One year ago today I began a journey with writing.

Yesterday I wrote my very last story for my personal challenge to write a short story or poem every single day for a year. What a journey it has been! I intended to start this process as a New Year's resolution for 2014 but I figured why wait? I am the type of person that loses stamina if I wait so I charged ahead and began the creative process. In the past year I have grown and learned so much about myself and the world around me. I began the therapeutic process of finding myself and being diagnosed bipolar. I have shared my depression and anxiety. I have talked about being suicidal and hopeless. I shared an open letter to my sister-in-law. I shared my pride in my family. I have shared my love of my wonderful husband. I shared my trip to Paris and my most happy days. I have shared my lowest lows and highest highs. 

This past year made me realize what kind a person I am. Maybe I should rephrase that. This past year I figured out a little bit more about myself. I have officially moved into my late 20's and it really has been such a profound thing! I am no longer as self loathing and self doubting as I was in my early 20's. I think most people would share that sentiment. I am far more confident and a tiny bit less defiant. Story telling and writing have been my passion since I was very little but it wasn't until this past year that I have really opened up to that and shared my skill. For the first time in my life I feel like I have purpose. I have meaning and reason because I have finally figured out what I am good at. 

Yesterday was so bittersweet. I was so relieved to be done with my year of writing. The beginning was so easy then it got a little difficult until I found more inspiration from Paris and then it became super difficult again. Writing 365 different things is just plain nuts! It seemed like a wonderful idea to begin with and then I questioned how I could be so stupid as to try to undertake such a crazy goal. I have always been slightly an overachiever but never this overachieving. I will be honest, half my stories are crap. They were poorly written, poorly thought out and were only written because I needed a story that day. On the flip side of that I can honestly say I have also written some really great stuff! There are several stories I wrote that really took my whole being to create. Those are some of my favorite stories.

Now that this is over I will focus more seriously on my writing. My dream is to be a published author. I want a book in print. I spend an awful lot of time at Barnes & Noble and I would be simply thrilled to see a book I wrote on one of their shelves! My plan is to publish my short stories. I was blessed to be married into an awesome family who is entwined in the printing business so I know I will have some help in that department. My next step is to continue writing on a weekly or every other week basis and work on a book. I have so many ideas for books I just have to pick one and get serious with it.

Before I get to my final two stories of the year I would like to thank some special people. I would like to thank my mom +Candace Montoya, my awesome husband +Scott Fennell, Scott's grandpa +Albert Clark, my grandma Janis, my Oma +Gisela Holter, Kelley Hunt, Rachel Boyes, +Verity Rogers, +Nicole LeVasseur, Nikki Jorbin, Robbi Floyd, Richard Kepler, Shannon Chaisson, Samantha Lewis, John Long, +Kristen Krueger, Kim Aunkst, +Nakita Martinefski, Kathy Grady-Smith, +Krysta Derengowski, Tammy Billington, Kara Heckman, Shirley Ruybal, Ann Dent Lowery and my uncle +Andy Montoya. If I missed anyone I am really sorry. Let me know and I will add you to my list of thanks! I also want to thank those that found me from Postcrossing and sharing my stories around the world! You all have been amazing and I am truly blessed to have you all supporting through this awesome journey! Thanks again everyone!

Or in my case a laptop.

Here you go folks!!! My last two stories of my one year writing challenge!

13 November 2014

Revenge, A Dish Best Served Happy

Sometimes you meet people in life that take you from where you were headed and throw you into another trajectory. When Jill and Alice met they knew they would be best friends forever. They were loud, fun and they both needed the other in life. In their youth, both girls were the same. They liked the same things and were fairly even as far as success in life went. As they grew older, Jill blossomed and Alice sputtered. The green witch of envy began to creep into Alice's heart. She began to talk down to Jill, she started to mistreat her and get her to be the villain to the victim Alice wanted to be. Jill was heartbroken. She thought they were best friend soul mates. She thought they would marry at the same time, have children at the same time, own a business together, grow old together. She felt shattered at how Alice was trying to destroy her life.

