Five opening paragraphs to possible essays I may write that I believe are fascinating!

#1 Taking a plane ride can be an enjoyable experience unless something unexpected happens along the way. This was the case for my senior trip from Tennessee to California. We had just reached our cruising altitude of 30,000 feet when I was offered a beverage of my choice. I chose a gin & tonic. (Our state at that time had a legal drinking age of 18) I was truly enjoying this 2nd flight of my lifetime taking in all the service that was provided to me by the attractive stewardesses and the feeling of flying in the clouds along with the 'jetset' crowd. After the other passengers were waited upon, I again was approached requesting my choice for the in-flight dinner. I decided upon the chicken entree after I thought I had taken enough time to peruse the two item list from which to choose from. I was now feeling superb! Little did I know the consequences of my choice.




#2 I have to admit that I'm a dog person. Oh, I know that there are those that prefer cats, but not me. Cats are too pretentious, austere, and rarely come when they're called--and only if they want to. Just give me a dog who'll lie down beside me, come when called, and lick at my face in admiration of the attention I bestow upon it. This thought brings me back in time when I was a child with my most favorite pet Frisky. He was a white-haired dog of mixed breed but always seemed to have a smile on his face. My, the times we had together. I recall this strange fascination he used to have with rocks.




#3 When, perchance, there comes a time in your life to bring another life into this world, grab it by both hands. I mean that figuratively as well as literally. There is no greater joy in this world than to experience the rapture--no, the undying elation of that moment. It lasts for years upon years. It is especially true if that precious life that you welcome in is your firstborn.




#4 Sitting across the room from me, Bill Cosby asked if I knew what a cappuccino was. "Of course I do sir," was my reply. "Would you like one?" As I stood there watching him smoke his big, brown cigar he had recently lit and reclining on the couch, a look of unbelievability came across his face. I even think he rolled his eyes as if to say, 'Who is this guy?' I was hoping for one of those 'Bill Cosby' moments where he comically reprimands you. I wasn't disappointed. He responded in just the manner that I expected him to. With sarcasm dripping from his voice he asked," Now why do you think I would ask you if you knew what a cappuccino was if I didn't want one? Yes, I would like a cappaccino! Do you think you can handle that?" He turned and looked at one of his associates and giggled a little after that remark. I tried not to let the smirk come across my face. I was too nervous. I'm sure my cheeks were beet-red. My heart was racing by the fact of actually having a conversation with one of the best known comedians of my time, and it also sank as I considered the possibilities of getting him his request quickly. I decided to call room service.



#5 With my hands tied behind my back, blood streaming from my chin, and a knife lying close by, my mother walked into the room. Through the tears then and the years now, I can still see her expression of disbelief at the scene. The questions flew. Everyone was moving. Action was taken. I could now feel my hands being untied and the blood rushing into them. Mother came over with a towel to stop the flow of blood issuing onto the hardwood floor. There was already a pool of the red liquid hardening there. As she was spouting off commands to Paul, my brother, she went outside and started the car. I remember the feeling of being lifted into his arms and carried off to the backseat of our '74 Buick. I can still see the remorse in his eyes and the contempt too. "It's all my fault Momma," is what I still hear after all these years.