Have you ever thought about the value of a minute?
Seriously. How much would you give for a minute? A dollar? A hundred dollars? Maybe a minute you would like to recycle? One of those times where, if you knew that later would be so rushed, you would have made use of precious seconds?
It's very important to consider if we're using our time wisely. We will never get it back. It will never be July 2010 again. Ever. Nor will I ever be 14 years old again. There will be opportunities that will never return, a chance to forgive someone or apologize that you'll never get again. In a span of 60 seconds, people will die. People will be born. People will find out something that will change their life--for better or for worse. One split decision can impact a life.
Are you using your time wisely?
I think time is the temptation of summer. Summers the universally accepted time to loiter around the house, just doing nothing. Maybe you do want to do something that will make a difference, but you figure you have three months to get your rear in to gear, so you never get around to it. Then flash, it's over.
Remember, there may never be a later. Accidents happen all the time. Not to make you paranoid or anything, but you never know if this is your last second in this life.
How will people remember you? As someone who encouraged and helped people, and valued others above their own lazy-time? Or someone who loafed around being a couch-potato?
Right now, I've been reading my Bible a lot and contemplating stuff in my life. I've hashed out my thoughts on abortion, illegal immigration, Harry Potter, global warming, the two meanings of peace, gun control, and a bunch of other stuff. That's why a lot of my posts have been kinda unlike myself.
Okay. Deep moment has passed. Did you guys know I'm making Christmas presents in July? I have one set of grandparents covered, as well as my mom. I know what I'm getting Erestor, and I'm in the middle of making Luthien something. On Galdor, however, I'm stumped. Anyone have any ideas what to give a rambunctious two year old boy?
Hugs & Blessings,
Izori
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Mmmmm...food
Guess what. My biggest inspiration in writing is food. I don't know why, but it is. I guess it tastes good. =)
Here are some of my favorite, most inspiring foods!
Tomato slices with sugar. =) Hey, it's tomato! Of course it's healthy! I like eating it at breakfast, because it's light tasting, sweet, and reminds me of summer. It's so easy to make, too.
Coffee with Chocolate Ovaltine (sp?). Yeah, not so healthy. Too bad. =) It tastes really good, and if you put as much milk in your coffee as I do, it almost tastes like ice cream!
Hush-puppies. Ahhhhhhh. Fried. =) Everything tastes better fried! Ever tried fried pickles? No? I haven't either, but I bet it'd be GREAT! Hey. I live in the South, people.
Cherry tomatoes. It's one of the few things our family can grow well in our tiny garden, and boy, do they taste good! You pop 'em in your mouth, and they burst.
Wild sweet clover. 'Nuff said.
Wild onion soup. I made it when I was maybe eight or so, and I didn't chop off the tops. It tasted terrible, but I think now I could make a pretty mean retake of it!
Freshly baked cookies. There is NOTHING so inspiring as freshly baked cookies! NOTHING!
Those are only a few! And then there's stuffing, apple pie, cranberry sauce, ice cream, sauerkraut, rice pudding, and my mom's bread. =)
Hugs & Blessings,
Izori
Here are some of my favorite, most inspiring foods!
Tomato slices with sugar. =) Hey, it's tomato! Of course it's healthy! I like eating it at breakfast, because it's light tasting, sweet, and reminds me of summer. It's so easy to make, too.
Coffee with Chocolate Ovaltine (sp?). Yeah, not so healthy. Too bad. =) It tastes really good, and if you put as much milk in your coffee as I do, it almost tastes like ice cream!
Hush-puppies. Ahhhhhhh. Fried. =) Everything tastes better fried! Ever tried fried pickles? No? I haven't either, but I bet it'd be GREAT! Hey. I live in the South, people.
Cherry tomatoes. It's one of the few things our family can grow well in our tiny garden, and boy, do they taste good! You pop 'em in your mouth, and they burst.
Wild sweet clover. 'Nuff said.
Wild onion soup. I made it when I was maybe eight or so, and I didn't chop off the tops. It tasted terrible, but I think now I could make a pretty mean retake of it!
Freshly baked cookies. There is NOTHING so inspiring as freshly baked cookies! NOTHING!
Those are only a few! And then there's stuffing, apple pie, cranberry sauce, ice cream, sauerkraut, rice pudding, and my mom's bread. =)
Hugs & Blessings,
Izori
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Among other things, answering Margaret Rowena's question
First, a couple of prayer requests. One is for my dad; the surgery to remove lump on his leg is coming up. Please, please, please, PLEASE pray that it's not cancer. We're already not 100% sure if his neck/lymph node cancer has been fully taken care of.
The second is for Laurea at Center Stage. Please go over there and drop a nice comment or two saying you'll be praying for her. She's going through a very tough time with something. Basically, the last thing she needs is to be yelled at.
Now onto Margaret Rowena's brilliant question:
What do you think about slightly stereotyped characters?
I would feel like a loser if I couldn't create my very own characters, but I am always seeing a character in a book that has traits that must be in a character of mine.
~Margaret Rowena
Ah...stereotypes and cliches. One of my favorite subjects! By the way, that is a really good question, Margaret! I'm sorry I didn't get around to answering this as early as I (and you too, probably) would have liked.
First off, what are the different kinds of stereotyped or cliched characters? The four I'll mention here are only a small number of all the types out there!
1. The tomboy. Sometimes she's the main character, sometimes she's a supporting one. Tough, unsatisfied with her role as a female, and rebellious. (I honestly think it's sad to read about these girls...they're always trying to be like something they're not, and disillusioning themselves that they'll only be good if they're male.)
2. The old mentor. Experienced, grizzled, wise, and has a hidden history. Many times the mentor dies in the middle of the book, when the MC no longer needs a guiding hand. Famous examples are Obi Wan Kenobi from Star Wars Episode IV and Brom from Eragon.
3. The sibling. They can be annoying, comic, or helpful. Oftentimes they're a way of expanding your MC's personality by showing how they react to their family.
4. The cool hero. Like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, they're smart and they know it! Sure of their ability, they sometimes (unfortunately) strut it in front of 'slower' people.
Stereotyped (which I substitute with 'cliche' from time to time) are that way because they are actually very good ideas! Or, at least, they were at first, and then people liked them so much they started following the example. Soon, they lost their 'punch'.
I honestly don't see a problem with using those types of characters in your book, as long as you add something of interest. If you completely copy Obi Wan Kenobi, they just won't have your personal 'stamp'. Give your character something that is completely his own, like a knack for origami or an obsession with proper grammar.
Of course, many characters will have similar traits, no matter who they were created by. They might have short tempers, or show flashes of kindness in a usually harsh demeanor. It's just like people--I have something in common with many of my friends.
However, it doesn't pay to purposefully model your character after someone else's. People don't like it when authors copy other authors. Have you ever read The Ranger's Apprentice Series? Have you ever been annoyed at the too-often reoccurring parallels between those and Lord of the Rings? Yeah. That's what it's like.
Long answer for a very 'to-the-point' question! I hope this is what you were looking for, Margaret Rowena!
We just went to the pool an hour ago, and I still haven't showered. An appraiser is coming to look at our house on Friday, and Erestor's gone fishing.
Hugs & Blessings,
Izori
The second is for Laurea at Center Stage. Please go over there and drop a nice comment or two saying you'll be praying for her. She's going through a very tough time with something. Basically, the last thing she needs is to be yelled at.
Now onto Margaret Rowena's brilliant question:
What do you think about slightly stereotyped characters?
I would feel like a loser if I couldn't create my very own characters, but I am always seeing a character in a book that has traits that must be in a character of mine.
~Margaret Rowena
Ah...stereotypes and cliches. One of my favorite subjects! By the way, that is a really good question, Margaret! I'm sorry I didn't get around to answering this as early as I (and you too, probably) would have liked.
