Sunday Snippet: This Is Your Life

Well, April still feels like a mix of winter and summer but not spring. We have hot days then plummet back to cold. I’m hoping May evens it out and we hold steady for a while.

Had a crazy-busy week with work. More projects coming in hot and needing immediate attention. I’m so happy that all of them are absolutely fun and exciting to work on. I love them!

I did have very limited time for viewing this week. I don’t mind the trade off, because I usually have an old standby on in the background like Perry Mason, Columbo, or Murder, She Wrote.

I did finish up Strangest Things and I ended up enjoying the episode.

I also caught another episode in my great rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. This upcoming week, we’re going with a double header to round out season one.

I’ll be starting a new episode of The Mandalorian later tonight.

I also got to listen to my daughter’s radio show. It’s finals week and they get to choose their music. My daughter and her co-DJ picked seventies hits for their time slot. And they made great choices if I do say so. And I do.

That’s pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight’s post is from This Is Your Life, a novella with hex magick playing a role in keeping a couple apart.

Here’s the mini-blurb:

After a harrowing month of captivity in a rival faction's territory, Welch Harrinson can't seem to find his will to keep living. Rina Lewes devises a perfect way to remind Welch why life can be good.

And a preview snippet…

Rina couldn't take it anymore. Welch's distance created a chasm in her heart and soul. She had to find a way to reach him, remind him of their love and passion. Hell, he needed to remember his identity.

She paced back and forth, turning ideas over in her head. The Shringla clan worked some serious hex magic, turning Welch into a shell of his former self. She couldn't counter without knowing the exact incantations their rivals had used, but she might be able to work around the potential traps by nudging Welch down memory lane, rebuilding his knowledge of self and hopefully renewing their bond.

She crossed the floor and picked up the phone, dialing the one person who wanted Welch back as badly as her. His father. For his son, he'd put aside his petty judgments of Rina's lack of bloodline.

She hoped.

He finally picked up on the third ring. "Harrinson's Holistic Health."

She took a deep breath. "Wiggam? It's Rina. Can we meet at the coffee shop?"

Wiggam responded. "Is this about Welch?" He thanked a customer and the bell chimed over the door.

Rina answered simply. "Yes." She wouldn't waste more words.

Wiggam paused a moment. "Give me fifteen minutes to have Shirley come in. I'll be there."

The line disconnected and Rina snorted. "Don't bother asking if I can be there in fifteen." She shook her head. "Someday that man will get a piece of my mind." Grabbing her bag, she shoved the phone inside and exited the cottage.

She'd play very nicely with the elder Harrinson … for now.

The drive passed in a blur, her mind spinning with how to tell Wiggam his son had no clue who they were. And if that old man gave her any kind of shit, she'd lose it. Bad enough Welch didn't appreciate her at the moment. Wiggam never had and probably never would sing her praises.

Her lips quirked. "Not like I'll join the chorus for him either." Making the turn into the parking lot, she cut the engine and dragged in a deep breath. "Nothing for it. Gotta bring my biggest detractor up to speed."

Rina and Wiggam will eventually find some common ground, but it’s not going to be an easy journey. Welch is the glue that will hold them together.

That’s it for this week.

 

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: This Is Your Life

May 24, 2020

Another crazy weather week in Ohio. Warm, chilly, cold, hot. Seriously, I'm not putting anything seasonal away this year … just in case.

Not a bad week of television viewing. I'm almost finished with the Blue Heelers episode I started last week. I like this one. It's got some twisty turns in it.

Watched the Thanksgiving episode of Riverdale and got just a wee bit misty eyed by the end. Anything to do with Fred and his presence on the show makes me happy though. The dinner from hell Cheryl and company hosted will go down as the most creeptastic but ultimately hysterical I've ever watched on television. Betty and Jughead's Charlie Brown Thanksgiving entertained me even if the cat and mouse with Brett and Donna didn't really shed much light on the situation at the prep school. I spent another episode wishing for Hiram to join Cheryl's family in whatever circle of hell will provide the most torture. I seriously hate the character. Time will tell if I can stomach next season with him in it or not. Chances are … not. Which is unfortunate.

Caught three more episodes of Danger Man. I needed a good background noise show and this one works well. I had several graphic images I needed to work on and it's nice to take a small break when needed and watch the action.

