Lovely contest, @millycf1976 and @leaky20. And Happy International Coffee Day! Here is my entry:

You've really captured the magic of this special holiday, with all the beauty and wonder of festivities and lights as seen through a child's eyes. I was so charmed by this story, and so happy that her

So many great gems, as always! Putin's annexation... Ginni Thomas (OMG)... and the very interesting article about loss of smell. I just read that one, and it turns out there are services to help those

Happy Market Friday, @old-guy-photos! Wow I didn’t know there was a premium Walmart membership or that they are trying to compete with Amazon. That’s wild.

What beautiful architecture, @dswigle. I have been there, definitely — back in the old days when I lived out there for about five years out of college. It really is reminiscent of a cathedral, isn’t it?

What a great Market Friday post, @jelenaa. That street food festival looks so fantastic. Isn’t it so fun when you just accidentally stumble upon something cultural and fun? Yes I can vouch for the fact

I put off drinking coffee for nearly 20 years, @seki1. (I mean, if you count the years when I was still in diapers.) But seriously, I had my first coffee during my third year in college when I was on a

Oh yes indeed, @agmoore! Let there always be coffee. I know it's not for everyone. But to me it's the best legal drug available. 😄

You have a terrific writing style, @jackdeathblack. Instead of telling the story in a linear fashion (this happened, then that happened, etc.), you create an experience and a sense of something bizarre

I couldn't agree more, @leaky20!

Thank you! It's always good to know the "do's and don'ts" of a community. So much pain could be avoided across Hive if people took the time to get to know what a community is all about before

Ooh fun! I will certainly watch for that challenge. Thanks for the kind welcome, @millycf1976!

How fun is that? I often wish I had a brick-and-mortar store. It must be so fun to chit-chat with your regulars... and especially those who are characters like that guy!

The one that caught my eye, among the many gems, is DeSantis and his switcheroo. Funny how people suddenly change their tune when their own interests are at stake. But he certainly comes by this two-faced

Well done, @kemmyb!

This is a very creative and imaginative story, @chacald.dcymt. Congratulations on winning the contest!

All great reasons to buy that machine. I don't think you mentioned in the video that it's also adorable. I do like the flexibility feature that allows you to use any size cup. Mine is designed that way

It really is a pretty time of year. Hopefully in another week or two the colors will be even more vibrant!

Congratulations, @kemmyb. You've been awarded a Golden Quill from The Ink Well!

What colorful, evocative writing, @penderis. You create a strong mood in this story, and rather arresting characters in the old man and the crow. I don't really know what the orbs are, but the story is