Jessica L. Elliott's Blog, page 14
May 12, 2014
The Best Day Ever!
This weekend was filled with fun and excitement, but the best day was Friday.
Friday? Don't you mean Sunday? That was Mother's Day after all.
Mother's Day was great, don't get me wrong! My sweetheart made all the meals so I didn't have to cook at all until we worked together to make some absolutely divine Strawberry Kiwi Jam. And I do mean divine! Nom nom nom! So good! And my kiddos made darling handprint pictures for me at church in Nursery. So precious! And sometime today I will receive a gorgeous print of Greg Olsen's Fairy Tales to put in my writing nook to provide inspiration and smiles (as well as something other than blank wall to stare at). My Mother's Day was perfect and wonderful!
But, the best day was Friday.
Why?
Friday was my very first school appearance and I couldn't have asked for a better experience! Like most about to get up in front of a large group, I was feeling a little nervous before heading to the school. In fact, I was so nervous that I forgot to grab my camera so I could ask one of the teachers to take pictures for me. Oops! But get there I did with a bag containing one copy of each of my books for display, a notebook with notes about writing contests and my website, and a pen and my purse. I walked to the office and explained that I was there to see the fourth grade.
"Oh, yes, they are in the building across the street. I will have someone waiting to let you in."
"Thank you." I walked back around to the other side of the school and walked across the street to the other half of the elementary school. A student was waiting and asked, "Are you the author?"
That question in and of itself made me feel great! "Yes, I am."
"My classroom is this way." She showed me around the corner and down the hallway to the classroom. The teacher was waiting and smiled as I came in. "Here are some contests that I found," she said handing me a stack of red papers. "If you can pass these out during your presentation that would be great."
"Sure," I said, "and here is a list of things I found as well as the website and my website. My printer was out of ink so I couldn't print this out. But if you could make copies, I'll pass these both out for you."
Soon other classes started filtering in and once everyone was seated, the time was turned to me.
Dozens of eager smiles and bright eyes faced me. Surprisingly enough, that made the nerves settle down a bit. I introduced myself and started reading from Charming Academy. The more I read, the less nervous I felt. I was in my element doing what I love most, sharing my stories! When I finished the excerpt, I talked about what I love about writing. Which is pretty much everything. I told them about my publishing story and that it wasn't a huge money-maker and I'm not famous, but my stories are being read and I'm doing what I love. And that makes it all worthwhile.
Together we had a little writing exercise. Since Mother's Day was coming (by the way, Mom and Mom-in-Law, you're both the best and happy Mother's Day once again!) we decided to write something special for our moms. We brainstormed together about what our moms all did. I learned that moms are all great cooks (of course, I knew that before from my mom), that they love you even when you get in trouble, they want the best for you and they give you life. Okay, so I already knew all of that, but it was great hearing it from these fourth graders. Then I asked them to think about their mom in specific. I told them how my mom has gorgeous hazel-gold eyes. I told them that her hair was brown when I was young and is now starting to turn silver (though they aren't supposed to tell anyone that!), and that my mom has a beautiful smile with the cutest dimples. I was always jealous of those dimples. I told them that I remember as a child when I would come home from school my house would smell of freshly-baked cookies and there would be a sliced apple, glass of milk and two cookies waiting for me at the table. My mom is fabulous, just in case you wondered.
Soon they were busily and quietly writing away. After a few minutes I asked if anyone wanted to share. We had three stories read aloud by class members. I'm sure there were some sniffly moms this Mother's Day. The stories were great, especially given how short a time they had to write!
Then I opened it up for them to ask questions. They were great! They asked about my books. They asked about me. One boy even asked when I was born. His poor teacher looked about ready to die. (For his teacher, no worries, I'm not afraid to reveal my age.) They were thrilled that I lived in their town and that I liked living there (Plains is the best, just FYI). By the time they finished their questions, I had been up there longer than I anticipated. I thanked them for making my first appearance so awesome and encouraged them to keep writing.
Then I left, totally on cloud nine and feeling like the awesomest person in the whole world. It was fabulous! I sent the teacher who had invited me an email thanking her once again and letting her know just how great her students were. This is the email I got in reply Saturday morning:
As if I wasn't already on top of the world! It was such an awesome feeling and great knowing that I had been able to share my passion with children. It was a great weekend and a wonderful first experience going into the schools. Hopefully this will lead to more school appearances. For now, I'll probably stick to Kansas, but who knows? Maybe in a few years I'll be able to travel out more...
In the meantime, I'll be ever so grateful for that awesome group of fourth graders who made this author have the best day ever!
Friday? Don't you mean Sunday? That was Mother's Day after all.
Mother's Day was great, don't get me wrong! My sweetheart made all the meals so I didn't have to cook at all until we worked together to make some absolutely divine Strawberry Kiwi Jam. And I do mean divine! Nom nom nom! So good! And my kiddos made darling handprint pictures for me at church in Nursery. So precious! And sometime today I will receive a gorgeous print of Greg Olsen's Fairy Tales to put in my writing nook to provide inspiration and smiles (as well as something other than blank wall to stare at). My Mother's Day was perfect and wonderful!
But, the best day was Friday.
Why?
Friday was my very first school appearance and I couldn't have asked for a better experience! Like most about to get up in front of a large group, I was feeling a little nervous before heading to the school. In fact, I was so nervous that I forgot to grab my camera so I could ask one of the teachers to take pictures for me. Oops! But get there I did with a bag containing one copy of each of my books for display, a notebook with notes about writing contests and my website, and a pen and my purse. I walked to the office and explained that I was there to see the fourth grade.
"Oh, yes, they are in the building across the street. I will have someone waiting to let you in."
"Thank you." I walked back around to the other side of the school and walked across the street to the other half of the elementary school. A student was waiting and asked, "Are you the author?"
That question in and of itself made me feel great! "Yes, I am."
"My classroom is this way." She showed me around the corner and down the hallway to the classroom. The teacher was waiting and smiled as I came in. "Here are some contests that I found," she said handing me a stack of red papers. "If you can pass these out during your presentation that would be great."
"Sure," I said, "and here is a list of things I found as well as the website and my website. My printer was out of ink so I couldn't print this out. But if you could make copies, I'll pass these both out for you."
Soon other classes started filtering in and once everyone was seated, the time was turned to me.
Dozens of eager smiles and bright eyes faced me. Surprisingly enough, that made the nerves settle down a bit. I introduced myself and started reading from Charming Academy. The more I read, the less nervous I felt. I was in my element doing what I love most, sharing my stories! When I finished the excerpt, I talked about what I love about writing. Which is pretty much everything. I told them about my publishing story and that it wasn't a huge money-maker and I'm not famous, but my stories are being read and I'm doing what I love. And that makes it all worthwhile.
Together we had a little writing exercise. Since Mother's Day was coming (by the way, Mom and Mom-in-Law, you're both the best and happy Mother's Day once again!) we decided to write something special for our moms. We brainstormed together about what our moms all did. I learned that moms are all great cooks (of course, I knew that before from my mom), that they love you even when you get in trouble, they want the best for you and they give you life. Okay, so I already knew all of that, but it was great hearing it from these fourth graders. Then I asked them to think about their mom in specific. I told them how my mom has gorgeous hazel-gold eyes. I told them that her hair was brown when I was young and is now starting to turn silver (though they aren't supposed to tell anyone that!), and that my mom has a beautiful smile with the cutest dimples. I was always jealous of those dimples. I told them that I remember as a child when I would come home from school my house would smell of freshly-baked cookies and there would be a sliced apple, glass of milk and two cookies waiting for me at the table. My mom is fabulous, just in case you wondered.
Soon they were busily and quietly writing away. After a few minutes I asked if anyone wanted to share. We had three stories read aloud by class members. I'm sure there were some sniffly moms this Mother's Day. The stories were great, especially given how short a time they had to write!
Then I opened it up for them to ask questions. They were great! They asked about my books. They asked about me. One boy even asked when I was born. His poor teacher looked about ready to die. (For his teacher, no worries, I'm not afraid to reveal my age.) They were thrilled that I lived in their town and that I liked living there (Plains is the best, just FYI). By the time they finished their questions, I had been up there longer than I anticipated. I thanked them for making my first appearance so awesome and encouraged them to keep writing.
Then I left, totally on cloud nine and feeling like the awesomest person in the whole world. It was fabulous! I sent the teacher who had invited me an email thanking her once again and letting her know just how great her students were. This is the email I got in reply Saturday morning:
Jess,
Thank you! You did an awesome job with the students! They loved your presentation and interaction. You really captivated their attention and peaked their interests. They continued asking questions even after you left! We will let the other teachers know how awesome you were!
God bless,
As if I wasn't already on top of the world! It was such an awesome feeling and great knowing that I had been able to share my passion with children. It was a great weekend and a wonderful first experience going into the schools. Hopefully this will lead to more school appearances. For now, I'll probably stick to Kansas, but who knows? Maybe in a few years I'll be able to travel out more...
In the meantime, I'll be ever so grateful for that awesome group of fourth graders who made this author have the best day ever!
May 7, 2014
On Being a Mother
It's Wednesday and the prompt is "mom" which is very appropriate since Mother's Day is this coming Sunday. This story is for all the moms but especially for my own mom and mom-in-law. I love you!
Stars and moon glittered in the night sky, shining down with a silver glow. The world was quiet as she sat in her chair. The rockers creaked softly as she pushed back and forth. Her hands gently rubbed the baby's back. The crying had ended and now they sat together enjoying the peace of a sleeping world. She could feel the warmth of her little one cradled against her chest.
She leaned back against the chair, looking up at the ceiling. It hadn't been an easy day. In fact, it had been a terrible day. Her little one had been fussy and agitated with few breaks from tantrums. His swollen gums told her the reason for the distress, but it hadn't made it easier to cope with. There wasn't much she could do to relieve the pain of teething. Not much had been done that day except cuddling her little boy and hoping he would calm down. She had tried all the advice from her friends with varying degrees of success. The infant pain reliever had helped bring down the fever and allowed her son a brief nap, but it hadn't helped for long. He didn't like cold teething rings and wouldn't play with them until they were warmed. She tried rubbing his gums and all that did was make him fuss more. At length she had just resigned herself to spending the day with him attached to her. When her husband had gotten home, she'd handed him the fussy baby and said, "I don't care what we eat tonight as long as I don't have to cook it. You figure something out and then let me know."
She remembered shutting herself in their bedroom right afterward and sitting on the bed overwhelmed and exhausted. Nothing had been done all day. Her housework was still waiting to be done, she hadn't even had time for an actual shower. When she'd lamented on her Facebook at her lack of accomplishment, her mother had written the encouraging words, "No one said being a mother was easy. But it's definitely worth it. Chin up, the housework will still be there in the morning. Take care of your little one for today. Give yourself a hug. I love you! Call me if you need to talk."
Her mother-in-law had also been encouraging, "Don't worry too much about the house. It's not going anywhere. These days won't last forever. Kiss your baby and take a deep breath. You'll get through! If I were closer I'd come over to help out."
But it had seemed everyone else had other words for her. They were less encouraging and some downright hurtful. As she rocked her baby the messages floated back into her memory, stinging her again.
"If you'd put your baby on a proper schedule, this wouldn't be so difficult."
"Complaining won't help."
"If you didn't want things to be hard, why'd you have a baby in the first place?"
"I don't understand why such-and-such technique isn't working for you. It always works for my babies. Try again."
