Dear Friends,

It is now the year 2023. I apologize for being away for so long but there has been quite an upheaval in my life since I entered a single word to this page. Without going into detail, I moved out of my beautiful, 46th-floor hi-rise apt., in NYC where I lived for 45 years (for health reasons) - and moved into the Lillian Booth Actors Home in Englewood, NJ.  It was difficult and quite an adjustment period but I have now settled in nicely.

I joined their Theater Group and after being retired and not performing for over 30 years, I have participated in five productions.  For example: Phoebe's monologue from Shakespear's "As You Like it"; Abigail Adams in the "Saltpeter and Pins" scene from the Bdway show "1776",  lead singer in "Spoon River Anthology" and portrayed Adelaide in the "Sue Me" scene from the Bdway show "Guys and Dolls." 

My accommodations will be re-arranged soon to create a writing space and I plan to complete a childhood memoir, a sequel to my book The Brownstone on West 53rd St (avail. on Amazon), and finally...return to my 300-page novel (tentatively titled JULIE).

Dear friends ... 9/28/19. I apologize for not posting for quite a while. The lovely summer and autumn weather has interfered with art. However, with cold weather setting in soon, I will hibernate in my cozy cocoon and get back to my novel.

Lora

UPDATE: NEW NOVEL

Dear reader ~ (4/01/18).  Still working on my new novel - a romance.  No title or book cover yet. Will keep you posted. 

5-STAR REVIEWS...

I am proud to say I now have 23 wonderful (5-Star) reviews posted on Amazon.com for my book THE BROWNSTONE ON WEST 53RD STREET (REHEARSAL CLUB MEMOIR).

Thanks to everyone who took the time to post these reviews. 

Hugs, Lora

DO NOT JUDGE...

HOW I WRITE ...

"The reader reads for dialogue more than anything else. The writer's habit is to describe, but the reader would rather hear the character."

By Anthony Varallo 
May (2017) Issue.
The Writer Magazine

IN ONE LIFETIME...

IN ONE LIFETIME YOU WILL LOVE MANY TIMES -

BUT ONE LOVE WILL BURN YOUR SOUL...FOREVER !

UNKNOWN

JD's Writers Blog: A Talk With Professional Actress, Singer, Model an...

JD's Writers Blog: A Talk With Professional Actress, Singer, Model an...: Amazon The moment Lora Mitchell sets foot on the stimulating, exciting rich land of culture, concrete and skyscrapers, it

DON'T START YOUR DAY...

Don't start your new day
              with 
   broken yesterdays !!

                                  Sia

LORA AS A SHOWGIRL

Here I am portraying a showgirl as a contestant on the TV game show.  How do you like  my "Parachute hat?"

OUR BOOK ARE LIKE OUR BABIES.,,

Our books are like our babies. We nurture them, pamper them and watch them grow. We only hope that when we finally let them go, they will make us proud.

Dennis S. Martin

***

Beneath every strong, independent woman lies a broken little girl who had to learn how to get back up and to never depend on anyone.

Unknown

THE BROWNSTONE ON WEST 53RD STREET (REHEARSAL CLUB MEMOIR)

Dear friends - I am happy to announce that my paperback and eBook III titled: THE BROWNSTONE ON WEST 53RD STREET (REHEARSAL CLUB MEMOIR) is now available on Amazon.com and Lulu.com.

Follow Lora as she discovers the wonders of her newly-adopted home, New York City. The moment she sets foot on the stimulating, exciting rich land of culture, concrete and skyscrapers, it's an immediate love affair. Walk with her down the streets of the early 1960's as she paints a captivating picture of the spirit of the city, the landscape, its people, different neighborhoods and certain ethnic foods, which puzzle her. 

A desire to begin a theatrical career, young, naive, unsophisticated, Lora moves into the Rehearsal Club, a safe-haven sanctuary for young, aspiring actresses where she lives for two years.  During that time, she experiences the heartbreaking JFK tragedy and travels with four other Club members to Washington, DC for the funeral.

Based on a personal journal, Lora writes of her studies with famous drama and dance teachers, including anecdotes of her Club housemates, celebrities and male friends. She also reveals poignant secrets of her closest roommates and how they affected her in a way she never expected.

