Let's not mince words. I have had a bitch of a week and absolutely can not take one more thing being put on my plate, dumped in my lap or left for me to fix/clean up/ ....lalala ... we on the same page? I thought so. The last straw was my drive home. My route is famous for the smudgy butt-holes who ride the left turn lane and cut in right at the break of a street or simply plow through the intersection honking and being complete morons. I had several of those today and being in my fragile state of mind, I did the only thing that I knew to do. The following is dedicated to ALL who do this. May your Karma be swift and seen by many:
The song is "Tragedy" by the BeeGees. My FAVORITE BeeGees song.
My therapy has been to write this, crank up the volume and "hustle".
I will tack it on so you may sing along.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here I'm parked
At a red light during rush hour
Had to work
but I'm done now I'm on my way out.
Goin home
I watch the Envoy creepin up
He's mouthing "Want in front of you"
Front of you
Let me through~ Let me through!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tragedy!
When you've got no class and you think you're first
It's Tragedy
Wanna throw some nails so your tires burst
I'll laugh and point
When no one will help you
You're goin nowhere.
______
Tragedy!
When the gap is closed and you can't squeeze in
It's Tragedy!
And you see me flip the bird and grin
No one will budge
We're all pulling closer
You're goin nowhere.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You pull in
There's a burnin down inside of me
I hate your guts
with frustration that won't let me be
I reach down
And I turn on hal-o-gen high beams
They shine in your eyes so brightly
So brightly
Can't you see?! CAN'T YOU SEE?!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tragedy!
When you lose control
And you honk your horn
It's Tragedy~
So you've cut us off and you wave your arm
Hard to watch
You are so selfish
should be goin nowhere
____________________________
Tragedy!
But the cops have seen
And they pull out
Not a Tragedy!
And they flash their lights so you have to stop
I'm glad to see
That you'll get a ticket
and be late somewhere......
Laugh with me please. It will do us all some good. I just know it.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Calling
The dream was always the same, waking her with sweat and nausea; a trembling body and racing heart as if being chased. The backdrop of her nightmare was unfamiliar yet detailed; a large house with seemingly endless hallways. In the dream, she was bathed in delicate purple and daylight with no fear or sense of urgency. Yet as the dream progressed her surroundings changed dripping in ominous shadows, heavy with fear.
It had been weeks of sleeplessness and the devastating realization of her second miscarriage that pushed her to the brink. In the velvety night she roamed stoically through rooms stopping at windows to glare at the stars and make yet another wish with her hand clutching an empty but sore tummy. Wistfully, she rubbed it in circles and closed her eyes against the agony that was closing in around her. Denise softly cried, asking why she couldn't be a mother? The insurance had been clear that this was the last attempt they would cover. The word adoption smiled gently in the back of her heart; whispering it could be all right and that it would fill the panicky, empty hole. It reassured her that she would be no less a woman to not have her own flesh and blood. Families were made lots of ways. Shaking with fatigue and despair, she called in her vacation, packing her favorite clothes and some good books; not much else except for her laptop where this diary was kept:
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1998
AFTERNOON
Long drive. The weather is cooling off quickly. Met the keeper, Carol (nice older lady. I hope we have stuff to talk about) and she showed me to my room. It's lovely; cute little purple flowers, very dainty on the ground floor. A small narrow path leads down the length of the patio to a creek and down to the lake. There is a sense of serenity here. I guess it's just us this weekend. Dinner is lobster bisque with a shrimp risotto. Nice. We aren't eating until late and I have several hours yet to discover my surroundings.
I find the property romantic and peaceful. The woods are lush and heavy with the sweetness of fall. There has been a lot of rain as the creek is swollen, belching over the banks and glubbing down to a deep dark soothing lake. I went down and became mesmerized by the soft clapping of the waves along the dock while birds of all sorts strode passed me, indifferent to my appearance in their scenery. The sun felt good on my face and the tears I cried today were those less of pity more of hope. I could survive this. I could still be a mother. I hear Carol ringing the bell. Off I go. Be back later.
BEFORE BED
Dinner was wonderful; warm and savory bisque with fabulous risotto; a hint of mint? I don't know but the company equaled its excellence. We discovered we both went to the same university, she with a business degree as opposed to my poli-sci/communications. We laughed about our profs and poured too much wine. It's easy since it is just the two of us. I wonder if this is a second love for her? To run her own b/b? Interesting ... I did my best not to cry telling her I was too stressed and needed to simply get away from the world. She was comforting; generous with her kind words and wonderful wine. Oi!My head!!!
Denise slipped out of her clothes and snuck up on her fluffy comfortable bed where broken hearted sobs were magnified by too many glasses of grapes. Sleep crawled in next to her snuggling up dark and thick until the tapping began.
Her mind hazily scolded her for her fears and that it was a rodent. After all, they were in the woods. But the unwanted visitor kept scritching; hurriedly and then in the dark, she heard a whisper; frail and small, like a kitten's mewl. The chills snaked across her body leaving her clammy and slick. Pretending not to hear, she pulled the blankets up, stuck her fingers in her ears and prayed for safe passage in to the morning.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
I woke with burning eyes, a head ache and the rumblings of an upset stomach. I promised myself I would never drink again if I could just survive a shower. Somehow I did (God chooses the silliest prayers to answer) and crawled back to bed where I clung to the sheets hoping I could stay on Earth while my bed spun at an alarming rate, an extra foot on the floor allowed me to slip back to sleep for the rest of the day. It wasn't a great sleep though. It wasn't even drunk sleep. I dreamt of a baby's birthday party. Lovely bright colors filled a beautifully decorated room where a music box tinkled softly. There were streamers and balloons all dipping and bubbling around a spectacular white cake. The candles burned and burned. The wax dripped and puddled on the gleaming once happy decadence, making it appear warped and poisoned somehow. No one came and the music sounded more sour and lonesome. I sat in front of the cake and began to cry. Then Carol knocked. Startled and confused, I nearly fell out of my bed trying to understand what was happening. She asked if I was all right. I had to confess I had overindulged. She reminded me supper was soon and to my surprise the soft lavenders and hot pinks slashing at the sky confirmed evening was upon me. I quickly dressed and joined her for a wonderful chicken corn chowder with freshly roasted peppers and a Caprese salad to die for (my fave). She brought some crusty fresh bread and a bottle of wine. I had to shut my eyes as my stomach lurched in protest.
She asked if I was pregnant. I tried to laugh it off but she knew right away my heart was hurting. I should have said no to the wine. Then maybe I wouldn't have told her the story; my baby-less story. Carol sat and listened; saying little. I was suddenly exhausted and abruptly excused myself. I flopped on my bed and felt the pain in my chest; the lump of jealousy for anyone who was a mother; the anger and self pity of my own misfortune. I cried myself to sleep.
I have no idea when it began. The tapping seemed more panicky. Curious, I rolled, frightened to see a small girl in jammies. Her eyes were large and black; hollow. Her fingers were dirty as if she'd been playing in mud all day. She whispered to me but the noise seemed to rush by before I could hear her. Then she glanced down the little alley and her face took on horrible fright. I got up and stood at the door. Her hands tapped eagerly. "Mommy. Let me in. HURRY" she begged. I touched the glass where her fingertips bopped lightly. She scurried away just as I was turning the knob. Then a shadow lurched in front of me; too thick to be the night and hustled after the child. My knees trembled and my heart thumped under my shirt. With all my strength, I opened the door and stepped out. I called to her to come back. Nothing.
I must have been dreaming I guess. Damn wine. Never again.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Breakfast was quiet simply because of my fatigue and confusion. I trekked to the library to look for answers but was disappointed. I must have looked very forlorn as I came in. Carol gave me a few minutes to freshen up and then laid before me a fantastic meal of roasted pork with Au gratin potatoes and a wonderful spinach salad. And wine (sigh) which I refused at first but then I noticed her kicking them back pretty steadily so I had a couple of drinks. I asked her how'd she'd come to stay. Mistake.
Carol told me that her little girl was killed here. The words fell out and shattered on the floor. She confessed she couldn't leave her. Apparently they had visited (this place) as a family several times. Her daughter knew the area well. It was windy that afternoon and the wind tossed the boats in the marina like toys. She was playing in the creek as Carol watched but she was called away. When she came back, Mina was gone. There was no trace, no body, no tracks. Ever. (this was almost fifteen years ago! Imagine!) They had questioned a handy man in the area as well as hunters and the neighbors. They surmised that the girl had wandered into the wood (Lions and tigers and bears...oh my??) OR had been playing at the dock and slipped in to drown. (still...no body??)
I had no choice. I told her what I was experiencing. Carol told me that it was Mina's favorite room and asked if she could stay there with me. We silently agreed. We quickly cleaned up and headed for our slumber party (with wine!! Augh will I ever LEARN??) We giggled like school girls until sleep came. Then the tapping. I heard it but waited for Carol. I opened my eyes to see the same little girl as before. She tapped again more determined this time. My hostess got up and knelt at the door, cupping her quivering mouth. The child rattled the door.
"Mommy. Let me in. Hurry."
Carol stood, did as her daughter asked and stepped on to the porch. The girl turned and screamed as my friend covered her with her body. The blackness swallowed them. Both were screaming now and there were flashes of light stabbing at my unaccustomed eyes. There was a sweet burning smell that caused me to gag and as I looked away, I heard a tearing sound. As soon as I could I refocused on the turmoil outside my door and saw the cloud break away in splintered sharp pieces. Mother and daughter stood together holding hands. Slowly they headed along the porch toward the creek. Carol turned and smiled at me. She was transparent and wispy but there was a joyful light glowing from them both. I sat on my bed, turning to pull up the blankets to realize Carol's body lay next to me. Screaming isn't the word for the noise I made.
I was hysterical and of little help to the police chief ( Thomas?) as he came to begin the investigation. What a mess. I had almost nothing for him. But he asked me who ran the place and all I could do was tell the truth.
"I guess I do now."
OCTOBER 18, 2011
I celebrated my wedding anniversary today. The other officers took Thomas' shift at the station. (so sweet those guys!!) My daughter Mina Carol (we call her MC) brought us a beautiful cake into my wonderful study where my purple little flowers still daintily remain. It was white with lots of candles glowing happily. As the night and the celebration quietly continued, I treasured the word "Mommy". Thomas and I shared our favorite wine (I never DID learn) and waited. Sure enough we saw them walk down the porch, hand in hand. Giggling.
So now I guess you know where I've been. I really like this one. I've worked hard on it and am pleased, considering it's a new style for me. Need to try new things, right?
Well I hate to say it but I probably won't be back until after my race. I was hoping to enjoy "preparing" a little more. My week has been less than stellar. Regardless, I thank you for coming over to hang out and hope you enjoyed yourself. Wish me luck. I'll see you soon.
Love,
Tess
It had been weeks of sleeplessness and the devastating realization of her second miscarriage that pushed her to the brink. In the velvety night she roamed stoically through rooms stopping at windows to glare at the stars and make yet another wish with her hand clutching an empty but sore tummy. Wistfully, she rubbed it in circles and closed her eyes against the agony that was closing in around her. Denise softly cried, asking why she couldn't be a mother? The insurance had been clear that this was the last attempt they would cover. The word adoption smiled gently in the back of her heart; whispering it could be all right and that it would fill the panicky, empty hole. It reassured her that she would be no less a woman to not have her own flesh and blood. Families were made lots of ways. Shaking with fatigue and despair, she called in her vacation, packing her favorite clothes and some good books; not much else except for her laptop where this diary was kept:
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1998
AFTERNOON
Long drive. The weather is cooling off quickly. Met the keeper, Carol (nice older lady. I hope we have stuff to talk about) and she showed me to my room. It's lovely; cute little purple flowers, very dainty on the ground floor. A small narrow path leads down the length of the patio to a creek and down to the lake. There is a sense of serenity here. I guess it's just us this weekend. Dinner is lobster bisque with a shrimp risotto. Nice. We aren't eating until late and I have several hours yet to discover my surroundings.
I find the property romantic and peaceful. The woods are lush and heavy with the sweetness of fall. There has been a lot of rain as the creek is swollen, belching over the banks and glubbing down to a deep dark soothing lake. I went down and became mesmerized by the soft clapping of the waves along the dock while birds of all sorts strode passed me, indifferent to my appearance in their scenery. The sun felt good on my face and the tears I cried today were those less of pity more of hope. I could survive this. I could still be a mother. I hear Carol ringing the bell. Off I go. Be back later.
BEFORE BED
Dinner was wonderful; warm and savory bisque with fabulous risotto; a hint of mint? I don't know but the company equaled its excellence. We discovered we both went to the same university, she with a business degree as opposed to my poli-sci/communications. We laughed about our profs and poured too much wine. It's easy since it is just the two of us. I wonder if this is a second love for her? To run her own b/b? Interesting ... I did my best not to cry telling her I was too stressed and needed to simply get away from the world. She was comforting; generous with her kind words and wonderful wine. Oi!My head!!!
Denise slipped out of her clothes and snuck up on her fluffy comfortable bed where broken hearted sobs were magnified by too many glasses of grapes. Sleep crawled in next to her snuggling up dark and thick until the tapping began.
Her mind hazily scolded her for her fears and that it was a rodent. After all, they were in the woods. But the unwanted visitor kept scritching; hurriedly and then in the dark, she heard a whisper; frail and small, like a kitten's mewl. The chills snaked across her body leaving her clammy and slick. Pretending not to hear, she pulled the blankets up, stuck her fingers in her ears and prayed for safe passage in to the morning.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
I woke with burning eyes, a head ache and the rumblings of an upset stomach. I promised myself I would never drink again if I could just survive a shower. Somehow I did (God chooses the silliest prayers to answer) and crawled back to bed where I clung to the sheets hoping I could stay on Earth while my bed spun at an alarming rate, an extra foot on the floor allowed me to slip back to sleep for the rest of the day. It wasn't a great sleep though. It wasn't even drunk sleep. I dreamt of a baby's birthday party. Lovely bright colors filled a beautifully decorated room where a music box tinkled softly. There were streamers and balloons all dipping and bubbling around a spectacular white cake. The candles burned and burned. The wax dripped and puddled on the gleaming once happy decadence, making it appear warped and poisoned somehow. No one came and the music sounded more sour and lonesome. I sat in front of the cake and began to cry. Then Carol knocked. Startled and confused, I nearly fell out of my bed trying to understand what was happening. She asked if I was all right. I had to confess I had overindulged. She reminded me supper was soon and to my surprise the soft lavenders and hot pinks slashing at the sky confirmed evening was upon me. I quickly dressed and joined her for a wonderful chicken corn chowder with freshly roasted peppers and a Caprese salad to die for (my fave). She brought some crusty fresh bread and a bottle of wine. I had to shut my eyes as my stomach lurched in protest.
She asked if I was pregnant. I tried to laugh it off but she knew right away my heart was hurting. I should have said no to the wine. Then maybe I wouldn't have told her the story; my baby-less story. Carol sat and listened; saying little. I was suddenly exhausted and abruptly excused myself. I flopped on my bed and felt the pain in my chest; the lump of jealousy for anyone who was a mother; the anger and self pity of my own misfortune. I cried myself to sleep.
I have no idea when it began. The tapping seemed more panicky. Curious, I rolled, frightened to see a small girl in jammies. Her eyes were large and black; hollow. Her fingers were dirty as if she'd been playing in mud all day. She whispered to me but the noise seemed to rush by before I could hear her. Then she glanced down the little alley and her face took on horrible fright. I got up and stood at the door. Her hands tapped eagerly. "Mommy. Let me in. HURRY" she begged. I touched the glass where her fingertips bopped lightly. She scurried away just as I was turning the knob. Then a shadow lurched in front of me; too thick to be the night and hustled after the child. My knees trembled and my heart thumped under my shirt. With all my strength, I opened the door and stepped out. I called to her to come back. Nothing.
I must have been dreaming I guess. Damn wine. Never again.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Breakfast was quiet simply because of my fatigue and confusion. I trekked to the library to look for answers but was disappointed. I must have looked very forlorn as I came in. Carol gave me a few minutes to freshen up and then laid before me a fantastic meal of roasted pork with Au gratin potatoes and a wonderful spinach salad. And wine (sigh) which I refused at first but then I noticed her kicking them back pretty steadily so I had a couple of drinks. I asked her how'd she'd come to stay. Mistake.
Carol told me that her little girl was killed here. The words fell out and shattered on the floor. She confessed she couldn't leave her. Apparently they had visited (this place) as a family several times. Her daughter knew the area well. It was windy that afternoon and the wind tossed the boats in the marina like toys. She was playing in the creek as Carol watched but she was called away. When she came back, Mina was gone. There was no trace, no body, no tracks. Ever. (this was almost fifteen years ago! Imagine!) They had questioned a handy man in the area as well as hunters and the neighbors. They surmised that the girl had wandered into the wood (Lions and tigers and bears...oh my??) OR had been playing at the dock and slipped in to drown. (still...no body??)
I had no choice. I told her what I was experiencing. Carol told me that it was Mina's favorite room and asked if she could stay there with me. We silently agreed. We quickly cleaned up and headed for our slumber party (with wine!! Augh will I ever LEARN??) We giggled like school girls until sleep came. Then the tapping. I heard it but waited for Carol. I opened my eyes to see the same little girl as before. She tapped again more determined this time. My hostess got up and knelt at the door, cupping her quivering mouth. The child rattled the door.
"Mommy. Let me in. Hurry."
Carol stood, did as her daughter asked and stepped on to the porch. The girl turned and screamed as my friend covered her with her body. The blackness swallowed them. Both were screaming now and there were flashes of light stabbing at my unaccustomed eyes. There was a sweet burning smell that caused me to gag and as I looked away, I heard a tearing sound. As soon as I could I refocused on the turmoil outside my door and saw the cloud break away in splintered sharp pieces. Mother and daughter stood together holding hands. Slowly they headed along the porch toward the creek. Carol turned and smiled at me. She was transparent and wispy but there was a joyful light glowing from them both. I sat on my bed, turning to pull up the blankets to realize Carol's body lay next to me. Screaming isn't the word for the noise I made.
I was hysterical and of little help to the police chief ( Thomas?) as he came to begin the investigation. What a mess. I had almost nothing for him. But he asked me who ran the place and all I could do was tell the truth.
"I guess I do now."
OCTOBER 18, 2011
I celebrated my wedding anniversary today. The other officers took Thomas' shift at the station. (so sweet those guys!!) My daughter Mina Carol (we call her MC) brought us a beautiful cake into my wonderful study where my purple little flowers still daintily remain. It was white with lots of candles glowing happily. As the night and the celebration quietly continued, I treasured the word "Mommy". Thomas and I shared our favorite wine (I never DID learn) and waited. Sure enough we saw them walk down the porch, hand in hand. Giggling.
So now I guess you know where I've been. I really like this one. I've worked hard on it and am pleased, considering it's a new style for me. Need to try new things, right?
Well I hate to say it but I probably won't be back until after my race. I was hoping to enjoy "preparing" a little more. My week has been less than stellar. Regardless, I thank you for coming over to hang out and hope you enjoyed yourself. Wish me luck. I'll see you soon.
Love,
Tess
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Oh my oh my.
I had a wonderful weekend, running farther than I have in ages and with my race next weekend, I am proud of my progress. I confess extreme elation over our possession of the hot tub. My old bones doth protest. But I did it. Yay me.
My daughter grew up in a matter of moments thanks to a beautician and some scissors. She has had long hair forever. I've begged her to cut it but of course the answer is no because...it's me. Well, as many of you know, I let her color her hair; burgundy and despite the free wielding advice of not to and what an awful mother I was for doing it, she looked great. THEN she decided (out of the blue?) to cut it. Pixie style. Again...lots of advice and lectures but... she looks amazing. She loves every strand and feels confident. I'm proud of her both in conviction and decision.
