#BlogBattle: Head – Week 26 – Silver Lining

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

🙂 Tuesday is upon us once again!! Let the #Blogbattle begin!!

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration. Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey. Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word: Head

Genre: Romance ❤

Silver Lining

All I wanted was a nice evening out, like we used to have in the beginning. It was a beautiful night, not too warm, not too chilly, perfect actually. So I suggested to Robert, we walk to the little Bistro a couple blocks away for dinner. I should have gauged his mood before I made the suggestion, but I didn’t, and right now all I want is this night to be over. It’s like our whole evening has been clothed in a dark cloud from his mood.

When we walk up to the front of my brownstone apartment, Robert doesn’t stop and proceeds to head up the stairs, assuming I want him to come in. He stops half way up and turns around, I am still standing on the sidewalk. “What’s the matter? Are you coming?” He questions with a gruff tone.

“Actually…I think we should call it a night. I’m tired. I just want to sit outside for a few and then go to sleep.” Not at all hiding my weariness.

“Whatever Kelly. That’s fine, I’ve had such a lousy day, I need to clear my head, anyway. I’ll call you…whenever.” He snaps as he pushes past her.

I sit down on the stairs, and lean my head on the banister, and close my eyes. I hear quiet footsteps approaching, and then stop right in front of me. I slowly look up and see it is my neighbor from downstairs.

“Hi,” he says with a raised hand, “Is everything alright?” He asks concerned.

“Yes, I’m just enjoying the nice night.” I say as I look up at the moon.

“Mind if I join you?” He asks hesitantly.

“Not at all, have a seat.” Kelly gestures to the spot next to her. “We’ve never been formally introduced, I’m Kelly…You’re Shane right?” She extends her hand.

Yes…I know, Kelly. It’s nice to meet you…formally,” he shakes her hand. “Was that your boyfriend I just passed about a block down. He was clearly upset…almost walked right into me…you sure everything is OK?”

“Yes…Robert is just being Robert. He’s having a bad day, I ended the night earlier than he expected, so he left, saying he had to clear his head.” She emphasizes the last part gesturing in air quotes. “He’s usually a nice guy, but once in a blue moon this other guy rears its ugly head, and he’s a far cry from the guy I was first attracted to. It seems that it’s happening more and more though. He’s the head of his company, so he likes to be in charge, and when things don’t go his way, he’ll bite your head off. He was such a sweet, charming guy when we first met, someone a girl could fall head over heels for. But I’ve since realized that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Sometimes I wonder why we are still together.”

Shane can’t help but smile when he says to her, “Yeah…he sounds like a real idiom.”

“Don’t you mean idiot? And isn’t that a little harsh?” She asks with feigned offense.

“You’re the one who said it. What I said, and meant was idiom.” He playfully defends. “Do you realize how many idioms you used to describe the situation?” He inquires.

“Oh”…Kelly lets out a little groan. “I’m doing it again. I tend to talk in idioms when I’m upset. But there is a method to my madness.” She stops herself and slaps her hand across her mouth. “I should go…I should really go,” she says shaking her head, clearly embarrassed.

“Don’t go, I actually find it endearing.” He leans his shoulder against hers and gives her a little nudge. “Will you stay if we change the subject?”

“Yes…please!!” She says with mock desperation.

With a quiet laugh, Shane responds, “Ok then. So where do you work and what do you like to do?”

“I work at the library. I like to read, and I would love to write a novel one-day. I’ve started quite a few manuscripts but have yet to finish one. But I have set a goal to complete one by the first of the year. I enjoy taking walks especially when the weather epitomizes its season. Chilly fall evenings, cold snowy days, or warm spring afternoons. What about you?” Her face radiates with pure joy as she speaks.

“I’m a graphic artist, and I work for an ad agency. In my spare time I like to paint, and I’m constantly sketching something. I love to listen to all kinds of music, so I usually have it on all the time. I hope I don’t play it too loud that you hear it in your apartment.”

Kelly shakes her head, but then says, “Actually…sometimes I do hear a certain type of music from time to time coming from your apartment.”

Shane puts his head down, and looks at his shoes, a little embarrassed to admit, but he plays it off with a laugh and says, “That would be the swing music, its my favorite, and I can’t help but listen to it loud.”

“So…you are just listening to swing music?” She asks playfully.

“Uh…what are you implying?” He asks with exaggerated annoyance.

“Who just listens to swing music? Doesn’t one tend to dance to swing music?” she taunts.

