A to Z - Zowie!

This is it.  I’ve made it through the month, the weeks, the days.  I’ve put words down, words that made you think at times, maybe made you ponder, hopefully at times they’ve made you laugh. 

All in all, I’ve put down a mere 75 words at a time.  Flashes of fiction, and on occasion or maybe two…I’ve put down a cheat. 

I’ve made new friends.  I’ve learned new things.  All on A to Z!  Zowie!

This could potentially be, one of those times that I put down a cheat.  I sat here tonight, wondering what the heck I would write about...Zombies, Zealots, Zebras...nothing struck a chord in me.  So...you got Zowie, I flipping made it through the entire month!

A to Z - Young Once

"I told that young man if he came back, I'd make it worth his while", she said with a wink.
"Agnes, you didn't", gasped Mary.
"I most certainly did.  You're only young once, you know."
"But Agnes, you aren't young.  We live in a retirement home, and that young man only comes by because he's your Physical Therapist."
"I may not be young, but he sure is!  And, if it's physical, it's therapy."
"You are out of your mind."
"Where's my lipstick?  I gotta get ready.  I think I'm on his schedule this afternoon!"

A to Z - Xenophobia

“They’re so weird.  I wish they’d just go away.”

“I don’t know why they moved here.  They don’t belong.”

“I heard she is a contractor, IT or something.  She’s working for the government.  Taking away jobs from our young men.”

“Stupid greedy yanks!”

“If that’s not bad enough, I heard they eat dogs too!  Can you believe it?”

“Dogs?  That’s disgusting.  They are so strange.  I hate them.”

“Yeah, they eat them at baseball games.”     

WeWriWa - "Ha ha!"

A beautiful calm day, everyone finds great help in jovial kindred.  Linking my novel or poem, quite rapidly, sharing the unfettered verse-WeWriWa!  As you might be able to tell...I'm a bit A to Z frazzled!  But it has been kind of exciting...this month thanks to both WeWriWa and A to Z, I'll have posted every single day! Whew! Never saw that one coming ; )

So, shall we get to today's snippet?  I'm going to give you seven lines...not eight.  I know, I'm holding out on you.  But here's the deal.  I either have to smash a bunch of stuff together using punctuation that's altogether unruly to make eight lines, or, I just stop shy of the mark, and possibly leave you wanting.  Sometimes, less is more : )  Last week, I heard several cries for a hero to save Ravyn from the Mara, who was flooding her with horrible visions.  Let's see if your pleas were answered...

His Nibs jumped up on a stump and rapped the Mara across its nubby head with his shillelagh.  “Oh, yer a tough nut, aren’t ye?  Good thing I know how to crack ya!” 

Ravyn felt her fears slipping away.

The Mara snarled and swiped at His Nibs, the sharp nails of his hand glinting in the firelight.  His Nibs cartwheeled to the side, laughing a hearty, “Ha ha!”  He darted behind the Mara as quick as a wink, delivering a pointy boot tip to the creature’s scaly butt.

A to Z - Weekend Writing Warriors

In Flash Fiction style, I am sharing magic with you, Weekend Writing Warriors (cue dramatic music).  This post is exactly eight sentences.  Because, that’s what happens every Sunday, writer’s from around the world share eight lines from their published work or WIP’s.  You hop, read and critique or comment.  Get insight into how your writing affects others.  There’re so many different genres and styles represented.  Find poetry, romance, fantasy, action and humor.  Come join us!

So, think about clicking that link and joining us this Sunday...c'mon, you know you want to!

A to Z - Vegas

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Or, the beholder, groans and loads his pipe with grass, softening the blow of waking up in Vegas wed to…her.  She’s the shape of a pineapple, clad in a garish muumuu.  Silvery locks fray from her bun, red lipstick smears her cheek (evidence of their romancing), bifocals dangle between her ample bosom.  Her sagging support hose bottom out her bridal ensemble along with her chunky orthopedic shoes.

A to Z - Underworld

Psyche parts her lips and draws a coin from between her teeth.  She drops the coin into Charon’s left palm.  Fiery eyes burn into her soul from beneath a soiled cloak.  “You may enter,” he says, his voice grating her nerves.  She teeters on the edge of the dock, the River Styx lapping against her hems.  Venus’ box for Prosperina tucked safe under arm, she leaps into the boat.  Charon’s pole splashes down. She’s off.

A to Z - Thankful

His eyes rove over me, drinking in all my curves.  And there are a few after three children and twenty three years together.  But his eyes still sparkle with delight when I slip off my clothes at the end of the night.  His lips seek out mine, hungry but sweet.  Lips that gently brush against my skin, telling me I am the only woman in the world-in his world.  The only world for me.

My dear sweet husband, today's post is for you.  I probably don't tell you often enough, not near as much as you deserve.  You are amazing, and I love you!

