Lori Johnson's Blog, page 3
May 3, 2020
ANOTHER NICE SURPRISE . . . PUBLICATION WISE
My essay, "The Trees of Mississippi: A Strange and Bitter Crop" appears in the latest issue of Arkana: A literary journal of mysteries and marginalized voices (Issue #8 / April 28, 2020). If that alone wasn't cause for celebration, the essay was also selected as the winner of the Arkana Editor's Choice Award in Creative Nonfiction. Talk about a nice surprise!
In addition to reading the essay, you have have the option of listening to me read it. Reading my nonfiction isn't my strong suit, but I think I deserve a few points for effort. Besides, how will I ever get better if I'm not willing to take the risk of putting myself out there and being, well, less than great? LOL
April 17, 2020
The Second Time Around . . . For "A Lesson In Failure"
Yes, it's true. My essay "A Lesson In Failure" was selected for another book in the CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL series. Look for copies of THE MAGIC OF MOMS at your local Target, Wal-mart, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million--basically, most places where books are still being sold (also check online).
Add Chicken Soup For The Soul's THE MAGIC OF MOMS to your Mother's Day shopping list. A portion of the royalties will be donated to charity.
**Previously, "A Lesson In Failure" appeared in Chicken Soup's BEST ADVICE I EVER HEARD.**
March 4, 2020
And The Third Place Award Goes To . . .
Yes, my essay "Loss Of Contact" won 3rd Place in the CWC Nonfiction Contest for 2020! (CWC = Charlotte Writers' Club)
The contest judge, Charles Israel, Jr. (a writing instructor at Queens University of Charlotte) said the following about
Loss of Contact:
"This writer captures our loss of friends in an intriguing and novel way--through the symbol of address books. How do we deal with the passing of time, as friends--and ourselves--move away and indeed, move on? This essay gives us a subtle, witty, and poignant answer. And this writer knows how to take care of her reader: she will pause to address us directly, as our friends do in real life."--Charles Israel, Jr.--
December 12, 2019
FOR THE LOVE OF LISTS AND LAUGHS
A few followers of my blog might remember how much I enjoyed coming up with lists for the now defunct Thursday Thirteen meme. Whenever I could, I tried to inject a bit of humor into my lists. I miss those days. But not long ago, I found a spot that welcomes my OCD driven brand of humor and list fixation.
If you’re at all interested in checking out my odd and (hopefully) amusing lists, I encourage you to look me up on the Humoroutcasts website. My latest post covers the 8 Reasons I May Stop Going To The Movie Theater. Let me know what, if anything, has altered your movie-going experience.
My first post on the Humoroutcasts website covered the 9 Wrestling Smack-downs I'd love to see. The matches included Mitch McConnell vs. The Notorious RBG and Lindsey Graham vs. The Squad. Checkout the full post on the website if you'd like to see some of the other matches on my list.
June 3, 2019
FIGHTING BATTLES
Recently, I shared the following on my Facebook Page
Okay, so I have a problem I’d like to share in hopes that some kind soul can offer a solution. For the past several days, I’ve been struggling to win a fight--a contest of wills, if you will, and with a most formidable opponent. At the moment, all in my world is calm to the point of being downright peaceful. I’d like to believe that I may have unwittingly gained the upper hand. But in the past my opponent has proved both clever and agile, so I’m not totally convinced the battle is over or even close to being won.
And just who might my evil nemesis be? A chipmunk. Yeah, you heard right, I’ve been doing battle with this dang devil of a chipmunk who won’t stop digging holes in the pot of zinnias I recently planted.
So, the pot--full of potting soil-- sat undisturbed on my front porch for about a week until I finally decided to go ahead and
plant my zinnia seeds. I can’t remember if I planted the seeds before my recent trip to ATL or shortly thereafter, but I do know
this past weekend is when the showdown began. My gardening skills are limited. So having spotted a number of little green
shoots jutting up through the soil, I was feeling pretty good about myself. But on a casual stroll past the windows adjoining
the front door, I noticed all of this dirt scattered about on the porch. A quick peek thru the window blinds confirmed my
fears--something had been messing around in my flower pot. The hubby suggested a bird might be the culprit. A cat
or possibly a snake were my first thoughts.
Whatever it was, maybe it will go elsewhere is what I told myself as I refilled the hole the little varmint had created in the
potting soil. Ha! The very next morning, what--or make that who do I see on the porch snuggled up next to the pot when I
peeked through the blinds--yep, ole guilty himself--Mr. Chipmunk.
“Don’t you dare!” I shouted as I snatched opened the door and watched him make a run for it. Knowing it was only a matter
of time before he made a return visit, I did a Google search for how to chase away chipmunks and found a “cayenne pepper” solution. Mix cayenne in some water and spray around the area. Not only did I spray the area down with cayenne water, I sprinkled a healthy dose of red pepper flakes around the pot too. You think it worked? Ha! I’m pretty sure Mr. Chipmunk said, “Well, would you look at this. Ole Girl was nice enough to leave out some seasoning for the zinnia seeds.” Yeah, that little joker came back and dug yet another hole, leaving dirt and little green leaves scattered everywhere.
I was standing at the door, scratching my head, cursing beneath my breath, and trying to figure out what to do next when the
folks from Best Buy pulled up with the washing machine I’d recently purchased. In hauling out the old washer and carting in
the new, the Best Buy guys adjusted front door so it would remain in the open position while they work. Not a problem--except if Mr. Chipmunk shows up again and on spying the open door decides to slip inside and pay me a surprise visit.
In anticipation of such an occurrence, I called my son downstairs to watch and stand guard. ‘Cause y’all know,
if Mr. Chipmunk gets inside of my house, it’s all over with right? Yeah, I don’t have any problems going toe-to-toe with the
little varmint outdoors, on my front porch, and even in the front yard. But once he’s inside of my house all bets are off.
Really, he can have it, I’m saying, the house as well as any and everything of value inside, ‘cause you best believe, I will be
exiting the premises with the quickness and calling for backup in the form of the nearest pest control agency.
Fortunately, it didn’t come to that. After the Best Buy guys left, I had my son move the flower pot to the backyard
and place it on a patio table. A temporary solution that might buy me some time until I could think of what to do next.
Another Google search turned up a suggestion for tea tree oil. Okay, so the next morning before I head off to the drugstore to
purchase the oil, I peek out the window off the patio and guess who I see? Yep, Mr. Chipmunk. I kid you not, he was
hanging out near the table containing the pot of the remaining zinnias, just as big and bad as you please,
as if to say, “It’s going to take a whole lot more than that to get rid of me, girlfriend!” Lil dude was straight up selling wolf tickets, but all it took was a quick jiggle of the door to send his little butt running again.
As it stands now, I guess we are at a stalemate of sorts. On purchasing the tea tree oil, I gave the pot of zinnias a real good
greasing. I’m not sure if the scent alone is supposed to keep the chipmunk away or if the slipperiness of the now greased up
pot will keep him from climbing inside the container again and break-dancing around in my potting soil. Even though it’s
been a while since I’ve seen Mr. Chipmunk or any evidence of his presence, I wouldn’t put it past him to show up again. The hubby jokingly said when he does come back, he’ll probably be accompanied by a few of his little chipmunk friends.
All I know is that Alvin and ‘nem better keep their little furry paws off my zinnias! But if my tea tree oil doesn’t work
y’all, I’m open to suggestions--especially from those of you with green thumbs and who have successfully chased pests
from your garden (s) before. Seriously. Thanks in advance.
Okay, so I have a problem I’d like to share in hopes that some kind soul can offer a solution. For the past several days, I’ve been struggling to win a fight--a contest of wills, if you will, and with a most formidable opponent. At the moment, all in my world is calm to the point of being downright peaceful. I’d like to believe that I may have unwittingly gained the upper hand. But in the past my opponent has proved both clever and agile, so I’m not totally convinced the battle is over or even close to being won.
And just who might my evil nemesis be? A chipmunk. Yeah, you heard right, I’ve been doing battle with this dang devil of a chipmunk who won’t stop digging holes in the pot of zinnias I recently planted.
So, the pot--full of potting soil-- sat undisturbed on my front porch for about a week until I finally decided to go ahead and
plant my zinnia seeds. I can’t remember if I planted the seeds before my recent trip to ATL or shortly thereafter, but I do know
this past weekend is when the showdown began. My gardening skills are limited. So having spotted a number of little green
shoots jutting up through the soil, I was feeling pretty good about myself. But on a casual stroll past the windows adjoining
the front door, I noticed all of this dirt scattered about on the porch. A quick peek thru the window blinds confirmed my
fears--something had been messing around in my flower pot. The hubby suggested a bird might be the culprit. A cat
or possibly a snake were my first thoughts.
Whatever it was, maybe it will go elsewhere is what I told myself as I refilled the hole the little varmint had created in the
potting soil. Ha! The very next morning, what--or make that who do I see on the porch snuggled up next to the pot when I
peeked through the blinds--yep, ole guilty himself--Mr. Chipmunk.
“Don’t you dare!” I shouted as I snatched opened the door and watched him make a run for it. Knowing it was only a matter
of time before he made a return visit, I did a Google search for how to chase away chipmunks and found a “cayenne pepper” solution. Mix cayenne in some water and spray around the area. Not only did I spray the area down with cayenne water, I sprinkled a healthy dose of red pepper flakes around the pot too. You think it worked? Ha! I’m pretty sure Mr. Chipmunk said, “Well, would you look at this. Ole Girl was nice enough to leave out some seasoning for the zinnia seeds.” Yeah, that little joker came back and dug yet another hole, leaving dirt and little green leaves scattered everywhere.
I was standing at the door, scratching my head, cursing beneath my breath, and trying to figure out what to do next when the
folks from Best Buy pulled up with the washing machine I’d recently purchased. In hauling out the old washer and carting in
the new, the Best Buy guys adjusted front door so it would remain in the open position while they work. Not a problem--except if Mr. Chipmunk shows up again and on spying the open door decides to slip inside and pay me a surprise visit.
In anticipation of such an occurrence, I called my son downstairs to watch and stand guard. ‘Cause y’all know,
if Mr. Chipmunk gets inside of my house, it’s all over with right? Yeah, I don’t have any problems going toe-to-toe with the
little varmint outdoors, on my front porch, and even in the front yard. But once he’s inside of my house all bets are off.
Really, he can have it, I’m saying, the house as well as any and everything of value inside, ‘cause you best believe, I will be
exiting the premises with the quickness and calling for backup in the form of the nearest pest control agency.
Fortunately, it didn’t come to that. After the Best Buy guys left, I had my son move the flower pot to the backyard
and place it on a patio table. A temporary solution that might buy me some time until I could think of what to do next.
Another Google search turned up a suggestion for tea tree oil. Okay, so the next morning before I head off to the drugstore to
purchase the oil, I peek out the window off the patio and guess who I see? Yep, Mr. Chipmunk. I kid you not, he was
hanging out near the table containing the pot of the remaining zinnias, just as big and bad as you please,
as if to say, “It’s going to take a whole lot more than that to get rid of me, girlfriend!” Lil dude was straight up selling wolf tickets, but all it took was a quick jiggle of the door to send his little butt running again.
As it stands now, I guess we are at a stalemate of sorts. On purchasing the tea tree oil, I gave the pot of zinnias a real good
greasing. I’m not sure if the scent alone is supposed to keep the chipmunk away or if the slipperiness of the now greased up
pot will keep him from climbing inside the container again and break-dancing around in my potting soil. Even though it’s
been a while since I’ve seen Mr. Chipmunk or any evidence of his presence, I wouldn’t put it past him to show up again. The hubby jokingly said when he does come back, he’ll probably be accompanied by a few of his little chipmunk friends.
All I know is that Alvin and ‘nem better keep their little furry paws off my zinnias! But if my tea tree oil doesn’t work
y’all, I’m open to suggestions--especially from those of you with green thumbs and who have successfully chased pests
from your garden (s) before. Seriously. Thanks in advance.
May 10, 2019
A LITTLE LIGHT (1 of 3 Winners in a "First Chapter" Contest)
I'M A WINNER (1 of 3 actually)
For those who enjoy my fiction, I’m proud to announce that the first chapter of my unpublished novel
--A LITTLE LIGHT--was selected as one of the winners in the Meet Me @ 19th Street “First Chapter Contest.”
Meet Me @ 19th Street is an online literary journal published by Arch Street Press. If interested, you can
read the first chapter of A LITTLE LIGHT on Arch Street Press’s website. The chapter ends in a way that I hope
will make you want to read more. Should you happen to like what you read, please share the link on FB and Twitter
or pass it along to a friend. Also, feel free to share your comments here. Thanks!
For those who enjoy my fiction, I’m proud to announce that the first chapter of my unpublished novel
--A LITTLE LIGHT--was selected as one of the winners in the Meet Me @ 19th Street “First Chapter Contest.”
Meet Me @ 19th Street is an online literary journal published by Arch Street Press. If interested, you can
read the first chapter of A LITTLE LIGHT on Arch Street Press’s website. The chapter ends in a way that I hope
will make you want to read more. Should you happen to like what you read, please share the link on FB and Twitter
or pass it along to a friend. Also, feel free to share your comments here. Thanks!
I'M A WINNER!
I'M A WINNER! (One of Three, actually).
For those who enjoy my fiction, I’m proud to announce that the first chapter of my unpublished novel
--A LITTLE LIGHT--was selected as one of the winners in the Meet Me @ 19th Street “First Chapter Contest.”
Meet Me @ 19th Street is an online literary journal published by Arch Street Press. If interested, you can
read the first chapter of A LITTLE LIGHT on Arch Street Press’s website. The chapter ends in a way that I hope
will make you want to read more. Should you happen to like what you read, please share the link on FB and Twitter
or pass it along to a friend. Also, feel free to share your comments here. Thanks!
For those who enjoy my fiction, I’m proud to announce that the first chapter of my unpublished novel
--A LITTLE LIGHT--was selected as one of the winners in the Meet Me @ 19th Street “First Chapter Contest.”
Meet Me @ 19th Street is an online literary journal published by Arch Street Press. If interested, you can
read the first chapter of A LITTLE LIGHT on Arch Street Press’s website. The chapter ends in a way that I hope
will make you want to read more. Should you happen to like what you read, please share the link on FB and Twitter
or pass it along to a friend. Also, feel free to share your comments here. Thanks!
November 11, 2018
MORE NEW WORK / "A Lesson In Failure" by Lori D. Johnson / Chicken Soup For The Soul: Best Advice I Ever Heard
Any fans and/or readers of CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL out there?
If so, I invite you to check out my essay
“A Lesson In Failure”
in their newly released
Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Best Advice I Ever Heard.
⇩⇩⇩
Includes “A Lesson In Failure” by Lori D. Johnson
(Available online & via your Local Bookstore)
❤❤❤
What's it about?
Mainly, a learning experience I shared with this young man.
⇩⇩⇩
(my son Aaron)
Pick up a copy of the book
Chicken Soup For The Soul: Best Advice I Ever Heard
and read my essay
"A Lesson in Failure"
if you want to know more.
August 12, 2018
My MaDear's Scrapbook
In an essay that appears in Chapter 16, I wrote about the scrapbook I inherited from my grandmother. Some of her interests
truly surprised me. Yes, that's the actual cover in the pic below.
You can read more here:
https://chapter16.org/madears-scrapbook/
August 10, 2018
I'M BACK!!!
I know it's been a while since I touched base here. All I can say is, several years ago, social
media’s rise in popularity blew in like a hurricane and left the blogging world in pieces. Like a lot of my old blogging buddies, I abandoned my post (s) and moved elsewhere. Typically, these days you can find me on Facebook and Goodreads, but thus far I’ve held off on jumping aboard Twitter, Instagram and the like. I mean really, who has the time and energy for all of that, particularly if you have any interest in living a real life (and not a social media contrived one)?
In any case, I’d still like to use this platform to share my work and perhaps, occasionally, my interests, concerns and warped
sense of humor. So, allow me to start with some links to my most recent publications.
In April of this year, Mississippi Folklife published
Forgotten Images of An Invisible Man: Resurrecting the Art and Memory of Photographer TC Reese, an essay I wrote about
my uncle, a black photographer with MS and TN roots.
If you've enjoyed my fiction in the past, or if you are new to my fiction and are
interested in a sampling, check out my short story “The Inheritance” that was recently (June 3, 2018) featured in The Root.
As always, feel free to share you thoughts about the material in the comments section. I do have one more link to share, but I think I will save it for my next post.
media’s rise in popularity blew in like a hurricane and left the blogging world in pieces. Like a lot of my old blogging buddies, I abandoned my post (s) and moved elsewhere. Typically, these days you can find me on Facebook and Goodreads, but thus far I’ve held off on jumping aboard Twitter, Instagram and the like. I mean really, who has the time and energy for all of that, particularly if you have any interest in living a real life (and not a social media contrived one)?
In any case, I’d still like to use this platform to share my work and perhaps, occasionally, my interests, concerns and warped
sense of humor. So, allow me to start with some links to my most recent publications.
In April of this year, Mississippi Folklife published
Forgotten Images of An Invisible Man: Resurrecting the Art and Memory of Photographer TC Reese, an essay I wrote about
my uncle, a black photographer with MS and TN roots.
If you've enjoyed my fiction in the past, or if you are new to my fiction and are
interested in a sampling, check out my short story “The Inheritance” that was recently (June 3, 2018) featured in The Root.
As always, feel free to share you thoughts about the material in the comments section. I do have one more link to share, but I think I will save it for my next post.
