Friday, March 14, 2008

Cry Uncle


In a departure from what I normally post, I decided to list the excuses for why I haven't been adding new stuff here lately:

1) I've been busy
2) I don't seem to have a life anymore
3) See item # 1 =)

Is it me, or has life picked up speed? It seems like at the end of each day I'm exhausted, and I'm at a loss to explain why. =) I'm sure many of you can relate. Among other adventures, I have been working on a new novel. It's nearly ready to send off to the publishing world.

I decided today, to post an excerpt from this new creation, just for kicks and giggles.

I'm entitling this manuscript, "Cry Uncle" I wouldn't even hazard a guess as to what it will be entitled by the end of the editing process---if it survives said process. Be kind---this is my first attempt at writing a mystery. And now without further ado . . . (drum roll please) here it is a little snatch that will hopefully strike a chord out there in blogdom:

A squad car sped down Bench Road to Highland High School, its lights flashing, the siren heralding tragedy. Before it came to a complete stop, a woman opened the door on her side and raced toward the sprawling brick building.

“Judge Unger?”

Karen slowed to a walk, sick at heart as she gazed at the man who had called her name. Mike Barnes was one of the best detectives on the force. His appearance was a source of comfort and dismay. If he was already involved, her daughter was in serious trouble. “Did you find her? Did you find Jaycee?”

Mike’s shoulders sagged. “Not yet. We found something we think belongs to her.”

Fighting nausea, Karen followed the detective inside the school. He led her to the office where the principal, his secretary, and one of Jaycee’s teachers, wore expressions matching her own.

“Mrs. . . . uh . . . Judge . . .”

“Karen,” she supplied, cutting through the formalities.

“Karen,” the principal began again, running a nervous hand over his balding
head. The large man looked like he could cry. “We are so sorry.”

“She was in my class,” the biology teacher volunteered. “The office called—”

“That man said he was her uncle,” the secretary said in her defense. The older woman clenched her hands tightly together, indicating the remorse she felt. “He waited for her outside of the office. I saw them talking . . . Jaycee left with him. I thought she knew him.”


“He lied,” Karen exclaimed. “I don’t have a brother, and neither did my husband—Jake was an only child. My only sister is divorced—there are no uncles!”

No one dared to respond after after that announcement.

“Why did Jaycee go with him?” Karen demanded.

Six pairs of eyes remained focused on the floor.


(Insert scary music and a little bit of: Dun, dun dun!)

Bye now. =) Bawahahahaha!


Okay, fine . . . I'll share a tiny bit more:


Regaining the ability to focus, she saw that she was lying on the carpeted floor of an unfurnished room. It was new carpet, a forest green color. Heavy curtains covered the windows, making it difficult to judge the time of day. She tried to move and discovered that her hands were tied behind her with rough rope. When she wiggled around, she saw that her ankles were wrapped with duct tape. She assumed that was what had been used to seal her mouth. A growing sense of terror gripped her. Closing her eyes, she prayed, begging for help, for someone to find her. Tears rolled down her face as she struggled against the tape, but it held fast. Help me, she silently begged. Please, Father, help me.


The End

Kidding. =) There are actually about 235 pages that go along with what I've shared above. And I'll share one other item---this particular book tackles the danger of posting personal information on Internet social networks. It is my hope that this book will appeal to parents and their offspring---that it might do a tiny bit of good out there, as well as entertain.


And now, back to the revising\polishing aspect of the writing world. (Did I mention: Bawahahahaha?!)

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Seasonal Flurry







The poem below is self-explanatory. I think we've all run into this problem. I came across it last winter when I was trying to find fleece-lined thermals for my soon-to-be missionary son. He was heading for a Canadian mission and needed warm winter gear. Try finding that around February. Good times. ;)

Enjoy this lighter look at a challenge I think we all endure.

Seasonal Flurry

The other day a friend complained,
She was angry at the store
She had gone to make a purchase
And could not find what she’d come for.

