This time of year.

This time of year...

Each year, as winter approaches and the cold starts to settle in, I can’t help but reflect.  Perhaps persuade by the impending months of cold isolation, or maybe for reasons all my own, my thought often turn to sadness; the people I’ve lost and people the world has lost. I try to take comfort in the joyful memories these people brought to those who knew them.

Death, of course, is the ultimate ‘loss’ of which I speak. I can’t begin to explain the pain and emptiness in the heart. I can only hope that no one else knows this same feeling, but the truth is that we will all lose someone. No longer being able to hug or kiss or talk to that special person ever again; it’s devastating. Although the pain may fade over time, the emptiness left behind, will never really go away.  They will live on every time we are reminded… an uncle, spouse, friend, child, beloved pet…

There are other losses, too.

There are the people who have touched our lives in some other way; the singers, actors, celebrity, sports figures and other ‘famous’ folks. Though we may have never met them in person, we feel a connection to them through their work. They shared a little bit of themselves with so many. The joys they brought to the world may live on, but the loss of these talented people touch all who enjoyed their contributions.

But death isn’t the only loss.

I look back at the friends and colleagues with whom I’ve lost touch. Don’t get me wrong, there are some that I’m happy to have out of my life, but not all, not by a long shot.  I often wonder how they’re doing, how their family is doing, if they are still with the same person with whom they were so much in love. I hope they're doing well and living a good life and I wish them all the best. The loss I feel for these folks is more subtle, but still real.

The sense of loss, it seems, can exist for not just people. Whenever I am reminded of a fond memory of a simpler time from my childhood or even from a few years ago; when I see the change of a familiar landmark into a sparkling new shopping center. The loss of the things that have always been there, but are no longer. The unrelenting rumble of change, to modernize, update and revise can be very unsettling, and often leave a void and longing for times gone by. Change, though not always, can be good, but is usually unsettling.

The things we’ve done, the places we’ve been and the people we knew from yesteryear, will live on in pictures and notes and memories. 

The future is as bright as we want it to be, as we want to make it.

Right now, the things we do and say, the people in our lives today; it’s up to us to make the most of it. Tell that person you love them. Shave a smile with a passer-by. Greet each new day and place and event with joy in your heart and kindness in your eyes. The lives we touch and the emotions we generate and share make for a much more rewarding here-and-now and will only enrich the memories we will look back on from tomorrow.

To all in my life; thank you for all that you are to me; near and far, friends and family. Thanks for the memories, the happiness and the prospect of many more wonderful adventures together.

Love and peace to each and every one of you.

Cheers.



...do the best you can, make the best of each moment, and make it count:

Source: candidmyst.tumblr.com

Fish: Forever swimming.

I have these Fish at the side of my blog... ->
and they got me thinking about a pond of fish and how memorizing watching fish can be...

The fish, the fish keep moving, never stopping for a moment. From one side of the pond to the other, back and forth they swim. 

They hide from me and from the light of day in and around and under the plant life in their limited but ample habitat.

They nibble near the surface on some unseen morsels of nourishment, perhaps an insect to small to detect.

They are dizzying and calming, rhythmic and chaotic. They swim for a moment all together, as a single entity, then break apart as separate beings.

Do they know I’m sitting watching them? Here, so near to the edge of the pond, my toes almost dipping in, almost.

The sun catches their scales and reflects a blinding flash. I have to blink, but I know just where to find them when I open my eyes once more; still swimming, just out of reach.

I dip in a toe to test the waters, too cold, to wet. 

The ripples emanate out, upsetting the glass-like surface, and I notice the fish as they are drawn to the disturbance, perhaps in anticipation of a fallen fly or beetle.

They wiggle closer, looking for their next meal.

I ready my self.

Closer.

Wait a moment longer.

Then I strike, claws extended.

In a split second, I have one hooked and on the bank beside me.

Mmmm.

Lunch.

Meow.

Ya - my life has been pretty cat-centric these days. 

Waddayagonnado?

Hope you enjoyed.

Cheers.

Meow.

Back at it.

I took a break, but now I'm back at it.
We had a Craft Sale this past Saturday and the preparation was very time consuming.

Sunday I had an 6 hour writing workshop, and as one might imagine, it started off with a writing exercise. We had 4 minutes each to interview and be interviewed by everyone in the workshop. The exercise was to them write a character sketch, or a scene or a story about a character that was a composite of the people we interviewed. Very cool idea, difficult to do within such a contrived situation, but something that we (can) do with people we meet or know in our daily lives.

Here's mine: Again - the formatting didn't come through very well.

INT. KAYLEE’S BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT.

Cindy, a young girl of 5, with blond pigtails, and in a pink nightgown is huddled under the covers with big sister Kaylee.

Kaylee gently rocks Cindy and strokes her hair.

                    KAYLEE
          Shhh, it’ll be alright sweetie, 
          you’re safe now.

Cindy, whimpering, snuggles in for more comfort.

                    CINDY                              
          But I don’t want to move, Kay.

                    KAYLEE                              
          It’ll be alright, it’ll be an adventure. 
          Think of all the new friends we’ll make.

                    CINDY                              
          I don’t want new friends, I want my old 
          friends, and I want Daddy.

Cindy’s crying turns her words to gibberish. 

Kaylee continues to gently rock her sister and stroke her hair.

EXT. FRONT LAWN - EARLY MORNING

The beautiful PEI coastline in the backpack, fishing boats at dock, fishermen milling about.
Cindy, with her blanket and colourful blanket, stands sobbing beside a Toyota, packed with suitcases.

Kaylee, hauling another suitcase, exists the delightfully quaint house. The airport check-in label on the suitcase reads 'Whitehorse'.

Kaylee and Cindy’s Mom follows, and locked the door behind her.

A ‘For Sale’ sign is neatly planted on the front lawn.

Obviously it's only a part of something that could be more, but again, the idea was to see how to make a composite character and to get us writing.

Now that the pressure is off a little, I hope to get back to writing every day. If I do, I intend to post. :)

Hope you enjoyed.
Cheers and have a great day.

Nov. 10th 2014

Had writing class tonight. Watched a video about how writers should write every day. To say procrastination is counterproductive, is a huge understatement.

Since I've started writing, since my first class, I've always told myself that to be a writer, I must write. It makes sense that I at least try to write every day. Not all days are ease and many produce a haphazard sub-par conglomeration of words that don't mean much to anyone, but writers write, and so I write. For better of worse...

Today's exerciser consisted of listening to 9/10 of a short story and writing our own ending - perhaps a page or so - without any idea of how the story turns out.  The tone and characters are already established by the time we jump in, so it's a challenge, but I was very impressed with what everyone came up with.

Below is what I came up with (with a few modifications), not that I have the first part to post, so this may be a little confusing and unsatisfying, but it's what I wrote today...

The young man plodded alone, along the hard, hot sand to his hotel. With the soggy rubber float still in hand, he enters a luxury suit, beautifully decorated with lavish paintings and expensive rugs. Complimentary baskets of fruit and muffins on every table.

On an overly ornate velvet sofa, sits a young lady. She's reading an 'Elaborate Lifestyles' magazine as a hotel masseuse gives her a pedicure.

"Is that you?" she calls with out looking up.

"Yes Dear" He answers cheerfully.

"You've not been to the beach again, have you?" She flips a page.

His shoulders drop, "Yes Dear."

"Must you Darling? You track in all that sand". She scans the pictures in the magazine and flips another page.

Brushing the sand from his robe, "Sorry Dear."

"It's all right I suppose" she remarks, her nose still in the pages, "but do tidy up, we have reservations at 'Le Grand' and I don't want you smelling of the beach".

Dejected, "No Dear."


And, that's that.

Not sure if it will mean anything to anyone, but it was an interesting exercise.
Point being... Write, write, write.

On that note
Cheers and G'Night!!

Nov. 9, 2014 Billy and Mary

It's not long.
It was inspired by a story my mom told me about when she was little. Things are a lot different from when she when to school, even from when I went to school, but kids will always be kids, and moms will always be moms!!

I’m gonna do it. And I’m not afraid. I’m a big boy now and I don’t need my mommy to walk me to school. I’m gonna walk to school on my own. She even said I could.

Here I go. I’m walking down the driveway and past the fence.

No problem so far.

Now, down the street and past the house with the big scary tree. If I go a little faster, the spooky things that live in the tree won’t catch me.

Now I have to pass the house with the mean dog. I hope he’s not out in the yard. I don’t like it when he barks at me.

Oh no, I see him on the step. It looks like he’s sleeping.

I’ll just be very quiet while I pass by, quiet and fast.

Made it.

Now around the corner and cross the street, I first press the button and wait for the light to turn red for the cars, then I look both ways.  I’m across.