A to Z - Some Times

Sometimes I curl up in a cozy corner, hands wrapped ‘round a steaming coffee mug.  I shut out the world, letting my mind wander.  Random thoughts flit and flicker.  Words spring to life, forming images.  Images swirl and morph framing a plot.  Characters argue amongst themselves, snagging my attention, claiming their role. 

I love when I can enjoy some time in a cozy corner as worlds are born from the fertile soil of my mind.

Do you have a special place where your some times happen?

A to Z - Racing Thoughts

Thoughts are racing through my head after I realize I haven’t written anything for today’s A to Z post.  What starts with R?  Rational?  Random? Ridiculous?  There are too many R’s to choose.  I have to go to work and now my post is late!  Augh, if folks come to my blog, they’ll see my WeWriWa post, which isn’t a bad thing really, but it’s not an A to Z post.  But wait, this is!

Happy Monday and Post Easter to you all!

WeWriWa - You have to follow the rules!

Welcome to the Easter version of Weekend Writing Warriors.  Where you can peek into a  bunch of literary baskets of goodies and snack till your little hearts content (zero calories, what a deal).  Eg-genre's of every color to be found - sweet and lovey pink, dark and thrilling violets, zombie-ific greens, humor-filled yellow ones.  Some of the eggceptional stories even come in multiple colors as the love story contains humor, or the fantasy a thriller.  On occasion there're even those sparkly poetic ones!  Nobunny gets left behind.  So click the link here Easter Day WeWriWa Edition! to find more peeps to check out!  

Last week, we left off with Ravyn having some horrible visions...as a Mara (nightmare) has latched onto her hand.  We continue with the visions that she's seeing...

Then her father’s head blossomed into view, staring at her from the top of a pike.  The image shifted to little Kes burning on a pyre.  She heard screaming, painful tortured squeals--It took her a moment to realize they were her own.  “I gave you a gift,” she gasped, “You have to take it and go!”

“No,” it spat, “Sshe told uss, we can have you forever.”

“You took the coin, you have to leave us," she grunted.  "You have to follow the rules!”

It grinned again, razor sharp teeth glinting in the firelight, “The Darkness doesn’t give a damn about your pitiful ruless.”

Oh crap, this wasn't very eastery...sorry.  I hope your day is fantastic, and filled with chocolate, and family, and chocolate, and love, and oh yeah, don't forget the chocolate : )  I heard the Easter Bunny poops chocolate...I'm gonna go hunt him down!

A to Z - Quick!

“Quick, just do it.”

“Patience, I’ll get there.”

“I know but the longer you wait the more nervous I get.”

“It’s gonna be okay, I promise.”
“How can you know that?  You’re a virgin too, aren’t you?”

“Well, yeah, but I’ve studied this for a long time…”

“Ow!”

“Sorry, it slipped.  Didn’t mean to poke you.”

“I can’t take this anymore, just give it to me.”

BOOM!  Simulation over!

Sigh.  “Told you to be patient!”

(Conversation overheard at First Year Bomb Disposal Unit Training)

A to Z - Panic

The sound of breaking glass wakes me from deep sleep.  I bolt upright, clutching the blankets to my chest.  My sorority sisters are out of town, I’m alone.  I hold my breath, straining to hear…footsteps in the hall, heavy booted feet.  I can’t move, my heart pounds in my chest.  The door squeaks open.   A hulking figure crosses the room and paws through my dresser, ”Panty raid,” he hollers, swinging my lacies ‘round his pinkie.

A to Z - Oenomania

“Moz folks call me Hiz, hic, Nibz.”

 “Pleasure to meet you, my name is Ravyn and this is Lareina.”

“Prin-shess Rav-hic-yn?”  He rubbed his reddened nose.  “And, that shleepy head’s the Queen?” 

“Well…”

The man belched far louder than his tiny body had any right to allow, shaking the leaves in the trees.  Lareina flinched, and the wine bag slid from her lap.  His Nibs eyes fell on the bag.  “Ah,” he sniffed, “a hint of berry, a little honeysuckle, and a taste of toffee that lingers on the palate…”

“You smell all that?”

He winked his bloodshot eyes.  “Thazz what drew me and me sheepy friend here.  I haven’ had any Royal wine in yearz...might I,” he paused licking his lips, “sample a wee nip?”

I strayed a bit over 75 words today.  I shared some of my WIP and a favorite character of mine.  He's called His Nibs, and he is a Clurichaun.  They are a very rowdy drunken cousin of the Leprechaun, and they are know to ride sheep and dogs at midnight through the countryside.  I also thought today's title was very cool.  If you don't know what Oenomania is -- well, it's an obsession or craze for wine...which is exactly who His Nibs is.

A to Z - Never again

“Never.”

“Never?”

