Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene's Blog, page 59
May 28, 2020
Review by Teri Polen, Fiona Finch and the Pink Valentine! #bookreview #steampunk — Books and Such
Thursday, May 28, 2020
I’m tickled pink to learn about this wonderful review of my steampunk novelette.
[image error]
Put your feet up and enjoy a whimsical break with this quick, lighthearted story. There’s some romance, and a lot of silliness. It’s a steampunk/Victorian setting. You might call it a long-short story or a novelette. This is a tale of an old lost valentine and the shenanigans that ensue when it turns up. Fiona […]
Comments are closed here, but I hope you’ll visit Teri at the link above. Get to know this marvelous author.
Fiona Finch & the Pink Valentine purchase links
Kindle: relinks.me/B084NZFZ14
Paperback: relinks.me/B084P73L4C
May 24, 2020
A Memorial Day (USA) Ramble
Monday, May 25, 2020
[image error]Composite of public domain images by Teagan R. Geneviene
It’s such a strange time. Maybe that’s fitting in a way. Memorial Day has always seemed like a rather confusing holiday. A day in memoriam of those who served my country — those who died in that service. Yet it’s also a celebration that has come to represent the unofficial kickoff of summer fun. Although people aren’t having much fun these days. Yes, “confusing.”
Despite all that, there’s one thing of which I am certain. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and wellbeing would not want us to be sorrowful today. That’s because they didn’t only fight for our life and liberty, but for our pursuit of happiness as well.
In the past several years things have changed so vastly from the world others sacrificed to preserve and defend. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it changed even more. As they say, what you resist persists. So, how do we restore normality, or shift to a new positive, when negative changes are constant? How do we resist those negatives without helping them persist?
You never change things by fighting existing reality. To change something –build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete…
Buckminster Fuller
[image error]Rafael Moura, Pixabay
From the ashes of our confusion, sadness, and loss, may something new and wonderful be born. That is my hope and my wish for us all.
Whatever you’re feeling, celebratory, sad, or just confused, I wanted to send you greetings and a smile, from me — and all the passengers and crew of The Delta Pearl.
A note: You saw the strange flag in my image. The USA didn’t always have a standardized way of representing the number and shape of our stars and stripes. The one I chose was in use (although there was more than one being used) during the approximate time during which I imagine my fantasy, steampunk story.
Hugs on the wing!
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
May 22, 2020
The Delta Pearl 34 — Scrabble
Saturday, May 23, 2020
[image error]Lafayette Louisiana. Steampunk Festival Wikimedia
Welcome back to the riverbank my chuckaboos. It’s another all new episode of The Delta Pearl. This one was not part of the original novel.
I was able to use a couple of “random reader things.” First we have Ribbon Candy from Jan Twissel. Also, Beth suggested Red Herrings.
Last time, our potential lovebirds didn’t make it off the riverboat for what might have passed for a date with the Victorians. Do you think they can go ashore with chaperones? More importantly will they have any fun? Let’s see.
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 34 — Scrabble
[image error]Pixabay
Wind gusted down the narrow streets. Clouds darkened the eastern sky. Turning uneasily, I gazed back toward the river. I could see a smidgen of water, but I had lost sight of the Delta Pearl. I had been on shore excursions many times. However, that day I was inexplicably nervous about being away from the riverboat.
I shouldn’t be anxious about leaving the Delta Pearl, I thought.
My mood annoyed me. I wanted to be excited about the day. Even though we would be chaperoned, I would finally get to spend time with my young inventor ― away from the rest of the crew!
However, the last time I had been excited about anything was my sweet sixteen birthday party. That ended in disaster.
Abruptly, the wind died and the sun parted the clouds. Victor T. Elam paused beside me as I opened my parasol. I felt a little thrill of excitement, when he tucked my free hand into the bend of his arm. Eliza whispered something to her husband and gave him a little nudge. They both glanced our way. I couldn’t stop myself from blushing.
Victor steered us to a vendor selling ribbon candy. Eliza and I chatted while the men bought treats.
When they returned, I described the portrait to Randall and Eliza Needleman, and my intention to learn more about it. They were surprisingly enthusiastic.
“This is so much more interesting than simply shopping or dining out. Don’t you agree, darling?” Eliza asked her husband as she unfurled her ruffled umbrella.
“Indeed, my dear. Believe it or not, I know just where we should begin,” he told us all, with a wink and a tip of his hat.
