The "Bad" Picture Book Blog Hop! - Day 1

Today marks the first day of The "Bad" Picture Book Blog Hop! "Bad" as in Picture books that were created in High School or before. This blog hop is just for fun and giggles. I am the organizer of this blog hop and will keep you up to date each day as to where to go next!

Here is the list as it stands right now:

Feb 9  - Dani Duck http://daniduckart.blogspot.ca/
Feb 10- Becky Fyfe http://imaginecreatewrite.blogspot.ca/
Feb 11- Marcie Colleen http://writeroutine.blogspot.com
Feb 12- Mandy Yates http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/mondays-with-mandy-or-mira
Feb 13- Sylvia Liu www.sylvialiuland.com

Feb 16 Rachel Elizabeth Cole http://www.rachelelizabethcole.com/
Feb 17 Annina Wildermuth https://allmycharacters.wordpress.com/
Feb 18 Teresa MI Schaefer http://www.teresamischaefer.com/#!blog/c66p

Here is my book in it's entirety! This was done by me in the 9th grade. The title is "Pewe's Wonderful Adventure" I laugh every time I read this story. Many of the characters were drawn from comic book characters. Some of my reference drawings were less reference and more literal. I believe the first picture was taken directly out of a book with a few additions (which is not something I would do today).

This story was typed and then cut and pasted to the book. It had a cardstock cover with the cover illustration affixed to it. The cover was bound by buttons and wire (my mom's idea) and the pages were put into plastic inserts. 

There were so many mistakes in this book so I welcome you to find them all. I had a kitten that looked like the kitten in the book, so I used her for reference. She was a tortoiseshell cat, so she could not be male. On to the book!

King Midas Part 4 of 4

I'm not sure how I feel about this story now that it's done. I did a bit of a push to finish it, because I wanted to start a fresh story next week. I didn't expect it to go on quite so long! I'm glad to get it done, and now I can start thinking of a new story to write.

Stop, if you haven't read part one you can read it here: King Midas - Part 1

King Midas Part 4

A wonderful area of the gardens was set aside just for Eric honouring his life and service to the king. Guards were posted around the clock. Anyone who saw the gardens loved the memorial, and everyone agreed that the gold statue bore an uncanny resemblance to Eric himself.

Under Midas' rule the castle city soon became a wonderful place to live once again. The king did not want to stop turning items in the kingdom gold, so he found ways that his people could have all the gold they wanted. If someone in town wanted more gold all they had to do was request it from the king and it was given to them. Soon the entire kingdom was rich, and since everyone was rich, no one was rich. Gold became a very useless item to have and soon it was replaced with silver as currency.

Even though gold wasn't worth much anymore the king still loved turning things into gold. He would turn whole houses into to gold, the dirt roads were soon gold dust and even the trees looked better to him as gold.

One day while eating his dinner King Midas was visited by Reginald. “My Lord there is a problem.”

“Can't you see I'm in the middle of eating?” Said the king.

“Yes, My Lord, but this can't wait.”

The king sighed and put down his cutlery. “What is it now?'

“There isn't much food left in the kingdom.”

“Well have them go to the market to buy more. That's what commoners do isn't it?”

“Of course, my Lord. It's just that there isn't any food to sell. You have turned too many plants into gold. And the soil...”

“The soil has never looked better!”

“I don't disagree with you there, but gold soil can't grow crops. Maybe you could just not turn things into gold anymore.”

The king sighed, “I can't stop turning things into gold any more than you can not stop criticizing the way I run the land.” The king slipped off his gloves. “It's a simple solution. We'll just use our gold to buy food from the other kingdoms surrounding us.”

“My Lord, no.” At least, that is what Reginald would have said if he had not been so busy looking at himself in the mirror rather than paying attention to King Midas' movements. “Percy, Percy! Called the king.

“Yes my Lord?” Percy looked over at the golden statue of Reginald. The color drained from his face.

“You are my right hand man now. Please see that Reginald gets a nice spot in the garden.”

“Ye -yes my Lord.”

