Shimmer - January 05, 2013

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "shimmer". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Shimmer- Squiddy Geiger - January 05, 2013

Brandon trudged through the snow towards home, his thoughts filled with the new semester that was coming. New classes that would bring new professors and new challenges. It worried him but he was looking forward to it, too. First week nerves, and it was still a weekend away.

The Christmas break had been great, a good relaxing time with family, the occasional party with friends, and most importantly, plenty of time with Rebecca. He smiled as he thought of her, as he always did. Deep in thought, it was nearly a minute before he noticed, out of the corner of his eye, the shimmer keeping pace with him.

He stopped, and it stopped. He looked towards it and it moved, never leaving the corner of his eye. He started walking again, and it followed, just at the edge of his vision. It reminded him of the shimmery glittery light of the teleporters on Star Trek - the original series, not the later ones.

He tried flipping his head and turning very quickly, but it was no use. He couldn't look directly at it. He tried spinning around the other way, but the same thing happened. It spun with him. Whatever it was, it was fast and it wasn't far, because it never went behind any objects as it spun with him. Brandon was just starting to think it was a problem with his eye when it growled.

It didn't growl at him, it growled, very softly, as someone went by in the other direction. Well, it was sort of a growl, with a soft whistling sound in it. Weird, hard to describe, really. The other person didn't seem to hear. He heard the growl several more times before he arrived home.

By the time he got home, he had deduced that the growl came when people passed too close to him. If they stayed at least 15 feet from him, it was fine. Less than 15 feet and the shimmer growled. He was thinking about this as he opened the door, and his roommate, Ryan, shook his hand to wish him Happy New Year. It was the last thing Ryan ever did.

The shimmer left no trace...

Stellar - January 01, 2013

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "stellar". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Stellar - Squiddy Geiger - January 01, 2013

So the day began on a sour note. Jeff removed the saxophone's reed and fiddled with it then put it back in. Ah, that was much better. He played his set with enthusiasm, and when it was done, he walked to the bar for a drink.

There had been many sour notes, in his career, but tonight had been good. Lots of applause at the end of the set, not just polite clapping here and there. Perhaps the best of his career. He sipped at his drink, a tap on his shoulder waking him from his reverie.

He turned to see a short pinch-faced man with graying hair. "Yes? Can I help you?"

"Jeff, have you forgotten me? I met you in Mazatlan two years ago. Walter Messing. I'm with Zlotky Records." The man presented his card. "I listened to you and told you you had potential, but that you weren't quite ready. Well, I'm still not quite sure, but tonight was spectacular, and if you drop by my office on Monday, I'm ready to make you an offer."

Jeff stared at him for a moment, mouth slightly open. He finally realized he must look like a fool, and closed it, then found his voice. "You're serious? Yes I remember you now." He did, but only vaguely - he'd been on the booze then, it was no wonder the guy had said he wasn't ready. He took the card. "Yes, I remember. Wow, I wasn't, uh, I wasn't expecting this, but wow, yes. Thank you."

"Good, be there at 11, and bring your lawyer. If you don't have one, don't worry, it's pretty straightforward." He laughed. "I'd suggest you probably want one, but for goodness sake, don't tell my boss I said so." He whispered in low tones "He thinks lawyers are the bane of the businessman, but really, you don't want to sign without one. Tonight was a great show, man. I'm looking forward to working with you." The man finished his drink and walked out.

Jeff looked around in a daze. Did that just happen? He looked at the card. It seemed legit, he'd definitely talked to the guy in Mazatlan. He drained his own drink, grabbed his stuff and went home. Milly would be thrilled! Finally, some good news. He looked up at the stars as he walked, wondering if they were finally giving him a break.

Yes, another NaNoWriMo completed

I completed 50,000 (exactly!) at 6:15pm on November 30th, giving me my fifth win on my sixth attempt.

Perhaps I can persuade some of you, my faithful readers, to join me next November for the 2013 installment? No? well, we have time to convert you...

<cue maniacal laughter>

NaNoWriMo 2012

Yes, it's that time of year again. I'm writing another book. I think. Whatever it is, by November 30th it should hopefully be at least 50,000 words long. What am I talking about? National Novel Writing Month.

This is my 6th year, and hopefully my 5th win. I'm a bit behind where I should be, but I'll get there, I think.

Madness, yes, but so much fun! And the Calgary NaNoWriMo community is fun and supportive and insane and keeps me going.

