That's Write, I Right!

Or I use to, at least!

I was digging through my closet at my mom's house and came across one of my many long forgotten notebooks. Inside contained a few pages of story I had completely forgotten I'd even written. Actually, I barely remember writing it at all! I wonder how old it is?

Here we go!

I rolled over in my bed, waking slowly and blinking the sleep away from my blurry eyes. Sitting up, I groaned as a pain stabbed somewhere in my lower back.

I'm getting old, I thought, smiling humorously, swinging my legs over the side of my bed so that I was sitting, facing the stone wall of my little home. This was ridiculous of course- I was barely twenty years old. An adult yes, but not old enough to be aching. Or to be complaining about aching, I suppose.

The braid I had woven my hair into the previous night had come undone while I slept; the honey colored waves stuck up in various places, and I flinched as I ran a hand through it, my fingers catching on the wily tangles.

Sighing, I stood glancing behind me at the small, lone window that adored the back wall of my house. The sky was just starting to brighten- I could see the sun's yellow merging with the fading turquoise of the night. A rooster called then from the farm down the road. I smiled, content that I was the early bird this morning. 

I got dressed, choosing a long, charcoal colored dress and a thick shawl a shade of gray only slightly lighter. I frowned, looking into the old wardrobe that towered above everything else in the tiny box that was my house. The few articles of clothing that hung there were all considerably dull. Surely I had some colored thing? One sock that wasn't black or gray? I opened a drawer and dug in. A musty, stale sent rose up, the skirts and dresses I found had not belonged to me, but my late mother. These of course were all lovely shades; powdered blues and deep maroons, whites that had somehow managed to stay fairly pure even through years of sitting idle in the dark.

But I would never wear them. I couldn't. Nor could I sell them, though since my parents had passed, one and then the other shortly after, I was in poor shape when it came to money.

I saw sliver of familiarity in the bottom of the drawer. I reached down and pulled out a dress of forest green. It was small, for I wore it as a child. I stared at it, my frown deepening, and I decided that, yes, it was best that I didn't wear colors.

Standing, I twisted my hair into a bun, not wanting to deal with the tangles, washed my face hurriedly in the bowl on the counter, and pushed through the heavy door at the front of the house, seeking relief from a place now too full of memories.

The crisp breeze was a lovely, as was the Orkney sea, gray and tumbling over the rocky shore of the Island. I set a slow pace, taking my time deciding what to do as I walked along the road away from town. Most of my days were filled with wandering. Most of the time alone. I had made myself into a bit of a hermit, I mused. I was pondering this when I heard a shrill scream. 

I lifted my head in alarm and turned, trying to spot the trouble. Another scream sounded, clearly coming from the beach below the road. I ran down the grassy trail, my boots getting damp with dew, and as my feet clacked against the stony beach I frantically searched the jagged rocks and swirling force of the waves.

"Ms. Conley! Ms. Conley!" 

I spun towards the voice that called to me, spotting a small group of children huddled in fear by a grouping of large boulders.

"Laney? What's wrong?" I asked as I loped over, scrutinizing their scared but otherwise unharmed faces.

"Tommy found a seal skin and started playing with it and I told him not to but he did-"

"Did not! You tried to take it!" Tommy, a chubby, curly hair lad no older than six objected.

I waved for him to be silent, eyes set on the girl. "A seal pelt, you say?" I tried with all my might but a swell of hope filled my chest none the less.

"Yeah, and a seal came out of the water and almost bit Tommy!" She wailed, pushing her dark hair out of her eyes.

"And then what happened, Laney?"

The girl looked down, away from the intensity of my gaze. "It took the skin into the water. Do you... think it was one of Theirs?"

I stood from my kneeling position and scanned the sea, searching for the familiar dark, round shapes until my eyes began to sting from the chilled breeze. I blinked and shook my head. If they had been there, they were gone now. Disappointment took hope's place in my heart for a fleeting moment, then my eyes widened.

