E.L. Martin
Bio
Powered by Nature, Humanity, Humor, Food, Lifestyle, Fiction, and Culture; Oh, and a questionable amount of coffee.
Achievements (1)
Stories (114/0)
Viking Warrior Princess
When we rolled up to look at a property six years ago, we weren't planning on gaining two new members of our family. The plan was to adopt a dog or two after purchasing a home and establishing ourselves a bit more. We were considering adopting from the local Humane Society when we were ready. Instead, this dog-lover (me) stuck her foot in her mouth when the realtor noted our interest in the home and property, and informed us that the previous owners were looking to rehome their two dogs upon moving. After viewing other properties, my husband and I placed an offer for that home the same day. During negotiations, one questioned remained; are we willing to take the dogs? After my husband shot a glare at me, he stubbornly stated "Yes, we were serious about the dogs." That is the short story of how we became proud dog parents of Remington and her step-brother Gus. While we still have and love Gus, this story is about Remington and how she earned her title of "Viking Warrior Princess."
By E.L. Martin2 years ago in Petlife
Collective Minds
Ingrid was a collector of skulls. It remained her hobby and her enjoyment after being cast out of society seven long years ago. She had always been a strange woman. When illness struck her prior commune, it was decided that she must have been the reason. During her trek into unknown regions, she too was afflicted with illness.
By E.L. Martin2 years ago in Fiction
Hot Cocoa Always Makes Me Think of You
I’ll always remember that cup of hot cocoa. It was warm and wonderful with hints of vanilla, sweetness, and spice; just like you. I had never once had anything like it. I was maybe twelve or thirteen. In fact, I think it was the year I had turned fourteen and began my freshman year of high school. My social and emotional maturity had not caught up to the rest of my peers. Many of them had already experienced dating, puberty, and more age-appropriate hobbies. By contrast, I refused to wear make-up or grow out of my tomboyish ways. I had crushes on boys, but no concept of what to actually do with one outside of friendship. Sure, I fantasized about experiencing my first kiss and who it would come from. It was such a foreign and magical concept I couldn’t quite fathom, and it piqued my curiosity. I heard friends discuss such matters, and I rarely had any input to add. At times, I was even repulsed by their graphic make-out descriptions.
By E.L. Martin2 years ago in Humans
Sleep Like a Toddler. Top Story - January 2022.
I was one of those mothers that constantly felt overwhelmed by societal recommendations for child care and wellness. I wanted to do everything right for my son from the time I found out I was pregnant. I avoided unhealthy foods at all costs; even those deli meat sandwiches I would have so loved to enjoy. I ate oatmeal, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables, etc. instead. I held steadfast to my daily exercise routine, and incorporated more pregnancy friendly exercises. I signed up for newsletters from various child wellness sites, and began reading “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.”
By E.L. Martin2 years ago in Families
The A-Negatives
We've been called psychic, possessors of alien DNA, extraterrestrials, lab rats, science experiments, unnatural, deviants, renegades, and rogues. No one can seem to explain our condition. We don't factually know why our genetic make-up is pre-disposed to extra sensory perception. Supposedly, we have weakened immunity to various types of conditions and syndromes, yet for what affects the rest of the population we have greater resistance and immunity. We are a paradoxical anomaly within society; misunderstood, underestimated, and mysterious. We are the A-Negatives.
By E.L. Martin3 years ago in Fiction
Hauntings & Horses
Thanksgiving was going to be different this year. My parents were coming over for a feast my husband and I were hosting. Mother of course, considered it inconvenient as always. She found alternative plans preferable, but showed up anyway, albeit grudgingly. Dad, always the whimsical sort, decided to meet us at an alternate location prior to our celebration. I wondered what this cadre had up his sleeve, but knew there was no point in guessing. He always had his own plans, and usually everyone else went with the flow. You could call it his charm or charisma.
By E.L. Martin3 years ago in Fiction
I’m Too Much of a Hobbit to Be an Influencer. Top Story - December 2021.
I love reading and writing with my whole heart. My goal is to one day make a true living doing exactly what I love. However, that goal ends there. I still want to be surrounded by my loved ones, and deeply enjoy living our plain, unassuming lives. I've been thinking considerably about the reasons I want to write, and enjoy the writing process in the first place. What motivates me? What propels me forward? Why do I write?
By E.L. Martin3 years ago in Journal
Would You Wait for a Quarter?
I had finished loading half of my groceries when I was approached by an older man wearing a wool poncho with a cigarette in his hand. I have come to realize by now that I have the sort of luck that causes lightning to strike the same place twice, but am fortunate and blessed in many other ways. After dashing out of one store earlier in the day beside an unruly man authorities had to escort off the premises, I suspected it was going to be another one of those lightning strike sorts of days. I had every justifiable reason to be cautious or even scared, especially in light of recent events. It isn't often that men in parking lots approach lone women with benevolent intentions, after all.
By E.L. Martin3 years ago in Psyche
Growth from a Small Town
I finally reach my destination: the funeral home. I was unsure as to how I should proceed from here, but decided to simply drop off the card politely and nothing more. I wouldn't be attending the funeral proceedings later in the evening and at 9a.m. none of the family would be present. I hoped the funeral home employees and owners had a protocol for this, and presumed they likely would. I walked in briefly and told the director my intention.
By E.L. Martin3 years ago in Humans
Poor Beasty!
I was shopping at a local grocery store when out of the corner of my eye I spied a friendly little plant I dubbed, "Beasty." From the moment I saw the bountiful Venus flytrap, I knew we were meant to be. Despite the plant being genderless and therefore "perfect" (pertaining to both genders as Venus flytraps have both male (stamens) and female parts (carpels)), I generally refer to my dear plant as "him."
By E.L. Martin3 years ago in Lifehack