Greetings everyone!
There is a wonderful blogfest taking place at Dominic de Mattos at Writes of Passage from today until Sunday (28th -30th) to celebrate Dominic's 100 followers.
The rules are to post a story where a character displays bravery in some fashion. Not sure whether mine totally fits but there is some alarm involved, so I hope so!
Do check out all the other entries....there's a prize too!
Here's my entry for the blogfest:
The Sybil Chronicles: Uncle Ptolemy's Table
Friday, 28 January 2011
The Sybil Chronicles: Uncle Ptolemy's Table
Greetings everyone!
I'm writing these flash fiction stories to explore another aspect of myself whilst working on my romance novel. I love elements of paranormal and I love cooking, so have combined the two. I hope you enjoy them.
This is the second chronicle. The first Sybil can be found in the tab above.
Uncle Ptolemy's Table
“Medusa, Medusa,
You don't, sir?
I DOOO sir!”
The ghost of Sybil's brother, Jackal, was floating a few inches above the antique wingback chair and his tenor tones were keeping Medusa awake.
“Jackal! Stop, now! Look, I don't know why you're here, or how I can see you when I've never seen an apparition before, but, please....the singing!”
“You can see me? That's fantastic! Means I can be more effective.”
Medusa pulled her duvet up and around her bare shoulders, her cloudy breath fogging the bedroom.
“And what's with the cold? It's freezing in here!”
“Hmm, sorry, that's me. I'm really new to this whole materialisation thing and it sucks in loads of energy and heat. I'll get better. Actually...” Jackal grinned, “...this is my first time.”
“Well, you can take your bony, phantom carcass out of my bedroom and let me put some clothes on! And don't you dare use any tricks to peek!”
Jackal's shimmering form stood up and moved silently towards the door. Medusa watched as he passed through it and immediately felt the room warm up. She plucked a flowing gown from the wardrobe and hurriedly brushed her long hair. She hoped Jackal wouldn't hang around too long as she disliked adding warm layers. Make up would have to wait. Now she started to worry. Jackal had been dead for many months now; Medusa remembered Sybil calmly telling her that he had fallen from his high window and then letting the tears flow freely at his funeral. Maybe he was pushed....was he here now to seek vengence? Why come to her? Too many questions were quarrelling in her head; she went to find him.
If he had been solid, on solid ground, Medusa imagined Jackal to be bouncing on the balls of his feet. What she saw made her smile; his ghostly image was blurring, his head amusingly in and out of focus. The room was already chilly so she stood in a square of sunlight on the carpet.
“It's so good to see you, Meds! You've no idea how exciting this is. You're the first person I've managed to connect with visibly and clairvoyantly.” Jackal's words fell from his lips in a gabble.
“I'm desperate to see Sybil – trouble is she has so many protections around her place, she can't hear me. Mama and Da are up North where it's too cold and I could only spew out a few words before having to leave. This is so special, so special! You and I always annoyed the hell out of each other, but I think the pathway is there as you're so close to my sister.”
“Pathway?” Medusa was still coming to terms with a spirit in her flat. There were a million things she wanted to ask.
“Keep talking, I need coffee.” She walked into the kitchen with the frosty blast of Jackal behind her.
“Oh, I miss coffee.” He sighed. He stretched his neck towards the open packet of beans and closed opaque eyelids. “We can sense a long-loved smell but it's more of a memory, physiology's all changed, see?”
“Are you here about your death, Jackal? Were you murdered? Is there something Sybil and I can do?”
Jackal let out out a rush of icy air as he laughed. “Murdered? Me? No, no, nothing like that! Oh, I'm sorry, Meds, I guess it's all a bit mad, me turning up. I'll explain.”
Medusa circled numb fingers around her coffee mug, her sympathy waning. “Please do.” She glared.
“Okay, firstly, I really did just fall out of my window. There was this baby bird, finch, I think, sitting on the ledge. I thought it was hurt and, well I leaned out to see and boof! A crazy sensation of flying, then bam! Stone dead! Not quite clear how the passing over happens, only it's very calm and I realised pretty quickly that I was, you know, gone. It's awful seeing those who don't know they're dead. It's not a myth that they stick around and haunt places.”
“You're haunting me.” Stated Medusa.
“Ahh, no, this is guiding, totally different. I have no connection to your home and we're not kin, so this isn't haunting as such – I've forced my way toward you because there's something Sybil really needs to know.”
Medusa's eyes widened, “Oh,no! She's not about to, er...join you, is she? I couldn't bear to lose her.”
Jackal laughed again and Medusa shivered in the aftermath. “Noooo! Nothing like that. I'll tell you and then could you call her? Ask her to drop the protections and let me through? I don't know why she has to have a fortress of spells around anyway.”
“To stop Grandma Gypsophila interfering with her cooking.” Medusa said matter of factly.
“Ho, yes, that makes perfect sense! Anyway, talking of our esteemed rellies – our Uncle Ptolemy, who's over in The Realm as well, keeps an eye on his Athena.”
“Of course, they were devoted.”
“Now, Uncle Ptom was a furniture maker, rather good, actually.”
“I know, that's one of his.” Medusa inclined her head towards a large oak dresser.
Jackal whistled approval and minature hail stones tinkled to the floor. “He made a table – a triangular one, he's into the power of three. He inlaid stones, metals and I don't know what else; says it's exquisite, some of his finest work. Apparently, though, Athena wants to give it to Sybil and Sybs is delighted to have it.”
“I'm guessing dear Unce Ptolemy added a few extras? I have to be careful how many glasses I put in the dresser or they start chiming.”
“Chiming? Really? That's a good one! Harmless though, compared to what I heard about the table.” Jackal reached his hands up to his face and tugged at his earlobes, a habit of his Medusa remembered from childhood. He started to pace.
“He spent his life searching for portals and he reckons that the designs on the table plus a simple ritual could open a doorway.”
“A doorway? To where? And how come Athena hasn't found it?” Medusa's voice rose.
“She didn't use it for anything. She threw a cloth over it as she never dusts and just left it on the landing where it was perfectly fine.”
“Why shouldn't it be alright at Sybil's?” Medusa gulped. “What's the simple ritual?”
Jackal stopped pulling his ears and faced her. “The design on the table is a spiral. If a symbol of the sun is placed in the centre and the three agates at the beginning of the pattern are rubbed, then, according to Uncle Ptolemy, off you're whisked! Space, other dimensions, he didn't know....he said that, when push came to shove, he wasn't brave enough to give it a go.”
“So it may not be a doorway at all. All we need do is warn Sybil of your uncle's intentions for it and she'll be fine. Sure it's a simple ritual, but not a likely one. Sybs may cover the table up like Athena did.” Medusa let out a long breath. “Not such a panic really, Jackal. I'm due over there today anyway, she's filtering her lemon liquer.”
“Oh, Sicilian bliss!” Mooned Jackal. “Eighty days of steeping lemons in vodka. Death really is cruel to the old taste buds.”
Medusa left Jackal at Sybil's gate and knocked her special knock on her friend's door.
“Come round the back, I'm taking photos - I've something to show you!” Came the shout from indoors.
Medusa trotted down the path leading to Sybil's back door and let herself in. Sybil was standing with a camera around her neck holding a large decanter of golden liquid.
“Ooh, stay there or you'll be in the light.” She directed and placed the decanter in the centre of a small triangular-shaped table. “I'll pour some in a minute. I just want a picture for my scrapbook, it looks lovely on the new table.”
Sybil bent her knees slightly and brought the camera up to her eyes. “This old recipe's never had a name, I'm calling it Solar Flare. Oh, bother! There's a bit of fluff on those stones, hang on.”
Medusa's thoughts felt like glue in her brain. Before she could assemble them, Sybil had pulled her sleeve down over her wrist and was rubbing three dark red stones vigourously.
“Sybil, stop! Wait!”
Sybil stepped away from the table. “There, that's better, all shiny. What's the matter?” She raised the camera once more.
“Nothing, nothing.” Medusa managed to squeak. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath of relief. When she opened them there was no table, no lemon liquer – and no Sybil.
Solar Flare
15 thick skinned lemons (no greeny tints)
1 ½ litres vodka
4 cups granulated sugar
5 cups filtered tap or distilled water
Wash the lemons in hot water with a vegetable brush and pat dry.
Carefully zest the lemons – just the outside, NO pith.
Add the vodka and the zested lemons to a large glass jar/bottle with a lid.
Leave it in a cool dark place for at least 10, but up to 40 days.
The longer the liquid rests, the better the taste. There is no need to stir, the vodka gradually takes on the colour and flavour of the lemons.
After however many days you've chosen, combine the sugar and the water in a saucepan.
Bring to a gentle boil and let boil for about 7 minutes.
Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
Add this syrup to the original jar/bottle of vodka and lemon.
Leave it in a cool dark place once more for another 10 to 40 days.
When the time is up, strain the Solar Flare, discarding the lemon zest.
Pour into bottles of your choice and seal tightly.
Special Note
Solar Flare is not especially magical, but beware of placing it in the centre of spiral inlay on a triangular table.
I'm writing these flash fiction stories to explore another aspect of myself whilst working on my romance novel. I love elements of paranormal and I love cooking, so have combined the two. I hope you enjoy them.
This is the second chronicle. The first Sybil can be found in the tab above.
Uncle Ptolemy's Table
“Medusa, Medusa,
You don't, sir?
I DOOO sir!”
The ghost of Sybil's brother, Jackal, was floating a few inches above the antique wingback chair and his tenor tones were keeping Medusa awake.
“Jackal! Stop, now! Look, I don't know why you're here, or how I can see you when I've never seen an apparition before, but, please....the singing!”
