Coming in Spring — All Sorts of Things!

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Lulu looking tub bot Metropolis 9
With helpful angel-bots, Lulu gets ready for a bath. (Art by Rob Goldstein)

I’ve been painting accent walls.  Places that I don’t even have are sore!  I sure wish I had a couple of angel-bots to run a nice hot bath for me…  Hullaba Lulu may have been brash and uncouth, but she was one lucky flapper! 

My plate is full with putting my new home in order.  I’ve been gathering the day-to-day needs that I couldn’t bring with me.  Did you ever stop to think just how many different needful things you use in the course of a single day?  From the handy holder for the toothbrush (still on my “to get” list) in the morning, to the bedside water glass at night. (I know that glass is here somewhere…) 

Anyhow, I’m not back to full-steam-ahead blogging quite yet, but I’m getting there!  Even though I’ve been scarce in the blogosphere for a couple of months, I’ve actually been working on a few things.

Lulu blowing bubble
Lulu blowing a bubble (Art by Rob Goldstein)

On the Horizon

San Francisco artist, poet, and activist, Rob Goldstein and I are getting back together with another adventure for Lulu, Gramps, and the enigmatic Valentino.  This one is only a short story, not a serial.  I call it “One Million Years B-Lulu.”  It’s a little riff on “One Million Years BC,” which featured Raquel Welsh. 

Rob asked me to do a story with his illustrations. Don’t ask me why that particular scenario popped into my head.  I’ve told you that I’m just not wired right.  Rob will feature it at Sue Vincent‘s blog, but I’ll run it here as well. 

It’s a big horizon!

Snowy Railroad tracks Crossing Road Dan Antion
A Crossroad (Photo by Dan Antion)

Hang on — that’s not all!  Before Rob asked about a new Lulu story, I was already working on a mini series with blogger Dan Antion.   

But I’m getting ahead of myself!  The idea for this story started nearly a year ago.   I penned an intro episode, planning to make it into a serial.  The story was inspired by a Neil Diamond song that has always caught my imagination.  Being born in a small town in the deep south, the sultry words, “Hot August night, and the leaves hanging down, and the grass on the ground smelling sweet,” took root in my soul and stayed.  (I enjoy Diamond’s description of how the song came to be in this video, preceding the song.)

Yet I didn’t have time for a new serial.  However, like the words of the song, the story idea held on.  Now that I should have a little more writing time, the idea loomed large.  I wanted someone to bounce ideas around with, and create images.  Immediately I thought of Dan Antion. 

I wasn’t sure what Dan would say when I sent him the idea.  Partly because I told him that I’m also inspired for it by the old blues legend of the devil at the crossroads.  Also, I had no idea if he even liked Neil Diamond or the song. 

The Reader’s Digest version is that Dan was onboard.  He even went out right away, to a particular (railroad) crossroad that inspired him, to take photos. I should also mention that he went out into the harsh winter weather to take those pictures. 

The working title is “Brother Love.”

Although I’m not quite sure how I will work the opening I wrote last year into the new serial, I’m sharing it here as a teaser.  Originally, my thought was to use “things” from the Neil Diamond song to drive the new story.  I’m not sure if that will work for this collaborative incarnation of it, but here’s the original beginning.  The new serial will likely be different from this.  …Or maybe not.  I don’t know yet.

Tent for a revival meeting, Wikipedia

The Traveling Salvation Show

In the summer, leaves hung down so far, they almost reached the sweet-smelling grass on the ground.  Moths clung to the screen, attracted to the kitchen light.

I fanned myself futilely with a mimeographed flyer.  It did nothing to alleviate the heat of the night, and the cloying odor of the ink turned my stomach.  I stared at the wet circles on the formica tabletop as the ice melted in my glass of sweet tea.

At last a breeze!  It rustled the pages of the Pan Am calendar hanging on the wall.  August exclaimed “Back to Hawaii!” and boasted a man and woman disembarking a plane while greeted by hula dancers and musicians.  That scene was too farfetched for my imagination. 

I liked July better.  It showed a couple, suitcases in hand, laughing and walking fast.  Yes, I liked that one best.  They could be anyone, going anywhere… maybe the girl could even me.

