There’s something about the beginning of the year that makes me start thinking about traveling and dreaming of where this year might take me — literally. Or which new and familiar haunts I can explore in Marin as the year goes on. But, for me, some of my fondest memories are going to Maine — where my mom is from — as a youngster, enjoying a way-too-big cone of froyo from Red’s Dairy Freeze that inevitably melted down my hand and relaxing on the beach with my dear relatives in the summer months.
What’s that place for you? Where is your favorite place to go to, or a favorite trip that you’ve taken? Maybe those cherished memories come from right here in Marin. Or what is your dream trip or adventure that you can’t wait to go on?
I’d love to know about it.
So, please make it a story, a personal story, with a beginning, middle and end — not six adjectives, not a cliche and not advice. Make us laugh or cry or at the very least feel something. For an example, here is the famous story attributed to, but not proven to be written by, Ernest Hemingway: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” That’s quite the story! Need more examples? “It can’t be. I’m a virgin,” writes Kate Atkinson. “Set sail, great storm, all lost,” says John Banville.
If you want your story to run in the IJ, please:
• Write “Six-word story” in the subject line
• Send one story. Just one
• Include your full name and Marin town in the body of the email, no attachments
• Write your short story in the body of the email, no attachments
• Use proper punctuation and spelling
• Use sentence style in one line
• It should not rhyme
• Do not submit six adjectives — that’s not a story
Please send to lifestyles@marinij.com by March 15 and look for it in the March 26 lifestyles section and online.
Last month we asked IJ readers to share their thoughts about love. Here’s what they had to say.
Forever falling in love, with her. — Mike Popovich, Larkspur
Nobody plucking at heart strings anymore. — Mary Ann Gallardo, San Rafael
We fit together like jigsaw pieces. — Marilyn Bagshaw, San Rafael
Married 49 years … more to come! — Frank Ridley, San Rafael
The aspiration to love alleviates suffering. — Jane Mock, Novato
Remember receiving first valentines in 1933. — Sue Beittel, San Rafael
Love means endless gratitude for life. — Lois Wise, Novato
True love is often expressed reproductively. — Dr. Hank Simmonds, Kentfield
Love is elusive; friendships are comforting. — Pamela Lunstead, Novato
Give love like wildflowers, scatter abundantly. — Stacy Burroughs, San Anselmo
He sings to me every morning. — Darby Tanko, Novato
Giving and receiving love: life’s treasures. — David Reinstein, San Anselmo
Love is often unfathomable but wonderful. — Newton Harband, San Rafael
Forty-four years: few words, many actions. — Kate Martin, San Rafael
Survived 50 years of marriage (happily). — Evi and Howard Rachelson, San Rafael
Love WildCare for helping injured animals. — Kermit R. Kubitz, Larkspur
Be my special valentine please, anyone? — Richard Schneider, San Rafael
Sweet words, laughter, adventure, so grateful! — Barbara Rowe, Mill Valley
Sore joints but still holding hands. — JJ Mathews, Tiburon
Abandoned Chihuahua needed home, found me. — Patrice O’Dwyer, Tiburon
Forever friendship with trust, laughter, gratitude. — Antoinette DeLucchi, San Rafael
Love plus marriage is simply nice. — Sue Curran, San Rafael
Daughter marries in May, family jubilant. — Michael C. Vogel, Mill Valley
Periodic space in our togetherness works. — Leigh Anna B. Nikolaieff, Novato
2005: I found my second love. — Heike Dittrich-Kruljac, Corte Madera
Bella brings Bonnie gifts every morning. — John Hanson, Novato
I’ve loved you since day one. — H. Mattson Austin, Sausalito
“Can’t Buy Me Love” — See’s chocolates? — RG Langenhan, San Rafael
You died much too soon. Heartbroken. — Ann Fox, San Rafael
Shy grin says love is here! — Nancy Masterson, Larkspur Landing
Family embraces adored nephew: brain cancer. — Jenny Wood, Mill Valley
Xoxox always in my heart year-round. — Sharon Eide, Novato
Love splashes specialness everywhere in life. — Therese Stawowy, San Rafael
Holding hands makes my heart sing. — Linda Bucklin, Mill Valley
For Billie — loved for 44 years. — Sandy Magid, Novato
“As you wish” sums it up. — David Curtis, Novato
Found painted rock saying “Love yourself.” — Laura Miller, Novato
Marry Mary. Now love flows everywhere. — Rip Anzalone, Novato
Our 50th anniversary shows commitment, love. — Cece Jonsen, Novato
Wonderful, loving, caring husband — miss him. — Marie Lazzari, Novato
There when no one ever was. — Connie Hanson, Mill Valley
Valentine’s Day, mother’s birthday, brave heart. — Elisa Charne, Novato
Love songs from past are best. — Janet Lee Benjamin, Tiburon
Baseball. Crack of bat, fans cheer! — Janice Burke, Novato
“Jesus loves me, this I know.” — Gigi Bibeault, Terra Linda
Eleven years of love and adventure! — Anne Devero-Rosenfeld, Mill Valley
Specially loved from Super Bowl loss! — Helen Hayes, Ross
Lingering looks from all eyes matter. — Georgia Otterson, Bel Marin Keys
Still the one, fractures or not. — Sam Fleeger, Marin City
Need passionate, orgasmic, exciting, enduring love! — Carrie Hudson, Fairfax
God’s love is meant for everyone. — Angelo Capozzi, Tiburon
Second time around really is better! — Jim Martin, Novato
Husband No. 3 forever, happily ever after. — Pam Berkon, Novato
Fortunately, romantic love became lifelong love. — Evelyn Riebe, Mill Valley
Valentine’s. Anniversary. One box of candy. — Bruce Donals, Fairfax
Love means never blowing your leaves. — Mary Geving, Woodacre
Finding my soulmate late in life. — Dave Powell, Novato
Love: the force stronger than hate. — Billie Forer, San Rafael
My loves: wife, sons and grandsons. — Butch Baldassari, San Anselmo
Senior Ball: 52 years later, love! — Rosanna Castain, Larkspur
Dear little dog, sleeping on me. — Susan Storch, Greenbrae
Lovingly, God gave Jesus his heart. — Karen Carlson, Novato
Love for family, faith and friendship. — David Leipsic, San Rafael
Childhood; forever yours, affinity lifetimes ago. — Daniel R. Maloney, San Anselmo
Cinnamon apple tree, snow-bent; yet blossoming. — Johan Almqvist, Greenbrae
Love often requires tolerance and acceptance. — Esther Cherk, Mill Valley
“World needs now … love, sweet love.” — Dart Cherk, Mill Valley
Really listening to what they say. — Janice Kohnhorst, San Rafael
Love? It’s easier said than done. — Elaine Reichert, Santa Venetia
