A Writing Game

A Writing Game

Posted by Erin Mansfield

While looking for writing prompts, I found a post about an interactive story and I decided to join the fun.  The title of the story and it's first chapter were created by Cheryl (Thoughts from the Tall Girl).  There is a catch.  The website that hosts all the fun, called An Ancient Tome, gives prompts.  In this case, there has to be a "white shield".  I wrote a "chapter" (really about 200 words) and then let it sit on my computer screen while I decided if I should post it.  You wouldn't believe the thoughts that ran through my head!

Gasp! "What if I ruin the whole story!"

Ok, I finally decided to post it.  After all, the idea is to have others add to the story.  Of course, I did discover I had a typo, actually a part I thought I'd erased.  It makes me smile.

The story is called "The Frozen Crown".  Please add your own part to the story!  Below is a copy of my chapter, complete with my error:

She pressed forward, sweat running down her face.  The continuing song settled into an ancient chant, soft and alluring, yet it sent shivers up her spine.  Sasha tried fervently to run, but her senses were overpowered by a droning in her ears.  Her side ached, and she was losing feeling in her limbs.  Panting, she caught hold of an elm tree, and then curled up at the base.  The world spinning, she closed her eyes.

It was a calm, beautiful morning when Sasha finally came to.  She took a deep breath, as she tried to piece together what happened.  She hadn't been dreaming.  For one thing, she her stomach still hurt and she had no idea where she was.  More disturbingly, she discovered a strange mark around her belly button.  It was like an old tattoo, with the ink slightly faded.  The image was a silver ring, within a white shield.  She tried to rub the image away, but it burned under her touch.

“It won’t do you any good, I’m afraid”

Sasha jumped to her feet.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone I startled ya” grinned the thin, tall man as he stepped closer.

All In A Row

All In A Row

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Thought I'd make some flowers with the InspirARTion Windows 8 app.  Enjoy.

The Devastation Beneath

The Devastation Beneath

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Life is broken
It's shattered pieces trampled
Where Beauty and promise
Hide the devastation beneath
All the colors sucked dry
By a whirlpool of pain and fear
Leaving the world bland and gray
Where even the best intentions
Spawn a fog so foul
It is an astounding wonder
That we haven't choked to death

Yes, I know dawn will rise again
And I will so willingly forget
The termoil festering beneath
For now though I wait sitting
Wondering how much damage
Can my heart really take

Rainbow Farting Unicorns League

Rainbow Farting Unicorns League

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Note: What follows is meant clearly for humor's sake.  I decided to make a fictitious website, and I found the results humorous and so I posted it below.

RainbowFartingUnicornsLeague.com

About Rainbow Farting Unicorns

This is all about the fantastical wonders of those mystical unicorns. It primarily focuses on how to get those beautiful creatures to fart out those rainbows they are so famous for. Of course, we will also discuss how to find and trap a leprechaun, for all his wonderful gold!

Caution

Any information included in this site is to be used only at your own risk. We are not liable for unicorn stampedes, gas poisoning, or being turned into a melon by leprechauns.

History

Long before this site was created, causing unicorns to fart rainbows was already a noble tradition. No one knows for sure who first discovered that unicorns had such a peculiar gift. We do know that the earliest records tell only of the droppings, being brightly colored and strangely tasting of chocolate. It is rumored that the original discoverer was actually attempting to mate with one of the creatures, when it ran off, releasing a gaseous array of colors. Unfortunately, the man's genitals forever bore a rainbow pattern, causing him to be harassed by leprechauns the rest of his days.

The Tradition Today

For many, the art of unicorn rainbow farting has become more of a pastime than a true calling. Where once initiates would pledge their lives to the task, now only teenagers, drunks, or the suicidal put in any real effort. Today, groups tend to gather more for the food and drink. It is time spent with family and friends, ending in a staged attempt, kept carefully away from any unicorn’s backend.

The Renaissance

While many consider the risk involved in reviving this harrowing sport far too high, it is time to reconsider. With today's knowledge, it is far safer than ever before. Those brave enough to coax unicorns into farting, can earn themselves a lifetime of fame and fortune. For it is the only known way to reliably lure a leprechaun.  If one can also succeed in capturing a leprechaun, they can acquirer whatever their heart desires. Of course, there are risks. The gas itself is unpredictable. It has been known dissolve entire groups, cause people to think their own flesh is a most delicious dessert, or to simply turn everyone into adorably defenseless bunnies. If one survives, one still must manage to outwit the leprechauns. Yet, with the use of the latest information and safety equipment, many are now willing to risk it all.

Contact Information

Of course users are free to contact each other, or myself, through the forums. If the need is urgent, however, the use of telepathy is preferred. Of course, all scheduled gatherings can be entered by teleportation. We only ask that guests refrain from using telekinesis in designated areas, so arrivals can apparate without foreign objects becoming lodged in their body.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day

Posted by Erin Mansfield

I hope everyone enjoyed Mother's Day, whether or not you are a mother.

This is a pretty simple image, though it still took me a while today.  I drew the image and scanned it into the computer, then edited it, added color and effects with gimp.

The House Upon the Cliff

The House Upon the Cliff

Posted by Erin Mansfield

They fell like sopping rain into the foyer
Before maneuvering past buckets of water
And hastily settling into the parlor
Each crack of thunder shook the house
Comfort was disregarded for warmth
Provided by sips of a light, bitter tea
Their journey was a difficult one

The house, once splendid, still charmed
As gold-leaf glistened beneath the neglect
And each room contained the remembrances
Of generations of life, love and home
The sole remaining heir and guardian
Drained of money, time and energy
In the desperate hope of restoring the house
And preserving those cherished memories
Finally knew that the quest had failed
Standing upon the edge of a treacherous cliff
More of the grounds vanished every year
Threatening to take this ancient dwelling
The travelers confirm worrisome fears
The roads are washed out, barely passible
Perhaps these walls will still hold
Yet this torrent is not about to let up
Certainly they must escape to safety
While they retain a chance of success

Caught unprepared due to a deep denial
The guardian stashes a sentimental souvenir
Gathers some necessities, and prays for safety
Another flash and crack, the lights flicker
Before flooding the room in blind darkness
They struggle with flashlights and candles
The job is nearly done, though the ground jerks
Suddenly gravity seems to pull with a new weight
Feet slip, the body lurches instinctively forward
While nearly swallowed by the blackening abyss
And is yet caught by a single hand on the wrist
And pulled into a welcome temporary safety
Into each other’s arms, holding tight for a moment
With a nod they run, taking care not to fall
They shove themselves and a bag into the car
The path ahead, more like a river than road
The car jerks with each widening whole
The traveler’s determined to save their friend
As they charge onward, defying wind and rain
But the guardian only stares at the home now lost
No longer the protector of a priceless history
Now the protected in a battle against the elements
Nothing left to do, but to simply hold on
As strength slips and the world continues to rage
Forgetting to feel anything, but overwhelming loss

Back in the Muck

Back in the Muck

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Gone the vibrant victories
Perfect in song and honor
When any road one chose
Filled pockets with gold

Only now all pathways
Are entrenched in muck
Causing countless stumbles
While fog does muddle

And still yet more troubles
The map now swallowed
In a torrent of water
Leaving one to wander

The miles last beyond forever
Yet if there be an end
Then even shoeless feet
Go marching ever forward