Eventually the best friends stopped being friends. For a time they were mortal enemies but that was destroying Jill even more. Jill decided it was time to let it go. She moved on in life and looked up at her possibilities. She met a man who pushed her to be better and married him. She made a life for her and became successful in her dream career. She had a happy family and an all around happy life. Alice did not. Envy destroyed her. Anger ate her up inside. She could not make real friends, she was not happy in her job and she segregated herself from those that loved her. Many times Jill wanted to get revenge on Alice for all the horrible deeds Alice did to her but as she matured she realized that would not make her better. Instead, Jill focused on finding peace. The girls never spoke to each other again but Jill always hoped for Alice to find the tranquility she needs to truly live life. Jill never intended to actually get revenge on Alice but her elation with her own life was the best revenge she could have gotten.

14 November 2014

The Death of the Caterpillar

Caterpillar's life was a glorious adventure, full of amazing places and wonderful new friends. He saw as much of the world that his little wings could take him to but never forgot to spend time in his giant, leafy tree with his friends the bees. Of all the sites he had seen, nothing compared to watching the bees work and the birds play. His tree was home to so much life, a life that he lead with great aspiration and dignity. One chilly November day, Caterpillar flew to his spot in the tree after saying goodnight to the bees and his new friends, the robins a branch below. He curled in his beautiful blue and green wings close to his body. He remembered the day he climbed into the tree and took an epic slumber. He remembered transforming into a butterfly but not quite forgetting his life as caterpillar. He gave a great sigh and said, “I have such a wonderful life.” He smiled as he dozed off to sleep.

The next morning, his closest bee friends came to wake him. In his old age he often required more rest than before and the bees loved to be a part of his morning routine. One of the bees buzzed over to him and patted him. The bee let out a tearful sigh. Their dear friend the caterpillar had died. He went quietly in his sleep, dreaming of all the grand adventures he had had.

“He looks so peaceful,” hummed one bee.

“He looks like he made us all feel, happy, beautiful and, most of all, loved,” buzzed another.

The bees immediately went to work. The rounded up all the birds, bugs and animals that knew their beloved caterpillar. The squirrels dug a grave at the base of the tree where caterpillar had first climbed up. The robins made a wreath of twigs and the last bit of green of the season. The bees gathered up caterpillar's famous boots and cape. They laid their friend to rest in his final home. The tree had brought them all so much comfort and joy. It had seen new bees busily working the yard, new baby robins and blue jays, tiny little squirrels climbing for the first time but the trees most famous inhabitant was the caterpillar. The birds chirped a song of remembrance for caterpillar and the bees buzzed about just as caterpillar had love. As everyone tucked into bed that night, they cuddled all the trinkets caterpillar had brought home from his worldly travels. They cried about their loss and thanked the tree for being home to such a wonderful friend.

Caterpillar was once a cold and determined little bug. He daydreamed and pondered all the glories of the great blue sky. He was thrilled about the change of the winds and how it made the leaves on the tree dance to its echoing song. He sprouted splendid wings flew about the tree with his best friends, the bees and as often as he ventured out to explore, he never forgot his roots at the big, leafy tree. This was the death of the caterpillar but the bees knew that their lives had been made significantly better for having been graced by his presence in the tree they all shared. The end.

Today was a happy day

After having several days of not so great days, today was a lovely one! I had lots of errands today but I got new boots so that is a great bonus! I also made a cool decoration for my bedroom. I hope everyone is having a great Thursday! Goodnight all!

Made from bits of my front yard

11 November 2014

The Day My Son Came Home

The first Great War saw tremendous loss. My father was in that was and, although he came back safe, he was never the same. He was more serious, quieter, more tense than before. He never talked about his experiences in war but you could see it on his face and in his spirit. He saw many of his young soldiers die and you could see that he was slightly broken inside. When the second Great War began I knew more daughters would either lose their fathers or their fathers would come home different men. What I did not expect was to be a mother to one of the fine young men who served. The day my son left was really not that spectacular of a day. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the war seemed like something of fiction. I kissed my baby boy goodbye and watched the spot on the horizon where he disappeared for as long as I can remember.

The radio gave us daily horrors of the war but for the most part it told us how spectacular the Allies were doing. We never saw war in the Midwest, we only heard about it. On occasion I received letters from my beloved son. I occupied my time by taking care of my daughters. My son was the oldest of five but the only boy and he loved all of us. He told me how much he missed home but he never told me what he saw or what he did in war. I barely knew where he was at any given time. Life went on as best as it could with our boy at war but it always felt lonely and scary. Everyday I looked out my window and imagined my boy walking down the road to his home. Everyday I hoped and prayed for his safety.

