Tuesday, August 28, 2007

The Old Pirate

I've finally finished my pirate story. It ended up being almost 7 pages typed, so it's rather long. I didn't do much research, so the ships names listed (and the pirate captains name) are real names from history however I'm not sure if the merchant ship and the pirate ship sailed the 7 seas at the same time. Let me know what you think.




He sat at the table with tears streaming down his face. The gold gleamed in the sunlight; the jewels reflected the light in a multitude of colors. In one hand he held a bottle of rum and in the other he held the picture of her. He didn’t know whether to consider her an angel or a demon. She had walked into his life and left as if nothing had ever occurred. He had never been the same after they had met all those years ago. He thought back to that fateful day.

It was a beautiful bright Monday morning. The day was young and so was he. He walked down the lane towards the city with a slight bounce in his step. The pace was quick and he fast approached his destination. Typically he dreaded going to the city, but for some reason today he was looking forward to it.

As the dirt turned to cobblestones he took stock of his surroundings. He was amazed at the growth of the city in just the last few months. His pace slowed considerably as he looked at all of the new buildings. He wondered to himself how people could stand to be so close to each other.

Suddenly he saw her, the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Her long auburn hair cascaded down her back. He must meet this buxom beauty; he determined that he must find someone who could introduce him. His feet couldn’t move but his eyes followed her as she continued down the street. He watched as she walked into the tavern. What was she doing walking into a tavern; that was no place for a lady to be.

A few moments later he walked into the tavern and quickly scanned the room. There she was in the far corner, talking to a slightly older man. He walked up to the bar and asked for a stein. As he took his drink he heard a loud slap over the din in the tavern. He turned and saw her holding her cheek with a lone tear beginning the path towards her jaw line. As she walked towards the door he paid the bartender and followed her out. She stood a few feet away from the tavern composing herself. He approached her in a manner he hoped would not startle her.

“Pardon me, ma’am, I don’t mean to intrude however I could not help noticing what happened in the tavern and was wondering if there was anything I could do to help,” he offered.

She turned to look at him with a cold confused stare.

“I’m sorry sir, have we met?” she asked icily.

“My goodness, I seem to have forgotten my manners. I am William Smith.”

“Well Mr. Smith, I fail to see how my personal matters are any of your business,” she sniffed.

“I apologize ma’am. It’s just that it makes my blood boil to see a beautiful young lady such as yourself mistreated so.”

He saw her stiff veneer soften slightly and hoped that he would be able to get her name. “This may be too bold, but may I walk you home?”

“I do not think that my husband would be fond of that idea.” His heart sank in his chest, she was a married woman. “However, since my husband seems to be incapacitated at the moment, I will say yes. And as I am sure you are wondering my name is Sarah Johnson.”

He felt as if he were floating. “Mrs. Johnson, it is a pleasure to meet you. I just wish it had been under more agreeable circumstances.”

They walked side by side for a few moments before the silence was broken. “I certainly hope you will not assume this to be a regular occurrence Mr. Smith,” she stated.

“I am in the city very infrequently Mrs. Johnson. I live in the country at Willow Creek Manor and only come into town for supplies every few months. So you need not worry about me being around often,” he replied.

Soon afterwards they came upon Mrs. Johnson’s home. “Thank you Mr. Smith for walking me home.”

“My pleasure Mrs. Johnson. A good day to you.”

“A good day to you Mr. Smith.” And with that he tipped his hat, turned around and left.

A couple of years passed and still he thought of her. He wondered what might have been had she not been married. Would he even have had the chance to meet her? On a chilly winter afternoon a letter arrived addressed to him in a small feminine script. Curiosity filled his mind as he reached for his letter opener. As he read his heart dropped, then jumped into his throat. It was from her. She mentioned his kindness despite her cold demeanor and asked for his help. Would he please come to see her at his earliest convenience?

The next day he stood on her door step and rang the bell. Thoughts raced through his mind of why Mrs. Johnson might want to see him. As the butler opened the door he presented his card and was shown into the library. A few moments later she joined him.

