Sunday, July 30, 2006
Identity, Chapter 5
We're moving right along! Chapter 5 is now posted on our novel blog site. Okay, Angela, the ball's in your court!
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Identity, Chapter 4
Angela has posted her chapter on our blog novel site. Go to www.identityblognovel.blogspot.com or click on the Identity link to the right to read. I will have chapter 5 there as soon as I figure out where I'm going with it! Good job, Punkin!
Simon Says, Books one and Two
To view the description of the books and get a larger view of the covers, click on the AuthorHouse link to the right. Once there, click on Book Store. At the author/title search window type in either Chrusciaki or Simon Says. Both books will appear with a description, free previews, and About the Author. Once the books become "live", prices will be available and orders can be placed. At that time, I hope to have my time back so I can finish two other books I've started. Writing is such a joy!
Friday, July 28, 2006
Simon Says, Book One
This is the final cover for book one! I've approved it, along with the artist, of course, and signed off on it. The final galley should arrive soon and book one will go to print! This is a very exciting moment in my life. The publisher told me again this week that my cover is "very interesting and eye-catching". Thanks to Angela!
The Joys of Marriage, IV
TV Vs. Computer: There are many addictions in our marriage and the TV and computer are two of them. Robin hates computers. He has no interest in learning how to move around on one. When he is sitting in front of one, he gets frustrated. Give him a remote control, however, and he can sit there for hours. Remote controls make me very nervous. Maybe it's just the combination of Robin and a remote control that makes me nervous.
He has a habit of flipping through the channels and mumbling the show titles as he goes. He becomes motor mouth. Finally, he will announce that there's nothing on. What do most people do when there's "nothing on" TV? Hit the off button, perhaps? Nooooo. He watches something he's seen 10 times or a B-rated movie because there's "nothing on". The TV even remains on while he's reading a book. He's so afraid he will miss something. And, his viewing choices are very masculine: sci-fi, cops and robbers, action-packed hero stuff, and even some animated shows. Those don't interest me so I gravitate to the office and the blessed computer.
I've always enjoyed opening my mailbox and finding a letter. So checking e-mail is an exciting time for me. The pager is also a miracle for me as I stay in touch with friends and family who have moved away. And I'm addicted to FreeCell. I can play for hours. I clicked on my status bar once and almost went into cardiac arrest when I saw the number of games I've played. I'm too embarrassed to list the number, but I will admit that it's in the thousands.
Robin will come in often and ask how my lover and I are doing. I turn it around and ask how he and his lover are doing. He says his addiction is nothing compared to mine. Let's look at that for a moment.
The TV is usually on when I get in from work. I share that time with him as we catch up on local and world news, and watch Wheel of Fortune, about the only show I watch (I'm weird, I know, but TV is of little interest to me). Then I go to the kitchen to cook dinner. He's still in front of the TV. We eat dinner in front of the TV. I have both a kitchen and dining room table and we still sit on the floor in his den and eat off the coffee table. Sounds pretty addicted to me.
After dinner, I clean the kitchen while Robin watches TV. Then I figure it is "Peggy time" and I go (okay, rush) to the computer. I check mail, blogs, the status of my books, then relax with maybe 50 games of FreeCell. While I'm indulging myself, Robin is still in front of the TV. And, he's usually there when I leave the computer, set up coffee for the next morning, and take my shower. When he gets his shower, the TV in the bedroom comes on while he's waiting on me to wash off makeup (yikes!) and brush my teeth. Then he looks at the clock and notes the time and how late we are getting to bed because of my computer addiction. Hello?
In all fairness, I think we both have a serious addiction. It's my belief that TV offers very little to stimulate the brain while FreeCell is a challenge. Robin says his shows change, but my FreeCell stays the same. The TV offers many different shows, and FreeCell offers many different games. We both need to be big and admit our faults and weaknesses. We are chained to addictions.
"Hello, my name is Peggy and I'm a computer-holic."
