Mommy Life Lesson with Shakira

Photography Credit: Anesen Naidoo

Hello to a new week, filled with the potential for new experiences and opportunities. 

I saw this amazing post update by one of my dearest friends on Facebook & I just had to share it with y'all. 

Meet Shakira Bodasing

On Sunday eve we decided to go late night shopping in Sandton. This isn't a horror story about being hijacked or mugged...I promise. 

My daughter and I went to Truworths (clothing store). She did her usual thing - running between the clothing rails - playing hide and seek with mommy. I did my usual thing - pretending to play hide and seek while I tried to search in vain for something pretty to fit my Shakira hips (those big hips don't lie). 

Suddenly she ran towards me and screamed: "Mommy it's our song! Let's dance!" (to my horror). 

I looked around nervously at the other shoppers, happily grinning awaiting my dance moves. Instead I sheepishly responded: "Okay pumpkin, in just a bit, mommy is still shopping." 

Of course it was a lie. Mom was too shy! She nodded and continued her hide and seek. Back home, before going to bed, it struck me...like an AHA moment that Oprah talks about. I felt a sense of regret. I lost the moment. I lost the entire plot of life at that very moment. I didn't seize the opportunity to "dance like no one was watching" with my daughter. I was a total jerk in fact :D I made a decision that night to never let a moment like that slip away, because that moment may never come again. A precious life lesson taught to me by my 3 year old daughter. Dance like no one is watching. Seize the moment. Thank you Kitara. This is my thank you note to you.

***

Parenting is an ever-changing, dynamic process that requires as much inward reflection as outward preparation. It is, as one of my colleagues shared, a path of service. When we embody motherhood, we give birth, not only to our children, but also to life.

Taylor Swift - The Best Day

It’s a simple but quite effective song by Taylor Swift. She recalls all those special memories with her mother in childhood. Taylor also sings about having a wonderful day with the woman who birthed her.

~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres

The Script: Interview of a Teenage Blogger Queen

Inspire. Create. Write. TM

Model: Taz Noble

INT. PROD HOUSE – TALK SHOWROOM (SHIANE DAILY) – CONT’D

FADE TO:

INSERT THEME OPENING CLIP

PAN SHOT:  to the talk show host

Shiane Hawke stands (broad, welcoming smile), with arms outstretched to greet the in-house audience as well as the viewers.

SHIANE

Welcome back! Thank you for watching. Today we’ll be talking to the multiple award-winning and critically acclaimed, Grace Ann Scott. Dubbed the Blogger Queen by her worldwide fans.

(pause for cheer)

Shiane makes a show of touching her ear as if receiving communication there. She holds up a finger as added.

SHIANE

(CONT’D) Wow, okay I’m getting word now ….that Grace has just entered the parking bay! Let’s have a look shall we?

CUT TO:

EXT. PARKING BAY - DAY

B-ROLL: Wide-angle shot of the thousands of girls & women, shouting and screaming in fandom behind the barricades. Cross-cut to Grace getting out of the car w/ 2nd cam on the cheering fans.

Close ON: Grace waving and greeting the crowd. WHEN(Grace decides to sign autographs or bags, ZOOM IN on 2nd camera to cap action)

SPLIT SCREEN: Cam 1 to stay on the cheering crowds. IF(any emotional girls/women, ZOOM IN). Cam 2 to follow (handheld) Grace into the building.

FADE TO:

INT. PROD HOUSE – TALK SHOW ROOM – CONT’D

DUAL CUT: Cross cut b/tween Cam 1 on Shiane & Cam 2 on Grace.

Dainty hugs shared b/tween Shiane & Grace as to not smudge anything. They get seated at a cross angle to the cameras.

SHIANE

(exultant expression)

Grace Ann Scott! OH. MY. GOD. As I live and breathe. Let me start by saying I’m a huge fan of the ‘GraceConfessions’ website. I never go a day without checking it.

GRACE

Awww, thank you for having me Shiane but it is me who is the fan of you. I’ve watched you for years now and all my fans know it.

SHIANE

Well try as you might to be humble Miss Thang, you’ve created a revolution. That letter you released from Maya is absolutely heart-breaking & uplifting! Is it true that she’s the newest member with her own section on the website and everything?

GRACE

(smacks her hands together)

Yes! Oh my God! I’m so excited for her. Maya is just a complete phenomenon right now and she’s inspiring girls all over the world. I have big plans in store for her.

SHIANE

That’s amazing Grace, I know all the tweens are loving you for that. Plucking some random from obscurity and giving her a life only celebrities get to live. On a more serious note, is it true that you & Maya share a very special bond? Can you tell us about it?

GRACE

(visibly saddened, looks down)

Maya’s letter really resonated with me because I too lost my mother at a young age.

(shakes head out) (MOS)

(CONT’D) Yet I know that Maya is one of a kind, thoughtful, funny, totally teddy bear hug you to the wall caring. I would be ‘besties like toasties’ with her in any lifetime.

B.G(Background): Producer waves to Shiane to advise on the time limit.

SHIANE

Well, without further ado let’s get this show on the rolly polly, shall we? So you’ve been called the Blogger Queen, the Queen of Beauty, the Grace connection. Can you tell us how this all started?

GRACE

(laughs nervously at the attention)

Oh please, I ain’t no Queen. I have friends around the world, not loyal subjects. (laughs). Basically, my ‘besties like toasties’ Ashley & Nicole were complaining about how all the websites were extremely hardcore beauty or extremely hardcore anti-beauty. But there was nothing in the middle, nothing light-hearted and fun. That’s what the ‘GraceConfessions’ is all about, keeping everyone completely up to date with beauty but by keeping it real & quirky which is what most of us are, is it? Quirky.

SHIANE

(claps)

Yes! How true that is girl! Now, I hope you don’t mind but ever since it was announced that you’d be here, the fans have been tweeting us up into a storm. There’s been so many questions asked & we’d like to get a few of them answered.

GRACE

Ofcourse I don’t mind. Ask away Shi.

SHIANE

(looks to the crowd in anticipation)

Here we go. Grace, the fans would like to know, What is your skin care regime?

GRACE

I’m a CEM kinda girl. Cleanser, Exfoliant & Moisturizer. On certain days, I apply the eye cream, toner & a mask.

SHIANE

Perfect, ok question number 2. Becka from Sydney wants to know, Do you wear makeup every day?

GRACE

Oh yes, it’s just a part of who I am. Alittle goes a long way.

SHIANE

I like this one, What is your favorite beauty brand?

GRACE

Well ofcourse it’s MAC, MAC for life but I’ve really been enjoying a Japanese brand lately. It’s called Shiseido.

SHIANE

Really? Maybe I should give it a go as well. Question number 4 from Brighton in London, What are your beauty sins? Oh! Speaking of this, you site gets thousands upon thousands of these on a daily basis. Which one is your favorite?

GRACE

Brighton! Such a cool name. It’s true I’ve read every beauty sin I’ve thought possible and still more pours in every day. I would say it’s not washing out my makeup before bed, some days are just more exhausting than others. My favorite would be the one a guy posted a while ago about how he shaves with baby oil. We’ve had so many guys come back and say they tried it with great success. It was really funny and incredibly humbling to see guys use the site too.

IN B/tween shots of laughter from the crowd.

SHIANE

Gracy, so modest. Ofcourse guys follow it, it wouldn’t be a revolution if they didn’t. So What’s in your make-up bag at this very moment?

GRACE

I think the more interesting question is, what isn’t.

(laughs; short bursts)

Let’s see my key items that I can’t live without are Eye Shadow, Eye Liner & Lip Stick.

SHIANE

Oh yes darling, I couldn’t bear to not have that on me. Ok, let’s see hmmm the next question is from Teddy in Texas. She says, You are late for a meeting and can only put on one make-up item before leaving the house what do you grab?

(Grace & Shiane look at each knowingly and at the same time s/o)

Eye Liner!

(giggling ensues, crowd joins)

SHIANE

Yes, it really is the only thing worth having isn’t it. Right then, Grace Ann have you ever uh, I think the phrase they used is, “ugly cried” and have your mascara run in public?

GRACE

(laughs childishly)

Veronica Roth

That’s a new one!.....I thank God for water-proof mascara otherwise, there would have been plenty of insta-Blair witch project photos of me out there by now.

PAN OUT: Crowds reaction.

SHIANE

(waits for crowd to die down)

Ally and she adorably she signed this as Ally Not McBeal, is a housewife in Wisconsin asks If you could dye your hair any colour what would it be?

GRACE

In honor of the great artist Prince, I’m definitely going to say ~Purple Rain, Purple Rain~ (sings in perfect pitch)

SHIANE

Wow, you’ve got some pipes on you girl. Question number 9 is, How often do you wash your hair?

GRACE

I try to do it every day but during my busiest weeks, it’s most likely every second day.

SHIANE

Taraji from Kenya would like to know, Are your eyebrows on fleek? Wait what in the holy heavens are eyebrows on fleek? Sounds positively demented.

GRACE

(giggles and claps on legs)

Don’t worry Shi, it’s an American thing...mostly. As with most things beauty related it started with Kim Kardashian & her eyebrow war with the wonderfully goofy Cara Delevingne. Kim won by bleaching her eyebrows and the trend ‘eyebrows on fleek’ was born. It's a variation of the word 'flick' or eyebrows on point if you will. So my answer is, yes (giggles) and I do enjoy watching those who do it too.

Posted by Brinton Parker

SHIANE

Really? You Americans are really some’fin else you know that?

B.g: Producer rolls out his hand.

(CONT’D) Let’s continue, shall we? Question 10 is Do you Contour?

GRACE

I love how this isn’t a model exclusive thing anymore. Yes! I love to contour. Ashley is the greatest at it and always does mine before we hit the town.

SHIANE

We’re almost done here. Minali from South Africa would like to know if you thread or wax?

GRACE

Minali, I love these names. Well Minali, I thread ofcourse but there’s just something’s better left waxed, you know. (winks to cam 5)

PAN SHOT: crowd

SHIANE

Last question Grace Ann, What would you call your own beauty brand?

GRACE

(exultant expressions)

I’m so overjoyed that you asked that question. (body language to the crowd). I’m very excited to announce that the ‘GraceConfessions’ site is well on it’s way to launching it’s very own beauty brand!

PAN SHOT: Crowd reaction, ZOOM IN on exultant expressions.

SHIANE

(visibly excited)

Don’t leave us in the dark now Grace Ann, tell us what it’s going to be called.

GRACE

(looks around w/ mysterious smile to build anticipation)

………….It’s going to be called The Grace Kelly! (crowd erupts, waits for settle down) Yeah, we’ve gotten the permission from Miss Kelly’s estate and everything. The Olsen Twins are one of our big investors.

SHIANE

Bloody Hell! I cannot wait to try this new brand out, you simply must not forget to send me samples. Also, it seems another popular must have from the twitter-verse is a Quick Fire round. In which I give you two options and you pick one in rapid succession. Ready?

GRACE

Awesome sauce! We play quick fire all the time at sleepovers. Go for it.

SHIANE

Gel or Acrylic

GRACE

Gel

SHIANE

Liquid Liner or Pencil Liner

GRACE

Oooh pencil is a golden oldie but I’m going to have to go with Liquid on this one.

SHIANE

Yes me too Luv. Matt or Gloss.

