Colleen Keller Breuning’s poem reflects on her granddaughter Posie’s enchanting princess tea party several years back, featuring tiaras, elegant china, lemon tea, treats, helium balloons, and delighted young guests. She praises her daughter Katie’s exceptional party planning while expressing regret at missing the January celebration because of work and travel constraints. She looks forward to future family birthdays, including Holland’s first birthday.
Tag Archives: fiction
Ghosts and Goblins of Halloween
The Halloween post describes a low-key celebration with few trick-or-treaters, reflecting changes in the neighborhood. It highlights creative costumes, such as a “dead bride,” and shares plans for leftover candy. The writer expresses disappointment about the time change affecting daylight, signaling the start of the holiday season and Christmas shopping.
Notes From an Unclaimed Melody
In “Notes From an Unclaimed Melody,” Colleen reflects on a cold Nevada night intertwined with memories of a lost love, symbolizing life’s fleeting nature. Following the heartbreaking news of her Aunt Mary Helen’s unexpected death, Colleen expresses deep sorrow and emphasizes the importance of cherishing loved ones and resolving family differences.
Broken Crystal
The poem “Broken Crystal” reflects deep emotional turmoil, portraying a feeling of despair and isolation through vivid imagery, including broken glass symbolizing loss. The author, Colleen Keller Breuning, shares her personal connection to the poem and its inspiration from a Radiohead song while contrasting it with her current happy family life.
Sixties Child
Colleen Keller Breuning reflects on her carefree childhood in the sixties, sharing nostalgic memories that would astonish today’s kids, such as rotary phones and summers without air conditioning. She also recounts her mother’s 89th birthday celebration, highlighting family bonds, laughter over a cake mishap, and the joy of simple pleasures.
From Embers to Anthem
The author reflects on the aftermath of an apocalypse, whether it is a world or galactic apocalypse or a more personal struggle. It speaks of a journey from destruction to defiance, from ash to voice. It pays tribute via an anthem to both the living and the dead.
Cobweb Afternoon
Colleen’s post reflects a mix of personal struggle and care for nature. On a gray, stormy day, she shares feelings of anxiety akin to a “cobweb afternoon,” while recounting a tense moment with fallen nestling wrens. Her instinctive nurturing highlights her concern for their survival amid worries about her own emotions.
Latchkey
The content reflects on the experiences of latchkey kids, emphasizing feelings of solitude and boredom. The author shares personal anecdotes from their childhood, recalling challenges while supervising siblings and the dynamics within their family. Ultimately, it contrasts past struggles with a cheerful present, celebrating simple pleasures like enjoying time at a winery.
Stone Cold Blues
The post reflects on the author’s experience with a recent cold spell, likening her feelings to “Stone Cold Blues” after receiving bad news from a doctor. She describes the harsh winter conditions and her longing for warmth and normalcy while working long hours. There’s a nostalgic nod to “The Magic Garden” amidst her musings.
These Tired Eyes
The piece reflects on themes of struggle and resilience, contrasting moments of sadness with hope and joy. Personal anecdotes highlight a family cookout, anticipation for a baby’s arrival, and plans for a late Christmas. It also promotes a writing challenge, encouraging creativity and connection among participants.
