by Sarah | Apr 21, 2013 | Books, Hybrid, Tuesday Tales, Writing
The prompt this week was Travel.
Nothing like making it last minute. This is hot off the press as I took the weekend off from writing. Ask me no questions, I’ll tell you no lies…some days I have no idea where this stuff comes from.
Remember, this is a meme with many contributing authors, so make sure to click the link at the bottom of the image to take you to see more!
Anyhow, as always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors. :
I dropped onto the parapet easily. Rather than mess with trying to brush out my hair from my travels, I let the fire course along it and smooth it out. When my father dropped down beside me, his own blue fire crept along his silver scales until he stood tall and regal in human form again.
“There are a few curious questions being thrown my direction.” A sly smile teased the corner of my father’s mouth. “They are wondering how my phoenix grew so large in just a short time.”
My laughter bounced off the stone walls as we began our descent down the stairwell. A screech followed my laughter and the very bird most any dragon that had seen me thought I’d been landed on my father’s shoulder. “Hello, Pyre.”
Pyre bowed his head in my direction and offered another shriek of hello. I wouldn’t swear to it, but I thought the phoenix got sick pleasure from making my human eardrums tingle in distress at his calls.
No one knew the reason Pyre was so close to my father. No one, of course, but myself. It was an unknown fact to the wyvern world that my mother hadn’t been as human as she seemed. Somewhere along the line her family had dabbled in magic enough to acquire phoenix blood. The rare genetic quirk that had spent unknown generations hidden until the added touch of my father’s dragon and gryphon blood brought it to life.
That meant I was related to the nasty bugger on his shoulder, not that we held any great love for each other. It probably didn’t help that as a youngling I’d attempted to see how many ways you could accelerate a phoenix’s combustion to ash.
Surprisingly, there were quite a few.
A smile I should have hidden tugged at my lips.
“I know that look. What wicked deeds are you up to child?” Diane, my human stepmother (the fiftieth one my father had taken) wagged her finger. “I heard talk of your father’s phoenix growing exponentially, but based on your appearance I’d say rumors are false. Hello, dear.”
Jdyne bent to kiss his wife and chuckled. “Apparently Jyoti has decided the time for lies and secrets has passed. I wasn’t aware she’d become so skilled at spreading her fire-wings. You should see her, Diane.”
Rumored descendant of the Goddess Diana herself, Diane had been one of the first humans my father had become enamored with to take his true self in stride. Unlike all others but my mother, she’d insisted on coming to his home. It endeared me to the woman that reminded me much of my own mother. “I can see her now. That’s quite a gown, Jy. I’d be envious if it wouldn’t leave me with ugly scars. Our greetings can wait until you’ve returned from the Assembly and put on human clothes again.”
“The fire would never touch you, D.” I laughed and reached out to squeeze her hand.
“I fear there isn’t much time. It’s unclear how long Alatus will be in the Other World, and Jyoti should report to the Assembly.” Jdyne lifted Pyre from his shoulder and sent the bird into the rafters with the other phoenix gathered above.
All of them eyed me, until the lone female gracefully hopped from her perch and floated down onto my shoulder. Unlike Pyre, Sparkle didn’t shriek, but cooed akin to a dove. I could sense her flames merging with those in my dress.
“Thank you, Sparkle. I’d appreciate the company.” I glanced at my father. His brief nod answered my unasked question. He expected me to help us travel to the next plane to meet with the Assembly. “Shall we, Father?”
“We shall. Diane, we will return for supper. Jyoti will join us.” His tone broached no argument, but Diane cackled.
“Shouldn’t you ask her that?” Diane shook her head. “Jy, my dear. Would you join us for supper? I’ll have Nash make your favorites.”
“I will. Father has assured me my human family won’t notice my absence, so I’d be happy to spend some time before my return.” I set my hand on father’s arm and closed my eyes.
It was time to travel on the power of the phoenix.
The Assembly would certainly be shocked to hell by our entrance.
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Hope you enjoyed it! Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!
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by Sarah | Apr 21, 2013 | All About Learning, Blogging Life, Earth Day Indiana, Indiana Family of Farmers
My kids in school every year learn something about Earth Day.
