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Just when a nice drawing and flash fiction cadence happened for moi, I go and sabotage it by acquiring two feline family additions. Is this a cat blog now?  Hopefully not. Both of these cats aren’t permanently mine.  One is Savanna’s (we’ll call him Snookems for now because he hasn’t officially been named – suggestions welcome).  The female, Snookem’s sister, is ours (Pearl). Why do I have both of them in my basement right now?  Because Savanna and Joey are travelling this weekend and it’s not right to leave Snookems all alone, in a new environment. Their adorableness and perfectly pleasant dispositions is the good news. Here’s the bad news: Snookems and Pearl have had so much fun cavorting and exploring their new world in the basement of our home.  All sorts of particles and organisms have been stirred up.  ~ I’ve never had allergies to any animals. ~ And I don’t believe a cat-dander conflict has suddenly appeared.  But, I definitely know the perils of allergies — mold and other pollutants — ostensibly all of which Pearl and Snookems have joyfully stirred up. These two precious feline family additions are absolutely beautiful and their dispositions are perfection.  We are lucky and blessed to have been approved by the pet adoption agency.  Oh my, what an ordeal that is.  You have to fill out an application, participate in a phone interview, provide a copy of your driver’s license, promise to love, adore, protect, provide… just kidding about that last part.  But the process is serious stuff which makes you want them even more. So here they are, our latest members to the family: Pearl and Snookems: Snookems Pearl In other news: Here’s the latest on the lady: Here’s Day 2 of 30 / Flash Fiction challenge:  Could it Be Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley Savanna and Diana’s input: Our new additions!

Savanna’s input on the feline family additions: I’ve been on an email list to foster kittens for the last two months. Each time the director emailed, I’d be too late. It was a disappointing process. So when my mom texted me on Thursday night that she had found a kitten she wanted, I immediately replied in all caps that we HAD to see them tomorrow. Next thing I knew we were ooing and awing over the two related but polar opposite fluff balls. “I’ll feel bad if I take the girl and leave the boy,” my mom said. Three days and many emails and texts with the adoption director later, I’m welcoming a sweet and slightly crazy baby boy kitten home. Diana’s input on the feline family additions: Last week while I was relaxing at the beach, I received a slew of messages from my mom and sister. They consisted of links, names, and pictures. I read through the dozens of texts to realize that they were keen on adopting two cats not far from our house. I half thought they were serious, half thought the COVID quarantine was inducing boredom and daydreaming. Fast-forward a few days: I’m home and we have two new PRECIOUS kittens. I’ve missed having cats around the house, and am so excited for the new additions!

Could It Be (Day 2 of 30 day challege) Jayne hadn’t seen Chad in four months.  She wanted time, space, a subzero. Chad wanted kids and also a subzero.  Rumor was Chad moved out of state. How could he be standing in line at the library, too? Chad waited two hours before walking in three-people-behind Jayne. Inside, Chad fiddled with something in his pocket; Jane’s brow dripped sweat. Will You Marry Me appeared to emerge from thick, hot rafter air above.  Jane wiped her brow. Exiting, Chad emptied his pocket in a trash receptacle.  Jayne pressed: End Call after dialing 911. Smoke soared.  The End appeared to emerge. 100 words, not including title

Intergalactic Warfare World War II fire and fury?  Easy-peasy compared to Fred and Fran’s frenzy tomorrow. “You’ll never understand,” says Fred. “No, you’ll never!” says Fran. Missiles fly, bombs blow inside each. “Two feet and 200 shoes, seriously…” says Fred. “Giuseppe Zanotti, only $1,495.00, hello…” says Fran. Back and forth, circling and tapping Giuseppe Zanottis fuss on Fran’s feet. Scratching his head, Fred’s scalp punctures.  Fran’s body hunkers down, dead weight. Stares turn to missiles, headshakes to earthquake tremors, breathing launches bombs, until… Two frenzied galaxies reorient, cease fire, and snack Time marches on; until it was yesterday. 100 words Hi Y’all, Have you ever tried your hand at writing flash fiction?  There is a 30-day challenge in the link below.  The first prompt is: an impulse buy leads to intergalactic warfare.  Admittedly, I had to look up intergalactic.  But once “impulse buy” clicked with the war thing…the fun began.  Intergalactic warfare ideas buzzed all around.  Experimenting with flash fiction is a great way to get your mind off whatever it is you want to distance from. One tip: be yourself.  You don’t have to share your innermost being, but it does help to be authentic.  If you’re not true to your words and intentions, it shows through.  Respect your readers.  Assume they are a bright bunch of folks.  Assume they can and will read between the lines.  If you’re anything like me, just one reader who is entertained by your work is more than enough! As always, thank you for stopping by my website to [hopefully] be entertained.  I’m going to share an update on the “lady” drawing next time.   And, one of these days I hope to make a video on how I cut my own hair and have done so for all of 2020. On another note, I’m headed to Mom’s today. Good is coming out of 2020.  Isolating seniors is not good for their health.  Therefore, we’ve been spending more time than usual with Gam lately. Love, Shelley 30 prompts inside this link! 100 Days of Flash Fiction Prompts

How to Grill on a Salt Block I am a charcoal guy, but if you prefer gas grill cooking the steps are even more simple. Start some charcoal briquets or lump charcoal in your preferred method—for me, that is a chimney starter with some crumpled up newspaper as fuel Once the coals are glowing in the starter, spread them across one side of your grill—I like to also add some fresh, unburned coal to the other side of the grill (to be used later), and then place the grill grate on as normal Place the salt block over the cooler side of the grill to heat indirectly for 15-20 minutes, sliding the block around on the grill grate once or twice to reposition it so it preheats uniformly indirectly Use a set of BBQ tongs to mix the hot and unburned coals together and spread them uniformly under the salt block—heat the block directly for 15-20 minutes, as the extra unburned coals become fresh fuel to extend the burn—for a gas grill, the above four steps are replaced by simply lighting the grill and gradually turning up the intensity of the burners over those same 35-40 minutes Test the salt block by sprinkling water on the top of it—it should sizzle quickly away if the block is up to 400-500F, and at that temperature it is hot enough for cooking Simply place the item to be cooked on top of the very hot salt block and listen for the sizzle and sear, locking in the juices and flavors after imparting a salty, mineral-filled flavor to the item being cooked Cook the item for half the time you would use for “normal” direct grilling on that first side, and then flip the item over and continue cooking on the second side to your desired temperature or degree of doneness For grilled cheese, plan on about 3-4 minutes per side and tent with foil to melt the cheese For thick burgers, plan on about 6 minutes per side For grilled oysters, start with fresh oysters still in the shell directly over the coals, and shuck when they open, fill with desired sauce and finish on the half shell on top of the salt block For shrimp and vegetables, use the color change as the food cooks to judge when to flip and take off the salt block When done cooking, cover the grill and allow everything including the salt block to cool down (overnight) until it is cool enough to touch— I clean mine by gently scraping with a wide blade scraping tool and then dry-brushing with a wide grill brush Then just put it away until next use, as the salt will naturally prevent any bacteria or anything else from growing on it—and think of any remaining stains or discoloration as you would a seasoned cast-iron skillet (and always cook on the same side of the block in the future). In fact, the cast iron skillet is a great analog for the salt block. It takes a while to heat up, provides very high, uniform heat to quickly sear the food being cooked, and just gets better with additional use and seasoning—with the added benefit of unbelievable salt and mineral flavor imparted to the food. After use, before cleaning Nice and clean

