Your inspiration for December 2011

This month we ask that you include in your writing the words on the picture  

Picture created in 3D and rendered to 2D by Sven Pertelson

Arwins christmas adventures part 2 by Relay Caedmon

Arwins christmas adventures part 2 by Relay Caedmon

Part 2 Jump Stop

The bus made a leap forward when Arwin pressed down the button, and the boy looked terrified on when they both saw the closest house rushing towards them. The veichled breached thru the garden bush into the closests yard and it didnt stopped there. But just when she closed her eyes and thought the bus were seconds from crashing into the house nothing happend it all became silent, and she heard the boy chanting we did it we diiiid it.

The Santa Special – part 4 – Lillian Morpork

At last, they seemed to have gone through all the weather surprises. The sun shone in a blue sky, with a few puffy white clouds drifting along, like celestial sheep grazing on blue grass. Arwin relaxed, thinking of the arrival, and how happy the Dauphin Lake band would be with all the supplies they were bringing.

Arwin and the Special - Part 4 - by Sven Pertelson

Arwin looked at her rear view mirror and saw the airport shrinking from view, a quick glance out of both side windows. There was Lake Manitoba to the left and Lake Winnipeg to the right. They were flying, but how? This was a bus!

"Arwin's Christmas Adventure PART 4" by Llola Lane

"Arwin's Christmas Adventure PART 4" by Llola Lane

Arwin found that driving the 'Santa Special' was more of an adventure than she had expected...

A half hour later they were on the road, and eating the lunches that Mrs. C. Laus had packed. When the children were fed... Arwin had hoped they'd all take a nap... but they were just too wound up. Soon the bus was in a loud uproar again. So Arwin continued her story. "o.k Children... Are you ready to explore more cities???" They all yelled yeeeeeeees.. and soon Arwin was flying the bus to America.

Arwens Christmas Adventure by Relay Caedmon

Arwens Christmas Adventure by Relay Caedmon

Arwin found that driving the Santa Special was more of an adventure than she had expected.

It all started a few mornings ago on a beautiful winter morning, Arwin had sneaked out early in the cold wintermorning to throw some garbage before work. Just this morning was blistering cold and she could feel the hard crunchy snow under her feet, as she moved towards her big plastic garbage bin.

The Santa Special – part 3 – Lillian Morpork

Finally, everything seemed to be going smoothly. The temperature had risen, and all the ice on the road melted, and a breeze dried the road. No more Ice! Arwin thought. Thank heavens for that. Maybe, just maybe, we will make it to Dauphin Lake with no more trouble. I have never had so many things go wrong on what should be a simple bus trip before. You’d think, since this is a very special trip to help a desperate community, that it would have gone smoothly all the way. Oh, well, let’s just hope the problems are over.

Arwin and the Special - Part 3 - by Sven Pertelson

Arwin carefully typed her password into the GPS. The menu opened, playing 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town' as it did so. Only two destinations available on the menu. 'Stop 20071', where she was parked, and 'Santa's North Pole Workshop'. So not much choice there. She was off to see Santa.

"Arwin's Christmas Adventure PART 3" by Llola Lane

"Arwin's Christmas Adventure PART 3" by Llola Lane

Arwin found that driving the 'Santa Special' was more of an adventure than she had expected...

The little girl sitting behind Arwin, named Suzie, yelled out... "Let's pretend THIS is a flying bus." The children all yelled yes.. and Arwin agreed. "Is the bus ready for take off children," Arwin asked. "All presents loaded and labeled ma'am," said the little girl. Arwin chuckled as the little girl saluted. "O.K." Arwin beeped the horn... and the bus slowly lifted off the ground. "Get ready for a grand adventure everyone!"

The Santa Special – part 2 – Lillian Morpork

By the time the snowmobiles had left, it was late in the day, so Arwin decided to stay where they were. They were safely off the road in a wide stopping area, so if any traffic came along, the road would be free.

“One more night here, I think,” she said, “and then we can get on our way again bright and early tomorrow.”

Arwin and the Special - Part 2 - by Sven Pertelson

Arwin snuggled down into the padded leather drivers seat and started reading the next section of the manual. This chair was more comfortable than her own at home. This bus was going to be a pleasure to drive. The workshop had done a great job in mocking up the flight controls and the manual. The GPS actually worked, but wanted a password to work out a route, and it seemed the radar display used the GPS to make it look as if it was really working. This was even better than the 272 Santa Bus that they used for charity collections. A knock on the wind-shield roused her from reading.

"Arwin's Christmas Adventure PART 2" by Llola Lane

"Arwin's Christmas Adventure PART 2" by Llola Lane

Arwin found that driving the 'Santa Special' was more of an adventure than she had expected...

Pulling the bus out of the garage, she noticed snow was starting to fall. "GREAT... Snow... Just what I need." The sun was just starting to come up in the distance. She quickly got on the interstate and headed north. She day dreamed what the BONUS would be. "fa la la la laaaaaaaaa la la la laaaaaa" sang softly in the background. She grumbled....

"Arwin's Christmas Adventure PART 1" by Llola Lane

"Arwin's Christmas Adventure PART 1" by Llola Lane

Arwin found that driving the 'Santa Special' was more of an adventure than she had expected...

The LAST thing Arwin wanted to do on Christmas Eve was work! She HAD planned on sleeping in. But... she would get double time and she really needed the money. So when the bus dispacher called her, she agreed to work. He told her to come to the garage early, so she'd have time to look over her the routing schedule.

"Reindeer Games" by Zhu Juran

"Reindeer Games" by Zhu Juran

Arwin found that driving the “Santa Special” was more of an adventure than she had expected! Grappling desperately with the brakes, the gearshift, anything she could find that would bring the bus to earth, a crash seemed imminent. I don’t want to die in December! was Arwin’s last thought as the “Santa Special” met the snow with a thunderous roar.

(meanwhile, at the North Pole..)

The Santa Special - Part 1 - by Lillian Morpork

Arwin found that driving the ‘Santa Special’ was more of an adventure than she had expected.

It had all started with the spring floods, when the Dauphin River First Nations band community had been almost entirely wiped out. The access road was washed out and most were evacuated. Only a very few were able to stay, and they ended up without supplies of food, water and medical supplies. It was then that all the Scouting and Guiding groups in Winnipeg got together and started raising donations of clothing, blankets, and non-perishable foods. Furniture and household items had been donated by other organizations when the rebuilding had begun. But now it was almost Christmas, the people were moving back, and help was needed.

Arwin and the Special - Part 1 - by Sven Pertelson

The city streets were icy as Arwin made her way to work. Here and there Christmas decorations lit shop fronts and homes in the pre-dawn gloom. At least she knew what to expect as she had learnt to drive a bus here last winter. To say it was challenging was an understatement, twelve tons of bus was a handful at the best of times. Adding ice, snow and unpredictable car drivers to the equation made life really interesting.

Animated Version of November 2011 Inspiration

In Wonderland - part 4 - By Lillian Morpork

After a short while, Lillian became aware of a steadily growing noise, slowly coming closer. It sounded like someone clattering pots and pans together. “Jock, do you hear that?” she asked.

"A GIFT FOR OZLAND" by Llola Lane (PART 3)

"A GIFT FOR OZLAND" by Llola Lane (PART 3)

I read the last (or so I thought) notecard with a puzzled voice, into Sven's ear... "Your quest is over... or is it??? You have 2 options... You can stop now and go back to the Linden and end your time... or... you can continue to look for the next notecard and receive THIS bonus... An extra 10 minutes taken off your total time!!! If you choose to continue click the link below. The choice is yours... but decide quickly."

Fear in the Fungal Forests of Fomalhaut - Part 4 - by Sven Pertelson

The Fog Leeches were everywhere. One on its own was hard enough to kill but sometimes they came in twos and threes Wiping the gore off the blade of 'Black Blight' Sven watched as the fungus forest reclaimed the remains of the leeches. At least this time he had managed to grab one of the feelers to study. He pulled out his magnifying glass and looked carefully at the cut end, interesting ! These creatures were part animal, part fungus, that would explain how they survived.

