Articles written by J. M. Cornwell

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About me - J. M. Cornwell

J. M. Cornwell is a nationally syndicated freelance journalist, award-winning writer, editor, and book reviewer who lives in the Colorado Rockies. Her work has appeared in Columbus Monthly, The New York Times, Ohio Magazine, The Celebrity Cafe, Haunted Encounters,

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Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Parents and children: 1 of 28
"I don't want to see you hurt," my mother said.It sounded strange coming from her. I didn't think she cared what happened to me. When I left Columbus, Ohio four years ago I was gone for three or four months before anyone noticed. My family only paid attention to me was when they wanted something or needed an answer. "You're o... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Mourning: 1 of 19
The Late Esther SherwoodMy mother-in-law was always late. Something always seemed to happen: a slip strap broke and had to be pinned, the hem of her skirt or pants unraveled, the heel of her shoe broke, or something equally drastic occurred, like spilling coffee, tea, or food down the front of her blouse. It never failed. She... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Home: 2 of 26
Saturdays Are For CleaningFor as long as I can remember, Saturdays were for cleaning.Every Saturday we gathered together, wrote the names of various jobs on slips of paper, folded them, stuffed them into an old Miracle Whip jar and passed it around. Every Saturday my mother's migraine headaches flared into painful existence, ... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Relationships: 3 of 25
SHARING HENRY MILLERI knew what I was doing, or so I thought. I wanted a no-strings relationship, all the benefits with none of the hassles of legitimacy. That's not what I got. What I got was two years of bliss and secrets and torture, and it all started out as fun.The first time we talked on the phone, my bones melted, my p... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Death of a loved one: 17 of 115
Father's Day is a few weeks away, but I won't have to find a gift for Dad this year. He died on the first day of March, the day I returned home after seeing him for the last time. He's gone and I am just beginning to realize what that means. My father is dead.The funeral arrangements went quickly and smoothly without too much... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Energy Issues How should government react to a warming world: Ration energy or learn to adapt?: 3 of 19
There is no easy or quick answer to global warming, especially since the data accumulated only covers a very small segment of time and shows that the average global temperature has increased only one degree over the past 200 years, hardly the global warming effect that has people in a panic. However, that does not mean we sho... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Family memories: 14 of 85
When You Ask For Nothing...There was one more slip of paper in the hat. My brother's wife, Bobbie, decided she wasn't participating in our Christmas gift drawing because she had already made something for everyone. I took the paper. Bobbie's name was written on it."Don't include me," she said when I showed her the paper."Then... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Mother: 9 of 51
My mother and I never seem to get along. In fact, we never did get along. She always criticized me. She made me feel that no matter what I did it would never be enough to gain her love or her trust. I turned myself inside out for her and still we couldn't have a conversation without her making at least one derogatory remark. ... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Backyard travels: Preparing for a local, weekend hike on a budget: 1 of 5
Whether getting away for a day or a long weekend, look no further than your own back yard. Within fifty miles of any city or town, there are trails and little wildernesses to hike and enjoy. If you prefer shorter hikes or are just getting into or back into hiking, local trails provide an economical trip that require very litt... More..
Creative Writing > Satire Satire: Politics: 22 of 88
Homeless AdvantageNo responsibility. No time clocks to punch. No ruts to faithfully pace day after day after day. It's a dream come true. It's what we all wished for every year as we blew out the candles on each birthday cake, and now it's ours to live day after day after day. Bums do it. Winos do it. Even the mentally ill do... More..