Now
This time, last week I was at my local supermarket, crying in the snacks aisle. Rrruffles has rrridgessss! The blue bag of chips screamed, but I couldn’t see the ridges… Read more »
Author Archives: mixedbag
Guinea Pig
She’s in the garden digging at the roots of the rosebush. Her straw hat and gray chignon bob up and down to the tune of the song she’s humming. She… Read more »
I’m staring at you on the subway because…
…I’m a writer. Observing people is what I do. I also stare into space sometimes. If you knew, you’d stop thinking I was interested in you. You’d stop trying to… Read more »
On My Way to Somewhere
I’ve tried this experimental form for a personal essay – the mosaic or the braided essay. I’ve only used it for fiction before.
I’m a Best MicroFiction 2020 winner!
Last week I was knee-deep in the parenting trenches, with two jet lagged kids and my husband traveling for work. So naturally, my brain slid to the conclusion that I… Read more »
The Firefighter
Fire covers the pine forest in copper hues, lighting up his eyes as he fights it. At home his palms sweat. There are unpaid bills, his wife didn’t get that… Read more »
I’m a Best MicroFiction nominee!
December has always been a wonderful month for me, writing-wise and otherwise. It’s starting to look like this year won’t be any different. Some of you might remember a little… Read more »
The Caretaker
I feel naked without kohl rimming my eyes. Amma’s dementia is getting worse; I’ve forgotten myself. The vegetable vendor asks, “You okay, didi? Were you crying?” I smile. No one… Read more »
Weekday Mornings
She enjoys her coffee before the chaos. Soon it’s “Mom, I’m late for school! Mom, breakfast! Honey, my tie!” She’s a juggler, a whirling dervish, until the old tape recorder… Read more »
The Family
We’re in position when the prospective buyers arrive. My husband has his arm around me. Our beautiful kids parrot pleasantries. It’s perfect. Later, the realtor pays us. Back at my… Read more »