Today on my Sunday Book Review I’m reviewing a beautiful, short story, A Ride Down the Milky Way by Sherri-Lee Vitalla. In this book, the characters are the moon and the sun. Sherri-Lee also has a heartwarming Facebook page called – The Rise of my Fall, where she posts moving messages and many excerpts from her two books about observations from the moon and the sun as they observe ‘the girl’ and ‘him’ as they touch on some of the painful things we endure in life, and encourage ‘the girl’ and ‘him’ with positive affirmations as ‘the girl’ struggles and triumphs over some of life’s challenging moments.
In Sherri-Lee Viitala’s second book, get ready to follow along with Moon and Star as they watch over the girl on her journey through life and love, heartache and happiness.
My 5 Star Review:
This is a sweet and endearing short book about the moon and star observing and conversing with inspiring messages in short dialogues as they observe ‘the girl’ below on earth as the girl navigates through moments of hope, despair, memories and more about ‘him’.
These one page stories filled with emotion and beautiful illustrations will touch your heart and will also serve well as a bedside guide you can pick up and open a page for a daily inspiration through a beautiful message. Yes, the stories are about the girl being watched from above. But I guarantee, there’s something in here that will touch everyone.
Here’s one that resonates with me, as I grieve the loss of my beautiful husband:
“Moon?” Star called.
“Mmmmm hmmmm, said moon.
“I think she knows,” Star said.
“What’s that?” Said moon.
“That he’s looking for her. I think she knows,” Star said.
“How do you know?” Asked moon.
“She’s smiling,” said Star.
Moon and Star watched from the heavens above, shining just a little brighter.
Blurb:In Sherri-Lee Viitala’s second book, get ready to follow along with Moon and Star as they watch over the girl on her journey through life and love, heartache and happiness.
My 5 Star Review:This is a sweet and endearing short book about the moon and star observing and conversing with inspiring messages in short dialogues as they observe ‘the girl’ below on earth as the girl navigates through moments of hope, despair, memories and more about ‘him’.
Next in my spiritual awareness series at Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is – Cutting Emotional Cords that bind us with the help of archangels.
Cutting Emotional Cords with Archangels by D.G. Kaye
Explore the spiritual side of our natures as D.G. Kaye shares her experiences and research into this element of our lives.
Welcome back to my Spiritual Awareness series. While we’re still on the topic about angels, today I’d like to share with you a method of how to remove internal negative energies, or energetic form of attachment, with the help of two of our highest Archangels, Michael and Raphael. We are all connected to higher source through vibrational energy, and we refer to ‘connected’ by way of etheric or psychic energy cords. But what are these invisible cords? And how can we eliminate them to help release a negative energy connection we prefer not to keep within us?
We can learn to practice the art of cutting these invisible cords. And to help with the releasing of these cords that sometimes drain us and sap our energy unknowingly, we look to Archangels Michael and Raphael. Michael is the highest in the order of all seven Archangels. He is recognized in Christianity, Judaism and in Islam. Raphael is regarded as the angel who possesses God’s healing powers.
The energy cords we’re most linked with are people in our close circles, and almost always, family. These same cords also connect us to profound events in our lives that remain in the back of our sub-conscience – some good, some bad. And it’s those unhealthy attachments we want to eliminate.
All the negativity we carry because of unhealthy cords that bind us should be cleared from within every once in awhile, just as we cleanse ourselves and our homes. If you find yourself continuously carrying bad feelings, harboring negative energies, reliving unpleasant events of unfavorable conditions, or taking in energies from someone close to you, allowing them to take up too much residence in your head leaving you feeling unsettled within, it’s probably time to begin cutting. .
Did you know that writing can be so very therapeutic? It’s not a myth. Take it from me who began writing at seven years old. Growing up in a dysfunctional family life with a heart filled with compassion and worry, I took to writing poems, notes, and journaling. I didn’t always show them to anyone, but I took my pain out of my head and put it on paper. It was a release.