Percy brought more guards into the room to help him remove Reginald's body. Percy silently cursed his luck. He knew if he wasn't careful he would too become a golden statue. He didn't have to live in fear for long, because a few days later he too was turned to gold.

Percy was soon joined in the garden by many other great advisers. Glen, Richards, Evens and even Soren was there to keep Percy company. Oh how they all sparkled brightly in the kings garden. It wasn't just King Midas' advisers that ended up in this garden, but his cooks, tailors and anyone else the king felt like turning into gold. Much of the kingdom lived in fear of the King and many fled to kingdoms without enchanted kings.

One bright morning King Midas was just putting his finishing touch on Olga the maid. Behind him he heard a little voice.

“Dearest Father why do you have to turn everyone into gold?”

“Well you see my dear, sometimes people need to be taught a lesson. The maid was just telling me that it was my fault that the other kingdoms wont sell me food anymore.”

“Well, Father, it is your fault.”

The king pulled a gold rose from a vase “They are better off this way. They will live forever as gold statues. Even something as small as this rose is more lovely as gold.”

“Well I think it's ugly.”

The king turned to look at his daughter, but he didn't see her when he turned. Instead he felt something brush his hand. He looked to his side and to his horror he saw a perfect statue of his little girl. “No!” It was too horrible to bear. The king wrapped his arms around his daughter and wept.

After what seemed like hours King Midas found his way outside the castle. He looked around at his once great kingdom. Oh how beautifully the entire city sparkled. No longer were there people in the streets to enjoy his wonderful works of art. Most fled the town, and others hid quietly in the shadows. The king made his way to the city's centre. “What have I done?” He asked to no one and buried his face in his hands.

King Midas' gift performed it's magic one last time. With the King as a statue the magic that held everything in it's gold state fell away. Everyone and everything that was turned to gold went back to normal.

Many merchants that day cried in sorrow as their gold from Midas' kingdom turned into useless junk. The people of the city soon returned and celebrated their lives without the plague of gold. And King Midas? Well no one shed a tear for his death except his little girl. Even she has long since stopped crying, though every year during the art festival she clips the most beautiful red rose she can find and leaves it at his feet.

King Midas Part 3

My computer is up and running again so hopefully things will go back to normal. It's so weird typing the word "normal" because my life always feels anything but normal. In any case I will redouble my efforts to keep doing review posts and other posts like this. This week's Part 3 is short, but I hope you will still enjoy it!

Stop, if you haven't read part one you can read it here: King Midas - Part 1

King Midas - Part 3

Inside the castle Eric explained the situation. “There was chaos after you left. The beds that we put in the city square were taken apart by the villagers and turned them into coins. Others chipped away the gold from the houses you decorated. Now everyone is the city is rich.”

“Well that's wonderful! I've always wanted my kingdom to flourish.”

“Not exactly my Lord. Since everyone in the city is rich, no one in the city is rich. Prices are going out of control. A few eggs cost more than a year's salary for most. People are beginning to panic. I'm not sure how long before they revolt!”

The king wiped his brow and threw his gloves on the ground. “I left you in charge, you were supposed to make sure situations like this didn't happen while I was gone!”

“Well I...”

“Whose stupid idea was it to put the gold beds in the centre of the city?” King Midas threw his hands up in the air.

Eric whispered, “It was your stupid idea, my Lord.”

“What was that?”

Eric spoke louder. “It was your stupid idea, my Lord.”

“My stupid idea? My stupid idea?”

“You told me to 'Give them to the orphans, set them in the city square, melt them down and give them to the poor.' That's exactly what I did.”

“You Fool!” King Midas Pushed Eric and began to yell. “I didn't mean to literally take the beds to the city centre! Why would you think that I would actually want you to do that? You need to learn to think for yourself. I can't believe I left you in charge.” King Midas paused to catch his breath. “Well, have you nothing to say for yourself?”

Eric did in fact have nothing to say for himself. The King looked towards Eric and he was, in fact, nothing more than a golden statue lying on the floor. Feeling quite embarrassed and remorseful Midas quickly slipped on his gloves.

“Reginald, Reginald get in here!”

