Got a story to tell? We want to hear it

Remember when the Chicago Vanguards softball team wagered $500 on their own win during a “money game” — and nearly blew it?

Remember how close to the edge of sanity a literal boatload of the kids pushed their poor dad, as he struggled to paddle across a lake, by singing interminable choruses of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”?

Remember the fancy ladies who came to play cards and smoke and drink sloe gin fizzes while the kids gawked from upstairs?

If so, you’ve been keeping up with “Everybody Has a Story,” The Columbian’s feature where readers tell their own true-life stories.

Got a true tale to tell? We’d love to see it. Just remember the following guidelines:

• Your story must be true.
• It must be no longer than 1,000 words. Shorter is better. No epics here.
• Is it one solid story, with a beginning, middle and ending? (“Once upon a time, this happened and then this happened, and it all ended like this.”)
• Focus on your personal experience. What were you seeing, hearing, thinking, feeling?
• Expect a little kindly editing.

Send stories to neighbors@columbian.com or P.O. Box 180, Vancouver WA, 98666. Call “Everybody Has an Editor” Scott Hewitt, 360-735-4525, with any questions.