Karin Eriksson

“Stripped Down: Undressed and Unashamed” by Karin Eriksson

With my weird sense of humor, I know I possess a great “come back” line tucked away. One that I might pull out of the recess of my brain in years to come and use for the perfect occasion.      One day, hopefully, many years from now, there is every chance someone may comment on how badly I’ve aged and am no longer attractive in their eyes. They may disparagingly point out my grey hair, the deep-set forehead lines, crow’s feet around my eyes, and the pounds I’ve added to my frame, and say:“What happened to you?” ...

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“Conversations with the Departed - The Journey of a Psychic Medium” by Karin Eriksson

Submitted to Contest #221

       There’s no brightly lit pink neon sign in my window. Nothing that can be seen as a beacon for the curious from a hundred paces away in the dark of night, through rainy mists and fog. No color is reflected in the ripples of water in the street puddles below.No images showing a palm, crystal ball, or the words “Tarot”, “Fortune Teller”, or “Psychic Readings” … No multi-colored plastic beaded curtain, or black velvet drapes accessing a backroom within a brick-and-mortar shop selling crystals, incense, b...

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“In the Company of Death” by Karin Eriksson

Submitted to Contest #219

Within seconds of opening my mouth to tell others what I do for a living, I can guarantee I will receive one of four reactions. These responses are clear indications of where people are on the “fear meter”. Inevitably, for most, it’s shock and dismay that arises. Ears will prick up, eyebrows raise, and eyes widen. There are blank stares and mouths agape. Occasionally involuntary gasps of air or sound are released, but often I am met with a deafening silence. Absolute crickets. Unable to fully grasp what I've said, I can only guess what ...

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“Feathered Lessons” by Karin Eriksson

Submitted to Contest #211

 Miraculously, I did NOT become a hoarder. From what I understand by watching hours of compelling reality television, hoarding is a condition that can manifest after a trauma, often by losing someone through death. Having lost my husband 2 yrs., 10 weeks, and 5 days ago, thankfully, it's safe to say, I didn't choose that route. There are no piles of newspapers, clutter, or rotting garbage, making it challenging to navigate through the rooms of my home. Instead, I became, what I like to call, a "selective collector" to help me process th...

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“On Edge and Overjoyed ” by Karin Eriksson

Submitted to Contest #209

 "I'm headed for Montana. I'm going to hike the National Glacier Park. It's something I've always wanted to do." My 24 yr old son Chris excitedly revealed in his weekly update phone call to me. "Wait. What?" I replied in a state of disbelief.Did I hear him right? If this was a long-time dream, how come this is the first I am hearing about it? Shouldn't a mother intuitively know their children's hopes and dreams? Why was I left out of this vital loop? I didn't even know that he hiked. Where had I been all this time?  ...

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“Aspirations of a Young Girl” by Karin Eriksson

Submitted to Contest #208

What had I done? Should I even be here? I sat down and clicked my metal seat belt clasp into place. From my economy class window seat aboard the Qatar Airways B77W aircraft, I saw ground personnel signaling with their bright orange batons for surrounding planes to reverse from the terminal. Their beacon wing and underbelly lights all aglow under the night sky. Each taxied down the tarmac, preparing for takeoff. My aircraft would eventually follow. Boarding had just commenced for my flight. We weren't airborne yet, but I felt sick. I wan...

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“In Sickness and in Health” by Karin Eriksson

Submitted to Contest #206

                              Having worked numerous jobs throughout my life, I had nothing to prepare me for the emotional and physically taxing job of being the caregiver to my husband. It was, hands down, the roughest, most demanding, and most brutal position I ever found myself in. It took my time and energy, threw me into isolation, left me overwhelmed, frustrated, and on constant crying j...

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