My son? Well he proceeded to get his cut too and sachay around like a top model with that million dollar smile and that wit that leaves me speechless and filled with giggly tears (most days).
Why the drive by? Well, honestly I'm just getting home and I'm bushed. I have one started but am too exhausted to finish it. My week begins with a ton of running and appointments so it is going to have to be Tuesday or so before we get to really sit and yap.
Hang on ... this part of the road is a little bumpy...
Thanks for checkin in on me. I look forward to catching up soon.
Love,
Tess
I had a wonderful weekend, running farther than I have in ages and with my race next weekend, I am proud of my progress. I confess extreme elation over our possession of the hot tub. My old bones doth protest. But I did it. Yay me.
My daughter grew up in a matter of moments thanks to a beautician and some scissors. She has had long hair forever. I've begged her to cut it but of course the answer is no because...it's me. Well, as many of you know, I let her color her hair; burgundy and despite the free wielding advice of not to and what an awful mother I was for doing it, she looked great. THEN she decided (out of the blue?) to cut it. Pixie style. Again...lots of advice and lectures but... she looks amazing. She loves every strand and feels confident. I'm proud of her both in conviction and decision.
My son? Well he proceeded to get his cut too and sachay around like a top model with that million dollar smile and that wit that leaves me speechless and filled with giggly tears (most days).
Why the drive by? Well, honestly I'm just getting home and I'm bushed. I have one started but am too exhausted to finish it. My week begins with a ton of running and appointments so it is going to have to be Tuesday or so before we get to really sit and yap.
Hang on ... this part of the road is a little bumpy...
Thanks for checkin in on me. I look forward to catching up soon.
Love,
Tess
Sunday, October 16, 2011
A Gentleman's Shot
He thought he heard her coming up the path; feet crunching in the leaves and gravel. He had prepared for this encounter carefully; watching, studying her daily movements for the last month. All he had done was send her a drink at the bar one night. He'd tried to make conversation; been nothing but friendly. Sure he would have loved to take her home but it was only the drink he'd offered so openly. He wasn't that way. She had snootily pushed it away as if it contained piss. She had rolled her eyes and haughtily replied "Uhhh I don't THINK so..." It wasn't the first time he'd sent her a drink, but she didn't even recognize him from those different occasions. She just rolled her eyes and dismissed him. She had laughed; waltzing away or turning her back to him cold and hurtful. He would simply drink what he'd bought her an pocket the glass. Maybe Evan wasn't the BEST looking man, but he wasn't laughable and she was about to learn this. His chance was coming and quickly. He was glad he'd practiced so many times. He would have to wait just a little more. He fumbled in his pocket feeling a little encouragement by what he touched there.
Marissa rounded the corner and saw a figure standing at the edge of the path. She felt all the alarms go off in her head and race through her body. Her nerves tingled hotly and her mouth felt full of straw. She slowed, hoping the hooded man was just a walker, passing by her. She turned to run back but he was too quick. In an instant he had grabbed her, reeling her in like a fish; first by her jacket, then by her hair so he could wrap his arm around her neck. She kicked at him but he shook her to the ground. The punch in the chest felt as if she'd been struck with an anvil. Her breath had simply disappeared, rushing from her in a panicked bark. She stared helplessly as he knelt above her, pulling a knife from his pocket. Rocks and tree roots bit into her back and legs as he cut her clothes away. When her breath finally returned she used it to beg him to stop. Her brain was screaming for her body to DO something more to save herself. But she simply couldn't budge from underneath his bulk. She felt his breath up under her chin and the cold sting of the knife as it hungrily circled her newly exposed flesh. Marrisa slammed her eyes shut and began to pray.
With strength the stranger had not anticipated, she elbowed him and kicked at him. He was not new to this behavior and was able to shake her loose from the ground, folding her like a card chair. He kneed her in the back and quickly pinned her down with his powerful legs, and punched her in the chest. She collapsed, gasping wide eyed and frightened which was just what he wanted. He surveyed his latest prize and felt himself begin to stir. He was getting good at this.
"C'mon little man."the larger growled.
Evan wiped his mouth and remained still. "First move is always for cowards and cheap shots." he snarled and motioned with his fingertips.
The bigger of the two loped forward and jabbed at him. Evan moved aside and helped the stranger to a face full of Earth. He punched him several times and grabbing the injured man by the hair, proceeded to whack his head into the ground until he had been more than stunned. Evan then quickly snaked his belt off and tied the hulk's hands behind his back. Turning sharply to Marissa, he barked;
"Run back and call the police."
She sat frightened on the jogging path staring at the semi-conscious monster who was chuffing dirt and mud. She was pale and shaking her head. Shock was forcing her into a ball; full of frailty and denial.
"DO IT" he snapped again.
Her head flipped to him. Only then did she begin to pull her clothes around her and start to get up.
"Oh my God... " she repeated. "You... you..." she stumbled like a newborn giraffe.
"Go get help." he tried a third time with a little more gentleness.
Tears began to fill her eyes. She stood and looked at herself, shocked at what hadn't happened. Marissa turned and ran back up the path at first whimpering then whispering and finally shouting for help at the top of her lungs. She and several others came back including a beat cop. Upon returning, she found only the hulk of a man face down in the dirt wallowing in defeat and pain and a small cup.
No one else.
Marissa was swallowed in police reports and legal work. She sought comfort in the company of friends and tried to hang on to her life, never forgetting the horrible incident that could have happened. She fought for control over a fear that choked her every moment. Trying to get to her car from a store, training, or just sitting alone in her home had become incidents filled with an almost crippling terror. It was why she reluctantly agreed to go out with her friend. Marissa simply couldn't stand the extra shadows or whispers that crept through her house at night.
They sat so she could see the door; back to the wall. Marissa was content to sip her cranberry and seltzer while shifting gently in her seat to the music. She watched and smiled as her friend danced, received drinks, compliments and phone numbers. The bartender brought over a glass and set it in front of her. Marissa instinctively pushed it to her friend's seat.
"No. For you." said the barmaid scooting back to her.
"Ahhh I appreciate it but I'm not drinking tonight." she pushed it away.
"It's cranberry juice." the man said from her side. She jumped, almost falling from her perch. Quickly she scanned the room, searching for her friend and an exit. Her heart pounded under her jacket as nervous sweat tickled her skin.
"That's nice of you. So you have been watching me?" she shifted uncomfortably. Her knee pumped up and down as if trying to crank start an engine.
The man smiled lightly. "No. I asked the bartender what you were drinking."
"Oh. Ha. Of course." She glanced nervously for her friend who was lost in yet another one of her all time favorite songs on the floor. Once she started drinking, they were all her favorites. Marissa was blocked in.
She sighed heavily and gave an uneasy smile.
The man leaned in. Marissa instinctively pulled back and put one foot on the floor as if she was about to hurdle the bar or karate kick him in the stomach. "I would like to talk to you some time." he said sweetly.
"Oh I don't..."
" I think we have a lot in common."
"Ohhhhh no...I don't...." her head shaking quickly. Her mouth felt full of hot oatmeal. "I don't think..."
"I do. Here is my number. I'd love to take you out somewhere quiet and enjoy your company."
"Im sorry, do I know you?"her voice was filling with alarm.
He took her hand. The gruff touch of the bandage around his made her look down. Her jaw dropped.
He took her cranberry juice from the bar, drank it, and placed the small glass in her palm with a note.
"Give the nice guy a shot."
He left her there with a soft smile crossing both their lips.
Ha I know, it's almost corny, but I still like it. I hope you did. I have some others but as you know, I suffered from vacation distractions and a little writer's block. Oh well, you'll come back and visit soon won't you? I sure hope so.
thanks as always.
Marissa rounded the corner and saw a figure standing at the edge of the path. She felt all the alarms go off in her head and race through her body. Her nerves tingled hotly and her mouth felt full of straw. She slowed, hoping the hooded man was just a walker, passing by her. She turned to run back but he was too quick. In an instant he had grabbed her, reeling her in like a fish; first by her jacket, then by her hair so he could wrap his arm around her neck. She kicked at him but he shook her to the ground. The punch in the chest felt as if she'd been struck with an anvil. Her breath had simply disappeared, rushing from her in a panicked bark. She stared helplessly as he knelt above her, pulling a knife from his pocket. Rocks and tree roots bit into her back and legs as he cut her clothes away. When her breath finally returned she used it to beg him to stop. Her brain was screaming for her body to DO something more to save herself. But she simply couldn't budge from underneath his bulk. She felt his breath up under her chin and the cold sting of the knife as it hungrily circled her newly exposed flesh. Marrisa slammed her eyes shut and began to pray.
With strength the stranger had not anticipated, she elbowed him and kicked at him. He was not new to this behavior and was able to shake her loose from the ground, folding her like a card chair. He kneed her in the back and quickly pinned her down with his powerful legs, and punched her in the chest. She collapsed, gasping wide eyed and frightened which was just what he wanted. He surveyed his latest prize and felt himself begin to stir. He was getting good at this.
She wasn't sure where the scream came from. It was deep and gravelly. There was a sudden jolt as she was violently pitched to the side, now underneath what looked like a football tackle. Elbows and knees jabbed at her. Marissa felt the thump and saw the lights as contact was made over again with her head and body. She felt the dirt below her grind into her skin and shifted to pull back from the ruckus. She heard grunting and scuffling. Tearing her eyes open, she discovered two men rolling into the brush. The larger one with the hood was wildly swinging a knife. The smaller one was punching and kicking so fast Marissa thought he looked like a rabid hummingbird. There was a yelp and a flash of red. Then the bigger man wobbled to his feet and began to sway aggressively; tossing hand to hand the now bloodied knife. The smaller one cupped his wound and stood still. Waiting.
"C'mon little man."the larger growled.
Evan wiped his mouth and remained still. "First move is always for cowards and cheap shots." he snarled and motioned with his fingertips.