Reginald slipped quietly into the room. “There has been an accident and Eric is now quite unable to do his tasks. Congratulations, you have been promoted. Please see to it that Eric's family gets reasonably compensated and that his life is honoured and...” Midas moved his hand in circles. “All the other things we do for those who have passed.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. What shall I do with the body.”

“Don't leave it in the city centre whatever you do!”

Reginald frowned. “My Lord?”

“Just do something sensible, and don't let any greedy citizens turn him into currency.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

King Midas - Part 2

I wanted to write more this week. Unfortunately my son is sick and very needy so instead of struggling to finish I'm just going to post what I have so far. 

Stop, if you haven't read part one you can read it here: King Midas - Part 1

King Midas - Part 2 

True to his word King Midas set out to beautify his land. He started with turning the fountain gold in the city's centre. He found that he could turn something partially or fully into gold at will. He went about town selectively adding gold to the moldings, shutters, doorknobs and other areas as he saw fit. Soon the town was sparkling with gold.

After the town was finished King Midas turned to his own castle. The first thing he changed was his throne. Any bit of wood used to create his throne instantly turned to gold. He took great joy in all the wonderful changes he made to his home. The frames of every painting in the castle were soon pure gold as was every suit of armour, every rug, any bit of linens and anything else that suited the King.

Having spent the entire afternoon and evening decorating the town and the castle with gold, the good king thought he would turn in. He slipped on his gloves but he could make it to his room he was met by his daughter.

“Fair Daughter,” he said. “What is it that I can help you with on this eve?”

“Dearest Father,” she began. “The gold everywhere is so pretty, but it is not good for sleeping on.”

King Midas followed his daughter to her room and found she was correct. The entire bed (as was all beds in the castle) was as hard as a rock.

“I'm afraid your father has been quite foolish, dear one. I did not see until now how my turning things into gold could be bad. Please forgive me.”

“Of course father,” his daughter replied.

That night in the castle King Midas slept quite soundly despite his painful sleeping arrangements. He awoke with a smile on his face. His wife on the other hand was not so happy.

“My Sweet Foolish Husband. I am in much pain from my night's sleep. I can not go on sleeping like this!”

“I shall have the servants replace these items at once,” replied King Midas. “Eric,” he called.

At the door a tall man appeared. “Yes my lord?”

“See that all the gold beds in the castle are disposed of, and replace them with new beds.”

“Yes my lord.” Eric hesitated. “What... what would you like me to do with these beds?”

“What do I care? Give them to the orphans, set them in the city square, melt them down and give them to the poor. Just get rid of them!”

“Yes my Lord.” And Eric set out to do just as he was told.

“It is wonderful being royalty, is it not my dear?”

The queen rubbed her neck. “Perhaps, though you may want to ask me after I've gotten a decent nights rest.”

Having decorated the town and his castle, the king sent for a carriage to take him about the rest of his kingdom. It would be hard work, but the King was determined to make his kingdom the most beautiful kingdom in all the lands.

It took King Midas three months. When he returned to the castle city he was met by Eric at the gate. “My Lord, there has been great trouble since you left. Come to the castle and I'll explain more.”

King Midas

In the last few minutes of Friday I decide to post my Fractured Fairy Tale for the week. This particular tale is very different from the last story. After much deliberation I've decided to do the story of King Midas.The beginning of this is not as light hearted as the Little Mermaid. I believe that there are enough changes in this story from what is commonly told of King Midas' story that fully warrants a reading investigation. This week is mostly a set up for the following week or two, but I hope that I can entertain you with a few surprises!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for a brand spanking new colouring page taken from my new colouring book "Pattern Pals"!


King Midas - part 1

Once there was a very proud king that went by the name of Midas. King Midas loved surrounding himself with beauty. His wife was the most beautiful woman in all the land. King Midas' daughter was the prettiest child in all King Midas' land by far and was a joy to everyone who met her.

Since King Midas was in love with all things beautiful he took great strides to celebrate all things beautiful. He had great festivals in the honour of artists, architects, musicians and even nature itself. It was at one of these festivals that gave King Midas the chance to have anything his heart desired. A great enchantress, who was a great lover of the arts, visited one of these festivals one day. She was so impressed by the Kings love of art that she asked for an audience with him.

