Mirror of Truth — Features from Atonement, TN

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Welcome back to Atonement, TN!

Annie's Antiques
Annie’s Antiques

Yes, this is my warped idea of taking a break — still making a weekly blog post.  However, the interactive serial stories really are much more labor intensive than these posts.  I actually am getting some writing done on Atonement in Bloom, my main novel in progress!

Update — Writing Process and ProgressAtonement_in_Bloom_1_03-24-2014

Previously I said I realized that I needed to divide and move around my chapter length magical prologue.  As “Racine” might say, Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit!  Did that ever make a lot of work. I’m happy to say that things are moving and shaking to my satisfaction. I expect to finish that work this weekend.

During that moving-around last weekend I wrote some new material.  I didn’t think it was much though, until I went back to check.  In addition to that arduous editing, I wrote 3,000 words of new story-line.  Since I write at a snail’s pace, I was very pleased with that.  Now I’m crossing my fingers that I make as much progress this weekend.

A New Feature — Annie’s Inventory Notes

Antique store front

Part of my purpose in these doing these posts is to make the setting and characters in the “Atonement” books more real to everyone. So each week I’ll share something about the town and/or its residents.

I had the idea for this “feature” when we did the opinion poll.  This post provides the first installment of Annie’s Inventory Notes.

Annie, the proprietor of Annie’s Antiques and Consignment Shop had a very minor role in the first book, Atonement, Tennessee.  I wouldn’t even describe her as a supporting character, the part was so small.

However, when I had the thought to do Annie’s Inventory Notes, I also had the idea to make Annie something a little out of the ordinary.  I’m not sure how much of her “unusual nature” will be revealed in Atonement in Bloom.  But I thought it might be fun for us to share the secret, here on my blog, that there’s more to Annie than meets the eye!Shop door bell

Adding to this mystery and secrecy, last time I mentioned that an unexpected new character popped up for book-2.  That character is Adelle, who happens to be Annie’s sister. The sisters will lend a mysterious vibe to the story

If you opened the door to Annie’s Antiques and Consignment Shop, you’d hear the old fashioned tinkle of a little bell attached to the door.  It wouldn’t be unusual for you to smell home-baked cookies. Often Annie has a tray of delicious cookies by the cash register.  So look for a recipe at the end of this post.

Now, here is the first installment of “Annie’s Inventory Notes.”  The timeline of this would have been in book-1.

Annie’s Inventory Notes: The Mirror of Truth and Justice Most PoeticAntique Store Inside Annies

Annie carefully cleaned the antique mirror.  The engraved text seemed clear, but she wanted to make sure she didn’t miss so much as a syllable.  “See in your reflection, truth and justice most poetic,” it read.

A chill went down Annie’s spine as she read the words.  Then a wave of nausea assailed her.  Most people wouldn’t have a strong physical reaction to a mystically infused object.  Although Annie looked like an ordinary woman, Annie wasn’t most people.  And the Mirror of Truth wasn’t just any mystical antique.

“Lady Justice,” she murmured with a shudder for blind justice.Mirror

Annie made a point of not looking directly into the mirror before covering it.

Her thoughts rushed as she tried to consider the best thing to do with the mirror.  However, Annie’s burden was that of non-interference.  She was to be a record-keeper, nothing more.  Providing a normal life for her sons depended on her complete abstinence from intervention.  No one could know what she sensed.  Certainly no one could know the things to which she bore witness over her lifetime in Atonement, Tennessee.

The shop bell rang.  The moment she saw Lacey Hampton walk into her store, Annie knew any decision about the Mirror of Truth was already out of her hands.

***

Annie’s Cookies

I searched the WordPress countryside for cookies that Annie might bake and give to her patrons. I found a charming blog called The Little Blue Mixer.  Coincidentally, that blogger is Anna!  Now, how cool is that? Anna’s treats made me think of the kind of things my fictional Annie might bake. So check out her blog, particularly the cookies below.

Apple Maple Sugar Cookies

Apple-Maple Cookies

https://thelittlebluemixer.wordpress.com/2015/10/02/apple-maple-sugar-cookies/

***

Copyright © 2015 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author or from Pinterest unless stated otherwise.

 

97 thoughts on “Mirror of Truth — Features from Atonement, TN”

  1. Pingback: 3 Bloom Things — Features from Atonement, TN | Teagan's Books

  5. I am so so happy to hear that your new routine/schedule re the blog is allowing you the time to write the next book….can’t wait. Meanwhile, this is another wonderfully inspiring and creative post. I wonder if your work colleagues understand exactly who they are working with – only one of the best creative minds around. xxx

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    1. Dear Janet, you are so very kind — thank you. As for work, this is my every-other-Friday-off… but I’m having trouble disengaging from a stressful week. I hope I can be more novel oriented this weekend. Maybe if I prowl my Pinterest page for Atonement, TN it will help get my head back into the book. Ah! And I think i see one of your magical hummingbirds zipping by to lend a hand. ❤ ⭐ Mega hugs. 🙂

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    1. Hi Kirt. I’m delighted to hear that. I appreciate you taking a moment to read and comment, and brighten this rainy day/night. Next time the post will get a little “crafty” around the town of Atonement, TN. 🙂 Wishing you a thriving Thursday. Hugs.

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  7. Dear Aquileana, it’s so nice of you to visit. You always see so much of my little “layers” — thank you. You validate that that I’m getting the subtleties across. I hope you are having a wonderful week. Huge hugs! 🙂 ⭐

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  8. Nice one, dear Teagan…
    I loved Annie’s Antiques and Consignment Shop, alongside the cookies by the cash register and… last but not least the Mirror of Truth… I think it was very eloquent that you have paradoxically chosen the mirror to reflect the idea of blind justice…
    Sending love and best wishes… Aquileana 🌟

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  9. I knew that Annie’s shop had a great potential! That mirror alone… What else did she get from Ralda, I have to re-read again. Oh I am just dying to read your new book! Way to go, Teagan! Hugs!!!

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    1. Hi Inese. You have brightened my gloomy rainy Wednesday. 😀 Well there was the brass bed; though she only had it briefly, Annie might have some notes. Some old sofas, who knows what else. But part of the secret we share here is that Annie’s records might go beyond her inventory….. (cue Twilight Zone music). 🙂
      Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment. You really did brighten this day. ⭐

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    1. LOL! Your comment made me happier than a camel on hump day! 😀 I’ve been trying to figure out ways to “make it work” to put a recipe in these posts. So I figured why not have cookies at the cash register. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. Have a wonder-filled rest of the week.

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    1. Hi Chitra — and thank you! I’m so happy that you enjoyed this “little ditty” (haha, that’s how i’ve come to think of these posts; like a quick little tune).
      I hope your week has been wonderful, and that the over-the-hump half will be even better. Huge hugs!

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    1. Hi Debby. Thanks so much for dropping by.
      Well… I could blame the cookies on John and Dan 😈 — they started it by writing about “beef” and making me hungry… but the truth is, a cookie recipe was a perfect fit for this post. Okay so, the real truth is, I love cookies… 😀 Hugs my friend.

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  13. I enjoyed learning more about your characters, Teagan, and reading about (and viewing) all the accessories that came up too. I like the door bell and the mirror. What I liked most was your obvious enthusiasm for writing. 😀

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  14. I think creating familiarity with your atonement setting and characters is a brilliant idea, Teagan. Mm… did you say, taking a break? Was that a tea-break perhaps? 😀

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    1. Thank you kindly, Kev. LOL, I just love all ya’ll too much to take a real break. Hmm you know, some tea would be really good right now. Great idea! I think I have some Chai tea in the cabinet… Have a wonder-filled week!