One day, as I watched the street out my window, I noticed two very official cars pull up out front. Two men in uniform got out and stood watch over the cars as two other men walked to my door. My heart sunk. My daughter opened the door and the men asked us all to sit. He regretted to inform me that the Americans and British stormed the beaches of Normandy. There were many casualties. He apologized for my loss, saluted me and handed me the dog tags of my son. I became my father that day. I had never fought a war but I had suffered through two of the greatest. I had felt pain from both and the last one took one of my most precious gifts. I said goodbye to my son and never got to welcome him home again Many mothers lost sons in that war, many wives became widows, many children became fatherless but without those brave soldiers we would not be free. I gave one of my children for the freedom of this great nation. It was a price that was heavily paid by many and many more would pay the same price in the years ahead.

12 November 2014

I Left My Heart in Paris

Cobble stone paths,

Metro below ground,

Hidden parks between apartments,

I left my heart in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower sparkles,

Old bridges line the Seine,

Cathedral spires kiss the sky,

I left my heart in Paris.

Fresh, hot baguettes,

Buttery pain au chocolat,

Nutella and banana crepes along the street,

I left my heart in Paris.

Conquering The Louvre,

Eating in Hemingway's cafes,

Biking through Versailles,

I left my heart in Paris.

Shopping for souvenirs,

Hunting down the best postcards,

Savoring every memory made,

I left my heart in Paris.

Bastille Day parade,

Fireworks off the Eiffel Tower,

Watching the sunset at 11 pm,

I left my heart in Paris.

Discovering macaroons,

White wine as we cruise on a boat,

Crème brûlée on a fancy date,

I left my heart in Paris.

Looking up at Napoleon's tomb,

The magnificence of Marie Antoinette's room,

Relaxing in the Luxemburg Gardens,

I left my heart in Paris.

Exploring Monet's garden,

Stumbling upon French Polynesian rugby dance practice,

Locking our love on the bridge,

I left my heart in Paris.

The food was perfect,

The people were wonderful,

I could not have asked for a better, more cultural stay,

So I left my heart in Paris.

To those that serve...

Thank you. I have lots of friends and family who have served or are currently serving. I must specially thank my grandpa David Holter, Scott's grandpa Al Clark, my great Opa, my uncle Andy Montoya, Scott's uncle Joe Whaley our dear friends Verity Rogers, Nena Philips,  Spencer Charczuk, Josh Holbrook, Adam Kreuger, Chip Lowe, Bruce LeVasseur, and most recently Nakita Martinefski and my sweet baby brother Christian Montoya. (If I missed anyone I am deeply, deeply sorry.) It means the world to me to be able to rub elbows with some incredibly brave men and women. Your sacrifices have paid for our freedom. 

Another special thank you to my followers. I only have 4 more days of writing left for my year of writing challenge and I am very blessed to have so much support Happy Tuesday all!

9 November 2014

The Road Block

Jake was having an incredibly long day. His car didn't want to start so he was late for work. Once he got to work he realized that three of his clients dropped his construction company. He had left his wallet at home and couldn't buy lunch and to top it off he had to stay late at work since he was late coming in. When it was finally time to go home he was especially relieved. His drive home was fairly routine, he got on the highway, he got off the highway then he turned onto the back road to his house. After a few miles he noticed orange cones in the road and a car on the side of the road. He slowed down to a stop trying to figure out what was going on. He noticed a man standing near the cones and rolled down his window.

“Hey man, are you okay? Do you need some help?” asked Jake to the hooded figure in the dark.

The man said nothing. He picked up his pace and reached into his pocket. This did not sit well with Jake so he rolled up his window and took off. After he was a significant distance from the impromptu road block he decided to phone the police. He had a bad feeling in his stomach and didn't want anyone getting hurt.

“9-1-1 what's your emergency?”

“You know I am not sure. I was driving home and came upon a road block. There was a car parked next to it and a man appraoched me. He reached into his pocket as he quickly approached my car so I left without helping him. I am worried he was going to rob me or something. Can you please send someone out to investigate this?”

“Sir I need you tell me exactly where this happened?”

“Um... it was the frontage road off of the highway. About 2 miles down the road.”

“I need you to lock your doors until the police get to your home. Please stay on the phone with me. the police will explain everything. We are sending a unit out to you and to the site of the incident.”

Jake was shocked. He knew something wasn't right about the situation but he didn't think the 9-1-1 operator would be so alarmed. When the police arrived they explained to Jake that the man he encountered was a wanted murderer. He had killed an officer and three other people who had stopped to help him at these road blocks. Thanks to Jake calling so quickly they were able to find him and take the man into custody before someone else could roll up to the death trap. Once the police left Jake couldn't help but be breathless at the fact that he could have been victim number five of a very deranged man.

