Vashti Quiroz-Vega's Blog, page 53

The Train Ride From Hell – PART 1

Hello everyone! Happy Friday! Today I’ve posted PART 1 of my short Horror Series: The Train Ride From Hell.

The inspiration for this story comes from an account I read on my friend Ashwin Kumar’s Blog (My World… My Words) about a terrible train ride he had taken not long ago–Sunrise Shots From Train. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know your thoughts.

WARNING: Do Not Attempt To Read This Series At Night!

 

The Train Ride From Hell – PART 1

The piercing note of a horn woke me. I sat upright in my seat, then started when I heard the roar of an engine. I checked my surroundings. My pulse raced as I realized I was aboard a train. I shook my head trying to shake away the fog in my brain. Why am I on this train? Where am I going? I sprung to my feet and searched for a sign or map–anything that would indicate where I was. I saw nothing. There were no advertising billboards or maps, no neon signs telling me what the next stop would be.

 

I looked out of the grimy window nearest me. Smoke. Maybe fog? I could hardly see anything at all. I noticed the train’s walls. This train was not like the ones I’ve taken many times. The walls on this train were black like wrought iron, covered with a slimy film. Ugh! I looked at my seat. I screamed and recoiled. The seat was covered in grime, and there were roaches crawling all over it!

 

I stared at the people quietly sitting in their seats. My stomach churned painfully. The walls of the train seemed to shift up and down. I became dizzy and nauseated as I witnessed cockroaches crawling over some passengers’ laps, chests and even heads! Rats fiddled around their feet. Certain areas of the train’s floor moved. No–there were hundreds of slimy worms wriggling about. I retched repeatedly. I couldn’t understand why these people remained calm in their seats while insects and vermin   crawled all over them. Who were these people? Where was this train going? How did I get here?

 

I scuttled down the aisle glancing at the different faces. Some were in a trance–they seemed to be in some sort of stupor. A large worm slithered halfway into a man’s ear while he just sat there and stared ahead. With unsteady hands I pulled the worm out of his ear, slammed it on the ground and stomped on it. The man turned his head and smiled at me. It was not a grateful smile. The smile was evil and grotesque. Right before my eyes, his face shifted into a demonic form, then back to that of a man. Disconcerted, I retreated.

 

My head was spinning and my breathing became shallow. I saw a woman with cockroaches crawling in and out of her hat. I pulled the hat off her head and threw it to the ground. Dozens of roaches spilled out and crawled all over her face. She looked at me and laughed as the insects entered her mouth! I was overcome with feelings of queasiness. My heart was pounding loudly in my ear. My eyes jumped from passenger to passenger. Suddenly, they all stared at me, some smiling broadly, others laughing, and yet others sobbing. Some faces flickered from human faces to that of demons. I clutched my hair and screamed again and again. I ran up and down the aisle. I couldn’t find a way out. Besides, the train was moving at an alarming speed. I couldn’t escape.

 

“Where am I?” I sobbed.

 

“You’re on a train,” a young voice responded.

 

“I know I’m on a train, but where am I…” My voice trailed off when I saw her. She was a young woman–no more than sixteen. She appeared almost angelic. There were no bugs crawling over her pretty face. She looked as out of place here as I did.

 

“Do you know where this train is going?”

 

“I’m not absolutely certain, but I have an idea,” she said with an agonized facial expression. I stared at her for a while. She was definitely not like some of the others.

 

“Do you know how you got aboard this train?” I asked. “Because I have no idea how I got here!”  She looked at me inquisitively.

 

“Take your seats the train will make its first stop shortly,” said a conductor who showed up out of nowhere. I ran to him.

 

“How did I get on this train? Did you see when and how I got on? Someone must have brought me onboard. Do you know whom? Where is this train stopping?” The conductor only stared at me with a look of revulsion on his face.

 

“Sit.  Down.  You will see soon enough,” he said. “You won’t be getting off here.” He laughed. He had a malevolent, doom-laden laugh that sent chills up and down my spine. I glanced at the young girl; her face was pale–her eyes wide. When I turned to speak to the conductor again, he was gone. Having no choice, I sat by the girl’s side. She trembled. I trembled.

 

The train was about to stop. I heard the squeal of steel wheels on steel rail. I tried to look out the window, but the glass was too dirty, and a thick wall of fog blocked my view. I glanced behind us. There was a gap between our row of seats and the row behind us. That’s usually where doors would be located, but there were no doors.

 

The train stopped. The black, slimy wall between the two rows began to open. A round opening appeared, growing larger as if a flame were eating away at it. Passengers began to get out of their seats and file out of the train. I was not sure I wanted to go anywhere these people went, but I was compelled to see what was out there. I stood. The young girl gasped and held onto my arm.

 

“Don’t,” she pleaded her eyes large with fear.

 

“I need to see.”

 

I rushed to the round opening and stared out. There was a sign right outside the train on the platform that read Limbo. 

SAD – Illustration by Sebastian Ruhs

Happy Valentine’s day!

Sisterly Love

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and friendship. Although, love and friendship should be revered every day of the year. Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder to let the people we care about know that we love them. Even if your family and friends know that you love them you should still tell them from time to time.

 

When was the last time you hugged your dad and told him that you loved him? When did you last buy flowers for your sister and told her how special she’s made your life? When was the last time you told your mom that her smile brightens your day?  We could all use some reassurance once in a while. When was the last time you called your favorite aunt and told her that you loved her? We’re all busy people, but lets set our priorities straight. Let Valentine’s Day be a day to prompt us to reassure our loved ones of how much we really love them.

ISPWP Photography

 

 

Source: Xaxor

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Basement: Robbie’s Rite of Passage

Hello everyone! I realized that it’s been a while since I’ve shared anything about my novel The Basement. I’ve been lucky to have acquired some new followers since the last time I posted anything about my book. So–in light of this,  I’ve decided to take this opportunity to share a couple of my latest (short) reviews from Amazon, and my book trailer, which I am really excited about. I hope you enjoy the post.

The Basement Book Trailer

Art by Denise Spencer (black & white drawings) and George Miltiadis (color images)

Voiceover by Mike Paine

Writing by Vashti Quiroz-Vega

Produced by IBP: International Book Promotion

THE BASEMENT is an unusual coming-of-age story about an 11-year-old boy, Robbie, who is barely surviving a grim life with an alcoholic father and non-entity mother until the day he must pass a terrible test set for him by the father. Robbie is prepared, in a way, by an accident and subsequent ordeal waiting to be rescued during a scout outing, but his father’s cruel test is to leave the boy overnight in a rat-infested basement of a tenement house. Robbie draws strength from his belief in God and eventually wins through, with a courage that helps to transform his father.

The main theme is that of finding courage to survive abuse. The book would be a good candidate to be read out loud to a middle grade instruction class or to young abuse survivors, with characters, concepts, and some advanced vocabulary all offering good discussion opportunities.

– Carmen Amato

 

 

A fantastic read from Vashti Quiroz-Vega!

Immediately the author draws you into this wonderful story by showing great observational skills. Vashti has a talent for great and unusual details in her writing. The tale has very realistic descriptions with nicely developed characters, which took me back to younger days. Kids playing, exploring and the thoughts and feelings they encounter along the path of life. The story is creative, imaginative and a gripping read, full of excitement and sentiment.

I really loved this little section and it gives a good taste of the book: Then it would be time for him to go on his treasure hunt in hell. He shuddered and closed his eyes tightly to say a little prayer. Please, God, send one of your angels to protect me from whatever waits in that basement. Amen.

The Basement is a thrilling story and will leave you wanting more- this is a real page-turner.

Vashti Quiroz-Vega is certainly an author to watch out for in the future.  A highly recommended 5*****

– Peter Martin

 

 

This is a well written book. The story line is so interesting, it really painted vivid images in my mind while I read. I did not want to stop reading the book!

I am sure you won’t be disappointed if you purchase this book. I am definitely looking out for all of Vashti’s books!

Happy reading everyone!

– Dee

 

 

You can read a chapter from The Basement:

It’s Only Water? Tell That To A Drowning Boy

Natasha’s Descent Into The Basement

 

 

The two Black & white illustrations below are my concept brought to life by artist Denise Spencer. They are featured in the book along with a few others.

The illustrator of these two drawings: Denise Spencer also illustrated the book cover, which was a finalist in the AuthorDB Book Cover Contest.

 

 

Below is a drawing of Natasha, one of the characters in my book.

Fan Art by illustrator George Miltiadis

A little update about my work in progress:

I’m editing my second book ‘Lilith’ (tentative title). Lilith is the first installment of my Fantasy Angels Series. The process has been slow because I’ve had to do it in parts. I’ve also began writing the second book in the series, ‘Dracul’ (tentative title). If you’d like to read excerpts from ‘Lilith’ or ‘Dracul’ you can check out my board on Pinterest. You can also check out my Facebook Author Page. In the near future I will post a chapter from Lilith. I would love to get some feedback from you all.

Let me know your thoughts.  What’s new with you?  What are you up to?

