Perhaps it’s the unexpected sight from
my window of freezing fog and fuzzy-damp trees that dictated my choice of
winners this week: Jim’s decidedly chilling ‘Tonight’s prey’. My writing
week went pear-shaped when I realised that, book 5 having reached 42K words, I'd
started in the wrong place, the MC was not the man I thought he was and the
plot needs a total overhaul. Luckily, my beta reader returned notes and comment
on book 4 which was far easier to pay attention to.
Words
for next week: share shelf turpid
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 26th March,
words and winners posted Friday 27th
Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding
title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above in the
genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction is, as
always, welcome. All variants and uses of the words and stems are fine. Feel
free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever social
media you prefer.
Well done Jim, a worthy winner for the choice of the week. Keep it coming, I want to find out what happens next.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Jim!
DeleteMagnificent job, Jim. No surprise that this rose to the top. What an honour it is to be among such a talented bunch.
DeleteI feel very honored to be selected. Patricia is spot on about our talented bunch.
DeleteThat's two laurel wreaths for this exceedingly well done series. I fully agree with you and Patricia about everyone else's writing.
Deleteanother winner for Jim and no one is surprised, the entries get stronger by the week!
DeleteCongratulations Jim, I’m still sleeping with one eye open after that tale.
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 94
ReplyDeleteSarg eyed the ‘dillo sent by Nigel, ‘ready fer a return trip gal?’
She nodded.
Sarg turned to Armi, ‘up to sharin’ the task? They’re meeting wiv sum ‘Varks an Pangolins. Gonna be front-line force wiv their surprise contrapshun.
When yer there yu’, kin ‘ave a go at completing yer mission n’all.’
Wiping the turpid spittle from her lips, she grinned, ‘that moth-eaten prophet’s wiv em an anuver critter called Tosca; use em if yu can,’ she didn’t wait for his reply, ‘now foller me.’
They followed her through dim tunnels out onto a hidden shelf of rock and dirt.
Lovely dialogue and it's easy for me to envision the scene in my mind. Very well done episode, Terrie.
Deleteepisode 94!!!!!!!!!!!!!! congrats on getting it that far, Terrie, without letting the tension or the concept drop once.
DeleteGreat use of the prompts, and bravo for keeping the focus. I’ve tried serialisation and still do but can’t keep it going the way you have.
DeleteLoved the imagery of 'moth-eaten prophet', as well as the description of them climbing from the dim tunnels.
Delete"moth-eaten prophet" just one of the to be cherished phrases in this. and, as Antonia says - episode 94!!! So well done.
DeleteTerrie, you are so skilled at moving the story along and setting up the next scene. This contraption thing is so intriguing. going up against the 'varks seems daunting.
DeleteAs always, the 'dillos entertain us with their adventures. These tales are sorely needed in such times. Thank you, Terrie.
DeleteShare, shelf, torpid
ReplyDeleteUmbrae Calling 4
“Our desire to be in control?” Jack asked.
“Humans don’t like being put on a shelf, sharing, or being ignored. The less you know of something, the more you feel it controls you. It’s a misunderstanding about dominion over all beasts, things, and your own self-importance.”
“A shadow is nothing more than a creation of the sun’s rays passing around our body and not through it. All solid objects have a shadow, how does a rock have a spirit?”
“Because you gave it one, your torpid mind worries too much and worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.”
Great last line, Jeffrey! It speaks volumes of truth.
DeleteBrilliant dialogue here Jeffrey. you conveyed so much in those 100 words.
DeleteOo I love how you have tapped into that. Something I often tell my clients Is to be aware of the values they ascribe to things, as often it’s a reflection of themselves rather than a true depiction. I’m in awe of the shadow concept.
DeleteAs an expert worrier I definitely understand! Isn't it terrible how we can give life to things that haunt us?
DeleteA nice shout-out for the tenacity of humans. Good continuation. Liked the explanation of shadows. Sounds convincing.