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  16. Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit, is this what you call taking a break teagan? Still good to read what’s happening though and your recipes.
    Hugs
    Laurie.

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    1. LOL, yes Laurie — I’m afraid so. Does that mean i’m addicted to my circle of friends here? If so, then that’s a good habit. 😀 Seriously though, this is a lot less work and time than my serial posts. Each serial post is like a short chapter of a book, and then I find and format all the illustrations and format the blog post. And edit. And proof… They’re a huge amount of work, especially since I work full time too. Yep… sadly this is my idea of a break. Great big hug!

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      1. Yes, I guess it does teagan. There’re worse things to be addicted too. I think you just like doing all that work, it’s obvious that it floats your boat. Keep it up, you’re doing a wonderful job.
        Hugs
        Laurie.

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    1. Why thank you, Suzanne. I’m glad you think so. I believe it’s nice to have a touch of undefined intrigue in this kind of story. Have a wonderful week! Hugs.
      PS: Suzanne, when I click your link, it takes me to some kind of WordPress landing page, not your page. Not sure what’s going on, but wanted you to know I tried to pay you a visit. Hugs.

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    2. I think I know what’s happening, Teagan. I signed up for WordPress under the name I was going to write an autobiography under at one time. I later changed my mind and decided to use my real name, but I couldn’t change it on WordPress without starting a whole new blog. My daughter helped me to start the present one. The name my blog is under is Patricia Ruth Susan. The web address is https://patriciaruthsusan.wordpress.com Sorry about the confusion.

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    1. Tee-hee! I am pleased you liked my antique store, Christoph. I’ve seen episodes of several TV shows or movies where they have a modern writer who has a quirk of using old fashioned typewriters like the ones in that picture. Practical me, all i can think is “Where do they buy the ribbons?” I’m sure there aren’t any in production any more… Thanks for taking a moment to comment. You have a marvelous Monday too, and Mega hugs!

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  20. I am so excited to read Atonement in Bloom, and I just love these posts, you are revealing more about the characters which makes them all the more interesting and you really do know how to keep us hungry for more. I have to say I am on the edge of my seat waiting for Bloom to be done. Congratulations on the major word count, 3K is a lot you are really busy my dear friend. Love the recipe too!!!

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    1. Hi Suzanne. I’m so happy to see you. You have encouraged me again.
      However, I was a little down because, despite adding a vacation day to extend my weekend, I didn’t do as well with adding new material (word count) this weekend; only 2,000 even with an additional day. 😦
      But I’m feeling good about the story-line, and how everything is coming together for the first half of the book. It feels “stronger” to me than I first thought (if using that word makes any sense).
      Thank you very much for taking time to read and comment. Glad you enjoyed the recipe too. I found a cute Halloween one for next weekend. Enjoy your preparations for trick-or-treat!
      I’m looking forward to your next post. Mega hugs!

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        1. You’re so kind. 🙂 I’m pleased with how the story is going. But so far I’ve basically been adding new material between the “old.” I’m afraid I’ll be even slower when I finish reworking the stuff I did earlier this year. But its been hugely helpful to me, having everyone’s feedback & encouragement here! I’m glad I decided to do these posts, rather than take an all out break. More hugs!

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  21. I have to add that Antique shops are full of stories with all the items they hold, Teagan, so I’m sure you are preparing us for some really good stories, twists and turns when it comes to Annie and Adelle. Any antique shop with freshly home baked cookies by the cash register would certainly get my vote, strange mirror inside of it or not.

    Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
    Hugs to you.

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    1. You know! I think I’ve been torturing myself, Hugh. I haven’t had a cookie in toooo long… and here I go adding them to this post!
      Well, I don’t think Annie or Adelle will come up with anything high tech like your “Truth App” but there’s still a world (or 2) of possibilities. Thanks so much for taking time to comment. Huge hugs!

