Echoes of Angels

Karin was late again. It was the one thing she'd promised she'd never do again; he couldn't stand to be kept waiting, she knew that, and she'd sworn that she'd be on time tonight. Well, she could kiss that resolution goodbye. It just wasn't going to happen.

What was it about Geoff that turned her into a dithering fool? She'd never worried about her appearance with any other man, but with Geoff, she spent time she didn't have making sure that everything was exactly right. She loved how he noticed every little detail of her appearance; she loved the way he he put his hand on the small of her back and guided her into a room, subtly announcing that this beautiful woman belonged to him. She'd never had anyone expect so much from her before.

She'd always known she was beautiful, and she'd never had to do anything but throw on a pair of jeans and show up to please her previous boyfriends, but with Geoff, she felt the need to make sure every inch of her was perfectly turned out. He hated sloppiness even more than he hated being late. Time to go. Past time to go. She wondered if he would be mad, or if he would still be waiting for her. Sometimes he showed his displeasure by leaving before she arrived.

And then; quickly, obliquely, she wondered if that was what she'd wanted all along.

© 2009 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Seed beads, Swarovski Crystals, faceted vintage glass, lampwork by Melissa Vess. Hand fabricated.

Terra Firma

She scrambled up the last few yards, planting her boot in the dirt to gain a slight purchase with every step. The ground was loose here; not rocky or sandy, but soft clay, slippery and treacherous. It had slid recently, and it could slide again at any moment; she balanced her desire to move quickly with the need to test each step before making the next.

At last she reached a small ledge, just large enough to feel comfortable, and allowed herself to rest. Shading her eyes from the sun, she looked out over the valley and appreciated the feel of firm, unyielding earth beneath her feet.

© 2009 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Antiqued brass maille, lampwork by Melissa Vess. Hand fabricated.

Sea Foam

The waves came in like wild horses, pawing the sand, snorting and tossing their heads, their manes and tails flying in the breeze. Alison closed her eyes and felt them all around her, prancing, dancing, wild and free.

She was swept up onto the back of a pure white beast; she shivered and trembled uncontrollably as the water swirled around her feet and withdrew, leaving her suddenly bereft and buried to her ankles. Before she could mourn, a new wave came in and carried her away again; it left her buried deeper, and then deeper again.

How long could she stand there before she disappeared entirely?

© 2009 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Seed beads, sterling silver, Swarovski crystals and pearls. Hand fabricated.

Splash

She knew she shouldn't, but that made it all the harder to resist. He was asleep; asleep on a raft in the middle of the lake. She had no idea where he'd come from; she'd never seen him before. She should simply swim away and leave him to his slumbers; she tried mightily to resist. She even swam off twice, but she came back each time.

He was such a tempting target.

He looked like a nice guy, actually; not too good looking, but not unattractive, either; not the sort who looked as if he would take himself too seriously and get really mad. But still. At the very least, it would be a rude thing to do. Mean, almost. He was sleeping so peacefully; what right she to wake him?

Regretfully, her better nature won out. She turned to leave for the last time, and found herself the recipient of a mighty splash. Drenched and grinning, she defended herself.

© 2009 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Sterling silver, 3mm amethyst. Hand fabricated.

Red Hot Mama

Cassie would never do it, of course, but it was fun to think about it. What if she did wear red lace under her jeans and T-shirt? Would the earth stop spinning? No, indeedy. No one would know except her; why was it so unthinkable to wear something so pretty and girly?

Resolutely, she closed the catalog and sighed. She opened it just a little bit, just enough to see those red lace undies one more time. Cowgirl pants, they were not. No way, no how. Likely, they'd ride up and pinch; goodness only knew where they'd get stuck after an hour or two on horseback. They were not practical; nope, not practical at all. Not her sort of thing.

With a sly grin, Cassie pulled her credit card out of her wallet, picked up the phone and dialed.

© 2009 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Gold-filled, brass, and copper chain maille. Lampwork by Melissa Vess. Hand fabricated.