I MANAGED....

I managed to survive another holiday without my loved ones and dear friends... whom I miss.  I shall remain strong for them. I do not miss the fair-weathered, so-called friends who fell away in more ways than one. They made room for better friends to enter my life. I am grateful for these new friends and bless them everyday, especially those whom I've never met face-to-face. They have enriched my life in ways they will never know.

TO ONE AND ALL...

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

HAPPY HANUKKAH !!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

CREATIVITY and SUCCESS

"Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties."

Erich Fromm

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts."

Winston Churchill

9TH (5-Star) EBOOKS REVIEW

Tooting my own horn:  This week I received my 9th wonderful (5-Star) review. The reader included both of my (2) Ebooks (MISTY BLUE and TIME SPEAKS) in his review. Toot ! Toot !

 If you care to read it go to: www.amazon.com/author/lora.mitchell

SEPTEMBER 1ST....

To: R. C.

**** HAPPY BIRTHDAY ****

 Thank you for all the sweet memories...

HELLO FRIENDS !!

KEY TO YOUR HAPPINESS !

DON'T PUT THE KEY TO YOUR HAPPINESS IN SOMEONE ELSE'S POCKET.

Unknown

YOUR IMAGINATION...

ALWAYS SPEAK THE TRUTH...

SO TRUE...IT'S SPOOKY. AS IF SOMEONE KNEW...

JEAN DERNAGO JOY (BRECK GIRL)

Presenting my beautiful friend from the past. 
Jean Dernago Joy.  Famous Breck Girl.

ps: Read the short story titled Jeanette in my Ebook II: TIME SPEAKS.  A memory/tribute to Jean.  

TO SOMEONE SPECIAL...

TO SOMEONE WHO LEFT FOOTPRINTS ON MY HEART -

      ****   H.A.P.P.Y  B.I.R.T.H.D.A.Y. !!!    ****  

Thank you for the sweet memories.

ps: Yes, I still remember your birthday is in June.

JUST SAYIN'...

"We can bear any grief if we put it in a story."     

Isak Dinesen 

FABULOUS REVIEWS

Dear friends - 

Proud to report, so far I have 8 fabulous (5-Star) reviews for my Ebook II titled TIME SPEAKS (A collection of 100-word Flash Fiction Short Stories) on Amazon.com. See the book cover posted.  

Thanks to all who took the time to read my short stories and post the reviews.

Hugs,
Lora

EBOOK II - TIME SPEAKS

Presenting: Ebook II - TIME SPEAKS

EBOOK I - MISTY BLUE ON A-LIST

Hi all - Just been informed that my Ebook II, TIME SPEAKS is on the A-List with Directory of Published Authors.  How about that?

"TO ME, THE GREATEST PLEASURE...."

"To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it's about, but the inner music that words make."  Truman Capote, Author

****
"We need pain to write."  Unknown

****
"Art begins in a wound."   John Gardner, Author

****
"People cry, not because they're weak. It's because they've had to be strong for so long." Unknown

LOOK FOR MY STORY...

Hello Friends - I am one of 50 authors in this book. Each 100-word, Flash Fiction short story was based the above cover photo prompt.  What a fun concept! Kudos to Madison Woods for coming up with the clever idea and doing all the work.

It's available on Amazon.com (Kindle version) for .99. Plus a paperback is available.

My story is titled: THE SECRET PLAN

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY !

Hi all - Today is Nov. 13th...my birthday. Supposed to spend the day at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA., but the frigid temps made us change our plans. Went to dinner at Red Lobster instead. OMG...what a fabulous dinner shared with two lovely friends. 

Update: I have another Flash Fiction short story published in a book titled: "Flash Fiction - One Photo - 50 Perspectives - (50 authors) - 100-Words" which will be out soon. 

LORA'S BACK...

Hello friends - This is titled "Lora's back..." because my laptop crashed and sat with Best Buy's Geek Squad for a time. They weren't sure they could bring it back to life.. so I purchased a 23" HP All-in-One (w/Windows 8), which I'm currently using to enter this post.  The monitor is 23" .. like typing on a TV screen...(perfect for my failing eyes). Well. those great Geeks worked their magic and Voila! They revived my laptop ( w/Windows 7)...so now I have 2 computers. 

 The latest news...I celebrate another birthday next week, Nov. 13th...yes, I'm still proud to be a Scorpio...whatever that means. My friend and I plan to spend the day at a Casino. Wish me luck on those slots.

Other news?  Getting some nice sales on Amazon for my first Ebook MISTY BLUE (available on any Ereader - priced at .99). I'm halfway through  Ebook II (more 100-Word Flash Fiction Short Stories). Don't have a title or cover yet. TBA. Ebook III will either be 100-Word Fl. Fiction Sh. Stories for YA (young adults) OR a short book written journal style based on postcards, notes, letters, etc., I received for a short time and saved during my performing career.

Hugs,
Lora 

MEMORIES OF MOM

At 3:11am on Sept. 8th, (14 years ago, today), my beloved mom, Mary took her last breath...after lying in a coma for 8 days, as I sat at her bedside. I miss her every day. ps: Red was her favorite color.

MISTY BLUE (UPDATE)

Happy to report, as of 9/07/13, MISTY BLUE has received her first sale on Amazon.com. How exciting!  Great big hug and thank you to the person who bought it. 

MISTY BLUE on AMAZON.COM

Hi all - Happy to say, my first Ebook MISTY BLUE is now on Amazon.com.  Kindle version for .99. Am I excited?  You bet !!

MISTY BLUE

Hi  - Happy to say, my first Ebook MISTY BLUE received almost 100 FREE downloads and is now priced at 99 cents on Smashwords and Amazon.com.  EBook II (more 100-Word Flash Fiction Short Stories) is being finalized - titled: TIME SPEAKS.

MISTY BLUE

MISTY BLUE (And other 100-word Flash Fiction Short Stories)


My first Ebook titled: MISTY BLUE (And other 100-word Flash Fiction Short Stories) has been published and can be found on Smashwords.com and Amazon.com/Kindle version and other ereaders. 

There are 26 stories plus a sample from Ebook II which is titled: TIME SPEAKS. 

Below is my MISTY BLUE ebook cover.

BACK FROM HIATUS....

Hello dear friends:

I was on hiatus for a few months but now back...looking forward to posting once again. I will share some good news with you soon. Hope you continue to follow me.

Love,
Lora

LILIES IN THE WINDOW

                                                           Copyright-Lora Mitchell

                                                         LILIES IN THE WINDOW

The photo above was taken at dusk, seven months after my mom and brother passed. My first Easter without them was a sad and lonely time. 

The beautiful Lily sat on my 46th floor windowsill in my NYC hi-rise in Clinton (often called Hell's Kitchen). The view faces north toward Lincoln Center. To the left (behind the SET sign) is the mighty Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. The long street is 10 Avenue which is lit by red and green stoplights. During rush hour, cars and trucks add their red back lights. A magical sight, I call 10th Avenue my perpetual Christmas Tree. 


Note: FYI...The SET icon which means "shooting film or video" was an error. It was my first digital camera and had no idea what I was doing. No idea how to remove it.  I should have purchased a "Digital Camera for Dummies" manual, along with the camera.  LOL.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

                                       (Copyright - Lora Mitchell)


TO ALL MY DEAR FRIENDS, FELLOW BLOGGERS AND FRIDAY FICTIONEERS... 

AFTER 40 FF SHORT STORIES, I AM TAKING A WELL-DESERVED REST AND HIATUS FOR A FEW WEEKS.  HAPPY, BLESSED NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL. WE SHALL MEET AGAIN IN 2013.

Love,
Lora

WAITING FOR SANTA

This week's Friday Fictioneer's photo prompt comes courtesy of Scott L. Vannatter. Below is my 100-word story inspired by Scott's adorable photo. (12/21/12).

                              
                                      **** WAITING FOR SANTA ****

I watched them circle pictures in the Toys-R-Us catalog. A Yankee jacket and a Giants Helmet for Buddy. A pink tutu and Ballerina Barbi for Sally. A catnip mouse for me. Excited, they collected pictures for their wish list and hung red stockings. Homemade cookies and milk sat on the table. But Santa never came. Sally thought he got stuck in the chimney. Buddy said Santa probably emptied his toy sack for the kids in the fancy houses where he got his belly full of rich cocoa and honey-glazed tarts. Since Santa never came, Buddy and Sally ate the cookies, I drank the milk.

RAIN BUCKET

This week, MadisonWood's Friday Fictioneer banner has been passed to our dedicated FF writer and friend, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Above is Rochelle's first photo prompt. Below is my 100-word short story inspired by Rochelle's charming photo. (10/26/12)


                                              **** RAIN BUCKET ****

"Gino. We're busy. How much longer are we holding that corner table?"

"Don't worry, Flossie. She'll be here."

"But it's six months since he stopped coming."

"She will come. She will wait."

"How long did you say they met at this table."

"Two years straight. Every Friday. 8pm - sharp. They filled that rain bucket with sweet talk, laughter and stolen kisses."

"Maybe he died or something."

"Naw. Last time they met, I saw their heads huddled in serious talk. She cried as he tried to console her. I seen it all before.

"Looks like he filled that rain bucket with broken promises and heartbreak. Damn cheating men."

AISHA

Once again, writers from all over the world join MadisonWoods #Friday Fictioneeers to create short stories based on a photo prompt. This week, the photo is provided by Jan Morrill. Below is my 100-word story inspired by Jan's interesting photo. (10/12/12).




                                                    **** AISHA ****

Behind these thick walls, Aisha was doing something dangerous and forbidden. She was secretly attending school. A bright teenager, she was learning and thriving. Aisha craved to be educated, with a strong desire to be a doctor.

Most unusual, in this country, her loving father encouraged her; an effort to  lift her from the Dark Ages.

But there was a Judas in her midst. The school bus was intercepted. The traitor pointed her out. Through the window, the bullet found its target. 

To this day, this brave girl lies in a coma. Her only crime? She wanted to learn.

ps:  Pray for Malala.

PRETTY BALLOONS

Writers from all over the world join MadisonWoods #FridayFictioneers to submit short stories based on a photo prompt. This week's photo is provided by Raina Ng. Below is my 100-word story inspired by Raina's lovely photo. (10/05/12).


                                    ~~~~ PRETTY BALLOONS ~~~~


"Mam. The storm has blown over. I'll return the flashlight to the basement and get the ladder to remove those balloons." 

"Jake. Return the flashlight. Leave the pretty balloons there."

"That was some sweet sixteen party you gave your grand daughter. A nice celebration. The fuses blowing didn't seem to dampen their spirits one bit."

"No. In fact, it added to the excitement."

"Quite an excitable day. You must be exhausted."

"Yes. Happy to entertain. Happy they're gone."

"Remind you of your own sweet sixteen, mam?

"Never had one. Parties were luxuries. We could not afford luxuries. Not even pretty balloons."

WALKING TOUR

Once again, writers join MadisonWoods #FridayFictioneers to submit short stories based on a photo prompt. This week, the  photo is provided by Sandra Crook. Below is my 100-word short story inspired by Sandra's photo. (9/28/12). 

                                      **** WALKING TOUR ****

"This walking tour is exhausting. Tell the guide we wish to rest under this shrine. We've seen many beautiful shrines during this trip. Wonder what makes them so calm and peaceful?"

"I don't know, but this one is different. I'm feeling uneasy."

"You're just tired."

"Wonder what these markings mean?  Meg, ask the guide if he knows and can translate."

"Sir. Guide. What do these marking mean?"

"In 1940, I was playing in front of my house, when I was forced from my village and taken to a foreign land..." Ms. Kim Song, a former "comfort woman" about her abduction at the age of eleven."

ANGEL OF THE HARBOR

Thanks to Madison Woods for posting my Friday Fictioneers photo prompt this week (9/21/12). Below is my story. 



                      **** ANGEL OF THE HARBOR ****

"Teacher, are you sure this Hudson Riverboat is safe? I can't swim."

"Don't worry, Johnny. Class, look to your left. On the Manhattan shoreline. Do you see the white, marble statue on that barge?"

"Yes, Mrs. Ryan." Class answers in unison.

