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Christmas on the Corps of Discovery
It’s a little late for Christmas stories, but nevertheless, please enjoy this piece about what it was like to celebrate Christmas for those on the Corps of Discovery. This article was originally published in the December issue of American Heartland Magazine, so if you enjoy it, head on over to americanheartlandmagazine.com to check out other…
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The Beasts in our Backyard
It‘s the spookiest time of year, and with Halloween just around the corner, I invite you to enjoy this story of mine (originally published in American Heartland Magazine in September). This piece explores three of my favorite cryptids native to the Midwest, offering a glimpse into the more mysterious aspects of this region. Strictly speaking,…
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The Silent of Superior
This is a blog story I wrote shortly after graduating college. It was originally uploaded here, but must have been deleted at some point. Thus, I have reupoladed it for your reading pleasure. Enjoy. In spite of the pale moonlight drifting down from above, it was difficult to discern the positively violent waves rumbling to…
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The Funeral of a Species
This is a piece I published in American Heartland Magazine. If you are interested in more of my work, please go check out our latest issue at americanheartlandmagazine.com Once, not that long ago, nearly one-half of all the wild birds in North America were passenger pigeons. At the moment the first pilgrim’s boots touched the…
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The Back Ditch: Where Anything is Possible
Behind my parents’ house lies a narrow strip of land—a shallow ditch choked with honey locusts and gnarled maple trees, their branches tangled in a chaos of vines, thorny shrubs, and poison ivy. As an adult, it’s easy to see it for what it is: an untended boundary line offering a modest bit of privacy…
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American Nomads
Before diving into this piece, I want to share that it’s an abridged version of my full article in American Heartland Magazine. You can read the entire story, along with more of my work, at https://americanheartlandmagazine.com. I hope this glimpse inspires you to explore more of the heartland’s hidden stories and unexpected places. Back in…
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What Are You Supposed To Do In Alaska?
There was a peculiar relief that washed over me as my feet finally found solid ground after a night spent battling the relentless sway of a ship at sea. The firmness beneath my soles offered a strange comfort, a stark contrast to the perpetual motion of the waves. On the open water, I learned to…
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Same Fish, Different Day
A quick disclaimer: I am by no means an expert in spin fishing, fly fishing, or any other kind of fishing, for that matter. However, I have been fishing, in one way or another, my entire life. Mostly, I stick to regular freshwater fishing, which is probably what most people are familiar with. When I…
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From Croatia, to America, and Back
For as long as I can remember, I have always had pride in my Croatian ancestry. I couldn’t tell you why exactly, but I have. I assume part of it is because humans naturally feel pride for where they are from and where their forefathers came from. Still, it felt bigger and more complicated than…
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Too Tall Barstool Stories: The Most Unique Photo Ever Taken (Maybe)
Back in my hometown, where I grew up, there was a bar named Too Tall that is now closed down. That was the place where people would get together to tell tall tales, speak on local lore, and have spirited discussions over a few beers. This series is an attempt to recapture the essence of…
Miletich Writing 