“Never again, that’s for sure.”

“Why, was it scary?”

“No.  It was sort of exhilarating.”

“Was it humiliating?”

“Nah.  I didn’t think about what I was doing.”

“Did anyone you know see you like that?”

“Nope.  I didn’t recognize a single soul.”

“Well, what is it then…is the pay crappy?”

“Negatory.  It pays quite well actually.”

“Then why never again?”

“Posing nude under the A/C for art student's!  Freezed my nuts off!”

This really is "Flash" fiction : )  Tee hee hee!

A to Z - Motherhood

The sound swirls in my ears, pshew, pshew, pshew, pshew. A grin plasters my face.  I gaze at the monitor as a tiny heartbeat confirms the life cradled in my belly. My husband’s hand covers mine and I look into his sparkling eyes. Is it a boy?  Is it a girl?  Who cares, our baby is perfect and healthy.  Pure magic, wonderful peace. We are now mother and father…we are family.

A to Z - Leap of Faith

I see the nub of rock overhead, my fingers grating against rough granite, just shy.  I twist and turn, pretzelling, but cannot reach it.  My calves spasm against the strain, my legs quiver.  Fingers cramp and ache.  I swallow back rising panic.  I can do this, I know I can.  I squat over my toes wedged deep in a crack, tense my thighs and burst upwards.  Fingers lock onto the hold, Hell yeah!

The move described is called a Dino...it's very scary, but exhilarating when you stick it!  Any climbers dino'ing through this blog hop?  And, yeah, I might've taken liberties and made up the word pretzelling...but it works, right?

WeWriWa - I have a gift for you

Welcome to my little corner of the blog world.  It's Sunday, time for Weekend Writing Warriors.  If you haven't a clue what they are about, click this Linky Do-Hickey.  I promise you won't be disappointed, unless you are one of "those" people...you know, the ones who are never ever happy.  And if you are one of those people, well, you've come to the wrong blog, 'cause this one's about happy and fun.  (Most of the time).

Last week, we left off wondering what His Nibs was having a talking to...is there really a skeery demon in the bushes or is he seeing "pink elephants"?  Let's find out, shall we?

Ravyn looked past His Nibs, over her mother’s shoulder.  A chill feeling swept over her as two glowing red eyes peered at her from the bushes.

Ravyn slipped the gold coin from her pocket.  She stepped around His Nibs and held the coin out in front of her.  "I have a gift for you as promised."

Feelings of fear and dread washed over her as a black scaly hand reached for the coin in her palm.  The Mara grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward the bushes. 

Visions flashed in Ravyn’s head, Blade’s body lying across the castle battlements his back shot full of arrows as if he were a pincushion.  

So, I wrote this during a Nano and it's not been edited.  You are seeing flash writing product here.  I'm thinking as I read this the as if he were a pincushion is not necessary.  What are your thoughts...helpful or more words than necessary?

A to Z - Kisses

It’s your birthday, mom, and I’m missing you.  

Missing the way you beamed at me, full of pride - always.  

Missing your sage words of advice, I wish I’d paid more attention to them.  

Missing your warm comforting hugs that cocooned me from all the wounded pride and hurt feelings that seem to accompany growing up.  

And oh how I miss those forehead kisses, so tender – the ones that always let me know, I am loved.

It's not really my mom's birthday today...but I do miss her.  Each and every day.

A to Z - Just Desserts

What's your favorite dessert?

His eyes followed the spoon from the bowl, watched as she scraped the creamy vanilla ice cream across her tongue.

“Mmm,” she mumbled.

He leaned in, his breath hot on her cheek. 

She grinned, “One spoonful left.  You want me to share?”

A low growl erupted from his throat.  She giggled, scraping up the last blob.  Her lips closed around it.  He howled. 

She patted his head, “Sorry Dexter, ice cream’s not good for dogs.”

A to Z - Inches

I wonder what it'd be like to be a racehorse?

Sweat lathers his neck as he races forward, heart pounding.  He hears them hot on his heels, nostrils flare as he sucks oxygen deep into his lungs.  His legs screaming as he careens around the corner.  Tunnel vision only allows him to see the finish line.   Energy wanes and he snorts, frustrated.  Off to his right he hears his competition, gaining.  The end is in sight.  He stretches his neck, wins by a nose…mere inches.  

A to Z - Hanging

Today's Flash is on the darker side.  This story is written about someone close to me.  I wrote it, imagining what she might have thought.  It sort of ties in to "Choices".

I didn’t hear the creaking of the rope, or see the men struggle to hold his weight when they cut him down.  I didn’t hear the thud of his body as it hit the hay strewn floor.

Suicide.

I’m not sure what to feel.  Sadness or relief. 

I wrap the blanket around my head, and turn my eye from the door.  This is one night that door will stay closed.

Maybe God does answer prayers.

A to Z - Golden Age

Goodday, and welcome to the Golden Age of Retirement...

Welcome to Sunny Acres…my ass.  Speaking of which, I have a raging case of hemorrhoids…goddamn it. 

Those rotten kids of mine are leaving!  I worked my whole life to provide for them…and this is how it ends?

What’s this?  Cleavage and blonde hair?

“Hello Mr. Mortenson, I’m Nadia, I’ll be your nurse.”

“Hel-lo Nadia, nice to meet you.”

“Shall I show you to your room?”

“That’d be lovely.  When do I get my first sponge-bath?”

A to Z - Frantic

Mom's and dad's with teens might appreciate this...

It’s 3 a.m.

She should’ve been here ages ago.

Her phone rings and rings, she doesn’t answer my texts.

This isn’t like her, that phone is always in her hand.

Why doesn’t she answer?

She’s been in an accident?  She’s been slipped a rufie?

I look in the mirror, another new gray hair?!

A car door slams, the key turns in the lock!

She peers ‘round the door,

Anger dissolves, my arms open wide, beckoning.

WeWriWa - His full two and a half feet

Oh boy, what a busy week it's been.  But Sunday is upon us once again, and WeWriWa is in full swing (click the link if you don't know what WeWriWa stands for and it'll take you to the source).  I have been participating in A to Z, and am kind of excited that this month, I will post something every day.  I know right?  How crazy is that, for someone who's average # of posts is far fewer than that.  I am so excited for Sunday though, to share my time with writing warriors, learning from each other and enjoying so many different styles of writing.

Last week, we left off with His Nibs asking for a nip from Ravyn's wine bag.  Skipping ahead a wee bit, he's been handed the wine, and here's what he does with it (like you don't have a good idea what this little lush will do : )

He took the bag from her hand and lifted it to his lips.  He tipped it back and guzzled, gulping and slurping, draining the bag dry.  He pulled the bag up away from his face shaking it, his tongue lolling out trying to catch the last drop as it fell toward the ground.  “That wuz duh-lish-ush.”

“Glad you liked…”

His Nibs jumped in front of Ravyn, knocking her backward, “Shtay back you skeery demon.  This lil’ lassie is not fer the likesh uv you!”  His Nibs stretched up to his full two and a half feet, he threw his feathered cap down on the ground and balled his fists in barroom fight ready position.  

A to Z - Escape

Escape?

The pill bottle lies opened and emptied.  She tries to focus, but the world spins.  It’s better this way.  No more lies.  No more loneliness.  No more tears.  Regrets?  None.  Her vision fades to black, will anyone cry when she’s gone?  Will her departure cause anyone pain?  Will she be missed?  Maybe.  But she won’t know.  The world is silent and she along with it; eyes wide open staring at the crack in the ceiling.

A to Z - Don't Worry

Oh boy, this might be a little dark...I apologize if I give anyone nightmares.

“Don’t worry, this won’t hurt me a bit,” he laughs.

No, I scream silently, mouth gagged.

I gurgle on spit that’s pooled in the back of my throat.  My eyes water, and I tremble with fear.

He leers down at me, looming over my head.  His eyes bore into mine, and there’s a strange sparkle in them.  This sicko is enjoying this.

God, help me, I pray.

The drill screams to life!

Damn the dentist!

A to Z - Choice

On a very serious note...

I don’t want to believe it.  I won’t believe it.  
He came along when hope was gone. 

The girls are lying...It can’t be true.

He works so hard to keep our farm afloat.

The cows get milked, the milk gets sold, the mortgage gets paid.

When he slides out of bed at night, he’s checking on the animals in the barn.  I have to believe him.  I have no choice...We have no choice.

A to Z - Blanket of Snow

Day 2, so far so good.  2nd Flash down, 24 to go...


The snow falls fast and thick, the world is void of color.  It’s 25 below zero, I think.  Why am I hot?  I fumble with the zipper before slipping off my jacket.  A nippy wind pulls a tear from my eye.  I sigh, sinking down into the soft white fluff.  I’m not supposed to do this, but it feels so good.  I lay back, letting the snow blanket me.  I snuggle in and drift off...  

A to Z - Apple Core

I have decided that since I was a slacker and did not finish the NaNoFlashMo a couple months ago...I'd take the bait again, with the A to Z challenge.  My daily posts will be a Flash.  Most of which I will try to keep to 75 words.  

I am grateful for this stick of wood that holds aloft such confectionery apple goodness.  

I groan in delight with each bite of crisp Granny Smith coated in sticky golden caramel.

Autumn cannot pass me by without at least one trip to the foothills and the apple growers settled therein.  

Winter draws near, but not before I celebrate the bounty of fall, bite by bite, nibble by nibble, till all that’s left is a core.