sidhe_faerie | Entries tagged with gywo

Getting back into the habit… writing habit that is

Looking at my word totals for the last few years and my failure to make word goals I realized that I needed a new approach to this writing thing.

Back when I started writing I wrote some words every day. It didn't matter how many just that I wrote. I had huge word counts back then. I wasn't even trying to make a goal back then.

I haven't reached my pledge goals for two years and I haven't done well with NaNoWriMo or Camp Nano. I'm getting discouraged with my writing. That's not good. I need to build my confidence up again. I need more success and less failure.

I've been with “Get Your Words Out” for a few years now. I'm going to try something different. Instead of making a word count pledge I'm going to try a habit pledge. Not the uber one but a more obtainable one.

This year my pledge will be writing 240 days for the year. I will be doing the Journeyman pledge.

Even if I only write 25 words a day. I will be getting back into the habit of writing. I will be finishing something. Finishing is good.

I may even forgo Big Bangs and Fests. Well. Maybe. I’m not going to hold myself to that one but I am thinking of not overwhelming myself with deadlines. I need to relax more and just create for the sake of creating.

I will go back to the monthly update posts and keep track of my words just to see how I'm doing. Maybe next December I can go back to a word pledge. Fingers crossed!

GetYourWordsOut: Year Eleven!
Pledges & Requirements | GYWO.net

Dreamwidth: sidhe_faerie
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Twitter: @SIDHEPRINCESS
Tumblr: @originalsunday
Birth Month:
Pledge: 240D Journeyman
Statement of writing goals: I need to get back in the habit of writing everyday

It’s That Time of Year Again
Word Count: 283
Stop Challenge December 8, 2018

Winter is officially here. Yes, that time of year. I'm cold, I ache and I just want a blanket and a cup of hot tea. I really hate being cold. It's like torture and it makes me grumpy.

This isn't new. It happens every year, but I still don't like it. As soon as I get that first chill, I'm cold until May. Sometimes, I don't warm up until the last day of May.

Is it May yet? No? Damn

The cold is bad enough but I really don't like the snow either. Yes, it's pretty but it’s cold too. Slippery, cold, and annoying. I'm not very sure footed and I really hate boots (more than shoes.) Snowy steps and parking lots are like test of my ability to stay upright. Sometimes, I fail the test.

Seriously is it May yet? It needs to hurry……

What am I saying? It snows here in May sometimes. If the cold wet air hits the mountains just right then BOOM! Snow in May. Yep. It's really annoying then and it usually happens when I’m just starting to thaw out.

Not funny Mother Nature!

Okay, so I like where I live but Winter makes me rethink the decision to stay in the mountains every year. I could go south but the image of Santa in a speedo sneaks into my brain. I’ll give you a moment to think about that. Go ahead. I'll wait……

Okay, see what I mean?

I guess I'll just snuggle in my blanket with a hot cup of tea and wait until its warm again. Whenever that will be. Oh look! It's snowing. Isn't that just perfect?

Truce
Pairing Shelly/Bryce
Prompt: BITE THE BULLET- To undertake the most challenging part of a feat of endurance, to face danger with courage and fortitude, to behave stoically or to knuckle down to some difficult or unpleasant task.
The expression originated in field surgery before the use of anesthetics. A surgeon about to operate on a wounded soldier would give him a bullet to bite on, both to distract him from the pain and to make him less likely to cry out.
Word Count: 399
Written for GYWO "Dog Days of Summer Idiomatic Challenge"

Bryce sat in his car outside the building where shelly had her office. He was trying to decide if he wanted to go in.

Shelly told him that she wanted to talk to him. In his experience, that was never a good thing. The last time she wanted to talk to him, she presented him with divorce papers.

Bryce had no idea what she wanted to talk to her about. She wasn't working a case with him. They hadn't had an argument recently. Actually, they were getting along better than they had in years.

Finally, Bryce let out a deep sigh and got out of the car. He decided it was best to bite the bullet and get it over with. He set his jaw and went inside the austere office building. He walked down the hall to the door marked Hastings Investigations and put his hand on the door knob. With one last deep breath he opened the door and went inside.

“
Took you long enough. I left that message early this morning.” Shelly eyed him from her seat behind the desk. “Sit down. We need to talk.”

Bryce sank into the leather chair on the opposite side of the desk. “What’s this about?”

“Us.” Shelly leaned back. “We are blurring the lines Bryce. This is supposed to be a professional relationship.”

“I thought it was.” Bryce was confused. It wasn't like he was bringing her flowers and candy. He was just giving her case files.

“I know what you said to Roddy.” Shelly tilted her head. “Why didn’t you say it to me instead?”

