Christa Kinde's Blog, page 94
May 29, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 182: Clear
Chapter 182: Clear
“Show me where it hurts.”
“Can’t.” Zeke squirmed and rubbed his chest. “It’s down deep.”
Ethan edged closer, anxious to see if Jayce understood.
“Tell Daddy what you mean.”
Zeke bravely met his father’s gaze. “M’sorry.”
“Sorry you were hurt?” Jayce checked.
“Uh-huh.” With a blink, Zeke changed his mind. “Nuh-uh. Sorry cuz I was bad.”
Jayce’s expression cleared, and he hugged the boy. “Yes, you disobeyed … but I forgive you.”
Zeke wiped his nose on his father’s shirt. “That’s all?”
“For now. Or was there something else you needed?”
Clinging close, Zeke mumbled, “D’ya still love me?”
“Always.”
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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.
May 28, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 181: Red-Handed
Chapter 181: Red-Handed
Ethan unfurled his wings quickly enough to keep the tumbling bowl of hot caramel from splattering Zeke, but the pan of boiling water under it was another matter.
Jayce tended his son’s burned hand in silence, exuding more calm that Ethan could manage. Pink wings shuddered with every falling tear and hiccuping sob. Then the baker turned to the floor—scooping, scraping, and scrubbing.
Finally, Jayce straightened, hooking his thumbs into his apron. “Does it still hurt?”
The boy hugged his injured hand to his heart. “Very bad.”
Ethan’s breath caught when he realized Zeke wasn’t replying; he was confessing.
<< 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.
May 27, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 180: Polishing Apples
Chapter 180: Polishing Apples
In preparation for the Milton County Fair, Jayce Pomeroy was making caramel apples. Zeke was his apple-washer, but the four-year-old wasn’t satisfied. “Can I dip?”
“No.” His father lifted a skewered apple from the heavy pot of melted caramel, giving it an expert twirl before adding it to the long rows on the counters. The bell over the bakery’s front door jangled, and Jayce hurried through the swinging door, saying, “Keep washing. We need that whole bushel.”
Zeke hopped off his stool and pulled it over to the stove. Ethan groaned. “Do not disobey.”
A stretch. A bump. Another catastrophe.
<< 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.
May 26, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 179: Running Wild
Chapter 179: Running Wild
Ethan stayed close to Zeke during his first solo foray into the orchard, especially since Blight’s light and laughing voice followed them through the trees. “Dogging his steps. Darkening his door.”
Zeke scanned the trees, pausing from time to time to inspect one more closely. Finally, the boy clambered into one that suited his needs. A fork formed the perfect niche, and Zeke settled down, arms behind his head, gazing through the leaves toward the clear blue sky. “This is good,” he announced. “My own spot.”
“Come out. Come back. Come here.” With a dark chuckle, Blight added, “Come alone.”
<< 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.
May 24, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 178: Putting Down Roots
Chapter 178: Putting Down Roots
Naomi understood a boy’s need to break loose, shout, climb, and conquer, but these things were best done outside. And Zeke was ready. Ethan paid close attention while both parents laid out boundaries—literal and figurative. So long as Zeke stayed within those, he had the run of the place. “Sound good?” asked Jayce.
“Yep!” Zeke replied, rushing out the door.
Dirt could wash out, but memories needed to work their way in. Jayce understood, just like his father before him. When you knew every inch of a place because you’d spent your childhood tromping through it, you loved it.
<< 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.
The Week’s Accumulation xli
Hello from my hometown! I’m spending a few weeks with my folks, enjoying a good visit while my boys help their grandpa put in his garden. It warms my heart to see them sporting straw hats and flannel shirts … and coming in for meals with dirt under their nails. This week’s clutter includes a handful of reminders and a passel of photographs. Since this is Minnesota, I’ll even throw in the obligatory weather and garden reports! ♥
This week’s accumulation:
♦ This sale ends after the weekend, so here’s a reminder! Zonderkidz is running a special sale on the first book in the Threshold Series. Right now, you can download a digital copy of The Blue Door for just $1.99! It’s been fun to see the promotions going out via the various networks. The sale ends May 27th, so there’s still time to catch your copy. BUY IT NOW >>
♦ Angels All Around. I’ll mention again that the free illustrated Threshold Series prequel is still very much available. If you haven’t downloaded this short story yet, please do! Story Summary: Angels and demons collide over West Edinton, a small town where not everyone is what they seem. In this companion story to the Threshold Series, a divine Messenger becomes one little girl’s prince, and a fledgling Guardian becomes their knight. A longer summary, cast list, and art gallery are here.