Most often, I’m brought home acres of paper about the importance of recycling (which I find ironic), and usually a planted seed of some form.
It never feels like enough.
This year there is a great event we plan on attending.
Earth Day Indiana is on April 27th from 11AM-4PM at White River State Park.
It’s FREE.
Did you hear that part?
FREE.
Over 130 exhibits from cleaner fuel to wildlife protection will span the event. With all of that, there has to be something that will suit everyone in your family.
One of the proud sponsors of the event – Indiana’s Family of Farmers – will have two booths at the event.
The ever-popular “Wheel of Ag” encourages visitors to learn more about how Indiana’s farm families work hard on their farms to be good stewards of our land. A variety of farm families from across the state will be on hand to answer questions about their farms.
Then, in the Children’s Tent, IFOF will help kids plant popcorn in biodegradable CowPots to celebrate the “Year of Popcorn” at the Indiana State Fair. How fun is that? I know my girls will be totally excited to plant popcorn!
So if you’re in Indy, pack up the family and head out for the event. There’s going to be so much to do, you’ll be disappointed when the day is over.
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*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by the IFOF. As an IFOF Ambassador I receive compensation for this post. As always, my opinions are quite certainly my own as I would only willingly trade in my true thoughts for about a gazillion dollars and a private island supplied with wifi, a stocked library, and my own personal plastic surgeon (so my lazy butt wouldn’t have to work or diet for that better body I dream of). I can promise, none of that was supplied in this case.
by Sarah | Apr 20, 2013 | A to Z Challenge, All About Me, Random
I started young.
With that book there.
In fact my first nightmare at the age of 2 involved me ripping up my favorite book in my crib. I screamed.
From there it grew to voracious tendencies.
Always with my nose in a book.
Always.
Escaping to other worlds was a wonderful thing to do.
To this day I’m still a reader.
Granted, I go through spurts of non-reading, but then I more than make up for it.
Right now I’m actively reading about 4 books, with several others.
I’m still nothing like the husband.
He’s a speed reader.
Lucky bastard.
*~*~*
The A-Z Challenge has over 1900 participants, all blogging from A to Z this month. Check them out and see if you can’t find a few new favorites!!
by Sarah | Apr 19, 2013 | Books, Challenge, Hex Ranch, Sweet Saturday Samples, Writing
Another Saturday, another sample.
Sweet Saturday Samples are samples of any story, published, unpublished, whatever you like. Any genre is welcome of any heat level – but the samples themselves are all rated PG-13, so yes, all samples are safe for innocent (or not) eyes.
I’m going back to something that’s sitting in my files waiting for my return. A Historical Western Paranormal Romance. How’s that for a tongue twister? Anyway, I call it Hex Ranch. It’s definitely a WIP, and very little is written, but I love the characters. I hope you enjoy it. And don’t forget to check out Sweet Saturday Samples for more samples!
“So are you really a witch?”
Thea let one corner of her lips lift to betray her amusement. “I don’t think that’s an appropriate question Sheriff.”
His brow quirked up, drawing her attention back to the stunning azure of his eyes. Just like the skies in her dreams since she was a girl. “The town is sure you are. After the way your cowhand died, you could be at risk.”
“Oh I doubt that.” She allowed the smile to unfurl to its fullest at the idea he might actually worry for her safety. “They are frightened of the magic they think I got. Like I might turn them all into toads or something.”
“Can you do that?” Seth’s voice dropped to a secretive and excited tone. “Just for curiosities sake.”
“That’s against the laws of nature,” she laughed. “How could you turn a man into something so small? Why try? Why waste magic on such dark things if it’s real?”
“Is it real?”
“Do you believe in God?”
He straightened with a blink and a small shake of his head. Dark brows furrowed together in an adorable twist of confusion. She really could eat the man up if he let her, but for now he was too focused on magic. He opened his mouth, then shut it before he set his hands on his hips. “What’s that got to do with anything?”
“Everything, Sheriff.”
“Not sure I follow.”
She sighed and pulled the hat off her head, twirling it through her fingers with a frown. After a moment she tossed it to the porch and held out her hand, “Come with me. Come on, I promise I ain’t gonna bite unless you want me to.”