“Dear King Midas I am pleased that you give so much of your time and love to the arts. I will offer you a gift of your own choosing. If you had one wish what would it be?”

As was already stated King Midas was a lover of all things beautiful, but the thing he loved most of all was gold. Without hesitating King Midas, “I want the ability to turn things my hands touch into gold.”

The enchantress puzzled by his request. “Are you sure you want the ability to turn what you touch into gold? I must warn you that one's greatest desire in abundance can soon become one's bane. Maybe you you would like to choose something that would be more beneficial to your kingdom?”

King Midas was taken aback by the insinuation that his chosen gift would not be beneficial to his kingdom. “My dear lady, I assure you that I always think of my kingdom's needs above my own. I choose this gift to beautify my land. It's use will enrich our culture and will show the world how a love of all things beautiful can make a kingdom the greatest kingdom in history.”

The enchantress closed her eyes and when she opened them said, “It is done.” She quietly turned to leave.

“Wait!” cried the king. “Could I have one last request from you?”

The enchantress stopped and faced the king, “Very well, what is it?”

“While everything being gold might be lovely, might there be a way to prevent me from turning everything I touch into gold?”

The enchantress smirked at this. “Usually these things are asked for before the wish is granted.”

“I only ask because it is my kingdom that I am thinking of... I don't want it to become a wasteland of gold people and things.”

“Because it is for your kingdom I will grant you this as well.” With that the enchantress raised her arm and sparkling white gloves appeared on the hands of the king. “While wearing these gloves you will not be able to turn anything into gold.” The enchantress bowed to the king and slowly walked towards the castle gate.

“Thank you my dear lady. You have done a great service to my kingdom.”

Without turning around the enchantress stopped said, “See that it is your kingdom you serve and not yourself dear king." 

Fractured Fairy Tales: The Little Mermaid Part 3 of 3

You may have noticed that I'm making some changes to the blog. Nothing major yet, but I will be updating my link list soon. I hope you are enjoying my rendition of "The Little Mermaid". Turn in next week and watch me destroy a completely different fairytale!

Stop! If you missed either part 1 or part 2 of the story please read them first:

Part 1: http://daniduckart.blogspot.ca/2013/08/fractured-fairy-tale-fridays-little.html

Part 2: http://daniduckart.blogspot.ca/2013/08/fractured-fairy-tales-little-mermaid.html

The Little Mermaid: Part 3 (the Final Part)

The next day it only took Lydia half as long to figure out what dress to wear. Unfortunately Lydia hadn't tried on the shoes the night before. Giles was correct none of the shoes fit her. They were either way too big, or far too small.

“Are you ready yet, Miss?” Lydia answered by flinging open her bedroom door and parading around the room. “Yes, yes, very nice. The limo is waiting downstairs”.

Lydia had never been in a limo before and she found that she quite liked it. Inside the Limo was a wondrous place. There were a lot of buttons to push, tiny cakes and sweets and a lovely sweet drink with bubbles that tickled her nose.

When they arrived at the market Lydia gasped. She had never seen such beauty. Rows upon rows of houses like Herman's, but with dresses, shoes and all kinds of sparkling things. Lydia immediately dashed into one of the stores and Giles ran after her.

The inside of the market was beautifully decorated. Lydia immediately started grabbing dresses to try on. She soon found out that she had help choosing dresses to wear and people who looked at her adoringly as she tried on each gown. When she was finished Giles pulled out what he called a “credit card” and used it to pay for the dresses. Giles then reluctantly gave it to Lydia. “Herman said to give this to you after I showed you how to use it. He says you should buy whatever your heart desires.” Lydia eagerly took the card and held it close to her heart.

Herman could think nothing more than about his bride to be throughout the whole meeting. Any question he was asked was met with an “I do.” The shareholders finally gave up and agreed to reschedule the meeting. They knew from the past that nothing would get done during a day when the owner was thinking about a bride to be. With the rest of the day free Herman race towards his car. He was met by an absolutely stunning woman in an evening gown.

