@Swede1952@universeodon.com avatar Swede1952 , to random

Good morning. đŸ˜ŽđŸ„±â˜•

7 February 2026

I woke up groggy and disoriented, which isn’t unusual when I fall asleep in my chair. The TV was still on but silent, and Charlie was sitting in front of me, staring like he’d been waiting for me to rejoin the living. I rubbed my eyes, stood, and made my way through the house toward the bedroom, Charlie padding along behind me.

My wife was in front of the mirror doing something with her hair. “I fell asleep,” I said. She glanced over and smiled, but didn’t say a word. That alone was strange—she’s usually quick with a comment.

I headed into the bathroom and turned on the shower. When I looked back through the doorway, Charlie was sitting exactly where I’d been standing, watching my wife. He was perfectly still except for that black border collie tail, curved up with the white tip held like a little flag.

The shower felt good—narrow jets of hot water working into my neck and shoulders—so I stayed longer than usual, letting the heat soak through me. When I finished, I pulled on a T‑shirt and gym shorts and headed back toward my chair.

Down the hall, through the kitchen, into the family room—and then I froze. Because there I was, still lying back in my recliner, wearing the old blue jeans and olive drab work shirt I’d had on all day.

I wasn’t shocked or scared. My first thought was simply, Well, will you look at that. Hadn’t my wife just seen me walk through the bedroom? Or had she only reacted to Charlie? Then another thought drifted in: Well, there it is. Apparently life doesn’t go on after all.

Of course, none of this happened. But it felt like the start of a pretty good ghost story.

“Life is a dream from which we all must wake.” — James Joyce

“The dead are never far from the living.” — African proverb

“Things are not what they seem, nor are they otherwise.” — Zen proverb

Egret and the Ruins "The great egret stands like a pale sentinel against the worn geometry of an old utility dock, its white plumage almost luminous against the dark, weather‑beaten wood. The bird is perched high on a crossbeam, tall and composed, its long neck held in a gentle S‑curve as if it’s surveying the slow rhythm of the Savannah River below. The structure beneath it tells its own story—thick timbers softened by moss, metal brackets streaked with rust, and a vertical pipe rising behind the egret like the remnant of some forgotten machinery. Everything about the dock feels abandoned, a relic left to the river and the creeping green of the surrounding foliage. That contrast—industrial decay and the egret’s clean, living elegance—creates a quiet tension. The bird seems both out of place and perfectly at home, a bright, breathing note perched atop a fading man‑made frame. You can almost feel the humid air, hear the muted lap of water against pilings, and sense the stillness that settles when a wild creature decides a place is safe enough to pause." - Microsoft Copilot
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@ObsidianUrbex@mstdn.social avatar ObsidianUrbex , to random

🇼đŸ‡Ș An abandoned cottage in Ireland

Years of unchecked vegetation growth have almost completely obscured this home from view. Clearly this humble home has been empty for some time.

I pushed through brambles and crawled under and around tree branches to get to the front door. It has been a while since I explored such a (relatively) untouched, abandoned home as this.

https://www.obsidianurbexphotography.com/residential/green-stove-cottage-ireland/

An abandoned bedroom features peeling paint, a worn armchair, an old stove, a table with dishes, a vintage TV,
Old, dusty kitchen with peeling walls, a blue cabinet, dishes in a hutch, and scattered debris on the worn floor.
Photo of Virgin Mary in frame

Photo of Virgin Mary in frame
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@ChrystyneNovack@socel.net avatar ChrystyneNovack , to random

Four years ago, I had the idea of creating a short story using pictures/artwork I took/created. The first 4 pages are in my earlier posts.

A Tail of Return – See ALT for Page 5 And the Sky Full of Wonder

A Tale of Return - And the Sky Full of Wonder - Page 5 B of Three sections (so that the Screen Readers can follow the full story that did not fit on the first image) “Well,” Araceli said gently “you have two feet don’t you?” “What?” Skye exclaimed, confused. “Please, I will explain, but could you use your Mana to hover just a breath,” said Araceli. “Um, ok,” Skye closed Aria’s umbrella and then concentrated to hover eight inches above the ground. “Good, now keep afloat, but put one foot down on the ground,” instructed Araceli. Skye hovered, maneuvering low enough that she could put her left foot down to touch the ground. “Excellent! So, one foot is in the air and the other foot is on the ground. Are you having any trouble staying in this position?” “It takes very little Mana to hover and stay like I am now. It is no trouble at all,” answered Skye, “but what does having two feet have to do with my fears?” “Having two feet is akin to having two homes.” Araceli illustrated, “You are never without one. You can have a home here up in Celestia,” pointing to the foot in the air and then pointing to the one on the ground, “and you can also have a home in whatever other Realm you lived in the past
provided it is welcoming, caring and you want it to be another place where you feel you belong.” Note: Screen Readers please see next image for page 5 C which is the last section to complete page 5.
A Tale of Return - And the Sky Full of Wonder - Page 5 C of Three sections (so that the Screen Readers can follow the full story that did not fit on the first image) Skye hovered in position for a long while before answering, “Araceli, you have a strange way of looking at things, but I understand you now. It is possible to have two homes that will always welcome you.” “It is a gift. So, are you still afraid to find out who you are?” Araceli asked. “I am not afraid. I am ready to find my true name and where I came from,” Skye said with resolve. “Good!” smiled Araceli, “Come with me. Aria left me something to give to you.”

A Tale of Return - And the Sky Full of Wonder - Page 5 C of Three sections (so that the Screen Readers can follow the full story that did not fit on the first image) Skye hovered in position for a long while before answering, “Araceli, you have a strange way of looking at things, but I understand you now. It is possible to have two homes that will always welcome you.” “It is a gift. So, are you still afraid to find out who you are?” Araceli asked. “I am not afraid. I am ready to find my true name and where I came from,” Skye said with resolve. “Good!” smiled Araceli, “Come with me. Aria left me something to give to you.”
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@ChrystyneNovack@socel.net avatar ChrystyneNovack , to random

Four years ago, I had the idea of creating a compact short story using pictures/artwork I took/created. I debuted the first 3 pages for the ArtAdventCalendar

A Tail of Return – See ALT for Page 4 Catching the Sun (it was broken up into 3 sections/images for the ALT could not post it all in one go)

A Tale of Return - Catching the Sun - Page 4 Second portion (so that the Screen Readers can follow the full story that did not fit on the first image) QuĂ©dam looked at the spheres catching the last rays of the sun, “Someone who I lost long ago. I let my responsibilities of my high-ranking position bind me. I always meant to go look for her but the time slipped by. Now, I am just an old man.” Skye met the gaze of this quiet old man noticing the heavy sadness in his eyes but also a glimmer of joy and a flash of hope. Before she asked about who his lost loved one was QuĂ©dam spoke, “The sun is setting, and I shall have to soon make my way to the Traveler’s Inn. Might I also speak with Aria?” “Aria passed beyond the Veil eight years ago,” Skye gazed down into the empty cup in her hand. “I miss her,” she whispered. “My condolences on your loss,” QuĂ©dam said. The room grew quiet for minutes as both sat in contemplation. QuĂ©dam broke the silence, “You mentioned Aria gave you your name when you were lost. Did you ever find out your true name? “I have thought about it from time to time, but no, I have not,” answered Skye as she stood up to clear the table. She shrugged off the persistent question that had surfaced over the years, “I figure I have time to find it later”
A Tale of Return - Catching the Sun - Page 4 the third portion of the full page so that screen readers can follow along. “Time is a terrible trickster,” QuĂ©dam advised, “don’t let it sit too long least you find yourself old like me.” He stood and helped Skye gather up the empty plates and cups. Once cleared, he gathered his walking cane, travel cloak and bag and stepped outside the door. “The inn is just ten minutes from here. Just go down this path to the crossroads, take a right, and just past the row of four mushroom houses and Oak at the end you will see it,” said Skye ““I thank you for your kindness for rest and food,” QuĂ©dam bowed in gratitude, “I hope our paths cross again so that I might repay your kindness.” “You are very welcome,” replied Skye, “Mana blessings on your travels and may you find what you seek.” QuĂ©dam smiled and began walking. Skye noted that his steps seemed lighter. She closed the door but could not shut out the questions that now lingered long after his visit. “What was her true name? Who was she?

