“For third place, we selected this dusky image that tells a story. What that story is, though, remains unknown. The house is obscured in total darkness apart from the brightly lit windows. The largest cloud seems to move towards the house in a vaguely threatening way, maybe. And is it a cloud or another, less obvious galactic intrusion? The echoing shapes of the clouds and the cypress contrast with the solid lines of the house, and that interplay between solid and amorphous shapes creates another layer of uncertainty. The end of the story cannot be predicted, and our curiosity is suspended,” observes judge Alyssa Ortega Coppelman. Photo taken in Spain.

Next Tribe 

Reuniting With an Old Lover 

My life as a single retiree was routine, splitting my time between homes in Manhattan and New England. The bonus was grown children and grandchildren. But, as I aged, I’d developed a been-there, done-that attitude. Exciting surprises seemed over until a “Hey Judith, remember me?” message popped up.

“Oh my, a blast from 1984 and my glorious Madrid past…call to catch-up,” I wrote back. He did call and told me my old business card had surfaced as he emptied his desk for retirement. 

Providence Journal

My Father’s Forgotten Grave

Now recently retired, I’m reflective and forgiving of my father. I feel deep compassion for his life ravaged by alcohol. I’m grateful for my life, which he made possible. But where was he buried?

FWT MAGAZINE 

Portugal’s Devotion to Ginja

At its inception centuries ago, ginja was used for digestive purposes. Eventually the sweet liqueur made its way to wealthy clients, then into fado venues. Today, ginja enjoys record popularity throughout the land.