"I see three wings." Billy says.

"She's called 'Angel of the Harbor.' Billy, those are not wings. They're three oars. Two and a spare. Long ago, Native Indians crossed the river in canoes. As the story goes, when one lost an oar, she offered a spare so he could reach the shoreline without drowning.

"She praying?"

"No, Lucy. She's resting until she's needed."

****
Note: 

One can find this stunning sculpture on a retired barge at 26th Street, Manhattan Hudson River shoreline. Enlarge the photo and you will see in the background the Jersey side of the shoreline, laced in colored lights.  She is named "Angel of the Harbor" or "Lady of the Harbor." At first sight, she is large, beautiful and breathtaking; a smooth, solid piece of white, Italian marble.  She sits on a retired 3-level barge facing the river. It has an outdoor restaurant and dance floor. A festive party is held every year as the barge sits at the site of Macy's July 4th fireworks. The artist offered no interpretation, so I  wrote my own.

AS SHE PICTURED IT.

Madison Woods FridayFictioneers photo prompt courtesy of Stacy Plowright's photo (copyright) titled: Clouds in Toronto. Below is my 100-word story inspired by Stacy's lovely photo. 8/31/12.

                         *** AS SHE PICTURED IT ***

"Beautiful." She whispers with labored breath.
"What's beautiful?"
"Exactly as I pictured it." 
"Pictured what, mother?"
"Look up." She points a bony, arthritic finger toward the window. "Layers of clouds swirling around a golden chariot with majestic white horses. Playful, pixie cherubs in wispy pink. Feathery wings, fluttering, shielding His face. Glorious, divine harp music.. Can you hear, son?"
"Yes, mother."
She rests her head back and smiles. "It means Israel rebuilt the third temple in Jerusalem in time for His return."
"Shall I close the blinds, sir? 
"Not necessary, nurse. She's been blind since the stroke five years ago."

CHILDHOOD TREE

FridayFictioneers unusual photo prompt this week is courtesy of Lura Helms. Titled: Tree Crook. Below is my 100-word story inspired by Lura's photo. (8/17/12)

                            *** CHILDHOOD TREE ***

"Race you to our old tree. One, two, three...go!"

"Zach. We're not kids any longer."

"Come on, Piper."

"It's not fair."

"What's not fair?"

"You're in better shape from all that Army training."

"Forget about that. I've served my time. I'm back for good and in one piece. I'll give you a head start."

"Can't we sit on the porch swing instead and talk?"

"Fighting in that hellhole, I dreamed of nothing but this old tree and you. I see those goat horns are still stuck up there. Our initials should be about...Piper loves...Rick?"

"Zach, please..."

"...Guess I was away too long."

FIVE SENTENCE FICTION STORY - HARVEST

FIVE SENTENCE FICTION
www.lilliemcferrin.blogspot.com 6/30/12

Lillie's Word Prompt:  HARVEST

She sways back and forth on the porch swing and keenly watches as the rusty, yellow school bus unloads forty-five handsome, bronzed, husky teenage boys and men. Recruited every year from the LeHigh Valley, Pennsylvania coal mines, these young hunks are driven upstate New York to harvest her father's vast soy fields and apple orchard. Her heart pounds hard and skips beats until the last one steps down. Once again, he does not appear.  It's now three years since he's seen his son.

FIVE SENTENCE FICTION - FAERIES

FIVE SENTENCE FICTION                           6/22/12
www.lilliemcferrin.blogspot.com

                                        WORD PROMPT

                                               FAERIES

"Ariel, how many times do I have to tell you to stay out of trouble. You got tangled in the spokes of the ferris wheel and fell off the carousel horse's tail.  You got a huge glob of sticky cotton candy in your wings and now you're all wet from that bubble-making machine.  One disaster after another. I'm tellin' mom I don't want you hanging out with me any more."

WOODED PATH

Above is Madison Wood's Friday Fictioneers photo prompt titled: PATH (6/15/12)


Below is my 100-word story inspired by Madison's beautiful photo.


                                    **** WOODED PATH ****


We hadn't seen each other since childhood and chatted lightly; reminiscing; while strolling along a wooded path. Now, in his mid-twenties, he was tall with movie star looks, a solid athletic physique, thick, tousled, sun-kissed hair, a Cary Grant dimple in his square chin, sensitive eyes and a killer smile. His jughead ears were no more. 


He stopped abruptly, placed his hands on my face, opened his heart and all in one breath, said he loved me, proposed marriage and if I refused, he would become a priest. Secretly engaged to his cousin, I was rendered speechless.

FIVE SENTENCE FICTION STORY...LOST

FIVE SENTENCE FICTION: LOST  (6/11//12)

ONE-WORD PROMPT

Each week, Lillie McFerrin of #Five Sentence Fiction, posts a one-word prompt. This week's one-word is: LOST

Below is my Five Sentence Fiction - story inspired by Lillie McFerrin's prompt.

                                           **** LOST ****

On the rainy ride home, reclining in the back seat, her head swims with the successful events of the cheerleading contest. Wrapped in the glow of happiness, her first prize gold medal, secure in its black, velvet-cushioned box, rests softly against her chest.

Swooned by the hum of the car engine, the last thing she remembers is drifting off to sleep, anticipating tomorrow's shopping trip with mom, for her first prom dress.

At her bed, she sees an elderly nurse, in starched white, holding a syringe and mom's anxious, colorless face, pressing her hand. She soon learns that, during the five-car collision, not only was her gold medal lost, but most of her top teeth.

BLIMP

Once again, here is MadisonWoods FridayFictioneers clever photo prompt titled: BLIMP (6/08/12).

Below is my 100-word story inspired by the above photo.

                                       *** BLIMP ***

She was lost. Mentally and emotionally, with a closed, muddled, solitary mind. Modern drugs added to her isolation. For relief from her self-imposed prison, she sought professional help.

He was a tall, unattractive, pipe-holder. Since her instincts never failed, her inner voice whispered not to flee. On the third visit, moving from chair to couch, she felt uneasy with him sitting behind her.

"Give me your hand," he said, softly. "Trust me."

Placing her hesitant, trembling palm into his gentle hand, with tears welling, she saw the blimp sailing peacefully in the serene, iris-blue sky. As it floated by his hi-rise office window, she relaxed and felt safe. 

NO GREATER AGONY...

"THERE IS NO GREATER AGONY THAN BEARING AN UNTOLD STORY INSIDE YOU..."  
  
 Maya Angelou

FIVE SENTENCE FICTION STORY - ORANGE

FIVE SENTENCE FICTION - ORANGE  (5/30/12)

What it's all about:  Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week, Lillie McFerrin will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.    The word chosen this week is:

                                        ORANGE 

Sharing a two-family house, Jennie, the youngest of three kids, lived with her family on one side, while her aunt Aggie and uncle Willie, with their ten, stepladder kids, lived on the other side.

Uncle Willie had a good job and brought home a steady paycheck, while Jennie's daddy worked sporadically and left his meager paycheck on the bar at Paddy's Saloon.

Every payday, Jennie's sniffle-nosed cousins spilled out of their front screen door to sit on their side of the porch, cupping and digging deeply, with their tiny fists, peeling the thick flesh of the fresh, bright-orange fruit.

Every payday, Jennie and her siblings, sat on their side of the porch, staring at the discarded peels falling from those hundred little fingers, silently craving the succulent juice dripping down those ten messy chins as they slurped like hogs and devoured each morsel with glee.

During the five years that Jennie and her siblings lived next door to those ten cousins, not once did a single kid offer to share a measly bite or a slice of one tender, juicy orange.

GOD'S RAINBOW

Above is MadisonWoods FridayFictioneeers...Gorgeous Photo Prompt titled: Rainbows (5/18/12).


Below is my 100-word short story inspired by the above photo.




                              *** GOD'S RAINBOW ***


I was back in the big city when a midnight call came from the ER.


"Your mother was brought in tonight. She is in a coma with extremely, weak vital signs."


"Amtrak can get me there by 9am. Please keep her alive until I get there. Can you do it? Please. Please. I beg of you."


"I will do my best. Hurry."


I sat with her for eight days, praying and weeping, as she lay there. She came out of it once, squeezed my hand and whispered, "Remember what I told you. When God sees you cry, He sends you a rainbow."


Today, He sent me two.

TEARDROPS

Above is Madison Woods #FridayFictioneers Photo Prompt - 4/20/12.

Below is my 100-Word Short Story inspired by Madison's photo

                                
                                   *** TEARDROPS ***

Ms. Chicken Valley Queen, wearing her mom's treasured rhinestone teardrop earrings, glows in a gown of yellow feathers, while live chickens peck at her feet. A festive annual parade until the joyful day is interrupted by an unexpected squall. Wind and rain rips through their path. Her throne collapses, spooked chickens jump off the float, feathers fly up her nose. Fierce sneezing loosens one earring; forever lost in the chaos. The ruined day ends in a bucket of teardrops.

Years later, heading back to Chicken Valley, nestled safely in a blue, satin-lined Tiffany gift box, an exact copy of mom's teardrop earrings...not rhinestones, but dazzling diamonds. 

Happy birthday, mom.

VAN-WINKLE TUNNEL

Above is another wonderful photo prompt provided by Madison Woods FridayFictioneers (4/13/12).


Below is my 100-word short story inspired by Madison's photo prompt.
                                 
                            *** VAN-WINKLE TUNNEL ***


Before construction of the new highway and pedestrian tunnel, this area was our neighborhood playground. My favorite place, where I played with chums after school, until the accident.


Mom came every Sunday to visit my memorial plaque which rests at the mouth of the tunnel; dedicated in my memory, Ellie Van-Winkle. She sat on the left bench, knitting or reading the Bible. She evolved from fancy hats and high heels to comfortable walking shoes; a cane, a shawl and finally a walker. Then she came no more. But I don't miss her. She now sits beside me and the angels.


*** 
This story is dedicated to my beloved mom who entered this world on 4/14/1912. She was born the day of the Titanic tragedy... 4/14/2012 is their 100th Anniversary.

THE PEN AND INK PHOTO PROMPT TITLED : BALLOONS

Hi Lora ~  Congrats on winning 2nd place in The Pen and Ink Blog's Story Prompt Challenge - March, 2012. 

The Management 
Pen and Ink Blogspot. 


Below is my winning story titled based on the above Photo Prompt titled BALLOONS.




                                   *** LITTLE CHICK ***


An array of colored balloons are bundled together waiting to be hung in the hay barn for Susie's birthday party. During the hustle and bustle of preparations, a brisk northern breeze loosens three balloons from its cluster and, as if delighted to be free, two of them sail away to play tag in the sky.  The third balloon, a blue one, wavers to and fro on its own; its tail trailing behind in a lazy manner. When the breeze calms down, it floats to a powder landing and settles in the rafters near a haystack where newly-hatched Hummingbird chicks lay warm in their cozy nest of freshly-stacked grass and dry, golden hay. During the happy festivities, mother Hummingbird keeps close watch and circles the rafters to protect her brood. Frightened by the children's laughter and noisy squeals, she carries her sightless chicks one-by-one to a safe hollow in a nearby willow tree. In haste, she loses count and accidentally leaves the smallest behind. When Little Chick opens his bleary eyes, the first thing he sees is the stray blue balloon resting softly beside him and chirps out with glee, "Mama."

SUNSET WHITE BRANCHES 3/23/12

Thanks to Madison Woods for the inspiration for this week's story based on the above photo prompt titled: Sunset White Branches.  


Below is my 100-word story titled:




                                   *** THE VIEW ***


This is the view from my bedroom window. It never changes. As seasons unfold, it remains the same; cold, unfriendly and forlorn. Ancient branches too brittle and barren to sprout new life. A landscape as depressing as the rundown shack I live in. But I'm alive. I'm young. I'm hopeful. I refuse to give in to this prison of shame and poverty. I sit cross-legged on the frigid, linoleum floor, bony, scabby elbows perched on the windowsill and dream. I imagine all the beautiful things that lie beyond that range. Things with color, music and light to free me from this depressing view and ugly existence. 

JEWELS 3/2/12

***JEWELS***

Above is Madison Woods Friday Fictioneers Flash Fiction Photo Prompt titled: Jewels.  Thanks, Madison. 


