Chandra paused from her work and listened with the practiced care of a mother who had children of her own. Baby Hilda was stirring and making muffled whimpering sounds from her cradle in the main bedroom. Memsahib had entrusted the little one to Chandra while she made a quick trip to the Darji on Main Street to find out why he hadn’t delivered dresses ordered … Continue reading The Morning Tamasha
Chapter 4. Retribution It was on a fateful day, months after the dance at their farm district meeting hall Sheila was shopping on a day off work in a shopping centre in the suburbs. She usually met up with family members in from the country for a day’s shopping and accompanied them as they shopped and shared a meal together, but for some reason the … Continue reading Sheila Carter – Chapter 4
Chapter 3. The Young Doctor It was difficult at first to return to a regimented program at the hospital. The Matron was stern and wouldn’t tolerate indiscipline or shoddy work and that was OK with Sheila. She had an interest in helping people and soon became a favourite with patients. Her cheery smile won over most. It was very occasionally someone made a disparaging remark … Continue reading Sheila Carter – Chapter 3
Chapter 2. The Attempted Conquest That was then, this was now. Sheila Carter sat and pondered the stories handed down to her as she grew up. She was mixed race but in her heart, she identified with her tribal ancestors. This had been encouraged by her father Neville who despite his white skin, tanned brown over the years from hard labour on the farm was … Continue reading Sheila Carter – Chapter 2
Chapter 1. Cultural Mutation Sheila Carter sat on a ridge overlooking their extensive farmland. It all looked familiar but there was something about it that just didn’t seem to satisfy her soul. Sheila was a mixed-race aboriginal. Well that was how she thought of herself. Her soft creamy brown skin and jet-black hair shone in the sunlight to remind her of the part of her … Continue reading Sheila Carter – Chapter 1
Terry Power sat on the back porch of his home contemplating the area where he and Wendy had decided to construct a swimming pool. That would have to go on the back burner now along with their planned trip to Europe a year from now. He was a methodical man and needed this quiet time to think through the impact of shock news delivered him … Continue reading Happy New Year
“I want my presents before Christmas!” Six-year-old Scott stood with legs apart and hands on hips with a determined look on his face. His gaze swept from his Mom to the presents under the Christmas tree and back again. Maddy Stone glanced at him momentarily then returned to putting finishing touches on the food in preparation for night’s meal. She smiled appreciatively at her handiwork … Continue reading The Spirit of Christmas
What do you do with a wandering one who only wants to play? Who groans at the dawn of a morning sun At the start of another day. Whose goal in life, hang out with friends And begone with the thought of toil, To scorn advice or make amends When self-laid plans unfurl. They feign surprise when peer group frowned On the slipshod … Continue reading Reality Check
Westlake was one of those ideal suburbs the average person who hasn’t lived in the tropics can only dream of as they flick through slick brochures promoting vacations where snows never fall, and you are only minutes away from some exotic scene reminding one of their good fortune living in a tropical paradise. On a short walk from Westlake through overhanging jungle one is suddenly … Continue reading The Boa
“I did it, I did it!” Little Johnnie pulled on his mother’s skirt to get her attention and she sighed in resignation. “Yes, I know dear, you’ve been telling me that all afternoon!” Susan Wright was struggling with the cake mixer blades jammed at a most inopportune time. The pie mix was only half done and there were items in the oven needing her to … Continue reading Thanksgiving Fire Engine Experience
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