"You said it took the pelt?" I looked around eagerly, "was there only one seal?"

"At first, but then one just appeared." Laney answered, watching my face with eyes too observant for an eight year old.

Another wave of devastating disappointment hit me then, and I sat down on a one of the rocks.

"It was one of them, wasn't it?" an older boy asked.

I shrugged, "Maybe, Sam."

A dozen wide eyes stared at me and Sam said "My ma says you knew one."

All of the younger kids gasped and Laney asked, "Reeally?"

I sighed and eyed them warily. "Yes."

"What are you guys talking about?" Tommy asked, obviously clueless.

"Aww, Tommy, don't your parents tell you nothin?"

"No," Tommy mumbled. stuffing his hand into the pockets of his trousers. "Can you tell me Ms. Conley?"

"Call me Shaleigh, honey," I smiled thinly, thinking that I wasn't old enough to be called 'Ms.' or at least didn't want to be. I continued. "Most of you have heard of the Selkie Folk, right?"

Most of them nodded; Tommy looked down, embarrassed.

"Well, a selkie is a special thing. It lives it's life as a seal but can shed it's pelt and be a human."

"Tell us about your selkie, Ms. Shaleigh." Laney piped, eyes wide with curiosity. The others chimed in with pleas for me to continue.

My selkie, I thought with a hint of bitter sweetness.

"Well, I met my selkie when I was about your age," I nodded at Laney, "and he was about your age, Sam."

The memories were clear as day. As they always would be.

I was nine years old and tall for my age. My mother had recently grown tired of adding fabric to the ends of my skirt, and she found it repulsive when I tried to wear my brother Galvin's clothes, so she made me a new dress; it was a beautiful forest green.

"That dress fits you better than Galvin's shirts!" My da laughed one morning as I stuffed a fist full of biscuits into rag and tied the ends.

"Yeah, but it doesn't have pockets." I grumbled, though I really couldn't complain- I loved the dress, especially how it made my grayish eyes seem almost green.  

"Where'yah going?" my mama asked trying too hard to be nonchalant. I saw right through her scheme and made a dash for the door.

"Not so fast you!" She grabbed me into a bear hug, and proceeded to run a brush through the gnarly mess that was my hair. I squirmed and squealed but she didn't let go until she was satisfied; my hair soft and wavy down my back.

"Stop!" I pushed away from her only to be pulled back into a real hug.

"Have fun! Don't forget your coat!" she laughed, letting me go.

I stuck my tongue out at her and bolted, only to run back and kiss her on the cheek.

"Bye, Da!" I called over my shoulder and sprinted out the door, clearing the yard in seconds flat. The day was warm and sweet.

The smell of summer filled the air; late blooming flowers, fresh bread from town, and of course the cool, salty breeze from the sea.

I ran down the winding roads that lay parallel to the beach, stopping ever hundred or so feet to peek into old logs or thick patches of grass, leaving crumpled biscuits behind for the fairies that I was sure lived there.

A warm breeze ruffled my hair and with it came a soft sobbing. I turned towards the rocks. The beach had gradually changed into cliffs above the waves. I approached the ledge and peered down seeing nothing but still hearing the cries, I descended the rise. It grew noticeably colder as the rock walls blocked out the sun's warming rays.

Following the sorrow-filled sounds I rounded a particularly large rock to see a small, pale, dark haired boy curled into a pitiful ball.

"Hey! Are you okay?"

The boy jumped and turned, a fearful expression coated his face until he saw my obvious lack of strength.

"Go away." he murmured into his crossed arms. It was then that I realized he was naked.

"Eww!" I squealed, shielding my eyes, "where are your clothes?!"

"I don't have any." He muttered.

I dropped my hands, suddenly over his nudity, and made a face. "Why?"

He glared at me now and sneered, "because I don't, stupid."

I felt my face go pale, then red hot. "You're so mean!" I cried, "I came down here 'cause you were crying! I'm not stupid!" I could feel my lower lip begin to tremble and I turned away, sitting at the opposite side of the large rock.

