Sunday, November 22, 2015

#manlovesunday Blog hop--Ballon Fiesta

Jeff was asleep in the camp chair when Cindy and Danny returned from their flight. Cindy slapped him on the back of the head and said, “Wake up, sleepy head.”

He jumped out of his chair and immediately looked at his watch. It was nearing eight thirty, and Alex was nowhere in sight. He turned a three sixty to try to find Alex in the crowd, before he sat back down with a frown on his face. “Damn, I hope I didn’t miss him,” he muttered.

“What’s that?” Cindy asked. “You look disappointed about something.”

“It’s nothing.” He tried to sound cheerful, but it only came out sounding sad. “So how was your flight?” He tried to change the topic.

Cindy and Danny both started describing their morning flight, and Jeff had a hard time keeping up with them. Suddenly they both stopped talking at once and looked at something behind Jeff. He heard the rushed footsteps and the winded voice. “Sorry I’m late, we need to hurry to make the performance. I got a little caught up with my last interview.”

Alex was back! He hadn’t forgotten him after all. He couldn’t hide the smile on his face as he rose and turned to greet Alex. “Well let’s get going then.”

He didn’t even say good-bye to his sister as he took off with Alex. They rushed to the concert area and just managed to get there as the performance started.

They found an open spot on the grass, and Alex slipped his backpack off and unzipped a compartment. He handed the backpack to Jeff as he pulled out a vibrant, rainbow-colored Mexican style blanket. “Wow, a boy scout,” Jeff teased as Alex spread the blanket out on the grass.

“Nope, just been to tons of concerts here. One of the perks of the job really.” Alex smiled at him.

Alex sat down and motioned for Jeff to join him. The day was warming up nicely as they listened to the concert. At first they sat and watched the performance, but kept looking up toward the balloons in the sky.

“Do you mind if I make notes for work?” Alex asked as he opened his pack again. “This is one of the downsides of the job.” He grimaced as he looked over at Jeff.

“No, go right a head. I understand.” Jeff watched as Alex occasionally made notes in a little note pad he kept with him. Jeff was the first to recline back on his elbows, using the position to check out Alex. “It’s easier to see the balloons this way.” Jeff said. “This is pretty cool. Watching the balloons and listening to music. You’re lucky that you get paid to do this.”

Alex still sat with a little note book in his lap. “I know. I love my job some times.

“Just sometimes? If I got to go to concerts just to report on them Not long after, he lay back as well, and they quietly watched the bright colors drifting above them.

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Friday, November 20, 2015

Fundraiser for Eric Arvin

Fellow author Eric Arvin is still struggling after his brain surgery and his family is looking to purchase some exercise equipment that may help him recover a little bit more.

A GofundMe campaign has been set up for people to donate if they'd like. If you are in a position to give a little bit, then please think about it.

If you aren't interested in just giving money, we still have the Kickass Anthology of short stories available for sale in both Paperback and Kindle formats. The money is still being donated to Eric's Medical Fund so here is your chance to buy a book and help at the same time.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

#manlovesunday blog hop--Balloon Fiesta

People blanketed the field as they all waited to see the morning glow and mass ascension. The green of the grass became invisible under the sea of blue, brown, and red patches as the crowds wandered about. Safely off the field, Jeff sat in one of the folding camp chairs, watching the people scurry around the billowing fabric like ants. The colors of their jackets muted by the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds seen on so many of the balloons. The phewooo sound of the propane burners drowned out the sounds of thousands of people talking as the giant pillows of nylon in every imaginable color and pattern started to inflate.

He jumped when a voice behind him said, “Pretty isn’t it? I love this time of year when all the balloons show up.”

“Yeah, it’s nice,” Jeff replied, his eyes still on the kaleidoscope of colors inflating in front of him.

“I’m Alex Mullen, I work for one of the local radio stations in town. During the Fiesta, we play interviews from participants and visitors to the event. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”

Jeff couldn’t see the man standing behind him, but the voice intrigued him so he said, “Hi, Alex. Have a seat, and watch the display with me.” He gestured to the extra camp chairs around him, and watched as the man grabbed the chair to Jeff’s left. He swung a backpack off his back and pulled out a few items. Jeff had only gotten a glimpse of the man’s face before his shoulder-length blond hair fell forward when he reached out to set a recording device on the small table in front of them. Then he set up a wireless microphone.

That was all it took to spark Jeff’s interest as he introduced himself. “I’m Jeff. This is my first year here with my sister and brother-in-law’s balloon.”

Alex was still setting up his recording device, but he cocked his head a little toward Jeff and said, “Nice to meet you, Jeff.” After Alex finished setting up his devices, he sat back down and pulled out a small note pad and pen.
***
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