In Wonderland - part 3 - By Lillian Morpork

While she waited, Lillian watched the water from the spring as it wondered off across the meadow in a small stream. She was lost in thought, wondering again why she was in this weird place. She was feeling better since the lady had come, and the rest was helping, too. She heard a rustle from across the glade, and looked up. There was an odd figure approaching.

"A GIFT FOR OZLAND" by Llola Lane (PART 2)

"A GIFT FOR OZLAND" by Llola Lane (PART 2)

I double checked the flowers by the chapel... Maybe I missed one. Tried INSIDE the chapel. Nothing... "Over here big sis," I saw shouted in chat. "Where are you lil sis," I asked? "Over by the graveyard... There are flowers over here." Oh my... I had totally forgotten that I had flowers on Annemarie and MissMichelle's gravestones. I touched the flower on Annemarie's gravestone first... Voila!!! There is was. Our lovely Annemarie was guarding the precious notecard. Got it!

Fear in the Fungal Forests of Fomalhaut - Part 3 - by Sven Pertelson

Sven held on tightly to the stern rail of the 'Skíðblaðnir' as he watched Stonesea vanish over the horizon and saw the small fishing boats on the silver sea far below him. The steady whisper of the windmill blades thrusting them through the air mixed with the regular strokes and hissing of the steam engines powering them. The odd uneasy motion of the air ship as it swayed beneath the giant gas bags holding it aloft made him feel queasy.

In Wonderland - part 2 - By Lillian Morpork

Once across the bridge, Lillian paused and looked around. All she could see was forest. It spread across as far on each side as she could see, and crowded right to the riverbank, except for the small clearing where the path continued on, among the trees. With a sigh, she moved on. She was getting heartily sick of trees! Beautiful as they were, too much was just too much. She wanted to see more than a few feet around her, some open sky above. ‘Will this forest never end?’ she mumbled.

Fear in the Fungal Forests of Fomalhaut - Part 2 - by Sven Pertelson

The road to Stonesea passed through unremarkable countryside. Even the tavern Sven spent the night at was best forgotten. 'The Happy Traveller' was not well named The food was bland, the beer was flat, the rooms cramped, the beds too hard and the breakfast greasy. Perhaps it was named because travellers were happy to leave it? Even the horses seemed glad to leave the stables.

"A GIFT FOR OZLAND" by Llola Lane (PART 1)

"A GIFT FOR OZLAND" by Llola Lane (PART 1)

"On your mark... Get set... GO!!!!" The starting pistol let out it's bang and I was off. THIS would test my skills and knowledge of OZLAND. The prize was too great to pass up. It's the ONLY thing that would make me even THINK about doing this Quest.

The Mushroom Forest: Part 2 by Shari Azarov

The Mushroom Forest: Part 2 by Shari Azarov

Running, I can’t catch my breath. I fall down into the leafy underbrush and tree roots. The sweat beaded up on my forehead beginning to slip down to my face. My eyes are swollen and red from crying. Think Shari think. Clear your head for a moment and think. Too scared, too nervous, the terror building up inside me. What to do, what to do.

The Blended Saga, Part 14: Running Out of Options by Zhu Juran

The Blended Saga, Part 14: Running Out of Options by Zhu Juran

Last week, on The BLended Saga:

Lady Zhu has appeared to Zasu and informed her that her lost lover has left the grid and has amnesia. She does not say how she knows this.

In Wonderland - by lillian Morpork

One day, I decided to go to the Ozland Art Gallery and look at the most recent exhibits. The pictures were interesting, and one in particular caught my attention. It was called In Wonderland, and the figure of the artist was part of the scene. She was surrounded by giant toadstools of various types and colours, and that was all that I could make out. I wondered if I could see more if I moved closer, but when I thought I had the mouse on the zoom arrow, I inadvertently clicked on the picture. You can imagine my shock when I found myself standing amid the giant toadstools, looking out at the artist, Ginger Lorakeet. She was standing where I had been, looking back at me. She smiled, called ‘have a great adventure, Lillian,’ and walked away.

Fear in the Fungal Forests of Fomalhaut (part 1) by Sven Pertelson

Sven's morning mail was waiting for him on his desk in the Manor. Most of it was the usual mix of problems and requests from the residents of the kingdom. He started scanning the letters. Sorting them was his first task. The baskets on his desk were marked according to how he would handle them, with a visit, with a note, request more details, refer to Llola and finally if they warranted it the large round waste basket next to the desk. As he neared the bottom of the pile one particular letter caught his attention. It was from his old university where he had studied Experimental Polybionomy. Usually they were asking for money to help impoverished students. Not this time.

The Mushroom Forest by Shari Azarov

The Mushroom Forest by Shari Azarov

Eyelashes flutter. Waking to the morning dew covering my body. Chills down my spine. Where am i? What happened?

The Blended Saga, Part 13: Running Out of Options by Zhu Juran

The Blended Saga, Part 13: Running Out of Options by Zhu Juran

Recap of The Blended Saga:

Zasu has left RL to live in SL with her lover (she was looking at a landscape with a white disk when it happened). Her lover apparently already lived there. Her friend Zola looked for her, but no clues ever turned up.

Shroom! - by Sven Pertelson

The shamans of Lapland used to drink the urine of reindeer that had eaten the red and white fly-agaric mushroom. In their red tunics and black boots, with with ruddy faces and laughing wildly from the psychedelic effects of their drink they may even have inspired tales of Santa Claus and his flying reindeer. Whatever was chasing me through this forest of giant mushrooms was not Santa Claus!

Llola in the Mushroom Forest by Llola Lane

Llola in the Mushroom Forest by Llola Lane

Llola sees the mushroom forest
"Should I go in", she asks herself???

Your Inspiration for November 2011

Your inspiration for November 2011 comes from Ginger Lorakeet. Her art works incorporate the person viewing them. You 'sit' on the picture and become part of the art work.  So for this month we ask that you include your own avatar as a lead part of the story. The example below shows Ginger in her own picture, but imagine it with yourself in that place. Oh, by the way Ginger is running !!!!

Your inspiration for October 2011 - La Forza by alba2 Rossini

Your inspiration for October 2011  - La Forza by alba2 Rossini

Blended Saga, Part 12: House of Changes by Zhu Juran

Blended Saga, Part 12: House of Changes by Zhu Juran

Last week, on The Blended Saga:

Zasu’s lover is still in the hospital with amnesia, and is troubled by dreams of a white frisbee. The white disk has possibly discovered his location.

Twenty Years Later - by lillian Morpork

Nosaj and Gepuanmat landed in open land near Pigeon Lake, Alberta, Canada. After the first shock, the people from the town had welcomed them, and contacted the Canadian Government. After a few interviews with top people in the government and military, they were set up with all that they needed, and scientists and engineers who were anxious to learn from them. Not only Canadians, but people from around the world were involved and the space program was greatly expanded.

Ad Astra (Part 4) by Sven Pertelson

After several pleasant hours talking, laughing and singing outside the tavern people started to drift away to their homes. The inn-keeper told us he did not have any spare rooms inside as this had been the weekly market day and the tavern was fully occupied. He did however have a proposition for us.

Space Disaster - by Lillian Morpork

The space ship tumbled through the wide expanse of space, looking like a pin juggled by a gigantic juggler. Whatever had hit it had come from behind, moving at incredible speed. Not only had it set the ship to spinning, it had also damaged one engine and made a hole in a rear compartment. In the bridge, the pilot was sprawled in his chair, held in place by a security net. It was obvious that he had not been so secured when the accident happened; his head was bleeding and his breathing was shallow and erratic.

