Category Archives: Life

The Consequence of Cruelty

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Shykia

With shaky penmanship, Daniel Fitzpatrick vented his frustrations, pain, and ultimate surrender. Then he hung himself. He was only thirteen years old. No parent should ever have to bury their child. Yet, this past Monday, that’s precisely what Daniel’s grieving … Continue reading →

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Humanity

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Shykia

The atrocity in Orlando, Florida has brought forth a question that frequently arises each time evil rears its ugly head. I’ve addressed it in some of my fiction and poetry, but I’m writing it straight out in case it may … Continue reading →

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A New Beginning: Welcome to the World, Francesca!

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Shykia

It is with great pride and joy that Max and I announce the arrival of our daughter, Francesca Mildred Bell! She was born at 6:37 PM on Friday, March 20, 2015, which I will forever remember as the day when my … Continue reading →

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When Real Life Interferes With Creativity

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Shykia

 This is an oldie, but goodie originally posted on my former WordPress blog in August 2011. Over the course of the past year or so I’ve experienced an increase of abhorrent behavior on the part of some of my neighbors. … Continue reading →

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Reflection and Metamorphosis

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Shykia

  As demonstrated in nature, sometimes isolation is a necessary part of the developmental process. There’s nothing wrong when a person chooses to occasionally go into seclusion (unless they’re doing so for criminal reasons). The danger, however comes when the … Continue reading →

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My Opinion on the Gun Debate

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Shykia

  Watching the back-and-forth exchange of the whole gun debate I cringed upon witnessing how nasty people have been treating one another for simply having conflicting opinions. It’s absurd that so many people have the mentality that “I respect your … Continue reading →

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6 Reasons Why I Avoid Black Friday like the Black Plague

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Shykia

While recovering from yesterday’s Thanksgiving feast I saw one of several reports about the Black Friday craze. I shook my head as I witnessed the antithesis of the true concept of holiday spirit, which seems to have all but faded away … Continue reading →

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Survivors of Cruelty Pt. 4 – You ARE a Survivor!

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Shykia

  (Cont’d from Survivors of Cruelty Pt. 3) You are alive for a reason, even though that reason might seem elusive at this point. You might find it tough to figure out for a while, but keep in mind, it … Continue reading →

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Survivors of Cruelty Pt. 3 – Rediscovering Hope

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Shykia

  (Cont’d from Survivors of Cruelty Pt. 2) Things were somewhat different in high school. I still faced some struggles with bullying, but it wasn’t nearly as rampant as it was in junior high. In addition, I gained the support … Continue reading →

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Survivors of Cruelty Pt. 2 – My Story (The Abridged Version)

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Shykia

  (Cont’d from Survivors of Cruelty Pt. 1) From early childhood through my mid-teens, everything about me was up for scrutiny; my skin color, my name, my voice, my clothing, my quiet demeanor… Little did my bullies know or even … Continue reading →

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