Week 10 Storytelling: A New Face in This Part of The Wild West

A New Face in This Part of The Wild West

Talented, handsome, witty, and bold. 

His voice was deep and raspy. His breath smelt of sweet tobacco from the cigar he typically kept in the mouth. He spoke words slow and sweet paying attention to those who observed him, but he rarely spoke at all. His lips pursed together to form a line, and his brow was usually furrowed. He was tall and slender, his clothes hung a little loose, but he was toned and strong.

His skin was thick and dark, tanned by the sun. His golden color contrasted his eyes. They were a foggy green, beautifully unique. His hair was brown and covered by his hat, but his beard was blond, bleached by the sun. 

He was slow to anger but quick to draw. He could sling pistols better than anyone who ever crossed him, and that was exactly what he was traveling across the West to do. 

"Bad guys go runnin' Whenever he's in town. He's the rootinest, tootinest. Shootinest, hootinest cowboy around", and His name was Eastwood. Arjuna Eastwood. 

On a quiet, smoldering, dusty afternoon Arjuna rode his trusty horse Cantu into a city he'd never visited, Tombstone. 

Arjuna was famous in several towns throughout the western region. Arjuna was known for defending towns that were being attacked by the Indian people. 


It wasn't that Arjuna disliked the natives. He didn't enjoy taking down their tribes, but he needed to make a living. You see, a man like Arjuna makes of list of his priorities, and he will let nothing and no-one stand in his way. Arjunas momma was back up North, and she was sick. Really sick. Arjuna had made it his life mission to provide for her in any way he can, and shooting down native tribes for the western towns paid well. Real well.

You see Arjuna had taken down whole tribes of natives all by himself, so when Tombstone started experiencing problems with the natives invading their town, stealing their things, and murdering their people out of anger.. the sheriff knew exactly who to call. 

Arjuna did not pay much thought to Tombstone as he trotted in. The town looked just as dead, dusty and dry as all the other towns he had worked for.

Arjuna knew nothing about the people and didn't really care too. Arjuna knew that getting close to people was nothing but a distraction, so he didn't talk to anyone much at all. 

One dry afternoon, Arjuna was sitting on the porch of the town saloon owned by the town's very own Rama. 

Arjuna had a pair of binoculars and 2 quick draw handguns at his side. If any tribes came, by the tens or 20's that would be enough. He was sure. 

All of the sudden, Arjuna becomes alerted, he yelled one and only one word. "INDIANS."

The town folk ran this way and that and in almost an instant the town looked abandoned. Everyone had fled to hiding, everyone but Arjuna.  But as the 3 men on horses got closer, Arjuna realized it was not Indians.. it was his 2 cousins and the sheriff from his hometown.

Arjuna knew, instantly. His mother had died. 

Image Information: Arjuna

Author: Illusion

Source: Wikimedia

Image Information: Clint Eastwood (Arjuna)

Author: Sergio Leone

Source: Wikimedia

Authors Note:
I wanted to take what I had gathered from the Mahabharata and developed my first character for the Wild West. I took an interest in Arjuna and want him to be the town heartthrob. (Maybe Rama will be in my storybook). I think that I needed a strong male character to carry over into my story book. If you have any suggestions on character development for Arjuna, PLEASE tell. I would like to tie the narration of the sheriff into this story so it could go into my storybook. I think of Arjuna kind of like Gaston from Beauty and the Beast, but less hateful if you know what I mean. I feel as though his character his misunderstood. Maybe in my storybook, there can be a back story by the sheriff. HE could explain Arjunas situation with his mother. I love the image I picked here because it reminds me exactly of the vibe and character I was going for. Plus it is young Clint Eastwood. What more could a reader as for. Maybe Arjuna can become great friends with the other characters in tombstone, his mom might pass away, but then Arjuna could stay because he had no reason to leave. 


Source:

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition
http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/r/randy+newman/woodys+roundup_20804643.html

Week 11 Story Planning

Story Planning

"The oldest princesses returned to her love.. and Bhisma didn't care. So why kidnap them in the first place. The 2 princesses that stayed seems unwise. Amba belonged to Bhisma but why? He could never marry. Amba kind of did ruin her life. Her anger was a little much though. Why wasn't she more mad at the kind brother.  The fight scene is intense. They cannot kill each other, so Bhisma's will prevailed. "

I liked this part of the Mahabharata. I like the idea that Amba "belonged per say to Bhisma, but Bhisma WOULD NOT BREAK his vow to celibacy. I think her revenge plot comes out of a place of hurt which is not fair but makes for an interesting story.

I want to write where Amba actually marries another man who she convinces to kill Bhisma because of rivalry. Little will the new husband know, Bhisma cannot be killed. 

There will be a battle scene that  I could potentially later make into a gun fight scene although I had not originally intended using any of these characters in my storybook. 

OR, what is Amba has a daughter with a new man and constantly uses her to seduce Bhisma until he gives in, and he dies immediately?

I also like the idea of writing about the 3 brothers who Bhisma trained. One of those brothers could end up being one of they boys in Tombstone in my storybook. I have to be careful not to over-introduce characters because I want the readers of my storybook to feel like they have an understanding of the characters I do write about.

I wonder if it would be too difficult to cross reference a lot of characters.

"

Renaming of Devavrata to Bhisman reminds me of Paul to Saul in the Bible. Bhisma stealing princesses. That is intense. He could've just asked some girls if they wanted to marry a king." 

This part of my notes reminds me of Mario when browser always steals the princesses. What if Bhishma took 3 girls from Tombstone and Rama or someone has to go hunt down Sita who happens to be one of the sisters. That could be cool. 

Image Information: Oath of Bhisma

Author: Ramnadayandatta Shastri Pandey

Source: Wikimedia

Title: Mahabharata

Author: Epified TV (India)

Year: 2015

Week 9 Storytelling: One Tough Tornado

One Tough Tornado

It had not been raining long when Krishna got a call from the town sheriff.

Sherif: "Krishna, it's not looking good out tonight. I believe there is a storm rolling in. A storm bigger than any of us town folk has ever experienced. The people are scared. I have questions about what everyone needs to do, and I don't have any answers. Can you help me, partner."

Krishna: "Well Sheriff, I do reckon you're right. This storm looks mighty big. Now, I don't have a lot of advice in regards to the questions, but I got an idea for staying safe from this storm."

Sheriff: "Well boy we ain't got much time so tell me what you're thinking?"

Krishna: "I'll call you soon, let me see what I can do."

Krishna hung up the phone with dozens of ideas circling in his mind. The town folks were scared, but they had options. Krishna had seen storms before. Krishna figured that everyone could load up brave the rain and head east to calmer lands, but that came with the risk of running into unfriendly outlaws. The sheriff wouldn't go for that. Krishna also considered a few other options before settling on creating a shelter for the town folk.

Krishna called the sheriff back.

Sheriff: "Krishna, please tell me you've come up with a solution."

Krishna: "Yes sir, do you recall if those old tunnels are still under the WindyDay Saloon?"

Sheriff: "I believe they are, no one has been down there in years.. can that be a good solution?

Krishna: "Sir I think its the only option we have, and honest we don't have much time. Meet me at the saloon with all the town folk you can find in ten minutes. You can not afford to be late."
Krishna hung up once more. He started sending all those he crossed to the saloon. He had 8 minutes until he needed to meet the sheriff. As Krishna looked to the west the skies were dark, the wind was screaming, and the whirlwind of chaos was moving toward the city at speeds unseen. A tornado was about to hit the town.

Krishna made it to the saloon with 2 minutes to spare. The sheriff and townspeople were in a panic. Krishna lead them all to the tunnels he had asked the sheriff about previously. Once all were underground and secure, Krishna stepped back outside to check the status of the storm. It was getting closer and closer. Krishna was a western man and followed few rules, but knew if the God his momma always told him about were real He would be the only one who could save the town now. At that moment, as the tornado reached the edge of the town blowing the pig feeders, hay bails, and rocking chairs array Krishna hit his knees and reached his hands toward the sky.
Krishan with outstretched arms prayed.

Krishna: "God, if you exist spare this town for they are good people. Calm Your winds and cease Your rain."

Seconds later, the rain stopped, the winds died, and the setting sun broke behind the horizon.
A little boy who had not made it to the tunnels was watching big eyed and terrified from a shop window nearby.  As the townspeople emerged from the tunnels and saw the storm had ceased they were relieved. The little boy ran into the crowd of emerging people and was retelling what he had witnessed.

They boy spoke and said, "I saw Krishna on his knees in the midst of the storm with arms outreached. It was like he strangled the tornado."

Authors Note: I wanted to take an approach with this story using Krishna strangling the Tornado. I feel like the story makes a lot more sense if you have knowledge of the original epic.  I felt like the tornado was exactly what the Wild West theme in my storybook was going for. While some elements ty to my storybook, I hope to change the title and character names for my storybook, but my creative juices were flowing as written, so I didn't want to alter the direction I felt I was taking this story. I'd consider this a story to inspire a better more elaborate, edited version of the story I hope to add to my storybook.

Sources

Title: Krishna
Author: Epified TV (India)
Year: 2015

Image Information: Krishna Eating Butter

Author: Shrinet27

Source: Wikimedia

Week 7 Story Planning: A New Face in This Part of The Wild West

A New Face in This Part of The Wild West

Talented, handsome, witty, and bold. 

His voice was deep and raspy. His breath smelt of sweet tobacco from the cigar he typically kept in the mouth. He spoke words slow and sweet paying attention to those who observed him, but he rarely spoke at all. His lips pursed together to form a line, and his brow was usually furrowed. He was tall and slender, his clothes hung a little loose, but he was toned and strong.

His skin was thick and dark, tanned by the sun. His golden color contrasted his eyes. They were a foggy green, beautifully unique. His hair was brown and covered by his hat, but his beard was blond, bleached by the sun. 

He was slow to anger but quick to draw. He could sling pistols better than anyone who ever crossed him, and that was exactly what he was traveling across the West to do. 

"Bad guys go runnin' Whenever he's in town. He's the rootinest, tootinest. Shootinest, hootinest cowboy around", and His name was Eastwood. Arjuna Eastwood. 

Image Information: Arjuna

Author: Illusion

Source: Wikimedia

Image Information: Clint Eastwood (Arjuna)

Author: Sergio Leone

Source: Wikimedia

Authors Note:
I wanted to take what I had gathered from the Mahabharata and developed my first character for the Wild West. I took an interest in Arjuna and want him to be the town heartthrob. (Maybe Rama will be in my storybook). I think that I needed a strong male character to carry over into my story book. If you have any suggestions on character development for Arjuna, PLEASE tell. 

Side thoughts for continuation: 
Arjuna was famous in several towns throughout the western region. Arjuna was known for defending towns that were being attacked by the Indian people. 

It wasn't that Arjuna disliked the natives. He didn't enjoy taking down their tribes, but he needed to make a living. You see, a man like Arjuna makes of list of his priorities and will let nothing and no-one stand in his way. Arjunas momma was back up North, and she was sick. Really sick. Arjuna had made it his life mission to provide for her in any way he can, and shooting down Indian tribes for the western towns paid well. Real well. 


On a quiet, smoldering, dusty afternoon Arjuna rode his trusty horse Cantu into a city he'd never visited, El Santo.

Source:

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition
http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/r/randy+newman/woodys+roundup_20804643.html

Week 5 Story: Sad Day Under the Sea

Sad Day Under the Sea

Once upon a time in the deep blue sea, there lived a beautiful young mermaid named Sita. Sita was the daughter of the most powerful sea king to ever rule. Sita loved to hang out with her sea creature friends and collect items from the dry lands. Sita had a collection of several items humans had lost to the sea. She admired them daily as she daydreamed of life on land. Sita's 18th birthday was approaching, and she dreaded it for she knew that on her 18th birthday she would be wed to the merman Ravana. Sita's father felt Ravana was the most eligible merman in all the sea to marry his beautiful princess. On a wavy Tuesday afternoon, 3 days before Sita's birthday, she met with Ravana to talk about the arrangements. Ravana made his intentions very clearly explaining to Sita that she would be his wife, tend to his needs, and look pretty. She was to do no more and no less.

