A.J. Lauer's Blog, page 8
April 13, 2015
#AtoZChallenge - Keep Watch
Happy Monday everyone! I hope you had a lovely weekend.
I am having a minor surgery today, so will be away from blogging for a couple days. My super amazing and generous co-author Dan Keidl has offered to continue the story for you all while I heal up (though I'm sure the story could get quite interesting if I wrote it on painkillers!). He, like me, has no real idea where the story is going because it is completely determined by what y'all tell us to write. Looking forward to seeing what you all come up with :)
~AJ
K:
Amy wanted to be sure little Irena's nap was undisturbed, so she led her back up the short marble stairway to the door they'd come out before, the young child's sandals slapping against the stone stairs. The flapping subtly altered pitch as they both stepped onto the oak flooring of the foyer. Hand in hand they walked down the hallway, and through the very first door to their left, Amy discovered a wonderfully ornate sitting room. Polished dark wooden chairs and couches with green velvet cushions were interspersed with lovingly carved endtables hoisting gas lamps made of brass, unlit. Old suits of armor, in need of dusting, stood on display in the corners. Large paintings of a regal-looking man and woman -- most likely Irena's mother and father -- hung on one wall, and on the opposite a tall arched window let in the light from outside, which was quickly growing darker as clouds rolled in.
As Amy cast about for something with which to light a lamp, Irena wordlessly padded up to a large circular armchair, plopped down on it, and proceeded to stretch her arms over her head in an exaggerated yawn. By the time Amy hit upon a small box of long wooden matches, the child had swung her legs up, lay her head down, tucked her knees in against her chest, and fallen fast asleep.
"Sleep tight, little Rain," Amy said, feeling a certain rightness about the nickname. Turning a table lamp on low, Amy lit it with a match and replaced the glass. In the dim orange glow she found an old, rich green blanket which she draped carefully over her sleeping charge. Actual rain began to patter lightly at the arched window as Amy stood back to admire the sleeping child's gentle breathing.
Amy's ears perked, and she swung her head around as she realized she could faintly hear music. Leaving the safely sleeping child for a moment, she stepped out of the sitting room to better pinpoint the source. A haunting melody, the kind of tune one might hear at a formal dance, drifted down the hall, and Amy was drawn to it.
She found a set of double-doors, the music plainly coming through them. As Amy stepped through, nervously pushing at the folds along the front of the rich dress she wore, she found herself in a vast ballroom. A number of chairs were arranged in a semi circle on one end, as if to seat a chamber orchestra. However, at the center of the empty chairs stood a short circular table upon which rested an antique-style phonograph, complete with an almost comically-oversized copper horn, and it was from this that the music played. Tall windows like the one in the sitting room lined one wall, and in the dim light coming in, she could see a proud figure standing.
He was wearing a dark blue uniform like what Amy fancied a prince or king would wear. His left arm was behind his back, while his right held the lapel of his jacket. He turned his head to face her, and Amy was struck by the resemblance he held to the painting in the room where Irena was sleeping.
As their eyes met, he held out a hand to her across the room, and she walked to him to accept it. As she closed with him, though, a few paces away, she got a sudden sense of wrongness and awkwardly stopped. She regarded him more closely, and was struck again by the too-perfect resemblance to the man in the painting.
"Prince Leo?" she said, remembering the name of Irena's father. He inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement. As he made that gentle motion, her vision swam and she got an impression of him, perfect as a painting, colors dabbed on to mimic life, like he wasn't a real person but the image of one adorning canvas.
White canvas. The man in white.
Her blood ran chill through her veins, but Amy knew that if she revealed the ruse, she would be in terrible danger.
"Won't you join me for a dance?" the figure asked, his mouth barely murmuring the words above the music.
What will Amy do?Lull the painted man into complacency by accepting the dance.Lunge away and flee the ballroom.
Lure the painted man into telling Amy his secrets.
Make sure to vote for where you want the story to go below in the comments so I know what I'm writing about for tomorrow! Thanks!
~Dan
I am having a minor surgery today, so will be away from blogging for a couple days. My super amazing and generous co-author Dan Keidl has offered to continue the story for you all while I heal up (though I'm sure the story could get quite interesting if I wrote it on painkillers!). He, like me, has no real idea where the story is going because it is completely determined by what y'all tell us to write. Looking forward to seeing what you all come up with :)
~AJ
K:
Amy wanted to be sure little Irena's nap was undisturbed, so she led her back up the short marble stairway to the door they'd come out before, the young child's sandals slapping against the stone stairs. The flapping subtly altered pitch as they both stepped onto the oak flooring of the foyer. Hand in hand they walked down the hallway, and through the very first door to their left, Amy discovered a wonderfully ornate sitting room. Polished dark wooden chairs and couches with green velvet cushions were interspersed with lovingly carved endtables hoisting gas lamps made of brass, unlit. Old suits of armor, in need of dusting, stood on display in the corners. Large paintings of a regal-looking man and woman -- most likely Irena's mother and father -- hung on one wall, and on the opposite a tall arched window let in the light from outside, which was quickly growing darker as clouds rolled in.
As Amy cast about for something with which to light a lamp, Irena wordlessly padded up to a large circular armchair, plopped down on it, and proceeded to stretch her arms over her head in an exaggerated yawn. By the time Amy hit upon a small box of long wooden matches, the child had swung her legs up, lay her head down, tucked her knees in against her chest, and fallen fast asleep.
"Sleep tight, little Rain," Amy said, feeling a certain rightness about the nickname. Turning a table lamp on low, Amy lit it with a match and replaced the glass. In the dim orange glow she found an old, rich green blanket which she draped carefully over her sleeping charge. Actual rain began to patter lightly at the arched window as Amy stood back to admire the sleeping child's gentle breathing.
Amy's ears perked, and she swung her head around as she realized she could faintly hear music. Leaving the safely sleeping child for a moment, she stepped out of the sitting room to better pinpoint the source. A haunting melody, the kind of tune one might hear at a formal dance, drifted down the hall, and Amy was drawn to it.
She found a set of double-doors, the music plainly coming through them. As Amy stepped through, nervously pushing at the folds along the front of the rich dress she wore, she found herself in a vast ballroom. A number of chairs were arranged in a semi circle on one end, as if to seat a chamber orchestra. However, at the center of the empty chairs stood a short circular table upon which rested an antique-style phonograph, complete with an almost comically-oversized copper horn, and it was from this that the music played. Tall windows like the one in the sitting room lined one wall, and in the dim light coming in, she could see a proud figure standing.
He was wearing a dark blue uniform like what Amy fancied a prince or king would wear. His left arm was behind his back, while his right held the lapel of his jacket. He turned his head to face her, and Amy was struck by the resemblance he held to the painting in the room where Irena was sleeping.
As their eyes met, he held out a hand to her across the room, and she walked to him to accept it. As she closed with him, though, a few paces away, she got a sudden sense of wrongness and awkwardly stopped. She regarded him more closely, and was struck again by the too-perfect resemblance to the man in the painting.
"Prince Leo?" she said, remembering the name of Irena's father. He inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement. As he made that gentle motion, her vision swam and she got an impression of him, perfect as a painting, colors dabbed on to mimic life, like he wasn't a real person but the image of one adorning canvas.
White canvas. The man in white.
Her blood ran chill through her veins, but Amy knew that if she revealed the ruse, she would be in terrible danger.
"Won't you join me for a dance?" the figure asked, his mouth barely murmuring the words above the music.
What will Amy do?Lull the painted man into complacency by accepting the dance.Lunge away and flee the ballroom.
Lure the painted man into telling Amy his secrets.
Make sure to vote for where you want the story to go below in the comments so I know what I'm writing about for tomorrow! Thanks!
~Dan
April 11, 2015
#AtoZChallenge - Among the Junipers
J:
"Oh let's go to the Juniper garden! A little fresh air will help you rest later," Amy said.
"Hooray! And can we play hide and seek?" Irena said with a grin, standing up and dancing impatiently while Amy extricated herself from the pillows.
"Yes, of course!" Amy said, laughing as Irena grabbed her hand and pulled her down the hall. Within short order Irena navigated them through various hallways and staircases and out through a door which led straight into the garden. The rich woodsy smell of the junipers was immediate and when the salty air blew through the garden it added a delightful tang of which Amy was certain she would never tire. I've stepped through the looking glass into heaven! she thought, following the small figure down a trail.
"You hide first!" Irena ordered, "I will count to ten and then come find you!" She covered her face and turned into one of the trees, counting loudly. Amy veered onto another path, and another, before nestling herself between a bush and a tree. It wasn't the best hiding spot, but she didn't want to get too far from Irena. Irena found her in a matter of minutes and giggled madly at seeing Amy wedged between the greenery.
When it was Irena's turn to hide, it took Amy longer to find her. She got turned about several times in the garden and just as she was beginning to lose her nerve, heard Irena's smothered giggles from behind a bench. She jumped at the little girl from the other side of the path, tickling her sides and saying, "I've got you!!" They were reduced to gales of laughter until the two of them sat panting on the bench, unable to even speak for their fun.
They played a couple more rounds, until it became clear that Irena was beginning to tire. The little girl begged to stay in the garden. Amy knew it was her responsibility to get her to nap, but where to nap?
On a bench they'd seen near the Kitchen garden,or take her back into the Keep?
You know the drill! Vote in the comment section below for which place they should go next :) And we'll see you on Monday!
Have you seen my email subscription link at the top of the page? This month I'm offering a FREE e-book novella to all new subscribers! Opt in to keep in touch with my writing process/progress, and receive your free novella :)
"Oh let's go to the Juniper garden! A little fresh air will help you rest later," Amy said.
"Hooray! And can we play hide and seek?" Irena said with a grin, standing up and dancing impatiently while Amy extricated herself from the pillows.
"Yes, of course!" Amy said, laughing as Irena grabbed her hand and pulled her down the hall. Within short order Irena navigated them through various hallways and staircases and out through a door which led straight into the garden. The rich woodsy smell of the junipers was immediate and when the salty air blew through the garden it added a delightful tang of which Amy was certain she would never tire. I've stepped through the looking glass into heaven! she thought, following the small figure down a trail.
