Dosh… and soon

August 29, 2024August 31, 2024 Chris Hall45 Comments

The red-head woman was walking around the Montmartre Cemetery, wondering what she could do, since she was running out of cash – although of course she could sell, or maybe pawn, her lovely ruby ring, as she fiddled with her finger.

She had turned left when suddenly she spotted the two gargoyles who were standing next to one of the dead poets graves, as they were busy working on two large easels, wearing artists’ smocks and berets, and both of them were scoffing and bickering (as usual); but then stopped and said, ‘ah, there you are,’ as they grinned back at the red-head woman.

Meanwhile the old vampire appeared, opening his arms and smiling: ‘to you like my outfit,’ as he whirled around; ‘yes, I know, I’m doing my best, although, I know I’m a relic, but I suit and boot quite well, don’t you think.’

‘Now, down to business and stuff,’ said the old vampire, as Joan, Francis and Scatty popped up and join them, ‘okay, we all know about the old building just around the corner,’ as he pointed, ‘and now I can reveal,’ he paused like a drum roll, and winked.

‘It began with the lovely red-head woman who opened that old safe, and then later the two gargoyles managed to read those antique deeds, and then they sent it via courier to me – and that’s where I got it.’

‘You see, it seems I own it out right – and we can do whatever we want!’

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Di of Pensitivity 101 – Thursday’s Three Things Challenge: SCOFF, STUFF, SMOCK

Denise Farley of GirlieOnTheEdge
Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt: RELIC

Another Full Moon

August 22, 2024August 30, 2024 Chris Hall53 Comments

Guzman Barquin on Unsplash

previously

The full moon leaked across the balcony as the red-head woman looked out into the sky; suddenly she saw Joan, Francis and Scatty, who were hovering on broomsticks: ‘one for you too,’ said Scatty, ‘they are all made with hardwood and jute, and strong and light,’ – ‘come on, hurry,’ said Joan, ‘time to party – we are going around the moon – you’ll see,’ and off they go.

They were flying down the Seine and then the ocean appeared, ‘let’s go to New York,’ shouted Francis, ‘you can see the Café and Bistro, and I think you’ve been there haven’t you?’ – ‘well, kind of,’ muttered the red-head.

They crossed the water keeping with the moon, and then they landed: ‘well,’ said the red-head, ‘I’m going in and quickly skirted around the room,’ – at that moment, the Bartender was wiping a cloth on the sparkling table, as she looked up and smiled, and Mimi also waved happily as she when back to the kitchen; ‘I think I got away with that,’ muttered the red-head.

‘Come on let’s fly to the West Coast; here’s the bridge now, and let’s sit,’ – then the red-head woman hugged her warm fabric as she watched the moon rising again.

But now it’s time to go – and this is the clever bit… ‘widdershins, widdershins, widdershins’ shouted Scatty.

***

Did she fall asleep? thought the red-head… did she dream all of this? but no; she looked in her pocket – it was a napkin from SSC&B!

next episode

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Di of Pensitivity 101 – Thursday’s Three Things Challenge: CLOTH, FABRIC, JUTE

Denise Farley of GirlieOnTheEdge
Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt: DREAM

More #SixSentenceStories

Rare Books

August 15, 2024August 22, 2024 Chris Hall41 Comments

Aliis Sinisalu on Unsplash

previously

The red-head woman had woken up, had thrown off her quilt, stood up, walked across and opened the handle into the little kitchen where she spooned some strong coffee into the jug, as it percolated; she stared out into the grey and dank morning, it was wet, very wet, completely different from yesterday.

She got dressed quickly, drinking her coffee, and as she sat down with the three new and ancient books that she had only just bought from the bookseller, she opened all of them.

The first thing she realised was that all of them were in English (phew), and the second thing she realised was that she had known right from the start, these were written about Joan of Arc, Comte de Saint-Germain, and Scáthach: her three friends (and vampires) Joan, Francis and Scatty.

She delved down, looking around all of them, piecing and putting markers everywhere, what seemed particularly interesting was that the two historical tomes were similar, but the folklore one was poles apart; but everything was good.

Then she remembered about the little book which she’d found – the one in the safe; she would get that now.

Meanwhile, it was all very well to read these old books but the red-head woman still needed to hatch a plan (and soon, and then stick to it) since she had little dosh left after doing everything else, but it was raining so hard, like cats and dogs, it was better to stay at home, just for now.

next episode

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Di of Pensitivity 101 – Thursday’s Three Things Challenge: HANDLE, STICK, POLE

Denise Farley of GirlieOnTheEdge
Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt: HATCH

Oh, the Olympic Games

August 8, 2024August 16, 2024 Chris Hall58 Comments

Edin on Unsplash

previously

The red-head woman had been still smirking as she got into the taxi, she had rather a lot of euro coins as earlier she’d won at table-football with several people in the lounge in the Hotel St Germain, and she’d pocketed it them in her big bag, meanwhile the helpful concierge had been dialling one of the taxi ranks from the lobby.

The taxi pulled out and it seemed very busy, she craned up looking around – and then it had dawned on her: she’d completely forgot about the Olympic Games in Paris, and it was already happening, it was so interesting and massive, and right here too (she’d been distracted for several weeks), but now she was very excited.

The taxi had drawn up, almost right at the door, as the red-head woman opened her big bag and digged deep into her compartment, unearthing her money and got rid of most of her coins; she gave him saying – ‘keep the change’ – while he grumbled and then smiled.

The red-head woman heaved up her bag and hurried up to the top of her tiny flat, she deposited her bag, then opened the little balcony; she saw the two gargoyles who were hovering over her, ‘can we come in?’ – she nodded.

‘We’ve been busy for the past two weeks, as we have a temporary job, helping the climbers in the Olympic sport,’ they started, and stopped…

‘Gosh, sorry, got to go, we’re going to watch the final of women’s beach volleyball (ooh)!’

next episode

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Di of Pensitivity 101 – Thursday’s Three Things Challenge: DIG, UNEARTH, INTER

Denise Farley of GirlieOnTheEdge
Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt: DIAL

One of the Gargoyles😂

At the lobby

August 1, 2024August 8, 2024 Chris Hall59 Comments

© Ayr/Gray

The red-head woman had her great big bag again, as she trudged around as usual; she had been walking around the streets of Paris, while her head was swirling still; where had she been? – she paused: she just saw a rather nice café, and the menu outside looked tempting; she sat down while deciding what to pick, and then she ordered.

On the other side of the street, she craned her head, looking at the rather magnificent and old hotel, and next door was a book shop, and she would have to go in.

After eating and paying, the red-head woman felt fortified, as she entered the book shop where there were so many books, from the floor to the ceiling; it was rather dark and dusty, but it smelled interesting.

The man appeared: ‘I will help you, I know exactly what you need – please sit down – I will track them down, very soon,’ and a moment later, the man had taken three books from the shelves, ‘I think that you want these, they are very old, and useful.’

‘I will also help you over to the Hotel Moderne, (now it’s known as Hotel St Germain, by the way), you’ll find out something else later there – trust me; but meanwhile go past the lobby and go into the lounge.’

And so the red-head woman had a great time, playing table-football and listening to the jukebox, while a young man mixed a cocktail for her – what could be nicer?

next episode

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Posted for The Unicorn Challenge, a magical challenge hosted by Jenne Gray and C E Ayr, where they provide a photo and we, in turn, provide up to 250 words.

Di of Pensitivity 101 – Thursday’s Three Things Challenge: PICK, MIX, TAKEN

Denise Farley of GirlieOnTheEdge
Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt: SWIRL

And now…

July 25, 2024August 2, 2024 Chris Hall59 Comments

Rosalie Gdy on Unsplash

previously

It was a busy night with the various vampires who were drinking and singing, rushing around, jumping over the tables and running up and down on the stairs; although not all of then.

Joan had brought her husband, Francis, he had long, thick and jet black hair, a very dapper gentleman; next to him was Joan’s best friend, Scatty, she had bright red and spiky hair – just like the red-head woman – she grinned happily, offering a little cache of magic around the three of them.

The old vampire had only appeared just now, he had opened his kitchen so that nothing was hidden in the stores, although almost everything had been eaten already; he had thrown open the huge French doors and welcomed everyone – ‘do you love my outfit – so modern, don’t you think?’ – ‘which century was it’ – said one of them, as he giggled.

‘This is the 20^th century: platform shoes, very wide trousers and a lovely shirt and lots of medallions (they’re real, by the way),’ as the old vampire started to dance.

Everyone joined in, as the party became even more raucous; a couple of the vampires started to eat just-dead rats and that was too much for the red-head – she swooned.

She woke up at noon, someone must’ve put her to bed, she looked out, everyone had gone, only her car remained; she ran down and out, looking up at the window, was it a statue? but no, it was the old vampire, and he waved.

next episode

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Di of Pensitivity 101 – Thursday’s Three Things Challenge: STORE, CACHE, HIDE

Denise Farley of GirlieOnTheEdge
Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt: PLATFORM

Now that was weird

July 20, 2024 Chris Hall57 Comments

© Ayr/Gray

I had a little problem, back a couple of years. At the time, my right eye could hardly see at all.

I would miss things, especially on the floor. One time I opened the dishy-wishy (that was what I called it then – the dishwasher). I turned around and back again, and I forgot what I was doing. But then I tripped and fell over the open dishy-wishy (oops) – but fortunately I wasn’t hurt.

