E.C. Stilson's Blog, page 49
February 27, 2017
A STRANGER'S KINDNESS by EC Stilson Has Been Released
This book can be purchased in paperback:
HERE
Or as an eBook:
HERE
Last night, I prayed to God, thanking Him for the good fortune I've had with my writing. I was suddenly so overwhelmed with gratitude for God's kindness,and for the generosity of so many people along the way.
From the first store that let me book a signing.... I didn't have much of a following, and the kind store-owner of The Read Cat, let me sign and play my violin there.
Because I got that initial signing, I began gaining more followers. I ended up getting a signing at Barnes and Noble.
Some elementary schools took interest in what I had to say, encouraging young writers to chase their dreams. During that time, I spoke at dozens of elementary schools, using the violin to teach kids the elements of music AND writing a strong story.
After that, I was able to go to Eastern Utah, be interviewed on the radio and have my most successful signing--all because of family, friend, and many kind readers who kept encouraging me.
After my success in Eastern Utah, with more signing and several more radio interviews, I was able to go on TV twice in the last 4 years. (Man, that sounds like a long time--just writing that!) "The Golden Sky" TV Interview here: Dealing With Loss
My Latest Interview here: Life's Biggest Challenge
I've been writing for fifteen years--pursuing this for eight years. And, through all of this, I still have moments where I want to give up. Some people haven't been as nice as others (is that a good way to put it? lol), maybe trying to take me down a notch, but, most people have been so kind it's astounding! I'm still gaining speed, even if it's hard work the whole way.
You know, writing hasn't paid off financially, but the memories I've made are worth more than anything I could ever buy. And the books are being read. My heart always warms knowing that my book about Zeke is still out there, and his memory will never truly fade.
All of this to say thank you: for your support, your kindness, your encouragement... Without that encouragement, I wouldn't have the strength to keep pursuing my dreams. I wish you that very same thing today--the strength you need to pursue YOUR dreams :) If I can do it--anyone can!
Don't forget about the awesome books that are either featured, or still FREE today, 2/27/17.
If you're visiting my site for the Kindle Fire Giveaway, please click here: Kindle Fire Entry
February 26, 2017
I Was On TV: Studio 5 A Stranger's Kindness
What an amazing experience!
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
A Stranger's Kindness by E.C. Stilson Giveaway ends March 10, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
A Stranger's Kindness by E.C. Stilson Giveaway ends March 10, 2017. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway
February 25, 2017
I Have a Big Book Signing Today in Salt Lake City
This is gonna be busy! The kids and I are loading into the truck at 6am for a book signing that's a few hours away. I'm so excited though.
THE GOLDEN SKY has started selling again. I don't make very much per copy, but it feels amazing knowing that Zeke's memory is living on with even more people. What an amazing gift THAT is.
Just look, yesterday it made it to #1 for women's memoir.
So, the signing is at:
Anyway, the signing today (2/25/17) will be at:The Salt Lake Roasting Company320 E. 400 S. Salt Lake City, UT 84111from 10am - noon If you're in the area, I'll be ready to visit, while enjoying some good coffee! :) Don't forget about the awesome books that are either featured, or FREE until Monday.
If you're visiting my site for the Kindle Fire Giveaway, please click here: Kindle Fire Entry
THE GOLDEN SKY has started selling again. I don't make very much per copy, but it feels amazing knowing that Zeke's memory is living on with even more people. What an amazing gift THAT is.
Just look, yesterday it made it to #1 for women's memoir.
So, the signing is at:
Anyway, the signing today (2/25/17) will be at:The Salt Lake Roasting Company320 E. 400 S. Salt Lake City, UT 84111from 10am - noon If you're in the area, I'll be ready to visit, while enjoying some good coffee! :) Don't forget about the awesome books that are either featured, or FREE until Monday.
If you're visiting my site for the Kindle Fire Giveaway, please click here: Kindle Fire Entry
February 24, 2017
A Strange Coincidence and the Fantastic Fox
Don't forget about the awesome books that are either featured, or FREE until Monday.
