Category: LIFE’S VICISSITUDES

Uneasy Interest/Crazed Birds (6SS)

May 28, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/05/27/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-73/

Okay, I’m up, I’m ready…let the 6-Sentence stories roll out.

If you’re new to the neighborhood, click the link above and you’ll get all the info you need—meet the mega-watt host and authors…and write your own 6-sentence story!

This week’s prompt word: INTEREST.

~~~⛪~~~

Richard’s interest in Judd and Lorelei had turned uneasy; in truth he wasn’t a pastor by divine calling, as much as by persuasion from people he greatly respected; he wasn’t half-bad at writing a short sermon to go with whatever passage of scripture dropped into his head—but he didn’t feel as up to snuff with regard to counseling his flock, as he’d hoped (expected) to be.

Judd and Lorelei (his quite younger bride) were committed to their long-term marriage where passion still burned like a bonfire—and equally intelligent, talented, good-hearted, sincerely generous, personable; and Richard’s clergy mentors had warned him not to be surprised when the longer he knew people, the more their “issues” would likely surface; but he didn’t know what to do with Judd and Lorelei—they‘d become crazed birds flying against the windowpane of his church office.

It seemed to have started with the success of Richard’s book, which they’d both read; Lorelei had been fascinated by his spooky experiences on first-arrival to Birchwick Cliff, but Judd was Not—then came the strange reversal: Judd read the book with interest and began having nightmares…which led to Lorelei’s high-octane anxiety that she would soon be widowed, losing the man on whom she depended for daily breath🙄.

But as Richard’s Christian faith promised, if you call on God–HE WILL HEAR and ANSWER.

And it was just possible the answer was coming in a most-welcome phone call from a couple who were newer additions to his congregation: they were sprightly seniors married only a couple years—and despite having recently lost their pastor to cancer (he was also family and best friend)…they’d appeared one Sunday with surprisingly joyous smiles of perfect-peace, the wisdom of age, and a joined-heart to serve the Lord’s people and their pastor, any way they could.

Richard fairly shouted into the phone with glad relief: “Finn! what shenanigans are you and Bedelia up to today–do you have time for lunch–my treat!”

~ Cale

Running Out of Steam (6SS)

May 22, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/05/20/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-72/

It’s time to wrap up those 6 sentences and link them for everyone to enjoy. If you’re a new visitor, click the link above and you’ll get the answers to all your questions. You’ll meet our host and a fine group of friendly writers!

♠💕♠

Lorelei had made an unscheduled visit to Richard’s office at the church, and was sobbing hysterically, her tears blurring his scribbled sermon notes on a blue legal pad as she leaned forward over his desk: “I’m so afraid I’m going to lose Judd and HE’S ALL I HAVE…he says he feels OLD and that scares me because he CAN’T be old and leave me…but he’s obsessed about your book and his nightmare…”

Richard spoke softly, calmly attempting to stop her waterfall–“Lorelei, take a couple deep breaths–and tell me what brought this on today…did Judd drop you off here?”

“NO, I had to call a taxi because he’s driving all over creation trying to sell the painting you encouraged him to do which was supposed to stop the nightmare that he’s living your experience in the Victorian that you wrote about, don’t you understand–he’s going to have a stroke or heart attack and he’ll be gone and I’ll be alone…” she was choking on her words, and shaking.

“Lorelei, I’m going to get you a glass of water–just breathe, I’ll be right back”; but instead he hurried to the supplies closet, called Judd’s phone, and quickly learned he was at the library showing the painting of the nightmare to a few interested patrons–“Judd, you need to come to my office now, Lorelei’s here, in great distress”–he heard Judd’s, “oh God”, and the call ended.

Judd was much calmer than Richard as he entered the pastor’s office; he nodded with a gentle smile, and put his arms around his wife; “it’s alright, Love, I’m here–everything’s alright,” he soothed as she clung to him–“let’s go home now, honey.”

