Oct. 7th 2014 - Daot

Inspired by last night's peek into Landers' pockets...

Landers and Sitch reach Daot

The sun was sinking as Landers and Sitch arrive at the town of Daot.

They recognized it as the right town thanks to the small post with the name rustically scratched into the plank affixed to it. 

It appeared to be not much more than a few shacks in a clearing in the woods.

Landers looked down at Sitch “Doesn’t seem to be much here”.

Sitch simply smiled and skipped ahead, peering past the obvious.

Waving a beckoning finger to Landers, Sitch passed the first shack and disappeared into the woods behind.

“Sitch” Landers called out to his friend, “where are you going?” He hurried his pace to follow.

He found Sitch sitting contently on a fallen log. When Landers approached, Sitch raised a finger to his lips. “Listen” he whispered, “and look”.

Landers crouched down, resting on one knee. He squinted, trying to see what his friend saw. “I don’t see anything”.

Sitch simply nodded and motioned to a huge fir tree. He moved his hand to cup his ear.

Landers strained to listen, peering a the tree.

He shook his head, but as he began his protest once more, he heard it, a very light rustling, and voices. Landers blinked, and strained again.

The huge fir tree began to shimmer, flicker ever so slightly.

“They hided it. They hided the town” Sitch whispered an explanation. His innocent smile covered his face. “But not from me. I can see them.”

Landers nodded “I think I can too, almost.”

“Yes, yes, it’s easy to see if you know.”

“Well, maybe easy for you, my little friend” Landers muttered. “How do we get in?”

“We wait. The magic people must ask us.”

Used to his friend's limited explanations, Landers resigned himself to finding an appropriate place to set up camp.  He returned to the closest shack and examined it’s worthiness. It would leak, should it rain, but otherwise it seemed a good choice, complete with fireplace.

He set himself to gathering wood and making the shack usable.

Sitch, on the other hand, hovered near the fir tree. He poked the air around it with his finger. Occasionally the air would dance at his poking, shimmering and sparkling, and Sitch would giggle. Each time, he glanced to see if Landers had noticed.

The magical force inside the invisible town must have felt the poking and prodding, for on Sitch’s next poke, he was met with a spark, a jolt of some kind.

It stung and frightened Sitch enough to make him run to his friend, tears in his eyes.

He found Landers in the shack coaxing a fire to light. Sitch unrolled the blanket tied to his friend’s sac and wrapped himself up, quietly drying his eyes.

Landers, happy with the progress of the fire, acknowledged his friend with smile, and leaned up against the shack's wall.

“So, we wait. How long to you suppose?”

“Not long, I imagine,” Sitch looked at his reddened finger. “They know we’re here.”

 Comment, share, enjoy...

Cheers

Monday, October 6th, 2014

Tonight I was at my writing class. It's always a pleasure to get caught up with the others and see what we've all been up to. Also, of course, there was a writing exerciser. Tonight we focused on Character - character development, getting to know our characters and so forth. I did the exercise in class on a character from a project I've been working on for years, but I'll also do it on a character I've already written about in here.

The exercise:

Think of a (handbag, night stand,  purse, wallet, drawer, briefcase, school bag...) belonging to that character.

What's in it? 

Is there a movie ticket? To what movie?

Is there a shopping list? What's on it? What's been crossed off?

Character study exercise:

What’s in Landers’ Coat?

Landers is a traveler and carried most of his possessions in a large rucksack, but he also wears a long jacket with several pockets.

What does he keep in his pockets? And what does it tell us about him?

In his outer pockets, he has:

- A leather pouch containing coins, some gold, most silver and copper.

- A small smooth stone – which he rubs with his fingers when he’s thinking,

- A folding knife, used primarily as a tool.

- A few morsels of bread and dried meat folded gently in a linen material, not enough for a full meal.

- A hefty pendant with a red jewel on a broken gold chain.

In his inner pockets he has:

- A knife in a sheath.

- A flint rock and a sharpening stone.

- A silver flask similar to a canteen with a matching cup - they fit together.

- An envelope containing a hand written note from someone named Maridia and a lock of hair.

- Several different leaves and bits of bark carefully folded into another piece of linen material.

- A length of waxy string.

The hope is that there will be things very particular to that character, very telling of who that character is, showing the inner reality and emotions of who they are...

I'm not sure what these things tell me of Landers.

Obviously there's someone in his past named Meridia. (Perhaps I'll need to look into her pockets next.) It seems the he is willing and ready to fight if he has to, but I also see him as someone who would prefer to solve things peacefully if possible.

I'm unsure what the pendant suggests...