"This is why I have a cat."
"What did you think was going to happen when you had that baby?"
"The teething ring should work. If it didn't, you must have done something wrong."
On and on in her memory the messages continued. If not for the fact that it was well after midnight, she was tempted to call her mom right then. It wasn't fair. When she posted pictures of her little boy being adorable or posted things about how great being a mom was there were tons of likes and comments like "How precious!" and "You're so lucky!". As soon as things were more challenging, the support went away. Wasn't that backwards of how it should be? Shouldn't her friends rally around her and support her through the tough times?
As she continued to rock gently back and forth, she thought about what her mother had said when she'd first told her parents she was expecting. "There will be plenty of people to knock you down when things are tough. Just don't forget that for every tantrum, there are more giggles and smiles. For every setback, there's an advance. Being a mother isn't easy and it's not glamorous. But being a mother is worthwhile. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Take care of yourself and take care of your baby. If you do that, these days will be some of the happiest in your memory."
The baby shifted and whimpered.
"Hush, now," she whispered, holding him a little tighter against her. "Mommy's right here. You're okay." She rubbed his back and whispered to him until he calmed down again, the sound of her voice and her heartbeat lulling him back to sleep.
Her memory turned back to those times when life as a mother had been perfect. She remembered his first little smile. She remembered the first time he played peek-a-boo with her. She remembered that wondrous moment when the doctor had handed her this perfect, precious child.
Yes, today had been rough. But most days weren't like today. Most days were filled with giggles and smiles and firsts.
Her husband tiptoed into the room. "Are you coming to bed soon?"
"In a minute," she whispered. She walked to the crib and laid the little baby gently inside.
As the stars and moon continued to glitter overhead, she kissed her baby boy's head. Being a mother wasn't easy. But it was certainly worthwhile. It wasn't glamorous, but it was thrilling and fulfilling. Nothing anyone could say would change that. She walked into her own room and climbed into bed. As sleep took her, she knew that there was nothing she would rather be than a mother.
Stars and moon glittered in the night sky, shining down with a silver glow. The world was quiet as she sat in her chair. The rockers creaked softly as she pushed back and forth. Her hands gently rubbed the baby's back. The crying had ended and now they sat together enjoying the peace of a sleeping world. She could feel the warmth of her little one cradled against her chest.
She leaned back against the chair, looking up at the ceiling. It hadn't been an easy day. In fact, it had been a terrible day. Her little one had been fussy and agitated with few breaks from tantrums. His swollen gums told her the reason for the distress, but it hadn't made it easier to cope with. There wasn't much she could do to relieve the pain of teething. Not much had been done that day except cuddling her little boy and hoping he would calm down. She had tried all the advice from her friends with varying degrees of success. The infant pain reliever had helped bring down the fever and allowed her son a brief nap, but it hadn't helped for long. He didn't like cold teething rings and wouldn't play with them until they were warmed. She tried rubbing his gums and all that did was make him fuss more. At length she had just resigned herself to spending the day with him attached to her. When her husband had gotten home, she'd handed him the fussy baby and said, "I don't care what we eat tonight as long as I don't have to cook it. You figure something out and then let me know."
She remembered shutting herself in their bedroom right afterward and sitting on the bed overwhelmed and exhausted. Nothing had been done all day. Her housework was still waiting to be done, she hadn't even had time for an actual shower. When she'd lamented on her Facebook at her lack of accomplishment, her mother had written the encouraging words, "No one said being a mother was easy. But it's definitely worth it. Chin up, the housework will still be there in the morning. Take care of your little one for today. Give yourself a hug. I love you! Call me if you need to talk."
Her mother-in-law had also been encouraging, "Don't worry too much about the house. It's not going anywhere. These days won't last forever. Kiss your baby and take a deep breath. You'll get through! If I were closer I'd come over to help out."
But it had seemed everyone else had other words for her. They were less encouraging and some downright hurtful. As she rocked her baby the messages floated back into her memory, stinging her again.
"If you'd put your baby on a proper schedule, this wouldn't be so difficult."
"Complaining won't help."
"If you didn't want things to be hard, why'd you have a baby in the first place?"
"I don't understand why such-and-such technique isn't working for you. It always works for my babies. Try again."
"This is why I have a cat."
"What did you think was going to happen when you had that baby?"
"The teething ring should work. If it didn't, you must have done something wrong."
On and on in her memory the messages continued. If not for the fact that it was well after midnight, she was tempted to call her mom right then. It wasn't fair. When she posted pictures of her little boy being adorable or posted things about how great being a mom was there were tons of likes and comments like "How precious!" and "You're so lucky!". As soon as things were more challenging, the support went away. Wasn't that backwards of how it should be? Shouldn't her friends rally around her and support her through the tough times?
As she continued to rock gently back and forth, she thought about what her mother had said when she'd first told her parents she was expecting. "There will be plenty of people to knock you down when things are tough. Just don't forget that for every tantrum, there are more giggles and smiles. For every setback, there's an advance. Being a mother isn't easy and it's not glamorous. But being a mother is worthwhile. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Take care of yourself and take care of your baby. If you do that, these days will be some of the happiest in your memory."
The baby shifted and whimpered.
"Hush, now," she whispered, holding him a little tighter against her. "Mommy's right here. You're okay." She rubbed his back and whispered to him until he calmed down again, the sound of her voice and her heartbeat lulling him back to sleep.
Her memory turned back to those times when life as a mother had been perfect. She remembered his first little smile. She remembered the first time he played peek-a-boo with her. She remembered that wondrous moment when the doctor had handed her this perfect, precious child.
Yes, today had been rough. But most days weren't like today. Most days were filled with giggles and smiles and firsts.
Her husband tiptoed into the room. "Are you coming to bed soon?"
"In a minute," she whispered. She walked to the crib and laid the little baby gently inside.
As the stars and moon continued to glitter overhead, she kissed her baby boy's head. Being a mother wasn't easy. But it was certainly worthwhile. It wasn't glamorous, but it was thrilling and fulfilling. Nothing anyone could say would change that. She walked into her own room and climbed into bed. As sleep took her, she knew that there was nothing she would rather be than a mother.
May 1, 2014
For Want of a Puppy
So I promised yesterday that I would reveal to you more about the story I wrote this past month. No, I'm not talking about "Becoming Prince Charming", this is a different story.
This story is for the dogs. Literally.
What does that mean? A couple of things actually.
First, my children, like many their ages, are totally in love with dogs of all shapes and sizes. When my daughter (18 months) sees any dog she looks at me with a big smile, "Mine puppy?" The heartbreak when I say, "No, sweetie, that's someone else's puppy" is nigh unto unbearable! It makes it tempting to just run to the pet shop and find her a puppy then and there. When my son (3 years) sees a dog, he looks and me and says, "Mommy, can we have a puppy today?" To which I always have to reply no, despite those pleading blue eyes and perfect pout. It's tough stuff, I'm telling you!
My sweetie and I have already decided that yes, we are going to get the kiddos a dog. But we don't want to just hand it to them. Even though they are young, we want them to learn that you have to work for the things you want in life. And a puppy or even adult dog is a LOT of work! So there are certain steps that they have to take to show us that they have earned a dog.
And we'll be helping them out. They have a jar for holding all the coins they save for their Corgi (the type of dog we're getting). Any coins they find on the floor or that they earn for extra chores can be put in that jar. The only backfire was when I caught them dumping out my "Date Night" coin jar on the floor. Imagine totally adorable little faces looking at you and saying, "Look at all the coins on the floor, Mommy! We put them in the Corgi jar, please?" I let them keep a few and then they had to put the rest back in my jar. They're also learning that they have to keep their room clean and their toys picked up so a puppy can be safe. They're learning to be gentle with each other and with animals so our puppy will feel loved.
But there just aren't a whole lot of coins floating around our house. My husband and I are saving money for the dog too in ratio with the money we pay to our debts. Gotta get rid of the debt monsters (or at least take a good chunk out of them) before we can be financially ready to support a puppy. We have an envelope in our safe with cash we've saved and we give the kiddos some of the leftover change after grocery shopping. But it's still slow going.
That's where the story comes into play. But before I tell you about it, let me tell you the second reason this story is literally for the dogs. Thousands of dogs and cats are in shelters and rescues around the country wishing they had a loving home. As my sweetie and I were starting our research into where we wanted to get a dog, we both decided that a "rescue" dog would fit our family and personalities best. We have no interest in having a show dog (though if you do that's totally fine). We just want a dog that our kiddos can love, that we can love and that will be a good companion. A rescue dog would fit the bill perfectly, save a good dog from loneliness and possible euthanasia and be easier on our budget. It's a win-win situation! So then we started looking at Corgi rescues because I have been in love with those foxy little dogs forever! And since they are a relatively small dog, my non-dog sweetie was easier to persuade.
We discovered Corgi Connection of Kansas. I immediately fell in love because it's a local rescue, they specialize in Corgis and they are doing what they can to help these great dogs find fur-ever homes. My heart has been touched by the stories they've shared and my kiddos love looking at the dogs they have available. Once the funds are available, and we find the Corgi perfect for our family, it is our intention to adopt from them. The story (that I promise I'm going to tell you about), will not only go to save up for our own dog, but a portion of the profits will be donated to Corgi Connection of Kansas to help them continue to help dogs in need.
So now, the moment you've been waiting for: What is this story about?
The story, which I'm calling "Mommy, Can I Have a Puppy Today?" is the journey a little boy takes to prepare himself to get a dog of his own. Like my kiddos, he has to learn to save his money, to keep his room cleaned and to take care of a dog. The story is meant for young children like mine who desperately want a dog (or really any pet) and need to learn the steps to take in order to meet their goal. Right now, the story has been submitted to my amazing illustrator, James Schofield (if you've read my book, Mischief, Mayhem and NOT Burning the House Down that name will be familiar to you). We are shooting for a summer release date, but until I hear back from him I can't give a definite time-table. But certainly this summer, the dog-lover in your family should be eagerly awaiting this fun little story. And if you, like me, love Corgis, the ending will be particularly good. :)
So that's the big secret. "Mommy Can I Have a Puppy Today?" will be released sometime this summer. And now you know why this book is literally for the dogs.
This story is for the dogs. Literally.
What does that mean? A couple of things actually.
First, my children, like many their ages, are totally in love with dogs of all shapes and sizes. When my daughter (18 months) sees any dog she looks at me with a big smile, "Mine puppy?" The heartbreak when I say, "No, sweetie, that's someone else's puppy" is nigh unto unbearable! It makes it tempting to just run to the pet shop and find her a puppy then and there. When my son (3 years) sees a dog, he looks and me and says, "Mommy, can we have a puppy today?" To which I always have to reply no, despite those pleading blue eyes and perfect pout. It's tough stuff, I'm telling you!
My sweetie and I have already decided that yes, we are going to get the kiddos a dog. But we don't want to just hand it to them. Even though they are young, we want them to learn that you have to work for the things you want in life. And a puppy or even adult dog is a LOT of work! So there are certain steps that they have to take to show us that they have earned a dog.
And we'll be helping them out. They have a jar for holding all the coins they save for their Corgi (the type of dog we're getting). Any coins they find on the floor or that they earn for extra chores can be put in that jar. The only backfire was when I caught them dumping out my "Date Night" coin jar on the floor. Imagine totally adorable little faces looking at you and saying, "Look at all the coins on the floor, Mommy! We put them in the Corgi jar, please?" I let them keep a few and then they had to put the rest back in my jar. They're also learning that they have to keep their room clean and their toys picked up so a puppy can be safe. They're learning to be gentle with each other and with animals so our puppy will feel loved.