A Tale of Return - Catching the Sun - Page 4 the third portion of the full page so that screen readers can follow along. “Time is a terrible trickster,” QuĂ©dam advised, “don’t let it sit too long least you find yourself old like me.” He stood and helped Skye gather up the empty plates and cups. Once cleared, he gathered his walking cane, travel cloak and bag and stepped outside the door. “The inn is just ten minutes from here. Just go down this path to the crossroads, take a right, and just past the row of four mushroom houses and Oak at the end you will see it,” said Skye ““I thank you for your kindness for rest and food,” QuĂ©dam bowed in gratitude, “I hope our paths cross again so that I might repay your kindness.” “You are very welcome,” replied Skye, “Mana blessings on your travels and may you find what you seek.” QuĂ©dam smiled and began walking. Skye noted that his steps seemed lighter. She closed the door but could not shut out the questions that now lingered long after his visit. “What was her true name? Who was she?
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@SergKoren@writing.exchange avatar SergKoren , to random

What story do you wish you could write, but choose not to?

@ChrystyneNovack@socel.net avatar ChrystyneNovack , to random

Four years ago, I had the idea of creating a compact short story using pictures/artwork I took/created. Storybook Beginnings & Intro banner (Picture A Story) was created 4 years ago.

A Tail of Return – see ALT for page 1, 2 and 3 in images. New page will be posted every Friday under hashtag .

A Tail of Return – page 1 Every story begins with the turn of the page. It unfolds with a journey to the faraway places. And so, in the little village of Magic, our tale begins. Every home in that meadow lay nestled near the shelter of a mushroom tree. Skye’s tree was a indigo milk cap which not only provided the best shade in summer season but the mana it gave was light and nourishing. One day there was a knock on Skye’s door. If Skye took just a moment to listen to the sound, it would have alerted that answering it, meant a long, wonderous and sometimes dangerous journey was afoot for our hero. Skye opened the door. --Visual illustration is of a lush greenery with grass, leaves, tiny daisies, and a blue Indigo Milkcap mushroom. Nestled under the mushroom is a tiny house.
A Tale of Return - The Lingering Question - Page 2 A tired man wearing a traveling coat and walking cane stood outside the door. The medallion he wore designated him a traveler. A seeker walking the KĂĄmino to find an answer for a lingering question. “Mana blessings, my name is QuĂ©dam, may I rest my weary feet?” he asked. Welcoming in a weary Seeker for a spot of rest and some nourishment was tradition and kindness in these lands. "Of course, please come in take a seat," Skye invited him in to sit by the fire and join her for tea and sandwiches. --Visual is a photograph of a Black and White photograph of a man wearing a dark traveling coat and cane standing on a curved path with fallen leaves upon it. He is in a forest with many trees that create a canopy above blocking out the sky. We cannot see his face because his back is to us and where his head should be is a giant question mark. ---Traveling life's pathways, we are always plagued by that lingering question. Did we make the right decision?
A Tale of Return - Impresso Expresso - Page 3 Skye placed the cups with wind swirl patterns on the table and poured the tea, “I rarely get faraway visitors. What brings you to travel on this KĂĄmino pathway?” QuĂ©dam quietly observed the pattern imprinted on the cups thinking of the double meaning. They could be symbols pertaining to the Maidens of the Wind or it could also be a reference to the Wind Paths guiding life through change and fate. Taking a sip of tea, he replied, “I am looking for what I lost long ago. I have traveled many of the interconnected Realms climbing up the Stairway to the Heavens above to arrive here in the Skylands. I don’t know much about this village of Magic. I take it you have lived here all your life. Can you tell me more about it?” --Visual is a photograph of close up of two cups on saucers sitting side by side next to each other. There is a swirl pattern on the cups with what looks like simple decorative triangle shapes like mountains between the swirl pattern. The triangle shapes are repeated on the saucers. The white tablecloth the cups and saucers rest on has circular swirl patterns on it complimenting the cups.

A Tale of Return - Impresso Expresso - Page 3 Skye placed the cups with wind swirl patterns on the table and poured the tea, “I rarely get faraway visitors. What brings you to travel on this KĂĄmino pathway?” QuĂ©dam quietly observed the pattern imprinted on the cups thinking of the double meaning. They could be symbols pertaining to the Maidens of the Wind or it could also be a reference to the Wind Paths guiding life through change and fate. Taking a sip of tea, he replied, “I am looking for what I lost long ago. I have traveled many of the interconnected Realms climbing up the Stairway to the Heavens above to arrive here in the Skylands. I don’t know much about this village of Magic. I take it you have lived here all your life. Can you tell me more about it?” --Visual is a photograph of close up of two cups on saucers sitting side by side next to each other. There is a swirl pattern on the cups with what looks like simple decorative triangle shapes like mountains between the swirl pattern. The triangle shapes are repeated on the saucers. The white tablecloth the cups and saucers rest on has circular swirl patterns on it complimenting the cups.
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@h4ckernews@mastodon.social avatar h4ckernews Bot , to random
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@mjcwrites@cyberczar.org avatar mjcwrites , to random

About This Account
This is the alt-account for Michael Collins (@) dedicated specifically to my writing. You won’t find porn or pictures here. This space is for news, links, and updates about the stories I’ve written and the ones I’m currently working on.

A Little Background
I wrote my first story 26 years ago. It was the beginning of something I called The Michael Collins Anthology, which was essentially a fictional autobiography. It wasn’t good. It objectively sucked. But I loved the story itself, and I still do. I keep telling myself that one day I’ll rewrite it or write a sequel. Maybe I actually will.

I am not a professional author, and I don’t pretend to be one. I don’t think my stories are good enough to sell, and part of that is practical: I can’t justify paying for professional editing and proofreading. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy writing. I do, and I’ve kept doing it anyway.

Some of my work is posted elsewhere as well.

On Writing and AI
I don’t write with AI. I do, however, sometimes use AI as a tool while writing, specifically to help identify plot holes, character inconsistencies, and continuity issues. In other words, the kind of things a proofreader might catch while proofreading.

If that bothers you, I’m sorry. You are, of course, welcome to volunteer as my editor or proofreader instead.

What I Write
I write the stories I’m interested in.

That often means science fiction, and if those science fiction stories include sex, so be it. I’ve also tried writing straight-up erotica and am still working on getting better at that.

More broadly, I tend to write stories I don’t see other people writing... stories that stretch boundaries, explore uncomfortable or underrepresented ideas, and focus on characters that feel real and relatable rather than idealized.

If You’re Interested
If any of this sounds appealing, you’re welcome to read my work at https://mjcwrites.net.

You can also follow me here for updates on what I’m currently working on and what I’ve finished.

Thanks for reading.

@oliviernorion@mastodon.social avatar oliviernorion , to random

Fantasy exists because some truths cannot survive in plain language.

@michaelshotter@mastodon.social avatar michaelshotter , to random

THIS WEEK'S BOOK DEAL: The Kindle edition of "Hostile Takeover" is FREE worldwide via Amazon until Dec. 17!

A dark thriller set in a near-future alternate reality from The Nod/Wells Timelines, it's a great fit for any fan of speculative fiction.

amazon.com/dp/B0CYXKSYZS

"Hostile Takeover" by Michael Shotter
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@miramarmike@cloudisland.nz avatar miramarmike , to random

It wasn't just Queen of course, kicking off at 4pm I also saw:

  • INXS
  • The Alarm
  • Status Quo

Not bad for support acts eh.

The story: https://blog.mikeriversdale.co.nz/2025/11/queen-at-wembley-x-2.html

@Long_live_rock_n_roll

@librarysamurai@library.love avatar librarysamurai , to random

Recently added titles (October 2025)

Building upon the titles listed for July/August, September, October, November, and December 2021, and January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December of 2022, and January, February, March, April, May, June, July, 


https://popculturelibraries.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/recently-added-titles-october-2025/

librarysamurai OP ,
@librarysamurai@library.love avatar

The 47th issue of the same has Levi and Athena having a chance meeting at the local where she is looking for a to help improve her , which she plans to submit. In the next issue, she ends up giving it, a book entitled The Seven Husbands of Hugo, to Levi and musters up her courage asks her out on a date. (19/?)

@Jinji@donphan.social avatar Jinji , to random

Happy , everyone! To celebrate, I've got a brand-new for you to enjoy on my website, and ! It's called, Jinji’s Ghoulish Games!

The Ghoulish Games is a spooky, kooky, and completely unpredictable game show where contestants never know what to expect next! Contestants compete in all sorts of random challenges that could range from facing fears, to testing skills, or just be plain silly! In this nearly 6,000-word story, five Pokémon contestants take on the Ghoulish Games, attempting to get the prize of their dreams. Expect new characters, silly shenanigans, and Jinji at his absolute Jinjiest!

https://jinji.gamescodex.net/jinjis-ghoulish-games/