As he left the house several hours later his mind reeled. What had he done? What had he agreed to? He slowly made his way home contemplating the consequences of the actions he had agreed to take.

He tried to remember exactly what he was feeling that day. To this day he was still unsure of why exactly he had decided to help her. He looked at the picture he held in his right hand as he took a swig out of the bottle he held in his left.

“Why Sarah? Why did you leave me so?” he cried out.

He tearfully laid his head upon the table and let his memories overtake him once again.

Plans had been laid. Preparations were almost complete. They were coming upon the day when they would actually take action.

“Sarah, are you sure you want to go through with this?” he asked. “I’m sure there’s another way.”

“This is the only way William,” she replied with grim determination.

He could tell by looking at her that there would be no dissuading her from completing what had been started. She glanced at him and he smiled to show his support. He knew that he would do anything for her, all she need do is ask.

They completed their day with minimal conversation. Tomorrow was the day. Tomorrow all of their planning would be tested.

As William left the house he heard his name being called. He turned around to see Sarah exiting the library and coming towards him.

“William, before you leave I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your help.”

“Sar…”

“Wait, let me finish,” she interrupted. “I just wanted to tell you I would never have been able to do this without you. You have become a very dear friend to me; you will always hold a place in my heart.” With that she reached up and placed a kiss on his cheek.

“Sarah, I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything William.”

She turned towards the library, “Now go, I will see you tomorrow.”

“Goodbye Sarah.” He thought he saw a tear in her eye but then decided it was just the lighting. He turned and walked out the door.

The sun rose the next day with its fierce, bright light shining through Williams bedroom window as always. However the day felt different to him. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but it was different. Getting ready, he thought about the day ahead, what he must do. He was soon dressed and headed out the door.

Heading towards the city William thought the future looked very bright indeed. Sarah’s kiss yesterday had pleasantly surprised him. Maybe his feelings were not one sided after all. He looked up, after what seemed like merely seconds, and noticed he was already in front of his destination.

He rang the bell and a few moments later the door was answered.

“Good morning John. Is Mrs. Johnson in? She’s expecting me.” he asked, knowing the answer he would get.

“I’m sorry Mr. Smith. Mrs. Johnson left late last night. However, she said to give you this letter when you stopped by today.”

That was definitely not the answer he was expecting. He numbly took the letter that was being handed to him and turned away from the door as it was being shut. Looking at the letter he could tell it was Sarah’s writing. He sat on the steps as he opened the letter to read it.

“Dear William,

I am sorry to leave you a letter and not speak to you directly. However,

after your comment yesterday I felt I must do this on my own. My words

yesterday were truth and I spoke them from my heart. I am forever

grateful for your help in this matter and I will never forget you. Do not try

looking for me, for I have found a new destination. I must start over on my

own, please try to understand.

Humbly Yours,

Sarah”

William stood up and started walking. He had no destination in mind, but he soon ended up in front of the shipyards. He stood there watching the hustle and bustle of the sailors coming and going from ships, the loading and unloading of cargo, and the dock master telling people what they needed to do. On an impulse he walked up to the dock master and asked how he might sign up to be a sailor.

The dock master took one look at him and asked, “What’s her name son?”

“Sarah,” he replied despondently.

“This ship here, the Maria of Boston, is ready to sail in a few days time. The captain’s that wiry fellow standing over there.”

William approached the captain and introduced himself and informed the captain he was a quick learner and had nothing to lose. After a few moments of conversation William had secured a spot on the ship.

They set sail the following day. Although the sun was bright, William felt nothing but gloom as he sailed away from his previous life.

William was true to his word. He learned quickly and was soon one of the top sailors on the ship. He worked as though each day was his last, giving every bit of energy he had to forget his past pain.

One night William awoke to the sound of canon blasts and the violent rocking of the ship beneath him.

He remembered that night so well. What surprised him to this day was the lack of fear that he felt. He remembered instead the feeling of relief; relief that he would no longer suffer.

He ran on deck to do what he could. However as he reached the top of the stairs he realized that it was too late and he was violently yanked upwards by two pairs of arms. He looked around and recognized the filthy rags before him as men who called themselves pirates.

William felt nothing. He watched listlessly as the captain of the pirate ship boarded the ship and approached the line of sailors. As the ships new captain reached the first sailor William wondered what would happen to them. The pirate captain slowly walked the line looking disdainfully from face to face of his captive shipmates. William turned to scratch his nose on his shoulder and when he again faced forward he was looking at the man who would decide his fate.

“What’s your name boy?” the new captain harshly demanded.

“William Smith,” he answered apathetically. He felt he knew his fate and felt a small rush of relief that he would no longer have to put up with life.

“Why do you not worry about what my crew may do to you?”

He was slightly taken aback by the pirate captain’s question. “I have nothing to lose. Do to me what you will,” he responded.

The older man threw back his head and let out a burst of laughter.

“I like you boy, I think I’ll let you live.”

William was escorted roughly to his new ship, The Ranger, captained by Charles Vane. William found that his new ship was incredibly similar to his old ship and that sailing was sailing. The crew was a bit more crude, but other than that, things went on the same as before.

Day in and day out William went about his business. Helping run the ship, an occasional pillage of a village or a ship, hard liquor and women whenever the men could get them. However, whenever he took pleasure in whatever woman would have him, or those he took by force, there was only one face that he saw in his mind’s eye. And there was only one question he howled to the moon in his drunken stupors.

“Sarah, WHY?”

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Sunday, August 26, 2007

Hilarious Video

Our tribute to Corey. We'll miss you when you go back to Australia!

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Tuesday, August 21, 2007

1 Night 2 Unite

Sunday night we had one church service in the evening. It was amazing! There were so many people there! But what was so amazing (for me anyway) was the fact that some of my motions team girls got to go on stage, in front of the WHOLE church. They did such a good job, they were awesome! Thanks to Los for letting us come on stage and show the church that it's ok to dance and have fun during worship and thanks to Snap for the photos. You really should click on them to see they full size, they are amazing.

This one is of almost everyone who was there. See if you can spot the incredibly bright Pipeline shirts.


This one is of two of my girls who were on stage, Ashley and Alexis, they're doing motions to "Beautiful One".
This one is of Pipeline in the front representin' and following along to "Beautiful One". And that beautiful blonde on the right side of the photo is Raylyn who was totally awesome and helped me out that night.

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Monday, August 20, 2007

My Brain Will NOT Shut-up

I can not go to sleep. I am exhausted, so incredibly tired, but I can not go to sleep. My brain will not shut up. Random thoughts keep running through my mind. Thoughts about how Sunday night went, what I absolutely have to get done tomorrow, stories that I haven't finished that need to be finished, people I probably should call so they don't think I have totally forgotten about them, the fact that I have to be to work in less than three (yes 3) hours, thoughts about someone that I really wish I would stop thinking about, thoughts telling other thoughts to stop so I can go to sleep, the fact that I've been wheezing since about 8 this evening but if I use my inhaler I'll sleep for at least half a day, and why is it that my body reacts oppositely of how it should when I use my inhaler, I mean it's a stimulant it should wake me up not put me to sleep but every time I use it I sleep for at least half a day. Although now that it's almost 3:30 in the morning I'm sorely tempted to use it, the thing that stops me is that I'm afraid I'll sleep through my alarm and so wouldn't even wake up to call in to work, let alone actually make it to work. Then I start thinking, maybe I can take a nap tomorrow afternoon after work before my meeting tomorrow evening but then I'm reminded of all the stuff that I have to do tomorrow and then I'm reminded of the saying, "Yard by yard is awfully hard but inch by inch it's a cinch." And really, how do you take life inch by inch? So, I was thinking of just going to Denny's having an incredibly early breakfast and reading a book while I waited for it to be time to go to work, but I really don't want to go to Denny's, I just want to sleep.

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Saturday, August 18, 2007

Saturday Afternoon Randomness

It is Saturday afternoon. It has been a great day of sleeping in and relaxation. I'm working on finishing my newest story, I am past my writers block (YEA for me!) and hope to finish it up today. Then I decided I should probably go back and finish my "Flo & Phil" story.

So, I was taking a break from writing and was playing online and found another blog of a fellow Sandalite. Helloooooo Patty B! So, if you have not yet stopped by to say hi to Patty, go now, hurry, get there before the rush!

Also, just to share...I had such an amazingly fun Friday night! Beky and Daniel got tickets to see a taping of Last Comic Standing, so they invited me along and asked if there was anyone I wanted to take. So, I invited my good friend Clint. I had a blast! The show was hilarious, and Beky, Daniel, and Clint are always fun to hang out with. It was a good night to remind me of why I should not always be an introvert.

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Thursday, August 16, 2007

It's Almost Friday!

I realized today that I've been slacking on my bloggage. I apologize, although I'm not sure that anyone truly reads my little rants that I type up here. For those of you that do and keep track of my somewhat random life. I went in for my ultrasound today. My next doctors appointment is in two weeks to get the results and see if they cysts have grown or stayed the same or disappeared.

On another health note, if you would please keep my grandma in your prayers. She had a tumor removed a couple of months ago. They've discovered two spots on her lungs (I'm unsure of the sizes) and a new tumor growing in the same area that the first was removed. The type of cancer she has is rare, only 1% of all cancer patients get it and it is resistant to chemo and radiation. We found out last week that the cancer is stage 4.

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Monday, August 13, 2007

The Old Pirate

Ok, what follows is the beginning of the story I'm working on. I'm still not sure how to get where I want to go with it, but here's the start. Of course names and details are subject to change but here you go. Oh yea, and there's a word in red (said) that I really want to change but I'm at a loss of what to change it to, so if you have any ideas please share. I'm always looking for feedback so if you've got anything, let me know!


He sat at the table with tears streaming down his face. The gold gleamed in the sunlight; the jewels reflected the light in a multitude of colors. In one hand he held a bottle of rum and in the other he held the picture of her. He didn’t know whether to consider her an angel or a demon. She had walked into his life and left as if nothing had ever occurred. He had never been the same after they had met all those years ago. He thought back to that fateful day.

It was a beautiful bright Monday morning. The day was young and so was he. He walked down the lane toward the city with a slight bounce in his step. His pace was quick and he fast approached the city. He typically dreaded going to the city, but for some reason today he was looking forward to it.

As the dirt turned to cobblestones he took stock of his surroundings. He was amazed at the growth of the city in just the last few months. His pace slowed considerably as he looked at all of the new buildings. He wondered to himself how people could stand to be so close to each other.

Suddenly he saw her, the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Her long auburn hair cascaded down her back. He must meet this buxom beauty; he determined that he must find someone who could introduce him. His feet couldn’t move but his eyes followed her as she continued down the street. He watched as she walked into the tavern. What was she doing walking into a tavern; that was no place for a lady to be.

A few moments later he walked into the tavern and quickly scanned the room. There she was in the far corner, talking to a slightly older man. He walked up to the bar and asked for a stein. As he took his drink he heard a loud slap over the din in the tavern. He turned and saw her holding her cheek with a lone tear beginning the path towards her jaw line. As she walked towards the door he paid the bartender and followed her out. She stood a few feet away from the tavern composing herself. He approached her in a manner he hoped would not startle her.

“Pardon me, ma’am,” he said, “I don’t mean to intrude however I could not help noticing what happened in the tavern and was wondering if there was anything I could do to help.”

She turned to look at him with a cold confused stare.

“I’m sorry sir, have we met?” she asked icily.

“My goodness, I seem to have forgotten my manners. I am William Smith.”

“Well Mr. Smith, I fail to see how my personal matters are any of your business,” she sniffed.

“I apologize ma’am. It’s just that it makes my blood boil to see a beautiful young lady such as yourself mistreated so.”

He saw her stiff veneer soften slightly and hoped that he would be able to get her name. “This may be too bold, but may I walk you home?”

“I do not think that my husband would be fond of that idea.” His heart sank in his chest, she was a married woman. “However, since my husband seems to be incapacitated at the moment, I will say yes. And as I am sure you are wondering my name is Sarah Johnson.”

He felt as if he were floating. “Mrs. Johnson, it is a pleasure to meet you. I just wish it had been under more agreeable circumstances.”

They walked side by side for a few moments before the silence was broken. “I certainly hope you will not assume this to be a regular occurrence Mr. Smith,” she stated.

“I am in the city very infrequently Mrs. Johnson. I live in the country at Willow Creek Manor and only come into town for supplies every few months. So you need not worry about me being around often,” he replied.

Soon afterwards they came upon Mrs. Johnson’s home. “Thank you Mr. Smith for walking me home.”

“My pleasure Mrs. Johnson. A good day to you.”

“A good day to you Mr. Smith.” And with that he tipped his hat, turned around and left.

A couple of years passed and still he thought of her. He wondered what might have been had she not been married. Would he even have had the chance to meet her? On a chilly winter afternoon a letter arrived addressed to him in a small feminine script. Curiosity filled his mind as he reached for his letter opener. As he read his heart dropped, then jumped into his throat. It was from her. She mentioned his kindness despite her cold demeanor and asked for his help. Would he please come to see her at his earliest convenience?

The next day he stood on her door step and rang the bell. Thoughts raced through his mind of why Mrs. Johnson might want to see him. As the butler opened the door he presented his card and was shown into the library. A few moments later she joined him.

As he left the house several hours later his mind reeled. What had he done? What had he agreed to? He slowly made his way home contemplating the consequences of the actions he had agreed to take.

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Writer's block

I've got writers block. I've been working on a new story and I know the ending I want but I'm not sure how to get there. Does anyone have any ideas of how to get rid of writers block?

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Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Small Group Goodness

Tonight was small group. My leader, Steven, is on his way to Yosemite (actually I'm sure he's there by now) so that he can climb half dome tomorrow. The person who usually takes over, Steve, is off leading a financial small group for a few weeks. So, I led small group. We didn't talk about the sermon (I'll leave that to Steven next week). Instead I asked everyone what they have been reading lately in the bible. I myself have been reading Ecclesiastes 5 and really focusing on verses 1 - 7 which talk about fearing God. Before small group I re-read chapters 1 through 4 just to refresh my memory. But our discussion this evening centered around Ecc. 5:1-7. It was awesome, we had some really good discussion about what it means to fear God. Then we talked a little bit about the beginning of Ecclesiastes and how Solomon talked about everything being done in vanity. How we should not focus on yesterday because it's done and there's nothing we can do to change it and we should not focus on tomorrow because it is not here and there's no point in worrying about it, but that we should focus on now. As we go about our day we need to be thinking about what we can do NOW to glorify God and praise Him. Then of course we did prayer requests and talked about how things are going in our lives. It was an absolutely amazing evening! Almost makes me wish I hadn't backed out of becoming a small group leader.

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Friday, August 03, 2007

My Brain is Fried

I am done for the day. I went in with my mom today to help her put her classroom together. I worked my ass off! We were there for almost 12 hours. TWELVE HOURS!! However we got a ton of stuff done and I got three beautiful boards done and totally forgot to take a picture of them, so no pretty pictures. The room's not done yet, but we're going up again tomorrow to finish it up.

On the health front I have a praise report. I can eat!! Woohoo! As long as I have jalapenos with whatever I eat I'm fine and don't get nauseous. And it can't just be spicy food or other types of peppers it has to be jalapenos. So I was actually able to eat three meals yesterday and today. And since I'm being able to eat the light-headedness is decreasing. So I was almost completely myself today. God is good!

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