"You hide first!" Irena ordered, "I will count to ten and then come find you!" She covered her face and turned into one of the trees, counting loudly. Amy veered onto another path, and another, before nestling herself between a bush and a tree. It wasn't the best hiding spot, but she didn't want to get too far from Irena. Irena found her in a matter of minutes and giggled madly at seeing Amy wedged between the greenery.
When it was Irena's turn to hide, it took Amy longer to find her. She got turned about several times in the garden and just as she was beginning to lose her nerve, heard Irena's smothered giggles from behind a bench. She jumped at the little girl from the other side of the path, tickling her sides and saying, "I've got you!!" They were reduced to gales of laughter until the two of them sat panting on the bench, unable to even speak for their fun.
They played a couple more rounds, until it became clear that Irena was beginning to tire. The little girl begged to stay in the garden. Amy knew it was her responsibility to get her to nap, but where to nap?
On a bench they'd seen near the Kitchen garden,or take her back into the Keep?
You know the drill! Vote in the comment section below for which place they should go next :) And we'll see you on Monday!
Have you seen my email subscription link at the top of the page? This month I'm offering a FREE e-book novella to all new subscribers! Opt in to keep in touch with my writing process/progress, and receive your free novella :)
April 10, 2015
#AtoZChallenge - Irena
Ahhh... There's nothing quite like a little character development in the morning! Per your requests, I present the story of Irena's name :)
I:
"But you know the story of my name, silly!" Irena said, quirking her head to the side.
"Yes, but you tell the story so well! I want to hear it again," Amy replied. She pushed aside the doubts and questions about why the girl thought she knew so much. Children easily pick up on such things and she didn't want to further raise her playfriend's suspicions.
Irena stood up out of the pillows and placed herself in front of Amy. "My name is Irena," she said with careful enunciation that sounded like I-rain-a, with a little roll of the r. "I was named after my great grandmother, the beautiful and kind Queen Irena." At this, she made a gesture as to put a crown on her little head. Amy smiled - there is nothing quite as descriptive as a young child telling a story.
"Princess Irena came from a faraway land to marry my great grandfather, King Alfons. King Alfons was a fearsome man," she said, squinching up her face in an angry manner and standing with arms akimbo, "He was strong in battle and sometimes mean to his squires. But Princess Irena was not afraid of him. They had a wedding and there was three days of feasting! They had dancers, and food, and jugglers, and clowns!" She danced in a little circle and curtsied, grinning. "It was SO much fun!
"And Queen Irena was happy and beautiful, and on the last day they danced in front of everyone who came to watch! I would have been scared to dance in front of so many people, but the King and Queen were very brave. And while they danced, Queen Irena said to her King, 'We shall rule together, and show great kindness to our people.' And great grandfather Alfons looked at his beautiful Irena and said, 'Yes, my Queen.'
"And from that day forward, he was much kinder, and he was a good King. Even when the great drought came, and all the crops dried up, he shared from the palace with everyone, and took care of them. Queen Irena was beautiful and kind until the day she died.
"That was a very sad day, because everyone loved the Queen. And that's why my daddy, Prince Leo, named me Irena. So that I can be as kind and beautiful as my great grandmother, Queen Irena." Her story finished, Irena took a deep curtsy and threw herself joyfully back onto the pillows next to Amy.
"What should we do now, Amy? It's not time for our rest, yet. What should we do?
"Should we...Go to the Juniper garden?Jump rope? Find the Jester and make him tell us Jokes?"
Alrighty! Pick yourselves a J option and vote for it in the comments below, and we'll see what happens next :)
I:
"But you know the story of my name, silly!" Irena said, quirking her head to the side.
"Yes, but you tell the story so well! I want to hear it again," Amy replied. She pushed aside the doubts and questions about why the girl thought she knew so much. Children easily pick up on such things and she didn't want to further raise her playfriend's suspicions.
Irena stood up out of the pillows and placed herself in front of Amy. "My name is Irena," she said with careful enunciation that sounded like I-rain-a, with a little roll of the r. "I was named after my great grandmother, the beautiful and kind Queen Irena." At this, she made a gesture as to put a crown on her little head. Amy smiled - there is nothing quite as descriptive as a young child telling a story.
"Princess Irena came from a faraway land to marry my great grandfather, King Alfons. King Alfons was a fearsome man," she said, squinching up her face in an angry manner and standing with arms akimbo, "He was strong in battle and sometimes mean to his squires. But Princess Irena was not afraid of him. They had a wedding and there was three days of feasting! They had dancers, and food, and jugglers, and clowns!" She danced in a little circle and curtsied, grinning. "It was SO much fun!
"And Queen Irena was happy and beautiful, and on the last day they danced in front of everyone who came to watch! I would have been scared to dance in front of so many people, but the King and Queen were very brave. And while they danced, Queen Irena said to her King, 'We shall rule together, and show great kindness to our people.' And great grandfather Alfons looked at his beautiful Irena and said, 'Yes, my Queen.'
"And from that day forward, he was much kinder, and he was a good King. Even when the great drought came, and all the crops dried up, he shared from the palace with everyone, and took care of them. Queen Irena was beautiful and kind until the day she died.
"That was a very sad day, because everyone loved the Queen. And that's why my daddy, Prince Leo, named me Irena. So that I can be as kind and beautiful as my great grandmother, Queen Irena." Her story finished, Irena took a deep curtsy and threw herself joyfully back onto the pillows next to Amy.