Feather - October 04, 2012

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "feather". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Feather- Squiddy Geiger - October 04, 2012

Fluff and feather, feather and fluff
It's all so delightful, wonderful stuff
The world is filled with living wonder
Must be protected from deadly plunder

Small and helpless, helpless and small
So few have seen very many at all
Hiding themselves away, you see
Afraid of the world of you and me

Those that had no fear, it seems
Are now found only in dreams
Some so few they shan't survive
Others with luck we will revive

Too few the people striving to save
Our wild heritage on land and wave
We can but fight to save a few
The world's diversity wasted in stew

Scale and skin, skin and scale
In some markets, it's all on sale
Protected by "science" in the east
They'd rather eat than watch the beast

Feather and fluff, fluff and feather
Our world's endangered, can they weather
Pressure and challenges from progress
Should we value them any less?

Thunder - September 27, 2012

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "thunder". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

(yes, this is the second work entitled "Thunder" - and is in no way assoicated with the other one)

Thunder- Squiddy Geiger - September 27, 2012

Crack of sound released from the heavens after flash of light
Filling the world with terrific energy and sending
Children and pets scurry for shelter
As the world shakes and all
Around feel the power
Of the thunderous
Clash of Titans
Causes fear

until the

echoes

slowly

fade

and

all

is

1

Sunrise - September 25, 2012

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "sunrise". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Sunrise- Squiddy Geiger - September 25, 2012

Ulrich listened to the silence, savouring it. No traffic, no honking horns, no shouting or yelling of angry passersby. There was noise, but it was natural and muted, and he was content to just lie there, listening.

The fire was out, he'd have to start it again, but that wasn't a problem. For now, he just enjoyed the approaching dawn, a few distant birds serenading him. The lean-to he'd made last night had protected him when it had rained, but the crisp mountain air was cool but free of rain now. Through the opening in the lean-to, he watched the horizon lighten, as dawn approached. This had always been his favourite time, as a new day was born.

The birds in the nearby trees awoke and start to reply to the more distant serenade, and a thin strip of orange appeared above the horizon, and grew imperceptibly as the sun approached, the strip widening to a band, the birdsong growing louder. In the increased light, his breath was visible now, vapours quickly dissipating in the air. He stayed snuggled in his sleeping bag, the cold air contrasting with the comforting warmth inside the bag.

In the distance, on the lake, a loon called, a beautiful haunting cry that always gave him shivers, even in summer. The world around him was awake now, and it was nearly time to get up, but he resisted, until finally the sun peeked over the horizon, a beautiful blazing, blinding yellow-orange. He unzipped the bag and rolled out, quickly pulling on his clothes. He prepped the wood and kindling in the makeshift fire pit, and watched the sunrise become daylight as he started the fire.

Sometimes at night, he missed the city. Then, as the sun rose, he remembered why he had left, and all thought of return to civilization was banished for another day.

Reflect - September 20, 2012

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "reflect". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Reflect- Squiddy Geiger - September 20, 2012

Danny muttered wetly as he slogged through the rain. If it wasn't bad enough that he'd had a crappy day at work, the fucking heavens had decided to take a leak on him. Yes, the gods hated him, and today was no exception.

Three years with the company, and where was he? Three years of promises, three years of admonishments to wait, three years of bullshit. Where was he? right where he'd started, doing the same job, day after day. Sure, the names on the phone changed, but the work was always the same. "Tech support, Danny speaking. How may I help."

Rodney had been full of enthusiasm when he'd hired on. The company was growing, there was room for a keener like him. Hell, three years, and they still didn't have a benefit plan, and no sign of the stock options that had been dangled in front of him. Whenever he approached Rodney or Simone, it was always "We're working on it, but we still can't quite do it."

A fast moving car flew by close to the curb, hitting large puddle, showering him with muddy water. He just looked after it, unable to raise enough enthusiasm to shake a fist at it. His thoughts continued. "That's right. Even complete strangers dump on me. Why should they be any different?"

Six months ago, he'd talked to Rodney, and had been promised that things would change. Oh, they had, but only that his title was now "Support Analyst" instead of "Support Technician." Because "analyst being a much more impressive word than "technician", of course.

"Tomorrow," he thought. "Tomorrow I'll make a formal request for improvement." He kicked at a puddle, uncaring now, soaked to the bone. "Yes, and if they don't improve things, I'm gone. Six months to make changes. Not a day more." Another car splashed him, and he flipped the driver off. "Six months..."

