Very Short Stories, week 6

I’m back again with my very short stories for the week! The past days have been a challenge for me, but at least I’m keeping up with these.

As always, the ‘#’ in front of the word indicates it was the prompt word that day. Feel free to try them yourself and post the end result. They are meant to be the size of a Tweet if you do take up the gauntlet though!

Anyways, I hope you enjoy them!

 

May 21st

On the edge of the world, her hair twirled about thanks to the wind, its words #susurrus in her ear. The meaning was not lost on her, and she stretched her hands out, falling forward. The ground loomed towards her, but her wings unfurled to catch the mischievous air.

 

May 22nd

She sat, clipped in by the ride’s attendant, and waited for the long hike up the steepest of hills. The sound of gears greeted her ears, and the seats lurched forward to the pinnacle. Her heart pounded a vicious beat from the #frisson of it all, and the carts dropped off.

 

May 23rd

#Gossamer curtains were tied back in bows, and lined the harem. Females milled about the room. Their laughter echoed as did their soft whispers. Gossip fueled the hive and its secret desires.

But this was all shattered when guards opened the door for their master.

 

May 24th

Like a toxin, the #vile sensation of failure crept through her veins, and wrapped itself around her heart and mind. Its dark hands touched everything. It eradicated hope, joy, and happiness only to leave sorrow and a sense of bitter emptiness in its wake. Succumb, it said

 

May 25th

The #verdant green house was beautiful in the spring. Flowers carried tender buds, waiting to bloom, and vines climbed freely to new heights. Plants shed winter’s cold blanket to blossom under the sun’s rays.
She breathed in the smell of life deeply and continued misting

 

May 26th

She clasped her hands over her own mouth, desperate to suffocate the screams in her throat. Surrounded by darkness, she waited for her predator to disappear, but the footsteps continued towards her.  She ran with the heavy #breath of wind pushing her past her limits.

 

May 27th

The #Silence was an entity of its own creation, and ripped through the astral plane to emerge onto the physical plane. Garbed in blacks robes like the Grim Reaper, its slow steps made no sound on the crunchy, fallen leaves. Animals fled in panic, their voices stolen.

Mourning

She clasped her grandmother’s hand in hers,
stunned by the weakness and frailty
of the skinny fingers.
 
Machines beeped in the sanitary hospital room.
The words ‘Palliative Care’
Crisp on the walls.
 
A sob was wrenched from her mother’s throat
And she watched the first tear drop
Many would soon follow.
 
Wetness coated her own cheeks in silence
Unable to disrupt the mourning
Despite the life beside them.
 
That night her father came to get her from the dreary room
And her mother urged her to go and said,
“Grandma won’t pass if you’re here.”
 
She offered a weak smile, knowing her grandpa was there
In spirit for both her mom and grandma
And she walked away willingly.
 
In the middle of the night, she woke to heartbreak
And knew her grandma had left this world.
A happy soul now gone forever.
 
Cries echoed down the hallway when her mother returned
And she wiped away her own sorrows to put on her face.
A warrior’s mask to support her mom
And fight her demons with her.

Wings Fall

Feathered wings beat the sky beneath

Rising higher and higher.

She smiled at the sun, its welcome warmth

And soared through the clouds.

Her hand reached for the softness of the blue sea

Yet grasped nothing within her palm.
Her red curls danced on her ivory shoulders

Now in the darkness above the clouds.

The stars shimmered, pure joy

And she breathed deep of the night.

Time passed slow as a blink

And she let herself plummet to the ground.

 

She sunk as if she were a rock dropped

And she savoured every moment of the fall.

Very Short Stories, Week 5

Hello again! My promised Monday post of my very short stories for the week, and I hope you enjoy them!

The ‘#’ in front of the one word means it was the prompt word for that day, and there were some really tricky ones this past week. Still, I managed to rise to the challenge, and enhance my vocabulary by working something out.

To my fellow Canadians, hope your are enjoying the long weekend, and Victoria’s Day! My husband and I are setting off some fireworks tonight (in hopes of shrinking our far too large collection).

