook staff, for the most part, is coming together. We have a vision, a structure, and a plan. In English, I really think I'm starting to connect more with my students. They just need to be a wee less chatty! All of the old, cheesy adages seem to fall in line here. Have the patience of a saint. Be prepared to make mistakes. Good things come to those who work. I may have tweaked those a bit for my own use, but hey, I like 'em. This weekend will be a lovely one. There's stuff for me to do, but also family to see. I love where I am and who I'm working with and what I'm doing. I love the support I have and the passion I'm seeing. I'm grateful for my wife's companionship, my family and friends' encouragement, and my students' determination and pose. Deadlines are coming up...

Fun In The Shadows by Belinda Roddie How many ninjas can you count? Watch out for shurikens!

I went to the dentist to get a tooth pulled, and I ended up falling in love. She had strong hands and a smile that radiated even through the face mask she had pulled across her jaw. When she was done with the X-rays, she let me see her teeth as she exposed them in a grin - so white and pearly and beautiful. I was about ready to kiss her, only I knew she was married and wouldn't consent, not to mention that I was still horrifically numb from all of the novocaine.

This Life I Lead by Belinda Roddie This life I lead, I know is temporary, though I'll admit, I wish it'd last for longer - each day a gift, each hour secondary, but still worth every minute. As the stronger of our short humanity wanes away, I keep my mental diary intact, so that my memory retains each day that I wish I was able to enact and repeat over and over again. I am afraid of Death - but Death is still biding its time, touching the window pane, but never moving to enforce its will. At least I know that, after this endeavor, I can pretend that I have lived forever.

Somehow, Ben didn't exactly feel safe, not even when he heard the bark of the guard dog right by his gate, the ridge on its back clearly raised as it stood watch. He knew this because he observed its movements from his bedroom window, using a pair of cheap black binoculars that he had a habit of wearing around his neck. His mansion was protected - but only for now.