River Magic

Photo Credit: Valeria Nikitini

“Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, more loving.” ~ Madeleine L’Engle

This month I’m sharing stories written from my heart and today’s blog is another Grandma story. I was so pleased with how readers responded to Squirrel Smarts, it inspired me to write River Magic. I hope you enjoy it, dear reader, and I look forward to hearing your comments.

“Grandma! Look!” I shouted.

            In my excitement I forgot what Grandma told me, about using my soft voice on our nature walks.

            “I think it’s some kind of fish!” I said, quieter this time. “What do you think?”

            “Where, dear child?’ Grandma said. She raised her hand to shade her eyes from the bright afternoon sun and looked in the direction I was pointing, where I’d just seen a flash of silver.

            “Right there!” I said, just as another glimmer caught my eye. I felt a little frustrated, but then I remembered Grandma’s eyes aren’t as good as mine, even though she wears glasses. “It’s just past the bridge, near the other shore.”

            “Oh, I see it now,” Grandma said, chuckling softly. “You’re right, dear child, it is a fish. Looks like it might be a pickerel. That’s rare you know, to see one in this brown, murky river.”

            “Maybe it’s a magical fish?” I pondered, remembering Grandma’s story about hummingbirds being spirit-messengers. “Maybe that’s why I spotted it? Maybe it has a message for me?”

            “That very well could be,” Grandma said. “Like I said, it isn’t common to spot one, especially from here. But I suspect it’s the river that is magical.”

            “It’s moving so fast, I can barely see it now,” I whispered. I felt a little sad. I didn’t want the silver fish to disappear from my sight. Even if it wasn’t magical. I liked it. “How does that little fish swim so fast?”

            “Because it’s in flow with the current,” Grandma said. “It’s like that for all living things you know. When we go with the flow, we go further, faster.”

            “What do you mean?” I asked. “And what’s a current? I thought it was something like a raisin?”

            “That’s a different kind of currant,” Grandma laughed. “You are such a clever child. The current I’m talking about is a part of the river. It is an invisible force that connects every living thing in the river.”

            “That sure sounds like magic to me,” I said. I stopped to stare into the distance, but I could no longer see the flash of silver moving through the water. I reached for Grandma’s hand, and we continued walking along the river edge in silence. I couldn’t stop thinking about the current and the magical invisible force that connects everything.

            “Grandma, is there an invisible current connecting us?” I asked. “Or is it only in the river?”

            “That’s a very good question,” Grandma said. “It depends who you ask. I don’t claim to know the scientific answers, but I do believe that every living thing is connected by an invisible force. I like to call it God, but different people call it different things, and some people don’t believe it exists.”

            “Like how Tommy doesn’t believe in Santa?” I asked.

            “Yeah, I suppose it is a bit like that,” Grandma said.

            “Well, I believe in Santa,” I said. “And fairies, and leprechauns, and magic, and invisible forces.” I paused for a moment. “And God too, just like you.”

            Grandma squeezed my hand, and I felt a tingle go up my arm. I imagined it was one of those invisible forces she was talking about, and it made my heart feel warm. I pictured my heart inside my chest like a bright flame on a candle. I pictured a current like the one in the river flowing between Grandma and me. I felt happy.

            “I love you Grandma,” I said.

            “I love you, dear child,” Grandma said.

            “Do you think maybe it’s time to go home?” I asked. I was picturing a mug of hot chocolate with melty mini marshmallows floating on top.

            “Okay,” Grandma said. “You lead the way.”

            COMING UP…

Books & Projects:

·      All four of my books are available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and Barnes & Noble. You can also find them at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.

·      I am pursuing representation from a traditional publisher for my fifth literary fiction, a psychological drama that explores the complexities of mental illness and trauma. Stay in touch by signing up for my blog or following me on social media to find out when it will be published.

Reviews & Interviews:

·      You can read, listen, or watch a large selection of reviews and interviews on my website.

Events:

·      There are no events currently scheduled in my calendar.

YouTube Channel:

·      Watch The Rogue Scorpion trailer.

·      Watch The Holding trailer.

·      Watch The Healing trailer.