Tag: books

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part One Continued.

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by BitLeave a comment

I am so excited to share this.

A heartfelt thank you to Lori Sillman for adding the next bit. Her contribution has helped keep this story alive. I love how she captured Lilly’s mix of doubt, hope and determination. She added depth without changing her voice.

To all readers, comment below if you’d like to join in or even just offer ideas or direction of where you would like it to go. If not, that is perfectly fine. It is just for fun. I will keep weaving, bit by bit, but just like when we sit together, this story is even better when we create it, side by side.

Here’s the next bit, written by Lori…

Lilly couldn’t help but feel some of the disappointment and self-doubt that his words prodded, but she also knew she would only be unfulfilled by giving up the dream. She tossed about the idea of doing both. She could continue the last bit of her degree in veterinary school while taking classes in journalism. Would that honor her dad, and her mom’s memory, or just waste more money, slowing down her new career?

“Dad, I want to make you proud. I am sorry to let you down. I have to pursue this. I’ll work on the side and help pay my way.”

Paul could never let his baby feel like a disappointment. “Alright, Lilly. We’ll work together, and just so you know, your mom and I have always been proud of you. We may have shook our heads at your changing pursuits, but we love your ability to dream big!”

Lilly felt relieved, excited, and under more pressure than ever. She immediately looked at what classes she would need to enroll in. Thankfully, the guidance counselor knew Lilly. She not only helped Lilly wade through the credits and classes that worked for her new degree path, she let Lilly in on a little secret.

“There is a journalism club on campus that works with the profs and classes. They get to travel all over and receive credit for on-the-job training. There are multiple destinations. I can have the club president get in touch with you, if you’re interested.”

Oh, Lilly was more than interested!

To be continued

Sending warmth and kindness

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part One

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit7 Comments

“Are you serious? I cannot believe it. Really, all this for me?”

“Yes, Lilly. This is yours, and you deserve every bit of it.”

Her father had been plotting and saving for years. Paul stood there in quiet awe, looking at his baby girl.

Lilly had completed her third year of college. It had taken her five years, though. Regardless, she was well on her way to becoming the veterinarian she had always wanted to be. Then, unexpectedly, she changed direction. She wanted to be a journalist.

Her favorite part of college had always been anything to do with writing. More and more, her thoughts drifted there. She could see herself traveling with her laptop, pen in hand, going on adventures and writing about them. The research aspect fit perfectly with her insatiable curiosity. It felt like a dream job.

She met his eyes.

“Why wouldn’t I pursue something that calls to me?” she said. “Surely, Dad, you wouldn’t want to hold me back from my desire to reach for the stars.”

Paul discouraged her at first.

“Lilly, absolutely not. I can’t afford to keep funding trial-and-error pursuits. And you know your mother would have wanted you to finish what you start.”

He paused, then continued, unable to stop himself.

“I’m certain you can still hear her voice as she dragged you to every practice, every event. ‘Lilly, you are going, and that’s it!’ You tried everything, art, dancing, debate. Remember the night you ran into our room convinced you were meant to be an influencer?”

He shook his head, a tired smile flickering.

“I didn’t believe it would last. They rarely did.”

Lilly felt the familiar defensive heat rise.

“Dad, you’re exaggerating, and you know it. Those weren’t failures. I was a kid learning who I am. You make it sound like a bad thing.”

Paul softened.

“Honey, I understand. But you’re a senior now, pursuing the one thing you’ve always wanted, your own veterinary clinic. I’ve watched you stay the course. Even through your mother’s cancer. Even after she died.”

His voice wavered.

“You never stopped showing up for her. You never stopped showing up for yourself. And now, just as you’re about to start your fourth year, you suddenly want to change everything.”

To be continued.

Tag you are it. If not, that’s ok too. Still, more to come.

Sending warmth and kindness.

How Sweet It Is

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
List five things you do for fun.
View all responses

How Sweet It Is

1. Sharing time with a dear friend
It’s Friday night, and I’m meeting a dear friend for a drink and appetizers. We share and laugh like we’re being paid. No pretense, no judgment, just a safe place to call home, away from home. Friendship is such a sacred place to go. How sweet it is.

2. Coming home to a cozy house There is nothing quite as fun as a comfy moment. A house picked up, laundry tended to, and everything in its place has a way of settling the soul into a place of peaceful bliss. How sweet it is.

3. Reading before the world wakes up Before the crack of dawn, I start reading. It is fun, not just in a let’s go on an adventure today way, but in the I always feel accomplished when I read way. Even a cozy mystery counts. I think it’s because reading feels like a valuable pastime, so my actions and values are lining up. What do they call that, cognitive consonance? Whatever the name, it brings comfort. Us readers are so blessed with the endless entertainment stories bring. How sweet it is.

4. Slow mornings with birds and wonder
I do not pour a cup of ambition. I pour, instead, a cup of awe. I have no obligations, and there is nowhere to go today except outside to listen to the birds. I like to believe they enjoy my company as much as I do theirs. I speak of them often because they are so much more than just birds. The language barrier works for us. I do not try to figure out what they are thinking. No need. I simply let these little creatures delight the senses. How sweet it is.

5. Walking with my ball of sunshine, Dolly
It is that time. Dolly, are you ready? Her joy is pure and abundant, round and around, her exuberance cannot be contained. Sometimes she spins so much she wobbles just a bit to gather her balance. We do not explore far. We have a usual path, one that works perfectly for us. She knows exactly where that first fire hydrant is, and when it comes into view, her tail speeds up and her whimpers of excitement cannot be contained. How sweet it is.

Well, that is five. However, I believe in going the extra mile, so one more. 

How can I not bring forward the fun writing brings? It is a fun and exciting adventure of my own making. Though sometimes it feels more like a need, even a chore, writing almost always finds its way back to fun. Just open the laptop and see where it takes me. How sweet it is.

Now, it is time to go find the next fun thing to do. There are so many. 

Sending warmth and kindness.