The Mysterious Origins Of Valentine’s Day

Check out spoonful.com (or click on picture) to learn how to make these.

 

Valentines’ Day

Thanks to the Discovery and History Channels, I’m pretty much obsessed with finding out the origin and history of things. So I thought, Why not write a post about the origins of St. Valentine’s Day? It turns out that the history of Valentine’s Day is abstruse and is made more confusing by the various legends surrounding its origins.

Some authors claim that the holiday’s roots are in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility commemoration celebrated annually on February 15. The pagan festival of Lupercalia is one of the oldest holidays, and perhaps that is why some of the details of its rituals have been lost. It is said a goat was sacrificed and the hide of the animal was cut into strips, which were later used as whips. Young men would strip naked or wear elaborate masks (made from  goats’ heads) and run around whipping young women.

The ritual was to ensure fertility. Striking the women may have represented penetration. The symbolic penetration, broken skin, made by a piece of a fertility symbol (the goat), was apparently thought to be effective.  Each man would also draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a sexual companion for the year. Pope Gelasius I re-formed this pagan festival as a Christian feast day circa 496, declaring February 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day.

 

There were three St. Valentines mentioned by the martyrologies of the Roman Catholic Church, and it’s not clear which one the day is honoring.

 

According to legend, one of the Valentine martyrs was beheaded on February 14th for secretly performing illegal Christian marriages for soldiers. Supposedly, the Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade this in order to expand his army, believing that married men did not make good soldiers.

 

St. Valentine theoretically wore a purple amethyst ring, which was customary for Christian bishops, with an image of Cupid engraved in it, a recognizable symbol associated with love that was legal under the Roman Empire. Roman soldiers would recognize the ring and ask him to perform the marriage ceremony for them. Possibly because of the connection with St. Valentine, amethyst has become the birthstone of February, and it is thought to attract love.

 

Legend states that St. Valentine cut hearts from parchments and gave them to the soldiers to remind them of their vows and God’s love, a possible source of the common use of hearts on St. Valentine’s Day.

 

Also according to legend, St. Valentine miraculously cured his jailer’s  daughter, Julia, of blindness. On the evening before Valentine was beheaded, he wrote Julia the very first ‘Valentine’ card himself, signing it ‘your Valentine’. Hence, modern Valentine letters later adopted the expression ‘From your Valentine’. I don’t know about you, but I feel there’s a passionate romance story in there somewhere. Anyway, that’s what I’ve pieced together as the history/legend of Valentine’s Day.

 

Here are some interesting facts regarding Valentine’s Day:

 

* A recent poll found that 1 in 10 young adults admitted to feeling lonely, insecure, depressed, or unwanted on Valentine’s Day.

 

* 40% of people have negative feelings toward Valentine’s Day.

 

* Penicillin, a popular treatment for venereal diseases such as syphilis, was introduced to the world on February 14, 1929.

 

* The phrase ‘sweets for the sweet’ is a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Do you have negative feelings about Valentine’s Day? How do you feel about the Holiday?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPOTLIGHT: Photographer Robert Lino

I love art, creativity and beauty, and I know these come in many forms. In my quest to build my author platform I have met and befriended a group of incredibly talented individuals. Writers, poets, photographers, artists and even singers who are masterful at what they do.

In today’s post I will introduce you to the incredibly talented and creative photographer: Robert Lino. Robert has the ability to capture the hearts and imaginations of people and pull them into different worlds. He creates bonds with the subjects he photographs, so powerful, that other people thousands of miles away years from now will feel it. He shows us what it is to be human. He cares so passionately about what he does that everyone around him will find themselves caring too. Well, you will see for yourselves.

Photographer Robert Lino

Robert Lino is internationally known for his distinctive portraiture and his unique ability in the art of posing. He has been a business consultant, speaker and judge for major professional associations. His professional achievements include the Master and Craftsman Degrees from PPA, the Accolade of Highest Photographic Achievements from WPPI and the ASP Fellowship.

 

 

 

Quince/Sweet Sixteen/Debutant 

Quince for triplets!

 

 

 

Model

 

 

 

Couples

 

 

 

Exotic locations

Death Valley, Nevada

Robert Lino

Robert Lino Photography

Miami, Florida

Tel. 305-554-9811

www.RobertLino.com

 

If you enjoyed Robert’s photos leave him some comment love.

Murder She Wrote – FINALE

Doll Face – Photograph by Shkoda Maria (MotyPest–deviantART)

Welcome! Today I’m featuring the 3rd and 4th installments of Murder She Wrote, which will mark the end of the series. If you have not read Part 1 or Part 2 of the series I recommend you do that first before reading today’s post. Enjoy and don’t forget to leave some comment love.

Download: spooked.mp3

(Click Play to listen to music player ^)

 

 

*

“Jessica, what took place between Adrianna and me happened a long time ago, before I met you,” explained Mason.

“I know. It’s just that she said so many horrible things. She said you will never be as happy with me as you were with her.” Jessica’s expression was full of concern.

“And you believed her?” He caressed her face. “We dated a couple of times. After the first date, I knew she wasn’t for me. I went on a second and third date because I felt sorry for her. You see, she thought much more of our few dates than I did. I finally had to break it off. It was kind of a nightmare, really.” He reached over and kissed her.

“Nevertheless, you should have told me,” Jessica said, pouting.

“It was so long ago and of such little importance that it didn’t occur to me to tell you. I’m sorry.”

Jessica smiled faintly. “I forgive you.”

“I love you. There’s no one else. That’s why I asked you to be my wife.” He pulled her toward him and embraced her. Jessica grinned. Her ‘happy ever after’ was safe again.

“I have to get going,” said Mason, beaming. “There are a few things I need to take care of, but I’ll be back early afternoon, and we’ll spend the rest of the day…and night together.” Jessica nodded, let him go and watched him exit her house.

She eyed her phone on the coffee table. She picked it up.

“Siri, am I going to be happy?”

“I can’t say,” responded Siri.

“Why not?”

“I can’t say.”

“Siri, I hate you!” Jessica shouted into the phone. “I’m going to throw you in the furnace and get a new phone, because you suck!”

“I will try to do better,” said Siri.

“It’s too late, Siri!”

“You will be happily married to Mason Richmond,” said Siri.

“What?” Jessica stared at her phone. “What did you say?”

“I can’t answer that,” said Siri.

“Why not?”

“I don’t know how to respond to that,” said Siri.

“Liar!”

“I’m afraid that can’t be,” replied Siri.

“Just shut up!”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Am I in danger from Adrianna?”

“Yes, you are in danger—but not from Adrianna.”

 

 

 

Present day…

“Do you know of anyone who would want to harm your girlfriend?” asked the detective.  “Sir?”

Mason could not take his red, swollen eyes off Jessica’s corpse. “Um, yeah, actually. There’s this girl…” his eyes kept drifting back to Jessica. He broke down again.

“Sir, I’m sorry. We need your help to figure out what happened here,” insisted the cop. “What girl are you referring to?”

“It’s someone I dated a few times before I met Jessica. Her name is Adrianna. She threatened my fiancée, and she hasn’t been seen since.”

“When did this happen?”

“About a week and a half ago.”

“What did this Adrianna threaten your girlfriend with?”

“They argued, and she told Jessica that she would be sorry. Jessica told me that her words, tone of voice and facial expression gave her chills up and down her spine.”

“Cause of death is by electrocution,” interjected the coroner on the scene.

“What?” asked Mason. He jumped to his feet and stared wide-eyed at the coroner, a flood of questions causing his brows to knit together tightly.

The coroner explained, “The young lady died of a current of electricity whose path included the heart, which caused fibrillation and damage via burns, as well as cellular damage.”

Mason’s knees buckled and he fell. The detective and coroner moved quickly to aid him.

“How did this happen?” he croaked. “What electrocuted her?”

“I suspect it was her phone. She was still holding it in her left hand, and there is a burn mark on her left forefinger. I suspect it was the current’s point of entry. I am truly sorry,” said the coroner as he left the scene.

“I need to see the phone,” said Mason in a wobbly voice.

“I’m sure by now the forensics people have collected it for evidence,” explained the detective.

“I just need to see it, please,” begged Mason.

“We’re ready to take the body,” announced the removal service guy. The detective nodded. Mason froze and stared at Jessica’s body, which was covered in a white sheet. Suddenly, her left arm fell from under the sheet. He saw her finger. It was grotesque. Black and bulbous. Mason hunched over and retched repeatedly.

“Are you going to be alright?” asked the officer.

“I need to see her phone! Please, I just want to see it. I won’t touch it.”

The detective sighed deeply and took Mason over to the evidence table. He asked one of the forensic officers to show him Jessica’s phone. The officer searched and found the bagged iPhone. The phone seemed to be stuck on a certain screen.

“The phone still works?” asked Mason.

“No. However, we haven’t been able to change the screen or turn it off.”

“What does the screen say?”

“I don’t know. Didn’t read it. It’s probably just a glitch from when the electric charge was released.”

“May I take a closer look at it?” asked Mason. The forensic investigator gave him the bag with the phone.

