Author Archives: Carrie Ann Alexis

Monday’s Muse: Writing Prompt 07/06

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Monday’s Muse: Writing Prompt July 6

I am joining in with the super-creative Candice Coates for her Monday’s Muse.  She provides a photo and an opening line on Monday, then posts her results on her blog on Thursday.  Guidelines on how to join in are at the bottom.  (The opening line provided is in bold).  I need a class on how to come up with a good title, it’s usually the last thing I come up with, and unfortunately, I don’t have one for this.   So just dive right in.  🙂

 

The walls to their borders were strong, but not so much so that they couldn’t break through them.  But no one would dare, because they would have to face the almighty Emperor who governed this land.  This Emperor happens to be my father.  I can’t help but wonder what was he thinking when he built these walls around our beautiful land and home.  He always warned us about the “others from the outside world” and how dangerous it was to fraternize with such common people.  Times were changing, but he could not.  Well he may be able to put up physical walls, but I would not allow walls to go up around my heart or in my mind to keep me from dreaming about what if.  As I sit out near the water atop the furthest tower, I can see the fishermen come inland.  I pretend to read a book, but every so often I catch a glimpse of the one that they call Jacob.  As he works diligently to empty the boats of the daily catch, and collect their reward for such hard work.  They only provide us with the best of what they catch; what is only fit for nobility.  I can’t help but think that one day soon I’ll be eating the delectable food from the sea that has been ensnared by such a beautiful human named Jacob.  My daydreams are filled with what it would be like to live such a normal life, where one does not have to keep up appearances and always do and say the right things…a life with a man such as Jacob.

This was the excerpt that Madison read from the journal she found in the old mansion her father purchased as a summer home.  The first page had the words “Musings of Madeline” penned on the middle of the page.  It was very old, Madison could tell by the loops and flourishes that graced the yellowed parchment paper.  She had never seen such artistry and passion in handwriting before.  It wasn’t only that, it was how the words spoke to her as she read them.  Madeline could have been describing her life.  Granted she didn’t have physical walls built around her.  No. What she did have were the invisible walls that her father constructed around her with his words; constantly reminding her of what her purpose in life was, never taking into account her ambitions.  Just assuming she would follow in his footsteps, taking over the million-dollar corporation he built to pass down to his children.  Always reminding her of what was socially acceptable…how she should dress, where she should go…after all they had an image to uphold.  Pointing out that she needed to marry well, social status and net worth were all that matter, not foolish things like compatibility, desire…or god forbid…love.

As Madison continued to read the journal, how she wished Madeline could see the land today.  The walls were nearly gone, save the few that withstood the wind and waves.  One lone tower was still intact, where she herself spent time reading this journal, and realizing it could quite possibly be the same tower Madeline sat in.  Madison hoped that the journal would reveal to her how Madeline escaped the walls…so that one day, maybe she could too.

 ______________

Join Monday’s Muse:

• Using the opening line and the picture provided, (Or one of your own choosing) create a story (or even a poem) within 15 to 20 minutes.

• Once you have finished your super awesome masterpiece, add your story’s link in the comments section here, for others to read.

• Also include a link on your page back to this original post for others to follow along and write with as well. In your “tags” section, add the tag “Monday’s Muse.”

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann

 

 

#BlogBattle: Drop – Week 17 – Drop a Hint

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🙂 Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  This weeks word:  Drop

This is a continuation of one of my previous stories, All the Rage.  I had fun with the two main characters Michael and Nita, so I brought them back this week.  So here goes.

Drop a Hint

It’s Tuesday morning, Nita walks into the Cosmetology school, and finds Michael already in the break room.

“Michael I’ve been texting you all weekend…you didn’t answer, what’s up with that?”

“Good morning to you too Peaches.” He replies flatly.

“Seriously, why didn’t you answer me?” I insist.

“First of all…breathe.”  He makes an exaggerated motion of breathing in and out, prompting me to join him.  I give him an exasperated look and smack him on the arm, causing him to explain.

“I didn’t have my phone.  Saturday night I was out with Jasmine, Nate, Mia and Roman. We were driving around before they took me home…the weather was so fabulous, we had the windows rolled down and the music cranked up, and you know how I get when the beat drops.” He raises his arms eager to demonstrate.

I quickly put up my hand and say, “Uh. No!!  It’s too early for all that.”

He puts his arms down and shrugs and continues to explain, “My phone must have fallen out of my pocket in Jasmine’s car.  She didn’t get it back to me until late last night, and the battery was completely dead.  I thought I was going to die without my phone, but surprisingly I actually got a lot of stuff done…who knew?  Soooo…how was your date with Jason?”  He looks at the time on his phone, grabs my arm and says, “We have to go, walk and talk Buttercup, walk and talk.”

“I hardly think you could call it a date Michael, we were with his Grandparents.” Michael gives me a sideways glance and then a dramatic roll of the eyes.

“Ok, if it was a date, then it was pretty close to perfect.”  By this time we made our way to our adjacent stations, and begin setting up.  It would be slow; it always was on a Tuesday, so we would just be doing work on our mannequins, which would give us a chance to talk.

“Pretty close to perfect?” Michael asks.

“Yeah I’ll get to that.  The wine tasting fest was very interesting and a lot of fun.  I don’t know one wine from the other, but Jason seems like a wine connoisseur, and knows his wine.”

“Oh gawd, he’s not one of those wine snobs is he?” Michael questions with a hand to his chest in mock horror.

“Oh no, he seemed to enjoy teaching me all about the various wines we tasted, it was actually quite fun.  Hank and Sophia walked around with us for a little while.  Jason must have been getting texts on his phone, because every so often he would look at his phone, and almost look upset, but then put it back in his pocket.  Well you know Sophia, she noticed it and by the third time she called him out on it.”

“Good for her, what did she say?” Michael says.

“She said, ‘Jason dear, how can you even think to look at that high-tech gizmo even for a second, when you have the most beautiful woman right here in front of you.  What could possibly be more important?’ Jason told her, ‘you are absolutely right Grandma that is why I just turned it off.’ I continue my story.

“Gotta love grandma,” Michael fondly says.

I go on, “We had stopped and sat down at a table for a bit, Hank and Sophia were on one side, Jason and I on the other.  Jason then suggested that we go get a bite to eat.  It was so funny, Hank was about to say that it sounded like a great idea, but Sophia must of pinched him under the table or something, because he couldn’t get the whole sentence out before a look of pain and annoyance came over his face.  Then Sophia interrupted and said, ‘Hank, dear, I think we should head home, I’ve got stuff to make us some sandwiches, let the kids go on by themselves.’  I could feel the glare she gave him from across the table.”  I quietly laugh as I recall the scene.

“That Sophia, she’s a feisty one isn’t she.”  Michael says shaking his head

“Yeah she is,” I agree with a chuckle.  “So then we went to dinner, and it was really nice.  But I had gone to the bathroom at some point and when I was walking back, I could see him and he was texting on his phone.  As I approached the table, he tried to play it off, and quickly slipped his phone back in his pocket without saying anything about it.  So that was what made the date pretty close to perfect.  I mean I would understand if it was work related or something, and he could have just told me, it was just weird.” I say still trying to understand it myself.

“Well darlin’, you should know by now, there’s no such thing as a perfect man.  There’s just the select few of us that are damn near close.” He drawled in his best southern accent.  This is one of Michael’s things, some days the more he talks, the more his southern accent comes out.  I have no idea how that is even possible since he was born and raised in Maine.  How much more North could you get?

I tilt my head sideways and just look at him and say, “Really Michael?”

“You betcha.” He gestured like he was shooting a gun and then winked.  All I could do is laugh, there was no stopping him now.

“Well all in all it was still a nice day, and on the drive home, I tried to drop hints that I’d like to see him again, without being too obvious.”  I assert.

“Well, that there Missy never works.  Droppin’ hints to a fella is as useful as a screen door on a submarine.” He continues to drawl.

Laughing I say, “Ok Michael, I think we need some lunch.”  Hoping the change of scenery will bring him back up North.

We grab my purse from my locker and as we head to my car I check my messages on my phone.  I am pleasantly shocked to see a message from Jason.  Before I reply to him I say to Michael, “Hmmm…screen doors on submarines, huh?”  I hold out my phone so he can read the message on the screen

If you’re not busy tonight, how about
we check out that new place you
suggested.  Would love to see you.  🙂

“Well of course he wants to see you again, Gingersnap, that’s ‘cuz you’re prettier than a glob of butter meltin’ on a stack of pancakes.”  Micheal says with a grin as he drapes his arm over my shoulders and we head to my car.

Happy Homemaker Monday 07/06

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Linking-up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

Happy Monday!!  We had a nice Fourth of July weekend.  It’s a big deal for us, since my youngest son was born on the 4th, this year he turned 10!!  We started our festivities with our town’s firework show on Friday night.  We just walk over to the next block and we can see them perfectly.  We used to be able to just sit in front of the garage, but then all the big new houses went up, obstructing our view.   Saturday was the parade, which is always fun.  This is a small town, and the Fourth of July is pretty serious around here.  My sister actually put out our lawn chairs the night before to claim our spot for the parade on the main street.  #mayberry.  The parade begins with 3 planes flying over, (which I just love), and our local American Legion Veteran’s Color Guard carrying the flags and rifles, followed by the mayor.   My dad was part of that Color Guard for several years, this is the 3rd Fourth of July without him, and it’s still a little difficult not seeing him at the start of the parade, but we have great memories of his involvement with the Veterans and this town.  We ate a lot of food, and of course birthday cake, and fireworks again at night.  From 9 p.m. until midnight, it sounded like a battle zone out here, literally non-stop firework blasts the whole time.  A lot of people out here buy the professional fireworks, so we didn’t have to leave our backyard, to enjoy another fantastic fireworks display.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS:

weather0706

CURRENTLY READING/HAVE READ:
I haven’t completed anything lately, I’ve only read 1 book for the Summer reading program.  😦

ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:
I need to do some more shopping, but have these few things planned:
Cheesy Chicken Pasta, salad and garlic bread
Pork Fajitas

NEW RECIPE I TRIED OR WANT TO TRY THIS WEEK:
My mom actually found this recipe in a magazine, and knew I had to do it for the Fourth of July.  I thought these would be pretty loud with the Pop Rocks candy and carbonated pop.  It wasn’t too bad, and it actually was good…once you got past the effects of the Pop Rocks.  🙂

Firecracker Floats

Vanilla Ice Cream
Pop Rocks Candy
Strawberry Crush (original recipe called for Lemon Lime pop, but I wanted mine to look more festive, and the Strawberry pop with vanilla ice cream was delicious.

Scoop ice cream in a tall glass, sprinkle 1/3 package of Pop Rocks over ice cream.  Repeat twice ending with Pop Rocks.  Top with Soda

MY FAVORITE BLOG POST/VIDEO THIS WEEK:
Showed this to my boys and they were like, “you have to make these mom.”  It’s nice that they have such confidence in my cooking abilities, but I think these are a little out of my league.  Besides I don’t think I’d want to eat them, they look way too cool!!

A FUN EXPERIENCE:
I did attend the Handwriting Analysis Program at the library recently.  It was so interesting.  The speaker was Dale Roberts and first he had us write our signature a few times, then he had us write it with our eyes closed, then with our opposite hand, and then with our opposite hand with our eyes closed.  He asked how we felt when writing with our opposite hand and our eyes closed, most people felt the loss of control, and it was more difficult.  I actually felt it was easier, because I was trying to picture it in my mind, so I felt like I had more control, and there were a few other people who felt the same way.  He said that usually when he does these programs, 10% of the group is left handed, so he was surprised that our group was all right handed, and there was about 20 of us.

He explained how handwriting analysis or Graphology is used in corporate America when hiring employees.  Employers will have the employee answer two questions and hand write their answers, as well as include their signature. This sample gives insight into the employees personality and determines if they would be a good fit for the job, because it can disclose up to 250 different personality traits, including, energy and perseverance, integrity, dependability and how well they follow directions.

There was a lot to it, and it takes quite a bit of knowledge and practice to analyze a handwriting sample.  One thing Mr. Roberts said is that sadly, 10 years from now, there might not be a use for it.  This really showed how important handwriting is, that it’s not just an art form, or something that our kids don’t need to learn with the use of technology.  Here is an excerpt from his book:

A person’s handwriting is an individual’s personal and legal identification for life.  It reflects a personal conditioning since birth and is just as individual as one’s fingerprint.  It has been said that a fingerprint is the oldest and truest personal signature.

Dale Roberts has a website you can check out here:  Write Insights

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA:
This was the float that our Library had in the parade.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES (PRAYERS OR DEVOTIONALS):

Monday’s Muse: Writing Prompt 06/29

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Monday’s Muse: Writing Prompt June 29th

I am joining in with the super-creative Candice Coates for her Monday’s Muse.  She provides a photo and an opening line on Monday, then posts her results on her blog on Thursday.  Just a few simple rules to follow:

• Using the opening line and the picture provided, (Or one of your own choosing) create a story (or even a poem) within 15 to 20 minutes.

• Once you have finished your super awesome masterpiece, add your story’s link in the comments section here, for others to read.

• Also include a link on your page back to this original post for others to follow along and write with as well. In your “tags” section, add the tag “Monday’s Muse.”

I find time constraints difficult, but I did try not to go too far past the 20 minute mark.

The door whispered on its hinges as her fingers gently pushed it open, her stomach leaping as the light from the window washed over the scene inside the room.  

It was completely empty.  She had forgotten just how much sunlight poured into this room at this time of day.  The rest of the house was dimly lit and in need of updating and repair.  Once she stepped over the threshold, it was as if all the memories that were contained within these walls came out to greet her.

As she closed her eyes she could hear the joyful laughter of the little girl playing with her Fischer Price schoolhouse, or the conversations between Barbie Dolls.  She could hear music playing; it was the one constant in here, only the tempo and rhythm changing to fit the mood or the time.  She heard telephone conversations that left her broken hearted, and a lifelong memory of first love lost.  She felt the soft, fluffy fur of the golden retriever nuzzled against her, enveloping her with unconditional love as his cool, wet, nose brushed against her cheek as he licked away her tears.  She heard giggles and squeals of teenage girls, and felt the affect of sleepless nights as hopes and dreams were shared until the sun came up.  She felt the warm embrace and heard the encouraging words, “don’t let anyone dull your sparkle…believe in yourself…you can do anything you set your mind to.”  These words spoken in love always eliminated any disappointment she felt within herself.  This is what snapped her out of her reverie.  She could do this.

She walked out of the house to the front porch and told the realtor, “I’ll take it.”

“Excellent.  It has a lot of potential, and with a little TLC it can be a beautiful place you can call home.” The realtor said with her well-trained enthusiasm.

With a wistful smile, I nodded in agreement and said, “I already do.”

#BlogBattle: Spaghetti – Week 16 – Special Sauce

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Happy Tuesday!!  Linking up for the #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  This weeks word:  Spaghetti

This is a continuation of my previous story, A Day in the Loop.

Special Sauce

spaghettisauce

It’s been several months since I first met Aidan Anderson.  We’ve spent our days and nights talking, texting and Skyping.  Several times we had made plans to get together again, but for one reason or another, they fell through.  But it seems finally this time things will go as planned.

I am on my way to the airport and I will soon be on a plane heading to Minnesota, and Aidan!!  We must be getting close to my drop off area, because my mom has begun her litany of all the things I should and shouldn’t do while on the plane and staying with the Anderson’s…like I’m 12.  I gather my things and respond to her with an automatic, “yes mom.”

The flight was smooth, and without any delays.  I find my luggage easily in the terminal, and only walk a few feet before I look up and see him walking towards me.  Wow!! He looks good, I can’t get my feet to move, all I can do is just stand here with the biggest smile on my face, and my heart racing like I just ran a marathon.  He closes the gap between us with just a few long strides.  I drop my bags as his arms wrap around my waist and lift me off my feet in a welcoming hug.  I wrap my arms around his neck and bury my face in the crook of his neck; I didn’t want to let go.  When he finally puts me down and steps back from me, I look up at him and say, “Hi.”

“Hi Stephanie” he says with a wink and a smile as he gathers up my bags.

Aidan’s parents have a large summer home on the lake surrounded by a great deal of land.  I will be staying in the guesthouse.  We have just enough time to get there, and for me to unpack a few things and change before the family gathering.  It was something they did every year with their extended family at the end of the summer.

The food was good, the weather was beautiful, and his family was wonderful, welcoming me with open arms.  As the sun begins to set over the lake, Aidan’s mom and dad asks everyone to gather near the shoreline.  His sister and Aunt begin to hand everyone a marker and what looks like a folded up piece of blue paper.  Aidan’s mom clears her throat and says, “As you all know, this was Aaron’s favorite time of year.  How he loved to be with all of his family for some good fun, good laughs, and of course all the good food.  We know he is here with each of us in our hearts, but I want to honor his memory today.  In your hand is a sky lantern, I would like everyone to write on it; either the thing you remember most about him or even something you’d like to say to him.  We will then light the lanterns and let them drift into the heavens.”

As I was finishing up my note for Aaron, Aidan’s mom walks over to me and hands me a green lantern saying, “This one is for Jillian.” She lovingly squeezes my arm as she hands it to me, my own heartache reflected in her eyes.

Aidan and I light our lanterns last.  The sight of amber lights softly glowing against the inky sky as the lanterns languidly float up to the heavens is absolutely breathtaking.  Aidan knowing exactly how I am feeling, stands behind me, wraps his arms around my middle, and allows me to lean into him.  I lay my head back against his chest, he rests his chin on my shoulder, as we draw strength from each other, and let love overtake our sorrow.  I know at this moment, this is where I want to be…in Aidan’s arms.

As we walk hand in hand back to the guesthouse, I say, “This was a perfect evening, I can’t imagine anything better than this.”

“Oh, just you wait.” He replies with a mischievous grin as he squeezes my hand.

*~*

I have plans to spend the day shopping with Aidan’s mom and sister.  He mentions that he has something special planned for this evening, and asks that I return to the guesthouse by  6 p.m.

After a fun filled day.  I open the door to the guesthouse and immediately I inhale the most delicious aroma coming from the kitchen.  There is quiet music playing throughout the house, the table is set for two, with candles, a white linen tablecloth,  and napkins, fine china, and a bottle of wine chilling on ice.  As I walk into the kitchen, I see Aidan stirring something in a pot on the stove with one hand, and a bottle of wine in the other.

“I hope that isn’t the good stuff.”  I say with a smile as I lean on the door frame.

“Oh this?” he says with a laugh as he looks down at it then sets the bottle on the counter top.  “Don’t you watch the Food Network?  One must have wine, when one cooks.”

“I didn’t know you could cook.”  I replied as I walk over and give him kiss, which I am instructed to do from his apron.

“I’m a man of many talents.” He says with a wink.  “Actually, this is a very special spaghetti sauce, passed down from generation to generation.  The recipe is not even written down. My mom gave me all the ingredients already measured out and told me how to put it together.  Have a seat, everything is ready.”

We sit down and he plates the food and pours us each a glass of wine.  I take my first bite and my taste buds are assaulted with a barrage of flavors.  I chew slowly to savor every bite.  When I can finally speak, I say, “Aidan!! This is the best spaghetti I ever tasted.”

“Thank you.  My mom and grandma always say the sauce is pieno di amore, or that it’s filled with love.  They believe that when you share the sauce with someone, the two of you are destined to be together.  My great-grandmother made it for my great-grandfather, my grandmother for my grandfather, and my mother for my father.”  He said with a shrug.

“So what do you believe Aidan?” I ask as I take a sip of wine, not taking my eyes off of him.

He returns my gaze, “I believe…that it’s the best spaghetti I ever tasted.” He says then devours a forkful.

“I’m serious, Aidan.” I say laughing as I give his shoulder a nudge.

He quietly laughs and grabs my fingers and holds my hand.  Brushing his thumb over my knuckles he says, “I don’t need any special sauce to know that we are destined to be together.  I knew it the minute I looked into your eyes, and each day after that as I got to know what an incredible, smart, funny, passionate, beautiful woman you truly are.”  Then he takes my hand and kisses my palm, not once taking his eyes off me.

Oh yeah…that is definitely some special sauce.

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann