“Uh, sure,” Marius answered nervously. “I’d like that.”
They smiled at each other as they both understood the other’s urgency to have to get ready for the evening performance. Cosette leaned on the door, smiling, as Marius left. She slowly closed it with a sigh behind him. She stood for a moment leaning with her back on the door, her hand still on the knob. She could still feel Marius’ lips burning on hers. Taking her hand off the doorknob, she raised her fingers to her still plump mouth. Smiling, sighing, she hurried to get dressed and get on stage for warm ups.
Emerging from the wings, Cosette stopped at the sight of her partner still warming up. She almost turned back to her dressing room to warm up, but decided instead to hold her head high and face Darion. Drawing herself up as tall as five foot two could be, she marched to a spot at the barre.
Out of the corner of his eye, Darion watched Cosette take her place. He was still steaming from the confrontation in her dressing room. She was his, he thought. She had no business socializing with another man. Especially one of the orchestra. Darion felt that the orchestra was there to serve him, not to socialize with.
Cosette could feel the daggers from Darion’s eyes on her back. She was suddenly very fearful of him. She knew he was strong. She knew he was stubborn. She knew he was jealous. Her only question was, what could he do with those three?
The evening’s performance went without a hitch. Darion didn’t hold Cosette any tighter than he had to. In fact, he almost seemed aloof through their pas de deux. This frightened her more than if he tried to hold her tight.
Once the show was over, and the curtain had fallen for the final time, Cosette hurried to her room. She was carefully watching the floor for obstacles and didn’t notice Darion in the shadows. She ran right into him, her head crashing into his chest.
Startled, she jumped back. “Oh, didn’t see you…” she stopped short when she realized who it was.
Darion crossed his arms over his chest. “Hello, partner,” he hissed.
Cosette nervously glanced around to see what stagehands may be within earshot. “Um, hello, Darion.”
He looked down his nose to her. “So, what were you doing with him?” he spat.
Cosette drew herself up to her full five foot two inch height. She crossed her arms over her smallish chest. “That is none of your business, Darion,” she huffed. “What I do during my time out of the classroom and offstage is my time.”
Darion moved in close to Cosette. He made a fist and straightened one finger and pointed it into her face. “Don’t you realize that you are mine? Don’t you realize that you are mine in life as well?”
The color drained out of Cosette’s face. “D-D-Darion, no I-I-I’m not,” she fearfully stuttered. “We’re partners onstage and that’s it.”
Grabbing her wrist, he spat, “You’re mine.”
“Ow, you’re hurting me,” Cosette strained as she tried to break free of Darion. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see one of the stagehands clearing the wings. She let out a small squeal of pain and the stagehand looked over. He looked over and the feuding partners and walked toward them.
“Is everything okay over here?” Steve asked.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Short Story - Page 8
OK, sorry dear readers, I know it's been a while...have had a writer's block. It's been horrible! But, a little cleaning, some dancing music and margaritas and suddenly, I've got ideas!
Enjoy!
Both Cosette and Marius jumped as they spun toward the door. Marius followed Darion’s fiery gaze to where he still had his hand on Cosette’s waist. He quickly dropped his hand and put it in his pocket. Cosette glared at Darion.
“How dare you barge into my room like that?!” Cosette exclaimed.
“You weren’t out there, warming up for tonight yet,” Darion shot back. “I just wanted to make sure you were ok. And then, I walked in to you hugging that, that, that, musician.” He spat out that last word as if it were a fatal disease.
Marius looked down at the ground. He suddenly felt very uncomfortable with Darion around; like he was a third wheel. Yet, on the other hand, he couldn’t believe how brazen this man was. Acting as if he owned Cosette. Acting as if he owned the theatre. As if Marius was no better than a piece of dirt.
Cosette grew furious. “Darion, get out of my room,” she growled through clenched teeth.
Marius looked up, gaping at the voice that came from Cosette. Darion stepped back, but quickly straightened his shoulders and regained his composure. He glared down at Cosette. “Well,” he sniffed, “you better get out and warm up. Performance is starting soon.” Darion turned on his heels, stormed out and slammed the door.
Cosette let out a shaky breath. Marius was finally able to take a breath. “What the hell was that?” he finally asked.
“That,” she spat at the closed door, “was my overbearing partner.”
Marius looked nervously at the door, like he was waiting for it to fly open again. “He’s not going to be coming back, is he?”
Cosette giggled. “No, he’s not. He had his hissy fit and he’s done.” She scrunched up her face, wanted to stick her tongue out at the closed door but didn't. “Jerk.”
Marius smiled and moved toward Cosette. Cupping her chin with one hand, he placed his other on the small of her back. “I’d like to take you to dinner sometime.”
Cosette’s heart melted. She felt electricity surge through her body. Looking deep into Marius’ eyes, she answered quietly, “I’d like that, too.”
He smiled. “When will you be free?”
Cosette thought a moment. “Probably not until Sunday evening.”
“Sunday evening it is then,” he whispered before lowering his mouth to hers.
As Marius’ lips touched hers, Cosette melted into his arms. His hand moved from her chin to her cheek. Slowly, he parted her lips with his tongue. He could taste the coffee that she had just finished. She eagerly gave her mouth to him. They embraced tightly as their kiss deepened. From somewhere in the distance, an alarm rang. Slowly, Marius and Cosette parted, panting just slightly from the intensity of their kiss.
“Oh no,” Cosette exclaimed, “I’m going to be late!”
Marius looked down at his rumpled tuxedo. “I better get myself straightened out,” he snickered.
Cosette quickly kissed his cheek. “Um, uh, can we meet later after the show for coffee or something?”
Enjoy!
Both Cosette and Marius jumped as they spun toward the door. Marius followed Darion’s fiery gaze to where he still had his hand on Cosette’s waist. He quickly dropped his hand and put it in his pocket. Cosette glared at Darion.
“How dare you barge into my room like that?!” Cosette exclaimed.
“You weren’t out there, warming up for tonight yet,” Darion shot back. “I just wanted to make sure you were ok. And then, I walked in to you hugging that, that, that, musician.” He spat out that last word as if it were a fatal disease.
Marius looked down at the ground. He suddenly felt very uncomfortable with Darion around; like he was a third wheel. Yet, on the other hand, he couldn’t believe how brazen this man was. Acting as if he owned Cosette. Acting as if he owned the theatre. As if Marius was no better than a piece of dirt.
Cosette grew furious. “Darion, get out of my room,” she growled through clenched teeth.
Marius looked up, gaping at the voice that came from Cosette. Darion stepped back, but quickly straightened his shoulders and regained his composure. He glared down at Cosette. “Well,” he sniffed, “you better get out and warm up. Performance is starting soon.” Darion turned on his heels, stormed out and slammed the door.
Cosette let out a shaky breath. Marius was finally able to take a breath. “What the hell was that?” he finally asked.
“That,” she spat at the closed door, “was my overbearing partner.”
Marius looked nervously at the door, like he was waiting for it to fly open again. “He’s not going to be coming back, is he?”
Cosette giggled. “No, he’s not. He had his hissy fit and he’s done.” She scrunched up her face, wanted to stick her tongue out at the closed door but didn't. “Jerk.”
Marius smiled and moved toward Cosette. Cupping her chin with one hand, he placed his other on the small of her back. “I’d like to take you to dinner sometime.”
Cosette’s heart melted. She felt electricity surge through her body. Looking deep into Marius’ eyes, she answered quietly, “I’d like that, too.”
He smiled. “When will you be free?”
Cosette thought a moment. “Probably not until Sunday evening.”
“Sunday evening it is then,” he whispered before lowering his mouth to hers.
As Marius’ lips touched hers, Cosette melted into his arms. His hand moved from her chin to her cheek. Slowly, he parted her lips with his tongue. He could taste the coffee that she had just finished. She eagerly gave her mouth to him. They embraced tightly as their kiss deepened. From somewhere in the distance, an alarm rang. Slowly, Marius and Cosette parted, panting just slightly from the intensity of their kiss.
“Oh no,” Cosette exclaimed, “I’m going to be late!”
Marius looked down at his rumpled tuxedo. “I better get myself straightened out,” he snickered.
Cosette quickly kissed his cheek. “Um, uh, can we meet later after the show for coffee or something?”
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Short Story - Page 7
Marius stood outside Cosette’s door, his nerves working overtime. He couldn’t believe that he was actually going to try to talk to this beautiful creature. He loosened the bow tie on his tux, wiped his hands on his handkerchief. He then stammered, “Uh, um, it’s me, Marius.”
The voice that escaped his throat did not even sound like his own. It was higher pitched than normal. He stood there, stunned at just how nervous he was about this meeting. As he stood there, it seemed to be forever before Cosette came to the door. He was just about to turn around to leave when the door opened just a crack.
Cosette peeked out the door. “Oh, hello there. Is everything okay with your car?”
Marius smiled and stifled a laugh. “Yeah, everything is fine.” He nervously looked down at his feet. “Um, okay, just thought I’d stop and say ‘hi’.”
She thought for a quick moment and then opened the door. “Well, as long as you’re here, won’t you join me for a cup of coffee?”
“Sure,” Marius quietly answered. “You have a coffee maker in here?”
Cosette giggled as they walked together to the pillows. “I live on coffee. I searched out the only outlet in this room in order to have my coffee. If there wasn’t an outlet, I’d have run an extension cord.”
Marius sat on the pillows as Cosette fixed him a cup of coffee. She brought the steaming mug over to him and settled down with her own cup. “So, what brings you to my neck of the woods?” She sipped her coffee in awe with how bold she could be.
“Don’t know,” he shrugged. He tried to quickly think of a good excuse as to why he knocked on her door. “I was just wandering around backstage and came across your door. Looked like it needed a knock.” He inwardly grimaced at how inept he sounded.
Cosette smiled. “So, my door looked lonely?”
He laughed. “Heh, I guess so.” He blushed a bit.
They fell into an easy conversation. Before they knew it, Cosette had to start another pot of coffee. They talked and laughed throughout the afternoon between performances. Before too long, Cosette’s little alarm clock let out a screech telling them it was time to prepare for the evening performance.
Cosette’s shoulders fell a bit as she sadly announced, “I’m so sorry, Marius, but I’ve got to get some warm ups in before tonight’s performance. I also have to touch up my make up.”
Marius rose off the pillows and set his mug on her vanity. He looks at his watch. “Well, I guess I’ll go for a walk. I’ve got some time before I have to be at my post.”
She turned to watch him go. Except, he wasn’t leaving. She surprised herself by walking over to him and wrapping her arms around his neck for a hug. He jumped a bit, but returned the embrace by wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her in tight. Her tiny dancer frame nearly disappeared in his embrace. They stood this way for what felt like an eternity.
When they finally broke away, Cosette knew she wanted to see him again. Needed to see him again. And, yet, she could not form the words to make that so. Just then, the door to Cosette’s little room slammed open.
In the doorway stood Darion. He surveyed her room and found her standing with Marius’ arm on her waist still. Darion could feel his blood boil over with jealousy. “What is going on here?” he spit through his clenched teeth.
The voice that escaped his throat did not even sound like his own. It was higher pitched than normal. He stood there, stunned at just how nervous he was about this meeting. As he stood there, it seemed to be forever before Cosette came to the door. He was just about to turn around to leave when the door opened just a crack.
Cosette peeked out the door. “Oh, hello there. Is everything okay with your car?”
Marius smiled and stifled a laugh. “Yeah, everything is fine.” He nervously looked down at his feet. “Um, okay, just thought I’d stop and say ‘hi’.”
She thought for a quick moment and then opened the door. “Well, as long as you’re here, won’t you join me for a cup of coffee?”
“Sure,” Marius quietly answered. “You have a coffee maker in here?”
Cosette giggled as they walked together to the pillows. “I live on coffee. I searched out the only outlet in this room in order to have my coffee. If there wasn’t an outlet, I’d have run an extension cord.”
Marius sat on the pillows as Cosette fixed him a cup of coffee. She brought the steaming mug over to him and settled down with her own cup. “So, what brings you to my neck of the woods?” She sipped her coffee in awe with how bold she could be.
“Don’t know,” he shrugged. He tried to quickly think of a good excuse as to why he knocked on her door. “I was just wandering around backstage and came across your door. Looked like it needed a knock.” He inwardly grimaced at how inept he sounded.
Cosette smiled. “So, my door looked lonely?”
He laughed. “Heh, I guess so.” He blushed a bit.
They fell into an easy conversation. Before they knew it, Cosette had to start another pot of coffee. They talked and laughed throughout the afternoon between performances. Before too long, Cosette’s little alarm clock let out a screech telling them it was time to prepare for the evening performance.
Cosette’s shoulders fell a bit as she sadly announced, “I’m so sorry, Marius, but I’ve got to get some warm ups in before tonight’s performance. I also have to touch up my make up.”
Marius rose off the pillows and set his mug on her vanity. He looks at his watch. “Well, I guess I’ll go for a walk. I’ve got some time before I have to be at my post.”
She turned to watch him go. Except, he wasn’t leaving. She surprised herself by walking over to him and wrapping her arms around his neck for a hug. He jumped a bit, but returned the embrace by wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her in tight. Her tiny dancer frame nearly disappeared in his embrace. They stood this way for what felt like an eternity.
When they finally broke away, Cosette knew she wanted to see him again. Needed to see him again. And, yet, she could not form the words to make that so. Just then, the door to Cosette’s little room slammed open.
In the doorway stood Darion. He surveyed her room and found her standing with Marius’ arm on her waist still. Darion could feel his blood boil over with jealousy. “What is going on here?” he spit through his clenched teeth.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Short Story - Page 6
The curtain closed on Cosette and the Snowflakes. The thunderous applause from the audience drowned out any breathless dancers on the stage. The orchestra kicked up a medley of the Nutcracker music as the audience filed out for intermission. After congratulating her fellow dancers on a fine performance, she fled to her dressing room for a quick drink of water and to stare at her rose.
On the way, she passed Darion. He was keeping warm by doing plies and stretches. She didn’t even waste a glance on him. He, on the other hand, watched her as she dashed by. From dancing with her, preparing for this performance, he had fallen in love with her and was determined to make her his.
Darion couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t accept his advances. He felt he was the perfect specimen of the male species. He was handsome and toned from dancing. He knew that Cosette moved perfectly with him. They fit together like a glove. Why couldn’t she see that?
He stopped his stretches and followed her into her dressing room. She was just putting a flannel shirt on as he entered. Almost immediately, he spotted the rose; it angered him. No one but he should be sending her roses. “Where did you get that?” he spat as he flung his hand toward the rose.
She jumped from the sound of his voice. “What are you doing in here?” she growled.
“You looked a little tired,” he explained. “I came in to make sure you were okay.”
She glared at Darion. “Haven’t you ever heard of knocking?”
He laughed. “Knocking? You’ve stripped backstage. I’ve seen it. You’ve nothing to hide,” he scoffed.
Pulling her flannel tighter, she watched as his jealous gaze went from her to the rose. “What’s it to you? For all it’s worth, the rose came from a friend.” She fingered the petals and watched Darion’s face turn scarlet. “Now, if you would be so kind as to leave my dressing room so I may rest?”
Darion straightened up, turned on his heel and stormed out of her room, slamming the door behind him. He stood at the closed door for a moment and murmured, “I will make you my partner in life, Cosette. Just wait and see.” And with that, he stormed off to his dressing room.
The remainder of the matinee went smoothly. Cosette and Darion performed perfectly and received another standing ovation. She couldn’t help but notice, though, the way Darion’s grip had tightened on her during their pas de deux. The way it seemed as though he were trying to possess her through the dance. She didn’t like it, but she allowed the music to flow through her in order for her to forget the feeling.
Once the curtain fell for the final time, Cosette made her way to her room. Her plan was to lay down on the pillows she brought in and take a nap before the evening performance. She carefully changed out of her costume and hung it on the rack. She untied her ribbons and peeled her pointe shoes off. Pulling on her flannel, she snuggled down into the make-shift bed she had made.
A short while later, Cosette awoke to a faint knocking on her door. She sat up, stretched and called out, “Who’s there?”
On the way, she passed Darion. He was keeping warm by doing plies and stretches. She didn’t even waste a glance on him. He, on the other hand, watched her as she dashed by. From dancing with her, preparing for this performance, he had fallen in love with her and was determined to make her his.
Darion couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t accept his advances. He felt he was the perfect specimen of the male species. He was handsome and toned from dancing. He knew that Cosette moved perfectly with him. They fit together like a glove. Why couldn’t she see that?
He stopped his stretches and followed her into her dressing room. She was just putting a flannel shirt on as he entered. Almost immediately, he spotted the rose; it angered him. No one but he should be sending her roses. “Where did you get that?” he spat as he flung his hand toward the rose.
She jumped from the sound of his voice. “What are you doing in here?” she growled.
“You looked a little tired,” he explained. “I came in to make sure you were okay.”
She glared at Darion. “Haven’t you ever heard of knocking?”
He laughed. “Knocking? You’ve stripped backstage. I’ve seen it. You’ve nothing to hide,” he scoffed.
Pulling her flannel tighter, she watched as his jealous gaze went from her to the rose. “What’s it to you? For all it’s worth, the rose came from a friend.” She fingered the petals and watched Darion’s face turn scarlet. “Now, if you would be so kind as to leave my dressing room so I may rest?”
Darion straightened up, turned on his heel and stormed out of her room, slamming the door behind him. He stood at the closed door for a moment and murmured, “I will make you my partner in life, Cosette. Just wait and see.” And with that, he stormed off to his dressing room.
The remainder of the matinee went smoothly. Cosette and Darion performed perfectly and received another standing ovation. She couldn’t help but notice, though, the way Darion’s grip had tightened on her during their pas de deux. The way it seemed as though he were trying to possess her through the dance. She didn’t like it, but she allowed the music to flow through her in order for her to forget the feeling.
Once the curtain fell for the final time, Cosette made her way to her room. Her plan was to lay down on the pillows she brought in and take a nap before the evening performance. She carefully changed out of her costume and hung it on the rack. She untied her ribbons and peeled her pointe shoes off. Pulling on her flannel, she snuggled down into the make-shift bed she had made.
A short while later, Cosette awoke to a faint knocking on her door. She sat up, stretched and called out, “Who’s there?”
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Short Story Page 5
At the theatre, Cosette entered her dressing room. She changed into her warm up clothes and made her way to the stage past the musicians filing in. Lost in her own world, she didn’t see the one standing off to the side holding a single rose.
Although disappointed that Cosette didn’t notice him, Marius wasn’t about to give up. He asked around a bit and located her dressing room. He glanced around before easing himself inside. He placed the rose on her vanity table and looked around for some paper. Having found a notebook, he tore a piece out and located a pen. He wrote a simple note to her:
“Because I did not properly thank you for your help last night by offering you a ride home, I give you this rose.
“~Marius”
He placed the pen back on the table and quietly slipped out of her room. On stage, the dancers were finishing up their warm ups. Marius quickly and quietly made his way down the steps into the orchestra pit. He took his seat by his drum and patiently waited for his mates to arrive and get settled.
Cosette finished her warm ups and left to start the arduous task of getting ready. As she stepped around stage hands, she collided with her partner. As he looked down his nose at her, she glanced upward. “Oh, hi,” she said.
“Hello, Cosette,” he replied. “I trust another perfect performance is in order for today?”
Cosette cringed at his pretentiousness. “Of course, Darion,” she sniffed. “Why should it be any different?”
Suddenly, Darion grabbed her hand. “It won’t be different. You and I are a match made in heaven. We dance beautifully together on stage. We should dance as beautifully off.”
Cosette whipped her hand out of Darion’s. “We are beautiful together on stage, Darion, but we will never ‘dance’ off stage.” With that, she turned on her heels and stormed off to her dressing room, leaving him with his mouth agape.
Inside her dressing room, Cosette threw herself down in her chair. She closed her eyes for a moment to catch her breath. When she opened her eyes, she noticed the rose on her vanity. At first, she thought it could be from Darion, but then her eyes caught the note. Gingerly picking up the paper, she read the short note. Smiling, she put the note back down and picked up the rose to draw in its scent. She allowed herself a fleeting moment to think of the handsome percussionist she met the night before.
After a few minutes, she began to fix her hair. As she was pinning her bun, she laid her eyes on the rose again. A wistful smile came across her face as she finished and pinned her tiara on. Placing the rose to the side, she set out her make up. With each brush stroke, she couldn’t help but steal glances at the carefully written note.
She carefully slid her warm up leotard and tights off, all the while thinking of Marius. As she pulled a clean pair of tights on and bent to tug her pointe shoes on, she was wishing it were him that she had collided with backstage instead of her annoying partner. Once she secured her shoe ribbons with a bit of hair spray, she pulled her costume on. Holding tight to her bodice, she took off in search of a helper to fasten the hooks on the back.
Although disappointed that Cosette didn’t notice him, Marius wasn’t about to give up. He asked around a bit and located her dressing room. He glanced around before easing himself inside. He placed the rose on her vanity table and looked around for some paper. Having found a notebook, he tore a piece out and located a pen. He wrote a simple note to her:
“Because I did not properly thank you for your help last night by offering you a ride home, I give you this rose.
“~Marius”
He placed the pen back on the table and quietly slipped out of her room. On stage, the dancers were finishing up their warm ups. Marius quickly and quietly made his way down the steps into the orchestra pit. He took his seat by his drum and patiently waited for his mates to arrive and get settled.
Cosette finished her warm ups and left to start the arduous task of getting ready. As she stepped around stage hands, she collided with her partner. As he looked down his nose at her, she glanced upward. “Oh, hi,” she said.
“Hello, Cosette,” he replied. “I trust another perfect performance is in order for today?”
Cosette cringed at his pretentiousness. “Of course, Darion,” she sniffed. “Why should it be any different?”
Suddenly, Darion grabbed her hand. “It won’t be different. You and I are a match made in heaven. We dance beautifully together on stage. We should dance as beautifully off.”
Cosette whipped her hand out of Darion’s. “We are beautiful together on stage, Darion, but we will never ‘dance’ off stage.” With that, she turned on her heels and stormed off to her dressing room, leaving him with his mouth agape.
Inside her dressing room, Cosette threw herself down in her chair. She closed her eyes for a moment to catch her breath. When she opened her eyes, she noticed the rose on her vanity. At first, she thought it could be from Darion, but then her eyes caught the note. Gingerly picking up the paper, she read the short note. Smiling, she put the note back down and picked up the rose to draw in its scent. She allowed herself a fleeting moment to think of the handsome percussionist she met the night before.
After a few minutes, she began to fix her hair. As she was pinning her bun, she laid her eyes on the rose again. A wistful smile came across her face as she finished and pinned her tiara on. Placing the rose to the side, she set out her make up. With each brush stroke, she couldn’t help but steal glances at the carefully written note.
She carefully slid her warm up leotard and tights off, all the while thinking of Marius. As she pulled a clean pair of tights on and bent to tug her pointe shoes on, she was wishing it were him that she had collided with backstage instead of her annoying partner. Once she secured her shoe ribbons with a bit of hair spray, she pulled her costume on. Holding tight to her bodice, she took off in search of a helper to fasten the hooks on the back.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Short Story Page 4
The waitress placed a plate of apple pie and ice cream on the counter in front of Marius, barely interrupting his daydream. She smiled wistfully, knowing full well the distracted look in her customer’s eyes. Working the night shift, she saw that look often. She quietly left the check under his plate and left him to his thoughts.
Marius picked at his pie, sipped at his coffee. He kept thinking of ways to bump into Cosette at the theatre. He felt he needed to take her to dinner. He had an uncontrollable urge to kiss her full lips. But then, he thought about why she would even be remotely interested in him. After all, he was just a band geek. He played drums for an orchestra. He was positive that there were men pining for her that were better than he.
After a while, Marius stood and left some cash on the counter for his midnight snack. He sauntered out of the diner, still mulling over the possibility of dinner with Cosette. He got to his car and sat behind the steering wheel, not starting it just yet. All of a sudden, Marius slammed his steering wheel with the palms of his hands. He started berating himself for not being a gentleman and offering Cosette a ride home. And after she helped him! Right then, he devised a scheme by which he could innocently 'bump into her' the following day at the theater.
With that thought, Marius started his car, put it in gear and roared off toward home. Once home, he went directly to the bathroom. Stripping down and starting the shower, he stepped in and stood under the spray, excitedly thinking about the scheme he thought of. After about a half hour, he figured it was late. He climbed out, dried off and climbed into bed. And, like Cosette, once his head hit the pillow, he conked out for the night in to a dream-filled sleep.
Cosette awoke early the next morning. Sitting up in bed, she stretched. Her muscles were achy from the night before. She made a beeline for the kitchenette where she immediately started the coffee maker. While the coffee was brewing, she showered and dressed. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she made her way out to her little balcony. Since it was still early, she could watch the sun rise and reflect a little before heading over to the theatre.
She thought about her life as it was right then. She was just promoted to soloist with the ballet company. She was dancing her dream role. She had her own apartment. She didn’t have much, but she had the essentials. Her body ached, but once under the lights, all the aches went away. Cosette felt mainly content.
And yet, something gnawed at her. She had a sinking feeling that something was missing. She had no life partner. Why did her chance meeting with Marius think of a life partner? Oh, she dated here and there as her dance schedule allowed. Many times, though, her schedule conflicted with having a social life. Most of the men she met was at the company; she barely had time to go out for a drink! After dedicating her life to the dance, how could she even try to open her heart to love?
After what seemed like hours, but in reality was only 45 minutes, Cosette rose and brought her mug to the sink. Taking out her travel mug, she readied herself a cup for the walk to the theatre. On her way out the door, she grabbed her dance bag and set off for the theatre.
Marius picked at his pie, sipped at his coffee. He kept thinking of ways to bump into Cosette at the theatre. He felt he needed to take her to dinner. He had an uncontrollable urge to kiss her full lips. But then, he thought about why she would even be remotely interested in him. After all, he was just a band geek. He played drums for an orchestra. He was positive that there were men pining for her that were better than he.
After a while, Marius stood and left some cash on the counter for his midnight snack. He sauntered out of the diner, still mulling over the possibility of dinner with Cosette. He got to his car and sat behind the steering wheel, not starting it just yet. All of a sudden, Marius slammed his steering wheel with the palms of his hands. He started berating himself for not being a gentleman and offering Cosette a ride home. And after she helped him! Right then, he devised a scheme by which he could innocently 'bump into her' the following day at the theater.
With that thought, Marius started his car, put it in gear and roared off toward home. Once home, he went directly to the bathroom. Stripping down and starting the shower, he stepped in and stood under the spray, excitedly thinking about the scheme he thought of. After about a half hour, he figured it was late. He climbed out, dried off and climbed into bed. And, like Cosette, once his head hit the pillow, he conked out for the night in to a dream-filled sleep.
Cosette awoke early the next morning. Sitting up in bed, she stretched. Her muscles were achy from the night before. She made a beeline for the kitchenette where she immediately started the coffee maker. While the coffee was brewing, she showered and dressed. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she made her way out to her little balcony. Since it was still early, she could watch the sun rise and reflect a little before heading over to the theatre.
She thought about her life as it was right then. She was just promoted to soloist with the ballet company. She was dancing her dream role. She had her own apartment. She didn’t have much, but she had the essentials. Her body ached, but once under the lights, all the aches went away. Cosette felt mainly content.
And yet, something gnawed at her. She had a sinking feeling that something was missing. She had no life partner. Why did her chance meeting with Marius think of a life partner? Oh, she dated here and there as her dance schedule allowed. Many times, though, her schedule conflicted with having a social life. Most of the men she met was at the company; she barely had time to go out for a drink! After dedicating her life to the dance, how could she even try to open her heart to love?
After what seemed like hours, but in reality was only 45 minutes, Cosette rose and brought her mug to the sink. Taking out her travel mug, she readied herself a cup for the walk to the theatre. On her way out the door, she grabbed her dance bag and set off for the theatre.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Short Story - Page 3
Behind her, Cosette heard his car start and back away. Somewhat taken aback by the way she boldly helped him, a spring came into her step. She was no longer daydreaming about the evening performance, she was thinking about his handsome face. The way his blue eyes seemed to soften after looking at her. The way his strong hands gripped the wrench as he tightened down the terminal.
She was thinking about how she wanted those strong hands on her body.
This thought startled Cosette. She had never thought like that before. Oh, she had had boyfriends and lovers, but none had affected her as Marius had. Just thinking of the effortless way he had interacted with her made her want to know him better. She wanted to run her fingers through his longish, blonde hair to know if it was as soft as it looked.
Cosette unlocked the door to her apartment. Once inside, she placed her bag on the bench just inside the door and hung her keys on their hook. She closed and locked the door behind her and just stood, leaning, with her back on the door. Sighing, she went into the bathroom and ran water in the tub, pouring some lavender bubble bath in. After a performance, she always liked to relax with a good book and a long soak.
Tonight, though, her thoughts weren’t on the words in her book. Her mind kept wandering to her encounter with Marius in the alley. She couldn’t understand why. They had only met for minutes and yet, she felt as though they had known each other forever. She couldn’t help but think about the way his eyes searched her face as he spoke to her. And she couldn’t forget the way his hand felt in hers.
She pulled the drain on the tub once the water turned cold. Without drying herself, she wrapped herself in her terry robe. Exhausted, she shuffled to her bed and fell into it. Almost immediately, she fell into a deep sleep.
Meanwhile, Marius drove himself to an all-night diner. He couldn’t get the image of the beautiful woman he had just met out of his head. He needed a coffee and a slice of apple pie. And he just wanted to think. Think of all the feelings that were rushing through him as he spoke with Cosette.
Stepping through the door to the diner, he blinked in the glaring fluorescent light. He spotted several empty stools at the counter and made his way over to sit down. The waitress took his order and set a steaming mug of coffee in front of him. As he sat there, absently stirring cream and sugar, he conjured up an image of the graceful ballerina.
He couldn’t believe how strong an urge he had to see her again. Never had he felt this way about a woman before. But, there was something about her. About the way she nervously fiddled with her throat and yet just dove right under the hood and helped him out. Although he understood that she had an early call, he still wished she hadn’t run off so quickly. He hadn’t even thought to call after her to invite her to join him for coffee.
She was thinking about how she wanted those strong hands on her body.
This thought startled Cosette. She had never thought like that before. Oh, she had had boyfriends and lovers, but none had affected her as Marius had. Just thinking of the effortless way he had interacted with her made her want to know him better. She wanted to run her fingers through his longish, blonde hair to know if it was as soft as it looked.
Cosette unlocked the door to her apartment. Once inside, she placed her bag on the bench just inside the door and hung her keys on their hook. She closed and locked the door behind her and just stood, leaning, with her back on the door. Sighing, she went into the bathroom and ran water in the tub, pouring some lavender bubble bath in. After a performance, she always liked to relax with a good book and a long soak.
Tonight, though, her thoughts weren’t on the words in her book. Her mind kept wandering to her encounter with Marius in the alley. She couldn’t understand why. They had only met for minutes and yet, she felt as though they had known each other forever. She couldn’t help but think about the way his eyes searched her face as he spoke to her. And she couldn’t forget the way his hand felt in hers.