DeleteIf this series could help you with your business, go ahead and use it.
DeleteThere is a great depth of truth in worry often giving small things a big shadow. How very perceptive of you, Jeffrey.
DeleteShare, shelf, turpid
ReplyDeleteIskaria 9
Belinda’s turpid personality drastically changed the week after our wedding. I walked in on an argument between her and my wife.
“Mother! I’m the Freigrafess of Iskaria and I don’t share or need your help running this house. Keep your advice on a shelf or go home.”
A month later, Averia informed me that she was with child and I couldn’t have been happier.
A ten-day after, a messenger arrived informing me that Red Beard Jakhol’s caravan had been destroyed on the Khumbark Trail, no survivors were found, only a dragon’s claw prints amid the dead bodies and broken wagons.
So much going on in this Jeffrey. I loved the fact that she is standing up to her mother and that the bride and groom seem to be happy - then what a great, suspenseful, last line. This has me hooked.
DeleteI realise now why some weeks I struggle to comment, the talent and creativity leaves dumb struck.
DeleteOooh I'm very excited about the dragon claw prints. Can't wait to see where this is headed! I also enjoyed seeing Averia standing up to her mother-in-law.
DeleteNice, Jeffrey. I like the mother exchange. I wonder if Jakhol's body was among the carnage... I bet not.
DeleteI wonder what the caravan carnage might mean for this little growing family.
DeleteGathering magic – 8
ReplyDeleteBut who to teach her? Batt wondered, She would share no better fate with The Lord of Deceit and Lies, than with the idiot wizard.
Her father, not so evil as The Lord Of Lies, would inevitably pull her to the turpid realms of darkness.
Her mother, the secretive one; would she even acknowledge the child?
Shelving his anxiety, Batt took a breath and said tentatively, ‘Magic will not sustain you. Outside the tower you need another kind of food.’ He readied himself for the magical battering; but it did not come.
‘Is that why my belly hurts?’ she asked.
I DO like the way this one is developing, holding my breath for the next episode.
DeleteI really like Batt. Might I suggest you sprinkle in a little physical description of him? Or maybe you prefer us to draw our own conclusions. Either way, a great tale is brewing.
DeleteLots of little intriguing details. I loved the names of the child's parents.
DeleteI let out an involuntary "Awww" at that final line. Poor little thing...but one with so much power.
DeleteI'm really enjoying this series. As Patricia said the poor little mite.
DeleteYou ramped up the mystery with this episode, Terrie. Good tease about her pedigree and poor Batt, only trying to be helpful.
ReplyDeleteElf on a Shelf
ReplyDelete“Your breath is turpid,” said the rag doll, wrinkling her button nose.
“What’s that mean?” said the elf.
“Putrid.”
“Well damn, thanks for sharing.”
“And quit staring at my chest.”
“That’s it, I’m going back up on the shelf.”
Six months later the rag doll looked upward.
“You can come down, Simon.”
Simon said nothing.
“Look, I’m sorry. I miss you.”
Simon dropped a Barbie doll head.
“You’d better not be messing with that slut Midge!”
Midge’s head moaned in ecstasy at the rag doll’s feet.
“Simon, how could you?”
“Oh god, don’t stop now!” said Midge’s head.
The birds, bees, and now dolls. A very unique story and tactfully presented. Good writing and use of the prompts.
DeleteOnly a wonderfully creative mind like yous, John, could concoct such an entertaining tale. This is great!
DeleteYe gods and little ... elves, John. A lustful Barbie ... only you, as Jim says ...
Deletewhat were they thinking about during that six months' hiatus... I'm sure we'll find out, in time...
DeleteI couldn't stop laughing. A clever, inventive story.
DeleteI would have known this to be yours even if you hadn't claimed it, John. You have a talent for these types of tales that is unmistakable.
DeleteI keep threatening to clear out my kids toy cupboard now they are getting to kidulthood, but may be I'll pass now. Made me squirm.
