Articles written by Laura Strebel

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About me - Laura Strebel

Having had very little formal education and none in writing classes, I'm stumbling along with my soapbox and opinions, trying to learn what I can, where I can and loving life. Being a step or two off the beaten track; looking to find the deepest meanings and

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Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Emotions: 26 of 294
Slowly, the dark thoughts creepback into my mind.Thoughts kept under lock and keyfor so many years,the cobwebs had taken ona life of their own.Spinning and obscuring realitiesuntil it was difficulttelling one from another.Thoughts came tumbling up as thoughgravity was reversed,from a deep cold well of the past,as a silent scr... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Pet memorials and rituals: 1 of 10
IN REMEMBRANCE OF OLIVERAll black and with a heart of gold, he graced our lives for just six short years. Bawling for food anytime he was awake, he grew from a tiny infant with his eyes just opening to a hefty 17 pounds. He had an odd walk that seemed to bounce the floorboards and was uncomfortable being held on a lap but we ... More..
Pets & Animals > Cat Psychology Why some female cats are not friendly: 1 of 5
Which is more friendly, female or male cats? Depends on who is asking the question.Sharing a house with two female cats and three male cats, all spayed and neutered thank you, I will pass along my insights on this interesting question.Female cats are born suspicious. After all, they have this maternal instinct to protect, tho... More..
Health & Fitness > Fitness Basics Overcoming perfect body images: Finding a path toward fitness: 7 of 29
I just had a crash diet imposed on me by cancer. I lost 25 lbs in 2 months and at 5'2" tall, I now weigh 105 lbs. I look terrible! My regular clothes just fall off me. If nothing else, I've been told I practice the philosophy of Ghandi but I damn well don't care to look like him, too!Instead of my thighs comfortably rubbing t... More..
Health & Fitness > Cancer Coping with hair loss from chemotherapy: 4 of 14
"I'd rather die than be bald!" Can she be serious? Oh, my! Yes, she is. That's an easy response from someone that has always viewed their hair as their "shining glory". The problem is that when one has cancer and the best possibility for fighting back the cancer is chemotherapy and its side effects, that's an awfully short li... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Poetry contest experiences: 2 of 7
The Winner"You're a winner!" the letter proclaims.Excitement cries to be free."You've done your best!" I'm headed for fame'srewards for being... me?I spoke my bit and voiced my thoughts,I hit the ENTER key.Waited and doubted and silently foughtwith the feelings I've had since three;"There's no free lunch", people declare,"Whe... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Atheism & Agnosticism Questioning the purpose of belief in God: 15 of 34
Lessons on the purpose of belief in God are deeply ingrained and many. We're taught, groomed, indoctrinated from "cradle to grave" to be good, God-fearing people. In the United States we hear it from discussions, lectures, classes speeches in church and sometimes schools, in the newspapers and magazines we read, the televisio... More..
Health & Fitness > Cancer Cancer diagnosis is no death sentence: 12 of 27
I entered the doctor's office and stood at the counter. I knew from the mammogram and ultra sound, that my lovely, full, left breast probably had a tumor. I announced my name to the receptionist and she asked me to have a seat until my name is called.The last time I saw this doctor was Valentine's Day. Now, just three days la... More..
Health & Fitness > Exercise Tips Spring into action: Five ways to get moving: 12 of 18
There is something in the human spirit that comes alive with spring. Maybe it's the earlier light of the day, maybe it's the sweet smell of new growth and maybe it's hormones. We get an urge to clean or walk or search for yard sales but there is a distinct difference in the air.We go to the closet or the drawer and find that ... More..
Relationships & Family > Marriage & Intimacy When commitment to marriage is one-sided: 18 of 23
We're taught early what a marriage is supposed to be, from the handsome prince, to "happily ever after". As teenagers we daydream of the perfect date with the perfect date. She, of the buckteeth and he of the stubborn cowlick, can imagine themselves as the Ken and Barbie dolls where everything is sparkling plastic and crinkly... More..