“Shelly, you don’t want to hear that i still love you.” Bryce rubbed his face with his hands. “He should have never said anything to you.”

“He didn't. Jeanie did.” Shelly told him. “You still loving me isn’t the problem. Me still loving you. Now that's a problem.”

Bryce raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“I still love you too.” Shelly sighed. “I’m an idiot but it’s true. Now what do we do about it?”

“Dinner?” Bryce suggested. “Followed by sex?”

“Dinner. yes.” Shelly stood up. “We’ll decide about the sex later.”

“Sounds fair.” Bryce stood up. “Italian?”

Shelly shook her head. “Chinese.”

“I’m glad we had this talk, Shelly.” Bryce reached out his hand to her as they walked past the desk.

“Yeah me too.” Shelly took his hand and gave it a squeeze.

Conference
Prompts: knot, emperor, evaluate, elect, education, effect, egg, eject, elevator, earth, empty
Word Count: 397
Written for GYWO August Challenge: Red-e or Knot

In her mind, she was never going to be ready… how could she be ready with the huge knot in her stomach telling her it was a bad idea. No. It was an extremely bad idea.

What on earth was she thinking? Why would human resources elect to have her do this presentation? They all must have lost their minds.

Alice walked into the empty elevator. This presentation was not going to go well at all. How do you explain to a bunch of ‘good ole boys’ the importance of sexual harassment education in the workplace?

She must be crazy to try to explain how a hostile work environment can cause trauma like effects in women to these old fossils. It's not like women are fragile little eggs but repeated harassment over time can take its toll on even the strongest of women.

Most of these old men evaluate a woman's competency at her job by how she looks in a tight short skirt. She would have more luck getting the Emperor put on some clothes to hide his naked behind.

What's the worst that can happen? They could have security eject her from the conference room. It wouldn't keep them from lawsuits. They already had two sexual harassment suits filed against them.

Alice checked her tablet one last time then tugged on her black pencil skirt. She instantly regretted not wearing pants. She took a deep breath as the elevator doors opened. She walked down the hall and into the conference room.

The old men stared at her behind as she connected her tablet to the large screen. There stares made her skin crawl. She glanced back over her shoulder and noticed they weren't even trying to hide what there doing. She rolled her eyes and finished connecting the equipment.

“Please take your seats. I’m Alice Hatter and this is your mandatory sexual harassment presentation. As department heads you will be required to inforce these policies. Shall we begin?”

She was met by a group of old men staring at her breasts. That was it.

Alice slammed her hand down on the table and they all jumped. “Listen here you dirty minded old perverts, you had better take this seriously or you will end up fired. Now stop looking at my boobs and my ass and pay attention.”

Yeah this was gonna go really great…. Assholes!

GYWO May Challenge: Classified Information

Prompt: your character is seeking… a castle in France for a family reunion

Wanna-be King and head of a large family is looking for a castle in France to rent or buy for a gathering of his kin.

My coffers are quite full. Name your price and i will tell you if it is fair and just.

Lone Survivor
Characters: Shelly Hastings
Word Count: 339
Written for GYWO Writing Exercise 5-4-3-2-1 Challenge

Part A
5 things you see: bright lights, white coats, faces, wires, needles
4 things you hear: typing, talking, beeping, buzzing
3 things you feel: pain, cold, weak
2 things you smell: cigarette smoke, stale coffee
1 thing you taste: blood

Part B
I had no idea where I was when I started to regain consciousness. I know where I had been but I was pretty sure this was not Walmart. Unless it exploded... or something.

The first thing that I remember after the darkness was wincing in pain. The pain seemed to be everywhere. Next, a wave of nausea hit me hard.

The smell of stale coffee and cheap cigarettes did not help matters. I couldnt figure out where I was that would smell so much like my philosophy study group in college.

I tried to sit up but I was too weak. I just fell back down on the cold hard floor. There was a loud buzzing in my head now. I rubbed the back of my hand over my mouth and tasted blood on my busted knuckles.

Was I in a fight?

Suddenly, there was a bright light in my eyes. I couldn't see who it was shining a flashlight in my face but the person was talking to someone. He was saying something about an ambulance.

That's when everything went dark again….

I opened my eyes again but this time I was on my back looking up at a ceiling. Two men in white coats with smiling faces sat on either side of me. They attached wires and inserted needles so fast that i didn't have time to protest.

I wasn't really in any shape to protest. The pain and the buzzing were all consuming now.

I didn't fight as they loaded me into an ambulance and connected a monitor that beep just a little too loud. I just gave in. I was safe but I don't remember anything about how I got unsafe.

I turned my head to the sound of typing on a keyboard. The man had typed into the computer. “Female victim. Lone survivor of an explosion. Identity unknown.”

“Hey! My name is Shelly….. Shelly Hastings“

He turned to smile at me. “Nice to meet you Shelly,. Just relax. We’ll be at the hospital soon.”

Collaborations
Prompt Photo (Playground)
Word Count: 300
Pairing: Shelly Hastings, Bryce Neville

Shelly sat on a swing in a deserted playground. It was an odd place for a meeting but she wasn't the office type. Besides, the person she was meeting had requested to meet her there.

Shelly smiled when a tall thin man in a suit got out of a car and started walking toward her. He was carrying a large manila envelope.

“Hi Bryce do you have a job for me?” Shelly greeted her ex-husband and police detective.

“Shell, this one has us all stumped. I thought maybe you could take a look and tell me what you think.” Bryce handed her the envelope.

“This is a little thin. Is this all you have?” Shelly pulled the file out of the envelope. “Oh! Now I see why you don't have much. The local mob boss.”

“He only says one word when we try to question him.” Bryce sat on the swing next to her.

“Cannoli?” Shelly winked.

“No. Lawyer.” Bryce laughed. “But your right he has put on the pounds the last three years.”

“That's not fat. That’s swelling. He must have a heart or kidney problem. Maybe both.”

Bryce looked at the photo. “Are you sure?”

“Remember Nana? She had that same look about her.” Shelly shrugged. “He's not talking because he's dying. He's taking all his secrets with him.”

“You think that he'd want to clear his conscious.” Bryce frowned.

“I bet his priest knows where all the dead bodies are buried. Father Mackey at Saint Mary's. I could go in dressed as a nun and get the good father nice and boozy.”

“You? A nun?” Bryce laughed so hard he almost fell off the swing. “That cagey old priest will see right through you. You walk like a hooker on sale.”

Shelly hit him with the file.

Do You Care?
Prompt Photo (Glacier/ice field)
Word Count: 100
Pairing: Scientists

The ice cutter Bliss stood anchored a safe distance away from the crumbling glacier. The scientist on board carefully document each piece of ice as it falls into the water at the foot of the glacier. One scientist even films the demise of the once great formation on time lapse film.

It’s this group of scientist that must confirm the fact that the earth is changing and not for the better. Glaciers are melting, waters are rising, and weather patterns are changing but no one listens. Only the scientists seem to care.

The question is: Are they the only ones?

Keeping His Eye On Her
Prompt Bossy
Word Count: 300
Pairing: Cedrick Fellows/Lady Violet.

Cedrick sat back in the pew of the village church. He was there to help with the decorations for his and Lady Violet’s upcoming wedding. He had finished the carrying in and was awaiting his next task.

Lady Violet was fussing about a flower arrangement that one of the church women was working on.

The vicar sat down next to Cedrick. “Good luck with that one, my son. She’s a bossy one. “

Cedrick chuckled. “I know that's how I ended up here. Marriage wasn't even a thought until I met her. One day, I awoke and found myself engaged to her. It was all a blur really.”

The vicar chuckled. “She knows what she wants and how to get it. My late wife was like her. You're in for it.”

“You know, I don't even mind at all.” Cedrick shrugged. “I will gladly let her make me her pet. I think i will even enjoy it at times.”

Lady Violet looked over at Cedrick and raised a delicate eyebrow.

Oh no. I've been caught sitting down. It was good talking to you vicar.” Cedrick stood up and waved to Lady Violet.

“I enjoyed it as well Lord Wickson. I hope to see you both after the wedding in church.” The vicar smiled. “I’m sure the new Lady Wickson will bring you around.”

“I have no doubt she will.” Cedrick grinned and went to see what Lady Violet wanted.

Lady Violet glanced at the vicar over Cedrick/s shoulder. “Was he trying to offer you comfort in your time of need?”

“He was giving me advice on marriage. He said you remind him of his late wife.” Cedrick kissed her cheek. I think he likes you. I shall have to keep my eye on him. “

“You do that.” Lady violet laughed softly.

Mr. Phillips
Prompt Fetor (a strong, foul smell)
Word Count: 300
Pairing: Shelly Hastings

Shelly looked up and down the hallway to make sure that she wasn't being watched. She found the door of the room that she was looking for and picked the lock.

Her client had hired her to find her husband. He had been gone for a week and the police had no clues so far. Shelly had less respectable resources at her disposal and had tracked the man to a rent by the hour motel.

Shelly opened the door and a foul stench hit her in the face. She knew that smell. There was no mistaking the fetor of a decaying body. A person never forgets that smell and Shelly had found a fair few of them.

