..but love does not need to be convinced , love is self-confident .....

One of two self-confident looking juvenile Egyptian Geese who were breakfasting on the fresh grass of a newly seeded putting green of the golf course.

 

Juvenile Egyptian Goose.

Seen at the golf course in Achim near Bremen - Lower Saxony - Germany.

 

Eine von zwei selbstbewussten aussehenden jungen Nilgänsen, die sich zum Frühstück das frische Gras auf dem neu eingesäten Grün einer Spielbahn gönnten.

 

Jugendliche Nilgans.

Gesehen auf dem Golfplatz in Achim bei Bremen.

A Rather Devious tale of comeuppance to a Snotty Brat

Cadence Abbot, Craig Abbot

 

Chronicles of Lifting Light

The Plucking of Rose

 

Chapter 1

The Set up

She had pleaded with me to lend her £80! Her beguiling eyes were opened wide as she begged; “It’s perfect” she had said, “so please, I will do anyt…,”

She cut it off, remembering whom she was bargaining with for a favour…

As her twin brother, we have done some pretty over the top bits of role-playing over the years, and she was suddenly wary of signing her life away …….( smart girl)

^^^^^^

A bit of background:

We had all had been invited to my sister’s boyfriend “ Brian’s” parents renewal of their wedding vows the following month and, I knew she wanted to make an impression at the fancy dress. Sis and my better half, “Ginny” had gone dress shopping, and apparently, my twin sister had found a gown that they both liked quite a bit, but it cost a bit more than she could afford the moment and Ginny, having just bought a new dress herself that day, was temporarily out of lending cash!

So Sis had had them hold it, then tracked me down to ask a favour ( nothing new there), and was now begging me to lend her £80, to help pay it off.

^^^^^^

She knew I was a sucker for a good plead, especially when I received the puppy eye look that my sister had down pat! The same look she had taught Ginny how to use, and not unlike our Golden Retriever “Sam” was wont to use when she felt a walk was in order!

As it happened, I owed her a small favour, so I gave her the needed notes without making her bargain her life away, and she skipped off happily. I figured that would be the last of it until her payday. But of course, being a mere man in my ladies' world, I was yet once more wrong on that account!

Later that week sis rang me up. She had a formal reunion she just received the invitation to. It was at a large, multipurpose hall about an hour away, and was going on the weekend before Brian’s parents do.

It was being put on for her old co-workers at the Barristers office she had interned at while at Oxford.

Brian was busy that weekend getting ready for his parent's party, and would not be able to be her escort. So she called to see if I would be his backup. As an incentive, she said she would wear the gown I had lent her the money for if I agreed to be her chaperone. Seeing how smashing my sister looks when she dresses up (like my Ginny also), It was impossible to say no to her pleads. Unfortunately, Ginny had switched weekends with a co-worker so she could make Brian’s do the next weekend, so she was out of the picture also. This was a shame, for escorting a pair of well-dressed young ladies is always something I always looked forward to doing.

But escorting one is also quite nice, even if it twas only one’s twin sister!

 

Chapter 2

The Pickup

 

I arrived at my twin’s apartment that appointed evening and waited while she put on the finishing touches. “Ready?” she had called out sweetly, yes I said, and out she came strolling, a wide big smile on her dolled up face. I figured my eyes did a bugger, for she started to giggle in the way she does when overly pleased with herself (which actually happens quite a bit frequently, all too frequently one may add!).

She was truly stunning, a living “Galatea”, and I told her as much.

Her long silvery gown was hanging from her figure like someone had poured it down over her, modeling it over along her figure. And that is just what it looked like someone had done!

I have heard the term liquid satin, but this was just incredible the way it delightfully flowed and swished as she moved about. Brian was going to go nuts when he saw her, and she definitely would be turning some heads as she strolled in with him. She twirled around in a circle for full effect, and I just stood there mesmerized by the women before me that was my kid sister( by all of 4 minutes), the same sister that had only days before been wearing stained shirt and jean jumper, tramping through the barn in the horses stalls, while hauling shovelfuls of …… well I’m sure you get the gist of it!

As I said it was a long thin gown, of a colour that seemed to change between silver and cream as it moved to slink along with her youthful figure, with wide straps that went over her shoulders ending in four thin spaghetti straps along her backside. The bodice was all decorated with swirls of rhinestones, going down and around her gown’s waistline. She was also wearing her sliver open-toed heels, the ones with the rhinestone straps (with pointed toes that rightfully hurt when kicked….. another day, another story).

She had also put on her rhinestone jewellery, a set consisting of earrings, necklaces, and wide dangling bracelets. The total package presented was quite a dazzling vision to behold, and I told her as much.

“That, my girl,” I said with enthusiasm,” is one rightful picture of eye-catching loveliness you have gone and managed to make of yourself! “

She gushed, “your sweet”, and gave me an all-enveloping hug. As she broke away, sis looked up at me smiling and curtsied, why thank you kind sir, and once you have picked your jaw off the floor, can we please be going?

“Certainly miss,” I said, and opened the door for her. As she rustled past, sis asked if I thought Brian would like it?

“Lass, I said with all due modesty, He would be a daft bugger if he didn’t!” I added,” It was certainly money well lent”, and she looked at me teasingly, “okay mood breaker, for that you won’t get the first dance!”

“ Likely I will be the only one wishing to dance with you anyway!” I retorted, “what will you be doing then? “

She just squished her eyes at me, winked, and then turned, closing and locked her apartment door.

Suddenly I stopped, “Oui! , wait a minute, I felt my suit coat pocket, okay luv, give it back!” I said as she grinned back at me, producing my thin, special occasion only, wallet.

“Getting better, aren’t I lad!” She chirps happily, it wasn’t a question.

“A bit I admitted, you’ve been practicing then?”

“Only on you and Ginny !” she stated, “but the pair of you are getting too easy!” she smirked. I playfully tapped her on the back.

“What’s all this about easy?”v I asked, producing her bracelet from me pocket, dangling it, watching it shimmer front of her now wide open mascara lined eyes!

“You may want to put this back on!” I said.

“Devilish Turd!”, she exclaimed taking it back.

“No more hugs for you mister!”, she stated, taking my arm and pulling me out to my car.

“All tricks out of the way now? Good, we can enjoy the evening with no more worries.” She lectured as we walked

I just nodded as I led her to my car, a bullet grey 1954 Circa Mercedes that Brien’s Uncle had helped me restore.

As I opened the door, my sister slipped herself in onto the grey leather seat, while under her breath she said playfully ( and not for the first time) “how I ever survived those first nine months I spent with you in such close proximity without going bonkers, I will never know!”

 

Chapter 3

The Devil’s Dance

It took us almost 90 minutes to find the joint, arriving with the do in full swing.

I was amazed at the number of vehicles in the overfilled lot. When we got inside the poshly decorated “palace” We discovered that there was a total of 3 formal functions going on, ours, a wedding reception we were sharing on the second floor, and a formal dance for some snotty private girls-only academy occupying the entire first floor.

We went upstairs and found the chamber where the Barrister’s office reunion was being held.

Now I will admit that I had harboured some thoughts that Sis may have been quite a bit overdressed for the event, but my fears were unfounded.

What greeted my eyes was quite a “snob fest” of overdressed and fairly pompous looking guests.

I had only ever met a couple of my sister’s former co-workers, and they had been interns her own age. But the majority here were the snooty, older husband and wives, of, course, a group of stuck up Barristers.

We were unable to spy any of Sis’s old friends, but while looking we were immediately scooped up by one of her old bosses biddy of a co-worker ( whom sis had found insufferable) and led around like some prize colts, being introduced to a bunch of older coots who forgot our names as fast as they were given( we being nobodies) I satisfactorily noticed more than a few leering and jealous eyes looking over my sister. But, alas, nothing from the female end found me even remotely interesting (ouch in the ego department there)!

We finally found an empty table, and I went off for drinks.

As I watched over my sister while waiting for the barkeep to mix the drinks, I saw a rather posh looking boy wearing a tux zero in on our table and swoop in for the kill.

He was a rather tall chap with devilish good looks, thin mustache, small ponytail, fitted monkey suit, the works!

Looking like he was a model Fortunes mag rag, he loomed over me sister, and I knew what the cheeky devil was asking.

Sure enough, sis cutely offered him her hand and he helped her up and led her to the dance floor.

The barkeep handed me our drinks, and as I turned, Sis shot a look back at me as they were passing, a rather chiding look that I took meant “ told you, no first dance, mate” my suspicions were confirmed, when adding insult to injury, she stuck her tongue out at me over his shoulder…

I raised my glass in cheers as she was swished away, and headed back to our table.

I watched the two swirling around, feeling a bit jealous, but then this was my sister, not Ginny!

I knew Brian would be seething, so I felt jealous for him I told myself.

Then my mind went on to fantasize “what if he was after something, like say her jewels, and my mind went into a jewel thief mode, with him as the main character.

” I almost wish he had been, then he would be just no realizing that this little charmer’s jewels were not real, had nothing of value to offer, and would soon be leaving her for greener pastures ( of which there were acres of at that place) and so then be dumping his pretty partner after the one dance.

I tried to lose my envious nature, but at one point he held her close, too close I reckoned.

I felt like shouting out to them “Aye mate, make room for Jesus”!

This bit came from a couple of elderly nuns who had been chaperoning one of my old seminarian academy dances… They would walk up to couples dancing a wee bit too close in their eyes, and place their hands between them, separating them a bit, while spouting off, “make room for Jesus children”-

Ginny and I had been amongst the chastised ourselves that evening!

When sis got back, I rose and greeted the pair, shaking his hand as sis introduced us.

She did not say I was her brother, so I knew that she wasn’t eager for any repeat performances.

The Git had hands that didn’t know where to stop, in my opinion anyhow.

But all that didn’t change the fact that my sister was still a bit smitten with the gigolo looking, bloke. All in all, though, he was quite the polite bugger, shooting me a self-confident look like, ‘no worries old chap’, as I shook a firm hand, I nodded, and off he went to those greener pastures as I was hoping.

I turned to my now still fawning sister.

“Remember a bloke named Brian?” I chided and she just gave me a simpering smile.

I held out my hand…

“Care to, Mademoiselle?”

“Sorry luv, She apologized, I need to freshen up a bit first.”

I Watched as she darted off like a swallow taking wing.

 

Chapter 4

A most annoying interaction

 

She started to head off to the exit stairs, “whoa lass” I called out after her, Pointing and mouthing that powder room is the opposite way, luv!

“No doing,” she said as she coyly looked back at me over her shoulder, whispering her words, “not sharing with any of those old crows, I will be using the one downstairs in the main lobby!”

And she scurried away on her mission, long gown fluttering quite merrily down about her shimmery high heels.

I waited, bored, not one pretty female came up to my side and asked me to have a go on the dance floor, like “fingers” Romeo had done with my sister.

I looked around carefully, but I just did not see any female of the same ilk sitting alone and bored as I was at her own table, waiting for someone to rescue her pretty self!

So I waited, and waited as the minutes went by, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 26,27,28,29.. and no sign of my twin returning!

I had just decided to take a meander down to make sure there was nothing serious going on the first floor that might have been keeping her, like say, a sudden breakout of kittens, when I finally saw her smirking face popping up from the stairwell.

As she sat down, I tried to playfully admonish her behavior, failing miserably. About time I said, since when does it take 30 minutes to have a P.. she cut me off by placing a finger to my lips.

“Sorry luv, You wouldn’t believe the twit I just ran into!” she said and leaned closer to me, for my ears only it seemed.

She started talking in a low voice, though no one else was in earshot.

That private girl's Academy dance that is going on downstairs,.. well I... I just ran into one of em, a snobbish princess, a real talker, and spinner of tales her about her pretty own self, a young girl named Rose.

Sounds like our Micke, I said, and sis suddenly exploded into giggles. She finally controlled herself, placing her hand on my shoulder, yes, exactly like our cousin Michele, they almost even look alike, though Micke’s hair is longer and blonder!

Our cousin Micke was one who could never tell the truth about anything, even when she was tattling on some poor soul.

Apparently, the lass was born with an overactive imagination ( Kinda runs in the family I suppose) her stories were always overly embellished with tall tales, stretched out wild examples, and added characterizations, all centered around herself being the Heroine.

Someone like that would have made a great children’s storybook writer or gossip columnist, but not our Micke, she turned around and became, of all things, involved in town politics….God save the Queen!

The upshot is that we all started to treat anything coming out of Micke’s mouth (a horrid pun that, I do apologize) as mostly fabrication, which would rile her to no end, especially if she was tellin the God’s truth!

So I knew exactly what this cheeky creature named Rose was all about, as I looked at my giggling sister.

Once she caught her breath and controlled her giggling, Sis started in on Rose.

Just as she was starting in, the band started a slow song.

Rising, I took her hand, lifted her up from her seat, her gown falling swishing down to her feet.

But through all that, she never stopped talking about the annoyance she had encountered downstairs!

One who had obviously stricken a nerve!

I led my twin onto the dance floor, taking the talkative imp into my arms as she continued to fill me in on the quite over-imaginative young lady named Rose.

“My Lord” my sister exclaimed, as we danced, “within the first ten minutes I learned more about this girl than even her own parents probably know. Talk about stuck upon herself. And did you know there is a rose garden by the entrance, just like her name!”

My sister imitated Rose, with a twittering nasally voice at the end of her statement, rolling her eyes in disbelief of it all. Of course, we had noticed the rose garden, bit difficult not too since it was lining both sides of the concourse into the main way into the building. It had short paths branching off along the way with benches and fountains. But This Rose apparently had acted like she was the only one who had noticed, the rest of us apparently being blind as a colony of bats, Sis spat out the words.

Sis went on, building up steam, her figure becoming rigid… “She first noticed me dress and come up to compliment me on it, but before I could thank her, she went off on a tirade about her own gown.”

“Bloody ‘ell! I hate people who ask you a question only because they want to tell cut in about their lives rather than give a listen to anything you may actually have to say… !“

“She thought I was one of the chaperones at her party, apparently because I looked too old to be one of the guests! That struck a nerve I tell you. I wasn’t able to get a word in too let the little tripe know I didn’t belong with her elitist crew atoll!”

She took a breath, and now it was my turn to shush her with a finger placed to her lips. She actually bit it( well more of a playful nip, actually)!

Better now I asked. She sighed, and I felt her figure go from tense to a bit lither.

She leaned against me, yes she said.

But then pulled away and went off again!

“One more thing, she asked if my jewels were real than before I could set the girl straight, Rose cut me off and spouted off about how she had won the pearls she was wearing at the Arthurian Carnival and had decided to wear them rather than her own better diamonds. I mean, come’ on, talk about rude, her pearls weren’t any more real than this!” and she flipped her necklace in my face…

Then sis caught the look in my eyes, and went quiet, concentrating on her dancing, with a wicked little grin creeping across her face.

 

Chapter 5

A bit of pickpocketing wets an inevitable appetite

 

Finally, we were able to enjoy the music as we danced to the rest of the song.

Now after the song ended, sis spied her old chief!

She dragged me over to introduce her.

She is a rather pretty lady named Sarah.

A lady who was not much older than ourselves!

She had her long hair down and was winningly wearing a sequined red gown with long red satin gloves.

Her green emeralds were real, a dainty set that set off her figure rather nicely!

She was a rather pleasant lady, with a mischievous gleam to her green eyes. It had been a pleasant conversation, which ended abruptly as her husband called her away. As Sarah moved off, Sis explained that Sarah had been a bit of the “class clown” always telling jokes and playing tricks. But being the boss, no one who fell victim to her pranks ever dared to try and repay her back in kind!

The rest of the evening (shortened because the band was stopped at 9:30 – Barristers are such Scrooges!) followed pretty much to same formula; light mingling with people who only seemed able to talk a few minutes before being called away, snacking on a rather fancy display of hors d'oeuvres, and drinking mixed drinks( the bar was the best attraction in my humble opinion).

I spotted Romeo a few times, but he never did a second approach on Sis, and I couldn’t really tell if she was relieved, or not.

As for myself, I was starting to feel fairly pleased that I had resisted the temptation to play any of my tricks on slyly lifting off any of my Twin’s jewellery, so I had been a man of my word, so far…

So, it was with mixed feelings from both of us, when the last dance was announced. The whole “congregation” seemed to flock swishing out on the floor, crowding it.

It was a slow dance ( Mr. Rod Stewart, as I recall) and quite a pleasant way to end the evening.

Well, it was after the last dance, as we had collected our things to leave, when Sarah caught sight of us and called us over to the bar ( located off the main Chambre, it was a small 3 sided room open to the dance floor with no seating), where she was now holding a solitary court, apparently all alone!

Sara also was, by now, also pretty well toshed…..

We ordered a round of drinks (the bar was open till eleven, but the music had ended, a total ballyhoo on someone’s part in the planning)

Taking mine, I left the chatting ladies and wondered over ( not for the first time) to a rather fine set of J.M Cameron prints on display.

I once taught a course on famous photographers and their various techniques….

Soon I was re-joined by the 2 ladies, and I started to explain to Sarah about the photographer’s history.

As we talked, my sister maneuverer herself around behind Sarah.

By the look on my sister’s face, I knew she was up to something!

She got close behind, and Sarah backed into her, Sarah turned, “there you are luv!” she said, and smiled, then looked back at me.

Mistake!

She appeared to be deeply interested in what I was telling her about the life and times of Julia Margaret, a shirttail cousin of ours as it so happened!

As I continued, I saw that sis had her fingers on the red silk clutch purse that Sarah was holding to her side in her left hand.

Sis said, “oh Sara, show my brother your ring”!

Sarah held it up and I looked at it, Sis reached to put her free hand on Sarah’s left arm, jostling it a bit, as she made like she wanted to look also!

But I could see the red clutch out of the corner of my eye, and as sis was doing her little performance, she was gently pulling the small purse form Sarah’s gloved fingers.

Slippery Satin gloves holding an even slipperier silk clutch purse made the maneuver much easier than it probably should have.

I started feeling a bit “uncomfortable shall I call it!” as I watched my amused sister manage to slip away with it!

Then, holding the purse behind her back, she comes to my side, her back to a wall as she threaded her loosed arm through my own. Shooting Sara a quite affectionate look as she did so!

We chatted for about another couple of long minutes before Sarah was called away, and she left us, never realizing her clutch purse was gone.

We walked steadfastly away, I imitated Bogart, and how much do you think the dame has in her purse.

“Oh, my twin answered, a few pence, and a soiled lace handkerchief !” she joked, without opening the purse.

“Fine, I said, you get the handkerchief!”

“Rather not!” she said, giggling, pulling at me.

She led me over to the now deserted table Sarah had been sitting at, and Sis unflappably placed the purse on Sarah’s’ chair, alongside her satin wrap.

“So have I created a monster no?” I asked her as I led her away…

She looked up at me with those big eyes of hers wide open with satisfaction!

“No worries luv, Sarah was always playing tricks on someone another, I just never dared to pay her back when we worked together!”

“Tell me now, just how much work did you, girls, actually accomplish? “ I chided

My twin just squeezed my arm, and hurried me our way, as we tried not to look too obviously like we were bolting for the exit stairway.

We gained the stairs without any further ado and made it through the lobby.

It was as we exited into the outside concourse, that I saw something up ahead, and taking my sister’s arm, I held her up from going any further.

 

Chapter 6

A Rose all but Forgotten

 

Ahead of us was a petite lady in a shimmering blue satin dress, chatting away to a bored-looking young man in an ill-fitting tux.

If the lass’s hair had been a bit more blonde, and her hair longer she would have passed as Micke’s double.

“Is that your Rose then I asked, nodding in the couple’s direction.

Sis looked over and then answered me by pulling me forcibly the rest of the way off the path and out of sight of the main concourse, into a small alcove surrounded by some hedges.

“What do we do?!” she said, “That is her! That’s that Rose creature twit I was tellin you about!”

“I don’t want Sara to see us. What do we do?”

The pair were some distance off in the rose garden.

But there was no way out other than walking past them!

I thought about it for a minute. Looking down at my sister.

As she was there, hunched down in her quite fetching gown, with its sparkling bodice, as well as the sparkling rhinestone she was wearing, it made me starkly recall the fantasizing I had been doing as she had danced with that posh bloke. Thinking of him being a Jewel thief, and watching the other female guests in their finery, had been putting beguiling visions in my head all this long evening.

I licked my lips before speaking…

Let’s play a game I said, one that will give yonder Rose a story no one will believe ever happened...

My sister looked at me wryly,( I could see it in her eyes,’ no time for games now lad, this is serious!) but despite herself, she had to know!

So she just stated inquisitively, “What sort of game sir?”

“One where we get yonder Rose girl to believe she has met a jewel thief!” I said…

Having said it out loud, I could feel myself warming up to the idea.

“ If we pull it off, that will be a story she will try telling that everyone!”

“But it will sound like such a load of tosh, that everyone she tells it to will believe she totally made up in her head!”

“Brilliant, no?”

My sister slightly balked!

“No, she said emphatically shaking her head, causing her rhinestone earrings to put on an amazing display of explosive glitter! As she tried to reason.

“One bit of fun this evening has been enough for this Lass!”

“Okay then,” I said as I placed my fingers under her chin.

“But how would this particular lass lfeel about having a bit of fun if she wasn’t owing her brother £80!?”

I happily saw her mascaraed eyes light up, and she again gave me that wicked grin.

 

Chapter 7

The family plot

“Let’s have it then you scoundrel, I will certainly give into your chicanery for the debt you hold over my head, sir!” she said giggling, stealing a line from a play she had been involved with.

Knowing I had her hooked, I could tell she was warming up to the idea rather nicely, and not just because she owed me a healthy bit of the Queen's currency!