10 November 2014

25 Days of Silence: Part 2

They say silence is golden. William had never heard that and he certainly did not believe that now. The first weekend of not being able to speak was not so bad. He didn't have to work so he didn't have to talk to anyone. He stayed home and thought and thought and thought about what he was going to do. How would he get a car to take him to work? How would he tell the doorman what he wanted for dinner? How would he tell his employees what to do? How would he tell the intern how he liked his coffee, or tell her how to dress in his office? How would anything get done? How would he even explain this. After spending the whole weekend trying to think of a plan he was starting to get sick of hearing himself and was beginning to speculate that Amelia was correct.

He knew he had two days down but the hard parts had not happened yet. His first day back at work was a complete disaster. He could not tell people they were wrong, he could not tell them what he did that day, he could not tell anyone what he liked throughout the day. He hated it. After a long first week he began to notice people around him seemed happy. He had never noticed that before. He also noticed that people around him had so many problems! He heard every bit of drama that everyone he worked with had. Mary's husband was having an affair. Tom's neighbor constantly threw loud parties. Anna found pot in her daughter's car. They seemed to speak longer and loner with him the more they realized he could not answer. Soon his driver was telling him about his family and his drama. It was a never ending. William could not believe people spoke so much and they spoke of nothing but themselves.

After many days went by, William began to notice that he did not miss talking so much. He was finding peace in his life. He heard sweet birds that chirped in the park near his home. He heard laughter from people walking on the sidewalk below his window. He heard jazz music coming from an apartment nearby. He was able to get to know people around him better. He learned that his intern really loved history, his boss donated money every month to a charity and the receptionist loved lavender because it reminder her of he mother who passed when she was young. He did not realize people could be so deep. He was beginning to see just how shallow he had been in life. He worked with most of these people for years but he barely knew their names.

William was beginning to get used to the silence when he heard a knock at his door. He opened it and was surprised to see Amelia there. Had it already been 25 days? He asked himself. He was actually starting to enjoy himself and the new things he was learning about the world.

“Hello William! So lovely to see you,” she smiled at him. He smiled back and she knew that he was truly happy to see her, “You look genuinely happy my old friend. Now let's get you your charming voice back,” Amelia leaned into Williams ear, placed her soft hand on his throat and whispered some magical saying to him, “Now, how does it feel to have your voice back?”

William thought to himself for a bit without speaking. How did it feel? Annoying? Frustrating? Infuriating? Mind boggling? “Liberating,” he said in one full breath. It felt good to speak but his words now held more weight than they ever have before. He looked taken aback and this made Amelia smile even wider. She knew the 25 days of silence had suited them well.

“I am glad you have earned your words back,”

“Honestly, me too. You made me see the world,” he remarked. He paused for a moment to reflect on his thoughts then said, “People say so many things and most of it is just garbage. I can't believe I did not see how much I was isolating myself by speaking of nothing but garbage! I got to know some really great people. Thank you for showing me how to care about someone other than myself.”

“Good. I will keep my eye on you William. If I see you falling back into your old ways I will be back to remind you of what you can lose,” chuckled Amelia. She kissed him on the cheek and left him to his new found enjoyed silence. Yes, silence was absolutely golden as the spoken word can often ruin the sounds that we want to hear.

Buddy is a princess.

He lays in bed most days until I finally kick him out of it and he sleep sin the blankets like a person. He is seriously a little princess. It is absolutely adorable though! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday! GO BRONCOS!

7 November 2014

25 Days of Silence

William was tall, handsome, educated and rich. He also loved to tell everyone all those things. His good looks landed him many girlfriends but they never lasted. He talked about himself too much and women found this incredibly off putting. One warm evening, William had a date with a mysterious and beautiful stranger he met in the lobby of his office. He picked his favorite restaurant for dinner and drinks. He sat at the table checking himself out in his spoon and the window overlooking the glittering city skyline. He checked his Rolex and tapped his foot. He was a little impatient waiting. He never waited for anyone. As he finished his drink he saw the beautiful woman. She was in a perfectly form fitting black dress, nude heels and minimal jewelry. Her auburn hair was pulled up in a tight pony tail to show off her exquisite bone structure in her face. He knew they would be the most attractive couple anyone had laid eyes on!

