'U' is for...?

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, and that those of you who celebrated Easter had a special holiday!  Saturday's word was 'Terror' -- thanks for all your comments and guesses!


Today's 'U' prompt word is depicted by a character in the excerpt below.  See if you can guess what emotion/feeling/state of mind  I've described that begins with 'U'.  Can't wait to read your comments!  And remember, Jessica Bell is working with the same prompt words as I am this A-Z Blogfest.  There's a link to her blog below.


Here's my excerpt:

“I don’t know why we chose this dreary restaurant.  Do you remember?  Is that so?  A five-star chef, is he?  Well, I just hope his food is better than the abominable service we’re getting.  Where is that waitress? It doesn’t take a university level education to recognize a table full of hungry, wealthy people!  Surely she knows her tip will be proportionate to her ability to get what we’ve ordered to us quickly.  Yes, you’re right.  I shouldn’t make assumptions!  What’s that old adage?  Makes an ass out of you and me?  Ah, speaking of, here she is now.

“Miss, when you’re serving a table of women, like ours, do you know whose wine glass to fill first?  No, I didn’t think you did.  Here’s a tip.  Serve the lady wearing the most expensive-looking jewelry!

“Joking!  Just a little humor, ladies, come on.  I always say, if you can’t giggle a little, you—hang on.  Excuse me?  What do you think you’re doing, miss?   Yes, I can see you’re pouring the wine, but that doesn’t answer my question, does it now?  Haven’t you any idea how to pour wine correctly?  Don’t they train you people?  No, I won’t let it slide, darling.  This is supposed to be a fine dining establishment, with a reputable chef, and this silly waitress is pouring me expensive Bordeaux in a white wine glass.

“Miss, I’d like to speak to your manager.  Yes, right now.  Run along and fetch him, this instant.  Unbelievable, am I right?  Darling!  I just noticed your handbag.  My goodness, it’s gorgeous.  Is that from Gucci’s spring line?  It’s been under wraps, how on earth did you manage to…?”  

*******

Any idea what emotion/feeling/state of mind I've 'shown' in the dialog above?  I'd love to read your guess in the comments.  And please shoot over to visit Jessica and see what she's come up with to depict our 'U' word of the day!

Have a wonderful day and thanks for reading!!

                                    

'T' is for...?

Thanks to all the Crusaders and A-Z'ers who popped in yesterday!  The prompt word I worked from was 'Selfishness.'


Today I'm borrowing a little scene from a short story I wrote a couple years back, starring characters Michael and Kaitlyn.  This excerpt depicts the 'T' word Jessica Bell and I are using to prompt our entries today.  Can you guess what emotion/feeling/state of mind that begins with 'T' it showcases?


Looking forward to your guesses!  Here goes:

         Melted snow from higher elevations had swelled the river to twice its normal size. Above them, raging water rushed over a promontory and crashed in billows of roiling white foam fifteen feet below. The noise was deafening. Kaitlyn pulled her camera from her pack and began snapping pictures. The air was much cooler here, and after a few minutes they turned to go.

         "God! It's beautiful here," Kaitlyn sighed when they could hear each other again. Then, she sucked in her breath.

         Following her gaze, Michael saw the brightly colored butterfly she had spotted. She raised the camera to her eye as it settled on a trillium bush. No sooner had she focused the lens than the butterfly took flight again. Kaitlyn stepped off the path in pursuit of it.

         Closer and closer to the river, the insect flitted from one blossom to the next. Finally, it landed on a branch at the water's edge. Looking through the lens of the camera, Kaitlyn edged closer.

         Michael called out, "That's close enough, Kait," but his voice was lost to the river.

        As she snapped the picture, her foot slipped on the moist embankment. She let out a high-pitched yelp that barely made it to Michael's ears. All he saw was one of Kaitlyn's arms shoot out awkwardly before she disappeared below the bank.

         Michael sprang into action even before his mind had time to process what had happened. He sprinted toward the river, ploughing through branches that tore at his face, shouting Kaitlyn's name. She was nowhere to be seen. He searched the white water churning with the vengeance of a stampede of beasts, mirroring the panic coursing through his body. Suddenly, Kaitlyn's head broke the surface of the water several yards away. There was an outcropping of rock visible further downstream, and Michael bolted for it.