I welcome any suggestions, observations, comments or feedback.

Or try it yourself - what's in your character's pocket, purse or briefcase??

Cheers

October 5th, 2014

Based on real events...

Do you know what geocaching. Well Mr. Robertson had no idea what it was.

Mr. Robertson lived in a very respectable house on the outskirts of town. For month, every Saturday afternoon, he observed families of yuppies trudging across the empty field beside his yard, just past his fence. A small group of trees flanked a hill towards the far end of the field. Inevitably, the people ended up near the trees, looking lost and confused. They would often gather and eventually leave.

At first Mr. Robertson was annoyed; who where these people traipsing around too close to his yard for comfort.  Them he became curious. What where they doing and why did they keep coming, week after week?

He watched and observed. One sunny Saturday, after a batch of brightly clad individuals that had been milling about near the trees were well on their way, Mr. Robertson donned his jacket and headed over to investigate.

He looked near the tree line, then a little deeper into the wooded area. He followed the meandering footsteps of the former visitors and found nothing obvious. He started to kick the underbrush and sure enough, he found a small Tupperware container.

He opened the container and discovered a few hand written notes and a laminated paper with a set of neatly printed Cartesian coordinates.  

Mr. Roberson considered himself to be a smart man and he soon figured that it must be one step along the path of a modern day treasure hunt.

He replaced the container and returned home to ponder his discovery.

From that moment on, he considered himself the honorary keeper of that treasure. Early each Saturday morning, before the treasure hunters would arrive, he would trek to the trees and ensure the container was where it would be, but well covered, and not too easy to find. He would also put stray branches across the path, as an added obstacle.

And now when the yuppie families and the brightly clad young suburban couples trampled the field next to him, Mr. Robertson would watch with anticipation, would they find it, or wouldn’t they? How long would it take them before they found it, or before they gave up?

And each time they left, he would make sure the treasure was replaced where it should be, and ready for the next modern day pirates.

Cheers

October 4th. 2014

I'm finding it more difficult to get to my writing on the weekends than it is during the week. Perhaps because my weekdays are far more structured. Strange, because one would think that more free time would make it easier.

Either way...

I saw a movie tonight and for some reason, it inspired this little writing bit.

“Let me out!  I’m innocent, I tell ya. I don’t belong here.”

My protests went unheeded, But it didn’t stop me from voicing my innocents.

Well, certainly innocent of the crime of which I’ve be accused. Someone had to take the fall, and that was me. It’s always me. And now I’m behind bars through no fault of my own.

And who knows how long I’ll be here, or if I’ll ever smell the sweet smell of grass and trees ever again.

Footsteps… I hear someone.

“Let me out. I didn’t do anything.”

Well, that’s a bit of a fib. I’ve done plenty, just not this.

“I didn’t do it!! I’m innocent.”

Wow, again, that a bit of a stretch. I mean, we’re all guilty of something.

“Let me out! Please!”

Nothing. I expected at least a glance.

“Come On… I’m telling ya, it wasn’t me!”

Finally, someone’s coming over to listen.

I know the drill.

I back up against the wall.

They open the door, I more forward, but only far enough so that they can reach in a put on the chains.

They lead me out of my cage.

This alone cheers me up.

I suppose I’m easily pleased, but pretty much anything is better than being shoved in a pen and being ignored.

Together we walk along, through the dark hall and the room with all the chairs.

“It wasn’t me” I try to calmly explain. “I don’t exactly know why you think I would do such a thing.”

I only get a tug on the chain as a response.

“Please, it’s not in my nature, I’m sure it’s all just a big misunderstanding.”

We stop.

They force my head to the ground, my nose to the evidence – a big pile of poop in the middle of the carpet.

I whimper a little.

“Oh, that.”

My keeper finally breaks his silence and speaks to me “Bad Dog!”

I cower a little at he sound of his voice.

He repeats as he pushed my nose even closer to the poop “Bad Dog! No!”

I whimper and submit to his will. I stare at the poop, almost touching my nose.

He holds me there for a few more moments, then loosens his grip. I slowly, hesitantly rais my head and sit at his feet.

I look up at my keeper.

“I think the cat did it.”

No masterpiece of literary art, but fun to write. Hope if was fun to read.
Cheers

October 3, 2014 - Introducing Landers and Sitch

Landers and Sitch have lived in my imagination for some time. I thought it was about time I put pen to paper (so to speak) and introduce them to the world.

The adventures of Landers and Sitch  

Part 1

It was a dark and stormy night... No, scratch that.

