A.A. Schenna's Blog, page 15
April 5, 2016
Short Stories Anthologies
People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.
Anton Chekhov
The best short stories should blow your mind for days, weeks and months. This book is for those of us who love winter, inspirational tales and talented authors.
A Winter Anthology
Hanukkah Miracle
An Enlightened Fly
Long Way From Home
A Woman’s Heart
O Tannenbaum
The Love Potion
Journey to the Fair Mountain
Lanie’s Wonderland
Christmas Between the Vines
Anton Chekhov
The best short stories should blow your mind for days, weeks and months. This book is for those of us who love winter, inspirational tales and talented authors.
A Winter Anthology
Hanukkah Miracle
An Enlightened Fly
Long Way From Home
A Woman’s Heart
O Tannenbaum
The Love Potion
Journey to the Fair Mountain
Lanie’s Wonderland
Christmas Between the Vines
March 29, 2016
Favorite Films based on books!
A filmmaker has almost the same freedom as a novelist has when he buys himself some paper.
Stanley Kubrick
Favorite Films based on books!
Forrest Gump by Winston Groom
Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
The Green Mile by Stephen King
A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
The Firm by John Grisham
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Stanley Kubrick
Favorite Films based on books!
Forrest Gump by Winston Groom
Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
The Green Mile by Stephen King
A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
The Firm by John Grisham
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
March 22, 2016
The world is changing, and changing fast.
In tough times, everyone has to take their share of the pain.
Theresa May
The world is changing, and changing fast. Things are getting worse, the last financial crisis increased uncertainty and we are going to go through tough times. Have faith and never give up.
Favorite inspiration quotes about life and tough times.
Even in the tough times, He’s still a good God.
Victoria Osteen
You’ve got to stay strong to be strong in tough times.
Tilman J. Fertitta
You’re going to go through tough times – that’s life. But I say, “Nothing happens to you, it happens for you.” See the positive in negative events.
Joel Osteen
Tough times never last, but tough people do.
Robert H. Schuller
People in tough times - it doesn’t mean they don’t have a great attitude.
Joel Osteen
Tough times don’t last, tough people do, remember?
Gregory Peck
Theresa May
The world is changing, and changing fast. Things are getting worse, the last financial crisis increased uncertainty and we are going to go through tough times. Have faith and never give up.
Favorite inspiration quotes about life and tough times.
Even in the tough times, He’s still a good God.
Victoria Osteen
You’ve got to stay strong to be strong in tough times.
Tilman J. Fertitta
You’re going to go through tough times – that’s life. But I say, “Nothing happens to you, it happens for you.” See the positive in negative events.
Joel Osteen
Tough times never last, but tough people do.
Robert H. Schuller
People in tough times - it doesn’t mean they don’t have a great attitude.
Joel Osteen
Tough times don’t last, tough people do, remember?
Gregory Peck
March 15, 2016
Favorite quotes about books and reading
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou
Favorite quotes about books and reading
“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”
Dr. Seuss
“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.”
Jiddu Krishnamurti
“The book to read is not the one which thinks for you, but the one which makes you think. No book in the world equals the Bible for that.”
Harper Lee
“A classic is a book that doesn’t have to be written again.”
W.E.B. Du Bois
Maya Angelou
Favorite quotes about books and reading
“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”
Dr. Seuss
“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.”
Jiddu Krishnamurti
“The book to read is not the one which thinks for you, but the one which makes you think. No book in the world equals the Bible for that.”
Harper Lee
“A classic is a book that doesn’t have to be written again.”
W.E.B. Du Bois
March 8, 2016
Love, Respect, Appreciate
Luck is great, but most of life is hard work.
Iain Duncan Smith
We all like having fun, but sometimes life can be hard. Add more joy into your life and never forget,
As long as you are strong, everything will get better. I am sure things will change. Have faith, try not to give up.
No matter how hard you work, you can’t fight destiny. Take some time to think what you really want and who you are.
Focus on you, satisfy your needs and leave all the nasty thoughts out of your
Life.
The most important benefit of setting goals is the fact that you experience the rebirth of your life.
Never stop hoping for the best.
Miracles do happen and bear in mind that you will get what you deserve.
Don’t forget three words: love, respect, appreciate.
Iain Duncan Smith
We all like having fun, but sometimes life can be hard. Add more joy into your life and never forget,
As long as you are strong, everything will get better. I am sure things will change. Have faith, try not to give up.
No matter how hard you work, you can’t fight destiny. Take some time to think what you really want and who you are.
Focus on you, satisfy your needs and leave all the nasty thoughts out of your
Life.
The most important benefit of setting goals is the fact that you experience the rebirth of your life.
Never stop hoping for the best.
Miracles do happen and bear in mind that you will get what you deserve.
Don’t forget three words: love, respect, appreciate.
March 1, 2016
Lullaby of Love
True love doesn’t happen right away; it’s an ever-growing process. It develops after you’ve gone through many ups and downs, when you’ve suffered together, cried together, laughed together.
Ricardo Montalban
The sweetest lullaby of all...
(Coming very soon!)
“Where have you been?” Heidi rushed to hug him. Now that she could see him, she felt like walking on the pink clouds of the most powerful love in the universe.
“Heidi,” startled by surprise, the young woman looked into his beautiful eyes and sensed the net of love surrounding their presence, killing all their enemies.
“I am here.” David said while trying to make her calm.
Heidi nodded and later leaned on his chest where she untied his leather coat and placed her head on his heart. She needed to listen to his heartbeat to make sure he was fine.
Heidi, in that moment, felt she was the luckiest woman in the world. She had found the best man and he had returned. Her best friend didn’t give up on her, the ideal partner, her lover was safe and now kept holding her tight. David was next to her side and he would do anything to stay together forever. He hadn’t betrayed her trust and her sensitive heart, although he knew the consequences of his action.
Heidi was now able to think clearly, after many hours she stopped shaking and ran into positive thoughts. Since she could touch his strong body and feel his hot breath on her neck, she was certain they would make it.
Then again, she was curious about her lover’s adventure, but she didn’t ask any questions. As long as he was there, at their shelter and could touch his cold skin, she was grateful to God.
For more than three hours, David was running like a maniac through the white valley, on the cold snow under the moonlight, while fighting against...
Ricardo Montalban
The sweetest lullaby of all...
(Coming very soon!)
“Where have you been?” Heidi rushed to hug him. Now that she could see him, she felt like walking on the pink clouds of the most powerful love in the universe.
“Heidi,” startled by surprise, the young woman looked into his beautiful eyes and sensed the net of love surrounding their presence, killing all their enemies.
“I am here.” David said while trying to make her calm.
Heidi nodded and later leaned on his chest where she untied his leather coat and placed her head on his heart. She needed to listen to his heartbeat to make sure he was fine.
Heidi, in that moment, felt she was the luckiest woman in the world. She had found the best man and he had returned. Her best friend didn’t give up on her, the ideal partner, her lover was safe and now kept holding her tight. David was next to her side and he would do anything to stay together forever. He hadn’t betrayed her trust and her sensitive heart, although he knew the consequences of his action.
Heidi was now able to think clearly, after many hours she stopped shaking and ran into positive thoughts. Since she could touch his strong body and feel his hot breath on her neck, she was certain they would make it.
Then again, she was curious about her lover’s adventure, but she didn’t ask any questions. As long as he was there, at their shelter and could touch his cold skin, she was grateful to God.
For more than three hours, David was running like a maniac through the white valley, on the cold snow under the moonlight, while fighting against...
February 23, 2016
Desert Roses
If we are strong, and have faith in life and its richness of surprises, and hold the rudder steadily in our hands. I am sure we will sail into quiet and pleasant waters for our old age.
Freya Stark
Short Reads
Desert Roses
Shania pulled her blonde hair back and struggled to escape from the memories of the past.
“What are you thinking?” Ryan asked.
“Nothing…” Shania said as she tried to remain calm.
The teenage girl half-closed her eyes and hid her face behind the magazine she held. She walked to the living room and fought back tears. She wanted to avoid becoming emotional since she would destroy her brother’s mood and she thought she didn’t have the right to hurt him.
Shania was seventeen while Ryan was only twelve. It was their first weekend away from their home, and although they both loved their grandparents, they would never feel like they felt before.
Shania sank in the brown sofa and looked outside the large door of the spacious living room. She could see the grass; she could smell the white roses as her mind flooded with the beautiful pictures of the past when the family used to admire the flowers, the colorful roses, and the beautiful trees of the big house.
The photos of her parents above the white fireplace stole her attention and gave birth to optimism. “No matter what, don’t stop hoping,” her parents loved telling her. Shania would never forget their smiles; they always loved talking and having fun with their children.
“Tell me something I don’t know.” Ryan sat down next to his sister and gazed upon her big eyes.
“Let me think,” Shania whispered and changed her mood.
The teenage girl smiled at her brother and hugged him tight whereas she didn’t stop thinking of a true sign of love from their family to make her brother admire and appreciate those who brought them to life.
“I want to know everything. Next time we’ll see them, I’m going to tell them I know anything,” Ryan said while Shania nodded and agreed. She wouldn’t leave him to flirt with pain and questions. Then again, she decided to let herself free since the tears started running down her face, but she didn’t care. Besides, her brother couldn’t see her eyes anymore. He was locked in her arms and he felt safe. He believed things would get better and the family would overcome everything.
“I’ll tell you and then we’ll go outside. It’s a beautiful day and we shouldn’t miss it! I think we should go to the pool and swim. California is perfect. We should enjoy the good weather and the high temperatures.” Shania sounded happy; she wanted to encourage her brother.
“That’s awesome!” Ryan said, locked in his sister’s hug.
Shania loved making dreams. She hoped she would find someone special like her father, someone who would know what love means.
Freya Stark
Short Reads
Desert Roses
Shania pulled her blonde hair back and struggled to escape from the memories of the past.
“What are you thinking?” Ryan asked.
“Nothing…” Shania said as she tried to remain calm.
The teenage girl half-closed her eyes and hid her face behind the magazine she held. She walked to the living room and fought back tears. She wanted to avoid becoming emotional since she would destroy her brother’s mood and she thought she didn’t have the right to hurt him.
Shania was seventeen while Ryan was only twelve. It was their first weekend away from their home, and although they both loved their grandparents, they would never feel like they felt before.
Shania sank in the brown sofa and looked outside the large door of the spacious living room. She could see the grass; she could smell the white roses as her mind flooded with the beautiful pictures of the past when the family used to admire the flowers, the colorful roses, and the beautiful trees of the big house.
The photos of her parents above the white fireplace stole her attention and gave birth to optimism. “No matter what, don’t stop hoping,” her parents loved telling her. Shania would never forget their smiles; they always loved talking and having fun with their children.
“Tell me something I don’t know.” Ryan sat down next to his sister and gazed upon her big eyes.
“Let me think,” Shania whispered and changed her mood.
The teenage girl smiled at her brother and hugged him tight whereas she didn’t stop thinking of a true sign of love from their family to make her brother admire and appreciate those who brought them to life.
“I want to know everything. Next time we’ll see them, I’m going to tell them I know anything,” Ryan said while Shania nodded and agreed. She wouldn’t leave him to flirt with pain and questions. Then again, she decided to let herself free since the tears started running down her face, but she didn’t care. Besides, her brother couldn’t see her eyes anymore. He was locked in her arms and he felt safe. He believed things would get better and the family would overcome everything.
“I’ll tell you and then we’ll go outside. It’s a beautiful day and we shouldn’t miss it! I think we should go to the pool and swim. California is perfect. We should enjoy the good weather and the high temperatures.” Shania sounded happy; she wanted to encourage her brother.
“That’s awesome!” Ryan said, locked in his sister’s hug.
Shania loved making dreams. She hoped she would find someone special like her father, someone who would know what love means.
February 16, 2016
The concept of absurdity
Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.
Marcus Aurelius
Lake's Curse
They took a few steps. They heard the strange noise again and froze in fear. Ciara looked at Jason and held him tight. Jason remained silent and gazed upon the towering trees. The teenage boy waited to see the cause of the weird disturbance.
“What’s happening?” Ciara whispered.
Out of the blue, the night birds began screaming like fatally wounded beasts.
“I am scared to death.” Ciara locked her eyes on Jason. She wasn’t strong enough to deal with the fear of the dark. She needed a hug. Ciara wanted to hear that everything would be fine.
The birds flew higher and, before long, hid behind the hill. The chilling noise disappeared.
“I want to go home,” Ciara said impatiently.
Jason looked up at the sky and took a deep breath. He liked summer and the first hot days made him seek for the carefree memories of the previous summer.
Although he loved being there with Ciara, he had a bad feeling.
“It’s over, baby, everything will be fine. I can’t hear anything.” He was lying but Ciara didn’t realize it.
They walked to the dark path and when they saw the car, they decided to run. Jason’s car was just a few meters away.
“What was that?” Ciara stopped, startled by a noise.
“I have no idea, baby.” Jason didn’t move.
“What…” Ciara couldn’t breathe. When she saw the huge man standing behind her boyfriend, she froze in fear. That moment, Ciara realized they wouldn’t escape.
“Jason!” she cried.
“Ciara, run!” The huge, naked man broke Jason’s neck and then ran toward the teenage girl.
Ciara panicked. She started screaming and rushed to get in the car, her boyfriend’s killer was faster and stronger.
The teenage girl didn’t make it. She begged him for mercy, but he didn’t even listen to her.
The following minutes nothing could be heard. Their bodies were lying on the rough ground while the night birds came back at the cursed area.
* * * *
The tall, muscular man pulled his long hair away from his wild looking face and stood under the moonlight. He focused his sight on the surface of his timeless prison and he carried on staring at the guards of the curse. His black hair covered his back and the strange sign on his naked skin.
The soulless bodies of the residents of the small town were lying in the mud, as the blood kept falling in the cold water of the lake.
The lone cypresses which surrounded the silent place had managed to hide his presence while the night birds, the guards of the curse, continued flying above the corpses he had gathered.
He stretched out his strong arms and then he started dragging the lifeless bodies with a long, muddy rope into the lake.
He howled like a wild beast as his head moved up. Soon, the monster disappeared into the cold waters of the lake.
Before long, Jason and Ciara were gone too. Their soulless bodies disappeared into the cold water...
Marcus Aurelius
Lake's Curse
They took a few steps. They heard the strange noise again and froze in fear. Ciara looked at Jason and held him tight. Jason remained silent and gazed upon the towering trees. The teenage boy waited to see the cause of the weird disturbance.
“What’s happening?” Ciara whispered.
Out of the blue, the night birds began screaming like fatally wounded beasts.
“I am scared to death.” Ciara locked her eyes on Jason. She wasn’t strong enough to deal with the fear of the dark. She needed a hug. Ciara wanted to hear that everything would be fine.
The birds flew higher and, before long, hid behind the hill. The chilling noise disappeared.
“I want to go home,” Ciara said impatiently.
Jason looked up at the sky and took a deep breath. He liked summer and the first hot days made him seek for the carefree memories of the previous summer.
Although he loved being there with Ciara, he had a bad feeling.
“It’s over, baby, everything will be fine. I can’t hear anything.” He was lying but Ciara didn’t realize it.
They walked to the dark path and when they saw the car, they decided to run. Jason’s car was just a few meters away.
“What was that?” Ciara stopped, startled by a noise.
“I have no idea, baby.” Jason didn’t move.
“What…” Ciara couldn’t breathe. When she saw the huge man standing behind her boyfriend, she froze in fear. That moment, Ciara realized they wouldn’t escape.
“Jason!” she cried.
“Ciara, run!” The huge, naked man broke Jason’s neck and then ran toward the teenage girl.
Ciara panicked. She started screaming and rushed to get in the car, her boyfriend’s killer was faster and stronger.
The teenage girl didn’t make it. She begged him for mercy, but he didn’t even listen to her.
The following minutes nothing could be heard. Their bodies were lying on the rough ground while the night birds came back at the cursed area.
* * * *
The tall, muscular man pulled his long hair away from his wild looking face and stood under the moonlight. He focused his sight on the surface of his timeless prison and he carried on staring at the guards of the curse. His black hair covered his back and the strange sign on his naked skin.
The soulless bodies of the residents of the small town were lying in the mud, as the blood kept falling in the cold water of the lake.
The lone cypresses which surrounded the silent place had managed to hide his presence while the night birds, the guards of the curse, continued flying above the corpses he had gathered.
He stretched out his strong arms and then he started dragging the lifeless bodies with a long, muddy rope into the lake.
He howled like a wild beast as his head moved up. Soon, the monster disappeared into the cold waters of the lake.
Before long, Jason and Ciara were gone too. Their soulless bodies disappeared into the cold water...
February 9, 2016
Summer Thrills Summer Chills
Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.
Oscar Wilde
Brooke took off her white heels and held them with her right hand, impatient to reach the beach-bar and have some fun. The stars and the heat along with the beautiful music triggered her intention to do anything to feel amazing. After an incredible dinner, she wanted to dance, drink and meet new people.
Brooke wore a long colorful skirt and a small white top, leaving her back and her arms uncovered. The pink lipstick, her big, green eyes and her curly hair made her look fabulous, the consummate female who looked for joy, respect and love.
“Brooke!”
The woman turned back and smiled.
“Justin!” Brooke was surprised.
“What are you doing here?” the man asked.
“I was going to ask you the same thing!” Brooke said with a little laugh.
“I decided to thank myself for being a nice man, so I took the plane and came here to have some rest.” Justin stared at her and laughed.
“Mel wanted to give me a gift, so I am here because of my sister.”
“That’s great,” Justin said sincerely. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.
“Yea, I think it’s great too,” Brooke said softly, and smiled.
They walked to the bar and drank the famous cocktails while talking about their lives and childhood. They had known one another since they were children and there was always something between them.
***
The night Brooke along her sister and Joan went to the festival, Mel watched them talking and realized they were meant to be together. They were both acting weird and seemed shy while doing their best to coming up many subjects to keep on talking.
Later that night, Mel approached Justin and learned about his vacations, and didn’t lose her time. The following day she arranged everything concerning her sister’s trip to Hawaii since she knew what her sister was missing.
Mel was sure that Brooke needed a partner in her life, a serious man to hold her hand and reassure her that everything would be good. And the owner of the small book store was the perfect match for her sister.
Justin was in his early forties, single, handsome, smart and extremely kind with women. And he also seemed to be crazy in love with Brooke, as he was there for her and never stopped asking about her condition when she was fighting for her life. He never gave up on her and didn’t move on, although many women liked him and used to flirt with him.
Oscar Wilde
Brooke took off her white heels and held them with her right hand, impatient to reach the beach-bar and have some fun. The stars and the heat along with the beautiful music triggered her intention to do anything to feel amazing. After an incredible dinner, she wanted to dance, drink and meet new people.
Brooke wore a long colorful skirt and a small white top, leaving her back and her arms uncovered. The pink lipstick, her big, green eyes and her curly hair made her look fabulous, the consummate female who looked for joy, respect and love.
“Brooke!”
The woman turned back and smiled.
“Justin!” Brooke was surprised.
“What are you doing here?” the man asked.
“I was going to ask you the same thing!” Brooke said with a little laugh.
“I decided to thank myself for being a nice man, so I took the plane and came here to have some rest.” Justin stared at her and laughed.
“Mel wanted to give me a gift, so I am here because of my sister.”
“That’s great,” Justin said sincerely. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.
“Yea, I think it’s great too,” Brooke said softly, and smiled.
They walked to the bar and drank the famous cocktails while talking about their lives and childhood. They had known one another since they were children and there was always something between them.
***
The night Brooke along her sister and Joan went to the festival, Mel watched them talking and realized they were meant to be together. They were both acting weird and seemed shy while doing their best to coming up many subjects to keep on talking.
Later that night, Mel approached Justin and learned about his vacations, and didn’t lose her time. The following day she arranged everything concerning her sister’s trip to Hawaii since she knew what her sister was missing.
Mel was sure that Brooke needed a partner in her life, a serious man to hold her hand and reassure her that everything would be good. And the owner of the small book store was the perfect match for her sister.
Justin was in his early forties, single, handsome, smart and extremely kind with women. And he also seemed to be crazy in love with Brooke, as he was there for her and never stopped asking about her condition when she was fighting for her life. He never gave up on her and didn’t move on, although many women liked him and used to flirt with him.
February 2, 2016
Adventures in Love
If you really don’t mean some words, don’t spit them out. It’s easy to say I love you, but it’s very difficult to prove it…
Lullaby
“Where have you been?” Heidi rushed to hug him. Now that she could see him, she felt like walking on the pink clouds of the most powerful love in the universe.
“Heidi,” startled by surprise, the young woman looked into his beautiful eyes and sensed the net of love surrounding their presence, killing all their enemies.
“I am here.” David said while trying to make her calm.
Heidi nodded and later leaned on his chest where she untied his leather coat and placed her head on his heart. She needed to listen to his heartbeat to make sure he was fine.
Coming very soon!
Lullaby
“Where have you been?” Heidi rushed to hug him. Now that she could see him, she felt like walking on the pink clouds of the most powerful love in the universe.
“Heidi,” startled by surprise, the young woman looked into his beautiful eyes and sensed the net of love surrounding their presence, killing all their enemies.
“I am here.” David said while trying to make her calm.
Heidi nodded and later leaned on his chest where she untied his leather coat and placed her head on his heart. She needed to listen to his heartbeat to make sure he was fine.
Coming very soon!
