I’d never planned to stop dancing to the music. The music I loved, but life happened.
A whiff of sawdust, the twang of a guitar or the taste of a cold beer and I’d long for another place another time. Long to recapture that which was lost, but I’d waited too late.
Or so I’d thought, until last night when in your arms, safe and secure, the years fell away, music filled the air and we waltzed across time.
What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word.
The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.
What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week Lillie posts one word for inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word.
Below is my contribution from a WIP:
From the moment she’d lost that first tooth, Lizbeth believed in faeries. Now, the proof lay open in her lap, its pages glowing with letters that shimmered and drawings that sparkled. The air hummed, alive, electric like the coming of a storm. She continued to whisper, watching in awe as the magical words breathed life into the enchanted fey.
One by one their wings fluttered, and unfolding as Monarchs from a flower they stretched lifting from the page.
Have you made a summer reading list? If not, these three will get you started.
If you have, add these three to your list.
1 Literary, 1 Mystery and 1 YA there’s something for everyone.
I read for pleasure. The last couple of weeks have been pure bliss. Choosing a book, is like choosing a rich dessert. A dessert so yummy that my taste buds tingle and the flavor lingers long after the last bite. A good book is when the words or story stay with me long after I read the last page.
Even books I read for research, I choose with care. Enjoyment is my first priority. Life is too short. This morning I’m sitting on my porch, enjoy in a cool breeze and savoring the last of three books. Books that tingled my mind and left me with the realization I’ve a long way to go before I can stand in the shadow of these writers.
I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. Summer is here and I know many of you are looking for great books to read. So here they are, three books to keep you turning the pages, and savoring the phrases late into the night.
Alice I Have Been: A Novel by Melanie Benjamin, is on sale now for $1.99 (Kindle Edition) Grab this while you can it is normally $15.99
A love story and a literary mystery blending fact and fiction. I surprised myself, enjoying this book as I did. It’s not usually my type of book but the writing is beautiful. Ms. Benjamin captures the passionate spirit of a woman who was truly worthy of her fictional alter ego in a world as captivating as the Wonderland only she could inspire.
For mystery, crime and whodunit readers this Edgar-winning novelist Michael Connelly creates a new hero who is a lot greener but no less believable. This was a fun, nail-biting thriller, with a surprising twist at the end. It’s been years since I read one of Mr. Connelly’s books, but I won’t wait years to read another one.
I finished this book late last night. Although, listed as a YA book, I think Mr. Green writes for all ages. His rich words are musical staying with me long after I turned out the light.
This book is a funny, engaging coming of age book. Mr. Green gives his characters real flesh and blood as few authors can. A beautiful story of growing up, adventure and complicated people. I laughed, grew sad and laughed again.
“First comes love then comes marriage, then comes…” Can you remember the taunting nursery rhyme? Aimed at teasing a sibling, friend or maybe at ourselves at that first crush.
Then the real thing hits, love blooms and if you were like me the world had no limits. Oh to be that young again.
The sixties and seventies were magical. The world seemed to be exploding with opportunities. Young and in love we left family and friends far behind for a better life. We would be different, we would not become our parents. Our children would be exposed to all the differences and the wonders we could provide. After all we had a car, and steady paycheck from Uncle Sam. My new husband just had to avoid getting shot at a few more months. After the birth of our first child we left Uncle Sam and New England for the warmth of the South.
I worked hard to become the hippest/hottest new Mom on the block. Dr. Spock was all the rage and with the help of Dr. Joyce Brothers and saran wrap things were hopping at our house. But like many stay at home moms with two kids, a hard-working husband and various pets I became bored with the Desperate Housewife way of life. I needed more.
Along came a cause in the form of religion; Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker. Unless you lived underground you know I’m talking about the 700 Club in Charlotte, N.C. I fell hook line and sinker, found God, and set out to save the world. Soon my family and I were involved in the Assemblies of God and later an independent church that led us to Houston, TX.
We lived and worked in Houston for many years. As all things go in cycles, so did religion. Suffice it to say, our eyes were opened and our hearts broken. Along with a lot of folks we lost everything but each other.
Soon our path led us to Dallas where we’ve built a wonderful life and watched our kids become beautiful adults. Today I thought of an old Frank Sinatra song. Where the lyrics say something about being a puppet, a pauper, a poet, a something a other… Then goes on with… “That’s life.”
My life isn’t what I thought it would be, but I’m not sure how many people can say their life is going exactly as planned.
I set out to set the world afire, it doesn’t need to be ablaze.
I set out to change the world, it’s not a one person job.
I set out to make a difference, I think we all make a difference one way or another.
So here I sit attempting to do something for myself, write. I’ve dabbled at it off and on the last couple of years, as time permitted. Writing is a dream I’ve resurrected from my childhood. This is for me. I hope one day I’ll enjoy reading what I’ve written, as will others.
If not oh well, “That’s Life.”
So when my writing gets off course, like life, and I’m sure it will. I’ll pick myself up, read a good book, dust off my keyboard and try again. If you too need a little encouragement, check out some of the books/blogs below and get back in the race.
Jean's Writing 