Okay, Robin, it's your turn. Come out of denial and take that painful first step.
He has a habit of flipping through the channels and mumbling the show titles as he goes. He becomes motor mouth. Finally, he will announce that there's nothing on. What do most people do when there's "nothing on" TV? Hit the off button, perhaps? Nooooo. He watches something he's seen 10 times or a B-rated movie because there's "nothing on". The TV even remains on while he's reading a book. He's so afraid he will miss something. And, his viewing choices are very masculine: sci-fi, cops and robbers, action-packed hero stuff, and even some animated shows. Those don't interest me so I gravitate to the office and the blessed computer.
I've always enjoyed opening my mailbox and finding a letter. So checking e-mail is an exciting time for me. The pager is also a miracle for me as I stay in touch with friends and family who have moved away. And I'm addicted to FreeCell. I can play for hours. I clicked on my status bar once and almost went into cardiac arrest when I saw the number of games I've played. I'm too embarrassed to list the number, but I will admit that it's in the thousands.
Robin will come in often and ask how my lover and I are doing. I turn it around and ask how he and his lover are doing. He says his addiction is nothing compared to mine. Let's look at that for a moment.
The TV is usually on when I get in from work. I share that time with him as we catch up on local and world news, and watch Wheel of Fortune, about the only show I watch (I'm weird, I know, but TV is of little interest to me). Then I go to the kitchen to cook dinner. He's still in front of the TV. We eat dinner in front of the TV. I have both a kitchen and dining room table and we still sit on the floor in his den and eat off the coffee table. Sounds pretty addicted to me.
After dinner, I clean the kitchen while Robin watches TV. Then I figure it is "Peggy time" and I go (okay, rush) to the computer. I check mail, blogs, the status of my books, then relax with maybe 50 games of FreeCell. While I'm indulging myself, Robin is still in front of the TV. And, he's usually there when I leave the computer, set up coffee for the next morning, and take my shower. When he gets his shower, the TV in the bedroom comes on while he's waiting on me to wash off makeup (yikes!) and brush my teeth. Then he looks at the clock and notes the time and how late we are getting to bed because of my computer addiction. Hello?
In all fairness, I think we both have a serious addiction. It's my belief that TV offers very little to stimulate the brain while FreeCell is a challenge. Robin says his shows change, but my FreeCell stays the same. The TV offers many different shows, and FreeCell offers many different games. We both need to be big and admit our faults and weaknesses. We are chained to addictions.
"Hello, my name is Peggy and I'm a computer-holic."
Okay, Robin, it's your turn. Come out of denial and take that painful first step.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
The Joys of Marriage, III
Fueling the car: Robin is on top of things when it comes to his car. He's especially anal about making sure the gas tank is filled. And, I actually think he enjoys filling his car. He will add $10 worth and drive off. If he hated the chore, why wouldn't he fill it completely up and have to stop less often? Hmmm.
He gets very bent out of shape when I mention that my gas light is on. I've explained it to him this way: If the light is not on, I have gas. There is no need to stop, no matter what the indicator says, if the light isn't on. When the light does appear, I know I have about 30 more miles I can go before running completely out. I've actually flat lined it before and still mosied on down the road. But as a rule, I take the bright orange light as a sign that I need to start looking for a gas station.
A few days ago I asked Robin to fill my car since I was going out of town early the next morning. He asked why I hadn't filled it on my way home from work. I told him the light wasn't on. He then informed me that he really shouldn't fill it for me if I insisted on being so irresponsible. I reminded him that it took less time for him to fill my tank than it had for me to bake his cake a few days prior. He grumbled and asked for my car keys.
To sum it up, Robin will pump gas, a few drops at a time, and long before the gas light comes on. I wait until my car lets me know it's thirsty. Even then, I might make it practice self-control. Yes, Robin, I might run out of gas, but I have a cell phone I can use to call you if I do. Duh!
He gets very bent out of shape when I mention that my gas light is on. I've explained it to him this way: If the light is not on, I have gas. There is no need to stop, no matter what the indicator says, if the light isn't on. When the light does appear, I know I have about 30 more miles I can go before running completely out. I've actually flat lined it before and still mosied on down the road. But as a rule, I take the bright orange light as a sign that I need to start looking for a gas station.
A few days ago I asked Robin to fill my car since I was going out of town early the next morning. He asked why I hadn't filled it on my way home from work. I told him the light wasn't on. He then informed me that he really shouldn't fill it for me if I insisted on being so irresponsible. I reminded him that it took less time for him to fill my tank than it had for me to bake his cake a few days prior. He grumbled and asked for my car keys.
To sum it up, Robin will pump gas, a few drops at a time, and long before the gas light comes on. I wait until my car lets me know it's thirsty. Even then, I might make it practice self-control. Yes, Robin, I might run out of gas, but I have a cell phone I can use to call you if I do. Duh!
Monday, July 24, 2006
The Joys of Marriage, II
Driving habits: I have no problem with the way Robin drives. He obeys the speed limit, doesn't tailgate, and doesn't cross solid white lines. He only uses the passing lane when he is passing, otherwise he keeps to the right. There have been a few occasions when his driving has irritated me, like when I'm in a hurry and he has the speed set exactly on 60. Usually, though, I can enjoy the ride when he is beyhind the wheel. I used to be a terrible backseat driver, when I was married to a Polish Brazilian. Need I say more?
About the only bad thing Robin does when driving is curse other drivers. I swear he can go around the corner to a store and see five careless drivers on the way. I've pointed out that all of us have made stupid driving mistakes and maybe one of these drivers is having his/her turn. No, they are deliberately cutting him off. I try to give the benefit of the doubt unless I receive some sort of hand gesture.
I, on the other hand, irritate Robin with my driving. I've been known to ignore speed limits and race right down the road. I'm learning to watch that and set the cruise control. I don't need a ticket or a free ride in a hearse. I remember one trip we made to Houston and we were on this long stretch of road and I was driving my BMW. I asked Robin if he wanted to see how I could get it over 100 mph. He said no, and he meant it. I waited a few minutes before I put the pedal to the metal. He's finally talking to me again.
As I said, I'm no longer a backseat driver but now I know how annoying it is to have one. Robin tells me to watch for this car and that car, turn left up there, turn right over here, and so on. He even gives me directions when I'm driving in our own neighborhood! I've lived in this house for 32 years. Robin has lived here for eight years. For some reason, he has to direct me home. What's up with that?
About the only bad thing Robin does when driving is curse other drivers. I swear he can go around the corner to a store and see five careless drivers on the way. I've pointed out that all of us have made stupid driving mistakes and maybe one of these drivers is having his/her turn. No, they are deliberately cutting him off. I try to give the benefit of the doubt unless I receive some sort of hand gesture.
I, on the other hand, irritate Robin with my driving. I've been known to ignore speed limits and race right down the road. I'm learning to watch that and set the cruise control. I don't need a ticket or a free ride in a hearse. I remember one trip we made to Houston and we were on this long stretch of road and I was driving my BMW. I asked Robin if he wanted to see how I could get it over 100 mph. He said no, and he meant it. I waited a few minutes before I put the pedal to the metal. He's finally talking to me again.
As I said, I'm no longer a backseat driver but now I know how annoying it is to have one. Robin tells me to watch for this car and that car, turn left up there, turn right over here, and so on. He even gives me directions when I'm driving in our own neighborhood! I've lived in this house for 32 years. Robin has lived here for eight years. For some reason, he has to direct me home. What's up with that?
A Day With My Parents
Yesterday, Sunday, I rode with my parents to Arkansas to visit my Aunt Edith in a nursing home. We met my sister Donna in Idabel, OK, then the four of us drove the remaining 40 miles or so to De Queen. I went into the room first to see if she'd recognize me. She didn't and I hardly recognized her. I'd never seen her with gray hair and she'd never seen me as a blond. It was a fun visit and we all enjoyed it, even though Edith had an upset stomach and stayed in bed the whole time. It was especially special for Donna and I to have our parents to ourselves for the day.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Chapter 2 Online Now!
