Nightwalk IV

She stretched her arms forward, yawning as she opened her eyes. Her throat burned while her stomach growled. She tried to sit up, but her body was still numb.
She looked up at the blue-eyed woman in the mural. “I wonder if that’s me. How could that be me?” She heard a swift swish and turned her head. Startled, she screamed when she saw his face just inches from her.
He slowly stepped back towards the door.
“No wait,” she said reaching out to him.
He stopped, tilting his head, staring into her eyes.
“I’m famished.”
He moved swiftly to her side.
“I need to eat,” she said moving her hands to her mouth. He mimicked her. She smiled. “Do you understand me at all?” He looked at her with a puzzled expression. “I guess not. Food. Eat,” she said again placing her fingers to her mouth. Slowly his hand moved over her face, to her lips, touching them gently. She sighed, feeling the grumble of her stomach. He placed his hands on her cheeks, gazing into her eyes. She licked her lips, staring into his. “Water,” she said faintly. He perked up. “You know water?” He backed away swiftly, and left the room. “Great,” she groaned. I’m going to die of starvation."
He returned a moment later with a bowl in his hands. Scrunching her brows, she wished he understood her. He set down the bowl, slid his hands in, and walked to her with cupped hands. It was water. She took his hands in hers, moved them to her mouth and drank. He shivered. She darted up and saw a kindness fall over him. One she hadn’t noticed before. His eyes found hers and he moved slightly forward, and then came to a halt. His eyes widened and he backed away. “What’s wrong?” He shook his head, still showing fear and turned to the door.
“Wait, please.” He turned around swiftly and rushed to her side. “Please, I have to eat. I don’t want to die of starvation.” His hands touched her cheeks. “Food, please,” she said feeling tears forming in the corners of her eyes. “I’m weak.” He bent down; his lips touched hers and then pressed lightly. With her eyes closed, she felt the warmth travel through her entire body and she raised her hands up to his face. He abruptly moved away. She reached for him. He continued backing away slowly.
She was astonished,the hunger pains diminished and she felt energized. She watched him leave the room. “Thank you,” she whispered. A smile touched his eyes as well as his lips and then he was gone.
“Oh, Sarah, what have you gotten yourself into,” she groaned. Again, she tried to sit up, and sighed. She wondered how long she’d been stuck in this bed and how much longer it would be before she could leave, if ever. None of this made since. She closed her eyes and dreamt of him.

Tribute to Andrea

Have you ever had a friend do so much for you?

Two and a half years ago, I loaded my almost two year old son into the stroller and walked around the neighborhood. I felt alone, desperate to get out of the house. I was a work from home/stay at home mom and not a friend with a child his age. Actually, I had no friends at all. I was trapped in the confines of my beautiful home, with a child that I cherished more than ever. But I needed someone to talk to. I sobbed as I drowned in the loneliness several days a week. I wondered why I had waited so long to have a child, though I didn’t regret it one single bit.
As I walked along, on this warm spring day I noticed two women with children close to my son’s age, sitting in the driveway chatting away. I’m not quite sure how it began, but I found myself sitting in the driveway, listening to them talk about foods to feed their young ones.
An hour or so later, my heart swarmed hoping friendship would begin. I walked many days hoping to catch them outside and every once in a while they would be.
It’s the end of summer and I feel that need for friendship as the loneliness kicks in again. I receive an invitation in the mail to join a mother’s group from my neighbor. I called her up and asked her if I could ride with them after getting the details. “Sure,” she says. I was embarrassed. In the neighborhood I lived in, I should’ve had my own car.
I joined the group and marked every event on the page. My son and I weren't going to miss a thing and these women looked so much fun. Andrea would call me most afternoons and invite us to play. I never refused. I was afraid to call her first, I didn’t want to be a pest. I did wait by the phone every day hoping she’d call. Most days she did.
We developed into a friendship I needed and longed for. Andrea is the sweetest and most caring friend one could ask for. Today, we still do many things together, with and without our boys.

Because of Andrea, I have many new and exciting friends, and my son has gained that advantaged as well. I couldn’t imagine what life would be like without her in our lives and I hope to never find out.

Have a happy birthday dear, and know I have so many more things I’d love to say. But as I look at the word count (460 words!) I think I should stop. I could go on and on about how you saved my life. As a matter of fact, I might just contribute the rest of this week to you. Luv Ya.

A Little Vacation, Cabin Style

It’s late spring and I am ecstatic to spend a weekend with my family at the cabin located somewhere in Northern Oklahoma. I pack everything, which is hardly anything of importance. I love to somewhat rough it. I’m ready to go and I jump in the back seat next to my sister, taking a good book out of my bag for the two hour drive. We arrive at the log cabin around lunchtime and my mother insists we eat before any venturing. I’m not hungry because I rarely eat and I’m a teenage girl.