Blogging about food, and enthusiasm for food in general, has never revved my engine.  I’m not even sure this blog is about “food.”  The gist is more about a grilling technique that Jeff and I recently discovered.  Our new cooking gadgetry (Himalayan Salt Block) positively provides potential to rev things up in the palate realm and general enthusiasm for food. Note:  I’m not a professional food photographer, nor is it an aspiration.  But I always aim to visually suffice. Have you ever cooked or grilled on a Himalyan salt block?  If you’ve never heard of it, get ready to scratch your head. What is it?  A Himalayan salt block is a big, heavy slab of Himalayan salt.  Himalayan salt is a close cousin to table salt but what makes it cooler is that it contains more minerals (potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and sulfur) than regular table salt.  The additional minerals are what gives it amazing flavor and visual [pink] appeal. We discovered the Himalayan salt block on our last trip to Jekyll Island.  Check the store out here. Their spice selection is also supreme.  These two spices have also added fun to grilling and cooking at home. So far we’ve grilled oysters, shrimp, eggplant, to-die-for hamburgers, and this past Sunday we killed it with grilled cheese on the salt block. It all began with: Sourdough bread Heirloom, organic tomato Avocado cheddar/truffle cheese Swiss cheese Avocado mayo with a little Italian/Rosemary olive oil (also from Salt Table), Italian parsley, minced onion, garlic ½ butter, ½ truffle oil painted on outer bread The salt block in left corner is for cutting only Jeff explains grill technicalities here: Once Jeff heats the block over the coals the sandwiches go down for a warm, cozy nap. The Himalayan salt block just might be worthy of its own Culinary Arts tab on Triangle Park ATL.  Provided, that is, numbers on “the scale” don’t climb.  Nobody wants that sort of revving. In other news: Jeff and I enjoyed an evening out with the girls last weekend. I’m obsessed with Atlanta’s rail system: how we hear the steam trumpets in our home; how the city of ATL was built above the rail system; how Atlanta was built as a rail transportation hub in the 1800s to begin with; and, how it inconspicuously travels underground through Atlanta every day We shared sinfully delicious, rich, dark beer as a train whistled and rolled by below us at JCT Kitchen. They are the most beautiful girls in the world…to me… Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley We wished Happy Birthday to our great-niece, Etta, this past weekend: The Salt Table

Hi Everyone, How are you? Are you feeling rested, healthy and sane…or tired, sick and psycho?  If you get my drift… There are lots of things you could be reading right now.  I’m happy you’re here.  Right off the bat, I want to share a token of gratitude for you choosing to visit Triangle Park ATL: I promise never to burden and bore by sharing Political opinions on this web page. Never. In other words, you’re not here to read what I think about such and such.  I get that. Triangle Park assumes you desire to exit feeling rested, healthy and sane…not tired, sick and psycho. So, let’s go ~ ART anyone? Art is one of the great healers and soothers; a pastime that leaves you feeling relaxed, accomplished and satisfied.  The art process is like an innocuous drug; a safe high that sucks you in, makes you forget about time and takes you away while never having to pack a bag or update the alarm app. Art falls into many categories: sculpting, painting, performing, culinary, drawing, architecture, ceramics, music…you know the realm.  Whatever floats your boat qualifies as long as you are creating original art — whatever it is that “takes you away.” Remember this lady: I was cruising along watching this lady emerge on the paper when I came to one of those “uhoh, what do I do now” conundrums.  What happened was I had to make a decision regarding her hands. Have you ever drawn realistic hands?  Whoa!  The hands are the point where tired, sick and psycho takeover for me.  I pretended the hands weren’t there for about five weeks then realized I needed help and messaged a long-time friend and former Callenwolde Arts instructor, Thom Keyes.  Thom is bomb! Thom stopped by for a private lesson and sketched in her hands all the while explaining how to best create them (“look at them as shapes, not ‘fingers’.”)  What do you think?  Bear in mind she has a long way to go! Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley Here’s a pic to pick at:    An oldie but goodie.  A bread truck driver posing with Mother during a summer job, circa 1940s. Saugatuck, MI (©Shellsween14) Here’s more art in the form of flash fiction: Love and Hate

Walking to my car, after paying for gas with cash, I heard some drama: “Nice try…that doesn’t hurt me because love and hate are close…they’re like brothers.” “I hate you for saying that too.  I hate you. I wish you would die.” “Calm down.” “You don’t want me to calm down. Because I’ll calm down when you are dust.” “We’ll never win if we don’t play, why can’t you see that?” “We’ll never pay loans if you don’t stop stupid spending.” “Stop, shh, people are staring.” Passing the drama I offered them my tickets. Later, I realized victory.

Flash Fiction – 44 Black, pitch black.  Danger whispered and echoed.  Heart pounded, hands froze, mind useless.  Sweat rushed from every pore. A door was inches away, straight ahead, no left, no right.  Was there a door?  Cold and heat permeated. Eyes finally closed and a light shone. https://fiftywordstories.com/tag/anger/ More FlashFiction Flash fiction written by anyone and everyone is entertaining.  I liken it to elementary age art.  There isn’t “good” and “bad.”  The uniqueness of individual perspective of brevity flows like freedom.  There isn’t time to ponder, over-edit, analyze and add formalities of acadamia.  The spontaneity of flash fiction makes it fun for both reader and writer. If you would like to share a flash story on this page I would be thrilled.  Email: triangleparkatl@gmail.com.  Of course there are many outlets to send your stories to but beware because there is a good chance they will be scrutinized, critiqued and torn apart. Having your stories put under a microscope often depletes potentially brilliant flash authors of desire to continue. That won’t happen here.  I simply want to share individuals creative brevity with readers who visit my site.  So long as there is no offense, vulgarity, or anger-filled content all will be published. This website is privately owned.  I seek to make connections that are not on a public platform.  Connections with people who share the same interest in art, writing, travel and photography.  I have been working on this blog for several years.  According to many, 80% of blogs never earn $100.  My goal is to be part of the 20%.  By visiting and reading you are helping me achieve that goal.  Like many things in life we can’t reach our potential without help from others in the community. Thank you for visiting and please stop back in again. Love, Shelley Flash Fiction – 44

The DNA mystery is offically over.  Science and technology, by way of 23andme, have officially informed [Shelley Corkill-Sweeney] of where my ancestors originate (the DNA mystery is officially over!).  The results provide geographical answers to a lot of conversational speculation over time.  With the exception of one, aha, so that’s where that came from, there really aren’t any surprises. ~ Right off the bat, I do recommend DNA testing (specifically 23 and Me) ~ Where my ancestors originate was of interest to me, in part due to extensive European, Middle East, Africa and Asia travel.  Certain regions offer particular comfort, cryptic familiarity and some regions exude a homeyness.  There are lands straight across the pond where I’ve been mistaken for local residents’ relatives and friends.  Mysterious energy abounds in various locations all over the United Kingdom and Ireland. If you can relate, I promise you’ll find DNA testing worth the time, money and effort. Solve your MYSTERY! Here’s mine: The British/Irish/Scandanavian parts were known before the 23 and Me reveal.  But there has always been a cryptic mystery behind close family members who have olive skin, dark(er) eyes, hair, etc. — the “tall dark and handsome” scenario.  Although, truth be known, those family members were short(er).  Positively handsome, but not so much tall! An 1800s black/white photo of an entire family in my Grandmother’s home led to speculation of:  American Indian?  Spanish?  Mexican?  Brazilian?  What the heck is going on here, many wondered.  We drew conclusions without any proof or facts whatsoever. Well now we know, thanks to science. Drumroll…the mystery traits are: Italian.  No one ever speculated Italian. Being a passionate lover of art, fashion and biblical truths, I couldn’t be more delighted to discover Italian DNA in my saliva. As I’m sure emanates, I had fun participating in DNA testing.  Not only did 23 and Me map out ancestral-regions and percentages, they provided access to 1500 possible relatives who share my DNA.  Albeit, I’m not sure how or if to sort through that data? If you enjoy exploring heritage, give it a try.  Who knows, maybe we’re related.  Shine bright! Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley Who am I? Where do we come from? Flash Fiction – 44