Anyways, take care of yourselves!

 

May 14th

The body lay there, #supine, in the grassy knoll, and haunted eyes stared towards the starry skies. Blood outlined the corpse in a crimson aura, morbid yet beautiful.

Howls of wolves echoed through the night, an eerie song to mourn the dead under a moonless night.

 

May 15th

Music pounded above the chatter, the beat louder than the melody, but she swayed to it. Downing her whiskey in a chug, she rose from the table, and danced to the center of the writhing bodies. Surrounded on all sides, she twirled her #lithe form like a lustful seductress.

 

May 16th

A roar echoed through the stone cavern, drowning out the sound of hooves. What the… he thought, and aimed his flashlight’s beam towards the noise. It lit up the source, revealing a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and its prehensile snake tail.  #Chimera! he screamed and ran

 

May 17th

The #flotsam spanned the better part of a mile. Fires burned idly on barrels and pieces of wood strewn about the waves. The clear waters showed the vessel beneath, ripped asunder by cruel whims. Only one thing stood out to the ship that happened upon it; no bodies.

 

May 18th

Dust filled the wind, swirling to and fro in its grasp. It filled the lungs of the townspeople, and they hacked to rid themselves of its dryness.

Clouds filled the sky in the early evening hours, and rain fell to the ground in a sudden fury. The #petrichor was welcomed.

 

May 19th

Walking past the Bath and Body Works store was excruciating for them. The fragrant products had a strong #sillage, and rid the oxygen from the space. The scents clashed, waging war in their nostrils, and all that would come from it was a headache.

 

May 20th

His fingers brushed the side of her cheek as he placed a wayward strand behind her ear. She sucked in her breath, sensing his hesitation, and shivered in delight when his lips found hers at last.

The #myriad of voices in her head were silenced in that brief moment.

Apologies

Hello! It’s been a while since I did a post. A lot longer than it should have been if I am honest. Shit happens though.

After spending most of April sick with various things, I’ve struggled to get back on top of things. My energy has been an all time low, and my moods have been wonky to boot, too. It wasn’t helped by the continually rainy weather, and the lack of time the day seems to hold. My growing to-do list was the final straw on this camel’s back.

So….

Today, Andrew and I cleaned the house from top to bottom. Fur covered everything as did dust, and dirty paw/foot prints, too. I guess that’s what happens when you drop the ball on cleaning, and your husband has no idea how to do it without you.

It got done though!

The slump I’ve been in is slowly dissipating, and getting the house all sorted was exactly what I needed to get back on top. However, I wouldn’t have been able to do it this weekend if my sister hadn’t helped me start working out again. Doing yoga every day, and holding each other accountable, has been the cherry on top. I’m sore from it, but progress is pain!

Tomorrow, we’ll be doing a few other things in the backyard in time for true spring/summer to arrive! Putting up some solar lights for ambience (and functionality so our dogs don’t get sprayed by skunks), and prepping the veggie garden. We’ll empty some of the pots of the old plants from last year since pick up of yard work stuff is this week.

The big thing I’m excited about though, is this Tuesday! My reader is done double checking my new sections of my book, and I can start editing/revising it again! YAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!

Full disclosure, she finished it last weekend, but multiple appointments for my mom, husband, and myself kept me from getting started on it. (Plus the aforementioned slump). But I’m starting it this week and I can’t wait!

Tonight, I’m treating myself to a girls’ night in with my mom, a friend, and my future sister-in-law! I might even have a true drink! Who knows?!

Anyways, I’m feeling more energetic, happy, and just in general better so hopefully I’ll be posting more!

Take care of yourselves!

Very Short Stories, Week 4

Really enjoying creating these every single day! I have noticed I tend towards certain themes and words though, and I’m trying to break free of it. Thus, if any of the following seem awkward I apologize and hope you managed to enjoy anyways!

Tips welcomed as always!

