*The catch is that we can only use the synonyms to these words in our poems.
Colleen hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called, Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challengeevery Tuesday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your Haiku, Tanka, Haibun, Etheree or Cinquain poem. She is an author and poet, and also does book reviews and so much more on her blog. Be sure to check it out.
Artist Luis Royo
Can You Hold A Burning Star? Proud Elven Princess dazzles with beauty and charm She’ll capture your soul You may think you’ve won her heart til she swoops and slits your throat
Photograph: Christmas Day Brunch at the Rosen Plaza Hotel
(^ Click play to hear song)
Hello, and welcome to my blog! I love receiving visitors, although I have to admit that I’ve been a bit “Bah Humbug!” this year. I’ve been slow getting into the Christmas spirit.
I recently watched the movie, ‘Lady in the Water‘ and I began to feel a spark of Christmas joy. The movie isn’t a Christmas movie but it has all the elements of a feel good holiday movie. I love movies where a diverse and interesting cast of characters come together to solve a problem. Some of my friends didn’t like it because they didn’t get it. Of course, this movie is pure fantasy and based on mythology but if you watch it with this in mind you will enjoy it.
‘Lady in the Water‘ is an American fantasy thriller that’s exciting, funny at times with some scary and suspenseful moments in between and it’s one of those movies that’ll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I love it and highly recommend it.
Santa sat in calm reflection,
his heart was set in one direction,
Christmas day is near.
His opened list, he checked it twice
Who was naughty, who was nice,
Christmas day is near.
Soft white beard, stroked in thought,
Making sure no one’s forgot.
Christmas day is near.
Santa’s head chock full of names,
Who gets dolls and who gets games.
Christmas day is near.
Mrs. Claus feeds and stuffs her man,
To make him jolly as she can.
Christmas day is near.
Toys for Tommy, toys for Jane,
No one forgotten, it is plain.
Christmas day is near.
Mrs. Claus loves to sing,
Fa-la-la’s when bells do ring.
Christmas day is near.
Santa’s elves outdo themselves,
Stacking toys upon the shelves.
Christmas day is near.
Presents packed in his red sleigh,
Elves have worked night and day.
Christmas day is here.
Eight reindeer groomed and fed,
Rudolph waiting at the head.
Christmas day is here.
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen,
Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.
Christmas day is here.
The children, good as gold each day,
You-Know-Who is on his way!
Christmas day is here.
His pipe fit tight between his lips,
His red suit wrapped round his hips.
Christmas day is here.
Through the night sky his team flew,
On the way to me and you.
Christmas day is here.
On the rooftops, click-click-click,
Tiny hooves landed mighty quick.
Christmas day is here.
Down the chimney with full pack,
Stockings stuffed with Cracker Jack.
Christmas day is here.
“To All, A Goodnight!”
Eats your cookies, drinks the milk,
Up the chimney, smooth as silk.
Christmas day is here.
“Happy Christmas to all tonight
To all I wish a fond Good Night!”
Christmas day is here.
♦
Happy Holidays from sunny Florida!
My family celebrates Christmas Eve with lots of food, drinks, music and dancing. On Christmas Day we sleep in, and then enjoy opening gifts and a nice brunch of leftovers from the night before. So my post today features delicious Christmas breakfast/brunch recipes. I hope you enjoy them!
♦
You can prepare this delicious breakfast casserole the day before and bake Christmas morning. A great recipe from Allrecipes.com
Christmas Brunch Casserole
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If you’re like me you’ve gotta have bread! I ran across this beautiful and festive bread recipe at My Diverse Kitchen At first, I thought it would be too complicated to make, but Aparna gives you step-by-step instructions that simplify the process. I’m going to try it!
Golden Santa Bread
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I love pancakes and these look amazing! I got the recipe from Allrecipes.com
Grandma’s Gingerbread Pancakes
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Crumb Cake + French Toast = Scrumptiousness (is this a word? Hmm)
Cinnamon Streusel French Toast
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If your family is like mine then you had a big Christmas Eve party with lots of food. This is a great recipe made from leftover mashed potatoes from Key Ingredient
Bacon Cheddar Potato Cakes
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Feeling drowsy Christmas morning? The following recipes will wake you right up and get you going.
A warm word of welcome to everyone today. Thank you for visiting my blog. Sit back and enjoy today’s post.
How Will The World End?
We’ve all heard and read many theories of how the world will end. This is a subject that I’ve thought about from time to time (somber, I know). I have my own theory of how the world will end, but before I get to that I’d like to first mention other worldwide theories.
There are scientists who have theories such as the explosion of the moon, a giant meteor collision, or a misbehaving sun violently releasing a sudden blaze of fire our way. Some add an extremist in power, drunk with supremacy, who releases nuclear weapons causing World War III and the end of the world.
Solar Flare
Moon explodes and collides with the Earth
Nuclear bombs released worldwide
A number of experts say the world will end in an inferno, while others believe in a new ice age. I don’t buy it.
The World Freezes Over
The World On Fire
The truth is there are seven billion of us now inhabiting every breathing space on this planet, even the most remote corners of the world that were once thought uninhabitable. The human species is like a virus.
VIRUS
A virus is a tiny parasite. One that’s not too bright because it kills its host, and then it too dies as a consequence. Mankind, like a virus, has infected this planet. We will continue to multiply, invade and destroy the earth until there is nothing left, and then we too will perish. Not too bright.
However, this is where my theory comes in…wait for it, this is going to be good. Microscopic species, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi have been around long before us, and will never allow the human species to destroy the planet. No matter what doomsday scenario we concoct, there is nothing we’ve yet conceived of that can kill every bacteria, virus and fungus on earth. So how do I believe the world will end?
