Jun. 21, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by TulipsCorner

Hi, I'm Tulip from tulipscorner and I just wanted to say that I would love to enter but my mom said that I will have to come up with a story first. I might be able to do it and if you like I can spread the word a bit on my blog! Just PM me and I will see if it's all right with my mom. Blessings, Tulip P.S. what kind of story is the skylark? Like what is the story really about?

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Jun. 29, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Bluejane

Hi Sarah, OK let's see what I can do with this story. :D An old work horse ambled across a field over grown with cheat grass and thistles. He had been munching on some of the soft shoots of grass he could find underneath the weeds when he heard his girls voice. He had grown to love that voice more then any other, it provided food, and water, love and attention. When he reached the fence she was waiting there. Her light cotton dress that would normally reach to right below her knees was blowing easily in the wind. Her bare legs were bright against the sun and lead down to two bare feet, toes wiggling in the dirt. "Oh Ransom, today has been the worst of days." She reached up and fed him the carrot slice she held in her hand, then leaned her head on his shoulder. When she started to cry he didn't move, but stood solid and firm for his little girl. Several minutes passed before she lifted her head, whipped her eyes free of the moisture, and patted him. "Good boy, I feel better already." Smoothing out some of the many wrinkles on her dress she turned and headed back for the small log cabin not far from the field. Ransom watched her until she opened the door and entered the cabin before turning and heading back to the grass patch he had been snacking on. He sighed as he settled back to his grazing. Another days work done. I don't want to give my e-mail address in a comment, but if I win pm me and I'll give it to you then! Great contest! Out of the Blue:jane

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Jun. 30, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SavedGirl

Dear Sarah, Well here is my attempt. Forgive the slightly unpolished feeling. I took 2 days to write it. It took me that long to think of a plot and stop procrastinating. P.S. I really like BlueJane's story. Oh and I feel the same as her. Please just PM me if I win, and I can send you my e-mail. Sunshine 15 year old Karen Wagner sat silently by the fire gazing moodily over the expanse of the prairie. She was sick of the endless journey to the new home out in the west. She looked at her hands and sighed. They were hopelessly covered with soot from the fire. Being too tired and cold to move from the blaze, she just had to hope that she wouldn’t become too dirty. She missed the cleanliness that had presided in her old home. Turning to her father she said, “Papa, will we ever get to our new home?” “Be patient, me gel,” he said slowly. “We should be getting there soon.” “Papa, why did we have to leave home?” He knelt beside her and looked directly into her eyes. “Listen Karen, I need you to try to understand. When your Mama died I just couldn’t stay there. It was too hard.” Karen could see that he was trying to help her but she was feeling angry and rebellious. “I still don’t see why you had to drag me and the baby out to this place. And why do you have to start a horse ranch? I hate horses! All I do all day long is cook and look at those horrid animals.” Pain entered her father’s eyes and he said, “Karen, go to bed, please. You need your strength for tomorrow.” Karen rose from her seat and left without saying goodnight. The next morning Karen awoke to the sound of her baby sister screaming. She rose wearily and proceeded to begin the duties of the day. After feeding the baby she put her back to sleep and went out to cook breakfast. Suddenly she heard her father call her. “Karen, could you come here for a moment. I want to show you something.” His voice was accompanied by a soft whinny that made Karen roll her eyes. “He probably wants to show me some new horse or something. I don’t understand why he likes those things.” She walked toward the herd and halted abruptly when she saw her father. He was holding a halter rope and it was attached to the most beautiful mare that Karen had ever seen. Karen caught her breath as she took in the sight, admiring the golden coat and the long cream mane. Karen drew closer and reached out to touch the horse. But, frightened by the sudden movement, it drew away quickly. “I just bought her this morning,” her father said quietly. “The man I bought her from was abusing her. She is very skittish.” Karen nodded and slowly moved her hand up towards the horse’s head, while calmly talking to her, like she had seen her father do. The horse allowed Karen to touch her neck and Karen slowly moved up towards her head, still sweet-talking her. The horse relaxed and leaned her head down close to Karen’s face. Karen laughed happily and ran her hands across the velvety nose. “Her name is Sunshine,” Karen said decidedly. “She is yours,” Karen’s father said. Karen turned to him. “Oh, papa,” she said. She ran and threw herself into his arms. “Papa, I have been so horrid lately. Please forgive me.” “Yes, sweetheart. I forgive you. I think that you had better go ba-.” Suddenly he stopped and his eyes grew wide. “Karen,” he exclaimed. “There it is! The stream that marks the beginning of our property. We are home, Karen!” Karen smiled at him as he knelt down beside the water. He turned back to look at her, “You know, Karen, you chose the right name for that horse. Sunshine is what I got in my heart.” “Mine too,” Karen replied, smiling through her tears of joy.

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