“There’s a parcel for you.”

My mind reeled to the places I might have ordered something from. Nothing! 

“From where?”

Surely it is some mistake. But, no it is not and my heart swelled with pride and giddiness when I saw from where the package came from. 

Tearing away the brown paper (carefully), I found the book I have had the privilege to have my work included in. Yes, I have read the e-book when it first was available; however, what I held in my hands was a signed copy from the series editor, Charli Mills. 

It is an honour to have ones written work included in an Anthology. My story Crimson Sky has been included in the Expanded Flash section, Part 3. I wrote the original 99 Word story in 2015; and when it was chosen by the editors for use in this book, I was then asked to expand on the story. The final word count is about 1800 words. So, on page 87 of this Anthology, you can read the full version of Crimson Sky. 

My first visit to the Ranch took place shortly after the launch of Moon Rising: An Eclectic Collection of Works. It was an 'in limbo' time for me while I pondered the need to continue writing as I had been, short stories and poetry or dive into the world of novel writing. The latter eventually won out, and not only did I start one manuscript, I soon found I had three irons in the fire with other ideas flying around the brain wheel. The Quiet Spirits was the novel that got to the finish line first. The others are still under the banner of WIP and have now been joined by the sequel to The Quiet Spirits. In between, I continue to blog, write a monthly newsletter and have published the first of my Backyard Series - Birds in my Canadian Backyard.

​Life is grand!

Being involved with the Rough Writer Tour Around the World, encouraged me to take a trip back in time, though my 99-word archives. I couldn’t remember what my first submission was to the Carrot Ranch, and what I found made me smile, nod my head and whisper, “Damn straight!”

I found it interesting how my first post at the Ranch has so much more meaning with the completion of The Congress of the Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology Vol. 1.  The words I wrote, titled Ivor Oaks, fits the concept of the Carrot Ranch and Charli Mills’ vision to a tee. The prompt on that day in April 2015 - write a story about nurturing a neighbourly relationship.

Not once, did I imagine my early days of writing 99-words would eventually resonate with life at the Ranch, but they have. They are the epitome of what has happened over the years, driven by Charli’s dream for the Carrot Ranch to “provides words for people: stories to read, encouragement to practice craft and a commitment to creating community through literary art.” 

​I leave you with Ivor Oaks . . .

The old schoolhouse located at the edge of the hamlet of Ivor Oaks was surrounded by oak trees and grain fields.

The windows in the building had been boarded up to protect the flawless six-square glass frames. The walls were solid and the roof had the look of a well loved patchwork quilt. The light from the open door revealed the smooth, well worn, original wooden floor. 

Restoration funds had been procured. At the project’s completion, the Ivor Oaks Art and Cultural Retreat would be nurtured into a sanctuary for artisans to gather together to create and inspire.