Monday, December 30, 2013

Trifecta Challenge: 3 Word Resolutions

Sorry I haven't done much here or otherwise, but the busy holiday season sent me scampering here there and everywhere.

But I finally have a few spare minutes to check in and make a new Trifecta submission:

Michael Hess inspired us with his three word New Year's resolution;just be nice. We're asking for your own resolutions in just three words. Make it count; we'll be checking back in come 2015.

And since this is our ninety-ninth Trifextra challenge, we're giving away the journal shown below from Tricerashops, our Cafe Press shop, in a randomly drawn giveaway. All you have to do to be entered is to enter this week's challenge. Good luck and good writing.

So, here goes:

Publish My Book!

 Here's three more:

Finish Second Book!

Here's yet three more:

Outline Third Book!

And Lastly:

Write Third Book!

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Technically I probably disqualified myself for official entry in this week's trifecta challenge, but this is more of a reminder to myself what I really want to accomplish in the upcoming year. I have a manuscript that needs a little polishing (for the nine-millionth time), the first in a trilogy that I want to publish and I will make this year my year and I will pass my son's legacy on to as many people and I possibly can. One of the many reasons, I feel, that Ukiah was brought into my life was to show me that I was capable of writing a book and also of doing something that was so much bigger than myself. I have to continue passing on his legacy by finishing the other two books in that series and by getting them out to the masses by any means necessary.

I don't talk about that book here much, but perhaps I should start. It's YA Paranormal and it deals with kids who have special needs, different diagnoses and limitations, but also abilities. Their limitations are also their powers, and that's how I chose to see every child with life limiting or special diagnosis. What we see as limitations and disabilities I chose to see as gifts. 

I will do it this year and if not I'll at least make great strides in trying. Wish me luck and check back here for updates.

Monday, December 02, 2013

Trifecta Challenge: Tush



“Tush up hon,” the kind nurse with a hint of a drawl in her voice says, as she changes my pads. My mom is helping to pick me up and everything aches. I want to scream, but it’s more guttural, always has been. I’d just assume lay in my own waste and be comfortable a day or two than be clean and in unbearable pain this close to the end.

Still, I guess I get it. I can’t fault ‘em for running a tight ship. Their just doing their job and letting me die in the comfort of my own home is a job I’m grateful anybody will do at all.

I’m fading fast. Everyone in the room knows it. My mom is the only one who can’t admit it to herself. I don’t blame her for her denial. The prognosis went from a few months, to a few weeks, to only a few days in less time than it takes to get a gun. If I hadn’t known it to be the end, I’d be in denial too.

I’m more out than in now. Consciousness doesn’t have the allure it once had. I overheard the nurses tell my mom it won’t be long before my breath becomes thready, signaling the end. A day or two tops.

But I ain’t giving up yet. I gotta hold out ‘til Henry gets here. He made me promise.

I’m not sure what time it is, when mom whispers in my ear that Henry made it. He’s a blur. I can’t make him out, but his voice comes through loud and clear. I’m not sure if I’m smiling or even if I can. I hear his voice and I’m at peace with him, with mom, with everything.

I had a lot I wanted to say, but no real way of saying it. Without wasting any time, he brought out his guitar and started strumming and I realized there was nothing left to say. 

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 The following story is my entry into the Trifecta Challenge, this week's word being tush.