7.16.2013
OUaT Journal: My story - Part IV
[Two years later we had another big surprise which was...] a freak snowstorm in July! Mack and Maria were so upset wen they woke up to snow on the Fourth of July.
7.14.2013
Some insight on Camp
I wanted to share with my friends some words on my feelings toward Camp. In this instance, Camp is Camp Ronald McDonald. It is typically the only thing I am referring to when I use the word Camp. It is capitalized for a reason. It is a living, breathing entity and I am in love with it. I am going to include excerpts from a letter I wrote today on the topic:
Camp Ronald McDonald is an absolutely wonderful place. I was introduced to it in my youth to the fullest degree as my youngest brother was diagnosed with cancer and battled it, successfully, for several years. Through this tragedy, my family was introduced to Camp. We attended as a family in the first years where my parents were able to discuss their trials with like-minded people who could openly share their experiences and offer support.
Camp quickly became a place my two brother's and I looked forward to twice a year. It was especially therapeutic for my diagnosed brother. Due to being hospitalized most of the years he should have been learning to socialize and interact with other kids, he was awkward around others. I'm sure it was very hard for him to make friends with other kids who didn't understand what chemotherapy was, and why he was bald and why he wore a shirt while swimming. But at Camp, my brother was just like everyone else. His new friends also had a tube coming out of their chest that they would hide under a shirt at the pool back home, they also had stories of their favorite and least favorite nurse.
At 18, I was not able to attend camp anymore but did what I could to support the Camp in other ways; donating from my paycheck, spreading the word to anyone who would hear me out and in the last few years, putting together a team to walk in a fundraiser.
After eight years of dedicating myself to my job, I was laid off. Despite the weight of it, I tried to stay positive and was able to pull out one shining star; "you can go back to Camp as a counselor." Summer 2012 I was accepted. I still have the voicemail on my phone.
I don't think there is a way to make you understand what Camp means to me, but this is me trying. Just writing this, recalling that glorious week, is making me misty-eyed. As the week approached, I remember feeling nervous and unprepared - like it was a mistake because in my eyes, I was taking on a huge responsibility, to live up to the standards of the wonderful, fun counselors I had as a camper.
Then, as the children were being dropped off, something in me - something very natural - clicked on. I interacted with them, helped the first-timers shake their nerves and find common interests with other kids.
I have never used the phrase "I feel blessed" in my life, yet this was the only phrase that felt appropriate at the end of my week. Volunteers are often described as selfless but I couldn't help but feel selfish because of everything I took away from this experience. I need it again. It felt so right to be able to make those kids smile and as much as I felt that Camp was a part of me before that week, it is now set in stone. I honestly feel addicted as many of the other volunteers do. There are a handful of people each session who fly in from other states and give up their only vacation to volunteer at Camp.
As crappy as being unemployed for almost three years feels, I am happy that it gives me the opportunity to be a counselor again this Summer; the second week of August.
So if I seem overly-giddy, nervous, impatient or hyper in the next few weeks - you now know.
Camp Ronald McDonald is an absolutely wonderful place. I was introduced to it in my youth to the fullest degree as my youngest brother was diagnosed with cancer and battled it, successfully, for several years. Through this tragedy, my family was introduced to Camp. We attended as a family in the first years where my parents were able to discuss their trials with like-minded people who could openly share their experiences and offer support.
Camp quickly became a place my two brother's and I looked forward to twice a year. It was especially therapeutic for my diagnosed brother. Due to being hospitalized most of the years he should have been learning to socialize and interact with other kids, he was awkward around others. I'm sure it was very hard for him to make friends with other kids who didn't understand what chemotherapy was, and why he was bald and why he wore a shirt while swimming. But at Camp, my brother was just like everyone else. His new friends also had a tube coming out of their chest that they would hide under a shirt at the pool back home, they also had stories of their favorite and least favorite nurse.
At 18, I was not able to attend camp anymore but did what I could to support the Camp in other ways; donating from my paycheck, spreading the word to anyone who would hear me out and in the last few years, putting together a team to walk in a fundraiser.
After eight years of dedicating myself to my job, I was laid off. Despite the weight of it, I tried to stay positive and was able to pull out one shining star; "you can go back to Camp as a counselor." Summer 2012 I was accepted. I still have the voicemail on my phone.
I don't think there is a way to make you understand what Camp means to me, but this is me trying. Just writing this, recalling that glorious week, is making me misty-eyed. As the week approached, I remember feeling nervous and unprepared - like it was a mistake because in my eyes, I was taking on a huge responsibility, to live up to the standards of the wonderful, fun counselors I had as a camper.
Then, as the children were being dropped off, something in me - something very natural - clicked on. I interacted with them, helped the first-timers shake their nerves and find common interests with other kids.
I have never used the phrase "I feel blessed" in my life, yet this was the only phrase that felt appropriate at the end of my week. Volunteers are often described as selfless but I couldn't help but feel selfish because of everything I took away from this experience. I need it again. It felt so right to be able to make those kids smile and as much as I felt that Camp was a part of me before that week, it is now set in stone. I honestly feel addicted as many of the other volunteers do. There are a handful of people each session who fly in from other states and give up their only vacation to volunteer at Camp.
As crappy as being unemployed for almost three years feels, I am happy that it gives me the opportunity to be a counselor again this Summer; the second week of August.
So if I seem overly-giddy, nervous, impatient or hyper in the next few weeks - you now know.
1.20.2013
Prompt - Coexistence
I recently found a thread on Gaia that hosts writing contests based on prompts. I had trouble sleeping last night and found myself thinking about the prompt (coexistence). It seemed the prompt may have been meant to be influenced by religious coexistence so I lightly introduced that as well as coexistence of sexual preferences. It has no title.
Josh stood on a patch of springy, green grass, filtering nicotine through his clenched teeth. He knew today was going to be an emotional day but he had hoped his extended family would focus on the task at hand and not uproot dormant issues. Hopes are for suckers.
Josh pursed his lips around his disgusting habit and inhaled as the rest of his family greeted one another, passed around consoling hugs and handshakes, nodded and dabbed at their eyes.
Josh had been among the small crowd, prepared to mourn alongside his family over the loss of his grandfather, Chase. Mary, the one surviving offspring of the man who’s memory Josh had been obsessing over the past few days, had a less than thrilled greeting to offer and an all too familiar chronic raised eyebrow when it came to Josh’s lifestyle.
“Did you come alone?” She eyed the parking lot behind Josh, her right eyebrow being predictable.
“Yes.”
“Well, that doesn’t sound very supportive.”
What do you know about being supportive? He didn’t come because this is about Chase and not an excuse to drag my boyfriend out to be criticized!
These were the words that came up as Josh’s optimistic smile faltered. He had clenched his teeth, forbidding the words to progress past his tongue, as he reached for the pack of Djarum’s. Mary’s tweaked eyebrow finally rested over the brow bone as she muttered “disgusting habit” and turned to greet more worthy people. Josh had moved to a green patch of grass to exhale the fact that this indeed was going to be an emotional day but needed to pull through and pay his respects to the man he owed so much to.
Josh had chose a pew a few rows behind Mary - who planted herself in the front on the right, near the closed casket - and most of the other family. The service, planned by Mary, had been full of biblical readings despite Josh not recalling his grandfather every being a very religious man. Not surprising. During one particular passage regarding sin, Josh noticed Mary slowly look to her left, searching the faces there. He imagined her one unhinged brow judging them from her holier-than-though perch, undoubtedly hoping to come across his own face. No luck. Her attention went back to the speech at the podium.
By the time personal farewells had come up on the agenda, Josh had already been willing his tear ducts to hold steady. After the first few volunteers had said their peace, Josh’s face was a soggy mess. They told stories, recalled memories - some Josh had heard but most he had not. Josh knew his grandfather well but only through stories and recollections Chase chose to share. As Josh suspected, his grandfather was a very humble man.
“If no one else would like to share, we can move on to the closing hymns Mary has prepared.”
Mary had straightened her posture at the mention of her name, in sync with Josh’s knees locking in place to lift his sorrowfully slumped body. He made his way up the right of the pews, dragging his palms across his leaking eyes in an attempt to dry them and shield them from oncoming looks.
Mary looked to her left to see if anyone had volunteered to speak, snapped her head back to match the gaze of everyone else and met Josh’s eyes behind the podium. He could see the shock in her eyes.
“Chase was my grandfather,” Josh started, his eyes investigating the pattern in the wood of the podium. “He was also my father figure when that ass -” Josh blinked and swallowed, “my dad walked out on my mom. I learned a lot from him. He taught me to take care of my mother, he taught me how to treat another human being and, even though he may not know it because of the Alzheimer, in these last years he taught me to love someone for who they truly are and not who they seem to be or who you think they are.”
Josh looked up again toward Mary who was looking down at the ground. “There’s a lot of crap in this world, we’ve all had our share, and I’m grateful to have had this man beside me when my mother - his daughter - died. He may not be here to guide me anymore but I will cherish his life lessons and hope to be a portion of the person he was and do right by him. I know that no matter what anyone else thinks of me, the wisest man I’ve known saw fit to love me for who I am.”
Josh took a deep breath and walked back to his pew feeling lighter.
As the ceremony came to a close, guests piled out the opened door. More consoling, some hands patted Josh’s shoulder and one grabbed his elbow. Josh turned to see the heavy, wet eyes of Mary.
“Josh, I want you to know what a moving speech you made.” She managed a light smile. “I had tried to be as great of a person as my father once and I think I lost my way. I’m sorry for the distance I have put between you and I since the passing of your mother. We each found our peace with it in our own way. Sometimes I think my father was blessed these last few years, being able to relive a time when she was still alive.”
After a few moments of silence, Josh had opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by Mary’s request.
“Will you please take my place as pallbearer?”
Josh’s mouth was dry, his adam’s apple stuck in gear and his eyes threatened a monsoon, but he blinked and slowly nodded his head, taking his place next to his hero.
A very emotional day indeed.
1.10.2013
OUaT Journal: My story - Part III
This is the third portion of Cold-Blooded Companion. This was a collective effort between myself and some other Swap-Bot members. I began the story, another person added to it - each only being 5 pages long - and this is the third person's addition. Be warned; you may want to rip your hair out. I have typed it as it appeared in my journal - flaws and all.
["I...] questioned him over and over trying to get him to reveal who he was and he finally said I am your Prince Charming. When I asked why the pet shop lady didn't tell me what the bearded dragon really was he laughed and said because she had hoped you wouldn't let me go in the light until you had finished college and had a good job and could support us both since I was disabled as it seemed to her since I had no legs but what she didn't know was when I found my true love my legs would grow and I would be a normal person and my snarley personality becomes a more loveable human the more that I am loved this was to only be revealed to the one that I know would truly love me. I have been returned to 5 different pet stores by ladies that didn't care for me thought I was just an ugly creature, but the day you first took me home after carefully placing me and my tank in the car with a seatbelt and feeding me my favorite meal of crickets. I knew you were different.
I then asked Luna what happened to cause him to become a bearded dragon to begin with. He said he was born to a wicked woman and her wonderful husband the man asked his wife one day before Christmas what she wanted for Christmas and she said she wanted her son destroyed so that she could no longer have to take care of him. So her husband tried to please her but prayed and asked God to show him a way of getting rid of their son without actually killing him. God reminded him that she had always wanted a bearded dragon and assured him that if he wanted him to turn his son into a dragon that she would love him and cure for him and that when he found his true love then he would then turn into a handsome prince and that he would be loved and blessed with many children and grandchildren to carry on the family name and that unless they chose to tell him that there secret would be always safe as long as they loved and cared for their own children and grand children. So for the next 4 years while I went to college and finished my Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education every time she had visitors he turned back into a bearded dragon and as soon as they left he returned to being her handsome prince and kept her from being so lonely in her apartment and helped her study for test and do projects she was assigned especially chemistry which she hated and never understood but he made it so easy and fun to learn. But he always makes things funner than they normally are because he loves being with me.
I got my first teaching job with a local school in Texas teaching third graders how to read and writing in cursive which was a challenge to me as well as to them. But most challenging was teaching them their multiplication tables they rather do any thing than sit down and memorize but by the end of the year they were excelling in all areas. We had a pet bearded dragon as a class pet in which no one not even the kids knew his true identity it was kept a secret. At the end of the year I announced my engagement to Luna and he no longer had to turn into a bearded dragon to conceal his true identity. He started college at the local Junior College in the fall where he studied to become a vetinarian of exotic animals (imagine that). He finished his two year degree in May of 2000 and we married in June of the same year. We then moved to another bigger town closer to the University of Texas where he could continue his studies to be a exotic animal veternarian in which he maintained a 9.0 Grade point average throughout his eight years of study while maintaining a full time job at the local rodeo arena caring for animals that are injured during a rodeo if their injuries wasn't to serious or if one of them became sick or needed some kind of medical attention. I taught third grade in the local school becoming the Teacher of the year my 6th year their which I didn't feel I deserved and was totally shocked when it was announced. Luna Graduated in may and started his exotic animal veternarian practice in San Antonio. He also cared for other animals to supplement his salary since their were few needs for an exotic animal veternarian.
In May of 2004 I gave birth to Luna Mack Watson Junior an 8 pound 12 ounce healthy baby boy that looked a lot like his father and had a love for animals just like him. He even found a bearded dragon that I hoped would bring him as much enjoyment and pleasure as his father has brought me even though I knew it was different.
He started pre K in August of 2008 and loved it. On Christmas day of 2008 I delivered a 3 pound baby girl which was 3 months premature and had to stay in the hospital for 3 extra weeks til her lungs and other organs became more developed. We sure had a big surprise for Christmas that year we named her Maria Anna Watson and she came home on January 28 and was a nice addition to our family.
Two years later we had another big surprise which was...
So if you read the other entries then you may have realized how rushed and jam-packed this 5-page portion comes off. While the first two entries took place within the span of 24 hours, this entry seems to have a lubed up timeline and has packed (it seems) about 16 years in 5 pages. I suppose when you take out punctuation and don't bother spacing things out much, you have lots of room to put years of information in. :P
["I...] questioned him over and over trying to get him to reveal who he was and he finally said I am your Prince Charming. When I asked why the pet shop lady didn't tell me what the bearded dragon really was he laughed and said because she had hoped you wouldn't let me go in the light until you had finished college and had a good job and could support us both since I was disabled as it seemed to her since I had no legs but what she didn't know was when I found my true love my legs would grow and I would be a normal person and my snarley personality becomes a more loveable human the more that I am loved this was to only be revealed to the one that I know would truly love me. I have been returned to 5 different pet stores by ladies that didn't care for me thought I was just an ugly creature, but the day you first took me home after carefully placing me and my tank in the car with a seatbelt and feeding me my favorite meal of crickets. I knew you were different.
I then asked Luna what happened to cause him to become a bearded dragon to begin with. He said he was born to a wicked woman and her wonderful husband the man asked his wife one day before Christmas what she wanted for Christmas and she said she wanted her son destroyed so that she could no longer have to take care of him. So her husband tried to please her but prayed and asked God to show him a way of getting rid of their son without actually killing him. God reminded him that she had always wanted a bearded dragon and assured him that if he wanted him to turn his son into a dragon that she would love him and cure for him and that when he found his true love then he would then turn into a handsome prince and that he would be loved and blessed with many children and grandchildren to carry on the family name and that unless they chose to tell him that there secret would be always safe as long as they loved and cared for their own children and grand children. So for the next 4 years while I went to college and finished my Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education every time she had visitors he turned back into a bearded dragon and as soon as they left he returned to being her handsome prince and kept her from being so lonely in her apartment and helped her study for test and do projects she was assigned especially chemistry which she hated and never understood but he made it so easy and fun to learn. But he always makes things funner than they normally are because he loves being with me.
I got my first teaching job with a local school in Texas teaching third graders how to read and writing in cursive which was a challenge to me as well as to them. But most challenging was teaching them their multiplication tables they rather do any thing than sit down and memorize but by the end of the year they were excelling in all areas. We had a pet bearded dragon as a class pet in which no one not even the kids knew his true identity it was kept a secret. At the end of the year I announced my engagement to Luna and he no longer had to turn into a bearded dragon to conceal his true identity. He started college at the local Junior College in the fall where he studied to become a vetinarian of exotic animals (imagine that). He finished his two year degree in May of 2000 and we married in June of the same year. We then moved to another bigger town closer to the University of Texas where he could continue his studies to be a exotic animal veternarian in which he maintained a 9.0 Grade point average throughout his eight years of study while maintaining a full time job at the local rodeo arena caring for animals that are injured during a rodeo if their injuries wasn't to serious or if one of them became sick or needed some kind of medical attention. I taught third grade in the local school becoming the Teacher of the year my 6th year their which I didn't feel I deserved and was totally shocked when it was announced. Luna Graduated in may and started his exotic animal veternarian practice in San Antonio. He also cared for other animals to supplement his salary since their were few needs for an exotic animal veternarian.
In May of 2004 I gave birth to Luna Mack Watson Junior an 8 pound 12 ounce healthy baby boy that looked a lot like his father and had a love for animals just like him. He even found a bearded dragon that I hoped would bring him as much enjoyment and pleasure as his father has brought me even though I knew it was different.
He started pre K in August of 2008 and loved it. On Christmas day of 2008 I delivered a 3 pound baby girl which was 3 months premature and had to stay in the hospital for 3 extra weeks til her lungs and other organs became more developed. We sure had a big surprise for Christmas that year we named her Maria Anna Watson and she came home on January 28 and was a nice addition to our family.
Two years later we had another big surprise which was...
So if you read the other entries then you may have realized how rushed and jam-packed this 5-page portion comes off. While the first two entries took place within the span of 24 hours, this entry seems to have a lubed up timeline and has packed (it seems) about 16 years in 5 pages. I suppose when you take out punctuation and don't bother spacing things out much, you have lots of room to put years of information in. :P
1.09.2013
OUaT Journal: My story - Part II
Previously posted was the first part of my story, Cold-Blooded Companion. This is the second entry written by another member of swap-bot. I included with my journal a note explaining that my intentions for the story was to have the lizard revealed as a vampire. I think she did a good job and keeping with the mystery of the animal.
"(But I...) I still have questions?! I don't... is there food in there?" I asked, still feeling bewildered. What type of shop owner doesn't really explain how to care for a pet beyond thrusting a pamphlet at you stressing the difference between day and night bulbs before nearly shoving you out the door?!
"You'll be fine. Everything you need and need to know is right here," the owner replied, gesturing at the bag she held, a strained smile on her face again.
I glanced at her for a long second before half-nodding, trying not to scowl. I don't normally scowl at people, but ever since I picked up the tank... I don't know, I'd begun to feel odd... on edge. I stepped past her, headed for my car and sat the tank on the top of the car before I headed back to her to get my bag. She handed it to me, strained smile still on her face. Her bracelets jangled as she moved, her voice fierce as she stepped back into her shop.
