Connie Cockrell's Blog, page 49
October 21, 2016
Waterfall: Flash Fiction Friday Post
Waterfall
Cora ran from the house, her father’s drunken rage following her with the sounds of furniture and crockery smashing. As she ran through the forest, her father’s curses faded until, gasping for breath, the only sounds were the wind in the trees and the birds and insects. She dropped to the leaf-littered forest floor and rested, arms on her knees and her forehead on her arms. Why does he do it? Raging when he comes home from the village pub only to apologize the next morning and set to work repairing whatever he’d broken. It made no sense to her.
She flopped back to stare up through the leaves of the oak providing her a dappled shade. It was a beautiful day out here in the forest. Why couldn’t she stay out here? Away from her father. Away from the drudgery. That reminded her she’d left the washtub full of Anna Reed’s washing in the back yard. Cora sighed. Anna was the new priest’s wife, dainty and of ill-health. It was easy washing, the priest and his wife didn’t do hard work so their clothing was practically clean already and the coins the wash brought in helped keep Cora and her father in food and supplies for the winter. That is when papa didn’t give it to the pub-keeper.
Another sigh escaped. By the time she got back, papa would be collapsed across his pallet, sound asleep. She could finish the wash then clean up the mess in the house. But she didn’t move. Cora stared up at the clouds, drifting across the blue sky. She could feel herself relaxing, her mind drifting as her body felt as though it were becoming one with the earth.
“Miss, don’t do that.”
Cora jerked, her mind snapping back. She sat up. A small girl stood a few feet away, staring at her. But no, not a girl, a very small woman, dressed in shades of green, her staff hardly a foot high. “Why not?”
The woman shrugged. “Well, I suppose you can if you want to, but you’d get pulled into the earth spirit realm.”
“Is that bad?”
“You wouldn’t be able to come back.”
Cora nodded. “It seemed peaceful.”
The woman took a few steps toward Cora. “It is, for humans. At least at first. Then unless you really are looking for peace, it is too slow, confining. A human spirit doesn’t usually have the temperament for being an earth spirit.”
“Oh. No, I expect not. We do like to move around. I’m Cora.”
“Nice to meet you, Cora. I’m Lavendar. Fairy.”
A fairy! “I’ve heard stories about fairies.”
“Good ones I hope.”
“Yes, though mischievous, too. But mostly nice.”
“You were feeling sad. Angry, too. I could sense you from a long distance. Is that why you were moving into the earth?”
“I was angry, and sad. But I wasn’t thinking about sinking into the ground. That was just happening. I just didn’t want to go home.”
“Why not?” Lavendar sat down beside Cora.
Cora told the fairy about her father. “So you see, I don’t know what to do about it.”
“That would be a problem.” The fairy tapped her fingers on one of the fallen oak leaves, then jumped up. “Follow me. I have an idea.”
Cora nodded and followed the fairy for several miles until they entered a small glade. A pool was at the center, the water’s surface still and reflecting the woods around it. On the north edge a small waterfall, only about three feet high, poured water into the pool. A stream on the southwest side let the water out with hardly a sound. She looked into the pool. The water was so clear she could see the sandy bottom and tiny fish swimming. “It’s lovely.”
“One of my favorite spots. But it’s the waterfall that I brought you to see.” She led Cora to the falls where a flat stone stuck up out of the water at the edge of the pool. The fairy stepped onto the rock and she motioned for Cora to do the same.
“The water as it falls is magic. Once a year you may come and cup your hands and drink from the falls. As you drink, make a wish or visualize a dream, and it will come true.”
“Oh, my.” Cora stared at the water flowing from the ledge to the pool. It was mesmerizing as the water caught the sunlight and sparkled. “What should I wish for?”
“Whatever you want. But take care. Think about the consequences of your wish.”
Cora thought about her father, reeking of ale, face distorted into something horrific, smashing the bowls and chairs. Her stomach knotted with the remembered fear. “I can make a wish now?”
Lavendar nodded. “It will be this year’s wish. You’ll get no other until next year.”
“Fair enough.” Cora held out her cupped hands and in a moment, they were full of water. She drank, her eyes closed.
“What did you wish for?”
Cora stepped back onto the bank. “For my father not to be a drunkard.”
Lavendar nodded and led Cora back to her hut marking the way so Cora could return. “Farewell, Cora,” the fairy said at the hut. “Take care.”
“I will.” Cora went into the hut.
A year later, Lavendar met Cora at the pool. “How did your wish turn out.”
Cora burst into tears. “Papa died over the winter.”
“What happened?”
