(C) 2022, JJ ShaunApril's change of scenery. The last three years have been incredibly stressful. And not just for First Reader and me, but for almost everyone I know. (Although, I could say that the last six years have been a bit tense, especially after I realized nothing would save my career when the new … Continue reading Change the Scenery
One of the last stories I wrote about Lyryk found her camped on the outskirts of the city of Irewick. Biscuit, her companion through the mountains, had left her side some days before, and she was pining for company. This was one of those flash stories that turned out extra short only because that moment … Continue reading Spring Luck
Tuesday morning, two months and twenty-six days after filing our application, we received word that our building permit was approved. It was entering the final stage of issuance—processing the last of the paperwork by dotting all the ‘t’s and crossing all the ‘i’s, then printing out the official piece of paper. By noon, I was … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 101
The quiet firing began three years before I was laid off from my career. Let me start from the beginning—the beginning of the end. Once upon a time, I worked for a small, international semiconductor company that designed computer storage and the associated software to make it work. Through the years, the company earned quite … Continue reading Quiet Firing Happens
I wrote this piece during the winter when I could call on the weather experience of the day. Writing about the bone-numbing cold is challenging when it’s pushing triple-digit temps outside. I found editing this piece in the heat interesting because it took me back to those much cooler days, making me feel the ambient … Continue reading Braving the Blizzard
Another week and we’re still stuck in Permit Approval Hell. We seem caught in the middle of an ongoing dispute between the county and our builder. Isn’t that special? 🙄 Despite the continuing delays, we made it up to the property this week to clear weeds and try to pull more nails and other tire … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 100
The term “quiet quitting” has become one of the new buzzwords coming out of corporate America lately. What is “quiet quitting?” According to LinkedIn News, “quiet quitting” is doing the job your employer hired you for, nothing more. No extra projects, hours past working hours, no interruption of family life. In short, no going above … Continue reading What Is “Quiet Quitting”?
I wrote this snippet of Lyryk’s story before I knew about Lyryk meeting the weather witch, so I had to make a minor adjustment to this bit. Once more, I wrote this in response to a writing prompt. Lost “I think we’re lost, buddy,” Lyryk said, looking down at the dog by her side. Biscuit’s … Continue reading Lost In A Storm
We are SO close to having our permit I could spit. We found out Friday morning, the day the final engineering note was turned over to the building department, that the engineer approving our paperwork works four 10-hour days. Monday through Thursday. Isn’t that just freaking special? 🙄 One thing we did manage to get … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 99
Riding the Black Hills is the highlight of our summer. Not only do we play in someone else’s backyard, but we also visit with friends who have become extended family. Every year, we take time to catch up and ooh and aah about how big the kids have gotten (looking at you, young Mr. A. … Continue reading A Week of Wind Therapy
Books, games, music, and life — filtered through the mind of a writer, drummer, and philosopher who thinks too deeply about all of it. If it moves something in your chest, I'm interested.
Tavern Tales
Poetry BLOG By Edge of Humanity Magazine
New Writing Engaging with the Sacred
J.J. Shaun 