“You can see me? That's fantastic! Means I can be more effective.”
Medusa pulled her duvet up and around her bare shoulders, her cloudy breath fogging the bedroom.
“And what's with the cold? It's freezing in here!”
“Hmm, sorry, that's me. I'm really new to this whole materialisation thing and it sucks in loads of energy and heat. I'll get better. Actually...” Jackal grinned, “...this is my first time.”
“Well, you can take your bony, phantom carcass out of my bedroom and let me put some clothes on! And don't you dare use any tricks to peek!”
Jackal's shimmering form stood up and moved silently towards the door. Medusa watched as he passed through it and immediately felt the room warm up. She plucked a flowing gown from the wardrobe and hurriedly brushed her long hair. She hoped Jackal wouldn't hang around too long as she disliked adding warm layers. Make up would have to wait. Now she started to worry. Jackal had been dead for many months now; Medusa remembered Sybil calmly telling her that he had fallen from his high window and then letting the tears flow freely at his funeral. Maybe he was pushed....was he here now to seek vengence? Why come to her? Too many questions were quarrelling in her head; she went to find him.
If he had been solid, on solid ground, Medusa imagined Jackal to be bouncing on the balls of his feet. What she saw made her smile; his ghostly image was blurring, his head amusingly in and out of focus. The room was already chilly so she stood in a square of sunlight on the carpet.
“It's so good to see you, Meds! You've no idea how exciting this is. You're the first person I've managed to connect with visibly and clairvoyantly.” Jackal's words fell from his lips in a gabble.
“I'm desperate to see Sybil – trouble is she has so many protections around her place, she can't hear me. Mama and Da are up North where it's too cold and I could only spew out a few words before having to leave. This is so special, so special! You and I always annoyed the hell out of each other, but I think the pathway is there as you're so close to my sister.”
“Pathway?” Medusa was still coming to terms with a spirit in her flat. There were a million things she wanted to ask.
“Keep talking, I need coffee.” She walked into the kitchen with the frosty blast of Jackal behind her.
“Oh, I miss coffee.” He sighed. He stretched his neck towards the open packet of beans and closed opaque eyelids. “We can sense a long-loved smell but it's more of a memory, physiology's all changed, see?”
“Are you here about your death, Jackal? Were you murdered? Is there something Sybil and I can do?”
Jackal let out out a rush of icy air as he laughed. “Murdered? Me? No, no, nothing like that! Oh, I'm sorry, Meds, I guess it's all a bit mad, me turning up. I'll explain.”
Medusa circled numb fingers around her coffee mug, her sympathy waning. “Please do.” She glared.
“Okay, firstly, I really did just fall out of my window. There was this baby bird, finch, I think, sitting on the ledge. I thought it was hurt and, well I leaned out to see and boof! A crazy sensation of flying, then bam! Stone dead! Not quite clear how the passing over happens, only it's very calm and I realised pretty quickly that I was, you know, gone. It's awful seeing those who don't know they're dead. It's not a myth that they stick around and haunt places.”
“You're haunting me.” Stated Medusa.
“Ahh, no, this is guiding, totally different. I have no connection to your home and we're not kin, so this isn't haunting as such – I've forced my way toward you because there's something Sybil really needs to know.”
Medusa's eyes widened, “Oh,no! She's not about to, er...join you, is she? I couldn't bear to lose her.”
Jackal laughed again and Medusa shivered in the aftermath. “Noooo! Nothing like that. I'll tell you and then could you call her? Ask her to drop the protections and let me through? I don't know why she has to have a fortress of spells around anyway.”
“To stop Grandma Gypsophila interfering with her cooking.” Medusa said matter of factly.
“Ho, yes, that makes perfect sense! Anyway, talking of our esteemed rellies – our Uncle Ptolemy, who's over in The Realm as well, keeps an eye on his Athena.”
“Of course, they were devoted.”
“Now, Uncle Ptom was a furniture maker, rather good, actually.”
“I know, that's one of his.” Medusa inclined her head towards a large oak dresser.
Jackal whistled approval and minature hail stones tinkled to the floor. “He made a table – a triangular one, he's into the power of three. He inlaid stones, metals and I don't know what else; says it's exquisite, some of his finest work. Apparently, though, Athena wants to give it to Sybil and Sybs is delighted to have it.”
“I'm guessing dear Unce Ptolemy added a few extras? I have to be careful how many glasses I put in the dresser or they start chiming.”
“Chiming? Really? That's a good one! Harmless though, compared to what I heard about the table.” Jackal reached his hands up to his face and tugged at his earlobes, a habit of his Medusa remembered from childhood. He started to pace.
“He spent his life searching for portals and he reckons that the designs on the table plus a simple ritual could open a doorway.”
“A doorway? To where? And how come Athena hasn't found it?” Medusa's voice rose.
“She didn't use it for anything. She threw a cloth over it as she never dusts and just left it on the landing where it was perfectly fine.”
