Manifesting Love Club – hook

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Now it’s Corecia’s time to find love. She has her eye on a new man, but is unsure about Noah as he’s claimed that he doesn’t want to be tied down.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘hook’.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

“Not boring and bland…peaceful and serene.” Tracey interjected without thinking. “Which makes you each unique and a pleasure to be around. You each have your own distinctly different personalities, just as all of us here do.”

Heather smiled in acknowledgment of her friends words. “That’s true. Even though I’m usually content with who I am, sometimes I see qualities in my friends that I’m a little envious about. But…enough about that…back to candles.”

Corecia leaned forward and stroked the assortment of candles arranged on the coffee table. “I’ve been waiting to hear why they’re all pink. Not red, like I would have expected.”

“I know. Right? That was my thought when we walked in here.” Juliette nodded her head in agreement.

“You’d think, wouldn’t you? I always thought so too.” Heather shrugged her shoulders and picked up the largest rosy colored pillar candle. “Friday is the best day to burn candles for your love life and relationships and the best color candles to burn on Fridays are pink. Red candles are best burned on Tuesdays, the day ruled by Mars, the Roman god of war. Although…the candle energy on those days are great for when you’re facing personal struggles and physical challenges. It brings forth personal courage. So, if you were having difficulties in a relationship, you could do red ones on Tuesdays to call up courage and strength. But for love and romance, I’d stick to pink ones on Friday’s.”

“So what’s the hook? You just burn the candle and – presto – love appears?” Tracey looked skeptical.

Corecia plucked one of the candles of the table and held it up, turning it this way and that, examining it closely. “Do tell, girlfriend. Cuz I’ve got me a hot lover to conjure up.”

“You can just burn them. But remember, just like with the affirmations we worked on last month, intent is a large part of seeing results. When you light the candles, focus your intent on what you’d like to manifest. Concentrate. Say a little prayer. Think of the positive qualities of the type of man you’d like to attract. Myself, I like to spend some time in quiet reflection and pulling up feelings and emotions to add energy to my thoughts. Then I like to release my desires to the universe, send them off in silent winged journey to the heavens. But, you’ll find your own special way of working with candles.”

“So…we just gonna talk about it all night? Or do we get to light one?” Corecia stroked the candle she held, her gaze off in the distance as if imagining her special man.

Heather bent down and picked a light up off the table. “Of course we all get to light one. I was thinking that we’d each choose a candle and take it to the mantle over the fireplace in the living room. One at a time. Then we each have a little private time to spend lighting it and sending our intention out. Want to go first, Corecia?”

The ebony beauty emphatically shook her head from side to side. “Nope. I want to go last.”

“I’ll go first.” Tracey hopped up and reached for the smallest candle on the table. “It doesn’t have to be romantic love, does it? Can it just be for love in general? A life filled with love?”

“Of course,” Heather agreed. “Love is love is love. Wanting a life filled with love can come from many avenues besides a lover. Family. Hey, even friends.” She thrust her hand out to take in the four friends that sat around the small family room.

Tracey didn’t take much time in the other room. She returned quickly with a hint of a smile displayed on her face. Juliette had her chosen candle in hand already, waiting for her turn, and disappeared as soon as Tracey took her seat on the sofa. She took more time than Tracey did, but was still returned fairly quickly. Corecia stood, still holding the candle she’d picked up earlier, one that held a deeper hint of mauve than the others.

While Corecia took her turn lighting her candle in the other room, the other three friends chatted quietly with one another. And chatted. And talked some more. Heather finally glanced at her watch with a quizzical expression. “What’s she doing in there that’s taking so long?” she whispered to Tracey and Juliette.

Manifesting Love Club – ghost

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Now it’s Corecia’s time to find love. She has her eye on a new man, but is unsure about Noah as he’s claimed that he doesn’t want to be tied down.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘ghost’.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

Corecia laughed so hard so bent over and held her sides. “Waxing? The moon waxes? Does it yelp like I do?”

Heather merely shook her head and gave her friend some time to get the hilarity out of her system. “Guess that means you don’t pay attention to the moon phases. When it’s progressing from a new moon to a full moon, that’s called a waxing moon. It’s in a growing phase. This is a good time to set your intentions involving attraction.” She glanced around at the others to see if they were following her prattle. “This is a good time to attract a new job, a new lover, or more money. But…we’re looking at the lover aspect.”

Juliette leaned forward in rapt attention. “So…do we like…have to go out in the middle of the night for this?”

“Not at all. I mean, you can if you want. But you can do this inside. At night. Middle of the day. Whenever it’s convenient for you. You’ve got a two week period when the moon is growing to full. After full, when the visibility is shrinking each night, that’s called waning. You wouldn’t want to do your love candle magic in that two week period.”

