Howard’s Final Note: I'm teaching creative writing to my 8th graders. I got a little too into the worldbuilding segment we did. And I spent the next day writing when I should have graded...worth it! Welcome to another land: the Aurum Ledger Empire. We'll begin in Ledger's Reach, an island just off the coast... MapContinue reading "Aurum Ledger: Chapter I – Fiction"
Another Version of Me Has Kids
I’m flying through 4 3 2 1 by Paul Auster. In one version of the protagonist’s life, Archie finds out he’s sterile. The doctor says the sperm count is “far below normal,” and it rattles him. Not because he was desperate for kids in that moment, but because he always assumed he’d have them. ThatContinue reading "Another Version of Me Has Kids"
Second Pass | May 2025
A monthly drop of stories, reflection, and writing prompts. This issue: first dates, overthinking, and a little spring rebirth.
Why You Should Travel Now
After our first day back in classes, I had my first physical therapy appointment at Allied Health in Farmington. Shoutout to Steve! Great therapist! Since I’m unable to drive and can hardly even enter a vehicle, my friend, Kathy, offered to drive me, perhaps partially from guilt. I keep telling her not to worry thatContinue reading "Why You Should Travel Now"
Becoming Fluent in Flirt-ish
I don’t get hints. I respect boundaries. It’s taken years to find the confidence that others discovered much earlier on. Perhaps it’s how I was raised with respect toward women (they’re always right), a late start to dating, and a lifelong habit of overthinking. I want to dig into these ideas to better understand myself.Continue reading "Becoming Fluent in Flirt-ish"
On Percocet
Yesterday, I felt the worst pain in my life after waking up from ACL surgery. The anesthesiologist said they put a nerve block in “to reduce the pain by 80%.” I call bullshit. I cried. I moaned and I swore. I wondered if the pain was similar to getting shot, and I understood why menContinue reading "On Percocet"
Ode to Hostels
In recognition of the many enjoyable hostels I found during my European trip of Oct '23 - Jan '24. Friends were found everywhere. Whether I stayed a night or a week, they always provided. Provided entertainment, rest, and community. I'm excited about the next hostel visit! Ode to Hostels O shelter of the frugal traveler,ExplorerContinue reading "Ode to Hostels"
Scenes From A New York Weekend Pt II
Read Part I here. Our journey brought us to the Turntable LP Bar. A few of us wanted to do karaoke, but not in a private room. Alas, too early for that. Regardless of the brief disappointment, we did end up in a cool little spot. While we discussed the logic in ordering a beerContinue reading "Scenes From A New York Weekend Pt II"
Scenes From A New York Weekend Pt I
Teeth slice through the Moe’s smashburger. My mouth is flooded with saliva and anxious taste buds. A smile erupts over my face even before I finish the bite. Heaven. The cousins weekend is nearly through, but how can I visit New York without Moe’s? Moe Junior greets us with a wave. He knows my brotherContinue reading "Scenes From A New York Weekend Pt I"
A Pilot and a Passenger: Between Maine and Boston
Our pilot, Oscar, spoke in a clear and confident voice. He uttered just one “um” as if he was remembering where he was. “...and we thank you for choosing Cape Air.” He lacked a Maine or even a Boston accent, seeming to hail from somewhere other then our origin or destination. Lecturing us on theContinue reading "A Pilot and a Passenger: Between Maine and Boston"