But there just aren't a whole lot of coins floating around our house. My husband and I are saving money for the dog too in ratio with the money we pay to our debts. Gotta get rid of the debt monsters (or at least take a good chunk out of them) before we can be financially ready to support a puppy. We have an envelope in our safe with cash we've saved and we give the kiddos some of the leftover change after grocery shopping. But it's still slow going.
That's where the story comes into play. But before I tell you about it, let me tell you the second reason this story is literally for the dogs. Thousands of dogs and cats are in shelters and rescues around the country wishing they had a loving home. As my sweetie and I were starting our research into where we wanted to get a dog, we both decided that a "rescue" dog would fit our family and personalities best. We have no interest in having a show dog (though if you do that's totally fine). We just want a dog that our kiddos can love, that we can love and that will be a good companion. A rescue dog would fit the bill perfectly, save a good dog from loneliness and possible euthanasia and be easier on our budget. It's a win-win situation! So then we started looking at Corgi rescues because I have been in love with those foxy little dogs forever! And since they are a relatively small dog, my non-dog sweetie was easier to persuade.
We discovered Corgi Connection of Kansas. I immediately fell in love because it's a local rescue, they specialize in Corgis and they are doing what they can to help these great dogs find fur-ever homes. My heart has been touched by the stories they've shared and my kiddos love looking at the dogs they have available. Once the funds are available, and we find the Corgi perfect for our family, it is our intention to adopt from them. The story (that I promise I'm going to tell you about), will not only go to save up for our own dog, but a portion of the profits will be donated to Corgi Connection of Kansas to help them continue to help dogs in need.
So now, the moment you've been waiting for: What is this story about?
The story, which I'm calling "Mommy, Can I Have a Puppy Today?" is the journey a little boy takes to prepare himself to get a dog of his own. Like my kiddos, he has to learn to save his money, to keep his room cleaned and to take care of a dog. The story is meant for young children like mine who desperately want a dog (or really any pet) and need to learn the steps to take in order to meet their goal. Right now, the story has been submitted to my amazing illustrator, James Schofield (if you've read my book, Mischief, Mayhem and NOT Burning the House Down that name will be familiar to you). We are shooting for a summer release date, but until I hear back from him I can't give a definite time-table. But certainly this summer, the dog-lover in your family should be eagerly awaiting this fun little story. And if you, like me, love Corgis, the ending will be particularly good. :)
So that's the big secret. "Mommy Can I Have a Puppy Today?" will be released sometime this summer. And now you know why this book is literally for the dogs.
April 30, 2014
Relaxation?
Another more essay-type entry rather than a short story. The prompt this week was "long exposure", a photography technique which in a single photograph shows time lapse (at least, that's what I gathered from the images and what I googled). My NaNo months feel like a long exposure photo. They seem gone in the blink of an eye, but they take some time. So, enjoy this little look into my thoughts on NaNoing. :) Next week stop by and I'll treat you to a "mom" story.
NaNoWriMo and its camp sessions are my months. This is the time that I devote most of my time to my writing. You might think that thirty days is a long time to get some writing done. After all, each day is twenty-four hours making for a total of 720 hours that could be divided between writing and everything else. That's a lot of time. Or is it? When you consider the fact that most people need around eight hours of sleep a night to stay healthy and functional, that suddenly takes 240 hours away. And you could decide to cut some of those hours, but we've all been told that binge sleeping over the weekend does not actually make up for sleep lost during the week. I can only imagine what it would be like after a month!
But even with the lost time to sleep (which I highly recommend; sleep is my friend), that still leaves you with 480 hours, right? Well that has to be divided up too. You do have to eat sometimes and it's not really conducive to good writing to be balancing a plate of pizza on your lap, along with the necessary napkins to keep your hands clean, and try to type at the same time. If you've mastered this skill, my hat goes off to you because I sure haven't! Not to mention, man cannot live healthily on pizza alone. Balanced nutrition not only keeps the tummy-growlies away, but also helps increase your energy and mental capacity. So time to eat is also essential, which usually means preparing food so that could take another three hours from each day. Now our 480 hours has dropped to 390.
Still not too shabby, right? Most of us have some sort of job. And most of our bosses don't accept "I'm writing a 50000 word novel in a month" as a reasonable excuse to use up 30 sick days (assuming you even get that many). While I don't work outside the home, my kiddos are still my number one priority, even in the craziness that is NaNoWriMo. Taking care of them means quite a bit of time away from the computer which is totally worth it. I love their little smiles and their games and watching them learn. And, if I wear them out enough, I might be able to trick them into taking a nap! ;) Their dad gets home from work normally at four, but as it is currently track season, he now gets home around six. So, if my kiddos wake up at eight, which is typical for them, and they only have an hour of quiet-time during which I can really write, My 390 hours decreases to 120.
And that doesn't include the days when we have projects to do or places to go. It also doesn't take into consideration that as a personal choice, I don't write on the Sabbath (beyond letters and journaling). Where did all my hours go? I started the month with 720, right?
Time is a fickle thing. We get a certain amount each day, but it's amazing how quickly those hours fill up with activities, sleep, eating, break-time and other things. Finding the time to write can be a struggle. Usually during NaNo months, it means my housework gets neglected in favor of writing time. Yeah, I just took a good look at my house. I'm in for some deep cleaning! But you know, when I think about what I managed to accomplish with everything else stealing away my hours, it's pretty amazing. It's amazing to get to the end of a crazy month with holidays, activities, chores and life's other curveballs and say, "Hey, I wrote 50000 words. When did I do that?"
It's especially amazing when I consider that not only did I get an awesome 50000 word start into the fourth "Charming Academy" book, but I also managed to write another story during the month. One which I will briefly introduce you to tomorrow. I know, I know, the suspense is killin' ya. Sorry. :)
Time seems so broad and so long until you start looking at what you have to fill it up with. That long 720 hours of April disappeared in just a few blinks. Where did it go? It went into my novel. It went into sewing Easter outfits for my sweetheart and son. It went into volunteer projects. It went into Easter egg hunts. And now it's going into some well-earned relaxation.
Then again, looking at my house? Maybe it'll go into some deep cleaning. :)
NaNoWriMo and its camp sessions are my months. This is the time that I devote most of my time to my writing. You might think that thirty days is a long time to get some writing done. After all, each day is twenty-four hours making for a total of 720 hours that could be divided between writing and everything else. That's a lot of time. Or is it? When you consider the fact that most people need around eight hours of sleep a night to stay healthy and functional, that suddenly takes 240 hours away. And you could decide to cut some of those hours, but we've all been told that binge sleeping over the weekend does not actually make up for sleep lost during the week. I can only imagine what it would be like after a month!
But even with the lost time to sleep (which I highly recommend; sleep is my friend), that still leaves you with 480 hours, right? Well that has to be divided up too. You do have to eat sometimes and it's not really conducive to good writing to be balancing a plate of pizza on your lap, along with the necessary napkins to keep your hands clean, and try to type at the same time. If you've mastered this skill, my hat goes off to you because I sure haven't! Not to mention, man cannot live healthily on pizza alone. Balanced nutrition not only keeps the tummy-growlies away, but also helps increase your energy and mental capacity. So time to eat is also essential, which usually means preparing food so that could take another three hours from each day. Now our 480 hours has dropped to 390.
Still not too shabby, right? Most of us have some sort of job. And most of our bosses don't accept "I'm writing a 50000 word novel in a month" as a reasonable excuse to use up 30 sick days (assuming you even get that many). While I don't work outside the home, my kiddos are still my number one priority, even in the craziness that is NaNoWriMo. Taking care of them means quite a bit of time away from the computer which is totally worth it. I love their little smiles and their games and watching them learn. And, if I wear them out enough, I might be able to trick them into taking a nap! ;) Their dad gets home from work normally at four, but as it is currently track season, he now gets home around six. So, if my kiddos wake up at eight, which is typical for them, and they only have an hour of quiet-time during which I can really write, My 390 hours decreases to 120.
And that doesn't include the days when we have projects to do or places to go. It also doesn't take into consideration that as a personal choice, I don't write on the Sabbath (beyond letters and journaling). Where did all my hours go? I started the month with 720, right?
Time is a fickle thing. We get a certain amount each day, but it's amazing how quickly those hours fill up with activities, sleep, eating, break-time and other things. Finding the time to write can be a struggle. Usually during NaNo months, it means my housework gets neglected in favor of writing time. Yeah, I just took a good look at my house. I'm in for some deep cleaning! But you know, when I think about what I managed to accomplish with everything else stealing away my hours, it's pretty amazing. It's amazing to get to the end of a crazy month with holidays, activities, chores and life's other curveballs and say, "Hey, I wrote 50000 words. When did I do that?"
It's especially amazing when I consider that not only did I get an awesome 50000 word start into the fourth "Charming Academy" book, but I also managed to write another story during the month. One which I will briefly introduce you to tomorrow. I know, I know, the suspense is killin' ya. Sorry. :)
Time seems so broad and so long until you start looking at what you have to fill it up with. That long 720 hours of April disappeared in just a few blinks. Where did it go? It went into my novel. It went into sewing Easter outfits for my sweetheart and son. It went into volunteer projects. It went into Easter egg hunts. And now it's going into some well-earned relaxation.
Then again, looking at my house? Maybe it'll go into some deep cleaning. :)
April 24, 2014
Sunsets and Sneak Peeks
I know, I know, I'm late again. It's time for a short story and as we're still in camp mode, you're getting to see a portion of "Becoming Prince Charming". This is a tough book to write. As I'm sure you've guessed, it is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I'm trying to make sure I find the right balance between the darkness of what has happened to Kaelen and the hope of what can be. This section may leave you asking lots of questions, but they're probably all ones that I can't answer right now. And I can't really give you any background to this scene either because it would give away some major spoilers! In any case, here's the newest section of "Becoming Prince Charming" based around the prompt "sunset". Next week we'll get back into regular short stories that aren't actually a part of something bigger...maybe. ;) Enjoy!
Cedric entered the room as Kaelen was shuddering violently in the bed, growling and snarling. “Master Kaelen? Are you all right?”
“Do I look all right?” he roared.
“You’ve got to fight the beast, sir. Be stronger than he is.”
“I know what I have to do!”
“Then do it! For you, for Gelasia, for all of us. Be strong!”
For long hours Kaelen struggled to regain control. Elsa invisibly brought up trays for lunch and dinner only to take them back later and throw the food out untouched. Cedric stayed in the room guarding the door to prevent the beast from escaping the room. He watched sadly as Kaelen tore apart his bedcovers and smashed furniture. With each passing moment he grew wilder and lost further control. Cedric tried to encourage him, but knew that only Kaelen could pull himself out of the attack. He feared that his master was giving up.
As the sun was setting outside, the episode seemed to subside. Kaelen fell exhausted to the ground, still shuddering and growling. Cedric immediately went to his side and helped Kaelen back onto the remains of his bed. A blue duster entered the room. “Tillie?”
The duster nodded.
“Tillie, go and get some new blankets for Master Kaelen. And please send Elsa up. I believe he is feverish and may need medicine.”
The duster bobbed again before leaving the room.
