The First Rose - A Valentine's Day Story

Mary sat at her kitchen table gazing through the window. The morning sun peeked over the trees promising another lovely summer day. She gripped her tea cup, lifted it to her lips, and took a cautious sip. The hot fluid warmed her as a single tear slid down her wrinkled cheek.

When will these tears ever stop? She sighed. He wouldn’t have wanted me this way.

It had been almost a year since William had died - A massive heart attack brought on by too many fatty, late-night indulgences. Of course, her home-grown cooking didn’t help matters either.

She took another sip of her tea. It would’ve been 63 years this August. Where did the time go? It feels like only yesterday we joined our lives and started to live. REALLY live.

Mother was shocked when I announced my marriage. Too bad it didn’t kill her.

Mary stared at a robin bouncing along on the grass looking for food, but it wasn’t enough to distract her, to stop those terrible memories from flooding her mind once again– where is dementia when you need it? She smirked at her own joke as she thought back to her childhood…

…too ugly…better learn to cook and clean…the only way you’ll ever get a man…

At eighty-two these words still haunted her, as did the daily beatings. The scars on my back healed but emotions run deep…at least I know how to cook and clean. Huh…ironic. The thing you drilled into me, was the very thing that took away my love…my entire life.

Mary left her mother’s home at twelve and became a Nanny for a family across town – room and board plus meals in exchange for the caring of baby Sue and three-year-old Randall. The work was hard, yet satisfying. Plus, Mary knew she’d one day make a great mom - she never once had the urge to belittle or beat her charges.

She glanced over at the family photo taken just before William’s heart attack. Six familiar, smiling faces looked back at her…

…that was a good day.

Her children did their best to help Mary after their father’s death. There was an endless supply of company and love poured out, but… it wasn’t the same. They had their own lives to lead, children to tend to. Often times Mary sat alone thinking…always thinking.

They say the first year is the hardest. Mary journeyed back in her mind…

…Halloween when the grand kids come by for homemade caramel corn. Thanksgiving… everyone gathered around waiting for William to crave the turkey – this year it was William JR. Christmas…sneaking a kiss under the mistletoe when no one was looking – the last of that tradition. New Year’s Eve, spent with good friends – this year alone, crying myself to sleep. Valentines Day, always a box of pecan chocolates, my favourite – no more candy…I need to lose weight anyway. Easter, was always my special honey-glazed ham and devilled eggs (how he loved to eat) – this Easter, Jane made Taco’s (who ever heard of tacos for Easter?) Mother’s Day when he always made me dinner…

…all over…all gone.

I just have to get through one, one more…our anniversary day.

Will it stop hurting then? Will that be the magical day?

Mary looked out over her beautiful rose bushes. At least I still have my gardens. I will never be alone as long as I have our roses.
William had planted them to her specifications – white, yellow, orange, and finally red, all in row from lightest to brightest. The buds would soon burst forth in a carnival of colours.

Suddenly tears sprang to Mary’s eyes. Who will bring me the first rose of the season?

She quickly swiped them away. It was just a silly tradition…no big deal…out of all the holidays this is the one you’re most upset about, she belittled herself.

Mary gulped down the rest of her now cold tea. Her ankles gave her a jolt of pain and she winched as she pushed herself up to standing.

Oh William, these old bones of mine feel ancient without you here.

“But, I better water the roses before it gets too hot,” she spoke out loud.

Mary giggled. “Better not let the kids hear me talking to myself, or laughing out loud.”

She gathered her stuff and opened the back door leading into the garden where something caught her eye. It was a rose. A full, lovely white rose, cut and carefully placed on the arm of her deck chair.

Mary looked around but no one was in sight. She gently lifted it to her nose and breathed in the familiar scent. The first rose was always the sweetest.

A wide smile spread across her face. Perhaps this would be that magical day…

The End

This story is dedicated to my mother and is based on actual events of her life and a tradition my father started.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Sandie lee

