Tag Archives: Joan Leotta

Who’s Outside the Door? – Stories

brown doorframe and door about a fourth open
Thanks MysticsArtDesign & Pixabay for letting me use this image.

“Who’s Outside the Door?” by Joan Y. Edwards

The writing prompt was to write about guessing who is outside your door and finding out who it really was…a mystery or a comedy. For instance, you were expecting your sister and her boyfriend to be outside the door, but and instead, you found a cow.

So exciting. Thank you to the 4 writers who submitted their stories. They are listed below in ABC order. I gave each of them a Blue Ribbon award after their stories.

“Who Is Outside the Door?”
by David Parle pen name Roger Rapel

It was one of those stormy nights, where ominous clouds began to roll-in, which complimented the earlier forecast. Sandra just made it home before the heavy drops of rain began to fall.
Sandra rubbed her hands together as she entered her apartment. The heating had just clicked-on, So she kept her coat on until it warmed-up.

She made a nice hot instant soup, sitting on the sofa she wrapped her fingers around the mug keeping them warm. The remote was clicked on, she found the news channel.
Sandra sat watching all the bad news that was being reeled off by the news readers. Then the weather report was read out, but she could hear the driving rain being pounded against the windows so didn’t need the report.

The heating had warmed up the apartment allowing Sandra to remove her coat. Just as she slipped it off she heard the news reader saying, ‘and now for a news flash.’ Sandra was half listening, when she heard the name of the town where she lived, and the possibility of a dangerous escaped criminal who maybe heading towards the town.

Sandra sat down watching the report, there was a picture of a hard-faced looking man who was on the run. She shook herself muttering something about how evil he looked. The report said not to approach him but call the police immediately if seen.

There was a ring of the doorbell, she all of a sudden went into hyper mode, who was at the door, she wasn’t expecting anyone. Sheepishly she looked through the spyhole, but could see no one, she reached for the door handle as she heard a 1,000 violin’s strike up as fear overtook her, who was at the door, was it the escaped prisoner???

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Wrong Door Made Right
by Joan B. Reid

Knock-knock, tap-tap.
Who could be at my door at 8AM on such a snowy morning?  Unexpected, unknown.  I grabbed my fuzzy pink robe, took a glimpse in the mirror.  I wasn’t expecting anyone.
Boom-knock-boom.
“Who’s there?”
“Lady, this is not a knock-knock joke.”  A gruff male voice responded.
“I know and that’s why I’m asking. Who are you?”
“Oh, a philosopher here. Who am I?”
“OK, then what do you want?”

I heard an impatient sigh.  Oh dear, this was no joke, nor philosophical, nothing but frightening. Meanwhile, my kitty-cat, Jerome, began weaving around my ankles, a sure sign he was      hungry.
“I have to feed my cat.”
Tap-tap-rappity tap.
“I don’t have all day, lady.”

He called me lady, he’s a respectful unexpected visitor. Still unwilling to open the door, I called my neighbor. Thank goodness she was home. In fact, she was almost at my front door when she answered her mobile phone.

“Hi, Bonnie, do you see someone at my front door?”
“Yes, I’m here by you. He’s the repair man to fix my dishwasher.”
I flung the door open to see Bonnie and a man in work clothes. He had the bluest eyes and a sheepish expression.

“Oh boy, wrong door. I’m sorry lady.”  My eye lashes fluttered.
“It’s okay,” I replied.  But it wasn’t really okay.  It was better than okay.  I fed my cat and hastily joined Bonnie for morning coffee while the repair man, Teddy, fixed her dishwasher.

The next evening there was a knock at my door.  I wore an off-the-shoulder dress with gold earrings and necklace.
Knock-knock.
“Who’s there?”
“It’s me, Teddy.”
“I’ll be right there!”

                            ***************

Who’s Pounding On My Door?
by Joan Leotta

In the middle of the night, I heard a pounding on our front door. I hopped out of bed, not even waiting to put on my slippers, I ran across the tile hallway. Who’s there, I called loudly. No answer. I turned on the porchlight and peered out the side window panels. No one on the porch. Who had pounded on the door? A neighbor in need? An animal?

No one was expected at three in the morning. My husband was still asleep. I woke him–“Didn’t you hear the door? he replied he had not and I began to wonder what was going on –was it a dream? But the pounding had continued as I ran to the door, stopping only when I arrived.

I tried to go back to sleep but could not. I went into the kitchen to make myself a cup of herbal tea to help me at least relax, rest for the two hours remaining before my alarm would propel me into the day’s tasks.

As I reached across our gas stove to the microwave, I saw the red light that meant the oven was on and I noticed that the temperature had reached the highest point and the indicator was blinking. Quickly I pressed off. At eight I called the repairman who told me he would come right out and to not use the stove or oven since the oven was likely ready to explode.

Who had pounded on my front door in the middle of the night? I am sure it was an angel.

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Who Is Outside the Door?
by Maureen Crites

Who is outside the door?
When I heard I hit the floor
Yesterday, my daughter’s neighbor rang the bell
It was his effort to tell
He had smashed my car
Tried to open the driver’s door and I did not get far
This is my sad effort to tell
Who was outside the door and rang the bell
My poor car will never be the same
And climbing over the passenger seat is a pain!

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Blue Ribbon to show that You Make a Difference

David Parle – Blue Ribbon for Good Description
Joan B. Reid – Blue Ribbon for Good Dialogue
Joan Leotta – Blue Ribbon for Good Mystery
Maureen Crites – Blue Ribbon for Good Surprise

I appreciate your sharing your stories with us.

 Please let us know how you liked the stories. Would you like for me to do another writing exercise?

Joan Y. Edwards, Author
Copyright © 2009-2023 Joan Y. Edwards

Subscribe to Joan’s blog for new articles of inspiration, information, and humor. Receive free gifts. Join over 264 subscribers and over 1,911,000 visitors. Thank you.

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Thanks to Those Who Wrote a Testimonial for My Blog!

Joan Y. Edwards, Jan 11, 2023
Joan Y. Edwards, 2023

“Thanks to Those Who Wrote a Testimonial for My Blog!” by Joan Y. Edwards

Thank you to each of you who wrote a testimonial for my blog. I am very honored. You touched my heart. Please read what they had to say. I also put links to their websites and/or books. 

My hope is to inspire you to never give up on you…no matter what…live, love, write, illustrate, work, share.  Here’s what caring readers like you say about my Never Give Up blog, January 2023 in alphabetical order! I am filled with love and thankfulness. It fills me with joy to hear from you. I treasure these  testimonies and each of you in my heart. Subscribe to My Blog

Dr. Bob Rich

Dr. Bob Rich
Bobbing Around blog

     “I have a scale of spiritual maturity. At the bottom are infant souls. You recognize them from a complete lack of empathy.
Then there are toddlers. Their three key words are ‘No!’ ‘ Why?’ and above all, ‘Mine!’ Because of this, unfortunately, they run the world.
At the other end are mature spirits who find compassion, cooperation, empathy, decency to be natural. Their joy is to benefit others, not because it is expected, or because of some payoff, but because that’s just the way they are.
Joan is one of these mature spirits. Regardless of her circumstances or personal tragedies, she is always there for anyone and everyone. Read her blog if you want to know what I mean.”

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Carla Stack

     “I am a busy person working for a dental office and a consulting company. I first met Joan in the office where I work. And what a blessing Joan has been to me and others in our office! I do not always get to read Joan’s posts and blogs as much as I would like.  But when I do, I pause! And I am always reminded to count my blessings.  This morning I opened an email from Joan titled “Do You Need an Ego with a New Inner Critic and Encourager?”  What a blessing this was with me today.  A gentle reminder that God is a God of encouragement.  A reminder to change our inner critic voice to one of encouragement by using affirmations.  Thank you, Joan, for your beautiful, sweet soul and for your uplifting emails and blogs.”

******************** Carol Baldwin and her beta reader for Half-TruthsCarol Baldwin and Elliott Kurta, her beta reader for Half-Truths
Teaching-Story-Fiction-Writing-Grades 4-6
Carol Baldwin’s Blog

     “I enjoy Joan’s blog because she always looks to encourage her readers. I often leave with a smile on my face!”

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Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of fiction, poetry, and the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers.

“Expertise is the magical word when notified of Joan’s blog entries. I never miss an opportunity to learn something new.”

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David Parle and Anna Verberg

David Parle and Anna Verberg
David’s books under Pen Name Roger Rapel

“Joan always has a smile, even in tragic times. Sometimes we all need a lift and a listening ear to help us through the sad times.
She has become a friend albeit electronic and we both know that we can contact each other.”

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Gretchen Griffith

Gretchen Griffith, author of When Christmas Feels Like Home, Called to the Mountains: The Story of Jean L. Frese, and Lessons Learned: The Story of Pilot Mountain School

“Many times when I’ve felt discouraged about my writing, along came Joan Edwards with words to give me the encouragement I needed. I’ve followed her positive thinking blog for years and found it to be a valuable resource about using social media in a way that I can understand.

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Jeff Morrill

Jeff Morrill
Profit Wise: How to Make More Money in Business By Doing the Right Thing
https://www.jeffmorrill.com/

     “Thanks to Joan’s blog, I ended up with a publishing contract with TCK Publishing after reaching out to many of the publishers I found on this post: https://www.joanyedwards.com/50-publishers-who-accept-unsolicited-manuscripts/
Without preexisting fame, it is very difficult to get a book published. Lots of hard work and a high capacity for rejection are necessary but not sufficient—it’s also important to know who might be looking for a particular manuscript. Thanks, Joan, for doing the hard work of gathering and sharing this useful information!”

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Joan Leotta Joan Leotta
Feathers on Stone

     “Joan’s blog is always a good read! I find inspiration for my day in the assortment of contemporary and classical poetry she offers. So, when she started to send me notices of her blog, I immediately clicked to read. The blog is a delightful collection of wisdom–sometimes a reminder of helpful tips, like the recent blog on home fire extinguishers, or the ins and outs regarding ghostwriting. Other times, her blog is the springboard for a deep dive into thoughts about issues such as the need to consider all possibilities life offers or the need to use our inner critic to also encourage ourselves. I like the mix of offerings. Her blogs are like fine chocolate–always good, each one with a different delicious filling. I am always encouraged by her blog entries–to action (as with the fire extinguishers) and/or to reflection.”

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Joan B. Reid

Joan B. Reid
Joyful Passage-A Woman’s Path to Retirement

“Joan Y. Edwards blog is inspiring and positive.  Several posts have lifted my thoughts and made me feel better. 👍”

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Jo Ann Mathews

Jo Ann Mathews
 Women in Adversity Book Series
Jo Ann’s Blog

     “Joan Y. Edwards hits the mark with her blog “Never Give Up.” She encourages people to brush aside the clouds and see the sunshine. Her recent post ‘Consider All the Possibilities’ is an example. She walks the reader through steps to move forward from a dilemma and ‘get out of that box.’ Everyone faces situations that don’t appear to have an answer. Joan’s blog offers suggestions on how to solve that dilemma.”

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Joy Moore, Author

Joy Moore
Joy’s previous published works includes, Wiggle-Wiggle, Scratch-Scratch-, Itch-Itch-Itch with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and many magazine articles and poems. Joy’s website: http://www.word-painting.com

Your encouragement to submit my manuscript has led to my signing a contract. I love the process of writing. I hate the process of researching a publisher and sending it out. When I signed up to use your plan to submit my manuscript, I knew it was what I needed to get me going. Just as you have said so many times, it did lead to something. So that is what I want to tell you I appreciate the most, because nothing would have happened for me if I hadn’t followed the advice.