After a brief hesitation he set his hand on hers, but before she could pull him away he yanked her close. His face hovered close to hers, sending warm tingles right between her legs at the thought he might kiss her. It had been years since she’d had a man, a good one.
“You’ll behave? Wouldn’t want to arrest you for kidnapping the Sheriff.”
Goddess, she really wanted him to take her right now.
by Sarah | Apr 19, 2013 | A to Z Challenge, All About Me, Random
Thought I’d have a little fun. I can’t remember where I saw this list of questions, but I snagged it and it’s sat in my drafts forever…so I thought there was no better time to haul out random odd questions than for Q day!
Do you have any strange phobias?
YES. I’m terrified of (okay, really more disgusted by) FEET. I totally have podophobia. My husband uses it to torment me on a regular basis. Well, he used to, he’s been very nice the past couple of years.
Do you sleep with or without clothes on?
Uh…definitely clothed. Although my hot-flashes would probably appreciate the other way…
If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?
Sitting and reading, soaking in the sun.
Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?
Oooh, tough call. I don’t have a favorite anymore. I listen to so many different kinds of music that I can’t narrow it down. Although, if you’d asked me this 25 years ago I would have screamed NKOTB…
Do you believe in karma?
Yes. Absolutely.
Who is your celebrity crush?
HUGH. Is there anyone else but Hugh Jackman? Really? Where? Huh…sorry, all I see is HUGH.
What’s a sound you hate; sound you love?
Hate: Musica Maxima. Something else my husband torments me with…he even saved it to a CD when we got rid of our old computer because the new one didn’t have it.
I still love the sound of rain…even as it’s currently destroying our crawl space, I still love the sound of a good thunderstorm.
Choose: East Coast or West Coast?
EAST coast. I’m a Buffalo baby…and I lived in Maryland for a while and would cruise up the 3 hours to NYC whenever I could. I may live in the midwest now and be a reluctant Hoosier…but I’m and East Coast all the way.
What was the last book you read?
I read multiple books at once. So I just finished two, and have a few more on my reader. What I just finished was:
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – I’ve been re-reading the whole series.
Aces Wild by Fiona Druce. She’s one of my critique partners and write’s some hilarious stuff.
Do you like the smell of gasoline?
Totally. I remember how I used to hang my head out the window at the gas station when mom filled up the tank.
Do you have any nicknames?
Sadie. In high school I had the nickname Gerbil.
What was the last movie you saw?
Um…Oh, crap. Unfortunately it was The Sessions. Not impressed. It wasn’t bad, but…not impressed.
Before that it was the newest Star Trek. Sometime this weekend it will be Galaxy Quest (I love that damn movie)
What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?
That would be the ankle sprain. I’ve sprained the same ankle in the exact same way three times, every nine years from the age of 18. It sucks.
What’s the last thing you purchased?
Supplies to make some book swag. Outside of that, it would be books for the kindle and nook.
Can you touch your nose with your tongue?
Nope. I do not have a talented tongue.
Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?
Unfortunately, yes. I hate pink, but there are a pair of lightweight dumbbells and one pink envelope from something.
What’s your favorite animal?
Horses. Hubs thinks they’re mean and nasty but I always loved horses. As far as pets go, I totally dig dogs.
What were you doing last night at 12 AM?
I was finishing Aces Wild and watching TV (I multitask)
What’s a song that always makes you happy when you hear it?
1985 by Bowling for Soup.
What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?
Uh…the single best? Nope, can’t do it. I can’t pick out one ultimate best decision…oh, wait I can, but can’t elaborate on it. So I’ll just say it was to be a mom.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Lithium by Evanescence
What is your current desktop picture?
The same one it’s been for years. My first ever perfect full moon shot. This one here:
You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again?
Any 30 minutes with my grandparents back in New York would work. I miss them terribly some days.
You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?
Colorado, I think. If all I have is the plane ticket and just the one, Colorado. So beautiful. But if we’re talking all around trip for the family, it’s obviously going to be Disney World.
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The A-Z Challenge has over 1900 participants, all blogging from A to Z this month. Check them out and see if you can’t find a few new favorites!!
The prompt this week was Travel.
