Tag: writing

why i choose to laugh daily by chris otcasek

Why I Choose To Laugh Daily: Chris’ Journey

By Chris Otcasek (aka Mr. Ohh!) | Featured Contributor


Hello! I have a question for you all. I would like to ask how you grew up? How were you treated? When I grew up, I had asthma, and was not treated well. The thing is…no one was in those times. I would run the 100-meter dash and run out of breath after 25. It wasn’t so bad that the other children told me I ran like a truck, but when the coach did as well it made me feel I wasn’t trying hard enough. Well, I tried harder and got worse.

Some folks find this abuse depressing and are scarred. I grew to fight harder, and when I was laughed at, I learned to laugh at myself as well. It was a sad existence. Bullying is cruel but it must be survived. Friedrich Nietzsche said, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” It’s a lie that which does not kill us gives us one more thing to avoid. For me, that became everything. And it continued throughout my working life.

Continue reading “Why I Choose To Laugh Daily: Chris’ Journey”

In Due Time Reflection During a Pandemic by terin

In Due Time: Reflection During a Pandemic

By Terin Marlae Benavente | Featured Contributor


Last night, my husband and I snuck outside for a brief yet quiet moment of solitude. Oh, how we long for the days where our conversations were not rushed and now, even demanded at times. We love our children dearly but until the pandemic hit, never knew how much we cherish our alone time. Even for myself. Especially now, I find it even difficult to find enough quiet time to write this article without, “MOM! He’s being mean to me!” or “MOM, where are my shoes?!” Seriously, I had barely written a paragraph before that started. As a SAHM/homeschool teacher/graduate student/writer and blogger, I have found it to be incredibly difficult juggling all of these things at once.

Continue reading “In Due Time: Reflection During a Pandemic”

Promote Your Blog [closed]


Happy Valentine’s Day! Today, I again open up PhoebeMD.com for another Meet & Greet event. Remember, this is your moment to shine! This was originally started on PhoebeMD.com as a dedicated time for you all to come together to share blogs and favorite posts, make new connections, and expand your blog audiences.

The guidelines, like always, are simple…

Continue reading “Promote Your Blog [closed]”

Lovely psychosis poem by Skye Emerson

‘Lovely Psychosis’ – Directions for Survival [a poem]

By Skye Emerson | Featured Contributor


Once there was optimism to see silver laced clouds 
til the world shook on its axis and decidedly bowed. 
Psychosis (they say) is to go quite insane, 
lose touch with reality, but they never mention the pain. 
When all that is true breaks at the seams, 
life becomes survival, desperation and screams. 
Mistrusting your judgement since all you see is false, 
no more gut feelings to rely on, you’ve got to just halt. 
Buried beneath the weight of taunting monsters and more, 
the theories roll, there is no staunching it despite how you implore.

Continue reading “‘Lovely Psychosis’ – Directions for Survival [a poem]”