Traxin applied more pressure to the steering column as the ship’s vibration increased to an incessant shuddering which made his gray head rattle on the end of his long ringed neck. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: December 2011
Into the Vortex – 100 Word Flash Fiction
Winter Driving Tips from a Wild Rider!
I love winter driving, especially in snowstorms! The snow makes beautiful patterns as it streaks across the windshield and the challenge of keeping the car on the road gets my adrenaline pumping similar to skiing down a mountain. I learned to drive during long snowy Wisconsin winters. This was back in the day when the snow fell in November and didn’t melt until spring. Monster ruts formed along with black ice which would hide under a shroud of fresh snow like a cursed demon, sending unsuspecting drivers fish-tailing or spinning in circles. Of course we all had rear-wheel drive cars back then.
I decided to share what I learned since most people on the road during our last Colorado snowstorm sucked at winter driving! Continue reading
What’s Up with Susie?
"Susie is such a nice Christmas name. Did you know it was originally Hebrew?"
As I perused today’s newspaper, it occurred to me that I have one of the most cliché names for Christmas. According to Wikipedia, “A cliché or cliche is an expression, idea, or element of an artistic work which has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect, especially when at some earlier time it was considered meaningful or novel.” The name “Susie” is cropping up in holiday advertising everywhere! “A toy for Susie” was on Santa’s list in a print ad along with “an iPod for Timmy.” What could be causing the sudden overuse of my name? Continue reading
Filed under Humor
Cutting Up at Christmas
One of my favorite holiday traditions is illustrating a family Christmas card. Over the years it has often included skiing and snowboarding off cliffs and roof tops. Some represented traditional themes like baking cookies together as a family and others illustrated what my family had been up to in the past year; a brag letter without the GPA!
This year I found myself drawn, (no pun intended) to a card I created two years ago. I knew it would be time-consuming and a huge challenge, but hey, that’s just how I roll.
As I began my first prototype – and there were many – I realized how much this year’s card resembled the basics of writing a story. Continue reading
Filed under Life
The Christmas Wish – 250 Word Flash Fiction
As Carol scrawled her signature inside the Thomas Kincade Christmas card, a chill sent a shiver like the touch of a cold fingertip along her spine. She buttoned her red cardigan and folded the greeting card. While studying the picture of the artist’s painting, Carol smiled at the warm glow emanating like amber from the windows of the cottage nestled in the snow. She imagined the home filled with friends and family. She glanced through the window above her desk at the dense fog and ice collecting on the gnarled oak trees. Her heart ached with the familiar sense of loss. “I miss you John.” Continue reading
Filed under Fiction
If You Tried to Find Today’s Post – Here is the Link
Here is the link to today’s blog, How Patsy Ramsey Ruined My Life! It’s a true story and I hope you will stop by for a giggle.
Filed under Uncategorized
How Patsy Ramsey Ruined My Life!
It all started when I decided to attend the Historic Boulder Homes for the Holidays Tour. Up until then, my required holiday decorations consisted of one fresh poinsettia and one Christmas tree. Little did I know that purchasing a ticket in 1994 to support Historic Boulder would ruin my life forever.
The tour included several homes located on “The Hill” in Boulder. As I trudged up the snowy path to a gingerbread-like house, I noticed a pretty black-haired lady walk up beside me. Being fairly outgoing, I said, “I love this wreath!”
“Why thank you very much!” she said. Then she flashed me a broad smile. I realized this must be the owner. As I entered, my breath was taken away by the all the fresh magnolia and pine swags above picture frames and mirrors with a large one draped over the stairway. Others graced long buffets and table tops. The scent of fresh flowers mixed with evergreens raised my spirits, but unbeknownst to me it was the first enticement in turning toward the dark side. I laudably gasped and said to her, “This is the most beautiful home I’ve ever seen. I only wish my mother was here in time for the tour. She would really enjoy this,” I said with tears in my eyes.
“Bring her over when she comes to town!” she replied, “I’m Patsy Ramsey by the way.” Continue reading
A New Friend for Christmas – 100 Word Flash
The enormous wet snowflakes fell like confetti as she hurried along the crowded sidewalk. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the rich scent of chocolate and then saw the vendor spray whipped cream on top of a cup while young children waited patiently in line. Continue reading
Filed under Fiction
A Christmas Tail
Our Bichon Frise, Avalanche, had not been well for months. Her incessantly wagging tail now lay motionless on the floor. I took our eleven-year-old dog to a compassionate veterinarian who diagnosed her with malignant tumors.
“You’ll know when it’s time,” he said. I fought back tears while feeling an enormous lump grow in my throat.
Into the Light – 100 Word Flash Fiction
Katrina didn’t have much time before the doctor returned. Finding the secret had changed her life forever. She crept out of the darkness into the shaft of light risking everything. He had hidden it in a drawer of his black enamel desk. Continue reading
Filed under Fiction
