[F]oto Friday

From truth or fiction, as you interpret or create, what do you see?

[F]oto Friday

This is Lucy. She is our pet, our security system, our furry entertainment.

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Few things excite her more than taking off across the yard, running low and fast behind a bounding squirrel. Her dream? To catch one. And we snicker, roll our eyes. Because will it happen? Likely not. The chances are slim to none, really.

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A couple weeks ago, off she took, jumping the ditch and trying, trying. I snorted and said aloud, "Yeah, Luce. Keep at it," in that tone of voice that means, you're silly to keep trying.

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It was like a slap to the face, the realization that I'd just belittled her dream. What right did I have? She didn't care what the odds were. She was happy, chasing that squirrel.

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How would I feel if someone belittled my dream, my writing dream? Rolled their eyes and snickered behind my back, because the chances of success are slim to none, given the odds?

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So I straightened right up, added some conviction to my voice.

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"Keep at it, Luce. Chase those squirrels."

[F]oto Friday

This small wooden sign, phrase etched in pretty cursive, is the newest addition to my writing space. I like its emphasis on the home, for that's true to my own life. But the story part I find relevant, too, and I think it's easy to figure why.

Is there a phrase you've placed somewhere in your house or office, tucked into your purse or wallet, because it spoke to you on some level?

[F]oto (er... video, that is) Friday

I'm sorry this is so dark! And please forgive me where I talked in circles; it was unscripted.

Kim Michele Richardson is a dear heart with a special spirit, all of which becomes clear as you read The Unbreakable Child.

To find out more about Kimmi or the book, visit her author's website or her blog.

[F]oto Friday

Have you ever seen a photo of yourself and been reminded of someone, a family member, you don't see upon looking in the mirror? It's not so blatant a resemblance, just something subtle captured by the still shot?

That's what's happened with my new profile picture, here on this blog. When I see it? The curve of my chin, the set of my jaw, reminds me of my uncle Rob's face. And that's a bittersweet thing.

We lost him to the waters of the Missouri River in Nebraska, almost nine years ago. It was a fishing accident; one begun with strong currents, ended with fatal undertows.

He was twenty-seven when he died. Three years younger than I am now. There's a lot he didn't get to see, experience, do.

But that picture, where I sit summoning his memory, reminds me of all he did do, of all he was. Makes me think of what he could have been. And my heart sags just a little bit.

Amazing what a mere [F]oto can do.

RIP Robert Elledge

1972-2000

[F]oto Friday

I promised vacation photos. And since we spent the larger amount of time in Florida with extended family, I thought I could introduce you. With photos. So, it's a twofer today.

First, the family's patriarch. He's powerful and strong, and oh, how we love and revere him.

Here's Grandma. As always, busy as a hungry bird, making sure everyone is happy... and that they clean up after themselves.

Unfortunately, Uncle Ed couldn't make it to the reunion. Though he did send a picture to show us what it's like behind bars. He won't make a get-together for another 3 to 5.

A couple of the aunts [zebras... shh... it's a family secret] shied away, pretty much sticking to themselves during festivities. I think they get tired of the whispers.

You should have seen how many cousins flocked to the picnic!

And, last but not least... We're so bad about getting photos of the four of us. Even in this shot, I'm behind the camera. Misterwrites and the girls decided to go swimming, and I snagged a picture. Aren't they just stinkin' cute? (The extra little one you see is a cousin who tagged along on many of our adventures.)

And so that's it! Hope you enjoyed the look at our vacation. ;) We had an absolute blast.

Happy Weekend!

[F]oto Friday

This is our family last year in Florida, riding the train at Disney World. Though we're foregoing DW in favor of Sea World and Busch Gardens this year, I know we'll collect just as many special memories as we did then. And I can't wait!

My blogging may be touch-and-go over the next week and a half, as I'm sure you would expect, and I'll miss you! You guys are such an integral part of my days.

Hope all is well for each of you, and may you have a blessed week and Easter.

TTFN!

[F]oto Friday

He'd been waiting for weeks, months, for snow of the right consistency. It had to be heavy, with just enough moisture, to really pack together well.

And so the day of the perfect snowfall, he couldn't get outside fast enough. In his haste, he forgot to don a hat -- but it really didn't matter, for his thoughts weren't on the bitter cold. Instead, his mind lost itself to the memories of snowy pasts, when he'd built snowmen of grand size, and even grander importance. Each year, he built them bigger, sturdier. He gave them greater personalities, fancier plummage.

Why did he do it? Lots of really good, really deep reasons, just like you'd expect. And I'll give them to you now.

Because the snowmen he created, every year, reminded him of the simpler days of... because it was relaxing to... aw, heck. It was because he had no friends. And the snowmen filled that void. Yada yada.

He stood back, rubbing his hands together for warmth, admiring his newest creation.

"I shall call him Sam," he said to no one. "And Sam will be my best pal."

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This is one of my brothers-in-law, from two winters ago. I poke fun because he's a good sport and I know he'll be tickled.

Thanks for making great fodder for my blog, fella. ;)

[F]oto Friday

So after last Friday's post, which included a picture game, I had an idea for a new blog feature. And without further ado, allow me to introduce...

[F]oto Friday!

Each Friday (unless I forget, because it's been known to happen - and with the exception of next Friday, since I'll be sharing a special author interview), I'll post a photo pulled from somewhere in my computer's files. And then? I'll write about it. It could be a small blurb about the photo itself, or the person in it, but, more than likely, a short fiction piece based on what I see.

It'll be fun using my own pictures, plus the exercise will keep my thoughts fresh, and allow creative breaks from my WIP. I welcome you to join me!

And so without further a-- wait, I already said that...

I'm gonna do it, Mom. I am. I've got my bag packed and loaded in the cab. My map is right here, and my thermos is filled with the good stuff: chocolate milk. It'll keep me goin'.

I've been waitin' a long time for this, Mom, and I'm ready. I've been studying daddy's driving. I can turn the wheel like he does. I even know how to honk the horn, like you.

BEEP BEEP!

See? I think I may--

Wait, Mom, what's wrong? Why do you look so sad? Aw, I won't be gone long, I promise. I was thinking of going--

What?

Mom, I'm a big girl, now. Remember, I just had my birthday? It's time. I'll be okay. Look, see? I'm buckling my belt now.

But...

Oh, alright. Alright! You wanna go with me? I guess that's okay - I've got enough chocolate milk for two. And, um, my foot won't reach the gas.