It’s winter time in Bear Lake
The snow this year is deep
And children like to frolic
Into the white stuff they must leap.

So my friend, a watchful mother
Wanted to purchase outer wear
Winter gear like boots and such
But these items were not there.

Instead she found a plethora
Of gardening supplies
Spring-wear, and yes bikinis
Danced before her eyes.

She asked about the winter gear
Persevering as mothers do
When she learned it wasn’t available
Into a rage she flew.

"Ma’am, winter gear is featured
"‘Round about July."
A sullen clerk revealed
Before she punched him in the eye.

I, myself, have noticed
This annoying trend
Christmas decor is in every store
After back-to-school sales end.

Easter steals Valentine’s glory
The Fourth of July is featured now in May
It’s all terribly confusing
How the stores carry on this way.

I have but one suggestion
It’s simple, yes I know,
Why don’t we celebrate holidays as they come
Instead of allowing the next one to steal the show?

This world is in a hurry,
Much too fast I say
Let’s enjoy life as it arrives
And savor each holiday
.

Cheri J. Crane
February 27, 2008

Friday, February 15, 2008

February Blues




This winter will definitely be one for the history books. We've experienced record cold spells, countless blizzards, and snow measured in feet, not inches. In honor of the memory, here is my tribute to Winter 2008:

February Blues

This year the groundhog let me down
He saw his shadow on the ground
I was hoping spring would finally come
But Old Man Winter stuck out his tongue.

True, we had suffered a major drought
Before this lovely winter bout
The moisture is very much needed
I understand the clouds were seeded.

We have been grateful for the snow,
We just wish that it would go
Melt quickly and dissolve
And the problem would resolve.

We’ve endured repeated storms
Blizzards created artistic forms
Varied drifts in my front yard
Could be a spectacular Hallmark card.

The snow is higher than my head
Leaving the driveway is my dread
Streets are covered with ice and snow
Getting stuck makes it hard to go.

One thing that I know
About all of this lovely snow
I won’t be too sad to see it go
When winter decides to end the show.

Some things have to go,
I vote that it’s the snow
I’ve got the February blahs
They’ll leave when it finally thaws.

Until then I’ll pretend
That spring is around the bend
I am certain I'll be there, too
It’s the least that I can do.


Cheri J. Crane
February 2008

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Hommage de le Prophete


Some of you may have noticed that I went an entire week without posting a new blog\poem. There were two reasons for this:


Reason # 1: I suffered a bout with carbon monoxide poisoning last week and was a little bit sick for a few days. (Note to self: Never allow one's husband to bring gas-fueled power tools into my house ever again, especially during the winter months)


Reason # 2: On the days when I wasn't feeling like the last chapter, I was at a loss for words. I couldn't think of anything appropriate that would pay tribute to such a beloved prophet of God.


Then during sacrament meeting this past week, as I sat, drawing strength from those who shared valiant testimonies, a poem descended. Quickly I pulled out a piece of scratch paper from my purse and it was as if I couldn't write fast enough. Here it is, nothing perfect, mind you, but my way of paying tribute to a man whose Christ-like example touched the world.


Hommage de le Prophete

Do a little better
Reach a little more
Stand a little taller
Prepare for what's in store.

Be a little kinder
Let patience pave life's path
Serve with loving thoughts
Let the scriptures be your staff.

Become a great example
Stand for what is right
Smile a little more
Grasp for Heaven's Light.

Endure when trials descend
Push forward with faith anew
Live without regrets
Seek for what is true.

Enjoy the journey daily
Do all you can while on this earth
And when the moment comes at last
You'll be ready for eternal birth.

Cheri J. Crane

February 3, 2008

Tuesday, January 22, 2008


We've been enduring a series of winter storms here in Bear Lake Valley. The snow banks are growing by leaps and bounds---we're already up to about 3 & 1/2 feet on the level. (That's mountain valley talk for the accumulation of snow in our front yards.) I understand the snow level is pretty impressive up the local canyons. I'll be seeing that for myself later this morning when my husband and I travel to Logan.


In honor of the joys of snowy weather, I figured I would post a poem I wrote a few years ago---after surviving a rather nasty fall. Enjoy and happy winter everyone. ;)


Ode to Ice


Oh, miracle of winter, twinkling as gems,
Glowing crystal wonderment from which much beauty stems.
The crowning glory of frigid moments, diamonds seem to glitter,
Lurking ‘neath the gentle snow, your frostiness is bitter.

You demand respect, though none is given, until most unaware,
Someone dares to mar your presence and slips upon the stair.
Oh, agony and painful times as feet fly through the air,
Vocabulary in your honor, uttered on the stair.

Oh, thing of beauty, I have sinned, upon you I did tread,
Excuse my trespass I implore, your ecstacy went to my head.
And to my back, and to my leg, and to my derriere and arm.
Oh, grievous penalties inflicted for causing you such harm.

Now bandaged, casted, scared for life, I confess it was my fault,
Let me show my penitence with this offering of salt!
Oh, miracle of winter, as you quietly slip away,
Know you have my eternal respect, and get thee hence I pray.

Cheri J. Crane
(1991)
P.S. In case anyone is wondering, the picture I posted with this morning's blog is one I snapped about a month ago up one of our local canyons. In the summer months, this tiny waterfall can be seen up Montpelier Canyon. In the winter, it becomes an icy cascade, a beautiful tribute to winter.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Resolute


Time for something on the lighter side. The picture above is a little diabetic humor. Sometimes we diabetics (I'm a Type 1) have to laugh at scary things like life. It boosts our morale. And in keeping with that train of thought, here is a brand new poem, hot off the presses. (I hope it makes sense.)


Resolute


It’s January season
I survived the holidays
But now I have a reason
To feel some strong dismays.


It’s time for resolutions
I can’t even remember last year’s vows
I’m pondering solutions
That won’t lift local brows.


"It’s tradition!" is the war-cry
"Get yourself in gear!"
I feel like I’m on stand-by
About to get booted in the rear.


"I resolve to never worry!"
Oops, I already blew that goal
Making resolutions in a hurry
Took care of that loophole.


"I promise to lose weight!"
"To only eat healthy food.
"I won’t tempt an ugly fate
"I’ll strive to be so good!"


Does it count if I ate naughty treats
To celebrate New Year’s Day?
Or late-night snacks or sugary cheats
I met along the way?


What if I promise to never swear
Even if I’m in great pain—
Oh, yeah, I already kicked a chair,
It caused me to profane.


There’s always good old exercise
Working out to tone some flab,
Or getting enough rest to make me wise
And perhaps not such a crab.

Both of those take effort
Both take strength of will
Maybe I’m not such a sport
I think you know the drill.


Inspiration arrives at last
I resolve to dutifully prepare
Next year’s goal forecast
When I’m sure I just might care.


Cheri J. Crane
January 2008

Monday, January 7, 2008

The Light on the Hill




Hi all. Sorry I haven't posted for a while---the holidays were crazy. I'm sure you can relate. Among other fun things, most of our family was privileged to attend the Rexburg Temple open house. (Son # 3 is currently in Canada serving a mission) I thought I would share a couple of the pictures that were taken that night. The first one is a picture of our family standing near this beautiful building. The second is a picture I took a few minutes later when we drove around to the front of the temple. Below is a poem I wrote commemorating the occasion.


The Light on the Hill


A beacon of peace
In a troubled day
A light in the darkness
Revealing a way
To survive the turmoil
The strife of life’s fray
Offering hope
With its calming array.


This lighthouse is calling
Sounding alarm
Pointing the way
To steer clear of harm
Providing shelter
Safe and warm
Eternity beckons
When ships disarm.


Calming love
Abounds inside
Only felt
When stripped of pride
Soft answers serve
To inspire, guide
This light on the hill
Can turn life’s tide.



Cheri J. Crane
January 7, 2007