The Next Ten Years

This is Day 14 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is The Next 10 Years. Please visit the other participants for more adventures.

What will the next ten years bring? No one can really see the future? We can make predictions based on past and current events or statistics. We can make bucket lists, and daydream about marriage, kids, graduations, grandchildren, retirement or traveling abroad - things that the next decade could hold in store for us.

What do I think the next ten years will bring? For the world in general? I'd prefer not to hazard a guess. 

For me personally? I would like to think I'll be living a healthy, happy life among friends. I would like to travel more and visit places I've never been. I don't really have a bucket list or specific goals, but more of a mental "I'd like to go there or do that before I'm too old to enjoy it" list.

If any of us are still doing this ten years from now, one of the prompts could be "the past ten years" and we could see how things turned out.




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Fear(less)

This is Day 13 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Fears.  Please visit the other participants for more adventures.

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Fear can multiply and build on itself until it becomes powerful and consuming, and unchecked it can eventually take the place of what caused the fear in the first place.  We need to keep fear in its place.  A little fear can keep us from making critical mistakes, but when fear takes over it is paralyzing.

We can get so caught up in our fear that our rational side is overwhelmed. How can we take control of a fear? That depends on the cause. We might try confronting the fear, such as flying or heights, and find that it is not as bad as we expected. Perhaps taking a step back and reaffirming the positive things we know to be true can provide some relief. 

Fear has many different faces and effects, and there is no one size fits all solution for managing or overcoming them. Sometimes you just want to Shout!

Enjoy at little Tears for Fears.

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Stressed or Knot?

This is Day 12 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Stress.  Please visit the other participants for more adventures.

Does stress have you tied in a knot? 

Stress. How about staring at a blank screen when you should be clicking publish on today's post. Stress. It is a simple word, a one-syllable, seemingly innocuous little five-letter word. Of those five letters, three are "s". S is the letter we use to make words plural and stress has three of them.  

A nonsensical way of looking at it, of course, but serving to stress the fact that stress is hardly a simple word. It's consequences and complications are something we have all felt at some time in our lives. The effects of stress are so widespread today that stressed-out is as common a response as - oh you know, same old, same old.

Another phrase commonly heard now is de-stress. People say they need to work out, meditate, do yoga, or whatever to de-stress. I guess this replaces wind down or unwind from decades past.

When stress has you in a knot, what are some of your favorite ways to de-stress?



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Modern Obsession?

This is Day 11 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Selfie Nation. Please visit the other participants for more adventures.

What is a selfie? Some years ago I had to ask that same question when my niece mentioned selfies. She said that's when you take a picture of yourself with your cell phone camera. That's the way new words come into being. 

It seems we have become enamored with taking our own pictures. I will admit it is a good way to document your vacations and other adventures or be able to share photos of yourself when there is no one around to take your picture. 

I am usually taking the pictures which is fine since most of the time I don't like the way I look in photographs, especially at close range. Needless to say, I won't be posting any selfies here.

Yet there is the occasional instance like this one when I definitely wanted my picture taken. Obviously a selfie wouldn't work here since I had my hands full.

The downside of selfies is the obsession those of taking bunches of random self portraits or silly faces and sharing them with thousands of their closest friends via social media.  Selfies can also get to be hazardous when folks focus too much on getting the cool picture and not enough on what's going on around them.

The bottom line is I don't think taking selfies is bad unless it becomes an obsession, is disruptive, or poses a hazard to them or others around them.

And, because this is Monday, here is a selfie quote!

With the selfies, a photographer has finally found his place in a photograph. ― Amit Kalantri

That is definitely a true statement!

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San Francisco Connection

This is Day 10 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is San Francisco. Please visit the other participants for more stories.

The next morning arrives with a jolt when Charlie's cell phone blasts out A Fifth of Beethoven loud enough to wake the dead, which is how they had felt the previous day.

"Yes, I understand. We'll be there soon." Now it was Charlie's turn to groan, "Alex, wake up, "he called from across the room.

"Like I could sleep through that, "Alex complained!

"Sorry, my Dad grew up in the Disco era and he got me hooked on it. I know, kids don't usually like what their parents like, but what can I say, I've got a really hip Dad."

"Anyway back to business, that was an Agent Collins, who wants us to come in as soon as we can," explained Charlie reaching for his steaming cup of coffee. "Thank goodness for in-room coffee stations. Can I fix you a cup?"

"Thanks, I'll take a cup with me...do we have lids?"