Growing up with a narcissistic mother who mashed my father over and over until he finally died of a broken heart (underlying health issues exacerbated by his grief), my young empathic heart could feel his pain. He came to me since I was seven and poured his heart out to this broken little girl who was powerless to help him, but I was all he had to pour his heart out too. That was a huge responsibility for a little girl – a daughter to witness her father’s ongoing grief and not be able to do anything about it except summon up the bravery to approach my mother to beg her to take my father back, yet again. I received no compassion from my mother in doing so, only a slap across my face as she reminded me to mind my own business. It was my business! But my voice and hands were tied. This is about the time I learned to write out my feelings. I needed to be heard and release, if only to the universe.
Know that whatever you write is to release and doesn’t always have to be given to the person our words are directed at. It’s to get those jumbled thoughts and worries out of our heads and on to paper. Perhaps there will come a day you may want to give it to the person the words are directed to, maybe you might just burn it and vanish the thoughts away into the universe. Or just maybe, like me, you’ll journal enough through your life and end up writing books about all the things you once could never say out loud. Either way, it’s cathartic. My small beginnings of writing on scraps of paper, eventually, made me a memoir writer. Whodathunk?
Speaking about grief, my latest podcast is live now. In this third episode, I’m talking about how when we lose a spouse, our identities change – along with everything else. I hope you will visit me on Youtube.
Welcome to my Sunday Book Review. Today I’m reviewing Shana Abe’s hot seller – The Second Mrs. Astor: A Heartbreaking Historical Novel of the Titanic. This is the story of the upper class families of New York in the early 1900s when the Astor family were the creme de la creme of the elite and privileged. A true love story emerges between Jack and his much younger love, Madeleine Force who also comes from a wealthy family, but not quite as elite as Colonel Jack Astor’s.
Blurb:
Blurb:
Blurb:
“Abé is an exquisite storyteller. Rich in detail and deeply moving.” —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace
“One of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. A gorgeous, phenomenal novel I won’t soon forget.” —Ellen Marie Wiseman New York Times bestselling Author of The Orphan Collector
Perfect for fans of Jennifer Chiaverini and Marie Benedict, this riveting novel takes you inside the scandalous courtship and catastrophic honeymoon aboard the Titanic of the most famous couple of their time—John Jacob Astor and Madeleine Force. Told in rich detail, this novel of sweeping historical fiction will stay with readers long after turning the last page.
Madeleine Talmage Force is just seventeen when she attracts the attention of John Jacob “Jack” Astor. Madeleine is beautiful, intelligent, and solidly upper-class, but the Astors are in a league apart. Jack’s mother was the Mrs. Astor, American royalty and New York’s most formidable socialite. Jack is dashing and industrious—a hero of the Spanish-American war, an inventor, and a canny businessman. Despite their twenty-nine-year age difference, and the scandal of Jack’s recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love—and becomes the press’s favorite target.
On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace from photographers and journalists. Madeleine feels truly alive for the first time—and is happily pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard an opulent new ocean liner. When the ship hits an iceberg close to midnight on April 14th, there is no immediate panic. The swift, state-of-the-art RMS Titanic seems unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, he assures her that he’ll see her soon in New York…
Four months later, at the Astors’ Fifth Avenue mansion, a widowed Madeleine gives birth to their son. In the wake of the disaster, the press has elevated her to the status of virtuous, tragic heroine. But Madeleine’s most important decision still lies ahead: whether to accept the role assigned to her, or carve out her own remarkable path…
“A touching, compelling, and haunting love story that will delight fans of historical fiction and enthrall those of us for whom the Titanic will always fascinate.” —Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of When We Were Young and Brave
“An engaging novel told with both heartbreaking care and vivid detail. The Second Mrs. Astor is historical fiction at its gripping and irresistible best.” —Patti Callahan , New York Times bestselling author of Surviving Savannah and Becoming Mrs. Lewis
x
My 5 Star Review:
This book was most beautifully written with great details of characters and settings, taking us right into the times of the early 1900s – the ‘gilded age’, in this fictionalized telling about the true love story between two wealthy socialiates – Colonel John (Jack) Astor, and Madeleine Force. The elite travel in similar circles, which gave young Madeleine the opportunity to meet divorced Colonel Jack Astor – twenty-nine years her senior. The age difference didn’t seem to be a problem back then, as long as there was money mixing with money.
Jack and Madeleine were equally drawn to each other, and theirs became a beautiful and tragic love story. Once Madeleine turned eighteen they could and finally did marry, and with that brought the media press always hounding them. Jack decided to take his bride abroad to visit Europe and Egypt to escape the cold New York winter – and the press, where they shared a most beautiful long vacation, with rich, picturesque descriptions. On their journey back to America they sailed back from Europe on the brand new Titanic on its maiden voyage, and by this time, Madeleine was already with child.
The author does an amazing job of recreating the incident of the Titanic hitting the iceberg.The story will take us right into the lives of these elite families, making us feel we are right there observing the action. Abe did a wonderful job recreating scenes, and as one could imagine, there was a wealth of research done on this period, in fact, the author cites where she did a lot of the research, at the back of her book.
The love shared between Jack and Madeleine both, a pleasure and a heartbreak to read. Jack was a handsome, divorced, rich man who could have had anyone he wanted, but all his love was only for Madeleine. It’s their beautiful love story that keeps us engaged in the story, but later in the book when they embark back for their journey home, our hearts will sink along with the Titanic as we learn what was happening with the ship, what was happening with the passengers, and most of all, what would happen to Jack and Maddie? Would they make it to safety? No spoilers here, but we all know what happened to the Titanic.
After returning home and giving birth to her son Jack Junior – Jakey, young widow Madeleine must decide where her life will take her now. Does she keep her Astor status, will Jack’s eldest son from his previous marriage finally find common ground with Madeleine? You will have to read this beautiful and heartbreaking book to find out.
Today I’m sharing my second post in my angel series over at Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Blog Magazine where I write for #Spiritual #Awareness. Are you familiar with Earth Angels and Lightworkers?
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Spiritual Awareness – Angel Messages Part Two – Earth Angels and Lightworkers by D.G. Kaye
Explore the spiritual side of our natures as D.G. Kaye shares her experiences and research into this element of our lives.
Welcome back to my angel series in my Spiritual Awareness series here at Sally’s Smorgasbord. Today I’m going to distinguish the difference between heavenly and earth angels.
We are all spiritual beings of light, but not everyone is deemed a Lightworker or an Earth Angel.
Earth angels are born into the physical world to become beacons for humanity and the earth to help spread light, love, and peace. Earth angels are known as evolved spiritual beings and highly evolved souls who’ve spent time in higher spiritual dimensions of love and light. They vibrate with light and were summoned to earth to serve as lightworkers on earth. This does not mean that they are or were spiritual angels from another realm, only that they are highly evolved souls from past life experiences, born on earth to learn and share new life lessons to help others.
Angel studies tell us lightworkers originate from the 7th and 9th dimensions of angelics, incarnated into physical form with an appointed mission to awaken others with life lessons and by events to help share divine truth. Being an earth angel means to be called through the soul to help others by spreading messages of compassion and kindness to help make a difference on earth. You can also note that just because someone is an earth angel, doesn’t necessarily mean they are without faults of their own or that they grow actual angel wings, they are human. Earth angels still experience the same ups and downs in life as every other human.
Earth angels are helpers in the living world with a past history of helping and healing in a previous life, and their gifts of angelic energy are used to raise vibrations of humanity. Many earth angels who are aware of their gifts were chosen to spread goodness during this sweeping period of change and growth, and to help deflect negativity by sharing alternatives to hopelessness and indifference. Earth angels are here in this transitional time to assist the world of merging eras, and to help bring mother earth and humanity into a higher vibrational place of love and peace through loving energy.
If you can answer ‘yes’ to most of these questions below, you may well be an earth angel:
You are always willing to help others with ideas, solutions, and support
You are one who seeks to better situations
You often aren’t comfortable with asking for help for yourself
Your senses are always tuned into high vibrational energy
You have the ability to lift other people’s spirits
You always look for the good, even when it’s difficult to envision
You are gifted in the arts, writing or healing
You feel other people’s pain and are empathetic to those who suffer
You often attract needy people
You abhor confrontation
You sometimes struggle to remain grounded (angels don’t stand on their feet, they float)
You aren’t selfishly competitive and always wish others well in their endeavors
You are sensitive to energies
You often feel alienated from those who don’t understand you
You may feel overwhelmed in crowds because of too much energy emitted
You grew up feeling you could never relate to your immediate family, or that you were sent to an emotionally distant and dysfunctional family to teach them life lessons
People you’ve met briefly feel an openness to confide in you
I was thrilled to be invited over to Christy Birmingham- Reyes’s blog recently. Christy runs an empowering blog for women – When Women Inspire. When she asked me to be her guest and talk about why I wanted to start a podcast on grief, I jumped at the chance and was honored to be invited.
D.G. Kaye is well-known as a nonfiction writer and memoir author, with several books to her name, including Meno-What? and Words We Carry. Now, she is taking on a new project. D.G. Kaye launches the podcast Grief – The Real Talk. I reached out to this talented woman to talk about the podcast, which has aired two episodes already. Below is our interview. Read on to discover why she created it, what she hopes listeners will gain, and more.
x
Can you please tell us why you started a podcast on this particular topic?
Thanks for asking Christy. After losing the love of my life, my husband, last year, my grief has been overwhelming – many days, I didn’t even care to go on.
I not only lost my husband, my best friend and soulmate, but it was during COVID lockdowns, which added to my trauma with all the seclusion at a very bad time for a griever to be on her own. With no live grief groups open to join, other than online groups, which were not doing it for me, and after reading a plethora of books on grief and everything related to the afterlife, I couldn’t find a place where I felt I belonged.
I’d also read many clinical books as well as self-help and memoirs from people going through the same journey sharing their grief stories. It was the stories told from the heart which I found some solace in.
I realized that there wasn’t enough ‘real talk’ going on with people who live this journey, and I felt that being around same people left me feeling with a sort of kinship – people who could understand and relate to what we grievers actually go through – a look behind the lens so to speak.
So as a memoir writer myself, I felt there was a vacant space for this topic, and so I wanted to open up a new space where I could speak raw and real and share my observations and incidents that I’ve endured and endure in my own new life of living as one from two, and that perhaps there are others who may feel they can feel this kinship and have a place to share their own thoughts and feelings.
I am so sorry for your loss. What is your hope that listeners will gain from this podcast?
I hope my listeners will feel a sense of comfort as I did from reading and hearing stories from others by my sharing my own observations and experiences in my grief journey and what feels like everything becoming new to us when we lose a loved one that we were closely connected to. Everything changes.
Our identities change, our life plans, our habits, even the people that were once in our lives seem to change. I feel there’s a need for a place for us grievers to commune.
Who is Grief – The Real Talk the right podcast for?
My podcast is for people who travel the journey of grief, seeking some solace to be around like-minded people who know the journey, as well as for anyone who knows a griever and would like some insights as to what we go through on a daily basis when we lose someone close to us. I’m speaking as one of those grievers, not someone with a PHD giving clinical explanations about all the lonely things we can expect to go through, from the voice of one who is going through it and knows the pain.
It’s for anyone who has loved and lost someone and desires a place of listening to someone who knows the struggle. It’s a place where I talk about things that bring us down, things we find hard to accept, and those times when we feel we can’t go on, but also, I talk about why we must go on and share some of the things that I’m doing to try to help move forward – especially when we sometimes have no desire to. . . please hop over to Christy’s blog to say hi and continue reading.
Welcome to My Sunday Book Review. Today I’m sharing my review for Staci Troilo’s, book 2 in her fun Keystone Couples stories – Pour It On. This book is a fun romp that mostly takes place in a restaurant with a lot of mishaps going on – which of course, makes it fun. And of course, there’s wine involved. Lots of wine.
x
Blurb:
Bold, complex, vibrant. The wine is, too.
Despite Romy Chandler hosting a romantic meet-and-greet at her restaurant, she’s all business. When her sommelier quits without any notice—to work for the competition, no less—she goes into mega-mogul-mode. The last thing on her mind is finding a man. She’s looking for someone who knows his way around a Bordeaux, not the boudoir.
Rick Santucci grew up in his family’s vineyard. After years of hard work, he’s turned his grandfather’s humble produce farm into a profitable winery. Once he gets their bottles into the right establishments, he’ll be able to acquire more land and move into the next phase of the company’s expansion. His mother thinks the next stage should be a wife and children, but his sights are set on different fertile grounds.
When Rick and Romy meet, they both forget all about their ambitions. The evening becomes less about revenue than romance, and they get distracted by the music and wine. She thinks he’s the man she needs, both in the restaurant and out. He finds her to be the perfect partner on the dance floor and believes she’ll be the perfect business partner, too. But a series of mix-ups could put an end to everything they’ve started—personally and professionally.
x
My 5 Star Review:
This is the second book in Troilo’s Keystone Couples novella stories, and a fun read you can devour in less than two hours. It’s the perfect title for this book – Pour it On, as the author uses many plays on words in this story. Pour it on thick, pour the wine, pour the confusion, these elements are all part of this fun romp with restauranteur and not so great in the sommelier department, Romy Chandler.
As Romy is gearing up to host a wine-tasting, meet and greet night, her troubles begin when her smug sommelier quits on her. In a mad dash to find a replacement, she calls her head hunter friend Jess, begging her to please find her a sommelier, pronto. Jess sends her three to choose from, all coming with warnings, all with their own attitude problems. But Romy can’t afford to be fussy. Or can she?
Enter Rick Santucci, in a comedy of errors, there’s a bit of a mixup between the vintner dropping by at the right time, but for reasons other than what he was thinking, in hopes of selling his wares to Romy’s restaurant. Introductions don’t go quite as planned and in the midst of the craziness going on at the event, messages are muddled as the night goes on. But despite the chaos and Romy’s misconception about Rick, sparks begin to fly.
This was an engaging read and I am now looking forward to the next in this series because the author has brought in some interesting secondary characters who will be continuing on this fun story in the next book, Between the Vines.
Today I’m featuring Jaye Marie here to promote her new release, Ghost of a Chance. This is book 4 in her DI Snow series.
About Jaye:
Jaye Marie came to writing rather late but has always loved books.
She enjoys reading many different genres, so was surprised to discover a passion for writing detective thrillers. Four of them to date, with more to follow.
She also enjoys running a website/blog, https://jenanita01.com and loves meeting all the wonderful people who drop in to say hello!
Blurb:
A damaged detective, out of a job A relationship on the rocks What does the future hold for David Snow? Just when he thought life couldn’t get any worse A ghost with a grudge adds to his pain A ghost hell bent on stopping him from rebuilding his life…
Recent review
Mae Clair 4.0 out of 5 stars Dark crime fiction with a splash of the supernatural Reviewed in the United States on 5 October 2022 Verified Purchase
Although this book is a continuation in a series, the author did a good job of establishing characters and their past relationships. As a reader I felt on firm footing. The story is told from alternating POVs, all in third person, with the exception of the MC, David Snow, a former DI, who has suffered a debilitating injury that has changed his career path. We get his POV in first person. While the story itself is gritty, the writing is polished, and the pacing strong. The writer has a deft hand with dark investigative crime. A splash of the supernatural adds an intriguing element to this hard-hitting tale that explores the bleaker side of human nature and relationships.
x
The Interview that Inspired me to write Ghost of a Chance
One of my characters had been in my head a lot lately, constantly nagging me about something. He has featured in three of my books, and I think anyone who has read my work will remember DI Snow. The detective who helped Kate Devereau in Nine Lives, saved her life in Out of Time, and failed miserably to forget her in Crossfire.
I wondered what was on his mind.
I invited him to my office to find out.
‘You have exactly five minutes to say what is on your mind, David, as I am trying to work.’
He looked wonderful, but then he has always been one of my favourite people. Looking just like Tom Selleck from the Jesse Stone tv series, he sprawled in my writing chair, slowly rocking it backwards and forwards, his eyes never leaving my face.
‘I want to know when you will be writing another story for me?’ The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, along with one eyebrow. ‘I have missed seeing you every day, Jaye.’
My insides were melting fast, and right then I would have agreed to anything.
‘There is the small matter of a decent plot…’
He shrugged, as if that was of no consequence.
‘Do you have any idea how hard it is to create a plausible detective story?’
He stood up, towering over me as I sat on the uncomfortable visitor’s chair. ‘You have managed it very well up to now, Jaye. Anyway, I do have an idea, or rather a desire. My marriage is over, mainly because I cannot forget Kate. I want to find her again. You do know where she is?’
I was speechless, which was just as well, for I was desperately trying to imagine what Kate might be doing now. The last time I saw her, she was going to find somewhere to paint herself better. Supposing I couldn’t find her?
As if he could read my mind, David Snow sat back down in my chair.
‘I know how busy you are, Jaye. You probably have several projects on the go, but I’m hoping writing a new story could be one of them. I’m not leaving until we have an agreement.’
x
Let’s Get to Know a Bit More about Jaye:
What hobbies do you enjoy when not writing?
This is an awkward question, but I chose it for a reason. I have always been a busy person, always up to something. Arts and crafts, dressmaking, gardening, and home decorating. My favourite hobby are my bonsai trees. Unfortunately, due to the increasing pressure of writing, sometimes my hobbies have to take a back seat. Not having all the time in the world, at least not enough for everything I love or need to do, I try to make time now and then. Especially for my bonsai. They have priority because they are living trees and most of them have been with me for years…
D.G. – That is beautiful 🙂
How has writing changed your life?
When I was a child, I read everything I could get my hands on. When my appendix had to be to removed, aged eleven, I read my way through all the books on the shelf in the hospital. Books have always been my friend, I used to dream about being a famous author. Of course, life not only got in the way, but it also put a stop to the day dreaming too. I was in my sixties when I started writing, and I can honestly say that my life has never been better. I feel content now and more confident in myself. Something I never felt before. I took a long time getting here, but so glad I made it…
D.G. – I think books have been a saving grace for many of us writers. 🙂
What prompted you to write in your chosen genre?
In many ways, I am still not sure why I chose mystery detective fiction, as it wasn’t my first choice. In the beginning, I tried writing children’s books, then poetry and contemporary fiction. (in other words, any old rubbish that happened to be in my head at the time). I think I liked the idea of writing, but it would be a while before I found what really motivates me. This might be because I am hooked on those popular TV series. And medical dramas. I am surprised I haven’t tried writing one of those yet.
My favourite detective, DI David Snow has been with me for four of my books. Based on my love of Tom Selleck, he is getting old now, so I might have to find someone else eventually…
D.G. – I always find it interesting to learn what motivates a writer to write in a certain genre.
How do you promote your work. Do you find marketing and social media overwhelming?
Not sure why I chose this question, for marketing is a bit of a nemesis for me. I do promote my work on our website and social media regularly. My books are on multiple book outlets too, but I haven’t ventured into advertising yet. I have it on good authority that some kind of paid advertising is the way forward, but I have always been reluctant to spend any money, basically because I don’t have much of the stuff to spare! I am old and retired, and definitely related to those poor church mice! I have been saving up, so I will possibly be taking the plunge quite soon, if the fates allow…
D.G. – You are certainly not alone when it comes to the promotion dilemmas. This is why it’s great to be part of a great writing community. 🙂
What’s your favourite mode of writing – computer, hand written, dictation, and why?
I have been writing for nearly ten years and must have tried every method there is, to get my words in some sort of order. In the beginning, of course, I scribbled in a lot of notebooks, transcribing everything to an ancient typewriter. You wouldn’t believe how much correction fluid I used in the process. Learning how to use the word processor on my first computer slowed me down, but I soon got the hang of it. It was so much quicker and far easier to use, and I started to feel like a real writer. I was still writing in my notebooks first. My brain has never liked working straight to the screen. Eventually, I realised I needed a better way. Since mastering dictation, my writing has speeded up considerably, leaving a lot more time for my imagination to run riot…
D.G. – I’m with you all the way on pen and paper. I just don’t feel creative in front of the screen.
x
Excerpt from Ghost Chance
A faint whisper of flowers greeted me when I opened the front door, but I thought nothing of it at the time. Jane’s perfume still lingered, even after her departure.
My mind was busy, wanting to check out some estate agents. I decided to make coffee before switching on my iPad. I filled the kettle and noticed somebody had moved the rubbish bin. I lifted the lid and found it empty but didn’t recall doing it. I probably had, but my brain was nothing like reliable these days.
Back in the living room, I was about to sit down when I thought I heard a noise upstairs. It sounded like someone closing the wardrobe door.
My detective alarm system had been dormant for so long, and for a moment, I didn’t know what to do. Was there someone upstairs, or did I imagine it? Perhaps it was coming from next door?
Then a floorboard creaked. It was the one by the bedroom door, and I knew I had a visitor.
I made my way to the bottom of the stairs and listened. The silence was deafening, made more so by my straining to hear something. I heard nothing to suggest there was anyone up there. I made my way up the stairs, pausing on the landing. Which room should I check first?
Seconds before I made that decision, the spare room door opened. My breathing slowed as I waited to see what would happen next. It did occur to me that I should have just stormed in, the element of surprise. But it turned out to be me who was surprised.
The look on my wife’s face was a picture when she walked through the door and found me standing with my mouth hanging open.
‘What are you doing here, David?’
Not a terrific way to start, I thought, annoyance raising its head at the sheer affrontery. ‘I do still live here, you know. More to the point, what are you doing here?’
We stood on the landing, several feet apart. Neither of us was happy to see the remains of our once beautiful relationship.
‘None of your business…’ she said, passing me on the way to the stairs.
I watched as she tried her best to stomp down the stairs with attitude, but the large suitcase she dragged behind her spoiled the effect.
I wanted to say so much, so what do you think came out of my mouth?
Mr Nasty, that’s who.
‘Before you go, Jane, leave your keys on the hall table; I am selling this place.’
She looked up at me, an unreadable expression on her face. ‘You enjoyed that, didn’t you?’ I had already regretted it, so I decided to be honest. It wouldn’t hurt, especially now.
‘No, actually, I didn’t.’
‘Then why say it? Or were you trying to hurt me?’
So, it had hurt. I had given up trying to reason with Ms Hard as Nails, convinced she couldn’t care less about anything, especially me.
‘In a way, I suppose I was trying to hurt you. A vain attempt to make you feel as bad as I do.’
Neither of us spoke. We stared at each other with a mixture of frustration and desperation (mine).
‘Get down here, David and put the kettle on. We need to talk…’
DGKayewriter.com 