FROM THE HEART

Reflections
by Rolleen

Observations on life told through short stories, memories, gentle humor, and a little imagination.

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Let Your Light Shine by Rolleen Carcioppolo

STORIES & REFLECTIONS

Come sit with a story

Choose one, settle in, and let your imagination wander.

A misty river scene for Whispers Across the Rivers

Whispers Across the Rivers

A haunting story of love, loss, unanswered letters, and a river that remembers.

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Oscar and Olive, two owls watching people in a park

Owls on People-Watching Duty

Oscar and Olive observe the curious habits of humans—and find plenty to laugh about.

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Illustration for Amy and Her Little White Doggie

Amy and Her Little White Doggie

Once upon a time, in a cozy little town nestled by a shimmering river, there lived a curious and dark-eyed little girl named Amy. Amy was just six years old, but her heart was filled with…

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Illustration for The Wisdom of the Field: A Grandfather's Legacy

The Wisdom of the Field: A Grandfather's Legacy

In the heart of the countryside, where the land stretched out in a quilt of green and gold, lived a wise old farmer named Eli. His farm was his pride and joy, a testament to years of hard…

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Illustration for When Clementine Purred: A Family's Second Chance

When Clementine Purred: A Family's Second Chance

In the quiet, forgotten corners of Salinas, California, where the landscape was cragged and painted with rustic hues, there lived a woman of profound tenderness, named Marjorie. Her…

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Illustration for The Great Swing Jump: A Backyard Circus Tale

The Great Swing Jump: A Backyard Circus Tale

In the tranquil, otherwise uneventful neighborhood of Mossy Oaks, there resided two pint-sized powerhouses of creativity and mischief: Frankie, a 10-year-old entrepreneur-in-training, and…

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Illustration for Barkley and Flutters

Barkley and Flutters

Once upon a time in a beautiful garden filled with colorful flowers and tall trees, there lived a playful dog named Barkley and a delicate monarch butterfly named Flutters. Barkley was a…

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Illustration for Unstoppable Spirit: Lillian's Drive

Unstoppable Spirit: Lillian's Drive

Lillian McKay had always been a force to be reckoned with. At seventy-six, she could out-walk, out-talk, and out-dance most people half her age. She was a tall woman, with long…

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Illustration for Oliver Grumbly and His Gray Umbrella

Oliver Grumbly and His Gray Umbrella

Once upon a time, in a bustling Victorian city, there lived a man named Oliver Grumbly. Oliver was a fussy man, with a particular obsession with a gray umbrella. He was the kind of man who…

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Illustration for The Miracle of Hope

The Miracle of Hope

In the quiet town of Oakridge, nestled between the rolling hills and the wide, open sky, lived a colony of insects. They went about their daily lives, each one fulfilling their role in…

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Illustration for Albert & His Crows: A Symphony of Life

Albert & His Crows: A Symphony of Life

In the small coastal town of Monterey, where the fog crept in each evening and rolled out in the morning, there lived an old man by the name of Albert. He had a simple, routine life, much…

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Illustration for The Night We Met (A Poem)

The Night We Met (A Poem)

A tall, angular, exceptional man stood to his…

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Illustration for George and Mittens

George and Mittens

George was a little old man who lived in the woods with his dog, Mittens, who looked like a giant cat. They had been living there for as long as anyone could remember, and they were…

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Illustration for Broken Wings (A Poem)

Broken Wings (A Poem)

My friends and lover, they do…

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Illustration for Jack Leaves Home

Jack Leaves Home

Once upon a time, there was a boy named Jack. He had everything he wanted - a nice home, fancy toys, and a great family. But he always wanted more and thought he was missing out on…

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Illustration for The Lost Sheep

The Lost Sheep

Once upon a time, there was a kind and caring shepherd who had 100 sheep. The shepherd loved his sheep like they were his own children and would do anything to protect them. One day, one of…

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Illustration for Ava and Her Lucky Puppy

Ava and Her Lucky Puppy

Ava was a bright and curious third-grader with a love for exploration and discovery. She lived in a small town with her parents and enjoyed spending her days playing outside and learning…

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Illustration for Sunnyside Farm

Sunnyside Farm

A loving reflection on the sights, sounds, and memories of a cherished family farm.

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Illustration for The Unlikely Mascot

The Unlikely Mascot

Joey reluctantly brings his little brother to baseball practice and discovers that family can bring unexpected good luck.

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Illustration for Father and Son Playing Ball

Father and Son Playing Ball

A short poem celebrating a father, his son, and the loving bond they build while playing ball.

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Illustration for Jack the Man Boxes Karl the Kangaroo

Jack the Man Boxes Karl the Kangaroo

A proud boxer learns not to judge an opponent by appearances after facing Karl the Kangaroo.

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Illustration for Susan's First Shot

Susan's First Shot

A nervous student nurse faces embarrassment, fear, and the challenge of giving her first injection.

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Illustration for An Afternoon in Aberdeen

An Afternoon in Aberdeen

Emily and Michael explore Aberdeen Bay and take an unforgettable sampan ride through its floating village.

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Illustration for Santa Introduces John to a Friend

Santa Introduces John to a Friend

A man who has lost hope meets Santa, who guides him toward faith, friendship, and a new community.

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Illustration for A Teenage Boy's Christmas

A Teenage Boy's Christmas

Alex looks beyond presents and discovers the deeper meaning of Christmas and the gift of faith.

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WATCH A SHORT SCENE

Story clips

Rolleen Carcioppolo

ABOUT REFLECTIONS

Stories from a life well lived

“I am an older woman who has led an interesting life, and I want to share my reflections with you.”

Reflections by Rolleen is where I share my observations on life through short stories, memories, gentle humor, and art. Are you ready to be inspired?

— Rolleen Carcioppolo