Kathryn Elizabeth Jones

Going a little Camel Crazy?

noreply@blogger.com (Douglas Jones) — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:29:00 +0000

Maybe this will help.

NEW BOOK!

Yes, it's really me! I haven't blogged since... January! I have a lot to share, but let's start with my new picture book Camel Crazy!

Get it at Amazon!

If you do what you've always done...

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:13:00 +0000

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got" (James P. Lewis).

I thought of this quote last night as I sat down to visit with a friend.

It's easy, very easy, to do what we've always done when it comes to writing, marketing, or anything else we deem important. What may not be so easy to figure out is why the results are the same, especially when we are doing all we can do to make whatever it is we want to have happen - work.

Are you stuck?

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

I started out as a journalist, and I thought this experience would help me in publishing my first book. My first book was published by a local publisher, so, for all intents and purposes, it did work. But I wasn't happy with the publisher, so after my brother helped me to buy back the rights to my first work of fiction, I began my journey into the self-publishing arena. And I have continued to be self-published, some 21 books later.

Don't get me wrong, the journey has been great. I have sold a "few" books, met some great people, learned quite a few things, and enjoyed the writing process, but it seems to me as if I'm still in the wading pond.

I have a new manuscript that I have high hopes for, but I am concerned about a few things. The book needs just the right illustrator. It also needs some terrific marketing with a well-known company, to back it up. I do my best with both, but honestly, it would be nice for a change for someone else to take the reins with me as backup.

I sent the story off yesterday and have no idea what will happen. Let me just say that sending it off wasn't easy. It was kind of like sending your kindergartener into the world, hoping, no praying, that he/she will be safe.

I will need to wait four to five months for an answer, something I haven't had to do for a long, long time.

Will you pray for me? Option two is in the back seat, but I would really like option one to work out. What I know is that the Lord has directed me thus far, and I expect nothing less now.

Success in 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 18:50:00 +0000

If you're like me, you want to become a successful writer. You spend hours learning the craft and writing your heart out. You read books similar to yours, and books that are different; a writer can learn from anyone, you know.

You receive positive feedback from readers and negative feedback from a few. And if you're smart, you take a look at both.

At the beginning of the new year, and this year is no different, you take a look at what has worked for you in the past, and what hasn't, particularly with marketing. You may even sit down and write what has and hasn't worked for you on paper to plan your strategies for this year.

You may be discouraged. You may feel like your work has equaled little sales. You may want to quit. But this feeling doesn't last long. It never does. In a day, a week, or perhaps a month later, you are continuing on your journey.

If writing didn't affect your heart and soul so much, you probably would have quit long ago. But the success you seek has come, almost imperceptively, and today you realize there has been movement. You are a better writer than you were ten years ago. You are a far better writer today than the day you first began.

You are a success. Maybe not the success you first envisioned with the hefty paychecks and millions of fans, but the success you were intended for. A few lives changed. Writer friends who support you. A few fans who love your work, including children who love your stories.

This year you will try something new. You will bring out an old manuscript and clean it up. You will spend more time sharing your knowledge with new writers. You may even get out of your comfort zone and try something you've never tried before - perhaps a podcast interview.

Whatever you do, you'll remember why you write in the first place.

May your success continue in 2024, and may you find joy in your writing pursuits.

Kathryn

Two FREE books today and tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:08:00 +0000

December 22 and 23, get these two books.

At Amazon

Beans? Pie anyone? Two children's books FREE December 15 and 16!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 16:07:00 +0000

At Amazon

FREE today! December 8th and 9th!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 19:06:00 +0000

I Walked with Jesus 1 and 2 will be FREE on December 8th and 9th!

At Amazon
Currently #33 in Inspirational Religious Fiction

At Amazon

December 15 AND 16, the next weekend, get The Human Bean and Mooseberry Mooseberry Gooseberry Pie!

At Amazon

December 22 AND 23 the weekend following, get The Parables of Virginia Bean (Conquering Your Goliaths, The Feast, and The Gift all in one book).

At Amazon

If you didn't get your hands on the individual stories I had free in November, now's your chance!

Finally, on December 23, Get the Conquering Your Goliaths Guidebook!

At Amazon

By now, you've probably read all three Virginia Bean stories and have a desire to work through some Goliaths in your own life.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Day 4! Enlightened: My Personal Journey with Christ Through Scripture Journaling FREE

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Do you like to journal?

See how journaling and scripture reading can bring you closer to God.

FREE today!

At Amazon

Day 3! The Gift: A Parable of the Key FREE TODAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

FREE
At Amazon

See it at It's Write Now

Currently

#3 in Christian Self-Help
#3 in Christian Classics & Allegories (Kindle Store)

See new book trailers for Conquering Your Goliaths and The Feast!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 23:47:00 +0000

Day 2! The Feast: A Parable of the Ring FREE TODAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Today get The Feast: A Parable of the Ring

FREE!

At Amazon

See it on Free Book Tips
Reading Deals.com and
ebook Daily!

Conquering Your Goliaths is FREE!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 17:09:00 +0000

Check out my book at Book of the Day.org. Read a sample here.

See my newest review at Free Book Tips!

And remember Conquering Your Goliaths is available for a FREE read on KindleUnlimited (Free Trial)! Check it out at Best Book Monkey!

You may also want to view my new trailer with reviews!

Here is the direct link to Amazon!

Keep it going!

11/25/2023
#5 in Christian Self-Help
#7 in Christian Classics & Allegories (Kindle Store)
#18 in Two-Hour Self-Help Short Reads

Conquering Your Goliaths, FREE on November 24

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Check out Conquering Your Goliaths!

Read a sample today, and get the eBook FREE tomorrow!

Read a sample at Book of the Day.org

Watch the video trailer here

Ready...set...FREE!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 03:37:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I have four FREE books slotted for the end of November beginning on the 24th, Black Friday. They are

Conquering Your Goliaths - 24th

The Feast - 25th

The Gift - 26th

and Enlightened - 27th!

Halloween is in Sight, so are some FREE books!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:11:00 +0000

Trick or treating is just around the corner, and I have been thinking about what treat I might be able to leave inside your Halloween bucket or pillowcase.

I have a couple of YA mysteries that will be FREE on the 30th and 31st of this month, so you'll want to fly on over to Amazon to pick up your eBook.

Tie Died will be FREE on the 30th.

Buckled Inn will be FREE on the 31st.

You may want to bookmark this post so you can find the books easily when the day comes. They will be FREE on these two days only.

I have four books slotted for the end of November beginning on the 24th, Black Friday. They are

Conquering Your Goliaths

The Feast

The Gift

and Enlightened

All inspiring and motivating!

Video Trailer - I Walked with Jesus - 2

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:05:00 +0000

FREE TODAY!

December 9-10

Click here to see the video trailer!

I Walked With Jesus - book two is now available!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 22:19:00 +0000

The time has finally come!

Get I Walked with Jesus: New Testament Stories of Faith and Healing - Acts of the Apostles TODAY!

The eBook and the paperback are here!

The followers of Jesus must have felt lost and unsure after Jesus’ ascension to heaven.

Sure, they had been taught. They had been healed. They had seen miracles at Jesus’ hand. But could they live His word without being near Him?

Could the lame man who returned to the temple day after day for healing continue to wait? Could the eunuch whom many hated get answers from God? What of Tabitha who arose from the dead? What was her life like before that great day? What of other followers of Jesus – on the day of Pentecost – who were strengthened, fed, and led? How did they remain faithful?

Find out on your continuing journey with Jesus through the “Acts of the Apostles.”

Book one in paperback is just $3.42! Get it at Amazon.

Chapter 1 - I Walked with Jesus, book two

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 14:46:00 +0000

As promised...

The Handmaid.

The story of Mary after her son's ascension to heaven, begins this second book of stories from the New Testament.

Get the entire book in paperback or eBook here!

The Handmaid

Luke 1

Mary loved her son even before he was born. Like most mothers, she found if she rested, fed her soul as well as her body, and made time for reflection, the energy she received at the hand of God was more than sufficient to carry her pregnancy even at the last.

Though she was not always treated kindly as a young girl by her friends because of her timidity, as she grew, she discovered the wisdom in this. If she had something to say, she would say it, and others would listen. Her mother and father treated her kindly, and her brother and sisters spoke well of her. Her family didn’t have much in the way of worldly goods, but they had each other, and that’s what mattered.

Mary had learned about God at a young age, and, like most girls had been shown her place in Jewish society. She respected this place, though she often thought about being equal to the young boys with whom she associated. It wasn’t until Mary grew that she began to see the truth of the matter.

When the angel came, Mary was at first surprised as anyone would be. But her heart calmed as she spoke with the angel. She wasn’t alone. Others walked passed her, but she could not hear their voices. It was like she’d been brought to heaven while still kneeling on the earth.

“Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women,” the angel began.

She was amazed. Not only at the bright clothing the angel wore but the manner in which he saluted her.

“Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

“How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” she asked after a moment of reflection.

“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

The words of the angel spoke volumes of love to Mary’s soul. How could she doubt what God could do? Her heart burned as the words came: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

She’d gone to see Elisabeth after the departure of the angel, and the truth she’d known even before her arrival there became a second witness. Truly God could do all things.

Her son was born six months later, and they named him Jesus as the angel had spoken.

He was a beautiful baby. As his chubby hands reached for her face, she would kiss them, and speak to Jesus of God’s love. He grew into a good, kind, son. He was always thinking of her, teaching her the ways of God. And as he continued into manhood and her husband, Joseph, left the earth and returned heavenward, Jesus was a great comfort to her in her loneliness. The first few months after Joseph’s passing, He consoled her, His loving arms surrounding her, His voice soothing her aching soul.

By the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, she’d made His teachings a part of her life. She knew the truth of the resurrection. He was here! They’d eaten together at his arrival, and He’d shown her the marks of the nails in His hands and feet. She’d touched His side – the babe she had carried in her womb. He lived!

At first, she thought He’d returned for good. But then the news had come. His teachings were nearing an end. He had many things to do, to help His father. Not Joseph – He smiled as he’d spoken it – but His Father in Heaven.

She dared not ask if He’d seen her Joseph, but Jesus seemed to know her thoughts.

“I have seen many loved ones. And others are waiting to hear the gospel. Missionaries have been sent to the waiting spirits in prison.”

“Can it be so?”

“Surely, Father is well pleased.” He took her hand in his. “And you, how are you, Mother?”

“I am not eager to have you go,” she said.

“But the 40 days of teaching, of preparing hearts and souls for the greater work, are almost spent. It is time.”

“I know… And yet…”

“You will miss me, as I will miss you. But my spirit will be here, and the gift of the Holy Ghost…”

“I know.”

“It is the greatest gift of the Father. The Holy Ghost will teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

“Still…”

He embraced her then and, as the tears fell, her heart ached for the separation that would soon come. Only when she met His eyes again did she see tears in His own.

“You will always be my mother.”

She sobbed then, huge gushing tears, and He held her tighter.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive,” words given over an outdoor fire some two weeks past, filled her soul long after Jesus had ascended to heaven. How could she give now that He was gone?

Her children spent time near her; her grandchildren pulled at her skirt for attention, and she had given it. At home, it wasn’t difficult. When she was away from home, that’s when giving became more difficult. But she would do it.

For weeks, she dreamed of her son. And as the months passed and the dreams dwindled, a softening returned, and she was able to live again. She hadn’t experienced the transfiguration for herself, but Peter, James, and John had spoken of it often. They had seen Jesus, her very son, as he looked in his glorified state. As she closed her eyes on those lonely nights when her children and grandchildren had returned to their own homes, she could see Him as He was during the 40 days – as she remembered Him.

And she was carried forward.

I Walked with Jesus - book two!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:11:00 +0000

COMING MID-SEPTEMBER!

Cover Reveal for book two of I Walked with Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:11:00 +0000

Here it is! Book two of I Walked with Jesus! Now is the time to get the first book! The paperback is only $3.44!

Synopsis:

The followers of Jesus must have felt lost and unsure after Jesus’ ascension to heaven.

Sure, they had been taught. They had been healed. They had seen miracles at Jesus’ hand. But could they live His word without being near Him?

Could the lame man who returned to the temple day after day for healing continue to wait? Could the eunuch whom many hated get answers from God? What of Tabitha who arose from the dead? What was her life like before that great day? What of other followers of Jesus – on the day of Pentecost – who were strengthened, fed, and led? How did they remain faithful?

Find out on your continuing journey with Jesus through the “Acts of the Apostles.”

I will send out chapter one in a few days - this is the updated version that will be in the book. Expect I Walked with Jesus, book two, to be out mid-September. We're almost there!

Do You Have Reviewer's Block?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 21:37:00 +0000

We have all heard of writer's block, but what about reviewer's block?

I usually post once a day, but today, while trying to find potential reviewers for my latest book, "I Walked with Jesus," I came upon this great list from Kate Tilton (katetilton.com).

Photo by La-Rel Easter on Unsplash

Can your review answer any of the following?

What feeling did [insert book name] leave you with?
Would you compare [insert book name] to other books you’ve read? If so, what do they have in common? What books is it like?
What feelings did the book capture well?
Was there a uniqueness about the book that you’d like to convey?
Was there something this book did that you haven’t seen done before, or haven’t seen done a lot?
Did you finish it really quickly? Was it a page-turner? Did it keep you up all night?

As often as authors are out there trying to get reviewers for their books, this was a great list of questions for reviewers to consider before writing their reviews. It may even help them to write a better review or, at the very least, get them past "Reviewers Block".

What do you think?

I like this idea a lot. We're all busy people, and if we can get a review out sooner versus later, I'm all for that. Plus, I don't want anyone who's promised me a review to back out at the last moment because he/she wasn't sure where to start.

Kathryn

I Walked with Jesus - first chapter!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:28:00 +0000

There is a sale going on at Amazon!
Get this book for $3.50. That's the paperback!

Have you ever considered yourself as one of the least of these?

The Rabbi

John 3

Since the first time he’d spoken with the Rabbi of Galilee, Nicodemus’ heart had burned. There was something about the man called Jesus of Nazareth that made him want to change his heart, maybe even his life.

His home was large with many rooms, but he’d chosen to visit with the Rabbi outdoors, near the great well where places for sitting in the cooler evening air were appreciated. Jesus must come at night, when peering eyes slept, and when his leadership duties were not so pressing. If his neighbors saw his visitor, he could merely remind them that it was the law to study at night – besides, it was expected. He need not worry about his place in the social and political arena.

Still, as Jesus entered, Nicodemus’ heart skipped more than one beat. He was curious to know the truth, but he was also deeply afraid of what he would hear. Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not a prophet.

Or was he?

Because it was dark the torches had been lit. The dripping of water within the well where they spoke reminded Nicodemus of the cleansing of his soul – what he feared the most.

The sound of Jesus’ sandals padded toward him. He stopped and sat. Nicodemus followed.

“A drink?” he asked.

The Rabbi shook his head.

“Well, then, I will begin,” he offered.

The wind was blowing softly and easily, and Nicodemus was glad he’d chosen the location he had. But where should he start? He’d gone over the conversation a million times, and now that Jesus of Nazareth was here, he was at a loss.

The man was looking intently at him, so Nicodemus began:

“Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.”

Jesus smiled. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Born… again? Nicodemus thought. “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” he asked.

Even in the dim light, he could see that Jesus’ eyes were blue, the color of the sea of Galilee where he sometimes walked to clear his head.

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Children were born of the water from their mother’s womb. And there was a spirit that dwelt inside every man.

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

“How can these things be?” Nicodemus asked, taking a sip of the wine he had poured for himself. “Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, we speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. I have told you of earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?”

For a moment Nicodemus thought of the wind in the trees, but the thought forming in his head escaped him as Jesus continued:

“And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

Nicodemus knew of Moses and the serpent he raised up. He knew the law of Moses and had lived it since he was young. But who would come down from heaven and be lifted up? Was Jesus speaking of himself?

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosover believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

A trickling of warmth found his soul.

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Did he believe? Was this truly the Son of God?

“And this is the condemnation,” the teacher continued, “that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

Was Jesus saying his deeds were evil?

“For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”

Suddenly, Nicodemus was thinking of his sins. He had many, but so did others in his position. In his duties as a ruler of the Jews and a member of the Sanhedrin, he must set an example of strength.

“But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

Nicodemus took another sip of wine, but he could not meet the eyes of the teacher. Both were silent, and as Nicodemus listened to the wind through the trees, and the dripping sound of the water in his well, he was anxious to go inside to his family.

Jesus stood.

“Follow me,” he said.

They were at the front of his house before Jesus spoke again. “Follow me. Learn of me.”

The wind brushing against Nicodemus’ face, and the rustle of leaves above his head seemed to speak words of comfort. Could he do it? Could he leave his home, his profession? He had felt something warm prick at his chest. Could he deny now what he thought to be true?

Tears glistened. “I believe thy words are true,” he said.

“Then, come, follow me.”

The repeated entreaty was followed by a smile and a touch of a hand to his shoulder.

“When?”

“Tomorrow. We leave tomorrow.”

Nicodemus breathed in slowly and as his breath escaped his lips, he looked into Jesus’ eyes. They were still looking at him, watching him lovingly. He had never before seen such eyes.

“I don’t… know,” he stumbled. “You say you are leaving tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow. Will you be there?”

With all of his heart, Nicodemus wanted to say yes, but the words he wanted to say stuck in his throat. “I don’t know…” he began.

“Think about it?” Jesus offered.

“I will,” he answered.

A sob escaped Nicodemus’ lips. “Master?” he asked. “If I don’t come, will you yet love me?”

Of all the things he could have said, these words were the hardest. He knew that tomorrow he would not come. He would eat, he would go about his duties, he would walk the grounds of his beautiful home and the synagogue, but Jesus would travel without him.

Still, watching the man who some believed was God, there was no question in those heavenly eyes about his answer.

Newest Review and Interview for I Walked with Jesus!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 16:31:00 +0000

Take a look at the interview!

See the reviews at Goodreads!

This was a delightful, insightful, and quick read!

For those familiar with Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises, this book moves in a similar spirit, by placing us in the heart of Scripture. We get to live through the vivid scenes of the Bible such as the two men on the road to Emmaus, the woman at the well, the Centurian, and Jarius' daughter to name a few. Their stories are told in a simple but refreshing way.

If you a

Beans anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 17:32:00 +0000

If you like Dr. Seuss you'll love this book!

Are beans human? Divine? Your guess is as good as mine. One thing’s for sure – after reading this rhyming tale, you may finally decide to eat your vegetables.

I could use some reviews on this fun book!

Get the paperback for only $4.66!

Look up

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 18:03:00 +0000

Hearing and seeing the fireworks this year, I am looking up more often than usual. Not that I want to look up 24/7, especially when it's time for bed and I'm still hearing the pops of noise, but the sounds and glitter have made me think of something else.

Photo by Paul Weaver on Unsplash

How often do I look up?

A few years ago my grandson and I would stand in the backyard and watch the planes as they flew overhead to the airport. We started saying, "Goodbye, see you later," whenever an airplane flew by. I would hold my grandson in my arms and we would wave together. He had to do this every time we were outside, and the experience would make both of us smile.

Photo by Gary Lopater on Unsplash

Now, he's moved on to other things and is no longer interested, but when I say, "Goodbye, see you later," his eyes light up for an instant and a little smile creases his cheeks. He is remembering.

I have always looked up when it rains or snows.

Photo by Filip Zrnzević on Unsplash

And I look up into the eyes of someone who is taller than I am, though this doesn't happen as often as I'd like. I'm 5'11".

Looking up is important, not only because of how you feel when you do it, but what you miss out on when you don't. Have you ever known someone whose head is always turned downward? It's almost as if they're afraid of what is out there, or maybe they just don't think they deserve it.

But I like looking up. I like what it does to my posture. I like how I feel when I do it. I like remembering that I am not alone and that the person who is looking down at me is one of the few who can actually get away with doing it.

May you have a memorable 4th of July.

I'll see you later.

Charmed - I'm Sure

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones) — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 22:09:00 +0000

Photo by Taton Moïse on Unsplash

Ms. Ratisha O’Neil didn’t live on planet Earth. She lived far away from it, so far you couldn’t smell her smell or taste the air that she breathed, and maybe that was better. Let’s just say Ratisha was an uncommon girl.

Now, before you begin to judge Ratisha unkindly, you need to know something about her, or perhaps, the place in which she lived that made her the way she was.

Rat not only lived far away but on a planet that was so charming – so perfect – that everyone wanted to visit. One person had finally found his way there fifty years previous, only to find that he was not able to leave it.

Before I continue too far with the story, you need to know that when Rat was born, she looked like every other child born on the planet Charmed. She had darling curly hair, bright eyes, and a smile with dimples on both cheeks. She had smooth skin, tiny feet, and hands, and plenty of love to give.

No, she didn’t even cry, for no baby cried on the planet Charmed. Yes, she did all of the other bodily functions, but she was easy to clean up and didn’t require long nights walking the nursery floor.

But one day, something terrible happened – so terrible I didn’t at first want to tell you what it was. But then I figured, if one day, you decided to travel like the young man who was now old to the planet Charmed, you’d know what to expect.

One day, when the young man was walking the streets searching for a way home to planet Earth – something no one could understand because they were perfectly happy where they were – he stumbled upon Ratisha O’Neil. And so you don’t misunderstand, when I say, stumbled, I literally mean he tripped.

No one had stumbled before on planet Charmed. No one had said a heated word. No one had said anything but kind words since the beginning of time.

But this day, everything changed.

“Ouch!” Rat said.

“My foot!” shouted the man whose name was Glen. Glen was a common name and he hated it for his last name was Smith and his shoe size was a common ten and a half, and for a man that was pretty common.

Rat looked up. At first, all Glen could see was mud. It covered everything. Hair. Face. Shoulders. Legs. Even toes.

“Quick! The hose!”

“What are you doing?” asked Glen, mortified, for he hadn’t seen a dirty, unkept creature for many years. He hadn’t even remembered that dirt could make such a horrible, frightful mess.

The garden hose was a typical green. He lifted it and handed it to the mud-covered thing.

“The water, the water!”

In the back of his mind, Glen remembered where the turn-on valve was located – on the house. He reached for it and turned the knob to the left. In a whoosh, water spurted forth.

“Turn it down!”

Glen turned the knob to the right. “How’s this?” he asked.

“Better. But now it’s going to take me longer to dry,” said the girl, for suddenly Glen could see that it was a girl. She had long hair and was wearing a dress that was quickly turning a bright and sunny yellow. She wore no shoes or socks.

“I’m going to be in so much trouble! Just yesterday Mother caught me picking my nose. She told me I could not return to school if I continued to pick it.”

Glen laughed. He watched as the once dirty girl became cleaner, though it was obvious she had wallowed in the mud for some time; there were patches of dirt that appeared ground-in on her mostly-cleaned dress.

She turned, dripping before him.

“How is it that your mother lets you play in the dirt?” he asked, trying to remain calm. His heart pounded like a great thunderstorm and it was all he could do to act casual. Never, in all of the years he’d been trapped on this planet, had he seen anything to rival the appearance of this girl.

“What is your name?” he asked.

Mud squeezed through her toes as she turned off the water.

“Have you seen my shoes?” she asked.

“No.”

“After I dry, I’ll have to go inside. I’ll have to wash my dress the rest of the way without Mother seeing me.”

“How will you do that?”

“I have no idea, but maybe I can get away with it. I’ve gone in with dirty clothes before. Mother doesn’t like it much, but she is getting used to it. I’m Ratisha O’Neil but you can call me Rat.”

A sudden thought struck Glen. He’d known of rats once. He’d had one as a pet, and then it had escaped and Mother had never bought him another one.

“Who named you?” he couldn’t help asking, for he couldn’t see how such a perfect society as this one would know of such a name.

“My mother is wont to grow radishes.”

“But that’s rad,” he said, “not rat. Do you mean Radisha?”

“No. It’s Ratisha. My father re-named me. He’s an astronaut of sorts...”

If you've read down this far you are probably thinking, that's not the end, is it? No, it's not the end. What do you think? Is it a children's book, or something like a pre-teen story? I know it's science/fantasy, but that's as far as I've gone with the genre.