         "Swim for me!" he shouted as he ran, never taking his eyes off her. He threw himself onto the rock's edge, yelling, "Kaitlyn! Grab my hand!" He was flat on his stomach, reaching as far out over the water as he could manage, as the fast-paced current carried Kaitlyn toward him. 

         Fright etched furrows into her contorted face. She could see Michael's hand but she was powerless over the current dictating her trajectory. The river slammed her like a rag doll against a rock, pitching her violently under the water. When she resurfaced moments later, she was heading straight for Michael.

         Kaitlyn was floating impotently past Michael, but she managed to stretch her hand out. With astonishing timing, Michael heaved his weight forward and caught her firmly around the wrist. She dangled heavily there, her frightened eyes locked with his. Michael's nightmare from years ago was brutally triggered, and fear threatened to rob him of brawn and confidence. He forced the old memory out of his mind and his resolution stoked his strength. 

         "I've got you, baby! I've got you!" he gasped. Fighting the current and the water-logged weight of her pack, he struggled to pull her in. It wasn't until he got his hand around the back of her belt, that he realized he had denied the arrogating river of its quarry.

I'd love to read which emotion/feeling/state of mind that begins with 'T' you've guessed.  And be sure to pop over to Jessica's blog and read her entry today!

I hope you have a fantastic weekend, and a Happy Easter to all you who celebrate it!

                                    

'S' is for...? (Crusader Challenge Entry!)

My son missed the bus today, so I had to drive him to school. #@%$&* congestion around the school!  Starting my day behind schedule.

Yesterday's 'R' word was Rage.  Thanks for the visits and guesses :))

Today, I'm combining my A-Z blogfest challenge with Jessica Bell and the third and final writing challenge for the Writer's Platform Building Crusade.  So, my prompt today is:

In 300 words or less, write a passage that shows (rather than tells) a character exhibiting an emotion/feeling/state of mind that begins with the letter 'S', and that incorporates the following additional prompts:

·                     you're scared and hungry

·                     it's dusk

·                     you think someone is following you

·                     and just for fun, see if you can involve all five senses AND include these random words: shimmer, saccadic, substance, and salt.

Here's my offering:

Carmen’s stomach rumbling cut through the stillness of the darkening park.  She’d left raw steaks out when she’d stormed off.  A scolding voice whispered it was messed up to be more concerned about that than about hurting Ted’s feelings.  She shushed that voice. 

Scowling up at the last shimmer of pink in the sky, Carmen pictured Ted at home, lounging in his comfortable Lay-Z-Boy, that stupid textbook in his hand.  In her diva voice, the one she normally reserved for the stage, she sang out, “His eyes dancing a seductive saccade across the pages.”  How many seductive dances did she have to perform to get him to notice her again?  Since he started back at school, she’d become invisible, just a person to cook and clean for him.  Well, to hell with him and his dreams of being a scholar, a man of substance.  Please. 

She kicked a rock on the path as she walked, listening to it tumble along the cobblestone.  A twig snapped.

The hairs on the back of her neck bristled.  She spun around, but no one was there.

Carmen breathed deep.  Get a grip.  She fancied she smelled the briny mist of the seashore, but that was impossible this far inland.  She probably just craved salt.  She could almost taste those steaks – damn you Ted -- and another peal of thunder rolled through her stomach.

Snap

Carmen turned, eyes wide.  “Who’s there?” she demanded.  Her cotton t-shirt felt damp under the arms. 

Movement, in the shadows.

An explosion of panic burst in Carmen’s gut and she bolted for the park entrance. As she ran, her thoughts cut to Ted.  Won’t he be sorry if something tragic happened to her?  Misery would eat at him each time he’d speak her name, or tell people how important she'd been to him, all the while knowing in his heart how he’d ignored her, treated her like a common possession.  He’d realize he’d lost the precious thing she was.

Carmen slowed, and then stopped.  Turning, she peered back into the shadows.

******** 

Any guesses what 'S' emotion/feeling/state of mind Carmen has exhibited?  Won't you leave your guesses in the comment section?  I love hearing from you! *waves to Crusaders and A-Z'ers*

And please visit Jessica Bell's blog to read her 'S' entry, inspired by the same prompt word as mine.  See you over there!

More Crusader Challenge entries can be found linked from HERE!  

  

                                    

'R' is for...?

Yesterday's "Quirky" post was a blast to write.  Thanks for all your lovely comments and guesses!

Today's 'R' prompt word is depicted by a character in the excerpt below.  See if you can guess what emotion  I've described that begins with 'R'.  Can't wait to read your comments!  And remember,Jessica Bell is working with the same prompt words as I am this A-Z Blogfest.  There's a link to her blog below.

Here goes:

From his sprawled position on the ground, Hamilton grinned as the referee raise the yellow card in the air.  But when he pointed down at Hamilton, his face contorted.  “You’re calling foul on me?” he roared at the ref.  “Number Four tripped ME!”

He sprang to his feet, his cleats leaving scars in the grassy turf.  He strode to the referee who faced the scorekeeping table on the sideline.  Into the ref’s right ear, he shouted, “What kind of call is this, hey?  I think you need glasses, chief.  You can’t see right!”  Spittle landed on the referee’s sideburn.

The ref looked him in the face, warned him to settle down.  Hamilton fired one more insult.

“Their shit team put you on their goddamn payroll before the match?”  He turned to walk back to his position, but the ref was right on his heels.  Over his shoulder, Hamilton saw the flash of the red card.  Lava churned in his gut and he stamped his foot, releasing a tirade too foul to reprint here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What emotion do you think I've described here?  And please visit Jessica's blog when you're through leaving me a comment.  I love hearing from you!

                                    

'Q' is for...??

Yesterday's 'P' word was 'Patronization.'  That was a tough one for me to write about.  Thanks for your guesses!

Today's 'Q' prompt word is depicted by a character in the excerpt below.  See if you can guess what personal attribute  I've described that begins with 'Q'.  Can't wait to read your comments!  And remember, Jessica Bell is working with the same prompt words as I am this A-Z Blogfest.  There's a link to her blog below.

Here goes:

“I’m so glad you’re here, Sara!” Libby squealed, yanking her friend into the apartment.  “I simply can’t decide who to wear to the party.”  She led Sara down the narrow corridor and into the tight confines of her bedroom.

“Well,” Sara said, perched on the edge of the bed, “It’s casual…”

“Right.”  Libby rubbed her chin and looked thoughtfully into her closet.  She pulled out a pink mohair sweater with a second hanger hooked behind it, so that a pink and black plaid skirt dangled below the sweater’s hem.  “What about Charlotte?”

“Charlotte?”

Libby held the outfit up a little higher.  “Yes, right here.  Hello?”

Sara stared at the clothes with a look of confusion on her face.

“You’re right,” sighed Libby.  “Charlotte went to the Robert twins’ party three weeks ago. She’d be recognized, n’est-ce pas?  Ooh!  I know.”  She reached back into the closet.  “What about Zandra?  She’s a hoot at parties!”

Sara’s eyes traveled from the sleeveless, zebra-striped mini-dress to Libby’s animated face, and simply shook her head.  “You are the kookiest friend I have,” she said with a giggle.

“Aw!  Thanks, Sara!"  She held the dress up to herself.  "So…Zandra comes to the party with us?”

Any ideas what 'Q' word prompted this scene?  And after guessing in the comments, please shoot over to Jessica's blog to see what creative excerpt she's come up with based on our word-of-the-day!  See you over there!

                                    

'P' is for...??

I want to thank Alex Cavanaugh for highlighting my blog yesterday and sending new friends my way!  Thanks, Alex!  And, thanks for everyone's guesses yesterday.  The 'O' word was 'Oppression.'  Kudos to those of you that got it!! (a tough one!)


Today Jessica Bell and I are showcasing excerpts we wrote for a prompt word that starts with 'P.'  After reading the passage below, can you determine which emotion/feeling/state of mind I've depicted?  After you guess in the comments, please follow the link to Jessica's blog and read her offering!

Though Jonathon and Bobby were fraternal twins, their lives were one long string of competitions.  Bobby was a minute y0unger, a quarter of an inch shorter, and a half a grade point average behind his brother.  And Jonathon enjoyed reminding him.

They’d trained together for months for the half-marathon, and for the first time ever Bobby was the stronger.  On the track or in the gym, he out-sprinted and out-lifted Jonathon.  This time, he was going to be victorious.

But as they flew across the finish line the day of the race, Jonathon’s chest broke the plane a half second before Bobby’s.

Bobby bent over with his hands on his thighs and hung his head, gasping for breath.  Panting, Jonathon clapped a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t take it too hard, bro,” he gloated.  “Even I thought you were going to beat me, for a minute there.”

So, what 'P' emotion/feeling/state of mind does this excerpt make you think of?  Thanks for reading and here's a link to Jessica's blog.  See you over there!

                                    

'O' is for...?

Thanks for all the weekend visits!  The 'N' word on Saturday was 'Naivety.'  I enjoyed your guesses!


Today Jessica Bell and I are showcasing excerpts we wrote for a prompt word that starts with 'O.'  After reading the passage below, can you determine which emotion/feeling/state of mind I've depicted?  After you guess in the comments, please follow the link to Jessica's blog and read her offering!

Here's my 'O' entry:

Reverend James loomed over his daughter, his shadow falling across her slender form.  “Where do you think you’re off to at this hour, Andrea?”  His voice was dangerously quiet.

“It's only four o'clock, Daddy.  I’m going jeans shopping with Karen.  Mama said I could.”  She added the last part in a rush.

Reverend chewed on his inner cheek, shifting his lower jaw which heightened the look of disgust on his face.  Slowly, he shook his head.  “I forbid you to go to that shopping mall without an adult chaperone.  You’re too young to handle yourself with the crowd of people that hang out there like it’s a tavern, or something.

“Daddy, I’m almost seventeen years old!”

“My point exactly,” he roared.  When she’d lowered her eyes, he went on.  “I want you to go upstairs.  Wash that silly make-up off your face.  Then, you’ll retire to your bedroom for the rest of the evening.  Spend time on your knees, girl, asking God for guidance.  When you have thought long and hard about the mischievous yearnings in your heart, then – and only then – will you come to my office and ask my forgiveness.  Understood?”

A car honked on the street.  Reverend James narrowed his eyes at his daughter, then nodded his head.  Andrea reached for the door handle and swung open the door.  Karen leaned across the front seat of her beat-up Chevy, a gift from her parents when she turned sixteen, and waved from the driver’s side.  Andrea smiled as a tear ran down her cheek, and she waved Karen on. 


Any guesses?  And here's the path that will lead you to Jessica's blog!  See you there!

                                    

'N' is for...??

Hard to believe we've reached the half-way mark of this crazy A-Z ride!  I've been having a blast working off the same list of prompt words as Jessica Bell.  My partner-in-prose and I create short excerpts 'showing' the emotion/feeling/state of mind that is our letter-word of the day.  We've  been asking our readers to try and guess the word we've depicted.  I've been having a blast, and I hope you've been enjoying the game, too!

Yesterday's word was 'Madness.'

Without further ado, I give you my 'N' entry:


"Wal-mart, Customer Service.  This is Brenda speaking."  Bored monotone.


"Good morning!  My name is Mary Manning, and yesterday I was in your store because I wanted to print some pictures with the self-serve machines.  Well, I got my camera out but then I realized the 'Prints-in-minutes' machines were out-of-order and only the 'Prints-in-an-hour' machine was available.  See, I didn't have an hour, 'cause I -- well, I won't bore you with my life story."  Giggles.


Silence.


"So anyways, I've turned my house upside-down this morning searching for my camera, and I can't find it.  It's not in my purse, or in my car.  I've looked everywhere!  I have a very bad feeling I set it down next to the photo machines when I was in Wal-mart trying to figure out what to do, and left it behind by accident.  Did anyone turned in a digital camera?"


"No, miss."


"Huh.  Are you sure?  I mean, I can hold if you want to look around.  I really need my camera back."


"No one turned in a camera.  I'm sure."


"Well, okay.  Darn it."  Pause.  "I tell you what, let me give you my name and phone number, in case someone found it and just didn't have time to turn it in."


Snort.  "If you insist, miss.  Go ahead."






There you go!  Any idea what emotion/feeling/state of mind I've depicted here?  Go ahead and guess in the comments, and then I hope you visit Jessica's blog and see what creative entry she's come up with today.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend!!

                                    

'M' is for...?

This week is crazy and I have been writing like a fiend.  Fun!  Thanks for those of you who chanced guesses at yesterday's word.  It was 'Lust.' 

Today, guess which 'M' emotion/feeling/state of mind I've depicted in the short fictional passage below.  Jessica Bell is using the same prompt word for a passage of her own.  After guessing in the comments here, won't you follow the link and read Jess's entry?


Here is my 'M' entry:

Stacy Johnson’s mouth dropped open as she exited the car.  From her vantage point on the make-shift parking lot, it looked like total mayhem had broken out on the sweeping front lawn of the middle school.  Children ran after each other in every direction, some in packs of four or five.  Many looked wet.  Their shrill laughter rose and fell like waves in the heavy breeze.

Stacy headed for the groups of parent onlookers.  As she drew closer, she noticed the there was some order to the craziness.  On the ground at the center of the lawn was a large fifteen-foot-across circle of neon pink plastic tubing.  The children inside the circle chased each other with shaving cream, managing to always stay within the perimeter.  Mr. Mathis, the gym teacher, supervised the antics, and offered water balloons to kids without cans of shaving cream.  Everyone was a sopping mess!

Outside the pink circle, the rest of the kids raced around, jumping rope, running sack races, playing catch, turning cartwheels.  I caught glimpses of teachers joining in the fun while guiding the activities best they could.  When a whistle blew, the inner circle kids raced out and a fresh, dry batch of children took their places.

A parent noticed Stacy’s look of confused awe.  “Haven’t you been to Field Day before?” she asked.  When Stacy shook her head, she went on.  “The teachers call it ‘controlled chaos.’  The kids just call it ‘fun’!”

“I call it ‘m--’” Stacy was stunned into silence.  A stray water balloon had exploded on her shoulder.     

Any guesses?  Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!  And here's a link to Jessica's 'M' entry, based on the same word as this one.  Happy guessing!

                                    

'L' is for...?

Yesterday's post described 'Kindness.' Almost everyone guessed that, or 'karma,' which I think fits too!


Today, my passage involves a lot of emotions. To successfully guess the 'L' emotion/feeling/state of mind, you have to look past the POV (it's not her!) and pay special attention to Jennifer and Jonathon.  Ready?  Here goes:

“Your table is ready.”


I followed my sister and the hostess. I watched Jennifer command attention as she sauntered; her slim hips swayed exaggeratedly with each step, tracing slow, deliberate figure-eight patterns. Infinity. The hostess handed us oversized, leather-bound menus as we took our seats.

“Bring us a bottle of Chateau Margaux 1982, if you have it,” Jennifer commanded.

I looked at my watch. 11:50 a.m. What the hell, I thought. A drink is probably a good idea...

The hostess said she’d ask our waitress to bring a bottle, but Jennifer had already dismissed her. “So,” Jenn addressed me. “Can you believe we’re planning Mom’s retirement party?”

It was never easy for me to talk with Jennifer about our mother. Although I was barely one year older than her, we hadn’t been reared in the same way. Maybe it was because Mom identified more with Jennifer’s easy laugh or spontaneous personality, or because she just assumed my independent streak needed little nurturing.  Whatever it was, Mom’s affections had always been aimed foremost at Jenn. As an adult, I’d rationalized it and made peace with it; but when I was face to face with either of them, I still struggled to ward off the painful memories of being the invisible child.

“Yeah,” I began, “I was thinking of renting out that little Victorian restaurant she loves--” I was interrupted by a man who had stopped at our table.

“Excuse me,” he said to Jenn. “Aren’t you Mandy Goliath?”

My sister smiled salaciously at him. “Why, yes. How sweet of you to recognize me,” she added coyly.

“I’m a big fan of your work.” They hadn’t broken eye contact.

“I’ll bet you are big,” she breathed. I looked at my watch again. He seemed to notice me for the first time.

“Jonathon Shill.” He extended his hand to me.

“Dr. Nadia Beaulieu,” I said, shaking his hand.

“Doctor?” He sounded impressed.

“Oh! She’s not really a doctor,” laughed my sister. “She just teaches at the University of Albany!”

The man had lost interest in me the moment my sister spoke. They conversed a couple more minutes, and then he told her it was a pleasure to meet her. As he was taking his leave, my sister offered him a kiss. He leaned down and she kissed him long on the mouth. Shocked, I glimpsed their groping tongues before looking away. 

The waitress arrived, thankfully, with the bottle of wine.

Any guesses what 'L' emotion/etc. Jenn and Jon have exhibited?  I love reading your comments each day.  Keep them coming!  And please visit by writing partner-in-A-Z-crime, Jessica Bell to read what she's come up with for today's 'L' word!

Have a fab day!

                                    

'K' is for...?

Yesterday's 'J' word was 'Jealousy.'  Thanks for all your wonderful comments and guesses!

Today, guess which 'K' emotion/feeling/state of mind I've depicted today in the short fictional passage below.  Jessica Bell is using the same prompt word for a passage of her own.  After guessing in the comments here, won't you follow the link and read Jess's entry?


Here's my 'K' offering:

Bradley chased the soccer ball, bouncing toward the far corner of the playground.  As he neared, a soft whimper carried on the noontime breeze.  He slowed, then peeked around the trunk of the huge oak at the fence.  Lydia Vance sat, her back against the rough bark and her hands in her face.

Lydia was the fairest child in Jackson Elementary.  If her eyes had been pink, she’d have been a full-fledged albino.  She stuck out, and kids can be cruel.

“Dude!  Hurry up!” his friends shouted.

Bradley picked up the ball and turned towards them, then looked back at Lydia.  He’d never actually talked to her before.

Lydia’s shoulders heaved.  She looked small, vulnerable, like a scared little bunny rabbit.  The boys yelled again, something about needing the ball before graduation.  Bradley hurled it in their direction, then shoved his hands in his pockets. 

Taking a small step forward, he said, “Um, hey.  Er, are you all right?  I mean, anything I can do?”

*~*~*~*

Any guesses to today's 'K' emotion/feeling/state of mind?  And please pay Jessica a visit HERE.  Thanks!! 

                                    

'J' is for...?

I'm so happy Jessica Bell had the insanely creative idea to use the A-Z Blogfest as an experimental canvas for 'showing' emotions/feelings/states of mind.  And I'm thrilled she asked me to partner up with her!  We're working with the same list of prompt words and using them to inspire our fiction or poetry.

Today, our prompt word begins with 'J'. Based on the poem below, can you guess what emotion/etc. I've depicted?  Looking forward to your guesses in the comments!  Here goes:

A wicked temptress stalks her prey tonight,
With graceful gait, hips sway to generate
Heart’s sweet desires; mine slowly swells with hate,
The fires of lust sparked in the dark ignite.
Across the room the albatross takes flight,
As if on feathered feet she floats; too late
To stop her stealth approach toward my date,
I sense at once she has him in her sight.

A brush of lips, he whispers in my ear,
I turn; my face is mirrored in his eyes,
Words uttered so no one will overhear,
His hands direct me, to the door they steer,
Last glance I see her glare and realize,
Her jealousy's not veiled by silent jeer.



Any idea what emotion inspired this poem? (Hint: I wrote this a couple years ago prompted by the same word, and it appears in this poem :D)


BTW, this is a Petrarchan, or Italian Sonnet.  A Petrarchan Sonnet is a fourteen line poem distinguished by its strict iambic pentameter and rigid rhyme scheme: abba abba cdc cdc (Sicilian sestet). The first eight line stanza, the octave, establishes the theme and developes the poem in a certain direction. The ninth line is the turn which heralds a distinct change in tone from the octave. The second stanza, or the sestet, introduces a new development in a different direction, with the first tercet carrying this new direction to a definite point; and the final tercet bringing the theme to a conclusion.


Be sure to visit Jessica's Blog and read her 'J' entry!  See you over there :))