Tag / Word Challenges

by Janet

A Visual Story

Today’s Word of the Day Challenge was Timeless. Besides the fact that I wanted to take a break from the story – I thought that the best way to sum up the word was with an image.

I’ve been super tempted to get my camera out lately, but there’s just no scenery here in my town. My son and I were talking about that the other day. He reads a LOT, and he was telling me he read something recently that talked about planning and architecture, and how larger cities these days are being constructed not only to pack people in like sardines, but to create the illusion of imprisonment – so that people are more inclined to ‘comply’.

I think the word he used to describe today’s architecture (in cities where they are simply trying to house more people) was ‘barbaric’.

I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know that he reads a heck of a lot more than me when it comes to ideas about what is happening to society these days. And I also know that my city gets me down sometimes because all you see is concrete.

I guess what I’m getting at is that when you look at nature – the ocean, the mountains, the desert, and so on – you get a view of something that’s timeless. Nature never really ages or gets old. It may disappear, like it has (somewhat) in my city, but without human interference – I think that nature would only improve. It never needs refurbishing, or a new coat of paint – it stays beautiful all on it’s own.

I don’t know. Just something I thought of when I saw the word timeless. That being said, I found a photograph that I loved on the internet- and this is my rendition. I think it looks pretty timeless. One of the definitions I found was “having no beginning or end : eternal,” and I think that nature is about as eternal as we’ll ever get here on earth.

Anyway, if I remember correctly, I believe the actual photograph was taken in Wales – so if anyone actually recognizes it let me know. I’d be curious if you did. I need to work on my highlighting and shadows – which is why the sand, the grass, and the rocks are so basic, but I think it does the trick. It was an all day effort – and I’ve had enough.

I guess my visual story turned out to be pretty wordy here, haha! But I think I’m done. So, that’s about all for now.

Thanks for stopping by… I hope you enjoyed the illustration!

“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.”

Frank Gehry

by Janet

Wise Guy

The search of Ms. Maddie’s studio gave the investigative team little to go on, other than the identity of her jealous ex-boyfriend; Mr. Vito Cappelletti. Photographs of the couple were found on the credenza, and a small box of unopened letters from Mr. Cappelletti sat in the entryway.

The letters that he had written to Ms. Maddie displayed emotional inconsistencies – from “You’re the only one I’ll ever love my darling,” with pleas for their reconciliation, to anger and threats, such as “You’ll be sorry you witch.” There were certainly signs of narcissism – and motive. 

Vito owned Mamma Mia’s, a newer restaurant on the east side, and that’s where we met for my investigative interview. The large dining area had a romantic atmosphere – the only lighting in the room appeared to be the candles on each table, and soft Italian music played from small speakers that were hung high on the walls.

It was early in the day, long before opening time, and Vito sat alone at one of the tables near the bar. My body grew tense as I approached him. The Cappelletti name was well known in Jersey – for their involvement in ‘wise guy’ activity – and I’d never had dealings with these types in my small coastal town.

Vito smiled warmly and waved me over in a welcoming fashion, making me feel much more at ease. As soon as I sat down, a large older woman appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. Vito introduced her as “Mrs. Cappelletti,” – Vito’s mother.

“You want to eat?” She asked.

I told her no thank you, and turned to talk to Vito.

“You look hungry,” Mrs. Cappelletti interrupted. “Let me get you some macaroni and gravy.”

“No thank you. I just ate this morning.” I said reassuringly.

She vanished into the kitchen, and Vito and I talked for several minutes. He seemed shocked to hear of Ms. Maddie’s disappearance, and he had been out of the country on the day she’d gone missing. He showed me his stamped passport, and travel itinerary that was on his phone.

I was about to bring up the letters when Mrs. Cappelletti came rushing back from the kitchen – a bowl of hot food in her hands. 

“Here! Eat!” she smiled. “I made you macaroni and gravy.”

“No, no, I already ate.” I insisted.

Vito smiled and gave me a gentle nod. “Eat your macaroni.” 

So… I ate my macaroni.

Suspect number two had an alibi, and by the time I arrived back at the station – I was ready for a nap.

TO BE CONTINUED

This was fun because I used to be married to an Italian, and was surprised when my ex-mother-in-law called her spaghetti “macaroni and gravy.” It sounded so southern to me.

The illustration was fun too. I wanted to try lighting, making parts of the man hidden by shadows – but I haven’t been able to figure that out in Illustrator yet.

Anyway, that’s all for now. We still don’t have any good leads, but who knows what tomorrow might bring!?

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed!

Word of the Day Challenge: Macaroni

by Janet

Bosslady

As the team looked into the identity of Ms. Maddie’s jealous ex-boyfriend, I was busy reviewing my notes on Bodhi – and checking the database to see if he had any priors. Something about that boy didn’t feel right. 

The morning had been bright and clear, but a dark cloud cover was easing in, and by noon it hung over the city. As if the weather were a prediction of the day, an unanticipated visitor barged in and literally rained on my parade. 

“Someone here to see you Carter,” one of the staff hollered as he chased after the woman who was forcing her way to my door.

It was Ms. Maddie’s mother, and she introduced herself as Elle Lablanc. The woman was stunning, mind you, but underneath the allure there was a hellfire burning. She demanded to know where we were on the case, as her daughter had been missing for 72 hours by now.

As I assured her that we were doing everything we could, Mrs. Lablanc turned her back to me and stared out of the window facing downtown. 

“What about her studio on Sixth Street?” she asked. “Did you find anything there?”

I didn’t need to say anything. My expression said it all.

She turned quickly, leaned in my direction, and snarled. “You idiots!”

I remember, vividly, feeling the heat of her breath penetrate my skin. As if she had a powerful force at her control, the clouded sky turned electric blue, thunder rattled the office doors, and rain as thick as nails nearly shattered the window.

Mrs. Lablanc grabbed a pen and paper, wrote down the address of Ms. Maddie’s studio, and threw the paper on my desk. She slammed the door as she left my office, and suddenly the building lost all power. 

We were totally in the dark… and in more ways than one.

TO BE CONTINUED

It sounds like Mrs. Lablanc is a force to be reckoned with. Ha-Ha!

I’ll keep this short. It’s 4th of July here in the U.S.A. and the fireworks are booming at the moment (even though they are supposedly illegal in my town). For those of you in the States, I hope you had a nice holiday!

Thank you for reading… I hope enjoyed tonight’s segment of The Tale of Ms. Maddie, and/or my illustration of her mother – the all-powerful Mrs. Lablanc… looking out at downtown Fillmore (wherever that may be).

I cannot believe I’m done so early and that makes me want to sing… but I’ll spare you.

Until later,
Peace & Love!

Word of the Day Challenge: Powerful

Bosslady: a woman who can accomplish all tasks while remaining beautiful; a good looking woman in an authoritative position in a business (non-sexual); a woman who is successful without the aid of others (although others may help to make things more convenient). – Urban Dictionary