Loneliest Study Abroad Ever

After three months in South America and six weeks of student teaching Catholic high school girls, I headed to Burgos, Spain, with 30 students and a handful of professors from Iowa State and the University of Iowa. It would be my way of earning the final credits of my dual degree. Linda, a high school… Continue reading Loneliest Study Abroad Ever

The Date That Never Happened

David Rivers was a sophomore at Pinole High School when he invited his fellow classmate, Violet, to his school dance. She said yes, and he told her he’d pick her up at 7:00. When David got to Violet’s house, she wasn’t ready. Violet’s father led David to the question couch, where he grilled him for… Continue reading The Date That Never Happened

Grizzly Bear!

In 2008 you take your wife, Liza, and your teenaged kids to Alaska. You stay near the Princess Lodge in a fishing cabin on the Kenai Peninsula. It’s the third week of July, so it doesn’t get completely dark until around midnight. After dinner you suggest a hike in the woods along the Kenai River… Continue reading Grizzly Bear!

Fair Weather Boyfriend

My first boyfriend after my separation and eventual divorce was happy to go house hunting with me. When I actually bought one, he promised to help me move. He had a pick-up truck lined up from his buddy for the breakable stuff, and everything was a go. The realtor called the day before moving day… Continue reading Fair Weather Boyfriend

Stupid Is as Stupid Does

Lesley was a college freshman at University of the Pacific in Stockton, when a big football player type guy asked her on a date. Lesley had already met his roommate, so she thought she was safe with Chad and said yes. Chad took Lesley to a party, but when his roommate came up to say… Continue reading Stupid Is as Stupid Does

Ruthie Ann’s Designing Man

Ruthie Ann worked as a graphic designer in Cortez, Colorado. She met an architect named Edmond through her position on the design review board. He was about twenty years older but smart and distinguished looking with his gray hair and eyes. She liked the work he’d done around the Durango train station. Edmond asked Ruthie… Continue reading Ruthie Ann’s Designing Man

Teddy Bear With Back Hair

When I lived in Omaha for eight years in my twenties, I dated almost all the eligible men I met in my age range, at least once — shorter guys, smokers, non-dancers, younger guys, poorer guys (I was a school teacher!) and guys with facial hair. But I NEVER dated a guy with back hair… Continue reading Teddy Bear With Back Hair