“First off, I said, you don’t know me from Adam!”

“But your name’s not Adam!” she said in all seriousness.

“Attend please!” I told her smiling as I looked with dead seriousness into her impish eyes!.

“You go up and fall into Roses clutches, I follow once the lad leaves after being freed from his bondage!”

“Hey, how did bondage get into this she said, giggling, I don’t owe you that much mister!”

I just looked at her, “We have to do this seriously to pull it off!”

“Okay,” she said, placing a hand across her mouth, her smile disappearing like she was zipping it shut.

I went on with my instructions…

“I follow after the lad leaves ( and he soon will ). I come upon the two of you and make your acquaintances. Your act will be to find me charming…”

“That’s not going to be easy!” sis teased, then quickly went back to being a listener!

“Then ”, I said ignoring her, and continuing on with my instructions …..

“Then once Rose has me in her hooks, you Meander off, bend down to look at some flowers, remove your earrings, and place them into your purse. I will listen on for a bit, take my leave, let Rose come find you. Let her discover your earrings are gone.”

“I get it, Then let her think they were stolen by you? !” My sister chimed in.

“Right!” I answered, “and Rose should, as bobs your uncle, fall right into your story! Just play along like they were real diamonds and act astonished that I somehow had managed to get them. Let Rose come up with an idea of how I did it, which she will anyways I’m sure if she is anything like our Cousin Micke! Send Rose off back inside to go upstairs find your mother Sarah,( sis like that bit of it), and say in the meanwhile you are going off to see if you can get me license number. I will be waiting by the car to make our getaway…. !”

I finished mapping it out, and she told me she had the gist of it.

I had her hand pull her sunglasses from her purse and I put them on.

Then she added exuberantly before walking off to go up to our victim…

“ Not bad for on the fly luv, or had you already been putting thought into this play earlier?”

I just patted her on her sleek derriere, “Better get going lass, times a wastin!”

Turning away, she headed out…

From a hole in the hedgerow, I watched as she moved in for the kill!

Her gown definitely swished in the most pleasing fashion I admitted to myself again.

I’ll have to have Ginny buy one like it, I thought to meself, wincing over how pretty I imagined she would look wearing it, with her long red hair flowing free, and dangling diamonds flashing. I would willingly give Ginny the money also, I promised to meself, no lending, and hang the cost!

Sis rustled her way up to the couple, Rose spotted her immediately and pulled her over as she tried to pass!

The 3 of them started to chit chat together.

I now thought of myself as the smarmy bloke who had cheated me out of a dance earlier, making him a thief in my mind.

And like a thief, I looked over the situation before me.

I remembered an old show where this bloke in a white suit was pointing out his female guests’ jewels to a male who fancied himself a pickpocket and had just minutes earlier relieved the te same white-suited host of his gold watch.

As the camera (representing the blokes eyes) moved around the room, focusing on various well-dressed ladies and their jewels( hanging around necks, dangling from ears, attached to well-shaped bosoms, bracelets wrapped around gloved wrists and, rings glittering on fingers) the viewer was led to imagine the wheels turning in his head as to how he was to acquire them, ala Arsène Lupin.

I had to leave, so I never finished watching it, nor could I ever find it listed again.

But it was this type of character that I now fancied meself portraying.

(In-Character) I had ducked into the hedge, the pair near the bend had not seen me, so it gave me time to plan how best to approach them.

One was wearing a pretty dress of blue, long black hair up in a bun. She was the younger, definitely not a relation, I could tell by the way her companion was listening. The girl was wearing a cheap set of pearls, paste, not worth more in a few farthings.

It was her companion that had caught me eye, demanded my attention! Also, it was not just the pretty gown she had quite nicely wrapped herself in that I was savoring! But it was her diamonds, a pretty glittering set, that with a minimal bit of effort, would be coming home with me. I had actually danced with her earlier, so I had been able to appraise ‘em, and now providence had put her in my way. I remembered how that shimmery little necklace had been taunting me while we had danced, my fingers had ached for a go at them. Now, all I needed was for a brief diversion, to get both the girl’s attention focused elsewhere, by, say smelling a rose, and with a nimble flick of my fingers, the necklace would be off from around her sweet throat and in my pocket. Possibly those dangling earrings of hers instead, if it was a long time she was paying attention to her roses.

My brief fantasy ended abruptly; it was time to put the game into play….

 

Chapter 8

The Games Afoot

 

Sis had said something to the lad, who had been growing more and more uncomfortable, looking for a polite way out as evidenced by his body motions.

He answered and I could tell he was quite happy with the question that had been poised. Then, managing to interject into Roses story long enough to pay his leave, He walked off. He was now coming up the path towards me, but not seeing me as I had moved further into the hedgerow. He walked on past, staring straight ahead…

Mentally prepared, I waited till he was well past my hiding hole. I adjusted the sunglasses and left my shadowy corner. Between the electric lamps that ran along the gardens path and the waning moon, I was able to see quite clearly with them on.

I also saw happily that the sparkles from my sister’s dress and jewellery were not at all too muted and so also provided me with an additional avenue of light, much like the beacon of a lighthouse!

I silently approached, came up upon the two without notice. Causing them both to jump In a quite charming manner, as I tapped Rose on the shoulder and started to speak.

“Excuse me, this is that way out ?” I asked, sounding confused.

“Certainly is!” both girls chirped, as Rose pointed to the way out so I would not mistake the answer.

Sis asked me if I had been at the dance?

“What dance?” I answered, “ Is that why the two of you are so beautifully dressed!?”

Rose ate it up. And showing off her gown to me( and unknowingly,her pearls) happily took the lead, telling me of the academies dance.

As Rose started to tell me about all her academy, I bent over a bush of white roses just off one of the branching paths, at the end of this particular path was as a fountain from which merrily gurgling falling water could be faintly heard.

Plucking of a brace, I offered it up to my sister and Rose, who both took one, Rose breaking off her story for a second, squealed her gratitude!

My Smiling twin smelled hers, then bent over to sniff over the whole bus, as Rose continued to prattle on, and on…

I appeared to be looking at Rose, but my eyes, hidden behind d the sunglasses, were watching my sister’s necklace and earrings as they swayed to and fro in a quite nice exhibition of colourfully brite sparkles.

My sister straightened up, and I saw her give me a sly wink. I knew that look, and it usually meant she had decided to misbehave a bit!

Sis turned to Rose and suggested she take a smell also.

As Rose ( still chattering )bends to smell, my twin laid her hand on the girl's shoulder.

I watched in a mixture of hot pleasure and nervous excitement as I saw my sister’s fingers nip over to the simple eye and hook clasp of Roes’ pearl necklace, pulled it up and with a flick of her fingers undid the clasp, and let it fall to the path just as Rose was straightening up!

I think my twin was as astonished as I was that she had managed to pull it off, slipping off the obviously cheap pearl necklace that Rose had had dangling from her the front of her blue gown.

I asked Rose a question pertaining to her story, and as I held her full attention, Sis, who had been standing out of Rose’s sight behind her, wandered off down along the path, disappearing around behind the fountain with a whisk of her gown.

Rose never appeared to have noticed my sister waltzing off as she straightening her pretty gown after rising up from her smelling of the rose, never missing a word in her story, nor her missing pearl necklace either!

After about 3 minutes I saw my sister come around the opposite side of the fountain and begin to slowly walk back, watching the two of us.

I listened to Rose just prattle seemingly forever,(it is amazing how long 3 minutes can last!)

Finally, my leave-taking came in the form of a couple of girls in fluttering gowns walking up and past us, escapees from our little reunion upstairs I recognized.

I smiled at them, and they smiled back( why hadn’t they been doing that back at the dance, when I had been left alone to my own devices!) One of the girls was flaunting some rather nice pieces of gemmed gold jewelry, and I made my decision to follow them, like any jewel thief worth his salt would do!

“There goes some friends of mine, they apparently didn’t recognize me, but I need to ask one of them a question. I am sorry, but it has been a pleasure, but I must shove off.” I said politely as I interrupted the Chattering Rose.

I took her hand and kissed a ringed finger as she blushed rather prettily. Then if she didn’t try and start another story!

I headed it off by asking, “Where did your pretty friend go, “as I looked around. Rose looked around also, There she is over there Rose pointed out after spotting my sister still some distance down the path. She had quickly put her back to us, playing with another bush of roses.

“Right then, tell her I said cheerio!”, and left, giving Rose a nod as I started sauntering off after the disappearing pair of ladies.

I chanced a look back, and saw Rose was darting off to where my sister was standing!

 

Chapter 9

Exit Strategy and a Plucked Petal

 

I quickly exited stage right, keeping on the sunglasses, until I reached the entrance to the parking lot.

The pair of girls were turning a corner. I turned it behind them, gesturing like I was hailing out to them in case Rose was watching, although I had said nothing, and the pair in front of me was totally oblivious to their part in our little play!

I crossed into the lot and made for the other side, skirting around towards my vehicle while making sure the coast was clear.

I regained my Mercedes.

After tossing the glasses and my suit coat and tie into the back seat, I climbed in fired up the engine, and left the parking lot, circling a couple of blocks, before re-entering and pulling alongside the sidewalk, stopping just before the entrance to the concourse.

Five long minutes later my sister finally swished out through the exit, alone. She saw me, and scurried over, her gown doing its nice bit of fluttering along with her figure as she moved.

Not only had she taken off her necklace, but also the earrings and bracelet, I had gotten out, and was holding the door for her.

She slipped swishing into her seat. I closed the door regained my seat as she was settling in I said, “whew, you were right on about that one, did she buy it?”

“It was priceless sis said, she noticed my diamonds were missing, and I managed to innocently act astonished1”

Then Rose came to the conclusion herself, that they had been stolen, with her overactive imagination it was not a stretch for her.

Then she looked herself over and discovered her pearls were missing.

“Oh no I asked how valuable were they?”

Pretty valuable she said, I only spent 6 shillings at the carnival, but he said they were worth a lot more! What about yours, were they rhinestones ?”

“No!” I said indignantly. “The bloody things were real!”

“But, of course, she really didn’t hear me! “Instead she shad started repeating the same nonsense about how she had a diamond necklace at home that was worth quite a bit, and she was glad her Mater had not wanted her to wear the thing on this evening! A load of tosh if you ask my opinion!”

While sitting there listening, I casually put the sports car in gear and was pulling slowly away…

For couple had walked out and were heading to their car, paying us no never mind other than a nosy glance by the gentleman who eyeballed my car. But I figured it was time to make ourselves scarce.

I continued on with my questions: “But your earrings and bracelet as well, she must have thought I was in possession of outstandingly light fingers! “

My Twin smiled…”She didn’t question it, just gawked as I checked mesefl over. I must have dropped em I said, but she wasn’t buyin it, no she exclaimed, he must have nicked them also as he has done with my pearls!”

I turned out of the parking lot and made my way along by taking backroads as my Sister continued on…

“I then suggested that her pearls had simply fallen away, and we got back to where we had met you, and I spied the pearls on the ground and pointed them out, but Rose was determined not to be outdone!”

“The thief had a hole in his pocket apparently!” she figured.

“Brilliant mind that one!” I said, “She should be a detective. Did she bite on the Sarah angle?”

“Did not her that!” Sis muttered, looking quite smug, “I improvised with a story of my own!” she admitted all happy with her darling self.

And I teasingly told her as much!

Sis just smirked at me, and continued rambling on…

“I had to remind her that me jewels were still missing to get her to stop her storytelling!”

We looked a bit for mine, then I came up with a thought, tellin Rose that I had read about a jewel thief who had targeted a dance in oxford, stealing a few thousand pounds from the female guests there.

“I told her she should go back in and find out how many others lost jewels, Suggesting she would be a hero. You should have seen Rose’s smug face light up at the thought, and without another word, off like a pistol shot she went!”

“Brilliant!” I praised her. “A much better way to end it. But I still cannot believe you went for her pearls like that, rather a cocky move luv!”

“Twasthat!” she conceded. “B can you imagine her telling everyone about it…”

She broke into that nasely twang she had used earlier in imitation of Rose telling everyone her story...

Rose-“A thief took my pearl necklace!”

Party Guest – “you mean the one you are wearing?”

Rose- “Well yes, see he had this hole in his pocket, din’t he now! “

Party Guest- “ I see( in a disbelieving tone) “

Rose- “What about my friend, had her diamonds nicked, dint she!”

Party Guest-“ what Friend would that be now Rose?”

Rose- “ The chaperone, you know, the one with the silvery gown and long black hair!”

Party Guest –“ There wasn’t no chaperone wearing a silver dress you balmy twi…..”

My Sister could not finish her routine, starting to chortle so hard at the picture of it in her mind, she nearly busted a gut.

I also was smirking, the whole affair, in my opinion, had all played out brilliantly!

All in all, twas a merry drive back to town for us, with me twin sister talking miles a minute over her successes that evening, including the relieving fact that her debt to me had been paid off so easily. “With interest paid!” I thought to myself, as I stole a glance at my beautifully decked out passenger, “With interest paid luv!”

The end of our tale

 

Fearless Girl, a bronze sculpture by Kristen Visbal of a 4-foot high girl standing in a self-confident pose, is currently located on Broad Street across from the New York Stock Exchange Building. It was commissioned by investment company State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) to promote gender diversity initiatives and an index fund focused on gender-diverse companies with a relatively high percentage of women in senior leadership. The statue was first installed at the northern tip of Bowling Green on Broadway, facing the Charging Bull sculpture on March 7, 2017, in anticipation of International Women's Day on the following day. After complaints from Charging Bull sculptor Arturo Di Modica, Fearless Girl was removed in November 2018 and relocated to its current location in front of the New York Stock Exchange Building the following month. Fearless Girl was originally given a one-week City Hall permit that was later extended to 30 days. It was subsequently announced that the statue would remain in place through February 2018. The statue was removed from its original location at Bowling Green on November 28, 2018. The statue was unveiled on December 10 at its new site. As today, the sculpture's presence still relies on a temporary permit. While the dispute over the rights to the figure is over, the statue's future is not permanently decided.

Chronicles of Lifting Light D:

Plucking a Rose

 

She had pleaded with me to lend her £80! Her beguiling eyes were opened wide as she begged; “It’s perfect” she had said, “so please, I will do anyt…,” she cut it off, remembering whom she was bargaining with for a favor. As her twin brother, we have done some pretty over the top bits of role playing over the years, and she was suddenly wary of signing her life away …….( smart girl)

 

^^^^^^

 

A bit of background:

We had all had been invited to my sister’s boyfriend “ Brian’s” parents renewal of their wedding vows the following month and , I knew she wanted to make an impression at the fancy dress. Sis and my better half, “Ginny” had gone dress shopping, and apparently Sis had found a gown that they both liked quite a bit, but it cost a bit more than she could afford the moment and Ginny, having just bought a new dress herself that day, was temporarily out of lending cash. So Sis had had them hold it, then tracked me down to ask a favor( nothing new there), and was now begging me to lend her £80, to help pay it off.

^^^^^^

 

She knew I was a sucker for a good plead, especially when I received the puppy eye look that my sister, and Ginny , had down pat ( not to mention my golden retriever Sam).

  

As it happened, I owed her a small favor, so I gave her the needed notes without making her bargain her life away, and she skipped off happily. I figured that would be the last of it until her payday, but being a mere man in a ladies world, I was yet once more wrong on that account.

  

Later that week sis rang me up. She had a formal reunion she just received the invitation to. It was at a large, multipurpose hall about an hour away, and was going on the weekend before Brian’s parents do. It was being put on for her old coworkers at the Barristers office she had interned at while at Oxford. Brian was busy that weekend getting ready for his parents party, and would not be able to be her escort. So she called to see if I would be his backup. As incentive, said she would wear the gown I had lent her the money for if I agreed to be her chaperone. Seeing how smashing my sister looks when she dresses up (like my Ginny also), It was impossible to say no to her pleads. Unfortunately Ginny had switched weekends with a co-worker so she could make Brian’s do the next weekend, so she was out of the picture also. Which was a shame, escorting a pair of well-dressed young ladies is always something I always looked forward to doing. But one is also quite nice.

  

I arrived at my twin’s apartment that appointed evening and waited while she put on the finishing touches. Ready? she had called out sweetly, yes I said, and out she came strolling, a wide big smile on her dolled up face. I figured my eyes did a bugger, for she started to giggle in the way she does when overly pleased with herself (which actually happens quite a bit frequently).

  

She was totally stunning, a living “Galatea”, and I told her as much. Her long silvery gown was hanging from her figure like someone had poured it over her. And that is just what it looked like someone had done! I have heard the term liquid satin, but this was just incredible the way it delightfully flowed and swished as she moved about. Brian was going to go nuts when her saw her, and she definitely would be turning some heads as she strolled in with him. She twirled around in a circle for full effect, and I just stood there mesmerized by the women before me that was my kid sister( by all of 4 minutes), the same sister that had only days before been wearing stained shirt and jean jumper, tramping through the barn in the horses stalls, while hauling shovelfuls of …… well I’m sure you get the gist of it..

  

As I said it was a long thin gown, of a colour that seemed to change between silver and cream as it moved slinking along her youthful figure, with wide straps that went over her shoulders ending in four thin spaghetti straps along her back. The bodice was all decorated with swirls of rhinestones, going down and around her gowns waistline. She was also wearing her sliver open toed heels, the ones with the rhinestone straps (with pointed toes that rightfully hurt when kicked….. another day, another story). She had also put on her rhinestone jewelry, a set consisting of earrings, necklace and wide dangling bracelet. The total package presented was quite a vision to behold, and I told her as much.

  

That, my girl, I said with enthusiasm, is one rightful picture of eye-catching loveliness you have gone and managed to make of yourself! She gushed, your sweet, and gave me an all-enveloping hug. As she broke away, sis looked up at me smiling and curtsied, why thank you kind sir, and once you have picked your jaw off the floor, can we please be going. Certainly I said, and opened the door for her. As she rustled past, sis asked if I thought Brian would like it? Lass, I said with all due modesty, He would be a daft bugger if he didn’t. I added, It was certainly money well lent, and she looked at me teasingly, okay mood breaker, for that you won’t get the first dance. Likely I will be the only one wishing to dance with you anyway I retorted, what will you be doing then? She just squished her eyes at me, turned and closed and locked her apartment door.

  

Suddenly I stopped, Oi! , wait a minute, I felt my suit coat pocket, okay luv, give it back I said as she grinned back at me, producing my thin, special occasion only, wallet. Getting better, aren’t I? She stated happily, it wasn’t a question. A bit I admitted, you’ve been practicing then? Only on you and Ginny she stated, but you two are getting too easy she smirked. I playfully tapped her on the back, what’s all this about easy I asked, producing her bracelet from me pocket, dangling it shimmering in front of her mascara lined eyes, you may want to put this back on I said.

  

Turd, she exclaimed taking it back, no more hugs for you mister, she stated, taking my arm and pulling me out to my car. All tricks out of the way now?, Good we can enjoy the evening with no more worries. I just nodded as I led her to me car, a bullet grey 1954 Circa Mercedes that Brien’s Uncle had helped me restore. As I opened the door, my sister slipped herself in, while under her breath she said playfully ( and not for the first time) “how I ever survived those first nine months I spent with you in such close proximity without going bonkers, I will never know!”

  

It took us almost 90 minutes to find the joint, arriving with the do in full swing. I was amazed at the number of vehicles in the over filled lot. When we got inside the poshly decorated “palace” We discovered that there were a total of 3 formal functions going on, ours, and a wedding reception on the second floor, and a formal dance for some private girls only academy occupying the entire first floor.

  

We went upstairs and found the chamber where the Barrister’s office reunion was being held. Now I will admit that I had harbored some thoughts that Sis may have been quite a bit overdressed for the event, but my fears were unfounded. What greeted my eyes was quite a “snob fest” of overdressed and fairly pompous looking guests. I had only ever met a couple of my sister’s former coworkers, and they had been interns her own age. But the majority here were the snooty , older husband and wives, of , of course, a group of stuck up Barristers. We were unable to spy any of Sis’s old friends, but while looking we were immediately scooped up by one of her old bosses co-workers ( whom sis had found insufferable) and led around like some prize colts, being introduced to a bunch of older coots who forgot our names as fast as they were given( we were nobodies) , although I satisfactorily noticed more than a few leering and jealous eyes looking over me sister. But, alas, nothing from the female end found me even remotely interesting (ouch in the ego department there)

  

We finally found an empty table, and I went off for drinks. As I watched over my sister while waiting for the barkeep to mix the drinks, I saw a rather posh looking tux boy zero in on our table and swoop in for the kill.

  

He was a rather tall chap with devilish good looks, thin moustache, small ponytail, monkey suit, the works! Looking like he was a model Fortunes mag rag, he loomed over me sister, and I knew what the cheeky devil was asking. Sure enough, sis cutely offered him her hand and he helped her up and led her to the dance floor. The barkeep handed me our drinks, and as I turned , Sis shot a look back at me as they were passing, a rather chiding look that I took meant “ told you, no first dance, mate” my suspicions were confirmed when added insult to injury as she stuck her tongue out at me over his shoulder.. I raised my glass in cheers, and headed back to our table.

  

I watched the two swirling around, feelin a bit jealous, but then this was me sister, not Ginny. I knew Brian would be seething, so I felt jealous for him I told meself. Then my mind went on to fantasize “what if he was after something, like say her jewels, and my mind went into a jewel thief mode, with him as the main character. ” I almost wish he had been, than he would be just no realizing that this little charmer had nothing to offer, and would soon be leaving her for greener pastures ( of which there was acres of at that place) and so dump his pretty partner after the one dance.

  

I tried to lose my envious nature, but at one point he held her close, too close I reckoned. I felt like shouting out to them “Aye mate, make room for Jesus”! This bit came from couple of elderly nuns who had been chaperoning one of my old seminarian academy dances, would walk up to couples dancing a wee bit too close in their eyes, and place their hands between them, separating them a bit, while spouting off, “make room for Jesus children”- Ginny and I had been amongst the chastised ourselves!

  

When sis got back I rose and greeted the pair, shaking his hand as sis introduced us. She did not say I was her brother, so I knew that she wasn’t eager for any repeat performances. The Git had hands that didn’t know where to stop, in my opinion anyhows. But all that didn’t change the fact that my sister was still a bit smitten with the gigoloish bloke. All in all though, he was quit the polite bugger, shooting me a self-confident look like, ‘no worries old chap’, as I shook a firm hand, I nodded, and off he went to those greener pastures.

  

I turned to my now still fawning sister, Remember Brian I said, and she just gave me a simpering smile. I held out my hand, care to, Mademoiselle? Sorry luv, She apologized, I need to freshen up a bit first and she darted off like a swallow taking wing. She started to head off to the exit stairs, whoa I called out after her, powder room is the opposite way luv! No doing, she said as she coyly looked back at me over her shoulder, whispering her words, not sharing with any of those old crows, I will be using the one downstairs in the main lobby! And she scurried away on her mission, long gown fluttering merrily about her high heels.

  

I waited, bored, not one pretty female came up to my side and asked me to have a go on the dance floor, like “fingers” romeo had done with me sister. I looked around carefully, but I just did not see any female of the same ilk sitting alone and bored as I was at her own table, waiting for someone to rescue her pretty self. So I waited, and waited as the minutes went by, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 26,27,28,29..I had just decided to take a meander down to make sure there was nothing serious going on the first floor that might have been keeping her, like say, a sudden breakout of kittens, when I finally saw her smirking face popping up from the stairwell.

  

As she sat down I tried to playfully admonish her behavior, failing miserably. About time I said, since when does it take 30 minutes to have a P.. she cut me off by placing a finger to my lips, Sorry luv, You wouldn’t believe the twit I just ran into she said and leaned closer to me, for my ears only it seemed.

  

She started talking in a low voice, though no one else was in ear shot. Apparently that private girls Academy dance that is going on downstairs,.. well I , I just ran into one of em, a snobbish princess, a real talker and spinner of tales her about her pretty own self, a young girl named Rose. Sounds like Micke, I said, and sis suddenly exploded into giggles. She finally controlled herself, placing her hand on my shoulder, yes, exactly like our cousin Michele, they almost even look alike, though Micke’s hair is longer, and blonder

  

Our cousin Micke was one who could never tell the truth about anything, even when she was tattling on some poor soul. Apparently born with an overactive imagination ( Kinda runs in the family I suppose) her stories were always overly embellished with tall tales, stretched out wild examples, and added characterizations, all centered around herself being the Heroine. Someone like that would have made a great children’s story book writer, or gossip columnist, but not our Micke, she turned around and became, of all things, involved in politics….God save the Queen!

  

The upshot is that we all started to treat anything coming out of Micke’s mouth ( horrid pun that, I do apologize) as mostly fabrication, which would rile her to now end, especially if she was tellin the God’s honest truth! So I knew exactly what this cheeky creature named Rose was all about, as I looked at my giggling sister.

  

One she caught her breath, Sis started in on Rose. Just as she did, a song started up from the band and rising, I took her hand, lifted her up from her seat, her gown falling swishing down to her feet. But through all that she never stopped talking about the annoyance she had encountered downstairs whom had obviously stricken a nerve! I led my twin to the dance floor, taking the talkative imp into my arms as she continued to fill me in on the quite over imaginative young lady named Rose.

  

“My Lord” sis exclaimed, as we danced, “within the first ten minutes I learned more about this girl than even her own parents probably know. Talk about stuck up on herself. And did you know there is a rose garden by the entrance, just like her name!”, My sister did an imitation of a twittering nasally voice at the end of her statement, rolling her eyes in disbelief of it all. Of course we had noticed the rose garden, bit difficult not too since it was lining both sides of the concourse into the main way into the building. It had short paths branching off along the way with benches and fountains. But This Rose apparently had acted like she was the only one who had noticed, the rest of us apparently being blind as a colony of bats, Sis spitted out the words.

  

Sis went on, building up steam, her figure becoming rigid… “She first noticed me dress and come up to compliment me on it, but before I could thank her, she went off on a tirade about her own gown.” OOH, I hate people who ask you a question only because they want to tell cut in about their lives rather than give a listen to anything you may actually have to say… “he thought I was one of the chaperones at her party, apparently because I looked too old to be one of the guests! That stuck a nerve I tell you. I wasn’t able to get word in too let the little tripe know I didn’t belong with her elitist crew atoll!”

  

She took a breath, and now it was my turn to shush her with a finger placed to her lips. She actually bit it( well more of a playful nip, actually)! Better now I asked. She sighed, and I felt her figure go from tense to a bit more lithe. She leaned against me, yes she said, than pulled away and went off again! One more thing, she asked if my jewels were real, than before I could set the girl straight, Rose cut me off and spouted off about how she had won the pearls she was wearing at the Arthurian Carnival, and had decided to wear them rather than her own better diamonds. I mean, come’on, talk about rude, her pearls weren’t any more real than this, and she flipped her necklace in my face, then sis caught the look in me eyes, and went quiet, concentrating on her dancing, with a wicked little grin creeping across her face. Finally we were able to enjoy the music as we danced to the rest of the song.

  

Now after the song ended, sis spied, and dragged me over, to introduce me to her old chief, a pretty lady called Sarah. A lady not much older than ourselves. She had her long hair down, wearing a sequined red gown with long red satin gloves. Her green emeralds were real, a dainty set that set off her figure rather nicely. She was a rather pleasant lady, with a mischievous gleam to her green eyes. It had been a pleasant conversation, which ended abruptly as her husband called her away. As Sarah moved off, Sis explained that Sarah had been the “class clown” always telling jokes and playing tricks. But being the boss, no one who fell victim to her pranks ever dared to try and repay her back in kind!

  

The rest of the evening (shortened because the band was stopped at 9:30 – Barristers are such Scrooges!) followed pretty much to same formula; light mingling with people who only seemed able to talk a few minutes before being called away, snacking on a rather fancy display of hors d'oeuvres , and drinking ( the bar was the best attraction in my humble opinion).

  

I spotted Romeo a few times, but he never did a second approach on Sis, and I couldn’t really tell if she was relived, or not. As for myself, I was starting to feel fairly pleased that I had resisted the temptation to play any of my tricks on my Twin’s jewelry, so I had been a man of my word, so far. So, it was with mixed feelings from both of us, when the last dance was announced. The whole “congregation” seemed to flock swishing out on the floor, crowding it. It was a slow dance ( Mr. Rod Stewart, as I recall) and quite a pleasant way to end the evening.

  

Well, it was after the last dance, as we had collected our things to leave, when Sarah caught sight of us and called us over to the bar ( located off the main chambre, it was a small 3 sided room open to the dance floor with no seating) , where she was now holding a lonely court, apparently all alone! Sara was by now also pretty well toshed…..

  

We ordered a round of drinks ( bar was open till eleven, but the music had ended, a total ballyhoo on someone’s part in the planning) Taking mine, I left the chatting ladies and wondered over ( not for the first time) to a rather fine set of J.M Cameron prints on display. Soon I was joined by the 2 ladies, and I started to explain to Sarah about the photographer’s history.

  

As we talked, my sister maneuvered herself around behind Sarah. By the look on my sister’s face, I knew she was up to something. She got close behind, and Sarah backed into her, Sarah turned, there you are she said, and smiled, then looked back at me. She appeared to be deeply interested I what I was telling her about the life and times of Julia Margaret, a shirttail cousin of ours! As I continued, I saw that sis had her fingers on the red silk clutch purse that Sarah was holding to her side in her left hand. Sis said, “oh Sara, show my brother your ring”! Sarah held it up and I looked at it, Sis reached put her free hand on Sarah’s left arm, jostling it a bit, as she made like she wanted to look also, ,but I could see the red clutch out of the corner of my eye, and as sis was doing her little performance, she was gently pulling the small purse form Sarah’s gloved fingers. Slippery Satin gloves holding an even slipperier silk clutch purse, made the maneuver much easier than it probably should have. I started feeling a bit uncomfortable as I watched my amused sister manage to slip away with it, and holding the purse behind her come to my side, her back to a wall. We chatted for about another couple of long minutes, before Sarah was called away, and she left us, never realizing her clutch purse was gone. We walked steadfastly away, I imitated Bogart, and how much do you think the dame has in her purse. Oh, my twin answered, a few pence, and a soiled lace handkerchief she joked, without opening the purse.

  

Fine I said, you get the handkerchief, Rather not she said, giggling, and we headed over to The now deserted table Sarah had been sitting at, and Sis unflappably placed the purse on Sarah’s’ chair, alongside her satin wrap.

So have I created a monster no? I asked her as I led her away, she looked up at me with those big eyes of hers wide open with satisfaction, no worries luv, Sarah was always playing tricks on someone another, I just never dared to pay her back when we worked together. Just how much work did you girls actually accomplish? I chided She just sqoze my arm, and hurried me our way, as we tried not to look like we were bolting for the exit stairway.

  

We gained the stairs without any further ado, and made it through the lobby, and had gained the outside concourse, when I saw something up ahead, and taking my sister’s arm , I held her up from going any further.

  

Ahead of us was a petite lady in a shimmering blue satin dress, chatting away to a bored looking young man in an ill-fitting tux. If the lass’s hair had been a bit more blonde, and longer she would have passed as Micke’s double. Is that your Rose then I asked, nodding in the couple’s direction?

  

Sis looked over, and then answered me by pulling me forcibly the rest of the way off the path and out of sight of the main concourse, into a small alcove surrounded by some hedges. What do we do she said , That is her! That’s that Rose creature twit I was tellin you about! She looked back towards the building, I don’t want to go back in she said, Sara my see us. What do we do?

  

The pair were some distance off in the rose garden. But there was no way out other than walking past them. I thought about it for a minute. Looking at my sister, in her quite fetching gown, with its sparkling bodice, as well as the sparkling rhinestone she was wearing, made me recall the fantasizing I had been doing as she had danced with that posh bloke. Thinking of him being a Jewel thief, and watching the other female guests in their finery, had been putting beguiling visions in my head all the evening long. Let’s play a game I said, one that will give yonder Rose a story no one will believe ever happened.. My sister looked at me wryly,( I could see it in her eyes,’ no time for games now lad, this is serious’’ but she just stated inquisitively, what sort of game sir?

  

One where we get yonder Rose girl to believe you have met a jewel thief I said, I could feel myself warming up to the idea now that I had said it. If we pull it off, that will be a story she will try telling that everyone will believe she totally made up in her head.

  

My sister balked, no, she said, one bit of fun this evening has been enough for this girl.

  

Okay I said, but how would this girl feel about having a bit of fun if she wasn’t owing her brother £80?

  

I saw her mascaraed eye’s light up, and she again gave me that wicked grin. Let’s have it than you scoundrel, I will give into your chicanery for the debt you hold over my head sir , she said giggling, stealing a line from a play she had been involved with. Knowing I had her hooked, I could tell she was warming up to the idea rather nicely, and not just because she owed me a healthy bit of the realms’ currency.

  

First off, I said, you don’t know me from Adam.

But your name’s not Adam she said in all seriousness.

Attend pleas, I told her smiling.

You go up and fall into Roses clutches, I follow once the lad leaves after being freed from his bondage.

Hey, how did bondage get into this she said, giggling, I don’t owe you that much mister. I just looked at her, we have to do this seriously to pull it off.

Okay she said, placing a hand across her mouth, like she was zipping it shut.

I follow after the lad leaves ( and he soon will ). I come up on the two of you, and make your acquaintances. Your act will be to find me charming… that’s not going to be easy, sis said, then quickly went back to listening

Then you, I said ignoring her, and continuing on …..

  

Once Rose has me in her hooks, you Meander off, bend down to look at some flowers, remove your earrings, and place them into your purse. I will listen on for a bit, take my leave, let Rose come find you, and let her discover your earrings are gone. Then let her think they were stolen by you? She asked. Right, and she should, as bobs your uncle, fall right into your story, I said. Then added, just play along like they were real diamonds and astonished at how I had managed to get them. Send Rose off back inside to go upstairs find your mother Sarah,( sis like that bit of it), and say in the meanwhile you are going off to see if you can get me license number. I will be waitin by the car to make our getaway….

  

I finished mapping it out, and she told me she had the gist of it. I had her hand pull her sunglasses from her purse and I put them on. Then she asked before walking off, “ not bad for on the fly, or had you already been putting thought into this play earlier?” I just patted her on her derriere, get going lass, times a wastin.

  

Turning she headed out, and from a hole in the hedgerow I watched as she moved off, her gown definitely swished in a most pleasing fashion I admitted to myself again. I’ll have to have Ginny buy one like it, I thought to meself, wincing over how pretty the thing was with sis wearing it , imagining my Ginny wearing it, her long red hair flowing free. I would willing give Ginny the money also, I promised to meself, no lending, and hang the cost….

  

Sis rustled her way up to the couple, Rose spotted her immediately and pulled her over. The 3 of them started to chit chat together.

  

I now thought of myself as the smarmy bloke who had cheated me out of a dance earlier, making him a thief in my mind. And like said thief, looking over the situation before me. I remembered an old show where this bloke in a white suit was pointing out his female guests jewels to a male who fancied himself a pickpocket and had just minutes earlier relieved the white suited host of his gold watch. As the camera (representing the blokes eyes) moved around the room, focusing on various well-dressed ladies and their jewels( hanging around necks, dangling from ears, attached to well-shaped bosoms ,bracelets wrapped around gloved wrists and ,rings glittering on fingers) the viewer was led to imagine the wheels turning in his head as to how he was to acquire them, ala Arsène Lupin. I had to leave, so I never finished watching it, nor could I ever find it listed again. But it was this type of character that I now fancied meself portraying.

  

(In Character) I had ducked into the hedge, the pair near the bend had not seen me, so it gave me time to plan how best to approach them. One was wearing a pretty dress of blue, long black hair up in a bun. She was the younger, definitely not a relation, I could tell by the way her companion was listening. The girl was wearing a cheap set of pearls, paste, not worth more in a few farthings. It was her companion that had caught me eye, and not just the pretty gown she had quite nicely wrapped herself in. But it was her diamonds, a pretty glittering set, that with a minimal bit of effort, would be coming home with me. I had actually danced with her earlier, so I had been able to appraise em, and now providence had put her in me way. I remembered how that shimmery little necklace had been taunting me while we had danced, my fingers had ached for a go at them. Now, all I needed was for a brief diversion, to get both the girl’s attention focused elsewhere, by, say smelling a rose, and with a nimble flick of me fingers, the necklace would be off from around her sweet throat and in me pocket. Possibly those dangling earrings of hers instead, if it was a long time she was paying attention to her roses.

  

My brief fantasy ended abruptly, it was time. Sis said something to the lad, who had been growing more and more uncomfortable, he answered, and then, managing to interject into Roses story long enough to pay his leave, He walked off. He was now coming up the path towards me, but not seeing me as I had moved further into the hedgerow. He walked on past, staring straight ahead…

  

Mentally prepared, I waited till he was well past my hiding hole. I adjusted the sunglasses and left my shadowy corner. Between the electric lamps that run along the gardens path, and the waning moon, I was able to see quite clearly with them. I also saw happily that the sparkles from sis dress and jewelry were not at all too muted.

  

I silently approached, came up upon the two without notice. They both jumped( In a quite charming manner, actually) as I started to speak.

  

Excuse me, this is that way out I asked, sounding confused. Certainly both girls chirped, and Rose pointed to the way out. Sis asked me if I had been at the dance. What dance I answered.? Is that why the two of you are so beautifully dressed. . Rose ate it up. And showing off her gown to me( and unknowingly ,her pearls) happily took the lead, telling me of the academies dance. As Rose started to tell me about all her academy, I walked over to a bush of white roses just off one of the branching paths, at the end of this particular path was as a fountain from which merrily gurgling falling water could be faintly heard. I bent down to smell a white rose. I offered it up to my sister, who bent over to sniff, her necklace and earrings swaying to and fro in a quite nice exhibition of colorfully brite sparkles. Rose just stood behind us, kept on chatting with her story, as I winked at my sister. We both stood back up.

  

Sis turned to Rose, and suggested she take a smell also. As Rose ( still chattering )bends to smell sis, had her hand on the girls shoulder. I watched in a mixture of horror and excitement as I saw my sister’s fingers nip over to the simple eye and hook clasp of Roes’ pearl necklace, pulled it up and with a flick of her fingers undid the clasp, an let it fall to the path just as Rose was straightening up. I think my twin was as astonished as I was that she had managed to pull it off, slipping off the obviously cheap pearl necklace that Rose had had dangling from her the front of her blue gown. I asked Rose a question pertaining to her story, and as I held her full attention, , Sis, who had been standing out of Rose’s sight behind her, wandered off for a distance, disappearing around behind the fountain with a whisk of her gown. Rose never appeared to have noticed my sister waltzing off as she straightening her pretty gown after rising up from her smelling of the rose, never missing a word in her story, nor her missing pearl necklace either!

  

I listened to Rose just prattle on, seemingly forever,( its amazing how long 3 minutes can last!) Finally, my leave-taking came in the form of a couple of girls in fluttering gowns walking up and past us, escapees from our little reunion upstairs I recognized. I smiled at them, and they smiled back( why hadn’t they been doing that back at the dance, when I had been left alone to my own devices!) One of the girls was flaunting some rather nice pieces of gemmed gold jewelry, and I made my decision to follow them, like any jewel thief worth his salt would do. I interrupted Rose, politely taking me leave, there goes some friends of mine, they apparently didn’t recognize me, but I need to ask one of them a question. I am sorry, but it has been a pleasure, but I must shove off. I took her hand and kissed a ringed finger, , she blushed rather prettily. Then if she didn’t try and start another story, I headed it off by asking, “Where did your pretty friend go, “as I looked round. Rose looked around also , There she is over there Rose pointed out after spotting my sister some distance away , her back to us, playing with a hand in the fountain . Right then, tell her I said cheerio, and left, giving her a nod as I started sauntering off after the disappearing pair of ladies. I looked back, and saw Rose darting off to where sis was standing

  

I quickly exited stage right, keeping on the sunglasses, I reached the entrance to the parking lot just as the pair of girls were turning a corner. I turned it behind them, gesturing like I was hailing out to them in case Rose was watching, although I had said nothing, and the pair in front of me were totally oblivious to their part in our little play. I crossed into the lot and made for the other side, skirting around towards my vehicle while making sure the coast was clear. I regained my Mercedes. After tossing the glasses and my suit coat and tie into the back seat, I climbed in fired up the engine, and left the parking lot, circling around a couple of blocks, before re-entering and pulling alongside the sidewalk, stopping just before the entrance to the concourse.

  

Five long minutes later my sister finally swished out through the exit, alone. She saw me, and scurried over, her gown doing its nice bit of fluttering along her figure as she moved. Not only had she taken off her necklace, but also the earrings and bracelet, I had gotten out, and was holding the door for her, She slipped into her seat. I regained mine as she was settling in I said, whew , you were right on about that one, did she buy it?

  

It was priceless sis said, she noticed my diamonds were missin, and I managed to really act astonished. Then Rose came to the conclusion herself, that they had been stolen, with her overactive imagination it was not a stretch for her. Then she looked herself over and discovered her pearls were missing. Oh no I asked how valuable where they. Pretty valuable she said, I only spent 6 shillings at the carnival, but he said they were worth a lot more! , what about yours, , were they rhinestones ? No I said, thery were real, she really didn’t hear me, she shad started repeating the same nonsense about how she had a diamond necklace at home that was worth quite a bit, and she was glad her Mater had not wanted to wear the thing this evening,

  

While listening, I had pulled slowly away, a couple had walked out and were heading to their car, paying us no nevermind other than a nosy glance by the gentleman at me car. But I figured it was time to make ourselves scarce.

  

I continued on with my questions: But your earrings and bracelet as well, she must have thought I was in possession of outstandingly light fingers! She didn’t question it, sis said, just gawked as I checked mesefl over. I must have drooped em I said, but she wan’t buyin it, no she exclaimed, he must have nicked them.

  

I had suggested that her pearls had simply fallen away, and we got back to where we had met you, and I spied the pearls on the ground, the thief had a hole in his pocket apparently, she figured. Brilliant mind that one I said, she should be a detective. Did she bite on the Sarah angle? Din’t tell her that, Sis looked smug, I improvised with a story of me own she admitted all happy with her darling self. And I teasingly told her as much!

  

Sis just smirked at me, and continued on.

I had to remind her that me jewels were missing to get her to stop her storytelling.

  

We looked a bit for mine, than I came up with a thought, tellin Rose that I had read about a jewel thief who had targeted a dance in oxford, stealing a few thousand pounds from the female guests there. I told her she should go back in and find out how many others lost jewels, I told her she would be a hero. You should have seen Rose’s smug face light up at the thought, and without another word, off she went.

  

Excellent, I praised her, much better way to end it. But I still cannot believe you went for her pearls like that, rather risky. Twas she conceded, but can you imagine her telling everyone about it…. and she broke into that nasely twang she had use earlier in imitation of Rose..

  

Rose-“the thief took my pearl necklace!,” Party Guest – “you mean the one you are wearing?” Rose- “Well yes , see he had this hole in his pocket, din’t he now! “ Party Guest- “ I see( in a disbelieving tone) “Rose- “What about me friend, had her dimonds nicked, dint she!” Part Guest-“ what Friend would that be now?” Rose- “ The chaperone, you know, the one with the silvery gown and long black hair!” Party Guest –“ Ther wasn’t no chaperone waering a silver dress you balmy twi…..”

  

Sis could not finish her routine, starting to chortle so hard at the picture of it in her mind, she nearly busted a gut. I also was smirking, the whole affair, in my opinion, had all played out brilliantly!

  

All in all, twas a merry drive back to town for us, with me twin sister talking miles a minute over her successes that evening, including the fact that her debt to me had been paid off. With interest paid, I thought to myself, as I stole a glance at my beautifully decked out passenger, with interest paid my dear!

.

 

“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.” – Mark Victor Hansen

 

This story is based from a rather intense experience I had had while staying at my uncles Cottage last year.

The photo of the cover is one of the gown and jewellery I wore. It was taken at a wedding I was in last summer at the same cottage…

The gown and jewellery are the same I again wore out that autumn evening of my long weekend staying there alone…

So with that said, here is my Narrative:

A Night Occurrence at the Lakefront Cottage

A narrative

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Midnight Occurrence at the Lakefront Cottage

A narrative

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Chapter 1

Like in a Dream…

With nightfall, the mid-summer time moon rose over the lake, bathing the woods in a rather surreal, sombre ghostly pale light.

From a small valley located just over a hill, the backside of which led down to a lake where a number of summer cottages had been built, a park was located.

The small community park was usually dark and forbidden at this time of year, this time of night.

But on this day, it was lit up with strings of lanterns lined up on the perimeter, and candles flickering from tables set up in the parks centre. At one end, next to a made-up dance floor on the lawn, a band playing romantic music was set up on the platform of a wooden Japanese style pagoda… A design a little out of place among the misty welsh moors of the area.

From the hill above, one’s eyes could see that a party was indeed taking place below. The guests elegantly dressed up as if for a wedding, which it was, a wedding reception to be exact.

And on this evening, from that hill, eyes, multiple sets of them, had indeed for some time been curiously watching.!

Eyes that belonged to all manner and types of creatures…

Some were the round eyes of small nervous creatures, furry and feathered, that were too timid to come out of the safety of the shadows. While others were the rather slanted, pointed eyes of predators, not all of them the furry and feathered kind, that lurked and watched with drooling interest, this uncanny commotion taking place below…

Now, from that party below, amongst the many colourful and shimmering guests, there was one figure swishing about that had soon caught the attention of the eyes watching from the hill.

It was that of a young girl of around 16 that was being watched, as she scurried about in and out of the shadows of hedges that lined the little park…

The hedges separating the party area from the darkened woods that began at the bottom of the hill and reached its’ top…

From this young female figure’s body language one could tell that she was a bit bored. And in actuality was, for she was used to being the centre of attention, and at this party, the wedding of her older sister, made her quite a bit moody, that she was anything but…

So, she was now daydreaming that she was a princess and was seeking an escape back to her castle, pretending the other guests wished to hold her captive. Along with her ‘evil’ parents and bride sister who kept telling her to behave herself!

This meant that she had to be careful not to be seen, and so was playing a game of hiding and seek by herself!

Now, this particular young faux princess almost looked like the real thing!

With long silky curls of red hair that flowed down as she moved about, held by a thin band of rhinestones that could be seen as a crown!

Also, adding to the overall effect, the sulky girl was royally, quite fetchingly clad, in a shiny green taffeta gown, pouring down along her figure! She was, unhappily, wearing it for a second time, the gown originally was worn for a dance she had attended that spring.

She also was strikingly for the first time, wearing some of her Mother’s sets of expensively set Emeralds!

A demanded to pay off for not having a new dress bought for the occasion!

Her mother had made the mistake of showing her father, first her emeralds, then her diamonds to decide which she should wear with the mother of the bride ‘s gown she had bought for her eldest daughter's upcoming wedding at their lake cottage. They had decided on the diamonds presenting a better look with her gown.

The younger 16-year-old red-headed daughter, already steaming over the fact she was not allowed a new dress for the wedding, raised a minor tantrum to wear the emeralds when her mother had given them to her father to place back in the banks’ vault!

They had finally, unhappily, relented!

So, feeling like a princess would in her jewels and fancy dress, she meandered daringly out of the safety of the park, and made her way around the outside of the hedge, skirting the darkly sinister woods!

Then looking up at the moon rising over the hill, she saw a flicker of light, like a candle, up at the hilltop!

And curious, she looked around to make sure no one was watching, she slipped on the winding path that led up to the top of the hill...

She then carefully walked up that hill, higher and higher into the depths of the shadows on either side of that moonlighted path.

She was aware of where she was, the other side of the hill led back to her family cottage.

Thus, she felt safe to be there alone.

Plus, in her daydream, she was a princess escaping to her castle for safety, wasn’t she now!

A Princess that sparkled green flickers of flashing light from her headband, earrings necklace, finger rings and bracelets snugly held around her wrists!

The watchers in the woods drew back into the shadows as the young faux princess approached.

Those creatures with round eyes slipped down and squinted, whilst those of the slanted eyed type, crouched, and their eyes merely grew larger!

None of the rounded eyed creatures understood what that sparkling meant…

The slant-eyed creatures had a better understanding that it singled some type of prey…

And so, though it was like being in a dream for the imaginative girl who played at being a princess…

She was, in fact, playing alone in a nightmare!

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Chapter 2

Autumn weekend at the cottage

 

Our aunt and uncle own a summer cottage located at the point of land that extends onto a small natural lake.

Compared to some of the other houses built by some quite wealthy families, theirs is one of the smallest. It has 6 full bedrooms on the top floor and a small 7th in the basement with its’ own loo and shower. The middle section holding the kitchen, small study and a rather large living room with floor to ceiling windows that look over the lake.

It was at this same cottage where we held my Cousin's wedding earlier that summer, with the reception in a small community park a short distance through the woods behind the cottage.

It was at that park where, as children, my Cousin, my twin brother, and I had snuck off to play our games. One role play game, in particular, was one having us two girls playing dressed up damsels to my brother’s highwayman!

This role game of his does deserve mentioning since it will play a part with what happens later in my story.

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As it so happened, I was required to attend a formal dinner/dance/ fundraiser held in the Autumn of that same year as my Cousin’s Wedding.

Since the function was about a 40-minute drive(by my standard of fast driving) from the location of the lake and its cottages.

So, to save on having to rent a room during my extended visit to the area, I coaxed my uncle into letting me stay alone at the cottage over my 4-day weekend.

I was attending the function with a friend, who had declined my offer of staying at the cottage, to stay in town.

She was planning to have her fiancé down the night after the event, and wanted the privacy staying with me would not have given her!

My friend, with whom I had roomed at university, had dared us each other to wear the glittery sequined bridesmaids’ gowns that had been collecting dust in our closets since a mutual friend’s wedding the previous fortnight!

I didn’t want to look like her twin, so I told her I was wearing the sleek blue sating number I had worn as a maid of honour at my cousin’s summer wedding!

We both brought these gowns with us.

My Friend brought her good pearls to wear with her ensemble, and I brought to wear my matching set of sapphire rhinestones I had come across at an antique shoppe, along with my favourite rings.

The same jewels I ended up wearing at my Cousin’s wedding after she had elected to wear pearls, making the pearls I had been planning to wear a social faux pas!

The evening of my work sponsored formal event I dressed at the cottage in the basement bedroom I was sleeping in before headed into town to help set up at the event.

I had showered and was drying my hair when I self-scared myself a bit silly by catching a view of my moving shadow on the wall behind me, reflected in the mirror!

The shadow of my hand holding my mini- hairdryer looked like someone was standing behind me waving a gun.

Giggling at my silliness I put on my gown, jewellery, and after a quick look-see in the mirror behind the door, I left.

By my watch, I was running about 15 minutes late, so I grabbed my wrap and flew up the stairs, out the door, and down the steps to my coupe.

I managed to get there 5 minutes early and began to pitch right in…

My Friend soon joined me and we were imminently so caught up in the festivities that we found no time to really chat amongst ourselves.

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The affair was a success and we had over a score of guests in attendance.

The two of us must have made a pretty pair, for we were continuously being approached for conversation and then asked to dance by several blokes.

As things were wrapping up and we were finally given the boot, we stopped in a pub for a drink intending to finally get caught up between ourselves!

It was at the much later at the same pub, that my, now fairly intoxicated, friend admitted to me she had been crept upon after leaving her hotel earlier!

I was none too sober myself, and admit I burst into laughter, before seeing that she was trying to be serious!

Here is what happened…

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A young man in a houndstooth sports jacket had been standing in her hotel lobby talking to a pretty young gypsy lady wearing a black satin blouse, her buxomly figure loaded up with shiny gold chains.

As my friend walked through the lobby, dressed as she was for the dance, the girl had eyed her over

She, of course, smiled at her expecting a nod, or compliment…

But surprisingly the girl had just rudely looked back to the guy wearing the houndstooth sport coat. without acknowledging my friend atoll!

Then as my friend walked outside down the block to hail a taxi, she chillingly realized the guy in the houndstooth sports jacket was following along some distance behind her!

He caught her looking at him and turning, darted down an alley!

Uncomfortable about it, she had spied an approaching hansom and had hailed it to be driven to her destination.

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“Do you think he may have wanted to ask me something?”

She wondered as she played with her string of white pearls, the rings in her fingers all glittery.

I soothed her by telling her she was…

“Being a silly sod, and not to fret over it!”

Which at the time was my honest opinion of the affair!

Certainly, did not think the bloke was “creeping” after her for any reason, and I told her so with conviction!

I did, however, see her home safely to her hotel room, before my drive back down to the lake.

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There was no moon out that night, and it was a very misty, lonely drive back alone.

My mind wandered over my friend’s experience in her hotel lobby and the creeping man wearing a houndstooth jacket.

Suddenly, sleeping alone in the isolated cottage did not seem like the grand idea it had when planning it!

I played music, loud, to take my mind of that feeling as I drove back, taking almost a full hour to do so!

Arriving at the cottage, I was aware I had not left any lights on inside.

Twit!

Cursing myself, for creeping strangers were now a vivid thought implanted in my mind, I got out and headed up the steps long uphill cottage path!

Quite aware I was alone, I walked up the hill in that early morning hour, moving in and out of creeping shadows.

As I did, I heard the rich swishing of my long gown as the hem brushed along the stone steps.

Slightly drunk, I stopped and picked up the bottom of my gown to make it stop!

I must have presented an interesting picture, alone, dressed such as I was wobbling up the stairs as I tried negotiating them still wearing my heels!

I also clearly remembered my friend’s story!

If someone was following her and had been listening in to our conversation, they would know I was here, alone!

It also was no help that I remembered how startling it had been when as children, my twin had snuck up and scared the bejeebers out of us while masked in his highwayman disguise

This made my hairs prickle, as of course, my runaway imagination formed some rather chilling, foreboding conjectures

I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts, feeling my earrings swinging up against my cheeks.

I again cursed, whispering to myself…

“Buggers, bloody jewels would give me away if nothing else!”

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I scurried the rest of the distance up to the cottage without managing to trip, feeling foolish with myself as I reached and unlatched the door!

But entering the dark, sinisterly empty house, did me no good either, and I held my breath as, still holding up my blue satin gown, I cautiously tiptoed inside to turn on the lights!

My mind was reeling at that point keeping me wide awake and fearful of being alone, as I checked all the windows and doors to make sure they were fastened!

Without bothering to change, I went to the front room (overlooking the lake) and plopping onto the couch, tried watching some telly before going to bed in my basement room.

But I ended up watching the only channel that was coming in.. and all it had was an old BW crime thriller that night, which also added fuel to the building fire of my now overly fearful imagination!

Though I will admit that I harbour alike for those types of situations depicted in such movies, experiencing a titillating thrill when a shadow emerged from a dark alleyway, similar to those that compels one to watch horror flicks!

Flicks like the ‘Cat and the Canary’ which to this day still will make me shudder when I watch it alone in my darkened flat(the dark adds to the mood).

And so as I watched this particularly sinister movie playing, my mind also was filled with thoughts of the ‘Cat and the Canary’ flick…

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Filmed in 1927 Called “Cat and the Canary” and is a dark moody film taking place in a secret passage laced mansion, with sinisterly dark figures, and a sleeping lady whose diamonds are robbed off from around her throat.

There is an even creepier 1930 sound remake called “The Cat Creeps” with Helen Twelvetrees that I really had wanted to write about at the time, but found out it is, unfortunately, an Americans’ “lost” film!

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Finally, my spine had its’ feel of tingles, and I turned the telly off with a sigh, and nestling into the thicke couch, I yawned, stretched…

As I did so, my eyes were caught by my sparkling rhinestone bracelet…

I curiously asked myself…

“Would some bugger want to steal them?”

Of course, my imaginative mind said, yes!

The answer put me off from going down into that isolated basement bedroom to sleep alone….

So, I reached over, and pulled off from the top of the couch my gowns wrap, and using it as a soft blanket, stretching out on the couch,

I laid down, tried to think happy thoughts, like how much fun we had had at the fundraiser earlier…

My mind drifted from there, to us children playing games in the community park….

Which led my thoughts traveled being here for the Saturday wedding of my cousin...

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The reception had taken place in the same small community park where we had played.

It laid in a small valley, surrounded by woods that cover the hills. On the opposite side was a path leading up and down a hill, to the point of land jutting out onto the lake, the top of which had been built my cousin’s family cottage.

It had been a busy week, hustle and bustle in getting ready for the weekend wedding. We had all been exhausted by Friday and spent the rest of the day in idle repose, laying in hammocks…

The wedding and reception had both been brilliant affairs.

Soiled only by the pair of wedding crasher strangers we had discovered amongst our midst’s later that evening at the reception……

A lot of strangers creeping into my life lately, I thought, yawning sleepily….

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Chapter 3

A Summer Day’s Wedding at the Cottage

 

As I laid half asleep upon the couch that Autumn evening, I was startled by the clock in the study chiming the hour of midnight.

As I counted down the hour I tried to focus on the events of my cousin's wedding, aware that there had been a darkness about it, something in the background that I may have put out of my mind at the time, but was there, and I was trying to remember just what it was….

Odd really, I remember thinking as I lay there, the room spinning a little as I tried to remember what it was that had scared me?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

My cousin (with whom I also had shared classes with at University) was getting married at the end of that summer week, on Saturday at a small church located in the village at the opposite end of the lake.

I was to be her maid of honour, and with the Groom’s best man, we were the sole other members of her wedding party aside from the bride and groom.

I had taken a week from work to be there, coming down on a Wednesday and staying till the following Tuesday.

My thoughts were, jokingly, that I should be sober enough to drive back on Monday and work on Tuesday!

The week went fast, planning, getting ready for the guests.

What little time I had to myself, I spent on a small deserted island in the middle of the lake, just off of the bottom hill landing above which sat my Cousin’s family’s lakefront cottage.

The island is a rather secluded, private spot, a great place to just think.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Then came the day for the wedding to be held at the lake village church with reception at the community park on the opposite side of the hill located behind my Cousin’s family lakefront cottage.

The Groom and his Best Man had arrived early Saturday morning.

We kept them busy outside, while we girls were getting ready inside.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

My Cousin had selected a dreamy gown of dazzling virgin white satin.

Sleeveless with a Lacey bodice and a daringly plunging neckline. The skirt fell to her silver heels in a glistening flow of sleekness. An emerald green rippled satin sash encircled her jealousy petite waist with a glittering crescent-shaped emerald rhinestone broach pinned to the centre. Long green satin gloves all added a splash of colour for her naturally red hair and freckled face.

As the Maid of Honour, I was wearing the rather elegant, ocean blue coloured, slick satiny gown she had helped me pick out.

A sleeveless halter top, the neckline is squared, the skirt was long, tickling down to just past my ankles.

It also had a darling matching flat satin waist-hugging sash that was detachable and tied snugly in the back, and a matching caped wrap to wear over it!

Actually, the whole outfit was a rather tightly snug fit, but my Cuz liked the look and I will be able to have it let out before wearing it out again (which unexpected happened to be later that year).

But it was fun that I appeared to have a pair of noticeably rounded breasts for a change!

Compliments of the gowns fairly tight moulded cleavage!

Now, since my Cousin had decided on wearing her a rather handsome collection of pearls, I decided per protocol, not to wear my good pearls, but instead opted to wear my set of sparkling sapphire rhinestones.

Also, amongst the fine jewels I was wearing, was Included at the last minute, a rather daring diamond brooch which I had just that week picked up in an antique store that is located in the village at the northernmost end of the lake.

It was quite a dazzling pretty overall effect we both were putting on, as noted when we poised giggling like a brace of school girls before the bedroom mirror hanging on the backside of our basement bedrooms’ door.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

My cousin’s younger ‘sweet’ 16-year-old sister, who has just finished her A levels, overhead us giggling and sauntered down in from the upstairs kitchen.

Now, I will have to come clean here. The reason there was only one female attendant in the bridal party was that my older cousin did not wish to have to deal with the “little drama queen” that was the soul being of my younger cousin!

She is fair-skinned redhead also, and on that day was wearing a thin band of rhinestones holding back her hair, so that it fell flowing behind her like a sheet of silk!

She was also fetchingly wearing a green taffeta gown, pouring lithely down along her figure. She was vocally unhappy with re-wearing It from a dance she had attended that spring.

She also was conceitedly displaying along with her figure, the new set of my Aunt’s expensively matched emeralds, consisting of a pendant, bracelet, and earrings!

Which I was told had to be allowed to prevent an atomic level hissy fit the evening before my arrival!

I felt her gown was rather to slinky in my silent opinion, and the “always gets my way “careless party girl a bit too immature to be wearing good jewels, but the ensemble certainly grabbed one’s attention I will with a bit of envious jealousy, admit to that!

But then I guess that is what weddings are all in about, and the bride and I were certainly in no position, glammed up as we were, to caste the first (Gem)stones!

After a bit more girl talk before being summoned, the three, no, make it two, of us put on our serious faces as all us girls swished upstairs from the basement to begin the day-long festivities!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I could write a whole book about the wedding and the reception. But just imagine any fancy wedding or prom/dance you may have been lucky enough to attend, then place it all in an outdoor setting by a lake, and I believe you will have a pretty good idea of what I had the pleasure of experiencing that day!

The wedding and reception proper went off with very few minor hitches and we killed much time pleasantly, dancing and drinking till midnight!

It was a very pretty affair in many aspects as one can well imagine!

And my twin brother was held in check by his fiancé, so there were none of his well-known mischievous thieving games played upon me!

The only blemish on the event came from a pair of strangers whom I did not know from Adam, and wished it had remained that way!

A creepy male in a houndstooth sports jacket, and a lady wearing a long black satin dress with vertical gold stripes, who admired everyone’s jewellery, though she wore none herself!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Chapter 4

A Midnight Escape

 

The reception proper had been over for a few hours, and just a few close relatives, guests sleeping the night over, and various friends remained. We closed up shop at the park and headed back to the cottage and an outside fire to end the evening.

It was well after midnight as most of the remaining group was hanging around a fire in the back terrace of the cottage,

I had been sitting with my brother and his fiancé when the two deserted me to sneak off for a walk (more likely to find a private area to snog) around the lake!

Now sitting alone by myself, I felt a wanderlust whimsical feeling to go and sit on one of the antique benches set around a small landing that was located down the front hillside, on the top of which was where the cottage had been built.

Grabbing a goblet of wine, I headed off away around the isolated cottage, then down the long narrow hillside stairs leading down to the landing, looking forward to finally being away from the lime lite as it were!

I was quite alone in this secluded spot.

I strained my gown and slid down upon the cool wooden slats of the bench, which afforded a misty view of my small island, off some 50 meters from the landing.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I was sitting there for some time lost in my thoughts, feeling sleepy, when I realized with a shiver that it was getting chilly!

But a warm breeze was coming in and my mind started to play tricks on me.

That I had not shivered because of the cold, but instead I was getting goose pimples from feeling someone’s eyes upon me!

So, then I started to imagine that I was indeed being watched by someone from the island!

I opened my eyes wide, as I convinced myself that indeed someone was watching me!

A dark figure in a houndstooth sports jacket with hard cold eyes and a mind to be up the to no good popped into my mind!

I nervously turned around with the idea of heading back up, and as I did, I jumped, not a little either, at what I saw!

There was actually a long shadowy figure at the top of the stairs, framed in moonlight, staring me down!!!

As I watched the figure slipped down the stairs, by the flapping dress I knew it was female.

Finally, I could make out who it was as she came into the light cast off from the dock’s lanterns.

It was the lady in the slinky black satin number with vertical stripes. She was wearing a bouncing emerald/ diamond pendant and matching swinging earring that glittered noticeably a green flickering fire from her as she moved.

She smiled, raising a hand that held a tall glass of ice and some clear liquid, her expensive-looking emerald bracelet twinkling in a mesmerizing display of its rich coloured emerald/diamond gemstones.

I recognized her as one of the guests I had briefly met, whom, much like a hummingbird, had been flittering about amongst us without never really staying long in any one place!

When I earlier first met the now slowly approaching lady, She had been a total stranger to me, coming up to me at the reception to compliment me on my pretty attire.

Said she was there alone and was usually quite shy around strangers, though she had not appeared to me in any way a timid dear!

(Especially, when later, I spotted her being chums with another unknown guest, a slanty-eyed bloke wearing a houndstooth jacket, with a gold tooth that flashed wickedly as he smiled!)

She was actually quite handsome, wearing a long black satin dress with vertical gold stripes. I complimented her on it and she smiled, ever so prettily blushing, her eyes magnified by the horned rim glasses she was wearing...

Since she was wearing no jewellery, I was not able to use that as a topic of conversation or admirations!

