A Reason Why | #SampleSunday

Posted on April 21, 2013 | Leave a comment

“Why did you come to America?”

She blinked at him. His hazel eyes didn’t burn with annoyance or anger. They were calm and . . . kind. “Sir?”

Searching for Sara“What did you want from your journey here? Not to be confused with what you might have expected. I want to know what you wanted, then and now.”

All the dreams and expectations ever hidden in her heart clashed to the surface of her memory. Sara choked down her hesitation, unable to break his gaze. “I came to America for a second chance at life, sir. A second chance at . . . myself.”

Mr. Lake nodded. “Ah. Now we come to it. Please, go on.”

“In England I was no better than a slave, sir, just an orphan. But you made me feel more in one letter. So here I am, two dresses to my name, and not money enough to support myself beyond tomorrow. I . . . .” She tore her gaze from his. “I been taking care of myself with the Lord’s blessing since no taller than a stump. Never held a position longer than three months, and no man will marry a servant girl scared of her own shadow. Sir, you and your wife offered me a place to call home and–” Tears robbed her voice.

“That is something you do not wish to lose.”

Sara inclined her head, shame keeping her eyes downcast. She didn’t want to sound desperate. She could work anywhere if given the chance.

Mr. Lake released a quiet breath, his slow nod drawing back her attention. “Consider today the first in your new home. You are free to wander within these meager walls. Free to come and go as you please. Lake Manor is your home. Understood?”

An intensity of relief and wonder constricted her throat, allowing her only an imperceptible nod.

Mr. Lake’s lips tilted upward. “Then I will leave you to your new surroundings.” He paused at the door. “Let me know if you need anything, Sara. Agreed?”

He didn’t wait for a response, though she would have been hard-pressed to offer one. The door closed and a single tear dripped onto the rug at her feet.

~Christopher Lake & Sara Little from ‘Searching for Sara’, currently part of the Candlelight Reads Earth Day Blog Hop, and on sale for 99cents at Smashwords (with coupon code: NL25B)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/255183

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Earth Day Blog Hop

Posted on April 19, 2013 | 5 Comments

earth-day-hop

In all honesty, zombie movies are not my thing. I simply cannot handle the concept of a virus, plague, or recessive gene causing the dead to become undead and ghoulish. Now, give me a dystopian concept like Road Warrior, The Postman, Waterworld, The Book of Eli, or Hunger Games and I have no problem. In these there are struggles against humanity–and sometimes the discovery of love–which offer us the opportunity to overcome and triumph. And isn’t this what we do every day already?

But Zombies? *shudder* Sorry, no.

Don’t get me wrong–I have tried! I Am Legend was fantastic when I saw it in the theaters with my husband . . . but I had nightmares for a week and, even now, need to school myself to stay carefully away from revisiting the memories of that storyline. The Walking Dead compelled me to watch two whole episodes . . . after which, yes, I again began having nightmares.

Surprisingly, watching Shaun of the Dead a couple years ago with my sister did not cause nightmares, nor did Resident Evil (the first one), but I will not watch them again (or the rest of the saga) for fear the nightmares will return. You will simply need to learn how to conquer zombies on your own and then instruct me on the details. :)

To Save A Soul

Believe me, I wish I could be strong about odd and icky things such as zombies, ghouls and undead. Para Sedi, the main character in my paranormal fantasy, To Save A Soul, is a hunter (ranger) who has faced werewolves, wolfweres, and even a lich (think super-zombie) in her young life. Yes, she gives a shudder and such, but she girds herself and battles on–much like Katness in Hunger Games. If only I could be like Para: see the challenge and plod forward against it to get the job done (and sometimes even save those she cares about).

Her resilience is inspiring.

In fact, I learn a lot from her in regards to facing challenges. Voice your complaint but move forward and get it done, whatever it is. There will be time for ale and a hot meal later. :)

My Fair PrincessEven Nia Alaera, Guardian Princess and kick-ass magic-user from my fairytale romance My Fair Princess has faced undead and lived to tell the tale (although those tales are not in My Fair Princess). Of course, when you’re able to throw fireballs and are traveling with a man who can turn into a dragon, I would think a few undead would give you few problems.

Suffice it to say, I hope that my dystopian future–if there must be one at all–doesn’t contain viruses with such horrific symptoms or end results. You know what I mean?

Nona King

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Another New Beginning

Posted on April 8, 2013 | 1 Comment

This has been a crazy couple of weeks.

First, the entire month of March grew into a semi-controlled chaos of sorting, purging and packing. Why? Because the hubs accepted a job in Washington State (we lived in North Dakota at the time) and moved there March 4th (he stayed with friends). It became my responsibility to complete the packing while he looked for a new place of residence for us in WA State.

movingThen, March 28th, he flew back to NoDak, we rented a moving truck, and we loaded the house onto the truck and into my SUV and drove from NoDak to WA State from Friday to Sunday the 31st.

We arrived in South Hill (Puyallup) at a little before Noon and immediately set to work unpacking the truck. Luckily, the house has a H U G E garage, so that is where we have coordinated all the boxes and furniture. I believe there is only 1 remaining piece of furniture to move into the house–a loveseat–and that will go into my sister’s room (who is staying with us).

We didn’t get internet installed until this past Sunday (the 7th), so I’ve been limited to my smartphone for access to my email and job search apps, which has been frustrating in regards to my job search–BUT, a friend from my old job provided me with a job lead, which I am following up on this morning.

Now, I need to sketch out a To-Do List, which includes stopping by the Post Office to get our mail key and dropping off exit interview paperwork. Whew! It is great to be connected again, and now I simply need to make sense of all my emails and the Blog Hop requirements, among other things….

Nona King

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