I can see the school yard, I’m almost there. Just a few more steps and I’ve made it.

I knew I could do it. I’m a big boy.

  ***

Beep beep beep…

“Hello Joan, it’s Mary.

Billy insisted he’s big enough to walk to school.

He just left the house, walking down the laneway now, can you take a look outside to make sure he’s ok as he passes your house?

He is? Great, thanks very much.

I’ll call June, chat later.

“Hello June, it’s Mary.

Is Bowser outside this morning? On the step?

Ok, well, can you please take a look outside and let me know if Billy is…

He’s passing by now? Thanks so much. See you later.

“Hello Jill, it’s Mary.

Billy’s walking to school on his own this morning, would you mind taking a peak outside to see if he’s ok crossing the street?  Thanks so much.

You see him? He’s looking both ways? Oh that’s great.

He’s safely across and has reached the school yard?

Thanks for checking Mary, see you at Bridge tonight.

Hope you enjoyed.

Cheers and good night.

:)

Nov. 8 2014 - Cow Caper

Super tired tonight. It's been a really long day.

I haven't written today, and I need to sleep.

Instead, here's the script I entered in to the round one of NYCMidnight's short screen play challenge - round one.
Hope you  enjoy Cow Caper :)

Also hope to get back to writing tomorrow.

Good night.

Nov. 7th 2014

Yup, so - not sure what inspired me for this one.

Won't say any more... read on.

I had a ton of problems in my life, to many to count, but none of them had anything thing to do with women-folk.

Ever since I was a youngen I had ‘em all wrapped around my finger. My ma, grandma, my aunts and all the neighbour women always thought I was a sweetest little boy and would so anything to keep me smiling and making big eyes at ‘em. I could get sweets and cakes and pretty much anything I wanted as long as I gave ‘em a big smile and looked at ‘em with my baby blues.

When I got older, all the girls in the neighbourhood wanted to be near me. They were drawn to me like moths to a flame, even before I had any interest in ‘em. But it had it’s perks, I would always get homemade snacks at recess, and I always had a seat on the bus rides.

When I started to like the attention, it only fuelled their attraction. They were hangin’ off me at the high school dances and I always had a pretty girl on my arm every Friday and Saturday night. It didn’t slow down in collage either, I never had a lonely night, or a lonely bed. I always gave the smart ones an extra wink, and they always helped me out with whatever homework was assigned.

Yep, me and girls were just meant to be.

I finally did settle down with a pretty young girl a met in my final year of collage. We were both studying in the library one evening and happened to reach for the same reference book. 

She took to me like a fish to water, wanted to know everything about me; where I grew up, what I was studying, and what I wanted to do.  She was sweet, pretty and smart. we got along great, found the same things funny, or sad, or touching.  We stayed together for a long time, and I finally figured it was time to ask her to marry me.

But still, I had her wrapped around my finger. She loved me, and I loves her too, but I could get her to do just about anything.

Well, I finally met my match, and things have never been the same again.

It happened late one night. I was in the waiting room of the hospital; my wife had been wheeled in by the ambulance and emergency staff.

I filled out forms and paced nervously, waited impatiently.

A nurse burst through the double doors that separated me from my wife’s screaming and asked me to come in, that it was time. My wife had been having abdominal pains, horrifying, terrible, excruciating pains.

I suppose it was to be expected, she was in labour after all.

And then, after what seemed like hours of torture, my wife gave birth to our daughter.

The nurse cleaned her up, wrapped her in a pink blanked and handed her to me.

I held her in my arms, not knowing what to say, or what to do, just knowing that my life would never be the same, and that my ability to control all the women-folk in my life had come to a crashing halt. I knew, as I looked at my beautiful perfect little daughter, that it was she who had me wrapped around her tiny little finger.

And that's a wrap.

G'night folks.

Nov. 6, 2014

For today’s writing, I was inspired by innocents and the wonderment of youth.

Hope you like:

“Hurry” She cried “It’s almost time.”  She could barely contain herself, her excitement was overflowing.

“Calm down Pumpkin, we won’t miss it, I promise.” I scooped her up in my arms and swing her around as she giggled. “My, but you’re getting big.”

I made sure the door was locked behind me and we set to walking the two and half block to the park.  Even before we reached the end of the drive, we could hear the festival noises.

“Hurry,” she shouted and ran ahead a ways.

