Smoke and Mirrors/Flash Fiction

Photo courtesy Free Upload Unsplash

 Check the link to a short story piece I wrote awhile back. I’d love to hear your thoughts. This was my first foray into Flash Fiction in quite awhile. 

Smoke and Mirrors/When the Magic Fails

Thanks! 

Cheryl

Lost Time/#Thursdaydoors

 

Hello friends and our dedicated host Dan Antion of No Facilities ! I have been in and out of the blogosphere lately due to personal matters but I have, indeed, been taking photos. It is like breathing for me, my attempt to preserve special moments, beautiful life and keep memories alive. So, today I will present a series of doors, door-ish entryways and perhaps the gratuitous wild or beautiful thing, just to give you a smile. Most of these doors have been ‘collected’ since we arrived in Lincoln, either on excursions or long contemplative walks. I hope you enjoy them. Please visit Dan’s blog at the above link to see more great doors, meet some awesome fellow bloggers and join the doorscursion fun! 

This is the Nebraska state capitol building. It is playfully (sarcastically) known around here as ‘The penis of the plains’, and, obviously, the phrase needs no explanation. It is visible from everywhere in and around the city. But the inside....oh my. Marble, motifs, stained glass, sculpture, architecture and the spirit of those who settled the plains is unabashedly present. 

The domed ceilings are lined with mosaics that depict images of the settlers and indigenous peoples of the area

This is perhaps my favorite long hallway, and it stretches as far in the other direction. It feels very ‘studious’. The windows look down on the courtyard gardens below and the walls are lined with bronze busts of the influential political figures and tribal chiefs that shaped the growth of Nebraska. 

This is the view from one of several balcony areas throughout the Capitol. Exploring is easy and informative, but for me it is about the history and art. See all those doors?😉

Two of my favorite people admiring the doors of these antique phone booths.

The courtyard

One of our favorite ‘little libraries’ with it’s little door to treasures.

Not sure what the party was for but they did the ‘possum freeze’ until I walked past. Friends of yours, Dan? 😉

A momentous message, although the sun was behind a few clouds. Oh, yes, there are doors on all those houses! 

HeeeeeHaaaaawww...🤭 Where’s the door to the barn? 

That door gave me some space and time to actually work on my book! 

This really cool door was one of two in the building although I’m not sure where they lead. Ande?

Hey, don’t bug me! Doors ahead...

I saw this sign after I got turned around on a hike and was a bit lost, but eventually I was headed in the right direction. 

I loved the presentation on this house with the angel wings in the window

This door entryway looks so welcoming!

The magical door to ‘side, side’, his favorite place.

I suppose it was the only thing anyone was willing to donate?🤦‍♀️🥴 That was back in my day and it was a dud car even new.  

This is the world’s largest time capsule, or so they claim. Due to be opened back up in 2025. Gentleman, start your engine! 😂😂

Now that’s a big covered wagon. With a door. Uh huh...

Now, I knew about Roomba. But lawn mowing Roomba? Whaaaa....? Yep, garage doors in that lucky household. Double! 

The entrance past the bridge to one of the many trails in and around the city. I hiked six miles that day! 

I just love this yellow door because...yellow! 

The door to adventure and the first day of preschool. ❤️❤️

I can’t be certain but this ravine turned into a dwelling on a bridge that I’m fairly certain has a door! 

Well, that’s it for now friends. Not sure when I will have time to post another round. I will be reposting a short story I wrote a few years back and I hope you have a moment to take look and give me some input. Meanwhile, I wish all of you the very best of Thursdays and every days. 

And, remember, don’t let the idiots get you down. 🤗💕

Cheryl

Wednesday Wonder

I took an early morning walk today.  There were so many beautiful things I couldn’t count them all! 

 

Do you ever wonder

What the world was like

Before we had so many distractions?

Our actions were for our survival

And perhaps we chased butterflies

Saw pictures in the clouds

And drew images on the walls or in the soft earth

Do you remember curling your toes in the cool soft dirt,

Feeling the wind brush across your hot cheek

Sticking your tongue out to taste a raindrop

Blowing dandelion wishes

Playing hopscotch and not stepping on cracks? 

(Poor Mother!)

When is the last time you held a book in your hand and read it straight through?

The hue of dusk that rivals the rose,

Chasing fireflies beneath the moon-

Simple joys seem gone too soon!

But Nature never changes, never abandons or hides. 

It is we who have moved on, up and away from her gifts.

How long before we forget to notice the wonder that 

gives us life? 

CKP

2021

Dangling/#Poetry/#photography

 

From a distance,

things seem simple,

normal,

alright.

Yet a closer look

shows a glimmer,

a spark,

a light

Was it always there?

glistening bright,

waiting

hanging,

My heart shed a tear,

a reflection-

my life,

dangling...

Cheryl KP copyright

Words and images 

2021

Lost/Poetry

 

Lost

Undetected, disconnected..

 ejected,

 dejected..

Rejected? 

The mind knows not the difference

as heart projects such inference-

the weight, so great

and suffocating.

Numbed by free falling,

sudden impact stalling

fear and pain

again

and

again. 

Not alone yet lonely

am I now the only

one who waits for 

finality?

Does anyone see

me?

Can they hear my silent weeping, 

know the vigil I am keeping

lying in wait,

trying to placate

the cruel hand of time,

playing hide and seek

with self doubt,

slipping in and out

of despair-

I need air! 

Lift me up!

Soar beyond the cruel reality

of the World’s limited totality

that I may touch the fiery stars

and be consumed in golden 

reverie.

Then, at last, would they see...

me? 

Cheryl KP Copyright 2021

Lost and Found/Wacky Wednesday

 

Found: Jennie O whole raw turkey.

Thawed.  Still in factory package. 

Must be able to positively ID before claiming the bird.

(Seriously, though, wouldn’t you just love to know...WTH? 😉)