First off, what are the different kinds of stereotyped or cliched characters? The four I'll mention here are only a small number of all the types out there!
1. The tomboy. Sometimes she's the main character, sometimes she's a supporting one. Tough, unsatisfied with her role as a female, and rebellious. (I honestly think it's sad to read about these girls...they're always trying to be like something they're not, and disillusioning themselves that they'll only be good if they're male.)
2. The old mentor. Experienced, grizzled, wise, and has a hidden history. Many times the mentor dies in the middle of the book, when the MC no longer needs a guiding hand. Famous examples are Obi Wan Kenobi from Star Wars Episode IV and Brom from Eragon.
3. The sibling. They can be annoying, comic, or helpful. Oftentimes they're a way of expanding your MC's personality by showing how they react to their family.
4. The cool hero. Like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, they're smart and they know it! Sure of their ability, they sometimes (unfortunately) strut it in front of 'slower' people.
Stereotyped (which I substitute with 'cliche' from time to time) are that way because they are actually very good ideas! Or, at least, they were at first, and then people liked them so much they started following the example. Soon, they lost their 'punch'.
I honestly don't see a problem with using those types of characters in your book, as long as you add something of interest. If you completely copy Obi Wan Kenobi, they just won't have your personal 'stamp'. Give your character something that is completely his own, like a knack for origami or an obsession with proper grammar.
Of course, many characters will have similar traits, no matter who they were created by. They might have short tempers, or show flashes of kindness in a usually harsh demeanor. It's just like people--I have something in common with many of my friends.
However, it doesn't pay to purposefully model your character after someone else's. People don't like it when authors copy other authors. Have you ever read The Ranger's Apprentice Series? Have you ever been annoyed at the too-often reoccurring parallels between those and Lord of the Rings? Yeah. That's what it's like.
Long answer for a very 'to-the-point' question! I hope this is what you were looking for, Margaret Rowena!
We just went to the pool an hour ago, and I still haven't showered. An appraiser is coming to look at our house on Friday, and Erestor's gone fishing.
Hugs & Blessings,
Izori
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Summer
Yesterday we (Mom, Erestor, Luthien, and I) biked all the way up to Chick-fil-A. All the way up along a busy road with the sun pouring down on us. No shade. Sweating all over the place. My arms are now salmon pink. The perfect summer memory!
What do you associate with summer? Languid. Hazy. Golden. Freedom. Fireflies. Watermelon. Laughter. Sweat. Misty mornings. Fresh sunrises and glorious sunsets. Stars. Swimming. Lemonade. Wind. The creek. Friends. Walks in the evenings. Peaches. Brown, parched yards. The Farmer's Market. Picnics. Fireworks. Blackberries. Blueberries. Frozen treats. Pickle ice cream. Boating. Fishing. Grilling. Cold showers. Family.
And then you snap your finger, and it's all gone.
What have y'all been doing for your summer? Have you smiled at someone who needed it? Made a new friend? Gone on a mission trip? Gotten to know God better? Composed a song? Did something for someone else? Improved your swimming? Taught someone something? Gotten in shape?
I've found a new favorite Bible verse:
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20
Don't you love it? It's so punchy, and I love the paradox. Our God is a God of peace, but woe betide anyone who hurts his children!
I've also found a new favorite boys name. Shaun. It means 'God's Grace'.
Today, we're going blackberry picking with a friend's family.
I hope y'all are having a memorable summer! Enjoy what's left of it, and spend it in a way you won't regret when it's all over.
Hugs & Blessings,
Izori
What do you associate with summer? Languid. Hazy. Golden. Freedom. Fireflies. Watermelon. Laughter. Sweat. Misty mornings. Fresh sunrises and glorious sunsets. Stars. Swimming. Lemonade. Wind. The creek. Friends. Walks in the evenings. Peaches. Brown, parched yards. The Farmer's Market. Picnics. Fireworks. Blackberries. Blueberries. Frozen treats. Pickle ice cream. Boating. Fishing. Grilling. Cold showers. Family.
And then you snap your finger, and it's all gone.
What have y'all been doing for your summer? Have you smiled at someone who needed it? Made a new friend? Gone on a mission trip? Gotten to know God better? Composed a song? Did something for someone else? Improved your swimming? Taught someone something? Gotten in shape?
I've found a new favorite Bible verse:
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20
Don't you love it? It's so punchy, and I love the paradox. Our God is a God of peace, but woe betide anyone who hurts his children!
I've also found a new favorite boys name. Shaun. It means 'God's Grace'.
Today, we're going blackberry picking with a friend's family.
I hope y'all are having a memorable summer! Enjoy what's left of it, and spend it in a way you won't regret when it's all over.
Hugs & Blessings,
Izori
Monday, July 26, 2010
Please Pray for Emily
There's someone you should meet. She's a fairly new blogger, and a Christian. Her name is Emily, and she has leukemia.
I thought I had reasons to complain. Month long headaches, CTS...but certainly not cancer. As I was reading Emily's blog, I was swept away by her uncomplaining, optimistic attitude. This sister in Christ has become one of my newest inspirations.
Everyone, please drop by Emily's blog. You can click on the 'Please Pray for Emily' button at the top of my sidebar to get there. Please take just a minute to encourage Emily in her battle with leukemia. I'm sure she'd really appreciate it.
Thank you!
Izori
I thought I had reasons to complain. Month long headaches, CTS...but certainly not cancer. As I was reading Emily's blog, I was swept away by her uncomplaining, optimistic attitude. This sister in Christ has become one of my newest inspirations.
Everyone, please drop by Emily's blog. You can click on the 'Please Pray for Emily' button at the top of my sidebar to get there. Please take just a minute to encourage Emily in her battle with leukemia. I'm sure she'd really appreciate it.
Thank you!
Izori
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Unique and Beautiful (Book Character Tips)
I want my book characters to be rich and filled-out, like a landscape. The colors may be different, but the result is the same: beauty. Unique quirks that sometimes are so small, you can't notice them unless you're the maker.
If book characters could be translated into a painting, we'd have a vast wealth of completely different works of art. Some would be vivid, like a sunset. Some would be delicate and genuine, like a white flower. Others would be like black islands, unreachable and mysterious, and then if you look close you find a merry figure laughing and dancing on the grimmest cliff.
Have you ever looked at a character in a book and been so stunned by the 'picture' they created that you based one of your characters on that one? And then, your character just seems so flat and dull. You might have gotten discouraged, and maybe even deleted that character.
And of course it would seem flat. It's an unoriginal copy. Naturally the colors would be dimmer--they aren't even the characters real colors.
Don't make the mistake of basing your character off someone else's. Yes, the first character does look great, but that character isn't yours. As writers, it's our job to find the undiscovered and bring it to the world.
Izori
If book characters could be translated into a painting, we'd have a vast wealth of completely different works of art. Some would be vivid, like a sunset. Some would be delicate and genuine, like a white flower. Others would be like black islands, unreachable and mysterious, and then if you look close you find a merry figure laughing and dancing on the grimmest cliff.
Have you ever looked at a character in a book and been so stunned by the 'picture' they created that you based one of your characters on that one? And then, your character just seems so flat and dull. You might have gotten discouraged, and maybe even deleted that character.
And of course it would seem flat. It's an unoriginal copy. Naturally the colors would be dimmer--they aren't even the characters real colors.
Don't make the mistake of basing your character off someone else's. Yes, the first character does look great, but that character isn't yours. As writers, it's our job to find the undiscovered and bring it to the world.
Izori
Friday, July 23, 2010
Tagged by Igirl
I'm so excited! The repairman for our washing machine has finally come! Pray that they're successful.
1.Would you rather swim at a beach or in a pool?
The beach, most definitely.
1.Would you rather swim at a beach or in a pool?
The beach, most definitely.
2.What colour is your hair?
Mahogany.
3.What is your favourite book?
Right now...'Troll Fell' by Katherine Langrish
4.Have you flown in a plane before?
No, sadly.
5.What is your favourite colour?
I have a lot...
6.Adventure or Romance?
Hmmm...maybe romance some day, but for now it's adventure. =)
7.Laptop or a desk computer?
Idk. They both have benefits.
8.What is your talent?
Just one?! Jk, lol. Probably...uh...either music or writing.
9.What colour are your eyes?
Mahogany.
10.What do you love doing most?
Living for my God.
11. Have you ever written something longer then 15 pages?
Of course!
12. Have people said that you are random?
Oh, yeah.
13. What's your least favorite color?
Hmmm...neon green.
14. Who is your favorite actor or actress?
I honestly don't know.
15. If you could have a birthday whenever you want, when would it be?
I like mine where it is. =) May 20.
16. Do you like smiling at strangers?
Yes.
17. Have people told you you're mature or immature?
I've been told I'm mature.
18. Have you ever rode a train?
Of course!
19. Do you talk to yourself?
Occasionally.
20. Do you have friend whom you can count on all the time?
I'd be in trouble if I didn't!
Now the ten I believe I'm supposed to make up. Wow. That would be a long tag by the time it's cycled through about five people. I hope I'm doing things right:
21. What's the middle letter of your middle name?
O
22. Would you rather learn to speak Gaelic or Japanese?
Gaelic.
23. What's one thing that you'd like to be good at, but aren't?
Hmmm...skeet shooting.
24. What's one thing that you're good at, but doesn't mean much to you?
I can make my eye look really weird. I do like freaking my friends out, but I could live without it.
25. Which genre do you prefer to write: fantasy or murder mysteries?
I find it easier to write fantasy, although I would love a good murder mystery. =)
26. What is/would you like to be your pseudonym (pen-name)?
I haven't really thought about that. Maybe Veronica F. Donn. Have you ever read Lemony Snicket? Lol. I'm sure I could think up something better then Veronica F. Donn, though.
27. Do you like playing computer games?
Yes, actually.
28. Which do you like to watch better: Food Network or sports?
I like both!
29. Could you envision yourself becoming a professional chef?
Yeah, I could.
30. What's the third letter in your youngest siblings middle name?
G
Of course!
12. Have people said that you are random?
Oh, yeah.
13. What's your least favorite color?
Hmmm...neon green.
14. Who is your favorite actor or actress?
I honestly don't know.
15. If you could have a birthday whenever you want, when would it be?
I like mine where it is. =) May 20.
16. Do you like smiling at strangers?
Yes.
17. Have people told you you're mature or immature?
I've been told I'm mature.
18. Have you ever rode a train?
Of course!
19. Do you talk to yourself?
Occasionally.
20. Do you have friend whom you can count on all the time?
I'd be in trouble if I didn't!
Now the ten I believe I'm supposed to make up. Wow. That would be a long tag by the time it's cycled through about five people. I hope I'm doing things right:
21. What's the middle letter of your middle name?
O
22. Would you rather learn to speak Gaelic or Japanese?
Gaelic.
23. What's one thing that you'd like to be good at, but aren't?
Hmmm...skeet shooting.
24. What's one thing that you're good at, but doesn't mean much to you?
I can make my eye look really weird. I do like freaking my friends out, but I could live without it.
25. Which genre do you prefer to write: fantasy or murder mysteries?
I find it easier to write fantasy, although I would love a good murder mystery. =)
26. What is/would you like to be your pseudonym (pen-name)?
I haven't really thought about that. Maybe Veronica F. Donn. Have you ever read Lemony Snicket? Lol. I'm sure I could think up something better then Veronica F. Donn, though.
27. Do you like playing computer games?
Yes, actually.
28. Which do you like to watch better: Food Network or sports?
I like both!
29. Could you envision yourself becoming a professional chef?
Yeah, I could.
30. What's the third letter in your youngest siblings middle name?
G
Thank you, and sorry if I annoy people by posting twice a day.
Izori
Prayer Request/Praise
We got the results from the CT scan! Apparently, the scan points toward the lump on dad's foot being a cyst, but it's not 100% certain. So they're going to remove it. Praise God that it looks to just be something harmless, and pray that the surgery will go well! I don't quite know when the surgery, is, though.
Thanks!
Izori
Thanks!
Izori
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A Favor Y'all Can Do Me
I have something to ask of all you kind, lovely blogger people. Can you guys read (or re-read) my short story, and then comment and give me suggestions to anything I should correct? I'm going to be making my own writing portfolio, and I want to get this as perfect as something can be on this earth!
'If Tomorrow Never Came'
Aileen hated the sounds of laughter drifting up the stairwell. She hated the sound of Mother’s happy voice rising in exclamation, and she absolutely loathed the deep voice that answered. Worst of all was the girl’s voice. Aileen’s brown eyes narrowed.
Burying her head into her flattened pillow, she tried to stifle her sobs. Of course Mother had insisted on her joining them. Aileen had refused. She preferred not to be drawn into the circle of gaiety. It had been just a year since Daddy died, and Mother was already dating again. How could she? Didn’t she remember Daddy’s pain, the radiation and chemo? Didn’t Mother recall the countless hours they both had spent in the hospital as he grew worse? Aileen wished she could erase the memories of the doctor’s grim voice telling Mother and her the horrible news. And now, Mother had already invited a man and his daughter into Daddy’s place! Anger bubbled up.
Aileen didn’t know how long she lay there, hating the very existence of the two intruders in their living room. Maybe she even fell asleep. The soft knock on the door aroused her, and thinking it was Mother she called out, “Come in!”
Shocked, she sat bolt upright. The girl! The daughter of Mother’s date was standing in the doorway, smiling shyly. Aileen stared so hard that bolts of hate must have come out of her eyes.
“Hello,” the girl said, in a low, husky, surprisingly sweet voice. Sweet as sugar, Aileen thought with venom. “I’m Pepper. Your mother sent me up here…”
“Get out of my room.”
Pepper started at the pure fury on Aileen’s face. For a moment, she stood there.
"Get out of my room," Aileen repeated.
She rose to her feet silently. Just as quietly and even more quickly, Pepper closed the door.
___ ___ ___
Once again, laughter rang from the family room. Bitterly, Aileen perched at the top of the stairs, still dressed in her light blue gown. Her stomach churned, and she desperately wanted to cry. Brushing blond hair out of her eyes, she wished all of this was a dream.
She couldn’t forget the look in Mother’s eyes when she said ‘I do’ just this afternoon. The look that was reserved only for Daddy had been directed at Bill, the same boyfriend who had been the intruder months ago. Now Mother wasn’t Serena Flamour. She was Serena Elliot.
Aileen wanted to scream. For a moment, she smiled, imagining the reactions from downstairs if she did. She was no Elliot! Bill would never be her daddy, and Pepper would never be her sister. Even if Bill adopted her, like Mother wanted him to, Aileen would never call him her father.
All these months, she had tried to fight so hard. Yes, and it hadn’t worked. Mother had married Bill anyway. But that wouldn’t change the fact that Aileen hated Bill and Pepper. Hated. In the extreme.
So this was what hating felt like. It didn’t burn, it just gnawed. It felt cold, knowing that if she had a gun and if Pepper or Bill were alone with her…
Someone laid a hand on Aileen’s shoulder. Gasping, she looked up and almost fell down the stairs. Pepper stood over here, gently smiling. “Hey, Aileen. We were all wondering if you would play the piano for—”
Wordlessly, Aileen shoved past the taller girl and stalked down the hall. The door slammed behind her.
Pepper’s shoulders sagged in defeat. I try to be nice. It’s not working. Maybe I need a different approach…
___ ___ ___
Over the months that followed, Pepper and Bill slowly became a part of Aileen’s life. Whenever she saw them, Aileen steered clear. And although Bill tried to be friendly (‘trying to gain my trust so he can shatter me’, thought Aileen) Pepper was just as cold as she.
One night, Mother and Bill were out for dinner, and it was just the two of them at home. Silently, Pepper and Aileen nibbled on pizza, avoiding each other’s glances. Without warning, Pepper suddenly put her piece down with a thunk.
“Aileen, look at me,” she said. Aileen’s brown eyes rose to Pepper’s gray ones with puzzled resentment.
Taking a deep breath, Pepper realized that it was time she played out all the cards. “Look. I want to be friends with you. Seriously, I do. I know how you feel about this whole thing; remember, my mom died just like your father did. What I don’t get is why you keep giving Dad and I the cold shoulder. Can you explain why? Can’t we forget it all and be friends?”
Aileen stared down at her pizza, feeling the burning in her eyes. She wasn’t touched at all—she was so furious that she felt cold. Once again, that hate welled up.
“No,” she said, slowly and clearly. It almost felt as if she wasn’t the one speaking. “You’ve made my Mother forget all about my Daddy.”
Pepper sighed and leaned on her elbow. “No, I haven’t. Serena was just talking to me the other day about your dad. He sounds like a really awesome guy! Please don’t feel that way about me, Aileen! I hate this stand-off feeling!”
“And I hate you.”
And that was it. Pepper, dry-eyed, slowly got up from the kitchen table and went into the family room. Aileen finished her pizza, wondering why she felt even worse then she had before.
Just what exactly had Mother been telling Pepper?
___ ___ ___
“Aileen, come down here!” came Mother’s voice.
Aileen slowly crept down the stairs. It was ten o’clock at night, and Mother and Bill had just returned. Unhappily, she wondered if this was about Pepper and her.
To her surprise, Pepper and Bill were sitting in the family room, evidentially waiting for her. Aileen whirled and would have marched back upstairs if Mother hadn’t laid a hand on her arm. “Come and sit with us, dear.”
Apprehensively, Aileen picked the seat farthest away from Bill and Pepper and waited.
“Bill and I have caught wind of what’s been going on here,” Mother said calmly, perched beside her husband. She was looking at both of the girls, but Aileen realized that she was being directly addressed.
“We don’t want this to go on any longer. That’s why next week, Bill and Pepper will go out for dinner and father-daughter quality time. The night after that, Aileen and I will go. Is that alright with you too?”
“Sure!” Pepper looked eager to please.
Aileen nodded less willingly. Maybe if she could get alone with Mother, she could explain how she felt about this whole thing. Maybe she'd see if Mother really had forgotten Daddy. She knew one thing for sure, though. This 'parent-daughter' thing wasn't going to help things at all.
She would be very surprised when it helped in a way that no one expected.
___ ___ ___
It was a week later. A rap on the door made Aileen look up from her book. From the knock, she knew it to be ever-persistent Pepper. Stubbornly, she remained silent.
“Aileen?” Pepper peeked her head in anyway. “Dad and I are going out now. I…uh…just figured I’d say goodbye.”
Wow, Aileen thought. Pepper actually looked pretty. Her tall, athletic built was complimented with a slightly-flowing, olive green dress, and her black hair was down. With a jealous twinge, she thought of her own ordinary blond hair and short stature.
“So…” Pepper looked as if she regretted talking to her. “Are you going to say goodbye?”
Without a word, Aileen turned her back. The door shut softly, and she never thought it could be the last time she saw Pepper alive again.
___ ___ ___
It was closing in on eleven o’clock at night when Aileen was awakened by urgent shaking. She opened her eyes to see Mother, dressed in a robe and very pale.
“Aileen, there’s been an accident. Get dressed, and we’ll go to the hospital. Pepper’s in critical condition.”
It seemed like a dream. Aileen dressed herself in a daze. She hardly noticed that her hands were shaking. Was this real? Maybe Pepper would die! Strangely, she began to cry scalding tears as the pulled her hair into a ponytail. She had thought that she hated Pepper. She really had. Now, when it was possible that Pepper would die…she didn’t quite as much. Instead, she began to feel very afraid.
She would always remember the agony that her soul went through in that car ride to the hospital. Mom was sobbing in the driver’s seat even as she drove, but Aileen cried silently. It was in the car that she did some serious searching of her heart.
The waiting stayed with her for the rest of her life, and so did the awful feeling that Pepper would die. And when she did, what would Pepper tell God about Aileen? Oh, but she was sure God already knew the poison that she contained. Mother had always told her that He knew people more than they knew themselves.
But what she remembered most about it was when Pepper had asked for Aileen. There, in the hospital room, they started their relationship over…as sisters. And they prayed together.
___ ___ ___
A warm light shone from the window of the small house, and girlish laughter floated into the summer air. Mother and Bill were out celebrating their first anniversary, and Pepper and Aileen were alone at home.
Pepper, just turned seventeen, was reclining on the sofa, still chuckling from what Aileen has just said. No sign remained of the accident, save a long rakish scar down her stomach. She wiped her eyes, helpless with merriment.
“I can’t believe you thought that, Aileen! Was I really that bad?”
Aileen giggled. “No, not really. You actually were really nice, compared to how snobbish I was.” She sobered. “Pepper? Have you ever thought what would have happened if you didn’t get better?”
Pepper fingered her water glass, her gray eyes searching its contents for an answer. “Well…yes, I have.”
“I really was an idiot,” sighed Aileen regretfully. “I have no clue what I would have done if you had died. It’s awful to think that we had the chance to reconcile several times, but we never did until one of us was in danger of dying.”
“I guess the car accident was providential, huh?”
“Yeah, I guess it was. I might have realized how stupid I was being anyway, but would I have actually done something about it? Probably not. I’d just keep on putting it off for tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow almost didn’t come,” Pepper whispered. “And don’t say that it was your fault, Aileen. I had my share of foolish pride.”
“Oh, but who else caused it but me?”
Pepper smiled. “Well, it’s over, anyhow. And I must say, you make a really good sister!”
Aileen blushed. “Hey, the fact that you are too makes it easier!” She added slyly, “And I can almost see now why Mother fell for your dad!”
The laughter rang out once again, and the fireflies danced outside again. All was well.
_________________________________________________________________________
Thanks! And be picky!Izori
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Loooong Tag from Elrania!
When was the last time you saw someone attractive?
Today.
Where's your phone right now?
I don't own one.
Do you have any plans for the weekend?
Yeah. Write, write, write!
Has someone ever made you a promise and broke it?
Of course.
Last movie/DVD watched?
March of the Penguins. It was okay.
Does anything hurt on your body?
My eyes.
How are you?
Very well.
Are you excited for next year?
Are you kidding?! I can't wait!
Is your room clean?
Uh...no.
How many pillows do you sleep with?
One
What are you doing?
Hmmm. What am I doing? Maybe...typing? Ya think?!
I bet you miss somebody right now?
*sniff* Yeah.
What are you planning on doing after this?
Write an outline for a really cool idea I had.
Have you ever read an entire book in one day?
Of course.
Who did you push last?
Uh...Igirl.
Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?
God.
Do you own any band t-shirts?
No.
What does your hair look like right now?
It's in a ponytail. It's mahogany. It's wavy. It goes down a bit past my shoulders. The usual.
Has anyone ever told you that you were their best friend?
Yep.
Did you get hurt today?
I think.
When was the last time you felt upset?
Yesterday.
What are you looking forward to?
My eye appointment. Idk why, but I love going to the doctors.
Do you currently want something?
Who doesn't?
What was the last thing you had to drink?
Water.
Who was the last person you said "i love you" to?
God.
Where are you?
In the computer room.
Do you like to walk in the rain?
YES!
Do you like looking up at the stars?
Yes.
Do you think you are a nice person?
No, I'm mean and evil! Sense the sarcasm?
Do you like swimming?
Yeah.
Have you ever swam in the ocean?
Yes, and I looooove it!
Do you go to school?
Dude. I LIVE in my school!
Do you want to go to college?
Eh...a little. Not really.
What do you want to be?
An author, a spy, an actress, a musician, and a professional soccer player.
Do you want kids?
When I'm married.
Do you like going to the beach?
Definitely, yes!
Who is the last person you went to the mall with?
My mom.
Have you ever had any x-rays?'
Yes.
Who do you hate right now?
I don't know.
Who is the last person you yelled at?
Erestor. Lol.
Who was the last to cook you food?
My mom.
Are you in a complicated relationship?
Uh...define relationship.
What did you do 2 nights ago?
Went to sleep.
Who was the last person you were on the phone with?
Catherine Morland.
Does a hug make you feel better?
It honestly depends on who's hugging me.
How long ago did you hug someone?
Hmmm...yesterday, I believe.
Anything good happening tomorrow?
The eye doctor.
Have you kissed more than ten people this year?
I have not kissed one person in fourteen years.
Do you have unlimited texting?
No.
Will you keep your last name when you get married?
No.
You have to get a piercing, what do you get?
My ears, of course.
Have you ever felt like someone of the opposite sex truly cared about you?
No.
Who was the last friend you got into a big argument with?
I don't really argue with my friends.
Your phone is ringing. It's the person you fell hardest for, what do you say?
"Hello"
Will you be in a relationship in the next couple months?
Uh...once again, define relationship.
Did you have any unread text messages when you woke up today?
No.
Do you want to see somebody right now?
Yes.
Do you think two people can last forever?
If they're Christians, yes.
When was the last time you had a late night phone call?
Never.
If you could move somewhere else, would you?
Probably.
Would you be able to date someone who doesn't make you laugh?
I don't even date.
Has anyone ever sang to you?
Yeah.
When was the last time you bit someone?
Lol. I only bite on Tuesdays.
Do you think you can love someone without trusting them?
Most definitely not.
Is there someone who you can spend every minute with and be happy?
Hmmm...idk.
Last person to make you smile?
One of my friends. =)
Have you ever wasted too much time on a certain boy?
Good grief. No.
How was last night?
Good.
If you're being extremely quiet, what does it mean?
I'm thinking, I'm shy, I'm uncomfortable, I'm tired, or I'm happy.
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
Oh, yes.
Do you have trust issues?
Yes.
Was this a good weekend?
Yeah.
Were you happy when you woke up today?
No, not really.
I tag...
Igirl, Olive Tree, and Cornet Crazie.
Izori
Today.
Where's your phone right now?
I don't own one.
Do you have any plans for the weekend?
Yeah. Write, write, write!
Has someone ever made you a promise and broke it?
Of course.
Last movie/DVD watched?
March of the Penguins. It was okay.
Does anything hurt on your body?
My eyes.
How are you?
Very well.
Are you excited for next year?
Are you kidding?! I can't wait!
Is your room clean?
Uh...no.
How many pillows do you sleep with?
One
What are you doing?
Hmmm. What am I doing? Maybe...typing? Ya think?!
I bet you miss somebody right now?
*sniff* Yeah.
What are you planning on doing after this?
Write an outline for a really cool idea I had.
Have you ever read an entire book in one day?
Of course.
Who did you push last?
Uh...Igirl.
Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?
God.
Do you own any band t-shirts?
No.
What does your hair look like right now?
It's in a ponytail. It's mahogany. It's wavy. It goes down a bit past my shoulders. The usual.
Has anyone ever told you that you were their best friend?
Yep.
Did you get hurt today?
I think.
When was the last time you felt upset?
Yesterday.
What are you looking forward to?
My eye appointment. Idk why, but I love going to the doctors.
Do you currently want something?
Who doesn't?
What was the last thing you had to drink?
Water.
Who was the last person you said "i love you" to?
God.
Where are you?
In the computer room.
Do you like to walk in the rain?
YES!
Do you like looking up at the stars?
Yes.
Do you think you are a nice person?
No, I'm mean and evil! Sense the sarcasm?
Do you like swimming?
Yeah.
Have you ever swam in the ocean?
Yes, and I looooove it!
Do you go to school?
Dude. I LIVE in my school!
Do you want to go to college?
Eh...a little. Not really.
What do you want to be?
An author, a spy, an actress, a musician, and a professional soccer player.
Do you want kids?
When I'm married.
Do you like going to the beach?
Definitely, yes!
Who is the last person you went to the mall with?
My mom.
Have you ever had any x-rays?'
Yes.
Who do you hate right now?
I don't know.
Who is the last person you yelled at?
Erestor. Lol.
Who was the last to cook you food?
My mom.
Are you in a complicated relationship?
Uh...define relationship.
What did you do 2 nights ago?
Went to sleep.
Who was the last person you were on the phone with?
Catherine Morland.
Does a hug make you feel better?
It honestly depends on who's hugging me.
How long ago did you hug someone?
Hmmm...yesterday, I believe.
Anything good happening tomorrow?
The eye doctor.
Have you kissed more than ten people this year?
I have not kissed one person in fourteen years.
Do you have unlimited texting?
No.
Will you keep your last name when you get married?
No.
You have to get a piercing, what do you get?
My ears, of course.
Have you ever felt like someone of the opposite sex truly cared about you?
No.
Who was the last friend you got into a big argument with?
I don't really argue with my friends.
Your phone is ringing. It's the person you fell hardest for, what do you say?
"Hello"
Will you be in a relationship in the next couple months?
Uh...once again, define relationship.
Did you have any unread text messages when you woke up today?
No.
Do you want to see somebody right now?
Yes.
Do you think two people can last forever?
If they're Christians, yes.
When was the last time you had a late night phone call?
Never.
If you could move somewhere else, would you?
Probably.
Would you be able to date someone who doesn't make you laugh?
I don't even date.
Has anyone ever sang to you?
Yeah.
When was the last time you bit someone?
Lol. I only bite on Tuesdays.
Do you think you can love someone without trusting them?
Most definitely not.
Is there someone who you can spend every minute with and be happy?
Hmmm...idk.
Last person to make you smile?
One of my friends. =)
Have you ever wasted too much time on a certain boy?
Good grief. No.
How was last night?
Good.
If you're being extremely quiet, what does it mean?
I'm thinking, I'm shy, I'm uncomfortable, I'm tired, or I'm happy.
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
Oh, yes.
Do you have trust issues?
Yes.
Was this a good weekend?
Yeah.
Were you happy when you woke up today?
No, not really.
I tag...
Igirl, Olive Tree, and Cornet Crazie.
Izori
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Gold
Well...here I sit in front of the computer. I feel like my life is falling around my ears in shambles. Our washing machine is yet to be fixed. Now our AC is giving us problems--and in the heat and humidity that we have, you don't want to have young children and no air conditioning. Everything is just completely thrown off balance. We were on a thin pole already, and with one shove we're teetering.
I know it's really hard to believe this in even minor calamities, but God is always in control. He knew that our washing machine would break, and it would never do so unless He wanted it to. Why? Maybe he wants to open our eyes to how dependent we are on modern conveniences. Maybe he wants us to trust in Him, because He always knows what's best...even when our life plot looks like it's taking a major twist for the worst.
Yesterday, my dad had a scan on a suspicious lump on his foot. His doctor thinks it's just a cyst, but with dad's medical history they want to be absolutely sure. We've supposed to get the results today or tomorrow. It's hard to think that those stressful months of radiation and chemo were actually by the will of God, but they were.
Dave Ramsey has an interesting metaphor. Gold is only made by heat--heat that melts the gold and brings the impurities and gunk to the top to be skimmed out. The gold is left pure, and it wouldn't have been without the strong heat. This is almost like us. Life can turn up the flames, but it's really God's way of turning us into pure gold.
Yes, the fire can hurt. But, if God is the craftsman, it will bring out things in us that we didn't even know we had. Patience. Faith. Purity.
God knows our limits even better then we do ourselves. He knows just exactly how much heat we can possibly stand before it will break us. He knows how to bring out the gold.
Izori
I know it's really hard to believe this in even minor calamities, but God is always in control. He knew that our washing machine would break, and it would never do so unless He wanted it to. Why? Maybe he wants to open our eyes to how dependent we are on modern conveniences. Maybe he wants us to trust in Him, because He always knows what's best...even when our life plot looks like it's taking a major twist for the worst.
Yesterday, my dad had a scan on a suspicious lump on his foot. His doctor thinks it's just a cyst, but with dad's medical history they want to be absolutely sure. We've supposed to get the results today or tomorrow. It's hard to think that those stressful months of radiation and chemo were actually by the will of God, but they were.
Dave Ramsey has an interesting metaphor. Gold is only made by heat--heat that melts the gold and brings the impurities and gunk to the top to be skimmed out. The gold is left pure, and it wouldn't have been without the strong heat. This is almost like us. Life can turn up the flames, but it's really God's way of turning us into pure gold.
Yes, the fire can hurt. But, if God is the craftsman, it will bring out things in us that we didn't even know we had. Patience. Faith. Purity.
God knows our limits even better then we do ourselves. He knows just exactly how much heat we can possibly stand before it will break us. He knows how to bring out the gold.
Izori
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Guess What!
Remember Cornet Crazie's really cool writing contest? Well...I WON! I'm absolutely thrilled! I thought for sure that everyone else would beat me.
I'll post my story later, but I'm very busy. We're doing a room switch, and I'm spray-painting an old chair, and preparing to transform my room from goldfish yellow to stone brown.
Izori
I'll post my story later, but I'm very busy. We're doing a room switch, and I'm spray-painting an old chair, and preparing to transform my room from goldfish yellow to stone brown.
Izori
Thursday, July 15, 2010
I Think the Turtle Recognizes Me *insert scary music*
Whenever I walk into the schoolroom, I'm in full view of my pet turtle's tank, which is sitting on the schoolroom table (this is also where our computer is). Oddly enough, whenever I walk in, my turtle, Tintin, suddenly starts madly swimming in place against the tank wall. He almost never does that to anyone else but me, and I must admit that it makes me feel special. I take him for 'walks' across the kitchen floor.
Yeah, I'm weird. A turtle's affections (either that, or Tintin's trying to strangle me) make me happy. =) And honestly, I don't think I'd be well off without a pet of some sort. I've had about five hermit crabs, two cats, chickens, five fish, one shrimp, and now a turtle. Never had a dog. =( I do have a pet dragon, though! Lol, in my own virtual world, that is. I still have my favorite cat's collar and picture on my nightstand. =( He died a loooong time ago. Like, when I was nine or ten years old.
I also don't know many people who had a pet chicken. Pequenita was a black bantam pullet, absolutely gorgeous. I entered her into the fair, where she got a first place and beat out Erestor's bantam. =) The judges said that she was a perfect show-bird (good breeding, dealt with the stress of the show-barn well), but since we live in the suburbs I couldn't keep her. We gave her to a friend's farm, and now I have no clue what happened to her. Erestor's cockerel was named Dixie, and he was a lot different than Pequenita. A very nice bird, but he kinda went...well, mad...from being in the fair.
Such is the life of a dork...unusual pets, unusual hobbies...completely awesome!
Oh! Completely unrelated, but guess what! Mom and I went to Borders, and I got....DA-DA-DA-DUH! ALL THREE LORD OF THE RINGS MOVIES! YAY! This is a big deal for us, because we rarely buy movies. Now I have them stashed up in my room, right next to the LotR soundtrack. =)
Izori
Yeah, I'm weird. A turtle's affections (either that, or Tintin's trying to strangle me) make me happy. =) And honestly, I don't think I'd be well off without a pet of some sort. I've had about five hermit crabs, two cats, chickens, five fish, one shrimp, and now a turtle. Never had a dog. =( I do have a pet dragon, though! Lol, in my own virtual world, that is. I still have my favorite cat's collar and picture on my nightstand. =( He died a loooong time ago. Like, when I was nine or ten years old.
I also don't know many people who had a pet chicken. Pequenita was a black bantam pullet, absolutely gorgeous. I entered her into the fair, where she got a first place and beat out Erestor's bantam. =) The judges said that she was a perfect show-bird (good breeding, dealt with the stress of the show-barn well), but since we live in the suburbs I couldn't keep her. We gave her to a friend's farm, and now I have no clue what happened to her. Erestor's cockerel was named Dixie, and he was a lot different than Pequenita. A very nice bird, but he kinda went...well, mad...from being in the fair.
Such is the life of a dork...unusual pets, unusual hobbies...completely awesome!
Oh! Completely unrelated, but guess what! Mom and I went to Borders, and I got....DA-DA-DA-DUH! ALL THREE LORD OF THE RINGS MOVIES! YAY! This is a big deal for us, because we rarely buy movies. Now I have them stashed up in my room, right next to the LotR soundtrack. =)
Izori
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tornadoes and Whirlwinds
No, we're not having tornadoes and whirlwinds at our house! =) It is raining though, which seems like a fitting ending to this day.
First of all: the whirlwind. Things have been so busy in life lately. I'm writing several stories, my script 'deadline' is August 20-something, I have summer schoolwork, the whole house is a wreck... It's not 'busy' as in a dancer performing an intricate, challenging dance, which you can look back on happy that you've done something beautiful. It's more of a 'busy' as in a watercolor painting that's been worked with too much. Everything's blurred and drab.
And, of course, the tornadoes. Remember that we got Fios, but our DVD player wasn't working? Well, now it's the entire TV that isn't working. Our washing machine was supposed to be fixed today, and well...it wasn't. One of the parts that was shipped to us was cracked. Another two weeks without a washing machine...=/
You know, usually I like wind. Somehow, it kind of reminds me of God. It's powerful, refreshing, relaxing, and just...awesome. This wind, however, is really messing with me.
Ah, well. Short, not so great post. Now I'm off to either write my script or make my bed so that I can go to bed in three hours.
Izori
First of all: the whirlwind. Things have been so busy in life lately. I'm writing several stories, my script 'deadline' is August 20-something, I have summer schoolwork, the whole house is a wreck... It's not 'busy' as in a dancer performing an intricate, challenging dance, which you can look back on happy that you've done something beautiful. It's more of a 'busy' as in a watercolor painting that's been worked with too much. Everything's blurred and drab.
And, of course, the tornadoes. Remember that we got Fios, but our DVD player wasn't working? Well, now it's the entire TV that isn't working. Our washing machine was supposed to be fixed today, and well...it wasn't. One of the parts that was shipped to us was cracked. Another two weeks without a washing machine...=/
You know, usually I like wind. Somehow, it kind of reminds me of God. It's powerful, refreshing, relaxing, and just...awesome. This wind, however, is really messing with me.
Ah, well. Short, not so great post. Now I'm off to either write my script or make my bed so that I can go to bed in three hours.
Izori
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Expressions
I love expressing myself. Sometimes though, I find that words aren't quite enough. When I'm angry or unhappy, excited or elated, I just can't translate my feelings. And how can I? Hearts are hard to sum up with words.
I think that's the reason why I love the things I do--piano, writing, cooking, art and photography, creating in general. All of those activities are ways of getting my heart and soul into something tangible. In an odd way, its my form of dealing with issues in my life.
I made breakfast this morning so that my mom could have a break. Peach & Apricot Smoothies and Tomato & Cheese Omelets, with a simple centerpiece of cone flowers. And that's the way I felt--homemade and simple, yet beautiful. I'm finally realizing that God made me the way he wanted me to be, and he thinks I'm gorgeous. Even if I think my forehead is too small and my nose is too dipped and all those other things.
The short story on the last post also is a reflection of my life. Lately, I've been realizing that I've not been treating Luthien at all nicely. It's not as bad as Aileen and Pepper, but it's still unacceptable. That was just a day ago. Now I'm already reforming my friendship with my lil' sister, and Aileen and Pepper's example is really helping me.
A lot of my main characters have at least one older sibling--another parallel. I've always wanted an older brother or sister, and I almost had one. My older sibling would have been sixteen around August. My MCs older brother or sister is, a lot of times, what I think my older sibling would have been like. Take Kate and Elizabeth, for example, in my NaNoWriMo novel. They have their conflicts, of course, and they're very different, but they get along. I think Kate would be the best older sister I could have.
After two years of sharing a room with Luthien, I'm going to have a room of my own! Er, actually, it's rather complicated. See, first Galdor has to be potty-trained (and we need a working washing machine for that...more on that point later), and then I'm going to move into his room. Luthien is going to move into Erestor's room, and Erestor and Galdor are going to move into Luthien and mine's room! Confused yet? I'm really excited, though. My room will be a 'Stone Brown' that looks really pretty (the color is currently 'Goldfish'). I'm looking at this new opportunity as a new way to express myself. I can't wait!
Ah, yes. And now about our washing machine. It's been broken for over a month. Nearly a month and a half, now. To cut a loooong story short, it's been a hassle to get it fixed. We've been doing laundry at the Laundry Mat and at generous neighbors' houses. It was cool at first because we didn't have to fold laundry every day, but now I really miss our washing machine! =/ It's making things really complicated, and it's delaying Galdor's potty-training. It's hopefully going to be fixed on Tuesday, but I have a sinking feeling... =( We've already gone back and forth with the company, and have had three appointments canceled. Yes, a wreck. No, not very fun. Everyone, run and give your washing machine a big hug!!
We've also just switched to Fios, and things are going awkwardly. The computer is working great, but we can't get the DVD player to work. Not very good, seeing as I need a DVD player to advance on my Latin studies. So right now I'm just reviewing flashcards and hoping that we get everything figured out before a real calamity happens.
One last thing...does anyone have a trick for headaches? I've had this annoying headache for a couple of months on and off now. The Vitamin D stuff has cleared a lot of it up, but it's still lurking beneath the surface. It's made me unjustifiably grumpy. I hope it's nothing serious...
Have a nice day, everyone! Boy, this post sure has rambled. =)
Izori
I think that's the reason why I love the things I do--piano, writing, cooking, art and photography, creating in general. All of those activities are ways of getting my heart and soul into something tangible. In an odd way, its my form of dealing with issues in my life.
I made breakfast this morning so that my mom could have a break. Peach & Apricot Smoothies and Tomato & Cheese Omelets, with a simple centerpiece of cone flowers. And that's the way I felt--homemade and simple, yet beautiful. I'm finally realizing that God made me the way he wanted me to be, and he thinks I'm gorgeous. Even if I think my forehead is too small and my nose is too dipped and all those other things.
The short story on the last post also is a reflection of my life. Lately, I've been realizing that I've not been treating Luthien at all nicely. It's not as bad as Aileen and Pepper, but it's still unacceptable. That was just a day ago. Now I'm already reforming my friendship with my lil' sister, and Aileen and Pepper's example is really helping me.
A lot of my main characters have at least one older sibling--another parallel. I've always wanted an older brother or sister, and I almost had one. My older sibling would have been sixteen around August. My MCs older brother or sister is, a lot of times, what I think my older sibling would have been like. Take Kate and Elizabeth, for example, in my NaNoWriMo novel. They have their conflicts, of course, and they're very different, but they get along. I think Kate would be the best older sister I could have.
After two years of sharing a room with Luthien, I'm going to have a room of my own! Er, actually, it's rather complicated. See, first Galdor has to be potty-trained (and we need a working washing machine for that...more on that point later), and then I'm going to move into his room. Luthien is going to move into Erestor's room, and Erestor and Galdor are going to move into Luthien and mine's room! Confused yet? I'm really excited, though. My room will be a 'Stone Brown' that looks really pretty (the color is currently 'Goldfish'). I'm looking at this new opportunity as a new way to express myself. I can't wait!
Ah, yes. And now about our washing machine. It's been broken for over a month. Nearly a month and a half, now. To cut a loooong story short, it's been a hassle to get it fixed. We've been doing laundry at the Laundry Mat and at generous neighbors' houses. It was cool at first because we didn't have to fold laundry every day, but now I really miss our washing machine! =/ It's making things really complicated, and it's delaying Galdor's potty-training. It's hopefully going to be fixed on Tuesday, but I have a sinking feeling... =( We've already gone back and forth with the company, and have had three appointments canceled. Yes, a wreck. No, not very fun. Everyone, run and give your washing machine a big hug!!
We've also just switched to Fios, and things are going awkwardly. The computer is working great, but we can't get the DVD player to work. Not very good, seeing as I need a DVD player to advance on my Latin studies. So right now I'm just reviewing flashcards and hoping that we get everything figured out before a real calamity happens.
One last thing...does anyone have a trick for headaches? I've had this annoying headache for a couple of months on and off now. The Vitamin D stuff has cleared a lot of it up, but it's still lurking beneath the surface. It's made me unjustifiably grumpy. I hope it's nothing serious...
Have a nice day, everyone! Boy, this post sure has rambled. =)
Izori
Friday, July 9, 2010
My Story!
I know that this post is, like, a minute after my last one, but here is my short story! It's actually a novel idea that I've had in my head for the past few weeks or so, and this contest was a wonderful opportunity to get it down on paper! I love the name Pepper, and coincidentally, so does Luthien! Neither of us had ever mentioned it to each other, but then today she named her baby doll Pepper and I named my character Pepper! So cool how sisters can read each others minds. BTW, the main focus of my story is on bitterness.
'If Tomorrow Never Came'
Aileen hated the sounds of laughter drifting up the stairwell. She hated the sound of Mother’s happy voice rising in exclamation, and she absolutely loathed the deep voice that answered. Worst of all was the girl’s voice. Aileen’s brown eyes narrowed.
Burying her head into her flattened pillow, she tried to stifle her sobs. Of course Mother had insisted on her joining them. Aileen had refused. She preferred not to be drawn into the circle of gaiety. It had been just a year since Daddy died, and Mother was already dating again. How could she? Didn’t she remember Daddy’s pain, the radiation and chemo? Didn’t Mother recall the countless hours they both had spent in the hospital as he grew worse? Aileen wished she could erase the memories of the doctor’s grim voice telling Mother and her the horrible news. And now, Mother had already invited a man and his daughter into Daddy’s place! Anger bubbled up.
Aileen didn’t know how long she lay there, hating the very existence of the two intruders in their living room. Maybe she even fell asleep. The soft knock on the door aroused her, and thinking it was Mother she called out, “Come in!”
Shocked, she sat bolt upright. The girl! The daughter of Mother’s date was standing in the doorway, smiling shyly. Aileen stared so hard that bolts of hate must have come out of her eyes.
“Hello,” the girl said, in a low, husky, surprisingly sweet voice. Sweet as sugar, Aileen thought with venom. “I’m Pepper. Your mother sent me up here…”
“Get out of my room.”
Pepper started at the pure fury on Aileen’s face. For a moment, she stood there.
"Get out of my room," Aileen repeated.
She rose to her feet silently. Just as quietly and even more quickly, Pepper closed the door.
___ ___ ___
Once again, laughter rang from the family room. Bitterly, Aileen perched at the top of the stairs, still dressed in her light blue gown. Her stomach churned, and she desperately wanted to cry. Brushing blond hair out of her eyes, she wished all of this was a dream.
She couldn’t forget the look in Mother’s eyes when she said ‘I do’ just this afternoon. The look that was reserved only for Daddy had been directed at Bill, the same boyfriend who had been the intruder months ago. Now Mother wasn’t Serena Flamour. She was Serena Elliot.
Aileen wanted to scream. For a moment, she smiled, imagining the reactions from downstairs if she did. She was no Elliot! Bill would never be her daddy, and Pepper would never be her sister. Even if Bill adopted her, like Mother wanted him to, Aileen would never call him her father.
All these months, she had tried to fight so hard. Yes, and it hadn’t worked. Mother had married Bill anyway. But that wouldn’t change the fact that Aileen hated Bill and Pepper. Hated. In the extreme.
So this was what hating felt like. It didn’t burn, it just gnawed. It felt cold, knowing that if she had a gun and if Pepper or Bill were alone with her…
Someone laid a hand on Aileen’s shoulder. Gasping, she looked up and almost fell down the stairs. Pepper stood over here, gently smiling. “Hey, Aileen. We were all wondering if you would play the piano for—”
Wordlessly, Aileen shoved past the taller girl and stalked down the hall. The door slammed behind her.
Pepper’s shoulders sagged in defeat. I try to be nice. It’s not working. Maybe I need a different approach…
___ ___ ___
Over the months that followed, Pepper and Bill slowly became a part of Aileen’s life. Whenever she saw them, Aileen steered clear. And although Bill tried to be friendly (‘trying to gain my trust so he can shatter me’, thought Aileen) Pepper was just as cold as she.
One night, Mother and Bill were out for dinner, and it was just the two of them at home. Silently, Pepper and Aileen nibbled on pizza, avoiding each other’s glances. Without warning, Pepper suddenly put her piece down with a thunk.
“Aileen, look at me,” she said. Aileen’s brown eyes rose to Pepper’s gray ones with puzzled resentment.
Taking a deep breath, Pepper realized that it was time she played out all the cards. “Look. I want to be friends with you. Seriously, I do. I know how you feel about this whole thing; remember, my mom died just like your father did. What I don’t get is why you keep giving Dad and I the cold shoulder. Can you explain why? Can’t we forget it all and be friends?”
Aileen stared down at her pizza, feeling the burning in her eyes. She wasn’t touched at all—she was so furious that she felt cold. Once again, that hate welled up.
“No,” she said, slowly and clearly. It almost felt as if she wasn’t the one speaking. “You’ve made my Mother forget all about my Daddy.”
Pepper sighed and leaned on her elbow. “No, I haven’t. Serena was just talking to me the other day about your dad. He sounds like a really awesome guy! Please don’t feel that way about me, Aileen! I hate this stand-off feeling!”
“And I hate you.”
And that was it. Pepper, dry-eyed, slowly got up from the kitchen table and went into the family room. Aileen finished her pizza, wondering why she felt even worse then she had before.
Just what exactly had Mother been telling Pepper?
___ ___ ___
“Aileen, come down here!” came Mother’s voice.
Aileen slowly crept down the stairs. It was ten o’clock at night, and Mother and Bill had just returned. Unhappily, she wondered if this was about Pepper and her.
To her surprise, Pepper and Bill were sitting in the family room, evidentially waiting for her. Aileen whirled and would have marched back upstairs if Mother hadn’t laid a hand on her arm. “Come and sit with us, dear.”
Apprehensively, Aileen picked the seat farthest away from Bill and Pepper and waited.
“Bill and I have caught wind of what’s been going on here,” Mother said calmly, perched beside her husband. She was looking at both of the girls, but Aileen realized that she was being directly addressed.
“We don’t want this to go on any longer. That’s why next week, Bill and Pepper will go out for dinner and father-daughter quality time. The night after that, Aileen and I will go. Is that alright with you too?”
“Sure!” Pepper looked eager to please.
Aileen nodded less willingly. Maybe if she could get alone with Mother, she could explain how she felt about this whole thing. Maybe she'd see if Mother really had forgotten Daddy. She knew one thing for sure, though. This 'parent-daughter' thing wasn't going to help things at all.
She would be very surprised when it helped in a way that no one expected.
___ ___ ___
It was a week later. A rap on the door made Aileen look up from her book. From the knock, she knew it to be ever-persistent Pepper. Stubbornly, she remained silent.
“Aileen?” Pepper peeked her head in anyway. “Dad and I are going out now. I…uh…just figured I’d say goodbye.”
Wow, Aileen thought. Pepper actually looked pretty. Her tall, athletic built was complimented with a slightly-flowing, olive green dress, and her black hair was down. With a jealous twinge, she thought of her own ordinary blond hair and short stature.
“So…” Pepper looked as if she regretted talking to her. “Are you going to say goodbye?”
Without a word, Aileen turned her back. The door shut softly, and she never thought it could be the last time she saw Pepper alive again.
___ ___ ___
It was closing in on eleven o’clock at night when Aileen was awakened by urgent shaking. She opened her eyes to see Mother, dressed in a robe and very pale.
“Aileen, there’s been an accident. Get dressed, and we’ll go to the hospital. Pepper’s in critical condition.”
It seemed like a dream. Aileen dressed herself in a daze. She hardly noticed that her hands were shaking. Was this real? Maybe Pepper would die! Strangely, she began to cry scalding tears as the pulled her hair into a ponytail. She had thought that she hated Pepper. She really had. Now, when it was possible that Pepper would die…she didn’t quite as much. Instead, she began to feel very afraid.
She would always remember the agony that her soul went through in that car ride to the hospital. Mom was sobbing in the driver’s seat even as she drove, but Aileen cried silently. It was in the car that she did some serious searching of her heart.
The waiting stayed with her for the rest of her life, and so did the awful feeling that Pepper would die. And when she did, what would Pepper tell God about Aileen? Oh, but she was sure God already knew the poison that she contained. Mother had always told her that He knew people more than they knew themselves.
But what she remembered most about it was when Pepper had asked for Aileen. There, in the hospital room, they started their relationship over…as sisters. And they prayed together.
___ ___ ___
A warm light shone from the window of the small house, and girlish laughter floated into the summer air. Mother and Bill were out celebrating their first anniversary, and Pepper and Aileen were alone at home.
Pepper, just turned seventeen, was reclining on the sofa, still chuckling from what Aileen has just said. No sign remained of the accident, save a long rakish scar down her stomach. She wiped her eyes, helpless with merriment.
“I can’t believe you thought that, Aileen! Was I really that bad?”
Aileen giggled. “No, not really. You actually were really nice, compared to how snobbish I was.” She sobered. “Pepper? Have you ever thought what would have happened if you didn’t get better?”
Pepper fingered her water glass, her gray eyes searching its contents for an answer. “Well…yes, I have.”
“I really was an idiot,” sighed Aileen regretfully. “I have no clue what I would have done if you had died. It’s awful to think that we had the chance to reconcile several times, but we never did until one of us was in danger of dying.”
“I guess the car accident was providential, huh?”
“Yeah, I guess it was. I might have realized how stupid I was being anyway, but would I have actually done something about it? Probably not. I’d just keep on putting it off for tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow almost didn’t come,” Pepper whispered. “And don’t say that it was your fault, Aileen. I had my share of foolish pride.”
“Oh, but who else caused it but me?”
Pepper smiled. “Well, it’s over, anyhow. And I must say, you make a really good sister!”
Aileen blushed. “Hey, the fact that you are too makes it easier!” She added slyly, “And I can almost see now why Mother fell for your dad!”
The laughter rang out once again, and the fireflies danced outside again. All was well.
_________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for reading! By the way, this story is (c) by me. You will not find me so amiable if you claim this as your own work falsely.
Izori
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