DeleteShare, shelf, turpid
ReplyDeleteThe Council of Canossa 6: Requests, Doubts, and Faith
“I’ll fast, only water and bread, until Easter Sunday. I’ll see only you two, as I pray on my visions. Share them not.”
Albornoz nodded, Vincenzo grasped the Popes hands, “Of course Your Holiness.”
As they left, Albornoz said. “You realize that Dante’s book was by the bed and not on its shelf.”
“And that matters in what way to a vision from God; Your Eminence?”
“A turpid meal and disturbing images could become a bad dream but not a vision from God.”
“Mary had faith before her vision. You think the Mother of God Irenaeus had a bad meal?”
One wonders what actually is meandering through the mind of Vincenzo? Can this be a Godly man?
DeleteAll the recent Popes have seemed pretty well fed. Not a lot of fasting going on. As for Dante (his characters), they say keep your enemies close.
DeleteEngaging dialogue. I could also see receiving nightmares after reading Dante. Very curious where the story is headed and if Albornoz is right.
DeleteInteresting dialogue, as always, Jeffrey.
DeleteWhen I read the dialogue of this series, I have the very specific voice of Michael Cristofer speaking the dialogue in character of Philip Price. I know not why, but I'm loving it and thats the voice I hear.
DeleteShare, shelf, torpid
ReplyDeleteThe Janus Door V
"Even the children?"
"A sling is an effective defensive weapon, nobody’s on a shelf, Caseo. We share the labor, like that iron hoe of yours, the injured, elderly, and sick are using to plant spelt and grapes.”
"Verily, Vibius. We don't know the sun cycle yet. It’s descending so that will be west."
At that time a cry came from the stream. People were running and yelling about two large bears moving toward camp, roaring. It took a few minutes for the archers to kill them.
“Bear meat isn’t that bad if prepared properly, a non-torpid jerky." said Vibius.
I would try bear jerky.
DeleteIt sounds like this group is heading in the right direction. I wish them well.
Vibius sounds very calm about their situation, and with the bear meat, they may have enough to last until the spelt grows.
DeleteBear meat, huh? I have it on good authority that it ain't half bad.
DeleteI've eaten some unusual things on my travels but never bear.
DeleteThe closest I came to that was in Plzen, when I woke up to find a Naked man in my room rifling through my back pack, but that is a different story for another day.
The Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 96
ReplyDeleteAs the shocked platoon listened to Atlas, Cinereus angrily used his staff to stir at a turpid trickle of slimy water running across the floor.
Nigel set his shoulders stiffly and scowled.
Tosca patted Atlas on the shoulder sympathetically ‘ Def and killin’ alus leave a mark matey. I knows, I ‘ad me share, an not bein able t’ elp those as needs it, is a ‘ard thing.’
In the corner, laid on a shelf of books, the gerbil moaned quietly.
Cinereus limped toward him, rummaging in his pouch as he went.
Outside, the sound of the storm lessened.
A good story about waiting for the storm to blow over. Turpid trickle of slimy water was a good use of the prompt and line.
DeleteThere's something both pivotal and quietly wonderful in "In the corner, laid on a shelf of books, the gerbil moaned quietly."
Deletelots of great interaction in this. Nicely done. I bet your spell check goes crazy when you write your dialog.
DeleteYes! I also loved the line about the gerbil lying on the books. This continues to be a rich and enchanting story.
DeleteAlways love it when we get a double dose of 'dillos in one week.
DeleteThe one thing I wish that blogger would allow us to do is click like on others comments, because everyone one before me I agree with.
DeleteAt A Loss...
ReplyDeleteShe's gone. Scarpered. Vamoosed. In short, she's done a runner, as they say. She didn't share her destination with me before she took her leave. I never imagined she'd be so turpid as to depart without a single word...and at such a time!
I am dumbstruck at the thoughtlessness.
Perhaps it would be wise to shelve things for the moment, but I'm determined to give it my best, as uneloquent as any efforts might be, until my wayward, elusive and inspirational muse decides to return.
