#BlogBattle: Prophet – Week 20 – The Question Remains

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

🙂 Happy Tuesday!! Time for #Blogbattle

#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 all the stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word: Prophet

Another continuation, this story just won’t let me go 😐 Here are the first two parts if you’d like to read them, Believe in your Dreams and Safe in the Storm or start with the summary.

Summary: Nicole has taken over the Bed & Breakfast Inn for Carol, who is off to travel Europe. Nicole finds herself alone at the Inn during a raging blizzard, with one of the regular customers, Anthony Thompson. Over breakfast, he shares with Nicole how his wife died, and how he feels her presence at the Inn so strongly that it’s as if they can communicate with each other. He explains to Nicole that his wife told him she was the special person that could help him move on with his life. Nicole is just about to freak out, not knowing what to think of this guy, when Tucker, the maintenance guy, and his dog Cody comes in to check on her. Tucker assures Nicole that Anthony is not a bad guy, and that there’s more to his story. Tucker suggests she let Anthony tell her about it from the beginning.

The Question Remains

Anthony is about to start telling his story when Nicole says, “Hold that thought for a moment, I need some coffee.” She begins to untangle herself from the warm afghan, but then Anthony puts his hand up and says, “Don’t move, I got it.” He’s up and moving before she can protest. He comes back not only with her mug of coffee but a tray filled with cream, sugar and the thermal coffee carafe.

Nicole says, “Um…you know you are a guest here, I should have gotten that.”

“Yes, but the guests do get access to the kitchen, plus you are all comfy on the couch, I didn’t want you to get up…besides, you’re in charge of lunch and treats later.”

“I feel so guilty not doing anything right now, Carol stayed so busy all the time.” Nicole says with a hint of regret in her voice.

“Have you looked outside the window lately? There’s nothing going on anywhere in this storm, I don’t think she’ll mind you keeping your only guest company.” Anthony says with a warm smile.

Anthony takes a sip of coffee then opens his mouth to start talking when the phone rings.

“Sorry, “ Nicole apologizes, she had brought in the cordless phone earlier so she could answer any calls. She looks at the caller ID and says with a smile “It’s Carol.”

“Uh-oh you’re in trouble.” Anthony teases. She puts her finger up to her lips and says “Shush.” As she playfully glares at him.

“Hi Carol, how’s Paris?” Nicole answers in her most cheerful voice.

“Nicole…how are you, how’s the weather?” Carol asks with concern.

“It’s a blizzard out here, two of the guests are going to call once the storm let’s up, but Anthony Thompson made it in before the storm…we’re just sitting here by the fire drinking coffee…just talking.” Nicole says.

“Oh that’s wonderful Nicole, that Anthony is such a nice, nice man…easy on the eyes too…but I don’t have to tell you that. Did my nephew check up on you, because if he didn’t I’m going to…”

Nicole cuts her off by saying, “Yes, Carol…he did. He came in this morning with Cody. He left Cody with me, and went back to his house.”

“Wonderful, just wonderful. I knew you would have no problems. Nathan and I are having a splendid time, in Italy. We’ll be in Paris in a couple of days.” Carol let’s out a little squeak of excitement like a teenage girl and says, “I simply cannot wait!! You know where to reach me if you need to, better run, will talk soon…Arrivederci.”

“Arrivederci.” Nicole echoes with a smile and disconnects the call.

“I take it Carol is in Italy?” Anthony says with a chuckle.

“Yes…having a splendid time. So…you were about to say” Nicole gestures with her arm for Anthony to proceed. She unfolds her legs and stretches them out and rests her feet on the coffee table.

“Right. From the beginning.” He takes a deep breath and begins his story.

“My wife Tara, had a very interesting childhood. She was raised in a very dogmatic religion. Her parents were completely devoted, and held high positions in the organization. When Tara was about 10 years old, her grandmother became ill. She was very close to her, so one day she was worrying about what was going to happen, so she took a walk in the woods by her house. She said she always felt closest to God when she was surrounded by nature, and she would find herself talking to Him, and that is what she did on this day. When she stopped to rest for a minute, she sat down and closed her eyes, and it was then that she saw a vision. She saw her grandmother lying on her bed, and these beautiful angels were all gathered around while her grandmother slept. Tara said she saw a calm, joyful look on her grandmother’s face, and she said she felt the same way once the vision disappeared. Sadly, her grandmother passed away the next day. She didn’t tell her parent’s about the vision until a couple of weeks later. When she did tell her mom about it, her mom was so excited and began dancing around and laughing, saying, ‘do you know what this means? Tara, you’re the one.’ She picked Tara up and sat her on her lap. Tara’s mom looked her right in the eye, and as serious as can be told her that she was the prophet they talked about in the church, the one they were waiting for.”

Nicole questions with eyes wide in disbelief, “She was 10? Who says that to a kid?”

“Exactly. The church also believed that she was the prophet. Tara stopped telling her parents about the visions, and without anymore visions, the church conveniently explained the whole prophet idea away. It was all very confusing to Tara, but from that point on she started to disagree with a lot of the teaching. By the time she was a teenager, she refused to go to that church with her parents. They were too immersed in it, and could not believe their only daughter was turning her back on her faith, so they made arrangements for her to live with her aunt. She never told me the name of the church or what type of religion it was…that’s just how Tara was, she didn’t talk bad about anyone. She had such a beautiful spirit, she loved everybody, and when you were around her you could feel that love and positive energy radiating from her. In spite of what she dealt with as a child, she was very spiritual, and had a strong faith in God. She did continue to have visions and dreams, and sometimes she would tell me about them. It wasn’t spooky or psychic, and she never claimed to be clairvoyant or a prophet, she would always say that it was her strong intuition. So being the type of person she was, when she appeared to me after she had died, I didn’t think anything of it, it seemed so natural.”

“Wow, Anthony, she sounded like a remarkable woman.” Nicole says with genuine admiration.

“Yes. Yes, she was.” He says with a bittersweet smile.

“So…is she still here?” Nicole asks with hesitation.

Anthony pauses for a moment, and says, “No, she is not…but I’m OK with that.”

“I have so many questions, but one question still remains…why me? I’m nothing special.” Nicole says quietly, and looks away.

“Nicole, I find that hard to believe. Why don’t I help you with lunch, and we can continue talking, and we’ll find the answers together. After all, this is just the beginning.” Anthony says as he takes her by the hand, and leads her into the kitchen.

Monday’s Muse: Writing Prompt for 07/20

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

Monday’s Muse: Writing Prompt for July 20

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).

My Peaceful Sanctuary

“It’s a simple room, but it will be perfect for what you need.” Their warm hand rested upon my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. That’s exactly what I needed right now…simple.

Ruth was such a friendly person. She was asking me all kinds of questions about myself, not trying to be nosy, but genuinely interested. I hoped she believed what I was telling her, because I was trying to convince myself. I heard the words I was saying, but they were foreign to me. I guess over time that would become easier. I was still the same person, only the facts had changed, the ones you see on paper. Ruth continued to talk and tell me about herself. She had such gentleness in her eyes. It was as if she could look deep down into my soul and knew exactly what I was guarding in my heart. She gave me the keys to the room, and with a welcoming hug, she said, “If you need anything dear, don’t hesitate to ask.”

As I stood in the middle of the room, I hugged myself tightly, not because I was cold, but because I was trying to contain the emotion that was trying to overtake me. I could finally breathe easy. Allowing me to rent this room for practically next to nothing, was more than I could have dreamed of. This place would become my sanctuary, where I could lose myself in my painting, to awaken my creativity that lay dormant for so many years. I rented a small cottage on the other side of the woods that adjoined both properties. The daily walks on the trail with the peacefulness of nature, the fresh air, and the transcendent beauty would lend itself for inspiration. Yes, it was perfect, exactly what I needed…I needed a place where I could lose myself in my art…I needed the peace and solitude…I needed to heal.

