My sister & I both like to write short stories, and both have goals and dreams of maybe writing for a newspaper, or even possibly having a book published some day.  So one of our ways of helping to achieve our goals is to practice; write, write, and write some more.  So today I am proudly presenting a short story by my sister, who lives in North Dakota.  I plan to include more stories in the future, some authored by her and some by myself.  I hope you enjoy them.  Your feedback is welcome!!

Sadie's Lady

There were children along Cedar Avenue. 

The little girl with freckles approached.  "Do you live next door to Luke?"

"Yes."  It made me smile to think that in most conversations I would name the adult occupants who lived in the meticulous house with their two well-behaved boys.  But to my pretty, enthusiastic new friend, only people in grade school counted as anyone important.

She went for the black Labrador on the end of my leash.  "And is this Sadie?"

"Yes."  I was secure in the knowledge that my dog would calmly allow her touch.

The girl's behavior indicated that she knew Sadie by reputation.  Sadie does have a reputation.  She is famous around the block.

As we continued our walk, I pondered my four-legged companion's notoriety.  To the girl, I am the lady who lives next to Luke and walks the much-loved dog.

When I stop to think about it, I have been defined as somebody's daughter, somebody's wife, mother, co-worker, secretary, and somebody's friend. 

If we are all actors on life's stage, we are mostly hoping for the leading parts.  But sometimes it is delightfully fun and stress-free to have a walk-on part.

Sue G. or "Sadie's Lady"

I love RV camping.

When my husband, our two dogs, and I are out in our fifth wheel, we are extremely comfortable and relaxed.  We are not retired yet (tired, but not retired), so we try to take a trip at least once per month.

We love to go camping by the water; sometimes the ocean, sometimes a lake, and once even by a stream.  I'll never forget the time when we had a pop-up camper many years ago.  We wre at Bald Mountain Park in North Georgia and all night long I could hear a stream bubbling gently behind me.  It was so soothing, I slept like a baby.

When we're looking at a beautiful lake, I feel a peace and serenity in my bones.

The ocean gives me a different feeling; one of awe at the vastness of the water and the waves.

Nature, in all of its beauty, can have a very calming effect on my busy, cluttered mind.

Sitting around a campfire with family &/or friends, I feel a certain closeness and connection to each of the others around the fire.

Relaxing in lounge chairs in the shade on a warm, lazy day while reading a good book is wonderful, too.

The events I have mentioned above are all my idea of heaven on earth.

Now, about the return to the real world, home.  There is the big job of unloading the camper.  This takes several trips, depending on the length of the stay at a campground.  The fifth wheel must be disconnected from the truck.

Then comes the job of putting everything back into the house in its proper place.  And there are heaps of clothes and bedding to wash.  I have to think about going back to work and planning my week.  Suddenly I feel very tired!

After a few weeks go by, I begin to feel the urge to re-connect with nature. The side of me that wants to pamper and nurture myself emerges once again.  "It's time to go camping!"