Cedric looked out the window. Magnificent colors were reflected in the glass and on the snow as the sun dipped farther below the horizon. Scarlet and violet streaked the sky and darkened slowly, burning down like a fire in the hearth. It seemed forever that he sat and watched before he heard soft footsteps in the room. Stars were beginning to dance in the sky as a blanket seemed to unfold itself and cover Kaelen. A bag of medical tools emptied on a nearby table unharmed in Kaelen’s fit. “Is he going to be all right?”
A pad of paper appeared and a note was written. The paper tore itself from the pad and was held out to Cedric
He is feverish and will likely be ill for a few days, maybe longer. The beast’s attack has weakened him tremendously. If he is attacked again tonight, I don’t know that Kaelen will survive it.
“Do you mean that the beast and Kaelen would die?”
The wooden spoon lifted off the table and shook back and forth.
Understanding dawned on Cedric and he murmured, “You mean Kaelen only would die and the beast would remain. How is that possible?”
The wooden spoon slowly bobbed up and down. Another note was written and held out.
The magic that created the beast is incredibly strong. If I understand it correctly, Kaelen and the beast are in reality two different entities. Should Kaelen give up entirely, his essence will die. The beast will remain forever with no one to stop him.
Cedric sighed. “Then I will stay with him tonight and guard him here. If the beast seems to attack, I will do all in my power to force him out. Kaelen must get well again. If not, we are all doomed.”
Cedric entered the room as Kaelen was shuddering violently in the bed, growling and snarling. “Master Kaelen? Are you all right?”
“Do I look all right?” he roared.
“You’ve got to fight the beast, sir. Be stronger than he is.”
“I know what I have to do!”
“Then do it! For you, for Gelasia, for all of us. Be strong!”
For long hours Kaelen struggled to regain control. Elsa invisibly brought up trays for lunch and dinner only to take them back later and throw the food out untouched. Cedric stayed in the room guarding the door to prevent the beast from escaping the room. He watched sadly as Kaelen tore apart his bedcovers and smashed furniture. With each passing moment he grew wilder and lost further control. Cedric tried to encourage him, but knew that only Kaelen could pull himself out of the attack. He feared that his master was giving up.
As the sun was setting outside, the episode seemed to subside. Kaelen fell exhausted to the ground, still shuddering and growling. Cedric immediately went to his side and helped Kaelen back onto the remains of his bed. A blue duster entered the room. “Tillie?”
The duster nodded.
“Tillie, go and get some new blankets for Master Kaelen. And please send Elsa up. I believe he is feverish and may need medicine.”
The duster bobbed again before leaving the room.
Cedric looked out the window. Magnificent colors were reflected in the glass and on the snow as the sun dipped farther below the horizon. Scarlet and violet streaked the sky and darkened slowly, burning down like a fire in the hearth. It seemed forever that he sat and watched before he heard soft footsteps in the room. Stars were beginning to dance in the sky as a blanket seemed to unfold itself and cover Kaelen. A bag of medical tools emptied on a nearby table unharmed in Kaelen’s fit. “Is he going to be all right?”
A pad of paper appeared and a note was written. The paper tore itself from the pad and was held out to Cedric
He is feverish and will likely be ill for a few days, maybe longer. The beast’s attack has weakened him tremendously. If he is attacked again tonight, I don’t know that Kaelen will survive it.
“Do you mean that the beast and Kaelen would die?”
The wooden spoon lifted off the table and shook back and forth.
Understanding dawned on Cedric and he murmured, “You mean Kaelen only would die and the beast would remain. How is that possible?”
The wooden spoon slowly bobbed up and down. Another note was written and held out.
The magic that created the beast is incredibly strong. If I understand it correctly, Kaelen and the beast are in reality two different entities. Should Kaelen give up entirely, his essence will die. The beast will remain forever with no one to stop him.
Cedric sighed. “Then I will stay with him tonight and guard him here. If the beast seems to attack, I will do all in my power to force him out. Kaelen must get well again. If not, we are all doomed.”
April 16, 2014
The Second Miracle
Do you have tissues handy? If not, go get some and then come back. Trust me, you will need them! Easter is one of my favorite holidays. Okay, it's true, I love all holidays. But I love the message of Easter. I love knowing that Jesus Christ lived to show me the way, suffered my pains so He could understand me, died to redeem my soul and lives again to promise eternal life. As many of you probably know, I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The family in this story are also members of the church. For my friends who are not of my faith, I'll briefly explain some of the terms in the story so that you can more fully enjoy it. Primary is like Sunday School for the children of the church between the ages of 18 months and 11 years old. At 12 they graduate to the youth organizations. Sister and Brother are used as titles to refer to anyone in the church. It is simply a title of love and respect. Home Teachers are two men assigned to visit, serve and teach certain families in a congregation. Each family is assigned home teachers and most men in a congregation are assigned as home teachers. Women in the church are assigned as visiting teachers with the responsibility to visit, serve and uplift the women of the congregation. I hope that you will enjoy this story and remember that the greatest miracles of all, are ones of faith. Have a blessed Easter!
Robert walked slowly down the hallways, his shoes echoing on the tile floor. His mother had been begging him to make this trip for a while. Until now he had avoided it. He had never liked hospitals. They filled him with a sense of hopelessness and despair. Hospitals were where people went to die. After washing his hands at the station, he continued on his way. When he reached the door, he paused. She hadn’t seen him yet. He could still leave now and she would never know. He knew it was selfish, but he didn’t want to go into the room.
“Robby? Is that you out there?”
Knowing that he had no alternative, he sighed and tried to smile as he walked inside. The sight of his younger sister sitting in the bed wrenched his heart. Her head was mostly bald with thin patches of short, brown hair and a bright pink headband with a large white flower. “Hi, Sheila. How did you know it was me?”
“Mom said you were going to come visit me today,” the ten-year-old said as he came in.
“Oh. How are you?”
“I can’t complain too much. Look at all the lovely flowers the Primary made for me.” She pointed at a large vase filled with tissue paper and pipe cleaner flowers. “Doesn’t it make it look like springtime in here?”
“Sure,” Robert replied. He sat down in the uncomfortable guest chair next to Sheila’s bed, unsure what to say next.
“Did you know they have an Easter egg hunt here for the children?” she asked after a moment.
“No.”
“They do. Sallie told me that they have one every year.”
“Who’s Sallie?”
“She’s my day nurse. She comes and checks on me a lot. She said that when the weather is warm enough, they have it out in the gardens. But a lot of years it’s too cold, so they do it in the atrium instead.” Sheila frowned for a moment. “What’s an atrium, Robby?”
“It’s kind of like an indoor garden,” he replied.
“Oh. Well I can’t wait! Either way it will be beautiful.” She looked at him and asked, “Are you going to come see me on Easter? Mom said that everyone else is coming, but she wasn’t sure about you. She said you might be too busy with school.”
Guilt gnawed at him as he said, “I don’t know, we’ll see. I have a lot of homework.”
He could see disappointment in Sheila’s eyes for a moment before she smiled again. “Well, you better come. Mom promised to make me a special Easter dress this year like she used to before I got sick. This one is going to be pink with white roses and daisies on it. If you don’t come, you won’t get to see it. Will you come?”
“I’ll try.”
“Good. I want you to be here. Easter is my very favorite holiday. You wanna know why?”
“Because you get to eat lots of candy?”
“No, that’s what makes Halloween so much fun. Easter is my favorite because it’s all about Jesus being resurrected.”
Robert scowled.
“You’re still mad at Him because I got sick, aren’t you?” When he didn’t answer, she continued. “It’s not His fault I got sick. He doesn’t like to see people suffer.”
“Then why hasn’t He made you better?”
“I guess because that’s not in His plan right now. Sister Macksen came this morning and she read to me from the New Testament all the miracles that Jesus did. She said that miracles come in all sorts of different ways. She read to me about the father who brought his son to Jesus because he had an evil spirit. She said there were two miracles in the story. The first miracle was that Jesus healed the boy. Do you know the second miracle?”
“No.”
“The second miracle was that the boy’s father received greater faith. Sister Macksen told me that she doesn’t know what kind of miracles Heavenly Father has planned for me, but that I can have the miracle of increased faith too, just like the boy’s father. Then she read to me about the Atonement. I want to read some of it to you.”
“Sheila, I’m not really in the mood for a scripture story. Maybe some other time.”
“Daddy says that when you’re not in the mood is when you need it the most,” she replied, reaching over to the bedside table and picking up a colorful scripture case. It had once been pink, but she had let all of her visitors sign their names so she could feel like they were with her all the time. There were so many names scribbled in different colors that there was hardly any space left. She opened her Bible and began reading aloud from Matthew.
Robert listened half-heartedly as she read the stories he had heard often as a boy, but now never read. She read to him of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsamane. She read of the trial and crucifixion. Then she read about the empty tomb.
“Robby, do you believe that Jesus was really resurrected?” she asked.
He hesitated. “Sheila, I don’t really know what to believe anymore.”
“I believe He was,” she said. “I believe it with all my soul. When I read these stories, my heart feels big and warm. Mom says that’s what the Spirit feels like. Have you felt that way?” She didn’t wait for him to answer but continued, “I know that because Jesus was resurrected, that I can live again too. I can live with Him and Heavenly Father. I know that because of Him I can be healed, even if not in this life. I know that I can be made whole again, like the miracles in the Bible. I know that our family can be forever because of Him. Robby, life is a miracle because of Jesus. Did you know that? Maybe I got sick so that I could learn from all these people that Jesus loves me,” she said, pointing at the names on her scripture case, “and that because of Him, anything is possible. That’s why Easter is my favorite holiday. I get to spend the whole day thinking of all the things that are possible because Jesus died and lives for me. He did it for you too, Robby. He did it for all of us.”
Robert didn’t say anything. His heart was too full and his emotions had overwhelmed him. Feelings he hadn’t felt in the years since Sheila’s diagnosis surged through him, filling him with peace, hope and faith. His watch beeped and he looked at it. He cleared his throat. “I’ve got to go or I’ll be late for work.”
“So, will you try really hard to come visit me on Easter?” Sheila asked.
“Yeah, I’ll be here.”
“Okay,” she said, reaching her arms out for a hug.
He hold her close. “I love you, Sheila.”
“I love you too, Robby.”
“Thank you for reading to me.” He got up to leave.
“Wait! You haven’t signed my scripture case,” she said, holding out a purple permanent marker and the case.
He looked for a long time to find a clean place to write. Finally spying a semi-open patch on the bottom, he wrote: Thanks for the second miracle, Sheila. Love, Robby
That Sunday the whole family was gathered to celebrate Easter with Sheila. Her condition had worsened and she barely had the strength to participate in the Easter egg hunt. As Robert pushed Sheila through the atrium, helping her to fill her Easter basket, Mom snapped photos at every chance she got. For a moment he watched as the other children scurried around the room collecting plastic eggs filled with goodies. His heart broke for their suffering, but he noted the joy on their faces. Each child was smiling, even Sheila who was feeling weak and tired.
When the Easter egg hunt was over, they went together back upstairs to her room and their father helped her back into her bed. Their home teachers arrived not long after to help Dad give Sheila a blessing of peace and tranquility. They took pictures of the family with Sheila wearing her new, pink Easter dress. After seeing if there was anything else they could do, they signed Sheila’s scripture case and left the family to enjoy their time together.
Then Dad read aloud the same scriptures Sheila had read earlier that week during Robert’s visit. He led them in family prayer and they sat together and talked quietly. Sheila laughed and smiled, telling each of her brothers and sisters that she loved them. They talked about their memories and the trip they had taken just last summer to see the Salt Lake City temple as Sheila’s wish. “We are a forever family, just like the song says,” Sheila said. “We’ll always be together.”
As the sun began to set outside, Sheila slipped peacefully into eternity. With broken hearts, the family said their final farewell. Robert picked up the pink scripture case near Sheila’s bed as nurses came in to help the family. As he turned it over, he noticed a note pinned to the case next to his. Tears filled his eyes as he read his sister’s final message.
Dear Robby, the second miracle is my favorite. Don’t forget the real meaning of Easter. It’s more than bunnies and candy. Easter is all about how Jesus lived, died and now lives again for me, for you and for everyone. Because of Him, all things are possible. I hope you’ll go on a mission soon to share the second miracle with others. You’re stronger than you think. I love you and will see you in eternity! Forever your sister, Sheila
Robert walked slowly down the hallways, his shoes echoing on the tile floor. His mother had been begging him to make this trip for a while. Until now he had avoided it. He had never liked hospitals. They filled him with a sense of hopelessness and despair. Hospitals were where people went to die. After washing his hands at the station, he continued on his way. When he reached the door, he paused. She hadn’t seen him yet. He could still leave now and she would never know. He knew it was selfish, but he didn’t want to go into the room.
“Robby? Is that you out there?”
Knowing that he had no alternative, he sighed and tried to smile as he walked inside. The sight of his younger sister sitting in the bed wrenched his heart. Her head was mostly bald with thin patches of short, brown hair and a bright pink headband with a large white flower. “Hi, Sheila. How did you know it was me?”
“Mom said you were going to come visit me today,” the ten-year-old said as he came in.
“Oh. How are you?”
“I can’t complain too much. Look at all the lovely flowers the Primary made for me.” She pointed at a large vase filled with tissue paper and pipe cleaner flowers. “Doesn’t it make it look like springtime in here?”
“Sure,” Robert replied. He sat down in the uncomfortable guest chair next to Sheila’s bed, unsure what to say next.
“Did you know they have an Easter egg hunt here for the children?” she asked after a moment.
“No.”
“They do. Sallie told me that they have one every year.”
“Who’s Sallie?”
“She’s my day nurse. She comes and checks on me a lot. She said that when the weather is warm enough, they have it out in the gardens. But a lot of years it’s too cold, so they do it in the atrium instead.” Sheila frowned for a moment. “What’s an atrium, Robby?”
“It’s kind of like an indoor garden,” he replied.
“Oh. Well I can’t wait! Either way it will be beautiful.” She looked at him and asked, “Are you going to come see me on Easter? Mom said that everyone else is coming, but she wasn’t sure about you. She said you might be too busy with school.”
Guilt gnawed at him as he said, “I don’t know, we’ll see. I have a lot of homework.”
He could see disappointment in Sheila’s eyes for a moment before she smiled again. “Well, you better come. Mom promised to make me a special Easter dress this year like she used to before I got sick. This one is going to be pink with white roses and daisies on it. If you don’t come, you won’t get to see it. Will you come?”
“I’ll try.”
“Good. I want you to be here. Easter is my very favorite holiday. You wanna know why?”
“Because you get to eat lots of candy?”
“No, that’s what makes Halloween so much fun. Easter is my favorite because it’s all about Jesus being resurrected.”
Robert scowled.
“You’re still mad at Him because I got sick, aren’t you?” When he didn’t answer, she continued. “It’s not His fault I got sick. He doesn’t like to see people suffer.”
“Then why hasn’t He made you better?”
“I guess because that’s not in His plan right now. Sister Macksen came this morning and she read to me from the New Testament all the miracles that Jesus did. She said that miracles come in all sorts of different ways. She read to me about the father who brought his son to Jesus because he had an evil spirit. She said there were two miracles in the story. The first miracle was that Jesus healed the boy. Do you know the second miracle?”
“No.”
“The second miracle was that the boy’s father received greater faith. Sister Macksen told me that she doesn’t know what kind of miracles Heavenly Father has planned for me, but that I can have the miracle of increased faith too, just like the boy’s father. Then she read to me about the Atonement. I want to read some of it to you.”
“Sheila, I’m not really in the mood for a scripture story. Maybe some other time.”
“Daddy says that when you’re not in the mood is when you need it the most,” she replied, reaching over to the bedside table and picking up a colorful scripture case. It had once been pink, but she had let all of her visitors sign their names so she could feel like they were with her all the time. There were so many names scribbled in different colors that there was hardly any space left. She opened her Bible and began reading aloud from Matthew.
Robert listened half-heartedly as she read the stories he had heard often as a boy, but now never read. She read to him of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsamane. She read of the trial and crucifixion. Then she read about the empty tomb.
“Robby, do you believe that Jesus was really resurrected?” she asked.
He hesitated. “Sheila, I don’t really know what to believe anymore.”
“I believe He was,” she said. “I believe it with all my soul. When I read these stories, my heart feels big and warm. Mom says that’s what the Spirit feels like. Have you felt that way?” She didn’t wait for him to answer but continued, “I know that because Jesus was resurrected, that I can live again too. I can live with Him and Heavenly Father. I know that because of Him I can be healed, even if not in this life. I know that I can be made whole again, like the miracles in the Bible. I know that our family can be forever because of Him. Robby, life is a miracle because of Jesus. Did you know that? Maybe I got sick so that I could learn from all these people that Jesus loves me,” she said, pointing at the names on her scripture case, “and that because of Him, anything is possible. That’s why Easter is my favorite holiday. I get to spend the whole day thinking of all the things that are possible because Jesus died and lives for me. He did it for you too, Robby. He did it for all of us.”
Robert didn’t say anything. His heart was too full and his emotions had overwhelmed him. Feelings he hadn’t felt in the years since Sheila’s diagnosis surged through him, filling him with peace, hope and faith. His watch beeped and he looked at it. He cleared his throat. “I’ve got to go or I’ll be late for work.”
“So, will you try really hard to come visit me on Easter?” Sheila asked.
“Yeah, I’ll be here.”
“Okay,” she said, reaching her arms out for a hug.
He hold her close. “I love you, Sheila.”
“I love you too, Robby.”
“Thank you for reading to me.” He got up to leave.
“Wait! You haven’t signed my scripture case,” she said, holding out a purple permanent marker and the case.
He looked for a long time to find a clean place to write. Finally spying a semi-open patch on the bottom, he wrote: Thanks for the second miracle, Sheila. Love, Robby
That Sunday the whole family was gathered to celebrate Easter with Sheila. Her condition had worsened and she barely had the strength to participate in the Easter egg hunt. As Robert pushed Sheila through the atrium, helping her to fill her Easter basket, Mom snapped photos at every chance she got. For a moment he watched as the other children scurried around the room collecting plastic eggs filled with goodies. His heart broke for their suffering, but he noted the joy on their faces. Each child was smiling, even Sheila who was feeling weak and tired.
When the Easter egg hunt was over, they went together back upstairs to her room and their father helped her back into her bed. Their home teachers arrived not long after to help Dad give Sheila a blessing of peace and tranquility. They took pictures of the family with Sheila wearing her new, pink Easter dress. After seeing if there was anything else they could do, they signed Sheila’s scripture case and left the family to enjoy their time together.
Then Dad read aloud the same scriptures Sheila had read earlier that week during Robert’s visit. He led them in family prayer and they sat together and talked quietly. Sheila laughed and smiled, telling each of her brothers and sisters that she loved them. They talked about their memories and the trip they had taken just last summer to see the Salt Lake City temple as Sheila’s wish. “We are a forever family, just like the song says,” Sheila said. “We’ll always be together.”
As the sun began to set outside, Sheila slipped peacefully into eternity. With broken hearts, the family said their final farewell. Robert picked up the pink scripture case near Sheila’s bed as nurses came in to help the family. As he turned it over, he noticed a note pinned to the case next to his. Tears filled his eyes as he read his sister’s final message.
Dear Robby, the second miracle is my favorite. Don’t forget the real meaning of Easter. It’s more than bunnies and candy. Easter is all about how Jesus lived, died and now lives again for me, for you and for everyone. Because of Him, all things are possible. I hope you’ll go on a mission soon to share the second miracle with others. You’re stronger than you think. I love you and will see you in eternity! Forever your sister, Sheila
April 9, 2014
Challenge Accepted!
I'm still busy plugging away at my Camp NaNoWriMo novel, the fourth book in the Charming Academy series. Having a busy weekend put me behind in my word count, so I'm spending today getting caught up. The prompt for today was "low-angle" (remember this started off as a photography challenge) and I've tried to use the effect of low-angle in parts of this scene. It's not always easy translating these photography challenges into writing, but I enjoy a good challenge. And just for some fun, I brought back a character we haven't seen since the first book. Enjoy this little clip from "Becoming Prince Charming". Next week you'll get an Easter story. I'll warn you now, bring tissues!
One day after the first snowfall, a familiar, hot pink fairy stopped at the manor. Gelasia embraced her in a warm hug. “Laria, dear, it is so very good to see you.”
“And you, Gelasia,” Laria replied, shaking snow out of her short-cropped hair. “When I saw that there was mail addressed to you and to Kaelen, I asked if I could come and deliver it myself. How’s he doing?”
Gelasia frowned. “This is very hard on him. It might be good for him to see a familiar face. I believe he’s in the office right now. Follow me.”
The two walked together down the hall, chatting about the school and how things were going. Laria told Gelasia about the students and said, “Calista really misses you right now. The new etiquette teacher is good, but she doesn’t quite have your touch.”
“Who do they have?”
“Pomona Appleblossom. She’s really sweet and knows her stuff, but she’s…”
“Young,” Gelasia finished for her. “Yes, I remember Pomona. She’ll be an excellent teacher. Within a few years I’m sure she’ll be settled and she will find that special touch. It’s not something unique to me. It’s something that comes to you with experience.”
Laria smiled, “I’ll let her know. She gets discouraged sometimes because she knows she isn’t you. And let’s see, oh, Theodora is becoming a little spitfire these days. It’s all Raphael and Honoria can do to keep her out of mischief.”
Gelasia laughed as she thought of the young fairy who had been born during Kaelen’s second year in school. “Yes, she would be reaching that age. I’m sure things will only become more interesting. What has she been doing?”
“Well, her magic is starting to blossom, so they find her in the most unusual places. She’s been found in the library pulling all the books out of order, in the kitchen making the fruits and vegetables fly, out with Diana’s hunting hounds playing fetch, just a bunch of different things. It seems, though, that she has a knack for animal magic; she’s always going out to the stables. Phillipa told me the other day that they had to search for her nearly all night when she took one of the stable ponies and disappeared. They finally found her in the middle of a pasture just talking to the pony and jabbering away.”
“How interesting, neither of her parents are particularly gifted with animals. But on the other hand, I do seem to remember that her great-grandmother was able to speak with dogs and taught hunting for several years focusing on building unity with your hound. It will certainly be interesting to see how this talent develops.”
They reached the study and Gelasia knocked on the closed door. Soon Kaelen came out with a scowl. “What?” he demanded.
Laria was surprised to see him that way. He towered over them, making her feel small and powerless. His head nearly reached the top of the door frame and he glowered down at them, his fur bristling, which only added to his fearsome size. As he looked at her his eyes flickered, as though he were having trouble remembering who she was and whether or not she was an enemy.
“Kaelen, dear, we have a visitor. Laria has very graciously brought our mail to us from Charming Academy. Won’t you say hello to her?”
He bent down to look closer at her. She tried not to allow her fear to show. This is Kaelen, she told herself. He’s just not acting like himself.
“Hello, Laria,” he growled at last, recognition showing in his face. “I hope that your travels were safe.”
“Quite safe, thank you. I’ve missed seeing you at school, so I jumped at the opportunity to bring these letters to you.”
“Letters for me?” His voice softened and he looked at the bundle she had in her hand. He seemed to shrink a little, as though the letters had somehow made him remember the prince he was on the inside.
“Yes, they’re from your friends at Charming Academy. They’ve missed you and Lucian asked me to say hi for him.”
He bristled again, turning the bundle of letters over in his paws. “Why, all of a sudden, did they think they needed to write?”
“Dear, your friends are gentlemen. I’m sure they’ve missed you,” Gelasia said.
“Then why not write sooner?” he demanded, growing once again to fill the doorway.
“I’m sure they’re quite busy with school and have been meaning to for some time. Why not just be glad that they were able to spare a few moments for you?”
“You had something to do with this, didn’t you?” he snarled.
“Kaelen, I do unfortunately have other deliveries I need to make,” Laria interrupted. “Why don’t you take the letters and see what your friends are up to? Shall I say hello to them for you when I am next there?”
She watched as there seemed to be an internal struggle. His emotions ranged from anger and hatred to bitter sorrow and pain. “Yes,” he said at length. “Tell them hi for me.” Then he hesitated. “Tell them I miss them.”
“I’ll do that, Kaelen. Have a good afternoon.”
He growled.
“Kaelen,” Gelasia warned.
“You too,” he told her. Then he slammed the door of the office behind him, leaving the two fairies outside.
Laria frowned and looked at Gelasia, tears in her eyes. “Will he be all right?”
“Of course he will,” Gelasia said with confidence. “He just needs something to tie him down to who he really is.”
“You asked the boys to write, didn’t you?”
Gelasia nodded. “Kaelen needs support in all this. He can’t get it just from me or the few servants that haven’t left him.”
“Well I won’t abandon him. Anytime there is mail for either of you, I’ll bring it around myself. That way there will be some connection for him. I’ll do whatever I can to help you with this, Gelasia. I daresay this will be the hardest thing you’ve ever required of yourself.”
“Probably,” Gelasia admitted. “Well, I’m sure you must be busy. I’ll see you to the door.”
They walked in silence and just as Laria was about to leave, she suddenly turned around again. “I almost forgot. This letter came for you with instructions that you be the only one to see it.” She handed Gelasia an envelope with familiar handwriting.
“Lucian,” Gelasia beamed. “I knew he wouldn’t let me down.”
“I’ll give the boys your love when next I see them. Take care of Kaelen and of yourself. Hopefully you’ll see me again soon.”
“And you, my dear.” Gelasia said, hugging Laria again. “Safe travels.”
Laria waved and then flittered away as Gelasia went to her room to read Lucian’s response.
One day after the first snowfall, a familiar, hot pink fairy stopped at the manor. Gelasia embraced her in a warm hug. “Laria, dear, it is so very good to see you.”
“And you, Gelasia,” Laria replied, shaking snow out of her short-cropped hair. “When I saw that there was mail addressed to you and to Kaelen, I asked if I could come and deliver it myself. How’s he doing?”
Gelasia frowned. “This is very hard on him. It might be good for him to see a familiar face. I believe he’s in the office right now. Follow me.”
The two walked together down the hall, chatting about the school and how things were going. Laria told Gelasia about the students and said, “Calista really misses you right now. The new etiquette teacher is good, but she doesn’t quite have your touch.”
“Who do they have?”
“Pomona Appleblossom. She’s really sweet and knows her stuff, but she’s…”
“Young,” Gelasia finished for her. “Yes, I remember Pomona. She’ll be an excellent teacher. Within a few years I’m sure she’ll be settled and she will find that special touch. It’s not something unique to me. It’s something that comes to you with experience.”
Laria smiled, “I’ll let her know. She gets discouraged sometimes because she knows she isn’t you. And let’s see, oh, Theodora is becoming a little spitfire these days. It’s all Raphael and Honoria can do to keep her out of mischief.”
Gelasia laughed as she thought of the young fairy who had been born during Kaelen’s second year in school. “Yes, she would be reaching that age. I’m sure things will only become more interesting. What has she been doing?”
“Well, her magic is starting to blossom, so they find her in the most unusual places. She’s been found in the library pulling all the books out of order, in the kitchen making the fruits and vegetables fly, out with Diana’s hunting hounds playing fetch, just a bunch of different things. It seems, though, that she has a knack for animal magic; she’s always going out to the stables. Phillipa told me the other day that they had to search for her nearly all night when she took one of the stable ponies and disappeared. They finally found her in the middle of a pasture just talking to the pony and jabbering away.”
“How interesting, neither of her parents are particularly gifted with animals. But on the other hand, I do seem to remember that her great-grandmother was able to speak with dogs and taught hunting for several years focusing on building unity with your hound. It will certainly be interesting to see how this talent develops.”
They reached the study and Gelasia knocked on the closed door. Soon Kaelen came out with a scowl. “What?” he demanded.
Laria was surprised to see him that way. He towered over them, making her feel small and powerless. His head nearly reached the top of the door frame and he glowered down at them, his fur bristling, which only added to his fearsome size. As he looked at her his eyes flickered, as though he were having trouble remembering who she was and whether or not she was an enemy.
“Kaelen, dear, we have a visitor. Laria has very graciously brought our mail to us from Charming Academy. Won’t you say hello to her?”
He bent down to look closer at her. She tried not to allow her fear to show. This is Kaelen, she told herself. He’s just not acting like himself.
“Hello, Laria,” he growled at last, recognition showing in his face. “I hope that your travels were safe.”
“Quite safe, thank you. I’ve missed seeing you at school, so I jumped at the opportunity to bring these letters to you.”
“Letters for me?” His voice softened and he looked at the bundle she had in her hand. He seemed to shrink a little, as though the letters had somehow made him remember the prince he was on the inside.
“Yes, they’re from your friends at Charming Academy. They’ve missed you and Lucian asked me to say hi for him.”
He bristled again, turning the bundle of letters over in his paws. “Why, all of a sudden, did they think they needed to write?”
“Dear, your friends are gentlemen. I’m sure they’ve missed you,” Gelasia said.
“Then why not write sooner?” he demanded, growing once again to fill the doorway.
“I’m sure they’re quite busy with school and have been meaning to for some time. Why not just be glad that they were able to spare a few moments for you?”
“You had something to do with this, didn’t you?” he snarled.
“Kaelen, I do unfortunately have other deliveries I need to make,” Laria interrupted. “Why don’t you take the letters and see what your friends are up to? Shall I say hello to them for you when I am next there?”
She watched as there seemed to be an internal struggle. His emotions ranged from anger and hatred to bitter sorrow and pain. “Yes,” he said at length. “Tell them hi for me.” Then he hesitated. “Tell them I miss them.”
“I’ll do that, Kaelen. Have a good afternoon.”
He growled.
“Kaelen,” Gelasia warned.
“You too,” he told her. Then he slammed the door of the office behind him, leaving the two fairies outside.
Laria frowned and looked at Gelasia, tears in her eyes. “Will he be all right?”
“Of course he will,” Gelasia said with confidence. “He just needs something to tie him down to who he really is.”
“You asked the boys to write, didn’t you?”
Gelasia nodded. “Kaelen needs support in all this. He can’t get it just from me or the few servants that haven’t left him.”
“Well I won’t abandon him. Anytime there is mail for either of you, I’ll bring it around myself. That way there will be some connection for him. I’ll do whatever I can to help you with this, Gelasia. I daresay this will be the hardest thing you’ve ever required of yourself.”
“Probably,” Gelasia admitted. “Well, I’m sure you must be busy. I’ll see you to the door.”
They walked in silence and just as Laria was about to leave, she suddenly turned around again. “I almost forgot. This letter came for you with instructions that you be the only one to see it.” She handed Gelasia an envelope with familiar handwriting.
“Lucian,” Gelasia beamed. “I knew he wouldn’t let me down.”
“I’ll give the boys your love when next I see them. Take care of Kaelen and of yourself. Hopefully you’ll see me again soon.”
“And you, my dear.” Gelasia said, hugging Laria again. “Safe travels.”
Laria waved and then flittered away as Gelasia went to her room to read Lucian’s response.
April 8, 2014
Picking Up and Dusting Off
So yesterday was my first attempt at a library event. I say attempt because no one showed up. Well, no one but the librarians who were off-duty at the time. So I had a grand total of two people, three if you count my camera-toting, awesomely supportive husband (which I totally think he counts). While I enjoyed chatting with the librarians for an hour, trying to give time for late-comers to appear, I'm not gonna lie: my pride is a little wounded. Not I'm-going-to-quit-trying devastated. Just wounded.
You see, I believe that God has given everyone certain gifts and talents and mine is storytelling. I'm not the best storyteller and there is plenty of room for me to improve. There always will be. But I am a good storyteller and I'm passionate about it. That's why a no-show library event isn't going to pull me down. At least, not down enough to quit. When you really want something, you have to really work for it. My parents taught me that. And my father was always good at reminding me that the things that are the most worthwhile are never easy.
That must mean that writing is definitely worthwhile because this has not been easy for a moment. I admit, I was nervous about asking the library if they'd be willing to host some sort event for me and my books. Our awesome librarians were thrilled and helped look for a date that we hoped would be enough between all the busyness to allow for attendance. I prepared with excitement and enthusiasm, eager to share my passion for writing and good books with our little community. My sweetie and I got a sitter to watch the kiddos so that I could discuss my books and answer questions without distraction from my cuties. We loaded up our book inventory and went to the library. Together we set out the books, prepared flyers for people wanting more information and got the room set up the way we wanted it.
And no one showed. The librarians were disappointed. I was disappointed. A lot of preparation had gone to waste and not just on my part, but on the library's as well. The librarians had set up the chairs and gotten tables out for me. They'd printed flyers and posted them at various businesses in town (I was beginning to feel like America's Most Wanted!). They even got an announcement onto the digital billboard in town (Do you know how awesome it is to see your name in lights?). All so that we could have a long chat about what more we could do to promote reading and my books.
Granted, I refuse to look at the night as a failure. I was able to talk about how I could help promote reading and literacy in our community. We discussed a plan to have a weekly reading group (or start a book club) where I could read aloud from my books and help reluctant and struggling readers discover the magic of a good book. I told them that I had entered the Kansas Voices contest and am eagerly waiting to hear if I've placed at all. I also told them that I'm working on a book which should hopefully be done in May and suggested we do a release event. My sweet husband knew that I was disappointed and even a little discouraged. He said, "Hey, think of it this way. When you are famous, this will be a great bit of trivia. 'Which famous author had zero attendance at her first library event?'" It was a successful evening. I was still able to share my passion with someone. Did it go as I had planned? No. But I still was able to do something. The only way I could have failed last night would have been for me to be the no-show.
My dear reading friends, I know that life is busy. I know that we all have demands on our time and energy. Lord knows I don't get to everything I want to in a day. I also recognize that many of you live in other towns and other states. I understand that and I wish that I could come out to each of your towns and states to share my passion with your communities. But I've got to start somewhere and home seems the best place to start. This little town is my home now. And maybe someday they'll have a sign, "Home of famous author Jessica L. Elliott".
Until then, I'll just keep trying. I'm not a quitter. I'm not one to back down when the going gets tough. But, I do need support. I need to know that you've got my back. I need to know that I'm not fighting an uphill battle alone. I need to know that there are people out there who share my passion. I need reminders that the hardest things are often the most worthwhile.
I'm letting you know now that I am pushing the release date of "50K" back into June in order to schedule a release party with the library. School will be out and hopefully we'll be able to get some people to come. My question is, can I count on seeing you there? I know that for those of you out of state, this is probably impossible and I understand. But for those of you in-state, would you be willing to try? I know I live in a small town and there's not a whole lot out here. But it would mean a lot to me to see you here.
Last night was not a failure, but it did tell me that I've got to try even harder. This is one part of that effort. If I keep you updated on when this event will take place, will you try to make it out for it? Life happens and I understand that completely. But I'd really like to have better attendance at my next event. If you are willing to try or you have any ideas for me, make a comment below or on my Facebook page.
You see, I believe that God has given everyone certain gifts and talents and mine is storytelling. I'm not the best storyteller and there is plenty of room for me to improve. There always will be. But I am a good storyteller and I'm passionate about it. That's why a no-show library event isn't going to pull me down. At least, not down enough to quit. When you really want something, you have to really work for it. My parents taught me that. And my father was always good at reminding me that the things that are the most worthwhile are never easy.
That must mean that writing is definitely worthwhile because this has not been easy for a moment. I admit, I was nervous about asking the library if they'd be willing to host some sort event for me and my books. Our awesome librarians were thrilled and helped look for a date that we hoped would be enough between all the busyness to allow for attendance. I prepared with excitement and enthusiasm, eager to share my passion for writing and good books with our little community. My sweetie and I got a sitter to watch the kiddos so that I could discuss my books and answer questions without distraction from my cuties. We loaded up our book inventory and went to the library. Together we set out the books, prepared flyers for people wanting more information and got the room set up the way we wanted it.
And no one showed. The librarians were disappointed. I was disappointed. A lot of preparation had gone to waste and not just on my part, but on the library's as well. The librarians had set up the chairs and gotten tables out for me. They'd printed flyers and posted them at various businesses in town (I was beginning to feel like America's Most Wanted!). They even got an announcement onto the digital billboard in town (Do you know how awesome it is to see your name in lights?). All so that we could have a long chat about what more we could do to promote reading and my books.
Granted, I refuse to look at the night as a failure. I was able to talk about how I could help promote reading and literacy in our community. We discussed a plan to have a weekly reading group (or start a book club) where I could read aloud from my books and help reluctant and struggling readers discover the magic of a good book. I told them that I had entered the Kansas Voices contest and am eagerly waiting to hear if I've placed at all. I also told them that I'm working on a book which should hopefully be done in May and suggested we do a release event. My sweet husband knew that I was disappointed and even a little discouraged. He said, "Hey, think of it this way. When you are famous, this will be a great bit of trivia. 'Which famous author had zero attendance at her first library event?'" It was a successful evening. I was still able to share my passion with someone. Did it go as I had planned? No. But I still was able to do something. The only way I could have failed last night would have been for me to be the no-show.
My dear reading friends, I know that life is busy. I know that we all have demands on our time and energy. Lord knows I don't get to everything I want to in a day. I also recognize that many of you live in other towns and other states. I understand that and I wish that I could come out to each of your towns and states to share my passion with your communities. But I've got to start somewhere and home seems the best place to start. This little town is my home now. And maybe someday they'll have a sign, "Home of famous author Jessica L. Elliott".
Until then, I'll just keep trying. I'm not a quitter. I'm not one to back down when the going gets tough. But, I do need support. I need to know that you've got my back. I need to know that I'm not fighting an uphill battle alone. I need to know that there are people out there who share my passion. I need reminders that the hardest things are often the most worthwhile.
I'm letting you know now that I am pushing the release date of "50K" back into June in order to schedule a release party with the library. School will be out and hopefully we'll be able to get some people to come. My question is, can I count on seeing you there? I know that for those of you out of state, this is probably impossible and I understand. But for those of you in-state, would you be willing to try? I know I live in a small town and there's not a whole lot out here. But it would mean a lot to me to see you here.
Last night was not a failure, but it did tell me that I've got to try even harder. This is one part of that effort. If I keep you updated on when this event will take place, will you try to make it out for it? Life happens and I understand that completely. But I'd really like to have better attendance at my next event. If you are willing to try or you have any ideas for me, make a comment below or on my Facebook page.
April 2, 2014
Camp and Shadows
Camp NaNoWriMo has started which means I am busily writing the next book in the Charming Academy series, "Becoming Prince Charming". I still want to do my weekly stories, but in order to devote as much time as possible into my two writing projects, I'll be using the prompts (with the exception of the Easter prompt) within the books I am working on. This week the prompt is "shadows" so here is a sneak peek for you from my newest book. To set the stage, Kaelen is being shown about the house his uncle, Maximillion, is letting him stay at while he waits to find the princess true at heart. Next week we'll have a "low-angle" story.
He led them back out of the room and through the rest of the house showing them the dining room, ballroom, the study and office and several guest bedrooms. “This,” he said as they reached the final room, “is the master bedroom. I’ve had it prepared for your use, Kaelen.”
Kaelen walked inside. The room was shrouded in darkness, the only light coming from the hallway. Long shadows pulled away from the small path of light. “I can’t see anything.”
Maximillion sighed. “I told them to open the curtains. Give me a moment.” He walked past Kaelen and into the room. His steps echoed against the wood floors and there was a sudden rushing sound as he pulled back the curtains from one of the windows.
As light flooded the room, the darkness fled and Kaelen watched the shadows shrink. Furbished in cherry wood with hunter green walls there was an air of masculine elegance in the large bedroom. He walked around the room as Maximillion continued tying back curtains, more shadows fleeing from the new brightness. He paused by the four poster bed and pulled back the gold-trimmed green curtain. Matching green and gold bedding beckoned to him, reminding him how tired he was after his journey.
“I’m sure you and Gelasia are in need of rest. I shall have lunch served at one o’clock so you may have time to rest beforehand. After that I shall take my leave for a while.”
“When will you come again?”
Maximillion frowned. “Kaelen, I can’t come often. I wish I could. I hate to leave you alone. But I haven’t come out to the summer house regularly since Sheila died and that has been some years past. I will try to come again in the fall or winter, but it will depend much upon the weather and what I have going on at home.”
“I see.” Kaelen tried to hide his disappointment.
“I’ll write to you often. And don’t worry; I will come again to visit. I won’t abandon you like your parents did.”
“You mean my mother,” Kaelen corrected, thinking back to the hopeful moment the day before when his father had stood up to her.
He looked at his large paw, remembering his father taking it in his hands saying, “Kaelen, I’m sorry that it’s had to be this way. When you complete your quest, come home. I know we’ve been awful. But, please, come home.”
“Well, yes,”Maximillion said, breaking Kaelen’s thoughts, “Angelique was more at fault than was Roland. In any case, you need rest. I will send my personal valet to wake you when lunch is ready. Gelasia, if you’d like I will escort you back to your room.”
“Thank you, Maximillion, but I do believe I can manage on my own,” she said sweetly. “I’m sure you have matters to attend to.”
“Unfortunately I do. I’ll see you both at lunch then.”
When the two had left the room, Kaelen flopped down onto the bed. As he stared at the shadows on the top cover of the bed, they seemed to take on the shapes of people and his mind took him back to the day before. A day when he should have been getting ready to travel with his friend Lucian to their home in Maltisten. He closed his eyes, hoping to make the memories disappear, but instead the shadows continued in his mind as though they had become a dream.
A shadowy version of himself was in his room at Charming Academy, sitting by the window and thinking of what he was going to need for the summer. A letter for his sister was in his hand, waiting for the right moment to deliver it. A knock at the door made him turn. “Come in,” the shadow Kaelen said.
To his horror, his mother appeared in the doorway with Anna in hand. “I knew it!” she hissed. She turned on her heel and started dragging Anna down the stairs, shadowy wisps of hair waving behind her. “You’ve lied to us!” she shrieked. “I knew I should have taken Anna from that school. Liars!”
“Wait, don’t take Anna from school.” Kaelen came barreling down the stairs after Queen Angelique. Darkness seemed to surround him as the shadows of his mother and sister continued to pul away from him.
“Don’t speak to me, you animal!” Angelique shrieked.
“I’ll go. Don’t punish Anna, it’s not her fault. I lied, I made the mistake.” His voice fell as hurt filled his face and expression. “I was wrong in thinking you could ever learn to love me again. Please, don’t hurt Anna by taking her away from school and the people she cares most about. I’ll leave, I give you my word.”
“The word of a beast!” Angelique’s shadowy eyes flashed with a cold light.
“The word of a gentleman,” Kaelen said, standing as tall as he could, though he felt small and helpless. “I’ll gather my things and leave this very night. Please, Anna needs to finish school.”
Another shadowy figure appeared, his father. “Angelique,” Roland began.
“Quiet,” she hissed.
A flash of anger passed over the king’s face and, for the first time in many years, he stood his ground. “No, Angelique. You listen to me. Anna will finish school. Kaelen has given us his word and I believe him.”
“You would. I’ll not have my daughter attending that school.”
“You will.”
Angelique stared at him. “I beg your pardon?”
“I’m still Anna’s father and I am the one responsible for her education,” he continued, his voice becoming stronger with every word. “Anna will finish her schooling at Fair Damsels Academy if I have to write her off as a ward of the school.”
“You wouldn’t dare…”
“Oh wouldn’t I? I’ll not take one more moment of your bitterness and hatred, do you hear me? Not one more word of it. Anna will go to Fair Damsels and Kaelen will be true to his word. I taught him better than to give his word of honor as a falsehood. I will stand by my son and trust him to make the right choice. You will learn your place.”
Angelique’s shadowy face flickered, turning white and then furious red in a matter of moments. She became aware of the crowd that had gathered and pulled herself together. “Very well, it shall be as you wish,” she hissed. She then grabbed Anna’s hand once again and started pulling her towards the door. “Come, we’re leaving.”
Roland turned to Kaelen and took his large paw in his hands. Kaelen could feel warmth and love in them as well as a slight trembling in the shadows. “Kaelen, I’m sorry that it’s had to be this way. When you complete your quest, come home. I know we’ve been awful. But, please, come home.”
Tears filled Kaelen’s eyes. He couldn’t speak, but merely nodded. He heard his mother shout for his father again and watched as Roland followed out of the castle, a new strength in his stride.
“Sire?” a voice interrupted his dream.
Kaelen started awake, ashamed to feel tears running down his face. “What do you want?” he growled.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, sire,” a strange man said. “But I was asked by Master Maximillion to come and wake you for lunch.”
Trying to dry his eyes without being noticed, Kaelen replied, “Very well.”
“I could tell him that you are out of sorts and would prefer to dine alone,” the man said, his voice kind and understanding.
“No, thank you, I will join him. Tell him I will only be a few moments.”
“Very good, Master Kaelen.” The valet bowed and turned from the room.
Kaelen lay back for a moment, the shadows on the bed motionless. The shadowy dream of his memory had unnerved him. He shook his head and sat up again. “I’m just tired,” he grumbled. Rising, he closed the curtain of the bed, shrouding it in darkness before leaving the room and heading downstairs.
He led them back out of the room and through the rest of the house showing them the dining room, ballroom, the study and office and several guest bedrooms. “This,” he said as they reached the final room, “is the master bedroom. I’ve had it prepared for your use, Kaelen.”
Kaelen walked inside. The room was shrouded in darkness, the only light coming from the hallway. Long shadows pulled away from the small path of light. “I can’t see anything.”
Maximillion sighed. “I told them to open the curtains. Give me a moment.” He walked past Kaelen and into the room. His steps echoed against the wood floors and there was a sudden rushing sound as he pulled back the curtains from one of the windows.
As light flooded the room, the darkness fled and Kaelen watched the shadows shrink. Furbished in cherry wood with hunter green walls there was an air of masculine elegance in the large bedroom. He walked around the room as Maximillion continued tying back curtains, more shadows fleeing from the new brightness. He paused by the four poster bed and pulled back the gold-trimmed green curtain. Matching green and gold bedding beckoned to him, reminding him how tired he was after his journey.
“I’m sure you and Gelasia are in need of rest. I shall have lunch served at one o’clock so you may have time to rest beforehand. After that I shall take my leave for a while.”
“When will you come again?”
Maximillion frowned. “Kaelen, I can’t come often. I wish I could. I hate to leave you alone. But I haven’t come out to the summer house regularly since Sheila died and that has been some years past. I will try to come again in the fall or winter, but it will depend much upon the weather and what I have going on at home.”
“I see.” Kaelen tried to hide his disappointment.
“I’ll write to you often. And don’t worry; I will come again to visit. I won’t abandon you like your parents did.”
“You mean my mother,” Kaelen corrected, thinking back to the hopeful moment the day before when his father had stood up to her.
He looked at his large paw, remembering his father taking it in his hands saying, “Kaelen, I’m sorry that it’s had to be this way. When you complete your quest, come home. I know we’ve been awful. But, please, come home.”
“Well, yes,”Maximillion said, breaking Kaelen’s thoughts, “Angelique was more at fault than was Roland. In any case, you need rest. I will send my personal valet to wake you when lunch is ready. Gelasia, if you’d like I will escort you back to your room.”
“Thank you, Maximillion, but I do believe I can manage on my own,” she said sweetly. “I’m sure you have matters to attend to.”
“Unfortunately I do. I’ll see you both at lunch then.”
When the two had left the room, Kaelen flopped down onto the bed. As he stared at the shadows on the top cover of the bed, they seemed to take on the shapes of people and his mind took him back to the day before. A day when he should have been getting ready to travel with his friend Lucian to their home in Maltisten. He closed his eyes, hoping to make the memories disappear, but instead the shadows continued in his mind as though they had become a dream.
A shadowy version of himself was in his room at Charming Academy, sitting by the window and thinking of what he was going to need for the summer. A letter for his sister was in his hand, waiting for the right moment to deliver it. A knock at the door made him turn. “Come in,” the shadow Kaelen said.
To his horror, his mother appeared in the doorway with Anna in hand. “I knew it!” she hissed. She turned on her heel and started dragging Anna down the stairs, shadowy wisps of hair waving behind her. “You’ve lied to us!” she shrieked. “I knew I should have taken Anna from that school. Liars!”
“Wait, don’t take Anna from school.” Kaelen came barreling down the stairs after Queen Angelique. Darkness seemed to surround him as the shadows of his mother and sister continued to pul away from him.
“Don’t speak to me, you animal!” Angelique shrieked.
“I’ll go. Don’t punish Anna, it’s not her fault. I lied, I made the mistake.” His voice fell as hurt filled his face and expression. “I was wrong in thinking you could ever learn to love me again. Please, don’t hurt Anna by taking her away from school and the people she cares most about. I’ll leave, I give you my word.”
“The word of a beast!” Angelique’s shadowy eyes flashed with a cold light.
“The word of a gentleman,” Kaelen said, standing as tall as he could, though he felt small and helpless. “I’ll gather my things and leave this very night. Please, Anna needs to finish school.”
Another shadowy figure appeared, his father. “Angelique,” Roland began.
“Quiet,” she hissed.
A flash of anger passed over the king’s face and, for the first time in many years, he stood his ground. “No, Angelique. You listen to me. Anna will finish school. Kaelen has given us his word and I believe him.”
“You would. I’ll not have my daughter attending that school.”
“You will.”
Angelique stared at him. “I beg your pardon?”
“I’m still Anna’s father and I am the one responsible for her education,” he continued, his voice becoming stronger with every word. “Anna will finish her schooling at Fair Damsels Academy if I have to write her off as a ward of the school.”
“You wouldn’t dare…”
“Oh wouldn’t I? I’ll not take one more moment of your bitterness and hatred, do you hear me? Not one more word of it. Anna will go to Fair Damsels and Kaelen will be true to his word. I taught him better than to give his word of honor as a falsehood. I will stand by my son and trust him to make the right choice. You will learn your place.”
Angelique’s shadowy face flickered, turning white and then furious red in a matter of moments. She became aware of the crowd that had gathered and pulled herself together. “Very well, it shall be as you wish,” she hissed. She then grabbed Anna’s hand once again and started pulling her towards the door. “Come, we’re leaving.”
Roland turned to Kaelen and took his large paw in his hands. Kaelen could feel warmth and love in them as well as a slight trembling in the shadows. “Kaelen, I’m sorry that it’s had to be this way. When you complete your quest, come home. I know we’ve been awful. But, please, come home.”
Tears filled Kaelen’s eyes. He couldn’t speak, but merely nodded. He heard his mother shout for his father again and watched as Roland followed out of the castle, a new strength in his stride.
“Sire?” a voice interrupted his dream.
Kaelen started awake, ashamed to feel tears running down his face. “What do you want?” he growled.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, sire,” a strange man said. “But I was asked by Master Maximillion to come and wake you for lunch.”
Trying to dry his eyes without being noticed, Kaelen replied, “Very well.”
“I could tell him that you are out of sorts and would prefer to dine alone,” the man said, his voice kind and understanding.
“No, thank you, I will join him. Tell him I will only be a few moments.”
“Very good, Master Kaelen.” The valet bowed and turned from the room.
Kaelen lay back for a moment, the shadows on the bed motionless. The shadowy dream of his memory had unnerved him. He shook his head and sat up again. “I’m just tired,” he grumbled. Rising, he closed the curtain of the bed, shrouding it in darkness before leaving the room and heading downstairs.
March 28, 2014
A Two-Fer
Last week was Spring Break and I was out of town so while I did write the story in my notebook, I didn't get it up for you. So today you get two stories! Isn't that fun? And today is an audience participation day. On the "shoes" story (which will be the second one) you need to tell me how it ends. Be creative! Use imagination! Think of something unexpected! And then write it in the comments or on the Facebook post this will be attached to. So first of all, a "silhouette" story. I love ballet which inspired this story. And second you will have the unfinished "shoes" story. Let's see what you come up with!
Silhouette
The glow of sunset filled the room as she entered. Though the light was bright upon the mirrors, she left the curtains up reveling in the warmth. She set down her dufflebag and got out her slippers. Her hands went automatically through the motions of tying the strings before she took a CD to the sound system. She walked to the bar, the light streaming through the windows surrounding her like a jacket as she began her exercises. When she could feel her muscles warm and ready, she turned on the music. For a moment she stood motionless on tiptoe, allowing the music to sink deep within her thought. Then she began to dance.
As the music ebbed and flowed she twirled about the room. Her body was lithe and graceful taking each step in turn. The steps were as familiar to her as walking. Dance was in her soul and music in her heart.
He watched her from the doorway. The light in the windows behind her was still bright and made it impossible to see her clearly. He merely saw a silhouette dancing about the room, but he knew who it was. She was there every evening after her day job at the cafe across the street. There were many evenings he would watch before continuing on his way. He smiled and set down his bag before quietly entering the room. The music reached its crescendo as he approached her. When she paused, he gently took her hand.
She started and drew back. After his silent plea she continued her dance, now adding him in and following his lead. They twirled, leaped, and spun. When the music drew to a close, the sun had dropped just below the horizon leaving a fiery glow in the windows which cast the room with a rosy light. Out of breath she smiled at her dance partner. "It's a shame you weren't here at the beginning of the song. We make quite a pair."
"Perhaps tomorrow I'll stop by earlier," he replied.
She smiled again. "Tomorrow."
Shoes
It was the day he'd been preparing for since before he could remember. He laced his shoes and looked out over the track. He could hear thousands of voices in the stands like the buzzing of loud bees. The announcer was telling the outcomes of a different event. But he ignored all these. He focused on the track ahead.
Even his shoes could feel the excitement in the air. They were simple running shoes, white with golden wings drawn on the heels with permanent marker. They were tied with neon orange laces, double knotted to ensure they didn't come undone on the track.
The runner took his position. The shoes quivered with anticipation. Other shoes lined up on either side. Black shoes. Green shoes. White shoes. All waiting for the sound of the starting gun.
There was a blast and the race was on.
Now you fill in the rest! What happens? What race are they running? Comment below or on the Facebook post to tell your version of the story...
Silhouette
The glow of sunset filled the room as she entered. Though the light was bright upon the mirrors, she left the curtains up reveling in the warmth. She set down her dufflebag and got out her slippers. Her hands went automatically through the motions of tying the strings before she took a CD to the sound system. She walked to the bar, the light streaming through the windows surrounding her like a jacket as she began her exercises. When she could feel her muscles warm and ready, she turned on the music. For a moment she stood motionless on tiptoe, allowing the music to sink deep within her thought. Then she began to dance.
As the music ebbed and flowed she twirled about the room. Her body was lithe and graceful taking each step in turn. The steps were as familiar to her as walking. Dance was in her soul and music in her heart.
He watched her from the doorway. The light in the windows behind her was still bright and made it impossible to see her clearly. He merely saw a silhouette dancing about the room, but he knew who it was. She was there every evening after her day job at the cafe across the street. There were many evenings he would watch before continuing on his way. He smiled and set down his bag before quietly entering the room. The music reached its crescendo as he approached her. When she paused, he gently took her hand.
She started and drew back. After his silent plea she continued her dance, now adding him in and following his lead. They twirled, leaped, and spun. When the music drew to a close, the sun had dropped just below the horizon leaving a fiery glow in the windows which cast the room with a rosy light. Out of breath she smiled at her dance partner. "It's a shame you weren't here at the beginning of the song. We make quite a pair."
"Perhaps tomorrow I'll stop by earlier," he replied.
She smiled again. "Tomorrow."
Shoes
It was the day he'd been preparing for since before he could remember. He laced his shoes and looked out over the track. He could hear thousands of voices in the stands like the buzzing of loud bees. The announcer was telling the outcomes of a different event. But he ignored all these. He focused on the track ahead.
Even his shoes could feel the excitement in the air. They were simple running shoes, white with golden wings drawn on the heels with permanent marker. They were tied with neon orange laces, double knotted to ensure they didn't come undone on the track.
The runner took his position. The shoes quivered with anticipation. Other shoes lined up on either side. Black shoes. Green shoes. White shoes. All waiting for the sound of the starting gun.
There was a blast and the race was on.
Now you fill in the rest! What happens? What race are they running? Comment below or on the Facebook post to tell your version of the story...