♦ Yesterday evening, I was privileged to be invited to speak at the Scandia Lions Club dinner. So many familiar faces! I haven’t seen many of these folks since I was little, and I think they were amused when I referred to them by my old, childhood frames of reference. Amy’s mom. The bank man. The couple who own the little grocery up town, where we’d always go to buy ice cream cones after a long day of yard work. ♥ The Lions were a gracious audience who really understood where I was coming from … since we all come from the same place! It was fun to share, and I enjoyed fielding their questions about all kinds of aspects of writing and publishing. Proud of my hometown, my upbringing, and these folks who work so hard serving the community.
♦ Spring was late this year, so most of my dad’s garden was still in his cold frames along the base of what used to be a big, old dairy barn. Yesterday, the boys helped him put out all kinds of peppers and tomatoes. Good progress. And a little sunburn.
♦ Since Prissie Pomeroy (from the Threshold Series) lives on an apple orchard, I was especially pleased to come home and find the old apple tree in bloom. I grew up picking up windfalls under this Wealthy variety apple tree. Good, tart apples, perfect for pies. My dad says this may be the last year it gives us any apples, because when I say old, I mean oooooold. There’s a brace keeping this venerable fruit tree standing, because its darkened, mossy trunk is almost completely hollow.
♦ It’s been rainy and cool, but yesterday was sunny enough to encourage the lilacs, which are just about to open. We have three huge bushes in the sprawling front yard. When I was a girl, lilacs were my favorite spring flower, and I used to take the clippers out and fill and entire waste paper basket full of them to decorate my bedroom … which had purple and pink wallpaper and a purple shag rug.
♦ And let’s do a story report. With all the busyness of visiting and touring with family, I’m a smidge behind on Rough and Tumble updates. I hope to catch up pretty quick, but while you’re waiting on new installments, here’s a treat! This initial sketch is by Hannah Christenson for a piece featuring two of the Guardians in the Pomeroys’ Hedge. Bonus points for anyone who knows which members of the family are under the watch-care of Jomei and Lucan!
♦ For those good folk lucky enough to live up this-a-way, don’t forget! I’ll be speaking tonight at an event sponsored by the Marine Community Library.
Author Talk with Christa Kinde ♦ Friday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church ♦ 150 Fifth Street ♦ Marine on St. Croix, MN
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
May 23, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 177: Career Plans
Chapter 177: Career Plans
Ethan wasn’t the only one who noticed Zeke’s hovering. Naomi tousled the boy’s hair and asked, “After I put Jude down for his nap, would you help me in the garden?”
Zeke blinked. “No nap?”
“I’ll postpone it if you’ll help me pick beans.”
“Sure!”
As they worked their way around trellises, Naomi asked, “What’s on you mind, little mister?”
“Daddy.”
“Oh?”
“He needs me.”
“When did you notice this?”
“At camping,” Zeke confided.
His mother asked, “Does this change things for you?”
“Yep. Gonna bake.”
“Instead of …?”
Zeke bravely sacrificed his dream. “I was gonna have a circus.”
<< 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.
May 22, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 176: Fraternity
Chapter 176: Fraternity
That evening, two little boys crowded together in the sofa’s corner. Jude hugged a stuffed lion, and Zeke turned the pages of a picture book, making up his own story to go with the illustrations. By and by, they nodded, yawned, and sagged together in sleep. Naomi smiled and murmured, “Isn’t that the sweetest thing? They missed each other.”
A slow smile spread across Lucan’s face. “Ah,” he agreed, but his gaze was fixed on the two Guardians crowded together behind the sofa. Ethan and Alpheus were a picture of contentment as they harmonized their way through a lilting lullaby.
<< 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.
May 21, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 175: Missed and Missing Out
Chapter 175: Missed and Missing Out
When the campers returned home and dragged themselves up the sidewalk, Naomi kissed each grubby boy, then her husband. “It’s been too quiet without you.”
Grandma Nell upheld a longstanding family tradition. Handing them each a fresh bar of soap, she promised, “I will be checking behind your ears.”
Zeke surprised them all—Ethan included—when he bolted past everyone, practically tackling Jude. The two-year-old grabbed hold and giggled as Zeke gushed, “Tadpoles! Worms! Fish! Fire! Marshmallows! Only no bears, but that’s okay.” Zeke’s sunburned, freckled nose bumped his younger brother’s. “Hurry up and grow, Jude! You gotta see camping!”
<< 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.
May 17, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 174: Some More
Chapter 174: Some More
Fine fish scales still stuck to Zeke’s upper arms, under a sheen of bug spray. Dirt from the caves, scum from the pond, ash from the campfire—Ethan doubted Zeke could get any grimier. Until Jayce produced two bags of marshmallows.
Tad was a roaster, patiently turning his stick above glowing embers until they were golden brown and gooey. Zeke mimicked the technique long enough to get pearly strings of marshmallow stuck to everything, then switched to the torch method. Sooty flakes of blackened sugar. Dribbles of melting chocolate. Cracker crumbs galore. Two bags were barely enough. Everyone wanted s’more.
<< 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.
Fridays: I’ll keep comments open on Fridays in case you’d like to say hello.