[image error]Lise Sewing, by Renoir 1866 Wikipedia
Mr. Needleman went on to explain how he came to know about the portrait and the Delta Pearl. I had always expected he heard of the riverboat from a wealthy friend. However, I was startled to hear that he in fact learned of the portrait first.
“Do you remember the painting I gave you as an anniversary gift two years ago?” he asked his wife.
“How could I forget? The lovely Renoir of a girl sewing,” Eliza told him with a smile.
“A business associate referred me to the gallery where I bought the painting. The shop owner was a strange man who kept to the shadows. He said he had some skin condition,” Randall began.
Eliza gave a little shudder at the idea. That seemed unlike her, but everyone has something that bothers them. I remembered a passenger who shrieked and ran away at the sight of the smallest scar.
“Émeraude, you are not the only one who is bewitched by the portrait.” Randall confessed. “The odd fellow described that very portrait to me. He claimed, quite falsely I might add, that it was a Rembrandt. Of course, when I inspected it for myself, I saw that wasn’t the case. Although the styles are similar. At any rate, that portrait is what inspired my interested in your beloved riverboat. I hope there aren’t any hard feelings that I wanted to buy her.”
“Should I be jealous?” Eliza asked playfully, but her eyes held a hint of possessiveness.
Randall stopped short and then turned to stare at me. He remarked on the resemblance between the woman in the portrait and me.
“Dearest, you have plenty of other paintings and pursuits to occupy you. I hope you can give Émeraude your promise that you have moved on to other interests,” she stated.
“She is surely a relative,” he exclaimed. “Or rather an ancestor, because the painting is clearly quite old. Well, of course it must remain with you. It is also a terrific mystery, and I must unravel it! Why, this is a puzzle worthy of my friend Arthur Conan Doyle. Let’s hope we don’t encounter any red herrings along the way. I’ll spare no expense to find the answers.”
His words both excited and frightened me. It was surely a bad idea for Randall Needleman to be determined to solve any mystery at all that was related to the Delta Pearl!
[image error]Pixabay (image altered)
“Ah! There’s the sign for the gallery at the top of the hill,” he enthused.
“The one that looks like a green insect?” Eliza asked.
“Precisely. It’s called The Green Scarab,” Randall answered.
I quickened my pace, moving ahead of the others.
“Have a care young foal,” Randall told Victor with a chuckle. “Yon filly is outdistancing you. Why don’t you two young people go on ahead. Off you go, filly and foal. Away from the crowd.”
“I take it the portrait is as… unique as the spider and owl. Not to mention Delta Pearl herself,” Victor stated quietly, when he caught up with me.
“It might be even more unique than anyone realizes,” I whispered. “Here’s the place ― the Green Scarab, Gallery of Antiquities.”
To my dismay, the gallery was closed. The windows and door were boarded shut. Victor and I tried to see inside through gaps between the boards on the windows. There were a few paintings covered by cloths, and a row of empty glass jewelry cases.
“Look there!” Victor hissed. “It moved.”
Placed near the window was a large green scarab. It was too big to be a brooch. It wriggled little pincers and then scrabbled away.
“It’s clockwork. Like your spider,” Victor said in surprise. “What’s wrong Émeraude? You’ve gone pale.”
“Did you notice the carved gemstone that covered its back?” I asked.
“Dark green with lighter green streaks?” Victor began.
His eyes widened in realization.
The gemstone was malachite.
***
End Chapter 34
***
I’m a little concerned that amorous congress between our filly and foal is the least of our worries. Feel free to leave a random Steam Era thing to fuel this riverboat. Or just leave a comment to say hello, before you leave. Be well, be happy, my chuckaboos.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
May 19, 2020
Positivity Weekly Color Challenge
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
[image error]1962 Ford Thunderbird, Wikimedia
Hello all. Earlier this week, Valentina Cirasola let me take part in some fun with a group of vibrant ladies. It was a “color challenge.” Many of you will remember that I need color. If I’m surrounded by or wear all neutrals, I just don’t even feel good.
Green is my favorite color. However, one of the colors Valentina named constantly runs a very close second with me (turquoise). Now and then turquoise even gets ahead of green!
Anyhow, turquoise is related to my novel in progress. The vintage Thunderbird above is a very small hint about that book. My heroine, Venus, would fit in with Valentina’s group of beautiful friends. Click on over and get to know some new, colorful people.