“And you would know this because…why?” Shane teases.

It’s her turn to put her head down and look at her shoes, then quietly replies, “Because I can’t seem to not dance around my apartment when I hear it.”

When she looks up, Shane is looking right at her with a hint of a smile on his face. Their eyes are locked for one extra moment, but he suddenly looks away to break the connection and says, “Kelly, you seem to be a very passionate person. I’m going to go out on a limb here, and play devil’s advocate, give you some food for thought.” His smile gets bigger with each idiom he strings together, and ends the exhortation with a nod of his head, proud of his accomplishment. Kelly answers him with a dramatic eye roll.

“OK, OK…you seem to be the type of person who follows her heart. I just think you need to look at your situation with Robert and follow your head and not your heart. I think you already know the answer.”

Kelly lets his words sink in, and then begins to nod her head in agreement and replies, “You know…I think you hit the nail on the head.”

Shane stands up, brushes off his jeans, looking directly into her eyes he says, “So Kelly, if you ever cut Robert loose, you know where to find me. I may not be the type of guy that turns heads, but I do have a fantastic collection of swing music we could listen to, my door’s always open.” With that he gives her a wink, reaches for her hand, lifts it to his mouth and softly kisses her knuckles.

“Good night Kelly.” He declares then quickly retreats, taking two steps at a time.

“‘Night.” Kelly says in a whisper. She crosses her arms against her midsection and rests her arms against her thighs. Subconsciously she rocks back and forth as she thinks to herself. Every cloud does have a silver lining.

I have always wanted to see how many times I could actually use the prompt word in a story. I used it 17 times. Yeah…hope it wasn’t overkill 😉

Happy Homemaker Monday 09/07

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

Happy Labor Day!! Had a nice weekend visiting with my brother and his family, who I don’t get to see too often since they live a couple hours away. His two girls and my two sons are close in age, so it was a good time for everyone. Glad to have today off, but it is filled with lots of things to do 😐 Enjoy your week!!

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

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS:

CURRENTLY READING/HAVE READ:
I finished yet another book in the Fool’s Gold Series, by Susan Mallery. This one is book number 16, in it’s sixth year. I don’t know how Susan Mallery does it, but this series is so entertaining, and each new book is just as good if not better than the one before it. The one I just read is Hold Me, and am currently reading Kiss Me. Yes…yes these are romance novels, but I really enjoy the story of the small town, and all the characters in it, and the friendships that are built with the women of this town.

NEW RECIPE I WANT TO TRY THIS WEEK:
My daughter posted this recipe on my FB page suggesting we try them. They look delicious. But I think I will be using frozen bread dough, I have this thing about not using yeast, I have never baked with it, and the minute I see it in a recipe I don’t read any further. I know it can’t be that hard, but…yeah…lol.

Cinnamon-roll-breadtwists

and THIS. I will be trying this today. Yep, it’s another recipe from Carrie 🙂

LOL CHUCKLES, AND GIGGLES:

FAVORITE VIDEO/BLOG POST:
My youngest son loves to watch American Ninja Warrior. Saw this video, and thought it was just adorable!!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA:

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES (PRAYERS OR DEVOTIONALS):

#BlogBattle: Legumes – Week 25 – Legume Languor

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

Tuesday = #Blogbattle

This week’s word: Legumes

Genre: Comedy/Humor

😦 I have missed the last two weeks of battle, but I’m back with some of my favorite characters. Since my last couple of stories were a little melancholy, I thought I’d lighten things up a bit. Happy Reading.

Legume Languor

Nita walks into the Cosmetology school and heads towards the break room carrying her coffee and donut. Her and her friend Michael usually meet up early so they can take a moment to chitchat before they have to start their day.

When Nita enters the break room, Michael isn’t there yet. She puts her purse in her locker and gets out her white lab coat. Just then Michael enters, and she greets him cheerfully, “Good Morning Michael.”

Michael replies with less bravado than usual, “Good Morning Chickpea,” he cringes at the moniker and shakes his head hoping Nita doesn’t notice.

Chickpea? That’s not right, usually my nicknames are sweet desserts…something’s wrong…he looks really tired. “Michael…what’s the matter?” Nita questions gingerly.

Michael shuts his locker a little too forcefully, he looks at Nita and says, “It’s the legumes,” he draws out the word legumes as if just allowing it to roll off his tongue leaves a bad taste in his mouth.

Nita echoes flatly, “The legumes.” Having no clue to what he is talking about.

Michael lets out a sigh and says, “You remember I went to visit mumsy at the vineyard, Green Bean.” He winces, not waiting for her to reply. “Well, all she served to eat all weekend were foods cooked with legumes…you know…peas, beans, nuts…I mean everything, even dessert.” Rolling his eyes he continued, “Her new beau was there, he’s a transplant from California, some old surfer dude named Wade. Because of him she is embracing the vegan lifestyle. It was dreadful, I tell you, simply dreadful. But then…she brings out the brownies…you know how I love brownies…so I think this is her, extending an olive branch. Nope…they were Garbanzo. Bean. Brownies.” He says with horror, and drops his head to his folded arms on the table with a loud thud.

“Oh Michael, I am so sorry. Here…you need this more than I do.” She slides her coffee and donut towards him with great reverence. When he looks up, she thinks she sees a tear in his eye. He nods his head in thanks as he breaks off a piece of donut and places it in his mouth. He closes his eyes, chews slowly, savoring every bite.

Nita didn’t want to interrupt him, but she wasn’t going to be in class that morning, her regular patron, Sophia was coming in to get her hair done before her trip. She quietly says, “Michael…I’ll have to catch up with you after class, Sophia is coming in this morning…are you feeling any better?”

He nods his head with a little more enthusiasm and with a content smile he says, “Thanks Sugar Snap.”

“See…you are better!!” She says with excitement.

“Not quite…Sugar Snap is a pea.” He says with no emotion as he lifts the cup of coffee to his lips to drown his despondency.

“Oh…you’ll be OK?…I have to go.” Nita says reluctantly. She really didn’t want to leave him in this state. Without looking at her, he waves his hand like he is swatting at a fly to dismiss her.

~ ~

By the time Nita is combing out Sophia’s shampoo set, Michael is back from class, and begins setting up his workstation.

Sophia looks towards Michael, and then eyes Nita in the mirror with a questioning look. Nita explains, “He’s not himself this morning Sophia, he spent the weekend with his mother and all she fed him was food made with legumes, he’s having meat withdrawal.”

With wide eyes, Sophia says, “Oh Michael dear, it can’t be all that bad. Your dear sweet mother probably made some fabulous dishes, I know that Vegan diet can be very flavorful when prepared correctly.”

Nita leaned down and quietly said in her ear, “She made him Garbanzo Bean Brownies.”

Sophia literally gasps and clutches her pearls that are draped around her neck, “Oh no…NO…that’s just wrong on so many levels…Michael you poor dear.”

To add to the drama, Michael is leaning on his workstation as if it were the only thing that could keep him vertical, then he says to Nita, “Is it lunch time yet? I think I need a McDisaster.”

Nita replied with a scolding tone, “Michael.” As she cut her eyes at him.

Sophia questions Nita, “Did he just say a McDisaster?”

“Yes, yes he did.”

“What…is…a McDisaster?” Sophia asks not sure she wants to know.

“It doesn’t matter…he’s not getting one.” Nita says with great resolve.

With a faraway look, Michael slowly says to Sophia, “A McDisaster, my dear Sophia, is when you put a McChicken, between a McDouble, to create the McDisaster,” using hand gestures to indicate each layer, as his expression turns to pure euphoria just talking about it.

“Michael!! That’s not real food, how can you even think to eat such a thing?” Nita says with fervency.

Sophia chided, “Nita is right, Michael…that fast food will kill you. What you and Nita need to do is go to the Greek Island Restaurant for lunch. Hank and I just love the Greek Island. You can get one of those Gyros, now that’s some real meat, and the desserts they have? They are to die for.”

Nita agreed. “That’s a great idea Sophia.” Nita turns to look at Michael, and notices he is slumped in his chair, with his eyes closed, she loudly says, “Michael,” to stir him from his melodramatic stupor, he startles, then she says, “Michael, I’m taking you to the Greek Island for lunch, my treat.”

With a little more energy he says, “I don’t care where you take me Peanut, I just want some real food. Is it lunchtime yet? Can we go now?” Sounding not unlike an impatient child.

Nita answers with a calmness she has to muster, “Let me finish up, meet me in the break room.”

She puts the finishing touches on Sophia’s hair, and says, “I hope you and Hank have a wonderful trip.”

