When Hell Freezes Over

It is day 4 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is When Hell Freezes Over.  Now skate on over to Nicky's place for more frozen treats.

Adverb*

when Hell freezes over

1. (idiomatic) never; not in this lifetime; not a chance.
   
   

   "Will you go out with him?"

   "When Hell freezes over!"

   
   

   *Source: wikionary

   

   Image Source: wstera2

Care to rethink that remark?

In reality, she probably doesn't have to worry about it.  Hell, as described in many religions, lies far beneath the surface of the earth. For the sake of argument, we will assume hell to be located at the center of the earth, way down at it's fiery core.

Obviously no one has taken it's temperature, but it is estimated at between 9,000 and 11,000 degrees Fahrenheit.  The earth's core is a solid iron ball about one-third the size of the moon, which would easily be melted at these temperatures if not for the weight of the planet pressing down on it.

It is pretty certain this isn't freezing any time soon!

Image Source:  Wikipedia

Super Bowl Madness

It is day 3 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is Temporary Insanity.

George had settled into his recliner, his dog at his feet, the remote in his hand, and beer and snacks at the ready.  Just as the game was getting underway, his wife, Deanna came in to adjust the blinds and ask if he wanted anything else.  "George" she said, "Guess what I just read on Facebook? Jeanne posted a link to an article about a woman who just flipped out and tried to strangle her husband while he was watching the Super Bowl last year, but fortunately he overpowered her and called the police.  Isn't that just crazy?"

Image Source:  Camilla

"Yeah, that's nuts", George agreed.  "Some people are real whack jobs.  I'm glad you're not like that.  You don't mind me watching the games do you?"

"Of course not, dear" she crooned, "after all a man needs to relax and feel that his home is his castle."

"By the way, what happened to the woman?" he inquired.  "That was attempted murder.  Was she convicted...is she in jail?"

"Oh my no!  On her attorney's advice she pleaded temporary insanity and was acquitted.*  She then divorced him and took the dog."

George eyed her cautiously.  The game was going on but he wasn't watching.  He just sat there staring at his wife.  Finally he spoke.  "Honey, how would you like to have lunch at Emilio's and maybe go to a movie?" he asked as he switched off the TV.

*This rarely ever happens, and most are committed to a mental institution.

Now go visit WWFC for more creative insanity. 

Risky Business

It is day 2 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is It Was No Accident!

A while back I wrote Beyond the Window for Magpie Tales, which I used as an inspiration for this story.  It ended by telling us "what happens next will free them both."  I wouldn't exactly say they were "freed" but I guess it depends on how you look at it.

Big Room, 1948, by Andrew Wyeth

Maggie sat in a quaint outdoor restaurant lunching with several friends, the sun was shining and the tea was sweet.  It was the first time she had smiled in months.  The images that had penetrated her dreams and haunted every waking moment were beginning to blur as time marched forward, taking her reluctantly with it.

Six months earlier she had been coping with the day to day ups and downs of her husband's business, a business that provided well for her but at the same time left her with unanswered questions.

"I have to go to Colombia for a few days, maybe a week" said Tomas.  "There are some contracts that I must see to personally.  When I get back, we will take a trip.  Anywhere you would like to go.  I will even make the arrangements myself."

He is trying, she thought, and smiled her thanks.  "I'll think about it and let you know what I decide" Maggie responded, yet unconvinced the trip would actually take place.

Tomas packed his bag and called his driver to take him to the airport where he boarded the plane.  

"Welcome aboard sir" called the pilot.  

"Where is Manuel?" asked Tomas. 

"He came down with the flu, sir, and I am filling in until he recovers.  Enjoy your flight."

"Thank you."  Tomas proceeded to his seat, and after they were airborne, he asked the flight attendant for a scotch and soda.  His drink finished, he tipped his seat back for a nap.  He was tired and it would be a late night.

As he drifted off, his dreams turned to Maggie.  He saw tears in her eyes, and flowers.  There were so many flowers.  Where was she, and why was she crying?

About that time there was a loud boom as the plane lurched sideways, and there was a gaping hole where the forward bathroom had been.  The explosion had taken out the left engines, the wing was in flames and the pilot was dead.

NTSB investigated, and eventually the voice recorder was recovered.  There was nothing to indicate any mechanical malfunction or human error.  Further scrutiny found the remnants of an explosive device among the wreckage which was believed to have been detonated remotely.  Investigators were still trying to piece together what happened and determine who the intended target was.  Was it Tomas, the dead pilot, or Manuel who was sick with the flu?

Back in Miami, a representative of the NTSB and an FBI agent meet with Maggie.  

"Mrs. Garza, we are so sorry for your loss.  We want you to know that the crash was no accident, and we are continuing our investigation.  Is there anything you can tell us about your husband's business?"

Gouda

Image Source:  Antwelm

Today is the first day of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and we are starting off in a traditional cheesy fashion. Today's prompt is Gouda.

Now we all know Gouda.  He's a cheesy fellow whose ancestors hail from Holland, but he's easy going and doesn't mind it when things get dicey or somebody takes a slice off him. Nope, shredded or smoked, he always brings something good to the party.  

The one thing that does offend him is when we mispronounce his name. That's right, here in this country we call him goo-da or goo-duh. Before we send him into a complete meltdown, we should remember that he is a foreign visitor here and afford him the courtesy of pronouncing his name the way he's used to.

Listen to the Dutch Pronunciation of Gouda.  That's better!

Some Gouda facts: 

• Gouda is more of a style of cheese than a kind of cheese.

• It's taste is dependent upon how long it is aged.

• It is aged between 4 weeks (young, which is typically served on sandwiches either cold or melted), and up 12 months or longer.  These old Goudas are often served with strong pale beers or Port wine.

• It is the oldest recorded cheese still made today.

• It is not restricted, meaning that it is not required to be made in Gouda to be called Gouda, unlike Parmigiano-Reggiano which has a protected designation of origin and can only be made in certain regions of Italy. 

Now go and see what cheesy treats the other participants have cooked up.

Ready or Not

Image Source: www.cafepress.com

The Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing Challenge Begins Saturday February 1, 2014.

ARE YOU READY?

Hosted by We Work For Cheese

Quote of the Week

Image source:  Wikipedia

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. - Albert Camus

I think the depth of winter relates to a dark time in life when it seems that you can't go on, that the weight of life's difficulties are too much to bear.  And, I think that the invincible summer slumbers within everyone, and is awakened when it dawns on you that, yes, you can do this.  We are all stronger than we believe so let's put winter away and start living our invincible summer.

Albert Camus, Nobel prize winning author, journalist and philosopher was the second youngest person to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature.  Camus died in a car accident in 1960 at the age of 46.   

Quote of the Week

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.  - Albert Einstein

Our lives are made up of three parts, the past, the present and the future.  We look back at the past to see where we made mistakes and learn from them.  The present is today and we live it well and fully, paving the way for our future.  Asking questions and seeking out the answers is part of this process and keeps us fresh and vital.  Live, love, learn and keep growing.

Eventide

Colors softly blend

As from a master's palate

On the eventide

Quote of the Week

Don't let the past steal your present.  

- Cherralea Morgen

Here are a few things to remember as we move into the new year.  

Write 2014 on your checks and correspondence (assuming anyone still uses paper). 

Strengthen your resolve to be a happier, healthier, more confident you.

And most importantly, put away any things from the past year that brought you sadness or pain.  That is behind you. Remember the good and release the bad.  Don't dwell on what made you sad, angry or resentful.  Every new day of every year is a gift.  Give your present the attention it deserves.

Webbed Feet and Feathers

The sunny South hasn't been so sunny lately.  This is the view from my front door this morning.  Not unlike many other days this winter.  There were 13 strategically placed rainy days in December.  

Note the 3 Saturdays and 4 Sundays!  Lovely!  Not too bad, though, considering there were 19 days with above normal daytime temps.  Now to be honest, not all of this rain fell during daylight hours, and we have no drought concerns for the moment, but seriously...every weekend?  

And then there's January with 4 rainy days already, and all but 2 days the low temps have been below average.  But do you think we got any snow?  All the moisture dries up before the cold air arrives.  We are either freezing or floating.

I won't complain (too much) because compared to other parts of the country, the winter is balmy and fairly typical for our area.  No sub-zero temperatures and no wind chills equal to my age.

But would it be too much to ask for a little snow?  I'd trade my webbed feet and feathers for some snow boots and mittens.

So how's your weather - too hot, too cold, too much snow (or not enough)? 

Getting Started in the New Year

With the new day comes new strength 

and new beginnings. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Welcome to 2014.  A new year, new adventures, new beginnings and new memories.  Do you make resolutions?  Do you start hitting the gym, begin diets, make a bucket list?  Do you suffer the disappointment of not keeping your resolutions, your diet stalls and you end up as a couch potato by the time the Super Bowl rolls around?

The new year is a good time to begin afresh, but the best of intentions fail when you try to implement too much change at once, at least this has been my experience.  

So I don't make resolutions for the new year.  Instead I set goals and continually strive to eat better, exercise more, stay positive, be nicer, be more organized (stay organized) and a whole host of other things.

Every time I fall off the wagon, I pick myself up, brush the dust off and remind myself that I can do this.

Here are some tips on how to start small and accomplish your goals (not resolutions).

• Pick one or two things that you think you can do regularly. If you don't exercise, try walking for 15 minutes every day.  If you do work out, add a class, increase a weight, time or distance.  

• Instead of a full blown diet, choose a healthy snack such as yogurt or nuts over candy and chips or water over sugared beverages.

• Skip the numbers.  Forget the holiday statistics.  Don't focus on your weight in pounds.  Let your body be your guide.  You will know when things are working for you.  

• Get organized one project at a time.  Change is overwhelming so don't decide to do a major overhaul in January and find yourself afloat in chaos come Spring.  Make a list. Compartmentalize each project so that you start and finish one before moving on to another.  This will keep your house in order and your sanity intact.

• Try something new.  This can be anything from creative arts to taking a cooking class, learning a foreign language, travel or volunteering.  Find your passion and embrace it.

• Relax.  This is something many of us need to work on.  We think if we are relaxing, i.e. "doing nothing" that we are wasting time, not being productive or just lazy.  Not true. Relaxation allows you to restore your balance, reduce stress and increase focus when you return to your activities.

Remember, starting small doesn't mean thinking small.  Whatever you dream, you can do.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Quote of the Week

The heart, like the mind, has a memory.  And in it are kept the most precious keepsakes.  ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The memories we store in our minds bring forth pictures, sounds and smells. The memories of the heart are a bit harder to describe.  The best thing I can come up with is that memories of the heart are feelings.  Not just things that touch us visually, but how we felt at that moment in time.

For example, the picture above appears to be just barren trees in winter, but it was taken not so much for what it was, but the the way I felt looking at how the sunlight played upon the branches against the clouds in the background.

In a few days we begin a new year...and with it new memories.

Quote of the Week

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

From our house to yours, Merry Christmas!

Quote of the Week

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.  - Hamilton Wright Mabi

Twinkling lights that cast a warm glow in the night are a sign that Christmas is just around the corner.  Would that the spirit of the season lasted, not just through the holidays, but throughout the year. 

Quote of the Week

If you light a lamp for someone else it will also brighten your path. - Buddha

Whenever we selflessly do for others, it is reflected back, giving us a warm feeling and a brighter day.  As Christmas approaches, let's light some lamps and share the warmth.

Meet Eli's Mother

Do you remember Eli, the awkward, slightly clumsy, but well meaning guy who got a busted nose and and bruised ego when Judy punched him out?

Well, that night he had an encounter like nothing he had ever imagined.  All the strange dreams came to life and the truth was revealed.  "He will be all right now" she had said.

"What did she mean by that" he asked himself time and again.  He didn't feel any different.  He didn't look any different. When he mentioned it to Paul, he laughed and said Eli must have a short circuit. 

Now every night he goes to bed hoping for a glimpse into that other world and every morning he awakes, his questions still unanswered.  "What did she mean?"

He and Paul are heading to the bar after work.  Yes, that bar, you know, old habits and all...

They grab a couple stools, order their beers and start checking out the eye candy.  "There's a looker" said Paul as he nodded to a raven-haired beauty with scarlet lips.  

Photo courtesy of Magpie Tales

Eli said "Good luck there, friend", as Paul sauntered over.  Eli grinned, "This I've got to see" as he made his way over to where Paul was trying to gain favor with the lady.

 "Hi, my name's Paul.  What's yours?"

She replied politely, "My name is Alexandria di Ravenelli, but you may call me Princess."

"Well, I'm pleased to meet you Princess.  I must say the name fits" replied Paul smoothly.

"Oh, but you are mistaken" she responded with a royal air, "That is not my name, but my title."  

"What is that like 'Miss America'?" Paul was a bit discombobulated, and it was Eli's turn to laugh.  The tables were turned and Paul was about to get his comeuppance.

"No", she replied frostily, "I am a Princess among my people."  

As Paul stared, trying to digest this, slowly it dawned on Eli.  This wasn't just any Princess who happened into this bar.  Besides whoever heard of a Princess going bar hopping anyway.  No, this was his mother.  "Whoa" he said, "This is all wrong.  What are you doing here?"

Now Paul was really confused.  "You know her?" he squeaked.

"Why yes, as a matter of fact I do" said Eli, trying to cover his own discomfiture.

"Come Eli" called the Princess as she arose in a swirl of black silk and lace.  As they left, all eyes were on Eli and the beautiful woman on his arm.  She was right, he thought later.  He would be all right now...and from then on Eli had a date every weekend.

He never told Paul that the Princess was his mother, and that was his way of getting even for all the laughs and snide comments. 


Written for Magpie Tales #196.  Click on the links below if you would like to read Eli's adventures up to this point.

Birdman?
The Princess
Eli and the Redhead 
The Winged Woman

Quote of the Week

It's hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head.  - Sally Kempton

This would seem to imply that someone is reading your thoughts.  However, the only one truly inside your head is you, but negative thoughts are one of your greatest enemies.  So go ahead and purge your mind and make sure everyone in your head is on your side.

What is a Myrtle?

The Boardwalk at Myrtle Beach

Having just been to Myrtle Beach for a long-awaited getaway, we pondered this question as we strolled the new boardwalk which opened in May 2010.  Just what is a Myrtle, my hubby asked?  I thought maybe it was named after a woman.  If you ask people how Myrtle Beach got its name, you get a variety of answers from the Indians to someone's daughter.  All are good guesses.  The area has had many names over its history.  When the Waccamaw Indians inhabited the land, it was known as Long Bay.  You may recognize the name Waccamaw from the river and pottery named for it.  It was later known as Withers for a family who had had property there since the 1700s.  There was even a post office named for them.

In 1881 the Burroughs and Collins Company of Conway purchased much of the land long held by the Withers family and Withers was now called New Town.  As you can see there have been many changes and many names as is often the case with developing lands.

Getting to the story behind the current name, in 1900 a contest was held to choose an official name for their town.*   Credit is given to Addie Burroughs who suggested the name Myrtle Beach, named for the abundant growth of the Wax Myrtle bushes.  

Image Attribution: Mary Keim

The Wax Myrtle is a North American native, and is a small tree or large shrub depending on it's environment.  It is often found in landscaping, especially around the beaches but is also used in candle making, as well as having medicinal uses.

And that is how Myrtle Beach got it's name.
 
*Myrtle Beach officially became a town in 1938, then a city in 1957.

Quote of the Week

Life is short, live it.  

Love is rare, grab it.  

Anger is bad, dump it.  

Fear is awful, face it.  

Memories are sweet, cherish it.  

– Unknown

 

Just a few thoughts for today as we look forward to Thanksgiving.  Live life fully, count your blessings and make memories to carry with you forever.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Colors of Fall

Each season has its own special beauty.  Here are some of the colors and textures of Fall.

Caught on a spider web, this leaf is swinging in the breeze.

A friend of his landed on this old stump.

 These two are sharing a little leaf love.

 Red

 Gold and Green

Colors explode in the late evening sun.

An early Fall sunset paints the sky.