Six-word stories: IJ readers share short tales of something they treasure
We’re just a few weeks away from the end of 2022 — how did that happen so quickly? — and many welcome the new year with resolutions and hope for new beginnings.
So it seems like a good time to think about new beginnings, in six words.
What new beginnings have you looked forward to in the past? What are you looking forward to in 2023?
Please make it a story with a beginning, middle and end— not six adjectives, a cliche or advice. Make it personal. 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!
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
• Write your short story in the body of the email
• Use proper punctuation and spelling
• Use sentence style in one line
• It does not need to rhyme and ideally shouldn’t
• Do not submit six adjectives — that’s not a story
Send to lifestyles@marinij.com by Dec. 16 and look for it in the Dec. 27 lifestyles section and online.
Last month we asked readers to reflect on something they treasure. Here’s what they had to say.
Thanks Daddy for gifting me humor. — Katherine Ware, Belvedere
My morning coffee, all else follows. — Janice Kohnhorst, San Rafael
Big sister gave me the world. — Kay Noguchi, Terra Linda
From Mother, the gift of gab. — Patrick Ritter, San Rafael
Coffee invite, then 18 months fun. — Barbara Rowe, Mill Valley
Friendship has been the best gift. — Linda Varonin, Corte Madera
Natives in my garden conjure magic. — Glenda Corning, Corte Madera
1959, $2 wedding license; Dad gift. — Dick Young, Greenbrae
Was Guatemalan, now citizen of U.S.A. — Kian Etessam, San Anselmo
Loud vinyl music, hear me scream. — Lucy Ray Bakowski, Fairfax
Note from granddaughter stating her love. — Sue-Ann Joy, San Rafael
I enjoy replies from my Echo. — Karen Arnold, San Rafael
Best dog tale/tail in the world. — Patrice Hickox, Fairfax
Your eyes, mirroring love, saturate me. — Clark Grove, San Rafael
He gifted his family to me. — Sharon Eide, Novato
Sunrise, wife’s smile, another Hallmark movie. — RG Langenhan, San Rafael
I’m grateful to my marriage mentors. — Marcia Naomi Berger, Lucas Valley
Present from Santa. In Mom’s closet? — Elaine Tokolahi, San Rafael
The best gifts, grandchildren’s homemade treasures. — Marty Barry, Novato
Friendships are loving treasures and gifts. — Diane Cokely, San Anselmo
Sumptuous Sunday Lifestyles like 11/6/22 edition. — Monte Summers, Fairfax
Knowledge and how to use it. — Hank Simmonds, Kentfield
Wendy: Precocious stepchild captured my heart. — Susan Mines, Terra Linda
Golden retriever Elliott, my greatest gift. — Ann Troy, San Anselmo
Nature’s gift, seasonal beauty in Marin. — Elaine C. Johnson, Greenbrae
Plush panda, Christmas 1948. Bald now. — Dee Fratus, Larkspur
Mount Tamalpais: splendor soothes the soul. — Beth Freedman, San Anselmo
Spend your time, save your money. — Dave Powell, San Rafael
Childbirth: mother died, father stepped up. — Diane Ryken, Novato
Got clean, stayed clean, got love. — Joseph Davis, San Rafael
Family home siblings sold us, treasured. — Kent Royle, Santa Venetia
Mentor Lee Carlton, departed; forever thankful. — Marty Komitopoulos, San Rafael
Three healthy, beautiful grandchildren are gifts. — Elaine Goldman, San Rafael
Give blood, someone may be saved. — Helen Hayes, Ross
Today well spent is rewarded tomorrow. — David Gilfoyle, Novato
Spirituality, change gratitude with smiles forever. — Antoinette DeLucchi, San Rafael
A mentor and friend, so cherished. — Karen Kempf, Novato
Prayers were answered by Jesus Christ. — Walter Schivo, Novato
Grandchildren, four. Growing daily, eternal love. — Jeff Brusati, San Rafael
Made good choice, married 63 years. — Sylvia Chipman, San Rafael
Faith sustains me. Thank you Mom. — Candy Jordan, Novato
Quiet home, children sleeping, Santa coming. —Marsha Podd, Novato
Loving memories of my wonderful mother. — Pam Berkon, Novato
Trust and faith in Jesus Christ. — Marie Lazzari, Novato
Grandparents gave me entire wish list. — Jenny Wood, Mill Valley
A donation to a worthy cause. — Debbie Tambussi, Novato
My family is the best gift. — David Leipsic, San Rafael
The gift of love is everlasting. — Mary Lou Hayward, Novato
My family around me, that’s treasure. — Cece Jonsen, Novato
Our kids, our gifts, our life. — Michelle Wilcox, Kentfield
Precious from Lynn: drop leaf desk. — Jim Koger, San Rafael
Knowledge and how to use it. — Hank Simmonds, Kentfield
Patient family (usually), gift to me. — Kathy Barrass, San Rafael
Every day gift, this present moment. — Richard Schneider, San Rafael
My East Coast kids coming home. — Debra Fletcher, Kentfield
My friends are my happy lifeline. — Shirley Nye, Novato
All giving returns doubled in value. — Rev. George McLaird, Tiburon
Harboring regret: new great-granddaughter, another chance. — Karen Auroy, Novato
Teds, first Christmas teddy bear gift. — William Dewey, San Rafael
He apologized for breaking my heart. — Dianne Hendricks, Corte Madera
My first bike, a love affair. — Alan Goldfarb, San Rafael
Best gift ever, my loving son. — Mary Ann Gallardo, San Rafael
Being loved is the most treasured gift. — David Reinstein, San Anselmo
The gift is in the giving. — Andy Pansini, Novato
My God and husband saved me. — Ann Eller, Woodacre
My most treasured things aren’t things. — David Curtis, Novato
Walking, neighbors waving, receiving heart emoji. — Brandon Marsh, San Rafael
16, radio played rock and roll. — Nancy Greenfield, Larkspur
Breakfast in our newly remodeled kitchen. — Victoria Worch, Novato
Voters, teachers, journalists: Protecting the future. — April Orcutt, San Anselmo
A peaceful rake to replace leaf-blowing. — Mary Geving, Woodacre
Kensho moments at enlightenment intensive retreats. — Ron Skellenger, Woodacre
Every fall like magic, ripe persimmons. — Deborah Dunning, Mill Valley
That which enlivens my frail heart. — Gail Cassee, Mill Valley
Joyous season, treasures trashed, landfills rejoice. — Tom Cheap, San Rafael
Suicide note last words: Love, Daddy. — Andrew Desruisseau, San Anselmo
Treasured gift: Mom’s New Yorker subscription. — Peter Funk, Fairfax
Being a parent, becoming a grandparent. — Anna Lazzarini, Novato
Pan Am gave me the world. — Gailya Magdalena, Lucas Valley
All letters from my wonderful husband. — Judith Keegan, Novato
Feeding hungry all over the world. — Sam Fleeger, Marin City
Dime for telephone call; life saver. — Susan Savage, Novato