Denis Baldwin - Freelance Writer/Author

 Greetings readers, I've been fortunate in life to cultivate a few friendships that will last the test of time. Not in the sense that we'll always be friends--that's a given for quite a few people I know. These people however are the types that you don't talk to on a daily, weekly, or even yearly basis, the type of people that you seem to only catch up to when something big happens or the moment strikes, but when you finally do connect, it's as if no time has gone between you two.      It's sobering though, of course. A lot has happened in the intervening years. There's a certain level of disappointment associated with all the "what if's" and "what-could-have-been's," but it's also empowering and a whole different injection of energy that I'm completely ready for. There are times when you get stagnant and feel like you're at odds with yourself, but then someone you know comes along to challenge you and remind you that

 Greetings! I lived a sordid life so far, gone with the flow, seen a few things and done a few others. I'm not sure if it's because I'm approaching my mid-life mark or if the last several years have served to calm me down, but I woke up the other day with the urge-no, the need -to garden. I immediately hopped onto Amazon and got soil, seeds, and text my girlfriend to get to-go cups from where she works because I need to get planting, stat.     I am currently awaiting germination.     I live in a one bedroom apartment in the middle of the desert. Not exactly an ideal location for gardening. There's something therapeutic about it all though, even if the idea is a bit haphazard. I remember my uncle gardening, and by that, I mean I remember him telling me where to dig, which weeds to pull, and where to move everything for him. My aunt and uncle seemed to have some notion in their head that I never wanted to get dirty. It wasn't about that. It was about the work itself;

  My name is Denis Baldwin (for those who care). I've always had a passion for storytelling and have been writing stories in some form or another since I was in first grade. Who knows, those childhood stories might be worth exploring as children's books later. For now, I'm working on getting a manuscript published and have been writing short stories (and a second manuscript) in the mean time. Below is a link to Reedsy and the short stories I've entered there for their writing contests. I like the idea of a weekly contest since it allows me to have fresh ideas--or use one's I haven't gotten around to yet--and keep consistent with my writing. Hope you enjoy! Short Stories  by Denis Baldwin