My humble effort:
Before I start this story, I feel that I should tell you, I'm 19th century pale, like to read in bed, and am uncoordinated. Bruising is a part of my life. But it happens every few months or so...someone inspects some part of me...trying hard to sound friendly and jokey. "Oh, Erika...where'd you get that big bruise?"
Maybe I have no idea. Maybe I don't want to say that I sneezed hard and brought my keyboard clattering on my thigh. I consider saying "You should see what the other guy looked like," but people who spend so much time being concerned have no sense of humor.
I don't know what to think when so many people picture me getting beat up.
but people who spend so much time being concerned have no sense of humor
This makes my teeth itch. In a sympathetic sort of way.
Good stuff, you guys. I love seeing what comes out of everbody's heads. Spicy.
Good stuff, all. Karl, I especially liked your 2nd.
No new topic? How about ... haunted?
Haunted
I can see him sitting in the comfy chair. He’s got his legs hanging over one arm, back propped against the opposite arm. There’s a book held open with three fingers behind the spine while the thumb and little finger anchor the pages. His right hand is running over his hair: front to back, back to front, twirls a cowlick. He doesn’t look up as I enter the room. Our family is famous for our ability to tune the world out when in the throes of a word feeding frenzy. He’s tuned me out completely, for the past 21 years.
Wheeeee! Nice Agent Lady got back to me about my proposal! She said it was in fantastic shape, and that I just needed to do a few formatting tweaks. (Holy crap, no re-writing!)
She also said that she's been getting a pretty good number of requests for my proposal thanks to the blurb about it she put in the newsletter the agency sends out to publishers. I have no idea what a
pretty good number
is, but I'm giddy at the notion.
Whohooo! Go, Jilli! Countdown to Jilli Rock Stardom begins now!
Indeed! Wonderful and not at all surprising news, Jilli!