She pulled the drain on the tub once the water turned cold. Without drying herself, she wrapped herself in her terry robe. Exhausted, she shuffled to her bed and fell into it. Almost immediately, she fell into a deep sleep.
Meanwhile, Marius drove himself to an all-night diner. He couldn’t get the image of the beautiful woman he had just met out of his head. He needed a coffee and a slice of apple pie. And he just wanted to think. Think of all the feelings that were rushing through him as he spoke with Cosette.
Stepping through the door to the diner, he blinked in the glaring fluorescent light. He spotted several empty stools at the counter and made his way over to sit down. The waitress took his order and set a steaming mug of coffee in front of him. As he sat there, absently stirring cream and sugar, he conjured up an image of the graceful ballerina.
He couldn’t believe how strong an urge he had to see her again. Never had he felt this way about a woman before. But, there was something about her. About the way she nervously fiddled with her throat and yet just dove right under the hood and helped him out. Although he understood that she had an early call, he still wished she hadn’t run off so quickly. He hadn’t even thought to call after her to invite her to join him for coffee.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Short Story Part II
And the story continues...
Once out the door, she breathed the night air deeply. She took great joy in the fact her little studio was just a few blocks from the theatre. On clear, crisp nights such as the one that had fallen that evening, she reveled in her walk home. She skirted through the alley, lost in her thoughts about the performance and almost crashed into one lone orchestra musician who was having problems starting his car.
He had just popped his hood and whipped open his door to get out and lift the hood further. In his haste, he practically took poor Cosette to the ground. She let out a startled cry as she was suddenly interrupted from her daydream. The musician quickly looked up and stared into the most beautiful hazel eyes set in the most beautiful face that he had ever seen.
“Hey, oh man,” he started to apologize. “I am so sorry. Can’t get my stupid car started and I wasn’t thinking there was anyone else around.”
As Cosette regained her composure, she placed her fingers at the base of her neck; a nervous gesture on her part. “T-that’s okay,” she stammered. “I didn’t think anyone else was around either and I was lost in my own thoughts.”
The musician stuck out his hand. “Name’s Marius. I'm a percussionist with the orchestra.” He looked at her and a light dawned in his mind. “You were the Sugar Plum. You were incredible tonight.”
Cosette blushed as she took Marius’ hand. “My name is Cosette. And, yes, I was Sugar Plum.” She dipped her head down as she said, “Thank you.”
They stood there for a moment, unaware that they were still holding hands. Cosette felt a heat creeping up her arm. She looked down and realized that their hands were still locked. She quickly took her hand back.
“What seems to be wrong with your car?” she asked.
Marius looked back at his car as though he had forgotten it was there. “Oh, I don’t know. I think the battery’s dead or something.”
Cosette walked around to the front of the car, set her bag on the ground and bent down under the hood. She fiddled with the wires leading to the battery and found one to be loose. “You have a loose battery wire under here!” she called out to Marius.
Marius opened the trunk to access his tool box. Grabbing a wrench, he walked around to the front of the car. Adjusting the nut on the terminal, he asked, “How did you know that? You’re a ballerina.”
Cosette stood, faced him and smiled. “I was raised with four brothers. I know my way around a motor.”
Marius finished tightening the nut and stood to face her. He stood for a moment, losing himself in her eyes. He couldn’t remember ever looking at such a beautiful woman before. Though there was little light, her eyes seemed to capture whatever was available and just sparkle like diamonds. For a moment, he stood, perplexed by what to say next.
Cosette waived her hand in front of Marius’ face. “Um, hello? You should be good to go.” She hoisted her bag back on her shoulder. “I better go. Early call to the stage in the morning. Need to get some sleep.”
Marius shook his head slightly and ran his hand through his hair. “Uh, yeah. I should probably go as well. Now that my car’s fixed. Double performances tomorrow; going to be a long day.” He slammed the hood, put his wrench away and closed the trunk. Before getting in the car, he stood at the open door and called out, “See you tomorrow, Cosette.”
Cosette looked over her shoulder. “See you tomorrow, Marius.”
Once out the door, she breathed the night air deeply. She took great joy in the fact her little studio was just a few blocks from the theatre. On clear, crisp nights such as the one that had fallen that evening, she reveled in her walk home. She skirted through the alley, lost in her thoughts about the performance and almost crashed into one lone orchestra musician who was having problems starting his car.
He had just popped his hood and whipped open his door to get out and lift the hood further. In his haste, he practically took poor Cosette to the ground. She let out a startled cry as she was suddenly interrupted from her daydream. The musician quickly looked up and stared into the most beautiful hazel eyes set in the most beautiful face that he had ever seen.
“Hey, oh man,” he started to apologize. “I am so sorry. Can’t get my stupid car started and I wasn’t thinking there was anyone else around.”
As Cosette regained her composure, she placed her fingers at the base of her neck; a nervous gesture on her part. “T-that’s okay,” she stammered. “I didn’t think anyone else was around either and I was lost in my own thoughts.”
The musician stuck out his hand. “Name’s Marius. I'm a percussionist with the orchestra.” He looked at her and a light dawned in his mind. “You were the Sugar Plum. You were incredible tonight.”
Cosette blushed as she took Marius’ hand. “My name is Cosette. And, yes, I was Sugar Plum.” She dipped her head down as she said, “Thank you.”
They stood there for a moment, unaware that they were still holding hands. Cosette felt a heat creeping up her arm. She looked down and realized that their hands were still locked. She quickly took her hand back.
“What seems to be wrong with your car?” she asked.
Marius looked back at his car as though he had forgotten it was there. “Oh, I don’t know. I think the battery’s dead or something.”
Cosette walked around to the front of the car, set her bag on the ground and bent down under the hood. She fiddled with the wires leading to the battery and found one to be loose. “You have a loose battery wire under here!” she called out to Marius.
Marius opened the trunk to access his tool box. Grabbing a wrench, he walked around to the front of the car. Adjusting the nut on the terminal, he asked, “How did you know that? You’re a ballerina.”
Cosette stood, faced him and smiled. “I was raised with four brothers. I know my way around a motor.”
Marius finished tightening the nut and stood to face her. He stood for a moment, losing himself in her eyes. He couldn’t remember ever looking at such a beautiful woman before. Though there was little light, her eyes seemed to capture whatever was available and just sparkle like diamonds. For a moment, he stood, perplexed by what to say next.
Cosette waived her hand in front of Marius’ face. “Um, hello? You should be good to go.” She hoisted her bag back on her shoulder. “I better go. Early call to the stage in the morning. Need to get some sleep.”
Marius shook his head slightly and ran his hand through his hair. “Uh, yeah. I should probably go as well. Now that my car’s fixed. Double performances tomorrow; going to be a long day.” He slammed the hood, put his wrench away and closed the trunk. Before getting in the car, he stood at the open door and called out, “See you tomorrow, Cosette.”
Cosette looked over her shoulder. “See you tomorrow, Marius.”
Friday, June 27, 2008
A Short Story
I can't believe it! After months of thinking of nothing, my brain is spewing forth words. And these words are forming into a story. I'm finding myself unable to to type as quickly as the words are forming in my head.
So, I'm going to post a page as I finish it. For criticism. For prosperity. And just because I want to share my story!
Here goes:
The curtain was closed. The sets were up. The lights were set with the right gels. This was the night. This was the night she had waited for her whole life. To be the one. To be the star. She worked so hard to be on this stage, in this costume, in this role. Her time to shine.
Cosette stepped out from the wings and took her place in the lights. She set her arms just so. Carefully placed her perfectly pointed toe behind her. Tilted her head down in her opening pose. Just as the music began, she jutted her eyes down her body to make sure her costume was okay.
The strands of Tychovski’s “Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairy” began to stir her heart. She stole a look to the darkened wings where her partner stood, waiting for his turn. Her heart raced with anticipation and music.
Slowly, the curtain raised. Beyond the lights was the orchestra. The finest orchestra she ever had the opportunity to perform with. The music grew slightly louder with the raising of the curtain. Beyond the orchestra lay the audience. The people that Cosette bit back pain for. Applied band-aids to her blistered toes for. Lived for. She couldn’t see any of that, though, for the stage lights were far too bright. But, she knew they were there and that was all that mattered.
Cosette took her first step. The music flowed through her like water through a stream. She could barely feel the floor beneath her feet. Every step landed perfectly. Every lift executed without a flaw. Darion’s leaps were powerful and yet, he lifted her so very gently. They moved perfectly together throughout their pas de deux, complimenting their dancing styles as though they belonged together.
When they took their final pose, the audience leapt to their feet. A thunderous applause rumbled from the darkness beyond the lights. Cosette lowered herself down from pointe, placed her leg behind her and dropped into a deep curtsy while holding Darion’s hand as he bowed. Her moment was over. They fled in to the wings to await their piece.
Once off stage, Cosette ran to her dressing room. Despite their almost perfect partnership on stage, she hated Darion with a passion. He was too pompous, too arrogant. How dare he think he was the greatest dancer on stage? What was the choreographer thinking when he paired them together? Couldn’t he see the friction?
Normally quiet and reserved, Cosette tried to raise her feelings when rehearsals began. The choreographer would hear nothing of it. So, she let it drop. And rehearsals went on. Darion was actually quite the gentleman while they were warming up, walking through their dances and dancing full on. But, out of those four walls, he was an ass. Cosette would often just pack her bag and leave quietly out the side door of the studio so as not to have to deal with the attitude that overcame him once outside the door.
Now, in the relative quiet of her dressing room, she could reflect on the dance that just occurred. She could still feel the music pulsating through her. Although she had danced several times with a live orchestra, she felt this performance to be different. Perhaps it was because she was now a soloist with the company. Perhaps. Perhaps it was a combination of the two.
An hour later, the performance was over. The audience had filed out of the theatre. The orchestra was packing up their instruments. Cosette carefully hung her costume in her room. She methodically removed her stage makeup. She removed her tights and pulled on a pair of leggings with an over sized tee shirt and slipped flip flops on her sore feet. She carefully wrapped the ribbons around her pointe shoes and placed them in her bag. Standing and hoisting her bag onto her shoulder, she readied herself to leave the theatre.
So, I'm going to post a page as I finish it. For criticism. For prosperity. And just because I want to share my story!
Here goes:
The curtain was closed. The sets were up. The lights were set with the right gels. This was the night. This was the night she had waited for her whole life. To be the one. To be the star. She worked so hard to be on this stage, in this costume, in this role. Her time to shine.
Cosette stepped out from the wings and took her place in the lights. She set her arms just so. Carefully placed her perfectly pointed toe behind her. Tilted her head down in her opening pose. Just as the music began, she jutted her eyes down her body to make sure her costume was okay.
The strands of Tychovski’s “Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairy” began to stir her heart. She stole a look to the darkened wings where her partner stood, waiting for his turn. Her heart raced with anticipation and music.
Slowly, the curtain raised. Beyond the lights was the orchestra. The finest orchestra she ever had the opportunity to perform with. The music grew slightly louder with the raising of the curtain. Beyond the orchestra lay the audience. The people that Cosette bit back pain for. Applied band-aids to her blistered toes for. Lived for. She couldn’t see any of that, though, for the stage lights were far too bright. But, she knew they were there and that was all that mattered.
Cosette took her first step. The music flowed through her like water through a stream. She could barely feel the floor beneath her feet. Every step landed perfectly. Every lift executed without a flaw. Darion’s leaps were powerful and yet, he lifted her so very gently. They moved perfectly together throughout their pas de deux, complimenting their dancing styles as though they belonged together.
When they took their final pose, the audience leapt to their feet. A thunderous applause rumbled from the darkness beyond the lights. Cosette lowered herself down from pointe, placed her leg behind her and dropped into a deep curtsy while holding Darion’s hand as he bowed. Her moment was over. They fled in to the wings to await their piece.
Once off stage, Cosette ran to her dressing room. Despite their almost perfect partnership on stage, she hated Darion with a passion. He was too pompous, too arrogant. How dare he think he was the greatest dancer on stage? What was the choreographer thinking when he paired them together? Couldn’t he see the friction?
Normally quiet and reserved, Cosette tried to raise her feelings when rehearsals began. The choreographer would hear nothing of it. So, she let it drop. And rehearsals went on. Darion was actually quite the gentleman while they were warming up, walking through their dances and dancing full on. But, out of those four walls, he was an ass. Cosette would often just pack her bag and leave quietly out the side door of the studio so as not to have to deal with the attitude that overcame him once outside the door.
Now, in the relative quiet of her dressing room, she could reflect on the dance that just occurred. She could still feel the music pulsating through her. Although she had danced several times with a live orchestra, she felt this performance to be different. Perhaps it was because she was now a soloist with the company. Perhaps. Perhaps it was a combination of the two.
An hour later, the performance was over. The audience had filed out of the theatre. The orchestra was packing up their instruments. Cosette carefully hung her costume in her room. She methodically removed her stage makeup. She removed her tights and pulled on a pair of leggings with an over sized tee shirt and slipped flip flops on her sore feet. She carefully wrapped the ribbons around her pointe shoes and placed them in her bag. Standing and hoisting her bag onto her shoulder, she readied herself to leave the theatre.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Do I?
Random conundrum for the day:
Do I clean or do I sew?
I've been sick, so the house has fallen into disarray. Eh. Who am I kidding? The house is always in disarray. But, seriously, since I've been sick, it's worse than usual as I don't have the energy to clean anything, much less get out of bed.
However. I created this awesome halter during a burst of energy last Friday (pictures will come as soon as Hubby takes them) and I'd like to create another. It's another T-shirt recycle. This next one will be created from a T-shirt and denim valences. And I'm really excited to see how it will turn out as I'm perfecting the process in order to hopefully sell them.
And, then, of course there's the chitlins. We purchased a seven game set from Walmart and the Princess is hooked on badminton. I still don't have a whole lot of energy and feel badly that I haven't wanted to play with her. I try to get in a bit of playing, but I can't last that long.
I think that the fact I have so much on my plate right now is killing me also. I'm still trying to sell my wares (not happening at the moment), getting people over to see my site (my stats look like a roller coaster), playing, cleaning, sewing, spending time with Hubby. And to think I had all that on my plate and worked part-time! Now, I'm not working outside the home, but I feel as though I have less time.
I've tried the to-do list. It got so long that I threw it out. So now I've delegated just one thing a day. Be it laundry or dishes or straightening up a room.
Today's delegation hasn't been decided yet: sew or clean.
Do I clean or do I sew?
I've been sick, so the house has fallen into disarray. Eh. Who am I kidding? The house is always in disarray. But, seriously, since I've been sick, it's worse than usual as I don't have the energy to clean anything, much less get out of bed.
However. I created this awesome halter during a burst of energy last Friday (pictures will come as soon as Hubby takes them) and I'd like to create another. It's another T-shirt recycle. This next one will be created from a T-shirt and denim valences. And I'm really excited to see how it will turn out as I'm perfecting the process in order to hopefully sell them.
And, then, of course there's the chitlins. We purchased a seven game set from Walmart and the Princess is hooked on badminton. I still don't have a whole lot of energy and feel badly that I haven't wanted to play with her. I try to get in a bit of playing, but I can't last that long.
I think that the fact I have so much on my plate right now is killing me also. I'm still trying to sell my wares (not happening at the moment), getting people over to see my site (my stats look like a roller coaster), playing, cleaning, sewing, spending time with Hubby. And to think I had all that on my plate and worked part-time! Now, I'm not working outside the home, but I feel as though I have less time.
I've tried the to-do list. It got so long that I threw it out. So now I've delegated just one thing a day. Be it laundry or dishes or straightening up a room.
