Cornelius the Candy Thief

32 Replies

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

“Now this is living the life of Riley.” Total relaxation, no obligations, and no worries. Except my name is not Riley and this is not my life. My name is Cornelius and I am married to Esmeralda, the Good Witch. We have a happy home life with our cat Cassiopeia. Well we usually have a happy home life unless I happen to get on the wrong side of Esmeralda. It was really not premeditated on my part. I was foraging around looking for a sweet and found the stash of Intense Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt. It was very tasty. Later that night my dearest wife was about to read her favorite collection of “Cat Tales and Broomsticks” when she got an urge for something chocolate. The last thing I remember is her eyes, that strange glow, and poof! I found myself covered with fur and had a strange urge to eat a mouse.

This is my contribution to Mondays Finish the Story hosted by the gracious Barbara Beacham.

Mondays Finish the Story

The Runaway

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PHOTO PROMPT -© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

How can a person fit a life into a U Haul trailer? I couldn’t take everything. I had to leave quickly or I might lose my nerve. It was like when we had to evacuate that night the wild fires came. Deciding what was essential to take with us. I ended up taking some books, a few clothes, and mementos from my kids. My daughter’s baby shoes, a valentine card from my son when he was little, and some of their photos. A friend is letting me stay at her house on the rocky Monterey shore.

This is my contribution to Friday Fictioneers hosted by the gracious Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

If Only You Believed in Miracles Baby

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Do you believe in miracles? This was from my generation. But I think many of us lost some of our beliefs along the way somewhere. “If only you believed in miracles baby we’d get by….”

Jefferson Airplane via Vevo on You Tube:

Reblogging this post because I love the song and the founder of the group Jefferson Airplane and lead singer for this song, Marty Balin, just died 9/27/2018. This music still holds up today.

Last Minute Getaway

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I received the notice by email,  “Last chance to get away in 2015. Great cruise deals to Mexico.” I had not heard of this cruise line before.  They must have gotten my email address from other travel companies I have used.  The price was too good to pass up. It was better than showing up at my dead end job on Monday. It would be great to see the beach at Cabo. I called in sick and booked an exterior cabin. I took the motion sickness pill my friend recommended before embarking. I woke up in my cabin late that night. I had slept through the Special Welcome Dinner and was starved. Maybe there was still a snack bar open somewhere on board. I was walking on the deck when I saw a dark figure ahead. “Hello,” I called out timidly, ” do you know where I can find a late meal?” He turned around slowly and said,  “No, but now I know where my next meal is coming from.” Are those fangs?

This is my contribution to Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers hosted by the gracious Priceless Joy. Image courtesy of Sonja-Only 100 Words.


There Be Whales

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I am off, driving up the coast on my trip to the Monterey Bay, California area, this weekend. I heard the reports that there are many whales and other marine animals in abundance there. Taking a whale watching boat to see for myself. There are a few species of whales I hope to see, Humpbacks, Blue, Orcas, and maybe some Grays. Will report when I get back. Due to the weekend of whale watching and possibly Monarch Butterfly watching I may not be posting my usual writing. Get back to you next week….

Stream of Consciousness Saturday hosted by the lovely LindaGHill

SoCS badge 2015

The Magic Swing Carousel

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PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz

“Take a ride on The Magic Swing Carousel,” hawked the ride operator. We handed over our tickets and sat back into the chair. We spun around getting higher and higher off the ground.  We hadn’t been on the chair swing ride since we were young high school sweethearts. “Remember?”  my husband said. I nodded as he held my hand.

Something strange was happening. We were going up and up until…we were floating through a tunnel of stars toward a beautiful light. It felt so loving and peaceful. Welcome home.

My contribution for Friday Fictioneers hosted by the charming Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Interesting image by Ted Strutz. Follow the link to join in.

Max the Magnificent

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It was the night of grand premiere at the Odyssey Theatre.  Max told her there was nothing to worry about. He had perfected the illusion. She was perfectly safe. Lilou wanted to trust him. Him with the beautiful dark eyes. She had fallen for him the instant she met him at the bistro. It was time for Max’s most famous illusion, The Shrinking Woman. Lilou took her position. The orchestra played the dramatic fanfare. Max proclaimed his intention of making Lilou disappear and to have her reappear in a small cupboard on the table. He waved his wand and recited the spell, ” d’ici a la bas! ” Lilou vanished in a pale blue cloud. Max opened the cupboard, “Voila!” Lilou daintily stepped out and curtsied to the crowd. She was only six inches tall. The audience erupted into loud cheers and applause. The curtain closed. When are you changing me back? Lilou wondered out loud. Regrettablement, I have not mastered the reverse spell,  Max frowned as he placed her in the chest with the others.

This is my contribution for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers hosted by the lovely Priceless Joy. Image courtesy of Etol Bagam.


The Hidden Castle

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© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

“Few knew about the castle hidden inside the island.”  

Few knew about the castle hidden inside the island. Robert said he would build it for me and I would be his queen. He was so different from me. An adventurous spirit who had come to the Gold Country to find his fortune. I was always so timid and was happy to let him take center stage in our lives.

Shortly after we were married I noticed a change in my husband, the black moods and rages. He had locked me in the bedroom again. Moonlight flowed in through the window. The full moon over the lake reminded me of happier days as I whispered his name, Robert.  A noise brought my gaze to the clearing at the back of the castle. A wolf like creature that was walking on it’s hind legs. It turned toward me and I recognized his eyes.

Mondays Finish the StoryThis is my contribution to Mondays Finish the Story graciously hosted by Barbara Beacham who also provided the photo for this challenge.

The Electric Blue Glow in the Dark Universal Remote Device

34 Replies

PHOTO PROMPT - © Marie Gail Stratford

I saw it on a table at the Sunday Swap Meet. The wizened old woman answered the question in my mind, ” It’s a universal remote device. Eliminates the need for your TV remote controls, garage door opener and computer mouse. And the bright, glow in the dark colors and pattern ensure that you will never lose it.” She answered my next thought,  “All that for the special low price of $5.95 and a money back guarantee.”

The insect like creatures overlooked the latest arrivals to their work camp. Pretty good return on our investment of 5 krons each for those remote transporters.

My contribution to: The Friday Fictioneers

PHOTO PROMPT thanks to– © Marie Gail Stratford