Parrot Writes

Interview with Nate, Protagonist from Hillside Museum the novel

2012-01-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

I’m intrigued by the outside of theold stone cottage as I walk up the weathered steps. The door opens and a tallgood-looking young man motions me inside. He’s wearing Levis and a tee shirt,his work clothes for the day. I thank him for taking time to talk with me,since I know he’s busy preparing the gardens and landscape for the 100-yearanniversary celebration of the Museum set for this coming weekend.

His curly dark-brown hair is clippedshort around his tan face but long in the back and in need of a trim. The highsculpted cheekbones and a noble nose work together to make him very handsome.The brief smile he gives me makes just-as-brief crinkles at the sides of hismouth. He runs a hand over the back of his neck and glances apprehensively atme with brilliant blue eyes which stun me with their depth, yet make me worryhe’s nervous about this interview.

“I’m just getting some history forthe article I’ll be writing about the celebration for the Farmington News,” Itell him. “This shouldn’t take too long. By the way, I’m Linda.”

He reaches out and offers me a largework-worn hand, and as I clasp it, I notice how dry, rough, and solid it feels.

“I’m Nate Manning, Head Landscaperhere at Hillside Museum,” he says. “Things are in pretty hectic right now. Thishundred-degree heat isn’t helping.”

“I know, we haven’t seen these highof temperatures in July in a long while,” I reply, glad there is airconditioning in the small cottage.

As we take a seat on the couch in the small frontroom, I glance around. A well-worn leather couch, two plaid-cushioned chairs, anantique desk with a high-backed chair, and a small entertainment center are strategicallyarranged in the room to give the best traffic flow. The wall behind us separatesthe kitchen, with a round oak pedestal table visible from the front room. Ahallway to the side most likely leads to bedrooms and a bathroom.

“How long have you lived here?” I ask.

“This cottage has been passed down in my family forthe last four generations, along with the head landscaping job at the Museum. Igrew up here from age eight. I’ve been back here with my mother a year nowsince I graduated from college and my father passed away,” he says quietly.

I knew his father had passed away because I attendedthe funeral for the newspaper.

“You’ve made some great improvements here,” I say,hoping that will get him to start talking.

“I’ve mainly been working to rebuild the garden areasand bring back the landscaping. My father had been ill and unable to take careof the grounds for a while, so they fell into some disrepair.”

“They look lovely, as much as I could see drivingin,” I reply.

“Thanks. I’ve also created two nature walking trailsfor the community,” he says, his eyes finally lighting up. “I remember playingdown around the pond and meadows when I was growing up here and seeing lots of differentanimals and birds. I’m hoping to put something together with the schools to usethis area for a nature study.”

“Sounds perfect. I know my son would enjoy that. Welive in a condo in downtown, so it would be a real treat for him. What’s yourfavorite area here?” I ask.

“The Sunken Garden and the Rose Gardens are myfavorites. I like the greenhouses also because they remind me of mygrandfather. I learned a lot from him about roses, especially growing andpropagating them.”

“The 100 year celebration is a special time forHillside. What do you know of the history of the museum?” I ask.

“It used to be the manor home of George and IsabellaHarris and their daughter Anna. In their will they donated it to the city to beused as a museum, complete with furnishings and art work. Many of the paintingshere are from the impressionist era. It is pretty amazing to see.”

“Why were the cottage and this landscaping jobpassed down through your family?” I ask.

There is a pause while he stares out the window. “I’mnot sure,” he finally says. “But I made a promise to my grandfather that I wouldcontinue the legacy, so that’s why I’m here doing this job.”

Haikuing with Nature

2012-01-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

Italian Cypress
Now burdened with cold wet snow
Stoops like an old man

                                              Tall wispy branches
                                              Naked and reaching upward
                                              Pray for warm sunbeams

The stream runs madly
Giggling its bubbly song
Tripped up by boulders

                                              Huddled together
                                              Horses dressed in drab blankets
                                              Stare as I pass by

Sky washed in dull gray
White silhouette of the sun's
All that shows today

The Grocery Store

2012-01-23T21:42:00.000-08:00

The local grocery store is a gathering spot for our smallcommunity, a meeting place of sorts.Today I counted four groups of people stopped in the aisles, carts side by side,comparing experiences of the snow storm that dumped 13 inches of white powdery snowon our community this week. Old andyoung were out to replenish food supplies that were depleted during the week ofschool, business and road closures. It was most likely their first venture outnow that the streets were safe to drive again.

Two elderly women, dressed in rubber boots and heavy coatswith bright blue flannel scarves, were standing at the front entrance when Iarrived, and still there 30 minutes later when I left. The slumpof their shoulders and the sad and somber looks on theirwrinkled faces spoke of some recenttragedy.

In one aisle, a mother was trying unsuccessfully to quiet heryoung crying baby, while the father hurriedly gathered canned vegetables and tossedthem in the already chock-full cart. Their young daughter glanced around, headdown and eyes darting to either end of the aisle as if she were embarrassed her babybrother was behaving so badly.

A brilliant rack of rubyred valentine decorations and heart shaped boxes of chocolate covered candy filled one aisle making sure everyone knewit was time to get ready for the next holiday. Three teenaged girls werereading the valentine cards, laughing loudly, making smooching sounds, and poking each other in the side.

Even though the harried check-out clerks were busy, they hada smile and a sincere word of salutationfor each customer. I stood in line behind a young boy who simply couldn’t standstill. His mother carried a cake with“Happy Birthday” written on it. She raisedher eyebrows and laughed, “Grant hasants in his pants.” Grant said, “I’m six, I’m six!” as he hoppedforward like a kangaroo when the line moved.

As I left with mypurchases I was surprised to see bouquets of golden daffodils and flats ofpurple, yellow, and white pansies displayed to the side of the entrance. Theydid look cheery, but with snow still in my flowerbeds, I wasn’t quite ready forspring yet.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

Hard drive jive

2011-11-26T19:27:00.000-08:00

My hard drive crashed

The computer is slop

I now get to buy

A new laptop

Good new even so

The files were saved

The novel wasn't lost

My writing unscathed

It couldn't have happen

At a worst time

Many things to do

Many plans on line

Might be a bit

Depends on the man

Be back on line

As soon as I can

Rest with the Angels, Mom

2011-11-21T12:27:00.000-08:00

Gatekeeper

2011-11-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

There, but unwanted
You prevent
The pearl of a thought
From appearing

There, but unwanted
You screen
The kernel of an idea
From emerging

There, but unwanted
You trap
The sentence, yet unwritten
From radiating

There, but unwanted
You censure
The flow of creativity
From right brain

Gatekeeper,
Who the hell
Granted you
This power?

Yep, I'm A Rebel

2011-10-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

I just read the rules for NaNoWriMo (National Novel WritingMonth.) I had planned to add 50,000 words to my last year’s winning project(see shiny badge to the right.) Even though I completed over 50,000 words lastyear, the story isn’t finished. I was looking forward to using the focusedwriting time this November to complete it.

But, the rules say you have to start over each year. Fromscratch. Bummer. Bummer.

BUT WAIT!

There’s a Rebel Group forming and we even have ourown Forum section. It seems there are many writers working on projects that areoutside the boundaries. And we're being wholeheartedly embraced. After all, thepurpose of NaNoWriMo is the self-challenge. The REAL prize is theaccomplishment, and the new manuscript at the end.

So, I’ll embrace my Rebel Status for the month of November,and continue to flesh out (thanks, Gully :( ) my characters and add to the mystery/romance of my WIP (work in progress.)

I’m kinda likin’ it. Never been a rebel before….

Bad safety vibes this week, or "It’s a Full Moon Martha"

2011-10-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Monday morning we were awakened at 3:30am by loud pounding on our front door. The Sheriff’sDepartment was searching our property for an intruder who had fled from aneighbor’s home after a home invasion. He hasn’t been caught yet, so it makesyou more diligent about locking doors and safety-proofing your home (thoseplastic rods in the sliding windows and doors are now in place – something wehadn’t gotten around to in the eight or so years we’ve lived here.)

Then today, on my way into town, I was in the path of a carcareening towards me from across four lanes of traffic. I hit the brakes and moved over a lane, as the car passed just in front of me and slammed into therock wall at the side of the road, ejecting the driver onto the highway (Ididn’t see that part.). I pulled over immediately, my handsshaking so badly it took two tries to dial 911. Adrenalin rush. Big time. The911 Dispatcher had to ask me to repeat myself several times. The lady was runover twice, and a Good Samaritan who stopped to help was also run over. Bothare in local hospitals with non life-threatening injuries. No word on thecause.

I’ve read that your life flashes before your eyes during life-threateninginstances, but I have to say, all I was focused on was where that car was goingand how I was going to make sure it didn’t hit me. A two second difference and itcould have been a head on collision. It’s scary how fast it all happened.

So I’m waiting for the third shoe to drop – things alwayshappen in three’s, right? The Moon is still full.

I told my mom, who has Alzheimer’s disease, about the twoinstances, and her response was, “Well, it could be a good thing that willhappen next.” Hadn’t thought of it thatway, but I’ll take it!

Watermelons

2011-10-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at growing watermelons was a marginal success. I did succeed in growing two. Here is a picture of one - a beauty, don't you think?

But, pictures can be deceiving. Here are two pictures to put it in perspective:

Maybe next year....

I'll follow you anywhere!

2011-09-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

This is the view I had from my car as I followed Cris to the Rod Run in Seaside, Oregon and Long Beach, Washington this past weekend. Luckily, it was decent weather so he could go "topless" in his 1931 Ford Roadster (the car, that is). He did complain that if he accelerated over 45 mph, his hat would push lower on his head, displacing his sunglasses. But that didn't stop him for long--he just took off the hat!

In Seaside, the main streets in town and the parking lot of the convention center were blocked off for the the amazing cars displayed there. Here are a few that caught our attention:

We motored up to the Long Beach, Washington Rod Run site on Saturday in the '31 Ford and walked through the maze of cars on display there also.

It was fun catching up with old friends and getting to know new ones. Car people always have lots to talk about! The weather cooperated too. Some fog in the morning, sunshine all afternoon, and gorgeous sunsets. A great trip to the Oregon/Washington coast!

The Bonneville Salt Flats and Speed Week

2011-08-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

We drove to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Westover, Utah for Speed Week 2011. The Salt Flats are amazing - blinding white for as far as the eye can see. We were there to watch cars, motorcycles, and other interestingly designed/shaped vehicles compete for the fastest land driving speed in their class.

As visitors, we were allowed to drive on the salt flats along one side of the raceway, but at a safe quarter of a mile away from the action. Temperatures ranged from 90 to 115 degrees depending on the time of day. Tents, canopies, campers and motor homes dotted the track to watch the competition. We were low tech, but colorful and more mobile, with our beach chairs and umbrellas.