“So what phase are we in now? Is this a good time, or do we have to wait?” For someone that wasn’t interested in finding new love, Tracey seemed more curious than the others.

Corecia turned towards Tracey, the oldest friend in the bunch, and inquired, “You all hot and bothered to conjure up a new hottie?”

Tracey pulled back her shoulders and huffed up her chest. “Ha! Not a ghost of a chance! No one could replace my sweet Luke. But all this moon and candle doohickey intrigues me.”

Corecia snickered. “That’s okay. You can use yours and send me the good vibes. I am ready to find my knight. All this one date-one night baloney is for the birds. This mama’s ready to grab her an armful of hunk, settle down and feather our nest with love. Especially if that hunk o’ man is Noah.”

“Now, now…” Heather held up a hand in reproach.

“I know…I know. I can’t use this to work on Noah specifically.” Corecia pursed her mouth to show what she thought of Heather’s caution.

“No you can’t. You can set an intention for love. But don’t try capturing one certain person. That takes away his free will in the matter. Plus, he might not be the one. There may be a better match for you out there that the universe wants you to hook up with. But if you go messing with things, you may latch onto someone that’s not the best for you…and miss out on the goodness that was headed your way.”

Juliette settled back on the sofa and heaved a huge sigh. “I’m ready too. But I don’t want the mamby-pamby guys that I keep meeting at work. There’s just no sizzle there. I’m ready for a little heat and action in my life.”

“Then try this. And keep doing your affirmations that we worked on last month. Heather continued with the little lesson she’d planned for the others. “I don’t think I answered Tracey’s question earlier, about the phase we’re in now. The new moon was last week, so we’re smack dab in the middle of the optimum period. Now, even though there’s a two week window in there, and you can do it any day, Fridays are the best day to draw love your way.”

“Why Fridays?” Tracey and Juliette spoke in unison and started laughing.

Heather glanced down at the notes she held in her hand. “Friday is the day of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and sex.”

“Mmmm huh. Love and sex. Now you’re speaking my language.” Corecia bobbed her head up and down and shook in a mini-shimmey, as much as she could perform while seated on the plush couch cushions. She glanced up and caught the look on Heather’s face. “What girlfriend? You think I’m joshin’ you?”

Heather was quick to reply. “Oh no, that’s not it at all. Hey girl, after how many years I’ve know you…no, I know you’re all over the sex part. I was just thinking that I wish I had some of your spontaneity and zest for life. Sometimes around you I feel so…boring and bland.”

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

Manifesting Love Club – fasten

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Now it’s Corecia’s time to find love. She has her eye on a new man, but is unsure about Noah as he’s claimed that he doesn’t want to be tied down.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘fasten’.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

A frown flickered across Corecia’s face and she opened her mouth, although no words came out.

Tracey looked up and caught the expression on Corecia’s face. “Now you’ve done it, Juliette. Why do you two have to snip at each other so often?”

“No, no…it’s okay,” Corecia rushed in to explain. “I’m not upset about what she said. Hell, I give it back as good as anyone gives me. Or better.” She heaved a huge sigh and her shoulders sank. “It’s just what she said about that I found my man. I talk all big and brash. But it’s not always what’s really going on in my life. She said ‘I found my man.’ But I haven’t. Oh, Noah’s a hunk. The brother is one fine piece of manhood. But we’ve only had two dates. And…he’s made it very clear that he likes being single and having time to run with the guys. No strings. No attachments.”

“Bu, dear, don’t you like it that way?” Tracey softly questioned her friend.

“I liked it like that before. I didn’t want tied down either. On to the newest and flashiest conquest I guess. But there’s something about this one…something that makes me wish he didn’t feel that way. So, no. I haven’t found my guy. And it bothers the hell out of me.”

Heather settled into her chair on the end before reaching for the parmigiana which she passed to Juliette on her right. “Does he have the qualities that you listed the night we worked on affirmations?”

Corecia’s face lit up in delight. “The brother packs a load of fine qualities that I like. Did I tell you he used to be a football player? Not that that part was on my list. But I like how he’s a manly man. He likes all sports and doing things with the guys, like meeting for beers and poker nights. But he’s also smart and kind and funny. I laugh around him. He enjoys life. He’s divorced. No kids. But you should see him around kids. He’s patient. He talks to them like people. Not condescending at all, like some guys are.

Juliette took a helping of the main dish before passing it on. Reaching for the salad she asked the next round of questions. “What happened on your last date? Where’d you end up at the end of the evening? Not that I want to know any of those details. But you know, like, did he ask you out again?”

“We went to a movie. Then for ice cream after. He came in for a bit afterwards. Did have a sweet make out session on the couch.” Corecia fanned her face as if the flames of heat reignited as she talked about it. “That man can kiss! But then he stood up, kissed me on the top of my head and said he’d better leave before things got out of hand. Talk about leaving a sister all hot and bothered. Although, he did call the next day and invite me to a basketball game. He’s got to cover the game for work and had an extra ticket, so I don’t know if that really counts as a date.”

Tracey slapped her hand on the table, causing her wine glass to jiggle. “Yes it counts. Even if it’s work related and he didn’t buy the tickets. He wouldn’t be asking you if he didn’t want to spend time with you.”

Heather nodded in agreement. “I second that. If he asked you, he wants to see you. That’s a date. Period.”

The chatter died down as the ladies ate their meals with gusto. As all four scraped their plates clean, not leaving a single bite remaining, Corecia spoke up. “Have to give you props, Heather. This was the bomb. Even if it didn’t have any meat in it.”

Smothering a pleased smile, their hostess nodded and stood up. “Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. If everyone’s done, let’s head into the living room and we’ll talk about a way to rev up our love life manifesting.”

“Let me help with dishes first,” Tracey volunteered.

“Let them sit. I’ll get them later. When we’re done.” Heather grabbed a notebook that was laying on the oak side table. “C’mon ladies, let go get ‘em. You’re going to have to sit down and fasten your seatbelts. I think you’ll find that a little candle magic will pack a wallop in your love life.”

Minolta DSC

Manifesting Love Club – picture prompt

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Leaving them all lovey-dovey and snuggled up together, we’re jumping ahead in the story to Corecia. It’s time for her to have some fun and find a little love.

This week we’re writing to a picture prompt. Picture prompt snippets are short – only 300 words.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

“That’s his hook then? He can kiss?” Tracey shook her head in dismay.

“When his mouth is on mine and his arms wrapped around me…yo girl, he is an angel on earth and I never want the moment to end.”

Juliette held her hand high in the air. “TMI. TMI. We do not need to go any further with this conversation.”

Heather tossed a dish towel on the counter. “I agree. Besides, dinner is ready. Go get a seat and I’ll bring the entrée in.”

The ladies made their way to the dining table and proceeded with the delicate feminine dance of choosing who sat where. Heather carried a steaming dish in and placed it on the trivet.

“Mmmmm, that smells delicious.” Tracey inhaled deeply and rubbed her hand across her stomach. “What is it?”

“Zucchini Parmigiana.” Heather sat a spatula next to the white corning ware dish that held their meal.

“Zucchini? Where’s the beef?” Corecia joked. “I know you’re all Miss-Eat-Healthy after your brush with cancer. But girl…the rest of us still eat beef. A nice sizzling steak sure would be nice sittin’ next to that veggie dish you call a meal.”

“Don’t worry, Corecia. Besides, if you keep going on about Noah, I have a feeling we’ll all hear plenty about ‘da beef’.” The twinkle in Tracey’s eyes and her soft chuckle let everyone know she spoke in jest.

“Oh, Corecia, just zip it up for one night, will you? Didn’t your mama ever teach you ‘if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all’?” Juliette shook her head and rubbed her finger tips across her forehead in exasperation. “I just want to eat. I’m famished. Then I can’t wait to hear what Heather’s going to tell us about candle spells. You may have found your man, but I’m still looking for mine.”

Manifesting Love Club – ‘call’ prompt

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Leaving them all lovey-dovey and snuggled up together, we’re jumping ahead in the story to Corecia. It’s time for her to have some fun and find a little love.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘call.’

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

“Not at a club. He came into the office for a meeting with my boss. He’s a sports writer.”

“That’s outside your usual style.” Juliette held up her wine glass in salute.

“I know, huh? He doesn’t even like going to the clubs. Now, I ask you, how can such a fine man not enjoy a good night out at the club?” Corecia heaved a huge sigh. “Guess I can learn to live without the clubs though…he’s got so much going for him.”

“Sounds like it’s getting pretty serious. Tell us more.” Tracey was still curious.

“Wellllll….” Corecia paused before continuing. “It’s going to get serious. So far we’ve only had two dates. He’s made it clear he doesn’t want to be tied down in a relationship. But other than that, he’s perfect. So, like Heather says, I’m going to manifest us into a relationship.”

“Whoa!” Heather held up her hands in dismay. “I’m all for preaching about manifesting and creating a life you want. But you can’t try to bring a specific person into your life.”

“It worked for you,” Corecia disputed. “Look at how you brought Brian into your life. Now you’re so crazy in love it isn’t funny. I want that too.”

“Brian did enter my life. And, yes, we are madly in love. But I didn’t say all my affirmations to bring Brian into my life. Where does that leave any free will for him? I merely keep repeating what kind of relationship I wanted in my life. Then I let the universe set about finding someone that meshed with what I wanted.”

“But…I want Noah.”

“You can’t put in an order for Noah. That may not be what he wants. You have to be clear about what you want in a love, and also what you won’t tolerate. When you’re clear on those parameters, then you’ll see who meets your needs and who won’t. It may be Noah. It may be someone else.”

“I’m with Heather,” Tracey said. “When I was younger, I was wildly, madly in love with Scott. He was the most perfect man on the planet. I wanted him something bad. I would have done anything to get him. He made it clear that he didn’t want me. Then I met Luke and fell in love with him. Luke and I had almost thirty-five glorious years together. He was a gentle, kind man with a heart of gold. When I ran into Scott at our high school reunion, he was on wife number four. He was rude, opinionated and arrogant. That night I thanked my lucky stars that I wasn’t able to conjure any magic or call on any God’s to give him to me. I would have ended up in a disastrous marriage.”

Juliette refilled her wine glass and held up the bottle in silent question. Tracey held a hand over her glass. Heather was still scurrying around the kitchen in preparation for dinner and didn’t notice. Corecia, in typical Corecia style, had drained her glass and held up the empty vessel for a refill. As Juliette poured amber nectar, she continued her line of questions. “Tell us about Noah. What does he like to do? What kind of man is he? How does he spend his spare time?”

“Ummmmm…well….” Corecia stammered and her chocolate skin deepened with an invisible blush. “It’s not like we’ve had a lot of time to chat.”

Juliette prodded. “But you’re the one that said he liked to talk. He must have given some clues about himself with all this discussion you’ve had.”

“He does like to talk. Kind of. Mostly I meant I could listen to him talk. He’s got this delicious Jamaican accent going on. Kind of Bob Marley style. But talking about sports instead of music. I could just eat him all up listening to the man. And whoooheee! Can he kiss!”

 

Manifesting Love Club – spider

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather is the first of the group that finds love – with someone unexpected. Brian’s a clown. A real life clown. His humor is the spark that Heather needs in her life at the moment.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘spider’. We’ve jumped ahead a bit in the story.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

After barreling down the dirt road for about a mile, gravel and dust spewing behind them, Brian slowed to a near stop. Heather looked at him, curiosity in her eyes, as he turned into a barely discernible driveway. “With all the weeds and growth, you can’t even tell this was here. You’ve evidently been here before.”

A small smile crossed his face, but it didn’t make it to his eyes. A hint of sadness lingered in the depths. He started to speak, but choked up and no words came out.

Heather turned her head and searched his face for clues. “Brian? You okay?”

He swallowed and paused before answering. “Yeah…I’ve been here a time or two.” He inched the minivan through the waist high growth, trying to stay in the ruts carved from long ago visits. “This was my grandparents place. I spent most of my summers out here, running around through their fields.”

Heather placed a hand on the back of his neck, caressing the taunt muscles. “Sounds like there’s lots of happy memories here. Which makes it a sad place to visit, doesn’t it? I take it they’re gone?”

“Yes. About ten years now. Grandma went first. Grandpa right behind. He didn’t last more than a few months after she left. Don’t think he wanted to live life without her.”

“I’ve heard of that happening. Couples dying with weeks, sometimes days of each other. Especially if they’ve been together for a long time.”

“Almost fifty years. They didn’t quite make that anniversary. Short by a year or two.”

“I’m sorry, honey.” She kept stroking the back of his neck, sending reassurance and comfort through the tips of her fingers.

Brian rounded a curve and the old farmhouse stood before them. Barely stood. The porch roof threatened to spill down across the turned posts that tried vainly to support it. A back corner of the house had already given up the fight, with boards and shingles scattered over the ground as evidence to the battle that had taken place over the past few years.

“So…I’m guessing that no one lives here anymore.”

He pulled up beside what appeared to be a side door and turned off the ignition. He chuckled when he answered. “You’d be right about that. Maybe a few spiders and snakes. Possibly a mouse or two. Or twenty.”

“Who owns the land now?”

“I do. They left it to me. The house was already falling apart by then. I didn’t have the money, or the time, to try to keep it up. But I still try to make it up here once or twice a year. I usually camp out for a few days. Check on the place. Regroup. Remember the good times here.”

“You said you brought lunch with you?”

“Yes, ma’am, I did. A mighty tasty one too, if I say so myself. A fine, delicious feast for my maiden.” He glanced at Heather, but his eyes kept returning to the dilapidated structure in front of them.

“Then why don’t we stay here for lunch? We can see Turner Falls another day.”

“You’d do that? Even without any amenities?”

“Of course I would. This place is special to you. I’m pleased that you wanted to share it with me. Let’s spend more time here, to connect with your grandparents. You can share your memories with me. I believe they’ll be listening over our shoulders, delighted to hear them.”

Brian leaned over, wrapped his arms around her and squeezed tight. “You know…I wanted to tell you something today. At lunch by the falls. But I need to tell you now…before my heart explodes with happiness.”

He loosened his arms and took one hand to tip Heather’s chin up. Leaning in close, he touched his nose to hers and looked directly into her eyes. “Heather McKinney…you have stolen my soul and my heart. I love you beyond measure. And right now…I think I love you even more than that.”

Manifesting Love – fan

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Earlier, Heather introduced her idea of affirmations to manifest love. When her path crosses a handsome fellow – wearing a clown nose in public – she couldn’t be less interested. Even if he is the brother of a work associate across the hall. But he’s persistent, although a little hesitant when Heather brings up her date idea – yoga on the beach.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘fan.’

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

Not as much conversation filled the car on the drive back to Heather’s. A huge, dark void had appeared between the two of them. Heather knew where her fears and insecurities came from. She’d only had one serious relationship since her cancer scare and when he found out about how the treatments had left her, he walked out without a backward glance. “I can’t be with someone that’s not a whole woman,” was his leaving retort. The first few months after that she’d been an emotional wreck. Since then, she’d done a lot of internal work and now lived in a good emotional place. But now, as she stood on the brink of meeting another possible rejection, dread crept into her soul and tightened up her heart with fear.

She didn’t know what Brian was thinking. He was quiet and more solemn than she’d ever seen him. She didn’t know if she’d already damaged their budding relationship by not being up front about her concerns.

When they pulled in the driveway, Brian turned off the motor and turned towards her. “I’m not sure what’s going on. There’s definitely something between us right now. And I’m not sure what. I don’t want to leave and have this hanging between us. I’d like to come in and talk about it…see what’s wrong…know if I’ve done anything to upset you…”

“It’s not you…”

A wry smile crept across his face. “Yeah…that’s what they always say. ‘It’s not you. It’s me.’ Am I wrong?”

Heather laughed softly. “Yep, that’s it. I’ve heard that line a time or two myself. But in this case, it’s nothing like that. Although it truly is me. My own demons that I’m wrestling with. And we do need to talk about something…as hard as it will be for me. I’m not a fan of sweeping difficult situations under the carpet. They don’t disappear there. Only fester.” She took a deep breath and grasped his hand, squeezing it tight. “Come in for a drink and a chat?”

He pulled the keys from the ignition. “Let’s go, Joe.”

Inside, Heather flipped on the kitchen lights, filling the room with a brightness she wasn’t sure she wanted right then. “Coffee? Or wine?”

“I have a feeling this is a glass of wine conversation.”

She pulled two sparkling wine glasses from the cupboard and retrieved a partial bottle of Chablis from the refrigerator. After filling the glasses she handed one to Brian. “Let’s go in the living room. It’s cozier in there.” She led the way to the darkened room, lit only by the small light on the foyer table. She sat on the sofa and looked up when she saw Brian hesitating, uncertain, between the sofa and loveseat.

Heather patted the sofa, beside her. “I told you about my battle with cancer?”

“Yes…” He pursed his lips, looking confused. “It hasn’t returned, has it?”

“No. No.” She quickly shook her head to emphasis her denial. “No, I’m healthy as a horse now. And I intend to remain that way. But there’s one thing…” She trailed off, uncertain how to proceed.

Brian took her hand and clasped it between his large palms. He simply looked her in the eyes, without comment, waiting for her to continue.

Heather plunged in before she lost her nerve. “I don’t remember how detailed I got with my story. It was breast cancer. The treatments weren’t successful. We had to go a step further. If I wanted to live…” She paused and took a deep breath. “To live longer, I had to continue without my…” With her free hand she motioned across her chest.

Brian’s face remained calm, his expression not changing a whit. “Okay. So what’s the bad news?”

“That’s it.”

“So…what…I’m supposed to stop seeing you because of it?”

“It’s happened before.”

He lifted a hand and ran a finger down the length of her nose. “Then he was a fool. If he couldn’t see what a jewel he missed out on, just because of a little missing flesh.”

A slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “I thought this was something you needed to know ahead of time. You know…not something you’d want to find out in the heat of the moment…like…surprise!”

“Well, darlin’, then on this you’ve seriously misjudged me. Although…” His eyes twinkled with his current thought and they dropped to survey her cleavage. “You sure have everyone fooled. You know, the ‘girls’ here look awfully real.”

“Padding. It’s amazing what bras can do nowadays. Get up. Brush my hair. Put in my contacts. Put on the girls. We’re ready to go.”

A serious look replaced the jesting joviality that usually filled his face. The laughter in his eyes dimmed as he looked deep within her eyes, holding her gaze with an intense, magnetic stare. He cupped her face in the palms of his hands and spoke slowly and deliberately. “I’m glad you shared with me. I suppose you’re right, knowing ahead of time might avoid a potentially awkward moment later on. But just to clarify…I’m spending time with you because I like being around you. I love your heart, your spirit and your gentle soul. I have fun with you. I enjoy our time together. I like seeing how you look at the world and how you always – almost always – look on the bright side and see the positive side in every situation.”

Heather started to open her mouth to speak. He gently placed a finger across her lips. “Please, let me finish. But as to this…” He slowly slid his hand lower, tracing one finger down her cheek, down her neck and slowly trailed it lower, towards where the black lacy bra peeked from the scooped neckline. “You, my dear, look scrumptious. Just how you are. And as to what’s underneath here – or not underneath here as the case may be – I don’t really care. I don’t care if you’re hiding a tail under that sexy, flowing skirt you have on. Or if you have a third arm or leg you keep tucked away.”

Heather giggled at the thought of that.

He grinned and added, “Although, that might be a little weird, but I’d learn to deal with it.” His fingertips brushed across the edge of the top’s neckline, tracing it from one side to the other.”

A soft moan slid between Heather’s lips as a rush of warmth flooded her body. Any thought she wanted to mention vanished into the Netherlands.

Brian swallowed and moistened his lips, trying hard to retain his own composure. “I just want to be with you, wherever I can, whenever I can. Even if it means doing yoga on the beach with you. Even if I have to leave off my clown nose in public. And I don’t give a flying flip about any of the equipment either of us is hiding under our clothes. Because when we come together…” He bent his head and whispered his next words with a hot breath in her ear. “When we move to the next step, I will cherish and adore each inch of your body with a kiss. I’ll be thankful that you survived your battle so that you’re here now for me to love in any way I can.”

New Beginnings, by Iris Blobel

The story is set in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, the most southern state in Australia. A most beautiful place. I went there a few years back and imagined how it would be to live in this city, how to adapt as a “non-local”, and bit by bit I wrote the story of two sisters moving there.

Obviously, I added a little romance into the story as well – so I added Mark and Zach.

This is the second edition of NEW BEGINNINGS.

The story is now a bit sexier and has also received another edit.

Literary Chanteuse’s review: “This author has a way of endearing her characters and it is easy to fall in love with them. An intriguing story with emotion, love and hope.”

Sharon’s review: “This was a very enjoyable read and it left me wanting just a little bit more. I highly recommend it.”

“Other people have to fight battles in their life as well.”

~~  New Beginnings ~~

(2^nd Edition)

by Iris Blobel

 

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2a1BSJ7

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/29FTb4B

AMAZON AU: http://amzn.to/2a9yKgW

♥♦♥ SYNOPSIS ♥♦♥

The chance to start life all over with the help of a stranger.

Twenty-two-year-old Sophie Levesque has been guardian to her eight-year-old sister Mia since their mother’s death a few years ago, and it hasn’t been easy. Luck comes their way when they inherit a small house in Hobart. Problem is, though, they don’t know and have never heard of Clara Bellinger, the testator. Settling into their new life, Sophie is still afraid it’s all a mistake.

Mark O’Connor, attorney in Hobart and the bearer of the good news for Sophie and Mia, curses himself for the lack of information about the testator. However, researching the questions gives him an opportunity to see Sophie again, and the more time he spends with the two, the more he realises that his life is missing something. And it’s not his casual lover Linda.

But then there’s Zach, Sophie’s sexy neighbour from across the road… and a very good friend of Clara’s.

Will unravelling the mystery unravel Sophie and Mark’s promise of a future?

♥♦♥ EXCERPT ♥♦♥

Sophie Levesque stared at the attorney in front of her, waiting for some answers. She and her little sister, Mia, had been quietly sitting in Mr. O’Connor’s office for more than half an hour, learning about the details of their inheritance.

Once he was finished, silence hung in the air before she asked with raised eyebrows. “Who?”

“Clara Catherine Bellinger.”

Mia leaned closer to her elder sister and gave a soft tug on Sophie’s shirt. “Who is she?”

Sophie shrugged. “I wouldn’t have a clue.” Then turned her attention back on Mr. O’Connor and asked the same thing. “Who is she?”

The handsome attorney on the other side of the massive desk leaned forward and rested his elbows on it before he started to repeat his earlier speech. Although hearing his words, Sophie still found it all very hard to comprehend. Here she was in this old office, furnished with heavy antique oak furniture, the curtains in a pretty shade of aubergine, and the carpet beneath her shoes thick and warm in a matching shade, hearing about an inheritance from someone she’d never even heard of.

Startled by the subtle sound of the clock chiming across the road, Sophie’s gaze turned to the window, where she saw the post office building across the road. It looked impressive and old. It’d been only a few hours since they’d arrived in Hobart, the most southern capital in Australia, but she already liked it. A lot more than Sydney, the place she’d lived all her life.

Hauled back from her thoughts, she heard Mr. O’Connor say, “I believe she was a distant relative of yours. I’m afraid I don’t have any further details.”

Sophie arched an eyebrow in disbelief, doubting the accuracy of it all. Not only did she try not to question his competence as a lawyer, but she also hoped it wasn’t a dreadful misunderstanding.

With a slight shrug of her shoulder, she asked, “Why not?”

He met her gaze steadily. “Pardon me?”

Sitting up straight, she repeated, “Why not? Why aren’t there any further details?”

He rubbed his chin with his fingers, his unease now obvious, and although she almost felt sorry for him, she tried not to care. She needed to know more. And not just the what, but why and who as well.

Only a week earlier, Sophie had received the call from Mr. O’Connor telling her about an inheritance. Initially, she’d thought it had been a horrible joke when he’d given her details on where to pick up airplane tickets to Hobart. It was important for her to come, he’d explained. Some legality she hadn’t understood. Something about her having to sign documents for the transfer of ownership of some assets. It’d sounded too farfetched at the start, but after some research on the firm with the help of a friend, it sounded valid, and she’d hoped her life was finally turning around for the better.

♥♦♥ MEET THE AUTHOR ♥♦♥

IRIS BLOBEL

Iris Blobel was born and raised in Germany and only immigrated to Australia in the late 1990s. Having had the travel bug most of her life, Iris spent quite some time living in Scotland, London as well as Canada where she met her husband. Her love for putting her stories onto paper has only emerged recently, but now her laptop is a constant companion.

Iris resides west of Melbourne with her husband and her two beautiful daughters.

Next to her job at a private school, she also presents a German Program at the local Community Radio.

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Manifesting Love #18

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Earlier, Heather introduced her idea of affirmations to manifest love. When her path crosses a handsome fellow – wearing a clown nose in public – she couldn’t be less interested. Even if he is the brother of a work associate across the hall. But he’s persistent, although a little hesitant when Heather brings up her date idea – yoga on the beach.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘catch.’

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

Brian burst into laughter. He laughed so hard tears started to well at the corner of his eyes. “Nope…remembering the look on your face when I turned around and you saw me standing there with that red clown nose…no, ma’am…you definitely did not appear to be someone that ran around with anyone of the clown persuasion.”

“And here I am. Sitting here with you now.” A devious look appeared out of nowhere. “Despite my better judgement, I now keep company with clowns.”

“Well then, there we have it. I don’t suppose I’ll suffer from one morning of yoga on the beach. If you can hang with me and be out of your usual environment, then I can too.” He lifted his glass in a toast. “To us and unforeseen adventures.”

As Heather raised her glass, she looked up and her eyes met Brian’s steady look.

Unwavering, they each sat there, neither of them wanting to be the first to look away and break what felt like a magical tuning into each other.

Their server interrupted the moment for them. A clattering of plates announced a third party standing at the table, waiting for their attention before sitting the hot plates in front of them.

Conversation slowed as they ate, but neither one attacked their dish with much relish. Brian took a few bites of his steak, but spent more time gazing at his dinner companion. Heather nibbled at her salad, but spent more time pushing green leafy bits around on the plate, looking up occasionally to find her date watching her intently.

Brian finally asked. “Not hungry? Everything all right?”

She rolled a cherry tomato back and forth before looking up and offering a bashful grin. “Guess I’m just having problems focusing. My mind keeps wandering.”

“Work problems?”

“No…not work at all. More like…” She took a deep breath and plunged on, thrusting the words in between them before she chickened out. “…more like picturing what you’d look like on the beach in shorts doing yoga poses.”

He grinned in response and flexed an arm as if representing a strong, muscled man. “Ah ha! That’s it. It’s my body. And here I thought it was my sense of humor you loved. It’s my manly physique, isn’t it?”

“That’s it. Good catch. You found me out. You know all my deep dark secrets now.”

“All of them?”

“Well…maybe not all of them. I might still have one or two things you don’t know about.” Her smile dimmed and her face grew serious. Although she knew the conversation was joking in nature, she thought of her double mastectomy from years back. She doubted that had ever come up in conversation. A deep seated worry nagged at her as she wondered if it would make a difference to him.

Brian reached across the table and laid his hand on top of hers. “Hey sweetkins…you want to finish dinner? Or do you want to go ahead and go? Maybe talk more at your house, where it’s more private?”

Manifesting Love #17

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Earlier, Heather introduced her idea of affirmations to manifest love. When her path crosses a handsome fellow – wearing a clown nose in public – she couldn’t be less interested. Even if he is the brother of a work associate across the hall. But he’s persistent.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘fly.’

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

The next morning Heather awoke feeling spunky. As her peppermint tea heated in the microwave, she flipped on her laptop, ready to do some serious planning. As much fun as she was having with Brian, she wanted to introduce him to some of her activities and see how he’d respond. She knew that in a way it was a test. But she didn’t want to get months into a relationship, or find out she was head over heels in love with someone, and discover that he didn’t see any merit in the things that were vitally important to her life.

Heather chuckled to herself as she scrolled through pages of possibilities. There were so many activities that she liked to do, she was never at a loss for how to fill her weekends. She clicked back and forth between several different pages. She nixed several of the ideas right away. She was fairly certain that Brian would agree to those without any reservation. She wanted to find one that was more of a stretch, to see if he’d play along with her, or if he’d shut her down.

She thought Juliette’s ex, someone Heather had never liked. He was much older and very rigid and set in his ways. He only did what he wanted to do. He’d go to the movies with Juliette, but only if they saw the action flicks that he liked. He’d only eat at the places he liked. He wouldn’t go to the beach with Juliette…because he didn’t like beaches. Luckily for the girls, they rarely saw the curmudgeon – because he didn’t like spending time with Juliette’s friends. Only his.

No way was Heather going to sacrifice her favorite activities because a man in her life didn’t like those things.

The next site she looked at had the perfect idea. Heather grinned. She was looking forward to their dinner date later. A nice relaxing meal with someone she enjoyed spending time with was the perfect antidote to the past few stressful weeks. Too many late nights working up an alternative design plan had taken their toll. Coupled with another late evening the night before, even though it was hilarious watching the different comics, had Heather running on fumes.

Looking at her cup of tea that had gone cold while Heather surfed various sites, she thought about heating it back up. Instead, she decided to go lay down on the couch and close her eyes for a bit. She wanted to be wide awake for her date, and not feeling like her eyelids were closing like they did last night.

She awoke several hours later, refreshed and recharged. Glancing at the clock over the mantle, she saw she had plenty of time before Brian picked her up. She ambled down the hall towards her meditation room. It was the smallest bedroom in the house, but was the perfect size for her serene space. Opening the door, a rush of Nag Champa overtook her senses, getting her in the right frame of mind before she even began. A flick of a switch on the stereo filled the room with peaceful ocean waves, complementing the full size craggy ocean mural on one wall, offset by the turquoise walls on the other three sides. Lighting a stick of her favorite incense, Heather settled on the floor, to ground herself as she brought peace to her inner world.

An hour later, a calm and serene woman lowered herself into a foaming bubble bath. Her thoughts mentally ran through her closet, trying to choose what to wear for dinner. Most of her clothes were along the same lines, elegant and refined, but with simple lines to showcase the custom, designer jewelry she purchased from artists around town. She wanted something a little more sensual. Yet, sexy vamp wasn’t really her style either.

A little while later, standing nude in the bedroom with a towel wrapped around her head, she finally settled on a comfortable flowing skirt, topped with a satin scoop necked cami. She didn’t usually wear this top, as it dipped lower and showed off more cleavage than she was comfortable with. But for tonight, accented with a black lacy bra underneath, it was the perfect attire.

When she opened the door, and Brian’s eyes widened and lit up, Heather was glad she’d chosen this outfit. He seemed tongue tied for a moment, then got his composure and escorted her to the car.

Astonished Heather stopped and looked at the black Corvette parked in her driveway. “What? No clown-mobile tonight?”

“Nope. Left it at home tonight. I dig this one out of the garage and use for special occasions.”

This time it Heather was the uncomposed one. During the drive to the restaurant she regained her composure and by the time they pulled up at valet parking, they were chattering away like they hadn’t seen each other for weeks, instead of just the night before.

Heather was going to wait to bring up her date idea, but Brian beat her to it, asking as soon as they’d ordered. “So m’lady…you’re in charge of the next date. Did you decide what we’re going to do?”

A guilty flush spread up her cheeks. “Ummm…yes. Are you free on Saturday mornings?”

“Most the time. Unless I have an early birthday party appearance.”

“There’s a group that meets on Sunday mornings…at the beach…at a private cove…”

“I love the beach. Especially really early in the morning.”

“Me too!” Heather felt a little better, at least on one count. “It’s a class that runs an hour.”

“A class? On the beach? Sounds interesting.” Brian waited a moment as the waiter appeared with the appetizer plate they’d ordered. “What kind of class?”

“Yoga on the beach.”

“Yoga? Do I look like a guy that does yoga?” His voice raised in surprise.

“You could. You’d be surprised by who practices yoga. It’s documented that it benefits our bodies. For flexibility and strength, muscle strength and tone, improved circulatory health, increased energy and…”

“I get all that. I know it’s not an all woohoo, new-agey thing anymore. I guess I just never thought about it as something that I’ve ever try myself.”

He sounded like he was arguing against it, but as Heather examined his face for clues, he didn’t appear to be dead set against the idea. She thought the notion might fly after all and decided to press on. “Besides, when you met me, did I look like a person that ran around with clowns?”