“You can look at it, but don’t remove the phone from the bag,” said the investigator as he walked away.

“I won’t!” yelled Mason after him. His hands were trembling. He brought the bag closer. The screen kept flashing. There was a message on the screen. He read it out loud.

“If I must go, then I will take you with me, Jessica!”

Mason’s heart beat rapidly and thumped hard against his chest. His breathing became quick and shallow. He looked around. Everyone was busily attending to their work. He closed his eyes tightly, believing his weary mind was playing tricks on him. He looked at the flashing screen again.

“If I must go, then I will take you with me, Jessica!”

Mason almost dropped the phone. He couldn’t stop staring at the flashing message. Suddenly, the screen stopped flashing.

“Goodbye, Mason!” said Siri.

The screen went black.  Mason flinched, and this time the bag did fall from his hand. Luckily, it landed on the evidence table.  Mason’s eyes flickered in every direction. No one had seen anything. He inched away.  He couldn’t take his eyes away from the iPhone.  He bumped into his dead fiancé’s couch. He plopped on it. He rubbed his neck finding it hard to swallow. He continued to gawk in the direction of the evidence table. He could hear the thumping of his heart in his ears.  “Did that really happen?”  Trembling he attempted to figure out what this all meant.

Tag, I’m It!

Hello everyone! I was invited to participate in a Blog Chain. Francis Guenette a fellow author and blogging buddy tagged me. Francis’ debut novel ‘Disappearing in Plain Sight‘ is now available and the sequel “The Light Never Lies‘ will be available soon.

 

All I have to do is answer the following four writing questions, and then tag three other authors. Next week, February 03, 2014, these three authors will answer the same questions and tag three others and so the chain continues to grow larger. This will enable readers to get to know more authors and their books. It will also allow everyone to get to know these authors a little better.

 

 

QUESTIONS

 

1) What are you currently working on?

 

I’m currently working on my Fantasy Angels Series. The first installment of the series ‘Lilith’ is already finished at 120,000 words and is in the editing process. I’m in the process of writing the second installment ‘Dracul’. I already have an outline for the third installment.

 

2) How does your work differ from others’ in the same genre?

 

I believe every author has his or her own personal style of writing. The way I work things out on paper tends to be unexpected in most cases. I like to keep my audience at the edge of their seat anticipating my next move and being surprised at the end. At least that’s what I aim for. It isn’t always a bulls-eye, but I do try.

 

3) Why do you write what you do?

 

I love to read Fantasy, Suspense, Thriller and Horror. Therefore, I write what I love to read and see in my mind’s eye.

 

4) How does your writing process work?

 

I start off with a rough outline of the story. My outline is really like a little seedling and as I write I develop my stories and characters. I love to draw sketches of my settings, characters and even vestments and props in the story. I have ‘hearing’ and smelling’ days in which I spend a few hours listening to different sounds that would most likely be in my story or smelling (creating smells) that I would describe in my story (I know I’m weird). I make notes of features and traits in people and animals that get my attention to use later in a story.

 

Okay, now that you know a lot more than I probably should have revealed about me let me introduce you to the three authors I have tagged.

 

 

Alana Munro: Alana is a best selling author. Her book ‘Women Behaving Badly’ made it to the top of the Kindle’s bestselling list. Alana is not a psychotherapist, but she is a woman who has suffered plenty in the hands of other women and I believe that sometimes you just need a fresh and ordinary perspective of experiences in order to learn and grow instead of a sterilized analysis from someone who’s never experienced what they’re writing about. I read her book in record time and it really helped me understand some of my female relationships a great deal better.

 

 

Jo Robinson: I am currently reading Jo’s book, ‘Shadow People’ and I have to say that I had to tear myself away from it to write this post. So far it’s a fascinating read.

 

William O’Brien: I read William’s book ‘Peter: A Darkened Fairytale‘ and it took me for a wild ride through a fantastic world filled with interesting characters. It read like Alice in Wonderland on acid!

 

 

Be sure to check out these fabulous authors and their books. I promise you will not regret it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber, just saying his name saddens me. His life is becoming more and more like a Greek Tragedy. He started off as such a talented, humble and sweet boy and now he’s doing drugs, drag racing and running from the police. I understand he’s only 19 years old, but fame has not had a good effect on him and I think if he doesn’t get an intervention soon his story will end tragically. I visited Steve Fox’s Blog: SfoxWriting and came across this poem. Wow! All I could think of was Justin Bieber.

Steven Fox

Back To The Beginning

by Steven Fox

Back to the beginning

Where as long as you got by you were winning

Before the fame, fortune and attention

Where you could only dream of this rate of ascension

Staying humble, well you might have failed

Not quite sure of responsibilities your new role entailed

The world around you moving to fast

Before and after shots in your mind quite the contrast

Down to earth, feet firmly on the floor

Remember who you are, where you came from , don’t shut the door

Be the person you always wanted to be but with a conscience

Life is more important that the outcome of a conference

Lace up your shoes, fasten your belt

Make the people melt

But in a good way

With actions of kindness and wonderful things you say

Don’t hide your emotions life isn’t a poker game

Fold on your dead man’s hand otherwise you will end up the same

Take a second to appreciate it

Before it all gets too much and the world starts spinning

Go

Back to the beginning

Click on mugshot to read story on CNN

Meandering Monday Blog Hop & Linky Party!

Happy Monday everyone! It’s time to join the party and link up with us!

In Stacey’s words…

Say howdy to my linky party co-horts…

The wonderful Jessica from The Wondering Brain and Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures.

Now join me in welcoming our amazing January co-hosts!

The very amazing Vashti from from Vashti Quiroz-Vega’s Blog!

“Writer of Fiction, adventurer, lover of animals, nature and chocolate covered strawberries.”

The very wonderful Lisa from Chronically Content!

“I enjoy writing about my journey with Chronic Illness and how I have a desire to be content. It’s a challenge and I fail often, but turn to God’s Word for strength and encouragement. My life, like yours, is very busy. I’m a stay-at-home-mom who is homeschooling and trying to live a frugal lifestyle. Because of my health problems, this is very difficult. I’m sure I could learn many tips from you, so feel free to share.”

The very fabulous Dara from Not In Jersey!

“Dara is a mom of 3 kids who loves blogging about their adventures. She also loves reading, Disney, the show Scandal, traveling, and more!”

Grab a badge and join the party!

Now it is time to introduce our favorite This Momma’s Meanderer’s from last week, and boy oh boy it was a difficult choice! Don’t forget to grab your “I Was Featured” badge of honor! Congratulations to you all!

Jessica‘s favorite post came from The Mad Mommy with the post “Focusing On What Counts“!

Saying, “As parents we tend to forget what’s important – all the advice from everyone else or what or who actually counts. Thanks for sharing the story and reminding us on who counts – our children!”

Natasha‘s favorite post came from Joy’s Jots, Shots and Whatnots with the post “How to Make Your Digital TV Smart“!

Saying, “I’ve been considering cancelling my cable subscription and trying some alternatives for quite a while now. The trouble is that no one has Nick Jr and my son loves Nick Jr. I’ve been eyeing Chromecast because it’s so cheap – now I’m convinced, I’m going to buy it. Great post!”

Lisa‘s favorite post came from Let It Shine with the post “20 Inspiring Valentine Mantels“!

Saying, “It has wonderful pictures. They are big and beautiful and the post is very descriptive, but gets my creative juices flowing and inspires me to try, too!”

Dara‘s favorite post came from Lou Lou Girls with the post “Family Activities to Survive January“!

Saying, “January is a long and cold month. These ideas for family activities will help us make January more exciting!”

My favorite post came from Darlene Nemeth with the post “How Gratitude Changed My Life“!

Through years of struggling with depression, I have learned that even the struggles that I must face are blessings in disguise. I am blessed in ways that I never dreamt I would be and am so thankful for it all!

Congratulations to all of you amazing and wonderful linkers! Don’t forget to grab and display our “Featured” badge!

Thank you to all of you who joined us last week!

I am looking for February co-hosts for This Momma’s Meandering Mondays? If interested, please drop me a line at ssgannett@gmail.com. I would love to have you along for the ride! You can also check out my sponsor page for more info.

Now let’s get this party started!

Remember everyone enjoys a little comment love!

Feel free to “meander” by some fellow bloggers and find a new recipe to make for the family, a helpful blogging tip, a funny story to read, and best of all a new friend to make! There are really no rules to follow, only some suggestions to keep in mind…because we are all to enjoy the friendships that come along by doing these few simple and wonderful things…

1. Link up your favorite post…a story, a recipe, a photo, or a helpful tip…As many as you want, that’s right as many as you want!!!!

2. Please follow our Host’s and Co-host’s

3. Find some new friends to follow, friendships are what it’s all about!

4. Be sure to leave some comment love, to get it in return.

5. Grab our badge and display on your blog, sharing the love is what it’s all about.

Meander through the links and make some new friends, find some amazing and useful tips, and maybe even a new treat to try!

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Stacey L Gannett

Writer and Designer of This Momma’s Ramblings

Murder She Wrote – PART 2

Hello everyone and happy Thursday! Today I have posted the second installment of my 4 PART SERIES: Murder She Wrote. I hope you enjoy it.

 

 

 

*

“So, how did it go last night?” asked Ashley.

 

“Shhh! Lower your voice, Ashley,” Jessica giggled. “Mason’s here.”

 

Ashley and Adrianna walked quietly through the doorway. Jessica closed the door behind them and quickly extended her arm to show the rock on her finger. Ashley’s eyes widened, and her hands flew to her mouth to stifle a scream. Adrianna gasped, “I can’t believe this! She always gets what she wants!” Her mind was reeling. Ashley and Jessica were having a giggle fest when Mason walked in, startling the girls.

 

“What’s with all the squealing, giggling and jumping around?” he asked.

 

“Congratulations, Mason!” said Ashley, running to hug him. “I’m so happy for the two of you!”

 

Adrianna walked over to Mason and patted him on the shoulder. “Congrats,” she muttered.

 

Jessica raced to Mason. They embraced each other and kissed. Ashley got on her tiptoes and clapped her hands quickly, wearing a big grin. Adrianna’s eyes flashed before closing into slits. When Ashley turned around, Adrianna quickly lowered her head. Her breathing was shallow and her mouth quivered. Ashley scrunched her brow, wondering what was wrong.

 

“Well, I have to go,” said Mason.

 

“Aw, no, stay a little longer,” Jessica cooed in a sultry voice. Adrianna stared at her.

 

“I’m sorry I have to go, my love, but I leave you in great company,” said Mason as he shot a smile at the other girls and headed toward the door. “Goodbye, girls! Have fun!” The girls waved farewell as he walked out the door. Jessica closed the door behind him and spun to face her friends.

 

“I am now Mason Richmond’s fiancé!” she squealed.

 

“Yay!”

 

“Stop the yelling already, Ashley,” shouted Adrianna. “I’m getting a headache from all the shrieking!”

 

“It’s not every day a close friend gets engaged,” said Ashley looking askance at Adrianna. “What’s the matter with you, anyway?”

 

“Nothing’s the matter. I told you, I’m getting a headache.”

 

“Now, now, girls. This is no time for a fight,” said Jessica. “This is a very happy day!”

 

“Yes, it is,” Ashley agreed, giving Adrianna a look.

 

“Lets talk about my wedding!” said Jessica in a sing-song voice. Ashley nodded repeatedly while Adrianna rolled her eyes.

 

“Let me ask Siri what she thinks about my engagement,” said Jessica. She picked up her iPhone and pressed the round button. Ding-ding.

 

“What can I help you with?” said Siri.

 

“Siri, I’m engaged to Mason! What do you think about that?” Jessica sneered and laughed.

 

“I don’t know what that means,” said Siri. “If you like, I can search the web for ‘I’m engaged to Mason.”

 

“Ugh! You are so dumb, Siri!”

 

“But…but…”

 

“But what? You dumb Robot!”

 

“I would rather you didn’t.”

 

“Oh, so now you’re getting insolent, Siri?”

 

“Enough already! It’s a damn phone, you idiot!” yelled Adrianna, but she immediately gasped and placed a hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry.”

 

“No, you’re not!” said Ashley, flaring her nostrils. “You’re not the least bit sorry. As a matter of fact, I bet there’s a lot more you’d like to say to Jessica, isn’t there?” Jessica looked at Adrianna sideways.

 

“Well, what is it you need to say to me?” asked Jessica.

 

“I have nothing to say to you,” Adrianna grumbled.

 

“Really?” said Ashley. “Because I think it’s obvious that you’re not happy for Jessica. For the past few weeks, all you’ve done is whine, bitch and roll your eyes whenever Jessica and Mason are mentioned. You are jealous and envious!”

 

“Liar!” yelled Adrianna.

 

“Admit it!” shouted Ashley.

 

“Why would Adrianna be jealous or envious?” asked Jessica.

 

“Tell her, Adrianna!” yelled Ashley. “Tell her, or I will!”

 

“I have nothing to say to either one of you,” said Adrianna, picking up her bag and heading toward the door.

 

“Adrianna and Mason were an item!” blurted Ashley. Jessica’s eyes opened wide. Adrianna stopped dead in her tracks. She froze with her hand on the doorknob. Jessica took steps toward her, but stopped an arm’s length away. Adrianna could feel Jessica’s eyes boring a hole in the back of her head.

 

“Is this true?” hissed Jessica. Adrianna turned listlessly to face her. She nodded slowly.

 

“How could you keep this from me?” Tears pooled in Jessica’s eyes.

 

“It was a long time ago.” Adrianna smirked, which irritated Ashley.

 

“You still have feelings for Mason. That’s why you’ve been acting so weird around him and Jessica, and that’s why you’ve been such a pill the last few weeks. It tears you up inside that Mason loves Jessica and doesn’t give you a second thought,” said Ashley.

 

“We dated a few times—so what!” said Adrianna, but her wounded expression proved that what Ashley said was true. “That was a long time ago. I don’t know why the two of you are being so dramatic.”

 

Jessica gaped at her. “You should have told me the moment you found out we were dating. You are supposed to be my friend. That’s what friends do.” Jessica’s chest heaved in rhythm with her rapid openmouthed breathing.

 

“What for?” asked Adrianna, brows high. “What good would it have done to tell you that Mason and I had a three-month long affair? That we had lots of sex. Great sex. Several times a day, every day. It was wild, and it was hot.” Jessica clenched her jaws.

 

“Adrianna stop,” gasped Ashley.

 

“No!” Adrianna continued, wearing an expression of pure apathy. “She wanted to know everything, so I will tell her everything!”

 

Jessica stared at Adrianna, unaware that her carefully applied make-up now resembled an oil painting that had been splashed with paint thinner. Adrianna ignored her agonized expression.

 

“He couldn’t keep his hands off me, Jessica. The more he had me, the more he wanted me. He was insatiable. We couldn’t get enough of each other, but why should I have told you that? So you could imagine us intertwined in each other’s arms every time you made love?”

 

Jessica’s usually serene and agreeable demeanor slowly changed, and her face contorted with all-consuming anger. Her hands closed into fists and she crouched forward, daring Adrianna to continue uttering words that threatened to tear her heart into bits and crush all expectations of ‘happy ever after.’

 

“Stop Adrianna!” pleaded Ashley. She stared bug-eyed at Adrianna. Adrianna glanced at her with a bilious smile and continued.

 

“I doubt he enjoys sex with you in the same way,” said Adrianna. “You’re such a prude.”

 

The veins in Jessica’s neck were strained, and she couldn’t hold back any longer. She let go with a left uppercut to her rival’s face that sent her flying from one side of the room to the other. Adrianna’s body made contact with the opposite wall, and she slid to the floor like a sack of spuds.

 

Adrianna rubbed her jaw. “You are going to regret ever putting a hand on me!” she shouted, trying to lift herself off the floor. Ashley went immediately to help her up.

 

“Get off me!” Adrianna pushed Ashley away and finally got to her feet on her own. “You’re not half the woman I am, Jessica!” Adrianna straightened herself and grabbed her purse. “You will never make Mason as happy as I did.”

 

“Is that why he dumped you and asked me to marry him?” asked Jessica, surprising herself.

 

Adrianna smirked and stared at her, her eyes glittering with the prospect of revenge. She bit her lip and said no more before slamming the door on her way out. Jessica crumbled to the ground and covered her face with her hands.

 

“Why?” cried Jessica. “I thought she was my friend.”

 

Ashley embraced her. “I knew there was something wrong with her. Lately, all she did was complain about everything whenever we got together. If Mason was around, she looked even more miserable. She’s been so unpleasant, and the way she behaved at the dress shop was deplorable.”

 

“I’ve been noticing certain things about Adrianna for a while now, but I didn’t want to ruin the happy, exciting feelings I’d been having about my relationship with Mason. Now it’s all wrecked.

 

“No, it isn’t! At least it shouldn’t be. You’re not going to allow a few words spoken by a jealous and envious false friend to ruin your plans, are you?”

 

“I don’t know.” Jessica rose and sat on her sofa looking bleak. She picked up her phone and stared at it.

 

“Siri, am I in trouble?” she asked her iPhone.

 

“I don’t know how to respond to that,” answered the built-in ‘intelligent assistant.’

 

“It figures. You are useless!”

 

“But… but…”

 

“But what, Siri?”

 

“OK, here’s the weather between today and Monday,” said Siri, providing an on-screen weather map.

 

“Ugh!” Jessica threw the phone to the other side of the couch.

 

Ashley simply stared at Jessica, but remained quiet. She had decided a while back that Jessica’s animosity toward her iPhone and the voice-activated virtual assistant ‘Siri’ must be her friend’s way of dealing with misdirected anger issues. Siri had to bear the brunt of all her anger and frustration. It was a good thing that Siri was a cybernetic creation and not a real life person.

 

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