Not sure but it sounds like he'll go looking for his muse and that he's a a tad more than disappointed. Very good narration, Patricia.
DeleteSuch thoughtlessness by the muse suggests that she might not return. What would you do then?
DeleteOh, those treacherous muses and their tendency to go walkabout without warning. (Mine currently playing peek-a-boo)
DeleteHow many times has my muse vamoosed? Lots.
DeleteA very enjoyable story, Patricia.
I'm fighting mine right now, demanding a return... Patricia, you captured this well!
DeleteExcellent depiction of the loss of a muse, something I'm quite familiar with too.
DeleteI was just about to type exactly what Holly wrote, it's something we all struggle with, and finely observed in your piece.
DeleteTRAILING FROM CATACLYSM
ReplyDeleteTime tick tocks; but no one is aware, or cares, the days trail into one another,
coating the dusty dregs of once relished circumstance,
with slow rolls of thick-backed, baked-black smoke banking over skies above
ruined walls, with broken roofs folding into slaggy-shelved spiked rubble,
where children share sticky-sweet, stale, pickings from the refuse heap of lives
lived and lost.
Here not even struggling clumps of wild flowers, sprouting on wreckage,
Or the thin smell of cooking, tickling the breeze,
can cover the turpid stench of decay scenting the air.
Post apocalyptic and yet the hope of a phoenix rising from it's own ashes. Very well put together.
DeleteSuch a deliciously depressing tale, Terrie, of prolonged misery.
DeleteThis leave me feeling both grubby and delighted, by the language.
DeleteThe stench of decay says a lot here. I wonder if being sheltered in place helped you come up with this great story?
Deletethis is very deep, very miserable but in an almost delightful way.
DeleteDepressive words, yes...but their beauty in composition cannot be denied.
DeleteDark and yet still beautiful. I love your descriptions. Somehow you made rubble sound beautiful.
DeleteOh my "the thin smell of cooking, tickling the breeze," is sublime
DeleteWow! This is so morbidly tantalizing, Terrie!
ReplyDeletePerchance To Dream
ReplyDeleteShould I share my history, brave and gallant soul? Excuse my amusement, but your expression is priceless. Does my moral turpitude offend? This is a shock, I'm sure. You hoped for a different scenario. Romantic. Fanciful. Even happily ever after, perhaps. But really! What did you expect after the passage of centuries?
You appear a little green around the gills. Care for hot tea to soothe the tummy? Contains powdered shelf mushrooms. Don't be alarmed. I guarantee the potation is purely medicinal.
Come now! Ignore those mummified corpses.
I assure you it was not the herbal beverage that killed them.
A most chillingly macabre soliloquy, Patricia. Worthy of consideration.
DeleteThe mocking tone of this greatly adds to the wicked flavor of this entry, Patricia! Very nicely done!
DeleteI read this through the terrified eyes of some manacled and too-well-aware about-to-be-tortured soul.
DeleteVividly drawn.
I'm not sure if I'd be comforted by assurances that the herbal beverage is fine. I agree with Jim's wisdom about the mocking tone... very effective.
DeleteI love the almost patronising tone of this piece!
DeleteThe narrator definitely has a mocking tone, and I loved this twist on the old story. It's funny, I actually read it with the 'rescuer' speaking to the princess just awoken, then again as the princess speaking to her rescuer. It's interesting viewing it from both perspectives. :)
DeleteI can't add anything to the prior comments, other than I snap my quill in honour of your fine writing.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNice vigilante perspective. Turpitude was such a good use for that prompt.
DeleteScary to think that something as nefarious as this can happen. Your tale is a vivid reminder of that, William.
DeleteUncomfortably plausible.
DeleteI like the confidence and evilness of this character. He seems to know what he's doing. Very entertaining, William.
DeleteThis just gets better and even more nail-biting with every episode. Can't wait to see where it goes next. I feel things may not go well for Woodsie and his Krew.
DeleteNever plug in an unknown memory stick! Loved this twist. :)
DeleteA white cap gone grey
DeleteMarked [14]
ReplyDeleteEsdras set the deathstone box on a shelf in the captain’s cabin and crossed his arms, eyes grave as he turned back to Haera. “They’ll kill us for this.”
“We were already marked,” Haera said dismissively, nudging Moses away from her unfinished dinner. The goat gave her a turpid look, which she met with an unimpressed roll of her eyes.
“You notice the Abbess sent no priest with us.”
“They treasure their souls.”
“You don’t?”
Haera laughed. “You think I still have one? That any of us do? We share the Temperian’s arrogance. They’re not the only god killers here.”
Read the previous episodes of The Shepherdess here.
I really enjoyed the goat scene, it was unexpected and unique. The story is pretty darn good as well.
DeleteGod killers... this creates such a powerfully ominous picture, Holly. That deathstone box (great name!) must be an extremely potent weapon.
DeleteSo rich in imagery.
DeleteNice, Holly. You know you're in trouble when someone says, "They'll kill us for this."
DeleteI loved how she rolled her eyes at the goat. Just a little thing, but so entertaining.
Continues like a saga or an epic tale. Love the choice of names and I'm still enamoured with that damn goat!
DeleteLoving this, with Goat In my head this story is now set in Llanduno, this may be the meds kicking in. :)
DeleteShare, shelf, turpid
ReplyDeleteObviously
Timidity's shadow eclipses my inner sun.
Enjoyment shared by many, shelved by some, considered turpid by others.
Olympian judges show their scores,
Winners placed on high.
I think…was I DQ’d,
forgetting to follow a rule?
Cheered on by their peers,
viewers rarely see all who cross that ribbon line.
So many gold medalists who compete,
earning my best grades yet finishing far behind.
Science fiction it seems,
for me to wear laurel’s green.
Yet, I continue to participate,
in the challenge, for the dream.
Setting course for the stars,
hoping to land on the moon.
A very creative structure to a very creative entry, Jeffrey. Putting all 3 prompts in a single line is not easy. Well done!
DeleteI agree with Jim on the use of the prompt words: very creative.
DeleteFor some reason, this came to mind after reading, though not relative at all: what if the Incredible Hulk competed in weight lifting at the Olympics. He would win of course, but he'd have to be DQ'd. It just wouldn't be fair to mortels.
Your poetic efforts are always superb, Jeffrey. This is no exception.
DeleteBeautifully written. I loved the first line and the last.
DeleteSetting course for the stars,
Deletehoping to land on the moon.
I dopf my cap
THE SHADOW SERIES – AN AWAKENING?
ReplyDeleteYou stirred. Your breathing quickened. Had I reentered you too hastily? Though you quickly slipped back into the torpidity of sleep, I sensed you detected something… something about the woman down the street I killed tonight.
Should I share that euphoric experience with you?
The warmth of her breath?
The scent of her hair?
The tantalizing taste of fear oozing from her?
Do you want to hear her screams and watch her flail futilely at an unseen presence?
No… not yet. I will keep you on the shelf awhile longer.
But soon, my human twin, we will hunt as one.
This another breath-halting episode, I do find myself hoping no-one wants to turn it into a film - too terrifying by far.
DeleteDang, Jim. This is so good. Sandra referenced a TV show, and I have to say it would make a great series. The 'shadow plea' would become a thing.
DeleteUnlike Sandra, I believe this would make for a fantastic television series. So dark...so sinister...so absolutely macabre and enjoyable.
DeleteOooh dark and utterly chilling. Loved the narrator's voice though.
Deletevery many dimensional and although I'm struggling a bit oday this has slammed me into the wall and woke me up a bit.
Delete**today**
DeleteA very good use of narration and how you wove the prompts into this episode. On a personal note, as good as mine is, it's frustrating always being in your shadow.
ReplyDeleteexcellent capture of the whole 'aren't I clever?' killer's reminiscences.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 226 - View From A Carriage Window/Part Two
ReplyDeleteFrom her window, Poppy could see into the abandoned Booking Office that had become Alice's personal library. Shelves that formerly housed timetables and tickets were now lined with fairytales and children's classics. Alice's love of books was due to the shared enthusiasm of Miss Constance regarding all things educational.
Cousin Christopher, however, typical grubby and turpid boy, failed to appreciate literature. He preferred his hobby-horse, marbles and wind-up toys, particularly his prized red engine, which reminded Poppy the train would hopefully be leaving soon.
Fingers crossed that Marmalade returned from his junket before then.
And where had he gone anyway?
--------------------------------------------------------
To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------------
A return to the world of Ladybird. Gentle and clear coloured ... until I open my ears to the subtleties.
DeleteSo much for the muse excuse. It seems you found it. Love the Junction.
Deletethis is setting up the next instalment in style, a filler piece that could equally stand on its own.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI love libraries so enjoyed the imagery of Alice's personal library. Books everywhere!
DeleteEveryone needs a daily dose of Cripplegate junction right now.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 227 - Violet And The Case Of The Missing Key/Part Two
ReplyDeleteViolet sat in a turpid mixture of puddled leaves and tepid water that continued to seep from the upended tea urn. She couldn't locate the missing key and the Station Master would be cross.
Her romantic notions concerning the Station Master were now irrevocably shattered and she was obviously doomed to be left on the shelf like her day-old tea cakes. The former Canteen Crossing waitress sniffed miserably and scrubbed at her nose like a small child. If only there were a confidante with whom she could share her woes.
She failed to notice Marmalade circling like a Serengeti Tiger.
--------------------------------------------------------
To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------------
My goodness!! What are Marmalade's intentions??!!
DeleteA rare double Cripplegate. When is someone going to clean up the upturned tea urn? Both episodes end in Marmalade's behavior in question. Imagine that.
DeleteResearch conducted by psychologists at the University of Texas suggests that “dog people” and “cat people” have very different personalities. According to the 2010 web-based research, the latter are more spontaneous, unconventional and introverted. So who's personality does Marmalade mirror and why aren't there any dogs at Cripplegate?
DeleteMarmalade is quite simply the star of Cripplegate - I am intrigued and anxious to know just what he has in his twisted feline mind?
DeleteViolet! You'd better take heed! Circling as Marmalade is bodes ill for anyone in his sights.
DeleteWhat is Marmalade up to? The circling is decidedly sinister.
DeleteI hoped that Marmalade might be her confidante, Marmalade as most cats do have understanding hidden depths.
DeleteThere are times that Marmalade reminds me of a mime version of the Cheshire Cat. Turning the booking office into a library I found as nice little pun. Very good episode, Patricia.
ReplyDeleteChange of focus [370]
ReplyDeleteJohn Pettinger did not share Moth’s appreciation for Philly Stepcart, journalist. He viewed her desire to investigate bollocking “cultural journeys” as little more than romanticising more often turpid myths, such as those of rat kings; and did not hide his cynical expectation she would lie.
‘I’m told you know the lad now lying in our mortuary?’
‘You’ve been told wrong Inspector. I know only his name.’
‘Which is?’
Her gaze world weary, ‘How will knowing his name identify those who killed him?’
‘”Those”?’
‘Any two – or more – of your off-the-shelf new-seeded thugs. This town is rife with them!’
‘His name?’
Ooh, I like this Philly Stepcart. This episode is simply and tightly written, which I find very effective. I like how Pettinger immediately picked up on 'those?'
DeleteCould Philly Stepcart be the antithesis of John Pettinger? She seems rather adept at providing answers to his questions. As a journalist, wouldn't questions be a strong skill set?
Deletesharp characterisation revealed through tight dialogue - the secret of your writing, Sandra.
DeleteAnd still, we are not supplied a name by this Philly Stepcart...and what a magnificent choice of name that is!
DeleteI agree with Antonia, Philly's personality comes through very strongly through her responses. I loved how short Pettinger's questions were.
DeleteThis holds no punches, and next time I need to go covert for work, I'm using the name Philly Stepcart, or most likely Philip Stepcart, philly to my mates.
Delete[Threshold 294]
ReplyDeleteThe speed with which I seized upon ‘sister’ as explanation for the twinned apparition of Raven and Imitation was telling. My stupid self-delusion, my now clearly turpid attempts to deny my hopes Raven’s abandoning me had been an aberration. A preparation for my welcome; his greeting me as the woman of his heart. With whom he intended to share his future.
So stupid.
He’d taken me, shaken me, used me past my sell-by date
and left me in the desert to die.
Found a better-suited store. A match rather than a mix.
And, recognising, grabbed this one off the shelf.
So many things running through her mind. Hopefully, she's wrong about most of them.
DeleteA good episode describing her emotional spectrum. used me past mt sell-by date was a very good line it has a draining feel to it.
DeleteAgain, the tight writing which carries the story ever onward.
DeleteCould it be? Has Raven really abandoned our protagonist? I must admit, I feared as much earlier on, but knowing the source for this amazing serialization, I'd be reluctant to put my money where my mouth is.
DeleteLoved the phrase 'twinned apparition'. I do hope she's wrong about Raven, but it would be quite the sad twist.
DeleteI'm hoping for a blessed release that raven has not abandoned her, but then she will no doubt feel guilt if that be the case.
DeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (91)
ReplyDeleteIf this is an indication of not being at the shop, then I don’t want to know! It’s dull, it’s turpid, it’s a sense of being on the shelf, no one to share the day to day lift of selling something. People are reserving items for later, actual sales. I‘m working with thoughts of items not advertised lately – this resulted in two sales yesterday evening. Meantime, work continues on the Politicians book, Enoch Powell came to talk – briefly. He has tried several times to talk about the infamous ‘Rivers of blood’ speech and opted out. I finally got it…
Many share your boredom, I know I do. So frustrating to sit home. Turpid times indeed.
DeleteBoredom has cancer-like properties and boredom doesn't always mean nothing to do but can also include always the same thing being done.
DeleteOnce this crisis ends, I'm wondering how quickly we will adjust to a normal life?
DeleteMy daily life being unsociable, and a preference for empty streets, I'm not feeling much is different.So many books to re-read, and jigsaws a held-in-reserve treat.
DeleteAt the moment, I'm not finding the isolation particularly bad but for many I know who are much more social than I, they are truly having a difficult time. I wonder how much of "normal life" will actually be "back to normal" when all this is over.
DeleteThat's great people are reserving items with the intention to buy, though I also wish we were able to return to our lives. I'm not minding the isolation either, as I'm often at home, but I don't enjoy my family being separated. The kids and I are stuck in the US and my husband is in Sweden and I'm not sure when we can join him.
DeleteStay Strong and Stay Safe Antonia. WE came out and clapped in our little cul-de-sac this evening. I know very few in our street by name, I got quite emotional as this week has been a bit of a struggle.
DeleteThe Mad Italian (150)
ReplyDeleteI now share with you my turpid thoughts on the situation in my beloved country. So many dead, so much talent, strength and imagination gone with something that might rest on a shelf for the time being. I hear the heartache of those who are left. I see the ineptitude of those who are supposed to run the countries – I hear the exhortations of the President, a complete about-face from earlier protestations that the country would be back on its feet in two weeks – and I say, listen only to your heart. You will get through, God willing.
Italy is certainly going through it. How awful it's been. If one of us had written of these times months ago, we'd have praised it as fanciful fiction.
DeleteAll clouds have a silver lining and how people have come together to help neighbors and community is good and outside of politics. Those leaders who obfuscated their responsibilities will be held accountable just not the way it was done in his time.