I grab my duffel bag and rush to the first room I can, only to learn that I get the pullout couch, near the wood burning stove. I don’t care. It will make it easier to grab my coffee in the morning and go out on the deck.

My mother turns on the stereo blaring Alabama and we find ourselves singing obnoxiously to the hits. My favorite then was Mountain Music. With lunch on the table, we hurriedly eat so we can explore the forest surrounding us. It had been a year since the last time we were here.

My sister and I run down the old rusted stairway along the path that led to the lake. We jump on the dock, laughing. The sun is beaming keeping us warm and we plop down on the deck, soaking up the rays talking about school and boys and chores we don’t like doing.

I lay down on the dock, loving the warmth of the sun, having not a single care in the world. My only worry is whether or not I passed the exam we took on Friday and if Johnny was interested in me.

The sun began to fade and we journeyed back up and join our mother for a casual evening of hot cocoa and s’mores. She would tell us ghost stories and see who would scare easily, which was me. I was such a chicken.

It was an enjoyable time and I so long to find my way back to that cabin to feel the serenity I felt then.

Cabin Time

As a young girl, my mother used to take my siblings and I to a cabin in Northern Oklahoma. I loved the woodsy smell and the fog that would lay over the lake in the mornings. I miss grabbing a cup of coffee and walking down the long path to the docks. I’d sit on the stairs halfway and listen to the birds chirping along and dream of my future.

If only I could go back there now for inspiration. There's something to be said for those quiet, crisp mornings watching the sun peek above the horizon. The moisture falling from the branches of the thick oak trees and soaking into the ground.

I know I could come up with a dozen stories just sitting on that rusted walkway.

I long to walk barefoot in the grass feeling the cold wet dew between my toes and find an old tree stump to sit on. I'd curl up with a notepad and paper and draw up a story. Surrounded by nature, I would surely write a love story.

If only I could find my way back to that cabin for great inspiration.

Nightwalk III

She felt a tug on her arm and her eyes flew open. The winged man stood over her, his fingers smoothed over her arm and the warmth returned. He moved to the other arm and pulled gently, caressing it as he did the other.
"Am I dreaming?"
He tilted his head with a complex look, staring into her eyes. Again, peace fell over her.
"Are you an angel?"
He took a step back and turned away.
“Wait,” she said reaching for him. Her eyes widened and she circled her arm around. She smiled and looked up at him. "Amazing." She lifted the other arm and laughed. She tried to pull herself up, but it was no use. "Well, I can't complain at this point."
His eyes were glowing and his mouth turned up slightly. She almost missed it, as he glided to the door.
"What are you?"
His confused expression returned and he glided out of the room.
She huffed, throwing her arms down at her sides and looked back up at the ceiling, analyzing the mural.
A story lay within the decorated art. The full moon shone and a battle brewed. A fight between the wolf man and the winged man, ending with the wolf man shackled to the wall howling up at the moon with the winged man keeping an eye on him. Off in the distance a young woman sat on a bench staring up at the moonlit sky. She took a closer look at the girl and gasped. The resemblance was astonishing.
He flew into the room a worried expression crossed his face.
She pointed up at the mural, “Is that me?” He looked at the mural and walked over to her. She pointed at the woman in the painting and then at herself. His jaw locked. “Is it? Who are you? Where am I?” He backed away and she screamed. He glided back to her and gazed into her eyes. She fell silent.
“Rest,” he said in a melancholy tone. She drifted at once.

Valentines Day Love

As I stand in the kitchen with a spatula in hand, cooking the omelet for our valentines meal, I hear the quiet groggy voice of my handsome four year old son. He walks into the kitchen rubbing his eyes and smiles at me.
"Mommy, is today Valentines Day?"
I scoop him up into my arms and answer, "Yes, my bubby it is. Happy Valentines Day. I love you" I kiss him on the cheek and he wraps his arms around my neck.
"I love you more," he says, kissing my cheek.
I giggle and reply, "Well, I love you to infinity."
"I love you to infinity and beyond."
I look at him amazed at his quick response and hug him tight. My little bubby is grown up too fast.
"Oh mommy I have an idea." He wiggles, ready to jump out of my arms, and I release him. He runs into his room and grabs his teddy bear blanket, he received his first Christmas, and starts laying it on the floor. "A picnic mommy."
Our omelets are cooling on the plate, our juice is poured and I help him straighten out the blanket.
A moment's idea sparked in my mind and I grabbed the plastic flutes from New Years Eve. I fill them with apple juice and set them on our blanket.
"Cheer's bubby to our special day," I said raising the flute.
"To mommy and bubby's day," he shouts out happily. Our flutes touch and we take a sip. Our picnic is now in full swing and we laugh and giggle seizing the moment.
The most precious moments are the ones we create with our little ones.
Happy Valentines Day

Nightwalk part II

Sarah woke screaming and tried to lift her head. The weight was overwhelming and her head throbbed. Immediately, she tried to move her hands to her head, but gravity kept them down. She sobbed and looked up at the ceiling instantly captivated by the mural. She noticed the wolfman bonded in silver chains, howling up at the full moon. The winged man, her savior, intently watched over him, perched on the top of a castle. A feeling of serenity washed over her as she stared into the golden eyes.
From the corner of her eye, a light shone. She slowly turned her head to see his golden eyes fixated on her. He tilted his head and very slowly glided over to her. He reached his hand forward and very lightly traced her cheek with his finger. The warmth of his touch, brought feeling back where feeling was lost. His hand swept over her right eye. The pain vanished. His hands lightly touched her cheek and he leaned down. She was entranced until his full warm lips covered hers and she closed her eyes, feeling exhilarated. However, the moment was brief. She opened her eyes and he was gone. Did she imagine him? She tried to lift her arm, but still could not. Her eyes felt heavy again and she closed them.

Did I?

When I walked through the door with the wind swirling my hair around my face, did I catch your eye?
As I strutted my way to the dance floor, tossing the hair off my shoulder, did I wink at you?
Did I search the room for you?
Did I smile and bat my eyes, or did I look lustfully, ready to devour you?
Did I entice you to approach me and ask me to dance?
When we danced did I keep a little space between us?
Or did I want to get down and dirty?
When the music changed did I want to continue to dance?
Was the song slow and sexy?
Did I wrap my arms around your neck and gaze into your eyes?
or did I smile and turn away bashfully, biting my lip?
At the close of the night, did I sigh and anticipate your kiss?
Or did I leave the same way I entered with my hair flowing lightly behind me in the breeze?
Did I leave you wanting more?
Tell me, did I?

Superbowl

It’s finally here. It’s game day. This is the most anticipated game of the year, though I am sad. It means football will come to a close for several months. Whether you're in it for the game or the commercials it will be a fabulous day.


This morning, I opened my eyes, yawning and stretched. A wry smile spread across my face. Game day. I fly out of bed and jump in the shower and numbers are running through my mind. What will the score be? How many players will be injured? Can Drew Brees pull this win out over the famous Peyton Manning? Will it be a complete offensive game? or will the defenses stop these two powerful offenses? How many field goals will the Colts have and will the two point conversions be successful?
I have my own glimpse into the game. I see the colts have 42 points. But, that is it. I know it will be close and highly enthralling. I can’t wait to cheer on the Saints and listen to the Colts fans around me shout out, “Hey!” I don’t care. It’s fun and I’m competitive.
I’m in the kitchen with my coffee now. I’m going over the food planner for the party that I am hosting, feeling giddy. It will be a Tex-Mex day, and my stomach is growling. I jam to the stereo, Fire Burning just happens to be playing right now. Oh, I can get jiggy with that!
I love hosting a good party and tonight will not fall short. Again, my mind is on the game, wondering just how long it will take the Saints to settle in to their first Superbowl. Not long, I hope. Oh, I cannot wait to see some hard tackles and long passes. An interception here or there, and hopefully no fumbles. Last year had a wild finish and it will be hard to top. This year will hopefully have more excitement during the game.
So, all I have left to say is GO SAINTS! Prove me wrong today!

A bowling Champion for a moment

Bowling? Really? Me? OF COURSE! 1998...

One very humid day, my sister asked me if I could substitute on her bowling league. I thought, really? Ok. What else did I have to do besides work on pager after pager and get ready for audio sales. Yes pagers did exist!

I agreed, because I loved bowling at Thunderbird Lanes with my dad and grandparents. Ahh... the good ole days. My sister, aunt, and I ventured out to the bowling alley. At first I was unsure, but then I had too much fun. I sucked something awful, but I drank tons of nasty draft beer that gave me horrible headaches. Oh those hangovers. I had such a great time, I decided to join a league in the fall. I didn't take it serious at first, just a time to get away from the slavery of work. Towards the end, I was fierce. Still only an average of 120 but I was competitive. I joined another league in the summer and then another the next fall.

It's the fall league now and my competitive spirit was full force. I think my aunt and sister began to ignore me at that point because I'd get so aggravated with myself. They were there to drink and relax.

A Phillip Morris Tournament came up for amateur bowling and I thought maybe I had a slight chance. I entered the contest. When I arrived at the bowling alley for my league the next week, I just happen to look on the list of winners. I didn't expect to see my name in the top five. I screamed and jumped up and down. Not only was I in the top five, I was number one. I won a trip to Vegas and an automatic seven hundred dollars.
I went on this four day trip to Vegas and I have to say I was terrible. I had never been away from home, alone. I was utterly terrified. I tried to call home, just wanting to hear a familiar voice, but no one answered. My nerves were shot.
Though, I loved to bowl, I just couldn't get the hang of their lanes. I finally began to relax with the team I bowled alongside. Okay, I know this isn't a bowling thing but I must tell you a funny side story.

So, we were lined up and ready to head to the bowling lanes in the Orleans Casino, brand new by the way, when I heard someone whisper, "There's Tracy Lawrence."
I popped my head up and said aloud, "Who is she?" The girl in front of me, gestured for me to look over my shoulder.
Oh my gosh! He was standing right behind me. He tipped his hat with a smile. My cheeks were on fire. I smiled at him apologetically, and rushed to the lanes.

I bowled with my group for a day or two and then the last, I enjoyed bowling with Pro Bowler Chris Barnes from Kansas. I bowled my best that day, but I really didn't do well at all. Maybe it was nerves, maybe it was the new oil they tested on the lane which made me over compensate my curve. Maybe, I was just lucky to be there.
In the end, I finished second to last and went home with seven hundred dollars. It was a blast and I did get to gamble a bit. The Cajun quarters machine always paid out so I brought home a lot more than seven hundred.
I walked the strip in Vegas and had an absolute blast. I almost pulled a "What Happens In Vegas..." But I chickened out. Las Vegas is another story.

Printer Nightmare

Nothing like walking down into your basement and turning on the computer for the first time in a few days, to see a Trojan virus. I had never had this happen before and though it tore me up, I let it go. What would it solve for me to become angry. Right?
Well, I lost many, many pictures of my precious bubby, all the work I had done for the tax return, and many other important documents. I thought maybe it's a sign. A fresh start and a new beginning. I plugged in a different computer and we were online again. Luckily, with a stronger security system.

Tonight however, my irritation rose to an inferno that could barely be tamed. I know my way around computers and networking. After all, I had been playing in them for the last ten years.

I couldn't believe how complicated it was to print a document.

When I had changed out computers, I couldn't find any of my operating discs. So I thought, hmm... Plug and Play. Nope. Then I tried to download the driver, but the security setting wouldn't allow it. I gave up and connected the printer that came along with the computer. I knelt down pulling the computer out as far as it could go lightly hitting my head underneath the desk. I shrugged it off and began searching for the usb port on this computer. My cell phone rang. So, me being Mrs Talented, grabbed my cell phone, answered it and tried to get back behind the computer to look again. I reached around finding the usb's location, and my phone started to slip. I caught it, banging my temple on the corner of the desk, in the process. Ouch. I hung up the phone slightly irritated and plugged in the printer. Bam... I can print. Yea!

I downloaded my next assignment and wouldn't you know it, another brick wall. The software wouldn't open with any program on this empty computer. So, I decided let's just network them again. I spent a good thirty minutes trying to figure why it wouldn't jump on board. Only to find out the computer's had the same name. Whew. That was easy. Can't believe it took me thirty minutes to realize that. Geez. So now we're networked. But I still can't print. My laptop that I dearly loved didn't have the print driver. Guess what! No disc either. But I am more than determined to get this connected now. I've spent my whole evening working on it thus far. So I successfully downloaded the print driver and now I can print my assignment.
And then... it ran out of ink. HAHA!

Good night, I say. Tomorrow is a new day.

Pure Entertainment

I recently received a letter from Pure Entertainment and would love to share it with you...

Dear Leanna,

I hope you had fun bouncing around the last time you visited us! I hear your birthday is coming up... maybe you would like to celebrate it with us. If so, ask mom or dad to call or book online. We hope to see you soon!

Pure Party Coach


So mom, dad, Please! I really want to go! I'll be good and do all my chores. I'll even take out the garbage and clean the windows. Please!

Never Judge A Novel By It's Cover

You can never judge the novel by the cover. You have to open it and give it a chance. Even if the first chapter seems a little rough and disappointing, you have to continue to read it, to know it... and when you get to the end, you should understand it. It doesn't mean you have to like it, just that you understand.