"What should we do now, Amy? It's not time for our rest, yet. What should we do?
"Should we...Go to the Juniper garden?Jump rope? Find the Jester and make him tell us Jokes?"
Alrighty! Pick yourselves a J option and vote for it in the comments below, and we'll see what happens next :)
April 9, 2015
#AtoZChallenge - Hurry! Follow the girl!
H:
Amy gave the dancing doll in the mirror one last quick glance before turning on her heel to follow the little girl down the hallway. She didn't know what to make of Cal's warning to "...be watching for the man in white.." but now that she'd seen him, she couldn't not follow him. Especially since the little girl had seemed to go that direction so willingly. And who was the little girl? Where was she? And how was she here? It seemed that following the girl was the only way to get answers, and so she must go.
Her slippered feet went quietly down the hall, though she was moving quite quickly to try to catch up. The girl turned right down a side corridor. Amy followed, and then stopped dead in her tracks. The girl was sitting in a windowed alcove, replete with plush cushions. The windows looked out over a rocky beach leading to the sea. Which sea?, Amy wondered. Gray rocks contrasted with the crystalline blue-green of the water below in a manner both delightful and stark.
The little girl laughed and waved Amy over, indicating that she should join her on the cushions. Amy obeyed, settling in next to the small creature. "What is your name?" she asked.
"Irena, of course! How silly you are, to ask that question!"
"Silly?" Amy asked.
"Yes! You are my best playfriend! How could you forget my name?" Irena asked, sticking out a petulant lip.
"Well, I guess I am silly, then! Shall we play a questions game?" Amy said, hoping the girl would take the bait.
"Yes! I love questions!"
"Wonderful," Amy said. What should she Inquire?"Can you show me your favorite place Inside this building?""Tell me the story of your name, Irena?""Where do those shIps go?" (I know that's a weak I hahaha.. Give a girl a break!)
Ok! Tell me your choice for what question to ask Irena, by 8pm Mountain Time (or after - total honesty: I haven't been writing till the next morning :) ) and we'll see where Irena's answers take us!
Have you seen my email subscription link at the top of the page? This month I'm offering a FREE e-book novella to all new subscribers! Opt in to keep in touch with my writing process/progress, and receive your free novella :)
Amy gave the dancing doll in the mirror one last quick glance before turning on her heel to follow the little girl down the hallway. She didn't know what to make of Cal's warning to "...be watching for the man in white.." but now that she'd seen him, she couldn't not follow him. Especially since the little girl had seemed to go that direction so willingly. And who was the little girl? Where was she? And how was she here? It seemed that following the girl was the only way to get answers, and so she must go.
Her slippered feet went quietly down the hall, though she was moving quite quickly to try to catch up. The girl turned right down a side corridor. Amy followed, and then stopped dead in her tracks. The girl was sitting in a windowed alcove, replete with plush cushions. The windows looked out over a rocky beach leading to the sea. Which sea?, Amy wondered. Gray rocks contrasted with the crystalline blue-green of the water below in a manner both delightful and stark.
The little girl laughed and waved Amy over, indicating that she should join her on the cushions. Amy obeyed, settling in next to the small creature. "What is your name?" she asked.
"Irena, of course! How silly you are, to ask that question!"
"Silly?" Amy asked.
"Yes! You are my best playfriend! How could you forget my name?" Irena asked, sticking out a petulant lip.
"Well, I guess I am silly, then! Shall we play a questions game?" Amy said, hoping the girl would take the bait.
"Yes! I love questions!"
"Wonderful," Amy said. What should she Inquire?"Can you show me your favorite place Inside this building?""Tell me the story of your name, Irena?""Where do those shIps go?" (I know that's a weak I hahaha.. Give a girl a break!)
Ok! Tell me your choice for what question to ask Irena, by 8pm Mountain Time (or after - total honesty: I haven't been writing till the next morning :) ) and we'll see where Irena's answers take us!
Have you seen my email subscription link at the top of the page? This month I'm offering a FREE e-book novella to all new subscribers! Opt in to keep in touch with my writing process/progress, and receive your free novella :)
April 8, 2015
#AtoZChallenge - Go to the other side
Well when I went to bed last night we were tied for what y'all wanted to do, but some tie-breakers came in overnight so let's Go explore the other side of the shop!
G:
Amy glanced at the corner, and with a little spurt of curiosity, wondered if she could actually touch anything in her current state. She swooped down and grabbed the hand of a little girl doll and was delighted to find that she could bring it up into the air with her. She held her hands out to her sides and flew to the other corner of the shop, Peter Pan style.
This side had more large objects in it. Here, several rolls of carpet. There, an iron bedstand, and just next to it a set of several gilded mirrors. The mirrors begged another question - was she invisible? She floated in a standing way in front of the largest of the three mirrors and was amused to see that its reflection showed the little doll floating in midair. She made the doll dance for a moment, giggling at her own silliness.
But then, she glanced at one of the other mirrors and was surprised to see not only herself, but also a small girl with long dark hair, holding her hand and smiling out at her. A long hallway with ornate pillars extended behind them. She reached out a finger as though to touch the rich dress her reflection wore. The mirror shimmered a bit at her touch, distorting the image. With a shift and a pop! she found herself on the other side, looking back into the shop at a doll that seemed to dance in midair.