Please visit identityblognovel.blogspot.com for chapter 2 in the continuing saga by Mother & Daughter of blog novel "Identity". Angela wrote chapter two and you can enjoy it now!
Saturday, July 22, 2006
The Joys of Marriage, I
The Bikini issue. I wore a bikini for the first time in my life at the ripe age of 45. Prior to that, it had either been a one-piece (after those child-bearing years) or the cute hip-hugger two-piece with the sweet little boy legs that were all the rage when I was a teenager. When I finally dropped some weight in my 40s I felt pretty good in my one-piece bathing suit. I could finally slip into one and not want to cover myself with a beach towel. I was comfortable. Then Robin entered my life.
Let me point out here that Robin is a very shallow person. He admits it. Not only does he admit it, he's very proud of it. You can have a heart of gold, a character above reproach, a mind that can discuss any topic in great detail, and he will only be concerned with how you look in a bikini. So, of course, I was introduced to the bikini. Okay, I agreed to wear one for him in the privacy of our own backyard pool. Then came hotel pools, and the beach. I finally got comfortable with it and figured I wasn't too old yet to refuse and disappoint him.
Things have changed. I'm now 56 and long for the comfort and extra cloth that comes with a one-piece suit. I want to enjoy being 56 with no expectations that might be placed on a twenty-year-old. I want the bikini to disappear. Yes, things have changed, but Robin hasn't caught up. He sees nothing wrong with strolling the beach while I can hardly breathe from sucking my stomach in so much. He doesn't care that when I sit down on a lounging chair that my stomach sits in my lap. He swears he doesn't see what I see. I'm flattered that he's still proud of me and enjoys how I look in a bikini. And as shallow as he is, I know he'd be honest with me if my appearance embarrassed him, though he would be subtle about it for he, too, understands we are different.
In my mind, the bikini issue should no longer be an issue. My cousin Linda sent me a cartoon of two elderly women talking on a park bench. One woman said something to the effect that when she's naked, she still wants to slip into something more comfortable. Maybe I am getting old, but that comment made perfect sense to me.
Let me point out here that Robin is a very shallow person. He admits it. Not only does he admit it, he's very proud of it. You can have a heart of gold, a character above reproach, a mind that can discuss any topic in great detail, and he will only be concerned with how you look in a bikini. So, of course, I was introduced to the bikini. Okay, I agreed to wear one for him in the privacy of our own backyard pool. Then came hotel pools, and the beach. I finally got comfortable with it and figured I wasn't too old yet to refuse and disappoint him.
Things have changed. I'm now 56 and long for the comfort and extra cloth that comes with a one-piece suit. I want to enjoy being 56 with no expectations that might be placed on a twenty-year-old. I want the bikini to disappear. Yes, things have changed, but Robin hasn't caught up. He sees nothing wrong with strolling the beach while I can hardly breathe from sucking my stomach in so much. He doesn't care that when I sit down on a lounging chair that my stomach sits in my lap. He swears he doesn't see what I see. I'm flattered that he's still proud of me and enjoys how I look in a bikini. And as shallow as he is, I know he'd be honest with me if my appearance embarrassed him, though he would be subtle about it for he, too, understands we are different.
In my mind, the bikini issue should no longer be an issue. My cousin Linda sent me a cartoon of two elderly women talking on a park bench. One woman said something to the effect that when she's naked, she still wants to slip into something more comfortable. Maybe I am getting old, but that comment made perfect sense to me.
The Joys of Marriage, A New Series
Here I hope to explore the vast differences between men and women. In this one area, God's sense of humor is shown more than in any other. These two creatures who are such total opposites are expected to cohabitate within the same walls. That is laughable. I'm sure God's purpose was to teach patience, humility, compromise, understanding, self-denial, servitude, acceptance, and all the other sterling qualities that make us Christ-like. It's still laughable.
I've been accused of being a male basher. In truth, there are annoying tendencies that are common to both sexes. I don't like the games women play, or the rush of tears that flow in an effort to get their own way. I don't like their vanity that keeps them primping long after the husband is ready to go somewhere. I'm guilty of that trait, but it doesn't mean I like it. I wish I could get a buzz cut, throw out all makeup, and go on with my life as if nothing needed attention. It ain't gonna happen. So, yes, there are things that bother me about men and women and I admit that since I'm a woman I tend the focus more on the negative traits in men.
But just as God has a sense of humor, it's safe to say that we should learn to look at our spouses and find the humor in some of their words and actions. This is where acceptace comes in. The sooner we accept the fact that there are differences and we are to live with them, the easier it will be to survive the turbulent waters on a ricketty raft called marriage.
Feel free to share your own experiences and how you sought to discover the humor. You know you have them. We're all in this together. I'm certainly not qualified to be a marriage counselor. My only hope is to show you that you aren't alone.
I've been accused of being a male basher. In truth, there are annoying tendencies that are common to both sexes. I don't like the games women play, or the rush of tears that flow in an effort to get their own way. I don't like their vanity that keeps them primping long after the husband is ready to go somewhere. I'm guilty of that trait, but it doesn't mean I like it. I wish I could get a buzz cut, throw out all makeup, and go on with my life as if nothing needed attention. It ain't gonna happen. So, yes, there are things that bother me about men and women and I admit that since I'm a woman I tend the focus more on the negative traits in men.
But just as God has a sense of humor, it's safe to say that we should learn to look at our spouses and find the humor in some of their words and actions. This is where acceptace comes in. The sooner we accept the fact that there are differences and we are to live with them, the easier it will be to survive the turbulent waters on a ricketty raft called marriage.
Feel free to share your own experiences and how you sought to discover the humor. You know you have them. We're all in this together. I'm certainly not qualified to be a marriage counselor. My only hope is to show you that you aren't alone.
Friday, July 21, 2006
The Perfect Wife
My daughters will probably feel like slapping my hand (and I probably deserve it) but I will share this experience anyway. I came home from work yesterday and right after Happy Hour (our coffee/sharing time) I cooked dinner. Sometimes we have to go the extra mile in a marriage and dinner is my job and Robin gets to enjoy the yard and pool duties.
I made beef patties smothered in a savory mushroom gravy. I added a nice salad, mashed potatoes and corn (I know, too much starch, but at 7:30 pm after working all day, who cares, right?). By the time I get the kitchen cleaned up (yes, I cook and clean, but I don't want yard and pool duties), Robin walks in and asks if I have the ingredients to bake a cake. I suggested other, easier sweets, but he had his heart set on a cake. I made a cinnamon nut cake and spooned the batter into cupcake papers. While I'm working away in the kitchen at 9:00 pm he walks in again and asks if I'm getting tired of him and do I still love him. I remind him that I'm baking a cake late at night after a full day, and I think it shows that I love him.
The cupcakes are finally done and I'm relaxing at my computer (he calls it my lover, but that's another story). He comes in and announces that he ate 4 cupcakes! I asked if he really ate that many. He said, "yes, I told you I wanted cake!"
That proved it to me and I didn't begrudge the time spent in the kitchen. Actually, since he stopped smoking on June 5, his appetite has improved and he's getting some meat on his bones. I'm very proud of him and if I have to do extra to keep him satisfied, I will go that mile.
Now, be honest, Allison and Angela, you have also gone the distance for the sake of your marriage. We all have. We just need to make sure it doesn't become a habit.
"
I made beef patties smothered in a savory mushroom gravy. I added a nice salad, mashed potatoes and corn (I know, too much starch, but at 7:30 pm after working all day, who cares, right?). By the time I get the kitchen cleaned up (yes, I cook and clean, but I don't want yard and pool duties), Robin walks in and asks if I have the ingredients to bake a cake. I suggested other, easier sweets, but he had his heart set on a cake. I made a cinnamon nut cake and spooned the batter into cupcake papers. While I'm working away in the kitchen at 9:00 pm he walks in again and asks if I'm getting tired of him and do I still love him. I remind him that I'm baking a cake late at night after a full day, and I think it shows that I love him.
The cupcakes are finally done and I'm relaxing at my computer (he calls it my lover, but that's another story). He comes in and announces that he ate 4 cupcakes! I asked if he really ate that many. He said, "yes, I told you I wanted cake!"
That proved it to me and I didn't begrudge the time spent in the kitchen. Actually, since he stopped smoking on June 5, his appetite has improved and he's getting some meat on his bones. I'm very proud of him and if I have to do extra to keep him satisfied, I will go that mile.
Now, be honest, Allison and Angela, you have also gone the distance for the sake of your marriage. We all have. We just need to make sure it doesn't become a habit.
"
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Grandchildren Galore!
How thrilled I was this morning when daughter Angela phoned to announce she is pregnant! She's estimating the due date to be late March, 2007. So, both my daughters are pregnant right now. Robin has nicknamed them 'rabbits'. Numbers 8 and 9 are well on their way.
Because of the timing, many of us are hoping for another girl. That would make 4 sisters/cousins so close in age that could grow up together as best friends. However, I look at my precious 3 grandsons and think another little boy would be fabulous. The truth is, all grandchildren are special and I cherish each one.
I see a busy year ahead of me! Robin and I will spend a week at the Texas coast in September, my cruise with friend Patty is in October. Allison is due in November and I will be helping her with the kids while she recovers from a C-section. Friend Cheryl and I usually have our week in a condo in early March, then I will fly to North Carolina to help with their baby, Ashton and Juliet. I just wish I could retire and be on the go all the time.
My life is so blessed. I'm surrounded by wonderful children and grandchildren, a husband I enjoy spending time with, friends that are so loyal, and two books about to go to print. Lately, every day has been like Christmas morning to me.
Thank you, Angela and Clayton, and Allison and Brian, for adding two more blessings to my life. I am so rich!
How thrilled I was this morning when daughter Angela phoned to announce she is pregnant! She's estimating the due date to be late March, 2007. So, both my daughters are pregnant right now. Robin has nicknamed them 'rabbits'. Numbers 8 and 9 are well on their way.
Because of the timing, many of us are hoping for another girl. That would make 4 sisters/cousins so close in age that could grow up together as best friends. However, I look at my precious 3 grandsons and think another little boy would be fabulous. The truth is, all grandchildren are special and I cherish each one.
I see a busy year ahead of me! Robin and I will spend a week at the Texas coast in September, my cruise with friend Patty is in October. Allison is due in November and I will be helping her with the kids while she recovers from a C-section. Friend Cheryl and I usually have our week in a condo in early March, then I will fly to North Carolina to help with their baby, Ashton and Juliet. I just wish I could retire and be on the go all the time.
My life is so blessed. I'm surrounded by wonderful children and grandchildren, a husband I enjoy spending time with, friends that are so loyal, and two books about to go to print. Lately, every day has been like Christmas morning to me.
Thank you, Angela and Clayton, and Allison and Brian, for adding two more blessings to my life. I am so rich!
Friday, July 14, 2006
"Identity", the continuing saga
Many years ago Angela and I had such fun writing stories together. My desire was to stimulate her imagination so I'd write a paragraph and let her write the next one. We continued like that until the story was finished. And how we'd laugh over the results! Angela doesn't know this yet (I'm about to e-mail her) but we are going to do the same thing with "Identity", our blog novel. So stay tuned for chapter two, which will appear on Angela's blog. Hope you enjoy our fun.
Many years ago Angela and I had such fun writing stories together. My desire was to stimulate her imagination so I'd write a paragraph and let her write the next one. We continued like that until the story was finished. And how we'd laugh over the results! Angela doesn't know this yet (I'm about to e-mail her) but we are going to do the same thing with "Identity", our blog novel. So stay tuned for chapter two, which will appear on Angela's blog. Hope you enjoy our fun.
"Identity"
Chapter 1
Belle pulled off the narrow country road and stopped her car on the rutted lot of a deserted gas station. The e-mail she'd printed was on the seat beside her. She read over it again, making sure she was following the directions it gave. It was clear to her that this remote part of the world was exactly where she was supposed to be. The deserted gas station with it's ancient pumps was one of the landmarks listed. According to the instructions she was given, her destination was only a few miles away on a road that seemed neglected and forgotten. She gazed at the narrow stretch ahead of her and wondered if she was doing the right thing.
The anonymous person who had sent the e-mail knew what she had tried to hide from others. This person knew she was searching for her roots and seemed to believe the answer was ahead, just around another curve or two in the road. Belle had no idea who this person was or even if this person could be trusted. Wouldn't an honest person reveal a name or a reason for contacting her? And most disturbing of all, what would her mother think if she knew about Belle's current mission?
Her mother. Joan Marshall would be hurt and understandably so. She'd taken Belle into her heart and home when she was eight years old. She nurtured, and loved, and protected Belle as if she'd given birth to her. The remainder of Belle's childhood had been filled with all the normal things like school, and friends, and activities that kept her on the go. Always busy, never time to look back to her first eight years of life. What had they been like? she wondered often. Why were there hazy patches in her memory? Sometimes an image would almost form in her mind, only to disappear a second later. And why did her mother avoid all her questions?
"Oh, Belle," she'd say, "why must it matter now? You have a home and a family who loves you. The past is unimportant."
"But who am I," Belle persisted. "I have a right to know."
"You are Anabelle Marshall, my precious daughter, that's who you are." Joan would smile and tweak her nose and the subject would be dropped.
Belle stared at the road ahead of her. She had come this far and saw no harm in driving another mile or so. If her destination triggered no memories of her former life, she could just keep on driving. Nothing said she had to investigate. Yet, the anonymous e-mail said the answers were there.
She pulled onto the road again and carefully avoided the potholes as she made her way down the winding path. Autumn was making an early entrance and the wind was constantly rearranging the leaves that rained in front of her. She slowed as the road curved while her eyes keep darting from one side of the road to the other. The directions told her the road would end at her destination. Patches of grass jutted up where the worn asphalt had once been and some sections of the road seemed to blend in with the natural surroundings of the area. Belle slowed for another curve and ahead of her she saw the end of the road.
A piece of rusted fence marked the dead end and Belle stopped within inches of it. To her right, was the house she was told about in the e-mail. It was hardly visible from the road and she would have missed it if she hadn't known it was there. Thick underbrush concealed part of it from her view. What she could see were windows that were partially boarded with rotted wood, a sagging porch, and a door with a heavy lock on it. Most of the paint had peeled away from the house, but there were random curls of green paint, a color that would obscure the house when summer was in full bloom. Belle stared at the delapidated house and wondered what secrets it held. Where would she begin to look? The place had been deserted years before. Any secrets that might have been there could easily have decayed along with the structure. And, anyway, Belle didn't know what she was looking for.
She suddenly shivered as she stared at the old house. She tried to picture it new as it might have been when she was younger. Still, it had no appeal. It offered nothing. And Belle felt no signs of recognition as she stared at it. Who sent the e-mail that directed her to this place? What secret could be found among the decay? For a brief moment, Belle wondered again about the wisdom of this search. Maybe she should be content to be Anabelle Marshall, Joan's precious daughter. But something told her she had to learn the truth
Chapter 1
Belle pulled off the narrow country road and stopped her car on the rutted lot of a deserted gas station. The e-mail she'd printed was on the seat beside her. She read over it again, making sure she was following the directions it gave. It was clear to her that this remote part of the world was exactly where she was supposed to be. The deserted gas station with it's ancient pumps was one of the landmarks listed. According to the instructions she was given, her destination was only a few miles away on a road that seemed neglected and forgotten. She gazed at the narrow stretch ahead of her and wondered if she was doing the right thing.
The anonymous person who had sent the e-mail knew what she had tried to hide from others. This person knew she was searching for her roots and seemed to believe the answer was ahead, just around another curve or two in the road. Belle had no idea who this person was or even if this person could be trusted. Wouldn't an honest person reveal a name or a reason for contacting her? And most disturbing of all, what would her mother think if she knew about Belle's current mission?
Her mother. Joan Marshall would be hurt and understandably so. She'd taken Belle into her heart and home when she was eight years old. She nurtured, and loved, and protected Belle as if she'd given birth to her. The remainder of Belle's childhood had been filled with all the normal things like school, and friends, and activities that kept her on the go. Always busy, never time to look back to her first eight years of life. What had they been like? she wondered often. Why were there hazy patches in her memory? Sometimes an image would almost form in her mind, only to disappear a second later. And why did her mother avoid all her questions?
"Oh, Belle," she'd say, "why must it matter now? You have a home and a family who loves you. The past is unimportant."
"But who am I," Belle persisted. "I have a right to know."
"You are Anabelle Marshall, my precious daughter, that's who you are." Joan would smile and tweak her nose and the subject would be dropped.
Belle stared at the road ahead of her. She had come this far and saw no harm in driving another mile or so. If her destination triggered no memories of her former life, she could just keep on driving. Nothing said she had to investigate. Yet, the anonymous e-mail said the answers were there.
She pulled onto the road again and carefully avoided the potholes as she made her way down the winding path. Autumn was making an early entrance and the wind was constantly rearranging the leaves that rained in front of her. She slowed as the road curved while her eyes keep darting from one side of the road to the other. The directions told her the road would end at her destination. Patches of grass jutted up where the worn asphalt had once been and some sections of the road seemed to blend in with the natural surroundings of the area. Belle slowed for another curve and ahead of her she saw the end of the road.
A piece of rusted fence marked the dead end and Belle stopped within inches of it. To her right, was the house she was told about in the e-mail. It was hardly visible from the road and she would have missed it if she hadn't known it was there. Thick underbrush concealed part of it from her view. What she could see were windows that were partially boarded with rotted wood, a sagging porch, and a door with a heavy lock on it. Most of the paint had peeled away from the house, but there were random curls of green paint, a color that would obscure the house when summer was in full bloom. Belle stared at the delapidated house and wondered what secrets it held. Where would she begin to look? The place had been deserted years before. Any secrets that might have been there could easily have decayed along with the structure. And, anyway, Belle didn't know what she was looking for.
She suddenly shivered as she stared at the old house. She tried to picture it new as it might have been when she was younger. Still, it had no appeal. It offered nothing. And Belle felt no signs of recognition as she stared at it. Who sent the e-mail that directed her to this place? What secret could be found among the decay? For a brief moment, Belle wondered again about the wisdom of this search. Maybe she should be content to be Anabelle Marshall, Joan's precious daughter. But something told her she had to learn the truth
Monday, July 03, 2006
Simon Says, Books 1 and 2
I'm pleased to announce that Simon Says, Book two, is now in the Book Store at Authorhouse.com. There is now a link between the two books. Neither are on sale yet, but you can at least read what the books are about. Book one should be available soon. I just have to look over the final galley and book cover when they get it online, then it goes to print! This has been a very exciting venture!
I'm pleased to announce that Simon Says, Book two, is now in the Book Store at Authorhouse.com. There is now a link between the two books. Neither are on sale yet, but you can at least read what the books are about. Book one should be available soon. I just have to look over the final galley and book cover when they get it online, then it goes to print! This has been a very exciting venture!
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