tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50656829992463145942024-02-07T12:17:48.928-08:00April MobleyArtist, by every definitionApril Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-44817608472391840382017-07-17T15:32:00.000-07:002017-07-17T15:35:02.103-07:00Well it's been a while, but i have finally ready to write again. I am struggling with it but i will persevere because it's what i enjoy the most. So, I am starting again to be all I can be, and "Fly High".April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-76015339756063066522015-09-18T11:44:00.004-07:002015-09-18T11:44:58.794-07:00HomeWhere is home?<br />
Where you live?<br />
Where you were born?<br />
Where you grew up?<br />
Where your children reside?<br />
Where you hang your hat?<br />
Where your father is burried?<br />
All of these places!<br />
And non of these places?<br />
Home is where I left my heart!<br />
<br />
April Mobley 9/19/2015April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-26535660268991126752015-08-16T09:40:00.000-07:002015-08-16T09:40:31.945-07:00TURN AND WALK AWAY!<br />
<br />
I'll not allow your bitterness<br />
to cause my soul to wither<br />
I'll protect the gentle parts of me<br />
From every blow that you deliver<br />
I'll not be torn apart by<br />
hurtful comments that you make<br />
I'll guard my heart and back<br />
from every spiteful stab you take<br />
I'll fight your negativity<br />
as you try to pull me in<br />
I'll greet your snide remarks<br />
with a smile, maybe a grin<br />
I'll meet your words of anger<br />
with laughter and good cheer<br />
and hope someday you'll see<br />
life was meant to be held dear<br />
I'll wrap my bliss around me<br />
to protect and keep me warm<br />
a shield against your anger<br />
a cloak against your scorn<br />
I'll cling to my tranquility<br />
enjoying each beautiful new day<br />
and before I become just like you<br />
I'll turn and walk away.<br />
<br />
<div>
by Teresa Mobley Fulton on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 8:49pm </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This was written by one of my favorite authors, my sister Teresa Mobley Fulton. </div>
<div>
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!</div>
April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-25159646116319526722015-03-23T17:06:00.000-07:002015-03-23T17:06:46.259-07:00A new BeginningI thought I had found my place in the world.<br />
I was working, living, and loving in Panama City.<br />
But fate had other plans for me in the form of a stroke.<br />
Now I have recovered from the stroke and starting over.<br />
A new beginning.<br />
I want to go fishing with Sammy at Doc's lake.<br />
Enjoy the best hamburger in the world at Talli Ho's on 15th St.<br />
Watch the sun go down at the Marina on 1st street.<br />
I want to go back to the life I had made for myself.<br />
A new beginning.<br />
Is to make the right decisions.<br />
Is to slow down and enjoy my life.<br />
Is to remember Panama City will be there.<br />
Is to be ready to go when it's time to go.<br />
A new beginning.<br />
Going fishing with Sammy at Doc's lake when I visit<br />
Enjoying a Talli Ho hamburger on 15th st.<br />
Watch the sun go down at the Marina and visiting ECA.<br />
A way to find my place in the world.April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-4653007454036917402013-11-17T15:02:00.003-08:002013-11-17T15:02:34.560-08:00Daddy<span style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #b55400; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;">Death</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; text-align: center;">Some say that death is only the beginning</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; text-align: center;">I believe that death is just the birth of a life that we can only dream of</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; text-align: center;">Everyone says that death is lurking around the corner</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; text-align: center;">I believe that death stands right there behind us all waiting to claim her trophy</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; text-align: center;">They say that death is but a man</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; text-align: center;">I believe that death is actually a woman in disguise</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; text-align: center;">All people say that death takes whoever she wants</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; text-align: center;">I believe that death picks her victims</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; text-align: center;">based on who looks more promising enough to please her.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #433a32; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;" /><sub style="background-color: white; color: #b55400; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; outline: none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; outline: none;">Zackory Kzeminski</span></sub>April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-1349333355500783502013-07-19T13:50:00.001-07:002013-07-19T13:50:18.940-07:00For MacWhere Will Your Future Take You?<br />
<br />
Will you crop your hair or let it grow,<br />
Wear a cap like Grandaddy pulled low,<br />
May the wind of the Rockies toss your hair,<br />
While the smell of lavender fills the air,<br />
Songs of the meadow lark fill your ears,<br />
And your time on earth span 200 years,<br />
May a Pacific sunset light your eyes,<br />
And no one ever hurt you will lies,<br />
The aroma of low tide sting your nose,<br />
While you stand where swamp grass grows,<br />
May exotic cuisine pass over your tongue,<br />
And may you always take time for fun,<br />
If the weight of the world finds your shoulders,<br />
Let it give you power to be bolder,<br />
May you stroll arm and arm with you love,<br />
And you calloused hand caress a dove,<br />
Walk confidently into you future , Mac,<br />
And remember never, ever look back.<br />
<br />
<br />
Love, GraniApril Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-14109379321350158712013-02-03T16:51:00.001-08:002013-02-03T16:52:14.144-08:00LoveThere is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer;<br />
No disease that enough love will not heal;<br />
No door that enough love will not open;<br />
No gulf that enough love will not bridge;<br />
No wall that enough love will not throw down;<br />
No sin that enough love will not redeem;<br />
<br />
It makes no difference how deeply seated the trouble,<br />
How hopeless the outlook,<br />
How muddled the tangle,<br />
How great the mistake,<br />
A sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all.<br />
If only you could love enough you would be the happiest and most powerful being in the world.<br />
<br />
Emmet Fox<br />
<br />
<br />April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-91064489657507052382012-08-28T11:37:00.002-07:002012-08-28T11:37:30.649-07:00Granni<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Across the miles, across the ages</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I see your smiles, and read your pages</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">You've given a gift that I treasure</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">My heart is a lift, value can't measure</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Your words of care in every letter</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The love you share makes me feel better</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">With dutiful strokes of your pen</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Imagination invokes it's will again</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Your control is lost in what you write</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">You're just the host of your inner light</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I open my eyes as snow flakes fall</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">You are so wise and stall tall</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The brightness blinding though some don't see</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">No trouble finding how you've guided me</div>April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-7510497554372890952012-07-23T07:40:00.000-07:002012-07-23T07:40:08.788-07:00Life Lessons<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Life's Lessons</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I learn, as the years roll onward</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">And leave the past behind,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">That much I had counted sorrow</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">But proves that God is kind;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">That many a flower I had longed for</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Had hidden a thorn of pain,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">And many a rugged bypath</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Led to fields of ripened grain.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">The clouds that cover the sunshine</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">They can not banish the sun;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">And the earth shines out the brighter</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">When the weary rain is done.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">We must stand in the deepest shadow</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">To see the clearest light;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">And often through wrong's own darkness</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Comes the very strength of light.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">The sweetest rest is at even,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">After a wearisome day,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">When the heavy burden of labor</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Has borne from our hearts away;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">And those who have never known sorrow</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Can not know the infinite peace</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">That falls on the troubled spirit</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">When it sees at last release.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">We must live through the dreary winter</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">If we would value the spring;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">And the woods must be cold and silent</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Before the robins sing.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">The flowers must be buried in darkness</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Before they can bud and bloom,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">And the sweetest, warmest sunshine</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Comes after the storm and gloom. </span> <br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">John Henry Newman</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After doing an extensive search on the internet I found the answer to who wrote this and in it's complete form. I had saved the last section years ago in a collection of works I love.April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-73053747612028806682012-07-15T12:25:00.000-07:002012-07-15T12:25:49.059-07:00SignificanceIf I could be of the significant, I would be one of the most efficient. Then I would hold your heart again. And we would be one because you are still holding mine in your hand.<br />
If I could be of the significant, I could find the love that I need so desperately. Why can't I be the woman that you need? You are not so perfect, nor am I, but I need your love. I can not force you to be mine or accept that I still love you. I love you with all my heart, giving you everything I possess. <br />
If I could be of the significant, I could forget you. Knowing you do not love me, I could. But there are too many questions. Questions that have not been answered and never will be. They linger in my mind and pull me into the past every now and then. Back to the times we shared and the joys we knew. Laughing and loving with nothing to think of but our dreams, soon to be fulfilled. Before I finished sifting through my dreams, you pushed me away and said you didn't love me anymore. You didn't need me after all. At that moment I realized the answers I had been searching for were the chains that held your heart from me.<br />
So when I have questions with no answers, I will be certain I want the answer before I give my heart away looking for it. Once you have truly given your heart away you will never be the same. And you will realize how truly insignificant you feel.<br />
<br />
<br />
April Mobley - Fall 1980<br />
<br />
I wrote this many years ago at a particularly sad point in my life. This offering is not very well written, in my opinion, but I'm sure everyone can relate to feeling this way at one time in their lives so I shared it anyway.April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-78143914179153527382012-07-02T15:05:00.001-07:002012-07-02T15:24:34.649-07:00Illuminating Blogger Award<div style="text-align: -webkit-center;">I'VE WON AN AWARD!!!<br />
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</div><br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Thank you so much to Cari for nominating me for this award!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://nighlon.com/" title="NighLon"> <img alt="Snag My Button" height="125" src="http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e201/sweetambrosia06/nighlonadd.png" style="border: none;" width="120" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-center;">Being new to blogging, it has been essential for me to have her assistance and guidance, but being able to rely on Cari is not new to me, she has been a great influence on me for many years. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Many people know I love to read, write, paint and sew, not so many people </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">know my heart lies with old things. I've been called an old soul many more</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"> times that I can count. I dream of visiting the pyramids and watching the sunset </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">on the winter solstice at Stone Hinge on day. But few people know I LOVE "The Big Bang Theory"! Sheldon cracks me up! And I love Penny's "Nebraska" attitude. </span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">I would like to nominate the following bloggers because of their amazing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">attitudes</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"> and out look on the subjects they blog about.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://lisageorgedesigns.co.cc/">Lady M</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><a href="http://www.beingagentmom.com/"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Gigi </span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.thedollsarealright.net/"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Patricia</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://lookwhatmommade.com/"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Laura</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://makingourlifematter.com/"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Sylver</span></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Here are the Illuminating Blogger Award rules for accepting your award:</strong></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">1. Create a post on your blog announcing your acceptance of the award.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">2. In your acceptance post, thank the person who nominated you for the award, making sure to give a link back to that person’s blog.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">3. List 1 random thing about yourself.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">4. Nominate at least 5 other blogs for the same award.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">Congrats to you wonderful ladies, and thank you for inspiring me.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">I have some great things lined up now that NighLon is finally up and running again!</div></div>April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-15339296016453864062012-07-02T11:42:00.000-07:002012-07-02T11:42:04.408-07:00A NOTE TO YOUNG LOVERS --- T.H.E. MOONLove is something that never dies.<br />
Love is always there, never uncertain.<br />
Love is not only loving but being loved.<br />
For if you feel you are being loved, your love becomes stronger.<br />
And in becoming stronger, it grows until it consumes your whole life.<br />
And your love should be your whole life.<br />
One should never say "I once loved you."<br />
Because love is never a one time affair.<br />
Only physical love is such the case, not true love.<br />
True love is always there, never uncertain.<br />
If you have been "shot down" as the saying goes.<br />
Thank God that you are alive and not dead.<br />
For such a love was not true.<br />
And in not being true it would never have lasted.<br />
If it leaves you sad and with memories,<br />
If it makes you uncertain of the future,<br />
If it seems as if the end of the world is near,<br />
You must live each day to its fullest extent.<br />
Hoping that the pain goes away,<br />
Wishing that the memories leave you,<br />
Praying that your true love will feel as strong, if not stronger in loving you.<br />
Love is something that you never want to shut your heart to.<br />
For if you shut your heart to love, you shut your eyes to life.<br />
And in shutting your heart to love you become a plant,<br />
And not the supreme creature God intended you to be.<br />
<br />
<br />
T. H. E. Moon<br />
<br />
<br />
This is from a poster I had as a teenager. It was felt and illuminated under a black light. So many memories there!!! When the poster became to old to keep any longer, I typed up the contents on a type writer and still have that yellowed sheet. I have tried to locate it on the internet and in the library with no success, mainly to discover if the author is imaginary of actual initials. If anyone has any further information on this I would love to be updated. Hope you enjoy.April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-15562081933323680522012-06-10T13:58:00.000-07:002012-06-10T13:58:21.403-07:00Of Our NeedTo be alone and insecure is to be caught speechless<br />
When someone needs to hear those sincere words of sweetness.<br />
Words to satisfy a hunger, a hunger for love and gentleness.<br />
To be alone and witness love is to turn to a friend<br />
And then to find them gone. Loneliness is utterly unkind.<br />
Because when you are alone love is the hardest to find.<br />
When you think it could be there is only a need for love.<br />
The need for an undying love, a love that takes you far above<br />
The loneliness of humanity, on the fulfilling wings of a dove.<br />
To see love that is so meaningful and know somehow in your life<br />
You would not have the need if you did not witness the strife<br />
Over and over and over again and punish yourself through the night.<br />
If you were of tomorrow you would not have the need,<br />
The need of love today. It would be a withered weed<br />
From yesterday and that would be the end of your need.<br />
<br />
<br />
--April MobleyApril Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-78664950934508648982012-05-20T13:17:00.000-07:002012-05-20T13:17:56.563-07:00It'll Keep is Officially Released!<div style="text-align: center;">In the process of getting It'll Keep officially released, there have been issues come up, but we worked through them. This is just more evidence that it has been worth it. I am happy to announce that It'll Keep is officially available in paperback as well as for Kindle. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where to buy:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.createspace.com/3858416" target="_blank">CreateSpace </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Itll-Keep-April-Mobley/dp/147524097X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337544628&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Itll-Keep-ebook/dp/B0083A4CLM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337544628&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Soon to be available on EconfinaPress.com</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeP5GVk_W_4pcorLaE_C1RJxZ8Um8nNAd-SqkMeSUQY5aaVfAVjYWtJIeSHiKWLnSExFZsnDETxDSV8hjWhNlBX3DDX_Xv1DUVPh0rWyvfFlXogZ7W30N81GXCvzAONgxM9h6MMyYVFQV/s1600/itllkeepcovereconfinapress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeP5GVk_W_4pcorLaE_C1RJxZ8Um8nNAd-SqkMeSUQY5aaVfAVjYWtJIeSHiKWLnSExFZsnDETxDSV8hjWhNlBX3DDX_Xv1DUVPh0rWyvfFlXogZ7W30N81GXCvzAONgxM9h6MMyYVFQV/s320/itllkeepcovereconfinapress.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other news: We are still working towards our goal for the book tour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you cannot contribute, we understand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Feel free to share the link to our IndieGoGo campaign: http://igg.me/p/100039</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-28420001730861710982012-05-14T09:59:00.000-07:002012-05-14T09:59:45.295-07:00Get it Now!"It'll Keep" by April Mobley is now available to order at <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">https://</span><wbr style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"></wbr><span class="word_break" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">www.createspace.com/3858416 . </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Enjoy!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKx5TtI7pH_IEBzpH5GO5dAc8ryJ8sc9wjnnI7VcoYO1dw4zE-RoLrwiLNIlPZHoP2AlGlllTzYcy0pcQvQTaUS8_QUaIfemxYMvTv38HPcJCEA5TfE3o4x5Ofy0ADpmfvcwIT9tQOX_W/s1600/book+cover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKx5TtI7pH_IEBzpH5GO5dAc8ryJ8sc9wjnnI7VcoYO1dw4zE-RoLrwiLNIlPZHoP2AlGlllTzYcy0pcQvQTaUS8_QUaIfemxYMvTv38HPcJCEA5TfE3o4x5Ofy0ADpmfvcwIT9tQOX_W/s320/book+cover+2.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div>April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-75369501017238154782012-05-08T18:45:00.001-07:002012-05-08T18:51:40.006-07:00Sneak Peak!<div style="text-align: center;">With the release coming up Saturday, I want to share something special with you. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a look at the cover of It'll Keep. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeP5GVk_W_4pcorLaE_C1RJxZ8Um8nNAd-SqkMeSUQY5aaVfAVjYWtJIeSHiKWLnSExFZsnDETxDSV8hjWhNlBX3DDX_Xv1DUVPh0rWyvfFlXogZ7W30N81GXCvzAONgxM9h6MMyYVFQV/s1600/itllkeepcovereconfinapress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeP5GVk_W_4pcorLaE_C1RJxZ8Um8nNAd-SqkMeSUQY5aaVfAVjYWtJIeSHiKWLnSExFZsnDETxDSV8hjWhNlBX3DDX_Xv1DUVPh0rWyvfFlXogZ7W30N81GXCvzAONgxM9h6MMyYVFQV/s320/itllkeepcovereconfinapress.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Art by April Mobley 2012</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy this sneak peak. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't forget: It'll Keep will be for sale May 12 (This Saturday!) </div>April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-81214050519033314182012-05-02T15:56:00.000-07:002012-05-02T15:56:47.837-07:00Some Bad News and Some Really Really Good NewsBad news first because the good news is amazing news. Because of technical difficulties, the release date of <u>It'll Keep</u> is being postponed a week. So, the book will be released on May 12, 2012 instead of May 5th.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://100scopenotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4114564467_15682215ec.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Now for the really, really good news. This news would make Willie Wonka proud. We are giving away a copy of <u>It'll Keep</u>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are several chances to win. </div><a name='more'></a><br />
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</div>April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-14659074272845078782012-04-30T20:07:00.003-07:002012-04-30T20:08:29.966-07:00Review from Sarah Watts, Panama City, Florida of "It'll Keep", the novel by April Mobley<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This book is AMAZING!!! The sneak peak on Facebook just had me asking for more. I felt so honored when April asked me to read her book and write a review of what I thought about it. First off, anyone that likes to read a good western love story, this book is for you. It will have you in tears of joy and sorrow and, at a few points, giggling. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat a few times through out. You'll think one thing is going to happen and then something totally different happens. I have to say that I am not much of a reader but with this book, I just did not want to put it down. I wanted to know what was going to happen next through out the whole book. I would recommend this book to anyone that asks me. Thank you so much, April, for letting me read and experience your book. Can't wait to buy it for my grand mother!! </div>April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-13951519695048014892012-04-26T11:28:00.000-07:002012-04-26T11:28:56.097-07:00Cari, My Daughter<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
In honor of National Poetry Month and all the wonderful support and work my daughter, </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Cari Standridge George has done, I have decided to share one I wrote almost 10 years ago. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
I hope you enjoy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfahoDhspFugt6wWSQgtgdAjmNx_qyyVm_82ChpkT323PTC9QJWhJS9jYC5EOmAD9V9dg_AkBW1xhrjORGODHTZ-W2fTa0Tfrf2r9hzJBlD-xIZNywAy9sbMBbfaSiQcMXuZlraLdQvBWW/s1600/318631_10150339151753927_634818926_8355206_1412763707_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfahoDhspFugt6wWSQgtgdAjmNx_qyyVm_82ChpkT323PTC9QJWhJS9jYC5EOmAD9V9dg_AkBW1xhrjORGODHTZ-W2fTa0Tfrf2r9hzJBlD-xIZNywAy9sbMBbfaSiQcMXuZlraLdQvBWW/s320/318631_10150339151753927_634818926_8355206_1412763707_n.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cari B. Standridge</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes I pick up my pen, when I’m
feeling troubles within.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes I pick up my brush, when
there are fears to be hushed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Over the years, changes have come,
unwanted, there have been some.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Their need we couldn’t fore-see,
always learning they had to be.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When you were born, I held you tight,
to keep you safe, willing to fight.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A new part of my life began, when I
held your tiny hand.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You grew older and started walking,
sometimes wouldn’t stop talking.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Curious you were beyond belief; you
loved school to my relief.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Barely reaching the table, sitting in a
chair, what you learned glad to share.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I see your tiny hands working still,
with great concentration on that pencil.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Again unwanted changes came, as you
grew older, still the same.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We’ve lived in too many places,
gotten to know too many faces.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But through all the changes, every one,
and all the places, you shine like the sun.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You’ve been my bright star in the
