ANOTHER FAIRYTALE MOMENT

Today, we share our thoughts on another fairytale.  In this meme, hosted by Tif Talks Books, we focus on Rumpelstiltskin.

Remember him?  I had to go to one of the fairytale sites to brush up on the tale…it’s been eons since I was a kid!  SurLaLune FairyTales.

Tif points out some of the differences between versions, and her greatest distinction surrounds the little ditty sung by the title character.  These chants all seem to mean the same thing, though.  Just a slight twist.  At SurLaLune, we read this one:

“To-morrow I brew, to-day I bake,

And then the child away I’ll take.

For little deems my royal dame

That Rumpelstiltskin is my name”

What are your thoughts about Rumpelstiltskin?

I believe that fairytales were created, back in the day, to teach children some kind of lesson.  Perhaps the lesson in this tale is to be careful who you reach out to for assistance.  When you go into an alliance with someone, you should know up front what it will cost you in the end.

Now luckily, in this case, the young girl was able to discover the name of the man and avoid the plight of having to give up her child.

Only in fairytales, however…In real life, as my characters in Chasing Stardust could tell you, we have to fight hard for our dreams.  Nothing comes to us without a lot of effort, and in the end, the dream may have to be revised to fit reality.

Our character Merrilee has reached a place where she must either sink into depression over the past, or do something differently in the present moment.  Here she is having a conversation with a friend:

“Maybe you could have handled things better…But then again, who’s to say that anything would have turned out differently?  You can’t second-guess yourself on something like this.  None of us has a crystal ball…And hindsight is always twenty-twenty,” she added glibly, grinning at her companion.  “Right now, you need to focus on what you can change.  And that’s not the past, is it?”

Merrilee shook her head eerily.  Like sound filtered through electronic devices, the words seemed surreal.  But gradually they started to make sense.  Was it possible that she could somehow make up for the past by dealing better with the present?  With Brandi?  Humbly, she clasped Lindsay’s hands in her own.  “Tell me what to do.”

FAIRYTALE MOMENTS

While I was meandering around the Web this morning, I discovered a new blog…a fabulous one, too, Tif Talks Books. I happened upon it while I was visiting  J. Kaye’s Book Blog, where I often find exciting new blogs to visit.

In this one, Tif was hosting her Friday meme, Fairy Tale Fridays.

Hansel and Gretel was the story of the day, and what an awesome conversation I discovered there.

I have decided that I will participate either here, or on my other fairy tale related blog, Moonbeams and Rainbows.

Talk about dysfunctional families!  Fairy tales are full of them, from the evil stepmothers to the wicked children.

And yet they have a happily-ever-after ending.  Usually.

Happiness does not always surround the characters, though, so in that sense, they mimic real life.

In my novel Chasing Stardust, my primary character, Merrilee Hennessey (now isn’t that a name created from fairy dust?), dreams of all things wonderful, romantic, and beautiful.

But her life takes her down some completely different pathways.  Sometimes, we almost give up on her ever finding anything remotely like a happily-ever-after.

But in the end, she does find something…

Here’s how it ends:

As he reached out for her, she hesitated.  Like an aura, a faint haze seemed to be circling the two of them; a glow or a light, perhaps.  Or maybe she had glimpsed some stardust sprinkling down around them.  She laughed out loud as she burrowed into his arms, where she felt safe and secure, and as if she truly belonged.

As her heart leaped with joy, she surrendered to an old love with its promise of a new beginning.

COMPASSIONATE TALE OF FAMILY — A Review of “Chasing Stardust”

Betty Dravis reviews “Chasing Stardust”

Laurel-Rain Snow is one of my favorite authors because her characters are such real people; they could be your neighbors, my neighbors…or even our relatives. Although her books are similar in theme–mostly about women struggling to overcome unhappy childhoods who come of age during the “hippie” generation–each has a stellar cast of main and supporting characters who stir the emotions.

I have read four of this author’s five novels, but Chasing Stardust is my favorite so far. It was a hard choice because I loved the characters in Miles to Go, Web of Tyranny and An Accidental Life, also.

Chasing Stardust opens with a flash-forward prologue depicting Merrilee Hennessy as a grandmother going to bat for her granddaughter, which is something no one did for her when she was young.

Through the period of this book, Merrilee develops into a strong, compassionate woman despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles that life throws her way. Always somewhat of a romantic dreamer when it comes to male relationships, the young girl learns the hard way, making some mistakes repeatedly…but eventually triumphing through her innate strength, determination and the help of good, caring friends.

Author Snow carries the character through the book in such a realistic manner, I feel like I know Merrilee. I cried when she got pregnant and I cared deeply about her raising a child alone. I rejoiced at each of her triumphs–triumphs that are slow in coming–but as Merrilee’s character matures and she enters the workforce, her life gradually gets better.

Although Merrilee learns to control her own actions and reactions, her son gives her a great deal of trouble throughout the book, making life miserable for her and her granddaughter Brandi…but enough! If I tell anymore, I’ll give away too much of the plot. But here are a few questions that will be answered in this true-to-life novel:

How does Merrilee cope while raising her son alone? And when she eventually marries, what happens to that relationship? What are her parents’ shortcomings that they can’t help her more? And when she’s doing well financially, what happens when her long-estranged sister comes back into her life? Why does she come back? And where was her son’s natural father during all this time?

Laurel Rain Snow answers all those questions in such well-developed, realistic scenes that the story moves along in a smooth, yet dramatic flow. While in some books the plot is gripping, in Chasing Stardust it is Merrilee Hennessy who is gripping, giving the book an easier, more natural flow. This is a rewarding reading pleasure with a satisfying ending that brings the troubled young girl’s life full circle.

Now that I have followed Merrilee and Brandi into happier straits and can breathe a sigh of relief, I can’t wait to read the only one of Snow’s books that I haven’t read: Embrace the Whirlwind.

Endnote: If you would like to sample this author’s style before you splurge on her books, try her Amazon Short story, Family Values. At the small price of forty-nine cents each, Amazon Shorts are a wonderful bargain. I’m certain you will be hooked on Laurel Rain Snow, as I am. She has a deep passion for her characters that probably comes from her long career as a social worker in Central California.

HOLIDAY WISHES AND DREAMS

Dreams, fantasies, wishes…all part of the world of illusions.

But are they outside the realm of possibility?  Do wishes only come true if they’re realistic ones?  Now what would be the point of realistic dreams?

Isn’t that an oxymoron?

By definition, wishes, according to Webster, are “expressed desires.”  There’s nothing in there to suggest that the wishes (or dreams) must be attainable.  Just expressed…and desired.

So wishing for world peace and harmony amongst all people is totally appropriate, in terms of wishes.

So that is my wish for the holiday season.

UNEXPECTED GIFTS — An Excerpt from “Chasing Stardust”

 

In the center of the lace-covered table, a birthday cake decorated in rosebuds and angels held four candles to signify the occasion.  Standing back to check that the party favors were all in place and that the gaily-wrapped packages were grouped just out of sight, Merrilee smiled to herself.  Yes, today would be perfect!
 Except for the presence of her granddaughter’s parents, which always cast shadows on any occasion.
 But Merrilee shook her head, choosing instead to focus on Brandi’s special day, which would include a group of all her favorite friends.  Parents would be dropping the children off at any time.  And upstairs in her room, Brandi was getting dressed.  Merrilee had laid the frilly outfit on the bed, the special dress the two of them had chosen.
 As she pictured the upcoming festivities, Merrilee headed toward the large island that divided her kitchen.  A little celebratory toast in advance of today’s events would be just the thing, she thought, as she poured a glass of sparkling cider.  Yes, a lot had changed in just a few short years…
 Everyday of her life, she thanked the gods, or fate, or providence…She wasn’t sure what had brought her to this place…In AA, they called it a Higher Power.  Some guiding force, at any rate, had caught her attention just when she’d seemed poised for self-destruction, spinning completely out of control.  After one too many blackouts, the horrifying thought had gripped her: She might fail her grandchild in one of those states…

A TURNING POINT — An Excerpt from “Chasing Stardust”

An excerpt that reveals what lies ahead for Merrilee and her family.

They were having an impromptu lunch out at a favorite cafe of Merrilee’s, when Colin appeared with Carly, almost as if by invitation.  Of course, Merrilee couldn’t exactly ask them to leave.  And right in the middle of the main course, Colin made his announcement.  “Hey, Aunt Mel,” he began cheerily, enjoying his role centerstage.  “Did Mumsy tell you that she’s going to be a grandma?”
Melanie and her friend Sylvie both swung their gazes in Merrilee’s direction, eyes popping.
Turning red, Merrilee ducked her head, then pinning Colin with a sharp glance, she tried to make the most of it.  “Yes, I’m afraid it’s true,” she replied glibly.  “Not that I’m nearly old enough for that role…”
“Well, Colin, don’t you think the two of you are a bit young?”  Melanie frowned slightly.
Startled, Colin and Carly both exchanged a look, then Colin burst out again:  “Well, yes, but we’ll have all the support anyone could want.  Mumsy has agreed that we should live with her until I turn eighteen, at least.  Then we’re getting married.  I’ll be looking for a job, too,” he added, as if that sealed the deal somehow.
They got through the rest of the lunch, and afterwards, Melanie and Sylvie took off, dispensing hugs and kisses all-round before their departure.  As Melanie’s VW Bug headed toward the freeway, Merrilee stood in the parking lot gazing after them, wishing she could somehow rewind the past few hours.
Not that Colin’s announcement made anything definite, she told herself.  She could simply remind the two of them that she hadn’t agreed to anything, and that they would have to make other plans.  But what plans?  Technically, Colin was still a minor…For a few months, anyway.  And she had an obligation to provide for him, but not Carly.  No, she didn’t owe that girl a thing!
She drove slowly home, dreading the moment when she would face them again.  Rehearsing several speeches, she almost missed the turn-off to her bungalow.  And then, just as she pulled into her street, another car swerved in front of her, causing her to brake abruptly. 
Well, I’d better not drive for awhile, she decided.  At least not until I’ve worked everything out.
Weak with fear, she sat in the car for several moments, studying the lawn as it spread toward her like some kind of welcome mat.  This was her home, wasn’t it?  Wasn’t she in charge of deciding who resided within?  The dilemma took her back to that time when Melanie had been an unwelcome houseguest, and the horrible way that had all turned out.  Not that she had a husband to please, now, she reassured herself.  It was her decision alone.
But she alone would be the one to bear the brunt of whatever those two threw at her.
She stepped out of the car, threw her shoulders back as if to ward off oncoming blows, and trudged toward the front steps.  Pausing at the front door, her hand on the doorknob, she hesitated.
And then crossed the threshold into the next phase of her life.

STARDUST — SHORT ON SUPPLY

 

In this excerpt, our character Merrilee struggles to maintain her equilibrium while her life unravels.

 

 

From a deep fog she awoke to the sound of pounding on her door.

At first, the sounds were part of a dream in which the room seemed blurry with smoke, while a horde of people crowded toward her, shouting and arguing amongst themselves.  In reality, she very slowly regained her bearings to discover that Colin and Carly were hovering over her, peering into her face.  “Mom, are you okay?  What’s wrong?”  Colin kept repeating this same phrase until she finally came fully awake.

What were the two of them doing in her room, anyway?  She started to articulate the question, but her throat seemed parched and no sound came forth.  She clutched her throat.

“Here,” Colin handed the water bottle to her.  “We got worried when you didn’t come down.  You’re usually up so early.”

She could see her bedside clock, its digits pronouncing the hour.  Was it 1:00 in the afternoon?

“I worked really late last night, and I was exhausted…”  Her explanation sounded weak, even to her own ears, but she refused to feel judged by these kids.  Her annoyance rose up like a gorge.  She glared at the two of them.

“Okay, then,” Colin turned away.  “We needed to talk to you about something…”

Typically back to their own petty grievances, she thought, wondering what new horror they had for her.

FANTASIES

Here we are again, visiting my favorite Jim Shore images, created for his Disney collection—all to illustrate the importance fantasies have in our lives.

On one of my favorite blogs, an Alice in Wonderland challenge is going on.  I’m about to take part in it, since it’s been a long time since I read those books.

Here are some of the characters from Disney movies, which I’m planning to watch all over again as well.

My own fantasies actually veer in other directions, and include winning the lottery, or perhaps winning a contest at Writer’s Digest!  But fantasies of romance are the stuff of stardust dreams, and the focal point of my novel Chasing Stardust.

In this next photo, you’ll note the books in the background, just to keep the focus on the really important things in my life!

 

 

 

SINGLE MOTHER BLUES — An Excerpt from “Chasing Stardust”

In this excerpt from Chasing Stardust, Merrilee mulls over the stresses of single parenthood.

On a Saturday morning in early July, Merrilee sat reading the paper and sipping coffee.

She glanced outdoors occasionally, trying to picture the gardens without those nasty weeds.

She’d certainly been neglecting the yard lately.  Sighing, she wished for the umpteenth time that she could hire a gardener to bring everything all together.  She missed that brief time in her life when money hadn’t been an object.  But she’d blown that, hadn’t she?
Of course, she could try to get Colin to do some of it.  Ha!

What was wrong with her, anyway?  If she took his car keys until he did a few chores, she’d be well within her rights.  And she should do just that.  But she feared the consequences of setting such limits on her son.  His stormy moods and rages literally shook the rafters at times.  Since he’d been this way since he was very small, she couldn’t exactly start blaming booze or drugs for his behavior.  But she was sure those substances didn’t help.

He hadn’t actually been in trouble with the law for awhile.  That was good news.

Well…There had been that one time a few months ago, right after he and Carly had first begun…The cops had taken the two kids downtown for curfew violations.  But no drugs were on them.  And the two hadn’t even been drunk.  They must have been really lucky that night, she’d decided.  She was sure that they did drugs and drank most of the time they were together.

But in some ways, his obsession with Carly had turned him away from other negative activities.

Not that she was really grateful, though.  There was no way that anything good could ever come of this relationship.  She lived in dread for the day when Colin announced that the girl was pregnant.

MY FAVORITE MAGIC CARPET

Books are life’s magic carpet.  This was something I discovered at a very young age and which has served me all this time.

I even have a blog that I have dedicated as a “prescription for the blues,” called Rainy Days and Mondays.

Even though I love to travel, there are places I have not yet been…except in books (and movies).

Our most illustrious stardust dreams can be found within the pages of books.

Of course, we do have to come out of the books once in awhile and face reality.

My character Merrilee, in “Chasing Stardust,” forgets that minor detail and ends up believing that stardust dreams and romance can be achieved with just a whisk of some magic wand.  Or just because she believes.

Believing in our dreams is important, but there’s a fine line we cannot cross…not if we’re going to stay grounded.

But I’m still going to dream and hope and wish on my stardust dreams—for a little while, at least.  Until I have to come crashing down to earth!