"Remember - no longer than 9 hours. Ever."
I glanced at her once more, half-nodding. Obviously the times to use the bulbs is pretty strict, so I'd better commit the instructions to memory.
Once I reached my car again, I carefully opened the passenger's side door, trying not to jostle the tank. I didn't know much about bearded dragons but figured jostling them around was probably not for the best. The lizard never moved, however I suppose "Luna" is a heavy sleeper. I sat the bag of supplies on the floorboard and then carefully picked up the tank and sat it on the front seat. I stared at the tank for a moment, then reached for the seat belt and pulled it across the tank.
OK, I felt a bit... well, more than a bit... ridiculous "belting" the reptile in, but... well... I didn't want the tank to fall off the seat...
Shaking my head, I straightened and slammed the door. Walking around the car, I paused when I reached my door and glanced back at the pet shop. I think the owner was standing by the door but she moved as I glanced in the direction, the neon "open" sign flickering off. I frowned as I got in my car and buckled myself in before starting the car.
It wasn't until I was pulling out of the parking lot that I realized the shop owner never charged me for the lizard or any of the supplies. Knowing what I know now... it must have been a sign.
After getting groceries, I headed home and settled Luna into her new home and tossed some crickets into her tank. She slept through it all until I fed her. I don't know... maybe she smelled the crickets or whatever, but she rather lathargically wandered out from under her little rock/cave and eyed me for a moment before pursuing her dinner. It was a weird interaction. To be honest, because I swear it was almost like staring into the eyes of another human and the dragon sort of snorted disdainfully before slithering off. Like I said... bizarre.
I read the brochure - it was a brief read, before putting the supplies away, along with my groceries before settling in for the night with a book about pixies or something from the library. Luna finished her dinner and slithered back under her rock - I guess to sleep again... bearded dragons must sleep a lot. Since I heard no more noise over from her corner, I sort of forgot about her until I decided to head for bed - I had to get up early to go pick up some things from my mom in the morning. I turned on the night light and set the timer for 7 hours and went to get my own sleep for the night.
I overslept that next morning and cursed as I flew out of bed, already an hour late to begin my trek to my mom's. I threw another handful of crickets into Luna's tank before leaving, making sure that the day lamp had switched on, which it had. I broke multiple speed limits going to my mom's who told me not to freak out - it's not like she's a job or anything, and the rest of the day was spent getting the rest of my possessions from home. I had this nagging suspicion I'd forgotten something this morning, but couldn't remember what. I mentioned it to my mom who told me not to worry, it must not be important if I can't remember. My mom is like that - not up tight like me.
I tried to banish it from my mind, but promptly remembered what it was about 15 minutes into my drive back to my apartment - I'd forgotten to set the timer for the day bulb and it was now going on hour 10 of the day light being on. Swearing again, I broke the speed limit going home too... running a few red lights too I think. I kept muttering this sort of mantra to myself on my way home... that 1 hour doesn't matter, but in the back of my mind, I knew it did.
I had barely put the car in park in the parking garage at the apartment before I vacated the car, running through the garage and up the 3 flights of stairs to my apartment. If my neighbors had seen, they'd thought I was nuts. It took forever to get my door open, and I was huffing and wheezing when I opened it and glanced inside. Heading for the corner with Luna's cage, I noticed the top was snapped off the cage and I saw Luna nowhere. I started moving the supplies aside looking for her and was startled half out of my mind when a deep male voice spoke up behind me.
"If you're looking for me... ah, "Luna"... over there, you're wasting your time."
Whirling around, my jaw dropped as I took in the man sitting behind me - in my favorite chair, no less - in my tiny living room.
"Wha... huh... who the heck are you? How'd you get in here?!" I screached as he smirked.
"Who do you think I am?" He snarked off. I hate snarky guys.
"I...
Just as I made an effort to not place a gender on the main character, neither did this entry and I'm glad it was picked up on. The next entry will be posted soon.
"(But I...) I still have questions?! I don't... is there food in there?" I asked, still feeling bewildered. What type of shop owner doesn't really explain how to care for a pet beyond thrusting a pamphlet at you stressing the difference between day and night bulbs before nearly shoving you out the door?!
"You'll be fine. Everything you need and need to know is right here," the owner replied, gesturing at the bag she held, a strained smile on her face again.
I glanced at her for a long second before half-nodding, trying not to scowl. I don't normally scowl at people, but ever since I picked up the tank... I don't know, I'd begun to feel odd... on edge. I stepped past her, headed for my car and sat the tank on the top of the car before I headed back to her to get my bag. She handed it to me, strained smile still on her face. Her bracelets jangled as she moved, her voice fierce as she stepped back into her shop.
"Remember - no longer than 9 hours. Ever."
I glanced at her once more, half-nodding. Obviously the times to use the bulbs is pretty strict, so I'd better commit the instructions to memory.
Once I reached my car again, I carefully opened the passenger's side door, trying not to jostle the tank. I didn't know much about bearded dragons but figured jostling them around was probably not for the best. The lizard never moved, however I suppose "Luna" is a heavy sleeper. I sat the bag of supplies on the floorboard and then carefully picked up the tank and sat it on the front seat. I stared at the tank for a moment, then reached for the seat belt and pulled it across the tank.
OK, I felt a bit... well, more than a bit... ridiculous "belting" the reptile in, but... well... I didn't want the tank to fall off the seat...
Shaking my head, I straightened and slammed the door. Walking around the car, I paused when I reached my door and glanced back at the pet shop. I think the owner was standing by the door but she moved as I glanced in the direction, the neon "open" sign flickering off. I frowned as I got in my car and buckled myself in before starting the car.
It wasn't until I was pulling out of the parking lot that I realized the shop owner never charged me for the lizard or any of the supplies. Knowing what I know now... it must have been a sign.
After getting groceries, I headed home and settled Luna into her new home and tossed some crickets into her tank. She slept through it all until I fed her. I don't know... maybe she smelled the crickets or whatever, but she rather lathargically wandered out from under her little rock/cave and eyed me for a moment before pursuing her dinner. It was a weird interaction. To be honest, because I swear it was almost like staring into the eyes of another human and the dragon sort of snorted disdainfully before slithering off. Like I said... bizarre.
I read the brochure - it was a brief read, before putting the supplies away, along with my groceries before settling in for the night with a book about pixies or something from the library. Luna finished her dinner and slithered back under her rock - I guess to sleep again... bearded dragons must sleep a lot. Since I heard no more noise over from her corner, I sort of forgot about her until I decided to head for bed - I had to get up early to go pick up some things from my mom in the morning. I turned on the night light and set the timer for 7 hours and went to get my own sleep for the night.
