Christa Kinde's Blog, page 88
July 31, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 227: Shave and a Haircut
Chapter 227: Shave and a Haircut
When Grandpa Pete headed into town for a haircut, he invited Zeke along. Ethan cheerfully looked on with the old guys swapping gossip and sections of newspaper while the barber trimmed his charge’s hair. And then Zeke said, “Shave, please!”
All conversation stopped.
Long glances over reading glasses were traded.
Grandpa Pete gruffly asked, “What’s that cost, Gus?”
“Oh, I reckon it’s still two bits.”
“Guess I can spare a quarter. Set him up.”
Zeke sat tall in the chair, unaware that he was taking part in a longstanding boyhood ritual … and that Gus wasn’t actually using a blade.
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Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
July 30, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 226: Farmer’s Almanac
Chapter 226: Farmer’s Almanac
Zeke didn’t like chairs. “I can hear you fine from here, Teacher,” he promised from inside the block fortress he’d been building.
She hesitated. “Can you tell me about our lesson?”
“Almanac stuff.”
“Excuse me?”
Ethan felt a small burst of pride when, Zeke replied, “Spring’s for planting. Summer’s for weeding. Autumn’s for apples. And I already know ’bout weeks and days. Tuesdays are best ’cause of storytime. Are you gonna do storytime again? That part’s good.”
“Yes, Zeke. That’s the very next thing. Will you be listening?”
With a wave, he repeated, “I can hear you fine from here!”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
July 29, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 225: Shortening
Chapter 225: Shortening
Five-year-olds looked harder to pin down than a flock of yahavim, yet by snack time, the kindergarten teacher knew who could read, who needed reminders to use the bathroom, and who would be her troublemakers. “Zeke, return to your seat.”
“Don’t have one!”
“Your name is right here.”
“Nuh-uh. My name’s Zeke.”
“This is your full name,” his teacher gently corrected.
Jasper leaned over. “Full?”
Timothy squeezed closer. “What’s it say?”
Ethan’s charge slapped his hands over the name tag. “It’s supposed to be spelled Zeke … only ’cept Teacher wrote it wrong. So I’m gonna sit with the gerbils.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
NEWS FLASH: New Release Date
Well, I’ll be jiggered! Here I was all set up to begin a 7-week countdown to the September release of The Broken Window … only to learn that the book’s in print, in boxes, and shipping to retailers everywhere. Because Zondervan moved the release date to August 22!
Whoa.
HOW FABULOUS IS THAT?
Okay. So I need to get my act together. Starting this Thursday, we’ll kick of a blitz version of the countdown. There will be sketches, new art, and gossipy tidbits about the third installment of the Threshold Series. Which releases in less than a month!
COMING SOONER!
August 22, 2013
July 26, 2013
The Week’s Accumulation xlix
I wonder why summers always seem to fly by? Maybe that’s why it’s so important to take life one day at a time. If we’re looking too far ahead, the time we have right now sneaks away. So far, I’m sticking to my summer writing goals. Between those and getting outside for long walks, my days are full enough to be satisfying. Lots of little things cropped up on my desktop this week, so the clutter will be fun to share. Take a peek!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ Rough and Tumble is coming along nicely. It’s a little strange to realize that I’ve been recounting Ethan’s watch-care over young Zeke for nearly a year now. The young scamp recently turned five, and in today’s chapter, he’s diving into his first day of kindergarten. (Insert nostalgic sigh. “Ah, they grow up so fast!”) As I’ve mentioned before, Rough and Tumble will wrap up later this fall with its 300th chapter.
♦ I’m still quite active on Pinterest. It’s fun to run across pictures that remind me of elements from my stories. I’ve added lots of new pictures to both my Prissie Pomeroy and Threshold Series – Misc. boards. Many folks have mentioned that they find the site a time-sink, but it continues to be a useful resource. I use my secret boards to collect details for the stories I’m plotting.
♦ If you pay any attention to my Twitter feed, you’ll know that I keep an eye out for quotes about writing. They’re usually inspirational, motivational, or just plain well-said. If you’re similarly inclined, be sure to check out my Words board on Pinterest. At the time of this posting, there are over 700 pearls of wisdom collected there.
♦ We’re just over a week away from the countdown for the third book in the Threshold Series, which releases in September. Just like I did for Book 2: The Hidden Deep, I’ll do a bonus post every Tuesday with background tidbits, sneak peeks at sketches, and brand new art. If you want to go back and see the countdown for Book 2, that’s here. Watch for the countdown for The Broken Window to begin on the first Tuesday in August!
♦ Last but not least, new art! I couldn’t resist having a sketch done of Zeke and his two best friends. This is Trio by MistyTang.
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 224: A Cord of Three Strands
Chapter 224: A Cord of Three Strands
Ethan helped escort a line of five-year-olds to their classroom. Once Zeke was through the door, he caught sight of his best friend from church. “Jasper! You came to school?”
“Gramma says I gotta.”
“Me, too,” Zeke sighed. “Dad said to learn lotsa stuff. And not eat paste.”
“You’re here!”
Ethan was smiling as broadly as his charge when Zeke turned and goggled at a familiar freckled face. Flapping his arms excitedly, he hollered, “Hey, I know you! Timothy!”
By the time the teacher settled everyone down enough to start class, Zeke, Jasper, and Timothy had decided to be inseparable.
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Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
Fridays: I’ll keep comments open on Fridays in case you’d like to say hello.
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 223: Enjoy the Journey
Chapter 223: Enjoy the Journey
“I can’t believe we’re already here,” murmured Naomi. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”
Jayce chuckled. “I’m not sure his teacher’s ready for this. But Zeke is.”
His wife smiled. “I wonder if this is what they mean when they say someone’s born ready.”
Alpheus tapped Ethan’s shoulder. “Are you ready?”
“Always and never,” he admitted with a wry smile. “I cannot say for certain.”
“I don’t hear nothing.” Zeke’s red sneakers did a dance of impatience on the gravel.
Jayce asked, “In a rush, son?”
“’Course!”
“To get to school?”
Zeke blinked. “Nuh-uh. I wanna ride the bus!”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
July 24, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 222: Summer Reading Program
Chapter 222: Summer Reading Program
Zeke propped his chin on the counter and stared up at the librarian. “Is it time?”
“Ten more minutes,” she replied, her usual bright smile a little forced.
Blue eyes drifted to the wall clock that ticked away the seconds. “Now?” he asked.
“That was ten seconds, Zeke.”
“Oh.”
Ethan huffed in amusement when his charge tried to pass the time by holding his breath.
After turning red and gasping noisily, Zeke asked, “Is it time yet?”
Naomi collared her son. “Sorry! He’s very excited for the magic show.”
With a wan smile, the woman simply said, “Eight more minutes.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
July 23, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 221: Test of Courage
Chapter 221: Test of Courage
On the last day of swimming lessons, Zeke finally received permission to climb the big ladder. Timothy couldn’t be persuaded to join his friend, but he waited on his boogie board, right next to their swimming teacher. She called, “Ready when you are, Zeke!”
“Almost!”
Ethan was waiting for his charge at the top of the ladder, so he saw Zeke’s eyes widen and knees wobble. “High,” the boy whispered.
“We have flown higher, in dreams,” Ethan whispered.
“Gonna chicken out?” hollered Neil, who stood with the other Pomeroys. Momma’s camera was ready.
“You watch!” Zeke challenged. “I’m gonna fly!”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 220: Summer Friend
Chapter 220: Summer Friend
The blond boy in red trunks and the freckled boy in the blue swimming cap were easy to spot, chugging along side-by-side on their boogie boards.
“I did so dive!” Zeke exclaimed. “Off the top step!”
With a funny little snicker, Timothy replied, “You flopped.”
Zeke grinned. “Well, my splashes are biggest!”
“Prove it!” challenged his friend, kicking harder.
Ethan chuckled as the boys churned across the shallow end. Zeke’s courage was rubbing off on Timothy, and in exchange, Timothy made sure Zeke looked before they leapt. It was a good combination, and Ethan wished it could have lasted longer.
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