" I wasn't- hey, are you crying?" 

I sniffled and ignored him. 

There was an explosive sigh from behind me. "I'm sorry I called you stupid." There were a few soft steps and a then a hand on my shoulder.

"Ew, you're naked." I shrugged his hand away.

Neither of us said anything for a few minutes. I stopped crying. Peeking over my shoulder I saw that he was sitting again, staring miserably into the water.

"What's your name?" I asked.

He looked up, surprised. "I thought you hate me."

Standing, I walked to him and sat, "I can't hate everyone who calls me names," I grinned at him and his dark eyes widened.  "Plus, you said sorry."

He gazed at me for a few more seconds, then looked away.

"So," I asked the water, "why are you sad?"

He frowned, brow furrowing. "I'm not suppose to tell."

"That's okay, I know what that's like," I went on, kicking at the water. "One time my da forgot my mama's birthday and he wrote a song real quick as a gift and she loved it even thought it was silly but my da made me promise not to tell-" my eyes widened, "Oh! But I just did!" I exclaimed, burying my face into the palm of my little hand.

I heard snickering from beside me and I lifted my head blinking.

"That is not a secret." He shook his head, smile fading as he continued, "not a good one at least."

"Secrets aren't good at all!" I defended, scowling.

"You know what I mean." He shivered, wrapping thin pale arms around his equally thin, pale legs.

"Well," I huffed, "You don't have to tell me your secret. I understand."

"Well," He mimicked and then snarled, "It doesn't matter if you understand, and I know I don't have to tell you because I can't! I cant..." he dropped his head.

I watched him a moment as he took a few deep breaths and wiped at yet-fallen tears. With an ungraceful shrug I took off my coat, placing it over his shoulders.

"I'm sorry I can't help." I whispered, turning to go.

"Would you?"

I turned back to look at him.

His eyes were wide, a mix of sad and hopefulness pooled inside the darks of his irises. "Would you help me if you could?"

"Of course!" I frowned, "but I can't if you don't tell me what's the matter."

Nodding he ran a hand through his mass of hair. Black, loose curls grazed his bony shoulders.

"Right. Well, if you'll help me I guess it's okay."

"Some secret." I muttered but sat by him again, eager to hear his story.

"Where do I start?" He asked.

"What's your name?" I supplied.

"I am Ronan," He sat up now, proudly and with his chin high he continued, "and yours?"

"Shaleigh," I matched his posture.

"Shaleigh," he repeated, smiling, and then continued, "I am not like you."




BAM! That's where it left off. Lame right? My present self is very upset with my past self for not writing more. I don't think I could write this well again if I tried.

I don't even remember the rest of the plot....

Anyway, sorry it's so long! I'm sure it's faster to read than it is to type, though.

Thanks for reading!

Maddy

Rattlesnake Ridge

“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy.”
― Sylvia Plath

 

Five friends, a dog, a pleasant hike and a lovely day- no complaints!

This was my fifth time hiking up to the ridge above Rattlesnake Lake, the last time I was there was more than three years ago!

I went with some friends from the trip; Harpreet, Kat, JD and Emily had never been before.

Neither had my dog, Moge!

It's safe to say everyone had fun. We had a late lunch at the nearby Riverbend Cafe, and then said our tired goodbyes and went home.  

Day well spent!

Thanks for reading!

Maddy

Reptile Expo 2013

Hello all!

I went today to the Renton Reptile Expo- vendors from all over the northwest set up their booths and put various reptiles on display for sale and show.

After speaking with several breeders and seeing the overall lack of variety compared to last year, I think 2012 was a bad one for breeders?

One man told me that he hatches around two hundred Uromastyx lizards a year, but this past season he was only able to hatch a fraction of that. And this upcoming season is apparently running a bit late....It's very interesting!

Here are some photos!

 

Probably one of the most colorful tables- The greenish-colored snakes are Green Tree Pythons (the big one MIGHT be an Emerald Tree Boa) the spotted one is a Hognose snake (mildly venomous- but not dangerous!) The green lizard is a Emerald Tree Monitor, and I think the orange snakes are albino Ratsnakes.

 

Blue Tongued Skinks and some kind of tortoise

 

• 

 Conner's New Blue Tongued Skink!

 

 

Check out those prices!

 

This guy was moving around too much for a good photo. All the venomous snakes at today's show were venomoids- or snakes with their venom glands removed.

Very controversial topic in the reptile community!

 

 

 

My tarantula was $20.... this one was $200.

 

Fattest frog I've ever seen. The lid of his tub was the size of a dinner plate.  

 

 

 

Eastern Indigo- very rare in the wild. Note the price!

 

 

Tiny, tiny, turtles.

They were the size of quarters and impossible to photograph closely.

 

Giant Gecko- a little bigger than my hand. They growl.

I WANT ONE.

 

Piebald Ball Python

 

 

 

I'll post a few pics of my snakes next time!

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Dog Yoga

 ...is much easier than people yoga.

 

Mowgli, my Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix.

 

I've been doing yoga outside the past few days for the obvious reason- it's beautiful out! I have to stay in the shade because of my burn (which is doing very well; I don't wrap it anymore). I've decided that this summer I will try and stay out of the sun as much as possible, wear tons of sunscreen and attempt to remain pale as a baby's ass.

 

But that's never been much of a challenge.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Caution: Graphic/Burns

Hello all!

This morning while I was making tea and assembling my breakfast I had a bit of an accident! I picked the kettle off the stove, spun around just a little too fast and it slipped from my hand- falling to the floor and splashing scalding water all over my right leg.

I screamed of course, and after the immediate pain subsided I took off my leggings and stood in the middle of the kitchen in my underwear and contemplated, stupidly, whether or not I should clean the water off the floor first or go tend to the burn, which didn't look that bad then.

I chose the burn- going to the bathroom and sitting on the edge of the tub I splashed cold water on what was turning out to be a burn much worse than I'd initially thought!

I've never been seriously injured- all I knew about this was that it would require more than a Band-Aid.

So what do you do when when you have no idea what you're doing? Well, you call your mother!

We talked on the phone for a bit (me still in the tub) and she decided it would probably best if she took me to the ER.

After the ER

I have first and second degree burns and was prescribed some pain medication that I have yet to take, since the pain isn't bad. Actually, it doesn't hurt at all! But I did take two large Ibuprofen and two Tylenol before that.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the actual burns as they progressed- warning, they're pretty gross (that didn't stop me from texting them to a bunch of people!)

Despite everything, my day was actually quite lovely and relaxed. I took it easy and watched a few movies, including 500 Days of Summer and You've Got Mail.

I'm not overly fond of romantic movies, though I love both of these.

But who doesn't love Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan? Especially together!

Thank you for reading!

And Life Goes On!

Hello!

I haven't posted anything lately because, quite frankly, my life isn't that exciting right now.

It's been pretty low key in Maddy Land- I've been working on school most of the time. Hanging out with friends, walking my dog. No exciting adventures, though.

This week was spring break for the Seattle school district, which means my step-mom, brother and sister have been home. Which is nice- most of the time I'm alone for a big part of the day. Which I don't mind, it just results in lots of thinking, and a lot of random dancing. I've been doing that a lot lately; It's pretty embarrassing.

I went to Pike Place with my Mimi last week; we went shopping and had lunch. It was nice to spend some one-on-one time with her, as well as see
all the beautiful flowers the market has to offer this time of year.
Of course, I forgot my camera- so no pictures of the actual day. But I do have a photo of the gift my Mimi got me as a thank you for taking her out on the town.

She bought me this hand painted butter-lady.

I have to say, it was weird being thanked for doing something you enjoyed very much and wanted to do in the first place- so you're welcome Mimi, and thank you for accompanying me!

I'll post as soon as something exciting happens! I swear!

Thanks for reading!

Oh, Britha...

  I was looking back at some of the pictures I took in Australia and found these.

Oh, Britha...

 

She comes home from New Zealand April 8th. So Excited!

I hope these made you smile like they make me smile!

Thanks for reading!

It's Never Lonely In The City

Sometimes the amazing things in life come to you!

I found this guy on our porch today- he was scaring all the little birds from the feeder.

 

Thanks for reading!

Portland (In A Day & A Half)

Hello all! 

I mentioned in a previous post that my friend J-bunny knew the drummer from a band called Atlas Genius, and that she could get us into a show for free. 

Well- that happened! 

 On Friday I hopped on a train bound for Portland, Oregon, and arrived in time to have a late lunch with Jen. 

Afterwards we drove to our hotel, which was splendidly hipster, unpacked our stuff, took some stupid pictures and headed back out- I had a city to see and J-bunny was going to show me! 

Union Station 

Ace Hotel

Hipster hotel=hipster elevator

Intrigue

I found the shower quite comfortable

Bath robes

We re-parked the car (city parking- am I right?) and after a little window shopping decided to go into Jen's favorite chocolate shop, Cacao. Here they had a large variety of gourmet chocolate bars, beautiful decorated truffles and candies as well as "drink chocolate". 

Espresso shots? No... shots of melted chocolate, milk and cream? 

Duh. 

We explored for a little while after that and ate some amazing Sea-food at a restaurant down the street from us called Jake's. After getting ready at our hotel we left for the concert around 7 and walked to the Roseland Theatre, which was just a few blocks away. We got in because Jen's name was on the list (her and one other person!). Unfortunately the seats that were reserved for us were in the 21 and over section, so I couldn't go. Instead we stood with the other under age people, who all looked about 14, and rocked out anyway.

Three bands played that night: Nico Vega (a band I had never heard of previously-they were good!), Atlas Genius, and Imagine Dragons.

Jen and I both swooned when Mike and Keith came on stage and enjoyed their set thoroughly. A reminder- Mike is the guy J-bunny is friends with. Keith is his brother.

Unfortunately the band was recovering form the flu as well as getting ready for their flight to San Fransisco (that night!) so we didn't get the chance to talk to them.

I met their mom though, so that was interesting.

The last band, obviously, was Imagine Dragons. Their set was amazing- easily the best. I love their music and to hear it live just added to my appreciation.  

Have you ever listen to a band sing live and suddenly understand what their lyrics mean? I felt that way when, at the end of the show, they played It's Time.

Radioactive, Demons, On top of the world, Tiptoe and of course It's Time are my favorites; Radioactive was definitely the best song of the night, though. The last two pictures are of them playing Radioactive (photo credit Jen!).

The next morning Jen and I went out to breakfast at Zeus Cafe, which is right under the Crystal Hotel, down the street from where we were staying. This is a picture of the stain glass windows there.

We were really sleepy after that, so we decided to drive around and look for a nice, cozy place to sit and relax. We ended up at The Dragonfly- a little cafe full of plush chairs and bright colors. It was busy, but comfortable.

We then drove around looking for a cafe I ate at the last time I was in Portland this past summer- nothing like an adventure after breakfast! We found it (I forgot what it's called!) but didn't go in.

This is at the Irving Street Kitchen. Probably my favorite atmosphere-wise. It was technically closed when we got there since they were preparing for dinner, but they gave us what we came for anyway- Butterscotch pudding!

One layer butterscotch pudding, one layer chocolate pudding and topped with a drizzly caramel. Yum!

All gone!

After Irving Street we headed to Jen's work since she started her shift at 4:30. I waited there for a while and had some awesome Pho, and then left for the train station.

The train ride home was a bit noisy, but peaceful none the less.

I love Portland!

Cool light fixture at Irving Street

Thanks for reading!