Perfectly content

It's Monday night....just me and Jul'......

hanging out and doing our thing....and for now, I am perfectly content.

We eat, we talk, we laugh, we gossip we 

change into our comfy clothes...., and for now, I am perfectly content.

In over sized night shirts, we ready ourselves by gathering up our necessities.....
DVR Ready- check 

bottles of water- check

fluffy blankets- check

sweet snack-check

lights turned down-check

and then, I take one last look at the computer screen...

"Ready Ma?" she asks.....

"I am",  I answer, "just finishing up my blog....."

Okay, she smiles patiently....(figuring this will take awhile)

But I will surprise her, because I have finished my blog. 

Yes, tonight it will be just me and Jul'......

It's TV night, and for now, I am perfectly content......and hope that as you read this; you are feeling perfectly content too. :-)

Amelia tried to warn me

living dead girl - by Elizabeth Scott

          (some thoughts)

  

She tried to warn me that it would be difficult, reading the book, even before she handed it over. I could see it.... her eyes said it all.  Wide and filled with “something”, but what?….. Shock, horror, disdain?  I couldn't tell exactly, but what I could tell was the books content had shaken her to the core, and I must admit it intrigued me. After all, the Amelia I know is tough and unshakable, just like me.

“Let me know what you think”, she said, the uneasy tone in her voice similar to the look in her eyes, “It’s a young adult book", she added, "and I’d really like your opinion.". 

"Sure", I smiled easily, having no idea what I was in for, I added the book to my priority list, but didn't give it much thought until yesterday…..That's when I picked it up........

To say living dead girl captured me from the very first page would be an understatement. Several times, I felt the need to put it down; to wash away the disturbing images imprinted on my brain, but I couldn't!  Instead, I devoured it, page by page, until it began to devour me. Haunted by the torment and unimaginable abuse, I had to keep reading..... as if my reading would find some kind of redemption for this child. …..….as if my silent plea to Elizabeth Scott "to make everything turn out okay in the end" would make her change HER ending and allow the “once upon time girl” to wake up and find herself safely tucked into her bed on 632 Daisy Lane....as if......

While living dead is incredibly heart-wrenching and painful to read, I can't help but give the author her due. Beautifully written, she boldly challenges each of us to picture what none of us wishes to see…..and believe me, it's not for the faint of heart.

As far as whether it belongs on the young adult list, well the verdict is still out on that one. My daughter is reading it as I write this blog. I will see what she has to say about that!! 

And Amelia, next time you try to warn me, I will pay closer attention.....:-)

Uh Oh....Truth or Fiction?

When we spoke of Brittany, we never used her name. Sometimes we referred to her as Bryan’s sister, but mostly we just called her “narc”.

I watched impassively as she bent down, struggling to gather the books someone had deliberately knocked out of her arms. She looked weary as she straightened up and swept the long strands of red hair away from her face. Even from across the hall, I could see tears streaming down her cheeks. Sometimes I felt sorry for Brittany. I wondered how she found the strength to come to school every day; how she managed to come and face all of us. Yes, sometimes I felt sorry for her, but most of the time I only felt contempt. She had done this to herself, I reasoned. Being a narc at all was enough to ruin your life, but to rat out your own brother….well, that was enough to end it!

What you have just read is an introduction to one of my short stories.  

The fact is, I've written several such stories, each  "TRUE", based on (MY) life and from (MY) unique  perspective.   

Utilizing basic story elements, (plot, character, conflict, theme & setting), I articulate my memories carefully, assuring my readers will not only identify with the thoughts and feelings of the author, (ME), but, also find her, (ME), to be the protagonist or good girl!

That being said, I sometimes question the accuracy of my own stories.. For example, at the end of this particular story, I wrap everything up neatly and attractively, and must admit, (I) look pretty darned good in the end....

But then again, that 's only (MY) perspective.  I sometimes wonder how Brittany’s version of the story would read???? 

{Insert Picture Here}

Where’s the camera when you need it?

I've heard it said “A picture paints 1000 words”….. Oh, how I wish I had one now!!!

Each week, my friend Laura and I meet with a group of students who are incredibly passionate about reading. SO passionate in fact they are willing give up an hour after school every Friday to participate in our club. The fun we have had, and the books we have read….. Honestly, I can think of no better way to begin my weekend, but I digress….. this post is not supposed to be about me….

Now, getting back to the kids….

Today, as usual….we began the meeting by positioning desks into a circle and passing out a snack and drink. (We believe our readers should have well nourished; well hydrated brains.) Then, once everyone was seated, we began our discussion. Without going into detail about the book, (no spoilers here), I will share the topic of discussion.

What do you think the future would be like without books? What would you do if someone tried to burn your books?  {Insert picture here]

As a writer, I find myself at a loss…..there are no words to describe the mortified expressions on their faces or the intensity in their voices as they adamantly proclaimed:  “No One will ever burn our books!”

Call me a dork, but seriously, these kids made my day!!! :-)

(The current book we are reading is the fictional novel: Human.4; written by Mike A. Lancaster.)

Carrie, this poem is for you......

                                                       My first pastel:  3/2012

This picture, drawn last march, was first piece of many pieces in my pastel phase. J  When I gave it to my friend, I promised to share with her the motivation behind it. Hopefully, I have captured that feeling in my poem.

                                                                                

Summer sun glistening

Gleeful feet dancing

The sweet scent of wild flowers

The feeling of Joy

Happy children laughing

Jump ropes and hop scotch

Ice Cream Man music

The feeling of delight

Cat tails and dandelions

Morning glories and lilacs

 Hot dogs and lemonade

The feeling of glee

Butterflies and bullfrogs

Climbing trees, Hide-N-Seek

Sprinklers and hoses

The feeling of summer

                                                                                   

Every Day is Saturday (for her)

The sound of music interrupts the fleeting sweetness of my dream
I groan and bury my head deeper into the mountain of pillows 
they're cozy and comfortable with a
fragrance that is fresh and crisp and clean
I pretend not to hear the alarm
I refuse to open my eyes
Instead,I snuggle deeper into the mushiness of my mattress
It's softness feels like heaven
It should be Saturday, I tell myself
I PRETEND IT IS and wrap myself up tightly til 
I'm "snug as a bug in a rug"....
Completely covering myself in the feathery softness of my
fluffy white comforter.....I feel luxurious
I am determined to make this moment last
but the music does not stop playing.....
and I dare not hit snooze button
Because if I do
I'll surely fall into her trap.....
With one last stroke, I longingly look at her
The cat who lays contentedly purring by my side 
she stretches and winks at me sleepily
Her warmth encourages me to drift back off into dreamland 
But I'm responsible and know what I have to do 
With a sigh of resignation I gently lift the covers 
Moving ever so slowly....careful not to disturb her as I slip into another Wednesday 
because for her, every day is Saturday 
            I envy her.....I really do

Our Little Slice of Heaven

                               Thank you for loving me! 



A little Slice of Heaven

 A beautiful beginning

We laughed, we danced, we schemed

We held on to each other; we held on to our dreams

Two hearts that once were lonely

Melded easily into one

And we thanked the Lord in heaven

For our daughter and our sons

In time our youth began to fade

but our lives were no less sweet

T’was our love for one another 

That made us feel complete

Now each memory is but a slice

that I nurture tenderly

within the confines of my heart

  keep them safe as they can be

And though you had to leave me here

I know that I'll be fine
 for the slices love created

Live forever in my mind