Shelly looked around the room and didn't see anyone on the bed so she checked the bathroom. That's where she found the source of the smell. It was her client’s husband.

Mr. Phillips was lying in the bathtub covered in flies and maggots. It was obvious that he had been there a while. She snapped a photo with her phone.

Shelly went out into the hallway and shut the door. She scrolled through her contacts to her favorite police detective and sent him a text with the photo and where he could find Mr. Phillips.

Detective Bryce Neville would keep her out of it. He knew she was a good source of information and Shelly trusted him. Bryce was the best ex-husband that a girl could ever hope for.

Bryce would tell his captain the intel was from an anonymous source and do the ugly job of informing Mrs. Phillips in the details of her husband's death.

Shelly found the clients contact information in her phone. She hit dial and waited. This was the part she hated. Shelly never liked giving bad news.

The Catch
Prompt Whine
Word Count: 300
Pairing: Cedrick Fellows/Lady Violet, Dowager Lady Bellmore, Oswald

Lady Bellmore tapped a paper knife on the top of the desk in irritation. “You should have told me. I would have made sure your parents were here.”

“They're on holiday on the continent. They aren't concerned with what I’m up to.” Lady violet stirred her tea. “If they were, I wouldn't have spent so much time with you growing up. “

“Violet!”

“It’s true.” Lady Violet shrugged. “Ced would have been more uncomfortable if they were at the party.”

Your Lord Wickson hasn’t had the training he should have had.” The older lady frowned. “I suppose it's to be expected of a cousin that inherits suddenly.”

Oswald put his paw on lady violets knee and whined. Lady Violet took a biscuit off the tray and handed it to the little dog.

“You will spoil his supper.” Lady Bellmore sighed. “You have a soft heart, Violet.”

“Ced is barely a proper gentleman. He will learn to be lord of the manor in time. He's like Oswald. He needs a bit of training. He whines a bit but i can just give him a biscuit.”

“Husbands are not like dogs, dear.” Lady Bellmore sighed. “Well some are but the good ones are rare.”

“I have a good one. I know it.” Lady violet smiled.

“He is a work on progress at best.” Lady Bellmore frowned as Lady Violet slipped Oswald another biscuit. “No more biscuits for Oswald. He will run around house like he's mad.”

“He does that already.” Lady Violet patted the dogs head. “Ced didn't ask for what he was given but he will do his duty. Trust me. I know I've made the right choice. “

Lady Bellmore thought for a moment. He isn't a whiney prat. Marry him before he realizes he's a catch.”

Lady Violet laughed.

The Tower of London
Prompt: Photo (Snowy street with old cars victorian buildings)
Word Count: 554
Pairing: Cedric Fellows (Lord Wickson)/Lady Violet Bellmore

Cedrick helped Lady Violet out of the back of the car in front of her grandmother’s London townhouse.

Watch yourself darling the sidewalk is still a little slippery. Cedrick put his hand on her back to steady her.

Lady Violet looked down and carefully picked her way to the front door. She banged the door knocker and turned to Cedrick.

“I don’t understand why the walk hasn’t be cleared properly. Grandmother’s staff is usually more careful than that.” Lady Violet shook the snow off her skirts.

“I’m more concerned with why we were summoned.” Cedrick brushed the snow piling up on his coat. “This could have waited until the weather was better. Its dumping out here.”

The door opened and a stern faced butler appeared. He bowed slightly and let them in. Two footmen came to take their coats before they were ushered them into a sitting room.

The Dowager Lady Bellmore sat on a settee near the hearth with a small dog on the cushion next to her. The dog raised its head and growled when they walked in.

“Now Oswald. You know that’s our Violet and her husband Roderick. The dowager stroked the dogs head.

“Grandmother, his name is Cedrick. He’s Lord Wickson.” Lady Violet sat down in a chair opposite the older woman. “Why have you summoned us out into this horrible weather?”

“I wanted to know when the baby is coming.” Lady Bellmore waved to the butler. “Bring some tea.”

The butler nodded and disappeared to order the tea.

“What baby?” Cedrick sat down on the foot stool beside the chair.

“You have been married three months. There should be a baby by now unless Roderick here can’t get the job done.” The older woman looked Cedrick up and done then rolled her eyes. “What do you see in him? I just don’t understand at all.”

“He entertains me.” Lady Violet winked at Cedrick. “Grandmother, I’m not pregnant yet.’

“Don’t be vulgar, child. Say you are not with child.” Lady Bellmore stroked the dog’s head. “You’re upsetting Oswald. You know how sensitive he is.”

Cedrick looked at the floor so Lady Bellmore didn’t see how hard he was trying to keep from laughing.

“Grandmother, these things take time. We are working on it. I promise.” Lady Violet reached over and pinched Cedrick on the arm. “Aren’t we Cedrick?”

Cedrick looked up and nodded. “Yes we are. We are working very diligently at producing an heir.”

“Good. You will stay here tonight. The weather is very bad. I expect you to work on that heir while you’re here. We will all retire early so that you have ample time to get the job done.”

The butler held the door as a footman brought in the tea service and sat it on the low table in front of the dowager.

“Thomas, see that the blue room is made up for Lord and Lady Wickson. They will be staying the night to work on their heir.”

“Grandmother!” Lady Violet shook her head.

“What? They will hear you.” The dowager looked Cedrick up and down again. “If he does his job correctly that is.”

Cedrick looked at Lady Violet and grinned at her pink cheeks. He turned to the dowager. “They shall hear us in the Tower of London. I promise you, my lady.”

Ideas
Prompt: Fizz
Word Count: 485
Pairing: Cedric Fellows (Lord Wickson)/Lady Violet Bellmore

The cork popped on the champagne bottle and Lady Violet turned to look at Cedrick. Her questioning look made him grin.

“What are we celebrating?” Lady Violet took the glass of champagne that Cedrick brought to her. “We aren’t married yet?”

“It’s only a week away now.” Ced sat down next to her on the settee. “We have been going nonstop since we decided to go through with this.”

Lady Violet took a sip of the fizzy wine. “This isn’t bad? French?”

“Italian.” Cedrick raised his glass in a toast. “To the future and whatever it brings.”

Lady Violet clinked her glass to his. “I like you Ced. You are very entertaining. I need that in a husband.” She looked at him through her eyelashes. “I will need more than just fizz to keep me happy you know. I’m going to need some sizzle too.”

“I think I can manage some sizzle.” Cedrick kissed her cheek. “You are kinda cute, you know.”

“Just kinda?” Lady Violet playfully slapped his arm. “You’re lucky to have me and you know it.”

Cedrick grinned. “I haven’t had you yet.” He took a sip of champagne and chuckled at her pink cheeks.

Lady Violet downed the glass and gave him a mischievous look. “Want to have me now?”

Cedrick choked on his champagne. He coughed then looked at Lady Violet with a raised eyebrow.

“I don’t think a week will matter at all and I’d like to find out what I’m in for.” Lady Violet smirked.

“You have got to be kidding?” Cedrick laughed. “I’ve been trying to have you since we announced our engagement.”

“I know.” Lady Violet laughed. “It’s been amusing. Pour me some more fizzy and we can negotiate terms for early access.”

Cedrick poured her another glass. “So you want to negotiate terms? I have some terms too, you know.”

“Really?!” Lady Violet giggled. “You do realize that I’m not a doxy from a London gutter. There are certain things a lady doesn’t do.”

“You may be a lady in title but you and I know that you’re not the typical woman. You go after what you want.” Cedrick studied her for a moment. “You wanted me and now you have me.”

“Like I said we haven’t had each other yet. You tease me and I tease you but I’m getting bored with the teasing.” Lady Violet raised her skirt above her ankle. “Shall I just pull up my skirts so we can get to it?”

Cedrick looked around. “Violet, not so loud. The staff will hear you.”

Violet laughed. She put down her glass and stood up. “Come with me. I have an idea.”

Cedrick put down his glass. He stood up and took her hand. “I like your ideas.” He leaned over and kissed her on the lips.

“You’ll really like this one.” Lady Violet pulled him by the hand out of room

Chapel of Love
Prompt: Piney
Word Count: 477
Pairing: Cedric Fellows (Lord Wickson)/Lady Violet Bellmore

The chapel on the Wilding estate was in a state of disrepair from years of neglect. Cedrick wasn't going to tear it down but there was just no money to repair it in time for the wedding.

Cedrick sat in the first pew and looked up at the hole in the ceiling. He sighed and rubbed his chin. “This is not what I expected.”

“It's not as posh as Westminster Abbey but it has potential. What do you think, darling?” Violet ran her hand along the tarnished copper rail in front of the altar. She rubbed her hands together to knock the dust off her gloves.

“I think it’s about to fall on our heads.” Cedrick sighed. “We can’t get married here. Look at the state of this place! It’s a derilect.”

“I don’t know.” Lady Violet looked around again. “My grandmother thinks we should get married here and not London. She says it will show the village that there is hope for the future with new blood in the big house.”

“As much as I respect Lady Bellmore, i still think that’s rubbish.” Cedrick looked around. “The pews are rotting the ceiling is falling in and there's a tree growing in the corner there.” He pointed to a small scraggly pine tree growing in the corner by the door.

Lady Violet sat down next to him. “I think it gives the place a nice piney smell.” She kissed him on the cheek. “According to the vicar, this is still consecrated ground. We just need to clean it up a bit.”

“Set it on fire and start fresh, you mean.” Cedrick looked at his wife to be. “We don't have the money to do all the repairs it needs. We will just have to get married in the village church. I'm sorry Violet. I know you had your heart set on something a little more personal and intimate.”

Lady Violet pouted. “Fine! We marry in the gaudy village church but we still should still repair it. It’s a church. We will want it in shape to christen our children.”

“I'll look out what it will take to make it safe.” Cedrick relented. “The tree goes. That is a given.”

“It stays!” Violet kissed his cheek. “I like the piney smell. We can use it at the holidays.”

“Christmas trees are pagan.” Cedrick glared at the tree. “The vicar will object.”

“Let the old vicar object. He can take his complaint to me and I can advise him where he should shove them.” Lady Violet giggled.

Cedrick laughed. “I can only imagine where there that will be.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. Violet, you will make him blush. You will be a handful after we are married.”

“I intend to be several handfuls.” Violet grinned and leaned against Cedrick’s shoulder. “You will love it. I promise.”

Announcement
Prompt: Honest
Word Count: 481
Pairing: Cedrick Fellows (Lord Wickson)/Lady Violet Bellmore

Cedrick stared at the full length mirror. He smoothed his short brown hair down for the third time. There was something bothering him and it wasn't the fit of his waistcoat and tails. He was about to do the craziest thing in the world.

In all honesty, Cedrick wasn't the one with the idea but it did solve his problems. The Idea was conceived by lady Violet Bellmore. He was starting to wonder if he could keep his end of the bargain.

An arranged marriage was in the works between the newly minted Lord Wickson and the lovely Lady Violet. Tonight they were going to announce the engagement at her grandmother's party.

There was a knock on the door. The butler opened it slowly and entered. “Lady Bellmore has arrived, my lord.”

Cedrick nodded and picked up his gloves. “I better not keep her waiting.”

“Very good, my lord.” The butler stood aside to let Cedrick pass.

Cedrick headed for the foyer and froze on the stairs as he saw her standing there.

Lady Violet Bellmore had her long blonde hair up in an elaborate coiffure. Her dress was red with white lace and crystals sparkling in the low light from the chandelier. He had never seen a woman as beautiful as she was at that moment.

“There you are, Ced!” She smiled up at him. “Hurry along now. I have my driver waiting.”

“Yes! Right!” Cedrick came down to stand beside her. A footman handed him his top hat. “You are a vision.”

Violet blushed slightly. “You're not so bad yourself. Quite dashing in that set of tails.”

“Shall we my darling.” Cedrick offered her an arm and they went out to the car together.

Lady Violet eyed him intently. “You look worried. Are you backing out of our arrangement?”

“No.” Cedrick shook his head. “But was starting to have second thoughts.“

“Are you having them now? Be honest!” Lady violet stopped him a few feet from the car.

“No.” Cedrick took her hands in his and kissed them. “I know that this will be the best thing for both of us. I can say with truth in my heart that i am committed to you, Violet.” Cedrick grinned. “Lady Wickson.”

“I’m not Lady Wickson, yet.” Violet gave him a long hard look. “If i didn’t know any better I would say you have fallen for me.”

Cedrick chuckled. “So what if i have. It will only make things go more smoothly.”

Lady Violet took his arm again.” I was hoping for a little bumpy here and there.”

Cedrick blinked in surprise then leaned to her ear to whisper in it. “You will get plenty of bumpy on our wedding night.”

Violet giggled. She turned and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. She fluttered her lashes at him. “Naughty man!”

Cedrick laughed as he opened the car door.

Thinky Thoughts (Strike)
Word Count: 137
Prompts: spiritual, roll, thread, exclusion, active, curious, independent, knife, gravel, safety
Written for January Word Bowling Challenge 2018

I don't lead an active life these days. Age and time have made me less

independent than I would like to be. I suppose it's only my sharp mind

and curious nature that keeps me going these days. My thoughts follow

a single thread until its very end. Sometimes i need to cut off my

thoughts with an imaginary knife. A sharp and shiny one of course.

Even with imaginary knives you must think of safety first. My mind can

get on a roll and i will be so engrossed in my own thoughts that i forget

everything else. It's like a piece of sharp gravel that must be ground

down over time. The subjects range from a spiritual nature to mankind's

need to justify its existence to the exclusion of all other life. I'm a thinker.

