Flash Fiction

Took a deep breath in the mirror, he didn't like it when I wore high heels, but I do

It was a windy night as I stepped out of my little bug onto the cold streets of New York city. I had my favorite dress on and my hair curled just perfectly - it was going to be a good night. I was meeting my boyfriend of two years at our favorite restaurant, hoping this would be the night that he would bring a ring.

Turned the lock and put my headphones on, he always said he didn't get this song, but I do, I do

Thinking about everything my friends were telling me about him, I walked down the street to pick him up a coffee from the little street cart he loved so much. I knew they were wrong, he loved me, and he was the one. That was when I saw him - kissing another woman as he put her into a cab.

Walked in expecting you'd be late, but you got here early and you stand and wave, I walk to you

I quickly turned and walked the other way. My head spinning from all the accusations that I'd heard about him. They were all true. Finally it all made sense, this was never right, it couldn't have been. After walking for what seemed like an eternity, I turned and stepped into a little cafe I had never seen before.

You pull my chair out and help me in, and you don't know how nice that is, but I do

After ordering a cafe mocha I sat down in a little booth and just contemplated my life for the last few years. It had been such a joke, how did I do this to myself? What does that make me? I was starting to think of how I must have pushed him to do this, how it must be my own fault, and I was just going to have to try harder. That's when you sat down across from me.

And you throw your head back laughing like a little kid, I think it's strange that you think I'm funny cause he never did

You said that I looked like I needed someone to talk to. I came close to spilling my heart out to you at that very moment, but then you noticed what I was drinking and made a joke about how I should just pick one or the other. Quickly defending myself with some witty comment, I suddenly caught a glimpse of the old me. One I hadn't known I had lost.

I've been spending the last eight months, thinking all love ever does is break and burn and end

And so we talked. And talked. And talked. Joking and laughing more in those few short hours than I had in what seemed like a lifetime. It seemed like such a simple concept, to really enjoy myself, why hadn't I realized it sooner? Suddenly, it was clear how dysfunctional he was, not me. My only mistake was letting him break me. Five minutes before I had been so sure that I would never love again...

But on a Wednesday, in a cafe, I watched it begin again

...But on a Wednesday, in a cafe, I watched it begin again.

<3

Lyrics from Taylor Swift's Begin Again.

Open Letter

Dear Sonny,

I'm writing this letter to you today to tell you about our time together. We have been through so much and I would like you to have this so you know how much you mean to me.

I remember the first time I seen you. I was 12 years old and I was making the switch to a different barn to continue my riding lessons. My first thought was Equine Meadows seeing I had such a great experience attending riding lessons there as a child. I remember looking at pictures of all the horses that I would be riding in lessons and all of the sudden I came across a horse I had never seen before. I was instantly fascinated, as he was so beautiful. It was you! 

Soon after, my lessons began. I immediately asked if I could ride you but I was told that it was too dangerous for someone at my level. You were a little crazy to say the least, and many experienced riders had taken spills off of your back. But I was persistent, and after a few weeks, I finally got the chance. Our experience levels were actually pretty similar. We were both very green, a combination that very rarely mixed. However, everyone was amazed at how well we did together - earning me many more chances to ride you. Even though you still enjoyed to be more than a little silly while being ridden, you always took care of me when I was riding, and I did my best to do the same for you. 

As time went on, I began to lease you. This was a chance I took as I still wasn't quite at the level that most people are when they start leasing. Because of this, so many people expressed many ignorant opinions - and that's putting it lightly. But I was determined to prove them wrong. Many rides, and many tears shed into your mane later, people stopped talking. They didn't have a reason too anymore because we more than proved them wrong.

You have become something that no one thought you would. All those people that said you had "no potential" are eating their words. You have worked so hard and turned yourself into a horse that is a joy to ride and I'm so proud to have been a part of that. Clinicians have went from saying that you are "never going anywhere" to saying they "can't wait to see where you are going". And I have gone from believing that you can be something, to seeing you transform into what I knew you could be all along. We have both come so far, and it's exciting to think that we still have so far to go.

I love you forever - never forget that,

Erin

News Story

Coats, Scarves, Mittens, and Hats in Style This Winter

Parents of Many Children Outraged

          Over the past few years, keeping warm during the winter months has become something of the past. Teens have been spotted out in the snow with nothing but a t-shirt on, Children have been "forgetting their coats", and mittens have fallen off the face of the earth. However, as winter fast approaches, all of these things have been spotted in clothing stores all across the city. "This is insane!", a worried parent shouts, when questioned about the issue. If children aren't exposed to the elements, how will they ever become accustomed? If they're not allowed to become cold, how will they ever learn to keep themselves warm?
         One Penny Clarkwell also made a very interesting point. Her daughter, Nancy, has already been asking for a new winter coat for Christmas. When asked why she wanted one, Nancy replied "It's cold outside, a sweater just isn't enough". "Isn't enough? Since when?  When I was young I would walk to and from school, up hill both ways, in negative 60 degree weather with nothing but a strap shirt on. And now a sweater isn't enough? Outrageous." Penny replied. She had also begun over the previous winters to use the money saved from not purchasing winter clothing for more important things. She seemed quite distressed when we asked what she would do without it. "How will I find money for the solarium now?" she weeped.
         We don't know Penny, we just don't know. I say we take a stand - say no to providing your child with these "fashionable", yet evidently unnecessary accessories.

Meme

Toms

            A little less than a year ago I first heard of a new product being released called "Toms". At first, I was very confused because I had no idea what they were. I mean, when you hear someone refer to something as Toms, shoes aren't exactly what first comes to mind.
            However after doing some research, I realized that these shoes aren't just for retail gain, but also for a much more important cause. For every pair of shoes bought, the makers of Toms donate a pair to a person in a third world country who can't afford to buy their own. I feel that this is such an amazing idea, as it not only encourages people to invest in them, but also provides the less fortunate with something that we take for granted every day. In learning about this, I immediately went to their website and ordered a pair for myself.
            After a reasonable amount of time, my Toms arrived in the mail. I was pleased to learn that they were not only extremely stylish, but also one of the comfiest pairs of shoes I had ever put on my feet. For the very reasonable price of fifty dollars, I received my new favorite pair of shoes and felt great that because of me, somewhere in the world someone else was also receiving a pair they would never be able to afford.
            For the entire summer my Toms lived on my feet. I wore them to the beach, to the mall, and everywhere else I went. After much wear, I only have two complaints. The first being that they stretched out so that after a little while they became too big for me. This would have been nice to know when I was ordering them so I could have bought them a half size smaller, but it was not noted on the website. The second being that after just a few months they began to tear. The material, although it was very comfy, didn't hold up as well as I would have liked. The pair that I ordered back in April are now no longer wearable.
            All in all, I would definitely recommend these shoes to anyone that asked. The benefits without a doubt outweigh the few minor set backs I experienced. As upset that I was that my first pair wore out, I did not hesitate in purchasing a second - and that itself speaks volumes.