Today's delegation hasn't been decided yet: sew or clean.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Tattoo Shop Possibility
I had a possibly job lead for my halters at the tattoo shop where my husband and I get our work done. It's been over two months since I heard from them, so I decided to fire them off an email.
I'm really nervous about this job. The owner is a perfectionist. The artists that he hires are super talented; I don't think he'd hire anyone who was less than perfect. Trust me on this. My husband's sleeve is testament to the type of artists he hires.
I'm so scared that the owner isn't going to like my work. I'm scared that my work isn't going to be up to the standards that he sets. I feel the sample that I sent them was beautiful. The best halter I had ever sewn. But, that's my feeling. Trying to get someone else to feel the way you do is a whole other story!
Well, here's some pictures of the sample that I sewed up and sent to them. Let me know what you think!
Well, update: In the five minutes it took to type this, I heard back from the shop. They're holding off for now. I didn't get the job. :(
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Ideas for Promotion
http://www.freewebs.com/creativecreations08/
As I sit here, listening to Fairly Oddparents drone on and on and on, I contemplate ideas for self-promotion of my new website. With my brain on codeine, it's not easy. Everything is so fuzzy.
I want to make posters and post them all over town.
I want to make fliers and put them under the windshield wipers of everyone at Walmart.
I want to pass out business cards to everyone I run into. I'd even run into them purposely to shove a card into their hand.
I was thinking of making a flyer to hang on various bulletin boards around town. You know the kind with the little tear-off sheets at the bottom? Only because I'm also going to start taking in minor alteration work. I've already got a customer lined up. He's grateful he won't have to drive two hours for hem work anymore.
Oh! And in case you missed it, the link is: http://www.freewebs.com/creativecreations08/
So, anyone who's reading this, if you have a suggestion or five, let me know.
As I sit here, listening to Fairly Oddparents drone on and on and on, I contemplate ideas for self-promotion of my new website. With my brain on codeine, it's not easy. Everything is so fuzzy.
I want to make posters and post them all over town.
I want to make fliers and put them under the windshield wipers of everyone at Walmart.
I want to pass out business cards to everyone I run into. I'd even run into them purposely to shove a card into their hand.
I was thinking of making a flyer to hang on various bulletin boards around town. You know the kind with the little tear-off sheets at the bottom? Only because I'm also going to start taking in minor alteration work. I've already got a customer lined up. He's grateful he won't have to drive two hours for hem work anymore.
Oh! And in case you missed it, the link is: http://www.freewebs.com/creativecreations08/
So, anyone who's reading this, if you have a suggestion or five, let me know.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Life Today ~ Update
Well, the Princess seems better today. There has been no hint of fever since yesterday morning. Gave her a dose of Motrin at around 8 yesterday morning and nothing since. Glad to know that it was the same thing that her brother had. She's very chipper today. Not whiney in the least. Thank goodness. The whining was wearing on me.
Since she's better, I made a doctor's appointment for myself.
We drove the half hour to the doc's office this morning. Basically, I knew what he was going to say, but I needed medication and you can't get that without a doctor. My suspicions were correct ~ bronchitis. But, I also have an upper respiratory infection.
Fun.
So, he gives me Promethazine VC w/Codeine Syrup (cough medicine) and Cefzil (antibiotic). Let me tell you...that cough syrup is goooooooood stuff!
Now, I veg. Dinner needs to go in the crock pot. I'm getting there, but it's not easy. I really just want to crawl up into a ball and sleep.
Nighty night.
Since she's better, I made a doctor's appointment for myself.
We drove the half hour to the doc's office this morning. Basically, I knew what he was going to say, but I needed medication and you can't get that without a doctor. My suspicions were correct ~ bronchitis. But, I also have an upper respiratory infection.
Fun.
So, he gives me Promethazine VC w/Codeine Syrup (cough medicine) and Cefzil (antibiotic). Let me tell you...that cough syrup is goooooooood stuff!
Now, I veg. Dinner needs to go in the crock pot. I'm getting there, but it's not easy. I really just want to crawl up into a ball and sleep.
Nighty night.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Life Today
So, we go on vacation over Memorial Day. Beautiful vacation! Relaxing, fun, everything vacation should be. We even extended it a day longer by staying overnight in New York and visiting Au sable Chasm the next day.
Then we came home.
And we all got sick.
We've all had the snuffles since about a week after we got home. Then, last week, Little Man got a fever. Just a fever. Take him to the doc and she said that there's a fever virus going around. The fever spikes, give the child Motrin and the fever goes down. This lasts for about three days. Sure enough, he went to the doc on Monday and by Wednesday, he was better. Still snuffling, but no fever.
Now, the Princess has the fever virus. Been pouring the Motrin down her throat to keep it in check. She hasn't spiked as high as Little Man, but it has gotten over 102 Fahrenheit. Once the Motrin kicks in, she wants to go play and run around. But, once that starts wearing off, she's tired and lethargic.
Wonder who's going to get it next?
Me? I've had a cough for two weeks now. It hurts like hell. And the shit that I'm coughing up, ugh. I've put off getting my Remicade treatment for two weeks now. Not good. But, I also can't get the infusion if I'm sick. If I get the infusion while I'm sick, then I'll get even sicker. Since Remicade is an immunosuppresent, any bug just grows and grows and grows. The nurses won't even think of giving the infusion if a person has the slightest bit of a cold.
I think I'm going to see how today goes with the Princess. Today is day three. If her fever is gone by tomorrow, then I guess it's my turn to go to the doc. I see a diagnosis of bronchitis in my near future.
Then we came home.
And we all got sick.
We've all had the snuffles since about a week after we got home. Then, last week, Little Man got a fever. Just a fever. Take him to the doc and she said that there's a fever virus going around. The fever spikes, give the child Motrin and the fever goes down. This lasts for about three days. Sure enough, he went to the doc on Monday and by Wednesday, he was better. Still snuffling, but no fever.
Now, the Princess has the fever virus. Been pouring the Motrin down her throat to keep it in check. She hasn't spiked as high as Little Man, but it has gotten over 102 Fahrenheit. Once the Motrin kicks in, she wants to go play and run around. But, once that starts wearing off, she's tired and lethargic.
Wonder who's going to get it next?
Me? I've had a cough for two weeks now. It hurts like hell. And the shit that I'm coughing up, ugh. I've put off getting my Remicade treatment for two weeks now. Not good. But, I also can't get the infusion if I'm sick. If I get the infusion while I'm sick, then I'll get even sicker. Since Remicade is an immunosuppresent, any bug just grows and grows and grows. The nurses won't even think of giving the infusion if a person has the slightest bit of a cold.
I think I'm going to see how today goes with the Princess. Today is day three. If her fever is gone by tomorrow, then I guess it's my turn to go to the doc. I see a diagnosis of bronchitis in my near future.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Up and Running.......Again
OK. So, after some personal issues that are working out, I discovered a new, free site in order to sell my wares. This site allows me to have a web store, some bandwidth for pictures and to write about my craft. I can add a blog to my site. And send out newsletters! Anything to pimp my craft! I can do more if I want to pay, but I think I'll see how this pans out first.
So, in between working on Hubby's Father's Day gifts from me and the kids, I'm working on uploading pics and listings to add to my new store.
Here's the link: http://www.freewebs.com/creativecreations08/. Check it out. I dare ya.
In fact, I double dog dare ya!
So, in between working on Hubby's Father's Day gifts from me and the kids, I'm working on uploading pics and listings to add to my new store.
Here's the link: http://www.freewebs.com/creativecreations08/. Check it out. I dare ya.
In fact, I double dog dare ya!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
New Hair
I dyed my hair this past Sunday. Thought that it was going to be lighter than the way it came out. Sadly, it came out WAAAAY too dark. So, I thought, I'll just highlight!
I bought a frosting highlighting kit the other day because I was told that I would get a more natural look from that than hair painting. Yes, I like to torture myself. I always have to make things harder than they have to be.
I pull out this cap with tiny holes all over it. I look at the tiny crochet-like hook that I'm supposed to poke through said holes and pull hair through. I look at it like it's some kind of mideval torture device. I'm supposed to poke this tiny hook through all these holes and pull a small clump of hair through those holes? Yeah, hello!
So, I resign myself to this archaic torture device. I'm always up for a little torture.
Well, it takes me 2 whole hours to pull little bits of hair through the confounded holes. Most of the time, my hair knots up, I have to comb it out and I yank handfuls of hair out of my head.
Is beauty really this worth it?
Finally. I can mix the color. OK. Dump the powder in the trowel, add the activator and then the creme. Mix it all together with the plastic spatula which is at the other end of the hook. OK. Got it. Now I saturate my hair with this stinky mix.
OK. Got the painting done. Piled my hair up on top of my head. Now I have to cover my head with a clear plastic bag. Done.
Now we wait.
During the waiting, I look in the mirror. I started freaking out because my hair is yellow. And I don't mean just yellow...I mean Crayola crayon yellow. Canary yellow. Neon yellow. So do I wash it out? No, I leave the color on for 65 minutes (max is 90).
OK. Time to wash it out. This is the boring part. Rinse the hair. Shampoo. Add the moisturizer and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Rinse that out. Dry off and wrap a towel around my head.
All right...here we go....take the towel off and whip out the blow dryer. Anddddddd....
IT'S GORGEOUS!!!!!!!
Before
I bought a frosting highlighting kit the other day because I was told that I would get a more natural look from that than hair painting. Yes, I like to torture myself. I always have to make things harder than they have to be.
I pull out this cap with tiny holes all over it. I look at the tiny crochet-like hook that I'm supposed to poke through said holes and pull hair through. I look at it like it's some kind of mideval torture device. I'm supposed to poke this tiny hook through all these holes and pull a small clump of hair through those holes? Yeah, hello!
So, I resign myself to this archaic torture device. I'm always up for a little torture.
Well, it takes me 2 whole hours to pull little bits of hair through the confounded holes. Most of the time, my hair knots up, I have to comb it out and I yank handfuls of hair out of my head.
Is beauty really this worth it?
Finally. I can mix the color. OK. Dump the powder in the trowel, add the activator and then the creme. Mix it all together with the plastic spatula which is at the other end of the hook. OK. Got it. Now I saturate my hair with this stinky mix.
OK. Got the painting done. Piled my hair up on top of my head. Now I have to cover my head with a clear plastic bag. Done.
Now we wait.
During the waiting, I look in the mirror. I started freaking out because my hair is yellow. And I don't mean just yellow...I mean Crayola crayon yellow. Canary yellow. Neon yellow. So do I wash it out? No, I leave the color on for 65 minutes (max is 90).
OK. Time to wash it out. This is the boring part. Rinse the hair. Shampoo. Add the moisturizer and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Rinse that out. Dry off and wrap a towel around my head.
All right...here we go....take the towel off and whip out the blow dryer. Anddddddd....
IT'S GORGEOUS!!!!!!!
Before
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
iCraft.ca
I opened my email this morning and find a new message from About.com. Usually, I delete these messages. But, for some reason, I opened it today. Inside is a blog post about a newer website for selling handmade items. Curious, I click on the site.
http://www.icraft.ca
I click on their "About" page and this is an excerpt of what I find:
http://www.icraft.ca
I click on their "About" page and this is an excerpt of what I find:
"We know that everyone has a creative side. But not everyone is able to showcase their work to the world. That's where we come in. Based in Toronto, ON, iCraft.ca exists to connect artists, designers and craftspeople to those who appreciate their work. All creators of unique, one-of-a-kind items, can take advantage of the powerful marketing services offered."
OK. They've piqued my interest.
So, I keep poking around the site. Hey! They're offering free sign-up and fees for one year if you register before March 31. OK. No harm. No foul.
I enter my info. They accept my membership. I post an item. So far, so good.
They're still in the baby stage. Right now, they haven't gone national. But, supposedly, when they do, they're going to do all kinds of national press releases. We'll see.
If this goes big, I'll be happy to have gotten in on the ground floor!
Of course, I'm keeping my Etsy shop as well!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Inspiration from The Princess
So, I was working on a halter. I had cut up a T-shirt to make it into the front and shelf bra. The Princess took one of the sleeves and shimmied it on like a skirt. It got the creative juices flowing in my head that I should make a skirt from the sleeves of the T-shirts!
See, I'm already collecting the backs of the T-shirts to eventually incorporate into a quilt. Most of the shirt is used up in making the halter. The sleeves just get tossed aside and thrown out.
I looked at what she was doing and thought, "That's a great idea! I'll add some fabric on the bottom..." And this is what we get:
I'm really happy with the way that this skirt turned out!!!! And, the bonuses: it looks adorable on her and she really loves it!!!!
Of course, custom orders for one of these are always welcome!!
See, I'm already collecting the backs of the T-shirts to eventually incorporate into a quilt. Most of the shirt is used up in making the halter. The sleeves just get tossed aside and thrown out.
I looked at what she was doing and thought, "That's a great idea! I'll add some fabric on the bottom..." And this is what we get:
I'm really happy with the way that this skirt turned out!!!! And, the bonuses: it looks adorable on her and she really loves it!!!!
Of course, custom orders for one of these are always welcome!!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Tootin My Own Horn!
I just posted two new listings in my shop! Hopefully, they're in time for the holidays this month. I guess they would be...within the US, I can ship as close as four days with Priority...
Anyway.
Using St. Patrick's Day as inspiration, I came up with the Shamrock Forever Bouquet Brooch. I'm really happy with the way these turned out.
And, then, going toward the commercial side of Easter...have to use a cute little bunny!!!!!
So, stop on by and browse! Maybe pick yourself up a new little pretty!!!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Back to Life
Although my candle will shine until Nicholas comes home, it's time to get back to my hum-drum life. My thoughts and hope continue to be with Christine and her family. I still have the section set up in my shop for donations for her (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5491644§ion_id=5326560). But, I've been disheartened by everything that's transpired through the search.
Persons on Etsy started to collect donations innocently enough. There were support threads and donation promo threads. Then the nastiness started. People started reading and posting on outside forums. Then, the Etsy community got bashed. It got ugly. Let's leave it at that.
Unfortunately, the bashing back and forth has left a really bad taste in my mouth for humanity. In a time of tragedy, instead of banding together, it pulled people apart. It left a lot of bad feelings in a good online community. Some even left that community because of it.
I have decided to rise above the animosity and continue to try to build my business on Etsy. I still hang out in the Etc. forum and try to have a good time. Usually, I do. And, usually, I have. I have made some friends on Etsy and I'd like to continue to foster those friendships. These people make me laugh. They make me feel welcome.
So, this will be my last blog entry regarding Nicholas and Christine; unless, of course, he comes home. From here on out, I will continue with my list of shops to feature. I will post entries about the various projects I'm working on. I'll even post about my boring little life once in a while. The Princess will be going to school in the fall, so that should yield some exciting ditties to blog about! :-)
Persons on Etsy started to collect donations innocently enough. There were support threads and donation promo threads. Then the nastiness started. People started reading and posting on outside forums. Then, the Etsy community got bashed. It got ugly. Let's leave it at that.
Unfortunately, the bashing back and forth has left a really bad taste in my mouth for humanity. In a time of tragedy, instead of banding together, it pulled people apart. It left a lot of bad feelings in a good online community. Some even left that community because of it.
I have decided to rise above the animosity and continue to try to build my business on Etsy. I still hang out in the Etc. forum and try to have a good time. Usually, I do. And, usually, I have. I have made some friends on Etsy and I'd like to continue to foster those friendships. These people make me laugh. They make me feel welcome.
So, this will be my last blog entry regarding Nicholas and Christine; unless, of course, he comes home. From here on out, I will continue with my list of shops to feature. I will post entries about the various projects I'm working on. I'll even post about my boring little life once in a while. The Princess will be going to school in the fall, so that should yield some exciting ditties to blog about! :-)
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