Above and beyond the roofs of the neighbouring housed, peeked the top of a large red and white tent. Sirens and shouts of merriment became clearer as we walked.

“We’re going to miss it, hurry Poppa.”

I smiles and jogged a little to catch up with her.

Her face exploded with excitement as we turned down the path to the park; clowns and balloons and candyfloss and streamers and so many people. It was too much for her little six-year-old brain to comprehend and she let out a squeal of delight.

She stood a moment taking it all in.

I scooped her up again and weaved our way through the mingle of people and neared the grandstand. Her eyes were wide, taking in every sight.

I found us a nice place to stand and watch the coming events.

An air-horn blast, and everyone’s attention was at center stage.

A young chap and an older man stood together in front of a small group of people.  The young chap adjusted the microphone and tapped it. The older man began to speak.

“Welcome everyone to the first ever Jasperville Festival!”

Everyone cheered letting out hoots and hollers. The older man went on with a few speeches and introductions, but soon enough, he summed it up. “Without any further delay, on with the Jasperville Festival Parade!” 

The crowd one again shouted their approval.

In my arms, my little miss began to wiggle. “Now Poppa, is it now?” and to her utter delight, out came the seemingly giant horses, eight at a time, pulling fancy wagons driven.

She let out another squeal and watched as the teams passed close enough to hear the beating of their hearts.  She could almost reach out and touch the fancy ribbons and shinny buckles on the bridles.

On each of the wagon, rode tumblers and jugglers performing their craft. On one wagon, several clowns were handing out balloons.

She reached out her tiny little hand and was handed a big red balloon with colourful ribbons to hold onto.  I made sure to grab a hold too, just to make sure.

She watched in awe as next, the other livestock made the rounds; goats and sheep, llamas and donkeys, cows, pigs, even some dogs took part in the show.

Even before the final participant made their way past, the crowd had began to disperse, but not us, she was determined not to miss a single thing.

Eventually, we made out way to the displays of wondrous creations, quilting, crafts, woodwork and the like. Home baked treats for sale and samples to taste, jams, jellies, and honey.

And there were games to play, the likes of which she had never imaged; fishing games, throwing games, games with balloons and darts, rings to toss and so many colourful prises to win.

By the end of the day she was so worn out that she could barely keep here eyes open.

She snuggled her face in my shoulder and quickly fell asleep. I cradled her in my arms all the way home.

What a day, such excitement, I, too was exhausted.

I struggled a bit, to get my key to unlock the door, but I managed.

I carefully carried my sweet girl upstairs and into her room.

She stirred as I placed her on her bed.

“Poppa,” She asked. “are we home?”

“Yes sweetheart,” as I took off her shoes. “Did you have fun today?”

Through sleepy eyes she looked at me, smiled and nodded. “Ya know what” she continued, “I think Momma would have had fun too.”

I smiled back at my sweet little princess as I tucked her in, “I think so too sweetie”

I kissed her gently on the forehead and she drifted off to sleep.

I wasn’t sure where this was going until I got there.

Hope you enjoyed.

Cheers.

Nov. 5, 2014

Writing again… this isn’t what I initially wanted to do tonight, but I let my fingers and imagination go where they wanted…

The winter winds were howling through the cracks in the barn boards. Inside, behind the horses and hay, wrapped in a blanket…

... wrapped in a blanket was the farmer’s daughter in the arms of the strapping young farm hand, only half dressed, the look of passion in their eyes. They tumbled together, without a care in the world. The cold outside could not extinguish their heated lust.

... wrapped in a blanket was a young child.  Terrified and alone, seeking shelter from the storm. His eyes darted with fear at every creak and moan of the old barn.  The horses paid him no head as he huddled alone and afraid.

... wrapped in a blanket was the beginning of new life. Mittens the farm cat, was nursing her six new born kittens. The farmer’s youngest daughter looked on in amazement. She had snuck out of the house to make sure the kittens were safe.

... wrapped in a blanket was the body of a local boy. He and his band of thugs had been taunting the old farmer, calling him names, vandalizing his property and killing his chickens. Finally, the farmer had had enough. He took the opportunity late one night when he saw the boy in town, alone. He waited for just the right moment, then, without hesitation, he ran him down.  The farmer hauled the body into the back of the truck and brought the lifeless boy back to his barn. He would dispose of the body once the weather let up.

I had started to write and I realized that the first sentence might set the scene, but that there were lots of different places to go from there.

Maybe I should have ended with the kittens….

