by Bluestem “Shelter me from the powder and the finger. Cover me with the thought that pulled the trigger.” —Powderfinger, Neil Young “911, what’s your emergency?” “There’s been a shooting at RR 9 Box 42.” “Wh—“ I hung up, cutting off the operator’s question. There was nothing else to add. They’d know the details soon…
The Beast And The God-Woman – Part 2
by Michael Kingswood Two days later, the God-woman awoke. The elders were not sure how long it would be, or whether she would ever awaken again. But Yili knew she would come around. It was a certainty, as far as he was concerned. The likes of her do not just roll over and die so…
To Hymn Who Waits – Part 2
by Silent Draco II Master Gunnery Sergeant Thomas F. McIntyre, USMC (ret, await. recall) took one step back from the thing it mashed into the mudhole. Espying the ranks of guards, he called in his parade-ground voice, “You! Where is your CO!” The demons looked in confusion. No one challenged them, not here! They…
To Hymn Who Waits – Part 1
by Silent Draco I Something unusual happened at the Gates of Heaven. Peter had been called for a special question, so James the Lesser was minding things for a half-eon. Outside, there appeared a burnt blood-red tumescence in the continuum. A lesser demon emerged, keeping its nether portion firmly toward the Gates. It backed…
The Beast And The God-Woman – Part 1
by Michael Kingswood The beach stretched forth as far as the eye could see, a blazing strip of white sand that returned the sun’s touch with a fire of its own as though daring the sun to burn hotter. Small crabs, barely larger than a thumbnail, dug their way up from beneath the scorching sand…
André Soltner’s Alsatian Apple Tart, or “Tarte Aux Pommes A L’Alsacienne”
by Liberta1787 This recipe is from the February 1982 issue of “Cuisine” magazine which seems now to be “Cuisine at home” magazine. Tart Shell: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. sugar 1/8 tsp. salt 6 Tbs. unsalted butter, cold, cut in small pieces 3 Tbs. very cold water, or as-needed Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut…
What does the Lord Require?
by Frank Luke What are the social responsibilities of the Children of God in bringing the love of God to the poor, the oppressed, and the widows? Without question, the first responsibility of the Christian is to spread the Gospel. But that Gospel—centered on Christ’s life, death, and resurrection—instructs us on social responsibilities as well….
Three Centimeters From A Spider
by Bluestem Depending on the source, studies of such things estimate that one is between 3 centimeters and ten feet away from a spider at any given time. Location matters. The odds of brushing up against an eight-legged creature are low if you are hanging out in a parking lot. But if you are standing…
Delphinus – Part II
by Michael Kingswood Part I Sleep was impossible for the rest of the night, and not just because of the horror they’d witnessed. The creatures growled, roared, and barked, and tried endlessly to ascend the shuttle’s hulk. One got halfway up, but Stan knocked it off with a strong kick to the muzzle. Then, after…
“Applesauce” Cake Recipe
by Liberta1787 There is a cake recipe I turn to more than any other, because it is easy and delicious and almost-infinitely tweakable; now I share it with all of you. The base of the recipe comes from one of my favorite cookbooks – The Good Housekeeping Cook Book, 7th Edition, copyright 1944, Dorothy Marsh editor,…