Just a little more time (and Book Blurb Friday)

As you may or may not know, time and I are not friends. I struggle daily with what my husband constantly refers to as "time management," never having enough time to do what I want or what I have to do, constantly rushing out the door to wherever, and always looking back at moments in time that I wish would last forever, and this is one of those times.

My son celebrates his first communion Saturday, and I sit here wondering just where the time has gone. I can still picture him as a baby (man was he cute, bald as a cue ball, chubby little face), and all those firsts. Like when he finally said the word yes and when he took his first steps (he was in no hurry since his sister did most of his talking and retrieving for him). I still remember the doctor saying not to be in a rush with the potty training, hinting that my son was going to take his sweet time with this-and he was right!

Now as I ready his blue suit, shine his black dress shoes, and find where I put his new tie, I’m nervous-I’m not exactly ready for the new stages coming up with my son just as I’m unsure of my future with a soon to be teen daughter. I’m also sad tonight as I look at my son’s face and still see my little baby boy looking back at me. He still has that little boy look, and I wish time would just slow down, even if it’s just a little bit, then maybe I could get ready…

Speaking of time, it’s Book Blurb Friday. Lisa Ricard Claro, from Writing in the Buff, posts a picture meant to serve as a fictional book cover. It's your job to write a blurb about the book in 150 words or less to entice a prospective reader. Are you up to the challenge?

Blogger was down almost all day yesterday and I didn't know what to do with myself, but I was glad to see that Lisa was able to post for tonight. Here is this week's picture and my story:

Her Time to Run

Dana lived a life others envied-a chauffer to drive her anywhere, maids to pick up after her, and an expense account that knew no limits. She got what she wanted when she wanted it, and her future plans revolved around nothing more than what nightclub she would head to that evening, or that new pair of shoes she wanted to purchase.

So when her friend Lizbeth suggested they hop on a plane and head to Australia there was no hesitation. And when a man touting a weeklong 4WD tour of Simpson Desert approached Dana in a Queensland nightclub, a little beer and a little brawn were all it took to win her over.

But Dana’s wealth speaks volumes to those in need-there’s no telling what someone might do if a prize like her comes rolling into town, and that quick trip to the desert may be her last. (148 words without the title)

Can't wait to get some "time" to swing by your blogs and read your stories!

Mother's Day Greatness (and Succinctly Yours)

It's Mother's Day and here I sit still in my pajamas-I have been given breakfast (I didn't eat the hash browns my husband had made from scratch because that little voice inside me told me not to-my daughter said I should listen to that voice...), I was given cards and gifts, and now my husband and kids (more my husband although the kids are "there") are cleaning their rooms. Things are going out of this house in garbage bags-ah...

I have to laugh at one of my daughter's gifts. She made me coupons, complete with "rules" governing their use, and five of the ten I can use as many times as I want. (Woo hoo!) I looked over the list and there are things like hugs(that's a repeater, although I had to stipulate that this meant hugs when I want them-my son has been throwing himself at me since I chose this!), sending the kids outside (definite repeater coupon), silent time, computer time, being able to pick the movie title, dinner out, etc. I must say that I love how this girl thinks!

Gifts, cleaning without begging, and the thought that I had something to do with these two wonderful people... What could be better? Maybe a beach vacation and temperatures in the eighties, but I'm not complaining. What did all of you do for Mother's Day?

Now it's time for Succinctly Yours, another writing meme that piggy backs on the idea of Susan of the Stony River Blog. Grandma Goulash posts a picture each Monday and you are to write a 140 character or word story about it. You can also use the word of the day in your post if you wish. This week's word is aquatic. Here's this week's picture and my story:

When I was little I watched cows grazing in that field. Now the field is home to piles of limestone, and bulldozers are doing the grazing.(138 characters)

Just a little depressing for such a nice day I know, but this picture hits close to home. Can't wait to head over to your blogs too!

A little late night swim for Book Blurb Friday

What do you think of when you look at a picture? Have you ever thought about of putting those thoughts down on paper and maybe taking it one step further? Well, you're in luck because it's Book Blurb Friday once again!

Lisa Ricard Claro, from Writing in the Buff, posts a picture meant to serve as a fictional book cover. It's your job to write a blurb about the book in 150 words or less to entice a prospective reader. Are you up to the challenge?

For some reason my thoughts went to magic and curses when I looked at this week's photo, so instead of fighting it I went for it. Here is this week's photo and my blurb:

Land by Day, Water by Night

Laura dove into the magic waters and all at once she could feel her legs withering away and her tail taking their place. With her fingers now webbed she propelled herself forward, gliding effortlessly among the reeds, loving how the coolness pulsated through her as she swam.

Every seven days Laura must enter the water at midnight and swim until dawn-the morning sun would break the curse and she would return back to her human form, that is until another seven days passed, and then the cycle would repeat all over again. She had gambled with a sorcerer to save the life of her sister, and now she was paying the price.

Laura didn't think she could ever be free. If anyone knew her plight, or saw her during her nightly swim, the curse would engulf her, making her a permanent resident at the bottom of the lake. (149 words, phew!)

Well, I need to do some work for tomorrow so I better stop stalling. Can't wait to see what everyone else wrote!

A little rain and a little writing

Now I know the rhyme about April coming in like a lion or lamb, and the one about April showers bringing May flowers, but what happens when it's May, and the forecast is predicting rain every day this week? Has Mother Nature lost her mind? I mean we even had tornado warnings Friday morning, and I woke up around 3 AM feeling like we were entering the monsoon season.

Things were so bad on the roadways Friday that several teachers and students couldn't make it into school on time-roadways were flooded and impassible, and we were even preparing for an emergency drill just in case conditions got worse. Thankfully they didn't, and things dried up Friday and into Saturday, but temperatures dropped back down and rain headed our way again today. I'm pretty disappointed because I enjoy spring, but when the weather is like this, I just want to curl up and stay in. Unfortunately, the kids don't feel the same, and there is quite a bit of arguing when you have bored kids... Has it been this way everywhere, or is Pennsylvania the only state turning into a big pile of mud?

Thankfully I can occupy my time with some memes like Succinctly Yours. This is another writing meme that piggy backs on the idea of Susan of the Stony River Blog. Grandma Goulash posts a picture Sunday night and you are to write a 140 character or word story about it. And as an additional challenge, you can use the word of the day in your post. This week's word is invade. Here's this week's picture and my story:

Henry pushed at the two-headed mural, watching the receding wall expose the narrow passage leading to the gang's hideout. He moved forward. (Right on with 140 characters)

So what do you think-about the story and the rain? I think I'll hum a bit of "Rain, rain, go away...," and hopefully swim on by your blogs tomorrow...

The alternate universe on Book Blurb Friday!

It's time to write that best selling novel again, or at least what would go on the book jacket. If you are new to my blog, Lisa Ricard Claro, from Writing in the Buff, posts a picture meant to serve as a fictional book cover. It's your job to write a blurb about the book in 150 words or less to entice a prospective reader. Are you up to the challenge?

Most pictures are taken by Lisa's equally talented daughter, and this week's picture is more than a little interesting. My first thought was murder, but I am in too good a mood to go there, so here is the picture and my story:


And Another Looked Back....

The ocean always soothed Sarah’s soul, no matter what kind of day she was having, and today she needed mega amounts of soothing. Her parents’ divorce was getting ugly and Sarah felt betrayed by both sides-her father had found the love of his life only it wasn’t Sarah’s mother, and Sarah felt her mother’s constant chiding is what finally drove her father away.

Sarah’s parents started fighting early so she headed for refuge. It was an ordinary beach day, catching some rays, flirting with the boys, searching for seashells (or at least pretending to while the boys looked on).

But when all the regulars had gone home, Sarah saw a pair of sunglasses wash up on shore. She picked them up and stared, open mouthed-the lenses reflected another world, and another pair of eyes were staring right back!  (Not bad-138 words, but I'm not too crazy about the title....)

So what's your story? I can't wait to come by!

Play the day away (and Succinctly Yours!)

I hope everyone had a nice Easter! There were some slight disagreements with my kids over the break, but overall the holiday was a wonderful way to reconnect with my family. The weather even cooperated for the last part of the weekend and we spent the majority of our time outside. Nice...

The kids are still off tomorrow, but it's back to school for me (my school district lost spring break and most of our Easter due to the snow storms this winter, but at least I will go back with a smile on my face!)

Now it's time for Succinctly Yours, another writing meme that piggy backs on the idea of Susan of the Stony River Blog. Grandma Goulash posts a picture each Monday and you are to write a 140 character or word story about it. You can also use the word of the day in your post if you wish. This week's word is quaint. Here's this week's picture and my story:

Bessie stared hard, daring me to come closer while the others looked on, and I knew what she was thinking-one false move and you’re mine!  (137 characters)

I'm in such a good mood today that I couldn't resist some humor of my own this evening. I can't wait to read what everyone else came up with!

Still as a statue in Book Blurb Friday!

Ah, my new favorite time of the week-Book Blurb Friday! If you are new to my blog, Lisa Ricard Claro, from Writing in the Buff, posts a picture meant to serve as a fictional book cover. It's your job to write a blurb about the book in 150 words or less to entice a prospective reader. Who knows? It could be the start of something great!

I went with a mythical approach tonight, back in the time of wizards and evil kings. Here is this week's picture and my story:




The Prophecy Reborn

It had been ages since Neila felt the warm of the sun, but she could feel it now, the heat slowly bringing feeling back to her aching limbs. Suddenly her eyes twitched, and blinking for the first time in years, the scene gradually coming into focus was that of her bedroom.

Dust cloths strewn haphazardly about covered remnants of the past, Neila’s past. She remembered the resistance, how her people were preparing for war with the evil King Nathrach, and how the king sought her capture and hand in marriage to end the uprising, and dispute a prophesy.

Neila had ardently refused the union, but the King’s reaction had been puzzling-instead of raging at her insolence, he simply touched Neila’s sleeve and everything went black, like the snuffing of a candle.

But who or what was waking Neila, and how had life in her kingdom changed? (147 words-just made it!)

Wow, I wish I could stay in this alter reality for a bit longer, but it's way past my bed time. I look forward to visiting you all tomorrow!