Cheers and Sweet Dreams.  ;)

Nov. 4, 2014

I guess I was inspired by last night’s writing exercise. I notice that neither of them were from a male perspective… thought I would give it a try.

“She told him that she loved him.”

She told him that she loved only him.

I heard it clear as day and it broke my heart.

He was my best friend I and wanted him to be happy, but she was the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.

The was she lights up a room with her smile, the way her laugh can bring your out of a deep sadness, the way the touch of her hand lights a fire within.

I was totally and deeply in love with her.

I hated that she loved him.

Every morning I wake up and she is the first thought in my mind, and the last reflection before I close my eyes every night. She even infiltrated my dreams.

She sings when she’s happy. I don’t think she knows I hear her, but when things are going her way and she’s in a good mood, she sings with the radio. Sometimes when the moment hits her, she even dances a little.

I’ve caught myself watching her, being captured by her every movement.

I am in love with her.

But she said she loved only him.

I guess I’m happy for him.

He’s a great guy. I’ve known him for years and years. We were like brothers all through high school. Same classes, football team together, drivers’ ed. class. We even double dated.

So, I guess I’m happy for him.

I can understand why she’s into him, he’s funny and smart and I guess he’s good lookin’; tall and pretty well built. He’s a charmer, could talk just about anyone into doing just about anything.

It’s just that, I’m all those things too.

Why him and not me?

She told me something too once… that she thought I was great, really sweet. That she really valued my friendship.

At the time, I was pretty stoked. I thought I had a chance, but then it dawned on my. I was a friend, and would never be anything more.

So now, I have to watch the girl I’m in love with hold hands and be with my best friends.

I can’t be mad, or upset, of pissed off, or at least I can’t show it.

I’ll always be there listen to how much in love they are, always there to see the kisses and the hugging and the excitement in their eyes when they talk about all the fun they’re having. And I’ll be supportive, I’ll nod and I’ll smile and I’ll pretend that my hear isn’t breaking and that my behind my smile I’m not crying inside.

I’ll be empty, I’m empty now.

I’m empty because she loves only him.

Maybe we can all relate to this writing exercise from one point of view or another.

I'm thinking this might be my favorite exercise yet.

Hope you enjoyed.

Cheers

Nov. 3rd, 2014 "Only"

Today, being Monday, I had my writing class,

Our writing exercise was this:

Insert the word “only” into the following sentence and use it as the first sentence.

“She told him that she loved him”

My first stab at it in class was:

 “She told him that only she loved him.”

She told him that only she loved him. Maybe she was right. Maybe I didn’t love him any more, but I certainly cared about him. She may have loved him with all her heart, it’s very possible, but love isn’t everything. The simple heartfelt emotion of love can only go so far.

I made sure that every day he had a good meal to eat. I brought him soup and tea when he was sick. I’m there every night to hear about the terrible things that happened at work each day.

Maybe I wasn’t in love with him any more, but he is a part of my, a part of my life and I know that I am a part of his.

Maybe she did love him, and maybe even he loved her back in some small way, but his life has always been with me, not her. She was only a summer fling S passing fancy.

I’m the real thing, no matter what she told him.

But I also wanted to try:

 “Only she told him that she loved him”

She only told him that she loved him.  She knew it’s what he wanted to hear. She knew that he loved her. But her heart belonged to another man.

She was destined to marry Ralph, so she did what she had to do and told him what he wanted to hear.

Her true love would go on without her and she would be stuck with Ralph.

She recognized that what she was gaining may very well trump what she was giving up. She would live like a queen in a palace filled with servants. She would have countess hours to do anything she pleased, to read, to paint, to stroll in the garden. Ralph would be gone for long stretches at a time where she wouldn’t even have to see him.

In face, now that the thought about it, she may be able to have her cake and eat it, too. She could plan to see her true love when Ralph was out of town. She could go see him, of even have him round to see her.  

She was sure that her true love would be more than willing to sneak to steal a moment together.

Ralph would never even have to know.

And there you have it to out comes with basically the same starting sentence – certainly the same words. It’s a great exercise to see things from different angles.

Try it if you like. :)

Cheers

Nov. 2nd 2014

Hopped over to writingexercises.co.uk to get a writing prompt for today’s entry. They seem to have a new prompt – Generate three nouns….

loyalty bucket money

And here we go.

I was beginning to question the loyalty of my team.  Though I had trusted them with my very life, as they had trusted each other, I was starting to believe that keeping each other alive was no longer their primary focus.

