I’ve heard women say, “I don’t want to become my mother as I grow older.” How sad. If someone tells me I’m like my mom, I consider it a huge compliment. My mother and I were best friends. I think you’d have liked her. If you never had that privilege, you can get just a […]
Nov 24, 2025
Strange, Dark Night
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The Strange, Dark Night by Blanche Manos I sat before the fireplace, A book upon my lap Outside, the wind was howling Inside, the fire was crackling. A perfect night to nap. I closed my eyes for just a minute It could have been no more When someone stepped upon my porch And knocked upon […]
Nov 8, 2025
The Midnight Corn Field
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The Cornfield in the Moonlight by Blanche Manos The cornfield in the moonlight, when the shadows dance and sway Is not the same at midnight as it is throughout the day. The field is hushed at midnight; the world has gone to sleep, But the cornstalks nod and rustle at the mysteries they keep. Who […]
Nov 2, 2025
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My friend Peg asked for the next installment of the Miss Tootsie mystery. So, OK Peg, here it is: A cold prickle of fear ran down Miss Tootsie’s back. What had disturbed Cocoa? What did the little dog hear or smell? Should she waken the others? Had Cocoa heard an owl or a coyote […]
Oct 28, 2025
A Noise in the Night
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This is an excerpt from my current work in progress: Miss Tootsie glanced at the three women who sat in front of the fireplace with her. The blaze had died down and although it still put out some warmth, they were all three wrapped in quilts or afghans. The chill Miss Tootsie felt seemed […]