Amy looked down to see that she was now wearing the finery she'd tried to touch only moments ago. She looked down the hallway and saw, just disappearing behind a pillar, what appeared to be a man dressed in white, rushing away from her. The little girl dropped her hand and skipped down the hall toward him.
What should Amy do?Hurry! Follow the little girl!Hide behind a pillar from the man in white.Hit at the mirror to try to get back through.
Remember to submit your votes in the comment section below! I'll check them around 8pm Mountain Time and use those votes to write my H post for tomorrow! Have a great day everyone :)
G:
Amy glanced at the corner, and with a little spurt of curiosity, wondered if she could actually touch anything in her current state. She swooped down and grabbed the hand of a little girl doll and was delighted to find that she could bring it up into the air with her. She held her hands out to her sides and flew to the other corner of the shop, Peter Pan style.
This side had more large objects in it. Here, several rolls of carpet. There, an iron bedstand, and just next to it a set of several gilded mirrors. The mirrors begged another question - was she invisible? She floated in a standing way in front of the largest of the three mirrors and was amused to see that its reflection showed the little doll floating in midair. She made the doll dance for a moment, giggling at her own silliness.
But then, she glanced at one of the other mirrors and was surprised to see not only herself, but also a small girl with long dark hair, holding her hand and smiling out at her. A long hallway with ornate pillars extended behind them. She reached out a finger as though to touch the rich dress her reflection wore. The mirror shimmered a bit at her touch, distorting the image. With a shift and a pop! she found herself on the other side, looking back into the shop at a doll that seemed to dance in midair.
Amy looked down to see that she was now wearing the finery she'd tried to touch only moments ago. She looked down the hallway and saw, just disappearing behind a pillar, what appeared to be a man dressed in white, rushing away from her. The little girl dropped her hand and skipped down the hall toward him.
What should Amy do?Hurry! Follow the little girl!Hide behind a pillar from the man in white.Hit at the mirror to try to get back through.
Remember to submit your votes in the comment section below! I'll check them around 8pm Mountain Time and use those votes to write my H post for tomorrow! Have a great day everyone :)
April 7, 2015
#AtoZChallenge - Freesia Tea
Sorry I'm a little late this morning! I got distracted by reading folks' blogs last night and suddenly found myself too sleepy to write before bed. But there's no question on this one - Freesia won by a long shot. Let's see what happens!
F:
"The freesia tea sounds lovely, thank you," Amy said with a sniff. She watched as he poured boiling water over the tea leaves in a lovely brass teapot and realized that she was still grasping Cal's handkerchief in both hands. She folded it up gently and stowed it in the pocket of her jeans.
After a couple minutes to steep, the shopkeeper poured Amy a small glass of the freesia tea. He handed it to her with a small bow and said, "I will be here if you need anything." Amy lifted the cup and inhaled its fragrant steam. The tea smelled somehow both floral and green, as though she'd put a bouquet to her face, full of freesia flowers, ferns, and just a little bit of dirt. The taste though, was different. Still floral but with a touch of mint and something savory just out of the reach of being able to identify. She sighed appreciatively, leaning back in her chair. It was lovely.
Amy felt herself begin to relax. Her muscles loosened and she closed her eyes. As she rested, she felt her mind lifting out of her body and thought, Oh, this really is uplifting... She looked down at her prone body and was filled with a complete sense of peace.
She could see the whole shop from here. It was deceptively large given its petite appearance from the outside. Far at the back she could see the shopkeeper's head bobbing as he moved merchandise from here to there. Perhaps I will go look at the other side of the shop, she thought, floating toward the back corner.
The back corner was piled high with odd pieces of furniture, boxes labeled with words she could not comprehend, dolls, embroidered linens, and other unidentifiable bits and bobs.
Amy floated, enjoying the soft touch of air currents buoying her in place, and pondered what she should do...Take a Gander at the items in this corner,Get back to her body,or Go explore the other side
Remember to comment below to let me know your choice for what she should do next! I will check the comments this evening around 8pm Mountain Time to write tomorrow's post!
Have you seen my email subscription link at the top of the page? This month I'm offering a FREE e-book novella to all new subscribers! Opt in to keep in touch with my writing process/progress, and receive your free novella :)
F:
"The freesia tea sounds lovely, thank you," Amy said with a sniff. She watched as he poured boiling water over the tea leaves in a lovely brass teapot and realized that she was still grasping Cal's handkerchief in both hands. She folded it up gently and stowed it in the pocket of her jeans.
After a couple minutes to steep, the shopkeeper poured Amy a small glass of the freesia tea. He handed it to her with a small bow and said, "I will be here if you need anything." Amy lifted the cup and inhaled its fragrant steam. The tea smelled somehow both floral and green, as though she'd put a bouquet to her face, full of freesia flowers, ferns, and just a little bit of dirt. The taste though, was different. Still floral but with a touch of mint and something savory just out of the reach of being able to identify. She sighed appreciatively, leaning back in her chair. It was lovely.
Amy felt herself begin to relax. Her muscles loosened and she closed her eyes. As she rested, she felt her mind lifting out of her body and thought, Oh, this really is uplifting... She looked down at her prone body and was filled with a complete sense of peace.
