Space Shuttle Challenger Anniversary

 by Paula Gail Benson

Forty years ago, the Space Shuttle Challenger launched with a crew of seven, Francis R. Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Gregory Jarvis, teacher Christa McAuliffe, and Ronald McNair, a native of Lake City, South Carolina. Seventy-three seconds into the flight the shuttle broke apart, due to the failure of the O-ring seals caused by the cold weather. Today, McNair’s wife, son, and daughter along with other family members and friends came to the Statehouse to honor his contributions. Working with French composer and performer Jean-Michel Jarre, McNair planned to play and record a saxophone solo from space.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr.
Wikipedia

by Paula Gail Benson

This year is the 40^th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which recognizes Dr. King’s leadership in advocating for nonviolent activism during the Civil Rights Movement. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983. It was first observed on January 20, 1986. King’s actual birthday was January 15. Due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, the celebration occurs on the Monday closest to the actual date, meaning it has been as designated as early as January 15 and as late as January 21. For the next three years, it will be on January 19, 18, and 17.

Walk for Peace

by Paula Gail Benson

In October 2025, approximately two dozen Buddhist monks initiated a Walk for Peace through ten states from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C.

A dog named Aloka, meaning “light,” accompanies them. Folks watch them pass, and the monks stop to greet people.

While still in Texas, two monks were injured in a vehicular accident. One’s wounds were not severe, but the group’s leader decided to have his leg amputated to begin healing rather than face lengthy surgeries. The monks determined to continue walking.

One monk said, “suffering is part of life, but so is compassion, resilience, and the path forward.”

La Befana

by Paula Gail Benson

This year, I learned the story of La Befana, an Italian elderly woman, who greeted and gave directions to the Wise Men, but completed her housework instead of accompanying them to Bethlehem. After reconsidering, she tried to find them, carrying gifts for the Christ child. Each year, she continues to search, leaving sweets for good children and coal or onions or candy coal for bad ones (in their socks or shoes). She rides on her broom and sweeps away the refuse of the old year. Instead of milk, people leave her wine and cakes or cookies made of alcoholic beverages. 

Bach’s Last Cello

by Paula Gail Benson

sheetmusic-world.com

 

The venerable cello lounged in its case awaiting the performance. Across the room, the centuries younger violins chirped.

“I heard . . .” one began.

“Who knows if Bach played cello . . .” the other interrupted.

The cello knew but wasn’t talking.

A sultry viola twanged. “He certainly could compose.”

In a sound low as the gentlest brush across the strings, the cello’s bow whispered, “Tell them.”

“No.” They either wouldn’t understand or be envious. The cello had sealed Bach’s musical touch inside its frame so whoever bowed, only Bach played. His last cello. Even on “Jingle Bell Rock.”

 

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 This 100-word story is offered as an entry for the annual Advent Ghosts event hosted by Loren Eaton at I Saw Lightning Fall. See the other entries there. Thanks, Loren, for the opportunity! 

 

Bar Story

 

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Bar Story

by Paula Gail Benson

An elf, a reindeer, and a snowman walk into a bar. Really. They find places at the crowded counter, and each orders an Arctic beer. The elf downs his in a gulp—for courage to face more toy-making. The reindeer slurps his and orders another mugful, checking the reddening of his nose in a mirror. The snowman futilely clinks his glass against his line of black coal teeth, hating that he can never taste the beverage. With a sigh, he looks at the puddle developing beneath him—wishing someday that he might leave behind something other than a watery trail.

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This 100-word story is offered as an entry for the annual Advent Ghosts event hosted by Loren Eaton at I Saw Lightning Fall. See the other entries there. Thanks, Loren, for the opportunity! 

Continuing The Babas Dilemma: Parts Two through Four of a Four Part Tale

Tato’s Mama’s Story: The Adopted Snow Child (Part Two of a Four Part Tale)

NJSV Snow Maiden Doll

by Paula Gail Benson

          Tato’s mama looked sternly at the assembled grandchildren. They fidgeted and giggled. “No respect,” she muttered.

          “Listen,” I instructed my cousins. “So you can judge.”

          They quieted. She began:

“At midnight on Christmas Eve, a childless couple fashioned a snow baby. The next morning, the baby came to life, a beautiful girl they named, Snegurochka.”

          “Like Pinocchio?”

          Tato’s mama ignored the question.

          “Snegurochka played with the other girls. They went into the woods and made a great fire. The others jumped over it. But, when Snegurochka tried, she melted away.”

          Everyone was silent. Then, the youngest granddaughter began to cry.

 

Mama’s Mama’s Story: The Icy Immortal (Part Three of a Four Part Tale)

Ded Moroz

 by Paula Gail Benson

          “Coddled,” Tato’s mama huffed.

          Mama’s mama tsk-tsked. “They are caring. My turn.”

          Silently, the grandchildren listened.

          “Traditionally, Snegurochka accompanies Ded Moroz to distribute Christmas presents.”

          “Ah, Grandfather Frost,” said one child.

          “Father Christmas,” another insisted

          Mama’s mama raised her hand for quiet. “Snegurochka was created from snow by Ded Moroz and Spring, both immortals. When Snegurochka sought to befriend a mortal shepherd boy, Spring allowed her to feel love. But the warmth in Snegurochka’s heart caused her to melt.”

          “Like Frosty?” asked one child.

          “Why are both versions so sad?” another wondered.

          The Babas shook their scarfed heads in unison.

  

Iryna’s Question (Part Four of a Four Part Tale)

Father Frost and Snow Maiden Ornament

 

by Paula Gail Benson

           Neither Baba’s story won the contest. They walked away, huddled together, despairing no respect for tradition and blaming American child-rearing.

          Later, in her room, I found Iryna, my youngest sister, comparing two books. One told the immortal Snegurochka’s story. The other was The Wizard of Oz.

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament

          I sat beside her. “What are you thinking?”

          “The Tin Man and Snegurochka were hurt by receiving hearts. If they remained heartless, couldn’t they love each other?”

          Hopeful little matchmaker, I thought. Smiling, I placed my arm across her shoulders. “Only with pain does one know love is real.”

          With a sigh, Iryna nodded.

 

Snow Maiden
Glass Ornament

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These three 100-word stories are offered as entries for the annual Advent Ghosts event hosted by Loren Eaton at I Saw Lightning Fall. See the other entries there. Thanks, Loren, for the opportunity!