“Without the drink, Papa just got sadder and sadder. One night he went out and didn’t come back. The woodcutter found him in the forest, frozen to death.”
“I am so sorry, Cora.” The fairy hugged the girl.
“The priest told me papa came to him. Papa drank to forget. Without it, the guilt of losing Mama was too much. It’s all my fault Papa is dead. Now I have no parents. You were right. I didn’t know the consequences.”
“We never do.”
Thank You!
993 Words
Find more of the Forward Motion Flash Friday Group here: http://www.fmwriters.com/flash.html
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October 17, 2016
NaNo Prep: Monday Blog Post
Bear Canyon Lake
Newest News:
Spent Saturday the 15th in Scottsdale for the Arizona Professional Writers State Conference. Oh my gosh! So much information. And time to renew acquaintances with the people I see only once or twice a year. Because of the presentations, I’m planning some social media changes. If you follow me on Pinterest, twitter, Facebook, Instagram or other sites, you’ll see some changes. If you don’t follow me on those sites, why not? You can find all my links here.
This week I’m getting ready for National Novel Writing Month. This will be my sixth one. My first one, and where I picked up the writing bug, was November 2011. The challenge is the same. Write 50,000 words in the 30 days of November. I’m as excited about it now as I was in 2011. This year I have some notes to write the 4th Brown Rain novelette, already titled, Tested. I also have a short story, partly written, to finish and other projects, if I finish with that. I’ll be doing some tweeting and Facebook posts about the process for sure.
Troubled Streets is out! Hooray! It’s already up on Amazon, both as an ebook and as a paperback. It’s up on Smashwords and other places. See my links at the end of this newsletter. I’m very excited to have the 1st book about Zoe Ohale out and into reader hands. As always, if you get it, I’d appreciate it if you could take 5 minutes and give me a review.
Giveaways:
The Halloween Author Group Giveaway is still going until the end of the month. You can find the Rafflecopter link on my website. You do have to sign up to Rafflecopter but after that, you’re free to click away. I have links to it on my facebook and twitter pages, too. This giveaway I offer a free ebook, Recall, or for second prize, a copy of my Halloween Tales ebook. Over a hundred prizes from 30 authors plus a grand prize of $100 Paypal Cash. It’s not hard to enter, there are multiple ways to enter, and it doesn’t cost you anything. You could easily win a prize. If you haven’t entered yet, enter today and every day!
Shout Out:
Author and Social Media Consultant, Raleigh Pinskey. Raleigh was one of the guest speakers at the APW conference on Saturday and I enjoyed every minute. You can find her on Amazon at: http://www.raleighpinskey.com/ or on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Raleigh-Pinske....
The other guest speaker was Ric Hinkie. Ric is a multi-talented speaker, writer and business professional. Funny and inspirational, Ric kept us riveted with his presentation on how to fast forward our career to thrive as a writer. He can be found at: https://twitter.com/rhinkie, or at http://www.richinkie.com/.
I recommend both speakers for your next conference!
Garden News:
Some critter has killed the Swiss Chard and is slowly nibbling to death every single broccoli plant. Very disappointing. Some tomatoes are left and I’m picking them. Leaves are starting to turn yellow on the fruit trees but without a frost, it’s a slow process. How about you? Is your garden clean-up done or do you still have some growing season left?
Where Will I Be?:
The wonderful people at Dog-Eared Pages Book store (http://www.dogearedpagesusedbooks.com/) were kind enough to put a few of my Mystery at the Fair books on their shelves. If you’re in Phoenix, stop by the shop and say hi to the nice people there.
Newsletter Sign Up:
Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up prizes on both the regular and the Brown Rain newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming.
Newest Book Release:
Troubled Streets released on October 15th! I’m pretty excited about it. You can buy it and my other books at: Apple, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, Gumroads or Chatebooks today! I’m still getting it loaded onto Apple, Gumroad and Chatebooks. You can also see all of my books on www.ConniesRandomThoughts.com. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads. It’s critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.
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October 14, 2016
Interrupted 2: Friday Flash Fiction Post
Revolution: last book in the Gulliver Station by Connie Cockrell
She changed her lunch spot from the grocery store because the same guy figured out her routine and began approaching her every day, no matter how often she told him she wasn’t interested. Apparently her appearance was encouragement enough.
So now, even though the selection of lunch items was limited to three pre-made and wrapped sandwiches and two soups, cream of mushroom and vegan vegetable, she spent her lunch hour at Bectie’s Tea and Coffee. It seemed the patrons of Bectie’s understood that someone with a book or working on their pads, were engaged and not interested in conversation.
