The Write Path

I have a new blog! Please follow!

2011-11-29T11:39:00.000-08:00

Just started a new blog on wordpress and will probably delete this one. Ohmymuse.wordpress.com I hope to see some of you guys there and thanks for reading with me so far!

New segment! Jackass of The Day

2011-11-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! It's been a while but I hope I can get back in the swing of blogging. Now let me know if this has happened to you. You are having a perfectly good morning when in a certain situation ONE PERSON just turns everything around and BANG, you are now having a bad day because a certain "jackass" flipped the switch.

Now those of you who know me, know I'm not a violent person. However, there are times when I have the thought of doing something very unladylike to my weekly J.A.

To help with this tension and prevent myself from actually acting out; I decided to start a new weekly segment called *Jackass Of The Day*!!! Every Tuesday I will make a list for myself and readers of certain individuals (we will not release names, but Initials or nicknames will work), what they did, and what we wish we could say or do to them. Now nothing extremely violent or anything that will end up in court. Just the thought that runs through your mind later that you know you wish you had said or done to give them a taste of their own medicine.
Probably not the best therapeutic idea, but entertaining and worth a laugh none the less. This segment is on a trial period, so we'll see how many participate. Please message me if you want your local J.A to be added to the list for next week. Here are the following top 3 J.As and their victims! *drum roll*

3. Guy In Jeep Who's Not So Sweet
Situation: You tailgate the person in front of you in the lane next to me, then decide to just fit yourself into my lane with less than one car space between myself and my former leader which almost causes me to back end you. I honk my horn and I see you just wave your hand at me as if to say. "What? I didn't do anything wrong!"
What I wish I could have done: I wish I had sped up, pulled along side of you, taken the half full coke can I had in my car and thrown it out at the side of your vehicle. Just enough to give you a scare and remember that what I did could have been a lot worse, so watch it!
Love,
The girl not willing to waste a perfectly good cola.

2. Coke head
Situation: My regional manager was super rude this morning. She told me that I needed to make the phone ring more than twice before it went to the call answering service. I have nothing to do with what calls are transferred. It rings, and if I don't answer in time they're transferred to the receptionist. It would have been better if she were nice but she was pretty rude about it.
What I Wish I Could Have Done: I wish she could be just a little nicer. If I could tell her something I would tell her to lighten up on the coke hahaha seriously. She never does her job but always feels the need to reprimand others. She was so cool until she started with the coke.
Love,
Anonymous

And The Winner for this week is!!!

1. Dear Mr. "I could spend the rest of my life with you",
After dating you for a short amount of time and having you constantly tell me how great I am and how much you like/love me. (examples: "you are fantastic, you need to know that" or "I miss you, have a great day know that I'm always thinking about you!" and my favorite, "I am falling in love with you, I would marry you tomorrow.")
one day you just decide cut me out of your life, to delete me from Facebook (no big like i give a shit) but then wont return any text, phone call, or e-mail. Hmmm knowing that the last thing you said to me was basically you would see me soon, and you were the one who declared us a couple; this strikes me as the biggest Jack Ass move EVER! now that I have finally accepted that you just wont talk to me ever again for no reason this is what I WISH i had done/could do:
I wish I had it in me to be as hateful as you are. I could eff with your house or your car, have your private life hacked, or just mentally mess with you for awhile, but then i'd be just as bad as you. So instead all i can do is say Thank you. Thank you for not letting me waste any more of my time. because you were right "life is too short for bullshit!" And you sir are the biggest heap of bullshit in the world. So for the 32 year old man with the mentality of a 15 year old BOY: EFF you, I give you the gift of instant karma!
Heart,
"The best you've ever had!"

Congrats to those jerks who won! Just remember as our last reader stated, Karma is gonna getcha ;). Now even though they are jerks I still suggest not letting them ruin your day. I hope some of you will use this to vent and also to maybe make you smile at other posts and make your crummy day better. We will not let them win! HAPPY JACKASS DAY!!

Chapter Ten- The Next Chapter

2011-09-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I know it's been a bit. Sorry been getting a few things organized and started classes. One class in particular is a creative writing course and I was so excited to get started. I had received my first assignment and wasn't so excited anymore. We were told to write an autobiography piece about something we wish we could change. A sore subject I'm afraid. I knew what I needed to write, but didn't want to. So I desperately tried to think of another moment I wanted to change. Well today is the day (the day before it's due) that I finally just gave up and knew it was something I had to face someday. Funny thing is, I'm glad I was given the assignment now. You'll see what I mean. So here is my piece and I hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to leave comments and notes.

