Sunday Snippet: Picture Perfect

We had some rain that gave us mild temperatures, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I don't mind hot weather but there's something about being able to be outside with a nice breeze and sunshine that makes me happy.

Solid work week. Had a few small projects that I cleared off my desk and had a new one arrive in my inbox. My plates seem to be spinning nicely at the moment.

Good week of viewing. I did the same thing as last week and only tried for one round of my usual streaming services. I might be adding one more to the list after talking to my sibling. He made some good recommendations.

Watched another episode of The Snoopy Show. This one had a vignette on using the library and happiness being a good book. I feel that sentiment all the way to my toes.

Caught another episode of Signora Volpe. I love this show. I truly hope there will be another series because there's only one episode left.

Viewed the first of a two-part Silent Witness and ended up being very intrigued. Very much looking forward to the second part of this one.

Enjoyed the second part of a Classic Who arc. It's nice to see a familiar face from a previous incarnation. The third part will be the end of this season, I think. I'm not sure if there's another one after this. If not, I'll be starting a new show before I dive into New Who.

Watched another episode of Most Terrifying Places in America. I'm fascinated by the legend and lore revealed in the sequences. I'm not sure I'd be cool with trying to stay somewhere that's known for being haunted but I love hearing about the stories.

Caught another episode of The Mandalorian. Gotta say I'm thoroughly enjoying this show. The pacing is excellent and I'm excited to see what happens next.

Viewed another episode of Harrow and I truly dislike the new boss. I'm also not thrilled with Grace's ex being in town. If there's another season and things get really convoluted, I'm done. As much as I love the cases, I don't want the other drama.

Enjoyed another episode of Blue Heelers. I liked seeing how another country handles the wildfires that tend to rage at the worst possible time. Not really into the whole taking the hospital hostage thing, mainly because the two characters are a little too over the top for me. We'll see how the second part goes this week.

Started a new MasterClass with Roxane Gay. I'm very much looking forward to her lessons.

Watched another Babysitter's Club and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. It's nice to see more of the sibling relationships and the way the parents interact.

Viewed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. One was a favorite and the other was one I thoroughly enjoy.

Caught another episode of Chicago Med and discovered something I didn't know about one of the Chicago Fire characters. Good information. Also can't wait for Nat to discover she's being completely gaslit by her new fiancé. Here's hoping the fallout from that doesn't do too much damage.

Started the PassionFlix movie Tangled and I'm having fun watching it. I didn't know if I'd like this one but I'm so glad I'm watching.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Picture Perfect, a novella that mixes a little metaphysical intrigue with romance for the characters.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Faeryn Carnes, a fire elemental, crossed through the Shroud, leaving the mortal plane. But when she returned, an unheard of occurrence, Seth Jacobson, an air elemental, is the only person she can count on, which seems impossible because Faeryn believes air and fire can't mix.

And a preview snippet…

Seth tilted his head a studied Faeryn for a long moment. "You're not. Happy to be back that is." His bruised heart ached a little at the thought.

She frowned. "It's not that exactly. I'm a little lost and it shows … to everyone I come into contact with. They have questions. I don't have answers." She tucked her feet under her thighs. "I have zero clue what the hell happened to me while I was gone. I only know I'm back and I have a purpose…" She sighed and clammed up.

Seth filled in the blanks. "Okay. You want to know what happened and you need to know why you're here. We can figure both of these things out." He'd already gathered the books he'd need.

She grimaced. "You make it sound easy. And it might be…" She stopped again and let her head fall back on the cushions.

Seth leaned forward. "But … what? What's got you tied up in knots?" He could make a stab at guessing but that rarely worked out well.

She straightened. "What if I don't like the answers? What if I can't do whatever I've been sent back to do? What if I don't know the reason because I'm too broken and mentally fragile to have kept the answer with me when I returned? What if—"

He held up a hand. "Hold up. There's a lot to unpack there and you're going to drive yourself mad if you keep piling on." He got up and moved to kneel in front of her. "If you don't like the answers, it won't be the first time you've had to adjust your expectations. If you can't do what you've been sent back to do, you'll get help. As for being too broken or fragile to know the reason why, you're the first and only fae to have ever returned from beyond the shroud. There's no rule book for that. Who's to say anyone would have a memory of being on the other side?" He leaned back, placing his palms on her legs. "I'm not trying to discount your feelings here. But you're not alone. If you trust me, I'll do my best to guide you and find answers." He eased away, the contact and nearness giving ideas better left alone for now.

Faeryn met and held his gaze. "Trust isn't easy for me—not after Tarn—but I'd be lying if I said I don't want to trust you. I do." She glanced away. "I don't deserve the help, but I'll take you up on the offer."

Seth grasped her hands. "I'm glad." He got to his feet and tugged her up off the couch. "Come on. Let's head to the study."

She balked a little. "You mean right now?" Her hesitation didn't stop her from twining their fingers together.

Seth arched a brow. "No time like the present … especially if we don't know how long you might be here." He kept a steady tone, but his heart kicked hard against his ribs.

Faeryn paled and gave a jerky nod. "Yeah. True. Okay." She followed him into his study and cracked a smile when she noticed the books on the desk. "You're already prepared."

He motioned for her to have a seat by the fireplace. "I did some soul-searching earlier and wanted to do some digging around in the reference books." He grabbed two thick tomes and settled into the chair next to hers.

She reached out and took the lighter one. "No hardship there." Her lips curved. "Might take a while to find anything."

Seth flashed a quick grin. "You're welcome to stay as long as it takes. Let's see where we are in a couple of hours then figure things out from there." He flipped the book open and hid another smile when she did the same.

Faeryn would get her answers and he'd have her back no matter what they were.

I love the dynamic between Faeryn and Seth. They've got a messy history and their future is murky, but the present is fresh and new.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye