“A gifted storyteller with a distinctive voice, Samantha has the unique abilities to make the personal universal, to make the world and characters she’s created come to life on the page, and to make the reader feel deeply.”
Colleen Sell, Editor, A Cup of Comfort series
Fresh Ink
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The Magic of Christmas: Three Kings Day
“Our hostess’ eyes twinkled as she explained in halting English that we had all been given a traditional three kings cake and she had baked a small porcelain king into one of them. Whoever got the miniature would be king or queen for a day.”
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Attitude of Gratitude: The Blessing of a Smile
“Steeped in these thoughts, I gripped the steering wheel and began to make a right turn, not noticing two men in the crosswalk until I was almost upon them.”
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, 2022
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The Blessings of Christmas: Creating a Christmas Tree
“My heart sank as I gawked at it. Money or no money, we couldn’t fool our kids into thinking this was a Christmas tree.”
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing 2021
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Navigating Eldercare and Dementia: When It’s Time
“I caught my breath. Was it time? When I met Ray, he owned a restaurant and ran a large golf program in our activities club. Now, his needs had changed.”
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing 2021
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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: Our Own Christmas Pageant
“Our own Christmas pageant, right at home, filled my heart with the Christmas spirit.”
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, November, 2019
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BLENDED is blessed with great reviews
“Anthologies can be a tough sell as so many are uneven (in writing and editing) but I was blown away by Samantha Waltz’s Blended. It takes real skill and nerve to create such a seamless yet varied collection of perspectives of writers both familiar and not, step children and parents of varied backgrounds and sexual orientations. Though the stories are many, this collection feels like a story in itself and as such makes for a very satisfying and enlightening read. If you’re living in a blended family, you’ll probably see yourself (for better or for worse) and rethink some of your own preconceived notions. Or just read this book for the pleasure of immersing yourself in a great story about modern American life. I loved this book. ”
Karen Maeda Allman, Elliott Bay Book Company
More great reviews:
- Rewire “a stunning, insightful, and poignant collection”
- Understory Magazine “the wisdom of interlaced experience and the pleasure of fine writing”
- Kirkus Reviews “inform, wrestle with, and embrace these xunique challenges”
- Fourth and Sycamore—A literary journal of the Greenville Public Library “in turns lovely, funny, heartbreaking, infuriating, mildly terrifying, and incredibly validating”
- Library Journal
- Publishers Weekly
- Oak Tree Reviews
- Academia.edu
- The Mamafesto
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“Ducking Fences, Bonding Friends,” Horses and Their People: Love Stories
Joan Klengler, 2015
Through the front window I saw Scooter grazing on the lawn of our new neighbor. “He is so beautiful,” Machiko said, her voice filled with wonder. “I never had a horse visit me in Japan. Please let him stay.”
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“Persuasion,” Not Your Mother’s Book: On Working for a Living
Publishing Syndicate LLC, 2014
“I’m never great,” James, the tallest and lankiest of the students, muttered.
My heart stilled. I bet all of the students felt like James and I dreaded the task of trying to inspire them. -
The Power Of What Is
Chicken Soup For The Soul: Living With Alzheimer’s
I pressed the phone against my ear, not wanting to miss a word the doctor said. “The PET scan was affirmative for Alzheimers,” His voice was matter-of-fact.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, 2014
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“Sharing the Journey,” Chicken Soup For The Soul: Living With Alzheimer’s
“This is such a hard journey,” I thought, as I looked around the circle of caregivers gathered for our monthly supoprt group. “What if I didn’t have these friends to help me along the way?”
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, 2014
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“Time for Music,” The Multitasking Mom’s Survival Guide
I could feel my smile growing as I teased out the simple pieces with one hand, then both hands. Could I take lessons and find a half hour a day to practice? I didn’t have time for all the things I did now.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing
March, 2014 -
“The List,” Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Dating Game
“It’s all in the list.” Sue pulled a small spiral notebook and pen from her bag. “You write down the qualities you want in a guy and look for someone who has them. You dictate, I’ll write.”
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, December 2013.
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“Of Trust And Travel,” Not Your Mother’s Book: On Travel
“Can’t be too careful,” Ray muttered as he packed his wallet and passport into a pouch he’d wear under his clothing. “I’ve read the warnings in the travel books.” I turned to him. “You’ll be fine. Europe is a lot like the United States.” He threw me a yeah-right look. “Pickpockets everywhere. Scammers at the train station. I’ve heard stories.”
Publisher’s Syndicate, 2013
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“Accountability Partner,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers
Nothing motivates a writer like an accountability partner. Right now, mine sits on my desk two feet from my elbow. The sun gleams on her black fur, and I pause in my writing to admire her. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” I ask Naomi. She blinks her round yellow eyes. “Meow,” she says, which might mean “certainly” but more likely, “Get back to your writing.” Or maybe “Finish that story so you can read it to me.”
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, May, 2013
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“Chasing Perfection,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Parenthood
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, March, 2013.
A torrent of love washed over me the first moment I saw her, astounded by the wonder of her ten tiny fingers and toes, each with a delicate nail, her bright eyes, her rosebud mouth, the softness of her cheek. My first born, she deserved nothing less than a perfect mother and I vowed to be just that.
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“Biking Haleakala,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Angels Among Us
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, January 1, 2013
One woman got back in the van, the ride too difficult for her. Although I knew I should be confident, fear built inside me. I prayed again for God’s help. My heart pounded and I gripped the handlebars as though my bike would turn into a bucking bronco.
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“The Story Question”
Willamette Writers’ Newsletter, January, 2010
You’re writing a story. The dialogue crackles, a metaphor is working perfectly, the setting satiates the senses. Then the words flooding the page slow to a dribble.
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“Time To Write”
Willamette Writers Newsletter, January, 2012
I imagine the words “write more” appear on every writer’s list of New Year’s resolutions. But how? When?
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“Guru Kitty,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: I Can’t Believe My Cat Did That
Chicken Soup for the Soul, Publishing, September, 2012
“You’re better motivation than any article I’ve read,” I said, my lips against her tiny damp nose. “Naomi is a nice name, but maybe I should start calling you Guru Kitty.”
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“Back in the Saddle,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Goodbye to Back Pain!
Chicken Soup for the Soul, May, 2012
Was horseback riding really such a demanding sport? Or was there something seriously wrong with my back?
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“Enjoy This Day,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers
In bookstores March 13, 2012
“Ray deserved the best caregiving around. But was I up to it?”
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“Learning to Trust,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Mothers and Daughters
In bookstores March 13, 2012
“I sensed that Alicia’s inner beauty matched the outer beauty of her heart-shaped face and exotic blue eyes, and that she would become my fourth child — the one I had longed for since a miscarriage many years before….but it wasn’t that easy.
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“Choices,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Mothers and Daughters
In bookstores March 13, 2012
“At the high school where I taught I was known for creating classrooms where students felt nurtured, yet I couldn’t create the same positive climate at home.”
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“Samuel’s Promise,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Messages From Heaven
In bookstores February 28, 2012
“I was her chance for a child of her own flesh and blood. But was having a baby worth risking her life?”
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“The Friendliest Folks Around,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: O Canada
2011
This town touched my heart. I remembered something I’d read on the Souris website. “We’re the friendliest folks around.” Maybe so.
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“Fourth Place,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for the Young at Heart
2011
As a freelance writer, I was used to scheduling my own days. Now I’d need to be in partner mode all the time. I wasn’t sure how good I’d be at that.
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“Young Love, Old Rules,” Heartscapes: True Stories of Remembered Love
Spruce Mountain Press
July, 2012
The warmth of teenage love infused my body as I clasped my hands behind Mel’s neck and we swayed to the music. -
“Double Love,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Dog’s Life
2011
Rex courted Machiko the way a high school sophomore courts his first big crush….With the awkwardness and exuberance of youth, he knocked flower pots of the Tomitas’ deck, stole sushi off their counter, and splashed water from a proffered water bowl all across their tiled kitchen floor. She forgave him everything.
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“Team Fix-It,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Divorce and Recovery
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing: 2008
That night, as the kids inhaled turkey tacos, I did a Steve Martin impersonation. “We’re Team Fix- It….Together we can repair or maintain anything.”
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“Mirror, Mirror, On the Stall,” A Cup of Comfort for Horse-Lovers
Adams Media: April, 2008
“Vida’s sedate walk turned into a nervous dance….”Every time she tossed her head she amped up my fear along with hers. I’d heard that horses and owners mirror each other. The theory was certainly holding true for us.”
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“My Mother, My Hero,” My Teacher Is My Hero
Adams Media: 2008
“While most mothers in her day would sweetly ask if you’d like a cookie, my mother would sweetly ask if my story had solid plot structure and reflected character development. She was incredibly and indelibly focused. It was like living in a permanent writing residency.”
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“Finding My North Sea,” The Rambler
July/August 2008
My heart thuds in my chest, my thighs burn, my hands shake on the handlebars. Hopefully the men aren’t closing in.
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“Fresh Tracks,” Reading Lips and Other Ways to Cope with a Disability
Apprentice House Press: August 2008.
A man approached, the driver of the car that had struck me a glancing blow, then hit another car, crushing Ben’s legs between the vehicles. He nervously assured me of adequate insurance. Insurance? I just wanted my son to live.
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“Royalty,” The Ultimate Horse Lover
Health Communications, Inc., 2008
She looked down her shapely Arabian nose at me and with her huge brown eyes conveyed the message, “I will go home with you on one condition. You must treat me like a princess.”
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“Kitty Bonds,” The Ultimate Cat Lover
Health Communications Inc, 2008
“Your cat’s fine, honey.” My husband clearly found my daily kitty report less interesting than the biography of Thomas Jefferson he was trying to read.
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“Driving Lessons,” A Cup of Comfort for Divorced Women
Adams Media: October 2008
“The road we tried to travel together grew so littered with sharp rocks that I could barely find a way to move forward. Still, I thought if I stayed alert and drove carefully, I could make it.”
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“Tell Me Not To Worry,” A Cup of Comfort for Families Touched by Alzheimer’s
Adams Media: Fall, 2008
How could I do that if my brain is still intact? She can tell me not to worry. Probably Alzheimer’s doesn’t run in her family
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“So Much Strong,” Ask Me About My Divorce
Seal Press: 2009
In my conflict-torn marriage my emotional biceps were like jelly.
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“Of Their Own Design,” A Cup of Comfort for New Mothers
Adams Media: 2009
Benjamin peered from his blue receiving blanket, his two day old face bewitchingly beautiful with bright eyes, tiny nose, and rosebud mouth. “He looks like a monkey,” Tami, my blond, wispy-haired four year old announced as she took her first look at her new brother.
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“Special Sisters,” A Cup of Comfort for Adopted Families
Adams Media: 2009
“This is my cousin,” my thirteen-year old sister, Shelly, announced to the bus driver, pointing at me as we boarded the city bus to go to our tap class.”
“Her cousin?” I stared at my older sister, surprised into silence, unusual for my chatty, ten-year old self.
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“All In The Family,” A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II
Adams Media: 2009
Should Ray and I argue within earshot of Annie, she promptly comes to sit by one of us, then the other, looking us both in the eye, scolding, “Look you guys, knock it off. This family is about love.”
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“Kenneth,” The Ultimate Teacher
Health Communications, Inc: 2009
I tried to sound confident and firm as I again moved toward his desk. “You need to do as I ask.”
“No.” He replied so softly I almost missed his response.
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“Of Detour and Determination,” Chicken Soup for the Soul:Tough Times, Tough People
Health Communications, Inc: 2009
Shivering from cold and shock, I hold my son’s hands as he lies on the snow in a spreading crimson pool, both legs jutting at odd angles.
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“On Probation,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned From the Cat
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, 2009
“You have to catch a lot of rats if you want to stay,” I whispered into his furry neck when it was my turn to cuddle him.
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“More Than Red Roses,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love
Chicken Soup For The Soul Publishing: 2009
I’d been in an obsessing-about-kitty phase, and Ray was already feeling unloved and unappreciated, when my horse suddenly got so ill I thought I might lose her.
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“Connecting,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love
Chicken Soup For The Soul Publishing: 2009
Just this morning I was grousing to Annie, my golden retriever, that a second marriage isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Too many complications with joint and personal accounts, blended families, and difficult exes…. Ray and I vow to look lovingly at each other more often. How hard can it be?
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“Weird, Awkward, Romantic Moments,” Redbook
February, 2011
“Now don’t get me wrong. I have a Costco card and appreciate the prices as much as anyone. But for a third date?”
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“Supersized Love,” A Cup of Comfort for Couples
Adams Media: 2011
A big cement warehouse with everything in supersize for a third date? Where were the candles? The music? Would he reach across a display of Sonicare toothbrushes to take my hand?
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“Christmas Magic,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Christmas
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishers: 2010
How could I explain to Tami that Monty would do anything for us but celebrate Christmas? Monty and I had argued about the holiday for eight years and finally agreed to disagree.
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“Christmas Magic,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishers: 2010
How could I explain to Tami that Monty would do anything for us but celebrate Christmas? Monty and I had argued about the holiday for eight years and finally agreed to disagree.
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“Two Loves,” Why We Ride, San Francisco:
Seal Press, 2010
I”ve begged Ray more times than there are hairs in my horse’s forelock to please go riding with me….Miracle of miracles, as a birthday present, today he finally agreed to go.
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“A Village Built With Ink and Dreams,” A Cup of Comfort For A Better World
Adams Media: 2010
“Look at the glass windows,” Najmeh said when we accepted the invitation for tea and passed through a gate and courtyard into a two-room house. She explained that village homes usually had only openings for windows, and in winter the openings were covered with paper or rags. “I brought these here with money from the books.”
My Mom’s books bought windows?
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“My Running Partners,” The Ultimate Runner
Health Communication Inc: 2010
The next morning I had to talk firmly with myself as I tied on my running shoes. It wasn’t the rain. I was used to that. I’d even jogged in snow, more dependent on my morning run than a cup of coffee….It was the creepy noises, the yards of near-darkness between the street lamps, the sense of being entirely alone if something should happen to me that unsettled me.
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“The Granddaddy,” Chicken Soup for the Soul
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing: 2010
I can’t believe I’m in Alaska. I’m running the Campbell Creek Greenbelt, my steps as light as my heart….High with the thrill of it all I round a corner and …
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“T-Shirt Tales,” Chicken Soup for the Soul
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing: 2010
I ran through the winter, alone, now, because Sherry really had quit. My runs were my meditation, renewing mind and body. I didn’t ask my husband to join me, not wanting more rejection.
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“A Ray of Dogshine,” Good Dogs Doing Good, New York
LaChance Publishing: 2010
By the time I got home, fifty pounds of fur bounced from Tami, to Joel, to Ben in his wheelchair.
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“The Ties That Heal,” A Cup of Comfort for Single Mothers
Adams Media: April, 2008
Who would hold me and tell me that I was not a terrible mother? That Tami and Joel didn’t feel neglected? That my son would be all right? I sat on our family room couch, head on my knees, and wondered how I was going to manage. Everyone needed me and I had nothing left to give.
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“Taking The Time,” Chicken Soup for the Soul Love Stories
Health Communications, Inc., 2007
He smiled, a terrific, crooked smile, and took a few steps toward me. That evening promised to be memorable.
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“Romance,” Chicken Soup for the Soul Love Stories
Health Communications, Inc., 2007
I hit the question, “Describe the most romantic moment you and your husband have shared in the last year.” My brain freezes. Has my marriage included any romantic moments in the past year?
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“Northern Tissue Curves,” Chicken Soup for the Soul Love Stories
Health Communications, Inc., 2007
I walked over to the mirror above the sink covered my mouth with my hands and stared in horror. What could I do? I would far rather die than face David again.
