For nearly two years, I've been building a new [sober] life for myself. I've had as much as ten years sobriety before, but this is the first time I have known with complete absolution, that I do not have any desire to self-medicate. If you would have asked me two years ago how I felt … Continue reading Cheering For The [Blue] Underdog
Category: Life’s Lessons
Life experiences vs signs.
This piece may come across as fantasy, or maybe even impossible. I assure you, I will never post a lie, and all fiction will be labeled as just that; fiction. The following event is non-fiction. Although, sometimes, I wish it were not so. Warning: May be difficult for dog lovers. My second marriage began in … Continue reading The Journals [Monsters]
I moved to Denver, Colorado, in 1988, at the age of 19. Coming from a small town of fewer than 3,000 people, I was not prepared for life in the big city. None of my family lives here in Denver, Colorado. Thirty years ago, I only knew a handful of people; my half-sister's ex-husband and … Continue reading The Journals [How I Came to Denver Colorado & My First Career]
A few years ago, someone I know began to suggest that I write a book. At the time, my friend was trying to convince me that I should write my story. And why not, my life has been an incredible rollercoaster of pain, trauma, love, life, and death. But, doesn't that describe everyone's life? And … Continue reading Journals [Introduction]
A little more than five years ago, I moved out of my house, never to return. I had lived there with my second wife for more than ten years. Today, I'm going to write about one particular event, an incident that happened a few months before I left. I woke up startled from a dream … Continue reading The Journals [Spider Bite]
I spent today picking up equipment from a job that ended this week. Fortunately, I didn't see any Rattle Snakes! Although we did see quite a few Black Widow Spiders! I'm so happy that job is over! Joseph Shanklin August 6, 2020
If you haven't read Louisiana Part I, that piece details the events surrounding an incident in which myself, my ex-wife, and our unborn child were nearly involved in a terrible car accident. Part II is darker. This will be the first time I've told this story anywhere or to anyone. Only my first wife knows … Continue reading Louisiana Part II
A few weeks ago, I posted something about [almost dying]. In that piece, I wrote about how many times I've almost died. Well, a few days ago, I had a run-in with a Rattle Snake. I was picking up some equipment on a job site. The day was hot and sunny, and this snake was … Continue reading Another Close One [Rattle Snake]
Louisiana Part One During the 1990s and my first marriage, we used to vacation often. I made good money back then, and my wife made even more. We traveled a lot and visited her dad's family in Louisiana whenever possible. Even though I've lived in Colorado and Montana nearly all of my life, I still … Continue reading Louisiana Part One [Speeding Ticket]
This piece was inspired by something I read this week on another blog—an article from a very talented writer. Approximately 25 years ago, my work supervisor said to me, "pride is overrated." Up until that moment, I hadn't thought about it like that. I've been thinking about it ever since then. Pride is destructive. It … Continue reading My Thoughts This Morning [Pride]