 

May 7th

Roots dug mines through the dirt, hunting for water. The soil itself was fragile, and its nutrients grew weaker with time. #Ephemeral flowers dotted the surface though, and their blooms brought visitors. The sound of bumble bees and birds lit the calm, sunny afternoon.

 

May 8th

The dogs kicked and snored, chasing rabbits in their dreams. She smiled at them, and looked to her side where her husband slept. She rolled over, resting a hand on his side, and placed a light kiss on his cheek. When his eyes opened, she whispered, “I #love you.”

 

May 9th

Dreams woke her from the soundest sleep. She choked back the scream building in her throat for what she had seen was a vision, a dark tale to be told. Blood boiled beneath flesh, scarring bone. At its #zenith, bodies wailed and vanished as dark wings unfurled into the sky.

 

May 10th

The ground was a cloud beneath her feet, soft, fluffy, and… dense. Floating above the world, she dared look down to admire the seas of forest and the spots of wild flowers. In seconds, the plants vanished, and concrete and asphalt claimed the world. Life was #surreal.

 

May 11th

M A narrow tunnel led to the underground facility, carved straight down at first before it twisted into a single level. Not one window allowed light in, and yet children grew in the #aphotic site. Plants reached for an invisible sky under tender care, thriving in the dark.

 

May 12th

Armed with a cloth, her hands wiped the surfaces of the home, removing the tiniest specks of dust and dirt. Her every step a soft bounce as she danced to the music blaring from her stereo. Beads of sweat formed on her brow, but the smile on her lips was #beatific.

 

May 13th

The #Azure gemstone graced the silver engagement ring like snow on a mountain peak. It belonged to it; both pieces of the same puzzle. Careful hands pulled it from its velvet shelter, and slid it on to a delicate finger. Smiles as bright as the sun graced their lips.

Bye-bye, Friend

We were best friends

Sisters of the Soul

And its death almost killed me.

 

You spread rumors, lies,

Told people I was a lesbian

Just to hurt me.

 

You watched my boyfriend slap me

In public. At a movie theatre.

And you’re friends with him now, not me.

 

You messaged me, to reunite,

And I replied, stupidly, with hope.

I tried to talk yet months passed, no word.

 

Then I knew it was dead, long gone.

I told you I was done, had to be.

I’m not keeping ‘friends’ that use me.

Fire’s Future

All flames burn down to ashes,
Left unattended, abandoned.
Much like gardens left to weeds,
And sparse rain falls.
 
Looking at my fire,
It weakens, only to grow again.
 
The wood I carry,
My dreams, my hopes, my desires,
But I carry my failures,
And my shortcomings, too.
If I burn only for a future,
What point was the past?
 
Learn from the letdowns,
And burn brighter for it.
 
The phoenix I hold inside,
Might die with the cruel waves of time.
It has come close before,
But still, I stroke it’s soft feathers,
And step forward into the night.
I will make my own sunshine,
My own fair weather days.
 
Until then, I prod the wood on fire,
And add fuel to its crimson flames.

Very Short Stories, Week 3

Despite being sick the whole week with a cold that knocked me on my ass, I kept strong with the very short stories. Gave me a reason to crawl out of bed, and shun sleep a little while longer. Hope you enjoy them!

April 30th

Like a flash of lightning, her last breath was gone. She was still as if made of stone, laid on the bed. Only a hint of air shifted her grey hair; the only movement in the silent room.

Death’s cloak enveloped her, hands held in solitude, and they #vanished together.

 

May 1st

The flutist’s fingers were adept upon the keys of her instrument, creating an illusion of springtime. The scent of flowers, lustrous and bright, filled the air, and the audience edged ever forward. A soft note echoed, the #cadence fulfilled, and the band joined in her.

 

May 2nd

#Effervescence was the only word to describe the thunderstorm. Lightning crackled in forked vines across a liquid black sky. The flashes sparkled in the droplets of rain, danced about by the fierce wind. It all hit the ground in large crashes, loud enough to tumble houses.

 

May 3rd

The battle rang with steel clashing against steel, and the whistles of arrows meant to kill. Yet there was a lone woman on the field, surrounded by enemies. Attired in light leather, she looked #demure even with a long sword clenched in her fists, raised to her opponents.