She settled into the café chair, tuna salad and a slice of lemon cake beside her, Caramel Macchiato at hand, and opened her new book, Jania, Princess of Taria.
Janie yelled as the ship lurched. “Fire all weapons!”
The ship shuddered as all six guns blasted, the gyro’s barely able to stabilize the craft as the gunners complied.
“Princess!” Admiral Rayquil grabbed the back of her command chair. “The Peet fleet is too powerful – they outnumber our ships four to one.”
Jania slammed her fist onto the arm of the chair. He’s right. They’ve already destroyed half of my ships. “Order a retreat.” She could feel the slow burn of anger and shame but it was better to fall back and regroup than be destroyed.
“Fleet!” Admiral Rayquil shouted over the sparking and explosions of the bridge consoles. “Prepare to….”
“Hey there!”
She jerked with the shock of the enthusiastic greeting and the sound of metal chair legs dragging across the tile floor. She blinked as she dragged her consciousness across the galaxies to the reality of Bectie’s.
The guy, twenty-five at her guess, hipster hat on his head and a goatee that needed several more months to actually fill in, dropped into the chair opposite her and settled his clear plastic cup – a latte by the look of it – on the table. He stuck out his hand. “Brandon.”
She resisted her manners in politeness and stared at him. “Do I know you?”
His hand remained suspended over the table. She looked around. Every table had someone at it. All of the other customers were male. Of course. “Why are you here?”
Brandon’s grin fell away with his hand, which grabbed his cup and gave a little salute with it. “Best latte in town.” He glanced at her cup–opaque paper so no real way to tell what was in it. The look was his question as to what she was drinking but she was in no mood to satisfy his curiosity.
“I’m here to eat my lunch and read in peace.” She waved at the other tables. “You should make friends at another table.” She opened her book and stared at the pages, eyes skimming the ink on the page but no reading. Waiting.
He twisted out of the chair, legs scraping, and grabbed his latte. “Bitch.” He stomped out of the shop.
She sighed. She just wanted to read her book and eat her lunch. Was that so wrong? She took a bite of her sandwich—the joy of starting her new book spoiled.
“Don’t feel bad.” Bectie appeared at the table, wiping down the half where Brandon had sat. “Happens all the time.”
That did make her feel better. “Thanks.” She sipped her macchiato and took another bite.
Bectie gave her a wink and went back to the counter.
She reopened her book.
“Prepare to disengage.” The ship was hit with another volley from the Peet.
“Disengage!”
Thank You!
589 Words
Find more of the Forward Motion Flash Friday Group here: http://www.fmwriters.com/flash.html
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October 12, 2016
Author Interviews: Veronica Sosa McDonald
Author Veronica Sosa McDonald
Let’s welcome author Veronica Sosa McDonald to the blog today. Veronica McDonald is a fiction writer, poet, and mom of two. She received an MA in Literature from American University. Her stories and poems are published or forthcoming in Kaaterskill Basin Literary Journal, Phantom Kangaroo, Gingerbread House Literary Magazine, and Apocrypha and Abstractions, among others.
1. Let’s start with something fun. What’s your favorite hobby?
Besides writing and reading, I love to paint. It’s almost like telling a story with no words, where you work your way through a journey to the finished product. By the time you finish you know every brushstroke of that painting and why it’s there. It’s such an intimate experience, much like writing.
2. If you had the opportunity—who would you like to spend an afternoon with and why?
This is kind of a bizarre answer, but I think Ethan Hawke. I don’t even particularly like him as an actor, but I’ve seen “Before Sunrise” a bunch of times, and I would love to spend the afternoon with someone like him, talking about life and philosophies, and just having a childlike fascination with the world. I have no idea if he’s like that in real life, but I like to imagine he is… otherwise it’ll be a long afternoon.
3. Coffee, tea, soda or something else?
Coffee in the morning. Tea when I’m sick. Soda with ice on a warm afternoon.
4. What are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m sorely behind in Camp NaNoWriMo. I’ve been using it as motivation to pick away at a novel I’ve been working on for awhile. It’s about a young girl stranded on a deserted island with her dog, and she’s rescued by devious men who hold the answer to why she was deserted in the first place. I wrote a short story spin-off of it last year that got published, called “A Rich Man.” The novel is called “Islands of Raba,” but it needs a lot of love.
5. How would you describe your writing style?
Dark. Creepy. But with a tinge of whimsy and mystery.
6. Do you have any advice for a person just beginning their writing career?
Well, I’m just starting in my writing career, so I’m not sure what advice I can give. The only things I can say for sure: write a lot, submit a lot, and learn to believe in yourself while knowing that your writing can always be better.
7. Do you immerse yourself in new situations for writing ideas or do your ideas come to you through your normal, day-to-day life?
New situations are always inspiring, but mostly I’d have to say day-to-day life. My best ideas come from childhood memories, dreams, and daydreams, and every very once in awhile I’ll come across people that are so unique that they inspire me. My children (who are four and two) are good for that, too.
8. Where can we find you on the interwebs?
You can find me at VeronicaMcDonaldAuthor.com, or on Twitter: @VeeMcD123
Thank you so much, Veronica. We’ve loved having you on the blog.
Everyone, please take some time and visit Veronica on her website of on her Twitter page to see what she’s up to now.
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October 10, 2016
Craft Fair Book Selling: Monday Blog Post
My Table at the Book Signing
Newest News:
I spent the 8th and the 9th in Pine AZ at the Pine-Strawberry October Fall Festival. It’s the business community’s monthly craft fair and in October, they specialize in antiques, a chili cook-off, and tables for authors to sell their books. I had a table and one other author, a poet, Carena del Uno had a table. On Saturday, she shared her table with a mutual author friend, Annemarie Eveland. We had fun chatting with each other and with the attendees and all of us made sales so it turned out to be a successful weekend. A couple of people interested in being authors stopped by the tables and I invited them to attend our monthly Arizona Professional Authors meeting. The more the merrier! I hope they come.
Pat and Randy at the Chili-Cookoff
Speaking of the chili cookoff. My husband and his brother, Pat, participated in that event. They had tables next to each other so they could talk. As usual they had a good time talking to friends and neighbors who came to enjoy the chili. At the end, it turned out Pat won second place in the cook-off! Hooray! That’s Pat in the red.
A delay on the release of Troubled Streets. Last week my computer died so I lost two and a half days of work time to troubleshooting, then buying and setting up the new computer. Then, I totally messed up the interior file format and am having to do it all over again. Correctly this time. It will be another day or two since I spent the weekend at the craft fair. However, the cover designer, J.A. Marlow, was able to correct the cover quickly. I had the updated cover in my email this morning! The book will be out soon.
Giveaways:
It’s the Halloween Author Group Giveaway. You can find the Rafflecopter link on my website. You do have to sign up to Rafflecopter but after that, you’re free to click away. I have links to it on my facebook and twitter pages, too. This giveaway I offer a free ebook, Recall, or for second prize, a copy of my Halloween Tales ebook. Over a hundred prizes from 30 authors plus a grand prize of $100 Paypal Cash. It’s not hard to enter, there are multiple ways to enter, and it doesn’t cost you anything. You could easily win a prize. If you haven’t entered yet, enter today and every day!
Shout Out:
Author Veronica Sosa McDonald
Today’s shout out is to author Veronica Sosa McDonald. A mom of two and a fiction author, she’s my author interview for Wednesday. If you can’t wait, you can find her at: VeronicaMcDonaldAuthor.com
Garden News:
We’ve had some lovely weather the last week so the garden is fading but I’m still picking tomatoes and the Swiss Chard hidden by the zucchini plant. We haven’t had a frost yet so my lemon tree and bay tree are still outside. Soon though, I’ll have to bring them in for the winter, along with my Jade plant. Then it will be time to clean up the garden and put it to bed for the winter. How about you? Is your garden clean-up done or do you still have some growing season left?
Where Will I Be?:
My book at Dog-Eared Pages Used Book Store
The wonderful people at Dog-Eared Pages Book store (http://www.dogearedpagesusedbooks.com/) were nice enough to put a few of my Mystery at the Fair books on their shelves. If you’re in Phoenix, stop by the shop and say hi to the nice people there.
Newsletter Sign Up:
Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up prizes on both the regular and the Brown Rain newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming.
Newest Book Release:
Kindred Spirits released on March 14th! I’m pretty excited about it. You can buy it and my other books at: Apple, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, Gumroads or Chatebooks today! You can also see all of my books on www.ConniesRandomThoughts.com. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads. It’s critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.
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October 7, 2016
Ego and Punishement: Friday Flash Fiction Post
Skeleton Keys by Livefast_x via DeviantArt.com
This is based on a Chuck Wendig prompt. FLAMBOYANT ELF DRUID FROM THE FREELANDS WHO IS QUICK TO TAKE CREDIT AND ASSIGN BLAME. Let’s see what I can do in 1000 words or less.
Picture: Skeleton Keys by Livefast_x via www.deviantart.com http://www.deviantart.com/art/Skeleton-Keys-130788426
Elanda pulled her cornflower-blue robe around her against the cold winter night. It had been too hot and smoky in the pub for her, especially filled with the stench of dwarf and man. The robe sparkled in the quarter moon’s light, enough to mark her as elf to any passer-by. Not an easy target.
She headed to her room. It was obvious no messenger would reach her this night. She’d watched the guards lock the city gates hours ago after she’d sat there all day waiting, watching the endless line of humans, dwarves and the occasional elf, pay their duty and enter. A complete waste of her time. The pub’s wine and stew sat heavy on her stomach. Not the fine food and drink of her queen’s castle, certainly. Elanda wished briefly to be back with the Queen, her twice removed aunt, but shoved the thought away.
That double damned Marowal had goaded her until she’d lost her temper and the Queen sent her on this mission. She pulled a glamor over herself to further discourage any would be thieves. The tall elf with black hair braided down his back had deliberately angered her. There was nothing she could do about it now, but wait until she returned. Thoughts of revenge filled her mind as she entered the miserable inn. The owner never woke as she passed. In her room she barred the door and the window and set a fire in the tiny stove. It was enough to take the chill out of the air, at least. Not much else could be said for the room, barely wide enough to hold the cot she’d sleep in.
An elf sat on the bed. She started, why hadn’t she seen him? It was Marowal.
“Milady Elanda.”
“Marowal.” Her tone with the young prince was cold. “I waited all day.”
He stood and stepped to the stove, holding his hands above it for the little heat it generated. “I was delayed.”
“I waited at the gate all day.” She swished the skirt of her robe in frustration. “Drinking wine near to spoiling and eating the human’s dried out fruit. Where were you?”
He smiled. A grin that made her want to slap him. “As I said, delayed.”
“Did you find the key?” Would the prince never get to the point?
“I did. And information. I’ll need your help.”
“I was sent to get the key. Nothing else.” Elanda held out her hand.
Marowal shook his head. “It won’t be that easy. The key is worthless. Unless we also get the chest it unlocks.”
“The queen sent me for the key. Just that.” She tucked her hands into the sleeves of her robe. It was obvious the prince would not give her the key.
“We’ll ride to Timate and get the chest.”
“Timate! That’s five days west.”
“We’ll leave at first light.”
#
Elanda was on horseback, gloves doing little to keep her fingers warm, an hour before the winter sun rose over the city walls. Marowal had paid the night guard who’d let them out early and they were on their way. Elven horses went fast and silent and the pair covered many miles by the end of the day. They camped in the woods. Marowal brought back a rabbit as Elanda started a fire. She grumbled as she cleaned the rabbit and set it on the spit. “I had no plan to winter camp, Marowal.”
“I beg your pardon.” He bowed from his lounge on his sleeping bag. “You wouldn’t want to go back to the queen with just half the prize, would you?”
“I don’t have the key. You do. I can’t go back at all.” She detested the smirk on his face.
“We’ll go back together, then. Victorious.”
For a cousin he was less than helpful or friendly. “Why drag me along?”
“You’ll see.”
She fumed but there was little she could do about it.
#
They arrived at Timate mid-day and entered the city. He dragged her back and forth across the town, talking to men and dwarves in whispers. At nightfall, she’d had enough. “What are we doing?”
He pointed at the clock tower in the town square. “you’ll enter the tower, climb to the top, and at the stroke of nine, create a flash in the window. That’s a signal to the owner of the chest to go to a stable at the edge of town. I’ll pay him for the chest and we’ll be away through the gate before the soldiers close it for the night.”
“You trust this owner?”
Marowal shrugged. “We’ll see.”
She was in the window right on time. Fury flowed through her at the childish cloak and dagger antics of the prince. The bell, when it struck, was painful but she made the flash, child’s play, really, then hurried back down the tower to the stable where this mysterious chest would be delivered.
Once there, Marowal was nowhere to be found. She created a finding, but the magic didn’t find him.
She spent months combing the countryside in search until giving up, she went back to the queen.
The court was in full attendance when she was presented, no chance to rest or bathe. She stopped halfway across the hall and gasped. Marowal was sitting at his mother’s feet playing with a kitten. Rage propelled her across the floor. Her bow was perfunctory.
“Majesty. I beg forgiveness for my delay. I’ve been searching for the Prince.” She glared at him, getting a grin in return.
“I do understand, Elanda. But as you can see, he’s returned.”
Elanda could hear twitters of laughter behind her. She bowed her head. “Of course, Majesty. I hope you obtained the key.”
“Oh yes,” the Queen pulled it from her dress, as a necklace. “It makes a nice ornament, doesn’t it?”
She blushed as the court laughed. A punishment, she realized, at her expense. Let them laugh. She smiled at Marowal. He’d get his in time.
Thank You!
1000 Words
Find more of the Forward Motion Flash Friday Group here: http://www.fmwriters.com/flash.html
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September 30, 2016
Found: Key, Part X of X – Friday Flash Fiction Post
Skeleton Keys by Livefast_x via DeviantArt.com
Part X of X http://www.deviantart.com/art/Skeleton-Keys-130788426 by LiveFast-x
NOTE: This final installment is a little longer than the usual flash piece. Enjoy.”
Ying opened the door to the antique shop. “You’ll love this place.”
“I already love it. It’s where I met you!” Jason kissed her cheek as he entered.
Inside, Eleanor was at the counter cashoug out a customer. She nodded at Ying, acknowledging her presence. In the background, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata played. It was a little heavy for Ying’s taste but played as softly as it was, it made for a relaxing stroll around the store. Ying inhaled the scent of lemon polish and bees was, detectable but not overwhelming. It provided her a feeling of quiet and comfort.
Jason stopped inside the door and looked around. Ying couldn’t help noticing, even with her annoyance at being manipulated, how nice he looked in his Dockers and polo shirt.
“I can see why you like it here. Lovely things surround you.” He turned and smiled. “Have you bought anything yet?”
“Not yet.” She threaded her arm through his, the one with the watch, and led him to the Chinese screen she’d noticed on her first visit. “What do you think?”
“It’s gorgeous! What are you waiting for?”
Ying shrugged. “It’s kind of pricey.”
“Nonsense. You should get it. It’s perfect.” He dropped her arm and stepped to the screen to examine it.”
Eleanor joined Ying. “Hello.”
“Eleanor. You’ve met Jason.”
Jason stepped away from the screen and held out his right hand, the watch clearly visible on his bare wrist. “Nice to meet you under better circumstances.”
“Yes. It is.” She glanced at his watch. “What a lovely watch.”
He pulled his hand back, left hand covering the watch. “Thank you. A family heirloom.”
Eleanor exchanged glances with Ying. “Would you mind if I looked at it? Professional interest, you know.”
Ying thought he looked uncomfortable. He spun the watch around his wrist several times. She was waiting for the rush of warmth but it never came. Jason was looking at Eleanor, who suddenly looked confused.
“Eleanor?” Ying put her hand on her friend’s arm.
Eleanor gave herself a little shake and smiled at Jason. “I won’t damage it, I promise.”
It was Jason’s turn to look confused. He glanced at the watch.
“Go ahead, Jason. She’s an expert.”
His eyes met hers, then back to Eleanor’s. “Umm, I suppose.” His reluctance to unclasp the ltach and hand the watch to Eleanor was obvious in his slow movements. Jason lay the watch in Eleanor’s outstretched palm.
Eleanor hefted the watch. “Gold, I presume?”
Jason nodded. “It was my great-great-great-grandfather’s.”
“The style is certainly old. Let me get my lupe.” Eleanor turned and strode to the counter.
Ying watched Jason dart after Eleanor as though she were stealing the watch. That was inconclusive proof that the watch was magic. He would do the same if it were simply what he claimed. She followed them to the counter.
Eleanor had laid the watch out on a square of black velvet. Jason’s hands hovered at the edge of the cloth. Ying had to admit it was a handsome watch. The face, also gold, had gold hands elaborately pointed and engraved. The face had what looked like diamons at 12, 3, 6 and 9 with the following numbers in ruby and the last four numbers in emeralds. Mystic symbols were engraved on the face. The antique dealer fixed her lupe to her eye and without touching it, examined the watch closely. She already had her book of artifacts open on the counter beside the watch.
“It’s a beautiful piece, late 1800’s? It must have cost a great deal. Watches for men were only just coming into style.”
Jason nodded. “No one ever said how much it cost.” His voice was tight – as though having the watch on the counter was painful.
Ying put her arm around his waist. “A wondful keepsake, Jason.”
“Hmm,” was his response. He watched Eleanor flip through her book.
“I don’t see anything like it.” She took the lupe from her eye. “It must have been custom made.”
Ying watched Jason stiffen as Eleanor flipped the watch face down. She studied the back. “a lovely sentiment is engraved on the back. ‘To my darling Husband, Love and Long Life, Mary’” She looked up. The elaborate script is right for the time frame. “Your three greats grand-mother? What was her maiden name?”
He sighed. “Mary Whitten. It was her wedding gift to him.”
Eleanor pulled another book from the shelf and began flipping pages. “Ah, here she is. An accomplished woman, your grand-mother.”