The Blended Saga, Part 11: House of Dreams

Last week, on The Blended Saga:
The white disk has discovered that is errant follower has gone offworld. It is considering what to do next.
*********

Welcome To My New Normal! by SweetTrinityBaby Resident

Welcome To My New Normal! by SweetTrinityBaby Resident

To start walking on a path seeming normal is freeing. Having all your ducks in a row, plans layed out, knowing in a sense what you will be when you grow up. You put your foot out on to the first step of the first brick of the path. As you walk you get bumped from the left then the right, but it's okay it's normal to have some trouble. For you are human and nothing is perfect. So you pick up what might have dropped, wipe off the tears that might have fallen and take the next few steps.

Ad Astra (part 3) by Sven Pertelson

Nova Albion seemed a pleasant world. Lush green grass covered the rolling hills while woodland hugged the streams running through the valleys. Game was abundant and Imara had to chide Hodari, who wanted to chase every deer and rabbit. The clean blue sky was flecked with gentle white clouds and flocks of birds rose from the grass as we walked toward the coast and talked.

The Blended Saga Part 10 - House of Horrors by Zhu Juran

Last week, on The Blended Saga:
Zasu’s pregnancy is revealed as she does a Tarot reading for herself, trying capture an elusive thought that is haunting her. She realizes that her lover is unable to contact her, and resolves to search for him.

Ad Astra (Part 2) by Sven Pertelson

I looked through the open door into the night beyond. This was a one way ticket, there was no return! If I stepped through I could never return to Earth. Was I sure? I turned and looked back at the overcrowded, polluted, option behind me. I was sure!

Griselda and the Lion - by lillian Morpork

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls - Aesop

Griselda was in trouble. It wasn’t unusual for her, but this was the worst trouble ever This last witchly prank hadn’t gone as she intended, and a lot of damage ensued. So the leaders of the covens had ruled that she be put to death. She sat in the magically protected prison room, dejected and alone, deeply regretting her foolishness. She sighed. I really shouldn’t have tried to hang Randy Mason from the flagpole by his suspenders, she thought. But really, how was I to know the buttons would break on one side and he’d end up hanging by his neck? Good thing Witch Hazel came by, or he’d have died. And I will be dead tomorrow.

Blended Saga Part 9: House of Cards by Zhu Juran

Blended Saga Part 9: House of Cards by Zhu Juran

Last week, on The Blended Saga: Zasu's lover has awakened from his coma, but has total amnesia. Zola is still enjoying her new riches, but hired a PI to find some information about her missing friend. The white disk is actively recruiting followers.

Whimsy by Tami Meredith

Whimsy by Tami

The Lion, The Witch, and the Mushroom (And the Beef Stew, and the Voyage, and other such things as were needed to bring forth the Art of the Artist)

I Am Strong by Llola Lane

I Am Strong by Llola Lane

I am strong and many fear me,
The weak grovel at my feet,
Heads roll as I strike down my enemy.
NOTHING can touch me... I am Invincible!

Ad Astra (Part 1) by Sven Pertelson

The two severed heads next to the door to the stars looked remarkably peaceful. I'd swear that one was even smiling.

CSI Ozland by Lillian Morpork

CSI Ozland by Lillian Morpork

“Nick, Warrick,” Gil Grissom shouted from his office, “I need you, now.”

The two CSIs dropped what they were doing, and headed into the office, looking very puzzled. They had been finishing up reports on a case they had just completed, and were looking forward to an early night.

OZLAND Picture Stories - Your Inspiration for September 2011

Your inspiration for September by ariadenise Bellic

Picking up the Pieces - by Raphaela Palmer

His death was soul destroying, at least it was as far as I was concerned. I knew it was going to happen but that didn’t make it any easier. The death of someone you love is always difficult, watching them die and knowing there is nothing you can do about it is far worse. Four years of training, Five years as a qualified nurse and I still couldn’t help him. Uncle George’s death was slow; cancer is a horrible way to die. I remember the day we got the diagnosis, - it was his birthday.

Vantage Point (continuation of the Blended series) by Zhu Juran

Vantage Point (continuation of the Blended series) by Zhu Juran

Slowly he opened his eyes and as he did, the dream receded just beyond his reach. He was completely disoriented; he’d never seen this room before. Suddenly people came rushing at him; he shrank away and tried to run but found he couldn’t move. He tried to wave his arms to keep them away but his arms were so heavy, he couldn’t lift them. In a full panic now, words slowly began to filter through to his brain: Awake? Awake! Doctor..blood pressure spiking...shhhhhhhh you’re okay you’re safe we won’t hurt you you’re in a hospital shhhhhhh. He closed his mouth abruptly, suddenly aware that the screaming sound was coming from him. Deliberately slowing his breathing, he forced himself to look around at these people he didn’t know. They looked concerned, not threatening, and one was telling all the others to leave for now. Thank goodness, he didn’t know how much longer he could hold his breath!

Cry of a Lost Child - By Lillian Morpork

Black as a raven's wing,
Darker than midnight,
There is a fearsome thing
Taking away all light.
Moon behind clouds hiding,
There is no starlight;
Alone, to myself I cling,
Cow'ring in fright.

The Spirit Dancers - by Lillian Morpork

Jonny Sun Dancer checked on the fire, making sure it was properly banked, checked the oil lamp to be sure it was in a safe spot, did up his parka and picked up his big bear-skin blanket. Quietly, he slipped out of the tepee, leaving his Grand Aunt Sally Running Deer and his two young siblings sleeping. Once outside, he carefully closed and fastened the flap, and set out for the big, brightly lit tent, where his grandfather lay dying. Once there, he settled down on the piece of log he had placed earlier in the day, wrapped the bear-skin around himself, and waited, fighting back the tears.

Chalk Lashes: A Modern Tragedy by Tami

Chalk Lashes: A Modern Tragedy by Tami

Standing at the chalkboard, the child does as the teacher asks. Carefully, using lots and lots of colours, a face is drawn, starting with the eyes. They are amazing, just like all the beautiful girls in the catalogues -- with really long, thick, lush lashes. A nose is added, but before the lips can be drawn, the child stops. It's a beautiful, pretty, girls face and the child knows, with a sense of understanding few will ever achieve, that the face is a dream beyond attainment. So, tears are drawn instead of the mouth. The teacher asks why, but the child has learned not to talk about feelings and answers, "just because."

Lullabye to a Wild Child (Rusty's Lullabye) by Avialla Resident

Lullabye to a Wild Child (Rusty's Lullabye) by Avialla Resident

You were rocked in the cradle of the misty night.

The Manor House by Lillian Morpork

The Manor House by Lillian Morpork

Down the long laneway,
Dim, though a bright day.
Surrounded by lawns unmown,
Gardens with weeds o’er grown;
A house full of tears.

Never Regret Love by Zhu Juran

Never Regret Love by Zhu Juran

"He comes back to tell me he’s gone, as if I didn’t know that, as if I didn’t know my own bed” - Paul Simon

Prodigy by Tami

Prodigy by Tami

"O.K. now kitten, I want you to draw your face."

"But why, mommy? I don't wanna draw a face. I don't even wanna do this stupid art. Why do I gotta?"

PI poem 2 by Lillian Morpork

PI poem 2 by Lillian Morpork

Two caterpilars crawl
over

A Stillicide of Tears by Zhu Juran

A Stillicide of Tears by Zhu Juran

stillicide /ˈstɪlɪsʌɪd/
noun
Water falling in drops, especially in a row from the eaves of a roof.

Pi 3 - by Lillian Morpork

Toronto's star struck.
TIFF
is here. many stars
around town.
the biggest star of all was an elephant
strolling down the middle of Yonge Street

The Caterpillars - by lillian Morpork

All of the insects, birds and small creatures in the forest were hurrying to find shelter. They knew that a big storm was coming, and it would be very dangerous for small things to be out in it. The two furry caterpillars, Tic and Tac, were slowly working their way along the branch of a Jimson weed, trying their best to hurry. But they had been nibbling at the plant as they went, and it was great! They were having a grand time.