“Why shouldn't it be alright at Sybil's?” Medusa gulped. “What's the simple ritual?”
Jackal stopped pulling his ears and faced her. “The design on the table is a spiral. If a symbol of the sun is placed in the centre and the three agates at the beginning of the pattern are rubbed, then, according to Uncle Ptolemy, off you're whisked! Space, other dimensions, he didn't know....he said that, when push came to shove, he wasn't brave enough to give it a go.”
“So it may not be a doorway at all. All we need do is warn Sybil of your uncle's intentions for it and she'll be fine. Sure it's a simple ritual, but not a likely one. Sybs may cover the table up like Athena did.” Medusa let out a long breath. “Not such a panic really, Jackal. I'm due over there today anyway, she's filtering her lemon liquer.”
“Oh, Sicilian bliss!” Mooned Jackal. “Eighty days of steeping lemons in vodka. Death really is cruel to the old taste buds.”
Medusa left Jackal at Sybil's gate and knocked her special knock on her friend's door.
“Come round the back, I'm taking photos - I've something to show you!” Came the shout from indoors.
Medusa trotted down the path leading to Sybil's back door and let herself in. Sybil was standing with a camera around her neck holding a large decanter of golden liquid.
“Ooh, stay there or you'll be in the light.” She directed and placed the decanter in the centre of a small triangular-shaped table. “I'll pour some in a minute. I just want a picture for my scrapbook, it looks lovely on the new table.”
Sybil bent her knees slightly and brought the camera up to her eyes. “This old recipe's never had a name, I'm calling it Solar Flare. Oh, bother! There's a bit of fluff on those stones, hang on.”
Medusa's thoughts felt like glue in her brain. Before she could assemble them, Sybil had pulled her sleeve down over her wrist and was rubbing three dark red stones vigourously.
“Sybil, stop! Wait!”
Sybil stepped away from the table. “There, that's better, all shiny. What's the matter?” She raised the camera once more.
“Nothing, nothing.” Medusa managed to squeak. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath of relief. When she opened them there was no table, no lemon liquer – and no Sybil.
Solar Flare
15 thick skinned lemons (no greeny tints)
1 ½ litres vodka
4 cups granulated sugar
5 cups filtered tap or distilled water
Wash the lemons in hot water with a vegetable brush and pat dry.
Carefully zest the lemons – just the outside, NO pith.
Add the vodka and the zested lemons to a large glass jar/bottle with a lid.
Leave it in a cool dark place for at least 10, but up to 40 days.
The longer the liquid rests, the better the taste. There is no need to stir, the vodka gradually takes on the colour and flavour of the lemons.
After however many days you've chosen, combine the sugar and the water in a saucepan.
Bring to a gentle boil and let boil for about 7 minutes.
Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
Add this syrup to the original jar/bottle of vodka and lemon.
Leave it in a cool dark place once more for another 10 to 40 days.
When the time is up, strain the Solar Flare, discarding the lemon zest.
Pour into bottles of your choice and seal tightly.
Special Note
Solar Flare is not especially magical, but beware of placing it in the centre of spiral inlay on a triangular table.
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Sensational Haiku Wednesday
Greetings everyone!
Todays theme is Transition do pop over to Jenn's blog (clicky the banner) and check out the other entries.
I
One to another
A triumphant change in state
Emerging beauty
II
Once small and naïve
Then was wild and all knowing
Now older, wiser
Have a wonderful Wednesday x
Image courtesy of NASA
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Life Is Good.....apart from Blogger!
Greetings everyone!
I'm still enjoying yesterday's amazing Top Ten Countdown blogfest - hasn't it been fabulous? Some great memories and lots of new music to listen to.
I am thrilled to have been given the Life Is Good award from the lovely Denise at L'Aussie Writing
As well as being a wonderful blogging pal, Denise has managed to still find the time for all of us amidst the atrocious flooding in Queensland. Thank you for this award from the bottom of my heart.
I will pass it on and do the award questions by the end of the week but life at this moment is a tad hectic and I need to be more involved in other life...ho hum...
Welcome, welcome to my new followers (yay...broke 50!) I am still experiencing a rotten blogger glitch that means I'm unable to follow anyone new at this time. Google blogger have loads of complaints about the same problem from all over, so fingers crossed they'll sort it ASAP.
M x
I'm still enjoying yesterday's amazing Top Ten Countdown blogfest - hasn't it been fabulous? Some great memories and lots of new music to listen to.
I am thrilled to have been given the Life Is Good award from the lovely Denise at L'Aussie Writing
As well as being a wonderful blogging pal, Denise has managed to still find the time for all of us amidst the atrocious flooding in Queensland. Thank you for this award from the bottom of my heart.
I will pass it on and do the award questions by the end of the week but life at this moment is a tad hectic and I need to be more involved in other life...ho hum...