I had lead them through hell and kept them safe, but things had changed. We were no longer being shot at, no longer in danger of being ambushed.

In the middle of nowhere, miles from any other civilisation, we had stumbled upon a deserted town.  In the centre of that town, amidst the falling down houses and crumbling buildings stood the only building left intact.

The town bank.

The abandoned town was eerily quiet, as were my team.

“We’ll camp here for the night.” I instructed.

I knew what was in their thought, what was formulating in their minds. I knew they wanted to check out the bank.

The possibility of the almighty dollar, no matter how remote, was tugging at each and every one of them. 

I can’t say I wasn’t tempted, but I knew we were out here to complete our mission, and we had no time for diversions.

As the men set up camp and prepared chow, I reviewed my maps. Stevens found a reason to interrupt me, by offering a plate beans.

“Ya know” he started, “the boys can’t help but notice that bank right there.”

I knew what was coming “What about it?”

“Well, we was thinking that maybe there might be something worth looking at in there.”

“Stevens, you think that whoever lived here before, didn’t already go check on that?” I understood his curiosity, but needed to keep focused.

“Can’t hurt to look, can it?”

I glanced over at the men, they had all been straining them selves to listen, but as I looked up, they hurried back to their tasks. I couldn’t help but snicker.

“Whadaya say, Cap?” Stevens pleaded. “It won’t take but a little look to know one way or the other.”

I had to admit that my curiosity was getting the better of me.

“Get camp set up, then ya can go take a look.”

Stevens cheerfully jogged back to the camp to tell the men as I ate the plate of cold beans.

It didn’t take long after camp was set up and chow was cleared away before the men were peeling back the planks from the door to the bank. Six well trained guys are no match for a few planks.

Inside the bank, they scoured the registers and drawers and cabinets; nothing.

“Over here” Johnson called, from behind a door.

The team crowded in behind him to admire a 8’ tall safe, shiny and clean and locked.

The conversation that followed included some cockamamie ideas on how to open it. We had drills, or any weapons powerful enough to open the safe, there were no codes written and no visible keyholes to try to pick. The task seemed unlikely.

A few of the guys tried to open it by randomly turning the dial and tugging on the handle, but it didn't budge.

The topic of conversation then turned to what might be behind the impenetrable door.

“I bet there’s gold” Philips remarks, “Bars and bars of gold.”

“Naw, there’s millions of dollars. Glorious, wonderful, spendable money, millions of bills.” Johnson dreams.

The conversation went well into the night, and unfortunately, we would have to get back to our mission in the morning.

“Call it a night men, we have an early start tomorrow.”  I knew they would object, but for now, they quieted down. I would worry about their loyalty in the morning.

Ok – so, no bucket yet.  I’ll pick it up later and see where it goes.

I too, have an early start in the morning.

Cheers.

Nov. 1st - Campground of Horrors - Part 2

Part 2 from yesterday's post. 

Gathered around the campfire, Kyle does his best to comfort Paulina.

Jessica sits, shaking catatonically.

Jonathan and Franny keep watch, eyes peeled towards the darkness.

Kyle tries to reassure the distraught girls, “We’ll a close watch throughout the night, but whatever if was, I’m sure it’s long gone now.

Franny, flashlight still scanning beyond the glow of the fire. “We’ll head to town at first light, Pauliena, just hang tight. It’ll be alright.”

Jonathan’s concentration is unwavering.

A noise, just beyond the clearing silences the group.

In a hushed tone Paulina makes her worries known. “What’s that? Is it back?”

“Shhh” Franny hushes her.

Jonathan walks a distance towards the noise to get a better look. 

“Stay close to the fire” Franny orders, as she follows Jonathan toward the direction of the noise.

Paulina begins to whimper, Kyle holds he close. Jessica suddenly becomes alert and twitchy, as though the noises reminded her of before…

Jonathan and Franny walk silently, staying close together, carefully scanning the darkness and listening for any signs of an animal or creature.

Convinced the noise was nothing the let out a deep sigh and turn to head back to the campfire.

Screams and cried for help hasten their pace.

When they arrive back to the campsite, they find Jessica with a burning log in her hands, waving it at any movement she sees, real or imagined.

Kyle is nowhere to be seen, deep marks on the ground hint at his struggle and show he’d been dragged. Upon closer inspection, blood is seen splattered about.

Paulina is lying on the ground her head bloody and smashed.

