Gloria Bartone

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Apr, 2022

Stories (8)

8 Stories

155 karma pts

?

“A Touch of a Hand” by Gloria Bartone

Submitted to Contest #213

I run my hands slowly over the soft indentations and ridges of the fabric held loosely in my hands, the feel of the delicate material bringing me a little bit of comfort and security. But I know, just know, it isn't going to last. The ridges that define the quilting patterns are definitely there, the quilting tiny, even and very impressive. But deep inside I know this will change, will never be the same feeling if satisfaction and delight again. My years as a quilter come back to me in a rush of emotion-- the images crowd into each other,...

4 comments 4
Read story

“My Marvellous Toy” by Gloria Bartone

Submitted to Contest #208

"When I was just a wee little lass, full of health and joy, my father homeward came one night, and gave to me a toy..." I have always loved the music of Peter, Paul, and Mary, but this particular song brings back the most wonderful of memories of my growing up years. It conjures memories of happy events,when I was too small and uncaring to notice that they were some of the happiest times of my young life. I grew up as the second child, and eldest daughter, in my family of five siblings. My brother was born in New York City, but I was born...

1 comment 1
Read story

“Unforseen” by Gloria Bartone

Submitted to Contest #186

"Hi Mom. Boy do I have some exciting news! You just won't believe it. I know you were expecting me to try to break into a writing career with some periodical or online news source,but I think you will find that my news is even better than you expected!" " No, I'm not telling you that I'm married, or even engaged. When did I ever? But I have met someone; tell you about him later,okay? Yes I know I haven't ...

1 comment 1
Read story

“Ticket, Please ” by Gloria Bartone

Submitted to Contest #167

"May I see your ticket, please?"The friendly voice of the station manager pulls me back from my reverie. Sighing deeply, I pull put my cell phone and show him the e-ticket printed there. He can already see that I will need help boarding; my luggage is piled on a rolling cart, and my cane leans against it. I knew I would need to pay extra for both big bags, but also knew that I just couldn't bear to leave anything behind to come back to get. There was nothing left for me here, nothing at all that could send a siren song after me. I ...

0 comments 0
Read story

“Way too Many Cooks” by Gloria Bartone

Submitted to Contest #162

"Darn," I sighed,wishing I could say something more colourful but knowing I couldn't use those words with my two little ones in the room, "I wish you had warned me, so I had time to prepare something really special." My husband Mickel looked abashed. " I only found out yesterday from Mama that grandma Irena wanted this. I didn't even know she was still in Michigan. I thought they'd already left. B...

0 comments 0
Read story

“A Gift of Love” by Gloria Bartone

Submitted to Contest #161

One of my favorite poems is "Grandmother's Old Armchair, " because when I read it I am reminded of how Gran's old furniture changed my life. Maybe I should tell you something about myself first. I am the youngest of three siblings. My brother Craig is sixteen years older than I. He is the successful businessman type who always manages to make gold out of straw. My sister Lorelei is fourteen years older. She is a l...

1 comment 1
Read story

“No Contest” by Gloria Bartone

Submitted to Contest #158

"No contest, Your Honor."Whoa! Hold on! No contest can have a multitude of interpretations. Does it mean there is no question that I did it? Or does it mean I didn't really do it but don't want the hassle of an argument with the police? Or does it mean well, I probably did do it but you can't prove it. Of course, I equally can't prove I didn't,so we both lose here. Or maybe we both just win. Does it mean I just don't want to be embarassed by a write up in the local paper, especially when I just started a job with corrections ? Ther...

1 comment 1
Read story

“Hannibal's Barn” by Gloria Bartone

Submitted to Contest #156

My Uncle John was a pathological storyteller. He loved to tell tales, sing, entertain people, and just have fun. He played banjo and guitar, called for square dances, and in general did all he could to make people happy. He had a terrific sense of humor,too. The nameplate on his office door read "John Brown and body," which should give some clue as to his humor. His most severe critics would call him a pathological l...

0 comments 0
Read story

Author bio

I am a retired teacher who worked with public schools and prisons for about 40 years. I am a quilter, baker, avid reader and amateur painter. I have 4 children and 4 grandchildren.