Some journeys are anticipated, others are not.  Last week, Diana and I went on a not-anticipated journey.  Our dear cousin, Tracy, passed in a tragic accident and we wanted to attend her memorial. Whether you take an anticipated or not-anticipated journey these days, you’ll find that it’s not business as usual when scheduling your route.  To get to S. Haven, Michigan we flew ATL → ORD → drove 122.2 miles → departed GRR → DTW → ATL. Worth it?  Yes.  Here’s why: We saw The Bean (proof in the center).  The Bean is lonely.  No one can get up close and personal with him during covid. We paid our respect to a Trump Tower.  Yes, I respect our president and admire his beautiful tower in Chicago. We had fun taking photos in Millennium Park. We had dinner with two of our favorite people in the world at one of our favorite restaurants. in the world. We gathered on the beach. We said good-bye. And we remembered Trace. Love this pic. Only Jas and Chris are looking at me (lol). Tessah and Diana in their own world! Jess doesn’t know I’m there. Nick looking at Aaron. Aaron looking in distance and Tai looking at ? xo It was a fun time while also a very sad time: The fine line that separates joy and sorrow at funerals made bidding Tracy farewell bittersweet, but mostly sweet.  Because I know Tracy continues to live beside our Lord and Savior, Jesus…eternally!  My smart, talented, beautiful cousin: If you’re thinking about travelling this summer, I say go for it…and be super safe and cautious.  Even though flight schedules have changed significantly, it’s nice to just travel again.  Diana and I definitely weren’t the only ones back in the air.  Seats were spaced apart but the ones that were available were filled.  As the saying goes:  Delta is Ready When You Are… Take care and don’t watch too much news! Love, Shelley In Diana’s words: It was great to see family we haven’t seen in a while, and even better to meet family I never have before. The circumstances we met under were unfortunate and melancholy, but it was wonderful to spend time with family and experience a beautiful celebration of life. I hope to be back to Michigan soon!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hallmark-Father’s Day has come and gone.  This is the third year in a row that I haven’t scrutinized drugstore greeting cards, inspecting unknown artists’ sentimental renderings to share with my dad.  If I sound cynical it’s not because I think Father’s Day is primarily a shrewd marketing campaign whereby Hallmark profits matter most.  I’m disenchanted because my PaPa is no longer here to share a sappy Hallmark card with. [Insert river-crying emoji] A loving, kind earth father is rare.  I was blessed with one. [Thankfully, we ALL have a loving, kind heavenly Father.]  But, loving, kind, compassionate earth father’s are rare indeed. If my Papa had been here on Father’s Day this year I would have done something different.  I would forego the drugstore card aisle and do something all my own, like author my own greeting: Dear Papa, Happy Father’s Day — eternally — no beginning, no end. Your kindness, thoughtfulness, quiet nature and laughter are ingrained.  Your passion, compassion, and rich, rich, rich soul…never forgotten.  I miss your gentle energy filling the room.  I miss you. Love… The last three years, I’ve frowned past the Hallmark aisle, cynically-saddened.  Father’s Day is stupid…only Hallmark cares about the third Sunday in June, $$$…nobody else cares. But this year, I put cynicism to rest.  Every day is Father’s Day if you have or had a wonderful earth Dad (and if you celebrate The heavenly Father). No more greetingless third Sundays in June.  I’m sending custom-designed greetings straight into heaven and beyond from now on. We all miss our [great] Dads who are no longer here in June and every other day too.  If Hallmark aisles remind you about your loss, try what I did and write your own [sappy], spiritual greeting. RIP to all.  We will miss you until we see you again, with Jesus. Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley In other news: ART Here she is as of June 25: You may notice the paper has a honeycomb texture.  I chose this texture because it was all I had in the basement.  But it’s turning out to be a good “accidental” experiment.  The honeycomb prevents over erasing and too much tip pressure.  One thing is for sure, my pace is that of a snail. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Last week’s blog[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]