Angel at Christmas
Word Count: 1162
GYWO Stop Challenge

It started as a feeling but soon became her reality. She could feel the hope in the air so close to Christmas.

Angel Mackenzie flattened herself against the brick wall of the alley behind a dumpster. She could still hear the footsteps getting closer. She closed her eyes and held her breath just in case the person who belonged to those footsteps wanted to find her.

“Hello there. I saw you come in here. This isn’t a very safe place for a woman to be walking.” A man’s voice calmly stated.

Angel opened one eye and looked at the old man standing in front of her. “Who the hell are you?”

The old man laughed. “I am Father Bernard from Our Lady of Angels. Who are you?”

“I’m Angel.” Angel relaxed a little but she was still on guard. “Ironic, huh?”

“Indeed!” The old priest chuckled. Come on then. I will walk you out of this place back to the main street. Are you on your way home? If it isn’t too far, I could walk with you. Just to make sure you are safe.”

“I don’t have a home really.” Angel pushed back her black curls. “I was just looking for a place to sleep.”

“We have a shelter at the church. I’m sure we can find a space for one more especially one of Our Lady’s angels.” Father Bernard held out his hand to her. “It’s better than sleeping out here in the cold.”

“Okay but I’m not that religious.” Angel took his hand. I haven’t been in a church for a long time.”

“You don’t have to be devout to seek shelter with us, my child. God loves everyone.” The old priest patted her hand. “We may be able to find you something more permeant and a job to pay for it.”

“Thank you.” Angel said quietly.

“Now, how old are you and why are you out in the cold so close to Christmas?” The old priest asked.

“I’m 18 as of yesterday. My father told me that I was a burden on the family. He threw me out with just what I could carry.” Angel held up a backpack. “It’s just some clothes. We never had much but … I don’t know. You have probably heard it a thousand times before.”

“Yes. I have. It never gets any easier to hear.” The priest nodded. He led her around the corner to a large gothic church. “Here we are. The shelter is in the basement.”

They walked down a set of steps to a red door. The old priest opened the door and held it as she walked through.

“Hello Father.” A middle aged woman dressed in a modern nuns habit smiled from the desk. “I see you have found a new friend.”

“Yes I have, Sister Mercy. This is Angel. I would say she needs a hot meal and a bed.

“Angel?” Sister mercy got up and looked her up and down. “We can’t have an angel on the street cold and hungry, can we? This way child. I have the perfect place for you.”

“Go on.” The old priest patted her hand. “Sister Mercy will take care of you.”

“Thank you again, Father Bernard. Angel smiled then let the nun take her into a large room filled tables and chairs.

Sister Mercy waved to a man at the counter. “Michael, could you bring our new friend a plate?”

“Yes sister.” The man turned to put food on a clean plate.

“Michael is our cook and handyman.” Sister Mercy explained.

Angel sat at a table with the nun. “I don’t want to be any trouble.”

“You aren’t any trouble. I’ll make up a room for you. Stay here and eat your supper.” Sister Mercy patted her on the shoulder.

They’re good people. Michael sat down at the table. You can trust them. I’ve been here three years. I was on the hooch and they helped me get sober and find a job. Now I help out when I can to pay them back for all they did.

Angel just nodded as she ate. It was a simple stew and bread but it tasted good after going without for so long.

“I’ve seen all kinds come through here. Some come back and help out when they can like me.” Michael smiled at her nearly empty plate. “Want some more?”

“I’m good.” Angel finally said as she dipped the last piece of bread in the gravy on the plate. “It was very good.”

“My Mama’s recipe.” Michael smiled. “She’s an angel now. She got to see me sober before she passed. I’m proud of that.”

Sister Mercy came back in the room. “I have a room all ready for you and I put an extra blanket on the bed.”

“Thank you.” Angel smiled at Michael. “And thank you Sister. I think I will need that extra blanket. It’s going to snow.”

Sister Mercy smiled. “Let’s hope so. I have always liked a white Christmas. This way child.”

Angel stood up and picked up her backpack. She followed the Sister to a small room with only a bed and a night table in it. There was a large cross handing over the bed.

“These rooms were part the nun’s quarters when this place was a convent. It isn’t much but it’s out of the cold and safe.” Sister Mercy looked around as they entered.

“It’s fine.” Angel put her backpack on the bed. “Thank you sister.”

“I will come to knock on the door when breakfast is served. You rest well my child.” Sister Mercy closed the door and left her alone.

“I have found what I was looking for. I’m ready to come home.” Angel stood in the middle of the room.