Welcome, welcome to my new followers (yay...broke 50!) I am still experiencing a rotten blogger glitch that means I'm unable to follow anyone new at this time. Google blogger have loads of complaints about the same problem from all over, so fingers crossed they'll sort it ASAP.
M x
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Top Ten Countdown Music Blogfest
Greetings everyone!
Thank you again to everyone who kindly sent advice for the Blogger glitches that seem to be haunting this little corner of deepest, darkest Devon and for all the good wishes over my health. I am on the mend...yay!
Alex J. Cavanaugh is hosting this awesome blogfest today (clicky the pic) do pop over to his wonderful blog to join in.
So here are my Top Ten – I've kept the blurb brief as there are about a squillion blogs to visit......enjoy! X
In NO particular order (but probably showing my age!)
In A Broken Dream – Python Lee Jackson
The crazy beginning sounds like a crescendo ending!
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John
Pure bliss
I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You – Tom Waites
I'm not a particular fan of TW but this is heartbreaking
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
My alter ego Stevie Nicks
Blackberry Way - The Move
Roy Wood, one of my first crushes and still going strong.
Long Live Rock And Roll – Rainbow
With the late greats Cozy Powell and Ronnie James Dio, what else is there to say?
The Stranger – Billy Joel
Simply exquisite – the haunting whistle at the beginning and the end (and at the end of the album) is hypnotic.
That's All – Michael Buble
Our song, the beloved Mr B and me.
Crazy Man Michael – Fairport Convention
In good old folk tradition, an odd chap, a bird fortelling a future where he kills his truelove, chap kills bird. It's an illusion and he has killed his truelove....oops.
Wuthering Heights – Kate Bush
Innovative and slightly bonkers. Stands the test of time.
Thank you again to everyone who kindly sent advice for the Blogger glitches that seem to be haunting this little corner of deepest, darkest Devon and for all the good wishes over my health. I am on the mend...yay!
Alex J. Cavanaugh is hosting this awesome blogfest today (clicky the pic) do pop over to his wonderful blog to join in.
So here are my Top Ten – I've kept the blurb brief as there are about a squillion blogs to visit......enjoy! X
In NO particular order (but probably showing my age!)
In A Broken Dream – Python Lee Jackson
The crazy beginning sounds like a crescendo ending!
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John
Pure bliss
I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You – Tom Waites
I'm not a particular fan of TW but this is heartbreaking
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
My alter ego Stevie Nicks
Blackberry Way - The Move
Roy Wood, one of my first crushes and still going strong.
Long Live Rock And Roll – Rainbow
With the late greats Cozy Powell and Ronnie James Dio, what else is there to say?
The Stranger – Billy Joel
Simply exquisite – the haunting whistle at the beginning and the end (and at the end of the album) is hypnotic.
That's All – Michael Buble
Our song, the beloved Mr B and me.
Crazy Man Michael – Fairport Convention
In good old folk tradition, an odd chap, a bird fortelling a future where he kills his truelove, chap kills bird. It's an illusion and he has killed his truelove....oops.
Wuthering Heights – Kate Bush
Innovative and slightly bonkers. Stands the test of time.
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Help needed please
Greetings everyone!
Firstly, thank you all so much for your kind wishes over my bronchitis. The cough is a tad less painful today, which is an improvement. What a lovely place Blogland is!
I'm hoping there is an answer out in the Blogosphere for my problem. I have tried following a couple of blogs that are new to me but, when I click 'follow' the little window, which should show my name and profile avatar is blank. No name and the shadow pic only. Mr B and I have tried everything we can think of, including making sure cookies are properly accepted, which they are. The Google help desk is unhelpful and I'm at a loss as to what to do.
Until yesterday I was able to follow anyone as long as I was logged in - for the moment I can't follow anyone new.
Looking forward to hearing any advice.
Firstly, thank you all so much for your kind wishes over my bronchitis. The cough is a tad less painful today, which is an improvement. What a lovely place Blogland is!
I'm hoping there is an answer out in the Blogosphere for my problem. I have tried following a couple of blogs that are new to me but, when I click 'follow' the little window, which should show my name and profile avatar is blank. No name and the shadow pic only. Mr B and I have tried everything we can think of, including making sure cookies are properly accepted, which they are. The Google help desk is unhelpful and I'm at a loss as to what to do.
Until yesterday I was able to follow anyone as long as I was logged in - for the moment I can't follow anyone new.
Looking forward to hearing any advice.
Friday, 21 January 2011
Have a healthy weekend
Greetings everyone!
I loathe not being able to follow through on something I've signed up for but I'm suffering with bronchitis and haven't finished my story for Tessa's birthday blogfest :-(
So the beloved Mr B is taking good care of me and I wish Tessa a very happy birthday and wish everyone a great weekend xx
I loathe not being able to follow through on something I've signed up for but I'm suffering with bronchitis and haven't finished my story for Tessa's birthday blogfest :-(
So the beloved Mr B is taking good care of me and I wish Tessa a very happy birthday and wish everyone a great weekend xx
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Sensational Haiku Wednesday
Greetings everyone! Today's haiku theme is Deception. Do check out the other entries over on Jenn's blog.
I phoned you at work
You were on the heath with her
Heartbreak realised
Trusting, believing
The Tooth Fairy or Santa
Bribing the children
Have a great Wednesday!
Monday, 17 January 2011
Three Ravens photo shoot
I know some of you were interested to see the results of our band's photo shoot - the piccies are up on Tony's blog http://firesidepark.blogspot.com/2011/01/three-ravens-band-photoshoot.html
We went for a moody look, I promise we smile a lot really!
We went for a moody look, I promise we smile a lot really!
Friday, 14 January 2011
The Sybil Chronicles: Sybil
Greetings everyone!
I'm writing these flash fiction stories to explore another aspect of myself whilst working on my romance novel. I love elements of paranormal and I love cooking, so have combined the two. I hope you enjoy them.
Sybil
The only trouble with the dead, Sybil thought, especially the long dead, is that they never know when to let up.
“....and when I fought to tame her wild mare, do you know what riches she offered me?”
“Sir Edward,” she said kindly, “I'm sure you were awfully brave but I have to go. I promise to open up again the next time I'm here.”
Sensing the Knight needing a little more, she paused by the tomb. “I can see you were a noble man, a handsome man.”
“Ah yes, I had a fortunate face, although if you look here you will see that the mason has lengthened my nose, mine never had such a point. Mind you, the chin, my beard...”
“Sir Edward! I'm sorry, I really have to go. I'll come back and see you soon, very soon, next week.”
Sybil heard a long sigh but didn't give in again. She had dropped off the Pussy Willow for the flower arrangers almost an hour ago and needed to rush home to start the Avalon Jelly. Hard, cold raindrops battered her head as she hurried to see what Old Perpetual had to offer this afternoon. Yesterday his apples were rather small; today she hoped he'd be in a better mood.
The door knocker clonked forcefully in the rythmn that only her closest friend used. Sybil forced a wet strand of hair behind her ear and sopped her way in soggy socks to greet Medusa.
“Storm caught you as well?” Medusa huffed her dripping coat onto the hall floor, kicked off her boots and strode into Sybil's living room.
“Hello plumpies!” She called to the two black cats squashed together on a large cushion in front of the fire. One set of eyes stared back, unblinking, while the other gave the faintest squeeze of delicate lids in reply.
“Suit yourselves!” She snarled and joined Sybil in the kitchen. “Ooh, what are you making with those large peas?”
“Avalon Jelly.” There was no joy in the reply.
“But Avalon is made with ap...oh, no! Oh, my darling girl, is it Old Pep? Is he?....he was awfully old and he's been a good provider for generations.....oh Sybs...”
“He's very much alive.” Cut in Sybil. “He's just in a foul mood! Do you know how long it'll take me to chop all these?” She swept a damp sleeve over the worktop and Medusa stared at the dozens of tiny fruit, now jumping and bumping into each other.
“And they won't keep still! It took me an age to catch enough for my jelly, it'll be awfully unstable. He'd shed all his leaves, straightened every branch and thrown this lot all over the garden.”
“I'll sing to them, kill or cure!”
For all her crotchety demeanor, Sybil's friend had a voice which possesed a unique calming magic.......sometimes. There had only been a couple of occasions when the sorcery had reversed, with alarming consequences, but Sybil was happy to overlook those for today if Medusa could help. Long, sonorous notes, meoldies of ancient times rang from Medusa's throat. Her long, milky neck lifted upwards and enchanted notes filled the kitchen. The apples grew still and as Sybil approached, one by one, they opened themselves and displayed perfect pentagrams. By the end of Medusa's song, every piece of fruit was softening in a large pan and Sybil smiled at her friend.
“I'll want the first jar!” Medusa laughed, then immediately turned serious. “Now, after our Avalon adventure, I'll tell you why I'm here.” She led Sybil through to the living room and guided her to sit.
“Your dearly departed brother, Jackal, is haunting me!”
Avalon Jelly
4lb (1.8kg) cooking apples – windfalls are fine (eating apples are good too, only ease up on the sugar)
sugar
water
Chop up the apples into small chunks – it's ok to leave the skins on
Pop into a large pan and pour over enough water to cover.
Bring to the boil and simmer until cooked.
Give the apples a little mash
Spoon the apples and water into a jelly bag and leave to strain overnight. (Don't force the fuit through the bag, this clouds the jelly)
Next day, measure the liquid. To every pint (600ml) of liquid add 1lb (450g) sugar.
Bring slowly to boil to dissolve all the sugar and continue boiling until setting point* is reached – about 20 minutes. Skim off the scum. Leave to cool a little.
Pour into sterilised jars and seal.
*Setting point is when you lift out a small spoonful onto a cold saucer – leave to cool slightly and if, when nudged, the jelly wrinkles, then setting point has been reached.
Special note:
Apples are full of magic, so while you are chopping, stirring and pouring, make sure your wishes are clear and strong otherwise the jelly becomes confused......and you wouldn't want that.
I'm writing these flash fiction stories to explore another aspect of myself whilst working on my romance novel. I love elements of paranormal and I love cooking, so have combined the two. I hope you enjoy them.
Sybil
The only trouble with the dead, Sybil thought, especially the long dead, is that they never know when to let up.
“....and when I fought to tame her wild mare, do you know what riches she offered me?”
“Sir Edward,” she said kindly, “I'm sure you were awfully brave but I have to go. I promise to open up again the next time I'm here.”
Sensing the Knight needing a little more, she paused by the tomb. “I can see you were a noble man, a handsome man.”
“Ah yes, I had a fortunate face, although if you look here you will see that the mason has lengthened my nose, mine never had such a point. Mind you, the chin, my beard...”
“Sir Edward! I'm sorry, I really have to go. I'll come back and see you soon, very soon, next week.”
Sybil heard a long sigh but didn't give in again. She had dropped off the Pussy Willow for the flower arrangers almost an hour ago and needed to rush home to start the Avalon Jelly. Hard, cold raindrops battered her head as she hurried to see what Old Perpetual had to offer this afternoon. Yesterday his apples were rather small; today she hoped he'd be in a better mood.
The door knocker clonked forcefully in the rythmn that only her closest friend used. Sybil forced a wet strand of hair behind her ear and sopped her way in soggy socks to greet Medusa.
“Storm caught you as well?” Medusa huffed her dripping coat onto the hall floor, kicked off her boots and strode into Sybil's living room.
“Hello plumpies!” She called to the two black cats squashed together on a large cushion in front of the fire. One set of eyes stared back, unblinking, while the other gave the faintest squeeze of delicate lids in reply.
“Suit yourselves!” She snarled and joined Sybil in the kitchen. “Ooh, what are you making with those large peas?”
“Avalon Jelly.” There was no joy in the reply.
“But Avalon is made with ap...oh, no! Oh, my darling girl, is it Old Pep? Is he?....he was awfully old and he's been a good provider for generations.....oh Sybs...”
“He's very much alive.” Cut in Sybil. “He's just in a foul mood! Do you know how long it'll take me to chop all these?” She swept a damp sleeve over the worktop and Medusa stared at the dozens of tiny fruit, now jumping and bumping into each other.
“And they won't keep still! It took me an age to catch enough for my jelly, it'll be awfully unstable. He'd shed all his leaves, straightened every branch and thrown this lot all over the garden.”
“I'll sing to them, kill or cure!”
For all her crotchety demeanor, Sybil's friend had a voice which possesed a unique calming magic.......sometimes. There had only been a couple of occasions when the sorcery had reversed, with alarming consequences, but Sybil was happy to overlook those for today if Medusa could help. Long, sonorous notes, meoldies of ancient times rang from Medusa's throat. Her long, milky neck lifted upwards and enchanted notes filled the kitchen. The apples grew still and as Sybil approached, one by one, they opened themselves and displayed perfect pentagrams. By the end of Medusa's song, every piece of fruit was softening in a large pan and Sybil smiled at her friend.
“I'll want the first jar!” Medusa laughed, then immediately turned serious. “Now, after our Avalon adventure, I'll tell you why I'm here.” She led Sybil through to the living room and guided her to sit.
“Your dearly departed brother, Jackal, is haunting me!”
Avalon Jelly
4lb (1.8kg) cooking apples – windfalls are fine (eating apples are good too, only ease up on the sugar)
sugar
water
Chop up the apples into small chunks – it's ok to leave the skins on
Pop into a large pan and pour over enough water to cover.
Bring to the boil and simmer until cooked.
Give the apples a little mash
Spoon the apples and water into a jelly bag and leave to strain overnight. (Don't force the fuit through the bag, this clouds the jelly)
Next day, measure the liquid. To every pint (600ml) of liquid add 1lb (450g) sugar.
Bring slowly to boil to dissolve all the sugar and continue boiling until setting point* is reached – about 20 minutes. Skim off the scum. Leave to cool a little.
Pour into sterilised jars and seal.
*Setting point is when you lift out a small spoonful onto a cold saucer – leave to cool slightly and if, when nudged, the jelly wrinkles, then setting point has been reached.
Special note:
Apples are full of magic, so while you are chopping, stirring and pouring, make sure your wishes are clear and strong otherwise the jelly becomes confused......and you wouldn't want that.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Sensational Haiku Wednesday
Greetings from a damp, dark corner of The British Isles! Today's theme is Doldrums.
Listless quiet sea
Wind without power or force
Waiting for release
My soul in darkness
Taut black bands around my mind
Seeking brighter days
Do check the other entries over at Jenn's blog - just clicky the banner.
Have a great Wednesday x
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Stylish Blogger Award
Yippeee! What a great start to a Tuesday! The lovely J.C Martin, Fighter Writer has given me this award.
To accept, this is what I have to do:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.....thank you so much J.C.
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Pass the award on to ten newly discovered bloggers and let them know.
So, 7 things about me...
1. My first professional life was as a dancer. I retired at 30!
2. I am married to the beloved Mr B....Tony Benson
3. I am a volunteer for the beauty industry's charity, Look Good Feel Better
4. I am a Scorpio
5. I adore cooking
6. I make jewellery based on ancient chain maille designs
7. I am supremely untidy
Do pop over to these ten bloggers and say Hi!
1. Alex J Cavanaugh
2. Roland D Yeomans @ Writing In The Crosshairs
3. Old Kitty @ Ten Lives and Second Chances
4. Madeleine @ Scribble And Edit
5. Romancing The Blog
6. P K Hrezo
7. Margo Kelly
8. Jodi Henry @ Turning The Page: A Literary Ramble
9. Trisha Leaver
10. Summer Frey @ ...and this time concentrate!
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
New Creation Blogfest and Wednesday Haiku
Greetings everyone! Today I have a couple of things to share, the first is Summer Ross's (of My Inner Fairy) New Creation Blogfest. We write the last sentence of a favourite piece of work and the first sentence of a new piece or idea. Do check out the other entries - you can clicky the link on the top right.
She lifted it up and saw, with delight, a perfect solid silver sphere, a flying saucer.
Alf waited patiently for the iron to reach full temperature, he daren’t start before the little orange light went off
....and Happy Birthday Summer!
Next is Sensational Haiku Wednesday and this week's theme is Resolutions. Do check out the others over at Jenn's blog.
To make or to break
Guilt over the lemon cake
Hide the evidence
Something to give up
Or a new adventure found
The decade begins
Writing with pure joy
Singing with all of my heart
Embracing new thrills
Have a great day.
Monday, 3 January 2011
Show Me Yours Blogfest
This Blogfest celebrates NaNoWriMo and everyone invites you to a teaser of their novels....enjoy!
Do check out all the other entries with Sarah at Falen Formulates Fiction Blog - just click on the picture
I started writing a week before NaNo and can see how far I've come already. This piece is untouched but I have plans....
Excerpt from NaNoWriMo 2010
The Case For Saucers
Dawn is breaking on a late Autumn day in the small market town of Rose Barton in North Devon. Daniel Wise, a landscape gardner and chain maille enthusiast awakes to find three UFOs hovering over the field opposite his house.
Life is about to change forever and his first thoughts turn to his childhood friend Phoebe, recently returned to the town after her divorce and now runs the local tea shop.
How does this Medieval town with it's colourful characters cope with it's new global fame?
With the chaotic fallout after such an event, will Daniel and Phoebe's friendship turn to love?.....
He was still enjoying his schoolboy memories when he heard a scream from outside and the sound of a car door slamming. 'For goodness sake!' Daniel swung his legs out of bed and strode to the window . He pulled open a curtain and felt his knees buckle under him. Hovering over the field opposite his house were three, well....UFOs. Beautiful, shimmering spheres with rings around their middles. Daniel realised the purring sound he could hear was coming from these rings as they vibrated around the spheres. He couldn't believe what he was seeing or even if it was real. Was it possible? Should he go outside and join the people gathering there? Was it safe? Is it an invasion? He pulled on jeans and a thick grey jumper and stuffed his feet into his walking boots that were lying nearby.
Somehow his mind was able to think clearly and he hurried to his office at the end of the landing and grabbed his camera. He almost fell down the stairs and out of his front door. There were now several vehicles and people in the road, all staring at the craft. A tractor had just pulled up with a young man who Daniel vaguely recognised. A camper van was slewed across the narrow footpath and an elderly couple was standing, shocked and open-mouthed, turning to each other and then to the people assembled in the road, as if the answer to this phenomenon would materialise from them.
'Is all this carrying on something to do with the power cut?' Daniel turned to see his next door neighbour, Flissy march out of her house wearing her night clothes. She was a bombastic 70 year old, who took everything in her stride but who now gasped and clamped a hand over her mouth.
'What?...wha....' no more sound would come and Daniel steered her gently to her garden wall and sat her down. Her dressing gown cord had come lose and he pulled the gown up and around her shoulders and tied it up again. She didn't seem to notice and just let him guide her.
The elderly couple joined her, walking unsteadily until they sagged down on the wall. They looked pale and frightened.
'They...they' the old man started, tilting his head to the three orbs. 'Just appeared....right there. Out of thin air. They didn't fly in or anything, just sort of ….' he shook his head and stared, unblinkingly at them. His wife took his hand in hers and stroked it.
© Margo Benson 2010
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