Actually I believe the world will go on, but the human race, as we know it, will cease to exist. Perhaps the final stanza of the famous poem The Hollow Menby T.S. Eliot will give you a hint about my theory.
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper.
You see, I don’t believe the end of our world will come from an earth-killing asteroid, a nuclear war or a solar flare. I believe the smallest and oldest species on the planet will do us in.
Rabies Virus
Viruses and bacteria continue to mutate and become stronger. Every time a person gets infected by bacteria and does not finish their course of antibiotics, those bacteria become stronger and more adapted to the antibiotic. Soon, they will become resistant to treatment. A “Super Bug.”
A Zombie Apocalypse sounds far fetched, but is it? Don’t get me wrong, I know dead humans can’t come back to life, but there are certain viruses that can induce such aggressive, maniacal, zombie-like behavior. The rabies virus comes to mind.
Rabies in Latin means madness. Any warm-blooded mammal can become infected with the rabies virus, including humans. The virus has been adapted to grow in our cells. Rabies infects the central nervous system of its host and can drive a person violently mad.
Violently Crazy
When the influenza virus was first introduced it spread like wildfire, infecting five hundred million people across the world and killing five percent of the world’s population. This happened because the virus was airborne.
Imagine for a minute what would happen if the rabies virus were to mutate and become a “Super Bug.” I’ll give you a minute.
The rabies virus would invade our living cells and cause genetic mutation, and if the infection became airborne, it would spread quickly through the air from one person to another. We then might have the makings of a Zombie Apocalypse.
Zombie Apocalypse
Humans would cease to possess the qualities, which we have determined make us human. People would scurry about – hostile, foaming at the mouth, taking chunks off their neighbors with their teeth.
Okay, calm down. I’m not a scientist. I’ve probably seen 28 Days Later and I Am Legend more times than is advisable. Besides, doesn’t it take eons for a virus to mutate so drastically? So we probably won’t see anything like this happening in our lifetime or that of our loved ones.
Unless…
There are rumors that our government is trying to create a biological armament. They are experimenting with viruses and genetic mutation (not too bright). Perhaps the geniuses messing around with Mother Nature’s most lethal weapons will bring about the Zombie Apocalypse a lot sooner than nature intended.
Mad Science
So how will the world end? Not with a bang, but with the whimper of a man being bit in the neck by a zombie.
How do you think the world will end?
(For those of you still not acquainted with my humor; the above post is purely fictional and solely for entertainment. It should not be taken seriously. So don’t go out and purchase zombie slaying weapons, start an anti-zombie campaign or dig a hole in your backyard to build a doomsday anti-zombie bunker.)
“Raven, I can’t believe you’re really going through with it.” Nina’s face was frozen in an astonished smile.
“Once you and Travis leave for college, there’ll be nothing left for me in this small town.” Raven frowned. “Besides, I’m an artist, Nina! I need to expand my wings and fly!” She swung her arms outward and fell back on the grass surrounding Lake Creepy-Crawly.
“But . . . New York is such a big city. Aren’t you afraid you’ll be swallowed up by the masses?”
“I plan to shine bright like a Nova. By the time I’m through with that town, everyone will know my name.”
Nina glanced at Raven and giggled. Raven joined in her laughter and suddenly jumped to her feet.
“Lets go in!”
“Go in where?”
“Lets go for a swim in the lake. For old time’s sake.” Raven’s blue eyes glittered with mischievousness.
“No way! Why do you think the town nicknamed it LakeCreepy-Crawly? If you go in, you won’t be swimming alone. There are things in that lake. They’ll crawl all over you.”
“That’s not true!”
“It is!” Nina yelled. “No one has gone swimming there for years. Not since the incident.”
“Do you mean when the fish died?”
“It was more than just a few fish. Old man Sam said that the big company out by Expiry road had something to do with it. He saw them dump things into the lake one night. The next morning, the lake’s fish were floating on the surface. Dead.”
“Old man Sam drinks!”
“Yes, but he wasn’t the only one who witnessed the dead fish, and everyone knows that nothing grows or lives in that lake anymore, except . . . except those things.” Nina shuddered.
“It’s been a while since that happened.” Raven looked out to the lake. “Those things have probably always been there. Besides, they’re tiny.”
“They were tiny. With time, everything changes . . . and not always for the best.”
Without waiting for the end of Nina’s sentence, Raven ran and jumped into the lake and splashed around happily, as though she hadn’t a care in the world. A powerful feeling of foreboding enshrouded Nina like a suffocating blanket. When Raven finally emerged from the lake, Nina rushed to her.
“You’re nuts! Sometimes I think you just do crazy things to torment me.”
Raven scoffed. “Who’s being dramatic now, huh?”
Nina picked up the blanket they had been sitting on and placed it around Raven’s shoulders.
“Ugh!” Raven groaned. She tilted her head sideways and pounded on it with the palm of her hand.
“What’s wrong?”
“There must be water in my ear.” Raven shook her head. “There, I think that did it.”
“I don’t know how you could swim in that murky water. Look at it—it’s black!”
Raven waved her hand dismissively. “Let’s go home.”
“Yes! You need a shower.” Nina giggled, pinching her nose and waving her hand as though to clear the stench in the air.
“Gimme hug! Me want big hug!” Raven joked as she ran after a screaming Nina.
*Two months later *
“Campus life is great! ” Nina raved on the phone. “I’m really enjoying myself here. I’m doing really well in my classes, and I’ve made some new friends. Oh, and Travis says hello!”
“That’s great. I’m doing okay, too. I’m painting almost non-stop. I showed one of my works in progress to the manager of a posh art gallery downtown. He was impressed and offered to show my work in early November.”
“That’s awesome, Raven!”
“Will you come for the opening?”
“But we talked about me visiting for Halloween, remember? To see how New York celebrates our favorite holiday?”
“You could stay through the first week of November,” Raven said in a sullen voice.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Why do you ask?”
“You don’t sound like yourself. Aren’t you excited about Halloween and your very first art show?”
“Of course I am. It’s just these headaches . . . I can’t seem to shake.”
“Have you seen a doctor?”
“No. It’s only headaches. Two Advil, and I’ll be all right.”
“But if you can’t get rid of it—”
“The pills will help take the edge off so I can get back to work.”
“Alright, but if the headaches continue, you’ll need to see someone.”
“Yeah, well . . . If I want to have these paintings done by the opening, I’d better get back to work. We’ll talk again soon.”
“Okay. Bye, Raven. Take care.”
*One month later*
“Aaaahhhhhh! Aaaahhhhh! Get out of there!” Raven pounded her head. She collapsed to the floor and pulled her hair with both hands. She screamed and groaned as she squirmed on the floor of her one-bedroom apartment.
A banging on the door did not stop her howling.
“Miss Raven! Open the door, Miss Raven!” An old woman banged on the door. “That racket is driving everybody crazy!”
Raven opened the door. Her long dark hair was disheveled and covered a good portion of her face. Her shoulders were scrunched around her ears. Her blue eyes, once vivid azures, were now dull and foggy, with intense redness where the whites should be and deep dark circles underneath. Her usually rosy lips were pale and dry.
At the sight of her, the building superintendent flinched and squinted, as though trying not to capture all the unpleasantness at once. “Are you ill?” She stared at her wringing her hands.
“No. I’m fine.”
“You don’t look too good. Maybe you should see a doctor.”
“A doctor can’t help me with what I’ve got!” Raven bellowed making the woman jump. “You need to leave me alone.”
“I have received countless complaints from your neighbors about screaming, loud banging and crashing noises coming from your apartment.”
“You keep knocking on my door!”
“And each time you tell me that the noises will stop, but I keep getting complaints from your neighbors.” She added with a grumble, “If the noises don’t stop, I’ll have to call the police.”
“I assure you–––the complaints will stop.”
The superintendent narrowed her eyes. “Make sure they do. I don’t want to come back here again.” She turned and shuffled away.
Raven followed the old woman with her eyes until she was out of sight.
*
“Hello, Raven. How are you? I’ve been calling and leaving messages, but you never return my calls.”
“Hi, Nina!” Raven said in an excited voice.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m great!”
“Why are you yelling? You sound manic. Are you sure you’re fine?”
“I’m just excited to hear from you. I’m sorry about not returning your calls. I’ve been very busy, working on my paintings. I’m all done now! I have left over materials, so I’m using them to decorate for Halloween. You’re still coming up, right?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Good! I’m throwing a Halloween party! I’ve invited some friends and neighbors. You’re going to love what I’ve done with the place.”
*All Hollow’s Eve*
“Raven is going to be surprised to see you. I hope she doesn’t get angry,” Nina said.
“Why would she? I’m your date for the party.” Travis blinked at her and smiled.
“She hasn’t been herself lately. Sometimes on the phone, she seems despondent and her voice is barely audible; other times, her voice is excited and shrill. But the last time we spoke, it was more like a groan or a growl.”
Travis scrunched his brow. “That weird.”
“She’s been having these terrible headaches, but she refuses to see a doctor. I’ve been calling her all day, but I haven’t been able to reach her. And yet, she knows I’m arriving today. I hope she’s okay.”
“Well, she’s throwing a Halloween party. How bad could she be?” Travis said. “She’s probably busy putting the party together.”
“You’re right. Halloween was always our favorite holiday. She’s probably knee-deep in Halloween décor right now. It’s going to be fun.” Nina tried to force a smile. “Anyway, thanks for coming with me.”
Travis and Nina approached Raven’s apartment building. They rang the buzzer several times, but no one answered. Travis pressed on the inner door, which swung open.
“Hello,” he called.
There was no answer, so Travis and Nina started up the stairs. When they reached Raven’s apartment , they found the door ajar.
“I was expecting festive lights and blaring music.” Travis glanced at Nina with a puzzled look on his face.
“Why is her door open?” Nina shook her head and bit her lower lip. The door creaked as she pushed on it, and they entered the dimly lit apartment. All the lights were off, except for a small lamp on an end table near the sofa. The curtains were drawn. The smell hit them almost immediately––rancid, jolting, evil—a stench to make the inside of their noses burn.
“Wow! She really went all out with the macabre theme.” Travis scanned the room his face pinched.
“What’s that smell?” Nina covered her nose and mouth with her hand.
“That is one of my best works,” a dark, sinister voice answered. Nina and Travis jolted and directed their eyes toward the voice. Nina’s legs faltered. If it weren’t for Travis, she would have fallen.
“Raven?” Nina gasped.
Raven’s skin appeared ashen and leathery. Her ratty, black hair framed her face like heavy curtains. Her eyes were bloodshot, and she wore a raggedy long black dress.
“Do you like my painting?” Raven tottered toward her.
Nina reached for Travis’ hand and gave it a squeeze. “Your . . . painting?”
“Yes, come and have a look.”
Nina and Travis followed Raven deeper into the apartment. Nina’s heart pounded. A thin film of cold sweat covered Travis’ forehead.
“At first, I couldn’t figure out what my series of paintings should be about.” Raven waved a paintbrush like a conductor’s wand. “Then an explosion of light went off in my head. Why not make paintings of my neighbors gathered for a great supper?”
“Interesting concept.” There was a slight tremor in Travis’ voice.
Nina stepped closer to the painting to have a better look, but then backed away. The stench seemed to be coming from the painting itself. Its surface was slathered in deep red paint and there were rubbery objects attached – no doubt the type of props that gag shops offered around Halloween. Nina looked around. All of the walls were adorned with the dark red paintings.
“So, you like them?” Raven’s manic tone was back in her voice.
“Well . . . ” Nina gulped.
“I like your costume, Raven.” Travis fidgeted and glanced at Nina.
As Raven brought up her hand, Nina noticed that the handle of the wooden paintbrush had been sharpened to a point. Before Travis realized what was happening, Raven had stabbed him in the chest. He stumbled and fell on his back. Nina wailed, dropped to her knees and began to shake him. He lay still, his eyes wide open.
“Why Raven? Why?” Nina stared imploringly at the monster that was once her friend.
“I’m not wearing a costume.” Raven glared at Nina. “Do you like my paintings or not?”
Nina was sitting on the floor directly beneath one of the paintings. She peered at it through eyes blurred with tears.
“Well? What do you think?” Raven’s voice became angry and vicious.
Nina jolted and wiped the wetness from her eyes with trembling hands. She shuddered as she was finally able to see the painting for what it was. Those rubbery objects attached to its surface weren’t from the gag shop – they were real intestines, brains, hearts, tongues, spleens, and who knows what else. How many people died here? Her stomach churned, and she felt lightheaded.
“Tell me!” Raven stared at her with a wolfish expression. Then she became calm and studied Nina’s face. Suddenly, Raven said cheerfully, “If you don’t like it I can always improve it.”
Raven lurched over to Travis’ body and grabbed his head, lifting it by the hair. She buried the tip of the large paintbrush into the tear duct and popped the eyeball out. She did the same with the other eye to the rhythm of Nina’s wails. She grabbed the eyeballs dangling on his cheeks and yanked them from the optic nerve. Nina felt an expansion in her head and a weakness throughout her body. She retched several times.
She can’t have a fainting fit. She has to get to her feet! Nina’s eyes shifted to the door. Raven stood between her and the exit.
“Here we go. Much better, right?” Raven attached Travis’ eyes to the bowl of soup in the painting. The painted bowl was now crowded with eyeballs. “My neighbors were always watching me, so I decided to paint an homage to their prying eyes.”
Nina screamed. Her hands flew to cover her mouth. Trembling, she clambered to her feet.
“I knew it! I knew you wouldn’t be happy for me!” Raven twitched with rage. “I knew you wouldn’t like my work. Well––I have a few more improvements to make, but for the final touches, I’ll need something from you.”
Raven lunged at Nina, clutching her filed paintbrush.
Nina’s legs started moving, as though on automatic pilot. Her heart beat loudly in her ears.
Raven chased her, howling ghoulishly.
Nina ran to the kitchen. Her eyes darted. She spotted a large knife sitting on the counter. She grabbed it and held it in front of her. Her mind raced and she panted.
Raven charged and ran into Nina’s extended arm, which held the knife. Raven stared into Nina’s eyes and moaned. Nina thought she heard her murmur, Thank you.
Nina released hold of the knife, and Raven slid to the floor. Nina kneeled next to her and rocked back and forth, sobbing. Her mind was unable to fully grasp what had just happened.
“Why? Why did you do this? Raven . . . why?”
She saw the answer to her question as Raven took her last breath. They crawled out of her ear by the dozens—the wiggly wormy things she recognized from their hometown lake. The parasites were vacating Raven’s head, no longer having a live brain to feed on.
Okay, before you guys go off the deep end, let me explain. The images of the human body parts are unsettling I know, but guess what? They’re actually bread. Yes! Your eyes are not playing tricks on you. Thai artist and baker Kittiwat Unarrom creates these edible bread sculptures and sells them at his family’s bakery!
I don’t think I’d be able to put any of this bread in my mouth without retching, but hey, if you’ve ever fantasized about eating a person zombie-style hop on a plane to Thailand and visit Kittiwat’s bakery and you can do it legally. Read more about this Body Part Bakery and The Walking Breadhere. Check out this video.
This is Rascal, my 16 year old toy pomeranian. I lost him yesterday. Needless to say this year has been rough on me. My little fur ball is gone and already I miss him so much. He would have been 17 years old November 22nd. He had heart issues and I knew it wouldn’t be long. I thought I was prepared–––I wasn’t. He took a little piece of my heart with him. I will never forget him, or all the unconditional love he showed me. I know I did everything I could for him and that he had a great life. That gives me peace. Anyway, this is not a pity party. I wanted to share a touching poem that my brother’s wife Celina, whose like a sister to me, sent me. I hope you enjoy. ❤
Rascal wearing his little Miami Heat T-shirt.
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
I hope you enjoyed Rainbow Bridge. Have you lost a pet? How did you cope? Did you get another pet right away to replace it, or did you wait?
As some of you know, my father is very sick. People tell me to enjoy him while I still have him, but I can’t help thinking of what it will be like when he’s no longer around. He isn’t the man he was a few years ago so I feel like I’m already losing him. We used to watch the history and Discovery channels together and spend hours discussing what we had seen. We can’t do that anymore. We both read Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown at the same time, and we had a great time talking about what we’d read on a daily basis. Those days are gone. Now, Father’s Day is around the corner and we won’t be able to have a picnic on the beach or go to the theater, but you know what? I’m not going to be sad on Father’s Day because we’re going to have a great time together. I’m done wallowing in negativity. I’m going to enjoy the time we have together. He may not be the same man he once was, but he is still my father, and I still love him very much.