sky, even though you’re pretty shy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You’ve always been my calm in the
storm, the smile that keeps me warm.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’ve made stupid choices in my life,
but you gave me no cause for strife.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As you reach your eighteenth year,
there is something you should hear.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cari, I want to say “Thank you”,
for the gentleness you have in you,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the daughter that you are, but for
more than that by far.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I thought with all our moving, there
was something I was missing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I thought I would never posses, someone
I held in great closeness.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That I would say with certainty, “She’s
my friend, always will be!”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But as I set you free, a women now, to
say this I’m not sure how.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In letting go of you, I bring you close
to me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because Cari, YOU are my best friend
and ALWAYS will be.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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-April Mobley</div>April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-68915441737548541812012-04-03T17:55:00.000-07:002012-04-03T17:55:55.751-07:00It'll Keep: Chapter One<div style="text-align: center;">As promised, here is a teaser from the upcoming book. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am sharing the first chapter. Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQIQaytOCxXxPycUxleiNPa7_13xPyy0gwBZln0smPXR3_PVAaVHrMzpDkLmrI4A0F8T4oURtYRXGMY0WgQ9PF-6yUIlbYnJ2m5wvnMbRDdTLsPNvpgiqYLU5Aw8MiIN4YAXddRgtSHtV/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQIQaytOCxXxPycUxleiNPa7_13xPyy0gwBZln0smPXR3_PVAaVHrMzpDkLmrI4A0F8T4oURtYRXGMY0WgQ9PF-6yUIlbYnJ2m5wvnMbRDdTLsPNvpgiqYLU5Aw8MiIN4YAXddRgtSHtV/s320/mom.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">As she sat and watched the sun rise over the hills, spreading its first rays of warmth across his land…their land…, Clara wondered where He was, probably waking up in a bunk house somewhere. Some whore’s bed was a better guess. Why was it lately he invaded her thoughts? Seldom did she have time to just sit, and this was her favorite time alone. Always having loved the sunrise, Sundays were her favorite day. It was the only day she had time to sit and watch the sun rising and not always then. This was probably the last one she would really see for at least a few weeks. They would start planting this week and any day now the babies would start coming, piglets, foals and calves. No one can stop nature from pushing ahead just so they can sit and watch a sunrise. There were two pigs ready to give birth, a cow and Isabelle, Matthew’s horse. When it’s time, it’s time, ready or not. He had been there when their children were born. This realization surprised Clara. With all the times he’d let her down, as undependable as he was, he had been there for both their childrens’ births. But sadly, she thought, that was just about all. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Mornin’, love!” Matt said as he stepped thru the door. “I knew you’d be out here. Isn’t it beautiful? Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.” With the way she jumped, he knew she’d been miles or years away.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “You didn’t.” Clara replied as she wiped the spilled coffee off her apron. “Well, maybe a little.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Where were you?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Just in the sunrise.”<br />
“Oh.” <i>Thinking about him again. </i>Matt grimaced.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> Catching the shiver in the corner of her eye, she said: “Let me get your breakfast. That will warm you up.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “I’m fine. This coffee will do it. Besides, there’s no hurry. We don’t have to leave for a couple of hours. You don’t see many like this anyway.” Matt said as he raised his cup toward the multi-colored sky.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Just the same, Mary Ann and Joey will be up soon enough, and I have a lot to do before services.” As she rose and started toward the door, Matt opened his mouth as if to speak and then closed it again. “What is it, Matthew?” When he didn’t answer she asked: “Is something wrong?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “No, Clara. Nothings wrong. It’ll keep.” He stepped off the porch and headed toward the barn, leaving her to wonder. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> <i>Yes, it’ll keep. Keep silently locked in your head. I can’t believe I almost asked her. </i>There was no need for him to ask.<i> Why does she always find a way to get away from you when we’re alone? Always something to do that can’t wait. Wish I could go “into the sunrise” with you. But you don’t want me there. No, there’s no need to ask. You do everything so well. Cook, sew, help the children with their lessons. You’re a good mother, a good wife. Even in our bed, you never turn away. Always accommodating. Accommodating. What an ugly word. Why? God! I love you woman. Why can’t you love me, too? Hell, she doesn’t want you at all, not really</i>. He was full of pain when he remembered her reply after he’d asked her to marry him.<i> “Yes, my children need a father.” <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> As he raised the small door to allow the chickens to get out in the yard, he wondered if the children and Clara would be better off if he’d set her free, too. She could go find him, then, maybe she’d be happy. But he couldn’t. <i>You’re my wife, MINE! I love you!</i> “I can make her happy if she’ll just let me in!” He told Isabelle while he rubbed her neck. Matt slipped the rope over her head and thought: <i>He’s no kind of man, anyway. And he damn sure ain’t gonna get close to Mary Ann and Joey again. </i> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> Matt had been tying the horse out in the pasture to graze. She was too close to foaling to just let her loose. Nathanial, Matt’s father, had turned his mares loose to graze, but one year they lost one. They figured she went off to have her baby and stumbled down an embankment. When Matt had found her two days later, both her back legs were broken; horse and foal were dead. She’d been unable to complete the birth when the time came. Matt watched his pregnant animals much closer from then on. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Pa! Pa!”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> Matt was latching the gate to the cow lot when Joey came running across the yard. <i>That boy runs every where.</i> “Over here.” Picking up the pail of milk, he grabbed the boy under his back side as he jumped up on Matt’s back. “Hey slow down, I almost dropped the milk. Your Ma wouldn’t like that one bit. And you wouldn’t either.” He set him back on his feet. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Sorry. Ma says to wash up.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Alright.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Can I ride?” He asked as he was trying again to jump up.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “No! You know that, not when I have the milk.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> Pouting, Joey strolls across the yard behind his Pa, dragging his feet and kicking up dust. “You’re just gonna have to wipe them off before church, you know.” Nodding to Joey’s dust covered shoes. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Aw, do we gotta go? Can’t we just go fishin’ instead?” When Joey looked at Matt with those trusting eyes, Matt wanted to give in so badly. But that was something Clara would never go for. Besides he likes church, now that he didn’t go alone anymore. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Now you know we go to services every Sunday.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Yea, but just once couldn’t we….” Joey let the thought die in his mouth as he neared the porch and Matt stepped inside. Setting the pail on the table, he went back outside to wash up. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Couldn’t we, Pa?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “No, Joey. We’re going to church. Sorry, son. Now, how about that ride?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “No thanks.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Tell ya what, I’ll ask your Ma about us doin’ a little fishin’ after the picnic. How’s that?”<br />
“Yipee!” Excitement filled Joey’s face because he knew Clara would say yes. She always did, unless she thought it was dangerous or there was work to do. As long as Joey could remember, there was always work to be done, except on Sundays, there was church. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Now, how about that ride?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> Breakfast was getting cold so Clara went to the back door to look for Joey and Matthew. There they were. Joey on Matthew’s back with him galloping around the yard and naying at the sky. She leaned against the door frame and watched them. <i>He’s a good father. I need to put a can in the picnic basket. </i>Just then Mary Ann came out of the chicken coop. <i>When they see her, they’ll come on in to breakfast. <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “You want a ride, Mary Ann?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “No, Pa. I’m too big for that stuff.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Oh, you are. Are you?” Matt squats and as he sits Joey on the ground, giving him a wink.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Yea, and besides, I’ve got the eggs.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “And some fine eggs they are. Can I see? How many did we get this mornin’?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Fifteen today.” She said proudly as he took the basket. “There was one in every nest.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “So there are. Joey, look at all these eggs. Aren’t they nice?” Matt held the basket out for his inspection. Knowing full well that his Pa was up to something, Joey took it and jumped out of the way. Just then Matt scooped Mary Ann up in both arms and started spinning her around and around. “Well, how about a dance then, big girl?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> Mary Ann’s squeal brought Clara flying thru the door. She should have known they were playing, but you can never be sure. Joey saw the look on his mother’s face and said. “It’s okay Ma. They’re just dancin’. She’s too big for horsey rides.” Matt heard him and guiltily set down his dance partner. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Thanks, Pa.” Mary Ann giggled as she picked up the basket and went into the house. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “It’s fine, Joey. But we don’t want to be late for services, do we?” Clara called.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “No, Mam!” He said running to the wash basin.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “What’s got into him?” Clara asked Matthew.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Who knows? I guess it’s your cookin’ Love.” pecking her on the cheek.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Matthew! The children!”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Oh, Ma! We’ve seen ya’ll kiss before.” Mary Ann smiled. Then her smile faded, as she realized it had been awhile. Not since that man came. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “Yea, they’ve seen us kiss before. But…” <i>It’ll keep.</i> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> Matt washed up as Clara wondered again what he had started to say.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">CLANG-CLANG-CLANG! CLANG-CLANG-CLANG! <i>What is that god awful noise? Where am I? Oh, DAMN, my head! This isn’t my bunk! What’s that smell? </i>The previous night came rushing back to him though the pain in his head kept him from opening his eyes. It was the whiskey, poker and Pearlie that gave him the headache, same as every Saturday night. He’d had a good time. Buck could tell just how much of a good time by how bad his head and body hurt. The clanging of the bell from the grub house across the street always invaded his slumber when he woke up in Pearlie’s bed or Carolina’s or Red’s or somebody’s. He forced his eyes to open and saw Pearlie standing in front of the mirror dousing her self in perfume. Did she believe it would wash away the smell of her profession?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"> “God, why don’t you just take a bath? That stuff smells like horse piss.” He rolls out of bed and pulls his pearl handled pistol from its belt hanging on the foot post. Moving to the window, with full intention of shooting the idiot ringing that bell, he moves aside the curtain and the noise stops. <i>‘Bout time, a woman anyway</i>. Even Buck wouldn’t shoot a woman. <i>Maybe just one.</i> Just about now, she’d be getting out of church and headed for the field outside of town where he’d found them last year. There they were sitting all cozy on a quilt that had little flowers stitched into it. He’d been searching for a year. Not really searching, just kind of asking around a little. Trying not to bring too much attention on himself. <i>A man aught to know about his son. Married again. Maybe. Wouldn’t that be funny? Perfect Clara, living in sin. <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">His laughter brought Pearlie’s jabbering to a halt and she asked: “What you laughing at? It is French! Now don’t I smell nice?” She smiled seductively as she sauntered over to where he stood by the window.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">“Yea. Yea. You smell fine. You’d smell a lot better with a bath, is all.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">“Oh, really? It’s not like I can just jump in the creek like you! It’s a lot of work hauling those buckets from the pump. Besides I always take one on Friday. And, besides, it didn’t bother you none last night! AND when’d you take yourself a bath?”<br />
“Never you mind, Pearlie.” Buck replied as he began to dress. She went back to the mirror and started brushing her blonde curls. “Good thing your good at your job.” Looking in the mirror he saw a huge smile spread. “You’d have a hard time doing anything else.” The smile faded. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">“And just why is that? I can do other stuff. I might even get married one day.” <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">Buck placed his hands on her bare shoulders and spoke to her reflection. “Yea, I can see you married now. Who’s gonna do all the work?” Her expression changed from hurt to anger and then settled on curiosity. “There’s a lot more to it than carrin’ water for a bath. Besides bein’ married takes all the fun out of life.” He backed away and smacked her bottom. Buck opened the door as she turned and asked: “And just how would you know?” <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">He replied by closing the door behind him. Glad to be out of that foul smelling room, Buck took a deep breath. The air in the saloon wasn’t much better. Clara never wore perfume and she always smelled so good, even after they’d made love. In the middle of the night, no matter the temperature, she’d get up and bathe. One night he’d woken up and she was gone from their bed. Joseph found her standing in the middle of the kitchen shivering up a storm and soaked to the bone. Seeing her standing there, all clean and sparkling was more than he could take. She was bathing again in half an hour and he never look at the kitchen quite the same. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
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</div>April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5065682999246314594.post-61316604343678793502012-04-01T18:53:00.001-07:002012-04-01T18:55:06.829-07:00Soon To Be Released!My book,<u> It'll Keep</u>, will be released soon! We are just working out final details. Stay tuned for a teaser!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQIQaytOCxXxPycUxleiNPa7_13xPyy0gwBZln0smPXR3_PVAaVHrMzpDkLmrI4A0F8T4oURtYRXGMY0WgQ9PF-6yUIlbYnJ2m5wvnMbRDdTLsPNvpgiqYLU5Aw8MiIN4YAXddRgtSHtV/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQIQaytOCxXxPycUxleiNPa7_13xPyy0gwBZln0smPXR3_PVAaVHrMzpDkLmrI4A0F8T4oURtYRXGMY0WgQ9PF-6yUIlbYnJ2m5wvnMbRDdTLsPNvpgiqYLU5Aw8MiIN4YAXddRgtSHtV/s320/mom.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>April Mobleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16487074065987599099noreply@blogger.com0