grafted in and on the journey

Hello Grafted In Readers, Today is Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Winter temps continue to be somewhat normal for this time of year here in my corner of blog land. Next Monday, we get a little fun boost with the observation of Groundhog Day : does he see his shadow or not is the big question. This of course ties into the emergence of Spring weather beginning to occur or not occur in six week's time. History for me this week includes family: my son's birthday, my youngest brother's birthday, and the birth of my new title, From My Red Chair: A Short Story Collection .  Stories feature Bob looking for serenity, Haley, a twenty-something single woman and chronic complainer, Diane, Greg, and their daughter who are beset with problems perhaps of Diane's making. Or, Diane who realizes she doesn't have what she really desires. Dr. Sunny Sawbones , he is revered by patients and colleagues alike for his disposition and professional dedication. Mental health is the overall theme,...

Hello Grafted In Reader, Today is Thursday, January 22, 2026 in my corner of blog land. Did you know that on this date in 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized the rite to abortion in the United States? Regardless your opinion, this is a major historic fact that has had ramifications for over fifty years. This date, I find myself five days away from the publication of my book, From My Red Chair: A Short Story Collection. I did register with the agency called Boker, who issue ISBN numbers to authors at a rather absorbinant fee here in the good old U.S. I'll complete the process over the weekend, not today. Have you been keeping up with my notes on Substack? https://davidcrussell.substack.com Please do if so inclined. I am currently reading a set of short stories by author, Gina Chung. She is an American author, with Korean roots in her family. The stories are entertaining, easily readable, vary in length from about fifteen minutes to forty minutes. The book title, "Green Frog...

Hello Grafted In Reader, Today is Monday, January 12, 2026 in my corner of blog land. Mild weather conditions prevail compared to end of year and early this year! Mondays were made to get through, is a dictum used by an acquaintance from my past that has a timeless ring to it. I was up early drafting a story for a contest by Reedsy Editing, spent my weekend doing errands, piano gig, church, and viewing some NFL football with my wife. Tonight is the final NFL game in the 'wild card' series. I also did some editing for my upcoming book, From My Red Chair: a Short Story Collection. It will go to the editor for final revisions and publishing assist to Amazon and Draft2Digital within a couple weeks. Follow progress notes at my Substack. https:''davidcrussell@substack.com We had a newer favorite for our dinner last evening: beef sheet pan dinner. Veggies included brussels, summer squash, mushrooms, and a couple long carrots. Garlic along with salt and pepper added for taste e...

Hello Grafted In Reader, Today is the last day of 2025. The new year will be on us in less than 9.5 hours from time of writing and publishing this post! My pleasant surprise as a writer is an invitation to you as a reader! Spillwords Editors Dear David, Thank you for another submission! We are pleased to inform you that your story, "Disencumber The Stuck," has been scheduled for publication on 1/1/26 at 1am Eastern Time (ET). Once it is published, you can access it through the following link: https://spillwords.com/disencumber-the-stuck/ We appreciate your contribution and look forward to sharing your work with our readers. My story is inspired by a visit to the doctor that occurred in late Autumn, my annual physical. My character in the story is more bothered by his visit than myself, but we do share the tendency for North America Medicine to treat 'stuff' with a medication. Key word here is tendency. I hope you may read the story and if inclined, leave a like at the...

Hello Grafted In Readers, Today is Dec. 25 in my corner of blog land. No snow outside, temperature to be near forty for today's high. So, some are dreaming 'of a white Christmas". When this blog started some years ago by me, it's main purpose was instructional and more less theological. I briefly return to that now in recommending to those interested in the Hebraic Perspective of faith, that you look for articles to read that discuss "Hebraic Perspective The Incarnation" Within that article listings are one from First Things, a scholarly Roman Catholic EZine, that discusses how Judaism, and Christianity each approach the topic of experiencing and knowing God. The article is from October 2010. The second is, Messianic Musings, Darek for Messiah, Oct. 2007. I may be err with the date but you may see it in the results. My take-away was that Jewish faith adherents study Torah to commune with God the Eternal. Christians receive a Sacrament called Communion, believ...

Hello Grafted In Reader, Today is Dec. 15, Monday, 2025 in my corner of blog land. We have very, very frigid temps at present, but some let-up predicted mid-week. Tuesday of this week, I am putting on a program for a local Woman's organization who are holding their holiday luncheon at a local church. I have a couple piano puzzlers in mind, holiday songs by request of the attendees, some Holiday facts and end with the song, Here We Come A Wassailing. On research, this word goes back to Norse and Saxon roots. It meant, Wishing you good health. It also became a holiday drink later spiced with ale in a Yuletide punch. Writing and Reading Over the past weekend, I was inspired by a prompt that is issued weekly from reedsy.com. Bone Appetit was the topic, and my story is about an aged man who does all in his power to avoid taking more medications for cholesterol and elevated blood work. The story is titled, Convenient Control Comfort and will appear on https://reedsy.com › contests › 333 ...