I overslept that next morning and cursed as I flew out of bed, already an hour late to begin my trek to my mom's. I threw another handful of crickets into Luna's tank before leaving, making sure that the day lamp had switched on, which it had. I broke multiple speed limits going to my mom's who told me not to freak out - it's not like she's a job or anything, and the rest of the day was spent getting the rest of my possessions from home. I had this nagging suspicion I'd forgotten something this morning, but couldn't remember what. I mentioned it to my mom who told me not to worry, it must not be important if I can't remember. My mom is like that - not up tight like me.
I tried to banish it from my mind, but promptly remembered what it was about 15 minutes into my drive back to my apartment - I'd forgotten to set the timer for the day bulb and it was now going on hour 10 of the day light being on. Swearing again, I broke the speed limit going home too... running a few red lights too I think. I kept muttering this sort of mantra to myself on my way home... that 1 hour doesn't matter, but in the back of my mind, I knew it did.
I had barely put the car in park in the parking garage at the apartment before I vacated the car, running through the garage and up the 3 flights of stairs to my apartment. If my neighbors had seen, they'd thought I was nuts. It took forever to get my door open, and I was huffing and wheezing when I opened it and glanced inside. Heading for the corner with Luna's cage, I noticed the top was snapped off the cage and I saw Luna nowhere. I started moving the supplies aside looking for her and was startled half out of my mind when a deep male voice spoke up behind me.
"If you're looking for me... ah, "Luna"... over there, you're wasting your time."
Whirling around, my jaw dropped as I took in the man sitting behind me - in my favorite chair, no less - in my tiny living room.
"Wha... huh... who the heck are you? How'd you get in here?!" I screached as he smirked.
"Who do you think I am?" He snarked off. I hate snarky guys.
"I...
Just as I made an effort to not place a gender on the main character, neither did this entry and I'm glad it was picked up on. The next entry will be posted soon.
1.07.2013
OUaT Journal: My story - Part I
The following is the beginning of my Once Upon a Time journal meant for a swap on Swap-Bot.com. The task was to write the beginning of a story in about 5 pages and leave it open ended so that the person who received it next could add on to it, etc. I will post each entry in separate posts so this one isn't extremely long. I will not be including usernames (as I've gone back and edited previous entries on this subject to protect their identity and myself from being labeled a meanie for criticizing their work).
Cold Blooded Companion
Once upon a time, fairly recent in fact, I had a pet. Well, I've had other pets like the family dog in my teens, the less successful hamster phase and the previous fairly short attempts at carnival goldfish. But those pets don't warrant any formal record keeping. In fact, maybe I shouldn't refer to it as a pet since perhaps it is deserving of its own category - and retracting my thoughts, this will seem more like a tale than actual records, but I assure you that during the few months with the cold-blooded subject of this 'tale', I journaled my suspicions.
While the journal may have been a more accurate depiction of the events, I also felt it was too revealing of my lonely, stressful life and perhaps may have been used as evidence to claim insanity - which I assure that I am not. I've read stranger things that thousands believe. Please allow me to describe the evening I found Luna.
My freshman year of college was a bit lonely, spent mostly in class and local diners; rarely in my dorm. There were even weeks where I got more sleep in a booth or my car than in my own bed. I had been roomed with, who seemed to be, the 'lay of the century.' It was obvious that my next years' living situation would require a change, and as I packed up my belongings and headed to the address of my soon-to-be apartment the week before my sophomore year, I couldn't stop wondering if I'd be more lonely. I knew having dried noodle cups thrown at my head was not something I wanted to put up with anymore, but perhaps any sort of communication was better than silence.
I exhaled heavily as I put my car in park and made my way to the apartment office that smelled like Raid. The mound of curly orange hairs in a sweat-stained shirt rose from behind the desk, threw a clipboard at my chest and motioned me to follow. During the guided tour I discovered some run-down facilities, an over-crowded pool, a smaller-than-expected everything in my soon-to-be apartment and that this man apparently found Raid to be a suitable cologne.
Finishing up the paperwork as the late afternoon sun was preparing to clock out, my eyes revisited the pet clause portion of the contract. It seemed loose pets such as dogs, cats, birds and 'ask for more clarification' were not allowed but tanked animals were. My mind sunk back to the few goldfish I had before jumping forward to a pet shop I had visited on my Spring Break with my younger sister.
Reptiles were tank animals that I might be able to keep alive longer. I wrote 'reptile' in the appropriate space, searched the empty office before placing the clipboard behind the desk and going back to my car.
I found myself at a small burger joint a few miles from the apartment, a fresh ketchup stain in my lap. Eating in your car has its disadvantages. I finished my burger as I flicked through the radio stations.
Now that my burger was devoured, my face acquainted with a napkin and a few more dabs at the stain near my crotch, I surveyed my surrounding to the tune of 'Pet Cemetery' by The Ramones. I had parked in the back lot overlooking a small cluster of shops. I tried to read their signs unlit. They all seemed like family-run places, based on the names and that they were closed by 8pm.
I started my car just as a shops lights turned on, the one marked "Special Pet." My car purred softly as I watched a young woman with lengthy hair walk through the isles. Her lips moved but I saw no one else in the store so I assumed she may be talking to the animals. Maybe I too would soon be talking to my own animal.
I drove my car into the adjoining lot and parked in front of the neighboring shop. As I walked up toward the door, I viewed rats, snakes and empty tanks near the front. A chime in the rear of the store sounded off as I entered. The young lady's head popped out from behind an isle.
"Need something?"
I looked at her face which seemed to say 'I wasn't expecting a customer, make it quick.'
"Oh, I uh, was wondering if you had any reptiles good for a beginner?" I said with a nervous smile as I walked towards her.
She disappeared behind the isle again, her voice revealing her movement.
"A beginner? Well, maybe you should tell me the environment the reptile will be in."
"Environment? Well, it's an apartment and I guess I'd need a tank or whatever..."
"No," she popped up behind me and locked her eyes on mine, "emotional environment."
She must have noticed my confusion. Before I could begin to form an answer she whisked around, the tips of her hair lightly lashing at my face, and walked away while she explained.
"Will it need to be very social? How much time is going to be spent on care? What is your budget for food?"
