First and Lost

Just Jot It January 2024 logo

ForJusJoJan24, on Jan 28, 2024, prompt = CONGREGATE (My observation: WTF did this come from?!)

A thin wind blew through the break in the old growth of Whittler’s Forest, a steady sussurus to accompany the rustling of dark wool cloaks and hoods, and the occasional clip of leather boot against loose stone. None dare speak aloud as they wait. Even a muffled cough – for this had been a wet winter and many suffered the wicked catarrh that had carried off so many of their loved ones – was glared at.      Continue reading

Honoring My Gothic Present

Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cat

As part of my studies of Gothic fairy tales I offer up this quick write from our Carterhaugh class today today, all in the service of learning and expressing and using NaNoWriMo to focus in on what needs to be. As it is written, so mote it be…

Honoring My Gothic Present

I am the old woman you meet in the woods, dressed in shapeless, comfortable black, salt and pepper hair tucked under the hood of my green, woolen shawl as I follow the deer paths through the darker parts of the Wood. My boots are sturdy, laced over the ankle and meant for hiking, but if you look closely at my chicken legs, you’ll see that my boots are a deep burgundy color.  Continue reading

Shoulda Checked the Online Customer Reviews

Sheralynn stared out the train window at open prairie rolling by. The XYY Ranch was nestled in the shelter of the New Carpathian Mountains…or so the online website said. She snapped her laptop shut; her battery was low and the circle of dark mountains would gobble up her wifi bars. She leaned against a stack of carry-on luggage not hers (her kit bag was stuffed under her seat), and closed her eyes.

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