Sophia replies with a smile of pure joy on her face, “Oh Nita dear, we will. Be sure to take care of that one,” she says with a chuckle as she points her thumb in Michael’s direction. She hands Nita a larger than normal tip and says, “Here’s a little extra, be sure you get that boy some real dessert…it’s on me.” She gives Nita’s shoulder a little squeeze as she leaves.

Happy Homemaker Monday 08/31

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

I cannot believe it is the last day of August. The summer went way too fast. Already in our second week of school, and we have a beautiful week ahead, all sunshine and 80’s. Have a great week!!

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

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS:

CURRENTLY READING/HAVE READ:

Reading another Elisabeth Naughton book, Hold on to Me. When Simone and Mitch find themselves running from gunfire, each one thinks that their pasts have caught up with them. A really good story line, I don’t want to give anything away. Very suspenseful, but keeps you wanting to read just one more chapter, and before you know it, you’ve read five, and it’s 2 o’clock in the morning 🙂

NEW RECIPE I TRIED OR WANT TO TRY THIS WEEK:

I did try Carrie’s recipe for BBQ Bacon Cheesy Chicken. So much flavor, it was a big hit here. I will be making it again in the next couple of days. I served mine with green beans, chicken flavored fettuccine noodles, and corn bread. My youngest son was trying to come up with a new name for it, but I think he was distracted by all the flavors assaulting his taste buds, lol. I’m sure he’ll come up with something this next time around. 🙂

LOL CHUCKLES, AND GIGGLES:

Yes…I remember this all too well.

FAVORITE VIDEO/BLOG POST:

My fellow Blogbattler Phoenix Grey posted this on Sunday. I was familiar with this song, but never stopped and listened to it all the way through. Such a great song. I always think of my young adult/teenagers and all that they face as they make their way in this world, bombarded by so many messages through media. They need songs with positive messages like this. I like to call these kinds of songs life anthems 🙂

Here is the post from Phoenix you can check out, and here is the video:

Also, Phoenix has been writing her Blogbattle stories about a Fairy named Winter. I just love this character and all the stories about her. You can read these stories here or by clicking on the BlogBattle: Winter tab on her blog.

FAVORITE NEW WEBSITE:

Litographs.com

These T-shirts are so awesome!! A T-shirt created from the text of favorite books. The designs alone are so cool, but then when you look closer, the colored part is the words to a book!! You can really zoom in on each shirt on their site. They also have posters, totes and tattoos.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA:

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES (PRAYERS OR DEVOTIONALS):

Found this after my Five Minute Friday post.

Five Minute Friday: Alone

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

It’s been awhile since I’ve joined in with FMF. But when I saw the word, I had to jump in. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Linking up with Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday. If you would like to join in or learn more about it, click on the icon to the left. Write for 5 minutes, here we go.

TODAY’S PROMPT: ALONE

GO…

Recently I have been studying personality types. I’ve always liked learning about people, and what makes them tick. I have always known that I am an introvert. But like most people I really didn’t know what that meant until now. I LOVE to be alone, I crave it and I need it, and this is something that is the most misunderstood especially when you are surrounded by extroverts. I have been thought of as rude, or that I am ignoring someone, which then made me think that there was something wrong with me, but there isn’t, and there isn’t anything wrong with extroverts…we’re just different. But as an introvert, I feel we are looked down upon because of how we interact with people.

Maybe you’ll see yourself in the following characteristics, or someone you know, but this is what I have learned about me…an introvert.

I do enjoy talking, and being social. I prefer one on one conversations, and can sit and talk with a good friend for hours. But after that I will need some alone time, this is where my energy is restored. I do enjoy social get togethers, I can be social and can have fun, but that is not where I get my energy, and I can only do it for so long…afterwards I will need to be alone. But if I have a choice between a social gathering or staying home and reading a book…well you guessed it, I’d enjoy reading the book so much more. I’m not a big fan of phone calls, but I will email all the livelong day. I cannot just pick up the phone to call someone, I think about what that person could be doing, and would this be a good time for them, and thinking that it probably isn’t a good time, I then don’t make the call. I feel that an email can be read and dealt with when they want to. I do not like to be the center of attention.

Introverts are intuitive by nature, and observant. We are in tune to our surroundings, and pick up on moods, and take in everything around us. Therefore, that is why we don’t like to stay in social settings for long, we need to be alone, recharge and process everything. So when interacting with an introvert, if you find them distant or quiet, don’t take it personally, what they want you to know is, “it isn’t you…it’s me.” Respect their need to be alone to recharge, it is crucial for them.

STOP…PENCILS DOWN