The Find of a Life – Sunday Photo Fiction

Inside – Photo by Alastair Forbes

All it took was a quick stumble. The toe of the left shoe caught on a small piece of uplifted stone. He landed flat on his face. Rolling over, he checked out his ankles and knees. He saw no major cuts or scrapes.

Now what was it that his shoe caught on? There it is. He moved over towards it and noticed that the stone now had a series of spalls. Taking out a wide paintbrush, he started to clear the area. More and more of the pieces splintered away.

He knew he had discovered something significant. He received government funding to continue the project, was able to hire a team to do the archeology, and secure for him a nice place to stay.

While clearing one of the many painted walls, he found himself caught up in the scene that was emerging in front of him. Looking closely it began to move. “How can that be?” he thought.

In a rush and a whirl, Alastair Forbes found himself in the painting, and could hear the echoes of the curse as he and the art became one.

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A huge thanks to Al for the inspiring photo, hosting the challenge, and for taking part in my bit of flash for the Sunday Photo Fiction.

Have an amazing Sunday and be well…. ^..^

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Tease No More – Friday Fictioneers

Today’s story is a bit of a grim one for me, but this is what came to mind looking at the lockers in the photo featured for the Friday Fictioneers challenge. Thanks go out to Rochelle for hosting and to Claire Fuller for the photo.

Locker Room – Photo by Claire Fuller

In the locker room, hanging behind the door of locker #6273, was the assault rifle. It was the only one that Johnny Dingo left behind. It was there just in case he needed it.

Wrapped up in loose fitting sweats, he made his way through the crowd at the track meet. Heading towards where the announcer stood, calling the runners for the next race, Johnny slowed as he approached.

Did he really want to do this? Yes. They needed a lesson. No more bullying. Those kids who teased him incessantly for the last 10 years would tease no more.

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You too can join in on this challenge. To link up your story, just click HERE for more information!

Have a great day! Be well… ^..^

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Time – Sunday Photo Fiction

It has been a while since I have written for the Sunday Photo Fiction, and I am ready to start getting back into the swing of things. Here is the photo prompt for this week and my story entitled “Time.”

Watch – Photo by Alastair Forbes

As soon as he finished whispering into the watch, he looked up and noticed that the world shifted. The air in the park smelled fresher, and the walkways were free of litter. No sounds of the 21st century existed here. Women adorned in long Victorian dress held onto the arms of men properly attired in suits. They strolled arm in arm. Jeremy looked down at what he was wearing and was happy to discover that he blended in.

He was giddy with joy because his invention worked. He did need to keep it concealed because no one in the 1870’s wore anything of its kind. With the camera hidden in the upper pocket of his waistcoat and the wire hanging down to his side, he snapped off photos.

Jeremy noticed a younger man watching him. Turning quickly he walked the other way and looking back he realized that the man was following him. He ducked into a courtyard of one of the many buildings and hid. Taking a deep breath, he pulled up the sleeve on the jacket and began whispering into the watch.

It was then the man grabbed his wrist.  And, they both fell into the future.

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Thank you to Alastair Forbes for hosting this delightful challenge, and to you too dear reader for taking the time to stop on by! Have an amazing week and be well… ^..^

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Arc of the Covenant – Mondays Finish the Story

Today, the start of a work week, is the day that I devote to hosting the Mondays Finish the Story challenge. In the challenge, I ask that you write a story using between 100-150 words and that you use the opening line and the photo prompt to create your story. The opening line of the challenge is in bold and italics. Here is my story.

Nightshade – © 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

“The team employed the use of Nightshade to get the information they wanted from their captive.” He was the last of the Knights Templar. They wanted him to reveal the location of the Arc of the Covenant.

Many believed that the Arc is located inside the money pit on Oak Island. The team was unsuccessful at finding it there.

They held the prisoner’s nose closed and put the cup to his lips. He had no choice but to open his mouth if he wanted to breathe. Some of the liquid dripped into his mouth. After a half hour, they could see the drug was taking effect.

His pupils dilated, his speech a bit slurred. They began questioning the knight who responded with one word. “Frog!”

The team looked puzzled. What did a frog have to do with the arc? They poked at the knight and asked again for the location of the arc on Oak Island.

“Wrong,” said the knight, “Frog Island.”

New excavations began immediately.

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I hope that you enjoyed my story today! You too can join in on the Mondays Finish the Story challenge by clicking HERE!

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week. Be well… ^..^

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Christmas Cola – Friday Fictioneers

Bottle collector – Photo by G.L. MacMillan

I went junking today at the flea market. I was looking for something new to add to my old bottle collection.

Heading down the last row sat a woman. Her grey hair was like a birds nest, and in spite of the heat, she wore heavy shawls. She had old bottles. I picked up an old Coca-Cola bottle. I had to buy it. Twenty five cents was a bargain.

Back at home, I sat the bottle on the shelf with all the others. It was a lovely addition. The date on the bottle: December 25th, 1925. This was one of few Christmas Cokes ever made.

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Thank you Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers, and to G.L. MacMillan for the photo that inspired this story.

Thank you dear reader for stopping by today. Be well… ^..^

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Odd Reinforcements – Sunday Photo Fiction

Cast in Stone – Photo by Alastair Forbes

Staring at the statue, I notice the fellow is looking skyward. He is wearing a heavy jacket and is holding a hat. He sits on a disk. Few know why there is the disk.

It was back in 1940, and a war was raging. The vantage point where the statue sits is where the country defended itself against invasion. After days of battle, reinforcements arrived. Odd reinforcements. They were short people, with gray skin, huge heads, and black lidless eyes. The troops stopped to look at the beings that were weaving their way through them.

The greys moved into position. Looking around at the men, they seemed to be communicating with them. The men heard the word, “Sit.” So sit they did. The greys moved to the edge of the cliffs looking down at the opposing force.

One of the greys seemed to be in charge. He raised his left arm, six fingers spread. In unison, all the greys did the same and then pointed at the enemy. The opposing force was disabled. The greys then moved to the spot where the statue now stands, then disappeared.

You see, the statue sits where once there was an alien transporter.

Battle of Britian Memorial Statue – Photo by Detraymond

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This story was written for the Sunday Photo Fiction challenge hosted by Alastair Forbes. Great photo Al!

Sunday Photo Fiction

I hope that you enjoyed my bit of flash today, and I thank you for taking the time to stop by! Be well… ^..^

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Big Foot – Mondays Finish the Story

Today, the start of a work week, is the day that I devote to hosting the Mondays Finish the Story flash fiction challenge. In the challenge, I ask that you use between 100-150 words that uses the opening line and the photo prompt to create your story. Here is today’s photo and the opening line is in bold and italics. I hope that you enjoy my story.

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

“The petroglyphs told the story of an unusual event.” Now most would look at all the symbols that cover the rock in this photo. What they should be looking at is the area on the upper left.

Do you see the two figures at the left? The one on top is a dog. The one below it is Stands Tall and Points. The two of them used to travel together. The art depicts a story he told the Anasazi.

He tells them that not only would there be a migration of big horned goats, but also snakes. Hunting will be good.  He says the rain is coming. He lets them know to secure the ladder to the cliff dwelling. They were all good signs.

The grandfather looks at his sleeping grandson. He is now asleep. Too bad the grandfather thought. I was just getting to the part where Big Foot comes in. Few paid attention to that symbol.

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Mondays Finish the Story

You too can take part in this challenge. To get there just click HERE!

Enjoy the day and sorry for the late post today. A bit under the weather… Dear reader, be well… ^..^

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A King and a Throne – Sunday Photo Fiction

Henry’s New Throne – Photo by Alastair Forbes

This is a story of a king and his throne, and one seldom heard of.

Gertrude is a fine seamstress. She is known to have the swiftest needle in the entire kingdom. You just did not want to piss her off by complaining about anything she made, only because she had a funny way of getting back at you.

Her husband, Rolf, is a fine carpenter. He lovingly worked as quickly as he could to create a new throne after the last one broke. Together with his wife, they crafted a very handsome piece. The following day was to be the unveiling and they hoped it would pass muster.

They stood at the very back of the room as the king swept in. Walking tall and proud he made his way to the throne. Stepping up on the dais, he turned and planted himself on the seat. He held onto the arms tightly as he tested it out. Smiling, he waved Gertrude to the front of the room.

She approached the king. Whispering in her ear, she looked at him in shock. Raising the royal tookis, Gertrude inspected the area, and apologetically pulled the needle from Henry’s backside. Rolf smiled.

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Sunday Photo Fiction

A huge thanks goes out to Alastair Forbes for hosting Sunday Photo Fiction, and for the amazing photo that inspired this story.

Thank you dear reader for stopping by and be well! ^..^

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Angel That Rolls – Sunday Photo Fiction

Angel That Rolls – Photo by Alastair Forbes

She was not supposed to have any contact with humans. She ignored the rule. Sitting outside a cafe, she watched people walk by as she sipped on lemonade.

“Ahem,” he said.

Looking over, she saw a man. He had warm brown eyes, rusty brown hair, a strong square jaw and a mustache. He was gorgeous and he was looking at her. They both stared at one another.

“May I introduce myself?” he asked.

Still staring, she nodded. “My name is Charles. Charles Rolls,” he said. “This might seem a bit impertinent, but may I join you?”

Tongue-tied she nodded her head. He pulled the chair back, sat and struck up conversation. Soon they were talking animatedly. The talk turned to cars, and he offered her a ride in his. Off they went.

She loved the ride. At the end of the day, when it was time to go, she kissed him on the cheek. Removing her coat, she spread her wings, winked at Charles and flew off.

Charles never wanted to forget her and the time they spent together. To commemorate her, he had her effigy created. Today one can see her on the hoods of all the Rolls-Royce cars.

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A huge thanks goes out to Alastair Forbes of Sunday Photo Fiction for the inspiring photo and for hosting this flash fiction challenge.

Sunday Photo Fiction

To you dear reader, thank you for taking the time to stop by. I hope that you enjoyed my bit of flash fiction. Have a splendid Sunday and be well… ^..^

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After the King Fire

It has been 6 months since the King Fire blew through our area. Our home was 2 miles away from where it was burning, and we are happy that it was contained and that our home survived. I took a drive with my nephew up Mosquito Road and into the forest. The sign indicated that the road was closed, but we did not come upon any barricades. I wanted to share some photos I took of where the fire burned.

Along the road we could see where fingers of the fire blew through. In other spots we could just see areas from a distance. Here are my photos.

Straight ahead we see a burnt out area

Through the remaining trees we see a burned area

After the fire and rains, the forest floor shows growth

More burned trees

A finger moved up the crest…

More…

What remains

What you have seen in these photos are just a miniscule portion of the area burned. We are hoping that with the drought, 4 years worth now, we will be safe this year. We have already had a fire nearby and thankfully our volunteer firefighters got it out quickly!

Be fire safe no matter where in the world that you are! Thanks for stopping by today and may your Saturday be splendid! Be well… ^..^

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