What Was I Thinking by Keith D. Guernsey

What Was I Thinking

by Keith Guernsey

I was thinking that my life was descending into a rabbit hole of depression. It was late in 1995 and things couldn't have been any worse. My girlfriend of three years and I had split up. I just had my first brain surgery and although successful, it had left me deaf in my left ear. I was spending ever weekend alone and lonely up at my lakefront condo. On top of that, I was rapidly becoming the Laconic, New Hampshire version of Norm from Cheers. Trust me when I tell you that having everyone know your name is not all it's cracked up to be.

I was thinking it was time for a positive, constructive change. I got off my duff, said my goodbyes and walked out of that bar for the last time. I went to the corner store and grabbed a paper looking for some female companionship. Who knew the simple act of buying a newspaper would be the best, most important decision of my life. I turned to the personals and my eyes immediately focused on an ad that said "WWWF." I had no what that meant, but was intrigued enough to want to find out.

I dialed the number and a the nice, young lady on the other end of the line told it meant "Widowed White Female." I asked about the third W and she said it must have been a typo. I later learned it was for Wonderful. We talked for an hour, bonding over our mutual love of our families. We agreed to meet that Saturday night for dinner. She would later tell me that she picked a very public place in case I had any impure thoughts...I did! But I managed to keep them in check throughout the night. We met at Dunkin Donuts in Newburyport, chatted for a minute and then headed downtown for dinner. I drove us to Jacob Marley's and we had a terrific time. Dinner was superb, the wine was just right and the conversation was the best. It was a perfect evening.

I drove her back to her car and we agreed to stay in touch. Unfortunately work and travel intruded and we weren't able to get back together until Labor Day weekend. She called me when I was up at the condo (and not at the bar!), and asked if I wanted some company. I said "sure, come on up" and she did! We had a weekend filled with lots of laughter, swimming, dinners out and lots of hot tubbing.

The relationship took off from there and we were engaged shortly thereafter.

In two weeks, Susan and I will celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary and are more in love than ever!

For more, please visit us on the web at; http://tinyurl.com/y6ut57ms Thanks, Keith thegurns2005@yahoo.com Twitter=@thegurns

Keith D. Guernsey is retired and living on Lake Lanier with his lovely wife Susan and his four-footed son Harley (who really is the king of this castle!) thegurns2005@yahoo.com

witter=@thegurns https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Keith-D-Guernsey/e/B00PR51Q7Y

New Mornings

by Stan Phillips

And new mornings will come to replace the ones that went before. With new leaves fresh upon the blossom clad trees of spring.

And birds return singing with a newborn April. Cobwebs created like a veil upon rose clad bushes.

And a sliver of a silver moon will be reflected in a shining pool.

Music is made anew to celebrate awakening love. And the world trembles on the brink of new beginnings. The oceans roll majestic neath fire edged clouds.

And the land blooms with the exuberance of being. Trembling as it always is on the brink of endless tomorrow's.

Stan Phillips ©2020

Stan Phillips is an 80 year old poet, musical podcast maker, part-time wannabe male model, and occasional stand up comedian. “I used to be a psychotherapist/counsellor when I had an honest job. I was born into prewar London, and attended 17 schools (my father believed they couldn’t hit a moving target) and I eventually finished up here in Ireland. Still wonder

ing what I will be when I grow up — but enjoying writing my quirky poetry as I do so.”

Discover more about Stan on Mom’s Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/stan-phillips