Memories of a song - by Sven Pertelson

Late, in a dark night,
Sleep eludes me.
Tears come unbidden,
Thoughts of happier times.

Explorations: Part 2 of an Ongoing Saga by Tami and Trybil

Explorations: Part 2 of an Ongoing Saga by Tami  and Trybil

So here I am, flapping my ears as I hover here, watching the circus below me. Just don't call me Dumbo, or you will regret it. So much has happened, in not so many turns of the world I created...

The Mystery of Wilmot by Tami

The Mystery of Wilmot by Tami

In the town of Wilmot, in the hills of Eastern Pennsylvania, near a valley they call the Grand Canyon, a mystery lies unsolved. One fateful night, when the clouds hung low and the town was shrouded in a blanket of mist, five peace loving, law abiding citizens went missing. Though the police and fire departments scoured the hills and volunteer divers combed the rivers, no bodies were found. Today, 48 years, 3 months, and 7 days later, only I and my siblings, and soon you, know what truly happened. It is not a secret and I will tell all who ask, but nobody has asked. Now, as my daughter, you will be initiated into a select group as you too learn the dreadful truth.

Daddy's Tears by Suta Northman

Daddy's Tears by Suta Northman

I sit here, tears slowly falling down my face, my memories of the past slowly come into place. With each tear that falls I recall the joy and happiness and pain as a daddy, of the good times and the bad.

Sing me to Sleep by lillian Morpork

Sing me to Sleep by lillian Morpork

“Sing me to sleep, Iya (Grandmother), I am so sad,” Temi sniffed back tears as she pleaded with her grandmother. Grandmother took the little girl’s hand in hers, and brushed the tears from her cheeks.

Frisbee Time by Zhu Juran

Frisbee Time by Zhu Juran

Zola wiped her eyes. This HAD to stop, this crying, or she was going to ruin her career. You couldn’t be the world’s foremost eyelash model with puffy red eyes. While “eyelash model” didn’t seem like a real job even, she had made quite a nice life for herself being just that. She was constantly in demand for commercials, live shoots, body doubles (if you could call it that), and most CGI was modeled after HER eyelashes. They were that good.

"Eyes Closed" by Llola Lane

"Eyes Closed" by Llola Lane

Eyes closed...
So excited for the new day ahead.

I Am Tears Of Time by Lagu Indigo

I Am Tears Of Time by Lagu Indigo

I, devise a creature of time and immortality
I, but the essence of a memory

GENTLE TEARS by STARDOVE SPIRIT

GENTLE TEARS by STARDOVE SPIRIT

GENTLE TEARS STREAM DOWN MY FACE
LOVES WASTED YEARS
A FALL FROM GRACE

"The Birth of Venus" by Trybil and Tami

"The Birth of Venus" by Trybil and Tami

I try to open my eyes, but I can't. It is as if they aren't there. Or, maybe they are open and there literally is nothing to see. I'm not sure how this could happen. The lack of anything is truly unnerving. If I am in total darkness then it would be familiar or at least understandable. However, this total nothingness is unlike anything I can possibly imagine. Perhaps this is how a blind person experiences the world. Am I blind then?

Your Inspiration for August 2011

Metaverse 101 - © Karalee Larsson and Zhu Juran

Mapping the Terrain from the Inside Out - by Karalee Larsson

The landscape quilt remains as the only tangible reminder
of the places where we once explored.
Traversing the newly discovered terrain we climbed
hilltops bathed in light from the unnamed planet’s moons
and forged cool sandy streams. We found our way to the trees
with silvery branches with hanging stars and
to the huge flower petals that we used for our beds.

Distant Vistas - Part 5 by Sven Pertelson

EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY! ERROR! SYSTEM MALFUNCTION! The robotic voice of the MSV pounded at my ears. I half expected it to shout 'Danger, Will Robinson'. I had only unhooked the suit and left the MSV 15 minutes ago. What mess had it gotten itself into this time. It was supposed to support me. Not the other way round.

Blended Part 4 by Zhu Juran

Blended Part 4 by Zhu Juran

Hours later, she hugged her friend goodbye, promising to keep in touch. She turned to her dog, still a little miffed at the wild goose chase he’d led them on. “You were here the whole time, weren’t you? Well you missed a good walk!” She checked her phone which she’d left behind in her worry about the dog, and found a text from her sweetheart, “Hey babe where ru?” Only 15 minutes ago, that was good. She texted back, “U on? brt :)”, and went to feed Charlie first - “not that you deserve it,” she said to him sternly.

Jason's Odyssey - part 3 Lillian Morpork

Jason's Odyssey - part 3 Lillian Morpork

Jason woke to the pre-dawn chorus of the birds, and sat up in his sleeping bag. There was a soft breeze blowing, and the sky in the east was aglow with gold and deep pink, presaging the rising of the sun. For a few minutes, he sat there, gathering his wits, and his courage. Finally, giving himself a shake, and running his hands over his face and hair, he crawled out of the bag and stood up. From this vantage point, he could see the skyline of the city against the glowing sky. Slowly, as the sun rose, the colours of the buildings appeared. “I have to get there today,” he thought. “I don’t even know if I have enough food and water for that long. After that…..well, I just have to hope I have enough money on me. Not only for food, but for bus fare. If I can find a bus there that goes close to home.” He sighed, picked up his backpack, and sat down again.

Vixen by Tami

Vixen by Tami

Trish grunted. It was not a lady-like grunt, nor was it one caused by physical exertion. It was an honest to goodness, completely frustrated, had enough, grunt. She turned to her team-mate, a frown on her face. "It's not going to fit. No matter what we do, we're not going to get the advanced program code with all its new modules and components into the storage unit. It's simply too big!"

Distant Vistas - Part 4 by Sven Pertelson

Mission Control finally got back to me about my request to leave the lake area and head for the big dish and the terraced hillsides. No go ! The radar maps we have from orbit show the terrain between my current position and there is too extreme for the MSV and I could not cover the distance on foot without it to recharge my suit. [expletive deleted]. That area will have to wait for another lander and MSV to be deployed.

Blended Part 3 by Zhu Juran

Blended Part 3 by Zhu Juran

Aaaaaaaand she was back at that same place, even tho she’d logged in to home! She circled around to make sure - yes, the same place, surrounded by colors, and that silver disk was there in the eastern sky. (She checked her map quickly - yes, eastern.) Well at least she wasn’t a cloud! Opening up her friends list, she saw her sweetheart was still offline. Might as well explore then, she thought.

Couture by Tami

Couture by Tami

Arnaz was flustered to say the least. In two hours he would either be a rising star or another failed disciple at the altar of fine couture; another "never was." His debut on the world stage was but 90 minutes from commencing and when it did, everyone that mattered would be viewing his collection. The fashion writers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and L'Officiel, among others, would be touting his genius or advertising his imminent departure from relevance. He had but one chance to begin ascendency in the world of high fashion, and that chance was almost upon him.

Jason's Odyssey - part 2 lillian Morpork

Jason's Odyssey - part 2 lillian Morpork

‘NO000oooooo…’the sound echoed and re-echoed, in total darkness. The stiff figure in the stern of the little boat heard it, but the terror was too great for him to react at all. But still, there was no crash, no sudden, painful death. Then the boat shot ahead, like a stone from a sling, and hit the water again with a huge splash, soaking him, and he was in bright, very bright, light. Slowly, painfully, he forced his fingers to relax their death grip, as the fear ebbed away. Looking around, Jason found that he was in a lake, with forest to the north and west, and meadows to the east. The boat drifted slowly across the lake, and he was finally able to take in what he was seeing.

A Mermaid's Morning Tale by Justine Rhapsody

A Mermaid's Morning Tale by Justine Rhapsody

I wake
and watch your sleeping face bathed in refracted light
breath moving in and out,
your life here a gift of my magic.

Distant Vistas (Part Three) by Sven Pertelson

Another morning, but the boots still do not fit. As I detached the suit from the umbilical tethering me to the MSV I looked up at the sky. Through a gap in the pink clouds I could see the group of small moons that hung circling each other above this strange place. The yellow sun was lighting the peaks of distant mountains while some nearer ones were in deep shadow. Soon the clouds would thicken, as they always seemed to, and the landscape would be uniformly lit again.

Blended Part 2 by Zhu Juran

Blended Part 2 by Zhu Juran

Sighing, she clicked on her mouse, exited the program, stood up, and walked away from her computer. Drastic measures indeed she thought to herself, smiling. Time to spend time in the real world - how long had it been anyway? She rubbed her eyes, far too long she realized. The sun was even shining! What was wrong with her anyway? Sitting in front of a computer when she could be walking the dog, working on her latest watercolor, even reading an actual book!

Jason’s Odyssey – part 1 - by lillian Morpork

A tale of not so long ago, but very far away.

Jason Moriarty had a dream, and it was partly because of his surname. In Irish, it means expert navigator. He never told anyone about it, but he worked hard whenever he had free time from chores and school to make it real. He spent hours down in a secret cove by the river building a small sailboat that he could handle alone – his dream was to go on an Odyssey, like his hero Odysseus. At last, just after his fourteenth birthday, all was ready. His ship was finished; he had stored plenty of food and water, as well as all-weather clothing, and now it was summer, and school was out.

A Quilt's Eye View by Tami

A Quilt's Eye View by Tami

The world when seen from the perspective of a quilt is a very different place. Though a quilt may last for many generations, it is incredibly rare for one to survive that long since most simply disintegrate as ultra violet rays slowly, but surely, break down the molecular bonds of their fibres. As sunlight patiently eats away at their strength, they start to rip and tear, needing patches and repair, until one day their owner decides that it is time for a replacement. What follows for the quilt would cause the quilt to tremble, if it was able to tremble, and can include burial alive within a landfill, burning on a rubbish heap, or shredding to produce recycled fibres -- none of which is pleasant for the quilt.

Sweet Petals by Artexia Jun

Sweet Petals by Artexia Jun

The first thing to catch
my eye, was your pastel fragility,
The sight of fearful little
petals bracing up
for a withering destiny.

Distant Vistas (Part 2) by Sven Pertelson

In the corner of my vision I saw two notifications pop up. A couple of reminders. It was local solar noon and I should take 'sustenance' soon and a reminder that it was time to contact my mobile support vehicle and instruct it as to where I wanted it to meet me before nightfall. I'd get the tedious duty over first, lunch.

The Crystal Journey - Lagu Indigo

Two mermaids swam in the deep lapis seas.  Their journey was a special journey to the land of crystal dreams. They had swam many oceans in search of this beautiful tale of wonder and myth.

Spock's Trybil by Tami

Spock's Trybil by Tami

Disclaimer: This story is not based on a true story. Only the names have been retained to protect the guilty.

"What do YOU see???" by Llola Lane

"What do YOU see???" by Llola Lane

Have you ever looked at something and seen something else? Like clouds in the sky... How they sometimes look like an animal... or some other strange thing... but NOT a cloud. I... even find faces in the tile on our bathroom floor.

Reflections by Suta Northman

Sitting alone in a house weathered by time, the woman looks out over the meadow over grown with time, while thinking of times gone by. As she finishes the last stitch, she looks down at her work, a quilt of memories of time and places of long ago.

Quilted Memories by Stardove Spirt

Quilted Memories by Stardove Spirt

Quilted memories on cloth of the past
Woven with love each stitch meant to last
My distant memories of time and of faith
Are sewn in this quilt my beautiful place

Dreamscape - by lillian Morpork

I slept, and seemed to float, bodiless.
At first, I seemed to be floating in a void
With nothing around me, nothing to see.

Out of The Boxes - by lillian Morpork

Junjie was a young panda, healthy and active. His fur was smooth and glossy, his body round, and his eyes bright with curiosity. Everyone said he was handsome, and when he grew up, he would be the centre of attention of all the young females in the bamboo grove. In time, he did mature, and was as handsome as they had said he would be. But of all the young females who made eyes at him, hoping to attract his attention, only Meirong caught his eye.

Blended Part 1 by Zhu Juran

Blended Part 1 by Zhu Juran

Her frustration was increasing at a dangerous rate. No matter how many steps she took, the mountains were no closer! That little silver disk in the western sky, however, was another story. Was it getting bigger or nearer? She really couldn’t tell. Sighing, she took a few more steps.

"The Quilt Is" by Llola Lane

"The Quilt Is" by Llola Lane

The quilt is designed...
with paper and pen
it tells a story
from beginning to end!

Distant Vistas - Part 1 - by Sven Pertelson

I looked around for somewhere to sit. It was time to check the reserves in my environment suit and while the ground was green it most decidedly was not grass. The texture and colour was like astroturf, but the way it sucked at my feet and the incessant movement of the club ended tendrils made me loathe to sit on it.

Wanna Go Get Some Breakfast? by Tami

Wanna Go Get Some Breakfast? by Tami

The sun slipped from below the horizon, peeking between the trees that festooned the hilltops. From the surface of the river, in their boat bobbing amidst the cool, foggy, morning air, Tanya and Michelle sat in silence, enjoying the warm golden rays of the new day. They rose early each morning, and together welcomed the day, hand in hand, rain or shine, summer or winter. Their private ritual had been going on for over half a century and they had yet to miss a sunrise together.

Your Inspiration for Picture Stories July 2011

The Three Kittyteers (PART 2) by Llola Lane

The Three Kittyteers (PART 2) by Llola Lane

The next morning the 3 Kittyteer brothers, Don Pedro, Don Carlos, and Don Juan awoke early. The words of the head mistress rang in their ears... "We don't have enough food to feed the mouths we have already!" "We need to find a way to make sure the orphanage has enough food for ALL the kittens," said Don Pedro. As the oldest of the 3 brothers he felt a responsibility to the orphanage... after all... that's where he met his 2 brothers.

Left Behind part 2 - by Lillian Morpork

They made a good pair, Panther and Ebony, backing each other up, supplementing what the other was doing. The feral cats soon gave up, deciding that nothing was worth the damage that pair was inflicting. With threatening growls and snarls, they broke off and went limping away, trailing blood and leaving many tufts and clumps of hair behind.

Left Behind - by lillian Morpork

The sun was just rising as Ebony uncurled from her uncomfortable perch in the tree. She took a careful look at the ground, as far around the tree as she could. She sniffed at the air – no, no sign of the fox that had chased her last night. She climbed to the ground and paused to check once more, then headed home, as fast as her gravid belly would let her go. She moved cautiously, still on the alert for any sign or scent of the fox – or anything else that might think a cat would make a good breakfast. She had gone exploring in the woods the day before, as she had often done, and to get away from all the hustle and bustle in the house. She had been heading home when the fox appeared, and only fast running had let her get to the tree, and up. Then it had sat until well after dark before it went off to its den. And she had been forced to try to sleep on the branch.

Les Chats, Noire - by Teri Meridian

The slick snow-covered streets were like a skating rink, causing Jack’s car to fishtail slightly as he wove his way through the downtown core. He was driving too fast and he knew it, but he didn’t have the presence of mind to care. Jack was on a mission and his attention was fixated on accomplishing his goal.

The Three Kittyteers (PART 1) by Llola Lane

The Three Kittyteers (PART 1) by Llola Lane

Once upon a time there were 3 Kittyteer brothers... Don Pedro... Don Carlos... and Don Juan. Don Pedro was the oldest and wisest of the three. He made all the decisions for the group. Don Carlos was the feisty one... He often argued with his big brother about the decisions being made, but in the end... always gave in. Don Juan was loved by all the lady kitties. He broke many a ladies hearts but he was a kind gentle kitty. He just didn't want to settle down just yet!

Anna, Nita, and Cali by Tami Meredith

Annabelle looked back at her two sisters, Caliope and Bonita. Today they had been testing her patience, pushing her buttons, and were about a whisker’s width from invoking a response. As the older sister, she felt responsible for them, and wanted to make sure that their lives were filled with catnip, mousie-toys, and the occasional bowl of fresh herring. But today, those two spoiled brats needed a little family discipline.

"The Portal" Part 4 by Trybil Timeless

"The Portal" Part 4 by Trybil Timeless

Pharoah continued "In the millennia since your departure, I have worked diligently to rule your kingdom well". "I knew you would Jim" replied Sarah. "However..."

The Katt House - by lillian Morpork

The argument had been going on for at least six weeks, more like eight. Everyone had weighed in on it, from Grandma Ida and Grandpa Izaak (Iza) right down to little Delius.

Cats in July by Anastashiaa Resident

Cats in July by Anastashiaa Resident

Far away in the teal snowy mountians, always around this time of year, you can find 3 cats.

Three Kitties Are We by Llola Lane

Three Kitties Are We by Llola Lane

Three Kitties are we
a family we be
two are a she
one is a he

Cat's Eyes - by Sven Pertelson

A cat may look at a queen
So I've heard
But never seen
May a queen look at a cat?
One must suppose
There's naught wrong with that.

"The Portal" Part 3 by Trybil Timeless

"The Portal" Part 3 by Trybil Timeless

The portal technician couldn't help but giggle every time a new arrival stepped out into the street naked. Even frequent travelers sometimes suffered from a momentary disorientation and neglected to notice that clothes were not included in the teleportation process. With a smirk he threw Sarah a standard-issue tubular shaped sack. "There you go" he said, wondering how she might fit those unexpected curves into the garb designed for the masses of uniformly featureless Gladeus residents. With some healthy tugs Sarah stretched the form-fitting garment into place.

Whimsical Kitties by Llola Lane

Whimsical Kitties by Llola Lane

Whimsical Kitties black as night
cute as a button they don't fright!

A Sad Cat Tale - by lillian Morpork

Sneaky-paw and Singing-purr,
She loved him and he loved her.
They had four kits, three girls, one boy,
Who filled their lives with love and joy.
They lived in peaceful harmony,
They’d chase a mouse or climb a tree.

Your Inspiration for Picture Stories June 2011

Please Note - The first Picture Story Event for June will be on 8th June,

this will give you time to write something and get it to Sven

Pyramids part 4 by Lillian Morpork

Pyramids part 4

It’s four months later, and we’ve visited the Antarctic and South American pyramids. Stew’s used the pictures and closely examined the communicators in both to work out a basic vocabulary. However, he can’t get either of the communicators working. We’ve traveled on, and at last, after a long and difficult climb, reached the hidden valley in the Himalayas. Since the location was only accessible for at most four weeks in a year, we were relieved when we arrived. We’d have most of the next year to see what we could discover.

The Golden Amulet by Llola Lane

The Golden Amulet by Llola Lane

Leonie is a great artist... but THIS story is about her great relative far far back in Egyptian times...

HS- 103 by Sven Pertelson

Welcome, my friends. I know that officially this is labelled lecture HS103 'Hyperspace and beyond' , but it was the only way I could book the large lecture theatre and the virtual meeting space.

Pyramids, part 3 by Lillian Morpork

“For the article, yes. But before we get into writing a book, I would like to go and see the pyramids. I may see things you wouldn’t, because you haven’t seen them all. For instance, in the Grand Gallery, the pictures painted on the walls – in the moon pyramid, they depicted what can only be pictures of a solar system, and the life on the inhabited worlds. But there was no clear depiction of the inhabitants. What did they look like? Were there pictures like that in any of your pyramids?”

Pyramids, part 2 by Lillian Morpork

I woke in the dark, to the sounds of voices and lights flashing around. Where was I and why was I in the dark, laying on a very hard surface? Then one of the lights came across the floor to my side and slanted up to show the face of Lieutenant Tony Wills. ‘Hi, Al! Did you have a good nap?’ he laughed, and held out his hand and helped me to my feet.

HS- 102 by Sven Pertelson

Welcome back, Gentlemen and Ladies, to HS102, the second and possibly final lecture in this first course on Hyperspace.

"The Portal" Part 2 by Trybil Timeless

"The Portal" Part 2 by Trybil Timeless

It all happened so fast. The tip of Sarah's finger touched the tablet. An instant later she was gone. Vaporized. An ethereal white powder, whisked away by the desert wind, mixing with eons of sand. The workmen stood silent and in shock. Leaderless, their eyes gazed at the now-dull tablet. In bewilderment and fear they shuffled away, then ran, chasing after the remnants of Sarah's dust into the desert.

"The Portal" Part 1 by Trybil Timeless

"The Portal" Part 1 by Trybil Timeless

The artifact they uncovered was gilt in gold over a meticulously carved stone tablet. The technical precision and the artistry of its crafting were obvious. The meaning of its message, if any, was not.

Pyramids - by lillian Morpork

I felt decidedly out of place as I drove my rattletrap Thunderbird along the curved driveway up to the mansion of Sir Wilfred Maitland. Part of the driveway ran through a forested area and debouched into an open area of formal lawns and gardens.

HS- 101 by Sven Pertelson

"I wonder where that went?" Kathryn Maclean (Inventor of the Maclean Hyperspace Drive)

Ladies and Gentleman, as cadet officers of the United Nations Space Navy I am told I must address you as such.    Welcome to your first lecture on the first ever Hyperspace 101 course.

The World We Live In by Llola Lane

The World We Live In by Llola Lane

I see...
Golds and yellows of pyramids and sand
reminding me of our wonderful land!

Inspiration for May 2011 - by SandraLee Palianta

OZLAND, A Magical Place (FOUR) by Llola Lane

OZLAND, A Magical Place (FOUR) by Llola Lane

"BONG... BONG... BONG” 12 bongs ring out and midnight night strikes one last time for this exhibit and the OZLAND Art Gallery is silent!

On Dragon's Wings By Desii Resident

Kyriana stood just out of sight atop the spiraling mahogany stair case, auburn tresses pulled back in a gentle tail that cascaded down her shoulders in heavy ringlets. Below her she could hear the wafting sounds of the band playing mingling with the throaty laughs and dull din of the men and ladies gathered there. It was to be her day, or so her father had said, her day to choose which of the six gentlemen would become her suitor and heir to her father’s holdings. She had read the letters of intent as they had arrived, as was her duty and as she stood here now her mind flitted over these and the men that she knew waited below.

Mysterious Lady - by lillian Morpork

It was a constant subject of converstation and speculation. The Seven Men in the top corner discussed it often. Clock and Dragon wondered and pondered it. Morna Meredith and Moon talked about it, after Moon first mentioned it. So did Angel Bright and Bucephalus Pegasus. And Dectective tried to investigate it, only to be blocked by the swirling, tornadic winds, full of dark dust. The parrots and Seal didn't talk about it at all, and the others wondered why.

Another Adventure - lillian Morpork

She was beautiful, she was graceful, she was unchanged. Almost. She was Morna Meredith, beloved guardian from the sea, and she was no longer sad, no longer bored out of her skull.

A Great Adventure - lillian Morpork

She was beautiful; she was graceful; she was sad; she was Morna Meredith, beloved guardian from the sea. And she was bored out of her skull.

The Moon Princess by Dragon Genna

One Night Of Time
The Princess is On The Moons

Where Are We? by lillian Morpork

Where are we now? the question rose,
What land is this we've entered?

The Bottom to Top, Left to Right Mystery - by Sven Pertelson

From a bed of seaweed the turbot stared at me, steaming gently, surrounded by lightly cooked clams, mussels and samphire. The gleaming copper fish kettle made a magnificent centrepiece to the dining table. "Would you care for some fish?" asked the world famous detective opposite me. His trade mark pipe sat in an ashtray on the table, his deerstalker hat and Ulster cloak were hanging near the restaurant door, beyond which, the thick London fog swirled and writhed in sulphurous tendrils. It was a cold evening and the idea of an after theatre supper was appealing, especially with such interesting set of companions. The good doctor and the detective's mysterious brother were also seated around the table.

OZLAND, A Magical Place (THREE) by Llola Lane

Midnight night strikes. The OZLAND Art Gallery comes alive, and 7 men stretch and grumble... This time they don't want to be left out of the exploration activities...

A counterclockwise spiral from the centre - By Sven Pertelson

It all started at a symposium. No, not one of those boring talking shops that they have these days ! A real Greek style symposium, where the thinkers got drunk on large amounts of rough red wine, while some sober scribe noted down the ideas, then they looked at the ideas the next day. Now that is the sort of brainstorming I like. In Vino Veritas, or whatever the Greek for that is.

Oceans - by lloubras Eyre

Just to be a bustard or a dolphin
To be an albatross flying in ocean winds
To be the storm passing on the murmuring rain
Just be the exile who returned to his shelter
Just the ship reaches its home port

OZLAND, A Magical Place (TWO) by Llola Lane

As I told you once before, OZLAND is a magical place. And this night, like so many others, the clock strikes midnight, and again... the Art Gallery comes alive!!!

OZLAND, A Magical Place (ONE) by Llola Lane

Did you know that OZLAND is a magical place??? Well it is... and every night at the OZLAND Art Gallery a wonderful magical thing happens. As the clock strikes midnight, the Art Gallery comes alive!!!

L2R T2B by Sven Pertelson

( The following story reads the picture Left to Right and Top to Bottom - hence the title.)

The suited and booted commuters jostled like bad tempered sardines as the tube train went over the points. "Like riding over a dragon's back" said the wit with his nose in the air. The train tannoy crackled into life, "All passengers for London Zoo please alight at Regent's Park, please note the escalators are out of order and you will have to use the stairs."

Collage of Wonder!!! by Llola Lane

A collage of wonder so much to see
Twisting and turning it is the key.

Arte Merva - Your Inspiration for April 2011

Just a few words for one painting - by Lloubras Eyre

N'entends tu pas la plainte de ces yeux
Juste un regard, une souffrance qui se tait
Un visage impassible qui comtemple la vie
Comtempler n'est pas forcément subjuguer
On ne décrit pas une peinture, on l'a vit!**
Les mots sont inutiles quand le frisson t'envahit

The Madonna’s (PART 3) by Llola Lane

I awoke suddenly. I could hear alarms and sirens. They echoed in my cabin. I heard footsteps outside my door. Someone was banging on it. Half asleep I answered the door. “We’re HERE!” a man’s voice said. The hallway was bright and noisy so I just nodded and closed the door.

I thought to myself…”The story continues.”

Eyes of Hope - by lloubras Eyre

eyes of pain, reddened by too many tears
the eyes of hope, betrayed by too many hatred

The Madonna’s (PART 2) by Llola Lane

After a month of talking we still were no closer to finding an answer to our questions about what the Madonna’s where. I lay in bed awake with lots of questions… but no answers. I finally drifted off to sleep and dreamt of the Madonna talking to me. She was speaking but no words were coming out of her mouth. She kept touching her red hair above her left eye. The same eye with the white bird tattoo under it. It was then that I noticed the X above her eye…

The Alien - by Lillian Morpork

I stood in the field and looked at the sky,
And saw a glowing ball flash by,
A streak of light that caught my eye -
A flaming meteor.

The Madonnas (PART 1) by Llola Lane

As someone once told me... X hardly EVER marks the spot. So then... WHY am I sitting in this space ship heading for some planet I've never even been to??? THAT is a story in itself...

It all started about a year ago....

Mater Dolorosa - by Sven Pertelson

Light shines through stained glass
Silent, the church holds vigil
As a single candle burns
In memory of a son

Shaman by Lillian Morpork

I sat in the sling chair and let my eyes wonder around the room. I was in a hut, in a jungle village, the only white person here, or as far as I knew, the only one within a thousand miles. And I was stuck here for the foreseeable future.

The EYES say it all! by LLola Lane

Her eyes stare at me
and I can't help but wonder
Is she human or is she alien?

Your Inspiration for Picture Stories March 2011

© Trill Zapatero

Immortal by Llola Lane

My finger touches the paint.. It is still wet.
My hand slips, into the artwork and I am caught off guard.

Attic Surprise by lillian Morpork

The house was big, and old. One of those they call a ‘fixer upper’. As we went through it, we saw that there were several of pieces of furniture still there. Chairs, cabinets, three small tables, as well as rugs. All antiques. From what I could see under the dust, most seemed to be in good condition. The realtor said anything in the house or outbuildings would go with the house, so I began thinking of doing restoration work on the old stuff. It would really be the finishing touch to what we planned.

Lost Gods - by lillian Morpork

They appeared as black dots against the grey sky,
Dots that swiftly grew, swelled, became two
Huge ravens, Hugninn and Munnin.

Flying Black Grace - by Dragon Genna

I am an adventurer.
Flying from here to there

A Gnomish Adventure by Lillian Morpork

Gnarly, Gweedy Gnibby Gnobs sat in the shelter of the small, shallow cave and cried. He was so tired, and very, very hungry and thirsty, and there was nothing to eat or drink on this bare shelf part way up the mountain.

Quilt of Many Colors by Llola Lane

"How many more fabrics do we need mama?" "About 3 more Sarah," said mother to daughter. "We need another yellow solid, another blue solid, and then something with a lot of color and pattern to be the main focal fabric of the quilt." "O.K mama... I'll keep looking."

The Maestro by Lillian Morpork

The young man climbed up the last, steep incline, and paused as he reached the top. For a moment, he stood and looked around. Yes, this was the perfect spot. He doffed his backpack, removed the boots, tough jeans, jacket and shirt, and reaching into the backpack, he took out a plastic bag. With this in hand, he went to the edge of the plateau. There, he untied the cord and opened the bag and took out soap, wash cloth, towel, electric razor and hair brush. Looping the cord around the handles of the bag, he lowered it into the water, pulling it up about half full. Hanging it from the limb of a small bare tree, he proceeded to wash and groom himself. Once done, he emptied the bag and placed everything back in, returning to the backpack.

Pleasant Madness by Nuria Dominica

Thrown into a pleasant madness, my thoughts.
Letting them like soft and delicate bubbles.
Running, they are running into the deep blue of the ocean
mixed with the clear sky.
Flying freely with no shame.

The Crow and the Daylight - by Sven Pertelson

A tale of the far North adapted to the style of a Kipling 'Just So' story. 



ow listen and attend, O Best Beloved, and I will tell you how the people of the far North came to have half a year of dark and half a year of light.

Crows by Llola Lane

Crows big and black as night
flutter too and fro in their flight
dipping and dancing
to the wind they are prancing.
But to me their graceful wings
flap for other romantic things.

Crows of Blue - by SkyKing Voom

Ware the Jabbercrows my son! Wacked out; drugged out; coked and toked, no random course they fly, arcs, zooms, and swirls charted by crystal meth they look. When they come to a fork in the road they take it; not knowing where they're going they fly somewhere else. (Yogi and Toby called that one!).

Release From Chaos - by lillian Morpork

His gaze sinks deep into her eyes,
Limpid, dark indigo pools.
She smiles in satisfaction,
Thinking, men are such fools!
Another soul captured.

Your Inspiration for February 2011

ENCORE by Llola Lane

As she stared down at her mother she wondered where the years had gone. When DID her mother get so old? Time flew by so fast. She couldn't help but think of days... weeks... months... even years gone by. She looked at the violin lying on the chair. Her mother loved it so. She tried to remember the first time she had heard her mother playing it. Seems like she had to be very little. She vividly remembers laying in bed, her mother tucking her in and then the sweet music of the violin as she drifted off to sleep.

That useless thing - by Nuria Dominica

I have walked all my life.
Left places, homes and people behind. Running from my memories, running from my thoughts.
You been with me all the time.

Aunt Liesle part 4 - by lillian Morpork

“Elfi,” the voice whispered, “you brought my Ludwig. I have never been able to speak to him. Perhaps now he will hear me, too. Let me tell you of that night. I had seen a well dressed man in the hall when I went to rehearse. He was tall, though not so tall as Ludwig, with light brown hair and blue eyes. He smiled at me and bowed as I passed him. I nodded, and went on and forgot about him. When I came back, I saw a man’s black silk top hat on the floor. I remembered then the man I had seen, and bent to pick it up. I thought to give it to Analiese to take care of.

Violinist - by SkyKing Voom

She stands with her back to us; white dress draped in folds; its back lifted by hunched shoulders; hair swung forward; head bowed. A foglike aura enshrouds her. An indistinct female form on the dim stage. At arms length bow and violin held as sword and hammer, her victim laying before her. But I know her art. No sound guides her hands. Her music is not for critic's ear, however tuned; however pure. Her Violin is but a tool. Her instrument our emotions.

Violin is a dream - by Relay Caedmon

She stood by the window looked out over the busy streetlife below. The guards near the corner of the alley who seemed to play a bet game, the older women around the waterwell and the children who chased each other all over the lively street below.

Aunt Liesle part 3 - by lillian Morpork

Elfie stood, stunned and shaken by what had just happened. Was it real? It couldn’t have been, yet why would she imagine such a thing? No, it was just her mind playing tricks, overwrought by the excitement and strain of the performance. Get hold of yourself, Elfie, she told herself, giving her shoulders a little shake. Lifting her head, she took a step forward, only to be stopped again. This time, she saw nothing, but felt a presence beside her, and a faint touch on her arm. Again, the faint whisper “help me, please. Until my killer is brought to justice, my soul cannot rest.” Then it was gone, and she was standing there, shaking, unable to move.

Stradi the Violin... by Llola Lane

Once upon a time there was a violin named Stradi. He was made of fine woods and his strings were tuned and ready to play. He was proud to be made in the style of Stradivari. Stradi longed for a good home with someone to love him and to play his strings like an angel. His past masters had taken great care of him but none had played him long enough to become a GREAT master.

Aunt Liesle - part 2 - by lillian Morpork

Time passed, and Elfi devoted more of her time to he academic studies. She devoted at least two hours a day to practising her violin, and the rest of the day, what there was left, she walked, or rode her bicycle. She did extremely well in her studies, finding Mathematics as easy as music. She did do concerts, one in the Stiftersaal, or middle hall of Brucknerhaus, in Linz. Before a packed house of 352, at the age of 17, she performed Elgar’s Violin Concerto in B Minor with conductor Helmut Wiedermann. It seemed to her one of the least demanding concerti, but she was pleased with the enthusiastic response, nontheless.

From the heart - by Sven Pertelson

From the heart ................................................................................

Sonya - by Crap Mariner

Sonya was good, her family said, but she wanted to be the absolute best.

Dark Journey - by Sven Pertelson

The giant naked mole rat scurried away from Hannah, further down the dark tunnel. Holding tight to her violin and bow she followed, past the strange writings on the wall. Grimy, peeling posters and scraps from books and manuscripts covered the hard packed soil and roots.

THE END... by Llola Lane

I remember coming home from school at about age 10. I was so excited I'd been given the violin to play. I found my mother in the kitchen making dinner. "Mama... I got it... I was given the violin." I held it up so proudly. "That's wonderful dear," she said as she stirred the stew. "You can practice later... It's time for dinner." I ran up the stairs and carefully put it on my bed.

Finale by Llola Lane

As I play my violin it sounds so sweet
Its music moves me with its every beat.

Aunt Liesle part 1 - by lillian Morpork

Elfi Von Croy hurried out of the small concert hall to find her Mother. She was pale, and her deep blue eyes were wide in fear and excitement. “Mama, mama,” she cried when she saw her “Meister Welser says I am to compete in the 18 to 20 year old class!”

Your Inspiration for Picture Stories - January 2011

For January 2011 we are showing examples of the work of the artists that have been featured in our Gallery since we opened in May 2009.

Spiral Silverstar - Alba2 Rossini. - Josina Burgess
Stephs Magic - Hermes Kondor - Lou Mannock
Seleuma Snowpaw - Maria Binder - Alexandra Mensing
SkyBlue Earthboy - Faustine Pau - Satu Gustafson
Jadyn Firehawk - Van Caerndow - Cowboy Darbyshire
Tegan Jenvieve - KenpoKarate Yakubu

Please enjoy the work of these Great Artists and choose ANY of the art on display to inspire you.

EDE Expedition - Part 4 - by lillian Morpork

“I wish we’d been able to read something in the ground around our campsites,” Jim said to Sheila. “I know something has been watching us, but with the ground cover, nothing showed. I’m beginning to suspect that we are not the only intelligent species here.”

Growing up Tad by Llola Lane

Growing up Tad by Llola Lane
(inspired by the Watercolor Artwork, Reflections in the Ether by SkyBlue Earthboy)

I open my eyes and what do I see?
A world of wonder all about me.

Wintry White by Llola Lane

(inspired by the Enkaustik Artwork, "eiszeit" by Marie Binder)

Wintry white all crisp and clean
These are the visions of magical dreams

EDE Expedition - Part 3 - by lillian Morpork

“Ok,” Jim said, after a two week stay. “I think we’ve done all we can here, so I want to move on. But first, we need to send the capsules with samples of everything we’ve found back to main base. I had good news from Bill this morning - things are really looking up. Trisha, they agree with you, the soil here is good for growing Earth plants. In fact, Ben said that the experimental farm is producing crops already. They’ve harvested wheat, oats and rye and they are all an exact match to the Earth samples. The apple trees are growing so fast, topping five feet now, and very healthy. The vegetable crops are producing as fast, and in good quantity. Looks like the colonists will be able to provide well for themselves - maybe two or three crops in a year.”

Among the Fae - by Sven Pertelson

(inspired by the picture 'Forest Fae' by Tegan Jenvieve) - Listen to a podcast of this story.

I promised you the last time we spoke that I would tell you how I came to spend time among the Fae and how I eventually returned to what we consider the normal world.

The Traveler by Llola Lane

(inspired by Hermes Kondor's Traveler Series Artwork)

I travel all across the land
even to places without sand
where waters meet and rivers flow
I am there all a glow.

EDE Expedition - Part 2 - by lillian Morpork

The trip across the lake went smoothly, and within the hour, they were making their way up river, pushing against the current. They were walled in on both sides by the forest - almost a jungle, though not quite as hot and wet as Earth jungles. Still, the growth was lush and luxuriant with blue-greens and red-greens predominant. Although the orbital and drone exploration hadn’t shown any large life forms, smaller ones had been abundant.

December Story by Relay Caedmon

(Inspired by picture Christmas Island)  Click here to listen to a podcast of this story

When she opened her fathers car she noticed the fresh and frosty winter air, which made her cheeks go red at an instant. “Are you sure we came to the right house dad!” She looked at him while he still sat in the car and held a cigarette in his hand, and he looked at her with a mysterious smile. “ That my sweet Ann will be a surprise for you.”

EDE Expedition - Part 1 - by lillian Morpork

(Inspired by Josina's Gouache Paper Art)
Jim Bradley stepped out of the pre-fab dome and looked around the compound, checking that all was well. The eight four person domes and four couples domes (including the one behind him) were arranged in a semi-circle around the large one, the dining hall and lounge. He could see activity around some of them, and knew that soon they would all gather in the communal dome for breakfast, and a last planning session.