Maybe I’m a unicorn in this regard and perhaps this is why — It has come to my attention at various times throughout my life that I have an unusually high amount of friends. However, I’ve noticed that the quality of my friendships has fortunately increased. Natasha Nichole Lake recently asked me some questions about Friendship. …

Some things in life do have happy endings so get some tea or coffee, sit back, and enjoy — Nine years ago I was mentioned in Philadelphia magazine, using my nickname at the time, when the spa where I worked won Best Sports Massage. “With any luck, you’ll get Blue Simmons, whose expert hands will home in on your sorest parts like a missile on its target. …

We got along beautifully and knew each other for years, but the signs are clear when looking back — Cathy (not her real name) and I met in high school, but we were never friends then. She was much cooler than me despite being two grades below me. I dated her brother for a year after he had graduated from the high school that we all attended. That is…

There are plenty of good reasons to explore them but my top reason might surprise you — Yesterday, I had a life-altering experience that was so simple yet profound. I spent four hours at an incredible spa that is open to the public but also part of a four-star hotel in northwestern Germany. Before moving to Germany a year and a half ago, I had heard about…

Let these fires help fan the flames of inspiration for fiction and non-fiction writers alike — It has been a minute since I have written an intro for Pure Fiction’s monthly collection of stories. I usually leave that part to JA Vassili. However, this month, I wanted to share something a little more personal about my journey as a writer and editor for this publication. Non-fiction…

One unexpected and essential thing took my recent experience at a German sauna to another level — One of the first things I noticed, after the shock of seeing a completely naked older gentleman, as soon as I entered the locker room was a sign stating, “No cell phones allowed”. It was my first time at a German spa and I was there with a friend to…

This incredible international destination continues to impress — It’s been almost two years since I visited Amsterdam for the first time, and I absolutely loved it! During my five-hour train ride back home to Germany, I was already thinking about when I could return. This afternoon I finally returned to Amsterdam but sadly, I did not leave the…

Now it is one of my most cherished artistic creations and here’s why — Have you heard of the Fur and Feathers Writing Competition? As soon as I read about it I knew I had to enter. Neither of my beloved cats is alive today but their stories live on through me. …

What I do for my birthday is unusual but simple and now I have to decide just how important it is to me — When I read KiKi Walter’s story that featured a prompt about birthdays (Happy birthday Ki!), I knew that I wanted to write something but I was not sure what my focus would be. Birthdays mean a lot to me — mine and those of my closest friends and family. I…