Because no one, ever, left my husband’s family and lived…until now.

______________

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.”

#BlogBattle: Musk – Week 19 – Safe in the Storm

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration. Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey. This week’s word: Musk

There was more to last week’s story, so I am continuing it this week. This isn’t exactly how I thought it would go, so I know there’s still more. If you’d like to read the whole thing you can click here, or just start with the summary I have included, since I literally pick up from the last line.

Summary: Nicole has taken over the Bed & Breakfast Inn for Carol, who is off to travel Europe. One of the regular customers, Anthony Thompson, checks in right before a big snowstorm hits. With the song “Just the Way You Are” playing in the background, Anthony enters the kitchen the next morning. Over breakfast Anthony confides in Nicole, explaining to her about how his wife had died, and how he comes to the Inn the same time each year, because he feels her presence there, and it’s as if they can communicate with each other. This particular time, his wife tells him that her time with him was only until he accomplished his career goals, and until he would meet that special person that could help him move on. (These are the last lines):

Anthony hesitated for a moment, looks directly at Nicole and says, “I think that person is you Nicole.”

Nicole shakes her head in disbelief not sure she heard him correctly, but then inquires, “Why would you think that?”

Because she told me when I heard the song “Just the Way You Are”, that special person would be standing right in front of me.

Safe in the Storm

Don’t freak out…don’t freak out!! Trying to stay calm, Nicole stares back at him with her mouth slightly open, she blinks, blinks again, and is just about to say something when she hears the door open to the mud room. With a breath of relief, all she can say is “Tucker.”

She quickly gets up to meet him in the kitchen when the smell of musk permeates her nostrils, which is the case with Tucker, that smell enters the room before he does. He must literally use one whole can of Axe Body Spray every morning. But this morning, it doesn’t annoy her at all. Before she enters the kitchen she greets Cody who has bounded in first. She scratches the golden retriever behind the ears and says, “Hey, boy, you cold?”

Tucker walks into the kitchen still brushing snow off of him, he is so bundled up she can only see his eyes. But oh so grateful to see him, she could just hug him. But that would be all kinds of inappropriate being the maintenance guy, and Carol’s nephew. As he starts peeling off layers of wool, she asks, “Tucker, what are you doing out in this weather?”

Without hesitation he says, “I had to check on you Miss Nicole, make sure you were all right. If Aunt Carol knew I hadn’t checked on you she’d knock me into the middle of next week.”

“I was just finishing up breakfast with Mr. Thompson, but since you are here, I need you to take a look at…”

“Anthony Thompson?” Tucker interrupts. Nicole nods her head. Without saying anything Tucker brushes right past her, and heads to the dining room. Nicole stands there with her palms up in disbelief and shakes her head, which leaves her no choice but to follow him. By the time she enters the room, Cody is curled up at Anthony’s feet, and him and Tucker are going on and on about snow blowers, and horsepower, so caught up in their conversation they don’t even realize that she walked in.

She clears her throat, and says, “Excuse me for interrupting, but Tucker, I need you to check on something for me in one of the guest rooms.”

“Good seeing you again Anthony, sorry, Miss Nicole, lead the way.” Anthony gives Tucker a nod, then glances at Nicole and is amused by the frantic look on her face; he doesn’t say a word, just reaches down to pet Cody.

When they reach the guest room upstairs, she quickly pulls Tucker by the arm into the room. She shuts the door behind her, and leans her back against the cool wood as both hands grasp the doorknob; she takes in several deep breaths.

Concerned Tucker says, Miss Nicole, are you OK? It looks like you’ve seen a ghost.”

She looks up at him, inhales deeply and on the exhale she says, “Almost.”

Starting to figure things out, Tucker says, “Uh-oh…what did Anthony tell you?”

By now Nicole is in the room and she begins pacing, she tells him, using her hands while she talks with lightening speed, “What did Anthony tell me? He told me about how his wife died, how he thinks she is still here, how they have conversations after he checks in, and that she was just waiting for him to meet that special someone so that he could move on, and that special someone is me. How can it be me? I don’t even know him, we just met, oh yeah, it is me because she told him, that when he heard the song “Just the Way You Are”, which happens to be my favorite song, she…meaning me, would be standing right in front of him. Guess what song was playing when he came down for breakfast Tucker…guess?

Tucker tries not to laugh, but says, “Ok…just breathe.” With quiet confidence he says, “Miss Nicole, there’s more to the story, you need to let him tell you. I’ve gotten to know him since he’s been coming here…he’s an upstanding guy who lost his wife and is trying to continue to live his life and make sense of it all.”

“But this stuff about his wife still being here, and him talking to her? You knew about it?” Nicole demands. Tucker nods his head once to affirm.

Without waiting for an answer Nicole says, “Did Carol know about it?” Tucker nods again; embarrassed he looks down at his boots.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Nicole questions.

Tucker calmly says, “We didn’t think you would find out, obviously there’s a reason he told you, give him a chance to explain. Everything will be OK. Hey, I’ll let Cody stay with you; you’ll be safe.

By the time they make it back downstairs, the dishes are cleared away, and a warm fire is crackling in the fireplace, Cody is snuggled up in front of it fast asleep.

Tucker heads towards the door, “OK Miss Nicole, I’m going to head back out, I’ll get Cody later…he’s a trained guard dog you know.” He says with an exaggerated wink that was meant to be more comical than flirtatious. “Hey Anthony, come on by once the storm clears.”

“Will do Tucker,” Anthony says with a wave.

“Thanks Tucker,” Nicole says as she waves good-bye to him.

Nervously, Nicole begins to straighten things that don’t need to be straightened. Anthony sits down on the couch with a cup of coffee, without looking at her he quietly says, “So did Tucker assure you that I’m not a bad guy?” He then looks up into her startled eyes, as she completely stops what she is doing. With a quiet chuckle he says, “Nicole, please sit down.”

As she walks over, Cody’s head lazily lifts up, he looks at her with disinterest and goes back to sleep. Some guard dog…OK…everything will be OK.

“Nicole, I need to apologize. I am sorry that I just blurted out all that stuff. But when you lose someone dear to you, you realize how short life can be. I wanted to seize the moment, but I got too far ahead of myself.”

“Well, Anthony…since Tucker gave you the ok, and Cody obviously likes you…if you don’t have any place to go, why don’t we start over, and you can tell me everything, from the beginning…I have all day.” Nicole says as she pulls an afghan off the back of the couch, wraps it around her shoulders, then curls her feet up under her making herself comfortable at the end of the couch.

With a smile that reaches his chestnut brown eyes, he replies, “Hmmm…I think I can clear my schedule. Will you make hot chocolate later?” He asks with a hopeful look.

“Sure…maybe even some treats too.” She smiles back. With the mention of the word treats, Cody’s head pops up and he is now wide-awake.

Anthony laughs and points his thumb towards the dog, “Some guard dog. That’s ok, you’re safe with me.”

Nicole shakes her head, as the dog goes back to sleep; she then looks directly at Anthony, slightly tilts her head and says, “You know what?…I believe I am.”

Happy Homemaker Monday 07/20

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

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

It’s Monday again, having a late post here, had some running to do this morning, nonetheless, here’s what’s up, just a few things I wanted to share. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead!!

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS:

Looks like a nice week. No rain yet today.

CURRENTLY READING/HAVE READ:
Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery is sitting here waiting for me to pick it up and read it. 😐

ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:
Still need to plan and shop. I grilled some hamburgers and hot dogs yesterday, so we have those to finish. I do have some chicken I might throw on the grill as well.

NEW RECIPE I TRIED OR WANT TO TRY THIS WEEK:
I had forgotten about this recipe, and made it the other night. My kids all but inhaled this thing. So I’m making it again tonight, LOL. It’s really easy and a good alternative to Nestle Tollhouse Squares, I think they actually taste better. I originally found the recipe on Facebook.

Lazy Cake Cookie Bars

1 box Yellow cake mix
2 eggs beaten
1 stick butter or margarine – melted
2 cups chocolate chips

Mix all together, I’ve added a little milk if the batter is too thick. Spread in a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 20 minutes at 350*. Pour yourself a glass of ice cold milk and enjoy!!

WHAT I’VE CREATED LATELY:
I added a page to my blog, that has all my short stories in one place. I created the graphic that is on the top of the page. Loved that pic with my favorite things, coffee and cookies, and yes, that is actually my handwriting. 🙂

MY FAVORITE BLOG POST/VIDEO THIS WEEK:
This was such an interesting article, I had no idea that the Queen of England had corgis. This is the kind of dog that my daughter and I really want to have one day. They are so cute!! The article said that since the 1950s, corgis were bred on the grounds of Windsor Castle. At one point the Queen actually owned 30 of them, but sadly she is down to only two. Even The Queen of England enjoys that unconditional love of a dog.

You can read the whole article here.

WHAT I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WEEK:
It should be something I am looking forward to, but I’m not a big fan of crowds. This weekend our quiet town will be inundated with Pierogi Fest. This is a big fest out here, and was actually featured on The Food Network. Yes, Polish Food, Polish People, and People who think they are Polish only because they eat a few pierogi and have stayed too long in the Beer Garden. All kinds of food booths and people…lots and lots of people, almost 200,000 people. This fest takes place only a couple of blocks away from our house, and we definitely see the increase in traffic; car and on foot. But it’s a huge fest, and people come from all over and enjoy it…me, not so much…*hands over her Polish card neatly folded in her babushka*.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA:
If you look hard enough you can find amazing things

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES (PRAYERS OR DEVOTIONALS):

#BlogBattle: Dream – Week 18 – Believe in your Dreams

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

🙂 Happy Tuesday!! Time for #Blogbattle

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

Believe In Your Dreams

“Carol I want to thank you for this opportunity, it’s truly a dream come true.” Nicole says as she clasps her hands over her heart.

“Oh stop,” brushing the comment away with a flick of her wrist. “I should be thanking you for helping me fulfill my dream to travel Europe. If it weren’t for you agreeing to manage our Bed and Breakfast Inn, we would never be able to take such a trip.”

With a deep sigh and a look of longing, Carol says, “Three months in Europe and I finally get to shop in Paris!! Well I’m off to finish packing. I sure hope we get out of here before the blizzard hits.” Carol places her hands on Nicole’s shoulders and says, “After working with you for the past month, I have no doubt you are going to do just fine here. Enjoy yourself…we’ll be in touch.” With a quick hug, Carol is gone.

Nicole smiles to herself, still in awe that the dream of running a Bed and Breakfast Inn has come to fruition. She looks over the reservations to see who will be arriving in the next couple of days. She notices that there will be two new guests, and one that has been a regular for several years now, always the same time of year. Carol has created profiles for all her returning guests, including their preferences and any other information she finds useful. Nicole looks up Anthony Thompson. There isn’t much in his profile. Just that he travels alone and pretty much keeps to himself. Carol notes that there were some odd occurrences during his stays: light bulbs needing to be replaced, clocks stopping in his room, and objects of his, once a book, and another time a sweater, were left out in the main areas, even though he said he didn’t leave his room. That’s odd. Nicole dismisses her ambiguity and continues to prepare for her guests.

Two days later, Anthony Thompson walks in, dressed for the weather in a ski jacket and wool hat. He isn’t overly friendly, as he checks in with the least amount of pleasantries necessary. Nicole doesn’t take it personally, and maintains her friendly demeanor. “So good to see you Mr. Thompson, my name is Nicole, I’m the new manager here. It seems you made it in before the storm hit.”

