Every mistake is an opportunity to learn something — I was a mistake since conception. This is what I’d jokingly tell people about my origin story. Truth be told, I’m the product of an affair my mom had while she was married. …

Your words can heal — Fear taught me to be quiet for much of my life — fear others may see the pain in my eyes, the hurt I felt as a child, and the fear of living in fear was always that whisper within my ear. But it wasn’t fear that kept me from…

I knew then that our life becomes how we choose to see it. — The aim of art is not to represent the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance — Aristotle The colors might be the first thing you see at a glance at this piece. Art should stand out. But take a moment to look, see, think and feel. What draws…

For me, it feels awkward — I had the perfect image of a mother and daughter’s relationship growing up. I looked on as girls my age interacted with their moms — holding hands, hugging, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company seemed so effortless and natural. I didn't share that bond with my mom. But through it all, I never doubted my mother’s love for me. Years later, I realized that my mom couldn’t show me the love I desired; she was naïve to its formula.

And here's my reason. — There is no need to place me on suicide watch. But seventy-five years is how long I want to live. I may not count down the numbers or I could outlive the three scores ten allotted to men and five years, extra I’ve bargained with myself. Albeit, it’s wishful thinking…

My Interview with Ashley: The Coffee Times Interview series previously published on Substack — Ashley: Hi everyone, To start the new month, allow me to introduce Donette Anglin, a writer who is no stranger to Coffee Times, actively sharing personal stories and her love for writing. Donnette, Welcome to Coffee Times, you are no stranger to Coffee Times, and you publish regularly with CT…

My past doesn't define who I am now — A life prompt in collaboration with Yana Bostongirl of Coffee Times Life column Others thought there was no way in hell it would have ended. I, too, was delusional; It was a match made in heaven. Ending a 25-year affair was not only emotional; moving on was the most challenging…

It's all personal — Isn't it interesting that books continue to print, and libraries remain monuments in communities? With information at a click these days, I can't help thinking it's only a matter of time before these century-old traditions become extinct. The bookshelves in my home office are adorned with over a hundred books…