Shelly Reuben

Lower Austria, United States

Author and Columnist at The Evening Sun (Norwich, NY)

I am a novelist and newspaper columnist. Formerly a P.I., many of my stories involve crime and arson. And as not-a-private detective, I also write urban fables.

Featured in: Favicon

evesun.com Favicon

huntingtonnewsnetwork.com

Articles

Tilting at Windmills: Don Quixote

1 week ago | evesun.com | Shelly Reuben

It recently dawned on me that although many, if not most of you, know the origin of the expression “Tilting at Windmills,” some might not. And since that phrase is the title of my column, I thought I should let you in on the secret, too.
Tilting at Windmills: National “Hiding Under the Covers” Day

2 weeks ago | evesun.com | Shelly Reuben

I have decided that we need a new holiday. To explain, I’ll start with the opening lines of a poem by William Wordsworth.
Tilting at Windmills: Courage

3 weeks ago | evesun.com | Shelly Reuben

I’ll start today with a mini-recollection. The context is sad, but just push that aside, and listen to the message. Many years ago, as I greeted visitors to the graveside ceremony for my late husband, we were all milling around, waiting for the informal ceremony to begin.
Tilting at Windmills: I scream for ice cream!

4 weeks ago | evesun.com | Shelly Reuben

The temperature’s rising. The sun’s blazing hot. When I sit in the shade, I won’t budge from the spot, There is, though, one thing that can get me unstuck, It’s the musical sound of a Good Humor truck.
Tilting at Windmills: Remembering my Marine

1 month ago | evesun.com | Shelly Reuben

I met Byron Houston Coates when we were both on leave from reality and living in New Jersey. Me, having fled from New York City for a boring job at a management consulting company, because – or so I said – I was tired of being propositioned by married men.
TILTING AT WINDMILLS: My Friend’s Migraines and Emgality

1 month ago | evesun.com | Shelly Reuben

Let me start off by saying … as one does when looking at modern art … “I’m not an expert, but I know what I like.” Same for medications and medical problems. I’m not expert, but I know when my friend is or is not in pain. I have a wonderful buddy.
Tilting at Windmills: Million Dollar Movie

1 month ago | evesun.com | Shelly Reuben

After casually mentioning in a previous column that I’d watched Million Dollar Movie while growing up, a much younger friend of mine, Pegeen, exploded with her own cherished reminiscences. To quote: “The Million Dollar Movie makes me think of Barbara Stanwyck.
The Children’s Orchestra of the Clouds

1 month ago | galleryand.studio | Shelly Reuben

The President of the Universe loved music. In fact, music was one of the things for which he was most grateful to human beings. Yes, they caused wars. Yes, they enslaved, massacred, tortured, and regularly blew themselves to pieces. But not all of them. And not all the time. They were also responsible for painting Sistine Chapels, writing Shakespearean plays, drafting the Magna Carta, and endowing mankind with Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs.
Tilting at Windmills: Surrendering to Roses

1 month ago | evesun.com | Shelly Reuben

I disliked roses when I was growing up. My mother didn’t have any in our garden. Lilacs? Yes. Lily of the valley? Yes. Peonies (and the ants that hid in their petals)? Yes. Even some tulips and daffodils. But no roses. I got my only experience of them by watching black and white “Million Dollar Movie” classics on TV.
Tilting at Windmills: Sky Blue

2 months ago | evesun.com | Shelly Reuben

It was one of those days. One of those terrible, terrible days. That particular Wednesday had slammed all of the spirit out of Mrs. Armitage, and she was feeling very, very sorry for herself. First was the visit to the nephrologist. “The prognosis,” Dr. Shurafa began, “is good.