Random - September 17, 2012

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "random". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Random- Squiddy Geiger - September 17, 2012

The man had to be crazy. That was the only explanation Zain could think of as he listened to his rantings. ZilAnna was smiling as she listened, but Zain wasn't amused. He'd tried to leave, but she wouldn't budge, said she wanted to hear more.

"And if you think about it," the man continued, "Zlomy really was a great man, even if he did eat three breakfasts. Come on, it's the most important meal of the day, so why not eat it again, and even a third time?" Zain just shook his head, but his wife continued to smile as she listened.

"I ate breakfast, lunch and supper faithfully for years, but never seemed to get anywhere. Then I took up Zlomy's teachings, and that included at least two breakfasts a day, sometimes more. And now look at me, I'm a successful street preacher with a following of," he paused dramatically, looking around," several. You too can be successful if you follow Zlomy's example."

"But what if you live with someone who refuses to let you eat an extra breakfast?" ZilAnna asked.

The man laughed. "You eat a second lunch, instead. Zlomy teaches that lunches are a good substitute for missed breakfasts, and in a pinch, an extra supper works, but not too often, they tend to be too big - it's recommended that you eat an extra supper no more than twice a month."

"Where does it say that?" another man asked.

"It's in Musings 15:3, and mentioned again in Mayhem 21:9. But don't get too hung up on that, because the standard three meals isn't unhealthy, just unhelpful. if you can't slip in your extra breakfast today, make sure you do tomorrow.. That concludes the rant for today. Now I'd like to read a passage from Malingering 94:1-3:"

"May you be half an hour in Heaven
Before the Devil knows you're dead
If you like pina colada, stick to your mate
Find out who he or she is, remember, you wed

"The little old man from Nantucket
Reads a lot, gets angry and only
Talks to you when he needs something
Be kind and humour him anyway.

"Salad and enchiladas are a good
Dietary source of food of some kind
Eat them, and you will be full
Don't eat, and you will suffer.

The man closed his book and looked around expectantly, holding his hat out. ZilAnna dropped some money in, as did three others. He looked expectantly at Zain, who just shook his head, and grabbed his wife's arm. "Can we go, please?" he hissed. She nodded and they walked slowly away, arm in arm.

Carnival - September 15, 2012

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "carnival". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Carnival- Squiddy Geiger - September 15, 2012

Carnival time! Brendon could hardly wait. It was the single most exciting day of the year, and it was today! Now! He wanted to get to the opening festivities, but there was so much left to do. Chiyo did it on purpose, he was sure of it. He didn't like Brendon, but this was going too far.

The work was piled up, but he slogged through it, and whittled it down, until finally he moved the last box, carefully shoving it into place. He checked the time - yes he could still make it if he hurried. He locked up quickly, ran home, splashed water under his arms and on his face in homage to showering, then hurried to the Carnival.

He arrived to see that others were still going in, and sighed with relief - it hadn't started yet. As he stood in line to enter, he waved to a few friends also in line. The excitement was palpable as he sat at a table in the back - far from the good seats but still better than the one last year - he'd bought his ticket earlier this year. After a few minutes, Monsieur Beauchamp, the editor of the local paper, came out to start the festivities. He held out his arms to signal for quiet. At last he had it and he started to speak.

"I know you're all very excited and want to get this rolling, so i won't keep you waiting too long. We have a new butcher this year. Mister Donovan, as you know, retired last year and I am happy to announce that Darcy Redman has consented to take his duties, so please, " he he waved for a young man in the front row to stand. "Please welcome Darcy aboard."

After a pause to let the applause die down, he continued. "Very well, we have a fantastic menu, lots of entertainment for this year's Carnival, so let's get to it!" There was thunderous applause as the carts with the meats were rolled in, the dishes uncovered, displaying the delicacies upon them. Brendon watched them being delivered to other tables, and waited for this table's feast to be delivered. When it was, he smiled, recognizing the dish. It was that nice young girl who had been hitchhiking and had foolishly accepted a ride from Mister Olsen. This would be a lovely meal. His mouth watered as the dish was carved.