This infuriated Sita for she knew that meant giving up her hobby of collecting the humans lost treasures. In one swift flip of the fin, Sita smacked Ravana across the face and swam away. Sita cried and swam for what felt like hours. When the beautiful mermaid finally began collecting herself, she noticed something shiny about a quarter of a mile away. She quickly swam over to notice a fishing weight that had came loose from a fishing rod. She swam to the surface to see a good-looking man fishing on the shore. She had never felt so swoon. Sita swam to the man to get a closer look. When he noticed her, he called to her, and she swam to him. He reached down looked into her eyes and knew instantly he had to have her.

He explained to her his desires to be close to her, and she further explained her situation with Ravana and her birthday.  Rama told Sita he knew a witch who could temporarily make her human if she pleased, but it lasted only 3 days. Sita realized if she agreed to be made human she would get to experience a life she had always fantasized about, but also realized that she would become a mermaid again on the day she was to marry Ravana. Never the less she agreed. Within hours Sita had spoken to a witch, consumed a magic potion, and grown legs. She immediately left with the man Rama. The couple spent the next two days in relation with one another. on the third day Sita's legs disappeared, and she swam back to her home reef.

Hours later Sita prepared for her wedding to Ravana with no complaint for she felt guilty of her time on the dry land. By the end of the day, Sita was married to Ravana and secretly loathing herself for her actions. Sita spent the first 6 weeks of her marriage just as Ravana had expected of her, but one day Sita went into shock. Something within her had changed, Sita realized she was pregnant, and she wasn't sure if they were Ravana's or Rama the dry land mans.

What would Sita do next??

The Mermaid and Her Man

Image Information: Illustration by H. J. Ford for Andrew Lang's "The Brown Fairy Book."

Author: H. J. Ford illustrator

Source: Wikimedia

Authors Note: 

I wrote this with the idea of it resembling the little mermaid, but as I was writing I didn't know where to take it and I couldn't come up with much surrounding my previously expressed direction options. So, I just wrote as I went with no sense of direction. I had no idea where I wanted the story to go, so instead of writing an ending, I just stopped. This week was a struggle for me. 

Source: 

Your Name Here presents in association with Your Money; a Funded by You production; a film by Nina Paley; written by Nina Paley; directed by Nina Paley; produced by Nina Paley. (2008). Sita sings the blues. [San Francisco]: Nina Paley Productions, LLC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzTg7YXuy34&feature=youtu.be

Week 4 Story Planning: Sad Day Under the Sea

I want to write a story of The Ramayana as an under the sea version. 

I will pull a lot of ideas from The Little Mermaid but want to make a twist where Sita ends up with Ravana.

Rama will be human, like Erik from The Little Mermaid. I want Ravana to be a male mermaid. Ravana will be in love with Sita but have expectations for Sita that she feels she can't live up to.

I think that I want to have Sita have some experience that allows her to be human momentarily, maybe she will pray to some of the gods. Then she will get pregnant by Rama and get sent back to mermaid life. I think the children will have to be born mermaid but have the ability to live on land too. 

There is a toss up. I think I can take this story a few directions with a few different styles. 

I have considered the following.

• An early focus: How Sita traded her relationship under the sea with Ravana and her friends to be with human Rama. 
• A mid-story focus: How Sita and Rama live their lives and deal with the complexity of having babies that live half under the sea half on land.
• Late story focus: Where the return to mermaid life from human life makes Sita feel and the struggles she faces without Rama. (Maybe he moves on from her, but she were under the sea and hung up on him).
• I thought about writing from the perspectives of the twin babies retelling the story of their parents and the situation.

The Characters

Sita: A beautiful mermaid who's father owns the sea. Sita is promised to a brave, strong male mermaid. Sita is dissatisfied with the simplicity of the life she lives. She seeks to explore human life and the world. 

Rama: A strong Human prince who is adventurous and bold. He is incredibly attractive and a temptation to many women. 

Ravana: The male mermaid who Sita is intended for. He will be controlling and predictable which is not enough for the young Sita. 

The Twins: The Twins if starred in the story won't get much character development. It will be made known that they are of Rama and Sita and half human half mermaid, but they would be retelling the story of their parents.

Image Information:  The Fisherman and the Syren

By Frederic Leighton

Source: Wikimedia

Source:
Your Name Here presents in association with Your Money; a Funded by You production; a film by Nina Paley; written by Nina Paley; directed by Nina Paley; produced by Nina Paley. (2008). Sita sings the blues. [San Francisco]: Nina Paley Productions, LLC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzTg7YXuy34&feature=youtu.be

Week 3 Storytelling: Forgiveness for Lya

In the city of Dalworth lived a brilliant creator named Brahma. Brahma was old and kind hearted. He was widowed in his early 30's. Now, out of loneliness, Brahma felt no joy. To address his sadness, Brahma spoke a tiny baby girl into existence. Brahma named the baby Lya, in honor of his deceased wife, Ahalya.

Brahma loved Lya and rose her until the age of 13. Lya grew up to be beautiful, and those who knew or met Lya recognized it. Brahma was worried that he would not be able to protect his beautiful young daughter from the corrupt world. He had already had problems with the mayor showing interest. To protect her, Brahma sent Lya to go and live with her older brother named Sagu. Sagu took Lya in, and he protected her.  While in his care, Lya learned many things including the importance of virtues. Sagu frequently taught Lya to understand the difference between right and wrong. 

Five years later, Sagu was confident that 17-year-old Lya was old enough to make decisions on her own. He had taught and guided her well. So, Sagu sent Lya back to their father with the assurance she would not be corrupted by the world. Brahma was overwhelmed to see how mature and lovely his daughter had become. Unfortunately, Brahma was very old and ill. He was grateful to Sagu and insisted that Lya remains in his care.

Braham died shortly after.

Lya remained in the care of her brother Sagu. She continued to age beautifully, and everyone noticed. Lya was not interested in much other than her studies. After several years, 20-year-old, Lya began expressing interest in a boy, named Ryden, who lived in the city. Ryden would often meet Lya at her house to pick her up for dates to the city center.

Every time Lya and Ryden went on a date to the city center, they would pass Mayor Indra's home. Indra and his wife were very powerful city figures. Everyone loved them. Lya never seemed amused but did notice the way Indra was watchful of her.

One particular day, Lya was on preparing for a date with Ryden.  Indra noticed Lya bathing on the roof and was overwhelmed with temptation. Indra approached Lya in the disguise of Ryden.

Lya was startled but flattered by the arrival of the disguised Indra. It was not long until the 2 engaged in relations. A neighbor friend noticed from her rooftop nearby. She was not fooled by the disguise of Indra. The neighbor immediately sent for Sagu.

Upon hearing the news, Sagu stormed to the rooftop and saw what was happening. Sagu was panicked and cursed Indra. Upon seeing Sagu's urgency, Lya was able to see clearly. Knowing he was busted, Indra fled.

Several days later Lya was then called to the city center. She was surrounded by all the city folk. They were all ready to punish her by death for sleeping with Mayor Indra.

Sagu was on his daily walk. He happened upon the gathering. He saw his sister and knowing her heart stepped in. Sagu convicted all the bystanders of their wrong doings. This got Lya off the hook. Sagu told Lya there are better ways to live life than awaiting the company of a man. He then encouraged her to make better decisions. Sagu warned Lya, if you do not take my advice, you will be turned to stone and left with only your thoughts.

Then Lya went in search of a better life.

Authors Note:
The Ramayana was the main source for this story. I wanted to capture the parts of the book that jumped out and were familiar to me for particular reasons. The story in which I created this story is from Ahalya's Story. I found it so interesting and felt it paralleled to other stories in different ways. For example, the story parallels with Beauty ad The Beast as well as the story of King David and Bathsheba.  I wanted to capture those parallels and tell the story of the Ramayana's characters and hearts with the frame of the story of David and Bathsheba where King David sleeps with married Bathsheba. I also paralleled the ending of the story in the Bible in which Jesus tells those who are without sin to cast stones at a woman who had committed adultery. I am not creative and rely heavily on influence from other stories. 