We admired the ingenuity of some.

As a writer of things, I couldn't help but record some of the amazing history and geology of the Salt Flats.

They are five miles long and twelve miles wide, covering over 46 square miles or 30,000 acres
They are remnants of ancient Ice Age Lake Bonneville
Over 17,000 years ago, Lake Bonneville was 1,000 feet deep
As it receded, evaporation left large concentrations of potash (used now for fertilizer) and halite (table salt)
The stratified layers that form the flats are five feet deep in the center and only an inch or two at the outer edges
The amount of salt equates to 147 million tons or 99 million cubic yards of salt
The Salt Flats are managed by the Bureau of Land Management, on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as an "area of critical environmental concern"
The fastest recorded speed on the Salt Flats is 622.407 mph set by Gary Gabolitch in 1970

We had a great time each evening strolling through the unofficial "car show" of vehicles displayed in the parking lot.

And we'll probably be back. I've heard that if you go once, you will surely return.

"Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

2011-08-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

Blocking up the scenery, breaking my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign"

from "Signs"
Written by Les Emmerson
Performed by Five Man Electrical Band

On our road trip from Portland to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, I took pictures of several signs that caught my attention.

Zander's 5th

2011-07-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

At Zander’s 5^th birthday

We had a blast

Great presents and fun

Time flew super fast

Bug ornamented cupcakes

Were a fun invention

The one with green icing

Caught Penny’s attention

The cupcake with green icing

As you can see

Made an amazing mess

Of baby Pen-ny

Face first she dove

With her mouth, then her nose

Green icing everywhere

Table, floor, and then clothes

Zander’s choice of cupcake

Was ladybug red

He licked off the icing

And ate ice cream instead

Good time had by all

But can you believe

Another year’s gone by

It’s hard to perceive

Good thing I’ve got pictures

To capture the shine

Cause its slipping away

One year at a time

Flowers from my garden

2011-07-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

Shaddy asked if I would share pictures of the flowers in my garden. I made the comment to her that I had many plants with medicinal uses, and wondered if the reason was my pharmacy background. When you look at their history, many plants have been used medicinally. One source said, even today, flowering plants provide almost 25% of the basic ingredients for our modern drugs.

In Oregon, we have had a very wet and cool spring and summer. But I am thankful for these conditions when I see the temperatures in the mid-west and east.

Here are a few of my plants and what they may be, or have been, used for:

Lavender (used as an anti-tussive (for cough) and an antiseptic)

Yarrow (helps calm eczema)

Foxglove (digitalis - regulates the heart)

Echinacea (stimulates the immune system)

Rose (promotes blood circulation)

Begonia (promotes blood circulation)

Magnolia (useful for asthma)

Hydrangea (used for urinary tract infections)

Jacob's Ladder (treatment for dysentery, toothache, animal bites)

Sage (has been used for its healing properties, and recently evaluated for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease)

Mint (used to treat stomach aches, chest pain and as a diuretic)

Day lilies (some of these flowers are edible, but some are poisonous)

Iris (has been used in aromatherapy, as a sedative, and as an anti-cancer agent)

Gunnera (this plant is wonderfully odd with its huge leaves. It has been used for many things including as a topical wound dressing)

Disclaimer: Before you try any of these for their medicinal uses, please consult a health care professional!

Now What? A 500 word writing prompt - For Dawn

2011-07-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

(A writing prompt from Ann. An essay of 500 words on the following: Now what?)

What if you thought you only needed one cat but ended up with two? Kitty #1 seemed lonely and a second one felt like the right thing to do. Kitty #2 came from the same place as the first, a shelter/adoption agency just for cats.

You’ve watched for the last four months as Kitty #2 has dominated and made life hell for Kitty #1. Kitty #2 has also jumped off your balcony into “no-no” land ten feet down and been captured by the crazy renters in the condo below you. When you rescued her, you smelled pot and who-knows-what-other dangerous things.

Kitty #2 is on a path to destroy your new couch by clawing deep divots in its arms. Kitty #2 has been sleeping on your bed at night and taking up more than her share of the space. Kitty #2 makes it quite well known that she requires breakfast at 6AM by loud meowing, sitting on your chest, then if these tactics don’t work, face batting. Your normal waking hour is 8AM, thank-you-very-much. And to top it off, Kitty #2 is not particularly friendly nor does she want to sit on your lap or be held.

What if, after weeks of agonizing debate with yourself, you finally decide to return Kitty #2 to the shelter? They take her back willingly with no recriminations. You breathe a sigh of relief and reorganize things in the condo for yourself and Kitty #1.

Life returns to normal and you are happy with your decision.

Then Kitty #1 stops eating. She wanders the condo meowing and looking for, yes, you are sure, Kitty #2. Kitty #1 is in a funk and no cajoling, special treats, nor extra petting will bring her back to her happy self. You find yourself looking for Kitty #2 when you get home from work. Your mornings have less distractions, but they seem too quiet.

Now what?

After four days, you relent and return to the shelter/adoption agency to bring Kitty #2 home. They say she is there, but no one can find her. They know she spent the first two days in kitty-quarantine to make sure she wasn’t sick, then was released into the large area with the others waiting for adoption.

You walk into the area calling her name, and after a few calls you hear,”meow, Meow, MEOW.” She has climbed to the highest place in the enclosure and has been in hiding in the corner until she hears your voice. She waits for you to come rescue her, of course, to teach you a lesson. But, she is so high up that you have to stand on your very tippy-toes and stretch your arms as far as you can to reach her. She finally jumps into your arms and immediately starts to purr.

When you walk through the door, Kitty #1 is there to greet Kitty #2. They play, eat, and sleep together for the next week, totally ignoring you.

Now what?

Nicholas Gets Married

2011-07-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

The day was breathtakingly beautiful, as were the bride and groom. Beach weather in Oregon in early July can be unpredictable, but it was a glorious day to witness the union of two special people on the beach in Gearhart. Nicholas, my nephew and the oldest of my brother's three children, is the child my sister Robin and her husband Mike adopted in 1985. When they passed away, my brother and his wife, Matt and Debbie, enveloped him into their family. They were intimately involved in the ceremony this day, as were Natalie and Drew, Nick's sister and brother.

Barefooted groomsmen in gray slacks and vests, with cream-colored dress shirts and yellow ties followed Nick down the slope of a massive sand dune behind us to the decorated arch set up as the alter. Bridesmaids followed, clutching bouquets of yellow and white, in their individually designed silver dresses. All eyes were on Angelica as she was escorted down the sand dune on the arm of her father. Her stunning ruffled dress caught the beach breeze and flowed around her gently; her smile was as wide as the ocean as she looked at her husband to be.

The special vows they had each written were spoken with conviction. Nick chose to say his vows to Angelica on his knees, to honor his bride. Their love for each other was clearly visible.

They embrace God totally in their lives and live to serve Him. I love them both and wish them all the best that love between two people and marriage can be.

Hillside the Novel

2011-06-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

Alexander wiped the sweat from his eyes as he searchedfrantically in the old desk for the worn envelop. He knew had to be there, but it wasn't where he had put it. Thephone call he'd just received caused his stomach to roll and his heartto race.

“If you don’t deliverthe information to the mailbox at the Old Mill in an hour, you wife will be ingrave danger.”

Elizabeth wasnowhere to be found, and he knew the gravelly voice on the other end of theline meant business: bad business.

His chest hurt; he took short quick breaths trying to quellhis nausea and concentrate on the task. It had to be here somewhere. When hisvision blurred and his head started to spin, he knew he was in trouble.

Nate; he had to pass the information on to his son. Whyhadn’t he done it before now? Nate was the last hope for Anna. He grasped hischest as he slowly fell to the floor.

Maybelle and the Monkey Tree

2011-05-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

I’m Maybelle the monkey

Quite pink and quite fluffy

With a white smiling face

And a tail a mite scruffy

The zoo’s toy shop

Has been home to me

I’ve been waiting and waiting

To be set free

I’m the last of ten monkeys

Now sitting all alone

Just waiting for someone

To take me home

Then, I see her reaching

As cute as can be

Little hands take hold

Loving arms give a squeeze

She chose just one

From all the animals there

She chose me, Maybelle

To love with care

She took me home

And all day we played

Till her mom called her in

Cause dinner was made

I sat on her bed

While she said her prayers

And I snuggled close

As she held me there

She’s asleep now

But I’m still quite awake

I jump from the bed

A little house-tour I’ll take

I just have to know

What’s behind each door

I’m curious, you see

Don’t like to be bored

All around the house

I explore with glee

Then through an open window

I spot the large tree

Squiggling through the opening

Outside I’m now free

To jump from the sill

Onto the branches I see

And low and behold

Guess who’s there?

A troop of monkeys

With all different colored hair

All sizes and shapes

In ones and in twos

I’m so happy to see

My friends from the zoo

Hanging on limbs

Sitting on branches

Hiding behind leaves

Doing tree-swing dances

What are the chances

That there would be

This many monkeys

All in one tree

We play and we play

Till just before dawn

Then we need to go home

Before they notice we’re gone

But below us now sits

A great cat looking mean

Scoping us out

For his next cuisine

We’re all very smart

So before he starts pouncing

We band together

To threaten a trouncing

He sees in our stances

We’ll take none of his guff

So he ambles away

Still acting tough

We each scamper home

To our own domain

After agreeing to meet

Tomorrow night again

To swing on branches

Happy as can be

To fly high each night

In our own Monkey Tree

Ashland Trip

2011-05-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

W e enjoyed our stay in Ashland again this spring. The weather cooperated for a few days to give us blue skies and warm temperatures so we could enjoy porch sitting. The rest of the days were gray and drizzly. Oh well, it just meant we had time to read and shop!

The trees and shrubs showed off some of their color in Lithia Park.

The Shakespeare Theaters were just around the corner. We saw five incredible plays:
The Imaginary Invalid
To Kill a Mockingbird
The Language Archive
August: Osage County
Measure for Measure

Porch sitting one afternoon for happy hour. We were glad it was covered! Check out our cool coasters. They're portable!

The wine label competition heated up for this year's theme of flowers. We crowned the new Cork Queen on Thursday evening

On one of our walks, we came across this monkey tree. You may need to enlarge this picture to see what I mean. It will be a topic of a future blog I'm thinking..

We took turns creating some amazing breakfasts and dinners.

Sadly, two of our usual seven were unable to attend this year. Not being present can be dangerous. We crowned one of the missing as Cork Queen in abstentia, and found the perfect winning bottle (see picture below) for her to enter.
Since we had to have the celebration picture for our album, we created a spittin' image of her, complete with crown.

We had a great time and are already planning our next year's getaway!

Mom Appreciation Luncheon

2011-05-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

The owner of Thanksgiving House Adult Foster Home hosted a "resident and caregiver appreciation" luncheon to celebrate the five wonderful ladies in residence and the awesome caregivers who do so much for them. I was honored to be able to attend with my mom. The lunch was wonderful and the hats and boas were special and fun.

YaHoo - I WON !!

2011-05-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

WRITING CONTEST RESULTS: Cash winner in most recent contest:

For CHILDREN: Captain Nolan the Sandbender Saves the Ocean, by Parrot Writes.

StoryStar-Where short story writers are the stars. Free publication of short stories to read online.

STORYSTAR.COM

Storystar is a growing online library of new and original short stories where writers can publish their stories for readers of all ages to rate and share with others. Storystar features fiction and true life short stories with many of the best stories for kids, teens and adults.

I submitted the story I wrote for my grandson, Nolan, after a day playing at the beach. It's my first contest (and I didn't even know I was a finalist until I saw it on Facebook.) I emailed friends to ask for their support, to check out the three finalist stories, and to rate them. Lookie what happened! I won $100.00 !! Thanks Nolan for the inspiration!!

And thank you, my friends, for taking the time to rate my story.

I've posted the story on my blog before, but here is is again:

Nolan grabbed his blue bucket and shovel and raced to the ocean, filling it with sea water to build the biggest sand castle ever. Again and again he filled his bucket as his sand castle rose towards the sky, two then three stories tall with towers, walls, a drawbridge, and a moat. He carefully set pieces of shells, sand dollars, driftwood, and stones into the sides of the castle as armor.

On his last trip to the water, Nolan noticed the ocean had changed to a dark black blue color, and this time his bucket felt heavier. As he turned towards his castle, a wave crashed behind him with an angry loud clap. Water raced ahead of him and he ran to protect his castle.

Luckily the moat captured the sea water and his sand castle was safe.

When Nolan dumped the bucket of water into the center courtyard of his castle, out fell a lobster and a large shell of an astonishing iridescent purple-blue-pink color.

The ocean gave another loud roar that caused Nolan to drop his bucket and shovel, close his eyes, and clasp his hands over his ears.

When he opened his eyes, he was surprised to see the lobster frantically waving his claws trying to get Nolan’s attention. He stared as the lobster began to speak.

“You must help us. I am Lord Lobster and this is my Lady Sand Crab. We are the Rulers of the Cold Ocean. Evil Earl the Moray Eel is the Ruler of the Warm Ocean and he is trying to take over our territory. He has destroyed our home, threatened to eat us, and has all the creatures of the Cold Ocean living in fear.

Nolan looked at the other people on the beach around him. They didn’t seem to see or hear the talking lobster.

“But how can I help you?” asked Nolan.

“We see you have built a magnificent sand castle that meets all of our needs as Rulers of the Cold Ocean. We want to move in,” said Lord Lobster. Lady Sand Crab sat atop Lord Lobster’s back as he climbed to the top of the castle and set her on the highest tower. “This is a place fit for your beauty Lady Sand Crab.”

“This suits us perfectly, young man. Now, if only we could send Evil Earl the Moray Eel back to the Warm Ocean, we could get back to life as usual.”

Before Nolan could answer, the sky turned dark. The air smelled of rotten eggs and tingles ran up and down his arms. He looked up to see a sky full of ferocious-looking black winged creatures flying in battle formation.

“Oh no, they have found us! We truly do need your help. Lady Sand Crab, it is time to give super powers to our rescuer,” Lord Lobster said as he pinched Nolan on the big toe. Suddenly Nolan’s bucket became a shield and his shovel a magical sword.

“You are now Captain Nolan the Sandbender. You have the power to push, pull and shape sand to use it as a weapon against Evil Earl the Moray Eel and his band of black attackers.

Captain Nolan the Sandbender took a few practice swings with his sword. It sliced through the air, bringing up clouds of sand that swirled and opened into shapes in the air like fireworks, arrows, balls, missiles, and giant clouds.

He flung his sword towards the sky and sand particles flew towards the black formation of creatures at great speeds, knocking them sideways and ending their attack. They scattered in fear for they had never seen such power in the sand before.

One of the larger flying creatures at the front of the formation swooped out of the sky towards Lady Sand Crab. Captain Nolan the Sandbender instinctively jumped in front of her and flung another sand missile at the creature. It fell to the ground screeching and clawing its way toward Lady Sand Crab.

As it moved toward her, it changed shape into Evil Earl the Moray Eel. It gave a scary snarly grin as it slithered closer, its mission to destroy them. But Captain Nolan the Sandbender was not going to let that happen. He knew he had to try everything in his new power to defeat Evil Earl the Moray Eel and return the Cold Ocean rule back to Lord Lobster and Lady Sand Crab.

Captain Nolan the Sandbender waved his sword and created balls of sand that flew towards the eel catching him and hurling him out over the ocean. The last sand ball hit him directly and he gave a cry of defeat as he fell helplessly into the Cold Ocean, never to be seen again.

“Thank you Captain Nolan the Sandbender. You have defeated Evil Earl the Moray Eel and his band of black winged creatures. Now Lady Sand Crab and I are safe and we can restore order to the Cold Ocean,” said Lord Lobster.

Captain Nolan the Sandbender waved his magic sword and the sand flew in the air in a swirling flowing spray that covered the sand castle. When the sand settled, the sand castle was magnificent again. The drawbridge was open to receive Lord Lobster and Lady Sand Crab. Towers rose from each corner and the walls surrounding it were decorated with sea shells, sand dollars and sparkling agates of beauty.

Lord Lobster lifted both claws and clicked them loudly. Suddenly a legion of lobsters came from the ocean and surrounded the sand castle. At his command, they lifted the castle from the beach and slowly moved it towards the ocean. Waves broke over the castle, but it remained in one piece as they disappeared into the depths of the sea.

Captain Nolan the Sandbender watched them leave with pride. He had defeated Evil Earl the Moray Eel, protected Lord Lobster and Lady Sand Crab, and built them a glorious sand castle to replace the one that had been destroyed. All would now be well with their Cold Ocean Kingdom.

He turned back to the beach. Gone was the glorious sand castle he had designed and built for Lord Lobster and Lady Sand Crab. In its place was the sand castle he had started to build earlier in the day. His shield and sword were again a bucket and shovel. He began to notice the sounds and smells of the beach and the warmth of the sun. He saw Grand Poo Bah and Grand Poo Mah sitting in chairs just a few yards away.

A flash of color from the middle of the sand castle caught his eye. He dug into the sand and found a large perfectly shaped iridescent purple-blue-pink shell. Lady Sand Crab must have left it for him.

He picked it up and walked towards Grand Poo Mah. “Look at what I found in the sand! And you won’t believe who it belonged to.”

Aloha!

2011-04-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

We've just returned from two weeks in Maui celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.

We saw glorious sunsets

And a beautiful blue ocean on our many excursions around the island

I got in the spirit right away (with the best Mai Tai on the island at Mama's Fish House!)

And we had several wonderful dinners AND desserts at great restaurants! Look at that coconut pie!! We were actually celebrating Cris' birthday that evening.

But most of the time we ate at home on our lanai watching the ocean and the people below. We saw whales almost every day from our birds eye view of the world on the 6th floor.

Did I mention the sunsets?

The flowers were gorgeous!

And the landscape and seascape awe-inspiring

Iao Needle State Park was beautiful

We saw the sunrise above the clouds at Haleakala Crater (28 miles of switchbacks from sea level to 10,000 feet)


and sunset that same night from Lahaina harbor (a long day!)

Took my spiral notebook and pencil and wrote about our adventures each day. We met lots of great characters that will undoubtedly appear in future stories (Stick Man, Romeo, Pink Lady and Mogambe). But now its back to work! I start my next class, Keys to Effective Editing, next week. And I need to catch up with you all!

Hillside the Novel - Chapter 1

2011-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

Hillside Museum July 6, 2009

Nate walked into the foyer of the atrium carryinga flat of geraniums, his eyes drawn to the portrait glowing in the morninglight. “Hello, beautiful.” Her name was Anna, and according to the date at thebottom of the painting, the year was 1909.

“You talkin’ to me?” Rennie said, coming upbehind him. He swung around and hesitated a moment before answering, “Of course.Who else is here?” He silently cursed his lack of attention. He didn’t realizeshe had come into the atrium.

“Just checking to see if you’re done withthe planters. There’s still a lot of stuff left to do.”

“I know, I know,” he said, one hand coming up to knead the back of his neck.“I’m working on it.”

“Not fast enough, Nate. I’m worried itwon’t all get done,” she said as she walked towards the door.

“Like I said Rennie, I’m working onit.” Nate wasn’t sure he could accomplish what was expected of him. Thisjob had been in his family for more than 100 years, starting with his great-granddadNathaniel, the head gardener when the museum had been the manor home of theHarris family.

Nate reflected back on hisconversation at the first of the week with Rennie, the Events Coordinator for museum.“Nate, your job’s on the line. If thegrounds at Hillside Museumaren’t in perfect condition for the 100-year celebration next week, the Board’sgoing to replace you.”

No pressure there. He loved thisplace, had grown up here in the caretaker’s cottage with his parents and twoolder brothers, and had spent countless hours with his dad and granddad in thegreen houses and the gardens as a boy.

He glanced up at the portrait of theyoung girl. She looked to be in her early twenties with curly dark hair andviolet eyes, dressed in a long cape of iridescent purple. Around her neck was abeautiful sapphire pendant. Her lips were curved in a shy smile, and hereyes seem to follow him wherever he went in the room. In the palm of her handshe held a gold band inset with rubies and pearls - a wedding ring perhaps -holding it as if offering it to him.Yeah, right.

Nate carried the geraniums to the back ofthe atrium, positioned each one in the planter, and carefully smoothed the richdirt around its base. He found solace working with his hands in the soil. Herecoiled suddenly as he felt a jolt of electricity, and looked down inconfusion at the ring in his palm. It was a gold band with rubies and pearls,like the ring in the painting.

He walked back to stand beneath theportrait. The ring was no longer in the girl’s palm, it was in his.

He clasped the ring tightly and closed hiseyes. A sense of her hopelessness washed over him sending his mind intoturmoil. He looked back at the portrait. What was happening? Damn, hedidn’t have time for this. He glanced around to see if Rennie was still in theroom. Alone, he put the ring in his pocket and turned to leave.

It was then he heard a woman softlycrying. He couldn’t stay in the atrium any longer. He wasn’t capable ofdealing with this much distraction and uncertainty right now. He left the room,closing the door firmly behind him, without looking back.

Hillside the Novel - Chapter 5

2011-03-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

Mary stood, pressing her palms down the front of herskirt, smoothing the fabric. She walkedcalmly towards the front door of the manor to answer the insistent knockingthere.

She knew she had to maintain control of the conversation.George had been found dead in his carriage at the side of the road the daybefore. Ashen but standing tall, she met Alfred’s gaze.

“I’ve come for Anna. We are to be married as our families agreed. I will be moving the date forward, since youare without protection now that your husband is gone.”

She looked into his eyes and saw the lack of compassionthere, even as his words belied it. She knew he was in some way responsible forthe death of her husband. He would not get his hands on their daughter.

“I’m sorry Mr. White, but Anna is no longer here. She has been sent away to safety. Anna will not be marrying you now orever. Good day to you.”

She slammed the door and quickly bolted it, leaning backagainst its solid support. She could hear him yelling outside as he walked tohis carriage. The housekeeper peakedfrom behind the library door. “Is he gone?”

“For now. For now.” She needed time to figure out what to donext. She would talk to Nathanial. He wouldhelp her with a plan.

There You Are!

2011-03-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

AfterI had given up

Hadlost all hope

Thereyou are!

NowI can cope

Tuckedaway beneath

Deadbranches and leaves

Yourbuds appear

Andonce again I believe

Inthe coming of spring

Thelengthening of days

Thestart of new life

Thewarmth of sun’s rays

Tinyand tender still yet

Withdetermination to grow

Youbegin new life

Fromstrong roots below

Ican be patient now

I’llwatch and wait

Forspring to arrive

Forthe blooms you’ll create

I’lltend you with care

Protectyou from harm

Nurtureyou with love

Keepyou warm

It’s been so long coming

AndI’ve tended to mope

But,there you are!

NowI can cope

Good Grief - it's supposed to be March!

2011-03-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

Our average temperature for this time of year is usually 52 degrees with rain. Look at what we woke up to this morning! The Weather Forecasters said there would be snow in the elevations above 1000 feet. We are pretty much at sea level here. Go figure!

Now I know I shouldn't complain; Gully in Alaska and Shaddy in Wisconsin have/have had much worse weather. But I can't help it.

Hit and Run (From Ann's Writing Prompt)

2011-02-18T08:23:00.000-08:00

Ann's writing challenge is to use the following six phrases in a story:
Cracked plastic, waning moon, a scar, 4^th floor, an old boiler, death on a bicycle

Hit.

Oh God! Oh God! He hadn’t seen her until it was too late. The waning moon cast shadows on the side of the bridge where she had been riding. He couldn’t help her now; she was gone. He had to help himself. Cover it up.

He rushed to the side of the old bridge and looked over the edge in panic at the rushing river. He could barely see the impromptu underwater garbage dump below – he was as high as four floors above it – but he knew it was there.

The old boiler parts caused the largest scar on the river bottom, surrounded by other decaying pieces of metal, fragments of cracked plastic and old glass. A place unobserved by most; a place unknown by many; now her place.

He pushed her mangled bicycle off the edge and watched it take its death ride, matching hers, into obscurity below. He ran back to his car and punched the gas pedal, screeching the tires as he sped away.

Run.

Maya Finds Her Purr

2011-02-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

Born in a ditch

Just after dawn

The last kitten of the litter

Then her mother was gone

Rescued by an angel

Full of love and grace

Nurtured till she grew

Ready for a permanent place

Not once did she purr

In her young kitten life

Perhaps it was because

Of the initial strife

Adopted, she grew

And was loved with great care

Never again threatened

By danger or scare

The only sounds she made

Were a squeaky meow

And a faint whistle for a purr

At least until now

At 16, she’s 80

In people years

And this month a new sound

Has just appeared

A soft thwirring we hear

In her moments of demure

Our Maya has just found

Her sweet, musical purr.

Hillside Novel

2011-02-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

“Troubles, my man?” said Hugo.

“Rennie says my job’s on the line. If I don’t get the museum grounds in top shape, including the hiking trails and gazebo, the Board is recommending that I be replaced. I’m feeling the pressure," said Nate.

“Hey, Bro,” Hugo said, “No one loves that place more than you do. They can’t fire you. They won’t if they know what's good for them.”

“I think the Board may have someone else already in mind for the job.”

“Just keep goin’ forward. You can do it. You have the plans all there in your head. Give Riley more responsibility; he can handle it.”

"I’ve already overloaded him. No, these are things I need to do. I’m having trouble staying focused, you know. Keeping myself organized. I wish I didn’t have so many distractions,” said Nate. He leaned forward gripping his glass of beer.

“What other distractions?” Nate knew Hugo sensed there was something else on his mind.

“You won’t believe this. I can’t believe it.”

“You got me now. Give it up.”

“Do you remember the girl in the painting that's hanging at the entrance to the atrium? It’s been in the same place since I can remember.”

“Yeah, when I could see. I remember thinking she was a goddess with her cape and long black hair.”

“Well, she’s talking to me.”

Valentine's Day "Zines"

2011-01-30T17:06:00.000-08:00

My friend Sandra introduced me to the "zine", a mini-magazine written and illustrated on one piece of paper, then folded to make a booklet. She sent me two of her creations "Rosemary is Magic" a fairy story (with me as the main character) and "A Sky of Blue and Gold and Cotton", poems about the weather. I loved the concept (and her works of art), and wondered if I could use the format to make individualized valentines for my grandkids.

The answer is YES! They end up being a six page booklet with a front and back page. SO guess what I did all weekend??

Here's the front of all of them, designed specially for each child.

Here's what pages one and two look like.

And pages five and six.

They are each made on one piece of 8 1/2 x 11 paper, divided into 8 sections. I used clip art, valentines, and stickers. I traced some of the pictures and colored them with colored pencils and crayons, cut and pasted others. It was great fun! I took over every inch of the office and made a grand mess of the desk, but it was worth it. I think they will enjoy their own personal Valentine message from Grandma and Grandpa.

The trick is to fold them carefully, cut the correct edge, and refold them to make a booklet.

The finished product looks like this.

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

Need help spelling?

2011-01-27T22:11:00.000-08:00

I’m taking Ann’s Writing Essentials class and experienced an awakening when we completed the chapter on spelling. I’ve always thought of myself as a decent speller. Did well in school and the red squiggly line doesn’t appear that much when I’m pounding away at the computer. But the exercises during and at the end of the spelling lesson made me realize how much I needed this class, especially now that I'm editing my WIP.

Along with lots of rules, guidelines and helpful ways to remember how to spell the most troublesome words, she recommended one idea that I have already started to use: a TIP CARD. I jotted down the words I have trouble spelling on a 4 x 6 note card, have it sitting on my desk, and will continue to add to it. It’s easier than picking up my 5 pound dictionary every time I have a spelling question. Yes, I have spell checker, but it sometimes leads me astray, like it did with this guy.

Eye Halve a Spelling Chequer

I have a spelling checker.

It came with my pea sea.

It plane lee marks four my revue

Miss steaks aye can knot sea.

Eye ran this poem threw it,

Your sure reel glad two no.

Its vary polished in it's weigh.

My checker tolled me sew.

A checker is a bless sing,

It freeze yew lodes of thyme.

It helps me right awl stiles two reed,

And aides me when I rime.

Sauce unknown

Childhood memories

2011-01-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

Do you remember when you were a kid and your only worry was what time your best friend could come out to play? Or how late you got to stay up? Or if your Mom was going to make you sit at the table until you ate all your peas?

At what age did we changed from carefree to careful? When did the boundaries of our safe neighborhoods shrink? The children of today have to make the transition from carefree to careful much earlier than the children of my era (the 1950’s). I love this picture because it reminds me of what fun it is to be carefree and full of laughter.

Think back to your childhood. What is one memory of you and a childhood friend that comes to mind where laughter was this spontaneous and contagious?

Maya Goes to the Dentist

2011-01-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

I’m pissed, in case you can’t tell. See that bulge in my cheek? Well, it’s not a bird.

Impacted tooth is what I heard my Mom say. She shoved me inside the pink box and drove me to that torture place. She thinks I don’t remember what happens every time she takes me there.

I caused a bit of a ruckus, I’m happy to say. They thought they were going to stick me with that sharp thing. But they didn’t know who they were dealing with. Ha! I escaped and ran for the front door. Except it was closed and there was nowhere else to go but the bottom shelf of the bookcase. Darn. I was sooo close.

Blood – they wanted my blood! It was worse than any cat fight I’ve ever been in. Well, I haven’t really been in any cat fights, but I’m sure that’s what it would have been like. I gave them my best yowl, hiss, and even threw in a growl or two, but it did no good. They ganged up on me and Mom didn’t help me at all.

The lady said I needed dental surgery, whatever that is. At least I got to come home. Bella hasn’t given me much sympathy either, but she is staying close. We were both relaxing by the fire when Mom caught me unaware and squirted some yucky tasting stuff in my mouth. Antibiotics she says. “It will make you feel all better, Maya.” I’ll fool her. I’m staying under the bed for the rest of my life.

Except this morning I’m hungry, and there’s no food in my dish. Or water. What, now she’s going to starve me? Oh no, Dad’s in on it too. He held me while Mom put more of that yucky stuff in my mouth and then he put me in the pink box. Crap! I’m going back to that torture place, I just know it. Mom talked to me all the way there, telling me I would be just fine, but I wasn’t listening. I’m just too pissed.

Natalie's story through Gabe's eyes

2011-01-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

(This is a rewrite of To Lock or Not to Lock as seen through the eyes of Natalie's Guardian Angel, Gabe)

Things couldn’t get any busier tonight, Gabe thought rushing to steady Natalie as she slid on the ice and went careening towards the barberry bush outside her work place. He had almost missed her leaving.

They always gave him the young ones. They said it was because his reflexes were better than most of the other Guardian Angels. It was true, and he was proud of it.

In just the short time his mind had wandered, he saw that Natalie had gotten a glass of water and poured it on her frozen car door lock. When it released, he watched her open the door and get inside. He saw her wait for a few minutes for the heater to come on, then decide to go back inside the office. But when she pushed on the door to get out, it wouldn’t budge; it was frozen shut. “Good, she’s locked in and out of trouble for now,” he thought.

At that moment he heard Lucy yell, “Gabe, watch out for Jake!” He moved with lightening speed to steer the sled of the 10 year-old boy that was sliding out of control down the snowy unlit road behind his house. “Time to go inside for the night,” he suggested to the boy’s conscience. He left as he saw Jake pick up his sled and head for home.

When he got back to Natalie, she was leaving the parking lot with only a small circle of clear space to see out of on her windshield. “No, no, you were supposed to wait for the windshield to defrost before you started out,” he shouted. She cocked her head as if she heard something, but kept on going. “There’s no one left at the party; they’ve all gone home because of the icy weather.” If she heard him, she didn’t react. The younger ones listen, he had learned, this one was 22.