Lydia was immensely enjoying the use of her new “credit card”. She had bought everything that had caught her eye at the last three stores and now was enjoying a relaxing spa treatment. She had never been this happy. “I'm so happy I could kiss you,” she thought to her card. “Too bad you aren't a man!”

The Sea Witch was quite proud of the form she took on. Her hair was the colour of the sun and it flowed down the curves of her body. Her eyes were a deep sapphire and her lips looked naturally as red as the form fitting gown she was wearing. Herman was speechless as she lent in to kiss him. Just before she brushed his lips he pulled back. “I'm sorry fair maiden, but my heart belongs to another!”

She would have to use more than just her body to lure Herman in. She opened her mouth and began to sing a siren song. “This will seal his fate!” she thought.

Before the song could take hold of Herman, he had clamped his hands over his ears. “Be gone evil beast, before I decide to slay thee!” He got into his vehicle and sped off.

“That stupid girl tricked me! This voice is a curse.” The Witch looked towards the sky. “No matter, there isn't much time left for her little kiss.” She cackled and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

When the Sea Witch reappeared she saw Herman and Lydia embracing. She raised her arms and called a wind to throw them apart.

“What trickery is this?” asked Herman.

“It is my trickery!” said the Sea Witch in her own voice. “Your little bride to be has seconds left before she will turn into a sea plant and be mine forever! There isn't time for you two to kiss the kiss of true love.”

“No!” shouted Herman. He ran towards his love.

“You're too late! She will change any moment now. No amount of kissing will change that!”

Herman embraced Lydia and tears flowed from his eyes. “Oh cruel fate once again taking my true love from me!”

The Sea Witch tapped her foot impatiently. “You're not changing, why are you not changing?”

A wry smile spread across Lydia's face.

The Sea Witch turned to Herman. “She's smiling, why is she smiling? She's going to be part of my new foyer. What does she have to smile about?”

Lydia reached into her new designer purse and pulled out her credit card. She held the card out for the Witch to see. On the front of the card was a lip stain in the shade of berry red.

“No, it can't be!” Screamed the Sea Witch. “That's not fair. You cheated!” She was furious. She looked around her in anger. “There sure are a lot of people here,” she said thoughtfully. “I should kill you both where you stand, but I don't want to waste another minute on either of you. There are too many potential clients here. Congratulations, she's all yours!” The Sea Witch immediately turned to a young woman. “Excuse me miss, how would you like to swim as a fish?”

“That's it, we've won!” Herman gave Lydia a big kiss on the lips. “We will be married tonight. Giles, get the carriage. We have a wedding gown to shop for!”

Giles frowned, “I'm sorry sir, I'm confused. Why would you want to marry this woman when her true love is a credit card?”

“Do not fear my friend! I have enough love for the both of us.” Herman held Lydia tightly and she smiled.

Afterward

The Sea Witch - realized that business was better on the surface than under the sea. She turned a good many humans into plants for her underwater castle until she realized that charging money for her services made much more sense. She used the money that she earned from her ventures to buy Iceland. She now goes by the name of Sandy.

Lydia - Lydia's love of the credit card gave her great happiness until Herman's money ran out. She soon dumped Herman and is now on her fifth husband. She sometimes sends letters to her family under the sea. Unfortunately she writes these letters on paper and they dissolve before anyone has a chance to read them.

Herman - now poor and alone has found true happiness as a bar tender in Detroit. He married the first mute woman he saw after the divorce. She never has a bad word to say about him.

Giles - now works as an adviser on a popular network TV dating show.   

Fractured Fairy Tales: The Little Mermaid Part 2

So I lied. I thought that I would be able to wrap up the Little Mermaid story this week, but two pages in I discovered that it just wasn't going to happen. Never fear though I do have more of the story, just not an ending yet! From now on I'll know better than to tell people how many parts my story is before I have finished said story.


Stop! If you missed part one go here first: http://daniduckart.blogspot.ca/2013/08/fractured-fairy-tale-fridays-little.html

The Little Mermaid: Part 2

Excerpt from last week: Lydia looked him up and down. He was strong, handsome and had a beautiful smile. This had to be the man she was going to fall in love with! The man gave Lydia his shirt and then carried her to his home.