DeleteI keep waiting and hoping for some good news. Does our insightful Mad Italian have any more words of optimism he could share?
DeleteI fear this is with us for a while, but I also hope for some good news. At least we're seeing kindness in our communities.
DeleteI'm having a bad day emotionally today, every turn seems effort. Them I remind myself I'm made of sterner stuff, and follow the advicegiven and we'll get through. However it's ok to cry even when you're a big fella of a certain age, and its good to talk too.
DeleteOK, The Man is here, ignoring the prompts, this week has been judged (rightly) and it is time to move on but he has seen the plea for good news.
DeleteThe Mad Italian - interruption
This too will pass. It is ironic that the saying is from a Chinese philosopher as the virus originated in China - and for those who suspect it escaped, yes it did.
And so you are left with the task of clearing up. The death tolls will rise a little further, the infected rate will steady, before the time set by government for a limited lifting of restrictions they will be lifted. Be patient, be kind, acknowledge the paranoia of those without faith that it will pass and take the time to do something new, something different, or just to meditate and find peace. There can be no finer thing to find in this life.
The Reluctant Hussy
ReplyDeleteMisty and Patricia sheltered in place, sharing the view of the setting sun from the cabin porch. The shelves were well stocked and the nearest neighbors were miles away.
“It was so nice of your brother to offer his cabin,” Misty said.
“It’s the least he could do.” Patricia gazed into Misty’s hazel eyes. “I just hope he doesn’t show up.”
The sun dove dramatically behind the mountain ridge as the two joined hands. Their turpid pasts were behind them and the future burned brightly.
Well, yes, this is obviously a "Beware the brother" set up. One I'm sure you'll do justice to, John.
DeleteBeing sheltered in place promises to produce some exciting adventures for these two.
DeleteSounds a bit ominous to me...hoping that the brother doesn't show up. I'm sure you have something on the evil side in store for these two yet, John.
DeleteI also can't help but always seeing the sinister possibilities in stories. :) Loved the imagery of the sun 'diving dramatically' behind the mountains.
DeleteI'm disliking the brother already, I'm hoping the best for these Gals.
DeleteNow, why would Misty care if her brother showed up? He probably knows of her tastes in lovers. Good to see that they are safe and enjoying their new journey.
ReplyDeletethe question is, will the idyll continue or is this brother going to destroy what sounds like a small Eden?
ReplyDeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Ninety Nine) - "The Obfuscation Orb"
ReplyDeleteThe Obfuscation Orb, found on a shelf of in The Mysterium, had a will of its own. In the right hands, however, it could reveal the turpidity of a person, place or thing.
The Orb's location was transient. Sometimes decorating the Ticket Kiosk counter. Sometimes taking pride of place at Primrose Lee's Enchantments Emporium. In actuality, it could be anywhere at any time. It was considered a shared item, available to all...but ill-advised for the uninitiated to possess.
Crow (Choleric Clown) decided to take it with him to the Skyward Merry-Go-Round.
It was a moronic act.
He had been warned.
--------------------------------------------------------
To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: The Obfuscation Orb, Skyward Merry-Go-Round and Crow (Choleric Clown) have all featured in previous episodes.
But warnings increase desire, don't they? And I doubt Crow possessed of that much common sense. Brilliant set-up.
DeleteI love the idea of an orb that moves around, though perhaps because it is carried and not capable of moving on its own. :) What an ending! What's going to happen to Crow?
DeleteI'll second Sandra's comment about when there's a warning to not do something. An Orb of Obfuscation, that's a fantastic idea, Patricia. Your imagination is easily one of the best here.
DeleteWarnings increase desires... especially the wicked ones. Isn't that the bloody truth. Sandra's comment nailed it. A very interesting episode, Patricia!
DeleteCrows general tude will mean he will ignore all good advice hopefully he will get whats coming to him rather than taking out folk with him
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletebut who ever takes notice of warnings? Crow obviously thinks he can out-smart anything... now waiting to see if he can!
ReplyDelete