June 14, 1987
The day before …
Too young
Irritated by the heat
Wanting relief.
Swollen belly, huge boobs
Destroyed career
Trapped.
The Day …
Pain beyond relief
Rush of emotion
Delayed cry.
Life changed
My heart
Outside my body.
The day after …
Best job ever
Meghan’s Mommy
Sigh of relief.
I can do this
Because Love
Is always enough.
Meghan Elizabeth Ortez
June 14, 1987, 8 lbs 6 oz, 21 inches
Written for the To Live and Write in Alameda 2019 “Flash Lit February” Challenge 10. We had three days to write a poem or short story (of 500 words or less) or draw a piece of art to the theme “The Day Before” and submit.
“When you turn the wheel right, the boat goes right” he said patiently. “Think of it as driving a car.”
I always prefer fresh ingredients to canned or frozen, but there will be times when we are out to sea and run out of fresh goods. I’ve been exploring some healthy options that aren’t full of preservatives and are easy to make and these quesadillas fit the bill nicely. They would also be a great meal for the kids to help with and to make when camping. All of the ingredients are readily available at our 
Yes, it’s true. Sleeping on a boat is like being rocked to sleep every night. We keep our stateroom hatch open a crack year-round and can hear the waves and seabirds as we drift off and awaken. When it’s stormy it can be a wild ride, but still so comfy to be cocooned in our bunk while Mother Nature and Father Neptune battle it out.
Spring had finally arrived. The stark branches were dotted with pink flower buds and these little signs of life gave her hope. It had been a harsh winter and her husband had been laid off, making it twice as miserable.
I needed fresh ginger for a dinner recipe and our 
“X marks the spot. Well, if that isn’t cliche,” Sarah rolled her eyes at her boyfriend as she studied the map that was poorly made to look like a pirate’s treasure map.
Heather stretched languidly in bed, inhaling the aroma of fresh coffee wafting from the kitchen. She smiled, listening to her husband singing off-key to “American Pie.” He knew every word to all 20 plus verses. Up next would be a collection of Buddy Holly hits. His playlist was as predictable as Dan himself. 
I’ve been exploring the vegan lifestyle for the past year as we’ve been spending time with Aaron’s cousin, and several of our friends are vegetarian. 
If there ever was a controversial recipe, it would definitely be deviled eggs. Just like potato salad, the argument begins with mayonnaise versus Miracle Whip and then the choices of seasonings and condiments are across the board. 
