Family Thoughts

I've been thinking a lot about family this past week. My cousin just recently lost his fiancée (unexpectedly). It just kind of hits home, because no one can ever know when their time will come. It's sad to see so many people taking everything in life for granted. This country is so fast-paced nowadays; no one stops to enjoy what that have until its gone.

It's the same in fiction, your characters never know what will come next for them until their future is already at their feet. I love when my characters voices flow out of me onto the page. It kind of shocks me that I have some characters I know better then my own family.

As for real life, I have made a vow that I will no longer take for granted those that I care about. When I went to my cousin's fiancée's funeral, that was the first time I have seen him in I don't know how many years. That is going to change. Growing up, he was the big brother to me and my sister (and they loved tormenting me before we hit our teen years). I would love to remake that bond between the 3 of us.

So today, I will leave off with a quote: "A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart."

Semi-pain free

I went to the neurologist this morning for a pain med injection in my back, and while it hasn't fully kicked in yet, the pain is less than it was. I've been having pain issues since the first time I got a blood clot in my left leg 6 years ago (when I was 20). Thanks to getting pneumonia in July last year, I developed a 2nd clot in the same leg. Most days I just tolerate the pain and get through it, but since the 2nd clot my pain level increased.

Because I have now had 2 clots, I am on blood thinners indefinitely. I was also diagnosed with Factor V Leiden (genetic increased risk of clots) when I developed the first clot. In some ways it is good that I found out at such a young age, but it does have its downfalls (like all the constant pain). It just goes to show that no matter how young or old you are, unexpected (and sometimes deadly) things can happen. It's a constant reminder not to take anything for granted.

For the most part, I still live my day-to-day life without incident. I do notice that I always seem to be cold now though, and of course there is always the fear of accidentally cutting myself (which is easy to do when your a klutz like me). I'll be right back to work tomorrow and probably packing more for the big move in 3 weeks. I'm hoping that the pain meds will last until after the move (otherwise it'll be harsh). As for right now, I am going to curl up under a blanket and write in my notebook.

A little taste of my somewhat crazy mind

Today's post is just a section of the story I've been working on this week. All comments/feedback is welcome, as I like to know what others think so I can improve about my writing skills. Enjoy!

*****

"I will be a phoenix; coming from the ashes of your destruction. When you next see my face, it will spell your doom. May the goddess Kalona protect others from your greedy hands." King Okren motioned for them to light the wood piled around my feet. The foolish bastard believed me to be nothing more then a stupid woman who knew too much. If only he knew the truth. Fire could not harm me, it only added to my power.

I closed my eyes and began to quietly chant the spell to protect myself from the flames. The ropes binding my hands fell to the ground as they burned. My eyes flared with my anger as I opened them. I heard the gasps as I showed my now freed hands. My voice rose as I spoke the words that would transport me home. I could just imagine the screaming panic that would ensue from my disappearance.

The familiarity of my bedchamber comforted me greatly. Only my maid, Lucy would know what my display of magic and anger would have cost my body. Anger had never suited me and I always felt drained after my fury melted away. I thanked the gods that mother had taught me as much as she could, but was also grateful that she had also made sure I could control it no matter how strong my emotions became. I pulled my handmade quilt around my shoulders as I fell to the bed in exhaustion. I woke some time later when Lucy shook me.

"Miss Elizabeth?"

"What is it Lucy?" I asked groggily.

"Cormack says that there is a mob coming. We need to get you out of here."

"Oh, bloody hell. No doubt they're out to claim whatever bounty King Okren has placed on my head."

"What did you do now?"

"I escaped from being burnt at the stake, that's what."

"Miss Elizabeth, what would your brother say if he knew?"

"The king would never have dared if Edward wasn't far away in another country. He knows my brother is a powerful mage who would have sought revenge."

"Then we must get you out of here. Cormack will find your brother and tell him what has happened. Come Miss; grab your riding boots and warm clothing. We've no time to waste."

I knew she was right, but I was so comfortable. I groaned as I moved to stand. I walked wearily to my wardrobe and pulled out my warmest dress and petticoats. With Lucy's help, I was able to quickly change and get my riding boots on.

*****

If you like it, let me know and I'll post more when I have a chance on Sunday. Have a great weekend!

All better now :-)

Thankfully, I am over whatever stomach bug I had last week. I've been working on a short story (that may turn into a novel at some point). The story I started today was using one of the blurbs I wrote to music a couple of weekends ago. If I do any writing tomorrow it will most likely be on breaks at work since tomorrow night is D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) night.

Yes, I am a complete and total dork, but I enjoy every minute of it. I wouldn't trade my life for anything in the world.