I just thought I wanted to be a photographer — In my previous work life, using a camera at work was a must. Knowing how to properly use a camera was absolutely essential. This was not only a huge part of my job but quickly became a hobby of mine. …

What a great way to “Refresh the Soul” — This past week I read a couple of great dog/pet stories. Who does not love a good dog/pet story? One story I read was written by Lu Skerdoo, and a story her dog, “Frosty” told us. I would invite you to stop by her article, and read what was on…

Don’t Let This Stress You. I have read a few articles lately on how setting goals could actually cause stress or not. Then again, not setting goals can cause stress, or perhaps not. I am so confused. I really believe this is a personal question that asks the reader to…

Count this as my Introduction to Refresh the Soul My name is AL. and writing online has been a passion of mine for a long time. Like so many writers, the question has always been, “How do I make the time, and who do I write for?” …

When is the last time you expressed joy? — Nancy Blackman, writer, editor, and publication owner of Refresh the Soul, asked the following writing prompts: When is the last time you expressed joy? When is the last time you laughed out loud, teeth showing, mouth wide open? Humor is the best policy, for me anyway. I have always used humor as a “relief valve” or a way…

It was much easier for me, before the pandemic. I would like to give a shout-out to a writer in my community named Ilam Padmanabhan. Ilam has been in my community for a while now, and I really enjoy his articles. He was also one of those very early members…

Or, does today really have to end? — The end to this Father’s Day And no one is near No one is home I am the only one here. My text box is full They have all be read I love each message And all that was said. My daughter was first Said, she loved me so much Dad, I…

A Son, A Step-Son, A Grandson, now a Dad — A Prompt and a Father’s Day Wish First, I would like to thank Nancy Blackman for her prompt and her Father’s Day wish to all the Fathers. As a Dad myself, Thank You Nancy Blackman. Father’s Day, as a Son Father’s Day to me has many different emotions, and memories. As mentioned above I have been all three. I have been 1)…

The lucky side and the not-so-lucky side — The one side of the crew When I was in high school and college, we had quite the crew and it was divided in half. In the first half, we had the doctor's son, who had everything. Two sons of two very prominent businessmen, who had some cool cars, and toys. Then there was the one…