She could see the whole shop from here. It was deceptively large given its petite appearance from the outside. Far at the back she could see the shopkeeper's head bobbing as he moved merchandise from here to there. Perhaps I will go look at the other side of the shop, she thought, floating toward the back corner.
The back corner was piled high with odd pieces of furniture, boxes labeled with words she could not comprehend, dolls, embroidered linens, and other unidentifiable bits and bobs.
Amy floated, enjoying the soft touch of air currents buoying her in place, and pondered what she should do...Take a Gander at the items in this corner,Get back to her body,or Go explore the other side
Remember to comment below to let me know your choice for what she should do next! I will check the comments this evening around 8pm Mountain Time to write tomorrow's post!
Have you seen my email subscription link at the top of the page? This month I'm offering a FREE e-book novella to all new subscribers! Opt in to keep in touch with my writing process/progress, and receive your free novella :)
April 6, 2015
#AtoZChallenge - Exhausted - sEEk rEfrEshmEnt
Welcome back, everyone! I hope you had a good first rest Sunday of the month, and had a good Easter or start to Passover if you're into those kinds of things.
As a refresher, or intro to our new guests, my theme this year is interactive fiction. So every day I'm writing a brief bit of a story and my commenters get to vote on where it goes next! I will give you the options at the end of the 'chapter', and you just tell me what storyline you want to follow :) To get the back story, see where we started at A.
Based on the voting from Saturday, everyone needed a rest! Let's see where Amy's path takes her next..
E:
Amy dabbed at her teary eyes with Cal's handkerchief and gasped as the inside of the shop was flooded with the sights and sounds of the bazaar. The hourglass disappeared from the table, as did the dust of her father. She gazed longingly at the spot on the floor where his essence had so recently been. Cal's bottle was laying just next to the spot, so she bent to pick it up.
She stood with bottle in hand and met the shopkeeper's eye. The glittery cork was still in her pocket. He accepted both with a knowing look as Amy asked, "Sir, where can I get some tea?"
"You sit, miss. I will get you some tea," he said, ushering her into a seat near another small table. From here Amy was able to see the objects she'd been pondering earlier and wondered what, if anything, would have been different about her experience with them. Before long, the kind man brought her a tray with two types of tea on it, and asked which she wanted to try..
"Let me tell you the teas, and you tell me which to make:This Fennel tea is grounding. It will bring you back to earth. Keep you here.The Freesia is uplifting. It will raise your spirit. It is very comforting."
So which will it be, readers? Comment below and I will tally up your votes after 8pm Mountain Time to decide what happens on F day tomorrow!
As a refresher, or intro to our new guests, my theme this year is interactive fiction. So every day I'm writing a brief bit of a story and my commenters get to vote on where it goes next! I will give you the options at the end of the 'chapter', and you just tell me what storyline you want to follow :) To get the back story, see where we started at A.
Based on the voting from Saturday, everyone needed a rest! Let's see where Amy's path takes her next..
E:
Amy dabbed at her teary eyes with Cal's handkerchief and gasped as the inside of the shop was flooded with the sights and sounds of the bazaar. The hourglass disappeared from the table, as did the dust of her father. She gazed longingly at the spot on the floor where his essence had so recently been. Cal's bottle was laying just next to the spot, so she bent to pick it up.
She stood with bottle in hand and met the shopkeeper's eye. The glittery cork was still in her pocket. He accepted both with a knowing look as Amy asked, "Sir, where can I get some tea?"
"You sit, miss. I will get you some tea," he said, ushering her into a seat near another small table. From here Amy was able to see the objects she'd been pondering earlier and wondered what, if anything, would have been different about her experience with them. Before long, the kind man brought her a tray with two types of tea on it, and asked which she wanted to try..
"Let me tell you the teas, and you tell me which to make:This Fennel tea is grounding. It will bring you back to earth. Keep you here.The Freesia is uplifting. It will raise your spirit. It is very comforting."
So which will it be, readers? Comment below and I will tally up your votes after 8pm Mountain Time to decide what happens on F day tomorrow!
April 4, 2015
#AtoZChallenge - Dear old Dad
D:
"Cal.. My father passed away when I was a little girl. Can you bring him back to me?" Amy asked.
"Ohh Sugar. I do wish you'd have asked for diamonds. They're so much safer. I can't bring him back forever, but you can see him one more time. Close those pretty eyes."
Amy did as she was told, shutting her eyes, and squeezing them even tighter to keep from accidentally peeking as she felt a sudden dropping sensation in the pit of her belly. "Open your eyes, Sugar. You have until the hourglass empties. No touching, and please, don't hold it against me..."
Amy opened her eyes and found that the interior of the shop had dimmed and she could no longer hear the din of the Bazaar outside. Sitting on the table was an hourglass filled with blue glittering sand, pouring through at an alarming rate. She didn't have much time.
In front of her was an almost-skeleton wearing her father's favorite suit. Dry skin stretched taught over the skull left him looking emaciated, but it was definitely him. The little pin she'd stuck to his suit when he was buried was still attached and though his eye sockets were hollowed and empty they seemed to look at her kindly. "Ohh Daddy, I've missed you so much! I.. I have so much to tell you! Mom, is doing ok. She remarried, but oh I hope you don't mind. He's a nice man. And, I went to college, and now I'm traveling, to explore the world just like you always said I should. We're in India, Daddy. Did you ever go to India? ...You can't talk. Well. I just wanted to tell you I love you. And I miss you. And.. I.."
Amy broke down sobbing. The suited figure reached a hand toward her, and just as she glanced back up the timer ran out. He dropped into a pile of dust, and was gone. Cal appeared and handed her a silvery handkerchief.
"Well, Sugar. That's it. Sorry to duck out on you, but I really have to go. Places to be and all that. Thanks for letting me out to stretch my legs. And Sugar, I shouldn't be tellin' you this, but what you really need to be watching for is the man in white, ok? Bye now!" With a flounce of the feathers at his rump, Cal was gone.
Shocked at having just seen her father again, Amy was at a loss for what to do. She's Exhausted - she should sEEk rEfreshment.Take a brEather before heading out into the bazaar - Examine more Eccentric objects.
Remember to comment below to let me know your choice for what she should do next! I will check the comments Sunday evening around 8pm Mountain Time to write Monday's post!
Have you seen my email subscription link at the top of the page? This month I'm offering a FREE e-book novella to all new subscribers! Opt in to keep in touch with my writing process/progress, and receive your free novella :)
"Cal.. My father passed away when I was a little girl. Can you bring him back to me?" Amy asked.
"Ohh Sugar. I do wish you'd have asked for diamonds. They're so much safer. I can't bring him back forever, but you can see him one more time. Close those pretty eyes."
Amy did as she was told, shutting her eyes, and squeezing them even tighter to keep from accidentally peeking as she felt a sudden dropping sensation in the pit of her belly. "Open your eyes, Sugar. You have until the hourglass empties. No touching, and please, don't hold it against me..."
Amy opened her eyes and found that the interior of the shop had dimmed and she could no longer hear the din of the Bazaar outside. Sitting on the table was an hourglass filled with blue glittering sand, pouring through at an alarming rate. She didn't have much time.
In front of her was an almost-skeleton wearing her father's favorite suit. Dry skin stretched taught over the skull left him looking emaciated, but it was definitely him. The little pin she'd stuck to his suit when he was buried was still attached and though his eye sockets were hollowed and empty they seemed to look at her kindly. "Ohh Daddy, I've missed you so much! I.. I have so much to tell you! Mom, is doing ok. She remarried, but oh I hope you don't mind. He's a nice man. And, I went to college, and now I'm traveling, to explore the world just like you always said I should. We're in India, Daddy. Did you ever go to India? ...You can't talk. Well. I just wanted to tell you I love you. And I miss you. And.. I.."
Amy broke down sobbing. The suited figure reached a hand toward her, and just as she glanced back up the timer ran out. He dropped into a pile of dust, and was gone. Cal appeared and handed her a silvery handkerchief.
"Well, Sugar. That's it. Sorry to duck out on you, but I really have to go. Places to be and all that. Thanks for letting me out to stretch my legs. And Sugar, I shouldn't be tellin' you this, but what you really need to be watching for is the man in white, ok? Bye now!" With a flounce of the feathers at his rump, Cal was gone.
Shocked at having just seen her father again, Amy was at a loss for what to do. She's Exhausted - she should sEEk rEfreshment.Take a brEather before heading out into the bazaar - Examine more Eccentric objects.
Remember to comment below to let me know your choice for what she should do next! I will check the comments Sunday evening around 8pm Mountain Time to write Monday's post!
Have you seen my email subscription link at the top of the page? This month I'm offering a FREE e-book novella to all new subscribers! Opt in to keep in touch with my writing process/progress, and receive your free novella :)
April 3, 2015
#AtoZChallenge - Pulling the Cork
Ooh that was a closer vote, y'all! Let's find out what is in the bottle!
C: The trip to the bazaar was all about taking risks and experiencing new things, so Amy decided to pull the cork from the lovely blue bottle in her hand. At first nothing happened. She peered down the neck of the bottle and swirled it about a bit to see what the liquid would do before taking a quick sniff. Ugghhh.. Stale perfume and cigarettes! How could something so pretty smell so terrible? She moved to put the cork back in its place. But the bottle started vibrating and shook itself out of her hand, falling to the ground with a clatter. It rolled against a table leg and the liquid began oozing out. It rapidly expanded until with a sudden pop! and a gust of stale air, it changed into a human form, right before her eyes. A tall, beautiful man, in a flowing blue sequined dress with a tuft of feathers at the rump."Ohh.. Sugar.. Thank you so much! It's been aaages since I got stuck in there and you know being cramped up like that is bad for my style! Just look what it's done to my dress!" The.. genie..? Used one lengthy, elaborately painted fingernail to gesture to some intricate beadwork along the back strap of his dress.Amy's eyes widened and her jaw dropped as she stammered, "Well, yes. Yes, I imagine it would be bad for your dress!""Now Sugar, could you just fix the sequins on the back of this here dress for Cal? That's a good girl."Amy reached a tentative hand to straighten the sequins as Cal said, "Don't be shy now! Ohh.. You humans and your gender binaries. Ain't you ever seen a man in a dress? There's nothin' in this world that makes me feel more ready to work some magic than some sequins and a good coat of lipstick. I'm just going to put on my face while you fix those up." He waved a hand in front of his face, leaving it covered with sparkly eye shadow and a deep red lipstick that perfectly complimented his dark complexion. "Thank you kindly for straightening me up. Now. What can Cal do for you today, Sugar? One wish, or question, or fantasy. Then I've got a social engagement to attend to, so decide quick, darlin'."