The mimeographed flyer floated on the breeze from the table down to the cracked and faded linoleum floor.  Someone had left the ad on the front door ― Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show, it read.  It was odd for anyone to come around, witnessing or leaving things like that.  They rarely came all the way to the outside of town.  I was glad I missed them.

Mimeograph machine, Wikipedia

Thunder rumbled faintly, very far away.  Maybe there would be rain. 

Or maybe not, I thought as I put the damp glass to my forehead.

I crawled half-under the table to pick up the flyer.  The kitchen light flickered and popped, causing me to bump my head.  Then all the lights went out. 

The screen door creaked open.  Normally it would bang shut, but it closed softly.  At the sound of footsteps, I scrunched the rest of the way under the table.

***

Remember, this may or may not be part of my collaboration with Dan.  However, I wanted to share the origin with you.

So there you have it — the things that have been simmering away on my twisting brain’s back burner while I’ve been so scarce around the blogosphere!

And don’t forget!

Coming in Spring

Another Roaring Twenties Pantser Tale

Continuing the adventures of Pip and Granny, it’s…

Three Ingredients 2

A Ghost in the Kitchen!

Stay tuned, shieks and shebas!  

You’re the cat’s pajamas! 

***

Universal link to my Amazon Author Page

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USA:  The Three Things Serial Story: A Little 1920s Story Kindle 

Amazon UK

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USA:  Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I

Amazon UK

USA:  Atonement in Bloom

Amazon UK

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USA:  The Glowing Pigs, Snort Stories of Atonement, Tennessee

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USA:  Atonement, Tennessee

(E-book still on sale at 99¢ )

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This is a work of fiction.  Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright ©  2018 and 2019 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved. 

No part of this work 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.

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98 thoughts on “Coming in Spring — All Sorts of Things!”

  2. Pingback: #WordLessWednesday: Lulu, One Million Years BC – Art by Rob Goldstein

  4. Great sounding projects coming our way, Teagan. I am fascinated by Robert Johnson and the Crossroads deal. It’s always stuck in my mind as I love his music too, huge blues fan here. Also great to hear that Hullabaloo Lulu is coming back. And, so much luck and love sent to you and Crystal in your new home, and it will be your home the way you want it. xxx

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    1. Dear Adele — heartfelt thanks for this comment.
      You are a kindred spirit. I love delta blues and swamp blues. (If you haven’t heard the term “swamp blues” it’s more focused on the Louisiana area. My favorite is Tab Benoit and Louisiana Leroux.

      Mega hugs my friend.

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  6. Moving house must be good for your creativity Teagan, as it seems as though your creative fires have been burning. I love the Travelling Salvation Show, it has that redolent nostalgia that I always associate with the south even though I’ve never been there!

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    1. You are so kind, Andrea. I love Neil Diamond’s songs.
      I never attended one of those traveling tent meetings. Although the little church when I was growing up was much like that. I remember a few times they rented a big tent and put it on the property across the street. Individual churches would have a week of nightly “revival” meetings each year, with a visiting preacher. Although he usually was not from out of town (or traveling).
      Of course my path is completely different in my adulthood. But the memories are vivid.
      Thanks for taking time to visit. I look forward to catching up on my blogging visits soon. Mega hugs!

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    1. Hi Dyanna! Yes, I’m finally in my high desert cottage — yay! It was huge effort both preparing and actually getting here. Yet so much work to do now that I’m here. But this is the good work. 🙂
      I’m so glad you liked that opening. I wasn’t sure what to do with the story after I brought Dan in to collaborate. (Whether to keep that scene or even that feeling.) A couple of readers have liked it. So maybe I will keep it.
      Thanks for reblogging. Great big hug!

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  8. I’ve been MIA lately, too, but glad I stopped by to catch up with your move and simmering creativity/collaborations…I love the tension in the story, on this early day in spring, I feel like I’ve just spent some time down South!

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    1. It’s great to see you, Kim. I love doing collaborations like these, so I’m excited about it. Two vastly different stories.
      When I wrote that original intro, I was deeply inside that “hot August night” memory of the heat and humidity when I was a kid, before my family had an air conditioner. It’s not something I’ll forget (much as I’d like to!) LOL. Hugs.

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  11. Teagan, I missed the moving news, and I’m happy to catch up on your life transition to the “NM desert.” (big smile). DC’s in the rear view mirror for good! The Rob & Dan collaboration will produce an incredible story. The excerpt is compelling! Happy settling into your new home. 🏡 Huge hugs! 💖 Christine

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    1. Christine, it’s lovely to see you, my friend. Yes, I would say that I had the divine vision — DC in the rear-view mirror. But I was so preoccupied with traffic and intense merging/changing of roads, that I missed it. Even on a Sunday morning (into afternoon) I drove 3 hours before I got out of traffic.
      I love my new little city.
      Yes, I’m excited to be working with Rob again, and about this serial with Dan too. Mega hugs right back! ❤

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          1. OMG…Glen Miller band! Thanks! It brings back memories! My Dad played the trombone in local bands, and my grandfather was first & solo trumpet in Detroit, Philadelphia, NYC, and Boston symphonies. 💛🎶😘

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  12. I love all the exciting things you’ve got cooking, Teagan!! I know it is going to be entertaining, whatever you crank out! I loved this little snippet. It holds all sorts of possibilities!

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    1. Hi Lavinia! Thanks so much. Yes, I love doing collaborations. I’m particularly excited about these two. I need to catch up with your wonderful newsletters. Happy Caturday and chin rubs to all the kitties. Mega hugs, my friend.

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    1. Hi Jacquie! I appreciate your Facebook likes and comments. I am very pleased with the paint colors for the accent walls. The blue-green really hits the spot with me! I haven’t seen my main color (for the most of the house) on a full wall yet, but I know I will like it. Those 2 walls just sparkle. It encourages me for the rest of the house, but holy Hannah! What a huge job… Not to mention all the fumes. I’d better keep at it before it gets too desert hot to open the windows…
      Thanks for visiting. Mega hugs!

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  16. Bravo on the collaborations, Teagan. They will be entertaining I’m sure. Your teaser on Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show was intriguing. I also love that song and it is a fitting prompt for a story. My favorite lines
    “Room gets suddenly still
    And when you’d almost bet
    You could hear yourself sweat, he walks in
    Eyes black as coal
    And when he lifts his face
    Every ear in the place is on him.”
    Hope all is well.Hugs

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    1. John, that’s my favorite part too. Gives me goosebumps every time! I’m not sure where I’m going with that story, but I’m excited about it. I told Dan I don’t know how long I will take with it, but he said he’s still onboard.
      Thanks for this comment. I miss visiting your place.
      All is well thanks, just working a bit too hard.
      I spoke to the movers this morning. They might be a day early. I’ll be glad to have my piano in my new cottage. Much as I love it, I didn’t enjoy playing in DC (so I rarely did), because I didn’t want the neighbors on the other side of the walls to hear me. Now, they’ll still probably hear me if they are outside… but I don’t think I mind.
      Happy weekend hugs, my friend. ❤

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  17. How exciting to have two collabs in the works! I’m looking forward to seeing and reading your collab with Rob, and the other one with Dan!

    I hope you find your glass and get a long soak in the tub to smooth out those kinks in the muscles soon! xx

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    1. Ha! Deborah, I’ve found, and re-lost that glass and a dozen other things repeatedly. I started labeling cabinets and drawers, but got sidetracked by so many things to do.
      After painting baseboards at the living room accent walls, I went back to cleaning — attacking the master closet. It’s rather nice, but like everything else, needs paint. I’ll do something fun with it, since no one will see it. 🙂
      Sigh… un-kinked muscles would be really nice. Mega hugs!

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  19. I’m glad you’re making progress on your new home. Maybe an epsom salt bath will help the soreness.

    You’ve got a ton on your plate before the writing. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Hugs.

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    1. Hi Staci. Heartfelt thanks for visiting with your encouraging words. Yes progress. If I made a list it would not look like so much…I guess they are just big chores — for me anyhow. Looking forward to catching up at your place soon. Mega hugs right back!

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  20. The fun has begun! Now you can enjoy making all those places you don’t have sore while enjoying a place of your own in the Land of Enchantment. Congratulations on making the journey. And a big thanks to Christoph for his generous offer that inspired you to finally heed the Call of the West.

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    1. It’s good to see you, Tim. Heartfelt thanks for this comment.
      I hope you and the kitties have had a lovely Caturday. Crystal had me worried today — sleeping so much and not eating enough. But she’s eating some, drinking water quite well. Maybe she’s just enjoying a lazy Caturday. I worry ceaselessly anyway. She seems okay, except for being more lazy than usual.
      Anyhow, happy weekend hugs to you and yours.

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      1. She’s probably recovering. Your at least 4,000 feet higher than you were in DC. I would think that would make Crystal want to be lazy.

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        1. I’m sure you’re right, Tim. And she is drinking water quite well, even if she’s not eating right. Typically she is not good about drinking water. So I’m relieved about that. She tried to sneak a drink from my big plastic water cup. So I gave her that to drink from (in addition to her bowl) and keep if filled to the top so she can reach it without putting her whole head down the cup. (I donated all my dishes to save moving expenses, so I got disposable plastic cups for the interim. That’s the kind of cup I mean, the big bright colored ones. I guess she likes having what she thinks is mine, but she really sees to like drinking from that cup! LOL)

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          1. Our kitties love sneaking drinks from our water cups. We also have to keep an old distilled water jug full of water on the table for them to drink out of also.

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  22. I bet while painting, your mind is set free to imagine all kinds of new story and blog ideas. I’m glad to hear you’ve been able to come up with new ones even during all the stress and worry you’ve been living through lately. Your collaborations sound exciting. Congratulations on what you’ve accomplished when you thought it impossible. Enjoy your weekend! ❤

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    1. I need to go back to cleaning today. I tend to have more creative thoughts then, so I hope you’re right, Mary. ❤ Haha… my main thought while painting was about not falling off my little step while stretching on tiptoes for the ceiling. (I didn't wait for my step ladder to arrive.) And trying not to get yet another color splotch on the ceiling…. I'm not a good painter. :/ I'm really liking the colors I picked though.
      Heartfelt thanks for all your encouragement, Mary. It means a lot to me.

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  24. Even if it’s a slow process, I’m glad to hear things are coming together with the house. 🙂

    I look forward to the new LuLu collaboration with Rob.That’s awesome!

    As for the other story–oh, wow! I am utterly fascinated by folklore, including crossroads, and the old legends attached to them. I’m guessing you probably already know the tale of legendary blues musician, Robert Johnson. You’ve got great stuff lined up, Teagan. Can’t wait!

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    1. It’s lovely to see you, Mae. Oh, I love delta blues and “swamp blues.” Yes, I’m familiar with the myth around Mr. Johnson. I won’t do more than hint at the myth (I don’t think), but you never know who might become a character. 😉 😈
      Heartfelt thanks for your encouragement. Mega hugs!

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  26. I hope you manage to find that glass, and get those places painted. I look forward to a lot of fine reading and I am excited about working with you on that series. The only thing I’ve learned so far is that it’s hard to guess where Teagan’s mind is heading (but it’s a good place).

    I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Dan, I can’t wait to really get to work on our story! When something hangs around my brain so long, surely it must be good… Or I hope so.
      LOL, I’ve found that water glass several times. I just keep forgetting where I’ve found all the stuff. I need to hurry and finish cleaning all the cabinets and closets so that I can get organized. It’s just that there are so many things that need to be done all at the same time… Also the movers will be here with all my boxes in a couple of days.
      I’m loving it here though. I hope you’re feeling completely well now. Happy weekend hugs!

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  27. Wow! You’re going to be busy in all fronts! Great news. I couldn’t help but notice the background to the mimeograph machine. It might have been accidental, but it will have me thinking… I’m terrible at painting and am suffering a back ache at the moment already, so I’ll be thinking of you. All the best, Teagan!

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    1. Oh no, Olga… I can soooo commiserate about the backache. That’s a miserable thing. I hope it is better very soon.
      When I was developing this story as my next (then intended) serial, I was going to continue the “real world notes” feature I’ve been using. The mimeograph was meant for that.
      The general time frame I saw for that story would have been late 50s to mid 60s. I still remember the smell of the ink of the mimeograph at my elementary (or grade) school. They were probably fallen out of use by the mid to late 60s, when I was in grade school, but it was a poor rural school, so they only had a mimeograph, not a copy machine. It’s amazing what a strong memory “smell” can be.
      Hugs on the wing!

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  29. I’m very happy to read here that you have found your soul of creation again in your new home (world?) wonderful ideas and I love your original story 🙂 I don’t know Dan but as I know your works with Robert, excellent idea 👍 stay tuned ❤ ❤
    PS; I like Neil Diamond, a great musician 🙂

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    1. Heartfelt thanks, dear Magician. I will be busy for a while yet, setting up my home. I’m excited that the movers will be here soon, and I’ll finally have my piano again! I didn’t like to play it, the 10 years in DC — I didn’t like my neighbors hearing me… mostly because I did not like having to hear *them*! LOL. Now, I hope to play and play. And write. 😉 😀
      I always liked Neil Diamond. His words and music often touched my soul. Thanks for your encouraging words. You’re the cat’s pajamas!

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      1. Thank you my dear Teagan, it is nice to have a piano and much nicer to know that you play on it 🙂 ❤ I have also a small electrical one, I can;t play, I say but my wife says I can!! 😏 and I must give a concert once!! 😮 anyway, take care and stand up again ❤ ❤

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    1. Thanks for that validation, Robbie. I needed that. There were many trying moments. Some of those moments stretched to hours. I could actually make some of them funny/comical — but that might be a little too much personal information! Particularly that long stretch with no bathroom (after I got to the state of New Mexico, but was still far from home)! How could there be too much traffic on a long 2-lane country highway, that I couldn’t get a moment of privacy (combined with a clear “shoulder” where I could even pull off the road?! LOL.
      The next-door neighbor’s hound dog, who keeps suddenly jumping with head and shoulders above the brick courtyard wall, to give a loud bass bark at me (will surely show up as a character in a book!), startles me every time. I think he/she sneaks to do so on purpose. 😉
      Hugs on the wing!

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    1. Hi Rob. No worries. If Sue does not choose to run it as your guest post, Lulu’s next story will always have life here. The movers will be here with my piano and a multitude of boxes in a couple of days. Hopefully, the week of April 7, i will have time to start writing again. Hugs on the wing!

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  32. Glad you are getting settled. Yes painting can find muscles you didn’t know you had:) I like the beginnig of the story and how the idea came to you a song:) I look forward to all the future works and collaborations. Great art and pics too !

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    1. Thanks Carol. I’m looking forward to finally having my life back into some semblance of order, so that I can start visiting all my favorite blogs again. I know you must have cooked up all sorts of amazing posts while I’ve been gone. Mega hugs!

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  34. I am so happy you made it to your new home. Congratulations Teagan, you did it. I could have never driven 2000 miles in two days. Can’t wait to read all your new stories and the old ones.

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    1. That kind of punishing drive is not anything I’d recommend, Gerlinde. As with most things in my life, I managed to do what I had no choice but to do alone. Christoph gave me the courage to go, when he offered to fly all the way from Wales to make the drive with me. Imagine, that trans-Atlantic flight, immediately followed by a 2000 mile drive, and then turn right around and fly back (not to mention all the plane changes)… I told myself that if he could (be willing to) do all that, then surely I could handle the driving and loading/unloading the car for stops. … Unfortunately Crystal was still too stressed out to pee when I stopped. In knew that for her sake, I had to hurry and get us to our new home.
      Now we’re home. I’m trying to create a new life where I’m doing what I *want* to do, not somehow always managing to do what one person isn’t able to do. Doing what I *want* to do, not what I *have not choice but to do.*
      Here is not the same kind of beauty as your breathtaking Sunny Cove, but it is gorgeous to me. This is the place.
      Happy weekend hugs! ❤

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