I enjoy diving into A Daily Swim. Swimming is a wonderful low impact cardio exercise that helps keep my blood pressure under control. Inspiration occasionally comes during my laps. I enjoy diving into a good book. I am currently listening to Barbara Streisand’s “My Name is Barbara.” I am enjoying listening to her voice asContinue reading “Diving Into…”
Author Archives: cultureshortfiction.wordpress.com
Vela Patria writes short general fiction stories about characters from different parts of the world. Her stories deal with everyday people who encounter life changing situations.
No Regrets
As I considered today’s blog prompt, I realized that I would change nothing. As I navigate the many choices in my life whether good or bad, I realize all the decisions I made, and their consequences make me who I am. For example, if I did not injure my hand in high school, I wouldContinue reading “No Regrets”
Pause and Assess
As this year nears its end, I steal the opportunity to reflect and assess. What worked for me this year? What didn’t work so well? What do I aim for next in my goals? I make goals all throughout the year. Some are short range, a few months of reading a certain author for example.Continue reading “Pause and Assess”
The Game Called “Concept”
I have been making the holiday rounds, visiting with friends and family. Along this tour, I was introduced to a game called “Concept.” It is similar to charades, but you are not allowed to act out the clue nor make a sound. Players must use the board to convey the word. Yes, a board game.Continue reading “The Game Called “Concept””
A Second Helping Please
Spending time with loved ones is something I never regret. Whenever our time together is ending, we mutually feel like the time is so short. We could go on talking and laughing forever. For my musician friends, we could continue jamming endlessly. Another helping please! The end of the year is filled with festivities andContinue reading “A Second Helping Please”
A Peaceful Space
Sometimes I am frozen, numbed in shock, just stopped at a point. Not concerned or worried, just on pause. Other times I am frazzled, and my shoulders are tapping my ears. To the water I go. There is something about lapping waves that is calming to me. I can walk my thoughts out along theContinue reading “A Peaceful Space”
My Mom of Course
Above is a photo of my mom when she was about fifteen years old. A while back, I toyed around with writing a profile about my mom. The following is a snapshot of different parts of her life in short story form. “Teresa!” Her face burned with embarrassment as she jammed her index fingerContinue reading “My Mom of Course”
The Salsa Montuno
When I was a little girl, my father instilled in me the importance of listening to the clave. I began piano lessons at a very young age and when he would tell me this, I had no idea about what he meant. However, I have come to understand its meaning two and a half decadesContinue reading “The Salsa Montuno”
Early Onset Alzheimer’s
I recently read the book, Still Alice by Lisa Genova and was greatly impacted by the way it was written. We follow the main character, Alice Howland, a fifty-year-old Harvard Professor who teaches about the cognitive functions of the brain. She travels and gives speeches. She is married and has three grown children when theContinue reading “Early Onset Alzheimer’s”
Writer’s Block is Back
It hits me again. The blank page, the cursor winking at me. Thoughts in my head swirl, but no stream of coherence comes out. I grab this idea, to free write about writer’s block. Is there a solution? What makes nothing something? Perhaps it is not a lack of topics to write about. Maybe itContinue reading “Writer’s Block is Back”
Vela Patria 