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Karen Tomas

Karen Tomas, past columnist for the Fort Mill Times 

 “Joan Y. Edwards’ Never Give Up blog is totally addictive. You can’t read just one!!!”

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Karen Cioffi

Karen Cioffi, Article Writing Doctor and Online Platform Instructor

“Joan’s Never Give Up Blog offers great information on writing. It’s obvious that she puts a great deal of effort into each post and it’s a blog I value. Along with information, Joan offers encouragement and insights related to the writing world. So, join me and the many others who benefit from reading Joan’s posts.”

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Linda Gutheil

Linda Gutheil
Linda’s Blog

     “I visit Joan’s blog to see what she’s got to say and share. Before I even knew Joan well, her blog led me to know that she loved to share helpful tips with others. She’s always been kind to share links to articles that are helpful to writers and people just needing a new or more positive outlook on life. She also has a creative approach in the way she looks at things. She shares from the heart and tells personal experiences and stories that have teachable moments. I can’t imagine my life without Joan in it. She makes my life rich and full. I’m also blessed to call her my best friend. She’s a real treasure.          Thanks for always being there for me.”

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Mary Lash with scarf

Mary Lash
A Roller Coaster Down, Love and the TSA and The Desert Murders: How Junk Science, Witness Contamination, and Arizona Politics Condemned an Innocent Man

 “Never Give Up is like a good friend. With characteristic generosity, Joan Edwards offers helpful information and insights with each post. Reading her blog never fails to encourage and inspire me.”

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Melanie Robertson-King

Melanie Robertson-King
https://melanierobertson-king.com

     “Joan’s blog is a wealth of information, inspiration, and motivation. I subscribe to it via email to know when something new has been posted. Not all topics interest me, but I take the time to read all the posts. I’ve learned and shared (through the comments) many things since I first discovered her wonderful blog.”

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Sandra Warren
Sandra Warren, author of Obsessed By A Promise, We Bought A WWII Bomber, and twelve other books written in multiple genres. 

     “Have a social media question? Scroll through Joan’s blog for the answer. Invariably, you’ll find it there among her many blog posts. Joan is the “go-to” gal for social media know how. Plus, if you ask a question she can’t answer, she’ll research it until she understands and then, not only share it with you, but also the world.
     Feeling down and discouraged with your writing or life in general? Joan laces inspirational tidbits guaranteed to lift your spirits throughout her blog.”

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Shawn Simon

        Shawn Simon
Stepmomshawn.com
Stepping into a New Role: Stories from Stepmoms

“Joan’s blog is inspirational and encouraging. She will get you thinking about the good in life and will give tips for reframing life’s challenges. Visit regularly for a dose of positivity!”

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Cathy and Thurman Bruffey
Cathy and Thurman Bruffey

Thurman Bruffey

“From the start I want to say Joan is my first cousin. All of us who read Joan’s blogs know how incredibly knowledgeable Joan is.
I have been a fan of Joan’s writing since the first days of “Flip Flap  Floodle”.
I can tell you her elder care book was written from the heart and from first hand experience with her Mother, Ethel Meyer, my  Aunt.
Joan is always seeking input and doing in depth research to ensure her blog posts can be helpful to others. I highly recommend everyone to read her blog.”

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Testimonials page: https://www.joanyedwards.com/testimonials/.

Subscribe to Joan’s blog for new articles of inspiration, information, and humor. Receive free 2 free gifts. Join 265 subscribers and over 1,908,000 visitors. Thank you.

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Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Copyright © 2023 Joan Y. Edwards

Flip Flap Floodle Will this little duck’s song save him from Mr. Fox?
Joan’s Elder Care Guide A guide to help caregivers and elders find solutions.