“I am William, you must be my date. Please sit,” he motioned to her seat, “What would you like to drink? You look like martini girl. Can my lovely date get a top shelf martini please?” he asked the waiter that had also arrived.

“Actually I will have a red wine if you don't mind,” smiled the mystery date.

She wasn't afraid to go against him, he liked that. He took in his mystery date and quickly went in to speak to her, “I am very happy you met me for dinner. This place is my favorite. The lighting makes me look absolutely sharp and the food here is made by one of the top chefs in the world,” he said to her as he flashed his perfect grin. She was about to speak but he cut her off, “I know the man who owns this place. He is a good friend of mine. I come here often for business meetings. I am very important in my company. I suspect I will be the CEO in no time. They rely on me very heavily for success. I recently took the owner of my company on a yacht ride for his birthday. I swear his wife was more into me than him but she does not possess the qualities that would look good next to me. Ah! Our drinks thank you sir. Now where was I?”

All through dinner and drinks William spoke and his date listened, the entire time she had a smile on her face. Once dinner was over William knew he wanted to go on another date with this perfect woman. She ate, she drank, she listened to him and she was stunning. She was a perfect addition to his life. He leaned in to kiss her goodnight as her car arrived out front but she stopped him.

“Come with me,” she whispered. He was thrilled. Obviously she thought the night had gone great as well. He grinned from ear to ear and slid into the back seat next to her.

“Home please, George,” she announced to her driver.

“Yes Miss.”

As they drove off he began to speak but she grabbed his face and gave him a long hard kiss. She pulled away and smiled widely. He tried to say something about the kiss but couldn't. His mind was forming the words but the sound was not coming from his throat. He touched his throat and looked at her with fear.

“I knew you were the one. You talk about yourself so much, it is truly a gift you. I look for people like you. I make friends of people, go on dates, go into business, anything to find those who are entirely self centered. I must admit, no one has ever blown me away as much as you. You are beyond shallow. Typically I have to slip something in someone's drink and touch their throat but I save kisses for my most deserving of victims. Don't worry though, you will get your voice back. In 25 days I will come find you. I have your voice now so I will find you, don't worry about that either. You will not be able to speak a single word. Not even an ounce of sound will come from your throat. You will have to spend your days listening to others. Paying attention to others. If I feel you have learned your lesson in 25 days I will give you your voice back. Life is so wonderful, people like you make it miserable. Get to know someone. It'll add more to your life. Okay we are at your home William. This will be the hardest thing you have ever done so appreciate it now. Goodbye dear!” she left him stunned at his door. She began to drive off but stopped quickly, “I am Amelia by the way William. You never even bothered to ask.”

Amelia drove off leaving the voiceless William alone. He was actually speechless for the first time in his life, mentally and physically. He walked up to his door, walked inside and sat in the silence of his home. For hours he sat in silence. It took him all of this time to realize no one called him. No one messaged him. No one spoke to him, he spoke to everyone. For the first time in his life he realized how lonely he indeed was. It would be a long 25 days for William.

8 November 2014

Lost

Sage was lost. She didn't know what to do. She had walked into the room where her food had been but it wasn't there. She was surely going to starve! She ran around her home looking for help. She pleaded with her people for assistance. She whined and whimpered, throwing herself on the floor to gain some pity. Her stomach was feeling empty. They had fed her this morning but now her food was missing. They may forget to feed her the next morning and the next. She would most certainly waste away to nothing. As she was becoming incredibly desperate one of her people picked her up and took her downstairs to the basement. In the cold dark basement was her food and her bathroom! She gobbled down the last of her food and marked her place in her bathroom. All was well in the life of the cat who thought her life was over for a short time.

I started to post this yesterday...

and then forgot to finish! Whoops! Well here are your stories, please enjoy.

5 November 2014

King Tut

Howard Carter was the man you called when you had a question about archeology and Egyptology in the early 1900's. He always had had an eye for ancient things. At a fairly young age he could replicate tomb decorations and he even helped record wall reliefs of none other than the woman king Hatshepsut. When Carter was invited to the Valley of the Kings to aide in searching for the mysterious boy king, Tutankhamun, he dropped everything and went. He searched the valley for many months and soon Lord Carnarvon, who funded his search, became weary. He threatened to cut funding if nothing was not found quick. With even more gusto, Carter kept on and eventually found a hidden set of stairs. He immediately called for Lord Carnarvon to get to the Valley of the Kings. Excavating would take weeks but slowly they found a a doorway. Carter used a chisel his grandmother had given him for his seventeenth birthday and slowly taken bits away from the ancient door. He made a large enough hole that he could peek in and saw that there were signs of it being a tomb. There was gold and ebony treasures that seemed untouched for thousands of years.