A man in a suit was waiting for them when they arrived. “Not another one, Herman!”

Herman, as she now knew his name, frowned at his butler. “But she was lost and alone, weren't you.” Lydia opened up her mouth to talk, but nothing came out. “See? She's just like the others. A mute woman who lost her bikini bottom at sea! She needs our help Giles!”

Giles sighed, “Very well sir.”

Herman carried Lydia up the stairs led by Giles. They entered a large room. Giles turned to Lydia and said, “In the wardrobe you'll find any clothes your heart desires. There seems to be an over abundance of half naked women on our beach. We've collected hundreds of dresses over the years. These women seem to disappear as quickly as they come - leaving behind every bit of clothing we buy for them. We'll leave you now to get changed.”

Through the closed door Lydia could hear Herman and Giles talking as they walked away. “She's the one, Giles, the woman I'm going to marry!”

“You say that every time, Herman.”

“But this time I mean it!”

“Very well, sir.”

Lydia was excited. Maybe she had at last found the love of her life. Lydia wasn't sure what a wardrobe or a dress was, but she didn't hesitate to explore the room. There were many large holes in the wall where Lydia could look outside. She tried a couple of times to go outside through them, but there was an invisible walk holding her back. There was a large bed in the middle of the room, not completely unlike her bed at home. Lydia got into it and found that it was soft and moved like soft waves. She suspected there was water inside and made a note to find a way to get into the water.

Along the wall farthest from the entrance was a huge wooden contraption. Lydia ran her fingers across it and found that she could easily open the contraption. She was not prepared for what she found inside. There were glorious things hung within sparkling with every colour imaginable. Lydia ran her fingers over these items and found that they were soft and luxurious. She pulled down as many as she could and decided that these were the “dresses” in the “wardrobe” that Giles told her about. “Oh what lovely things these are!” Thought Lydia, “In the sea we only have shells for covering. I don't know how I lived before today!” Lydia set forth trying on everything in the wardrobes. Some of it had tricky fastenings, but she soon figured out how to properly wear a dress. In the end Lydia had tried on every dress until she settled on one in a nice emerald green. There were a few things in this wardrobe that Lydia couldn't figure out so she figured these were best left. She then left the room in search of her future husband.

No sooner had she left the room but Giles caught her arm. “I see that you have finally finished trying on gowns. Now let us eat.” Giles lead her into a grand room with a large table. It reminded Lydia of the feasts her father would prepare. She took her seat and was shocked to find things exactly as they had been at home. The food, plates and even the silverware was so familiar that Lydia couldn't help but be a bit disappointed.

Giles looked towards Lydia. "I forgot to ask your name”

Lydia opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out. She pointed at her throat indicating she couldn't talk.

“I see you have lost your voice.” Giles turned to Herman, “These women you find never have voices, do they?”

Herman looked slightly perturbed, “Many of them did have voices. Some were blind, some deaf, one woman couldn't taste any of the food. Remember her, Giles? She was always complaining about the food!” Herman let out a deep and bellowing laugh. “Good times my friend, good times!”

Giles sighed, “It seems as though the lady didn't find any shoes to her liking.”

Herman was abashed. “We had nothing to your liking my dear? Well I will take you to the market tomorrow!”

“They call them malls now, sir. You have a meeting in the morning so it seems as though I will be taking her.” Giles sighed even louder than the last time.

“Cheer up old friend, for soon I will be married.”

Lydia smiled and clapped her hands. Everything was going perfectly. Giles left them after dinner and Lydia and Herman exited to what he called the “courtyard”. This courtyard seemed very much to be a large garden with many walkways. Herman lead Lydia to a bench and sang a lovely song to her. He then plucked the most beautiful flower Lydia had ever seen from the garden and gave it to Lydia. He then bent into kiss her. The weight of the two of them together seemed to be too much, because instead of a kiss, Lydia found herself on the ground with Herman on top of her. He lingered but a second, and then arose to his feet. He helped Lydia up to her feet.

“Never mind this minor tragedy, for tomorrow you will go to the market and have all your flaws removed! Herman smiled brightly and escorted Lydia inside.

The Sea Witch had not at all left Lydia's love life to chance. She was at this very moment watching Lydia's every move through her crystal bubble ball. “What is it with these stupid girls and their super human abilities to get men to fall in love with them! This Herman has been a pain in my backside for far too long. I will have to take care of him myself, and thanks to Lydia's lovely voice he will have no choice but to fall in love with me tomorrow! The echoing of the Sea Witches laughter was heard buy fish and merfolk from miles away.

Fractured Fairy Tale Fridays: The Little Mermaid

I've decided that Fridays will be from hereforth: Fractured Fairy Tale Fridays. I will continue this until I run out of stories, everyone tells me to stop or I get bored of such an arrangement. These stories aren't for young children, but will be minimally offensive so if a child does read it they will hopefully not be scarred for life. These tales are senseless, haphazardly written and will likely destroy everything you love about your favorite fairy tales. I am so sorry for this, but it must be done. Without further ado, here is the first part of my version of "The Little Mermaid":

The Little Mermaid (Part 1)

Retold by Dani Duck

Once there was a beautiful mermaid named Lydia. She had silky long black hair, glowing ivory skin, manicured nails and knew she had a rocking hot body. Being the daughter of the sea king she had everything she ever wanted... well everything but a good merman. Though she was absolutely gorgeous she found it incredibly hard to find a good man. Lydia had one flaw that was keeping her from her dream: she had a terrible voice. I mean her voice was so bad that it made the sound of nails across the chalkboard seem pleasant.

Lydia would often spend her evenings in the bubble tea bar, and would have a lot of luck with mermen buying her bubble tea. The problem would always come when she would open her mouth to talk. Sometimes she was able to avoid speaking, but invariability the merman would say something funny (or something she was socially obligated to laugh at), and it would be all over after that. The merman ears would start bleeding, he'd start screaming and swim out of the bubble tea bar as fast as his legs could carry him. “Every single night!” She said to herself. “I can't seem to catch a break.”

Catching a break was exactly what she did. One night as she was leaving the bar cold and alone she saw a sign, “Wanted: Voices in Exchange For Legs. Leave Your Wet and Washed Up Life and Spend Some Time On The Warm Sand! Let the Sea Witch Make Your Dreams Come True!*” in smaller letters below was written “*Must find love within 24 hours of exchange.”*Below that she read, “** Mermaids with lobster friends need not apply”

Lydia beamed brightly, “That's it!” She squealed in delight, “That's exactly what I need!” Lydia rushed home to pack her things. She wrote a note for her family that she was going to the surface. Later, when reading the note, everyone was secretly relieved to have Lydia's voice out of their lives.

The Sea Witches' house wasn't what Lydia expected. It wasn't a small cave, but instead a grandiose castle made from woven living sea plants that looked familiar. Lydia ignored the plants and burst through the front door. “Usually one knocks before entering a home, especially when it's the home of the Sea Witch!”

 Lydia was so impressed with the decor that she couldn't find the words to answer. Everywhere she looked there was furniture that was gold, gilded and covered in gems. Lydia immediately began to admire the painting of a radiant mermaid who was in the process of turning other mermaids into plants. “I see you have good tastes, so I'll let it go this time.” This time Lydia turned to see her host. The radiant mermaid that was in the painting was standing before her!

“I take it you're here to exchange your voice for a pair of legs.” Awed by the radiant mermaid Lydia could only nod. “Once the change takes place you'll have 24 hours to find your true love. If you don't you'll belong to me. Do you understand these terms?” Lydia nodded. “Alright then, sign here.”

As soon as Lydia put the pen to paper she could feel a change take place in her body. She blacked out and when she came to she was lying on the beach. She looked down and saw that her lovely tail had been replaced by the strangest things she'd ever seen. She didn't know what to expect when she signed that paper, but it hadn't been this! She also noticed that she had some parts that she never had before. “Strange,” she thought. The man in front of her must have thought the same thing, because he was staring.

“The waters here aren't really good for swimming, you know. Women are always losing their bikini bottoms in this part of the ocean!”

Lydia looked him up and down. He was strong, handsome and had a beautiful smile. This had to be the man she was going to fall in love with! The man gave Lydia his shirt and then carried her to his home.

End Part 1

________

Please come back next week for the second and final part of "The Little Mermaid".

Short Story

Once again this story is inspired by Shannon Abercrombie's 100 Days of Summer: http://www.shannonabercrombie.com

Any mistakes you find in this text are purely fictional. 

Gad puffed as he ran down the track. The other racers were nowhere to be seen. More than anything he wanted to win this race.

He imagined hundreds of people waiting at the finish line. They would all be cheering loudly. He would be neck and neck with Stance. At the last second he would get a second wind and pull away from Stance. He would be the first one across the finish line! Someone would slip a medal around his neck and hand him the trophy. Cathy would blow by Stance and put her arms around him. Confetti would be falling everywhere and he and Cathy would be drawn together by some irresistible pull and kiss. It was perfect.

Gad sped around the bend. He couldn't believe it, there was no one running in front of him. There was a large crowd waiting for him at the finish line. He picked up his pace. His head was high when he crossed the finish line. Everyone cheered loudly.

Gad stopped a minute to catch his breath. It was finally over. He looked up and there was Cathie. She came near him and mouthed the words. “Good job.” She reached her arms out, and embraced Stance. They leaned in for a long kiss.

Someone slipped a medal around Gad's neck. Everyone cheered again and then turned and walked away. Stance looked up and said. “Good job, Gad! Maybe next year you can finish the race before the rest of the runners go home.

Gad read the inscription on the metal quietly, “Last place again.”

The Beginning of a Story

I have not been able to keep up with every one of Shannon's writing prompts for her 100 Days of Summer writing challenge, but I've done a few. The following is one I did on setting. You can find out more about 100  Days of Summer here: http://www.shannonabercrombie.com/100-days-of-summer/

The stairway was dark as I slowly walked downstairs. I was trying to be as quiet as possible because I didn't want to wake mom and dad. I especially didn't want to wake up any of my siblings because they would just ruin e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

It seemed like it took forever for me to walk through the dinning room. If it were any later I would have turned on the light so I could see. BIG MISTAKE! I tripped over something on the floor and landed with a thud. I held my breath and listened for what seemed like forever. When I was sure everyone was sleeping I crept up to the living room door and turned the handle.

The soft glow of twinkling lights greeted me as I entered. I quickly closed the door behind me. I stopped to take everything in. The smell of pine filled my lungs and I was in heaven. The tree was perfect no thanks to my brother and sister. They didn't even think when they put bulbs on the tree, they just put everything up willy-nilly! Mom says I have to leave the ornaments where they put them. Santa would take one look at our mess of a tree and hop back into his sleigh. Christmas would be ruined! I fixed it though, every day this week I worked on moving everything around so it was perfect. Mom didn't suspect a thing.

All of the stockings are bulging with candy! I wish I could get into my stocking right away, but mom says I'm not to do anything before everyone wakes up. Mom never said anything about taking candy from my brother's stocking. I wouldn't want to touch my stocking anyway right now. I designed it myself in school. I was the only person in class to do all nine reindeer and Santa on my stocking. I wanted to do the elves too, but my teacher said I had to leave some felt for everyone else.

All around the tree are the prettiest presents I've ever seen. Gifts don't get opened until after breakfast. It's so unfair, but no one said anything about shaking them. The thing about shaking the presents is you have to be careful not to break anything that might be inside. Umm, I think what's inside that present was already broken. Glad it wasn't mine!

For a moment I think that Santa had come back to see me, but then I realized it was just my siblings running down the stairs. They burst into the living room and said: “WOW look at all the presents!”

Then they started holding all the presents and going through the stockings. Then they started tearing paper. I decided enough was enough.

“Moooom Nicky and Jordan are opening up all the presents!”

“Are not,” they said in unison.

“Are too! And I think they broke something.”

“Nuh-uh” said Nicky. “It was Rachel.”

“Did not!” See, I told you they ruin everything.