River City Connections — 2025-11-21 (Patreon)

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WEEKEND THOUGHTS by Cindi Curtis

Happy Friday, friends! I’m settled in at my desk with my coffee, the mountains glowing behind me, and a quiet morning of work stretched out ahead. I’ve got a handful of Teams meetings this afternoon, so I’m trying to get through as much as I can before lunchtime. It feels good to start the day with momentum.

It’s been a meaningful week. In the background of everything, I can tell my mind is working overtime, trying to reconcile who I used to be with who I’m becoming. Planning a trip to Memphis—actually planning it—still feels unreal, but in a strangely hopeful way. I’m noticing moments where my confidence feels like it’s catching up to my courage. That’s new for me, and I’m grateful for it.

Speaking of courage, let me toss a little green living encouragement your way. One thing I’ve been practicing this month is cutting down on single-use office supplies. Instead of grabbing sticky notes all day long, I’ve started using a small dry-erase board next to my monitor. It saves paper, keeps my desk tidy, and honestly makes my to-dos feel more intentional. Little choices really do add up—especially in the spaces where we spend most of our time.

This morning’s devotional was from James 1:19—“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” It feels like such simple wisdom, but I’ve noticed it changes everything when I actually live it out.

Listening without rushing to fill the silence. Speaking only after I’ve paused long enough to think. Responding with patience when my first instinct is… something less holy. It’s a verse I want to weave into my workday today.

All right, time for me to dive back in. I hope your Friday is kind, productive, and full of small joys that carry you into the weekend. Thanks for being here with me.

The Storylines are the heart of Ailana Geven Imagines, and they are found in the Collections section of the site.

Support AGI with:• one-time contribution through TipTopJar.• one-time contribution through Throne.• Patreon Membership.

All characters in this story are fictional characters, their images generated with AI for AGI Stories. They do not represent any real person, nor is their appearance based on any real human.

<-- MORE TO COME -->

I know what you’re thinking! That’s not sand!

I’ll be back tonight, so see you then!

OPEN TO OPTIONS by Carter Ellis

I just knocked out a breakfast sandwich and a Coke. Don’t judge! I’m still replaying Tuesday morning. I’m half laughing at the situation, half worried about what I was thinking, and half interested in things to come.

Keep in mind, I’m starting a master’s degree in communications, not math! Let’s just say that the “three halves” expression was intentional, the use of irony and hyperbole to emphasize a point.

I was in Dr. White’s office way too early for a meeting to finalize my Internship paperwork when a young woman came in and quietly took a seat. Now, I try to stay respectful and not focused on appearance, but she was nothing if not lovely. Red cable-knit sweater and a smile that would warm the soul of a snowman.

I was trying to figure out how to say something that didn’t sound like a pick-up line when Dr. White came in to tell her—and me—that he was running late. He called her Jordan, and I put the pieces together.

One of the LLC members of ClearStream is Jordan Warner, who is finishing her bachelor’s degree while doing her senior project that Dr. White supervises.

I took a shot. “Jordan Warner?”

She hesitated, then said, “Yes… that’s right.”

I shook her hand and introduced myself. We talked a little until she went to her meeting.

So, in the space of a few minutes, I went from considering how to introduce myself to realizing that the very pretty girl was effectively my boss.

So, I’ve been kicking around the idea ever since. She expressly said she didn’t think of ClearStream as being her company. Is that a cracked door of possibility? Dare I entertain the idea at all?

Officially, Michael Allen will be my supervisor. He’ll be just checking off that I did what I report to Dr. White. Michael made me feel like it would be a job first, then the academic things.

So, here I sit on the Friday after, wondering if, when I get to know Jordan, her personality will be as attractive as her looks. And even in putting words to that question, I’m feeling pretty shallow about the whole thing!

Be your best you!

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