Day 16: Yes, I'm cheating... I didn't really write yesterday 8(

The young cowboy finally came riding up along the drive covered in dust and mud and looking much the worse for wear.
"What in th'hell happened to you, boy?" The grizzled old cowhand looked at him with apparent disgust, then turned and spit.
The young man looked down, obviously embarassed. "Ma' horse threw me."
The old man laughed, his rough face softening a bit and spat.
"Well," he said, "least yo'r back in the saddle, but what took you so damn long?"
He grinned sheepishly. "Gettin' back in the saddle's easy... catchin' ma' horse? well, that's another matter."

Day 15: Let it snow...

Gently falling snow
so graceful upon the breeze
drifting unto death

It's a shame that the snow falling before my eyes in such large flakes will be so short lived, melting almost immediately upon the asphalt. Memphis is not good to snow, but the delicate white visitor has alighted upon our doorstep more this year than any other since I've lived here. I am extremely grateful for Lady Snow's silent beauty.

Day 14a: early? or late?

While I've been here, Saturday has sidled on into Sunday and I find myself face to face with Valentine's day, Feb. 14th. Not really sure how I feel about that. Maybe that's not that bad of a place to be. They're bringing out the fresh donuts, but as good as they are, I don't feel like paying full price for them tonight. So I'll let it pass, write a little, read a little and ferry myself off into dreamland. Ever noticed how much easier it is to deal with things when you're not thinking about them. I kind of wish I hadn't noticed that it was now Valentine's day. Usually, I'm not bothered by that at all, but tonight I sit on a precipice between cool with it and feeling a little lonely. A reminder that comes in the midst of my savior Jesus Christ who loves me best. I'm never alone, and strange as it may sound to some, I have a Valentine in my Jesus. May I never forget that dance! Of course, feelings of loneliness here and now aren't necessarily contrary to His plan. He may very well be stoking the fire to expose my need so that He can fill it. Now I wonder if I should be prattling on about this here... eh, likely nothing to worry about. But what do I write about now?

A styrofoam cup sat nondescript on the cluttered table. Quietly, almost invisible on the white table, it sat amidst a laptop, an inkpen, a power adaptor and a couple books. Its lidded shape promised warmth, heat and a dark, bitter brew, but the cup itself and its owner knew the truth and the source of its discontent. The cup was empty. There could be only one remedy resting within the power of its owner to grant. "Fill me!" came the cups silent cry. And a reply from silence, coffee's sudden warmth within its depths. The cup rejoiced, once again filled to its purpose.

Day 13: A first encounter with Roller Derby...

I don't think I dare try to write something fictitiously related to tonight, but I will state that I'm fairly fascinated by the roller derby culture. Not to mention that I had a great time and even found myself picking out favorite players as I slowly gained better understanding of the sport... a VERY rudimentary understanding thus far. It was a great way to spend the evening in the company of good friends.

Tonight is somehow a night of writing duty than joy, but somehow that's the point... new habits don't come cheap but by sacrifice. It may be short, but I'm searching Gibson's donuts for some inspiration and surely I can find it at a place where pigs fly. Too bad so many people were here for the cheap donuts. I missed out for tomorrow.

You know, I cannot think that there's anything pleasant to be said for the possibility of flying pigs. When I look up there are some things I just don't want to see!

Somehow I think that's passable, especially with a few more responsibilities awaiting me before I can lay my head on a pillow and call it a night... so Cheers y'all... sleep tight and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Day 12: Does it count if I wrote it my head?

Mucus, mucus everywhere
I am amazed at thee
That thou wouldst choose a time like this
To set thy might against me
Thy standards green and yellow fly
a proud display upon my lip
Try as I may to stop the flow
the balance ne'er does tip
Rank by rank I wipe away
each legion that you send
Yet still they come, still they charge
against them I forefend
I hope to win this battle
as I have done before
but in exchanges of attrition
am I sure to win the war?
Who knew my nasal cavity
be portal to worlds of slime,
but win I will, win I must
if only a matter of time.
Fight on, fight on tissue in hand,
the ballista to my foe,
Alas, the box is empty now,
and I fear I may fight no more.
This cannot be, I grit my teeth,
I shall make John Wayne proud,
and with a finger block one hole
and spray thee upon the ground!

Day 11: shoot their wounded...

A great descriptive phrase tonight. In context, it was a statement of what this group was NOT, but could go both ways in terms of story telling. We are NOT those who "shoot their wounded just to protect/save themselves".

He cared enough to lay his fears aside and drag his comrade of a day to safety. Why would he place himself in further danger for another? "Because I am more than an animal," he said, "and so is my brother."

Day 10: Posted today, written yesterday...

Ho there young fella. Mind buyin an old man a drink?

What a day! I say, I'm rather exhausted. A shame. Boredom will do that to you, you know? Ahh, of course you do. How could you live in this day and age and not see it?

Oh how I miss the old days. Can't even remember the last time I broke a sweat, a real, good sweat. Work sure has changed.

Oh, oh.. I'm so sorry. You looked quite familiar. Thought you knew me. I am a Threshold Guardian by profession. I test the mettle of would be heroes. This world's come to a sad state... sad. No strength anymore. Not of arms, or of character for that matter. Now don't get me wrong, there are some good people out there, just not good enough. Can you believe I've failed over 5o applicants already this week? And it's only Tuesday! Pathetic lot... even with all the new regulations and the lowered standards that pass for tests.

You know there were times in the past that a single applicant would keep me occupied for weeks on some martial campaign. At least a day in single combat. At least! Hmmmph... now it's scantrons and pencils instead of shields, armies and swords. We've succumbed to a bloody written test. They can't even pass that!

Forgive me for being old fashioned, but I'd be happier to test the mettle of some strapping dolt with a broadsword than these Poindexters. It is a slow, slow death, and that's saying something coming from an immortal. Anyway, enough of that. You know, you're a nice chap to sit and listen to me prattle on. What can I say, it's been a long century with a highlight reel that ended about sixty years ago.

Oh, by the way, here's my card. If you happen to see anyone around here with some potential, send 'em my way. Plenty of work to be done and not near enough heroes. What about you? Hah! No, I suppose not.

Bartender, another pint...

and one for my friend here.