I followed her around the furthest isle, passing small frogs and thin snakes as I explained that I attend college and plan to spend most of my time in my apartment on a tight budget since off-campus living was more more expensive.
The overhead lighting in this isle was dim, possibly a lack of funds to fix that now, or the broken floor tiles.
"No crazy parties going on in your place?" She vanished behind a curtain leading to, I assumed, a back room.
"Oh no! No, no, I don't throw parties. I keep to myself really."
The curtain muffled something the woman said before joining me in the dim isle again, with a glass tank in her hand. I caught a glimpse of a dull colored scaly tail. She moved to the counter, I followed.
"This is a bearded dragon. Her name is Luna and I think she'd be a good fit for you."
I looked in the tank but the tail was gone, hidden in a hollow plastic rock with the rest of the body. The woman began collecting supplies and info sheets on "how to care for your beardy."
I slid the top of the tank back and reached in to move the 'rock,' to familiarize myself with my new pet, but instead got a slap on my hand from the woman.
"No! She's sleeping. You leave her be."
I took back my hand, shocked at the overreaction as she replaced the top screen.
"Now, be sure to put her in a corner away from windows and doorways. You will have this bulb to run at night," she placed one boxed bulb in a paper bag, "and this one during the day," she placed another bulb in the bag. "Do not leave the day bulb on for more than nine hours," she warned.
She placed another small box in the bag. "This is a timer with instructions - use it."
The bag was stuffed with other items as she gestured that I pick up the tank. Just before I did, I saw the pale yellow tail again and it disappeared as the bag was placed on top of the screen.
"She should be just fine if you follow the instructions and don't leave the day bulb on too long." She locked eyes with me again, "I cannot stress that enough." Something in her eyes now read desperation, but shifted to accompany a smile as she said, "thank you, we're closing now."
"But I... (to be continued)
I attempted to make the sex of the main character as hidden as possible. I also sent a note with the journal to my partner stating that my intention was to reveal that the pet was a vampire but did not have enough space since we were limited to around 5 pages, and it was up to her to carry on with that course or not.
The next part of the story will be posted soon.
Cold Blooded Companion
Once upon a time, fairly recent in fact, I had a pet. Well, I've had other pets like the family dog in my teens, the less successful hamster phase and the previous fairly short attempts at carnival goldfish. But those pets don't warrant any formal record keeping. In fact, maybe I shouldn't refer to it as a pet since perhaps it is deserving of its own category - and retracting my thoughts, this will seem more like a tale than actual records, but I assure you that during the few months with the cold-blooded subject of this 'tale', I journaled my suspicions.
While the journal may have been a more accurate depiction of the events, I also felt it was too revealing of my lonely, stressful life and perhaps may have been used as evidence to claim insanity - which I assure that I am not. I've read stranger things that thousands believe. Please allow me to describe the evening I found Luna.
My freshman year of college was a bit lonely, spent mostly in class and local diners; rarely in my dorm. There were even weeks where I got more sleep in a booth or my car than in my own bed. I had been roomed with, who seemed to be, the 'lay of the century.' It was obvious that my next years' living situation would require a change, and as I packed up my belongings and headed to the address of my soon-to-be apartment the week before my sophomore year, I couldn't stop wondering if I'd be more lonely. I knew having dried noodle cups thrown at my head was not something I wanted to put up with anymore, but perhaps any sort of communication was better than silence.
I exhaled heavily as I put my car in park and made my way to the apartment office that smelled like Raid. The mound of curly orange hairs in a sweat-stained shirt rose from behind the desk, threw a clipboard at my chest and motioned me to follow. During the guided tour I discovered some run-down facilities, an over-crowded pool, a smaller-than-expected everything in my soon-to-be apartment and that this man apparently found Raid to be a suitable cologne.
Finishing up the paperwork as the late afternoon sun was preparing to clock out, my eyes revisited the pet clause portion of the contract. It seemed loose pets such as dogs, cats, birds and 'ask for more clarification' were not allowed but tanked animals were. My mind sunk back to the few goldfish I had before jumping forward to a pet shop I had visited on my Spring Break with my younger sister.
Reptiles were tank animals that I might be able to keep alive longer. I wrote 'reptile' in the appropriate space, searched the empty office before placing the clipboard behind the desk and going back to my car.
I found myself at a small burger joint a few miles from the apartment, a fresh ketchup stain in my lap. Eating in your car has its disadvantages. I finished my burger as I flicked through the radio stations.
Now that my burger was devoured, my face acquainted with a napkin and a few more dabs at the stain near my crotch, I surveyed my surrounding to the tune of 'Pet Cemetery' by The Ramones. I had parked in the back lot overlooking a small cluster of shops. I tried to read their signs unlit. They all seemed like family-run places, based on the names and that they were closed by 8pm.
I started my car just as a shops lights turned on, the one marked "Special Pet." My car purred softly as I watched a young woman with lengthy hair walk through the isles. Her lips moved but I saw no one else in the store so I assumed she may be talking to the animals. Maybe I too would soon be talking to my own animal.
I drove my car into the adjoining lot and parked in front of the neighboring shop. As I walked up toward the door, I viewed rats, snakes and empty tanks near the front. A chime in the rear of the store sounded off as I entered. The young lady's head popped out from behind an isle.
"Need something?"
I looked at her face which seemed to say 'I wasn't expecting a customer, make it quick.'
"Oh, I uh, was wondering if you had any reptiles good for a beginner?" I said with a nervous smile as I walked towards her.
She disappeared behind the isle again, her voice revealing her movement.
"A beginner? Well, maybe you should tell me the environment the reptile will be in."
"Environment? Well, it's an apartment and I guess I'd need a tank or whatever..."
"No," she popped up behind me and locked her eyes on mine, "emotional environment."
She must have noticed my confusion. Before I could begin to form an answer she whisked around, the tips of her hair lightly lashing at my face, and walked away while she explained.
"Will it need to be very social? How much time is going to be spent on care? What is your budget for food?"
I followed her around the furthest isle, passing small frogs and thin snakes as I explained that I attend college and plan to spend most of my time in my apartment on a tight budget since off-campus living was more more expensive.
The overhead lighting in this isle was dim, possibly a lack of funds to fix that now, or the broken floor tiles.
"No crazy parties going on in your place?" She vanished behind a curtain leading to, I assumed, a back room.
"Oh no! No, no, I don't throw parties. I keep to myself really."
The curtain muffled something the woman said before joining me in the dim isle again, with a glass tank in her hand. I caught a glimpse of a dull colored scaly tail. She moved to the counter, I followed.
"This is a bearded dragon. Her name is Luna and I think she'd be a good fit for you."
I looked in the tank but the tail was gone, hidden in a hollow plastic rock with the rest of the body. The woman began collecting supplies and info sheets on "how to care for your beardy."
I slid the top of the tank back and reached in to move the 'rock,' to familiarize myself with my new pet, but instead got a slap on my hand from the woman.
"No! She's sleeping. You leave her be."
I took back my hand, shocked at the overreaction as she replaced the top screen.
"Now, be sure to put her in a corner away from windows and doorways. You will have this bulb to run at night," she placed one boxed bulb in a paper bag, "and this one during the day," she placed another bulb in the bag. "Do not leave the day bulb on for more than nine hours," she warned.
She placed another small box in the bag. "This is a timer with instructions - use it."
The bag was stuffed with other items as she gestured that I pick up the tank. Just before I did, I saw the pale yellow tail again and it disappeared as the bag was placed on top of the screen.
"She should be just fine if you follow the instructions and don't leave the day bulb on too long." She locked eyes with me again, "I cannot stress that enough." Something in her eyes now read desperation, but shifted to accompany a smile as she said, "thank you, we're closing now."
"But I... (to be continued)
I attempted to make the sex of the main character as hidden as possible. I also sent a note with the journal to my partner stating that my intention was to reveal that the pet was a vampire but did not have enough space since we were limited to around 5 pages, and it was up to her to carry on with that course or not.
The next part of the story will be posted soon.
12.21.2012
Rory's Story Cubes - Attempt 1 and 2
I joined a creative writing swap on Swap-Bot.com and decided it was a good time to use the story cubes I had just bought. The first story was made by rolling the story cubes one at a time after one was rolled, I wrote a little story, another roll, more story, etc. This made my story pretty boring so I did another story and rolled them all at the same time so I could view all the pictures (kept them in the same order) and figure out a story line before writing. Here are my two stories in that order:
ONE BY ONE story cube result:
Cluster of arrows all pointing outward in a circular shape, Tree, letter L in a box, Lightening bolt, Globe, Face with Z's coming out of it, Hand, Teepee, Bee
The ferris wheel hadn't moved an inch in over 10 years but it still stirred memories within me. I've come to the conclusion that it's the main reason I still live in this apartment despite falling value and decline in community report and quality neighbors. One yank of my balcony curtain could compare to a glass of Brandy after a hard days work - especially under the star studded night sky.
I stood near the entrance of the boarded-up boardwalk and admired the massive construct. Unlike many things that seemed lesser as an adult when you sifted through childhood memories, the ferris wheel seemed bigger. I had realized the reason for this after a few visits upon my return; shrubbery had grown wild, free and high at the base of the wheel creating the illusion of Godzilla among puny buildings.
Once known as the Wonder Wheel, locals now refer to it as the Lonely Coney. I visit a few times a week to keep it company, but today was the first time in almost two weeks because of the recent cluster of thunderstorms. And even though the cold weather brings pain to my joints, the lightening behind the wheel, lighting each spoke, is a thing of beauty. I enjoyed the show from behind the glass on my balcony, wrapped in layers with a cup of cocoa.
I sat on a nearby bench after clearing the fallen leaves. I remember the insane amount of energy I exerted in my youth. I also saw it in other children but there aren't many around here too often. I am thankful I had the opportunity to travel the globe in my lifetime, always wanting to see more. And here I sit near a deteriorating dock, wanting to be nowhere else.
A loud chime rang up the streets; the leaves rustled and dogs barked from a distance. I jerked awake, not even realizing I'd dozed off. The sun was slowly taking a dip in the cold, flat reflection of the sky. I slowly rose to my feet and made my way to my apartment with the help of my cane.
The streets were full of more trash than people and that was typical. I stood at the crosswalk waiting for the red hand to allow me to cross. The short walk had reminded my body that it was cold out and that joint pain was an appropriate response. I gripped my cane and slowly made my way across the street and to my apartment.
I turned on the heater, put the kettle on and went to my favorite chair. I slowly sunk in and reached for my pipe and tobacco. In the past I would not have smoked out of it, let alone have it out in the open, believing it was worth money. I was materialistic. Thankfully that curse was broken by the same Shaman who gifted this pipe to me. I will always be grateful to him for setting me free and promised myself that if I don't return as a Ferris Wheel, a spoke or even a shrub nearby, I would try to help others cursed as I once was.
Only a few puffs in and the kettle called. I made my way to it, grabbed a mug, spoon, tea bag, sugar and of course honey. I prepared my tea as my children may have a few years ago, as their children may have learned from me but I prefer not to dwell, merely reminisce.
Snoozefest. So here's the other story:
ALL AT ONCE story cube results:
Theatre 'smile now, cry later' faces, Cloud and rainbow, Letter L in a box, Globe, Lightbulb, One die, Abacus, Cane, Key
Pruit Valley Charter High School had sent in their request to claim Wizard of Oz for their end of the year production to arrive at 8 a.m. the first day of registration. I was born to play Dorothy, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" being the first song I belted out at age 2. I suggested to our theatre department head that this was an ideal production for our - and by 'our' I really meant 'my' - final performance. The majority of our theatre troop were graduating this June.
Unfortunately, I do not attend Pruit Valley Charter. My parents seem to believe that the superior education that can be gained at the minimally more expensive Pruit is not worthy of their only daughter. Mr. Dotree also seems to have it out for me since he "forgot" year end production registration was this past Monday - four days ago - despite my frequent reminders and comments on 'how wonderful our production will be.' And then he tacks on "I'll have it sent off first class immediately," as if salting my wounds. What is the point of that?! Pruit has already won. He should just give me the first class envelope so I can send off my transfer papers!
Trudy calmed me down before second period.
"Look on the bright side; Chet had a good chunk of Theatre high on his experimental idea to produce 'Tetris - The Musical.' Just thank the stars that he was sick when we voted."
I sighed heavy as I sunk behind my desk.
"You're right, my final performance could have been disastrous. I'm just upset that we lost our leading musical and so the second on our list is 'The Fall to Earth.' I'll give it to Joel, it was a smart move to choose it since no other school's are likely to. Maybe I can convince him to change one monologue into a solo?"
The classroom was filling up with students and other mumbled conversations. Trudy raised her right eyebrow and puffed her lips out; Unlikely is what it meant.