Feel the Heat Week

All this week I'll feature great books by one of my favorite authors, Brenda Novak. To kick it off, check out my review of White Heat.

~~~~

Rachel Kessop, a beautiful, self-assured agent and Nate Ferrentino, handsome tough guy both work for the same private security contractor tracking down bad guys. The relationship is strained after Rachel, in a moment of weakness, lets herself into Nate’s apartment, and awaits his arrival in bed. After a passionate night together, Rachel claims her love to a reluctant Nate.

Now as a dangerous cult quickly takes over the desert ghost town of Paradise, Arizona, Rachel and Nate must go undercover posing as a married couple to nap the leader, Ethan Wycliff.

How will they handle the close quarters of a pretend marriage? Will Ethan’s infatuation with Rachel put her life in mortal danger? Find out in this exciting read, White Heat. I had trouble putting this book down before the exciting conclusion.

For more information, check out Brenda Novak's web site at; http://www.brendanovak.com/

White Heat is available on Amazon

Want some "heat" of your own?  At the end of this week I'll be drawing for all three, autographed copies of the "heat" novels.  Just leave a comment in this (or any of Brenda Novak's spots) and I'll do a random drawing for them on Sunday May 15th.

Good Luck!

Feel the Heat - Body Heat

Summer may be over but that doesn't mean the heat is.  Brenda Novak burns up the pages in her latest novel, Body Heat.

Sophia St. Claire has been appointed Chief of Police in her small hometown of Bordertown, Arizona.  But not everyone wants her in this lofty position.  Sophia is determined to prove herself worthy after twelve illegal aliens are shot at point-blank range by a mysterious killer.

As Sophia diligently scours the crime seen, a Department 6 hired gun, Roderick Guerrero shows up to lend a hand.  Things begin to heat up as Sophia recognizes this handsome man as the high school guy she once stood up.  Rod immediately feels the same attraction to Sophia as he did in school, but with his estranged father, Bruce, two half-brothers and a bitter, angry and hateful step-mother nipping at his heels, Rod has his hands full and refuses to give into the pressure.

The heat continues as two locals are murdered and rumors begin to swirl from Sophia's shaded past.  Can Sophia put aside her feelings for Rod and her stepfather?  Will the killer be closer than she thinks?  Find out in Brenda Novak's Body Heat.

If you love a good, steamy mystery, Body Heat is a must read.  Novak once again plots an engaging tale with romance, suspense and action cleverly weaved in.

Check out Body Heat at; http://www.brendanovak.com/ also available on amazon.com or anywhere books are sold.

The Enchanted April

For Summer Reading Week, I thought I'd post my experience with 'Book Read 'Round the World Event, hosted by Carin B. of A Little Bookish

The idea was we were to choose a book (as a group) and send it 'round the world. My group chose, The Enchanted April (book review to follow) and Rikki from Germany sent me a wonderful little package of goodies from her home town of Nurnberg along with the novel.

This was a wonderful experience for me. I had a blast learning a bit about Rikki and Germany as well as shopping for the next recipient - Iris in Groningen, the Netherlands. Here's what Iris will be receiving from my hometown in Canada.

Now on to my review of The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Armin.

Could getting away from your everyday life actually leave you a changed person?

Four very different women all answer the same advertisement in The Times...

"... those who appreciate wisteria and sunshine…" are about to embark on more than a simple vacation to the Italian Riviera. They're about to learn some very valuable lessons about themselves and the people around them.

San Salvatore, a medieval castle calls to Mrs. Wilkins, Mrs Arbuthnot, Mrs Fisher and Lady Caroline Dester, who are all in desperate need of something; but what?

Husbands, loneliness, depression and cynicism are all part of the baggage that lands these women in the midst of a beautiful, old, magical castle.

Can they heed it's calling and tugging at their hearts? Will they actually grab onto a new way of thinking and a new way of life? Find out in, The Enchanted April.

This book was a wonderful read, written is a style that's long been forgotten, Elizabeth Von Armin, not only weaves a clever story, she also reminds us of what writing is all about.

Check out, The Enchanted April on Amazon.com or wherever classic books are sold.

A Chance to Say Yes

More hot summer reading continues today with, A Chance to Say Yes by Tina Murray.

Check it out!
~~~~~~

Their relationship started out as grade-school children and next door neighbours – Poppy and Heston - best of friends.

Heston gave Poppy many things – friendship, her first cigarette, but when Heston fled their hometown for fame, fortune and a very public career, Poppy tried to put her adolescent past and the biggest thing he left her with – a guilty secret, behind her.

Now twenty years later the predominant and gorgeous Heston returns home with a wife and child in tow.

“Truly, Poppy couldn’t blame Heston for coming home. She only wanted to avoid him. But could she?” {excerpt from A Chance to Say Yes}

Poppy dreamed and dreaded this day. Her unresolved feelings and passion for the hunky actor resurfaces and she must again face her biggest fear – the secret that only she and her uncle know about. That is until Poppy confides in her best friend, Sasha Bassett who has a deadly secret of her own.

A Chance to Say Yes by Tina Murray, is filled with intrigue, lies, deceit and romance. Set in sophisticated, subtropical Naples, Florida, this book gives the reader a glimpse into the glamorous, yet volatile private lives of her characters, with so many twists and turns it’s sure to keep you up reading well into the night.

Check out Tina's Blog at; http://tinamurray.blogspot.com/ or to purchase a copy of, A Chance to Say Yes click here.

Summer Reading Week

All this week I'll feature great beach books and my summer reading choices. To kick it off, check out my review of White Heat by Brenda Novak.

~~~~

Looking for a steamy romance/adventure novel to wrap up your summer reading? Then I highly recommend, White Heat by Brenda Novak, NY Times Best Selling Author.

Rachel Kessop, a beautiful, self-assured agent and Nate Ferrentino, handsome tough guy both work for the same private security contractor tracking down bad guys. The relationship is strained after Rachel, in a moment of weakness, lets herself into Nate’s apartment, and awaits his arrival in bed. After a passionate night together, Rachel claims her love to a reluctant Nate.

Now as a dangerous cult quickly takes over the desert ghost town of Paradise, Arizona, Rachel and Nate must go undercover posing as a married couple to nap the leader, Ethan Wycliff.

How will they handle the close quarters of a pretend marriage? Will Ethan’s infatuation with Rachel put her life in mortal danger? Find out in this exciting read, White Heat. I had trouble putting this book down before the exciting conclusion.

For more information, check out Brenda Novaks web site at; http://www.brendanovak.com/

White Heat is available on Amazon.com