It’s a beautiful autumn day, just before noon. The sun is shining bright, showing the fall leaven in their true spectacular brilliance.

Landers, a well-built hero-type, is in a good mood this morning. His companion Sitch is happily bouncing along beside him as they make their way through the woods.

Sitch is a bit of an odd little fellow. Though he acted and appeared to be a young boy of twelve, he is actually ninety years wise. He is of a little known race called the Haltija, once thought to be mythical or imaginary.  

The Haltija are very real but usually live deep in the forest or in far-off lands where they won’t be disturbed by the likes of humans. Haltija, who can live well into their 4^th century, often slip in and out of human towns and settlement completely unnoticed, as they appear to be harmless children.

On one such adventure, many moons ago Sitch traveled to the town of Taog. He spied himself a tasty morale of dried meat, but was sloppy while tying to slip away and was caught. The shop owner was none to please with this vagrant child stealing his wares, and threatened to tie him up in the cellar and deliver a sound beating.

While passing by, Landers overheard the kerfuffle. He took pity on the obviously starving child and stepped in to resolve the situation. He claimed the boy as his nephew. He assured the shop owner that he, along with the boy's father, would deliver appropriate punishment and offered to pay for the stolen meat.

After walking far enough away, Landers scolded Sitch, but handed over not only the meat, but some other savory treats. He then winked, and told Sitch to be more careful.

Shocked by the generosity of the stranger, Sitch did something Haltija rarely do; he introduced himself.  He started with his name, which was enough for a start.  It would take a few more days of traveling together, before Sitch would divulge any more of his secrets.

But that was many moons ago. Today is a beautiful autumn day, and the two friends are traveling together to a new town, and the sun is shining.

Landers was given a tip from a gentleman two towns back, that they might find work in the town of Daot. They were to seek out a man named Gunter who owned the local tavern. Hopefully, they would find a place to settle down.

...

And now you've met Landers and Sitch.

Comment, share, but above all, enjoy.

Cheers.

October 2nd, 2014 - Would you like a cat with that?

This one really doesn't need an introduction or explanation... it was bound to happen.

Dialogue:

Hello and thanks for shopping at Computers'R'Us. Did you find everything you need?

I think so.

What about a cat, do you need a cat?

Do you mean a mouse?

No sir, a cat. Do you have a cat?

Do I have a cat at home? No, I don’t have a cat.

Hmm, well, we have the latest models in isles 1 and 2, but if you don’t mind a trade in, we have a few in the front window to choose from.

I… I don’t think I need a cat, but thanks.

Will you be using the internet for banking or sending personal information?

Well, yes, but I’m not sure why…

Then we highly recommend you get a cat sir.

I don’t want a cat… I’m allergic.

Oh, that’s not a problem. We have a wide selection of allergy blockers conveniently located in isle 3.

I’m sorry, but why are you so insistent on my getting a cat?

For security reasons, sir. The only secure way to log onto the internet is with McKitty. The set up is relatively easy and will be activated as soon as you configure the system to your cat.

What?

It’s really very simple sir. Install McKitty and upload a picture of your cat using the handy SnapCat App, and go about your business. The system will automatically keep track and upload the picture to the web. That picture is valid only on that session but will remain for future reference. For added security, it will ask you to upload another picture of your cat when you access another site. The next time you log back on, you’ll need to repeat the process. It’s really very simple and as each picture of your cat is unique, it offers the best form of security. For the most part, it’s what everyone has been doing for years anyway.

Cat Pictures?

Yes sir. I suggest the Muffin model, but if you prefer, the Mr. Fluffy Pants model comes with automatic weekly litter and cat food delivery, for a small monthly fee of course.

Wow. Uhm. I think my neighbour has a cat, can I use their cat.

No sir, you need your own cat. The system will be configured to work with your own unique IP address and only with your specific cat. Unless you have multiple users, then you may want to consider more than one cat.

No, it’s just me. <sigh> Ok, I guess I’ll take a Mr. Fluffy Pants.

Great choice sir, will that be on Visa?

I guess.

Fantastic, enjoy your new cat and thanks for shopping with us today.

<Brought to you by the Association for Feline World Domination through Internet Infiltration.>

Meow

Hope you enjoyed.

Comment if you like.

Happy October 1st, 2014

I was given a free “X” the other night, and I suppose I can use it whenever I want. Tonight for instance, it’s late, I didn’t get a chance to write earlier in the day and now I’m totally pooped out. But I think I’ll keep it in my pocket for a rainy day.

