I actually wrote this on the tenth. So far I’ve only had one person’s opinion but I’d love to hear yours! Its a little long, but I think its worth the effort. 
So here’s my writing for the night 1,030 words – two hours work. It needs some work – I need to actually describe Karen, but here’s what I have so far:
At the right time and in the right place love can happen. With the right people and the right atmosphere love can grow. This is a story of love and of life.
When it snows, ice crystals dance on the wind. The warmth of a fire and a cup of double hot chocolate with marshmallows, the smell of a fire burning in the fire place, and of course the snow falling outside all make for a cozy night. She was going to be snowed in. She knew it and didn’t care. Four wheel drive made no difference in the mountains. Karen Walker smiled as she remembered the reaction of her sister when Miranda had first seen the purple Saturn Vue. The color was called silver plum, but it was all purple. The shock and dismay on Miranda’s face was worth the extra money she put down to get the classic color. The popular young pilot didn’t agree with a lot of her sister’s choices. The two girls definitely had a sister connection, but it was not a close one. Miranda always had this air of superiority about her. It rubbed Karen the wrong way. There was a loud crack and Karen jumped, sloshing the sugary drink. Shaking her head she set the mug down and grabbed another log. The fire needed her attention, not her snobby sister.
As she poked and prodded the fire, her cell phone rang. She chuckled, hearing Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” playing as the ringer. Karen really loved that song. Not that she ever had a cheating boyfriend – she just liked the mood the song set. She reached across the wooden arm of the sofa to grab it off the end table. Checking the number, she answered it.
“Well, hello handsome. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Paul Everett laughed at the irreverent greeting. “Nothing, gorgeous. Just checking on you. You know I don’t like having you out there in this type of weather.”
Leaning back against the Penn State blanket she said, “Don’t worry so much Paul – I’m not out there. I’m in here, with the fire blazing.” The fire popped again and Karen smiled. She really did love to have a fire.
“You’re such a fire bug! I’m glad to hear I don’t have to come dig you out again.” She frowned, hating the reminder. “You know as well as I do that the storm came up too quickly for me to get back from my Mom’s place.”
He laughed, imagining the frown furrow her brow. He loved to watch her face change. He sat back in the leather seat of his Lincoln Navigator. He wasn’t kidding when he said he didn’t like having her out in a storm. The Appalachians could be treacherous in November. Karen was his best friend, and he hated the thought of her alone and stranded. The little shovel she packed in the back of her SUV wouldn’t be of much help in this ice and snow mix. He sighed. She could be so independent!
“Is your big brother protectiveness satisfied now? Can I go back to my fire and my hot chocolate? “
“Is your furnace working alright now?” Now Paul frowned. He knew it had broken down only the week before. “Are you warm enough?”
“Yes I am and I have plenty of blankets around here to keep me warm if I do have problems. I’ve got my purple chenille blanket up on my bed and my Penn State blanket here on the couch. I also have the Pirates blanket, the All Star blanket, my down comforter, and my heated mattress pad. I’ll be fine.” She shifted in her seat as the conversation went on. She really wanted to get back to the fire, and maybe a book. “Are we still on for tomorrow?”
“As long as you can get out of the garage. You know it doesn’t snow as much down here. The roads look fine and the exhibit is closing this weekend. I know you love Lis’ work. Darn it!”
Karen sat up alarmed. “What? What’s wrong?”
“I spilled my coffee. Just what I need – a java smelling SUV.” Grabbing some napkins, he blotted the liquid on the passenger seat. “At least its leather and won’t soak in. We can’t have you smelling like coffee now, can we?”
“Ew. Maybe I should drive. If only I knew where the gallery was at! Oh well, as you said its leather and won’t soak in.” She laughed, twirling her hair around her finger. “Good night.” She closed the phone and closed her eyes. It was late. Karen grabbed the mug and moved towards the kitchenette.
She loved her cottage. The arches on the doorways were charming and the stone covered fire place was her favorite. Sure, it was small. There was room for her furniture, but not much more. She didn’t care. As she put out the fire, Lhasa, her tri-colored cat jumped off the chair and went to the kitchen. “I know, I know. You want your dinner.” She grabbed the container of cat food and emptied it into the bowl. After refilling the cat’s water, she shut off the light and headed for bed. She was lucky. Most cottages this size didn’t have a private bedroom, but Karen’s did. She loved her bed. Two layers of feather beds on top of a good mattress and 600 thread count sheets were one of her big splurges. It also reminded her of her mother, who had bought it years earlier. She checked her alarms to be sure that they were off, and then got in bed. She got in bed and prayed. Karen rolled right, just like her mom, and went to sleep. Another good day gone. Another good day coming. Or so she hoped.
Chapter 2
The glaring of the sun on the snow woke her up. Once again she had forgotten to close the room darkening blinds. She loved to watch the snow, but not at the early morning hours. She stumbled out of bed over to the blinds and lowered them. Shivering, she jumped back into her warm bed and went back to sleep.
Let me know what you think!
Must work on dining room and solve the weekly dilemma – whether or not to go to Seeds. Probably won’t happen. Damn Terry.