I wrote this poem about a year ago, but I would like to share it with all of you again.
Father
by Vashti Quiroz-Vega
♥
His brown eyes deepened into polished onyx, and upon them came a mist of tears.
He watched with the facade of a brave man as his baby boy entered the world.
As if his mind and body were not consumed by overwhelming fears.
What are my duties? There are no guidelines. Where do I start?
The babe in his arms felt so natural, yet so alien. A fire blazed in his chest.
“You are a father now.” The words were jolting, yet pleasing to his heart.
His brown eyes deepened into polished onyx, and upon them came a mist of tears.
He watched with the façade of a calm man as his son toddled, taking his first steps.
As if his mind and body were not consumed by overwhelming fears.
What if he falls? What if he hurts himself? Then I would have failed as a father.
The toddler tottered to him and embraced his dad with dulcet giggles.
As he held his son, it did not feel alien. His heart gave way for love to conquer.
His brown eyes deepened into polished onyx, and upon them came a mist of tears.
He watched with the façade of a cool man as his son introduced him to his first girl.
As if his mind and body were not consumed by overwhelming fears.
What if he falls in love? What if she breaks his heart?
He embraced his son and slipped extra cash in his pocket.
As he held his son, it felt like love, and he rested assured his son was smart.
His brown eyes deepened into polished onyx, and upon them came a mist of tears.
He watched with the façade of a brave man as his son grew and had sons of his own.
As if his mind and body were not consumed by overwhelming fears.
Did I raise him right? Did I teach him to be a good husband and father?
He embraced his son, and they were swathed by the love they both felt.
As he held his son, his questions were answered, and he grew calmer.
His son’s brown eyes deepened into polished onyx, and upon them came a mist of tears.
He watched his father wear the façade of a spent man as he lay on a hospital bed.
His son’s mind and body were consumed by overwhelming fears.
Am I doing the right thing? Who am I to decide when his time has come?
His face dampened with sorrow as he embraced his father.
As he held his father’s weary body and gazed into his dimming eyes, his questions were answered, and he grew calmer.
His brown eyes deepen into polished onyx, and upon them comes a mist of tears.
He watches with the façade of a pitiful man as his son reaches for that plug.
He is ready to leave this world and grateful his son has let go of his fears.
As his son holds his ruined body, and he feels the lifeblood drain from his eyes, he knows he has raised him right.
His mind and body are consumed with overwhelming love.
His son has given him the gift of peace, and his happy spirit travels toward the light.
*Dealing with a very sick parent or the death of a parent is difficult, painful and sad. It may feel as if the loss of your dad or mom has taken away the person you are inside, has removed a piece of yourself that was integral to making you the person you are. Here are some links to start working through your pain and sadness.
So as promised here is Part 2 and the conclusion of my short story Fall From Desire. If you have not read Part 1 you may do so here. I hope you enjoy it. As always your comments are most appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.
Fall From Desire – Part 2
by Vashti Q
♦
I gawked at him while he stared at my face and came closer to me. He searched for some of my curly blonde hair that was not soiled, grabbed some and sniffed it. He proceeded to nuzzle his nose against my neck, my shoulder, the top of my breasts. I closed my eyes. He breathed me in, taking in my essence. He looked up. I opened my eyes, and he stared into them. Then he walked around me, slowly, as his eyes evaluated every inch of my bare body. He parted the long hair that fell down my back and saw the jagged stubs from where my wings used to stem. He passed his hands over them with a gentle touch, and then I felt him bring his face closer to smell the stumps. He came around to face me again.
“Are you in pain?” he asked.
“Since I have arrived on this planet, I have felt only pain, fear and sorrow,” I said.
“I can rid you of these malignancies.”
“How?”
“You need just say yes.”
I gazed at him. What am I to do? I am in much pain and I grow weaker with the passing of time. I shall not survive much longer without help. I bit my lip.
“You do not trust me and I understand, for I have given you no reason to trust in me,” he said.
“You are an elegant creature, but I do not know your mind.”
He grinned and lifted his muscular chest. He swaggered toward me and extended his arm. He passed his hand through my hair and caressed my face. Desire for him grew quickly inside me like a Wisteria vine strangling all other emotions. Every fiber of my being was ignited like a tree struck by lightening. My chest heaved in rhythm with my shallow panting. It is happening again. I am overwhelmed with lustful desires.
“You, too, are beautiful to look upon,” he said. “But if you wish to rid yourself of pain and fear you must become what I am.”
“What are you?”
“I am vampire.”
I jolted and gasped. I had heard of such creatures in Heaven. They are the spawn of Dracul, the infamous son of Lilith and Satan. I recoiled from him.
“You know of my kind?”
“I do,” I said in a brittle voice.
“Do not fear me. I do not mean to harm you. I only seek what you seek.”
“What is it you think I seek?”
“Companionship,” he said, extending his hand to me. “Come with me and never be alone again.”
I stared at his welcoming hand for a while.
“I shall only offer this once,” he said.
I reached my trembling hand to meet his and he pulled me toward him.
He held me tightly and pressed his full moist lips against mine. I became lightheaded. Through half opened eyes, I watched him open his mouth and his teeth grow into fangs. I gasped, but before I could move, he sank his fangs into the flesh at the base of my neck. A combination of his saliva and my blood streamed down my neck. I cocked my head back and moaned, my eyes rolling back in their sockets. Both pleasure and pain dispersed through my body. My body tensed. My entire being was at peak response. As he drew my blood greedily, my body felt as if it were melding into his.