"It's a gamble," is what she said.
Mrs. Stoddard entered the room, the chatter petered out and math class began.
The rest of the day was uneventful for the most part. I continued to discuss the horrible mistake that could have been avoided, but by the end of the day I had finally taken it all in and mentally threw my hands up to claim 'what's done is done.'
When auditions had come around I performed my rendition of Gretta's monologue which included some 'sing for talk.' If that hadn't been what sealed the deal then my costume did. Gretta was the eldest character, roughly in her 60s, so I had borrowed clothes and a can from Nanny's room.
While I landed the role, I was less successful in convincing the board to allow a musical number. I did my best to perfect Grett'as monologue as I felt it was the key turning point in our production.
Come opening night, my monologue had received a standing ovation and, try and I might, one tear managed to squeeze its way past my lashes and down my cheek.
This was my 'Over the Rainbow.'
I've come to realize I really like writing in first person (it makes sense that it comes easiest) and need to try and put more effort into creating stories from other points of view.
ONE BY ONE story cube result:
Cluster of arrows all pointing outward in a circular shape, Tree, letter L in a box, Lightening bolt, Globe, Face with Z's coming out of it, Hand, Teepee, Bee
The ferris wheel hadn't moved an inch in over 10 years but it still stirred memories within me. I've come to the conclusion that it's the main reason I still live in this apartment despite falling value and decline in community report and quality neighbors. One yank of my balcony curtain could compare to a glass of Brandy after a hard days work - especially under the star studded night sky.
I stood near the entrance of the boarded-up boardwalk and admired the massive construct. Unlike many things that seemed lesser as an adult when you sifted through childhood memories, the ferris wheel seemed bigger. I had realized the reason for this after a few visits upon my return; shrubbery had grown wild, free and high at the base of the wheel creating the illusion of Godzilla among puny buildings.
Once known as the Wonder Wheel, locals now refer to it as the Lonely Coney. I visit a few times a week to keep it company, but today was the first time in almost two weeks because of the recent cluster of thunderstorms. And even though the cold weather brings pain to my joints, the lightening behind the wheel, lighting each spoke, is a thing of beauty. I enjoyed the show from behind the glass on my balcony, wrapped in layers with a cup of cocoa.
I sat on a nearby bench after clearing the fallen leaves. I remember the insane amount of energy I exerted in my youth. I also saw it in other children but there aren't many around here too often. I am thankful I had the opportunity to travel the globe in my lifetime, always wanting to see more. And here I sit near a deteriorating dock, wanting to be nowhere else.
A loud chime rang up the streets; the leaves rustled and dogs barked from a distance. I jerked awake, not even realizing I'd dozed off. The sun was slowly taking a dip in the cold, flat reflection of the sky. I slowly rose to my feet and made my way to my apartment with the help of my cane.
The streets were full of more trash than people and that was typical. I stood at the crosswalk waiting for the red hand to allow me to cross. The short walk had reminded my body that it was cold out and that joint pain was an appropriate response. I gripped my cane and slowly made my way across the street and to my apartment.
I turned on the heater, put the kettle on and went to my favorite chair. I slowly sunk in and reached for my pipe and tobacco. In the past I would not have smoked out of it, let alone have it out in the open, believing it was worth money. I was materialistic. Thankfully that curse was broken by the same Shaman who gifted this pipe to me. I will always be grateful to him for setting me free and promised myself that if I don't return as a Ferris Wheel, a spoke or even a shrub nearby, I would try to help others cursed as I once was.
Only a few puffs in and the kettle called. I made my way to it, grabbed a mug, spoon, tea bag, sugar and of course honey. I prepared my tea as my children may have a few years ago, as their children may have learned from me but I prefer not to dwell, merely reminisce.
Snoozefest. So here's the other story:
ALL AT ONCE story cube results:
Theatre 'smile now, cry later' faces, Cloud and rainbow, Letter L in a box, Globe, Lightbulb, One die, Abacus, Cane, Key
Pruit Valley Charter High School had sent in their request to claim Wizard of Oz for their end of the year production to arrive at 8 a.m. the first day of registration. I was born to play Dorothy, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" being the first song I belted out at age 2. I suggested to our theatre department head that this was an ideal production for our - and by 'our' I really meant 'my' - final performance. The majority of our theatre troop were graduating this June.
Unfortunately, I do not attend Pruit Valley Charter. My parents seem to believe that the superior education that can be gained at the minimally more expensive Pruit is not worthy of their only daughter. Mr. Dotree also seems to have it out for me since he "forgot" year end production registration was this past Monday - four days ago - despite my frequent reminders and comments on 'how wonderful our production will be.' And then he tacks on "I'll have it sent off first class immediately," as if salting my wounds. What is the point of that?! Pruit has already won. He should just give me the first class envelope so I can send off my transfer papers!
Trudy calmed me down before second period.
"Look on the bright side; Chet had a good chunk of Theatre high on his experimental idea to produce 'Tetris - The Musical.' Just thank the stars that he was sick when we voted."
I sighed heavy as I sunk behind my desk.
"You're right, my final performance could have been disastrous. I'm just upset that we lost our leading musical and so the second on our list is 'The Fall to Earth.' I'll give it to Joel, it was a smart move to choose it since no other school's are likely to. Maybe I can convince him to change one monologue into a solo?"
The classroom was filling up with students and other mumbled conversations. Trudy raised her right eyebrow and puffed her lips out; Unlikely is what it meant.
"It's a gamble," is what she said.
Mrs. Stoddard entered the room, the chatter petered out and math class began.
The rest of the day was uneventful for the most part. I continued to discuss the horrible mistake that could have been avoided, but by the end of the day I had finally taken it all in and mentally threw my hands up to claim 'what's done is done.'
When auditions had come around I performed my rendition of Gretta's monologue which included some 'sing for talk.' If that hadn't been what sealed the deal then my costume did. Gretta was the eldest character, roughly in her 60s, so I had borrowed clothes and a can from Nanny's room.
While I landed the role, I was less successful in convincing the board to allow a musical number. I did my best to perfect Grett'as monologue as I felt it was the key turning point in our production.
Come opening night, my monologue had received a standing ovation and, try and I might, one tear managed to squeeze its way past my lashes and down my cheek.
This was my 'Over the Rainbow.'
I've come to realize I really like writing in first person (it makes sense that it comes easiest) and need to try and put more effort into creating stories from other points of view.
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