Started an episode of Roswell, New Mexico. This is a show where I enjoy the cat and mouse going on. I'm to the point where Maria discovered Rosa and thinks she's completely lost her mind. Really happy to see Cameron back and I hope she's not going to be some kind of double agent working the alien camp for intel to give to Papa Main. I'll be a little pissed if that's the case. Alex might have bitten off more than he can chew regarding his dad. I'll get more into my thoughts on Isabel next week. I kind of miss Kyle and hope he makes an appearance or has screen time in the next episode.

I also began something a little new but also very old. Listening to soundtracks while I work. Bear McCreary's music is awesome to have playing while writing or editing. I blew through the second and third season soundtracks for Battlestar Galactica this week.

Last, but not least, I finished up the Strike Back episode from last week. I had a feeling while writing my reaction in the last post of what would come but didn't want to dive too deeply into it because it hadn't happened yet. Yes, I'm being cryptic but I don't want to spoil anyone … and maybe I'm not quite ready to face the reality of being one character down. All I can say is stellar acting by every single character. Seriously.

The Strike Back: Declassified episode ended up being funny and poignant. Getting the reactions from the actors and hearing how they prepared ended up being a soothing balm after the gut-wrenching episode. Kudos to shows who do the behind the scenes interviews. I really miss that with Roswell, New Mexico this season.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from This Is Your Life, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After a harrowing month of captivity in a rival faction's territory, Welch Harrinson can't seem to find his will to keep living. Rina Lewes devises a perfect way to remind Welch why life can be good.

And a preview snippet…

Welch woke up slowly, blinking against the early morning sun. "Where am I?" Definitely not in the dingy brick building he'd called home for … however long he'd been there.

The image of the warehouse went fuzzy and the length of time grew just out of reach.

He sat up, glancing around. "Nice place." Warm colors bathed the room, a stark contrast to the grimy gray and burnt red brick that nudged around in the back of his mind.

A low throb started in his temples and he rubbed the area with both hands.

Why does my head hurt so much?

The twist of the doorknob had him warily eyeing the door.

A woman entered the room, carrying a mug and plate. Welch eyed her up and down. Pretty. Long hair pulled up in a haphazard bun, loose-fitting clothes on a muscular body, and an almost feline grace to her step. Who is she?

The lady gave him a tired smile. "I didn't know when you'd wake up." She glanced at the items in her hands. "I have herbal tea and a bagel with peanut butter along with some scrambled eggs." She tilted her head to one side. "Are you hungry?"

His stomach growled and he nodded. "Apparently so." He straightened, reaching back to prop up a pillow. "But first … who are you? Why am I here?" Trusting the food and drink might not be a great idea until he had some answers.

The woman's shoulders slumped a little, but she squared them and continued toward the bed. "Before I answer, do you know who you are?" Placing the tea and food on the nightstand, she stepped back to give him some space.

Welch frowned. "Of course I know who I am. Welch Harrinson." He opened his mouth to say more but hit a wall.

He had no idea what he did for a living. Or where he lived. Or if he had any family.

He only knew his name and that he'd been locked away in that damn warehouse for a long freaking time.

A surge of anger rushed up this throat. "Are you the good cop version of my kidnappers?" He had to have been abducted, nothing else made sense. "Do the change of scenery and throw in a pretty face to break me down even more?" Oddly, he couldn't remember anyone's description, only the sound of voices chanting and magick swirling all around him.

The urge to flee almost overwhelmed him and he started to fling the sheet off only to realize he had nothing on. Completely naked, he snarled and shot the woman an angry glare. Whipping the covering back over his legs, he hissed out a frustrated breath.

The woman sighed and settled into the chair between the nightstand and the wall. "I'm not working with the people who abducted you. I'm the one who found you and brought you ho—" She stopped, took a breath then continued. "Here. I'm Rina. And before you ask, your clothes are being cleansed. They were riddled with hex magick." She leaned forward a little. "You don't remember me, right? You didn't last night anyway."

Welch shook his head. "I have no idea who the hell you are, but I guess you have my thanks if you actually did rescue me." He didn't trust her words, but his instincts said she didn't mean him harm.

Rina's lips curved but the smile didn't reach her eyes. "It took a full month and for that I'm sorry." She grew silent and turned her gaze to the window.

Welch's stomach growled again and he picked up the plate. "So, what is this place?" He nibbled the bagel then took a big bite—apparently he liked peanut butter.

Rina turned her attention back to him. "It's your, er, my home." She settled back against the chair. "I'll answer as many questions as I can, but we have to be cautious. You've been through a magickal trial and I've asked someone to come and evaluate your condition."

Welch paused as he reached for the tea. "You called a doctor?" His stomach roiled but damned if he had a clue why.