If you're visiting my site for the Kindle Fire Giveaway, please click here: Kindle Fire Entry
Now, onto the story of the day: A Strange Coincidence and the Fantastic FoxOne of the stories fom A STRANGER'S KINDNESS that really happened, and is still relevant today.
"Baby, what's wrong? Talk to me," I said to The Scribe.
"You'd never understand."
We drove in our dilapidated van, up a dusty road on Antelope Island. The kids were having a hard time with the divorce, and this was my way of trying to make things better.
"This place sucks. It's dead!" The Scribe practically spat the words at me.
The Zombie, my son, rallied to my side. "Don't be mean to Mama! You know they had to get divorced. They weren't happy when they were together. It was bad for everybody, and you know it. Mama is trying to have fun with us right now."
"I know this is hard," I said. "But you never know what great surprises are waiting in the future for us. Even in a place like this. Just open your heart to accept the good in things."
The Scribe refused to concede or look at any of us for that matter. Instead, she remained glued to the passenger-side window, and none of my four kids said another word for a while.
I curved to the right, following the bumpy road, moving quite slowly despite my eagerness to reach the salty beach. "Look hard, kids. You might see some deer, antelope, maybe a buffalo."
"We won't!" The Scribe said. "We won't see any—"
Then the van was screeching to a halt, and my hands tightened against the wheel. A blur of brown had jumped high in front of my van. My heart raced, my teeth gritted, and I involuntarily threw my right hand out and pushed The Scribe hard into the front passenger seat.
"Oh. My. Gosh!" The Scribe whispered, breathlessly looking ahead.
Dust swirled around the van, as if the five of us had been taken up with Dorothy in her Kansas cyclone. The Zombie and Dr. Jones quickly unbuckled themselves, stood, and stared out the front windows, waiting for the dust to clear. The Hippie smiled with pure wonder.
When the dirt dissipated, all three of us gasped. In front of the van—right in the middle of the road—stood the largest brown and orange fox I'd ever imagined. Its ears eternally perked; he eyed us at an angle and then studied us straight-on. He stayed there, breathing deeply, and it wasn't until moments had passed that I realized he wasn't looking at me or my three youngest kids; he was staring directly at The Scribe. I glanced at her and tears had brimmed her eyes. "Wow," she said. "Who would have thought we'd see him, in a crappy place like this."
I couldn't help but smile. The fox whipped his tail high, turned his head, and jumped into the brush, leaving our sight forever.
Almost two years passed from this moment, until we shared this story with anyone else.... "You two better not make me cry," Kara, my best friend said to my kids as we got ready the morning of my wedding. Then she followed-up with another thought. "Do you really think we'll see some wildlife while we're out there?"
"Of course, we will," The Zombie said. "The last time we went to Antelope Island, we saw a fox!"
"A fox! You lucky kid." Kara winked at him.
"Why did you decide to get married at Antelope Island anyway?" she asked, pinning a stray hair back into Dr. Jones' half-bun.
The Scribe cleared her throat and turned to Kara. "One of the last times we were there, it was just me, the other kids, and Mom. I'd had a bad day, and I didn't want to be at Antelope Island—everything seemed dead there. But Mom kept talking about how amazing things can happen when we least expect them. That's when we saw a fox." She paused and smiled out the front window. "The fox is like Mike. When we were going through a hard time, he just sort of showed up. We needed him... That's why when Mom asked us to help her pick a place, we all picked Antelope Island."
And now present day,the fox story has come up again....
The book about how I fell in love with Mike is complete, and ready for the release date on Monday 2/27. I'd just written a press release that ended up being shared on the very front page of an eNews site. I'd also heard back from a TV station, saying they would like to interview me on Studio 5 in Utah! As I drove home from work, I tapped the wheel to some music, and just thought about how strange life is. I have worked so hard in the past to promote my writing; working, but never going anywhere. Yet now, all of these things are falling into place. I sang loud, took a sip of my coffee, and turned right on a connector that takes me from the nice side of town to the country part that we live in. I was just about to reach for my coffee again, when a blur of brown jumped high in front of the truck. I swerved to a stop, watching as a majestic fox ran to the side of the road, then turned, sat down, and just stared regally at me. It stayed forever, until I was actually the one to leave. The whole time, it had looked at me like it knew me--to the very deepest part of my soul. An overwelming feeling of gratitude flooded my heart. Not only have I been very fortunate, but to see a wild fox again...that was amazing! I know we all have special moments like this. But, for me, life is sort of magical right now. I'm not totally sure why so many miracles seem to be happening all of the sudden, more easily than before. I'm just going to embrace this while it lasts. I'm so happy--I just want to share this feeling with everyone :) Some people would say the fox doesn't mean anything. What do you think?
The TV interview will be aired in Utah at 11am today. I'll post a link if they send me the video afterward. Wish me luck! I hope the advice I shared will hope someone--and I also hope it'll interest people in the book!
If you're visiting my site for the Kindle Fire Giveaway, please click here: Kindle Fire Entry
Now, onto the story of the day: A Strange Coincidence and the Fantastic FoxOne of the stories fom A STRANGER'S KINDNESS that really happened, and is still relevant today.
"Baby, what's wrong? Talk to me," I said to The Scribe.
"You'd never understand."
We drove in our dilapidated van, up a dusty road on Antelope Island. The kids were having a hard time with the divorce, and this was my way of trying to make things better.
"This place sucks. It's dead!" The Scribe practically spat the words at me.
The Zombie, my son, rallied to my side. "Don't be mean to Mama! You know they had to get divorced. They weren't happy when they were together. It was bad for everybody, and you know it. Mama is trying to have fun with us right now."
"I know this is hard," I said. "But you never know what great surprises are waiting in the future for us. Even in a place like this. Just open your heart to accept the good in things."
The Scribe refused to concede or look at any of us for that matter. Instead, she remained glued to the passenger-side window, and none of my four kids said another word for a while.
I curved to the right, following the bumpy road, moving quite slowly despite my eagerness to reach the salty beach. "Look hard, kids. You might see some deer, antelope, maybe a buffalo."
"We won't!" The Scribe said. "We won't see any—"
Then the van was screeching to a halt, and my hands tightened against the wheel. A blur of brown had jumped high in front of my van. My heart raced, my teeth gritted, and I involuntarily threw my right hand out and pushed The Scribe hard into the front passenger seat.
"Oh. My. Gosh!" The Scribe whispered, breathlessly looking ahead.
Dust swirled around the van, as if the five of us had been taken up with Dorothy in her Kansas cyclone. The Zombie and Dr. Jones quickly unbuckled themselves, stood, and stared out the front windows, waiting for the dust to clear. The Hippie smiled with pure wonder.
When the dirt dissipated, all three of us gasped. In front of the van—right in the middle of the road—stood the largest brown and orange fox I'd ever imagined. Its ears eternally perked; he eyed us at an angle and then studied us straight-on. He stayed there, breathing deeply, and it wasn't until moments had passed that I realized he wasn't looking at me or my three youngest kids; he was staring directly at The Scribe. I glanced at her and tears had brimmed her eyes. "Wow," she said. "Who would have thought we'd see him, in a crappy place like this."
I couldn't help but smile. The fox whipped his tail high, turned his head, and jumped into the brush, leaving our sight forever.
Almost two years passed from this moment, until we shared this story with anyone else.... "You two better not make me cry," Kara, my best friend said to my kids as we got ready the morning of my wedding. Then she followed-up with another thought. "Do you really think we'll see some wildlife while we're out there?"
"Of course, we will," The Zombie said. "The last time we went to Antelope Island, we saw a fox!"
"A fox! You lucky kid." Kara winked at him.
"Why did you decide to get married at Antelope Island anyway?" she asked, pinning a stray hair back into Dr. Jones' half-bun.
The Scribe cleared her throat and turned to Kara. "One of the last times we were there, it was just me, the other kids, and Mom. I'd had a bad day, and I didn't want to be at Antelope Island—everything seemed dead there. But Mom kept talking about how amazing things can happen when we least expect them. That's when we saw a fox." She paused and smiled out the front window. "The fox is like Mike. When we were going through a hard time, he just sort of showed up. We needed him... That's why when Mom asked us to help her pick a place, we all picked Antelope Island."
And now present day,the fox story has come up again....
The book about how I fell in love with Mike is complete, and ready for the release date on Monday 2/27. I'd just written a press release that ended up being shared on the very front page of an eNews site. I'd also heard back from a TV station, saying they would like to interview me on Studio 5 in Utah! As I drove home from work, I tapped the wheel to some music, and just thought about how strange life is. I have worked so hard in the past to promote my writing; working, but never going anywhere. Yet now, all of these things are falling into place. I sang loud, took a sip of my coffee, and turned right on a connector that takes me from the nice side of town to the country part that we live in. I was just about to reach for my coffee again, when a blur of brown jumped high in front of the truck. I swerved to a stop, watching as a majestic fox ran to the side of the road, then turned, sat down, and just stared regally at me. It stayed forever, until I was actually the one to leave. The whole time, it had looked at me like it knew me--to the very deepest part of my soul. An overwelming feeling of gratitude flooded my heart. Not only have I been very fortunate, but to see a wild fox again...that was amazing! I know we all have special moments like this. But, for me, life is sort of magical right now. I'm not totally sure why so many miracles seem to be happening all of the sudden, more easily than before. I'm just going to embrace this while it lasts. I'm so happy--I just want to share this feeling with everyone :) Some people would say the fox doesn't mean anything. What do you think?
The TV interview will be aired in Utah at 11am today. I'll post a link if they send me the video afterward. Wish me luck! I hope the advice I shared will hope someone--and I also hope it'll interest people in the book!
February 23, 2017
How We Fell In Love...Or Not
Mike and I decided to talk about how we fell in love--and it took a turn for the worse.
This was to celebrate the release of my newest book, A STRANGER'S KINDNESS, which is the fictional story based on how we met.
This video was actually pretty fun to make though--we might have to try it more often!
Anyway, "A Stranger's Kindness" will be out on Monday; you can read a press release about that here: E-News -- EC Stilson, Previously Known For Her Memoirs, Has Now Written a Fictional Romance.
Don't forget about the awesome books that are either featured, or FREE until Monday.
Lastly, if you're visiting my site for the Kindle Fire Giveaway, please click here: Kindle Fire Entry
Have an AMAZING day!
This was to celebrate the release of my newest book, A STRANGER'S KINDNESS, which is the fictional story based on how we met.
This video was actually pretty fun to make though--we might have to try it more often!
Anyway, "A Stranger's Kindness" will be out on Monday; you can read a press release about that here: E-News -- EC Stilson, Previously Known For Her Memoirs, Has Now Written a Fictional Romance.
Don't forget about the awesome books that are either featured, or FREE until Monday.
Lastly, if you're visiting my site for the Kindle Fire Giveaway, please click here: Kindle Fire Entry
Have an AMAZING day!
February 22, 2017
How to Keep Your Romance Alive
Meet Mike:
Mike is a goofball.
And When I met him, he was the ultimate bachelor. I mean seriously.... He owned not just one--but TWO kegs.
He flaunted a pool table.
Women would leave THEIR WALLETS at his house,
just so they'd have an excuse to see him the next day.He would throw parties, and by the end of the night,
end up looking like this:
But for some reason, when Mike met me and my army of children, he went from this:
To This:
From This (yes, those are barrels of rum!):
To This:
Meet Me:
I am also a goofball:
And even though, I was happy being a single mom, and I thought I'd never find romantic love again...
I did.
Through all of this, I truly believe the key to keeping your romance alive is to really appreciate every moment you have with each other--and to have fun.
Whether you're working on the yard:
Or on an adventure:
Just remember, life is short--enjoy the time you have together. And if you haven't met the right person yet, don't lose hope.I never thought I would....BUT I did. What keeps your romance alive?-Elisa
The Romance BlogfestSign up, and copy the text in the box below to grab this button.
Mike is a goofball.
And When I met him, he was the ultimate bachelor. I mean seriously.... He owned not just one--but TWO kegs.
He flaunted a pool table.
Women would leave THEIR WALLETS at his house,
just so they'd have an excuse to see him the next day.He would throw parties, and by the end of the night,
end up looking like this:
But for some reason, when Mike met me and my army of children, he went from this:
To This:
From This (yes, those are barrels of rum!):
To This:
Meet Me:
I am also a goofball: 
And even though, I was happy being a single mom, and I thought I'd never find romantic love again...
I did.
Through all of this, I truly believe the key to keeping your romance alive is to really appreciate every moment you have with each other--and to have fun. Whether you're working on the yard:
Or on an adventure: 
Just remember, life is short--enjoy the time you have together. And if you haven't met the right person yet, don't lose hope.I never thought I would....BUT I did. What keeps your romance alive?-Elisa The Romance BlogfestSign up, and copy the text in the box below to grab this button.
February 20, 2017
Discount eBooks and Giveaway: February 24th - 28th
Since my latest book, A STRANGER'S KINDNESS, will be released on 2/27/17, I'm celebrating this event by hosting a giveaway.
From February 24th - 28th, The Golden Sky as well as Bible Girl and the Bad Boy will be available for FREE download.
Lastly, since all of these exciting things are going on--and I just found out that I have over 300 reviews on Goodreads...
I'll be giving away a Fire Tablet. Check it out and enter below:
Details:
Beautiful 7" display, 7-hour battery life. Available in four colors.
Great to watch movies, TV shows, listen to songs, and read Kindle e-books.
8 GB of internal storage and a microSD slot for up to 200 GB of expandable storage
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for all of your support and kindness over the years,
Elisa (EC Stilson)
From February 24th - 28th, The Golden Sky as well as Bible Girl and the Bad Boy will be available for FREE download.
Lastly, since all of these exciting things are going on--and I just found out that I have over 300 reviews on Goodreads...
I'll be giving away a Fire Tablet. Check it out and enter below:
Details:
Beautiful 7" display, 7-hour battery life. Available in four colors.
Great to watch movies, TV shows, listen to songs, and read Kindle e-books.
8 GB of internal storage and a microSD slot for up to 200 GB of expandable storage
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for all of your support and kindness over the years,
Elisa (EC Stilson)
Join Me For a Romance Blogfest, Book Fair, and Giveaway: February 24th - 28th
Since my latest book, A STRANGER'S KINDNESS, will be released on 2/27/17, I'm celebrating this event by hosting a Romance Blogfest.
This is your chance to write about anything romantic--your first kiss, the one that got away, when you first met the love of your life--let's make it fun. Facebook posts welcome too!
Will you join me, and help spread the word?
Sign up with a comment and copy the text in the box below to grab this button.
From February 24th - 28th, The Golden Sky as well as Bible Girl and the Bad Boy will be available for FREE download.
Lastly, since all of these exciting things are going on--and I just found out that I have over 300 reviews on Goodreads...
I'll be giving away a Fire Tablet. Check it out and enter below:
Details:
Beautiful 7" display, 7-hour battery life. Available in four colors.
Great to watch movies, TV shows, listen to songs, and read Kindle e-books.
8 GB of internal storage and a microSD slot for up to 200 GB of expandable storage
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for all of your support and kindness over the years,
Elisa (EC Stilson)
This is your chance to write about anything romantic--your first kiss, the one that got away, when you first met the love of your life--let's make it fun. Facebook posts welcome too!
Will you join me, and help spread the word?
Sign up with a comment and copy the text in the box below to grab this button.
From February 24th - 28th, The Golden Sky as well as Bible Girl and the Bad Boy will be available for FREE download.
Lastly, since all of these exciting things are going on--and I just found out that I have over 300 reviews on Goodreads...
I'll be giving away a Fire Tablet. Check it out and enter below:
Details:
Beautiful 7" display, 7-hour battery life. Available in four colors.
Great to watch movies, TV shows, listen to songs, and read Kindle e-books.
8 GB of internal storage and a microSD slot for up to 200 GB of expandable storage
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for all of your support and kindness over the years,
Elisa (EC Stilson)
February 17, 2017
The Ultimate One-Upper
I remember this like it was yesterday. Some memories we can't forget, even if we want to!
"We're in town at my mother-in-law's," one of my best friends from highschool said after calling me. He had gotten married out of state and had a baby. "Can you come see us? I'd love for you to meet my wife."
"Of course!"
I put The Scribe in her car seat, and followed the directions to meet my friend. Too bad I had no clue how badly the visit would go.
After ringing the doorbell, I peered through the elaborate windows. A huge chandelier hung in the entryway. A majestic staircase rested at the end of the hall. The vaulted ceiling practically touched the floor of Heaven....
The door opened after a moment, and a man and woman were there to greet me. "Well, hello," the fifty-something man said, his grey hair sparkling like the chandelier above him. He wore a maroon robe and fuzzy slippers, even though it was the afternoon.
"Hi." I held the carseat in only one hand and waved. "Is Dan here?"
"Dan--that character--why yes he is."
So, this felt weird, like the beginning of either a horror movie or a too-good-to-be-true Disney episode.
The greying couple led me around the staircase, through a hallway, and down to an enormous living room with a fireplace, grand piano, and a mini bar.
Dan sat on the ground next to a gorgeous woman, and beside them was a little baby boy on a blanket.
"Oh, he's darling!" I ran over to the baby and set The Scribe near him in her car seat.
"It's so good to see you," Dan said. "And this is Jessica, and my in-laws." He motioned to everyone, and I shook their hands. "But most importantly, THIS is Aiden." He pointed to the baby.
The visit started off quite well, but after only a few minutes, I noticed something very strange. They kept talking about Aiden--their baby--but no one had said anything about my baby.
I studied Aiden. So, my baby was pretty fresh out of the womb; Aiden looked like he'd been out for a while. Rolls cascaded over his arms and legs. His smile was a mere manipulation of fat.
"Oh goo goo! You so cute, baby. You so cute!" Jessica chirped like a repetitive, high-pitched parrot.
"He is darling," I said.
"Yes, he is. Aren't you. Aren't you. Aren't you." Jessica's voice had ascended even higher--and if she were a man, I'd have thought someone was squeezing her....
Anyway, I could not believe they hadn't said anything about my baby--let's face it--she was cuter. So I took The Scribe from her car seat and let her rest on her back next to Aiden.
At this point, Dan's in-laws came to stand near the babies. I thought they'd say something--anything--about The Scribe. BUT, they didn't!
"Aiden. Aiden. Look over here. Good, baby. Good boy!"
What was he--a flippin' dog?
That's when it happened, Aiden became so happy, he began flailing his arms. He smacked my baby in the face, and used the leverage to roll over.
"He rolled! He rolled!" Jessica stood and started jumping. You would've thought he'd won the damn olympics!
And didn't they see he'd only rolled because my baby had helped him?
I looked down at The Scribe who had baby tears in her eyes, from getting smacked, but she wouldn't cry. Her little face even smiled a little when she saw me gazing down tenderly at her. My baby was cute AND brave.
"He did roll!" the in-laws both chimed.
"Has he rolled before?" I asked.
"Oh, yes! Lots of times. Has YOUR baby rolled?"
"Are you kidding?! MY baby can roll!" I said. The point was, my baby had never rolled. She'd recently escaped from another person's body for crying out loud! Wasn't that enough for anyone these days?!
So they started, for the first time, staring at my baby. And I'm still not sure what came over me, but I began using telepathy.
ROLL. I sent the word with my mind. ROLL. But my baby didn't know how to read minds--she got that from her father!
And before I knew it, my hand was sneaking ever so gently, underneath the blanket. I didn't look at the blanket, though, or my baby. Instead I looked around the room. "What a nice place you have here," I said.
But no one else looked around. And then faster than anything, I tugged on the blanket. "My gosh! SHE rolled. My baby rolled too!" I squealed and clapped.
Apparently those people only liked it when Jessica clapped. All four of them just stared at me, then blinked. I held The Scribe up-- "Oh sweetheart! You rolled. You rolled. Who's the good baby? You're the good baby!"
The Scribe looked at me with her tiny little eyes, judging me like I was an idiot.
And in that small moment, it had taken Dan, his wife, and his in-laws no time at all to be enamored with Aiden again.
He was on his back now, on the blanket, where I ended up putting The Scribe again. Right after I set The Scribe back down, Aiden had apparently won another olympic feat.
"He smiled! He smiled, Mom and Dad. MY baby smiled." Jessica stood and clapped her hands twice--then glared at me.
"My baby can smile!" I said. And I got right in The Scribe's face and with my arms spread wide and my eyes big, I began gooing louder than anyhing you've ever heard.
My baby did not smile. My baby didn't even look remotely happy. No...my baby looked like she thought I was going to eat her. And then she started wailing.
Mountains shook! The waves, they rolled. And I wondered if that's how Pangaea first cracked--from the wail of a truly terrified baby....
We left after that, and Dan said he didn't want to be my friend any more.
I know I shouldn't have tried to compete with them--but would it have killed them to say my baby was cute too?!
The Scribe several years after this even.
I might not be the best person in the world, but at least I'm honest unless it's about my baby rolling.
Have a great day,
Elisa
"We're in town at my mother-in-law's," one of my best friends from highschool said after calling me. He had gotten married out of state and had a baby. "Can you come see us? I'd love for you to meet my wife."
"Of course!"
I put The Scribe in her car seat, and followed the directions to meet my friend. Too bad I had no clue how badly the visit would go.
After ringing the doorbell, I peered through the elaborate windows. A huge chandelier hung in the entryway. A majestic staircase rested at the end of the hall. The vaulted ceiling practically touched the floor of Heaven....
The door opened after a moment, and a man and woman were there to greet me. "Well, hello," the fifty-something man said, his grey hair sparkling like the chandelier above him. He wore a maroon robe and fuzzy slippers, even though it was the afternoon.
"Hi." I held the carseat in only one hand and waved. "Is Dan here?"
"Dan--that character--why yes he is."
So, this felt weird, like the beginning of either a horror movie or a too-good-to-be-true Disney episode.
The greying couple led me around the staircase, through a hallway, and down to an enormous living room with a fireplace, grand piano, and a mini bar.
Dan sat on the ground next to a gorgeous woman, and beside them was a little baby boy on a blanket.
"Oh, he's darling!" I ran over to the baby and set The Scribe near him in her car seat.
"It's so good to see you," Dan said. "And this is Jessica, and my in-laws." He motioned to everyone, and I shook their hands. "But most importantly, THIS is Aiden." He pointed to the baby.
The visit started off quite well, but after only a few minutes, I noticed something very strange. They kept talking about Aiden--their baby--but no one had said anything about my baby.
I studied Aiden. So, my baby was pretty fresh out of the womb; Aiden looked like he'd been out for a while. Rolls cascaded over his arms and legs. His smile was a mere manipulation of fat.
"Oh goo goo! You so cute, baby. You so cute!" Jessica chirped like a repetitive, high-pitched parrot.
"He is darling," I said.
"Yes, he is. Aren't you. Aren't you. Aren't you." Jessica's voice had ascended even higher--and if she were a man, I'd have thought someone was squeezing her....
Anyway, I could not believe they hadn't said anything about my baby--let's face it--she was cuter. So I took The Scribe from her car seat and let her rest on her back next to Aiden.
At this point, Dan's in-laws came to stand near the babies. I thought they'd say something--anything--about The Scribe. BUT, they didn't!
"Aiden. Aiden. Look over here. Good, baby. Good boy!"
What was he--a flippin' dog?
That's when it happened, Aiden became so happy, he began flailing his arms. He smacked my baby in the face, and used the leverage to roll over.
"He rolled! He rolled!" Jessica stood and started jumping. You would've thought he'd won the damn olympics!
And didn't they see he'd only rolled because my baby had helped him?
I looked down at The Scribe who had baby tears in her eyes, from getting smacked, but she wouldn't cry. Her little face even smiled a little when she saw me gazing down tenderly at her. My baby was cute AND brave.
"He did roll!" the in-laws both chimed.
"Has he rolled before?" I asked.
"Oh, yes! Lots of times. Has YOUR baby rolled?"
"Are you kidding?! MY baby can roll!" I said. The point was, my baby had never rolled. She'd recently escaped from another person's body for crying out loud! Wasn't that enough for anyone these days?!
So they started, for the first time, staring at my baby. And I'm still not sure what came over me, but I began using telepathy.
ROLL. I sent the word with my mind. ROLL. But my baby didn't know how to read minds--she got that from her father!
And before I knew it, my hand was sneaking ever so gently, underneath the blanket. I didn't look at the blanket, though, or my baby. Instead I looked around the room. "What a nice place you have here," I said.
But no one else looked around. And then faster than anything, I tugged on the blanket. "My gosh! SHE rolled. My baby rolled too!" I squealed and clapped.
Apparently those people only liked it when Jessica clapped. All four of them just stared at me, then blinked. I held The Scribe up-- "Oh sweetheart! You rolled. You rolled. Who's the good baby? You're the good baby!"
The Scribe looked at me with her tiny little eyes, judging me like I was an idiot.
And in that small moment, it had taken Dan, his wife, and his in-laws no time at all to be enamored with Aiden again.
He was on his back now, on the blanket, where I ended up putting The Scribe again. Right after I set The Scribe back down, Aiden had apparently won another olympic feat.
"He smiled! He smiled, Mom and Dad. MY baby smiled." Jessica stood and clapped her hands twice--then glared at me.
"My baby can smile!" I said. And I got right in The Scribe's face and with my arms spread wide and my eyes big, I began gooing louder than anyhing you've ever heard.
My baby did not smile. My baby didn't even look remotely happy. No...my baby looked like she thought I was going to eat her. And then she started wailing.
Mountains shook! The waves, they rolled. And I wondered if that's how Pangaea first cracked--from the wail of a truly terrified baby....
We left after that, and Dan said he didn't want to be my friend any more.
I know I shouldn't have tried to compete with them--but would it have killed them to say my baby was cute too?!
The Scribe several years after this even.
I might not be the best person in the world, but at least I'm honest unless it's about my baby rolling.
Have a great day,
Elisa
February 15, 2017
The Doctor and a Player Piano
My seven-year-old, Dr. Jones, wanted to see where I work. So the other day I brought her to the hospital. We each got a strawberry frappuccino, sat by a beautiful wall fountain in the arched lobby, and watched the player piano, playing itself.
She suddenly snuggled into me, and looked up, petrified.
"Mama, this is a hospital?"
"Yes."
"A lot of sick people come here?"
"Yes," I replied.
"A lot of people die here?"
"Ummm, yeah, I guess so," I said.
She slowly turned to the player piano, still playing by itself. "Do they always come back to play the piano?"
I nearly spit out my frappuccino, laughing so hard.
Kids are darling.
She suddenly snuggled into me, and looked up, petrified.
"Mama, this is a hospital?"
"Yes."
"A lot of sick people come here?"
"Yes," I replied.
"A lot of people die here?"
"Ummm, yeah, I guess so," I said.
She slowly turned to the player piano, still playing by itself. "Do they always come back to play the piano?"
I nearly spit out my frappuccino, laughing so hard.
Kids are darling.
