Bryan R..

Joined September 2018

118 stories

Bio

Husband. Father. Music and Youth Pastor. I enjoy writing as a hobby.

Stories (118)

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My Crazy Labrador
We brought home a puppy named Finn. 'Tis sweet until older, and then... He now jumps the fence, His barking's intense, But I'd do it all over again
By Bryan R..3 years ago in Poets
Are You Drowning in Inflation?
The above is NOT our house. But it could be, if the economy doesn’t turn around in the next couple of years. Political pundits claim we are in the midst of record job growth and an economic boom. I’m not sure I buy it. I find that the current inflationary problem is devastating the average American middle class family.
By Bryan R..4 years ago in Families
Escaping Kalabran
Markus was a wall dweller. Orphaned at thirteen and considered a man by the kingdom's standards, Markus inherited the family's dwelling, housed in the walls of the formidable city of Kalabran.
By Bryan R..4 years ago in Fiction
Five Cons to Everyone Gets a Trophy
I am a public-school product of the 70’s and 80’s, graduating from High School in 1989. In my elementary and junior high years, I played competitive basketball. When I entered high school, I focused on choral music and participated in one year of speech and debate. Though I enjoyed my fair share of victories and superior ratings, I also learned how to lose. I didn’t always bring home a trophy or a ribbon, and I am a better person, husband, and father because of it.
By Bryan R..4 years ago in Motivation
An Unexpected Hero
The sun bore mercilessly down, forcing most creatures into the crevices and shadows cast by nature. Ponds sat dry; streams once swollen with spring rains harbored dust and dormant fragments of moss. Calvin T. Hobbes stared at the stream's bed, dreaming of a refreshing drink to parch his satiable thirst. He crawled into the shade of a large oak and collapsed. The scorching heat and empty canteen had taken a heavy toll and a respite from the running was what he needed. He hoped the mid-day sun had slowed the posse as well. Spies weren't treated well behind enemy lines. He checked the position of the sun and determined to seek out shelter at dusk.
By Bryan R..4 years ago in Fiction
Are You REALLY a Grinch?
Every Christmas, my family watches a few holiday classics. These include It's A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Charlie Brown Christmas Special, A Christmas Carol and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Jim Carrey plays a wonderfully creepy Grinch, but I still prefer the original cartoon that first aired on CBS in December of 1966. As a child, my family watched it every year...that hasn't changed, even though I'm now fifty-years old.
By Bryan R..4 years ago in Longevity
Yes, Vocal, There Is a Santa Claus
Today, I downloaded a new app to my Roku. An ad popped up touting Christmas Plus, a free app offering nothing but Christmas shows, movies, and music to celebrate the holidays. I scanned its offerings and chose "The Miracle on 34th Street." No, probably not the version you're thinking of. This black and white version aired in 1955 and is less than an hour long. Though shortened, this rendition relays the same story as the 1947 movie, but in Cliffs Notes form. The story line culminates in a lawyer working to prove the existence of Santa Claus and that the person he represents is that iconic individual. The movie truly is a classic and an annual viewing must in our household.
By Bryan R..4 years ago in Humans
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
I love Christmas. I love the lights, the sounds, and the smells of the holiday. I love waking up early on Christmas morning with my kids, watching their excitement as they tear through the bows and wrapping paper to unveil the gifts housed inside. I love the romanticism of a white Christmas, and watching "It's a Wonderful Life" while nursing a steamy cup of hot chocolate. I love gathering on the porches of homes of those unable to venture outdoors and sing carols at the top of my lungs.
By Bryan R..4 years ago in Families
The Innovative Charlie Brown Christmas Special
The Christmas Season affords opportunities for many traditions. Family gatherings, office parties, caroling, Christmas Eve Services and making candy cane shaped cookies are some ways that people celebrate the holiday season. Others play it more low key and enjoy simple pleasures. One of those simple pleasures that I look forward to every year is cuddling up on the couch with the family, watching the Charlie Brown Christmas Special.
By Bryan R..4 years ago in Families
My Most Memorable Christmas
I love Christmas, so it makes sense that one of my earliest childhood memories centers around this holiday season. Christmas Eve, 1977 holds a special place in my heart.
By Bryan R..4 years ago in Humans
Harvard and Homeschool
Since the beginning of the Pandemic, there's been an 11 percent increase in homeschooling. Over 5,000,000 million kids now consider home, their school base. Some grieve the change, not believing the home school option a solid educational choice. In fact, many characterized the homeschool community as anti-social and grossly out of touch when I first heard about homeschool families in the 1970's.
By Bryan R..4 years ago in Families
Side Gigs Make a Difference
If you buy groceries or fuel or anything, you've probably noticed a substantial hike in costs. News outlets report we've experienced a 5% inflationary increase in the past year. That must be fuzzy math or a common core finagling of the numbers, because I would argue that it's much higher. My wife and I have been blessed with six kids...that eat...Groceries that cost $200 just a few months ago, now range from $350 to $400. Unfortunately, that's a per week increase of up to 100%. Since my teenagers balk at fasting 3-4 days per week, I determined to make some extra money to help with grocery bills.
By Bryan R..4 years ago in Journal