Hindsight All my childhood memories flooded my lungs like murky waters from a broken dam, making it difficult to breathe. I loved my dad and couldn’t ignore his earnest pleas to bring his granddaughter home. My mom’s visit when Christina was born was both a blessing and a curse. Still, I had made my choice,…
Category: Short Story
“Prayers Answered,” A Christmas Story Now Love On Hotel Masticadores
Prayers Answered Snow clung to a small mulberry tree in the distance. It was a sad reminder of the old cotton fields nestled close to where Josie used to call home. Snow was something different, like something pure. Still, Josie was lost in a state of misery. She peered through the narrow window that overlooked…
Thank You For This Honor, Michelle! Hotel By Masticadores Proudly Announces Its Nominees for the 2026 Best of the Net
I’m excited and honored to announce that my short story, “The Red Ball,” has been nominated for the 2026 Best Of The Net Award! I’m also honored to be among so many fellow talented authors and friends! Thank you, Michelle, for your continued support and love for this community! Hotel By Masticadores Proudly Announces Its…
“Stories of Resilience: After Rain Skies and One Petal at a Time at PWW Malaysia” – Thank You Michelle Navajas!
When I read the beautiful poetry in your books, Mich, there are innumerable and compelling lessons shared, as well as joy and sorrow. In other words, they are filled with soulful and meaningful bits of real life, which make your work so enthralling. After Rain Skies is representative of so many women and men globally…
“Polished Composure” by Joni Caggiano ©️2025 Now Live on HotelMasticadores
Polished Composure Timid love alights in garland eyes as I remember the tranquil sway of cattails in spring. Laughter and love permeate the air we breathe. My sun-kissed skin glistens with the reflection of the clear, chilly pond water. The yellowish-orange bills of the great egrets keep tune in this symphony of sound. Now wet,…
“My Last Night With Barabbas,” by Nigel Byng – In Support of The Forgiveness Project
In support of “The Forgiveness Project,” Nigel Byng was contacted by one of the project’s administrators and invited to participate in a public exhibit. (Location is courtesy of Stanborough Park SDA Church from the 12th to the 26th of April from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.) Nigel responded by crafting a captivating fictitious story about…
“After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology” Available March 8, 2025
I am honored and proud to be included in this new anthology that Michelle Ayon Navajas has curated. There are more than two dozen talented authors who have contributed to this book with poetry and prose about survival after trauma. Be sure to pick up your copy when it becomes available next week! “I am…
“Madder Than A Wet Hen” Now On Masticadores Latinos English – Story by Joni Caggiano – ©️2025
Madder Than a Wet Hen “I’ll wear the prettiest dress I have today. Maybe the boy behind me won’t draw on my ears with his pen. He hurts my feelings, and I wonder if the ugliness at home follows me around. Surely, he won’t tease me with my ballerina dress on.” I realize I am…
“Freezer Burn” Live Featured on IndiaMasticadores
Snow had fallen for five days in a row, and we were no longer allowed outside. Yet, my hateful sisters, Ruth and Elizabeth, somehow obtained mom’s approval to drive to the deli right up the street. Mom gave them money for sandwiches and hot cocoa. They both stuck their tongues out at me as they…
”Red Ball” Now On Hotel Masticadores
Red Ball Hannah wept silently into her dusty apron. She spun her thin face around, much like a donut, awaiting its freckling of powdered sugar. Tears cast their agonies upon hand-stitched hydrangeas, petunias, and magnolias while honeybees clung close with their bulging pollen-laden legs. Ruth had spent six months embroidering this apron for her and…