Lucy shouted again, “It’s Sandra now.” He was glad Lucy had his back. The three people he was responsible for tonight were almost too much without his Assistant.

He got to twelve-year-old Sandra’s second story window just as she was climbing out to run away from home. Her backpack was bulging with all of her important possessions. She clutched her pillow pet monkey in her left arm and grabbed ahold of the gutter. Gabe caught Sandra as the gutter fell away from the house, and he slowly eased her to the ground.

“It’s not safe,” he whispered to her. “Go back inside and talk to her. She understands.” He watched as she wiped away her tears and walked through the front door into her mother’s arms.

He caught back up with Natalie and was impressed at how slowly and carefully she was driving. But as she made a left turn, her car door suddenly flew open and the car began sliding towards the embankment on the right. He knew there was a creek below.

Gabe took control of the wheel and steered the car back onto the road. Natalie was holding the door closed as best she could while gripping the steering wheel with the other hand. He could tell when she made the decision to head home instead of to the party.

Gabe wanted to make sure she got there without any further mishaps, so he followed her as she drove the rest of the way. When she turned the corner onto her street, he winked at the porch light causing it to gleam brighter. He noticed the silhouette of her mother standing at the front window watching for her.

He saw Natalie visibly relax, then try to stifle an uncontrollable giggle. Yes, she would have a good story to share. And he would add three more saves to his list of accomplishments tonight.

One Year Blogaversary!

2011-01-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

Celebrate with me! Raise a glass (cup/mug) of bubbly (coffee/tea/soda) and clink it with mine in a toast to my first year of experimentation in creative writing. I have enjoyed this time greatly and plan to continue through the next year learning, struggling and growing through your amazing and enlightening comments and posts. Thank you for your interest in my writing and for your encouragement.

To Lock or Not To Lock

2011-01-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Things couldn’t get any worse, Natalie thought as she rushed out the door of her work place to her car. She took one step and slid on the ice covered sidewalk. She caught her balance before she ended up on her behind in the landscaping, and moved more cautiously towards her car.

She was late; it was 9:30 PM and she was supposed to be at the party by now. It had been one of the busiest days she could remember EVER. Customers were demanding and crabby and she had to be nice to all of them. That was expected of her as the receptionist.

The weather was the topic of everyone’s conversation as they waited their turn to be seen. “Did you hear there were seven accidents alone on the freeway in the last hour?” She should have been more careful walking out the door.

She punched the unlock button on her key fob and tried the door. It was frozen shut; no amount of tugging would open it. She knew she shouldn’t use water to thaw the lock, but she was in a hurry. She carefully made her way back into the office and got a large cup of water, then poured it on the lock. Finally, it opened. She might not be too late after all.

She got inside and closed the door, starting the car. It would take awhile to warm up and defrost the windshield. Maybe she would go back into the office to wait. She pushed on the door, but it wouldn't budge. It had once again frozen shut. Now she was locked inside her car.

Well at least the heater was beginning to work. She would start towards her friend’s house. If it wouldn’t open when she got there, she could call on her cell phone to have her bring a cup of water.

The streets were gleaming with an icy sheen reflected in the light of the overhead lamp posts. She took it slow and gave herself lots of room behind the car in front of her. At the intersection the light turned green for her left turn lane. As she made the turn, her car door flew open, letting in a blast of cold air. She grabbed it to pull it close, but it wouldn’t latch. Just then her car began to slide to the side of the road.

She held onto the wheel with one hand and the door with the other as the car’s tires finally regained their grip and the car moved back onto the road. That was it, the final straw. She was going home. Her safety was more important than the darned party. It would be just her luck to get their and find that everyone had already left.

When she rounded the corner onto her street and spotted the welcome glow of the front porch light, she finally relaxed. She realized things could have been a lot worse today. She started to laugh. At least she had a funny story to tell with a good ending.

Live In The Moment

2011-01-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

Cherish all the moments

Being with family and friends

They go by in an instant

On that you can depend

Don’t just check something off

As one more task that’s been done

Because when you look back

You may have missed all the fun.

When I get super busy

And make long lists

I sometimes loose the real reason

That being together exists

I may have gone through the motions

In an efficient way

Only to find out later

I missed the whole day

A clever comment or antic

By a grandchild or an adult

A special feeling in the air

With children’s laughter, the result

I may have been too preoccupied

With that and with this

To enjoy the moment

And embrace the bliss

My lesson to you

I share in this lament

Hear it loud and clear

For its truth is evident

Learn to live in each moment

Don’t waste any of its time

Without enjoying it fully

To do otherwise is a crime

"Where Are We Going?"

2010-12-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

She was dressed in her Christmas finery

When I picked her up in my car

“Where are we going?” she asked

To visit friends, someplace not far.

The house was gorgeously Christmas

With cookies and sweets on a platter

She ate several without hesitation

Then listened to all of us chatter.

She tried to keep up with the dialogue

But soon lost interest in that

Her attention drawn elsewhere

Her mind not where we were at.

We returned to the car calling thank you

And headed back into town

“Where are we going?” she asked

Head swiveling and looking around.

“To lunch at my house,” I answered

“To have a bowl of soup

Before our next appointment.

We need to settle, to regroup.”

As soon as we walked in the door

A sack on the counter she turned

Upside down emptying its contents

What’s in it, she wanted to learn.

We needed to eat in a hurry

So we wouldn’t be terribly late

“Where are we going?” she asked

I replied, “on to another date.”

Spotting the candy dish on the counter

Her attention to it was drawn

Soon a piece was selected and eaten

Soup for lunch forgotten and gone

To the bathroom she disappeared for a moment

As I patiently waited outside

The light switch turned on, off, then on again

Something to play with she must have decided

"We need to get ready to leave again,”

I said urging her towards the door

“Where are we going?” she asked.

Back into the car once more.

Her actions childlike in nature

With happiness in her bright eyes

She struggled with the front seatbelt

Then gave up and let me try.

She’d brought along her sunglasses

To protect her from the glare

Of sunlight gracing the sky today

“Too bright,” she said donning the pair.

To the next rendezvous we’re headed

And when we stop in the parking lot

“Where are we going?” she asked

Our weekly appointment, have you forgot?

A litany of continuous questions

Repeated one time after another

I answer as patiently as I’m able

To my sweet forgetful Mother.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus - a book review

2010-12-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

My friend Sandra recommended this beautifully illustrated and charming book written in 1902 by L. Frank Baum (the author of The Wizard of Oz) and illustrated by Charles Santore as a "must" to read to my Grandkids while they were here for our Christmas celebration. It was a hit, so I'm sharing it with you. Please click on each image to enlarge it.

The book tells a story of the life of Saint Nicholas. He is found in the woods as a baby by the wood-nymph Necile who dwells in the Great Forest of Burzee, living there with the immortals, the Fairies, Knooks, Ryls, and Nymphs. She requests and is granted special permission from the Ak, the Master Woodsman of the World, to keep and raise the human child. They name him Neclaus for "Necile's little one."

Claus, as Necile calls him, grows strong and healthy and is loved by all the immortals. He knows nothing about the humans who live outside the world of the Forest. When he becomes a young man, Ak the Master Woodsman, decides Neclaus must accompany him on a journey around the world. There he is introduced to humans and understands that he is one of them and must grow old. Ak teaches him that wise humans look for ways to help the world so that their deeds live forever.

Claus is enthralled with the human children he meets and sets out to help them. He begins carving wooden toys for children who are poor and thus the legend begins. He finds flying reindeer, makes a sleigh, and travels the world on Christmas Eve leaving toys inside the children's stocking that were hung to dry by the fire. He is so loved that he is called a saint, thus earning him the name “Santa Claus.” But because he is human, he eventually grows so old he can no longer carry out his special work.

Ak assembles all the leaders of the immortals in the ancient Forest and asks their permission to give Claus the Cloak of Immortality so he may live forever, and they agree. So for many generations to come Santa Claus continues his generous work delivering toys to children around the world on Christmas Eve.

I found the book delightful and the illustrations beautiful. I would highly recommend it if you have kids, grandkids or greatgrandkids..

Hey - Where's the Muse-ic??

2010-12-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

Has the well run dry

Is it all used up

Not a word to be had

Is my mind bankrupt?

Here I sit at the screen

Hands poised on the keys

But they hover just above

Could it be brain freeze?

My mind’s been used up

There’s no doubt now

November’s marathon

Done drained it and how.

NaNo’s story’s tucked away

To marinate in the drawer

Until after the New Year

Then worked on once more.

Hopefully the muse-ic will return

After holiday cheer

Surely a dose of grandkids

Will kick it in gear.

But a few words would be nice

To share with blog friends

A story or reflection

More than these odds and ends.

I’ll try again tomorrow

Maybe the muse-ic will appear

To inspire something entertaining

Or otherwise quite dear.

But for now I will send you

Heartfelt holiday cheer

For happiness and peace

Now and in the New Year!

WHOOT WHOOT WHOOT! I DID IT!!

2010-11-28T11:27:00.000-08:00

After 27 days of writing fury, I crossed the finish line! I completed the 50,000 word count for NaNoWriMo, submitted my words for verification and have been declared a winner! I have the badge to prove it proudly displayed on the right side of my blog and the certificate from the Office of Letters and Light.

Hillside the Novel, as it is called in my Word document, is 50,118 words long. That will certainly change as I combine, delete and add more to it over the next months/years. I have a 3 inch notebook full of chapters, history, character sketches, pictures, and landscape and garden information. It was amazing how much research I had to do to include things like seeing eye dogs, retinitis pigmentosa, gypsy history, spells and charms, antique pendants and rings, University of Connecticut Landscape and Design program, Farmington Connecticut, Miss Porters School for girls, Careers in Landscape and Design, pictures of what I thought my characters would look like, plants and animals of Connecticut, 55 Ford Pickups, how to build a Gazebo (my builder/car buff husband helped with the last two), and most of all the awesome HillStead Museum in Farmington Connecticut. My story takes place at the site of a Manor House turned Museum over 100 years ago and HillStead is my inspiration. I used information and pictures from their website http://www.hillstead.org/ to create my fictitional Hillside Museum. It's a beautiful place that I hope to visit one day.

This month was an amazing experience, one that I will most likely attempt again. Thanks to all my blog buddies for their encouragement and support. I truely appreciate your friendship.

Hillside NaNo Novel

2010-11-22T22:43:00.000-08:00

The fog in her mind cleared for a moment, just long enough to remember what she needed to tell Nate. The letters in the desk compartment. He needed the letters.

With trembling fingers she felt for the button inside the drawer. The back compartment wall opened forward. Inside was a manila envelop. She cautiously opened it and took out three letters.

"Here they are," she said to herself. She looked at each letter, then put them back inside the envelop. The fog was coming back. She hoped she would remember. She returned the envelop to the compartment and closed the door.