As he guided her trembling steps to the door, Judd looked at Richard with pained eyes, and thanked him, adding–“life gets to be too much for her sometimes, and I missed the signs this morning…she just runs out of steam”.

~ Cale

Help: Try ‘Simple’ First (6SS)

April 30, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/04/29/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-69/

We’re gathered together to tell our stories, prompted by our host, Denise’s word:  HELP!  If you’re not familiar with her weekly challenge, Six-Sentence-Stories, it’s time you click her link above for info, and get started!  I promise you’ll soon be hooked!

~~🌻~~

“Come in, Judd…hope that frown’s not for me–coffee?”

Judd sat across from Richard’s desk–“Yes, on the coffee…frown is speeding ticket I got 10 minutes ago–haven’t had one since my twenties, makes me feel old.”

Richard grinned, handed Judd a steaming mug–“my preacher license only covers comforting the sick, marrying folks and counseling them when they hit a rough patch…or burying them; sorry I’m not able to fix traffic tickets.”

Laughing lightly, Judd moved on to his reason for requesting an appointment: “I had a weird nightmare–I dreamed I was experiencing the same scenario you lived, and wrote about…the strange music and knocking on the walls, and becoming deathly ill during your stay in the Birchwick Cliff victorian–the details were exactly the same as you described, but it wasn’t you–it was me…I wonder if I’m going crazy.”

Richard leaned back in his chair, steepled his fingers as he studied Judd’s face for a moment, then said, “wow–I didn’t anticipate my readers might have that response, but I can tell you’re troubled; my instinctive suggestion, since you’re a talented and successful artist, is–paint it, put it on canvas so you can see it…if that doesn’t help, you can sell it for a hefty price–Munch’s ‘Scream’ is still a favorite among collectors.”

Judd wasn’t sure if he should be grateful or embarrassed–“that’s it?…just paint it and pray for sudden wealth…Lorelei will either laugh her head off, or invite you to another lasagna dinner”; to which Richard shrugged, replied, “hey, I go for simple solutions first–it might work.”

~ Cale

330px-the_scream_by_edvard_munch_1893_-_nasjonalgalleriet.png

Victory Through Christ

April 22, 2026

Life can seem like a battle

day after care-worn day…

one thing piled on another

till faith begins to fray…

all hope, these countless

things would slay–

but I’ve lived too long

to doubt my Lord

walked with Him

a goodly way…

So I know well

He’ll never abandon

not ever betray–

He holds my hand

and the promised victory…

whatever dark trial

He has final say!

~ Cale

Amplified Bible
For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]. 1 John 5:4

Amplified Bible
Who is the one who is victorious and overcomes the world? It is the one who believes and recognizes the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:5

Deuteronomy 20:4
For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Amplified Bible
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. Romans 8:37

2 Chronicles 20:15
And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.

10 Things of Thankful

April 19, 2026

https://misky.uk/2026/04/16/ten-things-of-thankful-4/

Hello Everyone! 

My first “thankful” should perhaps always begin with a shout out to dear Misky, who has a generous and gracious heart to always link up my “10” for me…since I’m not adept at doing Linky things–so Misky, Many Thanks!!🌹🌷🌹 

If you don’t know her, how ’bout clicking her link above and hopping over to say “hi”!

Although I’ll never be a skillful photographer, I’m happy when I can include a picture from my own Upper Room.  If you can’t see it–the wall decor speaks of my Grateful heart, and love of anything “ocean/sea”, including gulls! 

The rainbow is a gift from Heaven–years ago I bought several boxes of crystals to hang in windows, and when we finally get sunshine in the Pac NW (after Winter), my humble home is awash with vibrant color!

I’m thankful, especially so, that the new laptop/PC keyboard I thought would be a help (but wasn’t), was accepted for return by Amazon and picked up at my door!  So I’m grateful the old one, though imperfect, will continue serving my posts.

