These are musings, sketches, essays, attempts to capture shadows and lingering memories that have been allowed to ferment for a decade or more. Sure, thereÕs a story here and there, an occasional narrative with a beginning, a middle and perhaps a worthy end. ThereÕs even a poem. ThereÕs also a bit of discomfort in places. You might even stumble on a barely hidden yearning for a caress. Read these for fun, for meanings weÕve all shared, for moments IÕve tried to bless with smiles and tears, for irony, gentle sarcasm and a knowing wink at so much of life that cannot be taken seriously.