As she rose from the desk, she heard Diesel growling from the kitchen. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a man come through the front door.

"You're coming with me."

When Diesel came into the room barking, the man kicked at the dog, then grabbed her arm pulling her outside and shoved her into the van. He drove them quickly out the back exit of the Museum grounds.

She heard Diesel barking and thought she saw someone watching from the Volunteer Office inside the barn as the drove away.

Scene It Before

2010-11-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

I’m a very visual person. I can’t call up a picture in my mind and remember it well enough to write about it, especially if it’s very complicated. My mind doesn’t work that way. (Well, sometimes my mind doesn’t work at all.) So for my story I drew what I thought the setting would look like so I would know how my characters moved around in it. I was lucky to find a real location and a real Museum (thank you Natasha) to use as the basis for my story. Using pictures and information from their website and plot lines from my story, I drew the fictitious Hillside Museum grounds complete with gardens, out buildings, parking lots, meadow and trails on a grease board. It is propped up behind my computer. Now when I write that Nate walked from the caretaker’s cottage to the museum or the sunken gardens, I walk with him on the drawing to see what he would see. It's helped me a great deal.

Here's a picture of my workspace. And my ever present helper, Bella

I have issues, NaNo!

2010-11-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

OK, so my story is having Growing Pains and my time frame Isn’t Working. My research is Useful but not Complete. My structure is Lame and my first plot point is Puny. I’ve rearranged my chapters Twice, which made scenes work Better Together, but made me Totally Confused again about my Story. But, I’ll probably do it again Tomorrow. So, tonight I totally agree with Bill the Cat – AAACK!

Or in other words, AAACK – My Complete Story isn’t working. It’s having Growing Pains of the Totally Lame and Puny kind. I’m twice as Confused as Bill the Cat. Here’s hoping I’m Together better Tomorrow. Where is that WINE???

Hillside Chapter 8 intro

2010-11-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Nate was once again standing in the Atrium before the portrait of Anna. She was truly a beautiful young woman. Shaking his head, he held up the wedding ring looking back and forth between it and the painting. “What significance does this have? Am I going crazy?”

He moved closer to study her expression. “I read about you, Anna. I know that you lost both of your parents at the same time and you disappeared. What happened to you? Where did you go? And why do I get such a strong sense of your presence here?”

He put the ring back in his pocket. A strong breeze blew inside the Atrium. He looked around in confusion; there were no doors or windows open. Then he sensed the faintest breath of lilac surrounding his face in a loving caress.

“If I didn’t know better, I would think you did that, Anna,” he said in amazement as he left the room. He didn’t see or hear the other person already there.

Someone else had walked into the Atrium just moments before and when he heard Nate come through the door, had hid. He had been privy to the conversation Nate just had with the painting. He smiled wickedly. He was getting closer to his goal.

After Nate left, he stepped before the portrait. “Are you there Anna?” he asked. “Is this where you hide?” He studied her face and the pendant around her neck. He would just tag along with Nate for awhile to see if he could discover the answers he needed.

NaNoWriMo is here!

2010-10-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

I have signed up for NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month. For the month of November, I will be attempting to write my mystery/romance novel. (I have been providing snipets of it on my blog under Hillside/Nate/Anna). I don't have the title yet; I'm hoping it will become evident as I write the story.

The synopsis is:

NATE vows to never love again after his marriage proposal is rudely rebuked. Now, 10 years later, he is drawn to a 100- year old portrait of a beautiful young girl named ANNA. She speaks to him through his dreams. As he rushes to free her from the spell trapping her, he discovers his self confidence, his ability to love again, and his one true soul mate.

I may be absent from the site while I push forward to write 50,000 words of this story in November.

If something strikes my fancy, and I think its worth sharing, I'll let you know.

I'll be back soon. In the mean time, please look back at some of the posts/stories/prompts/poetry I have written. If you see something you are particularly taken with, please let me know! Thanks for following along!

Nate and his mother Elizabeth

2010-10-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

“Your lunch is ready Mother,” Nate said walking in from the kitchen. Elizabeth sat in a high backed upholstered chair at her oak writing desk in the corner of the living room. The small ornate antique desk had been passed down for several generations, and his mother had used it as her writing desk for as far back as he could remember.

“Lunch?” she said. “But, I’m not a bit hungry.”

“It’s past noon. I came in from the gardens just to fix us something to eat.”

“In a minute. I’ll just sit here for awhile longer, Nate.”

Nate shook his head. “I’ll leave your sandwich on the kitchen table. Don’t forget it’s there.”

Nate knew she often sat at her desk when she felt confused. It seemed to comfort her to sort through the cubicles and drawers. He didn’t know what she was looking for, she didn’t seem to either. But daily, she carefully took everything out, sorted through it and put it back in place.

He had asked if he could help her find something. She would smile sadly as if lost in an old memory and say, “No, it’s just keeping a secret from me,” and go back to sorting through a stack of papers.

Alzheimer’s disease had robbed her of many of her skills and precious memories. He had watched the roles reverse over the last five years to the point where he was doing all the household chores and meal preparation. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could care for her on his own in their cottage.

Nate and Anna meet

2010-10-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

Nate was exhausted from his busy day at work, so the moment his head touched the pillow, he fell into a deep sleep. In his dream he was in the meadow at Hillside Museum working to clear the walking trail. He looked up to see her standing at the end of the path, ethereal in her flowing purple cape.

“I told you I would come,” she said. “Didn’t you believe me?”

She sounded just as he imagined. He moved toward her, his eyes never leaving her face. “No, I didn’t believe you. I don’t believe any of this. Why are you here?”

“You are my soul mate, my one love throughout time. Together we are complete,” she replied.

Nate touched her cheek and felt the start of a memory, just out of reach.

He closed his eyes trying to pull it forward, then felt the touch of her lips on his and breathed the scent of lilacs. An image from the past flickered in his mind, then disappeared.

“You are my chosen one,” she said. “And I need your help.”

"I can't even help myself," he said grimly, pulling himself back. "What makes you think I can help you?"

storyfix.com

2010-10-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

I have this site on my list of favorites and read it every time he posts something new. The author is down to earth and informative (and from Portland, Oregon). I think I saw him on Dayners site. His latest post is a good one and it is worth looking at to reconfirm what basic elements need to be in your story (the six core competencies of successful writing/storytelling). Then for a real treat, click on the short video at the end of his post. It is simply wonderful how the creator of the video has taken a reminder that usually shown in a negative light and made it a positive. Make sure you have the sound on!

http://storyfix.com/

Nate and Anna

2010-10-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Something drew him back to stand in front of the portrait tonight. His mind had wandered all day thinking about her. She was just a girl in a picture. But he swore he heard her in his mind. No, he was sure of it. What was she trying to tell him?

Her skin looked so soft. He reached out to touch the portrait. For just an instant he could feel the velvety softness of her cheek, and the wetness of her tears. Soft lilac breath blew across his face.

“What the..?” He jerked his hand back and stared at her face. This was madness.

She had felt his touch as his hand caressed her cheek. It was heaven, even if it was for only a moment. She had to find a way to convince him they were soul mates, lovers through out time, meant to be together.

“I’ll come to you in your dreams tonight,” she said in a whisper. “Then you will know I must be yours.”

Addie's Poem "Pencils"

2010-10-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

My 9 year old granddaughter Addie has written her first poem and has given me permission to post it on my blog. I am so proud of her!

PENCILS

pencils

you can

write a

paper

that is

1,000

words long

it will

never

satisfy

your pencil

he will want

to write

and

you will

never satisfy your pencil

Birthday Wine Country Tour

2010-10-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

Took a drive to wine country on Saturday. Stopped at a few wineries to do a bit of tasting and chatting with the wine makers. Came home with a some really great bottles of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer from Montinore Estate (http://www.montinore.com/) and Pinot Noir from Patton Valley Winery (http://www.pattonvalley.com/) in Gaston, Oregon.

We also visited Anne Amie Winery in Carlton, Oregon (http://www.anneamie.com/) where we enjoyed awesome views from their terrace. This is the view driving up the hill to the winery.

And this is a view from the winery looking west. That is the coast range in the distance.

We asked another visitor to take this picture of Cris and I celebrating my birthday on the terrace at Anne Amie Winery. It was a beautiful afternoon and I didn't feel a day older!

Alone at Night

2010-10-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

This is my response to Ann Linquist's challenge to write using "Standing in the kitchen, late at night" as the beginning sentence.

Standing in the kitchen

Late at night

Awakened from sleep

By a beam of light

Motion sensor, all knowing

In the dark it sees

The dance of branches

In the Cypress trees

Its light shadow shows

Upon my wall

Just above my bed

Like a wake up call

On and off it goes

All night long

While the wind careens

And bellows its song

Not a deer or raccoon

Nor person there

Just the show-off wind

Playing power games without care

House safe and secured

For the rest of the night

I’ll try once more for sleep

Knowing everything is alright

We've been robbed!!

2010-09-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

We returned from a great stay at the beach this past weekend to find we had been robbed! It's not quite as bad as that sounds. But it is bad for our wine crop. A bevy of birds have been having a feast on our wine grapes and have taken MORE than their fair share. Just look at these poor clusters of Pinot Noir.

I went outside with my mini air horn and tooted it a couple of times, then realized that the neighbors would probably not appreciate hearing it every half an hour or so. Clapping my hands and running through the rows is another option, but these darn birds are pretty crafty. They just fly to the neighbors trees and wait till the noisy lady leaves the vinyard, then they return to continue their demolition.

The grapes are way behind in ripening this year and we are not sure they will get to the needed brix (sugar content) to harvest. So, maybe these birds are just saving us the work of cutting the clusters and throwing them away.........

Nate's a character

2010-09-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

My name is Nate and I’m responsible for the landscape planning and the gardening crew at Hillside Museum. I’m a hard worker but things don’t always work out as I planned them. People tell me they like me because I’m a down to earth, humble kind of guy. What they don’t know is that my self confidence is at an all time low right now.

The 100 year anniversary of Hillside Museum is in one week and the grounds need to be in perfect shape. The whole town will be taking part in this celebration. Some are volunteering their time by working in the gardens, on the hiking trails, and around the grounds. The Program Director of the museum, Rennie, has told me my job is in jeopardy if the celebration preparation is not “up to her standards”. As you might imagine, we don't see eye to eye.

My Great Great Grandfather was the gardener at Hillside 100 years ago when it was a residence. This job has passed down in my family for four generations. If I blow this, it will be a disgrace to my family, and I can't let that happen. I try to keep a good balance of work and family in my life, because both are important to me. I live with, and take care of my mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease. Neither of my brothers will help, so it’s up to me to take care of her, and it is getting more difficult each year.

I’ve never told my family this, but I was in love once in college. She was the girl of my dreams and I thought we were meant to be together forever. But she rejected my marriage proposal and caused me to almost leave college. I will never put myself in that position again. You just can’t trust women.

So, I put all my efforts into developing my trade as a landscape architect and when I can, I work in the greenhouse with plant propagation. I’ve developed several new plant hybrids that I was planning to show off at the celebration next week. But, someone may be trying to sabotage my work and make me look bad. At least I think that is it. Or maybe my skills just aren’t that good after all.

And then there is this girl in a portrait that is hanging in the museum. I swear every time I walk in, her eyes follow me around the room. I can't help but wonder about her and what her life was like back then. The portrait is dated 1909, but she looks like she would fit in right here, right now. What a beauty.

Flash 55 - Hillside

2010-09-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

Nate stepped onto the front porch, coffee in hand, breathing in the morning smells. He didn’t know which would do the trick this morning, the coffee or the warm country air. Maybe both would be needed to sweep the nighttime cobwebs aside.

One week until the big event, and Rennie was putting the pressure on.

Blog Tag - You may be it!

2010-09-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

OMG - I've been BLOG TAGGED! This has never happened to me before. I'm IT! You may be next! Thanks to Dayner, I'm about to reveal my secrets.

1. If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Invisible woman - cause then I could be anywhere, watching what was going on without anyone noticing me. Just think of all the writing material that could generate!

2. Who is your style icon?

Apparently Barbara Bush, since SOMEONE said my dress for my stepdaughters wedding looked like something she would wear.

3. What is your favorite quote?

I have three that are equally important to me

a. Spoken by my stepson, at the age of four as he slid on his bottom down the stairs, crying, "Suzie hit me back!"

b. Spoken by my stepdaughter looking glum at age 6, "I'm bored, B.O.A.R.D."

c. Spoken by that same stepdaughter sitting in a chair in front of the oven when asked what she was doing, "I'm watching cookies grow."

4. What is the best compliment you have ever received?
"You can take the mundane and make it interesting."

5. What playlist/cd is in your cd player/ipod right now?
In my car -Blackhawk's Greatest Hits

6. Are you a night owl or a morning person?

Definately morning - I can't keep my eyes open after 10PM.

7. Do you prefer dogs or cats?

Cats for sure - my two cats are 16 and 17 yrs old. They have the best personalities!

8. What it the meaning behind your blog name?

In my previous married life, I was called Parrot, a play on my last name and my love of talking.

Ok, I'm tagging the following if they want to play:

Gullible   http://gullible-gulliblestravels.blogspot.com/
Walk       http://wayfarerwalk.blogspot.com/
Jana        http://youhavetobesomewhere.blogspot.com/
Ann        http://annlinquist.wordpress.com/

See Dayner's revealing responses at http://dayner.wordpress.com/

Flash 55 - Playing Chicken With Cars

2010-09-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Most drivers are considerate as I walk along the country roads. They courteously move over to give me room. But today, two cars passed me taking up both lanes. They honked at each other but neither slowed. I was given the option of standing still, hoping there was enough room or jumping into a culvert. Grrrr....

Come Walk With Me

2010-09-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Come with me on my morning walk around the block. It's 2.5 miles around, so there are plenty of interesting things to show you. But first the essentials - hat, phone, key and my Road ID. I originally bought one of these Road ID wrist bands for my husband who rides his bicycle around the backroads of the country. It has his name, address, phone contacts, and allergies listed on it. Since he doesn't carry a wallet with him when he rides, this is A Must! I got one to wear when I walk, just in case something goes awry. Check them out: http://www.roadid.com/ (They make them to go on your shoe too!)

So, on to our walk. We are out in the country as you can tell by the first stretch.

My first greeters are two charming little ones. They actually live just across the street, so they greet me leaving and returning.

Down the street is a horse stable and several pastures. Not as many horses boarding now as there were in the summer.

Just past the stable you can see this field and pond through the fence. There is a blue heron sitting in the water. (Trust me)

He's trying not to be too interested, but he watches me from his porch anyway.

This is the longest stretch of road. I'm breathing hard by now, 'cause it's been uphill for awhile.

These three always help me up the next hill. They run along the fence, encouraging me with their barks.

The newest church in our neighborhood. It's very stately.

This one has a Great Dane big sister named Ella. She must have been sleeping in today.

There are some grand old houses. This one is 100 yrs old and has been beautifully refurbished

Also some interesting ones. They just cut the shrubbery from around it, and gave it some paint, so you can now see its charm.

Then there are the neglected and sad ones. This one lost its owner to a foreclosure.

Frank is always sitting at the front of his garage, watching the traffic go by. It is just across from the county fair grounds, so there is quite a bit to see. He always has a "hello", but not usually a smile.

We've turned a corner again, on to the downward stretch.

Part one of a duo we have named TBone and RibEye.

This is the scariest one along the way. He acts like he wants to rip my head off! I can't imagine what would happen if there wasn't a fence.

Llamas!! There are four of them and they are usually very curious when I walk by. Today...... not so much.

Home again. Hope you had a good work out. I know I did.

Have a great and safe weekend!

Sitka Writing Workshop

2010-08-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to attend a workshop at the Sitka Center for Arts and Ecology on Monday. It is a tranquil and inspirational spot to learn, share and create. The Sitka Center is located at Cascade Head on the Oregon Coast. From several places set about in the stunning landscape you can see the ocean. It is surrounded by protected lands that include a nature conservacy preserve, the cascase experimental forest, the salmon river estuary, a united nations biosphere reserve, and the only scenic research area in the world. (http://www.sitkacenter.org/)

My workshop was Writing for Kids: A Sense of Place presented by Kim T. Griswell, a senior editor for Boyds Mills Press and the Highlights Foundation. The eight of us in the class were sent out into the forest to lose ourselves in the senses of the place, and to write about it. The spot I picked was on a carved bench at a high point in the forest where I could see a pie shaped sliver of the ocean in the distance. There was a sculpture in my view that was a six sided wheel with a hole in its center, sitting atop a tall stone pillar.

Sitka Senses

A carved bench
Unforgiving in its hardness
Is worn smooth
By countless poets and bards

The eye of the wheel
Frames a picture beyond
Of the magnificent ocean
Horizon's edge hazy, gone

Tranquility and light
Sets my mind to calm
Warm smells of green forest
Fills my soul with its balm

The breath of the wind
Stroking my face
It's ebb and flow strength
Mirrors ocean waves in space

Sitting atop the world
Enveloped in sounds of trees
Storing memories of this place
That will never leave

Captain Nolan the Sandbender Saves the Ocean

2010-08-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

(My 9 yr old grandson picked out this picture from our trip to the beach during their stay and asked me to write him a story about it. Below is Captain Nolan the Sandbender Saves the Cold Ocean, for Nolan).

Nolan grabbed his blue bucket and shovel and raced to the ocean, filling it with sea water to build the biggest sand castle ever. Again and again he filled his bucket as his sand castle rose towards the sky, two then three stories tall with towers, walls, a drawbridge, and a moat. He carefully set pieces of shells, sand dollars, driftwood, and stones into the sides of the castle as armor.

On his last trip to the water, Nolan noticed the ocean had changed color to a dark black blue and this time his bucket felt heavier. As he turned towards his castle, a wave crashed behind him with an angry loud clap. Water raced ahead of him as he ran to protect his castle.

Luckily the moat captured the sea water and his sand castle was safe.

When Nolan dumped the bucket of water into the center courtyard of his castle, out fell a lobster and a large shell of an astonishing iridescent purple-blue-pink color.

The ocean gave another loud roar that caused Nolan to drop his bucket and shovel, close his eyes, and clasp his hands over his ears.

When he opened his eyes, he was surprised to see the lobster frantically waving his claws trying to get Nolan’s attention. He stared as the lobster began to speak.

“You must help us. I am Lord Lobster and this is my Lady Sand Crab. We are the Rulers of the Cold Ocean. Evil Earl the Moray Eel is the Ruler of the Warm Ocean and he is trying to take over our territory. He has destroyed our home, threatened to eat us, and has all the creatures of the Cold Ocean living in fear.

Nolan looked at the other people on the beach around him. They didn’t seem to see or hear the talking lobster.

“But how can I help you?” asked Nolan.

“We see you have built a magnificent sand castle that meets all of our needs as Rulers of the Cold Ocean. We want to move in,” said Lord Lobster. Lady Sand Crab sat atop Lord Lobster’s back as he climbed to the top of the castle and set her on the highest tower. “This is a place fit for your beauty Lady Sand Crab.”

“This suits us perfectly, young man. Now, if only we could send Evil Earl the Moray Eel back to the Warm Ocean, we could get back to life as usual.”

Before Nolan could answer, the sky turned dark. The air smelled of rotten eggs and sent tingles up and down his arms. He looked up to see a sky full of ferocious-looking black winged creatures flying in battle formation.

“Oh no, they have found us! We truly do need your help. Lady Sand Crab, it is time to give super powers to our rescuer,” Lord Lobster said as he pinched Nolan on the big toe. Suddenly Nolan’s bucket became a shield and his shovel a magical sword.

“You are now Captain Nolan the Sandbender. You have the power to push, pull and shape sand to use it as a weapon against Evil Earl the Moray Eel and his band of black attackers.

Captain Nolan the Sandbender took a few practice swings with his sword. It sliced through the air, bringing up clouds of sand that swirled and opened into shapes he could only imagine. The sand flowed upward, and then spread in the air like fireworks, making arrows, balls, missiles, and giant clouds.

He flung his sword towards the sky and sand particles flew towards the black formation of creatures at great speeds, knocking them sideways and ending their attack. They scattered in fear for they had never seen such power in the sand before.

One of the larger flying creatures at the front of the formation swooped out of the sky towards Lady Sand Crab. Captain Nolan the Sandbender instinctively jumped in front of her and flung another sand missile at the creature. It fell to the ground screeching and clawing its way toward Lady Sand Crab.

As it moved toward her, it changed shape into Evil Earl the Moray Eel. It gave a scary evil grin as it slithered closer, its mission to destroy them. But Captain Nolan the Sandbender was not going to let that happen. He knew he had to try everything in his new power to defeat Evil Earl the Moray Eel and return the Cold Ocean rule back to Lord Lobster and Lady Sand Crab.

Captain Nolan the Sandbender waved his sword and created balls of sand that flew towards the eel catching it and hurling it out over the ocean. The last sand ball hit it directly and it gave a cry of defeat as it fell helplessly to into the Cold Ocean, never to be seen again.

“Thank you Captain Nolan the Sandbender. You have defeated Evil Earl the Moray Eel and his band of black winged creatures. Now Lady Sand Crab and I are safe and we can restore order to the Cold Ocean,” said Lord Lobster.

Captain Nolan the Sandbender waved his magic sword and the sand flew in the air in a swirling flowing spray that covered the sand castle. When the sand settled, the sand castle was magnificent again. The drawbridge was open to receive Lord Lobster and Lady Sand Crab. Grand towers rose from each corner and the walls surrounding it were decorated with sea shells, sand dollars and sparkling agates of beauty.

Lord Lobster lifted both claws and clicked them loudly. Suddenly a Legion of Lobsters came from the Cold Ocean and surrounded the sand castle. At his command, they lifted the castle from the beach and slowly moved it towards the ocean. Waves broke over the castle, but it remained in one piece as they disappeared into the depths of the sea.

Captain Nolan the Sandbender watched them leave with pride. He had defeated Evil Earl the Moray Eel, protected Lord Lobster and Lady Sand Crab, and built them a glorious sand castle to replace the one that had been destroyed. All would now be well with their Cold Ocean Kingdom.

He turned back to the beach. Gone was the glorious sand castle he had designed and built for Lord Lobster and Lady Sand Crab. In its place was the sand castle he had started to build earlier in the day. His shield and sword were again a bucket and shovel. He began to notice the sounds and smells of the beach and the warmth of the sun. He saw Grand Poo Bah and Grand Poo Mah sitting in chairs just a few yards away.

A flash of color from the middle of the sand castle caught his eye. He dug into the sand and found a large perfectly shaped iridescent purple-blue-pink shell. Lady Sand Crab must have left it for him.

He picked it up and walked towards Grand Poo Mah. “Look at what I found in the sand! And you won’t believe who it belonged to.”

Sir Tyler Digsalot and Professor Adelaide's Great Treasure Hunt

2010-08-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

(My 7 yr old grandson picked out this picture from our trip to the beach during
their stay and asked me to write him a story about it. Below is "Sir Tyler
Digsalot and Professor Adelaide's Great Treasure Hunt", for Tyler)

Sir Tyler Digsalot was on a mission to discover treasure under the sand. He and
his trusty helper Professor Adelaide dug deeper and deeper in the sand close
to the surf. They dug so deep they both disappeared from view. Sand flew up
over their heads and out onto the beach. And as they dug they got smaller and
smaller. Soon they found themselves standing in front of a clear blue pool of
water. It looked like a window to the mystery of the deep.

Suddenly a huge crab came into view. He had a very large crown on his head
and was clearly in charge. He motioned for them to come through the water
into the sea creature's world below.

Sir Tyler Digsalot and Professor Adelaide, being an adventurous duo, dove
through the water into the world on the other side.

King Crab spoke. “I can see that you are very curious indeed and want to know
more about our world. What would you like to know?” he asked Sir Tyler
Digsalot.

“I want to know if you have any games to play under the sand,” he said.

King Crab replied, “Of course we do. We have the Sand and Surf Arcade. But it
requires whole sand dollars to play. Do you have any?”

Sir Tyler Digsalot and Professor Adelaide dug into their pockets and found
only pieces of sand dollars, not whole ones.

“Well, that’s okay. We will make them work for your visit. Follow me,” said King
Crab.

Sir Tyler Digsalot and Professor Adelaide followed King Crab into a room full of
activity. There were shrimp sitting around large open shells playing card games,
jellyfish dancing to music played by a quartet of sand crabs, starfish showing
off their climbing skills on a towering piece of coral, clams competing in a
squirting contest, and sea worms and snails playing all sorts of arcade games.
The games looked like fun, so Sir Tyler Digsalot and Professor Adelaide played
each one until they had used up all of their sand dollar pieces.

Finally, King Crab said, “There is one special game you can play before you
must return home.” He took them to the back of the Sand and Surf Arcade to
the Sea World Race Track. Waiting in race stalls were sea horses with saddles,
bridles, and reins.

Sir Tyler Digsalot and Professor Adelaide each picked a sea horse to race. Sir
Tyler Digsalot picked one named Toohey and Professor Adelaide picked one
named Roxie. As they raced their sea horses, the other sea creatures cheered.

First, Sir Tyler was ahead, then Professor Adelaide took the lead. Finally in the
last stretch, they were neck and neck. Their sea horses crossed the finish line
at the same time.

“You are both winners,” said King Crab above the cheering crowd. “But now
it is time to go,” he said motioning them towards the pool of water.

Sir Tyler Digsalot and Professor Adelaide thanked the King Crab for letting
them play the arcade games at the Sand and Surf, and race the sea horses.
They then dove into the pool and found themselves back on the other side.
They looked up and could see the beautiful blue sky of the beach above
them.

They returned to their normal size as they climbed out of the hole they had
dug. They brushed themselves off and laughed together. “What an adventure,”
Professor Adelaide exclaimed. “But no one will believe us when we tell them.
We have no proof.”

Suddenly Sir Tyler Digsalot felt something in his pocket, then so did Professor
Adelaide. They each pulled our two perfectly whole sand dollars. “Now we have
proof,” said Sir Tyler Digsalot. “We have whole sand dollars. King Crab must
have put them in our pockets before we left.”

The tide was starting to come in and the waves were coming closer and closer
to their dig site. Finally one big wave completely covered the top of it. When
the wave went back, their hole was gone.

“It’s time to go,” Sir Tyler Digsalot said. “We need to report in to Grand Poo Bah
McMann and tell him about our great adventure.

“Yeah, and show him our cool treasure,” said Professor Adelaide.

They carefully put their whole sand dollars in their buckets and walked back to
the house.

Ann's Latest Oiuja Poetry Challenge

2010-08-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

Ann has issued the following oiuja poetry challenge. She asked us to create a poem from the prompt she has provided:

Ann's prompt:                                   My attempt:

Fjew jr;lsa/                                         Just a few years ago

Dkjr s                                                  Dark lonely years

Eoighbvnmcnxo9eng                       Erin had been immersed in pining.

Xndn f                                                She couldn't find

Enfkkdan ek;anc oaeh g4 ajf           Enough friction or energy to go for it again.

D aekvne                                            Does she ask for intervention?

Asken cog                                         Ask for courage?

And wog,                                           Then work

Adsktw;ioxnss                                  At starting to find happiness again?

Check out her blog for other creations: (http://annlinquist.wordpress.com/)
.

Out of the mouths of kids - 4 flash 55's

2010-08-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

(Two of our grandsons, ages 9 and 7, and one granddaughter, age 9 have been staying with us this past week. Because of this, I haven't been on the blog writing or watching, but I have kept a pencil and paper handy to jot down fun things they have said and done. Here are 4 flash 55's from their visit.)

The boys race into the house, slamming the door.

“Grandma, we’re bored,” they say in unison. “We used up the caps in our cap guns.”

“Why don’t you ride your bikes?” I ask.

Tyler replies, “Grandma, my feet are too tired. After all, they’ve been walked on every. day. for the last seven years. "

In the downstairs bathroom, the shower curtain kept getting pushed to the side.
After pulling it back in place a number of times, only to find it pushed aside again, I finally realized it was the potential of boogeymen hiding behind it that was causing Tyler to open it each time he used the bathroom.

Unbeknownst to me, Cris jokingly told the youngest grandson, “Grandma falls
asleep when she drives, so you had better help keep her awake if you ride with her.”

I wondered why he talked to me the whole 30 minute ride home.

When we pulled into the driveway he said, “Good job Grandma. You didn’t fall asleep once.”

We had Chinese food for dinner tonight that included rice, noodles and a couple of chicken entrees.

The oldest grandson was quietly looking at his plate, then announced, “I’m gonna do something no boy should ever have to do.”

He put a piece of broccoli in his mouth, made a face, and started to chew.

Jobless in Seattle

2010-08-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

The first paragraph is a writing prompt from Ann Linquist, my Beginning Writers Workshop instructor. We were asked to complete the story. (Thank you for the title idea, Walk.)

The dratted bag was heavy. Her arm ached. Gretta saw a locker and decided it was worth the 2 bucks to store her burden. She could pick it up later when it was time to meet Mr. Stanley. For now, she needed to take a break and time to think about whether she wanted to continue with the plan.

Sitting at the train station in Seattle was not where she thought she would be after college graduation. But here she was, traveling with a back pack and her portfolio, to the big city to interview with Mr. Stanley for a job. Seattle seemed too big, too fast paced and too scary to her. She was more comfortable in her small home town. Did she really want to move so far away from home?

When she began her studies in Visual Communication, it was the up and coming design career path. She was smart, talented and at the top of her small graduating class. But it was 2010, and there were no jobs for college graduates. “No jobs for just about anyone, for that matter,” she muttered to herself. Her hometown definitely had no prospects. She had sent her resume to major companies with job openings in all the big west coast cities. And now she was here in Seattle.

Her portfolio was her pride and joy. All of her projects were showcased there. It was not only the weight of the portfolio, but the weight of her future that caused her to stash it in the locker. It was too heavy to carry for now.

She looked at her watch; 8AM. She was six hours early. She had planned to arrive early to wander around the wharf and people watch for awhile before she got ready for her interview.

Mr. Stanley himself had called to set up this interview. “I was impressed with your resume and college activities. I would like to review your portfolio with you next Wednesday at 2PM. We have a new position that might be suited for your skills and a mentor who would help you grow in this new area.”

Wow, she thought. Me, in a big city, with a big job. How cool was that! But, was she ready? With no friends or family close by, she would be on her own. That wasn’t the plan she had in mind. But she needed a job.

Out of the corner of her eye she watched an awesomely good looking young man with dark hair and gorgeous dimples walk out the door of the station. He had been seated in the same car with her and she had caught him looking at her a number of times. They had made their way to the canteen car for coffee at the same time, but had only exchanged a brief greeting. She felt her heart jump wildly in her chest when he had said hi to her, but he had quickly returned to his seat and his computer.

She took a city walking map from the kiosk and made her morning plans. She would walk to the Pike Street Market; it didn’t look too far from the station. She wanted to see the famous fish throwers and have something to eat at one of the waterfront cafés before her 2:00 PM meeting with Mr. Stanley.

As she wandered the waterfront she tried to imagine herself living in Seattle. She would take one step at time. The first step was a job and it was time to return to the train station, retrieve her portfolio, and change into her interview clothes.

At 1:50PM she presented herself to the receptionist at Mr. Stanley’s office. At 2:00PM, she was escorted into a meeting room with a large round oak table. She was studying the room and the paintings on the walls when a well dressed older gentleman entered. He extended his hand as he said, “I’m Gordon Stanley, Miss Matthews. I’m delighted to make your acquaintance.” He sat down and continued, “My son will join us momentarily. He is the one with the idea for this new department and will be guiding its development. I would like him to explain the details to you.”

She removed her portfolio from its case and as she placed it on the table, the door opened. “It’s you,” they said in unison. The handsome young man she had traveled with on the train sat down at the table and leaned toward her, grasping her hand.