How did I earn the free pass, you may ask. The other night, Monday night, our writing class had a field trip to a movie premier. We had a great time and enjoyed the film in varying degrees. The after party was pretty darn special. The decorations mirrored the film. Because the film took place in a mental hospital, the décor included a hospital bed, nurse’s uniform, several pill bottles with goodness-knows-what inside and of course, syringes. Long story short, I was … dared … to remove one of the more dangerous looking props and if I did, I would get a free pass on writing for a day.

Anyone who has ever met me knows I don’t back away from a bet or a dare (as long as it’s safe and relatively legal) – needless to say, I arrived back at our little group and produced a syringe, complete with the 3” long needle still attached. Fear not, after the appropriate acknowledgement, I returned the would-be, could-be, weapon to it’s rightful spot.

Another member of our tiny-but-mighty entourage had her eye on another decorative prop inspired by the movie.  We considered liberating the little fella and she vowed to do it before the end of the night.

I left before I could confirm or deny anything.

But here’s what I suspect might have happened.

Note – the names may or may not have been changed to protect the innocent… and the potentially guilty.

In a large room filled with well dressed individuals, a party is winding down. The city’s royalty and art-loving upper-class schmooze with visiting entertainment VIPs.  Milling about, looking for excitement are a gaggle of youths, eager to meet and greet with whomever they can.

Off in the corner, past the table serving martini glass KD, stand a group of three. They keep mostly to themselves, but are listening, learning, almost ready to be a part of the crowd.

One of the three, however; has other ideas, aspiration, and intentions.

“If we wait until the end, it’ll be too obvious” she states matter-of-factly.

“What was that, honey?” Andrew, her husband, strains to hear her over the chatter in the room.

“The elephant.” Jade motions surreptitiously to a giant stuffed elephant sitting atop the central display. “I need that elephant!”

Andrew gives a slight nod. He’s in.

Karen, feeling guilty-by-association, begins to fidget and shift her weight from one foot to the other.

As if on cue, Linda, the group’s fourth arrives on scene, having just scored another glass of wine from the free bar.

“Hey guys, the bar’s still serving” she announces with a bright smile.

Her eyes grow wide as she realises that Andrew is in the midst of hatching a plan. “What’s goin’ on?” she asks excitedly.

As sly smiles wipe across Jade and Andrew’s faces, Karen spills the beans… or peanuts, as the case may be. “The elephant’s future is in question.” She gently nods in the direction of the pachyderm, “They plan to free it from this prison and bring it to it’s forever home.”

Jade fleshes out the plan, Andrew contributing with his evil genius as needed. The sheer genius of the scheme washes over Linda and she can barely contain her excitement.

Karen, worried, and with good reason, begins to poke holes in the plan.  Much to her chagrin, this serves only to reinforce the strategy, as opposed to defusing the whole idea.

So it’s agreed, they each have their own part to play in this most wondrous of plots.

The gaggle of youths, unwitting pawn, gathered near the central display, the display with the elephant. As if directed by Karen herself, the youths begin to take selfies and pictures of one-another. They contort their bodies to try to include the elephant, high on his perch, in their photographs.

Cue Karen: “Hey, do you guys want me to take a group shot?”

Excitedly, they youths hand over their cameras and cell phones.

“Why don’t you guys grab the elephant, get him in the shot too” Karen coaxes, and the youths follow through.

Meanwhile, Linda casually walks through the crowd, commenting on the exuberance of youth and what fun they must be having, ever so gently directing the glances of the crowd.

Andrew and Jade gather their coats and bags and arrange them over their arms. They make their way trough the crowd as the gaggle of youths finish up with their photo-shoot. They call for one final goofy shot and they all jump up – click.

The crowd is beginning to thin.

“It’s now or never.” Jade says and grips Andrew’s arm for courage.

Karen is busy handing back cameras and cell phones. The youths scroll through and compare photos.  Linda makes one last round of the room, saying her goodbyes to the people she knows and some she doesn’t, keeping their attention with her.

No one notices Jade swipe the pachyderm and slide him to Andrew, who slips him covertly under the jackets on his arm. They casually make their way out the front door.

Later, in the parking, the four cohorts meet up and delight over their elephant-napping.

Andrew chuckles, “Free Xs for everyone!!! A whole week's worth of Xs!!”

Karen and Linda each let out a giggle.

Jade wonders aloud to no one in particular. “I’ll bet Sheila will be pissed she only got one X.”

The laughter increases.

Somewhere, far across the city, I suddenly awake from my sleep. “Nooo!”

And there you have it.

Hope you enjoy the read… and your ill-gotten Xs.  ;)

Cheers

(Also – thanks again for a great evening!)