The Next Chapter

    I’m back. I set down my suitcase and walk into the room I grew up in. Sleepovers happened here, barbies were turned into movie stars here, N’sync was worshipped here.   Dreams were dreamed here and now were over. I look to the boxes creating a maze in my bedroom still marked NY like they had been three years ago when they were leaving. I think back to the time I went to grab the mail and saw the huge envelope from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York stating that I had been accepted to the school. I remember jumping into the air with a scream of delight and running inside to show my mom and to call my friends. I was moving to New York, I was leaving!
    I’m back, as I stumble over one of the boxes. I give a small unladylike curse and   with my ankle throbbing I turn to look at the box I’ve tripped over and pushing away my moment of self embarrassment and frustration I bend down and open it. I give a slight ironic smile as I see that the one box I stumbled upon was the one with my New York mementos. Play bills from shows I’ve seen or been involved in, pictures of special moments, scripts, sheet music, little trinkets I’d collected, and pictures. One in particular is me standing on the balcony of Belvedere Castle in Central Park in the snow. My favorite picture and at that moment I was back. The snow falling gently over the fairy tale like castle. I look over to the icy pond below and turn to smile as my friend Ben calls my name and takes a picture. I felt like I was the princess of the castle, a princess of New York. I was so happy that day and it was my first snow. I was a girl in love.
    I’m back. I set the picture aside and think of all the stories that I could tell my kids and grandkids about someday. About how I once was on my way to becoming an actress in one of the greatest cities. The city I fell in love with. However, I then zoomed to the future when one of my grandkids would ask me. “But grandma, what happened? Why aren’t you an actress anymore? You didn’t live your dream.” How would I answer?
    I’m back. What did happen? I looked at my certificate that stated I had graduated and set it aside too. I knew the truth. I just didn’t want to admit it. I had quit. I wasn’t enjoying myself with acting as much as I used to when it was for fun or school, now it was a job. I stopped going to auditions, I became lazy, I let it slip from my fingers, because I was afraid. I looked at the box full of treasures and felt my eyes tear. I had let all of this go, because I had been afraid of losing it all in the end. Of being rejected constantly. I had thought that if I had given up on my own it wouldn’t be so hard. So I quit before I tried and ended up hurting anyway. Far worse knowing I’d always ask “What if?”   Sure the economy had fallen and I was broke. Sure I was in a fire in my apartment and discovered my landlord was doing illegal activity. So I left. These were just the excuses that covered the fact that I wasn’t willing to fight for what I had wished for my whole life. Maybe it wasn’t meant for me, but I didn’t fight hard enough to find out.
    I’m back and I close the box in anger and then sit back against the wall and close my eyes. It’s the first time I’ve admitted it to myself. No one likes to think of themselves as a quitter. I open my eyes. So why should I now? My life isn’t over. I may have come back full circle but it wasn’t over. I could go back to school, get a degree, possibly in theater education. I could help someone else have a chance, prepare them for what was ahead so they could go farther than I could. I could still make a difference. I could act in the theaters around here, Houston was still a big theater city. I can also start working with musicians for my lyrics, work on songs, write stories, be a writer on the side. So I went off the path I had chosen. Time to stop feeling sorry for myself and make a new one. It’s time to remember that Texas girl who had big dreams of stardom, the one who was more an observer and not very strong. Time to combine her with the New York girl who was stronger, more confident, didn’t let others walk over her. Time to combine them for the new girl who is ready for the next chapter of her life. To still be somebody.

I'm Back!

Chapter Nine- The Romance

2011-08-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

Just finished reading "Vision in White", by Nora Roberts and it was a wonderful story. I admit, I'm one of those girls who loves romance novels. Not just for the steamy scenes, though that is a perk ;). I just like the happy endings and how they get there. I am still hopeful for a happy ending and no matter how badly I've been treated, I will continue to hope for one. I like the fact that Nora Robert's characters make me cry with laughter and with tears and yet it's not over dramatic. Another favorite of mine from her is "Jewels of The Sun", both trilogy's I highly recommend. Anyone else a sap for happily ever after and true love? I also will admit that I will look up wedding proposals on you tube. I just like seeing other people happy! I love wedding photos and every aspect of them from the flowers to the cake. Another reason I loved "Vision in White", it's about three friends who run a wedding business. The book is about as girly as it gets, lol, but I admit I have my moments. Heck I even made a nice dinner tonight. I made Roast Cornish Hens and they turned out wonderful. Cooking is a hobby I'm starting to enjoy. It actually relaxes me. I also like decorating my upstairs. I would love to stay home and just write and cook all day. *sings* Someday my prince who is an incredibly rich and handsome doctor or of some other profession that brings in nice cash will come! Just kidding...I'm not big on money, though someone who could take care of me would be a plus. I just want that love that stands true. Where you want to see them everyday, hold them in your arms, not all about sex, and patience and understanding. I certainly haven't come close to finding it, but I know it'll come. For goodness sakes I cry in Disney films at the happy ending. You can ask my best friends, I cried at the end of The Princess and the Frog. It's in my heart to hold onto that feeling and crave it! Well enough sharing from me tonight and I should really put away the Chablis wine bottle. ;) I hope everyone is having a good week and thanks to those who recently joined. I hope you are enjoying it!

