Jim Murdock's Blog - Posts Tagged "mystery"

Moochie's Place - Sneak Preview

You are reading about the fabulous life of Moochie Dunlop and the man who saw the beauty of her soul. Both have survived their winter of darkness, but not yet found their spring of hope. Can they survive in this find-your-own-soup-bone world?

It was a pleasant Georgia evening in the spring of two-thousand-eight. They sat in foldable lounge chairs, purchased from Walmart, next to their recently assembled, above-ground pool. Moochie Dunlop's over-doctored coffee and William Arrington the Third's Bud Light, sat on a plastic table between them. An empty chocolate-covered praline wrapper lay on the ground.

Moochie thought of her mother and father, both dead now, and wondered what in the world they were thinking when they begot me, or were they thinking at all? Why didn't they plan more carefully and have a normal baby, not one who was fat right from the beginning? Someone who could have been popular in school, maybe even a cheerleader or majorette? Life would have been easier and I wouldn't have had to decide whether to give up, or not care and move on.
Reading the "Police-Blotter" section of the local newspaper, she said, "Listen to this, honey. 'Local restaurant vandalized. The Coffee Cup Café was broken into last night. Unknown assailants did major damage to the furniture and equipment, and sprayed life-threatening graffiti on the walls. Police said there was no indication this crime was gang- related. When officers arrived, they found the elderly owner screaming incoherent threats against a local business man. The distraught man was rushed to Athens Regional where he was sedated. Police will interview him later to determine a possible motive or suspects.' Lord-a-mercy, if that don't beat all. Seems like no body's safe anymore."

William, simply known as Bud, faced the back of their three-bedroom ranch house, with a good view of the broken screen door, ancient York air conditioner and shaggy grass. He looked at Moochie and said, "You're right about that. Being in the food business is hard enough without something like that happening."

They fell silent, Bud thinking about his days as a short-order cook. Finally, he said, "Well, love, here we are, married, living on my check as a shipping foreman and your baby-sitting income. Is this it? I mean, have we arrived or what?" He closed his eyes and leaned back, not really expecting an answer.

"I've been thinking about that myself," said Moochie. "I've been put down all my life, mainly because of my weight. If you can't control your weight, especially if you're a woman, folks tend to think you're lacking in character, that you just don't have what it takes to make a go of anything."

Bud opened one eye. "Is that what you believe, Moochie?"
"Hell, no. I don't believe that and never will. I know this old world is what it is, and people are the way they are, but if they expect me to just sit there and take it without fighting back, they better reset their gyroscope. I resent folks when they judge me or someone else because of our appearance. They don't know what's inside me, honey. I mean to have my own business and be successful enough to help other people. That's what drives me and gives me pleasure, helping others. Don't you feel that way, honey?" Moochie turned to face Bud.

"Yeah, but so far, I've been too busy trying to survive, dragging myself from job to job, drinking myself silly, feeling sorry for myself because of my mama and daddy. I aim to be my own boss, hold my head up in the community. About all I've done up to this point is learn how to cook."

Moochie propped her chin on her hand and wrinkled her brow. Then, she smiled and reached over and took Bud's hand. "Honey, let's make a pact right now to have our own place. Let's be successful so we can help others and gain respect for who we are. What do you say, Bud? Are you with me?"

"I'm with you, love, whatever we do, but it won't be easy. I'll even give up my drinking if that's what it takes."
Moochie was so surprised to hear that Bud would give up his favorite pastime, she made a pledge herself. "And, I promise to not eat a praline before I get out of bed each morning, and only one Twinkie Twin Pack before going to sleep at night. How's that?"

"Sounds like we got us a deal," said Bud. He leaned back in his chair and drained the last of his beer. "That's it, babe. I'm done."

A breeze filled with the smell of sweet gardenias swept away the aroma of coffee and the dank smell of beer, just as their old lives would soon be caught up in the swirling currents of an uncertain economy and the desperate greed of those who worship money.
Moochie's Place

The Blankenschipf Curse – Sneak Peak

The chill of fall was in the air as they got out and looked across the valley below. Rube was comfortable with his long sleeved shirt. Amy grabbed a light jacket from the back seat. It was a clear day except for a few wispy clouds which drifted slowly to the east. Most of the leaves were off the trees by now, and Rube and Amys view was uninhibited. Amy said, Oh, Rube. This is breathtaking. Ive never seen anything like it. Its so beautiful it makes me want to cry. Rube put his hand on her shoulder and pulled her close.

