Know When to Hold ‘Em

October 31, 2011November 1, 2011 ~ Kana Smith ~ 14 Comments

"You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em..." ~ Kenny Rogers, The Gambler My husband taught me to play Poker--Texas Hold 'em--early in our friendship, and we used to play often with friends in Recovery. (To my Probation Officer: no, not for cash. Oh yeah, I'm not on probation anymore...) It … Continue reading Know When to Hold ‘Em

an Anniversary, without a Ribbon

October 30, 2011June 13, 2012 ~ Kana Smith ~ 22 Comments

“People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed and build private altars...” ~Wikipedia, Day of the Dead Today isn’t (quite) el Dia de Los Muertos, but it’s my day to miss someone. To consider a life that ended unexpectedly a year ago today. Al had a small altar in my heart … Continue reading an Anniversary, without a Ribbon

Rescue Diver

October 29, 2011April 28, 2012 ~ Kana Smith ~ 28 Comments

“We sought the same escape with all the desperation of drowning men… A new life has been given us.” ~~A.A. Big Book p.28 This far below the surface, 120 feet of seawater filters the color spectrum so only the blues and blacks remain. When I shine my pocket dive-light on the reef it becomes a … Continue reading Rescue Diver

What to Wear When Getting a Traffic Ticket

October 28, 2011December 4, 2011 ~ Kana Smith ~ 23 Comments

I know what you're thinking: some cleavage and batted eyes might get a girl out of that ticket. And they might. Experience has shown me another option, though... I'm a fourth-generation Girl Scout; my great-grandma joined as an adult in the 1930s when she signed up my grandma, hoping to curb Grandma's tomboyish tendencies. Great-Grandma … Continue reading What to Wear When Getting a Traffic Ticket

“Honey, out here we pronounce that ‘Iowa’…”

October 27, 2011October 28, 2011 ~ Kana Smith ~ 52 Comments

I actually got that response once, from an older lady (you know, probably about the age I am now) at a campground on the east coast, when I responded to her friendly where-ya-from by answering "Idaho." Unsure whether a third-grader were allowed to correct a Grownup, I defaulted by abruptly removing myself from the conversation, … Continue reading “Honey, out here we pronounce that ‘Iowa’…”

Tweet Translations in the Pumpkin Patch: A Writer’s Life After Midnight

October 26, 2011December 4, 2011 ~ Kana Smith ~ 35 Comments

OR... Znalazłeś rozwiązanie? Let it not be said that reclusive writers have no social life. The world is at my fingertips these days, even when I'm curled up in bed. I will confess that my physical geography has been exceedingly limited since my seasonal summer-job ended last month. We live out in the country with … Continue reading Tweet Translations in the Pumpkin Patch: A Writer’s Life After Midnight

Versatile Blogger (Verbosity “R” Us)

October 25, 2011July 12, 2012 ~ Kana Smith ~ 34 Comments

It's a colorful week--yesterday I painted the web pink, and today I get to forward some green! (Sorry, guys--not money...) Better than money (right? right?)--today I am honored to bestow the Versatile Blogger Award on 15 fellow bloggers! First, my humble thanks to Lynette at Wordtabulous, who honored me with the award last night (just … Continue reading Versatile Blogger (Verbosity “R” Us)