Saturday 29 October 2011

SFFS 29/10/2011

In this week's excerpt from The Contract, Layni's struggling (not very effectively) with the talkative Helpie. Enjoy!

‘Oooh, look Con, she’s an heir.’ The tentacle had turned her hand over, exposing her tattoo. ‘And a pretty one at that. What do you think?’ Another tentacle wrapped around her right hand, the tip sliding up her forearm suggestively.

‘I’ll thank you to leave right now, or else I’ll ...’ a flattened tentacle clapped over her mouth.

‘Or else you’ll what?’ The menace in Con’s voice was unmistakable. ‘I think now’s a good time for you to keep very quiet, or else we may do more than just handle you.’
You can read other SFFS contributions here.

Thursday 27 October 2011

Finding Orion

We were recently in South Africa, and while there I had an obsession with finding the Southern Cross. I'm no astronomer, but I do know some of my constellations, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. For the first couple of weeks I only managed to spot the pointers, which was really frustrating, as I didn't know where the Cross was.

Well, on the second week, I had a shock. We were staying on a bush campsite next to a river at the bottom of a rather deep (and steep) valley with my family, far away from any city lights. It was cloudy and wet at the start of the week, but it eventually dried up and cleared up. I think that it was the Wednesday or Thursday night when I needed to head to the ablutions block in the middle of the night. For some reason I looked up at the sky as I left the block to head back to our room.

The sight that met my eyes was one that I've most assuredly seen before, but nevertheless it took my breath away. I immediately spotted Orion - yet I was having trouble. It is a constellation that I know very well, and yet I couldn't make out all the stars. I had no problems finding the belt and the sword but, surrounding the four corner stars were SO MANY stars that I couldn't figure out which ones were the corners of the constellation!

How incredible is our universe? Even when we think that we know something, there's always more!

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Wind-scweepers

On a dark and rainy night, we leave the house and climb into the car.

Me: Brrrr, it's wet.

Hubby: It isn't wet at all?

Me (observing the windscreen-wipers going): So what's with the wind-scweepers?

Hubby: They're clearing bug juice.

Me: Hey, did you notice? I just invented a new word!

And so a new word is born ..... out of laziness (or would that be baby-mush?)!

Saturday 22 October 2011

SFFS 22/10/2011

Hi everyone! Although I'm tired (Friday night, long day), I need to keep my promise (the fact that I signed up) and give you a snippet to read.

First, though, some personal news for those who don't yet know. About seven weeks ago I began to suspect that I may be pregnant, and a few days later it was confirmed. So I am now 12 weeks pregnant with a little one.

Ok, back to topic then. I thought you may like to get to know the Helpie a little better. So, here's another snippet from The Contract.

‘Get out of my booth, or I’ll get the Barque to come and kick you out.’ A knot of fear tightened deep down.

‘That won’t be necessary ...’ – Con

‘... because we’re becoming friends.’ - Ner

‘We are Con-’

‘-Ner. What’s your name?’ A tentacle reached over the table and wrapped itself around her left hand.

‘That is for me to know and for you to scram...’ Layni gritted her teeth. Where were the waiters? They were supposed to monitor the booths.