Mikaela is writing a bunch of short stories for 13 Days 13 Shorts this year! To check out more stuff from Mikaela, visit www.mikaelamiyamoto.com A moment for Reflection On the 21st of December my family celebrates the winter solstice in our own special way.  First, we cover every reflective surface in a sheer black cloth. Then we make sure all the doors and windows are shut tight. We light candles around the house and while the sun is still rising, cook a large meal that will

come one, come all - if you dare  Candy fills the heart, Candy fills the soul. Candy fills the empty corners and the gaping holes.  Come, come, and join the mad parade. The circus welcomes one and all, so join the candy kids brigade.  The acrobats are made of taffy, the ringmaster of cream. The animals are cookies, of course, as established previously.  The fortune teller caramel, the strongman licorice. The fire eater marshmallow, with s’mores for bellies nourished.  But the

Mikaela is writing a bunch of short stories for 13 Days 13 Shorts this year! To check out more stuff from Mikaela, visit www.mikaelamiyamoto.com Sweet Sweet Conflict My family doesn’t handle conflict very well. So, my grandmother’s gotten very creative when it comes to dealing with “negative” emotions. Anytime things get too heated or someone seems to be really down and upset, she breaks out “the conflict clown”. My sister and I have nicknamed it the “candy corn clown”. But t