Being on shelter-in time and away from humans has pushed a lot of people of different backgrounds to create kind of a silent movement simply for entertaining and contributing to the serenity of others. They offer a little something beneficial to the soul, they are helping others while helping themselves being uplifted. I don’t feel […]
via Positivity Weekly Color Challenge | Valentina Cirasola | Designer — Valentina Expressions
May 15, 2020
The Delta Pearl 33 — Chaperone
Saturday, May 16, 2020
[image error]Image by Teagan R. Geneviene, sourced via Pixabay
In the Victorian Era, someone’s dear friend was their chuckaboo. So welcome back, my chuckaboos!
When I first wrote The Delta Pearl, I wasn’t satisfied with the story. So I’m using this serial as a means of rewriting it. I’m also adding random reader things to keep the paddlewheel turning. With this episode, I was able to use three reader things!
First we have Bottled Tears from Diana Wallace Peach. Next, Fraggle suggested Watch Camera. Then, very early in this voyage, Tim Price gave us Paper-strip Film. I hope you’ll check out their amazing blogs.
Last time, the steampunk riverboat showed that she has an unexpected level of awareness. The Delta Pearl actually seemed to flirt with our young inventor, Victor. Will our potential lovebirds ever get off the riverboat? Or will something else get in their way?
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 33 — Chaperone
[image error]Courtship by Edmund Leighton Wikipedia
Jaspe was suddenly at my side. Victor stepped back as the Dealer deftly lifted me to my feet. Jaspe had the most habit of appearing out of nowhere. I supposed that his long legs and amazingly quick reflexes explained the ability, but it was dash-ed annoying.
Randal Needleman must have noticed his speed, based on his startled and perplexed expression. The entrepreneur gave a half bow before turning back to his wife.
“Dearest, did you check the bottled tears?” he asked, motioning to the decorative tear catcher that was suspended at her waist. “I understand some parts of town are… unpleasantly odiferous. You might need to replenish the scented vinegar it contains.”
“Not to worry, darling. The chamber maid, Coral, already checked it,” Eliza replied.
To my chagrin, the Dealer struck up a conversation with the Needlemans. Before I could steer the discussion, he has suggested that I go along with them in case they needed any assistance.
As I stood sputtering, Onyx turned his clockwork head 360 degrees. He gave a wink and a nod to the Dealer. Then the brass owl swooped low to fly behind a row of crates where he wouldn’t be seen by the approaching passengers. Then the clockwork owl discretely made his way to the pilot house.
Randal Needleman chuckled. His wife lightly punched his arm.
“I see, old boy. We’ll keep these two from going off filly and foal,” he assured Jaspe.
Blushing scarlet, I turned to Victor hoping for some kind of support. Although I realized there wasn’t much he could do about the situation. I was further irritated to see that my inventor had stepped aside and was speaking to a deckhand.
Then the Cook approached the young men. Agate made a point of not looking over at the Dealer or me. Her giggle reached my ears as she tweaked Victor’s cheek. Then she made a hasty retreat, with a covert glance up at the pilot house, where the Captain was.
[image error]Luke Fildes, Wikipedia
“Mr. Needleman, I was hoping we could discuss the idea you mentioned,” Victor began, as he walked back to us. “It would be an interesting invention.”
Needleman always seemed excited about discussing mechanical things with Victor. He quickly invited Victor to join the three of us. However, I was surprised that my inventor had thought of it. Then I realized Agate had likely suggested it to Victor.
To my surprise that prospect seemed to satisfy Jaspe. Perhaps all he wanted was a chaperone.
While the Needlemans spoke with the Dealer, I whispered my concern to Victor.
“I wanted to visit antique shops and the library. I was hoping to learn more about the portrait and my cameo,” I complained.
“Yes, I remember, and I agree that your necklace looks identical to the one in the painting,” Victor told me. “I took a close look at the portrait after we spoke.”
Balderdash! I thought. I hope it didn’t move while he was looking.
“Did it, umm… Did you notice anything odd about the portrait?” I asked.
Victor gave my expression a curious look, but shook his head. I heaved a sigh of relief.
“The more the merrier?” Victor commented with a disappointed twist to his mouth.
He took a deep breath and then smiled at me.
“Their presence doesn’t have to change anything. Well, at least not all that much. Mrs. Needleman would probably enjoy shopping. Plus, I expect the library would be very much to her taste. She’s quite an intelligent woman,” he added reasonably. “Oh, and I brought this. It will be handy if we need more time with your research than the Needlemans want to spend.”
[image error]Victorian Watch Camera ads, 1884 and 1904
Victor removed a thick silver pocket watch from his vest. Then he demonstrated that it was actually much more. It was a small watch camera.
“You invented this?” I exclaimed. “It’s amazing. How can something so tiny take photographs?”
“No, it’s not really my invention,” he stated modestly. “But I did make it. This one is a self-erecting camera, which expands six spring-loaded telescoping tubes when it opens. That forms the bellows of the camera. It’s got an internal meniscus lens and a drop shutter in later.”
My response to that answer was a nod and smile. It didn’t make the least bit of sense to me.
“I have a collection of cameras at home. I also have a hand-held camera that uses paper-strip photographic film that’s kept inside it. The film is supposed to be sent to the Eastman company in New York to be developed, but I usually manage on my own.”
The crew had the swinging stage securely on the shore. Eliza called to us from that ramp as she opened a ruffled umbrella that matched her mauve gown.
I was about to take Victor’s arm when something bumped my elbow. It was a curved wooden handle. The dealer handed me my lace parasol. I held my breath so that I wouldn’t say anything impolite.
Really, Jaspe was an insufferable mother hen!
***
End Chapter 33
***
I guess there isn’t much freedom or privacy to be had for Émeraude and Victor. Feel free to leave a random Steam Era thing to fuel this riverboat. Or just leave a comment to say hello, before you leave. Be well, be happy, my chuckaboos.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
May 8, 2020
The Delta Pearl 32 — Grasp
Saturday, May 9, 2020
[image error]The Allegheny & Monongahela Rivers by Dan Antion
Welcome back to the weekly serial about a #steampunk riverboat, my chuckaboos. Last time, The Delta Pearl reached a spot at my fictional version of Cairo, Illinois where there is a confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.
Dan Antion of No Facilities sent some of his photos to illustrate that kind of meeting of rivers. If you follow Dan, you know he has experience with riverboats. One of his posts you will see the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers as they form the Ohio.
As you’ll recall, the Dealer reminded us that the Pearl, can be just as sensitive to that kind of convergence as she is to borders and boundaries. We saw proof as the deck of the riverboat came to life and grabbed Èmeraude’s ankle when she started to go ashore with Victor.
I was able to use a “random reader thing.” It’s from Priscilla Bettis, who suggested hobble skirts.
Now, let’s see if our heroine can get free of the riverboat’s grasp.
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 32 — Grasp
[image error]Foggy River Bridge by Dan Antion 2016 (Image altered)
My body was moving forward, but my ankle was held fast. I landed on the deck with a thud. I pushed myself up onto my elbows, confounded by what had just happened.
Victor ran toward me. I don’t know how to describe the assortment of thoughts and fears that ran through my mind. It was paramount that no one outside the senior crew know the extent of how special the Delta Pearl was. To say she was no ordinary riverboat was a vast understatement.
As the inventor reached my side, I hurriedly pushed my green skirt over my foot. I babbled and tried to push Victor’s hands away from my foot.
His motions as well as his facial expression froze when he felt the hardness of the decking that had attached itself to my ankle. I knew there was no use trying to hide it, so I stopped protesting.
Victor moved my skirt enough to uncover my boot. He gasped when he saw how the deck grasped my foot.
The inventor sat back on his heels, stunned. When I looked from his shocked face to my imprisoned ankle, I was speechless. The words “the Delta Pearl may not allow her to leave” cut sharply through my mind. A tear of frustrated anger ran down my cheek.
Onyx, the Captain’s clockwork owl fluttered down on brass wings. His little top hat slid to one side as he tilted his head to look at the wooden vice around my ankle.
The appearance of the owl made me think Cecil Perlog might be behind the riverboat’s astonishing action. However, I thought differently when Onyx started pecking at the wood. The little owl tried to free me.
“Move your little bazoo, Onyx. Let me examine this,” Victor told the owl, placing his hand between Onyx and the part of the deck that held me.
Stubborn as ever, Onyx gave Victor’s hand a single peck, drawing quite an expletive from him.
“Just when you think life is all beer and skittles, a riverboat comes to life and grabs your sweetheart’s leg,” he muttered incredulously.
“Am I your sweetheart?” I asked before I could stop myself.
Luckily, the inventor was so fascinated by the phenomenon that he didn’t notice my question. At first, he touched the wood tentatively. Then his hands encircled the wood that held my ankle. He muttered something about the smoothness of the wood.
“There’s no gap, or even a seam. It’s like a perfectly formed cuff,” he murmured.
A finger-sized piece of the wood lifted from the rest of the cuff. The wooden digit moved to caress Victor’s hand.
I drew in a sharp breath. At the touch, Victor let go and drew back in fright.
The wood pulled itself apart into finger-like tendrils. It flexed almost like a wave ― a flirtatious wave.
Behind me I heard the worried voice of Eliza Needleman as she hurried toward us.
“Émeraude are you hurt?” she called as she ran.
The pressure around my ankle suddenly released. As Victor and I watched, the wooden deck board withdrew. It was absorbed back into the deck.
Victor and I looked at the suddenly normal boards of the deck and then at each other. I glanced at Eliza’s elegant but rapidly approaching form. I made a shushing sound at Victor and hoped with all my heart that he wouldn’t say anything.
“I knew you’d fall the instant I saw you running on the deck,” Eliza cried as she hurried toward us.
[image error]La Promenade, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir 1870 Wikipedia
“Yet, you ran as well,” her husband chuckled, stepping quickly to catch up with her. “Maybe that daft Frenchman who sent you those fashion drawings has the right idea,” Needleman added with a snort. “A woman wouldn’t be able to run in one of those things. With the skirt all tight around the knees? Absurd. You’d have been hobbled like a horse. He should call them hobble skirts!”
“I could out run you, dear husband, even if I wore a hobble,” she taunted in a saucy tone.
“I like your fire, beloved. I’d never try to change you,” he prudently replied.
By the time the couple reached us, the deck looked normal. I couldn’t believe the riverboat would reveal that much of her nature to the inventor. Regardless, I was sure the Delta Pearl would not mean for Mrs. Needleman to know as well ― particularly not after her husband tried to buy the riverboat.
I wondered if the woman’s approach was the only reason why the Delta Pearl withdrew her grasp. Had the riverboat just given Victor T. Elam her approval?
No, I thought. My imagination is running away with me. The Delta Pearl is extraordinary, but she wouldn’t have that level of… I was at a loss to explain it to myself. Is “awareness” the word I want?
***
End Chapter 32
***
If life seemed complicated for Émeraude last time, it’s triple that now… Feel free to leave a random Steam Era thing to fuel this riverboat. Or just leave a comment to say hello, before you leave. Be well, be happy, my chuckaboos.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
May 7, 2020
Resa Honors the Glowing Pigs — Graffiti Lux Art & More
May 7, 2020
The multi-talented Resa McConaghy just did a post about my little collection of short stories, The Glowing Pigs – Snort Stories of Atonement, Tennessee. I’m tickled pinker than Deme or Honeybell!
In addition to her lovely Art Gowns, Resa photographs and shares brilliant murals and street art that she finds. She’s used some of those to decorate this post.
I closed comments here, because I hope you’ll click over and check out her amazing blog. Grunt-snuffle-snort hugs!
Recently, Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene from Teagan’s Books offered free copies of her book; “The Glowing Pigs – Snort Stories of Atonement, Tennessee” to her readers. Teagan thought that the the shorts of her magical glowing pigs would brighten up some of our days during isolation. As for me, I love love loved it, and am […]
May 1, 2020
The Delta Pearl 31 — Disagree
Saturday, May 2, 2020
[image error]Composite of Pixaby images by Teagan R. Geneviene
Welcome my chuckaboos. Thanks for being patient while the steampunk riverboat, The Delta Pearl was in unknown waters. Today she’s back!
This is a brief episode, to get my toes back into the water. Even so, I was able to use a “random reader thing.” It’s from GP Cox, who suggested Icepick. Immediately, I thought of the Dealer using it as a weapon. However, it popped right up in a different way. You’ll see what I mean.
Last time Émeraude learned more about Victor T. Elam, the young inventor who sets her young heart aflutter. His sad past gained her empathy and ours as well. Maybe those two will go ashore together for a little R&R. Let’s see.
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 31 — Disagree
[image error]Eavesdropping, Théodore Ralli 1880, Wikimedia
The next morning, I went to the Chandelier Deck to remind the Dealer that it was my free day. Jaspe’s intense gaze fell upon me. His eyes could make an icepick seem dull. He looked inordinately suspicious. There was no reason why I needed to hide anything from the Dealer. However, the conversation I overheard between the Captain and Agate leapt to my mind.
Cecil Perlog had expressed his disapproval of the Cook encouraging a relationship between Dr. Victor T. Elam and me. The Captain went on to say he doubted that the Delta Pearl would allow me to leave, at least not permanently.
I swallowed and made a point of not mentioning that my plans for the day included Victor.
“Émeraude,” he began uncertainly. “Are you sure you want to go ashore in Cairo, Illinois? After the recent reaction of the Delta Pearl to crossing a border between states? Cher, when the riverboat lurched forcefully, you landed on your croupillon!” he added with the slightest smirk.
How had he known about that? No one saw me fall on my fanny that evening. That was also the night I learned that Azalea Morton and young “Alex Rice” weren’t a governess and her charge, but two women in love. I had kept the secret, but I glanced covertly at the Dealer, wondering if he was also aware of that fact.
[image error]Sappho and Erinna in a Garden at Mytilene, Simeon Solomon 1864, Wikipedia
I made no reply. I hadn’t given any thought to the peculiarities of the port’s location. My interest in the portrait was even greater after the Mate pointed out the fact that the model looked so much like me. The painting and the cameo necklace were my only concerns. Then when I added the unexpected presence of Dr. Victor T. Elam to the outing, geography was the last thing on my mind.
A trace of impatience crossed the Dealer’s face but was quickly gone. He had always been kind to me, and he always would be. No matter that he disagreed with my plans for the day.
“You know that the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers is at Cairo. The Pearl, she can be every bit as sensitive to that convergence as she is to borders and boundaries,” Jaspe patiently reminded me. “Perhaps more so.”
The Dealer’s Cajun accent became stronger as he spoke. I took that for concern.
“Jaspe, surely you are not worried that something will happen to the riverboat while I’m ashore? And I’m sure you do not believe she will up and disappear without me,” I couldn’t help adding, since I still felt the sting of the previously overheard conversation.
The sound of approaching passengers silenced our conversation.
The Dealer showed no reaction when the Needleman couple walked up and Eliza called him Mr. Jasper, rather than the quasi French pronunciation, ZASH-pah, used by the crew.
[image error]The Singing Butler, Jack Vettriano 1992 Wikipedia
I knew my wealthy friend didn’t mean any harm. Jaspe seemed to like the lady, regardless of which pronunciation she gave his name. He had always told me the different ways people said his name didn’t bother him. I supposed that really was the case. I used the interruption to make a discrete exit
“Miss Émeraude, will you be going ashore?” Randal Needleman called after me.
Since Mr. Needleman’s words reached me after I had gone out the door, I pretended not to hear. I expected he wanted to wrestle answers from me about the search for his missing Pharaoh Diamond. When he couldn’t find the Captain to pester, he dug in with the nearest available crew member.
Randal Needleman was not a man to be easily intimidated. Even the girth and height of the Captain didn’t deter him. The Dealer, however, was another matter. His cold gaze could freeze even the likes of the steel magnate Needleman.
However, being beset with questions I could not answer was not why I kept walking. It was because didn’t want to be late meeting Victor. Moreover, I didn’t want to let Jaspe put a cloud over my fun with his mother hen talk. The man never treated anyone else with such worry. Why should his personality transform when it came to me? Honestly, it could be maddening.
It was a lovely sunny day, with a light breeze. The little triangular flags strung above the deck fluttered merrily. I smiled when I spotted Victor. He propped an elbow, nonchalantly on the railing and his bowler hat sat at a jaunty angle upon his head. Sunlight flashed from one lens of his spectacles like a wink.
[image error]Flags in breeze Zavatos Unsplash (crop)
My steps quickened, so I picked up a handful of my Kelly-green skirt. Abruptly something caught my boot. I fell forward, my foot still held fast. I moved as well as I could to a sitting position. My breath caught when I saw the reason for my tumble.
The wood of the deck was molded around my ankle. It looked as if the plank of decking had been carved to include a vice protruding from it. That “vice” was firmly and snugly attached to my ankle.
***
End Chapter 31
***
If life seemed complicated for Émeraude last time, it’s triple that now… Feel free to leave a random Steam Era thing to fuel this riverboat. Or just leave a comment to say hello, before you leave. Be well, be happy, my chuckaboos.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
April 29, 2020
The Delta Pearl is on the Way
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
[image error]Paddlewheel Riverboat by Dan Antion
Stay tuned my chuckaboos! A new episode of the steampunk serial, The Delta Pearl, will be here this weekend.
Meanwhile, international treasure of the blogging community, Sally G. Cronin, gave a shout-out that includes a review of my novelette, Fiona Finch & the Pink Valentine.
[image error]Image by Teagan R. Geneviene, sourced via Pixabay
Wishing you an easy coast down the other side of this midweek hump. I’ll meet you at the river this weekend.
Hugs on the wing!
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
April 24, 2020
Reinvention — a Year Later
Saturday, April 25, 2020
[image error]Blazing Sunset by Teagan R. Geneviene 2020
At one point in my life, I was able to travel some. The area that resonated with me most was the “high desert” southwest of the USA. If you’ve seen my “About” page, you know that story. As I write this, I feel uncomfortable doing any sort of post at all… but I’m going to share a little about my adopted home.
I’m mortified to remember a long ago conversation with a man who enthused about his fondness for the beauties of the desert regions of the USA. He asked if I thought it was beautiful and I’m ashamed to say that I exclaimed, “But it’s all brown.” That was and continues to be the comment I’ve heard most often from other people. Back then, I was still “California dreaming,” (it took 20 years for me to give up that dream), but that conversation led me to investigate the Southwest, and of course the “brown” concept was far from true.
However, in writing this post I now realize why so many people had that perception. All the photos I find online are lifeless and brown. Not that there is not beauty there, but it’s a very limited view of a large area.
[image error]Cacti in the Snow, by Teagan R. Geneviene
Brown certainly does not apply to the “high desert.” Writing this post exposed confusion even about that term. I suppose the “High Desert” as a proper name is limited to part of California, Nevada, and Utah — the Mojave Desert. However, people who live in other parts of the Southwest, places with high altitudes, also describe their homes as high desert.
Those high altitudes don’t always mean a place is in the mountains. For instance Albuquerque, New Mexico is a “mile high” city just like Denver, Colorado. However, it is not in the mountains. Those of us who live in such high altitudes (my home is 4,000+ feet) get four seasons. As you go farther south, the winters are more limited. For the first time in my adult life, I actually enjoyed winter this year!
[image error]Photo by Teagan R. Geneviene 2019
Sure it gets hot in the summer, but it isn’t Death Valley. No, there isn’t nearly as much greenery, and trees aren’t so plentiful that they block the view of the sky. However, there are many tree-lined streets in communities across the “desert southwest.” The tree-lined part doesn’t apply to my street, but most of my neighbors have mature trees. Pecan trees and pistachios really like the climate.
[image error]My mulberry tree, Teagan 2020
I’m terrible with plants. I’m surprised that my cactus garden survived me. I thought a 6 ft. tall clump of big thorns was an unidentified dead something. Then it came into bloom, and attracted hummingbirds!
[image error]Close-up of thorn-bush blossom, by Teagan 2019
A wide variety of plants are adaptable to the dry climate. Even though I knew that, I was amazed by the prevalence of roses in many areas. The real shocker was that I haven’t killed the roses. This year they are heavy with blossoms. The large dark pink rosebush in the backyard has huge blossoms this year (much larger than last spring).
[image error]Photo by Teagan R. Geneviene
The cacti have bloomed (individually) at various times during the past year. I haven’t figured out their schedule. The small cacti below are competing with the roses.
[image error]Photo by Teagan R. Geneviene 2020
I made the video below to celebrate the my one-year anniversary in my new location, which was roughly the first of this month. I have rare moments when I feel like I’ve actually done something. However, the reality quickly comes back — I haven’t made any progress toward the kind of healing that I need most. In fact, I’ve had so many setbacks that I have even farther to go than I did a year ago.
Meanwhile, I’m making slowly plugging away at the novel I started in November. Usually, my novels have more women characters than men. It surprised me when I realized this one has a lot of male characters. Also, I let the heroine have a fraction of my own history. Otherwise, it’s “out the roof” on the quirky factor. It’s a challenge to work on a novel concurrently with a serial, but I hope that I can amp up my pace and share the finished book with you fairly soon.
Next weekend I’ll be back with a new free chapter of the steampunk riverboat serial, The Delta Pearl. If you missed the last episode, here’s the link: https://teagansbooks.com/2020/04/11/the-delta-pearl-30-observe/
I love to get your comments and hope you’ll stop to say hello — but if you can’t be nice, then shut the fork up. Remember this is a sanctuary for me, and my readers.
Copyright © 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images and videos are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