A delightful pressure began to build inside me. I gasped and groaned with pleasure. The pressure continued to build until I thought I would explode. Suddenly, I felt my body go into spasms of incredible delight, and my mind was flooded with a variety of pleasurable sensations. Then I felt a wave of dizziness, my body slackened, and darkness began to close in on me until I lost consciousness.
Upon opening my eyes, I saw the world differently. The colors of cypress trees became more vivid, and plants were verdant jewels. I could almost feel the fragrances of nature. The alligators’ bellows and the hissing of snakes became mellifluous. I lay on the ground, and Mendrion sat next to me. He smiled, and I returned his smile. He kissed me on the lips, neck, shoulders and breasts. His hands caressed my body, and his touch was heavenly. As a vampire, my body was made for pleasure and I sensed so much more. Every nerve ending inside me was excited. Every touch sent waves of pleasure throughout my body. I need not food, nor water—I could live on his touch alone. I was in ecstasy, but then he suddenly stopped. He got to his feet.
“No, do not stop. I love your hands and lips on my body.”
He extended his hand to me. “Take my hand, Rachiel.” I gasped when I heard him say my name. “I will allow you to keep your original name, for it is pleasing to me. Now go and join the others.” His words filled me with confusion. He pointed to the swamp.
I turned my face and gasped. My eyes opened wide with disbelief. There were other fallen angels like me in the swamp. They were all converted into vampires—no doubt in the same way as I was. There was not a happy face among them.
“Go on,” Mendrion said. “Take your place among them. You are now a swamp vampire. You shall feed on the blood of alligators, snakes, beavers, and other swamp creatures.”
“I shall not!” I screamed. I clenched my jaw and held back tears. “You deceived me.”
“I told you only the truth,” he said with a wry grin. “You no longer feel pain, am I right? If you do not feed on the blood of these swamp creatures, you shall die a slow and agonizing death.”
“I shall go away!”
“You have nowhere to go. You belong to me now and there is no escape, for your blood shall call out to me and I shall find you wherever you go. Besides, you can no longer live without my touch,” he said, and he was right—losing his stroking and fondling is what I feared the most. “Join the others now, or you shall never feel pleasure again.”
Upon hearing his final words my face slackened. I shuffled to the swamp and entered the dark, gloomy bog. I stood amongst the others, merely another beauty in the murky waters. The others glared at me. We were all doomed to the same punishment. Our bodies were made for pleasure and overwhelmed with desire, but condemned to long for the touch of the same master.
Hello! I’m almost done with the editing of my Dark Fantasy novel, The Fall of Lilith. I’m very excited with the way it’s turning out and soon I will post an excerpt from the book. In the meantime, I bring you today Part 1 of my short story Fall From Desire. It is a dark fantasy written in a similar style to The Fall of Lilith, the first installment of my Fantasy Angels Series. I hope you enjoy.
Fall From Desire
by Vashti Q
For my transgressions, I was cast out of Heaven and exiled to planet Earth.
My fall was brutal as my six large wings caught fire entering the Earth’s atmosphere. I cringed, cried and screamed as the flames consumed feathers and flesh. I looped and spiraled in the air, all the while stirring and reaching toward the flames, but there was no relief from the oppressive pain or the desperate stench of roasted fleshy tissue. The fire was quenched when only the burnt bones of my wings remained. I wailed writhing in the air as the bony frames were yanked from my skeleton by a powerful force. This is what the male angels I led astray with my insatiable carnal appetite experienced as they fell from grace. I deserve worse for corrupting so many.
I splashed into a swamp.
It was night, and the only light source was the brilliance of a full moon.
The swamp was dominated by woody plants and teeming with animal life. The water seemed to push down on me from all sides. I floundered and flailed my arms and legs, but it only made me sink faster. I sank further and further in the swamp and away from the light of the moon. Soon, I was shrouded in darkness. My lungs burned for air. In horror, I screamed and warm, murky water filled my lungs. I shook and convulsed as my eyes caught site of alligators, snakes and all manner of swamp creatures witnessing the water take me away.
My eyes snapped open. I was floating over the water. I survived? I was not sure how long I was unconscious, only that it was a different night—for the moon was no longer full. I trembled in fear and remained still, allowing the current to carry me wherever it may. As I came near the bank of the swamp, I took hold of a cypress’s knee, clambered to my feet and waded out of the water. I teetered and faltered, inexperienced in walking without wings. I am no longer an angel. Realization pierced my heart. What am I now? I broke the rules of celibacy in Heaven and tempted so many to do the same with my female ways. My lustful desires and sexual appetite were my ruin. Now I am alone, never to feel the pleasure of a caress.
My wide eyes flickered in every direction, trying to find a way out of the desolate and wild place. The strong, musky smell of decomposing vegetation and animal matter wafted into my nose, making me grimace with revulsion. There were no such smells in Heaven. Oh, how far I have gone from Heaven’s joyful fragrances!
I staggered in circles, my feet sinking into the spongy, wet ground. The moisture was so dense in this habitat that everything was wet. A film of moisture covered my naked body. Water soaked my long, blonde hair and pulled my curls flat. I heard the hooting of an owl. My eyes lifted to a nearby tree and there it was, lurking in the shadows. Its large glowing eyes stared at me. Snakes slithered around my feet. Alligators peered at me with their strange eyes peeking over the surface of the water while they remained immersed. Where am I? There are only wetlands as far as my eyes can see. How am I to survive here? Do I desire survival? My body trembled, and desperate tears fell and blended with the moisture on my face. No one can hear me cry. I am alone. I continued to walk for miles. There were many sunrises and many moonrises, yet I remained alone in a world of swamps.