Transform - September 11, 2012

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "transform". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Transform- Squiddy Geiger - September 11, 2012

If

The page

Is blank

You must

Transform

Your thoughts

To words

And then you will learn
Just how much is in

Your brain

It will

Amaze

Delight

Anger

Amuse

Reward

you

Unwind - September 10, 2012

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "unwind". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Unwind- Squiddy Geiger - September 10, 2012

Slowly as he watches here
The bubbles rising in his beer
His heart is broken and aching
Through actions of his own making

He made a mistake, so foolish, he
It angered her, caused her to flee
She'd heard him out, two days later
Thought his betrayal all the greater

He'd gone berserk - well, for him at least
Quaffing the yield of hops and yeast
For others this might seem quite mild
For him five beers was really quite wild

Now that he was sober and caffeine filled
He considered just how much he'd swilled
His aching head was not his friend
The noise in the house? would it end?

But even as he blamed the beer
An idea formed, it caught his ear
His anger ebbed, he could unwind
And realize he'd been truly unkind

Too late now, she'd taken her leave
Naught to do now, but sit and grieve
The loss of a love beyond compare
Take him back? she would not dare

Now he sat and drowned his pain
In kinder ways, with more to gain
He would not get her back, it's true
But someday soon, he'd begin anew

Imaginary - September 08, 2012

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "imaginary". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Imaginary- Squiddy Geiger - September 08, 2012

The image was dark, but he could almost make it out. Maybe. he wasn't sure. He peered at it, but just couldn't tell with any certainty. Another failure in his Project. But dammit, he was going to prove the little bastards were real, one way or another.

The Project was several years old now and had cost him a fortune in specialized equipment, but so far, nothing. He'd seen the Pixies, he'd chased them, he was once even bitten by one, but none of his special equipment could photograph or record them. And they mocked him for it, taunting him incessantly. But he'd show them.

As he looked at the last picture from the night before, he blinked. Was that..? It was, oh my fucking god, it was! He stared at it. A Pixie, Mistylight, maybe, he wasn't sure. Yes, it was Mistylight, there was no doubt. He sat back, and laughed. He had them now, proof of Pixies.

He'd be famous and they'd be exposed. And he'd have his revenge on them for all that they'd done ot him over the years. So much damage, so much cost, so many failed dreams. He didn't know why they hated him, but they did, they taunted him, tormented him. Well that would end now.

He returned to the computer, ready to hunt for more proof - one little pic that was hard to see, that wouldn't do, but now he knew he was on the right track. He had the right technology, perfect for the job. As he prepared his equipment, he felt a tapping on his shoulder. He jumped and turned to see Mistylight floating at eye level. he reached for her but missed, not surprisingly.

As he chased her, he became aware of more Pixies. Hundreds of them appeared, filling his den. They moved in slowly, until there was nothing to be seen of him under the layer of Pixies. He screamed and fell silent. Several of the Pixies flew to the mouse and moved it, one of them jumping on the delete key, another jumping on Enter to accept the deletion. The other Pixies removed all evidence of the body.

Smoke - September 06, 2012

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "smoke". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Smoke- Squiddy Geiger - September 06, 2012

At first it's just a hint
A suggestion of a something
A trick of the senses, perhaps
But then it comes again
An odour, then it hides away
As the air moves past

Dismissed as a figment
Of imagination and fear
It comes again an third time
Stronger now, then a wisp
Of smoke that tickles you
Setting off primal alarms

The wisp becomes a whiff
The the whiff grows until
It cannot be waved off
Smoke must be investigated
Drawn to the source
Fear fighting the fascination

The source is discovered
A plume of smoke pours in
The mind bellows for escape
The way is blocked - what now
Terror seeks the exit
Cool air fills the lungs

Shock overwhelms relief

Claw - September 05, 2012

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "claw". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Claw- Squiddy Geiger - September 05, 2012

Soundly asleep, there is a touch, a nudge
You bat it away, refusing to budge
The touch becomes a niggle
Something has made you wiggle

You ignore the intrusion, will it away
The dream is too lovely, no, not today
The intrusion becomes an annoyance
Something has tainted the dreamy dance

You force your eyes to stay shut
The annoyance has landed on your gut
You resist too long, the patting paw
Which is now a very sharp claw

You open your eyes, sitting upright
Adrenaline rush as you regain sight
Your aging feline demanding food
Valuing your skin, you feed the old dude

Your cat, finally obeyed, is thinking thus
"I don't understand the morning fuss
I give him a chance to save his skin
Feed me faster, you'll never win."