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“Tough Decisions,” Chicken Soup for the Soul Love Stories
Health Communications, Inc., 2007
I felt as though the ground shifted beneath me as I watched him leave, my husband whom I loved, off to visit my mother-in-law whom I also loved. I didn’t know how to help either one.
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“Sharing Chocolate,” Chicken Soup for the Chocolate Lover’s Soul
Health Communications Inc: November, 2007.
A thin line of raspberry filling separated two thick layers of dark, moist, daringly rich cake. A bittersweet ganach dripped over the top and sides. The next thing I noticed was one of the women shaking a finger at me.
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“Tea’d Off,” Chicken Soup for the Tea Lover’s Soul
Health Communications, Inc: November 2007.
I know that tea has been elevated to an art form in the gracious, exacting Japanese Tea Ceremony. But a tall, insulated brown cup from Starbucks does not look good on top of our piano alongside the glass box that holds an antique Japanese doll or the arrangement of several deep blue, delicately painted vases.
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“Mocha Madness,” Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover’s Soul
Health Communications, Inc: November 2007.
Will it be a beach romance, or a drink seductive as a warm summer night, smooth as suede, satisfying as a delicious book?
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“A Toast to Friendship,” Chicken Soup for the Wine Lover’ Soul
Health Communications, Inc: November, 2007.
Bob hands out wine glasses and begins to pour. “It’s a Pinot,” he says. “A symbol of our friendship. Not that I don’t love both you and a good Pinot,” I say, but a Pinot Noir can’t actually be a symbol of our friendship. Writers quibble about things like this.
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“A New Point of View,” A Cup of Comfort for Writers
Adams Media: 2007.
Suddenly I have become the channel for a higher creative process. The story is writing itself, the narrative fluid, the language rich. “Can I ask you a question?” My husband’s voice invades the room. Instantly my muse flees.
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“Converting Ray,” A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers
Adams Media: 2007.
That night Annie [our golden retriever] and I had an eye to sad, brown eye — nose to slightly damp nose — talk. “Annie,” I told her, “Ray is a dog person but he doesn’t know it. And he has to find out or we’re both in trouble. Your job is to convert him.”
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“Yoga for Two,” The Healing Touch of Horses
Adams Media: 2006.
I firmly believe that it’s possible to heal every cell of a body and every facet of an emotional life-equine or human. I refused to accept the vet’s-or my own doctor’s-prognosis.
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“Just Call Me Grandma,” A Cup of Comfort for Grandparents
Adams Media: 2007.
Ray had six grandchildren when I married him and I loved them all. Just as long as they called me Samantha. Or even Sam, thank you very much. Never Grandma. I didn’t fit the image..And then one day we went to Ryan’s soccer game.
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“Birthing A Family,” A Cup of Comfort for Grandparents
Adams Media: 2007.
I stand in the doorway of the birthing room with my husband Ray who is Tara’s father and see my beloved stepdaughter struggling so hard to birth little Jacob. I want to rush to her side and smooth her dark hair from her face. But just what is a stepmother’s role in a situation like this?
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“Slender Threads,” Horse Crazy
Adams Media: 2005.
I’m not going. No way. It’s too scary. Vida didn’t say this in English, of course. Arab horses are smart, and they understand a lot of words, but the language they speak is a flare of nostrils, twitch of ears, stamp of hoof.
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“The Two-Minute Hug,” A Cup of Comfort for Women In Love
Adams Media: 2005.
A two-minute hug, rekindling the spark of romance in a marriage..what could be easier?
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“Come What May,” A Cup of Comfort for Sisters
Adams Media: 2004.
Jackie lived close by and did a thousand things more for Mother than I. She’d been at the hospital for a good twenty hours already. I was the daughter come lately.I felt a mixture of jealousy and shame too. If there’d been a contest for best daughter, she would have won.
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“Grieving the F,” A Cup of Comfort for Teachers
Adams Media: 2004.
Feelings are like little children. They can be hushed only so long before they throw a tantrum.