Twenty minutes later, they were in their standard black SUV on their way to the field office, where Agent Collins awaited them with an update.

"Hello agents, I hope you slept well, I'm Agent Collins, Sam if you please. Thank you for getting here so fast. I was transferred to this case last night...was told you could use some additional manpower."

"Nice to meet you Sam. I'm Charlie Shore and this is Alex Reynolds. Please bring us up to speed, and we'll fill the rest of the team in when they arrive."

"We have been doing background investigation on our prime suspect, and it turns out he has connections to a crime organization run out of San Francisco, which is also tied to a biker gang a little ways up the coast in Monterey. The gang is called the Slashers and they are hard core into drugs, prostitution, even weapons. So this operation is bigger than we first thought," Sam stated.

"Well that does shed new light on the case," mused Charlie. "Thanks for pitching in with us. As you know, we are on loan from Memphis for a few weeks. It looks like this operation spans the country."

Sam continues, "There's more. There is an unsolved murder from about five years ago. It involved a California man who was shot while on a trip with his son. Local police investigated and initially ruled it an accident until the son and his uncle broke the case and while it's technically unsolved, there is strong evidence that points to the Slashers."

Charlie's eyes widened than narrow as he focuses his attention squarely upon Sam, "What are these guys' names?"

Sam refers to his notepad, "I believe the uncle's name is Adam Richards and his nephew is Josh. Why? Do you know either of these men?"

"Adam and I are friends from our marine days," said Charlie. "He was a career man, and I got out after my tour was up and entered the Academy. I was never involved in the case since it was on the West Coast, but Adam and I did talk about it later." 

Alex had been listening intently to Sam and Charlie's conversation, and asked "so are we now going to San Francisco or Monterey?"

"Maybe...probably."

Other Adventures of Charlie and Alex:

Risky Business

Aliens, Really?
The Colombians
The Key
Stranded
The Last Laugh
The Morning After

Bears, Beans and Beer

Kidnapped

Jenna's Misfortune

Murder in the Warehouse

A Rough Week in Philly

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Booze, Bongos and Board Members

This is Day 9 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Booze and Bongos. Please visit the other participants for more stories.

Tina and Cristo were newly elected officers of their the Free Spirits club in Miami. This is a small social club devoted to the appreciation of adult beverages. There is, however, a board to keep up with members and the monthly gatherings and dues. Their meeting places are frequently local bars, restaurants or occasionally someone's apartment.

This evening a few friends were sharing a bottle of single malt scotch at Tina and Cristo's place when Cristo pulled out a set of drums, and started tapping out a hypnotic rhythm. Soon everyone began swaying, and nodding, and Tina yelled out, "Wow, I like this! I vote we rename the club Booze and Bongos." Cristo nodded, still drumming away. 

When they awoke the next morning, Tina said groggily "I had the weirdest dream last night. We were sitting around with Trish and Ron and Ben and Susie, when you started banging on some drums and someone yelled out Booze and Bongos. Isn't that strange?"

"That is strange because I had the same dream only it was you that yelled out Booze and Bongos."

"Oh no!" they both exclaimed in unison, "that was no dream." 

"No wonder I have a headache," grimaced Tina. "Oops, I think we changed our club name to Booze and Bongos." 

"Let's hope no one remembers, and we can just pretend it never happened," said Cristo sheepishly. "Some members would not be amused, and we might have to abdicate our board positions."




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Shades of Blue

This is Day 8 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Blue. Please visit the other participants for more stories.

Image Source: Wikimedia

There are so many different directions to go with this one. I could write a blue poem, but I'm not feeling poetic at the moment. So let's look at what kinds of things are blue. The sky, the ocean, birds and flowers. There is even a blue potato. How strange is that? Can you imagine a pile of blue mashed potatoes?

There are blue gem stones and minerals such as sapphires, blue quartz, barite, beryl and many others. Nature is full of the most beautiful colors. We could take every color in the rainbow and find shades from the most gentle to the most intense.

In Googling the word blue for this post, I came across this question. When was the color blue discovered? That's not a question I would have thought to ask given how plentiful it is in nature, but nevertheless, it appears to be a valid one because there is an answer.

There is a whole wikipedia article on it, but here is a brief statement to it's origin.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Beginning in about 2500 BC, the ancient Egyptians began to produce their own blue pigment known as Egyptian blue, made by grinding silica, lime, copper, and alkalai, and heating it to 800 or 900 °C (1,470 or 1,650 °F). This is considered the first synthetic pigment.

I think we take a lot of things for granted in today's world of technology and general busyness. Maybe we should slow down just a bit and look around and admire not just the blues, but all the colors in the spectrum.




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A Tropical Paradise

This is Day 7 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Dream Winter Vacation. Please visit the other participants for more stories.

What would be my dream winter vacation?

Blue skies, beautiful waters and soft breezes. 

Quaint little tables beneath swaying  palm trees.

Fruity tropical drinks in coconuts with little umbrellas.

Peaceful days and blazing sunsets.

A tropical paradise.

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Nicknames

This is Day 6 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Nicknames. Please visit the other participants for more stories.       

I love nicknames. It makes me feel loved. It makes me feel less alone in this world. - Ellen Page

I would wager that just about every has had a nickname at one time or other in their lives. Nicknames can be endearing or embarrassing, sweet or mean, depending on who bestowed it and how it is used.

Sophie a.k.a. Soapy, Sophes, Twit

I grew up with several different descriptors attached to me, all of which were used with the utmost affection. Used in this manner, nicknames do make you feel special, like you fill a place that no one else can, which is true.

Even our furry friends have nicknames in addition to the official name of record at the vet. Rosebud was always Rose or Rosie, and Dood's official name was R.P., but he eventually became Doodle, which got shortened to Dood. Missy became Mizzle and then Miz, but I often called her Sweet Pea, and her Daddy called her Pudge.



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A Rough Week In Philly

This is Day 5 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Philadelphia. Please visit the other participants for more stories.


Our favorite FBI Agents, Charlie and Alex are back with more adventures. When we last saw them they had just wrapped up a kidnapping in New York City.


"Hey Alex, what's up? asked Charlie.

Alex groaned, "This paperwork is killing me. You know I'd rather be out in the field than sitting here pushing a pencil around."

"You know we have computers for that...and admins," quipped Charlie. "What's the deal?"
"It's just beauracratic BS. Since I knew Jenna from before the last case, and we ended up involved with the mafia and then the kidnapping, they want to make absolutely, positively 100% sure I had no involvement with any of the suspects. Some things just don't die easily. On top of that, we've had dinner a couple of times and that was relayed to the bosses."

"Didn't I suggest that you might let the dust settle a bit before pursuing a relationship," reminded Charlie?

"Ah the voice of reason. You might have mentioned something to that effect," replied a chagrined Alex, "but it will all be sorted out shortly, and they haven't pulled me from active duty, so please tell me we have a case."

"As a matter of fact that is why I was looking for you. The Philadelphia office is a bit shorthanded, since several guys retired and a couple more are out with injuries, so they've ask me to take my team to Philly to help out for a few weeks. I'll clear it with the department chief for you to go, unless there is some particular reason you'd rather not take this assignment," grinned Charlie wickedly.

"Like you said, I should let the dust settle," Alex sighed.  "Jenna is still a little shaky, so some time and space is probably a good idea. She's got my number if she needs anything. When do we leave?"

"Sunday night," Charlie replied, "so we can start pitching in Monday morning. I don't know what we'll be working on, but hopefully it will just be routine. We could use a bit of that after these last few cases. At any rate, we will be assisting, not taking the lead this time. I'll call Kyle and Bobbie and fill them in. I expect they are itching for some action, too."

The team arrives in Philly on Monday to find the place in chaos. "Well, so much for a piece-of-cake assignment," Alex stated matter-of-factly. As it turned out, the lead agent on a big case came down with the flu. 

"Agent Shore, you're the senior agent so you run point and our guys will follow your lead," instructed the local agent.


One week into their two-week relief effort, they slide into a booth at the end of a long day. Day meaning about 36 hours straight of surveillance, intel gathering, search warrants and subsequent searches. "Whew," huffs Alex, "and we thought the Colombian case was bad. This has been a rough week."

"Yeah, maybe that pencil pushing is looking better" grinned Charlie, "but I think we're gonna nail this one shut in a couple days."  To be continued...



Other Adventures of Charlie and Alex:

Risky Business

Aliens, Really?
The Colombians
The Key
Stranded
The Last Laugh
The Morning After

Bears, Beans and Beer

Kidnapped

Jenna's Misfortune

Murder in the Warehouse

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That Darn Ball

This is Day 4 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is I Found a Ball. Please visit the other participants for more stories.

I found a ball

upon a wall

I picked it up

I dropped my cup

I sat down

with a frown

upon a stump

with a thump

oh my dear

what's that I hear

are those bees

I scrape my knees

away I run

not having fun

may I say

it's not my day

I know it's lame

I lay the blame

upon that darn ball

that is all

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Photograph

This is Day 3 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Photograph. Please visit the other participants for more stories.


The beauty of this challenge is that you can take the topic and go in any direction you choose and write whatever speaks to you. That's what I'm going to do.

When I looked at the today's topic, Photograph, the very first thing that came to mind was the 1973 song by Ringo Starr. He co-wrote Photograph with former band member, George Harrison.  An article from Rolling Stone lists the top 10 Beatles singles, and Photograph was #7.

While John, George and Paul didn't always get along with one another, they each remained friends with Ringo. In fact, right after the Beatles broke up, the only thing they could agree on was Ringo. They loved him, and wanted to do everything they could to help further his career, so they each worked on his new album (separately of course). 

Ringo, in turn, stayed close with them, and he performed Photograph at the Concert for George in 2002 on the first anniversary of his death. It was an emotional moment when he sang  "All I've got is a photograph and I've realized you're not coming back anymore." 

Those are touching words, and I have some special photographs, too.

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My Little Red Wagon

This is Day 2 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Little Red Wagon. Please visit the other participants for more stories.


Every kid had a little red wagon, didn't they? 

Not only did I have one, I had two. The first was sized for a toddler and I would haul things around in it, probably toys or stuffed animals, or maybe books because Mom said I would carry my books around all the time. While not having a lot of real memories at that age, this is what I expect I did with it. Perhaps I was even pulled around the driveway along with my animals.  

When I got too old for that, then I got my big-girl wagon similar to the one in the picture. Just like with my sled, (read that story here), Daddy would hook my wagon up behind the lawn mower and away we would ride. It wasn't too many years before I gave up riding the wagon for riding the mower but that's another story. Needless to say, those were some great Daddy-Daughter moments.

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In A Nutshell

This is Day 1 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is explain your blog. Please visit the other participants for more stories.


With another year under our belts and new adventures on the horizon, we embark on another writing challenge to energize us and get us back into the proverbial blogging saddle. Giddy-up! The first challenge is to explain our blogs, how they came to be and what makes them tick. 

Way back in the summer of 2009 I was walking through a rose garden with my hubby and some friends, and we were talking about technology and social media such as Twitter when out of the blue I said I could write a blog. I had thoughts, ideas and opinions and decided I could share those with anyone and everyone who cared to listen. That I had no idea how to do this didn't matter. From that walk in the rose garden sprang From Roses to Rainbows. (Also see how I named by blog Part 1 and Part 2.)

Here comes the explaining part. It has absolutely nothing to do with roses or rainbows, aside from the occasional, non-related pictures. The simple explanation is that it is a place for me to express myself through writing fiction, poetry, travel stories, and cat tales, to post pictures, to muse over daily life and to offer encouragement and inspiration through quotes and interpretation. In other words, it is an eclectic collection of self expression.

Alas, over the past few years, my writing and posting have been sporadic and even my quote series has fallen into neglect. Having said that however, I have participated in month-long writing challenges since June 2012, including the previous two January Chills, and not missed one day.

Hopefully having just written these words, I will be inspired to revive some of characters and tap out some new adventures, and that is what it is all about.

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. - Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to 2017. Let us begin!

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Are You Ready to Chill?

It's that time of year again. Yes, that's right. It's time for the

Writing Challenge!

Starting tomorrow...details found here.

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Christmas 2016

On the Eve of another Christmas, let us rejoice and be glad. Let there be peace on earth and goodwill to men.

Merry Christmas to all!

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Still Waters

This is a peaceful little cove off of Lake Panasoffkee in Florida. This is the home of Tom and Jerry's Air Boat Tours. I purposely kept the boats out of the picture to maintain the peaceful feeling.

I have lots of pictures and video from the tour to sort through and write about. Stay tuned.




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The Hidden Path

Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley. - Theodore Roethke

Just because something can't be seen doesn't mean it isn't there, and just because you don't have the answer right now, doesn't mean you won't find it. Patience and perseverance will reward you with the path you seek.



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Welcome to Autumn

A Pennsylvania corn field

Autumn carries more gold in its pocket

 than all the other seasons. -Jim Bishop

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The Joy of Color

Embrace your inner you, whatever that may be!

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