KJ Aartila
Stories (297)
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Clutter as Inspiration
I want to write. I really do, but everywhere I look is clutter and a piled mess. Dust covers shelves, and doghair carpets the floor, dirty dishes fill the sink. I can’t think. But I want too. First, I guess I need to clear the clutter; clean up this mess.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Motivation
Colds are Annoying
Today, I have a terrible cold. I don’t even know why I’m writing this. I should be resting. Especially, like whenever I get sick, my eyes are affected and I can’t focus on words, so I must blow up the view on my screen to very large print. And following a train of thought is very difficult. Again, I don’t even know why I’m writing this. It will probably not make much sense.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Longevity
Obsolete?
Obsolete? Maybe I Am … I nearly earned an Associate’s Degree in Website Design - simple computer programming that was just on the brink of incorporating CSS. That’s how “old” I am in computer years. I did already hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from a state University, but it wasn’t enough to get me a decent job, making the amount of money I wanted. I decided to enter the Computer Programming field through a program offered at the Tech School in the town where I lived. I believed that would provide many options for employment, as well as for becoming successfully self-employed. It was a sensible choice. Sensibility is not my strong point.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in 01
Nearly Up In Smoke
I never did drugs - except the one time. Alcohol, yes; too much. And I tried smoking cigarettes when I hit the bar scene, but that was gross and I never was “good” at it, so I quit trying. I still don’t understand the allure of smoking, especially as you get older, but to each his own, I guess. The same is said for drinking. I don’t much care for beer anymore, rum or cheap vodka, but I do like wine. I used to drink beer all the time. And shots of Tequila. Guys were impressed. I don’t do that anymore.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Potent
A Criminal Heart. Top Story - November 2022.
My step-uncle was a criminal, but I grew to love him greatly. And then, he disappointed me greatly, breaking my teenage heart - stomping on it with his combat boots and grinding it under the toe like a finished cigarette.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Criminal
To Delete or Not Delete ...
The question came up in one of the Vocal Facebook groups the other day: “Do you delete your work that you don’t like, or keep it?" or something to that effect. It’s not a direct quote, but the gist is the same. I found it to be a very curious question. It made me pause and consider my own habits and why.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Journal
Reach for the Aging Stars
I did a “thing” yesterday. A thing to resume working toward fulfillung a dream I had nearly given up on. It started with being deep-down honest with myself. The answers weren’t exactly pretty, but they were insightful. Honesty and insight I can work with, excuses I cannot.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Motivation
Making Breakfast for my Family on a Saturday Morning
I tried to sleep in, but I’m awake before 5:30 AM, as usual. The coming daybreak washes away anymore pretense of rest. With a sigh, I open my eyes to the quiet darkness, as my bladder demands - and the desparately meowing cat; apparently, his bladder is demanding relief, too. (Yes, our cat appears to be house trained - he won’t “go” indoors.- convenient, but odd, as most cats like a litterbox. But I digress …) I actually enjoy being awake alone in the early mornings, but despise unravelling myself from the warm blankets of my shared bed, leaving my husband snuggled in so he can try to capture a few more moments of shut-eye on his own.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Families