“Yes, it does seem that way,” he says with little emotion, as he signs for the room.

“Can I prepare a light dinner for you this evening…and will you be requiring your usual breakfast in the morning, pancakes, eggs and sausage?

“Dinner no…breakfast yes, please.” He says as he gathers his belongings.

“Well your room is all ready for you, breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. Have a good night, Mr. Thompson.”

With barely a smile he replies, “Thank you…and, Anthony is fine…Mr. Thompson is my father.” He turns and heads toward his room.

The next morning Nicole wakes up to a raging blizzard. It was predicted, so she’s not that surprised. Before she heads to the kitchen to begin breakfast, she checks the phone for any messages, and turns off the automated greeting. There are two messages. Sure enough both of the new guests had to take lodging elsewhere, couldn’t make it in due to the storm. They will call and make arrangements for another day to arrive once the storm is over.

She turns the radio on quietly the song “Just the Way You Are” plays in the background as she begins to make breakfast. Just then, Anthony enters the kitchen. He pauses for a moment, briefly listening to the music, but he then quickly says good morning, and grabs a cup of coffee. Nicole looks up and notices he looks different this morning, almost like a weight has been lifted off him. He is a handsome man, actually very handsome, something she hadn’t noticed yesterday.

“Good Morning, breakfast will be ready soon, you can have a seat in the dining area. I’m sorry but the newspaper hasn’t arrived, if you hadn’t noticed there’s a blizzard out there.” Nicole says with a smile.

Anthony takes a seat at the table, as Nicole serves the food. She is about to go back in the kitchen when he asks, “Nicole, would you join me?”

Taken aback and surprised he even knows her name, she says, “Sure, let me get a cup of coffee.”

As she sits down, he actually smiles at her and says, “First…the food is absolutely delicious. Second, I did notice the blizzard, therefore I may need to stay a few extra days.”

“Actually that will be fine, the other guests won’t make it in for another couple of days. Did you sleep ok last night?” Nicole inquires.

“Actually I did.” He says with a look of surprised satisfaction on his face. “Since I’ll be the only one staying here for a couple of days, can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure, go ahead.” Nicole replies.

“Please understand, I don’t mean to scare you, and I hope you won’t think I’m insane.” Anthony reluctantly says.

Trying not to sound suspicious, she slowly says, “Ok.”

“Ok,” he mimics, then takes a deep breath. “My wife died 5 years ago. We loved staying here, she loved the snow and loved to ski even more. I don’t enjoy skiing as much as she did, but I did love to see her happy.” He says with pure admiration in his eyes. “Well, we went skiing just after a big storm had hit, one much like this one. We were told of the risks of going out so soon after the storm; but she wanted to go ahead anyway. While we were out there, she went out ahead of me, and she got caught up in an avalanche. As dreadful as that sounds, thankfully she was found and taken to the hospital, but there were complications from the fall and being buried in the snow for a period of time, that she passed away a few days later in the hospital.

“Oh, Anthony I am so sorry.” Nicole says as she lays her hand on his arm.

He nods his head solemnly, and quietly says “Thank you.” Then continues his story. “So, ever since then, I come back to this place, because it seems that she is still here. She absolutely loved this place. Whenever I am here, my dreams of her are so much more vivid, it’s almost like we are sitting down and having a conversation. Each year she would encourage me to continue to pursue my dreams, to live my life and not to be sad, she always reminded me of our most happy times. But last night it was different. This time she told me that it was time to move on, for the both of us. She explained that her time was up, and that she would no longer be able to appear to me in such vivid detail. It was only until I accomplished my career goals, and until I would meet that special person that could help me move on.” Anthony hesitated for a moment, looks directly at Nicole and says, “I think that person is you Nicole.”

Nicole shakes her head in disbelief not sure she heard him correctly, but then inquires, “Why would you think that?”

Because she told me when I heard the song “Just the Way You Are”, that special person would be standing right in front of me.