Poetry, Short Stories, and More

Did you know I write poetry and short stories? I also nerd out on spirituality, holidays, and history.

I wrapped all of that into one place for an afternoon full of thought-provoking readings.

Warning: some poems and/or posts may contain triggers.  
Carrie Jean_small

Don't Wake Up
I Remember Your Leather Jacket: A Short Story

A college-town man, wearing a leather jacket, takes ladies on a ride in a small Midwestern city. One of his lovers decided to jot it all down.

Andrew's All Alone Behind Closed Doors: A Short Story

A short story inspired behind the cruise ship staff members that took their own lives.

What Everybody Ought to Know About Yule (or Christmas) Practices

Are you waking up to your ancestral influences? Find out how the Pagans (ancient people) might have practiced Christmas, or Yule, before you came along. Hint: It’s got a lot to do with the Winter Solstice.

3 Affordable-But-Likable Gift Ideas For Those Who Waited Until the Last Minute

Gift procrastinators, look no further. CBCJ’s gift to you is 3 affordable-but-likable gifts that you can wrap up before Christmas.

A Message from Your Ancestors: A Poem

Enjoy a little poetry from time to time! I wrote this from the perspective of a woman living during the late 1800s. She is praying to her future child a message of hope and love. Click the image to read. Note: Work inspired by The View from Here, a novel by Keith Jackson.

Easter: From Paganism to Christianity

Ever wonder about the history of Easter? Hint: It may involve Paganism and Christianity. Read all about it here on CBCJ.

Woman taking off her mask

Wondering Why People Wear Masks Outside? Here are Three Understandable Reasons

Read why some people wear masks outside, even alone. Click the pic!

You Missed These Lessons from Halloweentown in 2020

Did you watch Halloweentown this year? If you did, here are the moral lessons you should have picked up on which still need to be learned in 2020.

The Truth About Halloween History: How Samhain Started, Changed, and Is Still Around

For the morbidly curious, read how Halloween began as Samhain a Pagan tradition and worked its way into the day we all crave each year. Click the pumpkin to read.

Repairing Patriotism in a Post-Trump Nation

How are we going to repair Patriotism in post-Tr*mp nation? I explore this and lessons from history. Click Trump's face.