Decide quick!To see your Dear old Dad again?Or ask for Diamonds and riches?Be free from Disease and Decrepitude?
Post your votes in the comments below! I'll tally them after 8pm Mountain Time and use your input to write my D post!
C: The trip to the bazaar was all about taking risks and experiencing new things, so Amy decided to pull the cork from the lovely blue bottle in her hand. At first nothing happened. She peered down the neck of the bottle and swirled it about a bit to see what the liquid would do before taking a quick sniff. Ugghhh.. Stale perfume and cigarettes! How could something so pretty smell so terrible? She moved to put the cork back in its place. But the bottle started vibrating and shook itself out of her hand, falling to the ground with a clatter. It rolled against a table leg and the liquid began oozing out. It rapidly expanded until with a sudden pop! and a gust of stale air, it changed into a human form, right before her eyes. A tall, beautiful man, in a flowing blue sequined dress with a tuft of feathers at the rump."Ohh.. Sugar.. Thank you so much! It's been aaages since I got stuck in there and you know being cramped up like that is bad for my style! Just look what it's done to my dress!" The.. genie..? Used one lengthy, elaborately painted fingernail to gesture to some intricate beadwork along the back strap of his dress.Amy's eyes widened and her jaw dropped as she stammered, "Well, yes. Yes, I imagine it would be bad for your dress!""Now Sugar, could you just fix the sequins on the back of this here dress for Cal? That's a good girl."Amy reached a tentative hand to straighten the sequins as Cal said, "Don't be shy now! Ohh.. You humans and your gender binaries. Ain't you ever seen a man in a dress? There's nothin' in this world that makes me feel more ready to work some magic than some sequins and a good coat of lipstick. I'm just going to put on my face while you fix those up." He waved a hand in front of his face, leaving it covered with sparkly eye shadow and a deep red lipstick that perfectly complimented his dark complexion. "Thank you kindly for straightening me up. Now. What can Cal do for you today, Sugar? One wish, or question, or fantasy. Then I've got a social engagement to attend to, so decide quick, darlin'."
Decide quick!To see your Dear old Dad again?Or ask for Diamonds and riches?Be free from Disease and Decrepitude?
Post your votes in the comments below! I'll tally them after 8pm Mountain Time and use your input to write my D post!
April 2, 2015
#AtoZChallenge - Blue Bottle
Wow! Y'all were all about the Blue Bottle! Which I'm actually pretty excited about because you unlocked an Easter Egg - a little extra tidbit about Blue Bottle, which I've left you at the end of the post. Let's find out about that bottle...
B:
Amy picked up the blue bottle on the table, ignoring its scrappier counterparts. Swirls of lighter color and the slight uneven curve at the bottle's neck gave it a handmade quality. Several loops of dark ribbon, adorned with buttons and other bobs, circled the neck in a manner not unlike a necklace. When Amy looked at a lantern through the bottle, she could see that it contained a viscous gas which seemed to glitter a bit as it oozed about the container. The cork stopper glittered a bit as well. Amy found herself at once both curious and uncertain about the possibility of pulling the cork.
What should she do?Pull the Cork to examine its Contents?or Continue examining other Curiosities?
Vote with your comments below, and I'll use your votes to inform the story for the letter C!
Easter Egg:
When I attended summer camp one of my favorite camp friends used to sing a song called Blue Bottle. This is the refrain:
I have a little present here for you
Inside this tiny bottle, so very small and blue
Please do not uncork it, simply put it on away.
For inside there lies a summer's day.
Put it on away...
Have you seen my email subscription link at the top of the page? This month I'm offering a FREE e-book novella to all new subscribers! Opt in to keep in touch with my writing process/progress, and receive your free novella :)
B:
Amy picked up the blue bottle on the table, ignoring its scrappier counterparts. Swirls of lighter color and the slight uneven curve at the bottle's neck gave it a handmade quality. Several loops of dark ribbon, adorned with buttons and other bobs, circled the neck in a manner not unlike a necklace. When Amy looked at a lantern through the bottle, she could see that it contained a viscous gas which seemed to glitter a bit as it oozed about the container. The cork stopper glittered a bit as well. Amy found herself at once both curious and uncertain about the possibility of pulling the cork.
What should she do?Pull the Cork to examine its Contents?or Continue examining other Curiosities?
Vote with your comments below, and I'll use your votes to inform the story for the letter C!
Easter Egg:
When I attended summer camp one of my favorite camp friends used to sing a song called Blue Bottle. This is the refrain:
I have a little present here for you
Inside this tiny bottle, so very small and blue
Please do not uncork it, simply put it on away.
For inside there lies a summer's day.
Put it on away...
Have you seen my email subscription link at the top of the page? This month I'm offering a FREE e-book novella to all new subscribers! Opt in to keep in touch with my writing process/progress, and receive your free novella :)