“Can you see anything?” asked Lord Carnarvon

“Yes, Wonderful things!” replied Howard Carter, words that would externalize his famous find. The 4^th of November turned out to be the most glorious day of Howard Carter's life as this would be the day he would stumble upon the most elusive tomb in history, the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Many would say the tomb was cursed but Carter would beg to differ. He retired shortly afterward and died many years after his prominent find in Kensington, London. An explorer like no other, Carter will always be remembered for his many treasured finds that now have homes in museums all over the world.

6 November 2014

Love in the Desert

The desert was a hot and lonely place filled with deadly scorpions and birds of prey circling the sky looking for dinner. Not many animals stayed out during the blazing heat of the day but one particular fennec fox did not heed the midday sun. The fox loved the sun and did his very best to pay no mind to the extreme heat. Everyday, all day, the little fox with the enormous ears sat outside and praised the sun. Oh how the fox loved the sun. He loved it's golden rays and how it made the sand look as if it glittered in the extreme temperatures. On a particularly hot day, the fox was out in the bright, beautiful sun when a ray reached down and touched the fox.

“Oh glorious sun! I have wanted to be with you for as long as I can remember! I first saw you when my mother left me in your care,” beamed the fox.

“Oh sweet fox, you cannot love me,” replied the sun.

“I have only ever loved you!” cried the fox in desperation.

“You must learn to love the moon dear fox. I will make you supper for another desert creature if you are not careful,” and with that the sun went back up into the cloudless sky.

The desperate fox fell asleep so he could dream about his love, the sun. A few days later he woke up to someone sniffing him. He bolted up and yelled.

“HEY! I am not dead! Get away from me!” he screamed.

“Calm down! I wasn't trying to eat you. I was just trying to see if you were still alive. You have been asleep for days!” the fox looked at the sniffing culprit and suddenly forgot about the sun. Before him in the shimmering moonlight was the most beautiful girl fennec fox he had ever laid eyes on. She had large, dark eyes, her fur was a perfectly golden hue. He was struck hard with cupid's arrow.

“I am sorry for yelling,” he whispered, “who are you and where am I?”

“I am Colette,” she smiled, “I went out as the sun was setting and saw you laying here near my home. You were passed out, probably from the heat, and I was worried something would eat you if I did not bring you here. My family kept you warm at night and now you are awake.”

How could the little fox be so lucky as to have met Colette? He thanked his lucky stars then thanked her. The moon light graced her delicate face from the hole of the burrow they were in and he knew the advice from the sun was correct. He forgot about his love for the sun and devoted the rest of his time to his new love, Colette. She in turn loved him and they lived happily ever after.

Countdown to Christian's graduation!

Today marks one month until my little brother graduates from Marine boot camp! I am so excited to travel out with my whole family and see him!!! I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday! I just got back from working out with Katie so I shall now relax and do some light reading.

Also, somehow I managed to mess up my days and forgot to post my story from the 1st so here it is:

1 November 2014

What I See

Whoa is me and what I have seen in this world. I have traveled through valleys and walked amongst kings. We have spoken of extravagance and excellence, gold and jewels. We have spoken of things no normal man could attain and yet no word was spoken of the less fortunate, the hungry, the forgotten. I left these kings thinking of how sad the world was and how cruel everyone in it could be. I left the wealthy and traveled to the most ravaged lands in the darkest corners of earth. I found babes with swollen bellies and flies in their eyes. I saw mothers begging for food for their children, fathers working themselves to death, disease waging expert wars of the lives of the poor and unwanted. I saw all the bad that there could be then I saw a sliver of golden light on my travels. A child, innocent in her surroundings, saw that I had no food in front of me. She noticed my shoes were a bit tattered and I was sweating from the extreme heat of the day. As I spoke to her mother the little girl left but came back minutes later. She brought me a wet towel to wipe off my face then put the towel on my neck to cool me off. I smiled and thanked her as I continued conversing with her tired mother. She then began to undo my shoes. Very quickly they were off my feet and she had disappeared inside her shanty home. I tried to protest but she was gone and I was still in conversation. The child came back with joy in her eyes. She had used her blanket and patched up my shoes as best she could. She then ran back inside and I continued to speak to her mother. A few minutes later the girl came back with other children. They all carried some rice and fruits they had collected. They happily dished out tiny amounts to everyone around. They were thrilled at my company and proud of their accomplishments. That is when my weary soul lifted and a smile cracked through my tired lips. Happy were these people. Fulfilled were these children. Their lives were not to be envied but they had something kings could not attain. They had love and they had community. They would never feel alone or not cared for no matter their situation. Oh whoa was me and what I saw but overjoyed was I at what I was taught that day by a little girl.

4 November 2014

The Well in the Garden

Faye had always heard stories about the well in her family's garden. The family claimed fairies lived in the well. They said that it was a portal to another land. An aunt claimed it healed all ailments and granted wishes to those who drank from it. With all of the stories going on about the well no one had ever seen it or witnessed the legends surrounding it. The family owned hundreds of acres of beautiful green land that had likely not been fully explored, at least not by anyone alive today. Faye decided to find the well after an especially fun evening of the family sharing stories about it. She woke up early and took a map of the lands to begin exploring. After several days of camping and searching she finally stumbled upon a grove of ivies. They were filled with beautiful blue and purple flowers. She parted a group of ivies and saw a picturesque little well. She knew this had to be the one because this area on the map was plain. There was no hint of an ivy grove or well. She saw that there was a crank and a rope dangling down into the well. She began to turn the crank and bring the rope up. Very slowly it began to move up but suddenly it became stuck. She pulled as hard as she could but Faye just could not bring up the rope. She was hoping there would be a bucket attached so she could drink some of the water or see the fairies or vanish into a portal. She gave up on the rope and decided to look in the well. It was very dark and she leaned in to get a closer look. Just then something grabbed her collar and pulled her into the well. She disappeared leaving nothing but her pack behind.

Yesterday I had a serious case of the Mondays.

Writing is getting extremely difficult. Right now I have written 354 short stories and poems. That is a lot of creative juices that seemed to be nearly totally squeezed out of my brain. I got a little inspiration from Tom Hanks the other day and what he is doing with short stories. Only a little inspiration though. Writing every single day is really freaking hard! Try it. I dare you. Some of my stories this past month has been crappy and I apologize for that. Once I finish this year up I will focus on loner short stories and a book. I am also going to start posting more about historical facts and dates. Scott said I make history interesting so maybe others will think so as well. I hope everyone is having a good week. To make up for not posting yesterday I am leaving you with some pictures from my hike on Saturday and other randomness for the past couple of days. 

Sage was a shark for Halloween. She looks so vicious doesn't she?

This hike was horribly difficult but so worth the view!

You can't tell very well but Sage is laying on Scott's phone like she is talking on it.

This is the only second I got him to sit still. He just wanted some love not pics!

Ava is probably the cutest baby I have ever seen!

2 November 2014

The Sun and Helene

Helene was born when the moon was at its brightest. It was full and large in the sky. In the glow of the white moon she pushed into the world. For all her life Helene hated the dark. She felt the most alive when the moon was out. Helene was a privileged girl in her family and was often not let out of her home unless the clouds covered the sun. She had the most porcelain skin that even the moon would envy. Her beauty would help her father find her a rich, well connected husband. One day, as she was lounging with one of her ladies, Helene noticed the sun through her window. The enormous, yellow orb of light sat in her window and slowly sunk beneath the window ledge. She ran to the window and watched the sun sink below the skyline.

“My lady! Please come back from the window!” yelled one of her ladies. Helene was too distracted by the glistening sun.

“I am in love,” whispered Helene. She was in love. Her soul had always belonged to the silver moon but suddenly her flesh was possessed with the spirit of the golden sun. She desired to be with the sun and not just bask in its glory.

“You cannot be with the sun, it will devour you,” announced Helene's mother, “be still silly girl and stay away from the garish sun's rays.”

Helene's heart was broken. Never had she witnessed something so beautiful. Never had she longed for something to love with every drop of her being. That night she pleaded with the moon.

“Please bring me the day so I can wrap my arms firmly around the sun!”

As the moon began to ease slowly below the skyline, Helene had an idea. She would leave her home and walk to the sea and swim out to where the sun kissed the ocean before night came. Before the sun could come up she quietly left home. She made her way to the sea and walked into the warm water. She began to swim as the sun slowly made its way above the horizon. The sun rose higher and higher but she was not getting closer. Soon Helene became weak. She could no longer swim to her love. Feeling betrayed and exhausted she laid on her back in the ocean.

“Why, sun, do you evade my love?” she asked as she began to sink into the dark, calm sea. Never closing her eyes, she reached her arms out hoping the sun would rescue her from her cold death but the sun continued on its path never reaching out to save Helene.

3 November 2014

One Dollar

Blake knew opening a bar was a risky idea. He also knew that opening a bar with his best friend, Chris, was even riskier but Blake went ahead with it. The bar did exactly as Blake had expected, horribly. Blake and Chris were not business owners. Eventually the friends decided to close the bar. Blake wanted one more nostalgic night at the bar so he called his wife and his best friend to meet him at the bar. Neither one wanted to go back. They wanted to put the past behind them. Blake went to the bar and drank his last few beers, blasted the radio as loud as he could and shot some solo pool. After getting sufficiently drunk he called a cab and said goodbye to his bar. He walked inside his home and headed up to his bed. He flicked on the light, to drunk to remember it was late, only to see his best friend running out of his bed. Without saying a word he walked back to the bar and woke up on a pool table. His bar was closing and his wife was cheating. Blake could not feel any lower.

Within a couple months, Blake and Chris settled the bar closing. Shortly after that he was divorced. All he had left of his former life was the first dollar his bar made. With the dollar in his pocket he headed up to the local casino. He grabbed a drink and wandered the floor looking for somewhere to lose his dollar. He saw a ridiculous dollar slot machine with a glittering, spinning sign advertising a million dollar pot. Blake chuckled at the sign and thought to himself “What the hell?” The past couple of months were the worst in his life, losing his first dollar to a silly machine could not possibly make it any worse. He looked at his dollar one last time. He saw it everyday in the bar. He knew that dollar and, after everything, he was ready to get rid of it. He slipped the dollar in the machine and made his bet. It spun and spun, beeping and dinging. Slowly it stopped and so did time. The slot machine began to ring loudly. The siren on top was blaring!

It was his last dollar. His last piece of his old life. That night Blake was treated to the presidential suit. He had lobster and crab and the best room service. His last dollar gave him a million more. After taking some time to travel, Blake moved to Vegas. He opened a new bar but this time with the help of some hired business people. He invested his money and made smarter business decisions this time around. He now had a new first dollar hanging on his office wall and a picture of him winning at the slot machine next to it to remind him that his failures could always lead to his next success.

Hiking!

Today I am going for a hike with Robbi and then tonight Scott and I are headed up to Ameristar for a birthday dinner with some good friends! I hope everyone had a great Halloween! We had a bunch of goofy kids come to the door. They all loved Buddy and his hot dog costume. Happy Saturday folks and don't forget tomorrow is the Broncos Game!

30 October 2014

Myssa

Myssa lurked in the shadows, watching and waiting. She knew her people would eventually turn their attention to something other than the leftover dinner on the counter. Once the people began to converse she made her move. She stealthily pounced on the counter top and lurked over to the food. Without ringing the bell on her collar, Myssa made her way to the oh so glorious cheese that sat atop the lasagna. In seconds she began to devour ever morsel of melted deliciousness that covered dinner. Soon the people realized what was going on and shooed her off the counter. She dashed away and ran to the bedroom to delight in her success. As she licked the remainder of the saucy cheese off her face she couldn't help but think about what the people would be making for dinner the next day before falling into a mozzarella slumber.

31 October 2014

All Hallows' Eve

Ghosts and ghouls are out to haunt. Dressed head to toe in Halloween garb, they go door to door begging for tasty treats. Princesses and goblins, heroes and villains, pirates and policemen, children dressed in all sorts of fantasies skip from house to house. With their parents they kindly take candy, with their friends they goof around and joke about hot dog costumed dogs. Happy faces glitter the night as sugar filled teeth threaten to scare dentists more than the ghosts attached to them. For one whole night kids get to scream in delight and laugh off the frights of neighborhood decorations. They get to enjoy a fun night stroll and giggle along the way. Once the get home they dump their treasures on the floor. Chocolate, caramel and sugar pour from their sacks. The wrappers glisten like the gold that it is. With their parents they hunt out the best treats then pass out in a kiddy coma after the sugar rush of their life. All is well on All Hallows' Eve, maybe next year will bring snow.