GRACE

Daily it’s Gloss all the way but special occasions… bring out the Matt finish.

SHIANE

Salon or DIY

GRACE

DIY. Ashley would say, personal stylist.

(laughs from crowd & Shiane)

SHIANE

Curled or Straight

GRACE

Curled

SHIANE

Bold Lip or Dramatic Eyes

GRACE

I’m especially fond of the Egyptian eyes.

SHIANE

Oh yes! Me too! So intriguing. French Tip or Nail Art

GRACE

French Tip

SHIANE

Floral or Musky notes for your perfume

GRACE

Floral

SHIANE

Makeup wipes or Micellar Water

GRACE

Oh, we love Micellar water.

SHIANE

(claps hands together)

Grace Ann, that was a lovely round of fan-based questions, don’t you think?

(looks to Cam 7)

(CONT’D) Thank you all for tuning into Shiane Daily. Grace insisted we answer the fan questions first as you all mean so much to her. Join us after the break where Grace and I will be interviewing some potential candidates for the ‘GraceConfessions’ position right here in the UK!

B-Roll: Wide-angle shot as theme music plays in the background of cheering crowd.

Cross-out: Cam 5 to close on Grace as she waves to the crowd.

FADE OUT: Commercial Break. 

****************************************

Authors Note*

Please Note* That this was just me being creative with a Blog Tag writing prompt and might not entirely reflect the true form of a script as I didn't want it to be too technical.

The First Photo was modeled by local Cosplay Icon, Taz Noble and refers to my original short story on Wattpad, called the “The Lady in Blue Heels.”

Update* “The Lady in Blue Heels.” is now available on the blog!

Mommy Blogger: How I found out I was Pregnant

Mommy Blogger: How I found out I was Pregnant Part 2

You can also read the Prequel to this titled: Confessions of a Teenage Blogger Queen

It’s filled with love, romance, intrigue, drama & suspense. Get to know more about Grace Annelise Scott.

The Blog Tag provides bloggers with daily Writing Prompts in line with a weekly theme.

If you're interested in taking part either follow the link or click on the image below which will take you to the Aesthetically Blog-tastic Website.

~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres

The Fairy Tale Adventures of Princess Kitara

Once upon a time. In a land far, far away. Far from the eyes of mortal men, lived the most 
beautiful Fairy Queen the Fae Kingdom had seen in a many a moon. Stories of Queen Shakira spread far and wide, stretching to the very edges of the Fae Kingdom. She was known for her incredible passion and grace, neigh a fairy in all of creation had ever been known to be as inspiring as she was to her kinsfolk.

Princess Kitara

Chirp-chirp, chirp-chirp, the morning chimes pierced into the very recesses of my mind to gently wake me from my slumber. I yawned very ungracefully, ruffled my hair more and finally got out of bed, stretching my wings ever so far. With a sluggish movement, I hovered to the balcony doors and with a deep breath, I pulled them open. I closed my eyes and smiled as the morning sun and scent
enveloped my senses. 

With a start, I caught myself and realized I had now hovered just over the balcony’s borders. I laughed, a triumphant laugh, today was the day. My 321st birthday, I was finally going to do it. For as long as I could remember, the only thing I had ever wanted in this world was to go on a great adventure, the kind that legends are made of, the kind that was both exciting and dangerous. Ever since I was little, I was taken to see every inch of Faeora, every kind of fairy and every moon since. Of course, the expeditions were planned by my mother, the Queen so the Fae Knights were always around me, suffocating my every move.

It was almost as if mother had tied them with an invisible tether to me. Knowing her, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least.

There was a soft knock on the door, three taps. Hoorah! It had finally arrived; I opened the door carefully and looked around nothing. Hmm, that’s odd, something pulled on my gown.

I looked down to find the tiniest and most adorable fairy girl. “Uhm excuse me miss, the master asked me to gives this to you. Uhm please don’t tells him I’m late, I like sweets you sees and well I uhm got distracted by somes.”

The way in which she talked was funny enough but looking into those big brown button eyes, how could I refuse such an honest request. “Of course, I will not (for one thing I had no idea who the master was), kindly convey my sincerest thank you to the master. And here you go.” I handed her a gold coin, “Go get distracted by a few more sweets from me, ok sweety.”

She skipped away with a large smile on her freckled face.

In truth, I really couldn’t wait to open the package. Years of befriending the right Fairies, and subtle hints, and of tiptoeing around the topic had finally yielded results. I carefully opened the package and in it, was surprisingly only two pages. I skeptically opened the first one with a frown. It was a letter from the ‘Master’.

“Dearest Kitty Kat.” (obviously a ridiculous attempt at obscuring my identity)

I venture not to think why any fairy would request such a ‘thing’ from me. However, be that as it may you once saved my favorite flower from a hardship and that I can never repay. However, consider this my attempt at such. The second piece of paper is a map to what you are looking for. Please do remember the following rules, as not doing so will most likely get you killed or worse (what was worse than being killed?):

The 1st and most important rule, do NOT fall in love with a mortal.

The 2nd and most important rule, do Not trust anyone especially those that claim to be Fae.

The 3rd and most impo-"

The rest of the letter was burnt off, hmmm that’s weird and why was every one of his rules the most important ones. But that was soon forgotten as I opened up the map, “I cannot believe it.”

It was in a place I had visited constantly but never thought to look. The bath and dress up was a breeze with magic, with a wiggle of my index finger, it was done. I grabbed my already prepared travel sack, which I disguised as a tiny ruby red ring to go on that very same index finger. Just as I was about to leave, an invisible hand stayed me. Sigh, thinking back to that day only a few days ago……

Kitara had just entered the dining hall to find her mother dearest at the window at the very end of the hall. Mother stood poised and direct, as a Queen should, most regal in her rule. With her dark and languid black hair, and piercing green eyes. Kitara would have been the splitting image of her mother had it not been for her father, The King’s icy blue eyes and deep dimples. She tried to remember a time when her mother was full of smiles and warmth; it seemed like eons upon eons ago, so much so that the memories almost seemed fake. No, the mother she knew, the mother she had come to know could never have been such a mother. 

It must have been memories Kitara had made up in her head to compensate for such happenstance. Although Kitara knew what had changed her, it was a story she had been told by almost everyone in the kingdom no one more so than by her Mother. It was the day her Mother had lost everything. You see a Fairy’s wings were her very soul and according to legend, her Mother’s wings were the most magnificent in its beauty. 

It was the day she had lost her wings and the day she had lost the King, her husband and Kitara’s father to a human hunter. According to legend, he was the only mortal to ever enter Faeora and on that day tragedy struck the Kingdom. Leaving her kinsfolk with a very healthy and pretty endless fear of the mortal world. Ever since then, Mother has been on a tireless campaign to ensure Kitara was never hurt or harmed in any way. She increased the Fae Knightship tenfold and ensured a detail of 7 Fae Knightship at all rotatable hours of any given day. They were called the Galicia and were comprised of the most heroic and stoic warriors in all the land. Sometimes you would only need those 7 to win a war and yet now they were stuck babysitting the already over-protected princess. Kitara approached her Mother reservedly, nervously fidgeting with her morning dress.

“Mother.” She bowed.

“You’re 7 minutes late Kitara, I would have taught you by now that a Queen is never late only ever early, would I not?” Her mother replied still looking out that damned window.

Kitara knew better than to retort. “Yes Mother, I am very sorry Mother.”

“Come, we will have breakfast quickly as your day is scheduled with many an endeavor.”

They sat in tensioned quiet, her mother very delicately eating while Kitara hadn’t the stomach for this morning’s scones with picanut fillings. She took a deep breath and said, “Mother, my 321st birthday is next week and you promised I would get to go on an adventure outside the Kingdo-“

A fist slammed on the table. The Queen regained her composure yet fire still burned in her eyes. “I promised you no such thing young one. You are my daughter and as such you have obligations to your kinsfolk before any such meaningless and immature adventures.” This time, she sighed and with gentler eyes said, “My dearest Kitara please do not start this again, I am only doing what a Mother must to protect her daughter. Her daughter whom she loves very much. But such a love comes with conditions; I could not bear to lose you too. Maybe in a few years or so.”

Now it was Kitara’s turn to fume, “You did not promise? You did not promise? You do exactly the same thing every time Mother; you try to guilt me with Father’s passing. I am not him nor you, I am but both of you. I want to go on an adventure! You’re not fair at all! Argggh.” She stormed off to her room vowing to follow her dream even if it meant disobeying her Mother, the Queen.

I was jolted back into the present by Sebastian, my dearest friend, and a changeling. Meaning he could transfigure into anything he so desired, his favorite form of which was a sea blue feathered sparrow.

~You best get a move on princess, we haven’t the time for regret~ he said through telepathy.

Of course, he could talk but it was his own private joke to talk into my head like we shared a secret. My ring got heavier the further away from the castle I became; it was as if a weight was on my shoulders. However my excitement at the adventure to come far outweighed my guilt. 

~Shh, you’re thinking too loud. We’re here.~

I paused at the giant white oak tree, the very tree I had spent many a day reading and sleeping under. According to the map, this was the spot, a keyword was labeled next to it “Aspermortantium.” She read aloud, suddenly the ground started to shudder and a wide arc opened at the base of the colossal tree. I looked around and with one final glance at the castle in the distance, slipped into the unknown.

Queen Shakira

Shakira stood at the very same window she had become accustomed to for the past three hundred and twenty years. It was at this very window that she had seen what had irrevocably changed her life forever. Lord Barathus, how she hated fighting with Kitara but if she didn’t be so firm, the girl would be frolicking with Mountain trolls! Such an adventurous spirit, which she cursed because it came from her. Yet she did not realize just how important she was, how vital her survival was for the Kingdom. You see Shakira was losing her Magical essence and would soon be very much mortal, ever since losing her wings the magic has been seeping out of her slowly but surely. Soon she would be no longer the Queen of Faeora, just another faceless mortal doomed to suffering and disgrace. She needed to make sure Kitara was read-

Something caught her eye; it was Kitara’s eye! At the very topmost hill with the great White oak tree. The portal had been opened! However did she?! “Captain Verhad! Captain Verhad!!!” Shouting at the top of her lungs.

The captain and a squadron of Fae knights stormed the dining hall with murderous purpose. “What is it my queen”, asked the captain.

Shakira turned her cheek to the window to avoid giving away any further concern. “I said Captain Verhad, had I not?” She waited for the footsteps to die out before turning to the Captain, fool of worry in her face. Tears now streaked her perfect face, “Kitara has found the portal!! I do not know how but whoever told her will be severely punished. You MUST go after her, I would go to but only true Fae or Mortal may pass through and since I am neither I will only hinder you by such trivialities. Please captain, save my one true daughter.” The captain was out the hall without another word, he had already staked his life on protecting her many years ago, there was no need for a remittance. Oh Lord Barathus, please do not let her know the same pain that she did all those many years ago.

Johnny Padelaki

Man, I hate this shop, I hate the smell, I hate the books, I hate my grandfather for making me work here and I hate my father for letting him make me work here. It was an antique for Christ sakes, nobody hardly ever came to an antique bookstore to buy a book, why, when you can read the latest game of thrones novel at exclusive books. Arrggggh it was so suffocating.

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to go on an adventure and as soon as I get my Anthropology and archeology degree, I am as good as gone from this squeaky old place. I could almost hear my rackety old grandpa now, “Young man, this shop has been in our family for generations. Why my father owned it and his father before him and his father’s father and his father’s father’s father. It is on sacred ground and must be preserved.” Sigh, I hated to disappoint the old man but I needed to get out of here and live my life. I was so going get a job at the archeology society of great London and volunteer for any and every expedition there was.

Crash!!!! A loud thud followed by what sounded like a mountain of books falling (yes it had happened before unsurprisingly in this heap of tattered old books). I followed the sound to the study in the back, noticing that the books had fallen to reveal a long forgotten family heirloom. The Mirror was something he was told to never ever touch. Oh well, I only had two more days before graduation, what could one-touch do. Although it felt like an uncontrollable urge, like a gravitational pull. As my fingers roamed the ceremonial engravings on the frame, it started to warm up to the touch. A force knocked me off my feet and into a shelf. I came to at the smell of lilies, my vision blurred but my curiosity of that heavenly scent pulled me forward. I blinked several times before I saw her clearly. I girl who looked no older than I did, was lying on the ground unconscious from my observations. Dark black her and the kind of beauty that would make a man’s, this man’s heart stop beating. She opened her eyelids and from them the most dazzling eyes he had ever seen.

They were a piercing blue with flakes of green, no almost whitish blue in them. It was almost as if they were dancing in her irises. I am left speechless, even as a puzzled frown formed on her beautiful face as she looked around taking in her surroundings. Wait, what the hell was going on, there is no way just no way had she come out of the Mirror right? Right? No that’s absurd.

“Good day kind sir. Forgive me but I seem to be out of sorts. Is this what is called the Earthen lands? Ouch, it seems I have hurt one of my wings, no matter it will heal shortly”.

Now it was my turned to do the puzzled frown although I imagine I looked quite foolish to this goddess from the Mirror. From a frickkin mirror? Things like this can’t just happen. “Earthen Lands? If you mean Earth, then yes. Wings? I’m sorry but what wings?”

Now it was her turn to frown again, she glanced behind her back and so did I. “Do you not see them?” I shook my head. “-hmm that is most peculiar. I am princess Kitara, daughter of Queen Shakira, protector and savior to all the Fae, successor to the throne and protected by the Galicia. And who might you be kind sir?”

I blinked a few times trying to remember and understand that. “I’m Johnny Pedalaki and uhm no title,” I said nervously hoping I didn’t have soot all over my face from the explosion or whatever it was that brought this girl into my life.

The front door was pushed open with such force that the bell on it rang then broke, then fell to the floor, “Gimme all yo money!!- wait, hey no one is here. I thought you said there was always some kid here Henry.” Said the first guy.

“Dammit man don’t use my name! He’s always here. Be careful, he knows some kinda Kung Fu shit I ain't never seen.”

I rolled my eyes and looked down at Kitara, holding out my hand and muttering, “Mirror explodes and beautiful girl pops out then the store gets robbed by anti-geniuses, man when it rains it pours.”

Kitara piped up, “I am not familiar with that expression Johnny Padelaki no title”.

I put a finger to her lip, marveling at her and said: “It’s just Johnny, whoever are you?”

“I am princess Kitara, daughter of Queen-“

I smiled and interrupted “Never mind, come with me and you have to be quiet.” I pulled her towards a very old closet, she was behind me now, and God she smelled good. I felt dizzy but at the same time, I was not going to let anything hurt this undeniably beautiful creature. I motioned for her to stay put. Henry and his partner entered the room looking around. Firstly they only had a baseball bat and each of them had no protective clothing on, what morons. I burst out of the closet like a barbarian, man since when did I get this reckless. I threw myself at Henry, I knew this guy, he grew up down the block from me and now here he was trying to steal from me and hurt what is mine. I don’t know where this rage came from, maybe it was from all those years in the shop who knows but I pounded fist after fist at his face. A loud pop rang in the air followed by a sharp pain at my side, which was only superseded, by the most excruciating and exploding pain I had ever felt, I toppled off to the side off of Henry’s bloody face. Clutching my own side in agony and to avoid losing any more blood. Damn this frickkin hurt, no one ever says how much it hurts. The guys in the movies always make it seem like nothing and get up. I couldn’t even see straight let alone move.

I heard the closet door open again and Kitara stepped out, I tried to get up but cursed, I was useless I couldn’t even save her. Man, why had I been so reckless? Henry’s accomplice, let’s call him DonkeyFace said: “Well looky what we have here, damn you look fine baby come give daddy some sugar.” I could see enough to tell

Kitara was pissed. She rushed the guy, no not rushed actually flew at the guy and grabbed him by the throat with one hand lifting him up. DonkeyFace was choking for air, then she wiggled her index finger and he crumpled to the ground like dead weight. She turned to me with concern in her gorgeous eyes, man what I would give to never have to see that worry in her eyes ever again.

“Arrgggh, sorry I’m so useless,” I grunted, disappointed in myself.

Kitara knelt down and gently hovered her hand over my wound. Miraculously I watched in awe as the wound closed, I felt the bullet inside me dissolve into sweet nothingness. “I am so glad you are in good health Just Johnny, you have been so kind to me and I like your eyes, I wish to see nothing ever bad happen to you” I chuckled, She liked my eyes? I frickkin loved her eyes! She placed her hand over my heart and closed her eyes; wow was she going to heal my soul or something now. Her eyes popped open with delight, she smiled and it just melted my heart “You have Fae blood in you, it’s faint but still there.” Again it was my turn with the Willy Wonka puzzled frown,

“Uhm that’s weird, maybe it was a transfusion or something. Am I in trouble?”

She laughed, it was the most entrancing sound I had ever heard, “No silly, it cannot be transfused it is part of who you are. And no you are not in trouble and now neither am I hahahah.” Kitara stood up and magically produced a large ivory colored sword that shone like the moon. “Dearest Johnny Padelaki of no title and my savior. By your forefather the Fae Bronson (Hey! That’s my great granddad's name), and by my Mother before me, I dub thee Fae Knight of the Royal

Bloodline. Do you denounce all in the name of your Queen and kinsfolk? To swear only to serve and protect those you are charged with in innocence?”

Silenced prevailed, my mind was so jumbled but hey if it meant I got to see more of her what the hell. “Uhm I guess so.”

With that, she plunged the sword so deep into my chest that I’m pretty sure it came out the other side!

*************

Authors Note

Sorry! No Zemlja Dosta Chronicles this week, giving you some time to catch up on the story.
Here are all the chapters:

Chapter 1 - The Unicorn Queen, The Samurai & The Wizard

Chapter 2 - The Unicorn Queen: Ari's Origin

Chapter 3 - The Samurai: Eru's Origin

Chapter 4 - The Unicorn Queen, The Samurai & The Wizard Part 2

Chapter 5 - The Elven Trials

Chapter 6 - Hocirne's Return

The Fairy Tale Adventures of Princess Kitara was written as a bedtime story. I asked my big sister what she wanted for her birthday, told her she could have anything and she said she wanted a story. So, abra kadabra, voila here's the bedtime story I wrote.

Part 2 of this story will be released next week as it was just too long to put in one blog post and hopefully, it's entertained you enough to look out for next weeks release.

Photography by AlfonzoWords

~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres

Mommy Blogger: How I found out I was Pregnant Part 2

Inspire. Create. Write.TM

Read  Part 1 

Last week was Daddies & Mommies week on The Blog Tag.

So let me start by saying #MadRespect to all the Daddies & Mommies out there! For all the love, support and magical wisdom you provide to your kids.

The writing prompt is...

What does it mean to be a Mother?

Last week I shared the beginning of a short story I wrote, titled The Lady in Blue Heels.Thank you for all the amazing feedback received on the first part. It means so much that y'all loved the story.
Today is #WednesdayWisdom and I will be sharing the Second part of the story.

Let's catch up shall we:

Grace Annalise Scott has just graduated college with flying colors and to top it all off the love of her life, Lancelot Archibald proposes to her right then and there!
Weeks later, while attending a fundraiser hosted by her hated soon-tobe mother-in-law, Grace becomes extremely nauseous. Surprisingly Mrs. Archibald is the one to comfort her and offer her the shocking news that she's pregnant!
Lance is overjoyed at the prospect of being a dad while Grace is unsure as to how she feels about it all.

Find out what's in store for Grace as she comes to terms with her pregnancy & how she finds a connection to the child now growing within her womb.

****

Model: Cosplayer Taz Noble

The next day went on as normal with the same routine: breakfast, shower then campus. At least today was just to pick up the stuff from her locker and then sign all the forms for her release from this academic prison. The pregnancy hung over her head like a giant time bomb.

“Grace! Grace!" Her friends Ashley and Nicole called. Ashley was a tall and lean blonde supermodel looking girl with lightly sprinkled freckles over her nose and cheeks. Nicole was as short and feisty as she was honest and loyal. Her heart shaped face always had an inviting smile.

"Are you ready to go? I have a 2 o'clock mani\pedi scheduled and Antoine is going to be there, you know he's the best stylist around. I'm not in the mood to take the jet to see Marcus, he always talks about his poodle." Said Ashley, tossing her already flawless hair over her shoulder.

Grace smiled, "Angels, there's something I need to tell you.”

Nicole smiled her smile, "What is it Grace? You look stressed and pale.”

"Oh god don't tell me you're pregnant now." Ashley drawled.

"Actually, yes, I'm pregnant!" Her friends’ mouths hung open for a few seconds.

Nicole was the first to break out and hug Grace tightly. "Oh wow! Congratulations! That's just perfect. You and Lance would make awesome parents!”

Ashley uncrossed her arms and squared her eyes, "Grace are you sure about this? Have you thought this through? Have you considered abortion or adoption?”

Nicole wrinkled her nose, "Why can't you just be happy for her?”

Grace laughed, "Its ok Nicole, no Ashley I'm not sure, and as much as I am, I can't consider abortion I would never do that. Lance is so sure of this and we have discussed it before. It just came a bit early that’s all. Look, you two are my best friends for life and I can't do this without you. I need my sisters.”

"Fine, I'm in but nobody ever, EVER, calls me Aunty Ashley."

Nicole giggled then replied, "Yes we will all just pretend the wrinkles aren't there. Of course you have us Grace. We love you." Grace and Nicole shared a tear-filled hug.

"So how'd the old ding bat, mama Lance, take the news? Bet she's already planning how to off you so she'll have Lance’s heir all to herself." Ashley said crossing her arms.

Grace chuckled, "Actually she helped me the night I found out, she even sounded sincere." Ashley scoffed at the reply. "Ok I have to go now, Lance and I have a doctor’s appointment this afternoon.”

"Oooohhh, can I come?" Nicole was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet now.

"Not this time Nikki, I think this is something I have to face with Lance, at least for the first time.”

"Ta bitch." Ashley said in her signature nonchalant manner as she walked off dragging Nicole with her.

"Please lie on down on the chair for me Miss Scott." Instructed the sweetly nurse. Grace settled in the chair trying to make sure her gown didn't fall off. Lance stood there with his hands in his pockets looking 7 kinds of uncomfortable. It would be hilarious under normal circumstances but she didn't feel like smiling. Dammit why did having a baby feel like the end of the Grace she'd spent her life trying to find and accept?

"Hello Miss Scott, My name is Dr. Rampasanth and I'll be doing your check up today." said the caramel skinned, petite doctor who stepped in and hadn't looked up from her clipboard until she finished reading. The Indian lady slowly averted her eyes from her notes and smiled at Grace mysteriously as if reading her mind. "Shall we begin?”

The gel was indeed cold. The sonogram took a little time to form an image. "Hmmmm let's see, a little to the left. Ah there we go, say hello to your baby." None of them said anything, just stared at the screen in awe. Until now Grace had felt detached from the thing growing inside her. She felt like she had no connection to it, like it was just there growing apart from her. But now, now there was her baby, in front of her very eyes. Grace could see that this baby wasn't growing apart from her, it was growing inside her, with her, dependent on her to survive, to be cocooned and kept safe until it was ready to enter this world. "Would you like to know the sex of the baby now? Or would you like it to be a surprise?" Dr Rampasanth asked, with that same tranquil smile on her face.

Grace couldn't imagine anyone who didn't mellow out in the doctors presence, she exuded peace. Grace looked at Lance, the big monkey’s eyes were filled with tears almost at the edge ready to fall down his cheeks. He looked to her and they both nodded. "Ok let's see here, by the looks of it I'd say 4 weeks along. Hmmmm....ahhhh a beautiful daughter awaits you at the end of this journey.”

"A daughter." Lance whispered into her ear as he squeezed her hand and stared at the screen in awe. Everything somehow seemed perfect, even with a future obscured and unsure. The doctor frowned at something but it disappeared almost instantly and was replace by that smile again. "I'm going to get my nurse in her to take some x-rays and blood tests, standard procedure, nothing to worry about". Why did that make Grace worry all the more? In her family when anyone said "No need to worry", that meant to worry all the
more. Lance had to step outside to take a call from the office so Grace was left to pushy nurses with sharp needles. An hour later, Grace and Lance sat in Dr. Rampasanth's office holding hands, patiently awaiting the good doctor and her ‘news’. Grace sighed, something seemed very wrong. It was a feeling she had, like a tightness in her stomach, a pull, something she couldn't explain. The door opened, jarring her from her thoughts. The doctor walked in with another doctor. A redheaded spectacled woman in high heels. Her face just screamed "I'm a bossy and straight forward, no BS woman who has hadn’t sex in 6 months.” Something about the woman made Grace agitated, like she should just take Lance and leave right now while they can.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, this is my associate, Dr. Burnstorm. She'll be....sitting in with us." Lance looked suspicious but didn't say anything. Like her, he was going to wait for the answers rather than ask the questions.

"As you know, we took x-rays and blood samples of you Miss Scott, now we've doubled checked the results and-".

"Miss Scott, I'm an oncologist and you have stage 2 lymphoma..... It’s a type of cancer that attacks your lymphocytes but with treatment I believe you will go into remission.” Dr.rampasanth was cut off by Dr.Burnstorm. The woman finished her abrasive statement to a shocked and silent room.

Grace whispered, "Cancer.”

Lance got up to ask, "I'm sorry, did I hear you right? Did you just say cancer?! That my Gracey has cancer?!" Lance was shouting now.

Dr Burnstorm waved her hand in annoyance, "Why is it that people always hear cancer but not the part about treatment and good odds? Those psychology children upstairs
would have a field day with that one. Mr. Archibald is it? Yes your ‘Gracey’ has cancer but with the right chemotherapy and radiation therapy there's a high percentage of her surviving this. During the course of the therapy I will prescribe monoclonal antibody treatments that will give her body a better chance at fighting the cancer.”

Lance slumped back in his seat and palmed his face, "Bloody hell."

Grace put her hand on her stomach then frowned, she looked up suddenly, "What about the baby? What is going to happen to our daughter?”

This time Dr. Rampasanth spoke up, with a grim look on her face, "I'm sorry but under the extreme conditions of your treatments the fetus cannot survive. The only course is abortion. I will provide hormone treatments when you are ready to try to conceive again." Grace almost passed out, she felt like she was flat on the floor with a concrete block laid across her chest.

"Ok fine, what exactly is the way forward from here? I'll not sit by and watch my Gracey die." said Lance, a fire burned in his eyes.

"Well she'll have to be admitted tonight and a biopsy will be taken of her lymphocytes to determine the actual concentration count of the cancer. Then it will be analyzed and from there we will decide on the correct course of treatment." As Lance and Dr. Burnstorm talked about how to save her. Grace felt like she was a million years away, everything went quiet, and then in her quiet darkness she heard the most amazing sound she'd ever heard. Lub-dub, lub-dub, Lub-dub, lub-dub, Lub-dub, lub-dub, Lub-dub, lub-dub, Lub-dub, lub-dub. It was a heart beat! Her daughters heart beat! It was glorious! A perfect symphony of rhythm and magic.

She snapped back to reality. "No", she said softly at first. "NO!" She stood up holding her belly protectively. She looked to Lance's confused face.

After a moment, understanding dawned on his face. He fell to his knees putting his face in her hands, "No Gracey, please don't do this!”

"Do what? I'm sorry I don't understand." Dr. Burnstorm looked back and forth between the pair, utterly clueless.

Grace sighed, then lifted Lance's face so that his eyes met hers, "I'm going to have the baby. Our daughter must be born.”

Dr. Burnstorm crossed her arms just the way Ashley did, "Are you sure? Have you thought this through? You'll be giving your life away in exchange for something that can be postponed. You'll be giving away your life for-".

"For a life... a life for a life. No doctor, I'll be giving my life to my daughter, my daughter right now, right here, who's growing within me seeking my protection and love.”

After a few moments of scrutinizing stares, Dr. Burnstorm waved her hands in frustration and swore, in Russian maybe? "Very well girl, I will collaborate with Dr. Rampasanth and come up with a suitable treatment plan to get you to your due date.”

Grace stood at the edge waiting for clarity, clarity, that this all made sense. Lance had stayed behind with the doctors to discuss a reasonable treatment for her. She needed air and somehow even the air outside the hospital seemed sterile. So she walked and walked, without thinking about anything in particular, until she came upon a huge oak tree. A young man leaned against the tree's base. He seemed scary yet he looked bored and hadn't even noticed her. He took a long pull from his cigarette, it seemed to stretch on forever, she watched in fascination. On his exhale he said, "You're far from the rabbit hole Alice." The shadows hid his eyes from her. 

"I just needed some air, besides who are you?" She said defiantly, chin raised. 

"And you couldn't get this so called air somewhere else, like for example oh I don't know, away from me." He said sarcastically. Grace felt annoyed now, her world had just been torn out from under her and here was this obnoxious, obtrusive, ignorant- "How long did you get?" He said still hiding those eyes.

"Excuse me?"

"Me, I got about a year if I'm a good boy."

Now she understood, without having to see his face. "They gave me 2 years and a dose of BS hopefuls."

His face rose from the shadows. Tears had streaked his cheeks. "Yeah I got that too, lung cancer's a bitch." A hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"You should try lymphoma. Hey! Wanna trade? I'll even throw in one year for free.” He laughed and then she laughed, it was a glorious relief, something she needed
so desperately. They stood there against the tree in silence for a while neither needing to say anything.

"Now what?" She said looking at this kid for an answer that she should have for him.

He grinned, "The hell if I know, all I know is my parents are probably freaking out. If I don't go calm them down, I'm going to hate getting stuck with a needle every month and stuffed full of toxin. They deserve better."

"Would you-“

He cut her off by putting a finger to her lip. "Don't play the what if game with me, firstly you'd lose and secondly whatever it is you've already made the choice firmly in your heart, you just want to understand it. But some things aren't meant to be understood, some things are just meant to be what they are, a beautiful mistake."

She spent the rest of her day wondering who the silly boy, with spikes and the grim reaper shirt, was. Everybody had called and stopped by to offer their condolences and when that was done it was followed by an hour-long session by her grandma telling her she was a putz. Life was never going to be the same and by the tone and looks on peoples’ faces nobody understood her decision. But she did, she now understood her choice, led by an undeniable vision she couldn't quantify nor compartmentalize.

In a week Lance looked like hell, his hair unkempt, his eyes pale and dull, in a month he looked like a broken man, a shell of his former self. Grace was afraid for him and hated herself for what she had done to him. Forced to watch the person she loved wither away before her very eyes. But she knew within the depths of her soul that he was going to be ok somehow, some way. Mrs. Archibald moved to a nearby hotel and pitched up almost every day to take care of Grace. Apparently a pregnant cancer patient suffered way more than a pregnant one did, who would’ve thought? Lance began recording her every waking moment, saying he was going to keep hours and hours of footage of her, just being her...

Her nights were spent on the Malibu pier bench, staring up at the stars and writing in her journal. Which she intended to be read by both Lance & her daughter when she's gone, in the hope that they will find comfort in those trying times.

All Grace wanted was to survive long enough to bring her baby girl's beautiful soul into this world and hold her in her arms for the first time. No matter the sacrifice. 

7 years later.....

Gwendelyn stood her ground, the sun was tormenting her, with its bright light and annoying warm glow. Which meant she loved the way it glittered off her skin. She laughed and ran in zig-zags to catch a blue-black butterfly.

"It’s time snugglepuff." Her father called from the bench, doing the same thing he always did, reading the Sunday newspaper on a Tuesday afternoon. She shrugged and trounced off to her daddy.

They came upon a single white stone in the ground, "It’s always so pretty daddy, can we say the prayer this time?" Gwendelyn pouted and tugged on her dad’s suit pants. 

"All right honey, go ahead." Her father replied.

She cleared her throat and straightened her tie, "Our Father, who art in heaven, Halloween be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily breath. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”

Her father pulled her close to him so that she hugged his waist, "I love you more than the world.”

"Do you think mummy can see us daddy? Will she know who I am?" She said sadly.

“Of course she does angel, and hey if you ever, ever feel like you're forgetting her-“ He knelt down and placed his hand on her chest “-Remember that she lives on right here, right here within your beating heart Gwendelyn. And if that fails, you'll always have her embarrassing journals to read." Her father said with his ‘smirky-daddy-grin’ on his face. She giggled and wrapped her arms around his strong neck. There they stood, father and daughter before their
beloved’s white stone, he placed a single hand on her shoulder and together they braved the sunset to enter the new dawn.


THE END.

*************************************

Authors Note

NB* I know the other mothers out there know that you can currently only tell the gender of the baby in utero at about 16-20 weeks. But well this is a fictional story after all and technology is changing all the time so that's how the Doc was able to tell the gender of the baby at such an early stage in the pregnancy. 

I've also written two blog posts as prequels to this story of Grace in her Formative years:
Confessions of a Teenage Blogger Queen
The Script: Interview of a Teenage Blogger Queen

Noticed the Big Sign/Badge on the right-side of my blog, did ya? Yes, The Blog Tag. An amazing community that supports & encourages bloggers by providing them with weekly themes & daily writing prompts in reference to those themes.

That being said, How was it? Please let me know your feelings on the second part of the story or the story as a whole. All are welcome.

Loved it? I'm always looking to build my reader base so if you genuinely enjoy my writing style & stories, kindly pass on my blog/posts to your friends & family. A recommendation from you would mean everything. 

~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres