The view from the turn out was amazing.
Rolling green hills stretched before him to where the valley nestled like a green jewel against the darker velvet forest. The river reflected the sunlight in a chain of gold and silver. A breeze rustled through the trees. After the noise of the city, the emptiness was nearly absolute.
Taking a deep breath of the fresh air, he let the stillness settle over him. There was a time when this valley, these hills, represented a life sentence. There was a time when he wanted nothing more than to explore the world outside this isolated piece of land.
That was before.
Now, the peace soothed his soul.
Henry's call couldn't have come at a better time.
Taking one last deep breath of pine scented air, Gage walked back to his car and got in. Shifting into gear, he navigated the turns down the hillside towards Hidden Hollow. Three months working Henry's farm stay and he'd be as good as new.
Maybe better.
This was a piece of fiction inspired by the Red Dress Club prompt: Life. Since I'm celebrating my blogiversary, I thought it was an ideal time to introduce you to Gage. My gift to you. You're intrigued, aren't you? Let's just say that things are about to get even more interesting in Montana.
If you'd like to read more, visit Fictional Mandyland.
And...stay tuned for a really fun and special giveaway in honor of all my wonderful writer friends...
37 comments:
Ooooo I'm SO excited! And what's almost as cool but probably not to you or anyone else? ;) I think I'm your first comment on this post!!! When it seems that your posts end up with like 50 or 60 comments? That's an honor.
My name is Eden and I found you on... on... I don't remember where I found you? I work graveyard shifts and I'm a mommy, what more can I say? So I found you, read the entire Fictional Mandyland lineup, and fell madly, head-over-heels in love with you and your writing! You are one amazing lady!!!
So obviously I'm your newest follower, and if it's OK with you I'd love to put your button on my "Froggers" page (Friends who are Bloggers.) Also it appears that I'm enjoying this moment of being your first commentor... a little too much. :/ Sorry. ;D Can't wait to read your next post!
What a great take on the prompt! The scenery setting comes to life right before my eyes.
That paragraph about the rolling green hills was so vivid. Loved the chain/river image.
And when you snuck "life" into that next paragraph, I cheered at your cleverness.
Oh, Gage. What will you do here?
Brilliant. You caught me with "Rolling green hills stretched before him to where the valley nestled like a green jewel against the darker velvet forest. The river reflected the sunlight in a chain of gold and silver. A breeze rustled through the trees. After the noise of the city, the emptiness was nearly absolute." Absolute brilliant work. And, yes we are all excited. :)
Oh Gage, I know you're good looking and a little dangerous. I can't wait to hear all about you HANDSOME!!!
oh Mandy, great storyline, great use of the words to describe every little thing. I like where this is going. xo
Mandy!!!
He's just my type. I mean my other type, since Henry's just my first type.
My favorite part?
You let us construct him for ourselves while he gives the gift of his perspective towards the land.
Oh, you temptress!
I like hotties.
But I really liked that he is coming home to heal, that for him Montana is a place of healing, because I'm not sure that there is another single character who can say that right now, and that's a damn shame. I also love that he's a little damaged, in need of fixing, at least a little TLC, can hardly wait to see who gets to smooth those frayed edges, nudge, nudge, wink, wink.
On a personal note, because I live in NYC this line really captured for me how deafening quiet can be, 'After the noise of the city, the emptiness was nearly absolute.'
I really related to his thoughts about previously wanting to escape that land, but now appreciating it. That is how I feel about where I grew up, and now I see the endless desert as beautiful and totally unique.
Wait.. Gage?
Someone new?
I like...
The description of the valley and how you used it to show Gage's character - perfect and incredibly vivid.
You told us just enough to intrigue us, but left plenty to the imagination.
I cannot think of a thing to alter or change, other than ADD MORE. :-)
Happy blogoversary my friend. Thank you for being there for me as well.
Love this, and can't wait to read more!
One little thing, and it might be regional... I don't think of those wide spots on the side of the road as a "turn out," but as a "turn off" Turnout to me is talking about a firefighter's gear...
Gage is definitely intriguing... where was he? How long as he been gone?
Hmm... I have this vision in my head of Gage. Rugged, tan, strong, and oh so handsome. Is this close to what you're thinking?
Regardless, I can't wait to see how this plays out!
I am intrigued. Really intrigued. I want to follow Gage on this new journey of his. Can't wait!
Happy blogiversary!
Loved the description of the outdoor scenery. I wish I was there.
I have a Gage in one of my stories, too! Such a fun name.
Anyway. Hook him up with Carrie ASAP! ;)
I absolutely love that you described the setting and not the character. It gives the reader the chance to develop his or her own image of Gage, while understanding the importance of the land around him. This is really well done!
YAY for your blogoversary and your setting and your fiction and your new character! All gifts, indeed!
Love these words: "the emptiness was nearly absolute"- they are perfection.
XO
This looks like it has great possibilities. Gage is a great name, and I like how you've set the scene. I'll look forward to future installments.
I have big hopes for Gage...
He's pretty hot though, isn't he? In your head? 'Cause he's super hot in mine. :D
Patience. Carrie's not in a good place at the moment.
You and me both!
Thank you. I can't wait to see what happens too.
Pretty much right on.
I've always called them turn outs, but now I'm wondering. Hmmm...twitter poll! lol
No problem, lady. I love that I get sneak peeks every week. ;)
Sometimes we have to grow up to appreciate where we've been. Wow. Did that sound wise or what?
And the sad thing is, it SHOULD be a place of peace and healing. I'm so glad someone is going to get to use it in that way.
He's TOTALLY your type. ;)
Just a little, tiny bit dangerous.
Yay! I'm glad you're excited.
The question is...what will Montana do to Gage?
Thank you!
You are too, too funny. :D
I'm so happy that you've found me! It gives me such a thrill to have someone really like what I write - especially when that person is not related to me in any way, shape or form.
Put my button wherever you like!
Oooooh! The plot thickens! I love it!
Aside from my child-like glee over this turn of events, I have to say that your writing is gorgeous - "The river reflected the sunlight in a chain of gold and silver" - practically sends a shiver up my spine because I can SEE it.
Don't you just love when a hot new character comes into play?
Intrigued? Yes! I am definitely intrigued. Why did it make him feel penned up? Why does it bring him peace now? How does he know Henry? Can't wait to read the next installment!!! (Who am I kidding? I can't wait to read any installment in Fictional Mandyland!! :>:>)
Yay! A new character! Can't wait to see where the storyline takes him.
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