Portrait of Words

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Aloha. Thank you to all that took the plunge and wrote a story for Portrait of Words – #29. I really appreciate it and we had more writers. WOOT!!! Maybe this will grow and we will get more next month. I can only hope but if we don’t those of you that are regulars I thank you. Here are your photos to be used for the story that will be due July 6, 2010. Please use all of the photos for your story. A very special MAHALO goes out to Bill at The Old Fart’s Blog for supplying the photos for next month’s writing exercise. Very much appreciated Bill. If anyone has any pictures that we can use, please feel free to send them to me. You can get all the Writing Guidelines by clicking here. I’m looking forward to reading your creations on July 6, 2010.

The Adventures of Alison...

While my grand daughter was visiting me last Spring she begged to go up into the attic. Alison always goes upstairs to the attic to explore. Attics are a real treasure hunter's paradise and Alison loved to play in all of her great-grandma's things. Alison dressed up in her great- grandma's hats and gloves. She played with the porcelain dolls and had tea parties. She made up some interesting tales to go along with the things she used as props. " Grand momma, why do you live in such a large house?" "This old house used to be filled with my children and their friends and I never thought about giving it up, besides where would you play?"

She was a very creative girl and could spin a story like her great-grandma used to do. Though Alison never knew her great-grandmother, she had so many similar attributes. One day Alison found an old coin. She loved the copper color of it and ask her grandmother if she could have it. Her grandmother had never seen it before today and let her have this coin with out giving it another thought. The girl quickly googled the coin and found out some of it's history.

The coin was a commemorative one to honor royalty. Alison was intrigued, so she kept searching in the attic for more answers. A big barreled trunk was stored far in the back corner of the attic. The young girl had to open it and open it she did! There were all sorts of letters and old photographs of her great-grandmother. The musty smell in the air reminded her of old things past. The rain was pouring down that day and Alison stayed up stairs for hours reading the letters. Playing with her great-grandmother's handkerchiefs and beaded bag. Making up some wonderful stories in her head.

What shocked her the most was the photo of Studio 16. She saw a photo of a young girl in a rather flamboyant dress with a feathered boa around her neck and smoking a cigarette in a long holder standing in line with a couple of men. They looked like children dressed up in play clothes to her. Who were these people? Alison had no clue, but like the treasure hunter, she was determined to get to the truth.

Studio 16 was a very risque club back in it's day. It was a private club and you were admitted by invitation only. It was the place for all young debutantes and their escorts to go to on the weekends. It looked like that young girl in the photos went there often, Alison thought to herself.

"Alison", called out her grand momma, "Come here right now!" "Coming grand momma" exclaimed the young girl. "What have you been up to all day in the attic?" Alison replied," nothing really much." Grand momma told her that it was time to go and meet the bus that was coming to town. We are going to pick up Aunt Virginia. She is coming to visit you. "Who?"said Alison. She is your great-grandmother's sister. "Oh", said Alison. "And we don't want to keep her waiting!"

They arrived just in time to see her great aunt stepping down from the bus. After a brief introduction, they headed towards home. All of a sudden, Aunt Virginia said "Stop, please stop?" What did she see? Why did she want to stop? Aunt Virginia had to stop and get out of the car to pick an apple from this tree. "I guess she likes apples" Alison thought. "Indeed I do like apples"said Aunt Virginia. "As young girls my sister and I would spend hours underneath this apple tree dreaming of boys and things to do and this is one of the last places I want to visit."

When they arrived home Aunt Virginia was taken to her room to settle down until supper was ready. A fine meal of baked chicken, fresh green beans, new potatoes and home made rolls was served. "I am stuffed"said Aunt Virginia. "I think I will go outside and stretch my legs. "Alison, would you like to walk with an old woman?" "Yes, I would" said the young girl.

They strolled quietly along the garden path until they came to a bench. Sweet smells of Spring bring back such lovely memories. Aunt Virginia warmed up to Alison and they began talking about her sister, Alison's great-grandmother. Under the crescent moon Alison looked just like her sister did at that age. "Why young lady do you know who you look like?" She paused for a minute and said "I think I look just like my great-grandmother! "Child...How could you know that?" said her great aunt. Alison told her that she had been in the attic and had seen pictures that looked like herself. Aunt Virginia agreed and said that the next day she would tell her all about her great-grandmother and their family.

The next day they went to the park and spent the whole day talking about family. All the stories Alison had conjured up were really true. "You most definitely take after your great-grandmother. She had the same gift of story telling that you have."

It turned out that Alison's great-grandmother was very wealthy. She had traveled Europe and all over the world. She had even met the King and Queen of England. Alison said " Is this something important?" Aunt Virginia told her of how her great-grandmother had acquired it. The two had such a wonderful time visiting and exploring the attic together that Spring break. "Next time Alison will you come to visit me at my house?" "I would love to" replied Alison.

The Queen's Meme # 27~ The Olympics Meme(aka Bloglympics)

Monday, March 1, 2010
The Queen's Meme #27 ~ The Olympics Meme (aka Bloglympics)

Sometimes silly. Sometimes serious. Always fun!
Step out of the box. Be creative. Use your imagination.
No one's answers are quite like yours.

Maestra Mimi has a quiz for you today. How much do you think you know about the Olympics? See if you can go for the gold and answer these questions correctly. IF you want to spoof it, by all means, spoof away! The answers are at the bottom of this post. NO CHEATING unless you want to end up in the you-know-where.

1. What year were the very very very first Olympics held? A very long time ago...I don't know the answer... I imagined it was before Christ.

2. The original games were banned for being a pagan festival because the Olympics celebrated the Greek God of Zeus??

A. Mars
B. Venus
C. Zeus
D. Google

3. In 1896 the first modern-day Olympic Summer Games were held. Which country won the most medals that year? Rome,Italy

4. Which country has won the most medals EVER at the Winter Games? USA


5. I predict that Blogging will become the next Olympic event recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a valid sport. How would you train for this event? And if you think it should be a team event, who would you include on your team? It would have to be a team event and I choose you! I suppose we would do memes?

6. What do the five Olympic rings represent?
The continents that participate in the Olympics.

7. No country in the Southern Hemisphere has ever hosted the Winter Games? Why? Well duh? What do you think?

8. What the heck is curling? Why should it be a sport??
I am not so sure what curling is, but if I had to guess I would say it was like scuffle board of else bowling? Makes me no difference if it is an Olympic sport or not.
9. Mark Spitz won 11 medals in the most combined overall medals category. What was his sport? B. Swimming

A. Skiing B. Swimming C. Looking good D. Resigning from public office after a sordid scandal

10. In ancient times females were forbidden to watch the games.
What was the penalty for doing so? I guess they had to wear chastity belts to remain virgins.

11. In 1908 the organizers of the London Olympic Games added another 385 yards in order for the royal family to have a better view of the finish line.
Which sport was it? Has to be horse riding or polo? Maybe something to do with flowers?

12. What event would you like to see added to the Olympics? Why? Tractor pull or else snow mobile racing.

Extra credit and a guarantee you won't end up with no medal or meal in the dungeon this week.
What was your favorite Olympic event or moment to witness this year at the 2010 Olympics?

I liked Bob sledding and the down hill, speed racing or what ever it is called and ice skating.

Portrait of Words

Portrait of Words Now, let's have a look at the photographs for next month's writing challenge.Same general idea as the other months, but with a slight variation this time. Instead of me dictating specific categories for each photograph, I'm going to display five pictures with the following guidelines:You may use all of the photos if you like, but please choose at least three of them to incorporate into your story. Your story can be factual or a work of fiction. It can be told in first or third person. Your story can be of any length or style. Long or short, comedy or tragedy, etc. . . it's up to you. The most important thing to remember is this: It's supposed to be a fun experience for everyone, and viewed simply as a writing exercise designed to stimulate creativity and camaraderie between fellow Bloggers. Make it enjoyable and let your creativity be your guide. Here is my story for this month.


Nathan was not your everyday run of the mill artist. He was as some would say a "spooky sort of man". Not many people knew about his past life and how much he had changed to become the person that you know today. Nathan had a beard and two pierced ears and he always wore this crazy wild print hat with sunglasses, so the glare wouldn't hurt his eyes. He did this on the side when the carnival was not traveling and he was quite good at it.

His previous life was so different than the life he was leading now. To look at him you would not believe that he was a very successful college professor with a PhD. in Anthropology. One day he had just had enough of the system and decided to leave teaching and start a new life.

He had squirreled away a lot of money so that was not a problem, besides he would pick up a few odd jobs when he needed some extra cash. He sold everything he had and left with the clothes on his back and an old VW Beetle. He was headed to California on a mission to find the true meaning of life. Life had dealt him some blows and this new adventure offered him a new beginning. Though, he had no idea where this would take him.




All he knew was that life was too short and from this day forward he was going to do what he really wanted to do. He was going to not take life for granted. For once, instead of being the serious one, he was going to laugh and do all the things he never got to do as a child. Something kept pulling him towards San Francisco. He did not know why, but heeded the nudge and headed that way.

This Bay City area was completely new to him and entering on the Golden Gate Bridge he went straight to the wharf to eat lunch. Thinking out loud to himself, Armond, over heard him talking about grapes, "Excuse me, are you interested in grapes?" Nathan replied "Why yes, I am. What do you know about them?"

"Not much, he said, but my family does". They had a vinyard in the Napa valley. "Would you like to see it?" 'Sure, if it is not an inconveince?" So off they went to the vinyard. Nathan soon learned all that he could about grapes and the process of wine making. Of course, he loved to study people in life and in art. Thinking there must be more he could do Nathan began the grass roots foundation for a motel and Rv park for the homeless.

Finally, Nathan had felt like he accomplished something of true value and service. Nathan did not return to the carnival that year. He took up painting full time. He was sponsored by Armond and his family. The sales of the paintings went to fund the operations of the homeless shelter. Life was good and Nathan was happy at last.

Portrait of Words

Portrait of Words is a monthly writing challenge presented by Jeff B. Each month Jeff selects photos for us to write our stories. Click the icon for more information if you would like to participate. Please read the other stories as well. http://portraitofwords.blogspot.com/

Murder, I don't think so...



Henry Patterson had always been a hard working man. He worked his way up in the machine line to the most coveted job, hole borer of the famous Strike Out Bowling Company. He job demanded exact precision in the boring of the finger holes of the ball. Henry had custom made bowling balls for many professional pro bowlers. His reputation was quite good and he always delivered a perfect product.



That is why he was so very surprised when his beloved wife, Mary Lou, was killed in the manner in which she was murdered. Why would anyone want to hurt Mary Lou? He was even more shocked when the detective told him that his wife was murdered and they accused him of the heinous act. Words could not describe how torn apart Henry felt when he heard the police report.


What kind of a monster would kill his wife in the manner that she was murdered. Mary Lou was kidnapped and then she was tied to a drill press where her eyes were bored out. There were no finger prints to connect Henry to his wife's death, but the fact that it happened at his work place was rather odd. The detectives thought is was odd as well. He had been accused of murder. An unthinkable murder of his beloved wife. Henry and Mary Lou had been married for twenty years and had weathered some storms in their marriage. They always managed to mend their arguments and heal their hurt feelings. Of course he had buried his previous wife before meeting Mary Lou, but no one knew that and he kept it a secret.



Mary Lou's daughters had insisted that Henry was the murderer of their mother. They told the detective a bizarre story of their mother's marriage to Henry. How Henry had met her at the Whiskey A Go Go on the strip. How he had married her only three weeks after meeting her. How she sold everything she owned including her home and left the state with Henry. He kept her so isolated in Florida. Henry had stolen her zest for life and was always so condescending towards her. Once before, she was so sick and she needed medical attention, but he refused to take her to the doctor. The daughters were furious with him and never forgot his cruelness towards their mother.

Murder? He didn't think so. It would seem that Mary Lou had seen something she was not suppose to see. Maybe that was why her eyes where destroyed.

Looking at the days events, Henry Patterson had evaded the allegations made against him. He was relieved that the jury had found him innocent. He stared at the courtroom one last time, remembering the long trial and what had been uncovered . Thankful that he was exonerated. Words could not aptly express how he felt at this very moment. Stunned, yet elated at the outcome.

After the courtroom emptied, Henry just shook his head in disbelief. What has the world come to when a man is accused of murder? When there is no solid evidence? When there is no motive?

Henry headed to the local cafe to get a bite to eat. He was flooded by photographers and news reporters. All this attention was getting under his skin. He was not guilty. Why wouldn't they leave him alone?
Frustrated, he left the cafe and headed to the first bar he came upon. Give me a bottle of whiskey. He went to the corner and sat down and began playing a game of chess.






Check Mate, Mary Lou...




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Portrait of Words #7

This is a monthly writing challenge where Jeff B. gives us prompts
(pictures) to use as inspriation for our writing. http://portraitofwords.blogspot.com/
For more information click on the link to see how to participate.



Skinny Vinny...

The day began rather hastily as Vinny's bus embarked in route to the dentist office. He spoke English, but his accent was so thick that no one could understand him. He was from Napoli, Italy, but was raised in the country. Life seem to stand still in his village as there was no sense of urgency, but only leisure.

After the dentist visit, he went to his job. He had bills to pay and he knew he could do the work. Even though he was skinny, he was a work horse. Besides, he got paid by the pound. He did not know what the work detailed, but he knew he could do it.

Vinny was young and very Italian. He loved life to the fullest and was passionate about everything. One of his first jobs in the city was to sort and separate these large rusty screws for recycling. The guys on the job nicknamed him "Skinny Vinny." He could lift more weight than most of the strongest men. All the crew liked "Skinny Vinny", so they ask him to join them on their Friday night bowling team.

The one thing the guys did not know about Vinny was that he was a classical trained pianist. One night at the bowling alley, Vinny was goaded into playing the piano for his friends. He was a little embarrassed because it had been so long since he had played anything. He said " Look, I don't think I am any good at this." But the guys would not take no for an answer.

In the back of the ally there was an old dusty piano, half covered with an old sheet to protect it. Vinny went to it, uncovered the piano and sat down. The most amazing music came from that old piano. He played all kinds of music, but his favorite was Italian love songs. The women swooned as they heard Vinny's melodic music. "That's Aaa...mo...re," sang one of the gals at the piano. Soon Vinny was one of the regulars at the bowling ally. Instead of bowling, he played the piano and captivated a large crowd of beautiful women that admired him.

Portrait of Words #6

Portrait of Words , a monthly writing challenge presented by Jeff B. Each month Jeff post a group pictures and we write a story that aptly tells our story through the pictures. For more information go to Jeff's new blog highlighted. http://portraitofwords.blogspot.com/2009/02/portrait-of-words-6.html

Do you really know your neighbors?

The two young women stood chatting as they watched the men finish the details of this beautiful house. It was the talk of the whole neighborhood.

It was unusual for anything like this to occur in this small town.

Nothing new had been built for over forty years. The women had been jogging and

stopped for a break. " Do you believe what took place before that house was built?" My Granny says it was all true what happened.

"That is such a shame what happened."

Long before the new house was built, there was an unsolved mystery that had always been dismissed because it was so tragic. No one really knew the whole story or even the truth. The story is remembered by most of the town folks. Over sixty years ago, the Stewart family happily lived on a family farm, which had been handed down from generation to generation. They owned a country store with a filling station on the edge of their farm.

There was a huge explosion at the country store one morning in the early spring of 1947 and the Stewart's country store and filling station burned to the ground killing everyone but the youngest girl, Minnie Louise. Nothing was left, but a huge crater in the ground. The town would never be the same after loosing the Stewart's. Ma Stewart, Pa Stewart and their five children would be buried later that week. Minnie Louise was ten years old at the time and she had a total breakdown from loosing her family. She lead a solitary life with no one to guide her. She ran away from the orphanage and never looked backed.


She lived in an abandoned school bus. Living on practically nothing, somehow she managed to survive. She took in all kinds of stray cats and dogs and lived quietly in the old bus in the country. No one knew who she was or that she was still alive except the waitress and a hand full of people. She raised a small garden and she would sell her fresh vegetables to the local farmers market in order to have a little money.

One night, Minnie Louise needed a drink and she walked to the local bar. When she entered the waitress looked strangely at her. " What will you have Minni Lou?" "Give me two beers and crown and coke, "she replied. All of that for you?" "Yea, I have just had the shock of my life!" Minnie reluctantly ask the waitress to sit down.

Minnie Lou slowly said "Today a beedy-eyed lawyer was out at my bus asking all sorts of questions. He told me that I was a very wealthy woman. He said they had been looking for me for years. The man said that my Pa had insurance on the family store and station and that I was rich. In additon, over the years my family's land had increased in value so much that I was shocked!" "I couldn't believe my ears." said Minnie Lou. "All the years I have struggled to barely get by and now I am rich?"

That is how Minnie Louise could afford to build that beautiful brick home. The money and the new house didn't really mean that much to Minnie Louise because she had no family except her dogs and cats. Minnie Louise and all her critters moved into that new house. Looks like sometimes something good can come from something bad. Today, Minnie Louise takes in all kinds of critters and helps find homes for them.

Portrait of Words

This is a monthly writing challenge from Jeff B at A Word In Edgewise . If you would like to participate just link back to Jeff B's or look in my sidebar.

http://http//sohe812.blogspot.com/

The Love of My Life.

They met in front of the Church Street Post Office. Irene was walking into the post office when John saw her struggling with her bag. Being the gentleman that he was, he offered her his assistance. Shyly, Irene accepted his help. John smiled as she thanked him. Not wanting to leave her, John quickly thought of the first thing that came to his mind. He ask if she would like to see a merry go round that he had bought and was repairing. Irene felt the same sense of familiarity and said yes that she would love to see it.

John hailed a taxi and helped Irene into it. Off they went to the warehouse a few miles a way. During their ride they talked even more about their lives. Their eyes glimmered with excitement. It was love at first sight. Neither had ever felt this way before and this feeling was new to Irene and John. What would they do next? They could hardly pull themselves apart. Irene thought of her Mother and worried what she would think of this random rendezvous with a total stranger?

Upon arrival, Irene was surprised to see the warehouse was a museum in the making. It was a completely restored Victorian town with shops, brick streets, lamp posts and even a life size horse drawn carriage and of course the carousel. The museum would be opening by the end of the month.

They walked through the warehouse when they came to the carousel. Irene smiled when she saw it, which made John laugh. Immediately, he knew that he was going to marry this beautiful woman. The hit it off and laughed together after John commented on her smile. As they talked, they realized that they had so much in common. They felt so comfortable as if they had known one another forever. John hoped his Mother would approve of Irene. Why did he care what his Mother thought anyway? But deep inside his heart, he knew he would have to go see his Mother. He had never been so impulsive before. John knew that life was short and that it passes too fast.

Irene had never seen anything so beautiful as the carousel. It was hand made and intricately carved with the most magnificent details. John had taken care to restore it to it's original beauty. He loved this carousel and could not wait for Irene to take a ride on it. The time flew by and before they knew it John said he had to take care of some business. Before he left, he ask Irene if he could have dinner with her and Irene gave him her address. He flagged a taxi for Irene and bid her farewell.

Irene had somewhere that she had to go too. She gathered some pink hydrangeas from her garden and set off for her visit. John stopped by the local florist and purchased a bouquet of pink roses and left in a hurry for his destination. It seems that both Irene and John had something very important to take care of before they met again. Excited, but apprehensive, they set about there journey with great intensity.

Quietly, Irene entered the gate and went to see her Mother. She lay the flowers down. It had been a while since she had come there. She had to do this before she could see John again. "Oh, Mother, I have met the most marvelous man." "I have never felt this way about anyone in my life." "What should I do?" Irene cried because she was sad and needed to talk with her Mother. Quietly, she sat still waiting for an answer.

As John arrived he looked for the large pink hydrangeas that his Mother loved. He hurriedly walked to reach his Mother. Upon arrival he sat down on the bench with the flowers.

"Hey Mother" John said. "It has been too long since I have seen you." "Mother, I have met this incredible young lady and I want to marry her!" He heard, "Son, do what your heart tells you to do." In a moment, he knew it was alright to ask for Irene's hand in marriage. That is exactly what he planned to do at dinner that night.

After visiting their loved ones, Irene and John started walking out the gate. A look of surprise came over one another. "John, what are you doing here?" ask Irene. John, shocked ask her the same question. "My mother is at rest here!" said Irene and "I just needed to spend some time with her." said Irene. John said "My mother is here as well. Oh my! Little did they know that both of their Mothers were buried at the same cemetery. Irene and John embraced. "So this was the business you had to take care of?" said Irene. "I am sorry darling, but yes it is." answered John.

My Mother meant everything to me and I just had to ask her if she approved of what I was going to do. "What are you going to do?"ask Irene. "Well, you see, I ... I ugh,"said John, "I know that we have just met and this may not be proper, but," John got down on his knee and in a sweet voice ask, "Irene, will you marry me?" "Of course I will marry you, dear!" This incredible story turned into a happy and loving marriage going on 65 years now.

A Portrait of Words

Portrait of Words
Hey, it's that time again. Time to share some stories with one another through our monthly writing challenge.
For anyone new, here is a quick run down on how it works. Each month I supply a variety of photographs along with corresponding categories for them. (Main Character, Backdrop, Purpose, Item and Wild Card) From these five prompts, we weave stories as our imagination dictates. If you'd like the full blown details please click here. For all of this month's current photos, please click here.If you're considering joining us...please do! Everyone is welcome to participate.If you have a story to post this month be sure to sign in on the link box at the bottom of this post. If you're just along for the reading, great! Hope you enjoy my offering, and please do go by and check out what the others have put together.


A Love Like No Other


Oliver, the elderly gentleman stood patiently waiting for hours for his life long partner and wife, Louise. She was obsessed with gambling to the degree that they had lost everything they had except for the clothes on their backs. He had no idea when they were young that she loved to gamble. She was intoxicated by the thought of playing the casinos and especially Roulette.

What could this impossible romantic and desperately in love man do? He did not know what to do, for he had always just indulged Louise and gave her anything that she desired. He knew that he was coming to a decision that he did not want to make. Could he try to control his wife's gambling? Could he say no to her? He had always stood beside her through thick and thin, through good times and bad times, but his patience was wearing thin now. How much more could their marriage bare.

Just the atmosphere of the casino excited Louise. It filled her brain full of all kinds of insane ideas and dreams. Gambling was her lover and it lured her to do things that no man could ever ask her to do. The brightly colored lights, the smell of the money, the sounds of the dice, the roll of the roulette wheel, the laughter, the intensity of the betting. Louise was carried away with this lover. It deceived her, it entrapped her, and made her a prisoner to its power. She could not live without it.

She had an unrealistic idea that just once she won, her luck would change. She wanted to give Oliver all the money that she had lost back to him. She wanted them to have their beautiful home back instead of the old dark and dreadful apartment building they lived with its seven flights of stairs. Seven long flight of stairs they climbed everyday in order to fulfill her obsession. Her hell, her demon. Everyday, the drudgery of her obsession weighed her down. She knew it, but what could she do? She needed this obsession despite the fact that it was ruining her life and Oliver's life too.

One morning the phone ring much to Oliver's surprise, it was Louise's sister. She said that she was coming for a visit to see them in a few days. The dread set in Oliver's face as he told Louise of her sister's impending visit. Agnes, Louise's sister, did not know of Louise's addiction to gambling. How could she pretend everything was alright when things were so horribly wrong. Could she cover it up?

She did not think so and she had only a few days to prepare for her sister's visit. Would Oliver pretend along with her? Dare she ask him? As she prepared for her sister's visit, she kept asking herself, “What can I do?” Finally, resolution...

Oliver went to the store and bought a bouquet of yellow spray roses for his wife. He sat on the edge of the bed as they talked about the white elephant between them. Louise cried, and begged Oliver for help. They talked for hours until they decided what to do. They had not been this close in a long time. The love was still there. Oliver felt confident that he could help Louise.

So the next evening the went together to the casino where Oliver took a gamble this time. He placed a bet on the table for number seven, the number of stairs they climbed everyday. He thought about those roses and how they were bundled in sevens. Seven blooms and seven stems. “SEVEN!” “Come on lucky number seven!” He won, he really did win! He won $777,777.00!

He knew what he would do with that money.
Louise's sister came to visit and with her help, they entered Louise in a gambler's anonymous group. With therapy and lots of love, she did recover from her addiction. Oliver and Louise moved to Texas and bought a little house with a white picket fence and of course yellow roses. Yes! Lots of yellow roses.