Below is my 100-word story based on the above prompt.




                           
                        GRANDFATHER'S JEWELS


Stolen from grandfather's vault containing precious valuables, only a pitiful amount of jewels turned up. They arrived via an unknown source, in battered, brown, envelopes stamped with out-dated Air-Mail markings.  The return address in Mexico was a burned-out empty lot strewn with garbage and broken liquor bottles.


After years of frustrating dead-ends, the private detective had his first lead. A baby's pink, hard-plastic teething ring packed among the jewelry. Oversight or tip?




***




See Comments below:

IF YOU'RE ABSENT...

"If you're absent during my struggle, don't expect to be present during my success."    
                                                                                Unknown

HER SITTING SPOT

Above is MadisonWoods Friday Fictioneers, 100-word photo prompt titled: MY SITTING-SPOT- 2/17/12.  Below is my 100-word story.



                                                   HER SITTING SPOT


Every spring, she visited her secret summer haven. April showers swept away depressing, dead leaves, giving birth to lush velvet greenery and delicate wildflowers.  Her secluded sitting spot. A large rock and a mirror-clear, mellow brook. A lullaby of comfort to escape from forced field work, harsh, unforgiving sun, a chaotic, clamorous home and...him. 


 Drifting in melancholy thought, dreaming, praying.  Sailing on the breeze, soft moccasin footprints. Native Spirit of the Ages whispers into her ear. "Be patient, my child. Be brave. I see what you cannot. Your future will be lifted with light and song and you will shine."

QUOTES OF THE DAY !

QUOTES OF THE DAY:

"If you want to work on your art, work on your life."

Chekhov

****

"Unless you know your roots, you're a lost soul."

Yip Harburg, lyricist

****

..."absorbing the chill of poverty which never leaves the bones..."

George Bernard Shaw

WELCOME TO MY BLOG

HELLO FRIENDS ~ WELCOME TO MY BLOG !!

Would you like to become a follower?  (It would please me greatly). Just scroll down the left side and see a section where you click on to become a follower. Also, you are welcome to make comments. Hope to see you all soon.

Tip:  When you visit and only see one posting listed, scroll all the way down and click on HOME...and you will see every single one.

Hint:  Something to look forward to ~ I eventually plan to change my template and include chapters of some new stories.

Thanks,
((Hugs)) Lora

PUBLISHED...

TREASURED MEMORIES
(by Vada Wolter & Joe Zapalac)
Outskirts Press 2011

I am pleased and proud to announce that I have 3 short stories and a few poems published in the above book.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION...

MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTION FOR 2012

I plan to read every single book written by author, historian, Pulitzer Prize Winner, David M. McCullough.

QUOTES...

QUOTES OF THE DAY

People cry, not because they're weak -
It's because they've been strong for too long.

Unknown

****

"Art begins in a wound." 

John Gardner, Author

HAPPY 2012 EVERYONE.  MAY IT BE THE BEST EVER !!!

MY TRIBUTE TO ROSIE...

This is my tribute to Rosie, the flower girl, who sat every night on the corner of 55th and 3rd Ave., NYC, in front of famous P. J. Clarke's.

~ ODE TO ROSIE ~

On the corner of 55th and Third
Where the fierce wind hollers
There's an old Babushka bag lady
Surrounded by buckets of flowers
Feeble, fragile and hunched over
Sitting there 'til the morning hours.

Appearing small in the gritty, tinsel city
She never begs or cries for pity
Some say she's been there since '41
No one knows where she's really from.

Was she ever spring time young?
Pretty with long, silky hair?
A lover to share her sweet song?
Anyone know? Anyone care?

All night long, people come and go
They come fast, they come slow
But it's the lovers she likes most
A toothless smile, a soft hello
She offers a red rose - for free
To lovers, like you and me. 

When winter snow blows bitter and
Batters cruel through tattered clothes
The bar takes her in to warm the old soul 
A cup of soup, a soft bread roll
Thawing fingers and frozen toes.

As years pass and seasons unfold
Alone in the wave of humanity
You would never know from Rosie's grin
The closing years are looking grim.

(c) 2011  Lora Mitchell