Civ VI gameplay plan

I'm not a gaming expert, but I prefer this gameplay plan for the video game Sid Meier's Civilization VI.

I have all the expansions, so this plan is based on that. It aims mainly at peaceful victories, such as in science, diplomatic, or culture. 

Research should be chosen based on nearby resources for the first few turns. Workers getting tiles to earn for your civilization is essential to sustain and grow a city. Beyond that, I've laid out my favorite Wonders, tech, and cultures. 

Hanging Gardens - Ancient - Irrigation - Increases Growth by 15% in all cities. (Must be built next to a River.)
[tech] - Ancient - Animal Husbandry - Reveals Horses.
Oracle - Ancient - Mysticism - Buying Great People costs 25% less Faith (Must be built on Hills.)
[tech] - Ancient - Bronze Working - Reveals Iron

~Code of Laws policy~  Ancient - Military - +5 Combat Strength when fighting Barbarians.

~Craftmanship policy~  Ancient - Economic - +30% Production towards Builders.

~State Workforce policy~  Ancient - Economic - +15% Production towards Ancient and Classical era wonders.

~Political Philosophy policy~  Ancient - Diplomatic The first  Envoy you send to each city-state counts as 2

~Foreign Trade policy~  Ancient - Trader

~Military Tradition policy~  Ancient - Grants Flanking and Support

~State Workforce policy~  Ancient - Government Plaza

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus - Classical - Defensive Tactics- All Great Engineer Great Engineers have an additional charge. (Must be built on a coastal tile adjacent to a Harbor district.)

~Games and Recreation policy~  Classical - Entertainment District 

~Drama and Poetry policy~  Classical - Theater Square

~Theology policy~  Classical - Temple

Alhambra - Medieval - Castles - +1 Military Policy slot (Must be built on Hills adjacent to an Encampment district.)
[tech] - Medieval - Buttress - Dam (It must be built on a Floodplains tile and the River must traverse at least 2 adjacent sides of the future Dam tile.)
[tech] - Medieval - Military Engineering - Reveals Niter

~Feudalism policy~  Medieval - Economic - Newly trained Builders gain 2 extra build actions.

~Mercenaries policy~  Medieval - Military - 50% discount on all unit upgrades.

~Divine Right policy~  Medieval - Economic - +15% Production toward Ancient, Classical, Medieval and Renaissance era wonders.


Forbidden City - Renaissance - Printing - +1 Wildcard Slot Wildcard policy slot (Must be built on flat land adjacent to City Center.)
Potala Palace - Renaissance - Astronomy - +1 Diplomatic Policy slot (Must be built on a Hill adjacent to a Mountain.)
[tech] - Renaissance - Cartography - Allows ocean movement. 

Taj Mahal - Renaissance - Humanism - +1 Era Score from Historic Moment earned after the wonder is complete if that Moment is usually worth 2 or more Era Score. (Must be built next to a River.)
Venetian Arsenal - Renaissance - Mass Production - Receive a second naval unit each time you train a naval unit. (Must be built on the Coast and adjacent to an Industrial Zone district.)

~Diplomatic Service policy~  Renaissance - Diplomatic - +50% Production towards Spies. Spy operations take 25% less time.

~Humanism policy~  Renaissance - Archaeological Museum

~Diplomatic Service policy~  Renaissance - Spy

[tech] - Industrial - Industrialization - Reveals coal
Big Ben - Industrial - Economics - +1 Economic Policy slot (Must be built next to a River adjacent to a Commercial Hub district with a Bank.)

~Civil Engineering policy~  Industrial - Economic - +30% Production towards Builders. Newly trained Builders gain 2 additional Build actions.

~Civil Engineering policy~  Industrial - Economic - +15% Production Production towards all Wonders.

~Natural History policy~  Industrial - Archaeologist, Reveals Antiquity Site Antiquity Sites. 

~Urbanization policy~  Industrial - Neighborhood district 

Eiffel Tower - Modern - Steel - All tiles in your civilization gain +2 Appeal (Must be built on flat land adjacent to City Center.)
[tech] - Modern - Steel - Reveals oil
[tech] - Modern - Radio - Reveals Aluminum
[tech] - Modern - Combustion - Oil Well
[tech] - Modern - Radio - Hydroelectric Dam

~Ideology policy~  Modern - Diplomatic - Enemy Spy levels reduced by 2 in your lands.

~Nuclear Program policy~  Modern - Diplomatic - Spies who steal a tech boost without being detected gain an extra boost.

~Totalitarianism policy~  Modern - Diplomatic - Open Borders with all City-States, and +4 influence points per turn towards earning Envoys.

Biosphère - Atomic - Synthetic Materials - +200% Power Power for renewable energy. (Must be built next to a River adjacent to a Neighborhood.) 

{I LOVE using renewable energy for my cities.}
[tech] - Atomic - Synthetic Materials - Geothermal Plants 

[tech] - Atomic - Combined Arms - Reveals Uranium

[tech] - Atomic - Rocketry - Spaceport
[tech] - Atomic - Rocketry - Launch Earth Satellite (first step toward Science Victory)

~Cold War policy~  Atomic - Diplomatic - Enemy Spy level reduced by 2 in your lands. Your Spy level is increased by 1 for offensive operations.

~Space Race policy~  Atomic - Diplomatic - Rock Bands from other players may not enter your territory.

~Space Race policy~  Atomic - Military - +15% Production towards Space Race projects if a city has either a Military Academy or a Seaport.

~Cultural Heritage policy~  Atomic - Shipwrecks

~Cold War policy~  Atomic - Rock Band

[tech] - Information - Satellites - Solar Farm

[tech] - Information - Satellites - Launch Moon Landing (second step towards Science Victory)
[tech] - Information - Composites - Wind farm

[tech] - Information - Robotics - Giant Death Robot

[tech] - Future - Predictive Systems - Offshore Wind
[tech] - Future - Seasteads - Seastead
[tech] - Future - Smart Materials - Exoplanet Expedition, the fourth step toward winning a Science Victory.
[tech] - Future - Offworld Mission - Lagrange Laser Station, Terrestrial Laser Station

~Information Warfare policy~  Future - Wildcard - 50% production toward Giant Death Robots

~Global Warming Mitigation policy~  Future - Carbon Recapture

TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Reflections

My theme was based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I created a crossword puzzle. 

We put on our best ferryboat scrub caps and played!

Yesterday's answer was ZOLA

I'm so grateful to everyone who visited this month! And I had a lot of fun visiting others. 

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) included tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make their views heard. 

📬 I delivered this ✉️ from Jamie, a constituent in Allentown, Pa., to @SenBobCasey, @wildforcongress and Sen. Fetterman #PA7 #PApol 📝 Write your own: https://t.co/z5540KoPID pic.twitter.com/EW8VcSpWPS

— Open Letters (@openletterbot) April 26, 2023

"Please stand with Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, in banning hunger, not books, from schools. That should be a national priority. Keep students fed, safe, and well-educated in America. Don't let history, science, culture, and LGBTQIA+ life be erased. More truth, reality, and nourished children in American schools. Less violence, book bans, and child labor. We can do better and we must do better. 

Thank you."

💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
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TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Letter Z

My theme is based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I've created a crossword puzzle. 

Only one clue occurs after Season 11's ending, and it's about a patient in season 16. Most of this is about Meredith's earlier "intern" years. (To prevent spoilers, there is nothing about season 19.)

In 2007, Grey's Anatomy's cast of characters was identified as 54.5%  white, 9.1% Asian, 27.3%  black, and 9.1% Latinx.
"Ellen Pompeo thinks diverse representation has come a long way but that it can always be better." - Dec 2021
It's my favorite tv show. I honestly don't believe I would have survived the pandemic without having this to binge-watch. It's my comfort, my happy place. Thanks to the diverse cast and wide variety of issues, I believe this show appeals to a broad audience. 
*But probably not to many 'merican Republicans, as it made clear in the first season's second episode "absolutely no Bush supporters need apply." 

Put on your best ferryboat scrub cap, it's time to play!

Today's Clue is for 

9 down - Derek and Meredith went to the courthouse and got married (beyond a blue Post It) and then skipped Callie and Arizona's wedding reception to go back to the hospital to spend time with this person.

Yesterday's answer was YANG

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) will include tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make your views heard. 



💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Letter Y

My theme is based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I've created a crossword puzzle. 

Only one clue occurs after Season 11's ending, and it's about a patient in season 16. Most of this is about Meredith's earlier "intern" years. (To prevent spoilers, there is nothing about season 19.)

In 2007, Grey's Anatomy's cast of characters was identified as 54.5%  white, 9.1% Asian, 27.3%  black, and 9.1% Latinx.
"Ellen Pompeo thinks diverse representation has come a long way but that it can always be better." - Dec 2021
It's my favorite tv show. I honestly don't believe I would have survived the pandemic without having this to binge-watch. It's my comfort, my happy place. Thanks to the diverse cast and wide variety of issues, I believe this show appeals to a broad audience. 
*But probably not to many 'merican Republicans, as it made clear in the first season's second episode "absolutely no Bush supporters need apply." 

Put on your best ferryboat scrub cap, it's time to play!

Today's Clue is for 

13 across - Dr. Cristina ___ is a Korean-American raised in Beverly Hills, California by her mother and Jewish stepfather.

Yesterday's answer was XRAY

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) will include tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make your views heard. 



💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Letter X

My theme is based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I've created a crossword puzzle. 

Only one clue occurs after Season 11's ending, and it's about a patient in season 16. Most of this is about Meredith's earlier "intern" years. (To prevent spoilers, there is nothing about season 19.)

In 2007, Grey's Anatomy's cast of characters was identified as 54.5%  white, 9.1% Asian, 27.3%  black, and 9.1% Latinx.
"Ellen Pompeo thinks diverse representation has come a long way but that it can always be better." - Dec 2021
It's my favorite tv show. I honestly don't believe I would have survived the pandemic without having this to binge-watch. It's my comfort, my happy place. Thanks to the diverse cast and wide variety of issues, I believe this show appeals to a broad audience. 
*But probably not to many 'merican Republicans, as it made clear in the first season's second episode "absolutely no Bush supporters need apply." 

Put on your best ferryboat scrub cap, it's time to play!

Today's Clue is for 

6 down - Arizona can only get this kind of image taken of her right leg now.

Yesterday's answer was WEST


(Language) 1:15 in reminds me of Arizona yelling at Callie.

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) will include tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make your views heard. 



💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Letter W

My theme is based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I've created a crossword puzzle. 

Only one clue occurs after Season 11's ending, and it's about a patient in season 16. Most of this is about Meredith's earlier "intern" years. (To prevent spoilers, there is nothing about season 19.)

In 2007, Grey's Anatomy's cast of characters was identified as 54.5%  white, 9.1% Asian, 27.3%  black, and 9.1% Latinx.
"Ellen Pompeo thinks diverse representation has come a long way but that it can always be better." - Dec 2021
It's my favorite tv show. I honestly don't believe I would have survived the pandemic without having this to binge-watch. It's my comfort, my happy place. Thanks to the diverse cast and wide variety of issues, I believe this show appeals to a broad audience. 
*But probably not to many 'merican Republicans, as it made clear in the first season's second episode "absolutely no Bush supporters need apply." 

Put on your best ferryboat scrub cap, it's time to play!

Today's Clue is for 

15 across - MW4E Charles Percy did a hand gesture of 3 fingers down, 3 fingers up, 4 fingers up, 3 fingers sideways to Jackson Avery. The W stood for this.

Yesterday's answer was VAJAYJAY

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) will include tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make your views heard. 



💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Letter V

My theme is based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I've created a crossword puzzle. 

Only one clue occurs after Season 11's ending, and it's about a patient in season 16. Most of this is about Meredith's earlier "intern" years. (To prevent spoilers, there is nothing about season 19.)

In 2007, Grey's Anatomy's cast of characters was identified as 54.5%  white, 9.1% Asian, 27.3%  black, and 9.1% Latinx.
"Ellen Pompeo thinks diverse representation has come a long way but that it can always be better." - Dec 2021
It's my favorite tv show. I honestly don't believe I would have survived the pandemic without having this to binge-watch. It's my comfort, my happy place. Thanks to the diverse cast and wide variety of issues, I believe this show appeals to a broad audience. 
*But probably not to many 'merican Republicans, as it made clear in the first season's second episode "absolutely no Bush supporters need apply." 

Put on your best ferryboat scrub cap, it's time to play!

Today's Clue is for 

4 down - Shonda Rhimes created the word for a scene in her show hit "Grey's Anatomy" -- but she was not happy about it. "We actually should be calling people's body parts what they are." But the sensors won't allow too much use of a medically accurate term for this. (Debated here) Dr. Bailey is giving birth and yells at George, who's assisting with the delivery of her baby, to "Stop looking at" her this.

Yesterday's answer was UNDERWEAR

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) will include tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make your views heard. 

📬 I delivered this ✉️ from Jamie, a constituent in Allentown, Pa., to @SenBobCasey, @wildforcongress and @SenToomey #PA07 #PApol

📝 Write your own: https://t.co/z5540KFSKD pic.twitter.com/lI5yHgMQrD

— Open Letters (@openletterbot) December 26, 2021

💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Letter U

My theme is based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I've created a crossword puzzle. 

Only one clue occurs after Season 11's ending, and it's about a patient in season 16. Most of this is about Meredith's earlier "intern" years. (To prevent spoilers, there is nothing about season 19.)

In 2007, Grey's Anatomy's cast of characters was identified as 54.5%  white, 9.1% Asian, 27.3%  black, and 9.1% Latinx.
"Ellen Pompeo thinks diverse representation has come a long way but that it can always be better." - Dec 2021
It's my favorite tv show. I honestly don't believe I would have survived the pandemic without having this to binge-watch. It's my comfort, my happy place. Thanks to the diverse cast and wide variety of issues, I believe this show appeals to a broad audience. 
*But probably not to many 'merican Republicans, as it made clear in the first season's second episode "absolutely no Bush supporters need apply." 

Put on your best ferryboat scrub cap, it's time to play!

Today's Clue is for 

13 down - Dr. Montgomery-Shepherd finds these in Derek's pocket. She washes them and then hangs them on the bulletin board at the hospital. Miranda refers to them using a synonym starting with P. Callie claims them, knowing they're actually Meredith's.

Yesterday's answer was TEQUILA

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) will include tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make your views heard. 



💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Letter T

My theme is based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I've created a crossword puzzle. 

Only one clue occurs after Season 11's ending, and it's about a patient in season 16. Most of this is about Meredith's earlier "intern" years. (To prevent spoilers, there is nothing about season 19.)

In 2007, Grey's Anatomy's cast of characters was identified as 54.5%  white, 9.1% Asian, 27.3%  black, and 9.1% Latinx.
"Ellen Pompeo thinks diverse representation has come a long way but that it can always be better." - Dec 2021
It's my favorite tv show. I honestly don't believe I would have survived the pandemic without having this to binge-watch. It's my comfort, my happy place. Thanks to the diverse cast and wide variety of issues, I believe this show appeals to a broad audience. 
*But probably not to many 'merican Republicans, as it made clear in the first season's second episode "absolutely no Bush supporters need apply." 

Put on your best ferryboat scrub cap, it's time to play!

Today's Clue is for 

14 across - The Dead Baby bike race winner gets free shots of this. 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ Makes one wonder why Cristina and Meredith didn't enter...

Yesterday's answer was SHONDA

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) will include tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make your views heard. 



💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Letter S

My theme is based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I've created a crossword puzzle. 

Only one clue occurs after Season 11's ending, and it's about a patient in season 16. Most of this is about Meredith's earlier "intern" years. (To prevent spoilers, there is nothing about season 19.)

In 2007, Grey's Anatomy's cast of characters was identified as 54.5%  white, 9.1% Asian, 27.3%  black, and 9.1% Latinx.
"Ellen Pompeo thinks diverse representation has come a long way but that it can always be better." - Dec 2021
It's my favorite tv show. I honestly don't believe I would have survived the pandemic without having this to binge-watch. It's my comfort, my happy place. Thanks to the diverse cast and wide variety of issues, I believe this show appeals to a broad audience. 
*But probably not to many 'merican Republicans, as it made clear in the first season's second episode "absolutely no Bush supporters need apply." 

Put on your best ferryboat scrub cap, it's time to play!

Today's Clue is for 

3 across - the creator

Yesterday's answer was RETIRE

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) will include tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make your views heard. 

📬 I delivered this ✉️ from Jamie, a constituent in Allentown, Pa., to @SenBobCasey, @wildforcongress, @SenToomey and 1 more #PApol

📝 Write your own: https://t.co/z5540KoPID pic.twitter.com/O4fywwPL7a

— Open Letters (@openletterbot) November 7, 2022

💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Letter R

My theme is based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I've created a crossword puzzle. 

Only one clue occurs after Season 11's ending, and it's about a patient in season 16. Most of this is about Meredith's earlier "intern" years. (To prevent spoilers, there is nothing about season 19.)

In 2007, Grey's Anatomy's cast of characters was identified as 54.5%  white, 9.1% Asian, 27.3%  black, and 9.1% Latinx.
"Ellen Pompeo thinks diverse representation has come a long way but that it can always be better." - Dec 2021
It's my favorite tv show. I honestly don't believe I would have survived the pandemic without having this to binge-watch. It's my comfort, my happy place. Thanks to the diverse cast and wide variety of issues, I believe this show appeals to a broad audience. 
*But probably not to many 'merican Republicans, as it made clear in the first season's second episode "absolutely no Bush supporters need apply." 

Put on your best ferryboat scrub cap, it's time to play!

Today's Clue is for 

10 down - After the secret of Burke's tremor and cover-up came out, Webber could not name him as his successor, and thus Webber did not do this.

Yesterday's answer was QUINTUPLETS

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) will include tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make your views heard. 

📬 I delivered this ✉️ from Jamie, a constituent in Allentown, Pa., to @SenBobCasey, @wildforcongress and Sen. Fetterman #PA7 #PApol 📝 Write your own: https://t.co/z5540KoPID pic.twitter.com/QjdKK5IQw0

— Open Letters (@openletterbot) January 13, 2023

💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Letter Q

My theme is based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I've created a crossword puzzle. 

Only one clue occurs after Season 11's ending, and it's about a patient in season 16. Most of this is about Meredith's earlier "intern" years. (To prevent spoilers, there is nothing about season 19.)

In 2007, Grey's Anatomy's cast of characters was identified as 54.5%  white, 9.1% Asian, 27.3%  black, and 9.1% Latinx.
"Ellen Pompeo thinks diverse representation has come a long way but that it can always be better." - Dec 2021
It's my favorite tv show. I honestly don't believe I would have survived the pandemic without having this to binge-watch. It's my comfort, my happy place. Thanks to the diverse cast and wide variety of issues, I believe this show appeals to a broad audience. 
*But probably not to many 'merican Republicans, as it made clear in the first season's second episode "absolutely no Bush supporters need apply." 

Put on your best ferryboat scrub cap, it's time to play!

Today's Clue is for 

12 down - Lucy, Charlotte, Kate, Julie, and Emily are this.

Yesterday's answers were PERCY and PI

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) will include tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make your views heard. 



💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

TV Show #GreysAnatomy #AtoZChallenge Crossword Puzzle Letter P #WEP #WEPFF

My theme is based on the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I've created a crossword puzzle. 

Only one clue occurs after Season 11's ending, and it's about a patient in season 16. Most of this is about Meredith's earlier "intern" years. (To prevent spoilers, there is nothing about season 19.)

In 2007, Grey's Anatomy's cast of characters was identified as 54.5%  white, 9.1% Asian, 27.3%  black, and 9.1% Latinx.
"Ellen Pompeo thinks diverse representation has come a long way but that it can always be better." - Dec 2021
It's my favorite tv show. I honestly don't believe I would have survived the pandemic without having this to binge-watch. It's my comfort, my happy place. Thanks to the diverse cast and wide variety of issues, I believe this show appeals to a broad audience. 
*But probably not to many 'merican Republicans, as it made clear in the first season's second episode "absolutely no Bush supporters need apply." 

Put on your best ferryboat scrub cap, it's time to play!

Today's Clue is for 

5 across - Charles ____ had a crush on Reed Adamson. Shot by Gary Clark.

BONUS CLUE DAY

5 down - π 3.14159, every math wiz knows this

Yesterday's answer was OMALLEY

As Grey's Anatomy is known for championing liberal causes, nine of my April posts (A,D,F,H,M,P,R,S,V) will include tweets posted via Resistbot from letters I've sent to my elected officials, in the hopes of encouraging others to make your views heard. 

📬 I delivered this ✉️ from Jamie, a constituent in Allentown, Pa., to @wildforcongress #PA07 #PApol

📝 Write your own: https://t.co/z5540KFSKD pic.twitter.com/xKMv6BGFBQ

— Open Letters (@openletterbot) March 16, 2022

💻
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

   
writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com

Pearl and Sarah

Life is Beautiful WEP April 2023

By Jamie of Uniquely Maladjusted but Fun

Magen David ✡ is the 'Shield of David,' or the Star of David.

838 FCA — PEARL AND SARAH — Two girls in Nazi times, one Jewish and one not, are separated.

I snap my fingers as I swing my arm. "Darn. You win again."

Sarah takes a bow. She's the hopscotch champion. We grab our sweaters and head home.

"How come all your clothes have those triangles?"

She shrugs. "Mama sewed them on everything one day. It's the Magen David. She said our family must never be without it again."

"Why didn't my mother do that?"

"It's not for your family. See you tomorrow." Sarah waves as she goes into her house. I cross the street and head into mine.

Mother asks if I had fun. 

"Yeah. How come you never sewed shapes onto our clothing?"

"What do you mean, dear?" She hangs up my sweater and leads me to the kitchen, where a glass of milk awaits. 

"Sarah has triangles on all of her clothing. She said her mom put them on everything for her whole family."

Mom looks at the slice of bread on the plate she's holding. "I was going to share this with you. I think I'll save it for your father instead. Never speak about that symbol again. Do you understand?"

I frown and nod. I don't really understand why I can't talk about it, but I do know now I just have some milk and no snack. 

Father comes home after dark. We all have dinner together. Then he asks about my day. 

"Sarah and I played hopscotch. I won once, she won all the other times though."

"Why did you let her win?" The brown liquid in his glass swirls as he sets it down.

"I didn't let her. She's better at it than me. You can ask her, she'll tell you. She's better at it than everyone, probably."

"She actually said she's better than you?" Father roars as he gets up, his drink falling off the table.

Mother pleads as she grabs a towel to clean the mess. "Please, she doesn't understand. She's just a girl. She doesn't know what you mean." 

"She'd know if she were told! If she were raised properly. See, see what you've done? Letting her go around with their kind, mixing with whoever. It's disgusting. But to have one of them tell her they're better than her? That's exactly what needs to be stopped!" 

"I'll practice more." I didn't know Father cared this much about hopscotch. 

"Go to your room, Pearl. Go now, and don't come out." Mother ushers me off. She's still on her knees, cleaning the broken glass and spilled drink. From the stairs, I hear her pleading. I shut my bedroom door, grab my blanket, and hide. The sounds are giants. Giants kicking a ball to each other. Just that, nothing more. 

*

Loud music wakes me. Mother comes into my room and sits on my bed. I crawl out of my hiding spot. "What's going on?"

"We're listening to records today. Won't that be grand?"

I rub my eyes. "I'm supposed to play hopscotch with Sarah later."

"Not today. We stay inside today. No windows, no doors, no stopping the music."

Her arm has a peach-colored cloth tied around it. There are marks on her face. 

"I should go tell Sarah. Then we can have breakfast and play your inside game. Maybe she'll want to play too."

"It isn't a game!" Mother shouts as she stands. "You'll stay in this house, in this room. That's final. And no breakfast today." 

She takes hold of my wardrobe. With only one arm, she shoves it toward my window. It scrapes on the floor. I cover my ears, but the sound doesn't stop. Mother is soaked with sweat by the time my window is hidden. Without a word, she yanks my door shut and locks it.

The record player is very loud. Louder than I thought it could go. It doesn't blot out the rumbles from outside. I hide under the blanket trying to escape the sounds. Elephants in a stampede are scaring the giants. That must be it.

I swear I hear my name.

"Pearl, Pearl, help!" 

I push my face to my bedroom door and yell. I can't get out, no matter how hard I try. Mother comes to the door and yells at me to be silent. 

*

Leaves turn from green to orange to brown. I haven't seen Sarah or her family. I walk to the place where we played. I don't see the point in hopscotch if she's not here. I walk past the bakery. Wooden boards across the door show it's still closed, just like the butcher.  I find an acorn Sarah would like. Except she isn't here to show it to. I'm running out of places to hide things I want to share with her when she comes back. I wish I knew where she went. My parents don't allow me to ask about it.

Father inquires about my day after dinner. 

"I went to the hopscotch court."

"That's good. I bet no one is better than you at it now." He winks and laughs, then drinks his drink.