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      1. Interesting that it is a ‘Truth Mirror’ though Teagan, or is it that it just shows anybody, looking into it, the truth. I know when I look in the mirror in the morning that I sometimes don’t like the truth looking back at me 🙂 Then I just go and get a haircut.

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        1. Ha! I don’t appreciate that particular truth looking back at me any time of day.
          The Mirror of Truth and Justice Most Poetic is mischievous. It might show an ordinary reflection… but sometimes it shows the truth of who you really are, and it just might throw in a bit of poetic justice as well, as it did in one part of “Atonement, Tennessee.” People seldom like seeing that kind of truth. But the mirror is neither bad nor good. Sometimes however, it’s a little too blunt. 😉

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  22. Love the mirror and the adjoining pictures. Wow. This post pulls readers in as if we / they are living the story and someone is giving the gossipy bits about some of the characters. What a fantastic approach, Teagan. The pictures helps make this world all the more real and as readers, we can’t hep but being drawn in. ❤ ❤ 🙂

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    1. Thank you-thank you Tess!!! That’s exactly what I mean to do (“living in the story; gossipy bits”). You’v given me valuable feedback.
      Next week’s is completely different, and a bit of a mishmash, but fun (i hope)!
      Thanks so very much for taking time to read and comment.
      I’ve been enjoying virtually traveling through Newfoundland with you. Mega hugs! ❤ 🙂

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  26. That was a really productive weekend and a great word count Teagan. I enjoyed the excerpt but as usual you finish at a critical juncture and leave me hanging.
    Hoping you have a Wonderful Week
    xxx Massive Hugs xxx

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    1. Hi David — I’m so happy to see you.
      Well, the results of Lacey Hampton buying the Mirror of Truth are told in “Atonement, Tennessee.” Although you’ll doubtless see more about that mirror here on the blog from time to time.
      Unfortunately I don’t think I’ve made nearly as much progress this weekend, but like they say — life happens.
      I enjoyed your diary post for this weekend. “Norwegian Wood” is still playing in my head. 🙂
      Mega hugs my friend.

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  27. Teagan, those cookies sound so good, but I am trying to cut out what little sweets I eat. But they are so tempting.
    How can a mirror be naughty? I need to read on. Very mysterious!

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    1. Oh what a frightful thought — no cookies?! :O
      Yes Michelle, that mirror gets up to some naughtiness in “Atonement, Tennessee” as it shows a couple of characters its opinion of their true selves. Hopefully next time it’s naughtiness will be more playful.
      Wishing you a wonder-filled week. Huge hugs.

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  28. Well thanks, Teagan, now I’m craving cookies…oh, who am I kidding, I was craving cookies anyway. 😉
    I’m not sure this qualifies as ‘taking a break’, but I have to admit, I’m kind of glad you’re not really taking a full-on break and are still here. 🙂
    Hope this weekend treats you well, dear one and megahugs for the week ahead. Now get back to writing! 😉

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    1. Hi Donna! Thank you about the break — that makes me feel good. 🙂
      Yes, it is a good weekend, and I’m trying to savor every minute of it. Monday will be here all too soon.
      I know what you mean about cookies… I think I crave them most of the time. 😉
      I’m so glad you took time to read and comment. Mega hugs right back!

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      1. While I appreciate your commenting back, Teagan, it strongly implies that you’re not writing your book, but I’m so glad to hear from you I’ll let it go. lol 😉
        Baking chocolate chip cookies right now – you inspired me, or most likely tempted me, again, who am I kidding, I’m a cookie junkie. 😉
        I love your writing and since I’ve just finished reading your book, ‘Atonement, Tennessee’ for the 2nd time, I was pleased to have more; apparently cookies aren’t the only thing I’m hooked on. 🙂
        Megahugs and all the best!

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        1. Dear Donna, you are so very kind. Thanks for being my conscious. My four-footed supervisor, Crystal, has been making sure I take frequent breaks to pay attention to her… 🐱
          Today I find that I’m still doing as much editing as writing, but heck — I’ve been a technical editor for 20 years… As much text as I moved around, some serious editing had to be done right away. But NaNoWriMo helped me learn to control my editor brain. Don’t think I’ll do WriMo this year though…
          Yum! Have a cookie for me, my friend. Sunshine super hugs. 😀

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          1. Came back to share this yet again…everyone should get to enjoy your writing. 🙂
            Yes, I had exactly one cookie, Teagan, heehee, just one. 😉
            I love editing the work of others, but I’m terrible at editing myself, although I’m much better than I once was, sort of. 😉
            Sunshine super megahugs!!! 🙂

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            1. Why thank you so much Donna. 🙂
              Now I’m actually going back to book 1 to see how much of something somebody saw, because I have to mention it in book 2. LOL. Not because it has a huge impact but because it’s a matter of editing, and getting the details right. Two things that have been the most helpful to me as an editor are:
              1. Wait a little while from the time it’s written before you edit (how long depends on how big the work is)
              2. Read it in a different format when you edit (example, turn the Word document into a PDF, a blog post – try looking at it on your TV screen rather than the computer)

              Have a wonder-filled, hug filled new week, my friend!

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    1. Oh that cauliflower/potato soup is one of my favorites! It sure hit the spot at lunch today. And now you have me feeling a nostalgic yen for patty-pan squash. Nice to have healthful jonesing for a change! 😀
      I confess to having a little fun with that mirror. It’s like a wild card. It seems there’s a bit of competition for it in “in Bloom.” But I don’t know how that’s going to go yet.
      Many thanks for taking time to read and comment, Kathryn. Mega hugs right back!

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    1. A friend who was my beta reader/proofreader for Atonement called it the “Naughty Mirror.” It does have a wicked sense of humor. LOL, but don’t be afraid, Melinda. The Mirror of Truth would only show you purple perfection! 😀 Hugs!

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  31. That’s a bloody cool looking mirror. So Annie has a mysterious sister, Adelle? I can only hope that part of the mystery is she’s extraordinarily adventurous like Adèle Blanc-Sec! I know, different times, different circumstances, but you never know. 😉

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    1. Hey Tim — it’s great to see you. Ha! (I had to Google Adèle Blanc-Sec. Now I want to read the series.) Well, how adventurous the sisters are remains to be seen, but I can’t let them take over the story. 😀 Maybe they need one of their own. Oh-oh… I think my Atonement universe just grew. A lot. LOL. Now you’ve gone and done it, Tim. Now I have an entirely new series, yammering inside my head for its books. 😀 Mega hugs!

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      1. I didn’t mean to start a new book — when you introduced Adelle the name reminded me of Adèle Blanc-Sec. I think you would also like the move “Les aventures extraordinaires d’Adèle Blanc-Sec”. It’s a really fun movie, but make sure you watch it in French with subtitles. I was told the dubbing is terrible.

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    1. Hi Mary! I know you know how hard that is for me Mary (the word count). Thanks for the encouraging words.
      LOL, as far as I’m concerned, cookies are the perfect breakfast food. Although I’ve got a pot of cauliflower/potato soup bubbling on the stove now. (Found it at Kathryn’s blog last year and love it. https://anotherfoodieblogger.wordpress.com/2014/10/19/creamy-cauliflower-and-potato-soup/ )
      Many thanks for taking a moment to read and comment.

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    1. Thank you John. I consider that a great compliment. You’ll be glad to know that the Mirror of Truth and Justice hasn’t finished with Atonement, TN. Not sure what the “naughty mirror” has in mind, but it will be around for “in Bloom” too.
      Stay safe and dry! Mega hugs!

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    1. Thank you Olga! That means a lot to me. I may reveal a little more about Annie and Adelle soon. I actually edited something about them out of this post today, because I didn’t want the post going in too many different directions. Many thanks for taking time to comment. Mega hugs my friend. 🙂

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