Feeling sorry for the poor thing, we had chatted a bit, light talk, and she had taken her leave, apologizing if she was appearing rude, but she must compliment my cousin, the bride, who I saw had just come in, new husband and her green taffeta clad pouty younger sister in tow!

^^^^^^^^^^^^

But that was then, this was now!

I sat watching her, as she reached the bottom step, then swished over to me as I was sitting on the landings bench, inwardly shuddering a bit!

She was decidedly an odd bird, especially the way she was eagerly looking down upon me like an old friend!

But there was something different about her now, something had changed, but in my befuddled state of mind at her appearance, it was something I just could not place a finger on at the time?

Though much later, the mystery would be solved much to my chagrin, for not solving it sooner and perhaps things would have had a different ending for me that evening!

But trying to work out a solution to that mystery slipped from my mind as I again felt a chill and wished I had brought my gowns matching wrap!

But alas, couldn’t be rude enough to hurriedly make that as an excuse and leave her just as she arrived?

So, playing the kind hostess, I settled down to hold ground and meet my fate!

So much for quiet solitude, I thought wryly, and assuming my role as part of the bridal party, politely motioned the unwished-for guest to come over and have a sit-in with me.

She swished down over, laid a hand on my shoulder, her bracelet sparkling, as I looked up. I could see my necklace shimmering in her horned rim glassed, rather surprised over how lavish the reflection appeared!

They almost looked real!

“‘Ello, we meet again!”

she said adjusting her gown as she sat next to me.

“Cheers then “

she continued, clinking her wine glass to mine

I nodded in salute, and we both took a drink.

She was looking out over the misty waters as she sipped...

“Must say, you are brave, to be down here all alone Luv.”

She lectured, glancing around.

I replied, trying my damnedest to sound cheery…

“Not really… I come down here a lot to sit and think, it’s one of my favourite spots.”

“Here, and the island over there also!”

I added, pointing across the water to the small island.

She shivered.

“Creepy island, who knows what or who may be over there lurking in the shadows watching us!”

Despite myself, I did jump a little at her words…

She was beginning to creep me out saying things I had already been thinking.

Maybe she had sensed my unease…

For she quickly started to babble on about odd things she had heard happening to others. Footsteps in the dark with no one appearing and other sorts of unwarranted, alone in a dark alleyway, titbits that I could really quite do without!

She was on about an old silent movie where a deranged mental patient had broken into an isolated mansion where a young heiress was spending a lonely evening when I decided enough was quite bloody enough!!!

I knew that movie! And I was not in the mood to be further creeped out by thinking about it now!

I was quite done with this uninvited guest and decided it had been time enough, and I could, with etiquette be damned, take my leave!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Chapter 5

Surrender

 

So patiently I waited until she had a lull in her chattering, to seize the moment and bolt!

Ready now, to surrender my dock landing hideaway to her and head up to re-join the remaining guests around the warm friendly fire!

I turned to her, startled by the way for a second she had been smiling at me like she knew an untold secret, but her expression changed immediately as I had looked!

Smiling, she leaned over to pat my wrist, her fingers touching my sapphire bracelet.

Despite my attempts to be in control, I stammered as I spoke…

“Really must get back to the bride and our guests!”

 

Then, she said something that was really quite odd...

“And your lovely wee cousin dear should see where she has gotten off too!”

I looked at her blankly, then realized I had not seen my snooty younger cousin for some time!

And there was still that something else about this stranger that I for the life of me could not lay a finger upon!

It seemed to me that the two, missing younger cousin, and this stranger’s mysterious change in appearance, were both related!

But I was in too much a hurry to make my retreat from her to worry about what that was!

“Hope I’m not making you uncomfortable Luv?”

She said consolingly, but without any real depth to her apology, as she absentmindedly stroked her hands, pawing along my dress as she spoke with a syrupy voice!

“You were looking very pretty this evening, Luv! A very pretty dress you have on also…”

Then, while still pawing me, her drink sloshed, spilling some of the ice cubes, which pooled down upon the lap of my gown, making me shiver, the cool air and the dampness on my gown increasingly adding on an overwhelming need to use the loo, which also added to my already existing urge to excuse myself!!

“Oh, dear I’ve solid your dress! Here let me get something...”

I rose from the bench wiping myself down…

The weird lady followed suit, as she fumbled inside a small, rather bulging, black clutch purse,

I declined her assistance, just glad of a reason to be rid of this odd lady, and told her I would clean up inside the cottage!

She, in turn, gave me an oddly triumphant smile as I urgently took my leave.

Trying not to notably shiver or shake, I went over and made my way back up the deck stairs, resisting the urge to run!

At the top I looked back to the island for a few seconds, nothing moved, except the rising shapes of mist that was forming over the long lakes wave less dark waters.

Of course, no one was watching from there!

I looked down upon the interloper back to being seated on my bench...

She was just sitting there, staring out over the water with a secretive grin, dress fluttering, not bothering to look up at me.

I turned, the wet spot on my gown chilling me, causing shivers!

I fled to the kitchen side door of the cottage, hearing the commotion outback from my fellow guests, and the flickering shadows of unseen people and flames dancing off the trees.

I then headed, still shivering, inside through the kitchen to make my way to our downstairs basement bedroom loo.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The house was eerily quiet and empty, unfortunately lending to the chilly atmosphere!

I was trembling on pins and needles as I was making myself scared silly to be in there, looking down darkened corridors that appeared to be passing themselves off as sinister alleyways!

I went in and downstairs to the basement bedroom I was sharing with my cousin.

I opened the door and entered.

The door started to creepily creak close behind me, so I turned, opened it wide where it stayed!

I scurried over to the small cupboard sized loo.

I quickly did my business, dabbed at the wet spot on my party dress, deciding I should not take time to bother a change, the warm fire would dry it soon enough!

As I took a quick look in the mirror, I scolded my panicked stricken, looming reflection that I was a “silly old duck”, and then hurriedly left to head back to join the rest of the dwindling reception guests by the warm fire.

As I left the toilet, I froze in my tracks, the bedroom door that I had left open was now forbiddingly, firmly shut.

I had not heard a sound, which added to the mystery!

“So, what smart ass bugger shut the door!”

I said to myself, aloud apparently.

For a stranger, gruff voice snarled behind me

“I did Missy!”

My heart leaped into my throat, stifling any sound I was too frozen to make anyways!

In horror placed a hand to my breast and another o my open mouth as I looked up at the dark form menacingly looming up behind me, reflected in back of the door hanging mirror

I was also all too aware of the betraying show that my sparkling my jewels were also reflecting!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Chapter 6

What the F….

 

Suddenly I was grasped from behind by a pair of strong, roughly unforgiving hands.

My whole figure jumped with the enveloping shivering shock as an ice cold hand clamped over my mouth, silencing my startled shriek as blatantly it started. ...

I struggled to turn as his other hand was able to keep ahold of my slickly covered figure.

My mind went to the only scenario that made any sense…

So I struggle, and tried muffling to yell at my turd headed twin brother for scaring the life out of me by playing his silly games….

But then in my ear a most menacing soprano pitched voice muttered with evilly spoken conviction.

“What have we here said the spyder to the pretty butterfly?”

A chilling, sinking feeling swept down over me as I, in utter shock, suddenly stopped squirming; the voice speaking was not my twin’s brother’s bass voice!

The unknown voice continued on, answering my muffled question as I now began to really struggle, but found I was held tightly haplessly within his strong grasp!

The voice chuckled at my attempts to escape, continuing on talking with wicked confidence…

“I was coming down to leave, Missy and imagine my surprise when I watched your fine glossy figure heading downstairs into this hidden bedroom!”

I began to quiver in shivery fright...

He hissed in my ear…

“Now Don’t move about my pretty blue bird!”

Something deadly hard was stroked along up against my side, and then poked into my waist, as my heart was now pounding in up my throat!

“No cries for help either Missy “he again ordered, speaking close in my ear

“Or I may have to use this!”

And the round barrelled thing he was poking against me was pressed in even harder into my back to make his hideous point known!

I nodded helplessly in submissive agreement, my figure wilting to his threat!

I remember quite well, cringing and feeling waves of shivers sparking up and down my spine as he held me captive in his hard-unforgiving grasp!

Not really knowing with any sickening realty what all was going to happen next, though I was fairly certain my pretty jewels would be on this buggers wish list!

He turned me around and I was face to face with an evilly black attired man wearing an even blacker, snarly appearing ski mask!

Holding me close, pressing the unseen object into my waist, he stared at me with his hard-grey eyes, whilst he muttered, half to himself in a most happily evil tone of voice!...

“Well, well, look at the pretty package we have caught!”

He paused as my eyes began to dart back and forth in horror!

“I only was interested in riffling through the contents of your bedrooms rooms wasn’t I Luv, while your fine lot were distracted outside!”

“But the bonus of watching you and your sparklers appear for your ill-timed call to nature is appreciated, I will say that!”

“And the discovery of a new bedroom to have a look around is always appreciated, always nice things to be found in ‘em, aint there now, Missy!”

He smacked his lips this as he was eyeing me over…

I noticed my long shimmering diamond earrings were richly sparkling, reflected in his lusting evil eyes!

I gulped as a dryly scratchy frog came lumping up in my throat!

In answer his rough left hand began excitedly snaking up my front, up over my breasts and lifting up the end of my twinkling sapphire encrusted necklace, as he evilly smirked!

As he had groped along my breasts, he drooled his words, talking to himself.

“A rather fine plump one we have!”

Then while he tugged greedily at my necklace.

“With some rather nice ice to be chipped away!”

I tried pulling back, but he grasped me harder by the waist and held me to him as I squirmed, I could quite feel that this Wankers figure was undeniably hot and quite stiff with desire!

He now spoke with even more conviction!...

“Dem flashy jewels your wearin luv, I believe I’ll have them then now won’t” I !

“So, lets have those hands raised, high!”

he purred nastily, with a craving conviction.

I countered. “Not my jewels sir I whined; they are worthless!”

He smiled, his mask taking on a grotesquely ugly look…

Obviously, her was ignoring my please, so with a sigh, I raised my hands, feeling helpless and vulnerable as he quickly began working me over quite thoroughly chuckling with delight. With annoyingly adept precision, his rough, gloved fingers felt searchingly along my cringing my figure for my jewels!

The mirror that was hanging down on the closed door that we had primped in front of earlier, was still in view, and I could see my reflection in it, and ... also his, as he was quickly working me over!

I tried not to look but failed miserably and I began to feel my whole being wilt in utter despair as one by one he I watched him meticulously plucking my trembling figure clean!

Starting first by forcing off my flashing rings, then unclamping my favourite diamond cuff bracelet, followed by my sapphire one!

Then he reached up into my hair, and mercilessly yanked off both my hinged clasped earrings, greedily pocketing the lot!

Once finished with that he concentrated on working off the main prize, my shiny necklace!

Reaching up behind my neck, unfastening it ,he bought it around and let it dangle in front of my eyes.

He had taken my Sapphire Necklace!

And I again squirmed uncomfortably as he stashed it away!!

The wanker was all too fondly enjoying this game he was playing at my expense!!!

Finished with that job, he lastly reached down over to my waist to begin prying off my shimmery new broach, which my Cousin had had me pin to my sash as a last-minute addition so as to match hers!

I loved that broach!

I managed out a sobbing, crackling dry plea for him not to take it

Surprisingly, He listened and removed his hand from it promising he would not lay a finger on it, “Scouts honours” Missy!

Then had me turn around.

“All right now Missy, lets see how high you can keep those hands raised up, and keep ‘em there if you know what’s good fer you!”

Wondering “what now ?!” I obeyed.

He placed his hands upon the sides of my gown, reaching just up under my armpits, and started carefully to pat me down from behind.

I knew he knew he had taken me for everything and was just playing me, adding insult to injury while he was satisfying a dreadful lust to cope a feel of my tight fitting ultra-smooth gown!

Typical male!

I realized that, like a seasoned male actor, he obviously was a professional and had played this role enough times that he was self-confident, assuredly in control, and was cravingly, relishing every second of this wicked game!

Everything he did had a purpose, rhyme and reason behind it!

I was just beginning to realize that, but I still was not fast enough to figure those reasons ahead of time, and it would cost me!!!

I sighed deeply in my misery and despair, unable to move in my utterly vulnerably paralyzing distress!

The monster quickly finished, and with a pat along my waistline, stood back behind me.

I breathed a sigh, I believed the wanker had finished and should be making good his getaway.

But then, like that creepy lady who had driven me from my refuge into this terror, he eerily read my mind!

“Almost done Missy, just one more thing!”

His words echoed with dread in my ears!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Chapter 7

What’s Next!?

 

I was still too frozen in fear to move, and saw in the reflection that he had reached into his pocket and pulled out some solid coloured gold silk handkerchiefs.

The unscrupulous Git must have snatched them from a silky pocket that must have been inside one of the dresses hanging in another bedroom closet!!

He hissed menacingly!

“To make sure the creeping cat keeps your tongue while I complete my job!”

He then he gagged me silent with one of the handkerchiefs!

Then he reached up, and yanking down my arms so they were behind my back, he tightly bound my hands with another!

Cheeky Bastard!

But the wanker wasn’t through with me yet!

He pulled my back up against his lustful body and I felt the cold damply sweaty fingers of his right hand reach up and gruffly laid his right hand on my the front of my dress!

He then happily felt along the top of my gown, his right hands’ fingers coldly moving slickly along, while his left hand held me securely by the waist as I squirmed in his hold, my hands firmly tied, while he cruelly he fondled about.

It was a bittersweet prickling process I was feeling as I helplessly underwent his obviously practiced ritual!

“Pity You’re not hiding anything more in there!”

he hissed in my ear as he withdrew his hand.

Then added…

“Times a eating!”

And pushed me over to my cousins bed and had me turn and awkwardly sit down upon it!

The bastard was having me watch him as he worked over our room for the rest of our valuables!

As if what he had done so far wasn’t bloody enough!

Watching, I squirmed with acute anxiety in my bindings, as he went about it!

^^^^^^^^^^^^

He was thorough I will admit, quickly, unerringly, ransacking our room with expert precision, wasting no time, as he checked through drawers, riffling through our shared closet, quickly fingering over the expensive clothes he was finding within, overturned purses.

Then he searched the bed-stands, discovering both our jewel cases, which he spotlessly cleaned out, not caring if it was costume or real!

He even pocketed my small gold (plated) antique brush with the engraved handle!

That thief was cannily pocketing anything found that was small, shiny, easily carried, and of any possible value, which a lot of it was!!

He even managed to find the thin silver headband, the one set with pricey diamond chips, that my cousin had placed hidden at the bottom drawer of her lingerie cabinet after wearing it out the evening before!

I had convinced her this morning not to wear it today, she had looked better in her bridal gown with her long red hair down and flowing free, plus her sister was wearing a thinner version already I had explained! …

And now she would never be wearing it again… and she had that sequined gown that went amazingly with it, both band and dress she had been wearing at the rehearsal dinner!

Actually, that shimmery gown was now lying in a glittery heap in the floor outside the closet. He had greedily yanked it out to make sure none of the sparkling his hungry eyes had drooled over were actual gems!

He had even shot me a look as he held up it in his touchy paws to see if I was flinching to indicate that it may be valuable enough to steal.

At my lifeless blank stare, he just grunted and tossed it down in a heap!

When he had finished, he went and stood over me

He suddenly, demandingly snarled…

“Anything I missed luv?!”

Startled, I jumped, not being able to control myself as I glanced over to my satin pillow that lay at the header of my bed!

The unethical stinker!

“Thought so!” he said. preening with satisfaction at his tomfoolery!

Deflated, I cringed as directly he went over to my bed.

He bent over, lifting my plum satin coverlet and picking up the matching pillow.

He grasped up the long thin silk purple slip I was wearing for a night gown and looked underneath!

He cackled as he plucked up greedily, the small black velvet satchel that had been hidden underneath my night gown.

He walked it over and emptied it onto his palm before my puppy sad eyes!

I tearfully watched as my pearls, my beautiful set of gleaming white pearls, spilled out onto his eager hand as he whistled his triumphant find!

Now my heart really plummeted!

The greedy, unscrupulous bastard, he had now taken everything with any value that I owned from my figure and our bedroom!

Then he added his insult to the already deep injury

Leaning over me, looking at me dead in the eye while laying one of his pawing hands alongside my cheek…

“Been ever so nice doing business with you, luv… And Don’t feel bad about them pearls Missy, most of em fall for that trick!”

He smirked while as he stuffed my pearls roughly inside his pocket, then he slid his fingers along my shoulder and down my tied-up arm as I twitched, wallowing in misery...!!

“Where did you come from?”

Irrationally tried to asked, again my words muffled by the gag!

He was watching me struggle to speak...

And once again he read my thoughts and answered my unspoken question...

“Followed you from the hotel now didn’t we!”

he said mysteriously as he put on a houndstooth sport jacket…

My head was spinning as I tried to make some sense of what he was saying!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Chapter 8

The Absconding Escape

  

As I tried to make sense of it all he had wasted no time escaping with all our finery. He hurried out of the bedroom door, closing it,

I could hear feet rapidly going up the stairs, then the kitchen door finally slamming shut.

That seemed to do the trick, breaking me out of my trance!

Squirming, I managed to quickly undo my tied wrists: silk does not make for solid knots, but then he probably knew that!

It was as I untied my gag, that I coldly realized I had not actually seen a pistol.

I looked down on the ground, and quivered in anger,

There at my feet lay, my small curling iron. The bastard had picked that up from the dressing stand, had by sticking that against me as a ploy, had me believing he had had a weapon…

“Twit!” I said admonishing myself

Rising, I found my feet had ‘fallen asleep’, and so I hobbled upstairs to the front room with its’ view over the dock stairs and landing!

Skirting the couch, I went to the window and looked down.

Thinking I should open a window and warn her if she was still sitting there on the bench waiting for my return!

She was, still looking over towards the small island!

But, too late, I saw him heading down the stairs to the landing.

Then I placed a hand to my mouth, gulping as he reached the landing!

The lady on the bench rose, diamonds and emeralds rippling a sparkling riot of fire along with around her wrist, as she walked up to join him, hugging!

She was in on it, had planned this, had set me up in their fiendishly evil trap!

She must have been coming down to wait and meet up with her partner once he was done burgling the cottage bedrooms!

Then she had spied me surprisingly alone, all dressed up just there by myself!

What a sweetly plump jewelled lamb I must have looked under her wolffish gaze.

All she had to do was simply figure out a way to get this shimmering bird to go alone into the house where her partner was busy looting the bedrooms of guests staying there, taking their jewels and other valuables!

And she had decided the ones I had been wearing were to be added into that loot!

She must have been laughing at how easy it had been to coerce me into walking alone into that trap!

Shuddering I watched with falling heart, as arm in arm, the scoundrels turned a corner!

Soon a punt appeared, with him earnestly rowing away from them both away!

I had my hand to my waist as I watched, then with icy cold revelation, suddenly I realized that my sash was gone!

I looked down, with it the also was gone the brilliantly shimmering broach he had promised not to touch, but he had not promised to not touch my sash!

The cold jellied eel-like turd had done it as he had been patting me down, distracting me by the way he had been pawing and groping along with my satiny clad figure!

Then, while behind me, fondling me to distraction, his eyes were on another prize!

He flagrantly had white lied to me and untied the sash, unnoticed by me, had slipped it off from around my waist.

No wonder he had appeared to be so thoroughly loving his work!

He was loving the broach he was stealing!

Damn fool I am

I placed a hand to my neck, ears, looked down wrist and fingers. Confirming that all of my pretty jewels were gone, going away with the thief as he escaped with his bulging pockets!!

I again felt my waistline, hoping I was wrong!

I wasn’t!!!

“Never trust a bloody pisser of a thief!”

I thought sarcastically as I watched the pair of ‘em disappearing into the mist that was rising on the evil appearing black water of the lake, rowing past the lake small island!

From the fleeing punt, I caught one last sparkle from the sinister lady’s emerald earrings…

My hand again went to my mouth, gasping in horror.

For it suddenly, clearly, it occurred to me...

The emeralds/diamond jewellery she was wearing?

The lady not been wearing any jewellery, when she first approached me at the party!

A cold, tardy realization, finally pierced through the fog of my memory!

They were from the collection of my Aunt’s emerald jewellery that my younger cousin had thrown a tantrum to be allowed to wear!

The cretins must have surreptitiously trapped her as they had trapped me!

In my mind’s eye, I briefly had a picture of how easy it would have been to stoke the vain ego of my overly dressed, flashy jewelled young cousin, with her upper levels typically arrogant manner, in order to get her to willingly, literally be played into their hands!!!

No wonder she had disappeared towards the end of the reception.

No one had really been paying her any heed that evening!

Was she tied and gagged up somewhere, in the woods maybe!

It was then I finally found my tongue and screamed the alarm as I turned to go and rescue my younger cousin.

And in doing so, I backed up, tripping and then free-falling onto the couch!

My screams again were muffled as I struggled to rise back up!

Something was again holding me down on the couch!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Chapter 9

The Awakening

 

I woke myself up as I was screaming, soon realizing that I was face down on the couch, tangled in the bloody satin warp that I had used as a blanket.

The house was now again eerily silent…..

I looked around as the fog lifted and my mind was able to think clearly.

I had fallen asleep on the couch.

What a twit, the whole thing had been a dream, no not quite a dream, but a bloody nightmare!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

It wasn’t the summer wedding, it was fall, and I was alone at the cottage

I was damp with sweat, my cheeks streaked with the tears as I had struggled in my sleep.

My chest still was heaving as I sought to catch my breath.

There had been no robbery,

Only in my mind, using a hodgepodge of memories: from the wedding, along with occurrences from this very evening mixed in with the role-playing games of thievery my twin and I have played!

There had been the two-party crashers of course, but they scurried off when confronted… Just a couple keen trying, on a lark, something they had seen in a movie on the telly.

Also, on top of all that, still being dressed up, appeared to have been added to the subconscious mix, in helping to create the realness of what I had dreamed up in my nightmare!

So a fair collection of my dark thoughts, desires and scary movies I have watched, all took root in my sleep, taking a dark flight with my dreams of fancy that night!

^^^^^^^^^^^

Finally, fully awake and free of the sating wrap, I rose...

I felt along my throat, wait a minute my necklace was gone.

Chilled I looked around at my feet.

There it was on the floor; it had fallen off in my sweaty struggles with my gowns matching blue wrap!

I stretched, went downstairs to the basement bedroom I was meaning to sleep in, the very same one where the majority of my night terror had taken place!

Dressing for bed, loop-lolly half asleep, I put on my purple slip I was using for pj’s

As I had lifted my pillow to get it, I smiled for the first time, knowing that I had indeed hidden my pearls underneath while I had slept there for the wedding.

Those pearls were now safe back at my flat, not in a thief’s pocket!

Said flat had better not be burgled by a bloke wearing houndstooth before I returned on Tuesday!

I sat on the bed, watched my reflection in the long mirror on the back of the door, as I went deep into thought.

Suddenly a question popped in my head and I went over to the dresser and pulled open the bottom drawer.

Lifting some lingerie, I saw with relief, that the rhinestone band my cousin had worn at her rehearsal dinner was still where she had left it after we had come back from the rehearsal dinner.

I turned and look over at the bed…

 

Realizing I could not sleep, for the thoughts of my dream so fresh, so real, and so demanding to be written down!

“Buggers I swore”

Placing a thin black robe over my purple slip nightgown, I went back upstairs from the basement.

It was 3 am!

In the study, I made a mixed drink. Taking it I went back into the living room, sitting down again upon the couch to collect my wits as I marvelled that it indeed had only been a rather intriguingly wicked dream!

A very real one!

And, so then I, of course, me being me, was compelled to take notes of my night terror before the last vestiges drifted off, as I was then unable to sleep in the empty cottage anyways!

So the long and short is that from those notes taken from that night terror, along with some artistic license, was risen this dream inspired tale!

Fini

 

Well, for one thing, she got married, put on weight, and settled down to the quiet life of a Wisconsin housewife

Huntsville, Texas -- Sam Houston State University. Cowboy hat, pink shoe laces, green finger nail polish and a cell phone. A happy and self confident young woman !

Chronicles of Lifting Light D:

Plucking a Rose

 

She had pleaded with me to lend her £80! Her beguiling eyes were opened wide as she begged; “It’s perfect” she had said, “so please, I will do anyt…,” she cut it off, remembering whom she was bargaining with for a favor. As her twin brother, we have done some pretty over the top bits of role playing over the years, and she was suddenly wary of signing her life away …….( smart girl)

 

^^^^^^

 

A bit of background:

We had all had been invited to my sister’s boyfriend “ Brian’s” parents renewal of their wedding vows the following month and , I knew she wanted to make an impression at the fancy dress. Sis and my better half, “Ginny” had gone dress shopping, and apparently Sis had found a gown that they both liked quite a bit, but it cost a bit more than she could afford the moment and Ginny, having just bought a new dress herself that day, was temporarily out of lending cash. So Sis had had them hold it, then tracked me down to ask a favor( nothing new there), and was now begging me to lend her £80, to help pay it off.

^^^^^^

 

She knew I was a sucker for a good plead, especially when I received the puppy eye look that my sister, and Ginny , had down pat ( not to mention my golden retriever Sam).

  

As it happened, I owed her a small favor, so I gave her the needed notes without making her bargain her life away, and she skipped off happily. I figured that would be the last of it until her payday, but being a mere man in a ladies world, I was yet once more wrong on that account.

  

Later that week sis rang me up. She had a formal reunion she just received the invitation to. It was at a large, multipurpose hall about an hour away, and was going on the weekend before Brian’s parents do. It was being put on for her old coworkers at the Barristers office she had interned at while at Oxford. Brian was busy that weekend getting ready for his parents party, and would not be able to be her escort. So she called to see if I would be his backup. As incentive, said she would wear the gown I had lent her the money for if I agreed to be her chaperone. Seeing how smashing my sister looks when she dresses up (like my Ginny also), It was impossible to say no to her pleads. Unfortunately Ginny had switched weekends with a co-worker so she could make Brian’s do the next weekend, so she was out of the picture also. Which was a shame, escorting a pair of well-dressed young ladies is always something I always looked forward to doing. But one is also quite nice.

  

I arrived at my twin’s apartment that appointed evening and waited while she put on the finishing touches. Ready? she had called out sweetly, yes I said, and out she came strolling, a wide big smile on her dolled up face. I figured my eyes did a bugger, for she started to giggle in the way she does when overly pleased with herself (which actually happens quite a bit frequently).

  

She was totally stunning, a living “Galatea”, and I told her as much. Her long silvery gown was hanging from her figure like someone had poured it over her. And that is just what it looked like someone had done! I have heard the term liquid satin, but this was just incredible the way it delightfully flowed and swished as she moved about. Brian was going to go nuts when her saw her, and she definitely would be turning some heads as she strolled in with him. She twirled around in a circle for full effect, and I just stood there mesmerized by the women before me that was my kid sister( by all of 4 minutes), the same sister that had only days before been wearing stained shirt and jean jumper, tramping through the barn in the horses stalls, while hauling shovelfuls of …… well I’m sure you get the gist of it..

  

As I said it was a long thin gown, of a colour that seemed to change between silver and cream as it moved slinking along her youthful figure, with wide straps that went over her shoulders ending in four thin spaghetti straps along her back. The bodice was all decorated with swirls of rhinestones, going down and around her gowns waistline. She was also wearing her sliver open toed heels, the ones with the rhinestone straps (with pointed toes that rightfully hurt when kicked….. another day, another story). She had also put on her rhinestone jewelry, a set consisting of earrings, necklace and wide dangling bracelet. The total package presented was quite a vision to behold, and I told her as much.

  

That, my girl, I said with enthusiasm, is one rightful picture of eye-catching loveliness you have gone and managed to make of yourself! She gushed, your sweet, and gave me an all-enveloping hug. As she broke away, sis looked up at me smiling and curtsied, why thank you kind sir, and once you have picked your jaw off the floor, can we please be going. Certainly I said, and opened the door for her. As she rustled past, sis asked if I thought Brian would like it? Lass, I said with all due modesty, He would be a daft bugger if he didn’t. I added, It was certainly money well lent, and she looked at me teasingly, okay mood breaker, for that you won’t get the first dance. Likely I will be the only one wishing to dance with you anyway I retorted, what will you be doing then? She just squished her eyes at me, turned and closed and locked her apartment door.

  

Suddenly I stopped, Oi! , wait a minute, I felt my suit coat pocket, okay luv, give it back I said as she grinned back at me, producing my thin, special occasion only, wallet. Getting better, aren’t I? She stated happily, it wasn’t a question. A bit I admitted, you’ve been practicing then? Only on you and Ginny she stated, but you two are getting too easy she smirked. I playfully tapped her on the back, what’s all this about easy I asked, producing her bracelet from me pocket, dangling it shimmering in front of her mascara lined eyes, you may want to put this back on I said.

  

Turd, she exclaimed taking it back, no more hugs for you mister, she stated, taking my arm and pulling me out to my car. All tricks out of the way now?, Good we can enjoy the evening with no more worries. I just nodded as I led her to me car, a bullet grey 1954 Circa Mercedes that Brien’s Uncle had helped me restore. As I opened the door, my sister slipped herself in, while under her breath she said playfully ( and not for the first time) “how I ever survived those first nine months I spent with you in such close proximity without going bonkers, I will never know!”

  

It took us almost 90 minutes to find the joint, arriving with the do in full swing. I was amazed at the number of vehicles in the over filled lot. When we got inside the poshly decorated “palace” We discovered that there were a total of 3 formal functions going on, ours, and a wedding reception on the second floor, and a formal dance for some private girls only academy occupying the entire first floor.

  

We went upstairs and found the chamber where the Barrister’s office reunion was being held. Now I will admit that I had harbored some thoughts that Sis may have been quite a bit overdressed for the event, but my fears were unfounded. What greeted my eyes was quite a “snob fest” of overdressed and fairly pompous looking guests. I had only ever met a couple of my sister’s former coworkers, and they had been interns her own age. But the majority here were the snooty , older husband and wives, of , of course, a group of stuck up Barristers. We were unable to spy any of Sis’s old friends, but while looking we were immediately scooped up by one of her old bosses co-workers ( whom sis had found insufferable) and led around like some prize colts, being introduced to a bunch of older coots who forgot our names as fast as they were given( we were nobodies) , although I satisfactorily noticed more than a few leering and jealous eyes looking over me sister. But, alas, nothing from the female end found me even remotely interesting (ouch in the ego department there)

  

We finally found an empty table, and I went off for drinks. As I watched over my sister while waiting for the barkeep to mix the drinks, I saw a rather posh looking tux boy zero in on our table and swoop in for the kill.

  

He was a rather tall chap with devilish good looks, thin moustache, small ponytail, monkey suit, the works! Looking like he was a model Fortunes mag rag, he loomed over me sister, and I knew what the cheeky devil was asking. Sure enough, sis cutely offered him her hand and he helped her up and led her to the dance floor. The barkeep handed me our drinks, and as I turned , Sis shot a look back at me as they were passing, a rather chiding look that I took meant “ told you, no first dance, mate” my suspicions were confirmed when added insult to injury as she stuck her tongue out at me over his shoulder.. I raised my glass in cheers, and headed back to our table.

  

I watched the two swirling around, feelin a bit jealous, but then this was me sister, not Ginny. I knew Brian would be seething, so I felt jealous for him I told meself. Then my mind went on to fantasize “what if he was after something, like say her jewels, and my mind went into a jewel thief mode, with him as the main character. ” I almost wish he had been, than he would be just no realizing that this little charmer had nothing to offer, and would soon be leaving her for greener pastures ( of which there was acres of at that place) and so dump his pretty partner after the one dance.

  

I tried to lose my envious nature, but at one point he held her close, too close I reckoned. I felt like shouting out to them “Aye mate, make room for Jesus”! This bit came from couple of elderly nuns who had been chaperoning one of my old seminarian academy dances, would walk up to couples dancing a wee bit too close in their eyes, and place their hands between them, separating them a bit, while spouting off, “make room for Jesus children”- Ginny and I had been amongst the chastised ourselves!

  

When sis got back I rose and greeted the pair, shaking his hand as sis introduced us. She did not say I was her brother, so I knew that she wasn’t eager for any repeat performances. The Git had hands that didn’t know where to stop, in my opinion anyhows. But all that didn’t change the fact that my sister was still a bit smitten with the gigoloish bloke. All in all though, he was quit the polite bugger, shooting me a self-confident look like, ‘no worries old chap’, as I shook a firm hand, I nodded, and off he went to those greener pastures.

  

I turned to my now still fawning sister, Remember Brian I said, and she just gave me a simpering smile. I held out my hand, care to, Mademoiselle? Sorry luv, She apologized, I need to freshen up a bit first and she darted off like a swallow taking wing. She started to head off to the exit stairs, whoa I called out after her, powder room is the opposite way luv! No doing, she said as she coyly looked back at me over her shoulder, whispering her words, not sharing with any of those old crows, I will be using the one downstairs in the main lobby! And she scurried away on her mission, long gown fluttering merrily about her high heels.

  

I waited, bored, not one pretty female came up to my side and asked me to have a go on the dance floor, like “fingers” romeo had done with me sister. I looked around carefully, but I just did not see any female of the same ilk sitting alone and bored as I was at her own table, waiting for someone to rescue her pretty self. So I waited, and waited as the minutes went by, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 26,27,28,29..I had just decided to take a meander down to make sure there was nothing serious going on the first floor that might have been keeping her, like say, a sudden breakout of kittens, when I finally saw her smirking face popping up from the stairwell.

  

As she sat down I tried to playfully admonish her behavior, failing miserably. About time I said, since when does it take 30 minutes to have a P.. she cut me off by placing a finger to my lips, Sorry luv, You wouldn’t believe the twit I just ran into she said and leaned closer to me, for my ears only it seemed.

  

She started talking in a low voice, though no one else was in ear shot. Apparently that private girls Academy dance that is going on downstairs,.. well I , I just ran into one of em, a snobbish princess, a real talker and spinner of tales her about her pretty own self, a young girl named Rose. Sounds like Micke, I said, and sis suddenly exploded into giggles. She finally controlled herself, placing her hand on my shoulder, yes, exactly like our cousin Michele, they almost even look alike, though Micke’s hair is longer, and blonder

  

Our cousin Micke was one who could never tell the truth about anything, even when she was tattling on some poor soul. Apparently born with an overactive imagination ( Kinda runs in the family I suppose) her stories were always overly embellished with tall tales, stretched out wild examples, and added characterizations, all centered around herself being the Heroine. Someone like that would have made a great children’s story book writer, or gossip columnist, but not our Micke, she turned around and became, of all things, involved in politics….God save the Queen!

  

The upshot is that we all started to treat anything coming out of Micke’s mouth ( horrid pun that, I do apologize) as mostly fabrication, which would rile her to now end, especially if she was tellin the God’s honest truth! So I knew exactly what this cheeky creature named Rose was all about, as I looked at my giggling sister.

  

One she caught her breath, Sis started in on Rose. Just as she did, a song started up from the band and rising, I took her hand, lifted her up from her seat, her gown falling swishing down to her feet. But through all that she never stopped talking about the annoyance she had encountered downstairs whom had obviously stricken a nerve! I led my twin to the dance floor, taking the talkative imp into my arms as she continued to fill me in on the quite over imaginative young lady named Rose.

  

“My Lord” sis exclaimed, as we danced, “within the first ten minutes I learned more about this girl than even her own parents probably know. Talk about stuck up on herself. And did you know there is a rose garden by the entrance, just like her name!”, My sister did an imitation of a twittering nasally voice at the end of her statement, rolling her eyes in disbelief of it all. Of course we had noticed the rose garden, bit difficult not too since it was lining both sides of the concourse into the main way into the building. It had short paths branching off along the way with benches and fountains. But This Rose apparently had acted like she was the only one who had noticed, the rest of us apparently being blind as a colony of bats, Sis spitted out the words.

  

Sis went on, building up steam, her figure becoming rigid… “She first noticed me dress and come up to compliment me on it, but before I could thank her, she went off on a tirade about her own gown.” OOH, I hate people who ask you a question only because they want to tell cut in about their lives rather than give a listen to anything you may actually have to say… “he thought I was one of the chaperones at her party, apparently because I looked too old to be one of the guests! That stuck a nerve I tell you. I wasn’t able to get word in too let the little tripe know I didn’t belong with her elitist crew atoll!”

  

She took a breath, and now it was my turn to shush her with a finger placed to her lips. She actually bit it( well more of a playful nip, actually)! Better now I asked. She sighed, and I felt her figure go from tense to a bit more lithe. She leaned against me, yes she said, than pulled away and went off again! One more thing, she asked if my jewels were real, than before I could set the girl straight, Rose cut me off and spouted off about how she had won the pearls she was wearing at the Arthurian Carnival, and had decided to wear them rather than her own better diamonds. I mean, come’on, talk about rude, her pearls weren’t any more real than this, and she flipped her necklace in my face, then sis caught the look in me eyes, and went quiet, concentrating on her dancing, with a wicked little grin creeping across her face. Finally we were able to enjoy the music as we danced to the rest of the song.

  

Now after the song ended, sis spied, and dragged me over, to introduce me to her old chief, a pretty lady called Sarah. A lady not much older than ourselves. She had her long hair down, wearing a sequined red gown with long red satin gloves. Her green emeralds were real, a dainty set that set off her figure rather nicely. She was a rather pleasant lady, with a mischievous gleam to her green eyes. It had been a pleasant conversation, which ended abruptly as her husband called her away. As Sarah moved off, Sis explained that Sarah had been the “class clown” always telling jokes and playing tricks. But being the boss, no one who fell victim to her pranks ever dared to try and repay her back in kind!

  

The rest of the evening (shortened because the band was stopped at 9:30 – Barristers are such Scrooges!) followed pretty much to same formula; light mingling with people who only seemed able to talk a few minutes before being called away, snacking on a rather fancy display of hors d'oeuvres , and drinking ( the bar was the best attraction in my humble opinion).

  

I spotted Romeo a few times, but he never did a second approach on Sis, and I couldn’t really tell if she was relived, or not. As for myself, I was starting to feel fairly pleased that I had resisted the temptation to play any of my tricks on my Twin’s jewelry, so I had been a man of my word, so far. So, it was with mixed feelings from both of us, when the last dance was announced. The whole “congregation” seemed to flock swishing out on the floor, crowding it. It was a slow dance ( Mr. Rod Stewart, as I recall) and quite a pleasant way to end the evening.

  

Well, it was after the last dance, as we had collected our things to leave, when Sarah caught sight of us and called us over to the bar ( located off the main chambre, it was a small 3 sided room open to the dance floor with no seating) , where she was now holding a lonely court, apparently all alone! Sara was by now also pretty well toshed…..

  

We ordered a round of drinks ( bar was open till eleven, but the music had ended, a total ballyhoo on someone’s part in the planning) Taking mine, I left the chatting ladies and wondered over ( not for the first time) to a rather fine set of J.M Cameron prints on display. Soon I was joined by the 2 ladies, and I started to explain to Sarah about the photographer’s history.

  

As we talked, my sister maneuvered herself around behind Sarah. By the look on my sister’s face, I knew she was up to something. She got close behind, and Sarah backed into her, Sarah turned, there you are she said, and smiled, then looked back at me. She appeared to be deeply interested I what I was telling her about the life and times of Julia Margaret, a shirttail cousin of ours! As I continued, I saw that sis had her fingers on the red silk clutch purse that Sarah was holding to her side in her left hand. Sis said, “oh Sara, show my brother your ring”! Sarah held it up and I looked at it, Sis reached put her free hand on Sarah’s left arm, jostling it a bit, as she made like she wanted to look also, ,but I could see the red clutch out of the corner of my eye, and as sis was doing her little performance, she was gently pulling the small purse form Sarah’s gloved fingers. Slippery Satin gloves holding an even slipperier silk clutch purse, made the maneuver much easier than it probably should have. I started feeling a bit uncomfortable as I watched my amused sister manage to slip away with it, and holding the purse behind her come to my side, her back to a wall. We chatted for about another couple of long minutes, before Sarah was called away, and she left us, never realizing her clutch purse was gone. We walked steadfastly away, I imitated Bogart, and how much do you think the dame has in her purse. Oh, my twin answered, a few pence, and a soiled lace handkerchief she joked, without opening the purse.

  

Fine I said, you get the handkerchief, Rather not she said, giggling, and we headed over to The now deserted table Sarah had been sitting at, and Sis unflappably placed the purse on Sarah’s’ chair, alongside her satin wrap.

So have I created a monster no? I asked her as I led her away, she looked up at me with those big eyes of hers wide open with satisfaction, no worries luv, Sarah was always playing tricks on someone another, I just never dared to pay her back when we worked together. Just how much work did you girls actually accomplish? I chided She just sqoze my arm, and hurried me our way, as we tried not to look like we were bolting for the exit stairway.

  

We gained the stairs without any further ado, and made it through the lobby, and had gained the outside concourse, when I saw something up ahead, and taking my sister’s arm , I held her up from going any further.

  

Ahead of us was a petite lady in a shimmering blue satin dress, chatting away to a bored looking young man in an ill-fitting tux. If the lass’s hair had been a bit more blonde, and longer she would have passed as Micke’s double. Is that your Rose then I asked, nodding in the couple’s direction?

  

Sis looked over, and then answered me by pulling me forcibly the rest of the way off the path and out of sight of the main concourse, into a small alcove surrounded by some hedges. What do we do she said , That is her! That’s that Rose creature twit I was tellin you about! She looked back towards the building, I don’t want to go back in she said, Sara my see us. What do we do?

  

The pair were some distance off in the rose garden. But there was no way out other than walking past them. I thought about it for a minute. Looking at my sister, in her quite fetching gown, with its sparkling bodice, as well as the sparkling rhinestone she was wearing, made me recall the fantasizing I had been doing as she had danced with that posh bloke. Thinking of him being a Jewel thief, and watching the other female guests in their finery, had been putting beguiling visions in my head all the evening long. Let’s play a game I said, one that will give yonder Rose a story no one will believe ever happened.. My sister looked at me wryly,( I could see it in her eyes,’ no time for games now lad, this is serious’’ but she just stated inquisitively, what sort of game sir?

  

One where we get yonder Rose girl to believe you have met a jewel thief I said, I could feel myself warming up to the idea now that I had said it. If we pull it off, that will be a story she will try telling that everyone will believe she totally made up in her head.

  

My sister balked, no, she said, one bit of fun this evening has been enough for this girl.

  

Okay I said, but how would this girl feel about having a bit of fun if she wasn’t owing her brother £80?

  

I saw her mascaraed eye’s light up, and she again gave me that wicked grin. Let’s have it than you scoundrel, I will give into your chicanery for the debt you hold over my head sir , she said giggling, stealing a line from a play she had been involved with. Knowing I had her hooked, I could tell she was warming up to the idea rather nicely, and not just because she owed me a healthy bit of the realms’ currency.

  

First off, I said, you don’t know me from Adam.

But your name’s not Adam she said in all seriousness.

Attend pleas, I told her smiling.

You go up and fall into Roses clutches, I follow once the lad leaves after being freed from his bondage.

Hey, how did bondage get into this she said, giggling, I don’t owe you that much mister. I just looked at her, we have to do this seriously to pull it off.

Okay she said, placing a hand across her mouth, like she was zipping it shut.

I follow after the lad leaves ( and he soon will ). I come up on the two of you, and make your acquaintances. Your act will be to find me charming… that’s not going to be easy, sis said, then quickly went back to listening

Then you, I said ignoring her, and continuing on …..

  

Once Rose has me in her hooks, you Meander off, bend down to look at some flowers, remove your earrings, and place them into your purse. I will listen on for a bit, take my leave, let Rose come find you, and let her discover your earrings are gone. Then let her think they were stolen by you? She asked. Right, and she should, as bobs your uncle, fall right into your story, I said. Then added, just play along like they were real diamonds and astonished at how I had managed to get them. Send Rose off back inside to go upstairs find your mother Sarah,( sis like that bit of it), and say in the meanwhile you are going off to see if you can get me license number. I will be waitin by the car to make our getaway….

  

I finished mapping it out, and she told me she had the gist of it. I had her hand pull her sunglasses from her purse and I put them on. Then she asked before walking off, “ not bad for on the fly, or had you already been putting thought into this play earlier?” I just patted her on her derriere, get going lass, times a wastin.

  

Turning she headed out, and from a hole in the hedgerow I watched as she moved off, her gown definitely swished in a most pleasing fashion I admitted to myself again. I’ll have to have Ginny buy one like it, I thought to meself, wincing over how pretty the thing was with sis wearing it , imagining my Ginny wearing it, her long red hair flowing free. I would willing give Ginny the money also, I promised to meself, no lending, and hang the cost….

  

Sis rustled her way up to the couple, Rose spotted her immediately and pulled her over. The 3 of them started to chit chat together.

  

I now thought of myself as the smarmy bloke who had cheated me out of a dance earlier, making him a thief in my mind. And like said thief, looking over the situation before me. I remembered an old show where this bloke in a white suit was pointing out his female guests jewels to a male who fancied himself a pickpocket and had just minutes earlier relieved the white suited host of his gold watch. As the camera (representing the blokes eyes) moved around the room, focusing on various well-dressed ladies and their jewels( hanging around necks, dangling from ears, attached to well-shaped bosoms ,bracelets wrapped around gloved wrists and ,rings glittering on fingers) the viewer was led to imagine the wheels turning in his head as to how he was to acquire them, ala Arsène Lupin. I had to leave, so I never finished watching it, nor could I ever find it listed again. But it was this type of character that I now fancied meself portraying.

  

(In Character) I had ducked into the hedge, the pair near the bend had not seen me, so it gave me time to plan how best to approach them. One was wearing a pretty dress of blue, long black hair up in a bun. She was the younger, definitely not a relation, I could tell by the way her companion was listening. The girl was wearing a cheap set of pearls, paste, not worth more in a few farthings. It was her companion that had caught me eye, and not just the pretty gown she had quite nicely wrapped herself in. But it was her diamonds, a pretty glittering set, that with a minimal bit of effort, would be coming home with me. I had actually danced with her earlier, so I had been able to appraise em, and now providence had put her in me way. I remembered how that shimmery little necklace had been taunting me while we had danced, my fingers had ached for a go at them. Now, all I needed was for a brief diversion, to get both the girl’s attention focused elsewhere, by, say smelling a rose, and with a nimble flick of me fingers, the necklace would be off from around her sweet throat and in me pocket. Possibly those dangling earrings of hers instead, if it was a long time she was paying attention to her roses.

  

My brief fantasy ended abruptly, it was time. Sis said something to the lad, who had been growing more and more uncomfortable, he answered, and then, managing to interject into Roses story long enough to pay his leave, He walked off. He was now coming up the path towards me, but not seeing me as I had moved further into the hedgerow. He walked on past, staring straight ahead…

  

Mentally prepared, I waited till he was well past my hiding hole. I adjusted the sunglasses and left my shadowy corner. Between the electric lamps that run along the gardens path, and the waning moon, I was able to see quite clearly with them. I also saw happily that the sparkles from sis dress and jewelry were not at all too muted.

  

I silently approached, came up upon the two without notice. They both jumped( In a quite charming manner, actually) as I started to speak.

  

Excuse me, this is that way out I asked, sounding confused. Certainly both girls chirped, and Rose pointed to the way out. Sis asked me if I had been at the dance. What dance I answered.? Is that why the two of you are so beautifully dressed. . Rose ate it up. And showing off her gown to me( and unknowingly ,her pearls) happily took the lead, telling me of the academies dance. As Rose started to tell me about all her academy, I walked over to a bush of white roses just off one of the branching paths, at the end of this particular path was as a fountain from which merrily gurgling falling water could be faintly heard. I bent down to smell a white rose. I offered it up to my sister, who bent over to sniff, her necklace and earrings swaying to and fro in a quite nice exhibition of colorfully brite sparkles. Rose just stood behind us, kept on chatting with her story, as I winked at my sister. We both stood back up.

  

Sis turned to Rose, and suggested she take a smell also. As Rose ( still chattering )bends to smell sis, had her hand on the girls shoulder. I watched in a mixture of horror and excitement as I saw my sister’s fingers nip over to the simple eye and hook clasp of Roes’ pearl necklace, pulled it up and with a flick of her fingers undid the clasp, an let it fall to the path just as Rose was straightening up. I think my twin was as astonished as I was that she had managed to pull it off, slipping off the obviously cheap pearl necklace that Rose had had dangling from her the front of her blue gown. I asked Rose a question pertaining to her story, and as I held her full attention, , Sis, who had been standing out of Rose’s sight behind her, wandered off for a distance, disappearing around behind the fountain with a whisk of her gown. Rose never appeared to have noticed my sister waltzing off as she straightening her pretty gown after rising up from her smelling of the rose, never missing a word in her story, nor her missing pearl necklace either!

  

I listened to Rose just prattle on, seemingly forever,( its amazing how long 3 minutes can last!) Finally, my leave-taking came in the form of a couple of girls in fluttering gowns walking up and past us, escapees from our little reunion upstairs I recognized. I smiled at them, and they smiled back( why hadn’t they been doing that back at the dance, when I had been left alone to my own devices!) One of the girls was flaunting some rather nice pieces of gemmed gold jewelry, and I made my decision to follow them, like any jewel thief worth his salt would do. I interrupted Rose, politely taking me leave, there goes some friends of mine, they apparently didn’t recognize me, but I need to ask one of them a question. I am sorry, but it has been a pleasure, but I must shove off. I took her hand and kissed a ringed finger, , she blushed rather prettily. Then if she didn’t try and start another story, I headed it off by asking, “Where did your pretty friend go, “as I looked round. Rose looked around also , There she is over there Rose pointed out after spotting my sister some distance away , her back to us, playing with a hand in the fountain . Right then, tell her I said cheerio, and left, giving her a nod as I started sauntering off after the disappearing pair of ladies. I looked back, and saw Rose darting off to where sis was standing

  

I quickly exited stage right, keeping on the sunglasses, I reached the entrance to the parking lot just as the pair of girls were turning a corner. I turned it behind them, gesturing like I was hailing out to them in case Rose was watching, although I had said nothing, and the pair in front of me were totally oblivious to their part in our little play. I crossed into the lot and made for the other side, skirting around towards my vehicle while making sure the coast was clear. I regained my Mercedes. After tossing the glasses and my suit coat and tie into the back seat, I climbed in fired up the engine, and left the parking lot, circling around a couple of blocks, before re-entering and pulling alongside the sidewalk, stopping just before the entrance to the concourse.

  

Five long minutes later my sister finally swished out through the exit, alone. She saw me, and scurried over, her gown doing its nice bit of fluttering along her figure as she moved. Not only had she taken off her necklace, but also the earrings and bracelet, I had gotten out, and was holding the door for her, She slipped into her seat. I regained mine as she was settling in I said, whew , you were right on about that one, did she buy it?

  

It was priceless sis said, she noticed my diamonds were missin, and I managed to really act astonished. Then Rose came to the conclusion herself, that they had been stolen, with her overactive imagination it was not a stretch for her. Then she looked herself over and discovered her pearls were missing. Oh no I asked how valuable where they. Pretty valuable she said, I only spent 6 shillings at the carnival, but he said they were worth a lot more! , what about yours, , were they rhinestones ? No I said, thery were real, she really didn’t hear me, she shad started repeating the same nonsense about how she had a diamond necklace at home that was worth quite a bit, and she was glad her Mater had not wanted to wear the thing this evening,

  

While listening, I had pulled slowly away, a couple had walked out and were heading to their car, paying us no nevermind other than a nosy glance by the gentleman at me car. But I figured it was time to make ourselves scarce.

  

I continued on with my questions: But your earrings and bracelet as well, she must have thought I was in possession of outstandingly light fingers! She didn’t question it, sis said, just gawked as I checked mesefl over. I must have drooped em I said, but she wan’t buyin it, no she exclaimed, he must have nicked them.

  

I had suggested that her pearls had simply fallen away, and we got back to where we had met you, and I spied the pearls on the ground, the thief had a hole in his pocket apparently, she figured. Brilliant mind that one I said, she should be a detective. Did she bite on the Sarah angle? Din’t tell her that, Sis looked smug, I improvised with a story of me own she admitted all happy with her darling self. And I teasingly told her as much!

  

Sis just smirked at me, and continued on.

I had to remind her that me jewels were missing to get her to stop her storytelling.

  

We looked a bit for mine, than I came up with a thought, tellin Rose that I had read about a jewel thief who had targeted a dance in oxford, stealing a few thousand pounds from the female guests there. I told her she should go back in and find out how many others lost jewels, I told her she would be a hero. You should have seen Rose’s smug face light up at the thought, and without another word, off she went.

  

Excellent, I praised her, much better way to end it. But I still cannot believe you went for her pearls like that, rather risky. Twas she conceded, but can you imagine her telling everyone about it…. and she broke into that nasely twang she had use earlier in imitation of Rose..

  

Rose-“the thief took my pearl necklace!,” Party Guest – “you mean the one you are wearing?” Rose- “Well yes , see he had this hole in his pocket, din’t he now! “ Party Guest- “ I see( in a disbelieving tone) “Rose- “What about me friend, had her dimonds nicked, dint she!” Part Guest-“ what Friend would that be now?” Rose- “ The chaperone, you know, the one with the silvery gown and long black hair!” Party Guest –“ Ther wasn’t no chaperone waering a silver dress you balmy twi…..”

  

Sis could not finish her routine, starting to chortle so hard at the picture of it in her mind, she nearly busted a gut. I also was smirking, the whole affair, in my opinion, had all played out brilliantly!

  

All in all, twas a merry drive back to town for us, with me twin sister talking miles a minute over her successes that evening, including the fact that her debt to me had been paid off. With interest paid, I thought to myself, as I stole a glance at my beautifully decked out passenger, with interest paid my dear!

.

 

Die Behälter fiielen durch die Öffnung im Tisch in eine gebogene Aufnahme darunter. Ein Gesamtoto des zweiteiligen Sende- und Empfangsgeräts, zu dem es gehört, habe ich schon zuvor geposted.

 

The containers fell out of the tubes through the opening in the desk into a curved tray below. Some days ago I posted already an overall photo of the two-part sending and receving device to which it belongs.

 

Berlin war zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts der wichtigste Telegraphen-Knotenpunkt in Europa. Postbaurat Wilhelm Waltger und Architekt Max Lehmann errichteten zwischen 1910 und 1916 das Haupttelegraphenamt, ein prachtvolles Beispiel einer selbstbewussten Industriebauweise im Stil des Neobarocks. Nach dem Ende des Ersten Weltkriegs wurde es technisch hochwertig ausgestattet und beherbergte die modernste Technik, die in den Zwanziger- und Dreißigerjahren des 20. Jahrhunderts verfügbar war. Im Jahr 1916 nahm im Kellergeschoss des Gebäudes die Stadtrohrpostzentrale ihre Dienste auf. Das Gebäude beherbergt heute auf großzügigen modernen Büroflächen eine Anzahl weltweit agierender IT-Unternehmen, zwei moderne Eventflächen und das Lifestyle Hotel "Telegraphenamt".

 

Text einer Informationstafel vor dem Hoteleingang

 

At the beginning of the 20th century, Berlin was the most important telegraph hub in Eurpe. Between 1910 and 1916, the postal building supervisor Wilhelm Walter and architect Max Lehmann built the main telegraph office - a magnificent example of self-confident industrial architecture in neo-Baroque style. After the end of World War I, it was equipped to a high techichal standard and housed the most modern technology available in the early decades of the 20th century. Berlin's tube system central office took up operation in the basement of the building in 1916. Today, the building houses a number of international IT companies in spacious and modern office spaces, along with two modern event spaces and the lifestyle hotel "Telegraphenamt".

 

Text of an information panel in front of the hotel entrance

self-confident toad

In the Sun Porch, Joiri Minaya’s installation of hanging objects depicts digitally-manipulated images found by searching “Dominican women” on Google, in poses that can be perceived as exotic and obedient to foreign fantasies, yet seeming assertive and self-confident.

One year, two perspectives. This image is part of a 365(+1) project, my friend Tilo and I are working on. If you want to see more, check out our website zweisichtig.de.

This is Tamidol and her baby, born on the 18th of Januar, 2015.

 

Tamidol was born on 21 December 1998 into the gorilla group of the English Howletts Wild Animal Park where she envolved into a sociable gorilla during 14 years.

 

At the end of the year 2013 Tamidol left her birth group and moved to Gaia Zoo.

 

In the gorillagroup in Kerkrade, Tamidol also knows exactly how to behave.

She is very self-confident by the way and doesn't take any bullying.

 

In this picture she is feeding her young.

 

… she looks so self-confident, that makes her special.

Sitting Girl in White Satin Dress (1839)

 

Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller (*15. Jänner 1793 in Wien; †23. August 1865 in Hinterbrühl bei Mödling | *January 15, 1793 in Vienna; †August 23, 1865 in Hinterbrühl near Mödling)

Öl auf Leinwand | Oil on canvas

Wien Museum

 

Waldmüller war einer der bedeutendsten österreichischen Maler der Biedermeierzeit. | Waldmüller was one of the most important Austrian painters of the Biedermeier period.

 

Der Name der so lässig posierenden und selbstbewusst dreinblickenden jungen Frau ist nicht bekannt. Wie formell solche Porträts waren, hing wohl sehr von den Wünschen der Auftraggeber(innen) ab. | The name of the young woman posing so casually and looking so self-confident is not known. How formal such portraits were probably depended very much on the wishes of the clients.

 

circular freeform

crochet & knitting mix

pattern knitting

chunky winter coat

for fashion divas

& self-confident individuals

who enjoy to

express their true self

Dear Mr. Speaker!

Dear Mrs. Prime Minister!

Members of the Government!

Dear deputies of the Riigikogu!

The people of Estonia!

Thank you for the opportunity to address you today. In circumstances that take us all back to the darkest times of the 20th century.

For thirty years, the nations of Europe have enjoyed peace, freedom and shared opportunities for development.

Now, Russian revanchism has destroyed all the good that has worked for decades for peace in Europe, for the stability of life of European nations.

Only fragments of the global security architecture are left. The same ruins as from Ukrainian cities bombed by Russian missiles and aircraft.

All the international institutions that are supposed to support peace - the UN, the OSCE and others - are not able to stop Russia's aggression right now. Although this is what they were created for.

Regional alliances, and above all NATO, have faced a difficult reality when no one can be 100% sure whether they will really protect their members in the event of a large-scale Russian attack. The same as the attack on Ukraine.

Or in the event of an even worse attack - with the use of weapons of mass destruction. For the first time in many years, the threat of Russia's use of chemical or even nuclear weapons has to be taken seriously.

Russian state propagandists, clearly guided by the relevant "theme lists", openly discuss Russia's ability to seize all neighboring European countries. They talk about it not just for the sake of emotions, but systematically accustom the Russian audience to the fact that war against neighbors is supposed to be the norm.

Russia's attempt to seize all of Ukraine after 8 years of war in Donbas has brought back to European reality what your people had to go through.

Mass deportations, filtration camps, a consistent attempt to destroy all those who support the national idea. Today, more than 500,000 Ukrainians have been forcibly displaced. Just imagine how much it is!

This is as if the occupiers set, sorry for the example, the goal of deporting all people from Tallinn. The whole city - it was and now there is no one. A third of all your citizens.

Deported Ukrainians are deprived of documents. Their phones are being confiscated. They are trying to take these people to remote regions of the Russian Federation. Attempts to return to Ukraine are being hindered in every possible way. Children are separated from their parents and there are attempts of their illegal adoption in Russian families...

Tens of thousands of people have already been killed in Ukrainian cities affected by Russian strikes. The Russian army uses all kinds of artillery, all kinds of missiles and air bombs against residential areas and civilian infrastructure. In particular, phosphorus bombs and other munitions prohibited by international law.

This is an obvious terror against the civilian population. It is an attempt to break the morale of the people, to subdue Ukrainians for generations or simply to destroy them.

Why does the Russian leadership allow themselves all this? What ensures a sense of impunity for Moscow? I'm sure you know the answer to these questions. It is obvious.

On the one hand, Russia enjoys its privileges in international structures. In particular, the seat occupied by it as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to block any attempts to actually return peace to Europe or other regions where Russia wages a war. Exactly Russia.

On the other hand, the Russian leadership absolutely does not believe that Europe can bring Russia to justice.

Moscow simply does not believe that Europe can force Russia into peace. They expect a split among Europeans and that the priority of maintaining trade for Europeans will be higher than the priority of security or even the priority of survival of Russia's neighboring nations.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

The people of Estonia!

This is the time when we can either stop Russia or lose the whole of Eastern Europe for a very long time. Lose any hope for a safe and free life on the continent governed by universally recognized law not by force.

And I thank you for understanding that.

A crowded rally on February 26 with the participation of tens of thousands of Estonians in the heart of ancient Tallinn on Vabaduse Square in support of Ukraine and in support of freedom in Europe has already become a glorious page of our common history.

Estonia was one of the first to provide Ukraine with the necessary assistance, this is true, including defensive aid.

I am grateful to you for the sincere support of our migrants.

You have been and remain exemplary in your consideration of the issues of Russia's war against Ukraine and the relevant sanctions policy in European and other international structures.

I am grateful to you for abandoning Russian energy. The source of dollars and euros paid to Russia for oil and gas, which makes it self-confident and unwilling to seek equal relations with other nations.

But we all need to do much more to stop Europe's immersion in the evil that the continent saw in the 1940s! In the same occupation that your country, by the way, went through as well.

The black pages of history should not be repeated when deported Ukrainians and Estonians remained for many years in Siberia or the Russian Far East. There are already more than enough Ukrainian and Estonian graves - graves of those who died from communist deportations.

That is why I urge you at the level of the European Union to find such instruments of influence on Russia, such instruments of pressure that could stop deportations and return all deported people home.

The European Union has the power to ensure this. The European Union must use this power.

Until Russia returns forcibly deported Ukrainians, until it returns thousands of abducted children, it must not receive any money from European states or companies.

The European Union has no right to sponsor deportations. The European Union has no right to sponsor war.

The policy of sanctions against the Russian Federation needs to be taken even more seriously. Why are sanctions necessary? Because this is the only tool to force Russia into peace.

I urge you to defend the need for a complete blockade of Russian banks when approving a new, very important package of sanctions against the Russian Federation at the EU level. All banks, not just part of them. I urge you to finally add oil to the sanctions package. An embargo is needed at the level of the entire European Union!

I also invite your state and your specialists to join the work of the joint group set up to investigate the war crimes of the Russian army on the territory of independent Ukraine. Technical and expert support is indispensable now as the number of war crimes already reaches tens of thousands.

These are executions of civilians, torture, rape, blowing up hospitals, bombing maternity hospitals, burning food warehouses, artillery shelling of shelters in which children are hiding, and they knew about it - I emphasize that once again...

There is no crime that Russian soldiers have not committed in the 49 days of this invasion.

We will definitely investigate all these war crimes, identify all the culprits and find them. No matter how long it will take. But if we do it together with you, together with other European countries, we will be able to do it much faster.

Keep in mind that most of Stalin's torturers didn’t bear responsibility for everything they did. Therefore, it is especially important to bring to justice a new generation of Russian executioners.

And this must be done now - for what they have done in Ukraine. So that they do not have to be searched for war crimes against the Baltic nations, against Finland, Poland or any other country.

All those who have already gained freedom in the 20th century must preserve it in the 21st century.

Ukraine will always be grateful to Estonia for the principled support of our state in European integration. I am grateful to you for realizing that Ukraine's accession to the European Union is not just a question of economics or some abstract policy. It is a question of security and guarantees for the preservation of freedom and democracy in Central and Eastern Europe.

Ukraine must receive the status of a candidate for EU membership in the near future.

We must think about the post-war reconstruction of our country already now. When Russia loses, and this will inevitably happen, it will be necessary to prove to Russia and all other potential revanchists in the world that the war will not lead to the realization of their plans.

We are already cooperating with your country in the field of digitization, we are already demonstrating to other European countries the advantages of modern digital systems, including in public administration. After the war, it will become even more relevant, I'm sure.

For restoring the normal functioning of state institutions and local authorities. For the return of companies. For the cyber defense of Ukraine and the whole, I repeat - the whole of Europe.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

The people of Estonia!

The Presidents of the three Baltic states and the President of Poland will arrive in Kyiv in a few hours. I look forward to meeting them, to meeting your President, Mr. Alar Karis.

Such visits to the capital of our state are especially important now. They are important not only for us, not only as evidence of European support for our struggle for freedom.

But also as evidence that all European defenders of freedom will continue to be united. Without any political or economic "bows" to Russia.

Europeans must make every effort to restore international law immediately. To immediately force Russia to seek peace.

This task can only be done jointly by everyone in Europe. At the level of the whole European Union. Together with other members of our anti-war coalition.

If Europe wastes time, Russia will use it to expand the war zone to other countries. I believe that together we will never allow this.

Thank you, Estonia!

Glory to Ukraine!

GET `EM HERE:

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MOVE%20Animations%20Cologn...

 

We are very happy to release the 2nd Part of her really CALM and RELAXED Moves !

Girlish - Groovy - Self Confident - HAPPY

 

SPECIAL PRICE OFFERS - 2399L$ 10 DANCES PACK

 

- Smoothest Animations from 30 to 60 Seconds long at best possible Framerates !

 

♥ Take a look at the Dances and Stands in our Inworld Store!

100% Professional Motion Capture Dances.

Recorded with a NEW High Class Motion Capture System and Software.

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- FlickR:

www.flickr.com/photos/moveanimations

- FlickR Group:

www.flickr.com/groups/2930103@N23/

- Twitter:

twitter.com/MOVEAnimations

My NEW GIRL.

Finally!

 

I've known her almost all her life.

 

I saw her as a tiny pink newborn baby, in the pet shop, for just a few moments. Then I didn't see her for weeks, cos the babies were obsessively guarded by their supermom.

After almost a month of waiting, I could finally take her home.

 

So, here she is. (she's a bit bigger now than in these pictures)

Her fur colour / pattern remind me of Mocca's (or Julia's Tofu), that is: beige & white.

Her fur is smooth, not furry.

Kokosanka has a big freckle on her left ear.

She's not as beautiful as Chmurka & Bułeczka... I'm aware of that, all right?

She's not even photogenic!

Oh dear...

 

BUT, she has a great, girly personality.

She's younger than Juniorek but ten times smarter.

Grumpy, bossy, very self-confident, odd, loves food, and totally UNAFRAID of anything and anyone.

She's only scared of Balbinka!

 

Ok, that's all for now - say hello to Kokosanka? :)

(I hope you'll like her)

Another addition to our fitness model team, Lorna is proud of the work she puts into her shape and is self-confident with her natural & healthy looks.

 

#WWHA is an artistic photography project designed to bring about positivity and confidence on the subject of body hair by involving paid models who have forearm hair.

 

Supporters of our project gain access to all of the photography we do through our website. Samples are available on our /download page, or via our mailing list.

  

In the "Chronicon Moissiacense" 806 the place Halle is mentioned for the first time as "Halla". In 968, Otto I founded the Archdiocese of Magdeburg, to which Halle belonged until 1680. Around 1120 the city was extensively expanded. This was possible due to the increasing salt trade and the wealth associated with it. Initially, this was managed by archbishops. From the end of the 12th century the Guild of the Panners (salt makers) was formed. This gave rise to a self-confident bourgeoisie, which concluded a contract with Archbishop Rupert of Magdeburg in 1263, according to which the archbishop was not permitted to build any castles within a mile radius. The Panners determined the politics of the city for centuries. Halle was first mentioned in a document in 1281 as a member of the Hanseatic League, and in 1310 the city's self-government was contractually recorded. In 1341 the construction of a strong tower between the scales and the town hall began, which was used until 1835 to securely accommodate the city's privileges.

 

In 1478 ended the approximately 200-year city independence. In 1484, Archbishop Ernst II (1464–1513) had Moritzburg Castle built as a fortified residential palace in the north-west corner of the city and ceremoniously moved into it in 1503. It was actually supposed to be a stronghold against Halle's self-confident citizens, the salt workers. Until 1680, Halle was the capital and residence of the Archdiocese of Magdeburg.

 

Art nouveau / Jugendstil

  

Isola Madre, Italy

When I was a Child my favourite cartoon character was Betty Boop. My Mum was a collector of Salt and Pepper sets. One of the sets in her collection was Betty Boop sitting on a motor-bike wearing all her biker gear. This reminds me of my child-hood and when I was a little girl.

 

A caricature of a Jazz Age flapper, Betty Boop is an animated cartoon character created by Max Fleischer, She originally appeared in the Talkartoon and Betty Boop film series, which were produced by Fleischer Studios in the 1930's and released by Paramount Pictures. Betty has also featured in comic strips and mass merchandising.

 

Betty Boop was described in a 1934 court case as: combining the childish with the sophisticated — a large round baby face with big eyes and a nose like a button, framed in a somewhat careful coiffure, with a very small body of which perhaps the leading characteristic is the most self-confident little bust imaginable!! HMM.

Lego Super Villain Contest:

 

Name: Aloysius ‘Al’ Smit (Aloysius means ‘well known fighter’ in Dutch)

 

Alias: Soothsayer (means 'a person supposed to be able to foresee the future')

 

Age: 27

 

Nationality: 1/2 Dutch, 1/2 English

 

Alliance: Villain

 

Weapons/Powers: Can see the immediate future of all that he touches, also carries a switchblade.

 

Biography: He was a boxer from a very young age, just like his father. However, after his father was arrested for doping when Al was 19, he took up his father’s mantle. He was a great boxer, using his powers to foresee his opponent’s next move. He always knew what was coming and could easily counter it. Soon, he was using his powers he’d had since birth to get an unbeaten record. With his fame, he became foolish and irrational. He began to use his powers for evil, robbing banks and stealing precious artefacts under the name of Soothsayer. He even attempted to break his father out of jail, but his father refused to go with him. After numerous major victories (in boxing and crime) for many years, he got too cocky and self-confident and eventually, a trail lead back to his home. When the police arrived at his door to take him for questioning, Al refused, got furious and instigated a fight. He fought the police officers in his home, killing all 3 of them. He went on the run and called his father who was in jail. His father told him to turn himself in, which he did. He is currently in prisoned in Bricklyn Bay Penitentiary, alongside his father.

What kind of Tree you are ..? ............. I am de Hazelnut tree......!

 

On Explore @247.............Treeclopedia..........

 

Apple Tree, The Love

Of slight build, lots of charm, appeal and attraction, pleasant aura,

flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and

be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, scientific

talents, lives for today, a carefree philosopher with imagination

 

Fir Tree, The Mysterious

Extraordinary taste, dignity, cultivated airs, loves anything

beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those

close to it, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious

uncounted lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable.

 

Elm Tree, The Noble-Minuteness

Pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends to not forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, tends to a know-all-attitude and making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

 

Cypress, The Faithfulness

Strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give, happy

content, optimistic, needs enough money and acknowledgment,

hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic and careless.

 

Poplar, The Uncertainty

Looks very decorative, no self-confident behavior, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, artistic nature, good organizer, tends to philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership serious.

 

Cedar, The Confidence

Of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, wants to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

 

Pine Tree, The Particularity

Loves agreeable company, very robust, knows how to make life

comfortable, very active, natural, good companion, but seldom friendly, falls easily in love but its passion burns out quickly, gives up easily, many disappointments till it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical.

 

Weeping Willow, The Melancholy

Beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.

 

Lime Tree, The Doubt

Accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting, stress and labor, tends to laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous, loyal.

 

Hazelnut Tree, The Extraordinary

Charming, undermining, very understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for social cause, popular, moody and capricious lover, honest and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment

 

Rowan, The Sensitivity

Full of charm, cheerful, gifted, without egoism, likes to draw Attention, loves life, motion, unrest and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

 

Maple, Independence of Mind

No ordinary person, full imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-respect, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, many complexes, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

 

Walnut Tree, The Passion

Unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egoistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromises.

 

Chestnut Tree, The Honesty

Of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritate and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self-confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood, loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.

 

Ash Tree, The Ambition

Uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with its fate, can be egoistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over heart, but takes partnership very serious.

 

Hornbeam, The Good Taste

Of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, tends to egoism, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads reasonable, disciplined life, looks for kindness, an emotional partner and acknowledgment, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with his/her feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

 

Fig Tree, The Sensibility

Very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.

 

Oak, The Robust

Courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not love changes, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

 

Birch, The Inspiration

Vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

 

Olive Tree, The Wisdom

Loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

 

Beech, The Creative

Has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialist, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.)

January 23

TAGGED by HephzibahPhotography and Roannelucy

 

1. I want to visit the New York Fashion Week!

2. A friend told me I'm self-confident at the moment, well I don't think so!

3. I love fashion magazines.

4. To live at the Upper East Side like the guys from Gossip Girl would be great :D

5. Adam Brody is fantastic !

6. I love cold days, especially when the sun comes out :)

7. Concrete jungle where dreams are made of. There's nothing you can't do. Now you're in New York. These streets will make you feel brand new. Big lights will inspire you.

8. Lay on bed and listening to CD's is a grand feeling.

9. My grandparents live next to me.

10. To drive at night and talking to a friend is fun :D

Miss Virtual Diva 2016 - CHALLENGE 2

Tema: Hollywood Golden Age

 

Inspiration

 

For this 2nd Challenge inspired by Hollywood's golden era, I was inspired to a large extraordinary actress, was for two decades the "most irresistible woman in Hollywood ': Ava Gartner. Elegant and refined woman, embodied perfectly the diva of the '50s in the time that were fashionable very sensual women and fascinating. At the foot of Ava Gardner she fell billionaires, directors, great writers, bullfighters and singers. No man was able to keep her head too big, self-confident, modern and emancipated. One of the last true Dive

 

STYLING CARD:

  

Sponsor:

- Glitter: Glitter Smooth gloves Black

Virtual Diva:

- Hat (Made by me) composition created with:

VD - Secret Earrings R Silver

VD - Winter Hat

VD - Bella Rose Add R - Bella Rose Add R 1

- Gown: VD - Gema Gown & Gema Full Train (ADD)R Heaven 1

- Earrings : VD - Bella Earring L&R

- Ring (Made by me): VD - Secret Earrings L Silver (Over Lazuri Diamond Ring Left)

- Pose: VD Elite3

-------------------------------------------

 

- Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * LOTTE *

- Make-up:

*League* Classic Wing EyeLiner 1 Tattoo

MONS / Makeups - lipstick - red

- Fur: SAS - Lush White Boa Shoulder

+ The Sea Hole - Parisian Cigarette & Holder (Reg Cig) - Pearl

+ Poses: *PoSEsioN*

 

Details @ lucemiablog.wordpress.com/2016/06/20/lucemia-miss-virtual...

 

Blog LuceMia

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www.johnriper.nl

FluidR

Lisbon, Portugal

Because girls in jeans are sexy too... I feel sexy and self-confident in this outfit

I don’t need anyone to tell me I’m beautiful I been that way ♥️

  

In the "Chronicon Moissiacense" 806 the place Halle is mentioned for the first time as "Halla". In 968, Otto I founded the Archdiocese of Magdeburg, to which Halle belonged until 1680. Around 1120 the city was extensively expanded. This was possible due to the increasing salt trade and the wealth associated with it. Initially, this was managed by archbishops. From the end of the 12th century the Guild of the Panners (salt makers) was formed. This gave rise to a self-confident bourgeoisie, which concluded a contract with Archbishop Rupert of Magdeburg in 1263, according to which the archbishop was not permitted to build any castles within a mile radius. The Panners determined the politics of the city for centuries. Halle was first mentioned in a document in 1281 as a member of the Hanseatic League, and in 1310 the city's self-government was contractually recorded. In 1341 the construction of a strong tower between the scales and the town hall began, which was used until 1835 to securely accommodate the city's privileges.

 

In 1478 ended the approximately 200-year city independence. In 1484, Archbishop Ernst II (1464–1513) had Moritzburg Castle built as a fortified residential palace in the north-west corner of the city and ceremoniously moved into it in 1503. It was actually supposed to be a stronghold against Halle's self-confident citizens, the salt workers. Until 1680, Halle was the capital and residence of the Archdiocese of Magdeburg.

 

Halle Cathedral was originally founded in 1271 as a Dominican monastery and completed in 1330 with a simple three-nave monastery church.

 

Around 1520, the then Archbishop Albert von Brandenburg had the exterior of the church remodeled and fitted with round gables. In 1523 it was rededicated as the collegiate church of the archbishopric. It was probably first called a cathedral at this time, although it was never the seat of the archbishopric. Beginning in 1523, Albert also commissioned artists to embellish the interior.

 

As an opponent of Martin Luther, Albert was expelled from Halle in 1541 and took the portable furnishings of the church with him to Aschaffenburg, where they remain today. His secular successors as sovereigns used the church as a chapel for their court and castle. The last of these rulers, Augustus, Duke of Saxe-Weißenfels, added galleries and a larger altar in the mid-17th century and changed the style of the church toward early Baroque. In 1680, Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg, made the church a parish church, and in 1702, the young Georg Friedrich Handel was hired for a year's trial.

 

Fotografin: Anne Woyand

 

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The photo was an experiment. I wanted my eyes to match the rest of the photo. To my favorite colors. And that is green and orange. I just found it beautiful. I was and am satisfied. I like it. I look at myself and do not have to look away. I look at the photo. I am not arrogant, but I am self-confident and self-assertive. This is important. It is not egoism. It is self-care. Accept yourself as you are. I'm happy and that's good.

 

Das Foto war ein Experiment. Ich wollte das die Augen zum Rest des Fotos passen. Zu meinen Lieblingsfarben. Und zwar sind das grün und orange. Ich fand es einfach nur schön. Ich war und bin zufrieden. Ich mag es. Ich sehe mich an und muss nicht weg sehen. Ich sehe das Foto an. Ich bin nicht arrogant, aber ich schöpfe an Selbstvertrauen und Selbstakzeptanz. Das ist wichtig. Es ist kein Egoismus. Es ist Selbstfürsorge. Sich selbst akzeptieren, wie man ist.

Ich bin glücklich und das ist auch gut so.

Because girls in jeans are sexy too... I feel sexy and self-confident in this outfit

"Dr. Martha Starks (Modes of Therapeutic Action) defines maturity as "being able to accept the reality of people and things as they are, without needing them to be other than that." Humans tend to upset themselves if life is not the way they think it should be. What is - is… make your plan and move on to productive behaviors.

Our brains will believe anything we tell them. If you tell your brain that you are in danger (physically, emotionally or psychologically) it reacts as if you are sliding face first down a mountain. If you replace negative irrational, self-limiting thoughts, your emotional control will improve dramatically. What does that mean? It means that your relationships improve, you feel in control and self-confident, you like yourself, and you are more likely to reach your life goals."

Dr. Dorothy McCoy, www.personalityone.com/emotional-maturity.html

 

Some facts about Paeonia Suffruticosa

A digital artwork of the Tibetan Spaniel. The Tibetan Spaniel is listed #125 on the AKC list of most popular dog breeds

  

In the "Chronicon Moissiacense" 806 the place Halle is mentioned for the first time as "Halla". In 968, Otto I founded the Archdiocese of Magdeburg, to which Halle belonged until 1680. Around 1120 the city was extensively expanded. This was possible due to the increasing salt trade and the wealth associated with it. Initially, this was managed by archbishops. From the end of the 12th century the Guild of the Panners (salt makers) was formed. This gave rise to a self-confident bourgeoisie, which concluded a contract with Archbishop Rupert of Magdeburg in 1263, according to which the archbishop was not permitted to build any castles within a mile radius. The Panners determined the politics of the city for centuries. Halle was first mentioned in a document in 1281 as a member of the Hanseatic League, and in 1310 the city's self-government was contractually recorded. In 1341 the construction of a strong tower between the scales and the town hall began, which was used until 1835 to securely accommodate the city's privileges.

 

In 1478 ended the approximately 200-year city independence. In 1484, Archbishop Ernst II (1464–1513) had Moritzburg Castle built as a fortified residential palace in the north-west corner of the city and ceremoniously moved into it in 1503. It was actually supposed to be a stronghold against Halle's self-confident citizens, the salt workers. Until 1680, Halle was the capital and residence of the Archdiocese of Magdeburg.

The market church was built between 1529 and 1554 on the site of two previous churches St. Gertrud and St. Maria. The church of St. Gertrud in the west dates from the 11th century and was the church of the salt makers, the Marienkirche in the east dates from the 12th century and was the parish church of merchants and craftsmen. Only the four towers of these churches survived. In between, the new church was erected and in 1537 (still unfinished) consecrated. Justus Jonas, who officially introduced the Reformation in Halle in 1541, preached from this pulpit. Luther himself preached three times in the Marktkirche in 1545 and 1546.

 

The church was badly damaged in the air raid in March 1945. Part of the vault collapsed. Artillery shelling in 1945 broke out the tracery window on the west front. The restoration work lasted until 1948. A necessary general renovation took place after 1967 when the interior and the furnishings were severely damaged by a burst district heating pipe. It was decided to restore the appearance of the 16th century as much as possible.

  

  

'

 

“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”

 

,,

 

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

 

I PASSED Bss

I'm So Saaad About My Maark :'')

 

so i have to get Great Marks Next Year :''')

 

Mabrook For All who got GREAT Mark

 

See ya

 

Because girls in jeans are sexy too... I feel sexy and self-confident in this outfit

self-confident

Originally posted September 20, 2010.

I'm moving up a few choice photos of Wrinkle, born: May 14, 1998, Gone: July 2, 2013. Rest in peace, Stinky..

 

Original text:

Sisters. Littermates. Daughters of Toaster and Biscuit.

Leaders.

These two had some serious battles with each other in the past, but we learned how to work through it. They may even like each other now. While they are littermates they are quite different in looks, personality and temperament. Each is self-confident, smart, strong and affectionate in her own unique way. I really couldn't ask for better dogs.

Because girls in jeans are sexy too... I feel sexy and self-confident in this outfit

because she made a little big wonder

Au cours des années 20, la plupart des artistes d’avant-garde semblent revenir à un certain classicisme et aux références aux maîtres anciens. Généralement appelé « Retour à l’ordre », cette tendance touche aussi bien Pablo Picasso, dans les portraits délicats qu’il réalise d’Olga, sa dernière épouse, que Matisse et Derain qui adoucissent l’intensité de leur palette et les déformations qui caractérisaient leurs toiles d’avant-guerre. Le Mécanicien, par son relatif raide et figé s’inscrit dans ce questionnement nouveau de la tradition. Représenté avec le corps de face et le visage de profil, Le Mécanicien évoque ainsi certaines figures assyriennes ou égyptiennes, alors que ses volumes saillants et marqués lui confèrent la calme sérénité des sculptures grecques.

Au premier plan, on voit un homme représenté en buste qui fume une cigarette. Il est brun, regarde vers sa droite. Son visage est impassible, il a l’air détendu, sa moustache est souriante. Tout ceci laisse penser que ce personnage savoure pleinement un instant de repos au coeur d’une journée de travail. Il porte un tatouage représentant une sorte d’ancre sur le bras droit. Le cadrage serré met en valeur sa musculature composée de volumes luisants comme du métal. Il semble un ouvrier. Il est habillé en débardeur et porte deux bagues à la main droite. La position négligée de sa main tenant la cigarette et le port de ces deux bagues montre la confiance en soi de l’ouvrier. Le regard de l'homme est vide comme celui d’un robot, il est en étroite relation avec le fond qui est très abstrait. Ses épaules forment des courbes même si ses bras semblent un peu « mécanisés ». Le titre de l’œuvre, Le Mécanicien, ancre immédiatement le tableau dans un univers : celui de la machine, de l’effort, du travail physique de l’homme du peuple.

L’arrière-plan forme et fond plat dans lequel on voit des formes géométriques abstraites disposées de couleurs vives en aplats.

Ce fond évoque une usine par les formes qui ressemblent à des tuyaux. Elles sont orthogonales (angles droits), contrastées et colorées.

Des couleurs primaires (rouge, jaune) créent une relation rythmique entre le personnage et le fond : le mécanicien ressort et en même temps s’inscrit dans ce décor (communion entre les êtres et les choses). Ces couleurs évoquent le monde moderne sans le décrire.

 

During the 1920s, most avant-garde artists seem to return to a certain classicism and references to old masters. Generally referred to as "Back to Order", this trend also affects Pablo Picasso, in the delicate portraits he makes of Olga, his last wife, and Matisse and Derain, who soften the intensity of their palette and the deformations that characterized their pre-war paintings. The Mechanic, by its relative stiff and frozen fits into this new questioning of tradition. Represented with the body in front and the face in profile, Le Mécanicien evokes certain Assyrian or Egyptian figures, while its prominent and marked volumes give it the calm serenity of the Greek sculptures.

In the foreground, we see a man represented in a bust who smokes a cigarette. He is brown, look to his right. His face is impassive, he looks relaxed, his mustache is smiling. All this suggests that this character fully enjoys a moment of rest in the middle of a day's work. He wears a tattoo representing a sort of anchor on his right arm. The tight framing emphasizes its musculature composed of volumes shining like metal. He seems a worker. He is dressed as a tank top and wears two rings in his right hand. The neglected position of his hand holding the cigarette and the wearing of these two rings shows the self-confidence of the worker. The man's gaze is empty like that of a robot, it is in close relation with the background which is very abstract. His shoulders form curves even if his arms seem a little "mechanized". The title of the work, Le Mécanicien, immediately anchors the painting in a universe: that of the machine, the effort, the physical work of the man of the people.

The background forms and flat bottom in which we see abstract geometric shapes arranged in bright colors in flat areas.

This background evokes a factory by the shapes that look like pipes. They are orthogonal (right angles), contrasted and colored.

Primary colors (red, yellow) create a rhythmic relationship between the character and the background: the mechanic stands out and at the same time fits into this setting (communion between people and things). These colors evoke the modern world without describing it.