Friday, November 23, 2012

Mack

 
Squall, 1986, by Andrew Wyeth
 
     Mack looked forward to heavy weather. Whipping wind, lashing rain--the elements were his element. It was no good hanging around inside all day.  He had to admit he was getting a little old, a little stiff.  But he revived at the touch of salt spray whenever he went out with Jem on the troller. 
     He'd seen those city slickers, trying their luck at sport fishing.  Sure, they looked bold and smart as they pulled away from shore.  Out at sea, though, their thin skin showed.  In a real squall they absolutely went to pieces.  Mack was stalwart, impervious.
     Mack would do anything for Jem, of course.  They'd been working together for years now.  No words were necessary as they sailed, set the lines, hauled in the catch.  Mack moved with Jem, always supporting, protecting him.  They were a perfect fit, like good partners should be. 
     There was one thing Mack did not understand.  He had been with Jem through thick and thin.  He was no fair weather friend.  He'd endured the worst storms that the sea could throw at a boat, without a tear or complaint.  After all that, how could Jem call him "yellow"?
     Mack didn't ponder the question long as he hung from his hook.  He watched the sunlight slide across the whitewashed wall, across the scrubbed floor.  He felt the breeze through the open door, and set himself to figuring when the next squall would blow in, when Jem would take him out again.



    

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Makin' a List? Add Checkin' It Twice!



Need a holiday gift idea?  Checkin' It Twice & Other Heartwarming Holiday Tales is a book full of prize-winning, original, fun, uplifting Christmas stories.  And if you buy between now and  December 15th, the publisher will throw in more fun!  Look here for all the details.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Advent Event!



'Tis the season to get ready for getting ready for Christmas!  I know, it's not time to open your advent calendar yet, but you should make sure you have one ready.  How about Sing We Now of Christmas, with a new story for each day in December?  You can take a peek inside now.  Head over to Michael Young's place for twelve days of Christmas story previews and giveaways.  There are some great prizes waiting to be won, like this cozy hat:





My main character would have been much better off with a hat like this.  Wouldn't you be, or a friend?  Enter to win the hat, or a basket of Hawaiian goodies, or a fabulous book, now through November 18th!