Rina shook her head. "Not a doctor, no. And if you're at all uncomfortable during the process, say the word and we'll figure something else out."

A buzz sounded and Welch tensed. "Not sure I want to be poked and prodded, even if it's not a doctor."

Rina rose, nodding toward the dresser. "You can finish eating and change into the clothes over there." She started toward the door. "There won't be much in the way of poking and prodding, more a thorough examination of the magick and hopefully a resolution to your memory loss." Her head angled around. "You don't have to trust me, but I hope you'll at least give this a try."

Unable to do much else, he shrugged. "For now, I can't think of another option." He drained half the mug of tea. "Should I meet you out there when I'm ready?"

Rina gave him a brief smile. "Sure. Take your time. There's no rush." She exited the room, closing the door behind her.

Welch exhaled on a long breath. Nothing made sense. The brief flashes of anger and the sick ball of dread that expanded and contracted in his gut made him wary of everything. But … this place, Rina's home, definitely proved to be a huge step up from the shitty confines he'd been in.

He took another bite of the bagel. "Let's hope it's not an exchange from one prison to another."

He'd find out soon enough.

I love the twists this story is taking. Rina's got her work cut out for her and Welch's struggle is a challenge I'm enjoying.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: This is Your Life

Wow, halfway through 2017. It's crazy how fast time zooms by sometimes. My middle kid made it safely home from Alaska and had an epic adventure with his grandpa. Since it's summer, he had to adjust to it not getting completely dark in Anchorage, which makes for some terrific stories. Getting into San Francisco at around eleven PM, his first words to my dad were, "So, Grandpa, this is what night looks like. I'd forgotten." LOL I love that kid.

My Friday night shows had great episodes. I feel like I need to rewatch the first two seasons of Dark Matter, just for reference points. I love Three, which I honestly didn't think I'd say. There's something very appealing about interactions with the crew and the snark is perfect.

Wynonna Earp is having a great second season. It's not quite as flawless as the first, but I really like the dynamic between the characters. I'm really interested in how they're going to deal with Waverly.

Still need to catch up on Orphan Black. I think because it's the last season and I know it's the final one, I’m reluctant to watch and lose everyone at the end. But I can't not watch. I need to know where everyone ends up.

I'm almost through the first season of Young Justice and I'd forgotten how much I love animated DC shows. Looking forward to seeing how everything ends up playing out.

Next up is trying to find time to read for pleasure instead of work. I miss diving into a good story for the sheer enjoyment of doing so.

And that's it for entertainment this week. Tonight's post is from This is Your Life, a novella that got a start with the prompt of having one character bring the other out of a funk.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After a harrowing month of captivity in a rival faction's territory, Welch Harrinson can't seem to find his will to keep living. Rina Lewes devises a perfect way to remind Welch why life can be good.

And a preview snippet…

Rina Lewes nodded to her men. "Stay out here. Take out whoever tries to interfere." They took up posts, flanking the door.

Owen and Jack would guard this room with their lives. Both good men, she trusted each to have her back and take care of business while she crossed into personal territory. After almost a full month, she'd finally found her significant other, Welch Harrinson.

Kneeling in front of him, she took stock. Bruised and battered face, nothing she didn't expect to find. Welch could brawl with the best of them.

She touched her fingertips to his temple. "You're okay, Welch. We're going to get you out." Or die trying.

No way would she leave him to the machinations of the Shringla clan. The group of warlocks wanted more territory and decided taking a top knight in the Ravenswood coven could garner an advantage.

They only succeeded in pissing Rina off.

Welch didn't respond. His eyes gazed straight ahead, vacant and empty. Rina worked his bindings loose, nudging around with her mind, testing to see what else held him. She could work with and undo spells, but the Shringlas took precautions and used hex magick. Rina snarled, frustrated and worried. She needed him back with her.

Giving him a gentle shake, she snapped her fingers. "Welch, are you with me here?" She moved directly into his line of sight. "Do you understand?"

He blinked and finally looked in his direction. "Yes, I understand. We're leaving." He glanced away again, losing focus.

Relieved, she got an arm under him—he weighed a little less—and helped him to his feet.

Welch shook his head, resisting. "Where are you taking me?" He dug his heels in for a moment then shuffled along.

Rina thought quickly and decided against taking him to a healing center. "Home, Welch. I'm taking you home." She'd bring in whatever help he needed.

Welch nodded. "Where do I live?"

A pinch of worry edged along her ribs. "You live with me." She led him to the doorway.

Welch stopped and looked down. "I do?" His head tilted to one side, confusion marring his features.

The concern kicked against her heart. "Yes, for five years now." Five incredible years of happiness and crazy times.

He frowned. "Oh." His tone had gone flat.

Alarm stabbed harder. "Welch, what's wrong?" Her need to get him clear of the Shringlas battled with impatience at his inane questions.

He struggled again, pulling back and away. "I can't live with you." Fear replaced the vacancy in his stare.

The knife twisted and Rina started to freak out. "Really? Why not?" She grasped his hands, keeping him from jerking away.

Welch cocked his head, studying her. "Because I have no idea who you are." He tried to yank away from her.

Gutted, Rina spoke three words and caught Welch when he dropped. Biting back disappointment and, god dammit, frustration, she gave rein to anger and rage. The damned warlocks had taken away the one person who always stood by her side, her rock, hell, her salvation.

 Shifting her position, she got to her feet. "Guys! A little help here." Owen and Jack came bursting through the doorway. "We need to get him home."

The men each got a shoulder under Welch's arms and lifted him from the floor.

Jack met her gaze. "Why'd you put him under?" He moved forward with Owen's help.

Rina blew out a harsh breath. "He doesn’t know me." She motioned them ahead.

Owen grunted. "Ouch." What the hell else could he say?

Rina made a low growl. "Yeah, ouch." She charged out of the abandoned building, scanning for hex traps.

Finding none, she helped Jack and Owen get Welch inside the car. She didn't have to tell her men to stick around and gather any intel they could. Pulling away from Welch's prison, she eased into traffic and let the tears flow. The hollow ache in her soul grew and spread but she held it together otherwise.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, she made a promise. "I'm getting you back, Welch. No matter what it takes."

Getting Welch back won't be as easy as she hopes, especially because she has to ask for help from his dad.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: This is Your Life

Whew. Last week's Walking Dead broke my heart. And if anyone caught The Talking Dead afterward, oh… tears were shed during that, too. Trying really hard not to spoil anything for anybody who hasn't seen the episode yet. Gotta give Chris Hardwick so many props though. The guy does much to restore my calm. LOL

Let's see… The Flash / Arrow crossover turned out to be EXCELLENT!! So much fun! Sleepy Hollow's fall finale ended up being better than I expected. Not so thrilled with one of my faves not making it, but I like it when shows don't always go where I want them to.

Which brings me to Sons of Anarchy. Oh… wow. I have a pretty solid idea of how things will shake out in the last episode, but Kurt Sutter has ways of pulling off some serious surprises, so I kind of hope I’m wrong. All in all, I'm actually pretty thrilled with the ones who are no longer around.

Enough TV talk… tonight's post is from This is Your Life, a sexy short that might end up as a novella.

Here's the tagline:

After a harrowing month of captivity in a rival faction's territory, Welch Harrinson can't seem to find his will to keep living. Rina Lewes devises a perfect way to remind Welch why life can be good.

And a preview snippet…

Rina couldn't take it anymore. Welch's distance created a chasm in her heart and soul. She had to find a way to reach him, remind him of their love and passion. Hell, he needed to remember his identity.

She paced back and forth, turning ideas over in her head. The Shringla clan worked some serious hex magic, turning Welch into a shell of his former self. She couldn't counter without knowing the exact incantations their rivals had used, but she might be able to work around the potential traps by nudging Welch down memory lane, rebuilding his knowledge of self and hopefully renewing their bond.

She crossed the floor and picked up the phone, dialing the one person who wanted Welch back as badly as her. His father. For his son, he'd put aside his petty judgments of Rina's lack of bloodline.

She hoped.

He finally picked up on the third ring. "Harrinson's Holistic Health."

She took a deep breath. "Wiggam? It's Rina. Can we meet at the coffee shop?"

Wiggam responded. "Is this about Welch?" He thanked a customer and the bell chimed over the door.

Rina answered simply. "Yes." She wouldn't waste more words.

Wiggam paused a moment. "Give me fifteen minutes to have Shirley come in. I'll be there."

The line disconnected and Rina snorted. "Don't bother asking if I can be there in fifteen." She shook her head. "Someday that man will get a piece of my mind." Grabbing her bag, she shoved the phone inside and exited the cottage.

She'd play very nicely with the elder Harrinson… for now.

I kind of like how this one is coming together. At first Rina and Wiggam were pretty close and friendly, but Rina decided she wanted a little more conflict. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye