Paths to Getting Published

(In the short story series "Stories of a Lifetime") The memories of her childhood meld together.  One year indiscernible from the next.  She recalls the enjoyment of breathing deeply the warming damp air of a sunny spring day.  Wondering through the yard discovering the new life that comes with the change of season.  The tips of tender green shoots poking their heads through the dark ground.  She witnesses the stalks grow and buds emerge.  Then one day the flowers are in full bloom and the air is sweetened by their fragrance.  The warm strong breezes kiss the petals and rustle her hair. The bees awaken and busy themselves to their task.  The joy of finding the secret spaces where the tiniest of flowers hide themselves away.  Blue bells, violets and bleeding hearts quietly surprise their visitor.  The baby bunnies venture from their nursery nests.  As the robins hop around on the early morning gra...

She lay on her back in the quiet room.   Her eyes blinked slowly while she gazed around.   Most of the things she looked at were out of focus.   This mattered little as she was warm in her bed which lead to her to drift off to sleep.   She dreamt of simple things that made her happy; a good dinner, her loving family, a car trip and a warm bubble bath.    Then upon waking she stretched her arms and arched her back.   It felt good.   She looked around her room at a picture close to her on the wall.   Even seeing it fuzzy she was able recognized it as her family.       She yawned and kicked off the covers.   Soon her stomach began to hurt.   This feeling grew and became painful.   She grimaced then unintentionally her emotions took over.   She began to tear up then cry.   A few moments later a familiar voice spoke kindly to her.   It made her stop crying as a pair of gentle arms...