KJ Aartila
Stories (297)
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Potlucks are Unappealing
Potlucks are Unappealing I grew up an Upper Midwest girl. I’ve eaten my share of creamy pasta salads, creamy potato salads, casseroles drowning in cans of creamed soups and desserts made with enough sugar to choke a horse. Now I’m a grown-up with a different pallet (not about creamy anything), nutritional considerations and a concern for hygiene, as well as a consideration for appearing curteous. I also have mobility issues, so find buffet-style serving and eating situations very awkward. All of this leads me to usually not eat anything at attended events. Not that many things don’t smell or look appealing, but I don’t know the ingredients, or how it was treated before being presented upon the buffet table of choices. For instance, I completely stopped taking part in potluck dinners after attending a family function where I knew the items, mainly of a creamy content, had been left sitting out on a table, exposed to the heat and flys, for hours before when we were told food would be served. Of course, we attended with our own dish-to-pass, made to our own dietary specifications and hygienic standards. That is what we ate. So did many others. Yes, I am a picky eater, but …
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Feast
My List of Vocal Top Stories
Okay, this my spin on ideas swiped from Judey Kalchik and Lamar Wiggens. I joined the Vocal platform as a creator in March 2021.I nearly left the platform numerous times early on due to, what I felt, were unfair practices in treatment of their creators, and I must admit, I suppose, I often felt inadequate in comparison to the talent on this site. What I did instead, was decide to use the tools and talent available to me to improve my writing skill. It takes time and diligence, but with intention, my writing from when I joined, to now had, in my opinion, improved greatly. It’s nice to get recognition validating that, but I have also written many more stories which I like that have received no recognition from Vocal. There are also a few cringey stinkers in there, but hey, live and learn!
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Journal
Between Friends. Top Story - June 2023.
Between Friends Jack stood up, offering Josh a hand. He climbed to his feet after their momentary struggle. Josh picked up his cowboy hat, which fell to the ground in the tussle. He brushed off the dust and crammed it back on his head.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Fiction
The New "Latest Stories" Feature. Top Story - June 2023.
The New “Latest Stories” Feature I think I’m in love with the new “Latest Stories” feature on Vocal! Already, I can see myself getting lost down that rabbit hole, as I watch the new stories being published every few minutes. It’s a little bit shocking, really - the multitude of new stories piling in.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Journal