A bright white light filled the room and she vanished. A note and a single white feather fluttered to the bed from somewhere above.
X
The next morning Sister Mercy knocked on the door. Angel time to rise and shine! You were right it did snow last night. She waited for an answer.

When there was no answer, she opened the door and found the room empty.

"Angel?" Sister Mercy looked around. "I wonder where she went. The bed hasn’t even been slept in."

The Sister started to walk out but she saw something on the bed. On the bed, there was a large white feather and a note. She went to the bed and picked up the note and read it.

“I needed comfort and you gave it. I needed shelter and you provided it. I needed substance and I was nourished.

Blessed are those that give without expecting a return.

I was a child of earth for one day. Now I am at Our Lady’s side once again. I leave a simple feather from my wing as proof that I was here among you.

Angel”

Sister Mercy gasped and ran out of the room. “Father Bernard!”

Infinity and Mankind
Word Count: 125
GYWO Snapshot Challenge)

In the scheme of things, the existence of humans is but a dot in the infinite loop of time. Time is the only thing that is infinite.

Our species will not last until the end of time. That is not a statement of doom but a fact. We evolved, rose to glory and when we fall there will still be more time.

We like to kid ourselves that we are infinite. It’s a lie to make ourselves feel powerful. What is the alternative? Tel the truth and feel powerless?

The best we can do is use our time in this infinite loop of time wisely. We must leave the best mark on the universe that we can. What does that mean?

Only time will tell…..

What I learned about my writing in 2017…

Real life can get in the way of my writing. I can procrastinate like a champ. I need structure to make words.

Let me explain….

Real life can kill the word count.
This year I had more than I bargained for in the real life department. From a hospital stay to bottle feeding kittens, there was always something that kept me from putting words on the word doc.

I need to learn to say no more often. Saying no to the pregnant cat would have been a better idea than saying okay. I was so busy with her that I didn't even think of stories to write. Alas, it was all in vain. She and her three kittens died as well as another kitten that was dropped on my lap to bottle feed.

I need to look where I'm going in real life and in writing. The path is sometimes fraught with obstacles. You never know when you might step on something or in something.

I stepped on a young copperhead snake and spent two days in the STICU. Yay me! I have a first hand account in the works. Short version is that I didn't lose my foot and bed pans suck.

Write what you know they said….. some things I would just rather not know.

Procrastination (and Netflix) is the enemy.
I found far too many things to watch on Netflix. British Drama and fantasy shows are my weakness. I also have a thing with royalty.

I really need to stop with the british drama. I think i have a thing for the accents in the UK. This disturbs and intrigues me at the same time.

Murder and crime shows are so different in the UK. They're not like ours with bullets whizzing everywhere. They make you use your brain and your words to solve crime. It's a nice thought but that’s why it's television and not real life.

I discovered The Magicians this year. It is like a train wreck not really that good but I couldn't stop watching it. It's definitely not Harry Potter or Narnia. It's really more disturbing than anything. Its truly an adult show.

I rewatch things too. It was research or that was what I told myself. I think I did a little too much research.

Fanfiction is great but I want to write more of my own stuff. I need to walk that line between original fiction and fanfiction without leaning too much one way or the other.

Location and rituals make words
I need to set up a time to write everyday. It needs to be enough time to accomplish my daily word count and maybe a little more. More is always better.

I need to have a good spot to write and everything I need in one central location. The sofa ot the soft chair in the bedroom are my favorite spots to write. I do tend to be more productive on the sofa, however.

I need to focus on what it takes to get me to write words. I may need to just make tea and sit with my cup and the pot. Snacks are good sometimes to when I do a read through to edit or continue a story.

Sometimes it's just a matter of focus. Music helps tune out the rest of the planet when i need it to. I should just put in my earbuds and write the words.

Writing is a gift not a chore.
When the stories flow it's a great feeling. If I have no story in my head to write then I feel alone and discouraged.

The stories that I hear in my head are from my muse. She is fickle and capricious as most muses are. She tells me what needs to be written and if I dont go along with her choice then I get nothing. I got a lot of nothing in 2017.

If I take all of this into consideration then I should have a great year that won't be difficult at all. Well maybe not as difficult as 2017

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July 2024

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The Pink Journal

Original Fiction

Entries tagged with gywo

Getting back into the habit… writing habit that is

OFFICIAL PLEDGE TIME

It’s That Time of Year Again

Truce

Conference

GYWO May Challenge: Classified Information

Lone Survivor

Collaborations

Do You Care?

Keeping His Eye On Her

Mr. Phillips

The Catch

The Tower of London

Ideas

Chapel of Love

Announcement

Thinky Thoughts (Strike)

Angel at Christmas

Infinity and Mankind

What I learned about my writing in 2017…