It's been a while

Since I have been looking for a job, I have neglected my blog and my writing. I do have a couple more stories I need to at least start and edit. It's rough when your mind is occupied with worries and stresses of trying to compete with hundreds of people for a good job. I've decided to try the virtual world out and look for some assignments there. I wonder if I'll find something that pays.
   On another note, me and the hubby traveled to Branson, Missouri at the beginning of the month. Amazingly enough, being the wine drinkers we are, we found a couple of Italian wine in Mizzu. It was something I did not expect. I mean, we came all the way to Branson, land of Wayne Newton and outlet shopping, to find Italian wine. The mind boggles. We purchased two bottles. One is a Barbera wine made in Monferrato, Italy, (according to the seller, who's training to be a sommelier). The taste reminded me of fresh honey straight out of the hive. There was no aftertaste with an amazingly clean finish. This wine is the best I have had since my father in law introduced us to fine wines. And the price was fair considering. The other wine is from the same region, made from Nebbiolo grape, Barberesco. We haven't popped the cork yet, but I am anxious to have a taste. I've read about its qualities and want to see how red it is. The wine is supposed to get lighter as it ages. Our bottle is from 1998, so it may be the burgundy color of red wines or it may have lightened up a bit. I'll keep you updated on that.

Short story?

Here's an excerpt of a short story I just started. I have not thought of a title yet, but it seems to be ok. I'm posting the first, very rough draft to see if there is anything I can do with it. I'm fine with any type of criticism. After all, I wouldn't post it if I weren't. And without further ado:

Abby practically skipped to the mailbox. Today was the beginning of her new life. She opened the green mailbox and grabbed the plain wrapped box. It was a small box with only her address printed and the return address from Practical Labs. She held the box close as she ran back into her house. It won't be long now, she thought to herself. I can finally be the person I have wanted to be.

Abby considered herself too fat for most activities and clothing. She never wore a bathing suit since she thought she resembled a sunbathing sea lion. She was self conscious of the way she looked and how she thought other saw her. Once these miracle pills worked, then she could go and ask out Scott. Scott is her co-worker whom Abby has had a crush on for a year. He is always nice to her, making small talk in the elevator on the way to work or stopping by her cubicle to ask about her day so far. He even asks her to go to lunch with him. But poor Abby does not want the very eye friendly Scott to be seen with a person likes her. So what she has an awesome personality? No one wants to date Sammy the Sea Lion. These pills will be her savior. The ad said that they would zap the fat right out of your body. Abby could not wait to give them a try. What does she have to loose besides 20 pounds of squishy?

Abby goes into the house she shared with her roommate Melissa. She was sitting on the couch waiting to see this so called “miracle pill”. Melissa always skeptical about such things warned Abby that it might not work. She told her she could not find a single review, article, or even a tiny blurb about Practical Labs. Abby closes the door and proudly shows the box to Melissa. ‘It came!” Melissa shook her head and rolled her eyes, “Well let’s see if this even works.”

“It said on the ad that it’s begins working on the first day. All I have to do is drink it with a glass of water and voila, I’ll be as thin as you. Gorgeous even,” Abby replied with a huge smile on her face.

“But you are gorgeous now, Abby. I don’t understand why you need to go to these extremes. You could get any guy you wanted if you had confidence. I’ve seen how they look at you when you pass. You have the “to die for” figure. You’re the black Sofia Vegara. Everything’s in the right place. You don’t see her complaining about losing weight. I’m thin, barely any curves. That guy Scott at work seems to love looking at you. I swear if he knew where we lived, he’d be in the bushes under your window with John from next door.”

“Look, I don’t see myself the way you do. Maybe if I did, I wouldn’t have spent one hundred dollars on some chemicals. But I want to be thin, like you.”

“Whatever, doll. Mark my words. Being thin is not as exciting as you think it is. Look at me Abby. When was the last time I had a date? You on the other hand are turning down hot guys left and right cause you think you’re fat?! I wish I had your problem. I wish I could fight men of with a stick. Nope I had to grow an extra amount of self-esteem and cultivate my confidence. That’s what you need. Fuck a miracle,” Melissa says as she turns back to the article in the newspaper, mumbling about Abby being a pinup girl with major issues. Abby laughs at her on the way to the kitchen, swearing she heard Melissa say if only she had confidence in herself she’d notice the men who drooled in her path.

Abby quicksteps in to the kitchen and opens the refrigerator and grabs a bottle of Gatorade from the top shelf. She goes over to counter and opens the plain box for her bottles of pills.

Bonnaroo

    Since I live in Tennessee, I attend a music and arts festival called Bonnaroo. Most people consider it a "hippie" festival since the focus is recycling, self-sustained living, composting, etc. For me, the hubby,and our assorted friends, its the perfect time to get together and party until the sun comes up.
     Getting to the Farm in Manchester, TN was the challenge. The highway patrol closed the exit for Manchester earlier than we expected. As our friends were on the exit ramp, highway patrol told them to get back on the highway. They ended up driving in a circle for an hour before they were able to finally exit the highway and meet everyone at the Home Depot. It was so frustrating, but two hours later, we were unpacking and setting up camp on the Farm. Let me tell you, it was the best time we have had in months. Four days of going to bed late, waking up early, and all the beer you could drink. By Sunday, I was worn down but happy. My feet hurt, the hubby got sunburn on his feet, and I still haven't gone to bed at a decent hour.
    Right now, I am suffering from the Bonnarooers call the "Bonnaroo Blues". It happens when you are able to live your life stress free, problem free, just free for four whole days. You get home and unpack and remember at that time you were walking back to camp after seeing Skrillex or a random gave you a honest to goodness hug. A hug you felt was real, not one of those one handed jobs, but two hands on the back and a gentle press and sigh. I miss that. I miss the laughing with my friends, the catch-me-up stories. I miss knowing when I wake up, we'd do it all again, smiles on our faces, and water on our backs. Our feet might have ached, the sun was hot, but it was a good time.
    I can't wait for next year!
www.bonnaroo.com

Welcome!

In this blog, I'm going to attempt to write some short stories, short shorts, and a novella. In the downtime, I'll add some snippets of my process and my life. I hope to get some honest criticism and comments. Thanks!