However, if I was out in the sunshine, I could see the bright light and the beautiful sun. I could see the reflection on the pavement, but I couldn’t see anyone on my right side. I would walk on the pavement and around the beach, there were shadows on the ground but not next to me. But hey-ho… It was fine as I always love the light, the sun and the sea.

But I couldn’t understand how it worked. Why does the reflection move me?
How odd. How very odd. But does it matter?
Thank goodness it’s better now and I can see properly again.

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Posted for The Unicorn Challenge, a magical challenge hosted by Jenne Gray and C E Ayr, where they provide a photo and we, in turn, provide up to 250 words.

The Unicorn Challenge-19/07/24

The Chateau

July 18, 2024July 25, 2024 Chris Hall40 Comments

unsplash.com/@tama66

previously

The red-head woman was sleeping blissfully; Joan had just woken up, she looked down at her friend and smiled – she almost opened her two little fangs, but she’d thought better of it and she stood up quickly, then she bicycled back to the chateau.

Later, the red-head woman woke up – what a long sleep she had, she stretched her arms and sat up on the grass, but where was Joan? – she jumped on to her bike and hurried back to the chateau too.

Meanwhile, Joan had been talking to the old man, as together they had been poring over those antique deeds, as the two gargoyles had sent it than using a courier; the old man grinned ‘look, we’re getting there,’ as he glanced up, ‘who’s it?’ as the red-head dismounted.

He shuffled around the library and then he walked down the steps and opened the door of the chateau – ‘come in, my dear,’ – he bowed and said – ‘you know, I’m a real live wire, apart from my demise, of course,’ as he laughed out loud, ‘and everyone knows that I’ve a very dry sense of humour, even for a vampire!’

‘We’ll have food and wine… and dancing, don’t you think?’- as he held up his hands taking Joan and the red-head woman, ‘what’s your name, by the way?’

‘I just need to set up the lights and music; and there’ll be some other people – indeed I think I can hear them on their motorbikes – it’ll be quite a party!’

next episode

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Denise Farley of GirlieOnTheEdge
Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt: WIRE

Enjoy the race!

July 11, 2024July 18, 2024 Chris Hall51 Comments

ORLÉANS AND CYCLING – see here

previously

The next day, the red-head woman and Joan of Arc (also known as the Maid of Orleans), had agreed to go to see part of the Tour de France – and it was even better since there was a rest day before the next race.

The red-head woman had been driving (she’d borrowed a car for a couple of days) and Joan had been looking at the scenery, it was only 2 hours from Paris, down to Orleans, as they were chatting happily all the way.

Soon they drove into a grand chateau, just outside the town, and Joan beamed at it: ‘I have been there before – centuries ago – and you know what,’ said Joan, ‘we’ll stay there, since I know a very old friend who lives there.’

They left their things in the car for the moment and walked around the beautiful town, Joan kept out of the sun, meanwhile, the red-head woman bought two ice cream cones as they walked over to the bridge; ‘you know what, we could go on a little adventure,’ they looked at each other, ‘let’s find a couple of bicycles,’ as they giggled.

They rode around the chateau, and passed the tall trees, cycling happily, then they raced for a little way, then they stopped and got off, putting their bicycles down.

They laid down on the soft grass where it was shady and sweet, where the scent of lavender was blissful; but will both of them be able to get up again?

next episode

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Denise Farley of GirlieOnTheEdge
Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt: CONE

The Old Vampire

June 27, 2024July 4, 2024 Chris Hall52 Comments

© Ayr/Gray

previously

She had been looking at her smartphone many times, but there was nothing there, the two gargoyles had not moved at all and the cemetery was also silent in the moonlight, apart from a couple of young people who had almost shed all their clothing; the red-head woman had looked away, and up over the city into Montmartre, as she sighed and got into bed.

The next day was the weekend and it was particularly busy: the bells had been ringing around the two cathedrals and there was music everywhere, there was even a very tall clown wearing bangles, bows and buttons, and he was playing a tambourine; the red-head looked down from her tiny flat, she rubbed her head, as she decided to go out and down.

Meanwhile the two gargoyles laughed out loud as the red-head woman walked away; they knew that this would only work if she went on her own.

Too much noise still, thought the red-head woman, as she began to walk down one of the cobble streets; the music was strident and strange, as the frequency began to build like a big beat on the drum – faster and faster – the noise was unbearable, and then suddenly… it stopped.

‘Who is this?’ – she looked around, and then she saw a high window in the old house, she looked again to see a young girl.

Suddenly she remembered what the gargoyles said, and she realised this was a vampire – but she was not expecting this one.

next episode

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Posted for The Unicorn Challenge, a magical challenge hosted by Jenne Gray and C E Ayr, where they provide a photo and we, in turn, provide up to 250 words.