“What happened, what did this?” Jonathan asked frantically

Jessica, burning log still waving, doesn’t answer.

“She’s not hearing you.” Franny notices.

She begins to talk to Jessica in a low, calming voice, trying to reassure her that they are there to help, that they are friend.

Jessica’s movements begin to calm and she finally puts down the log.

The three remaining friends huddle together close to the fire. They’ve places burning logs around a perimeter in hops of warding off what ever is out there.

Tire and frightened, they do their best to remain calm, alert and awake.

Jessica can’t stop reliving the horrors and is easily spooked. The forest is full of noises and with each, the friends jump, worried that whatever it is, is returning.  The tension mounts with every twig snap, every rustling of the leaves.

Just before dawn, Jessica reached her breaking point. “I can’t take it!” She leaps up and grabs a near by piece of burning wood.

Jonathan and Franny, startled leap up beside her and try to calm her down.

But as they try, they hear a noise, like an approaching animal from behind them.

They all become silent as they turn to see a pair of eyes reflecting the firelight, just past the burning logs.

They stand silent for a moment, then in a fit of fear, the three friend attack, screaming and yelling. The beast cried out and returns the attack.

Jessica beats the beast with a burning log, over and over. Jonathan uses his heavy flashlight to inflict what ever damage he can. Franny stabs at the beast with a pointy stick. The beast, outmatched, fends of the attach with flailing arms and legs, moaning and grunting.

The rage continues as the sun begins to rise, casting light on the bloodied body of the beast…

The beast…

Their friend Randall, beaten to bloody pulp, almost beyond recognition.

Lying lifeless on the ground beside the fire.

His hair matted with blood.

Tufts of fur on is hands, arms, neck.

Jessica collapses in exhaustion. Jonathan holds Franny as she lets out a horrified sob.

The sun shines fresh new light on the grisly scene.

Eight friends had come the day before to celebrate.

Now five were dead, and the three still alive, would never, ever be the same again… after spending a night at the…

Campground of Horrors.

Hope everyone enjoyed, and had a safe and happy Halloween.

Don’t eat all your candy at once.

Cheers.

Halloween - Campground of Horrors - Part One

In honour of Halloween…

Campground of Horrors. 

Part One.

A campfire roared. Circling, sat a group of high school kids. It was almost the end of the school year, almost time to graduate, and to celebrate, they had planned a camping trip. 

Beyond the kids, were set up several tents.

They had had to hike in from the parking lot, about two miles away, but they had managed to bring coolers with food and a variety of beverages.

Jonathan had his guitar and was strumming a few others sang softly, the lyrics to American Pie.  It was beginning to get late, and some couples had already broken off to go to bed.

Jessica and Jordan were the first to break off. They had been seeing each other since junior high and were very much in love.  Randall and Riannah had only met a few months ago, but here eager to get to know each other better.

Jonathan, and Kyle linger by the fire, singing, hoping to hook up with Paulina and Franny.

The night was quiet, except for the soft strumming of the guitar, and the crackling of the fire.

Suddenly, a blood curdling scream startles the group.

Panicked, the kids buy the fire, jump to their feet to see what had happened.

Jessica, covered in blood, shaking runs to them from her tend.

“He’s Dead!” she screams. “He’s dead.”

Kyle runs to her side, just as she collapses.

Flash lights in hand, Jonathan and Franny hurry to Jessica and Jordan’s tent.

They find it ripped to shreds blood splattered, and the disfigured torso of what must have been Jordan.

Back at the fire Paulina, and Kyle tend to Jessica.

Jonathan and Franny hurry back to the fire.

“Looks like some wild animal got Jordan” Jonathan explains. “Something big, tore right through the tent.”

Franny looks around at the group. “Where are Randall and Riannah?”

Kyle calls for them, but there is no answer.

He shines a flashlight in the direction of their tent, they see signs of possible rips.

The approach with caution, calling for them as they do, still no answer.

Johnathan unzips the tent and shines the light…

More blood and body parts.

The group recoil in horror. Paulina begins to sob.

They gather once again near the fire.

“We’ve got to get out of here” Jonathan states what they are all thinking. 

“We can’t get out until morning, there’s no way.” Kyle remarks

“What did that” Franny asks, “What could do that?”

The group discuss their options and try to figure out how they’ll make it through the night.

…

Tune in tomorrow for Part two.

:)

Happy Halloween,

Cheers and good night.