Jason picked up the watch and put it back on. “Yes, she was, in her day.”
Eleanor looked him in the eye. “You know she was considered a great Spiritualist?”
“All table knocking non-sense, of couse.”
Her eyebrow rose. “You think so?”
Ying noticed Jason begin to fidget.
“Nice to have met you again, Eleanor. Ying, I have a meeting back at the office.” He twisted his watch.
As the warm glow came over her, Ying clasped the key. The nausea and the glow fought for a moment, then they both disappeared. “I know the watch is magical, Jason.
He stopped and turned back to her. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that I know the watch has magic. You twist it on your arm whenever we meet or when you want me to do something. A few minutes ago you tried to use it on Eleanor.” Ying raised an eyebrow at Eleanor. “I’m not sure why it didn’t work on you.”
“We’re trained to resist magic used on us.” She shrugged at Jason. “Your watch’s magic isn’t very powerful against trained people.”
Jason stared at both Eleanor and Ying. “You’re magicians?”
Ying shook her head. “No. but I carry a powerful artifact. I could feel it every time you used the watch.” She saw his face fall. “It wasn’t necessary, you know. You’re charming, funny, smart, I’d have gone out with you without the manipulations.”
Jason closed his eyes and sighed. “I thought so but you’re so high-powered, I didn’t think you’d take the time.” His eyes focused on the key around her neck. “You have an artifact? A magical piece?”
Her hand crept up to the key. “Yes. I found it. Or it found me. It’s good with business.”
“Wow.”
The two stood staring at each other. Ying was certain he would break up with her and she realized she wanted him to stay.
Eleanor cleared her throat. “I think, if I may be so bold, that the watch is making it possible for you two to be together.”
It was Ying’s turn to be puzzled. “How so?”
“Just a guess, really.” Eleanor glanced at Jason. “No other documented owner has had a family. So something has changed.” She made a pointed look at zjason’s watch. “The watch has to be the difference.”
Ying reached out and stroked Jason’s watch. It was warm to the touch, nothing at all like touching metal. She smiled at him as the familiar warm glow washed through her. “I think this could work.”
Thank You!
End Part X of X: 1186 Words
Find more of the Forward Motion Flash Friday Group here: http://www.fmwriters.com/flash.html
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September 26, 2016
Fall Photo Contest: Monday Blog Post
From October 2009 Upstate NY
Have been traveling to California and back to see my daughter and arrived home after noon today, totally wiped out. So instead of my usual Monday post, how about this. I offer up a contest. Your best fall picture. Yep. I choose from the photos posted to comments. I’ll give you a free ebook if your photo is chosen. I’ll make the winner announcement next Monday (Oct 3rd).
So, to kick it off, I’ve put a photo at the top of the page, just to give you an idea.
Also, just a quick push for my new mug: a halloween one. https://www.gearbubble.com/chihuahuap...
Not very scary but cute.
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September 25, 2016
Tomato Soup: Chicklets in the Kitchen
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
It’s the end of summer and I have a glut of tomatoes, especially cherry tomatoes. Fortunately, the variety I chose for this year has that cherry tomato sweetness but isn’t too sweet. What to do with a giant bowl full of cherry tomatoes? Why tomato soup, of course! A few random Amish Paste and Early Girls found their way into the soup as well but it’s all good. The batch ended up making 3 pints of soup. Half a pint made it into my lunch but the rest I froze for future meals. Happy cooking and eating.
Hardware
4 Quart Pot
Cutting Board
Knife
1 or ½ pint freezer containers
Immersion Blender
Ingredients
Bowl full of cherry tomatoes, washed
¼ cup sliced onion
2 med garlic cloves, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Slice the onion and garlic. Cut the tomatoes in half.
Click here to see more.
Thanks for stopping by Chicklets in the Kitchen. What do you do with your tomato abundance? Please tell us about it in the comments box below if you feel so inclined.
My name is Connie Cockrell and I write SciFi, Fantasy, Mysteries, and a lot of other things and you can find links to all of my books at www.ConniesRandomThoughts.com.
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September 23, 2016
Found: Key, Part IX – Flash Fiction Friday Post
Keys III by Catherine-Elizabeth via DeviantArt.com
Part IX http://www.deviantart.com/art/Keys-III-63716735, by Catherine-Elizabeth
Tuesday dawned clear and warm. She arrived at work an hour early, just to be safe and was well into her work as the other partners came in. That should reassure them, she thought as Felicity nodded at her when she passed by the door. She’d already been there three hours when Jason called.