 

May 4th

Waves of navy blue crested in white caps rocked the ship from side to side. The wind screamed against the haul, whipping the men about underneath the rain.
“At least it can’t get any worse!” they said.
Looking past the stern, the captain screamed in fury, “#maelstrom!”

 

May 5th

Gunfire ricocheted off the buildings along with the sound of footsteps and shouted commands. Shaking off the nostalgia of buried memories, she raced towards her brothers at arms. This is no time to #reminisce, she brooded, and showered her enemies with metallic death.

May 6th

The #waif stood alone, hidden in the shadows cast by a noon day sun. A weak smile took form on his thin lips at the sight of the man in a suit. The man’s pocket drooped with the weight of a wallet, and the child would gladly take the burden from him.

Blogger Recognition Award

Blogger.Recognition.Award

 

 

Today, I was nominated for the Blogger Recognition Award, and that blew me away! I couldn’t believe it, and it gives me a chance to thank some great followers.

Thank you, Charli Dee ( https://lifewithcharli.home.blog/ ) for nominating me! I really appreciate it, and love the support you’ve given me! Your blog has been awesome to follow with the different things you talk about, and I always look forward to your posts.

Now about the Blogger Recognition Award:

The Blogger Recognition Award is an online award given by bloggers to other bloggers. It is a way to recognize the work of other bloggers, and award them for the work they put into putting out blog posts. It is definitely hard work, so I’m very honored to be receiving this award!

Rules:

  1. Thank the nominator, and publish a post on your blog about receiving the Blogger Recognition Award. Make sure to provide a link to the nominator’s blog in your post.
  2. Give a brief story of how your blog started.
  3. Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers.
  4. Nominate 10-15 other bloggers for this award, and inform them of their nomination.

How My Blog Started

Kem’s Journey started out as a way to motivate me to keep writing, and it has helped immensely in that regard. It doesn’t hurt that I am building a following, and this blog encouraged me to explore other social media platforms like Twitter (@KEMwriting). There are so many amazing people out there who ask great questions, provide informing answers, and offer support on bad days. My blog may have started out in one place, but it has taken me to others on the way!

While I keep working away on my book, I post my other attempts in the realm of writing. I have enjoyed writing and reading since I was a child, and I wish I had of kept at it instead of waiting to pick it back up! I now call myself a writer (regardless of not being published), and it is going to stay that way!

Advice to New Bloggers

I’m not sure I am really qualified to give advice in this regard as I’m pretty much winging it. I guess I’ll make an attempt.

  1. Take the time to read other people’s blogs and comment when you can. Some of these connections will be genuine and worth the world. Bloggers should support each other when able, and you’ll need it at the end of the day, too.
  2. Find your voice, your reason, your meaning, and talk about it! You’ll stray every now and then, and that’s fine! Just remember your blog is about you and your PASSION so embrace it, and talk about it!
  3. Make the time for your blog now, because you will regret it later if you don’t! I try and post something every day, but there are times when I don’t. You got to get back up, though, and write that post.

Nominees

  1. Weronika Donovan – https://painted-poems.blog/
  2. Buddhadosha – https://dkflosi.wordpress.com/
  3. Ilona Pulianauskaite – https://easydiet.blog/
  4. Cristian Mihai – https://cristianmihai.net/  and/or  https://artofblogging.net/
  5. Peter Edwards – https://littlefears.co.uk/
  6. Luna – https://lunatheblog.com/
  7. A Collective of Individuals – https://pointlessoverthinking.com/
  8. Elizabeth Ramadi – https://poetkisses.blog/
  9. CJ Porter – https://potheadtoprovidence.com/
  10. Frank Solanki – https://franksolanki.com/
  11. https://shortstoryscribe.wordpress.com/
  12. https://theintrospectivescribbleronline.wordpress.com/
  13. https://pmuink.com/
  14. https://dirtyscifibuddha.com/
  15. https://thematicallymeandering.com/