Image Information: Bethsabée

By: Jean-Léon Gérôme

Source: Wikimedia

Sources:

Narayan, R. K. (1972). The Ramayana: a shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic. Penguin.http://iereadingguides.blogspot.com/2015/05/week-1-of-2-narayans-ramayana-reading.html

English Standard Version. Bible Gateway. Web. 25 Jan. 2017
https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/

Week 2 Story Planning: Forgiveness for Lya

Ahalya's Story

Within the first few sentences, I am thinking beauty and the beast. Belle and Gaston specifically. 

Indra could be a stocker. It is morbid, but this could be a suspenseful rather than a fairytale.

The adultery reminds me of two things. 1. David and Bathsheba 2. The x-man movie where the blue girl changes appearances and sneaks into Wolverines tent as the girl he is interested in.

The body being covered by the female organ is just gross. Guess that would show the world where your thoughts lie for sure.

It would be cool to write and shed light on Ahalya thoughts while she was stone.

Rama reminds me of Jesus sometimes, "let your heart not be burdened with what is past and gone" (pg. 21). Just as Jesus tells the woman from the well, to get up and sin no more.

Ahalya is going to be called Lya for simplicity of me remembering the name and for pronunciation purposes.

Brahma will be Lya's, father/creator. (In the sense of God)
Sage Gautama will be called Sagu in this story. (He will be like a living holy spirit/Jesus)

Indra will be like Kind David from the bible in a sense. He will also be devilish.

I would like to map the story out as follows...

Brahma creates and loves (like a daughter) Lya. He realizes the world and the things in it are corrupt and disgusting, so he sends her to be with Sagu. Sagu protects her as well as gives her a sense of peace, joy, and understanding from right/wrong.
One day when Lya is old enough to make decisions on her own because Sagu has taught her and guided her well, but her father sees she is in good hands and wants her to stay with Sagu.
Lya will grow up and live in a village having a nice life, she even has a crush on a boy in the village.

Indra will be a married man.
In the middle of the story, Indra will see Lya bathing on her rooftop. Indra will be overfilled with temptation and approach Lya.

Indra appears in the shape of Lya's crush from the village professing his love for her and his desire to be with her.

Lya will be flattered, and they will have relations. A village friend accidentally will barge in and see what is happening. She will freak about the relations causing Lya to see clearly. She will see past Indra's disguise. Indra will flee, but the woman will drag Lya out to the city center where she will be surrounded by all the city folk. They are all ready to kill her or exile her or something.

Sagu will walk upon the incident convicting all the bystanders of their wrong doings, getting Lya off the hook, and pushing her on to a better life telling her that if she were ever to do something foolish like that again, it is possible she would be turned to stone for the rest of her life.

Then Lya will go, and the story will end.

Image Information: David and Bathsheba

Bathsheba bathing on the roof by Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée

Source: Wikimedia

Please note the things in red were my reading notes.

Sources:

Narayan, R. K. (1972). The Ramayana: a shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic. Penguin.http://iereadingguides.blogspot.com/2015/05/week-1-of-2-narayans-ramayana-reading.html

English Standard Version. Bible Gateway. Web. 25 Jan. 2017

Week 1 Story: Run Away Wife

January 13th, 2017

Week One Story: Run Away Wife

I DOUBT, I doubt, my fire is out;

My little wife isn't at home;

I'll saddle my dog, and bridle my cat,

And I'll go fetch my little wife home.

(Love and Matrimony Nursery Rhyme)

_________________

Long ago, in a winter town called Nasha, there was a strong young man named Timmy. Timmy was a handsome gentleman and lived a good simple life. He lived on a nice plot of land given to him by his father, had a darling dog named Daisy and a cuddly cat called Curt. Timmy worked in a factory in Nasha’s city center making machine equipment and was good at what he did. Every day was the same for young Timmy. He would wake up at the crack of dawn to feed Daisy and Curt. Then, Timmy took a piping hot shower, dressed, ate a bowl of oats with a tablespoon of honey, put on his winter boots and heavy coat, and headed on foot to where he worked, the factory, just 2 miles from home. Timmy worked hard all day crafting equipment, got paid, and made his trek home. Once home, Timmy always greeted his sweet Daisy and Curt, headed outside to cut firewood, and came inside to enjoy a toasty fire with his dearest pals. Timmy enjoyed his life and his daily routine very much. One day Timmy’s whole routine was thrown for a loop when he received a call from his father, Gary. Gary told Timmy that he had found a young woman for him to marry. Timmy assured his father he was fine without a wife, but Gary told Timmy he had already made an arrangement with the young lady’s father, and if Timmy wanted to keep his comfortable life on his father’s plot of land he would marry the young woman.

(Chimney with Smoke)
Source: Wikimedia

Two weeks later Timmy was married to the woman. Her name was Sheryl. Sheryl realized Timmy lived a very routine life and found it boring and dull compared to her previous life, but she did not complain. Timmy did change one thing about his daily routine after marrying Sheryl. Before Timmy left for his hike to work, he started the fire to keep the winter cold away and Sheryl warm.

Day after day, Sheryl would stay home with Daisy and Curt stoking the fire and cleaning the house. Night after night, Timmy would come home and sit by the fire with Sheryl and the animals unwinding from the day of hard work. Timmy grew to love his obedient, soft spoken, kind wife in a way. He looked forward to the hike home from work each and every day because the entire two-mile trip, he could follow the smoke from the chimney to his quaint home where he would find his little wife stoking the fire and prepping his dinner.

One day Timmy’s routine was ruined by a major misfortune. The day started like any other. Timmy woke up at the crack of dawn to feed Daisy and Curt. He took a shower, dressed, and ate his oats. He started the fire thinking of Sheryl, and then put on his winter coat and headed to the factory. Timmy worked hard all day, got paid, and began his trek home. 

_________________________

I DOUBT, I doubt, my fire is out;

My little wife isn't at home;
_________________________

When Timmy took his first steps out the factory door, he looked for the chimneys smoke, but this time, he did not see it. He doubted his fire was out. Sheryl always kept the fire burning for him. He continued his walk home confused and doubtful that his fire was not burning. Once home, Timmy walked through the doors expecting to find Sheryl asleep, because that could explain why the fire had ceased burning. To his dismay, Sheryl was nowhere to be found, but the house was clean, the pets were lounging in the front room, and a note was laying on the fire mantel. 

_________________________

I'll saddle my dog, and bridle my cat,

And I'll go fetch my little wife home.
_________________________

The note said,
“I can’t keep this fire burning –Sheryl”

Timmy was very angry. He called his father in a panic. Gary insisted he go get her back because he needed to honor the commitment he had made with Sheryl’s father. Timmy did not want to fetch his wife for she had left him, but he didn’t want his father to think of him as disobedient, and he didn’t want his father to take back the land he was living on. So, Timmy gathered the little he had, including his dog Daisy and his cat Curt, and he headed off on foot to find his little wife Sheryl…

The End.

Authors Note.

In the original story, a man doubted his fire had stopped burning. His wife was not home, and he was going to use any means necessary to get her back, even if the meant saddling up his animals. This fable instantly reminded me of the story of Hosea and his wife Gomer in the Bible in which a man is living his life is called by God to marry a promiscuous woman. Out of obedience Hosea does, and he and Gomer begin a family, but later Gomer runs away returning to her previous life. When Hosea becomes aware, the Lord tells him to go buy his wife back. I wanted there to be some parallels with the Hosea and Gomer story as well as be unique in that the love in the story is the fire and while it is keeping Timmy warm, it is a lot of work for Sheryl. 

Bibliography

This story is based on the nursery rhyme "I DOUBT, I doubt" in The Nursery Rhyme Book, edited by Andrew Lang.