Chapter Eight- Wash Away

2011-08-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

                Today was quite an adventure. I asked, well mostly guilted, a friend to help me move some new shelves into the office I'm currently trying to fix up. Didn't take much convincing for one friend in particular, she even said I could bribe her with pizza and music. I said I'd be happy to handle the music but the pizza would be an issue, since moths were coming from my wallet. She agreed to bring the pizza and told me not to cry over it when I argued. lol she never gives me a chance to sidestep her. She brought the pizza, I provided drinks and the movie "Under The Tuscan Sun", one of my favorites and we relaxed for a little, while we ate. Convincing ourselves for a full 30 minutes that we weren't procrastinating. Finally, my friend, not saying her name for privacy purposes, stated it was time to move.

Now these shelves are very nice, but solid wood, so very heavy. Could we do it? Of course we're super women!! Boy were we wrong. We did in fact get the shelves upstairs, but not without some bruises, curses, laughter, and sweating, unladylike sweating. After all that huffing and puffing and admitting that men were better movers, we watched the rest of the movie. I could tell something was bothering her and asked her to spill. I should have known she'd refuse, she's like a clam when it comes to sharing her thoughts until she was ready. I gave her a moment and she did share...some. We talked about trust and getting through the rough spots. I gave some suggestions, but I know she will do it her own way, in her own time. One of the things I admire about her is she is tough, she has those vulnerable moments, but she doesn't like to show it like so many great women.   My only concern for her is that she hasn't found her personal way to vent. After she left in her car, giving yelps whenever her hands hit a hot spot on the steering wheel, I moved through my backyard and looked at our pool.

               It's not one of those that you swim full laps in, but one that gives you a current to swim against or works as a hot tub in the winter. I looked at the cool peaceful surface and thought...what the hell. I tossed off my work dress of boring brown and slid into the pool in my black bra and camouflage Victoria secret underwear (didn't want anyone thinking I wore granny panties or long johns). I'm like the girl from Katy Perry's Firework, great video and one that speaks volumes. The water felt amazing after the heat from moving and the Texas sun. I did a few dives and enjoyed feeling as graceful as a dancer as I maneuvered back and forth cooling down. After I had cooled I rested back against one side and thought again over my friend's visit.   Why did we always feel like holding everything in? Didn't we realize we were just hurting ourselves more? I admit I'm guilty of it, but where did we get the idea that holding all that misery in was good for us? Movies? Music? Our parents?...If I've learned anything over the past week , it's that God gave me feelings, he gave me tears to help ease some pain, to have some moments to just let go. I need to cherish that gift as much as I do the creativity given to me. I'm not saying we should burst out in tears whenever we feel like it, but certainly not waiting a week, a month, or for some, years! I say when you are done with the day or have a moment, hell with it! Do what I did and just jump in the pool! Cry! Who cares what the neighbors will think (luckily they weren't home)! Either way just stop torturing yourself. It doesn't make you stronger, if anything it makes you weaker. Slowly tearing you apart piece by piece.
                I know I'm not Oprah or anyone who has a right to tell you what to do, but talking from personal experience...tear down the Berlin wall and get some peace. I'm still working on mine and I can already see light through a hole I've made. I want it all. I deserve it all. I will have it.

Leaving you now I give you the Katy Perry Video (no copyright infringement intended) and your homework is to look up the lyrics and read it to yourself. Look yourself in the mirror or just read it aloud and know it's true. This song is dedicated to my friend and to anyone else who doesn't know it yet.

Chapter Seven- Scattered Seashells

2011-08-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

Good news!! I got a job today working for Dunhill homes. I'm in love with the job already because it can be slow at times I'm told, so I will have more time to write and work on school work!! Here is a poem I've had in my mind for a while and finally decided to put it down. Enjoy!

Scattered seashells on the shore
What stories could they tell
From moving about the ocean floor
where sunken treasures dwell

Perhaps they've seen pirate kings
or perhaps a simple sailor too
to hear the song a mermaid sings
if only they were true

A seashell knows of heartache
not just human beings alone
by a crustacean who could once appreciate
to use the shell as a home

but if the crab finds something better
then away his love he throws
to be lost to the tide pools forever
left to it's confusion and it's woes

Soon it finds itself on the beach
a grave being slowly made
until it's put in the reach
of little hands and a tiny braid

it sees eyes of wonder and joy
crying "Look I've found a treasure!"
and now the shell will always enjoy
being known as beautiful forever.

~Dedicated to those who may feel cast aside, there is always someone out there who thinks you're beautiful just as you are~

Picture courtesy of: http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2457044

Chapter Six- Extreme Makeover Kelly Ann Edition

2011-08-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's time to make a change. I'll share a secret with you guys and most of my friends will be surprised because I tend to hide it pretty well. I've been going through a bad depression for some time now. It finally got to the point last night where I just broke down crying. And if I didn't feel pathetic enough, it happened in front of my mother; one of the strongest people I know. So here I am on the couch, Noah's flood coming from my eyes and I tell her how I'm lost, not knowing where I'm going, stressed about finances, unhappy with my appearance, etc. MY mom stays calm with all this and says she understands and that she's been there. Like I said my mother is one of the strongest people I know; single mother (dad left her in debt that lasted till I was 16), took care of both parents who passed from Cancer, watches out for her brother and sister as well as me, and because she is super mom she has done all this, gotten out of debt and even has retired earlier than most because she knows how to take care of her finances and can now play World of Warcraft all day. I kid you not...my mother is a gamer... and it's the weirdest thing ever, but glad she's happy. She'd kill me for sharing her life story, but what can I say, I'm proud of her and she's a blessing in my life.
So super mom told me to get a piece of paper and a pen. As soon as I fetched it, she said. " Now start making a list of everything that makes you unhappy." I'm pretty sure I had a look of dumb shock on my face. Here I was eyes still red from crying and the woman wanted me to point out ALL the bad things I hated about myself?? I looked at the piece of paper blank and I was astounded to find that I was actually scared of what I would write. Once I had written it, it would be real. I swallowed and began to write. I started slow at first and every new line felt like a stab to my heart. I could feel fresh tears coming on but tried my best to hold them back and continue, it got easier as I went. The list made it almost to the bottom of the page where I stopped, out of misery to take down. My mother nodded and then stated. "Good. Now throw it away." Again a look of shock. I had just tortured myself for about three minutes and had to throw it away. I did what I was told and threw it away in our motion sensor trash can. Basically I have to wave hello to it, for it to open up and say hello back; needy. As soon as I sat back down, she said to get a new sheet and start listing the good stuff. Things that make me smile, laugh, make me hopeful, and peaceful. This time the list filled front and back. "Now read it back to me." So I did and found myself giving a small smile, or getting a warm feeling in my heart at a memory. "Now do you know why I made you throw the other one away and made you read this one?" Now I consider myself somewhat intelligent and so I responded. " Because I need to focus on the good in my life, not the bad." She nods. "There's no point in holding onto the bad. Let it go." She then stated that starting today we were going to work on a plan to change my life. Including her giving me an allowance for my finances (ugh...), Writing down what I eat (Ugh!), and...exercising (UGH!!). Also she was going to kick my butt in gear about finally getting my degree. Been working to get my basics done so I can transfer to Sam Houston, but work and my own procrastination put that on hold. Been mostly taking online courses so I could still work full-time, but don't have that problem(excuse), now. So basically starting over. One of my favorite shows being Extreme Makeover home edition, I can appreciate starting from tear down to finish. So here we go, I will keep you guys updated and now off to bed, cause I'm about to fall asleezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

rose girl provided by: http://www.pimpmyspace.org/comments/code/190790/

Chapter Five- Oh Boy...

2011-08-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

So couldn't sleep last night because I had a look at my bank accounts and they were lower than a snake. I had come to the realization that my finances were a bust. So I quit my job this morning. The marketing firm may have been a good job possibly for the far future, but for now, it just drained my wallet. Was paying about $100 a week on gas and not being reimbursed. With school, and trying to get health insurance, I was drowning and that's exactly what it feels like. I hope I can reach the surface at some point. So going back on the job hunt in the morning; I already have a few leads. Why did we want to grow up so fast? It's nothing like we imagined as kids. I don't have the high end job, the high end loft, and def. don't have the high end love of my life. HA! Not even close. Of course when you're little you think if I can imagine it, it will happen. I wish that were true in real life. Be all I love Jeannie , bob my head and get something amazing. Try it now...nope...nothing...wait...yes a crick in the neck. All in all, it will be nice to get some time to fix my life up a bit. Clean the upstairs where I'm supposed to be an organized amateur writer, and maybe problem solve my lifestyle choices. It's time for a change. Still want to make more time for my writing. Well we'll see, for right now, I will sign off. For as Scarlet O'Hara once said. " Tomorrow is another day."

CUE GONE WITH THE WIND THEME MUSIC!!!! DAH DAH DAHDAH!!!

Chapter Four- Meeting John Doan

2011-08-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hey! Sorry I haven't posted for a few days because I was on a business trip that I'm glad I'm off of. Currently working at a marketing firm that I was enjoying at first but it is very draining and not quite what I hoped for financially. Anyway, today is Sunday and I had a day off so went to church in the morning with one of my best girls, Zuri. I love my church, we always have a good laugh and maybe some tears if we're moved. Today we had Mark Moore speak, and he was HILARIOUS!! If you ever get the chance to hear him speak, go and you will see what I mean. After that I went home, had some lunch, thought about writing and then somehow ended up taking a nap instead. When I woke up from my nap it was time to meet my musical writing partner George Ruehle, his lovely wife Sonja, and Hailey Michels for a concert at Dosey Does. Remember this is Texas people. The performance was with a wonderful Celtic instrumentalist, or I call him or what Burl Ives called him the Celtic bard, John Doan. This guy plays a guitar harp...yes you read that right. Twenty strings and a beautiful instrument! What was even more beautiful was the music that came from it. He told us stories of his trip to Ireland and the history he learned and absorbed while he was there. Then he would play the song inspired by those moments. When he played the room went completely silent, we had dinner but it felt like a sin to even chew at the slight possibility of a sound that might interrupt the magic coming from that man. One song in particular just amazed me. It was about St. Patrick running with fire in hand toward a king to speak to him. When John played the song I looked to the candles on the table and it made me smile to see them dancing along to the tune as well, hearing about being there with St. Patrick. After the concert he received a standing ovation, well deserved, and had a meet and greet. George introduced us to him, having met him before and I tell you he is one of the most humble men you will ever meet. He looks you in the eye and really takes the time to speak to you about his music and passion. George introduced me as a songwriter and John looked me in the eye and gave the warmest smile and then spoke about building a relationship with your material as you would with a child. It's your baby, so you have to take the time to get to know it and spend time with it. If you give at least 2-3 weeks of dedication to it...it will become second nature. The barricade that holds you back, will eventually disappear. These were the words I needed to hear and I thanked him and said the concert was truly inspiring, which it was. We took a group photo which I will treasure along with his words forever.

John Doan with his baby

Chapter Three- J.K Rowling

2011-08-16T01:29:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to have a chance to see my best friends tonight. Zuri, Chelsea, and Jayna are the closest and dearest friends I have and always give me at least one laugh I really need to get by. You know the laughter where you end up crying? I was always a big believer in laughter is the best medicine. Anyway, we were at Red Robin for dinner and Chelsea mentioned that she saw the unauthorized biopic on J.K Rowling called. "Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story." I decided to watch it and see what life was like for one of my favorite and after tonight most inspirational authors. It's interesting to see where some of her characters were based from and also just where she came from herself. A hard life. Mother sick, domestic violence, divorce, welfare, and rejection ten times over. Yet even with a child, and working hard enough to make ends meet, she would sit in a coffee shop for hours and stay loyal to her character Harry, to finish his story. You can see where that hard work paid off. I need to be that dedicated to my own characters. Jaqueline needs to know her story as much as I need to know mine. Thank you to those who have messaged me about wanting to see the rest of my story. I will in time be posting more stories, but as for Treasure Eyes I think that's all I'll share for the time being. Thank you for your support and be sure to subscribe to my blog so you can stay on the journey with me.

Chapter Two- Eleanor Roosevelt, Noelle Hancock, and me

2011-08-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

So I've started reading this book called, "My Year with Eleanor." Great book so far and freaky with how alike Noelle and I are. Girl from Texas, in love with New York, writers, and trying to fix our lives by overcoming fears, oh and a love for Eleanor as inspiration. The book is all about her facing a fear a day before her 30th birthday, inspired by E.R. I'm only on the fourth chapter and I am loving this book. Mostly because of how personal it is and I can connect to it, but because it's one of those stories that makes you want to fix your own life. I'm 23 years old. Enough said. I have had some good adventures but not the specific ones. Never owned my own apartment. Rented a room for $500 bucks a month in Flushing Queens. Never again in my life! More on that later... Never been in love. I had a couple of flings, if you call them that and one sober. I admit I'm afraid of commitment and the men I have been with haven't really helped with that so I don't make time to date. Never finished a story and never sold a song. My guess is fear of rejection there. I'm one of those people who make all these big plans and dreams but never really accomplish them because either I get distracted and start on something new or I get scared and don't finish them so I don't get the chance to be rejected. Now in the book, Noelle has a therapist...and after reading what I have just written...I'm thinking about it. Anyway, the point is I realize that I finally need to start my life. I can keep working jobs that barely pay the bills (or not at all), with promises for something better. Or I can actually do what I wanted for myself and finish one of my creative projects and see where that takes me. Now I will still work at these jobs that I can't see myself doing in twenty or even five years to pay the non-payable bills. I wince every time I think of my bank or credit account. But money is not the most important thing to me. I don't want to be rich, just enough to not wince cause I'm afraid my face will get stuck that way. But I need to make more time to still go for my dream. Yeah I might still get rejected, but I'm sick of asking "What if?" Did that after I left New York when the economy fell and will ask that the rest of my life with acting. I don't want it to be the same with writing. More on my history, for those who don't know me later, but if you haven't read this book, I highly suggest picking up a copy now and stay tuned to see if I actually keep to my word here. Ciao!

Chapter One of Treasure Eyes

2011-08-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

Here is the first chapter of my book. Please feel free to comment and enjoy. Copyrighted 2009

            The city was ablaze. All that could be heard were the screams of women, the grunts of men, and the fire devouring its prey. A man stood among hell’s light his dark black hair braided back beneath a blood red scarf, stood on deck in front of a ship where a single black flag waved. The scent of the fire filled the captain’s nostrils and he seemed to breathe its power in with it, filling himself with the strength it gained. Captain Fiere looked upon the destruction he had caused and smiled. For as a pirate captain it was a job well done. The town had been raided with success and they’d have more booty for the ship as well as a few extra men for the crew, he smirked as he saw men being led towards him tied together by rope. “Be these, our willing new crew members?” He asked one of his crew who led the morbid parade.
“Aye captain, some needed a bit of persuasion,” he motioned
to his gun. “But they decided to grab at our generous job offer while it lasted.” The man laughed and tugged harder on the rope.
The captain nodded and began looking the men over, he would not keep any weak men for his crew. They wouldn’t last a week on the sea, only the strongest would join. The others would have an early interview with Davy Jones. The captain had finished checking build, teeth and fear, when he suddenly turned to the ship.
“Carter!” the captain bellowed and a young boy of fourteen, lanky in stature with brown hair and green eyes came running down the ship’s gangplank to the captain’s side. The captain put a hand to the lad’s shoulder. “What say ye lad, which of these fine gents shall join our happy little family?”
The boy looked over the men who looked to him in desperation. Their lives were in his hands. Carter looked up to the captain and shook his head. “Surely we can use all of them; the weaker ones can help in the galley with the cooking.”
Captain Fiere looked to the boy and shook his head.” You’ve a bright mind, but your heart is still too soft. Get back on the ship!” Shoving the boy from his side.
Carter with his head bent in disappointment went back upon the ship and winced when he heard three gun shots go off; three men had not made the cut.
The captain waited as the bodies were removed from his sight and the new men were being led onboard when something caught his eye. Through the smoke he saw a figure standing across from him. He couldn’t see it clearly and waited for the smoke to shift. When it finally did his eyes widened in amusement. Standing before him was a young girl of probably twelve holding a pistol aimed at him in her nightgown with hair as red as the flames surrounding her. “Now just what might ye be plannin’ to do with that lass?” the captain called to the child.
The girl did not answer but slowly moved towards him, her hand steady on the gun, having to hold it with two hands to support the weight. She stopped when she was only two feet away from him.
The captain smiled down at her, noticing she was showing no fear at all, and how she had a steady grip on the gun. He was impressed and waited to see what she would do. “Be careful missy, you don’t want to be hurting yourself now, would ye? That’s not a toy.”
“I’m aware that it’s not a toy, it’s a weapon, a weapon to get rid of scum like you, pirate!” The girl’s voice was calm and melting with hatred as she continued to glare at Captain Fiere.
The captain gave a laugh. “I must say, you do have guts lass, but not much for brains.” At that he nodded behind her and the child gave a cry as she was grabbed from behind, by one of the crew. She fought in his arms, scratching, biting, and making the man cry out in pain every now and again, until the captain yelled.” Enough!” The child then froze looking to the captain giving the crew member an opening to position her so she wouldn’t flail with her hands behind her back. The captain looked to the child. “That was very foolish my dear. Now I have to decide what to do with you.”
He thought to himself for a moment then with a smirk looked to his ship. “Carter!” once again the boy ran down to stand beside the captain.” Carter I’d like you to take our new guest onboard. She’ll be sailing with us.”
The crew member looked to the captain in surprise. “But captain, a woman aboard, it’s bad luck!”
The captain looked to the man his smile gone and fury was in his face. “You question my orders?” he demanded. “Carter, take her aboard now, put her in the galley and make sure she has no way of escaping.” Carter seemed as shocked as the other man and didn’t move. “ Now!” at that the boy jumped and grabbed the girl and dragged her onboard. They both jumped when yet another gun shot went off.
Carter’s face was solemn as he continued to lead the girl to the galley, when they had climbed down the steps; he had taken into note that the girl had stopped struggling.   “Why aren’t you trying to escape?”
The child looked to Carter her face calm and solemn as well. “I do not want to be the cause of anymore bloodshed. There’s been enough, don’t you think?” Her eyes seemed to pierce him, gold eyes. A peculiar color, one he had never seen before on another human being. He fidgeted near the door as she stared at him seeming to wait for a response; for which he had none.
It was then that the captain came down the steps and once again looked to the girl, but this time his eyes were thoughtful rather then amused.
“What be yer’ name lass?” He questioned grabbing an apple from a bowl nearby and taking a small bite, his eyes never leaving hers.
The child stared right back and replied proudly. “Jaqueline De Monroe.”
The captain smiled at the title and moves the apple aside. “Oh so ye be one of them noble families. Well we’ll just have to make sure that yer family knows that ye be in our company; and that we’d be happy to return ye for a price.”
Jaqueline smiled impishly at this which made the captain lose his. “My parents are dead monsieur, a long time ago. I was in the care of relatives who cared less about me and will not pay for my return. For they are as greedy for money as you are. They fled as soon as they heard your cannons; leaving me behind.”
Captain Fiere, looked at the girl thoughtful once again. He remained quiet for a time as he stared at his new hostage that was an orphan in the world and would bring him no ransom, yet, he had something else in mind for her.
His smile returned. “Well little miss, since no one will be missing ye, we would be happy to have ye join our little family.” His smile widened as he saw her composure diminish.
“What are you saying? You can’t keep me here!” Her eyes suddenly widened as panic set in, she had not anticipated this. “Women aren’t allowed on ships, we’re bad luck! It’s indecent! I’ll be nothing, but trouble to you!”
“Ah, but ye won’t be, yer gonna help us with our finances. A pickpocket, when we make port and a little actress when we’re on the seas. For many men will want to rescue a maiden, no matter how old she is. You bring them in,” he grabs the apple he had laid down. “And we hook them!” with that he splits the apple in one fluid motion with a dagger from nowhere.
Jaqueline pushed away from the wall and charged at the captain, only with quick reflexes from Carter was she stopped. “You monster! I won’t do it! I’ll die first!”
Captain Fiere gave a laugh. “Oh no my pet, if you don’t follow orders, there be worse things than dieing.” He leaned close and smiled into her treasure colored eyes. “I can promise ye that.”
Jaqueline did an unladylike thing and spit in his face. Captain Fiere roared with rage and swiped the back of his hand that held the dagger across her cheek. Jaqueline was thrown aside taking Carter with her, and lay unconscious.
Carter looked to the captain in surprise and anger, but didn’t say a word. The captain however noticed the look and smiled. But there was something behind that smile, of what though Carter wasn’t sure, but it looked almost like fear. “Now Carter, don’t be getting yer head in a bind. She be alive, she just needs to learn when to keep her mouth shut. Just like I taught you.” His eyes narrowed at that and Carter’s thoughts turned away from what he saw.
“What will you do with her now?” he asked quietly.
“You will watch over her, she is your responsibility. Keep her in line, or you’ll both pay. You will teach her all that you’ve learned and more. She will be a wonderful spy, once she comes to accept our ways. And she will, with time.” Captain Fiere turned back towards the stairs leading up, and then stopped. “Oh and Carter, make sure none of the men touch her. When she’s old enough, she’s mine.” With that he walks back up the stairs to get his ship the Fire Maiden, to sea.
Carter watched him go his hands shaking with anger and hate, but his eyes were filled with pity as he looked back to the girl lying unconscious beside him. His eyes roamed to the cheek where she had been hit and he shook his head as there lay a crescent gash along the outside corner of her eye to mid cheek on her right side. It would make a beautiful battle scar, but not one for a lady. She was officially marked a pirate on her first night and would forever be marked as one. Jaqueline De Monroe would no longer be a noble but a maiden of the sea.

Chapter One

2011-08-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

So you ever have that dream where you're at a fork in the road and not really sure which way to go? I seem to have it a lot. So much that I wrote a song about it, well the lyrics and melody anyway, my writing partner George added the awesome music. The first song we ever wrote together called, "The Path" and it really does speak volumes on my life right now. Look up my full name Kelly Ann Earls on Facebook and you can probably find my music page. The song is still a work in progress but a good start. Anyway, the song is about a girl who comes to that spot in the road where she is stuck and wants to go back, but the path behind her is gone and she can only look to the path ahead, she then turns to find her reflection before her, symbolizing that she is the only thing in her way. I know I'm the only thing standing in my way, yet I haven't found the way to break through. It's strange how I can give myself the answer in the song, yet can't apply it to my own life. It's like I have these invisible restraints keeping me from moving forward in my life. Fear, plain and simple. When I write, my characters are always strong, independent, fearless people; always the person I wish I could be. Perhaps I can start now... I want to start my story, to discover what I'm meant to do. So I'll post more thoughts in this blog, but also stories, lyrics, and other musings. Would the real Kelly Ann please stand up? Please?

Introduction

2011-08-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

          OK so you open the door to Barnes and Noble and look at the glory before you. You see straight ahead is the cafe with a slice of lemon iced pound cake and a tall green tea frappe calling your name at Starbucks. You stop yourself knowing that the pound cake will def. cost you more than a pound and the green tea frappe is not a necessity right now. You move forward and see to your left that the music/DVD section is also taunting you to spend money on what used to be tapes and VHS videos. You move forward quickly to the escalator and make your way up to the sanctuary. Surrounding you are books, so so many books. You go past the kids section or memory lane and move to the not so exciting history section, mostly military history, to the fiction section. Ah the fiction section, the place where a girl can escape from the reality she is living in. You search along the alphabet for your author's last name till you find what you are looking for. Grab the title you want and move to the couches in the corner by the window and give a sigh of relief. You are no longer Kelly Ann from Texas, the girl unsure of where she is going in life. Right now you're the heroine going through the same thing, but with witty banter and also a gorgeous man who wants you yet playing hard to get, and you know that you have an epilogue coming with all the answers.
This is my life. Ever since I could read a sentence I have loved books. Of course it helped that my mother was a teacher who would make me read as much as I breathed, but helped me get a reading level of a senior in high school when I was starting junior high. Anyway, books are my lifeline...the one constant thing in my life. Here's something you may have noticed, but life changes. We go from tapes and VHS to MP3s, CDs, and DVDs; from good job to bad job, to relationship and no relationship, to...well you get my drift. Books however, yeah they may get an upgrade to electronic or audio, but they still have a story, a beginning, a middle, and an end.   Plus it's just nice to step out of my shoes for a little while and go into another pair. See how they handle their situations, cause even though they don't always have a happy ending, they at least get some answers.
          This heroine on the other hand, has no idea. I have changed my mind so much about my life that I feel like I'm on the merry-go-round in the playground and it just won't stop, not to mention those always made me sick so no change there.   I don't have a writer that tells me what happens in my life. I mean I believe God has a plan for me (no haters please, I believe, so if you don't get over it), but he's not exactly giving me direct answers at the moment. To be honest I don't even feel like the main character of my own story, I feel like I'm visiting everyone else but can't become the writer of my own. I mean can't I become the author of my own life? You would think so, yet like my own writing, I'm getting major writers block. Anyway, I hope this blog can help me realize a few things, get some stuff off my chest, but also perhaps display what I can do, help someone having the same situation, or I don't know get a laugh, at this point I'm just wanting to get on the write path...yes I went there. Ta.