The bigger of the two loped forward and jabbed at him. Evan moved aside and helped the stranger to a face full of Earth. He punched him several times and grabbing the injured man by the hair, proceeded to whack his head into the ground until he had been more than stunned. Evan then quickly snaked his belt off and tied the hulk's hands behind his back. Turning sharply to Marissa, he barked;
"Run back and call the police."
She sat frightened on the jogging path staring at the semi-conscious monster who was chuffing dirt and mud. She was pale and shaking her head. Shock was forcing her into a ball; full of frailty and denial.
"DO IT" he snapped again.
Her head flipped to him. Only then did she begin to pull her clothes around her and start to get up.
"Oh my God... " she repeated. "You... you..." she stumbled like a newborn giraffe.
"Go get help." he tried a third time with a little more gentleness.
Tears began to fill her eyes. She stood and looked at herself, shocked at what hadn't happened. Marissa turned and ran back up the path at first whimpering then whispering and finally shouting for help at the top of her lungs. She and several others came back including a beat cop. Upon returning, she found only the hulk of a man face down in the dirt wallowing in defeat and pain and a small cup.
No one else.
Marissa was swallowed in police reports and legal work. She sought comfort in the company of friends and tried to hang on to her life, never forgetting the horrible incident that could have happened. She fought for control over a fear that choked her every moment. Trying to get to her car from a store, training, or just sitting alone in her home had become incidents filled with an almost crippling terror. It was why she reluctantly agreed to go out with her friend. Marissa simply couldn't stand the extra shadows or whispers that crept through her house at night.
They sat so she could see the door; back to the wall. Marissa was content to sip her cranberry and seltzer while shifting gently in her seat to the music. She watched and smiled as her friend danced, received drinks, compliments and phone numbers. The bartender brought over a glass and set it in front of her. Marissa instinctively pushed it to her friend's seat.
"No. For you." said the barmaid scooting back to her.
"Ahhh I appreciate it but I'm not drinking tonight." she pushed it away.
"It's cranberry juice." the man said from her side. She jumped, almost falling from her perch. Quickly she scanned the room, searching for her friend and an exit. Her heart pounded under her jacket as nervous sweat tickled her skin.
"That's nice of you. So you have been watching me?" she shifted uncomfortably. Her knee pumped up and down as if trying to crank start an engine.
The man smiled lightly. "No. I asked the bartender what you were drinking."
"Oh. Ha. Of course." She glanced nervously for her friend who was lost in yet another one of her all time favorite songs on the floor. Once she started drinking, they were all her favorites. Marissa was blocked in.
She sighed heavily and gave an uneasy smile.
The man leaned in. Marissa instinctively pulled back and put one foot on the floor as if she was about to hurdle the bar or karate kick him in the stomach. "I would like to talk to you some time." he said sweetly.
"Oh I don't..."
" I think we have a lot in common."
"Ohhhhh no...I don't...." her head shaking quickly. Her mouth felt full of hot oatmeal. "I don't think..."
"I do. Here is my number. I'd love to take you out somewhere quiet and enjoy your company."
"Im sorry, do I know you?"her voice was filling with alarm.
He took her hand. The gruff touch of the bandage around his made her look down. Her jaw dropped.
He took her cranberry juice from the bar, drank it, and placed the small glass in her palm with a note.
"Give the nice guy a shot."
He left her there with a soft smile crossing both their lips.
Ha I know, it's almost corny, but I still like it. I hope you did. I have some others but as you know, I suffered from vacation distractions and a little writer's block. Oh well, you'll come back and visit soon won't you? I sure hope so.
thanks as always.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Promises at a glance
Well, I've been there and back and loved every moment. I got some Christmas shopping done, got to visit my favorite spa where I was pampered. I admit I went in with a lot of tension and stress; it's just part of being me, but my masseuse must have felt it because she proceeded to work me like pizza dough. I thought tears were warranted at one point. It felt as if I'd lost a bear wrestling match at the circus. But it was still a luxurious day. I enjoyed some friends, ate well, had bonfires where we sang to the moon and the coyotes convinced we sounded INCREDIBLY like Journey ;) and wrote. I got to hike and see more than enough wildlife; including the eagle, the river otters, the beaver, some deer and a kingfisher who was very busy whacking the life out of a minnow on my dock. I am glad for the rain to wash the crime scene. Life is so very good. I pushed a little farther in my training, first race coming up in a couple of weeks. I step up in distance again soon. Thank God for my new fahnsay running shoes. I'm nervous but I think I can do it. I've been working so hard. I'm proud of all my progress and thank you for the kind words and encouragement. I'm getting there.
So I will catch up with you soon, after all the hub-ub settles. I missed the family (as is the point) and from all the texting, I might have been missed a little too.Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I'm heading out early in the morning.
Thanks for spending some vacation time with me. I've liked having you around.
Love,
Tess
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Forever in The Sheets
Carla pulled the soft sheets almost as tightly as she was fighting to hold her smile, taking extra care to fluff the pillows. She always loved new sheet day. They were crisp and sweet smelling. She tugged and smoothed until her bed was pretty. She loved her room. She and Tim had spent a weekend redoing it, covered in paint and wall paper glue. That was a long time ago. Sighing sadly, she sat down and began to cry. Tim had called saying he wouldn't be home until late; that she shouldn't wait up. She would be alone once more. She couldn't remember the exact day her marriage had begun to derail; maybe it had been so subtle that she had missed it.
When they had gotten married so many Octobers ago, they had rushed out of their reception to sneak home and lay together, wrapped in new expensive sheets; a gift. They had spent the night giggling naked, tenderly kissing and professing the hope of forever together. They hadn't worried about a formal expensive honeymoon; instead choosing to put a down payment on a small house to make a home. Which they did. They both worked hard and when they thought they were ready, they began to plan a family.
It was more difficult to achieve than they imagined. Carla couldn't get pregnant and suffered heartbreaking miscarriages. Tim struggled with feelings of inadequacy; not being able to provide for his wife; the happiness he knew she wanted. Eventually they adopted, wanting only to share their love with children. It was the best decision they could have made. The twins came into their lives with empty diaper bags and stayed to fill the house with love, laughter and plenty of tears. The couple became a quartet and ran as hard as they could. At first, it was daycare and doctors visits. Then it became sports and recitals. They kept running, gladly making sacrifices to have more for the kids. Tim worked longer hours. Carla stunted her career to be at home and they spent less time together. They blew each other kisses or did a cheek sweep instead of the holding, eye-catching, tender lip-touching moments they once reassured each other would always be. One was always coming as the other headed out. They were forced to pass in the kitchen, share a quick sandwich or reheat leftovers while catching up on events and the latest plan changes. As the family grew up, there were more nights than not when the two once passionate lovers collapsed exhausted in the bed reserved for more sensual activities. If there was sex, it was often hurried to accommodate schedules or to merely provide release. The lengthy giggling and discovering phase was over. They often fell asleep mumbling reminders of who had to be where the next day. Intimacy gave way to a simple friendly comfort; much like her sheets. And here they were. So many years later. So many miles in the thread count. It was lonely. The twins were in college and building their own lives. Tim and Carla were beginning to see the retirement light at the end of the tunnel but she was afraid that they didn't know each other anymore. Could they have lost each other building the forever they wanted? She sniffed and began to put away his clothes. The paper fluttered to the floor.
She wouldn't normally look at it, simply tossing it in the trash but the receipt had the delicate logo of her favorite florist on it. She looked to see a large bouquet had been ordered for delivery to one of the more expensive hotels in town. Tim's signature punched her in the gut. Her body seemed to quiver with sadness. At first, she caught her trembling lip and sobbed "How could he?" but slowly it became "we". When the phone rang, her mind sprang to the conclusion that it was Tim to explain it all. It was the hotel confirming a romantic couples' massage for he and his guest the next day as well as reservations for one of the lovely restaurants that night. Bile burned her throat. Her knees grew hot and weak. She simply hung up, caught the edge of the bed and held her head. Disappointment and hurt flooded her chest, making her breaths come in sharp pitiful barks. She cried until her nose stuffed up and she had to breath dryly through her lips. She punched the pillows and yanked at the bed sheets. Angrily she glowered at their wedding picture telling him through hitches and sobs that she hated what they'd become. Why hadn't he tried? How could he just give up? Why had it been so easy? She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and renewed her sobbing. Red swollen unmade eyes watered freely. Her nose was pink and in her sweatshirt and jeans, she was anything but sexy. Whoever was his dinner date was probably very made up and beautiful; all the things she was certain she wasn't to him any longer. Anger began to creep in. She marched down the stairs and swiped at her keys, knocking the mail to the floor. She picked it up and tossed it carelessly on the counter. She was heading to the hotel.
Her blood began to boil. Carla scolded her steering wheel, smacking it, wishing it was Tim. She whipped into the valet and tossed her keys. Catching herself in the door, she raked her hair, smoothed her shirt and straightened her shoulders. She was ready for battle. She headed passed the concierge and into the bar. She saw him right away, milling over wine. She initially prayed that the bottle was there so she could crack him a good one in front of his new girlfriend. Seeing him dressed in his suit with his tie undone and shirt collar open made her pause. He was so handsome. Even now he took her breath. Maybe they could talk about it. Maybe it wasn't too late. The bar tender glanced at her and nodded. She was approaching but Tim got up and wandered off to the restroom. She decided to sit and order a drink. The tender brought it. A delivery man approached with a huge bouquet of flowers; leaving it on the bar. The bar tender signed for it and left it. Carla couldn't help herself. She popped up on the bar stool and dug for the card.
"I can't wait to hold you. Forever."
Love,
Tim
She bit her lip and covered her mouth to stop the sobbing. There was movement behind her and a quick kiss on the back of her neck. Goosebumps raced around her shoulders.
"I'm glad you found my invite. I was worried." he smiled.
"Where is she? I want to see her before I punch your lights out and go to jail." Her teeth were grinding with fury.
Tim's brow furrowed. "What? My invite Carl. I sent it to you in the mail. I invited you here with me. Didn't you get it? I have a room for us. I took the day off. I have some wonderful things planned. Just for us."
"Don't try to cover it up. I found the receipt for the flowers. The hotel called... I know you're meeting someone here for a romp."
He slouched a little. "You're so right Carla. I'm meeting the most beautiful woman in the world. My wife. I'm trying to save something that I promised would last forever." He leaned in and caught her mouth. She tasted the soft oak of wine on his lips. It was wonderful and inviting. He slipped his hand under her sweatshirt and traced her belly with his thumb. She was weakening. He pulled away and cupped her face, looking into her eyes. They were bright and frightened. Had it been so long since he'd looked into her lovely face and said he loved her?
"Oh Carl. I love you. We've been so caught up in our life, I'm afraid we forgot how to live it. I miss my best friend."
She looked away, uncertain, and wiped her eyes. He kissed her tears. "Don't cry Baby Girl. It's just us.."
The bartender brought champagne and seated them in a quiet corner where Tim began to whisper to his wife. He told her about his day and asked about hers. He held her hand and brushed her cheek. He stroked her leg under the table telling her she was beautiful. They cancelled their dinner reservations and went upstairs.
This time there was rediscovery and passion Carla had forgotten. Tim pawed at her hungrily, tugging at her clothes. He stripped quickly from his suit and began to coax her out of her jeans. He whispered how he'd missed her. He wanted her. He kissed her fully and touched her tenderly. His mouth on her skin excited her, sending chills through her body. She cradled his head in her arms groaning as he moved her against him. She loved the strength in his arms as he held her. She relished the firmness of his body and unmistakable desire. She felt powerful to bring him to the edge and make him wait as she tasted his body and moaned his name . They made love all night. At last, they slept in each others arms tracing curves and giggling about little things. The miles began to disappear. He hugged her tight and promised forever. Her soul warmed and she closed her eyes, agreeing. Yes. Forever.
Hello all. This came because I have three others I can't get right. I needed to break away from them and go in a completely different direction. I think although this is (perhaps too)simple, that it is sweet and good. Maybe that's the greatest love lesson we can learn: it's simple, sweet and good.
Thank you for coming over. I guess I'm growing sentimental with my solitude up here at the lake. Indulge me. Stop by again soon. I'm always glad you did.
When they had gotten married so many Octobers ago, they had rushed out of their reception to sneak home and lay together, wrapped in new expensive sheets; a gift. They had spent the night giggling naked, tenderly kissing and professing the hope of forever together. They hadn't worried about a formal expensive honeymoon; instead choosing to put a down payment on a small house to make a home. Which they did. They both worked hard and when they thought they were ready, they began to plan a family.
It was more difficult to achieve than they imagined. Carla couldn't get pregnant and suffered heartbreaking miscarriages. Tim struggled with feelings of inadequacy; not being able to provide for his wife; the happiness he knew she wanted. Eventually they adopted, wanting only to share their love with children. It was the best decision they could have made. The twins came into their lives with empty diaper bags and stayed to fill the house with love, laughter and plenty of tears. The couple became a quartet and ran as hard as they could. At first, it was daycare and doctors visits. Then it became sports and recitals. They kept running, gladly making sacrifices to have more for the kids. Tim worked longer hours. Carla stunted her career to be at home and they spent less time together. They blew each other kisses or did a cheek sweep instead of the holding, eye-catching, tender lip-touching moments they once reassured each other would always be. One was always coming as the other headed out. They were forced to pass in the kitchen, share a quick sandwich or reheat leftovers while catching up on events and the latest plan changes. As the family grew up, there were more nights than not when the two once passionate lovers collapsed exhausted in the bed reserved for more sensual activities. If there was sex, it was often hurried to accommodate schedules or to merely provide release. The lengthy giggling and discovering phase was over. They often fell asleep mumbling reminders of who had to be where the next day. Intimacy gave way to a simple friendly comfort; much like her sheets. And here they were. So many years later. So many miles in the thread count. It was lonely. The twins were in college and building their own lives. Tim and Carla were beginning to see the retirement light at the end of the tunnel but she was afraid that they didn't know each other anymore. Could they have lost each other building the forever they wanted? She sniffed and began to put away his clothes. The paper fluttered to the floor.
She wouldn't normally look at it, simply tossing it in the trash but the receipt had the delicate logo of her favorite florist on it. She looked to see a large bouquet had been ordered for delivery to one of the more expensive hotels in town. Tim's signature punched her in the gut. Her body seemed to quiver with sadness. At first, she caught her trembling lip and sobbed "How could he?" but slowly it became "we". When the phone rang, her mind sprang to the conclusion that it was Tim to explain it all. It was the hotel confirming a romantic couples' massage for he and his guest the next day as well as reservations for one of the lovely restaurants that night. Bile burned her throat. Her knees grew hot and weak. She simply hung up, caught the edge of the bed and held her head. Disappointment and hurt flooded her chest, making her breaths come in sharp pitiful barks. She cried until her nose stuffed up and she had to breath dryly through her lips. She punched the pillows and yanked at the bed sheets. Angrily she glowered at their wedding picture telling him through hitches and sobs that she hated what they'd become. Why hadn't he tried? How could he just give up? Why had it been so easy? She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and renewed her sobbing. Red swollen unmade eyes watered freely. Her nose was pink and in her sweatshirt and jeans, she was anything but sexy. Whoever was his dinner date was probably very made up and beautiful; all the things she was certain she wasn't to him any longer. Anger began to creep in. She marched down the stairs and swiped at her keys, knocking the mail to the floor. She picked it up and tossed it carelessly on the counter. She was heading to the hotel.
Her blood began to boil. Carla scolded her steering wheel, smacking it, wishing it was Tim. She whipped into the valet and tossed her keys. Catching herself in the door, she raked her hair, smoothed her shirt and straightened her shoulders. She was ready for battle. She headed passed the concierge and into the bar. She saw him right away, milling over wine. She initially prayed that the bottle was there so she could crack him a good one in front of his new girlfriend. Seeing him dressed in his suit with his tie undone and shirt collar open made her pause. He was so handsome. Even now he took her breath. Maybe they could talk about it. Maybe it wasn't too late. The bar tender glanced at her and nodded. She was approaching but Tim got up and wandered off to the restroom. She decided to sit and order a drink. The tender brought it. A delivery man approached with a huge bouquet of flowers; leaving it on the bar. The bar tender signed for it and left it. Carla couldn't help herself. She popped up on the bar stool and dug for the card.
"I can't wait to hold you. Forever."
Love,
Tim
She bit her lip and covered her mouth to stop the sobbing. There was movement behind her and a quick kiss on the back of her neck. Goosebumps raced around her shoulders.
"I'm glad you found my invite. I was worried." he smiled.
"Where is she? I want to see her before I punch your lights out and go to jail." Her teeth were grinding with fury.
Tim's brow furrowed. "What? My invite Carl. I sent it to you in the mail. I invited you here with me. Didn't you get it? I have a room for us. I took the day off. I have some wonderful things planned. Just for us."
"Don't try to cover it up. I found the receipt for the flowers. The hotel called... I know you're meeting someone here for a romp."
He slouched a little. "You're so right Carla. I'm meeting the most beautiful woman in the world. My wife. I'm trying to save something that I promised would last forever." He leaned in and caught her mouth. She tasted the soft oak of wine on his lips. It was wonderful and inviting. He slipped his hand under her sweatshirt and traced her belly with his thumb. She was weakening. He pulled away and cupped her face, looking into her eyes. They were bright and frightened. Had it been so long since he'd looked into her lovely face and said he loved her?
"Oh Carl. I love you. We've been so caught up in our life, I'm afraid we forgot how to live it. I miss my best friend."
She looked away, uncertain, and wiped her eyes. He kissed her tears. "Don't cry Baby Girl. It's just us.."
The bartender brought champagne and seated them in a quiet corner where Tim began to whisper to his wife. He told her about his day and asked about hers. He held her hand and brushed her cheek. He stroked her leg under the table telling her she was beautiful. They cancelled their dinner reservations and went upstairs.
This time there was rediscovery and passion Carla had forgotten. Tim pawed at her hungrily, tugging at her clothes. He stripped quickly from his suit and began to coax her out of her jeans. He whispered how he'd missed her. He wanted her. He kissed her fully and touched her tenderly. His mouth on her skin excited her, sending chills through her body. She cradled his head in her arms groaning as he moved her against him. She loved the strength in his arms as he held her. She relished the firmness of his body and unmistakable desire. She felt powerful to bring him to the edge and make him wait as she tasted his body and moaned his name . They made love all night. At last, they slept in each others arms tracing curves and giggling about little things. The miles began to disappear. He hugged her tight and promised forever. Her soul warmed and she closed her eyes, agreeing. Yes. Forever.
Hello all. This came because I have three others I can't get right. I needed to break away from them and go in a completely different direction. I think although this is (perhaps too)simple, that it is sweet and good. Maybe that's the greatest love lesson we can learn: it's simple, sweet and good.
Thank you for coming over. I guess I'm growing sentimental with my solitude up here at the lake. Indulge me. Stop by again soon. I'm always glad you did.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Time In the Hair Salon
She wiggled impatiently, puffing the fluffy stray hair from her forehead. Like whimsy feathers they giggled in the air.
"Sit still Doll." her mother said.
"Hurry Momma. I just don't think I can wait one more minute! I think I have to tinkle" for emphasis she shimmied; her little arms twisting out to hug the air as if she were Carmen Miranda. Her mother laughed and kept slipping rollers into her daughters flouncy blonde hair.
"Let's put these little ones up front. They make you look so lovely..."
The two sat and played hair salon for most of the morning. It was a much needed happy change from the regular hub-bub of chores and errands. Momma knew these days wouldn't last forever and true to form, it seemed like an afternoon was suddenly a teenager's prom.
"Hurry Momma! He's going to be here soon. Ohhhh why do you ALWAYS put those little ones up front! I want them in the back. They make my hair look fuller.... Augh! Momma! I'm so nervous ... I have to pee."
"Sit still Doll. And hold your water. I'm hurrying. You look so lovely when all those curls drape around your face..." she stopped and wiped the tears, unable to believe this beautiful girl was hers and growing all too quickly. Her daughter patted her mother's hip. "Thank you Momma." and the lump in her throat swelled. She watched helplessly as the younger woman expertly applied make up and lipstick. She bit her lip stifling the words "Don't grow up! Let me be your Momma a little longer." which screamed from her soul.
"Curfew..." she choked.
"I know Momma. Don't wait up." and she winked. Kissing her beautician wistfully she dashed down the steps to the young man holding flowers and his breath at the beauty racing toward him. But even quicker were the days and summers when she educated herself, became decisive, strong and wonderful; grown up. Before Momma could beg time to slow down, she was once again using the rollers.
"Don't you dare!" she laughed.
"What?"
"I see them and you better just put them down. Do NOT put those little ones up front!"
"But you look so lovely..."
"Momma! I'll cut your hair while you sleep if you do it. Are we late?"
"Sit still Doll. I'm hurrying. You only get married once."
"That's the idea."
The two women, now friends, smiled at each other. The room was filled with the love and excitement the proposal of "forever" brings. Her mother wiped her cheeks, dismissing the droplets that dampened them. How quickly they had arrived here. The respect and admiration for her daughter brimmed brightly in her eyes. Her lips trembled as she kissed her daughter's head and whispered "I love you so much. I'm proud of who you are." The organ bellowed and they both jumped, rushing out the door and down the aisle. It was a perfect fall wedding. Time drifted like the leaves that floated to the ground.
"Momma. You better stop it."
"I promise I won't make you look bad. You look so lovely with the little ones..." She mumbled it over the hairpins, little rollers in her hand.
There was a sigh. Her daughter wasn't in the mood to spar. It was understandable. Her husband had come back from the war draped in the flag he had sworn to protect. Their forever had been cut short and as she looked at her child in the mirror she saw a little girl; frail, sad and alone. It was never meant to be this way. She rubbed her shoulders and kissed her head. It was the most unfair thing she'd ever felt. Such pain.
"You look lovely." she said.
"For no one." was the empty reply.
Her mother stepped in front of her and puffed the stray hair from her daughters sleepless, dark face. She wished only for time to run passed them at lightning speed. She hoped they could move on and remember how to be happy again.
Then time played a nasty trick in the hair salon.
"Sit still Doll."
"Ohhhh Hurry up. I have to pee." impatiently, she wiggled in the chair puffing stray hair from her forehead. Like whimsy feathers, they giggled up in the air.
"I'm moving as fast as I can." she sighed.
"Are those the little ones?"
"Yes."
"Put them up front."
"I know."
"My daughter used to hate that. I did it just to make her mad."
The old woman sat tapping her feet on the tile floor and hummed a song quietly. "Do you have children?"
"Yes Momma."
"Hmm?"
"Yes." she choked. The pain of forgetting was searing her heart. "Would you like to see a picture?" She had done this forever it seemed. The memory never came back. No recognition. Just a smile of appreciation. Detached and heart breaking.
" My daughter has children. About this age. Oh they are lovely. I bet they give those big yummy hugs don't they? My daughter doesn't come anymore. She is too busy."
"Momma....I come every Wednesday." the tears fell hotly on her cheeks. She swiped at them angrily leaning over to kiss her mother's head. The only hope was to wrap this woman in her arms and pray that the love she felt would be enough to bring her back. She missed her friend, the advice, the laughter. She wrapped the lost woman in her arms. Her mother allowed the hug but stared indifferently at the woman she didn't know she loved.
"This is a nice hair salon." she said.
"I'm glad you like it here." the woman smiled.
And a fine good evening to you. As you can see, I am on a roll. I have a couple more to finish up but tomorrow is spa day so I will not see you. I hope you have a wonderful day and we'll catch up soon. I love that we are spending a little more time together.
"Sit still Doll." her mother said.
"Hurry Momma. I just don't think I can wait one more minute! I think I have to tinkle" for emphasis she shimmied; her little arms twisting out to hug the air as if she were Carmen Miranda. Her mother laughed and kept slipping rollers into her daughters flouncy blonde hair.
"Let's put these little ones up front. They make you look so lovely..."
The two sat and played hair salon for most of the morning. It was a much needed happy change from the regular hub-bub of chores and errands. Momma knew these days wouldn't last forever and true to form, it seemed like an afternoon was suddenly a teenager's prom.
"Hurry Momma! He's going to be here soon. Ohhhh why do you ALWAYS put those little ones up front! I want them in the back. They make my hair look fuller.... Augh! Momma! I'm so nervous ... I have to pee."
"Sit still Doll. And hold your water. I'm hurrying. You look so lovely when all those curls drape around your face..." she stopped and wiped the tears, unable to believe this beautiful girl was hers and growing all too quickly. Her daughter patted her mother's hip. "Thank you Momma." and the lump in her throat swelled. She watched helplessly as the younger woman expertly applied make up and lipstick. She bit her lip stifling the words "Don't grow up! Let me be your Momma a little longer." which screamed from her soul.
"Curfew..." she choked.
"I know Momma. Don't wait up." and she winked. Kissing her beautician wistfully she dashed down the steps to the young man holding flowers and his breath at the beauty racing toward him. But even quicker were the days and summers when she educated herself, became decisive, strong and wonderful; grown up. Before Momma could beg time to slow down, she was once again using the rollers.
"Don't you dare!" she laughed.
"What?"
"I see them and you better just put them down. Do NOT put those little ones up front!"
"But you look so lovely..."
"Momma! I'll cut your hair while you sleep if you do it. Are we late?"
"Sit still Doll. I'm hurrying. You only get married once."
"That's the idea."
The two women, now friends, smiled at each other. The room was filled with the love and excitement the proposal of "forever" brings. Her mother wiped her cheeks, dismissing the droplets that dampened them. How quickly they had arrived here. The respect and admiration for her daughter brimmed brightly in her eyes. Her lips trembled as she kissed her daughter's head and whispered "I love you so much. I'm proud of who you are." The organ bellowed and they both jumped, rushing out the door and down the aisle. It was a perfect fall wedding. Time drifted like the leaves that floated to the ground.
"Momma. You better stop it."
"I promise I won't make you look bad. You look so lovely with the little ones..." She mumbled it over the hairpins, little rollers in her hand.
There was a sigh. Her daughter wasn't in the mood to spar. It was understandable. Her husband had come back from the war draped in the flag he had sworn to protect. Their forever had been cut short and as she looked at her child in the mirror she saw a little girl; frail, sad and alone. It was never meant to be this way. She rubbed her shoulders and kissed her head. It was the most unfair thing she'd ever felt. Such pain.
"You look lovely." she said.
"For no one." was the empty reply.
Her mother stepped in front of her and puffed the stray hair from her daughters sleepless, dark face. She wished only for time to run passed them at lightning speed. She hoped they could move on and remember how to be happy again.
Then time played a nasty trick in the hair salon.
"Sit still Doll."
"Ohhhh Hurry up. I have to pee." impatiently, she wiggled in the chair puffing stray hair from her forehead. Like whimsy feathers, they giggled up in the air.
"I'm moving as fast as I can." she sighed.
"Are those the little ones?"
"Yes."
"Put them up front."
"I know."
"My daughter used to hate that. I did it just to make her mad."
The old woman sat tapping her feet on the tile floor and hummed a song quietly. "Do you have children?"
"Yes Momma."
"Hmm?"
"Yes." she choked. The pain of forgetting was searing her heart. "Would you like to see a picture?" She had done this forever it seemed. The memory never came back. No recognition. Just a smile of appreciation. Detached and heart breaking.
" My daughter has children. About this age. Oh they are lovely. I bet they give those big yummy hugs don't they? My daughter doesn't come anymore. She is too busy."
"Momma....I come every Wednesday." the tears fell hotly on her cheeks. She swiped at them angrily leaning over to kiss her mother's head. The only hope was to wrap this woman in her arms and pray that the love she felt would be enough to bring her back. She missed her friend, the advice, the laughter. She wrapped the lost woman in her arms. Her mother allowed the hug but stared indifferently at the woman she didn't know she loved.
"This is a nice hair salon." she said.
"I'm glad you like it here." the woman smiled.
And a fine good evening to you. As you can see, I am on a roll. I have a couple more to finish up but tomorrow is spa day so I will not see you. I hope you have a wonderful day and we'll catch up soon. I love that we are spending a little more time together.
No Restraint
Just a preemtory note: this is one for Hallowe'en so it's a little creepy. I still like it though. We all could use a shiver now and then, don't you think?
To look at her, you would see lethargy and indifference; maybe sadness but you couldn't be sure. Yet inside her mind, fear snapped at her brain like a hungry animal, devouring her sanity little by little. She was afraid of the dark, the watching, the giggles and jeers, but mostly of the eyes.
"I'm coming in to play Christina" his voice would threaten.
For so long Christina had been locked away, deemed a danger to herself and anyone she came across. She was some sort of crazy person...sociopath, psychopath the words didn't matter to her. The doctors kept her chained up and always kept their distance. Never was she to be left alone with anyone and NEVER without restraints. Christina didn't really understand why. Sometimes she got mad or frightened just like everyone else, but she wasn't a beast, she didn't think. Considering her life had become a series of short visits from White Coats that nodded and spoke softly to each other behind raised hands, constantly writing things down, Christina thought she was a pretty good sport. Throw in a trip once a day to the showers, add an hour to stand outside in a concrete courtyard, still shackled and of course, don't forget "examination day" where they flooded her room, poked her with pins and needles, hooked her up to beeping machines while they sat back to stare and whisper some more and she thought she was a damn peach. When she wasn't being inspected, she would stare into the floor wishing herself so small that she could fall in to the cracks and run away. It wasn't like that when Penny was around. Penny was happy and nice; speaking to Christina in gentle soothing tones. Sometimes she would hum , pushing the wild hairs from her face and then of course there were the days that Penny would loosen the restraints even thought she wasn't supposed to. Christina loved those times. She had almost forgotten what it felt like to hold a hand or be spoken to nicely. She liked Penny. Penny had told her things about her own family, even permitting Christina to try on her wedding band, she had shown her pictures of the outside and even said "I think they are wrong about you Christina." Christina didn't know why she went away. The last time she had seen her was when she'd come in before "Examination Day"
"I'm sorry Christina." she'd said quietly. Christina had been afraid because the eyes were watching. Something bad had happened but she couldn't remember what. And so Penny went away without even so much as a goodbye, leaving Christina to sit alone hugging her pillow and the one secret she had managed to keep. Penny was the only friend she'd ever known. Now she had ... ohhh what was his name? Roderick? Reginald? RODNEY. The name stuck in her throat like a piece of jagged glass.
Rodney had come to the young woman's room and whispered through the slot in the door. He would be taking care of Christina in so many new ways. He had laughed when he'd said this; a soft cruel chortle that caused her to look up at him from her chains. He'd smiled and raised his eyebrows. "Got it?" he chirped and the torture began.
Christina knew it would be bad from hearing the other lunatics talking and crying together. They held each other and in hushed tones swore they would be all right. It wouldn't last forever because someone would listen to them and help them. Someone would believe them when they said Rodney couldn't keep his thing in his pants or his hands to himself. Christina wasn't so sure. She listened and worried about her turn.
Rodney broke her concentration with a small note. His devilish fingers wiggling an evil hello "Soon" it read. She sighed and put the paper in her mouth finding the grainy bitterness comforting.. (Oh yeah, she suffered from PICA too. This term she remembered when she had jumped one of the White Coats gobbling up his pen and half of his eyeglasses before they gave her nighty night meds) She sat and waited; alone and afraid. He had begun to grope her when she was transferred from meals or the rec room. He pinched her body and whispered disgusting promises in her ear. At last Christina realized it was her turn. He had been taunting her for days with the jiggling of the handle and the notes that she ate. He whispered her name as he walked by on rounds. But now it was the silence screaming the truth that he was coming. panic crawled in under her skin and tightened in her belly like a terrifying hunger. She sat back in her dark corner, watching and being afraid. His eyes peered at her through the window in her cell door. She could see their maniacal glint and feel his filthy intent as if she was scratching a sunburn. At last he let himself in, singing her name quietly. Too many teeth spread across his shiny face. He loomed above her, beginning to slowly undress her. She could smell the stink of desire on his breath and feel want on his fingertips; greasy and warm.
"They are wrong about you Christina" he whispered. His lips were wet from almost incessant licking. "You aren't like my other girlfriends." he giggled to himself and unlocked the shackles. The chains fell away. So caught up in his carnal greed, he never saw her coming. Her teeth, her strength were quite overwhelming to this weak cowardly predator. The first bite removed his upper lip as he was bending to kiss her. Flipping him like a turtle onto his back, she knelt on his chest and slipped her hands around his neck. Her thumbs gouged his eyes like gloopy campfire marshmallows. she clawed and tore at his clammy skin until he lay motionless. The dark black poison drained from his body. She dipped her finger in it and wrote to him a note he'd never read:
"No restraints"
She didn't care that he didn't say goodbye as she crawled over to her bed and hugged her pillow. Reaching in, she slipped on and off the wedding band of her missing friend, ignoring the crimson stain that frowned across its surface. She wondered if Penny would come back now.
I'm glad you stopped by and hope you liked it. I'm enjoying my time at the lake. I only hope I can get all the stories I've written, posted soon enough. Ha! Like it's a burden ...
Enjoy your day. Come back and play soon.
To look at her, you would see lethargy and indifference; maybe sadness but you couldn't be sure. Yet inside her mind, fear snapped at her brain like a hungry animal, devouring her sanity little by little. She was afraid of the dark, the watching, the giggles and jeers, but mostly of the eyes.
"I'm coming in to play Christina" his voice would threaten.
For so long Christina had been locked away, deemed a danger to herself and anyone she came across. She was some sort of crazy person...sociopath, psychopath the words didn't matter to her. The doctors kept her chained up and always kept their distance. Never was she to be left alone with anyone and NEVER without restraints. Christina didn't really understand why. Sometimes she got mad or frightened just like everyone else, but she wasn't a beast, she didn't think. Considering her life had become a series of short visits from White Coats that nodded and spoke softly to each other behind raised hands, constantly writing things down, Christina thought she was a pretty good sport. Throw in a trip once a day to the showers, add an hour to stand outside in a concrete courtyard, still shackled and of course, don't forget "examination day" where they flooded her room, poked her with pins and needles, hooked her up to beeping machines while they sat back to stare and whisper some more and she thought she was a damn peach. When she wasn't being inspected, she would stare into the floor wishing herself so small that she could fall in to the cracks and run away. It wasn't like that when Penny was around. Penny was happy and nice; speaking to Christina in gentle soothing tones. Sometimes she would hum , pushing the wild hairs from her face and then of course there were the days that Penny would loosen the restraints even thought she wasn't supposed to. Christina loved those times. She had almost forgotten what it felt like to hold a hand or be spoken to nicely. She liked Penny. Penny had told her things about her own family, even permitting Christina to try on her wedding band, she had shown her pictures of the outside and even said "I think they are wrong about you Christina." Christina didn't know why she went away. The last time she had seen her was when she'd come in before "Examination Day"
"I'm sorry Christina." she'd said quietly. Christina had been afraid because the eyes were watching. Something bad had happened but she couldn't remember what. And so Penny went away without even so much as a goodbye, leaving Christina to sit alone hugging her pillow and the one secret she had managed to keep. Penny was the only friend she'd ever known. Now she had ... ohhh what was his name? Roderick? Reginald? RODNEY. The name stuck in her throat like a piece of jagged glass.
Rodney had come to the young woman's room and whispered through the slot in the door. He would be taking care of Christina in so many new ways. He had laughed when he'd said this; a soft cruel chortle that caused her to look up at him from her chains. He'd smiled and raised his eyebrows. "Got it?" he chirped and the torture began.
Christina knew it would be bad from hearing the other lunatics talking and crying together. They held each other and in hushed tones swore they would be all right. It wouldn't last forever because someone would listen to them and help them. Someone would believe them when they said Rodney couldn't keep his thing in his pants or his hands to himself. Christina wasn't so sure. She listened and worried about her turn.
Rodney broke her concentration with a small note. His devilish fingers wiggling an evil hello "Soon" it read. She sighed and put the paper in her mouth finding the grainy bitterness comforting.. (Oh yeah, she suffered from PICA too. This term she remembered when she had jumped one of the White Coats gobbling up his pen and half of his eyeglasses before they gave her nighty night meds) She sat and waited; alone and afraid. He had begun to grope her when she was transferred from meals or the rec room. He pinched her body and whispered disgusting promises in her ear. At last Christina realized it was her turn. He had been taunting her for days with the jiggling of the handle and the notes that she ate. He whispered her name as he walked by on rounds. But now it was the silence screaming the truth that he was coming. panic crawled in under her skin and tightened in her belly like a terrifying hunger. She sat back in her dark corner, watching and being afraid. His eyes peered at her through the window in her cell door. She could see their maniacal glint and feel his filthy intent as if she was scratching a sunburn. At last he let himself in, singing her name quietly. Too many teeth spread across his shiny face. He loomed above her, beginning to slowly undress her. She could smell the stink of desire on his breath and feel want on his fingertips; greasy and warm.
"They are wrong about you Christina" he whispered. His lips were wet from almost incessant licking. "You aren't like my other girlfriends." he giggled to himself and unlocked the shackles. The chains fell away. So caught up in his carnal greed, he never saw her coming. Her teeth, her strength were quite overwhelming to this weak cowardly predator. The first bite removed his upper lip as he was bending to kiss her. Flipping him like a turtle onto his back, she knelt on his chest and slipped her hands around his neck. Her thumbs gouged his eyes like gloopy campfire marshmallows. she clawed and tore at his clammy skin until he lay motionless. The dark black poison drained from his body. She dipped her finger in it and wrote to him a note he'd never read:
"No restraints"
She didn't care that he didn't say goodbye as she crawled over to her bed and hugged her pillow. Reaching in, she slipped on and off the wedding band of her missing friend, ignoring the crimson stain that frowned across its surface. She wondered if Penny would come back now.
I'm glad you stopped by and hope you liked it. I'm enjoying my time at the lake. I only hope I can get all the stories I've written, posted soon enough. Ha! Like it's a burden ...
Enjoy your day. Come back and play soon.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
A quick dash down the Turnpike to enjoy some family for the weekend and zip home unscathed. Easier said than done; but it only proves how full of "giggle and point moments" life can be.
Since it was a weekend away, we had to ditch the "toddlers" at puppy camp. We don't tell them in advance because for Winston it means nervous hair loss and extra spiteful piddling and Birdie tries to eat her toes. But to my dismay, they saw the suitcases even though I hid them in the guest room. So they figured if they never left my side, they would never have to leave.With my funky entourage of misfits, I simply went to work. They were shocked but loving it. There were so many new places to sniff and whiz. And everyone in the office thought they were the cutest clowns EVER. I did laugh when my little piglet jumped right into my partner's chair (my partner being a connoisseur of canine disdain) and promptly shook himself, leaving a hefty pile of nervous shedding on his seat. Remember Witch Hazel from the cartoons...with the little hairpins? That was what it was like. Birdie just crawled under my desk and had a "tootsie roll" of a different sort, hoping to simply blend in with the rug. The time came and they were carted off. But to be fair, they are spoiled where I take them; loved and played with until exhausted, fed gourmet food and doted on. Camp? More like spa.
So we picked up the kids, tossed snacks to them as if we were feeding hyenas and rolled our eyes as the "Don't touch me"s and "Why did you have to eat them all"s floated up from the back. We drove and listened to our favorite Podcasts attempting to tune them out. Kids are great when travelling.
Dinner came and we decided to really stop and eat; not just pick and run. It was all right. The woman behind me felt I needed to stay until the end of HER meal because as she sat down, she blocked me in, squished my purse and stabbed me in the back with her walker. She was a rather large... hmmm..."lover of life"? noooo wait it will come to me... "mean old bitch?" Ahhhhh there we go. With every complaint she spluttered to the waitress, hostess or anyone representing the establishment, through her thickly buttered lips, she scooched back; into me until I was mashed up against the table and almost unable to swallow. I had tried to be subtle and clear my throat. I even turned to her once attempting to pull my seat to the side with an "Oh I'm sorry...in your way?" but she would just glower and hunker down over her gravied biscuits shovelling in another mouthful with here chubby little digits as if I were going to wrestle her for them. At last, the check was settled and everyone else got up. I was stuck, remember? I pushed the table just forward enough, settled my hands and thanked myself for increasing my weight training. I moved her, decisively, pushing slowly but steadily back. She turned with a disgusted gasp and a malicious look of "How DARE you." She took a bite of some marbled meat and pointed her fork at me. I smiled tightly and tugged at my purse adding too sweetly. "We're leaving now so maybe you can enjoy OUR table too." And I placed our left over dinner rolls in front of her. Bon appetite...Beeyatch.
We headed for the car and back to the turnpike noticing an exceptional amount of slow traffic for this particular time of night. Seeing the little blinking light telling us to tune in to 1640 I did to have that little computerized fembot inform me the pike was closed. As if that wasn't sad enough, she began to rattle off directions at an alarming rate and when finished began to lecture me about keeping my thumbs on the wheel and not to text while driving. I can do that. And you know what else I can do, you unemotional, cyber witch? I can keep my thumbs on the wheel and flip you the bird for going too fast with the directions for a -recommendeddetour- How many times did you read that? twice? right. My point exactly. Since this borg has no lungs (or "Bird fingers" so she can't even retaliate...it's a little victory but I like it all the same) she has no natural phonetic pauses accompanied by false or mistaken inflection. For example: Altoona, Pa becomes : alTOOnapah. Now you try to drive with those kinds of helpful hints and you will become: ratherpisSTOFF attheramp onright.
Recalculating....
What takes normally five and a half hours took double and we passed through towns that... well, if we'd have needed gas, we might not have been heard from again. But we kept our thumbkins on the wheel. "Tall man" however was flyin high. ( remember that song...where is thumbkin....) and at last we arrived. We were all a little punchy and I am thankful for my kids' humor. At one point Cheech and I watched as Boo needed to stand out on the porch of our room and "get some air. " It was completely understandable. We'd been cooped up for a long time and what began as an SUV ended up feeling like a short Chevette. We were all kind of spreading out and my daughter got up, walked to the door and flipped the latch.
"Heyyyyyy! Why'd you lock me out?"
"Burglars are in the area. I'm hoping they'll take you."
Long pause...at this point we can just see the shadows of his feet at the door as he paces trying to figure out what do do...
*knock knock* "Houuuuusekeeping..."
I almost fell off the bed.
Soooo Cheech and I felt completely confident leaving them alone for a couple of hours together. yeaaaaah. Our party was beautiful and fun. We were even graced by the presence of Lady Gaga, girlfriend of the DJ, fast forward thirty-five years and four pounds of spackled, gothic make-up. In her razor ripped pilazzo pahnts (you know, the ones that are all flowy and look like a skirt?) sliced up to the thigh accompanied by leather studded bracelets and a serpentine necklace, all I can say is she really didn't need to worry about "Paparazzi" and we all acknowledged she was "On the edge" Oh yeah, that's ALL you Baby. I almost spit my drink when she picked up a cowbell and began to clank it; thinking only of Christopher Walken on Saturday Night Live...."Need more cowbell...." Ahhhh good times. How can you not dance to cowbell?
Thanks for coming along for the ride. I hope you smiled a little.
As so many of you know, I'm heading out soon for my annual solo trip. One week alone at my lake. I am so excited and happy I can almost not worry about the awful week ahead trying to prepare; almost. I wouldn't count on me before the weekend... but as soon as I can, I promise I'll be here.
Wait for me?
See you soon.
Love,
Tess
Since it was a weekend away, we had to ditch the "toddlers" at puppy camp. We don't tell them in advance because for Winston it means nervous hair loss and extra spiteful piddling and Birdie tries to eat her toes. But to my dismay, they saw the suitcases even though I hid them in the guest room. So they figured if they never left my side, they would never have to leave.With my funky entourage of misfits, I simply went to work. They were shocked but loving it. There were so many new places to sniff and whiz. And everyone in the office thought they were the cutest clowns EVER. I did laugh when my little piglet jumped right into my partner's chair (my partner being a connoisseur of canine disdain) and promptly shook himself, leaving a hefty pile of nervous shedding on his seat. Remember Witch Hazel from the cartoons...with the little hairpins? That was what it was like. Birdie just crawled under my desk and had a "tootsie roll" of a different sort, hoping to simply blend in with the rug. The time came and they were carted off. But to be fair, they are spoiled where I take them; loved and played with until exhausted, fed gourmet food and doted on. Camp? More like spa.
So we picked up the kids, tossed snacks to them as if we were feeding hyenas and rolled our eyes as the "Don't touch me"s and "Why did you have to eat them all"s floated up from the back. We drove and listened to our favorite Podcasts attempting to tune them out. Kids are great when travelling.
Dinner came and we decided to really stop and eat; not just pick and run. It was all right. The woman behind me felt I needed to stay until the end of HER meal because as she sat down, she blocked me in, squished my purse and stabbed me in the back with her walker. She was a rather large... hmmm..."lover of life"? noooo wait it will come to me... "mean old bitch?" Ahhhhh there we go. With every complaint she spluttered to the waitress, hostess or anyone representing the establishment, through her thickly buttered lips, she scooched back; into me until I was mashed up against the table and almost unable to swallow. I had tried to be subtle and clear my throat. I even turned to her once attempting to pull my seat to the side with an "Oh I'm sorry...in your way?" but she would just glower and hunker down over her gravied biscuits shovelling in another mouthful with here chubby little digits as if I were going to wrestle her for them. At last, the check was settled and everyone else got up. I was stuck, remember? I pushed the table just forward enough, settled my hands and thanked myself for increasing my weight training. I moved her, decisively, pushing slowly but steadily back. She turned with a disgusted gasp and a malicious look of "How DARE you." She took a bite of some marbled meat and pointed her fork at me. I smiled tightly and tugged at my purse adding too sweetly. "We're leaving now so maybe you can enjoy OUR table too." And I placed our left over dinner rolls in front of her. Bon appetite...Beeyatch.
We headed for the car and back to the turnpike noticing an exceptional amount of slow traffic for this particular time of night. Seeing the little blinking light telling us to tune in to 1640 I did to have that little computerized fembot inform me the pike was closed. As if that wasn't sad enough, she began to rattle off directions at an alarming rate and when finished began to lecture me about keeping my thumbs on the wheel and not to text while driving. I can do that. And you know what else I can do, you unemotional, cyber witch? I can keep my thumbs on the wheel and flip you the bird for going too fast with the directions for a -recommendeddetour- How many times did you read that? twice? right. My point exactly. Since this borg has no lungs (or "Bird fingers" so she can't even retaliate...it's a little victory but I like it all the same) she has no natural phonetic pauses accompanied by false or mistaken inflection. For example: Altoona, Pa becomes : alTOOnapah. Now you try to drive with those kinds of helpful hints and you will become: ratherpisSTOFF attheramp onright.
Recalculating....
What takes normally five and a half hours took double and we passed through towns that... well, if we'd have needed gas, we might not have been heard from again. But we kept our thumbkins on the wheel. "Tall man" however was flyin high. ( remember that song...where is thumbkin....) and at last we arrived. We were all a little punchy and I am thankful for my kids' humor. At one point Cheech and I watched as Boo needed to stand out on the porch of our room and "get some air. " It was completely understandable. We'd been cooped up for a long time and what began as an SUV ended up feeling like a short Chevette. We were all kind of spreading out and my daughter got up, walked to the door and flipped the latch.
"Heyyyyyy! Why'd you lock me out?"
"Burglars are in the area. I'm hoping they'll take you."
Long pause...at this point we can just see the shadows of his feet at the door as he paces trying to figure out what do do...
*knock knock* "Houuuuusekeeping..."
I almost fell off the bed.
Soooo Cheech and I felt completely confident leaving them alone for a couple of hours together. yeaaaaah. Our party was beautiful and fun. We were even graced by the presence of Lady Gaga, girlfriend of the DJ, fast forward thirty-five years and four pounds of spackled, gothic make-up. In her razor ripped pilazzo pahnts (you know, the ones that are all flowy and look like a skirt?) sliced up to the thigh accompanied by leather studded bracelets and a serpentine necklace, all I can say is she really didn't need to worry about "Paparazzi" and we all acknowledged she was "On the edge" Oh yeah, that's ALL you Baby. I almost spit my drink when she picked up a cowbell and began to clank it; thinking only of Christopher Walken on Saturday Night Live...."Need more cowbell...." Ahhhh good times. How can you not dance to cowbell?
Thanks for coming along for the ride. I hope you smiled a little.
As so many of you know, I'm heading out soon for my annual solo trip. One week alone at my lake. I am so excited and happy I can almost not worry about the awful week ahead trying to prepare; almost. I wouldn't count on me before the weekend... but as soon as I can, I promise I'll be here.
Wait for me?
See you soon.
Love,
Tess
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Hey guys,
I'm away for a family function; "Gooooo Stillers!". It has been a crazy trip top to bottom and although I started out REALLY down and upset about it, the humorous reality is sinking in quickly. I promise to share it all when I get home. Let's catch up late tomorrow night.
All I can say is safe travels and enjoy your weekend.
Love
Tess
I'm away for a family function; "Gooooo Stillers!". It has been a crazy trip top to bottom and although I started out REALLY down and upset about it, the humorous reality is sinking in quickly. I promise to share it all when I get home. Let's catch up late tomorrow night.
All I can say is safe travels and enjoy your weekend.
Love
Tess
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)