Engulfed by the smell of the mountain flora, they turned and looked at the large, moss covered rock formation with its weeping cracks.

To the left of the rock, on the other side of the Jeep was a sign with The Source carved into the wood. Straight up the hill about a hundred and fifty yards was the outline of a small clapboard house with smoke curling from the stone chimney. Rube caught the smell of burning wood.

The path wandered back and forth between the trees on its way up the steep incline. Rube had been given permission by his doctor to start walking again, but his wheelchair time had left his legs weak. Amys knee was much better, but she still wore an elastic support just to be safe. Three squirrels chattered among themselves and scurried off as Rube and Amy approached. Stopping several times to rest and catch their breath, they turned to more fully take in the panorama of blue sky and the contrasting shades and colors of the valley below. They were exhausted and exhilarated at the same time when they reached the back yard of the small house.

The building sat on a large plateau which ran off a ways to the north. It was located in the southwest corner of the lot and appeared to rest precariously on the edge of a cliff. It looked like a strong breeze would blow it over. Fifty yards northeast of the house was a large, pyramid shaped, wooden structure with a single chair in the middle.

Suddenly, Amy grabbed onto Rube like she was trying to keep from falling. Hold me, she whispered. Dont let me go.

Whats wrong?

Im fine now. I just had an overwhelming feeling of awe, a feeling of peace, and yet like something special was about to happen. Its hard to explain. This is a sacred place, like a church. Do you feel it?

I do. Theres a powerful force here. I wonder if were standing on a magnetic field or something. Anyway, lets go find Dr. Wilkins.

They stepped onto the rickety back porch and knocked on the crooked screen door. Two large bowls, one filled with food pellets and the other with water, sat on the warped pine floor. As the inside door jerked open, Rube saw the smiling face of his old professor. They stepped back as Dr. Wilkins pushed the screen door wider and drew them into the small kitchen.

He appeared a little older than Rube remembered with wrinkle lines radiating from the corners of his eyes. But, there was something different, a glow about him that caught Rube by surprise. He had heard of auras before, but this was the first time he had ever been able to see one, and even feel its presence. Love and peace seemed to float around Dr. Wilkins and reach out to anyone or thing close by.

Welcome to The Source. Thanks for coming, said Dr. Wilkins, giving them each a long hug. Rube was overwhelmed by the pure love that radiated throughout his body. Amy stepped back from her embrace with astonished eyes, filled with tears of joy. Her body trembled as she grabbed Rubes arm. Rube heard Mozarts Overture to The Marriage of Figaro playing in the background, recognizing it only because he had seen the play.

Rube and Amy were startled when a huge cat suddenly appeared in the doorway. Rube thought at first it might be a bobcat, but after seeing its tail realized it was only the largest housecat he had ever laid eyes on.

Dr. Wilkins saw the frightened look in their eyes, and reassured them, Dont worry, its only Tiger, my Maine Coon cat. His breed is very large and his tail is as long as his body. Rube reached cautiously to pat Tiger on the neck as he wove and pressed his way through their legs, purring like a young tiger cub.

Dr. Wilkins paused to light a fire under the tea kettle, You all come on into the living room, or maybe you would prefer to sit on the front porch, thats where I spend most of my time when the weather is nice.

I think I would like to see your front porch, said Rube. Is that all right with you, Amy?

Thats fine, she said, still clinging to his arm.

Dr. Wilkins led them onto the front porch and invited them to sit in a weathered swing angled so you could see the view and still carry on a conversation with the person sitting in the rocking chair to the right of a small wooden table.

As always, Dr. Wilkins combed his light brown hair straight back, but now there was graying at the temples. He wore wire rimmed glasses which did not distract from his pale blue eyes. He appeared to be at peace with the world and serene in his slim, well conditioned body.

He smiled, Thank you both for coming. Im glad you called, it saved me a call to you. I have something I want to talk to you about. Before I get to that, you mentioned a need to see me about something. How can I help?

Dr. Wilkins, all my life things have been happening to me and people with me, unexplainable things which ordinary people dont seem to experience.