Swarms of mosquitos tormented me with their stinging and their buzzing in my ears. I had to deter countless attacks from snakes and alligators. I was covered in welts, bumps, scratches, and bites from such attacks. My body itched, ached, and throbbed mercilessly. I deserve no less for sating my erotic desires without a second thought for the countless archangels, seraphim, and cherubim I debauched with my impious and lustful ways.
I continued to trek the soggy swampland and began to feel an unfamiliar burning sensation in my middle. My strength was depleting, and I became fatigued. I dragged my feet and panted. Feeling faint, I collapsed. I lay on the water-saturated ground and looked up at the heavens. What is happening to me? What have I become? I lay frozen for hours, feeling so alone, waving off a plethora of insects trying to invade my body. I would rather draw my last breath than spend the rest of my days alone in this sodden nightmare.
“What are you?” I heard a masculine voice ask. I jolted upright in a seated position. I stared at a magnificent creature.
“I-I do not know what I am. I have only knowledge of what I used to be.”
“Very well, then what were you?” he asked with a curious look on his face.
“I was once called Rachiel,” I said. “When I was an angel in Heaven.”
He looked at me sideways and narrowed his eyes. “You do not look like an angel to me.”
“Have you ever seen an angel?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I have, and angels have wings.”
I, too, had wings. Large white wings—six of them,” I said, my voice quavering. “They were torn from me as I fell through the skies.”
He scrutinized me for a while with his piercing violet-blue eyes.
“I believe you. I am not sure why, but I do. Perhaps it is that something in your verdant eyes that tells me you do not know how to lie,” he said, and his big smile was stunning. “My name is Mendrion.” He was tall with a muscular build. His hair was long, thick and the color of night. Long, heavy eyelashes framed his violet-blue eyes. His skin was like an ivory mist. He looked like divine pleasure. Enough, Rachiel! This is why you were cast out of Heaven! I shuddered and got out of my own head.
Hello everyone! I was invited to participate in another Writing Process Blog Hop by writer Tish Farrell. Her published fiction includes short novels for the African Children’s literature market, quick reads for unkeen teen readers, and short stories for Cricket, Spider and Cicada magazines. She’s also written a young adult how-to-write series ‘Write your own…’ which among other awards earned a special Golden Duck Award for encouraging excellence in children’s Science Fiction writing. JK Rowling has also won a Golden Duck in her time. It is a sign?
Author Tish Farrell
Tish Farrell is a member of the Society of Authors and of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Please check out her SCBWI page here.
There are a few simple rules:
1/ I must answer the four questions below.
2/ I must link back to the person who invited me to this Blog Hop.
3/ I must name a few writers who will continue this Blog Hop and notify them.
Questions:
1) What are you working on?
I’m working on several projects at the moment. I’m almost done editing the first installment of my Fantasy Angels Series, Lilith. I’m writing the second installment, Dracul. I’m working on sketches for a children’s picture book.
2) How does your work differ from others in the genre?
I believe writers develop their own unique style over time. I enjoy weaving in a bit of romance and/or humor to lighten my horror or dark fantasy stories. I love adding suspense and thriller elements to everything I write. I also enjoy using a somewhat archaic language when writing fantasy because it gives it a fairytale quality.
3) Why do you write what you write?
I grew up reading novels by Stephen King. I love to read horror (but not all types), suspense, thriller and fantasy. I also love watching dark fantasy, horror, suspense/thriller and sci-fi movies and TV shows. So basically, I write what I love to watch and read.
4) How does your writing process work?
I’m a pantster when it comes to short stories. I get an idea in my head, and I run with it until it arrives at whatever end. When it comes to novels, I’m somewhere in between. I don’t believe you can write a 120,000-140,000 word novel by the seat of your pants. A well-written novel–one that’s exciting and thrilling with a great plot and well-developed characters–takes time, plotting, organization and good editing. I like to ponder my idea for a while. I always have my iPhone handy in case an idea for the story pops into my head while I’m driving, in the bathroom or at work. I’ve been known to rush off in the middle of things to record something that occurred to me, inspired by something I just saw or heard (my friends and family are used to it, and they forgive me). I do some light mapping and write a loose outline to organize my thoughts, but the process still flows organically and many times, the story goes off the map. I enjoy sketching my characters, animals and worlds I’ve created.
Look for the Blog Hop to continue next week at these sites: (Click on the author’s name and visit their sites)
Bianca Sloane – Bianca is an avid reader and a talented writer. Her book Sweet Little Lies was highly recommended by a friend and is high on my list to read. Her suspense novel, Live and Let Die, was chosen as Thriller of the Month (May 2013) by e-thriller.com. When she’s not writing, she’s watching Bravo TV, Investigation Discovery, reading or cooking.
Author Bianca Sloane
Rebekkah Ford – Rebekkah is an author of a YA paranormal/fantasy trilogy called Beyond the Eyes. She grew up in a family who dealt with the paranormal. Her parents were the directors of the UFO Investigator’s League in Fairfield, Ohio, back in the 1970s. They also investigated ghost hauntings and Bigfoot sightings in addition to UFO’s. Growing up in this type of environment and having the passion for writing is what drove her at an early age to write stories dealing with the paranormal. She’s fascinated with the paranormal world and love talking and writing about it. Rebekkah is a kindhearted, sweet and lovable person as well as a talented writer and I’m very happy to have met her.
Author Rebekkah Ford
Jay Scully – Jay is a super cool guy and a talented writer I met on Twitter. He is an avid reader, reviewer and scriptwriter. He writes dark, gut-wrenching thriller that pose serious questions. His novel Dutch Coffee Shop is about an American, Jimmy Dempsey, who is wrongly accused of murder and flees to Holland to escape prosecution. This is an edge of your seat, nail-bitting, hold on to your butts, roller-coaster ride!
Author Jay Scully
Kimberly H. Smith – Aside from being a talented writer and busy blogger Kimberly is an incredibly strong woman. She’s survived chicken pox, Catholic school, childbirth and the big C (cancer). Her debut novel Acting On Her Behalfis about a fetching television and film actress Colby Crenshaw, who is arrested on live television for killing her longtime best friend, Sharon Darcy. All of Sharon’s numerous secrets are revealed as Colby finds herself in jail awaiting trial for murder. Malcolm Morrow, a high profile Beverly Hills attorney, comes to Colby’s aid to defend her against the devastating charges. They are immediately attracted to each other despite the unusual circumstances. Malcolm becomes more determined than ever to exonerate Colby when her highly publicized troubles have friends and family turning against her. She is tested as her world crumbles around her. Fascinating, isn’t it?
Author Kimberly H. Smith
Paul Rega – Paul is impressive and worthy of admiration. He is a Top 100 bestselling author who began his writing career in 1980 while attending Western Illinois University as a staff reporter for the Western Courier. Upon graduating with a degree in biology and journalism, he spent the next thirty years in business having started an executive search firm in 1984. His passion for writing stayed with him throughout his business life, and he started writing his first book in 1993. He published, How To Find A Job: When There Are No Jobs in December 2011. The book was an instant success, and hit #1 on Amazon’s bestseller list for job hunting books in March 2012. He published 12 Steps to Freedom in August 2013, Trail of 32, a true coming of age story in September 2013, The Syndrome, a novel in April 2014 and A Two Pedal World series in May 2014. Paul currently lives in a small town along the Gulf Coast of Florida, where he is writing his next book.
Best-Selling Author Paul Rega
That’s all folks! I hope you enjoyed reading a bit about my writing process. Please check out Tish’s blog and the sites of the awesome writers I’ve introduced her. Have a great week everyone! 😀
Hello everyone! I’ve been nominated for several awards and I am grateful and honored because this signifies that I’ve earned the respect and admiration of my fellow writers and bloggers. That means a great deal to me because I too have high regards for the talented authors who have bestowed upon me these honors.
First…
Christine Campbell has nominated me for the Quintet of Radiance Award, which are really 5 awards in one: The Awesome Blog Content Award, Most Influential Blogger Award, Sunshine Award, Inner Peace Award, and The Versatile Blogger Award. Thank you very much Christine!
Please visit Christine Campbell’s blog Write Where You Are and enjoy her inspirational posts.
The Rules for the Quintet of Radiance Award:
1. Display the badge in a post.
2. Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back.
3. Using the alphabet, describe yourself in a word or phase.
4. Nominate a few bloggers.
Me – A-Z
Avid reader
Brave, I like to feel the fear and do it anyway (As long as cockroaches and butterflies are not involved).
Cheerful (most of the time)
Dreamer
Enjoy cooking and baking
Fan of Stephen King
Goofball (sometimes…okay most of the time)
Happy (most of the time)
Intelligent (except during ‘Blonde Moments’)
Juicer ( I juice all kinds of veggies and fruits and drink a juice everyday)
Kindhearted (most people I know think so)
Love my family, friends, chocolate covered strawberries, animals, nature and basketball (Go Heat!).
Mondays I don’t have a problem with it’s Sunday nights I have a problem with because it’s the end of the weekend and I have to go to bed early, but I’m still on weekend mode!
Never underestimate the power of being kind – one of my mottos.
Observant
Polite, persistent
Quiroz (my Sicilian surname)
Rascal, my little toy Pomeranian
Saucy (sometimes)
Talented
Unique, understanding, unpredictable and upbeat.
Vivid imagination
Willing to try very hard to win over someone’s affection, but after so long – click – the switch is turned off – for good. I can only jump through hoops and bend over backward so much.
Xanthocomic (yellow-haired)
Yikes! (I couldn’t think of anything else for Y)
Zzzz – I love to read and sleep during thunderstorms.
Here are my nominees: (Click on their names to visit their interesting blogs)
Zee Southcombe – Zee is a writer, artist and teacher. She lives in beautiful New Zealand. In her blog she shares her experience, inspiration, motivation and humanity.
Alana Munro – Alana’s goal is to help creative people reach and connect with their target audience via social media marketing, and in-depth interviews about their creative works.
Jennifer (Jaye) Kirk – This crafty lady is one of the most talented and creative people I know. Check out her blog and see all the awesome cards she designs and makes.
Katie Cross – Katie is a published author who just released her first book Miss Mabel’s School For Girls. This intriguing fantasy about witches has received many 5 star ratings on Amazon. Check it out here.
Chris Graham – Chris provides a platform for authors to introduce themselves to us. He has a very interesting and entertaining blog. You should check it out.
Yolanda Isabel Regueira Marin – Writer, poet, actor–Yolanda is a fount of talent. Visit her blog for beautiful poetry and fun reads.
So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little more about me. Please visit at least a couple of the interesting blogs mentioned in this post. Thank you for stopping by. 😀
The Writer Next Door | Vashti Q 
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