“Lunch? One o’clock at Revise. The chef has chicken, fresh from some farm upstate.”
“Sure.” She grinned as she held her cell phone to her ear. She felt good. His call last night had put her in a good mood and her nausea had disappeared. “I have something to talk over with you.”
“Uh oh.” He laughed. “Bad news or worse news?”
“It’s not bad. Just something we need to discuss.” She briefly wondered what he’d think about going to her parent’s for Thanksgiving then pushed the thought away. She’d find out at lunch. “See you at one.”
“See ya.” He blew a kiss into the phone and clicked off.
She sighed and dropped her phone in her pocket. Ying wasn’t sure if he was ready to meet the parents but November was still weeks away. It would be fine, she decided, and went back to work.
#
At lunch, she was shown to a table, the waiter whisking the RESERVED sign away with a flourish. Jason arrived as the water glasses were being filled. “Sorry about that. A call came in just as I was leaving.”
Ying noticed him spin the watch on his wrist. She smiled at him, her usual warm glow returning, just like every time she saw him. “No worries. I just sat down.” She looked around. “Pretty fancy for lunch.”
“The chef is a high school buddy of mine. He was just hired here, a real coup for him since he’s only twenty-seven.”
“Good for him.” Ying sipped her water as the waiter placed menus on the table. “What’s the specialty here?”
The waiter nodded. “The chicken, madam. Organic, local, fresh chicken, roasted or grilled.”
She grinned across the table. “Sounds wonderful. I’d like it grilled and placed atop a salad, no onions please.”
He nodded. “And the gentleman?”
Jason handed the waiter the menu. “Roasted, and I’m starving so I’ll take the scalloped potatoes and the side salad. No onions for me either, I’m meeting a client later.”
“Very good, sir, madam.” He tucked the menus under his arm and left.
“So,” Jason took her hand across the table. “What’s the discussion.”
“Mother was quite cross at me Sunday night, I mentioned that yesterday. She wants us to come for Thanksgiving.” Ying held her breath. This was where guys usually started backing away.
“Fantastic! I’d love to.”
Ying blinked at the speed of his happy response. “Don’t you have family to visit?”
“They’ll understand.” He twisted the watch around again. “I’m looking forward to meeting the people responsible for the lovely young woman sitting across from me.”
Another wave of well-being flowed through her. “You will get everywhere flattering my parents like that. I warn you. Mother can be…demanding. But if she likes you, you’re in and never escaping. Trust me.”
Jason laughed. “I’ll take my chances.”
#
After meeting her client Ying was at her desk, making notes and organizing her thoughts on the best products for her. She absent-mindedly stroked the key she now wore as a necklace. The move made her nauseous, as usual. For a moment she wished it would give her the warm glow she got whenever she saw Jason. It sucked feeling sick so often. She stopped tapping her keyboard. Warm glow. She looked up at the far wall of her office. Every time she saw Jason. Every time he played with his watch. His antique watch.
She called Eleanor, skipping the pleasantries. “Your group have a watch artifact?”
After a short pause, Eleanor said, “Let me look.”
Ying could hear Eleanor pull down the ancient book and flip through the pages. “No. At least not that I can find at the moment. Why?”
Feeling more and more angry, Ying blurted, “Because I think Jason is using an artifact on me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Not totally.” Ying took a breath. Maybe she was just reading too much into it. “He said it’s a watch that’s been in his family. Every time he plays with it, I get a warm, loving glow.”
“Every time? Or just every time you notice it?”
Damn her for being so logical. “I don’t know.” Ying drummed her fingertips on the desk, furious that it could be that she was being manipulated into liking him. “I know it’s every time I notice. How can I be sure?”
“You could have him bring the watch in. Tell him you’d like to get it appraised.”
“If he knows it’s magic, he’s not going to show it to you. And even if I can get him to your shop, how would you know if it’s an actual artifact?”
“We have tests. But it’s up to you.” Her voice was eager. “We haven’t identified a new artifact in decades. It would be a feather in my cap to bring a new one in.”
Ying understood Eleanor’s enthusiasm. “I suppose it would. Is there some way to counteract the magic?”
“You don’t like being manipulated.”
“No. I don’t.”
“Usually not. I’ll do some research. Love artifacts are fairly common. I’ll let you know.”
“Fair enough. I’ll see if I can get him into the shop. We’ll work it out from there.”
“Excellent. Take care, Ying.”
“I will.” Ying clicked off. She had to think about how to get Jason to the shop.
Thank You!
End Part IX: 938 Words
Find more of the Forward Motion Flash Friday Group here: http://www.fmwriters.com/flash.html
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