Speaking of Amazon, I’m way thankful they sorted out their website issues yesterday before I could work up a good “fret”.  Now mind you, I have PLENTY of food in my various cupboards and 2 freezers…but as I looked at all the items I usually order, and read “currently unavailable” I was mildly hysterical, thinking there was a sudden food shortage.  (Have I mentioned I’m “highstrung”?) 

When my neighbor called I began shouting, “No Food, No Food” (for dramtic effect), and she quickly assured me that website glitches are common–and surely tomorrow the foods I want would be back in their places with bright happy faces (as well as my own).  She was right of course.

But there’s more–the day before this happened I’d been jubilant, pratically dancing because I was able to order 3, count ’em 3 bags of frozen mini wontons–which are quickly becoming my fave go-to quicky meal.  So I was hardly at a loss for sustenance, body and soul.  It does illustrate–for anyone curious–that I’m easily thrilled or devastated, by nature.

I’m also grateful that one of my online churches moved their Saturday services to Sunday–now I can get more of the to-do list done, and have the Lord’s Day free of distractions.

I can’t forget to sing my thanks to Denise, and all the authors who add sparkle to the week via 6-Sentence Stories.  Denise serves up intriguing prompt words each Sunday, and everyone writes with a storm of vast and talented creativity–it’s a WOW all the way around!

Last, but never least, I’m hugely grateful to the Lord Jesus for daily mercies and miracles.  Salvation is just the start–once you get to know Him in a deep and personal way, it’s astounding what He can accomplish in your life.  I’m not close to perfect…but the improvment is significant, hallelujah!😊

PS: thanks for taking time to read my posts…some days I’m full of jabber…like somebody put a quarter in me!

~ Cale

 

I’d Rather Be ~ One-Liner Wednesday

April 15, 2026

Frankly, my dear…I’d much rather be in Heaven where life is finally perfect–but since I’m still here, there must be more for me to do, encouraging those whose lives are harder than mine.

~ Cale

Amplified Bible
Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

https://lindaghill.com/2026/04/15/one-liner-wednesday-id-rather-be/

Badge by Laura @ riddlefromthemiddle.com

It’s Been Lovely but I Really Have to Scream Now

April 15, 2026

Huge thanks to Esther for her encouragement and her wonderful prompts!  Here is the link to her Limerick challenge–the prompt word is SCREAM:  https://estherchilton.co.uk/2026/04/13/laughing-along-with-a-limerick-279/

🙄🤣🤗

A blessed old-gal was living her dream

soup pot simmered while poem stitched straight seam

’till one day took fright

after wee-hours’ write:

she heard sudden wild seagull scream!

~ Cale

I had to google, because I’d never-ever heard a seagull scream (different from their normal cries)–and this particular rooftop visitor sounded like it was in pain, screaming for a full day outside my window…(apparently it can be a mating “issue”).

Photo:

one of my prized possessions found in a thrift store–I keep it out where I can see it daily and laugh at Life’s absurdities!  (everyone who’s ever visited covets it, so it’s in my as-yet-unsigned Will for “Somebody”)

When Exactly Does Wisdom Kick In?

April 11, 2026

https://travelwithintent.com/2026/04/11/an-easter-tradition-of-chair-lifting/

There’s no getting around the fact that I’m crazy…at least “prompt crazy”.  My Blessed Table is littered with prompts, most which I will not get around to writing for but can’t bear to toss…yet somebody mentions 6-Word Saturday and I’m like a squirrel leaping at the sight of a hidden nut come to light.

Crazy or not, I don’t understand why, at 73, the expected gift of silver season Wisdom has not, in similar fashion, made an appearance.  Yes, I DO pray and read the Bible daily…so that’s not the problem. 

Once again, I’ve erred on the side of trusting (a human), and have fallen through the trap door of painful disappointment.  How can I still be this stupid, and otherwise be a responsible adult who pays bills on time, keeps my home tidy, cooks, etc?

Good thing I stocked up on ice cream and popcorn…and assorted chips, cookies…

 ~ Cale