Tea Leaf Tales: Tricycle Terminator

With the leaves falling, Christmas would come soon, and that meant one thing to Tyler Shepperd—asking Santa for a bicycle, not a tricycle, a real two-wheeled dirt bike like his big brother Shawn rode. Tyler had already asked and been turned down by Mom, then Dad, and Grampa, although he might be able to wear down Gramma if he could tolerate sitting in her lap a few more times. All the others said six was too young, he wasn’t ready, maybe for his seventh birthday next summer, which was too late for Tyler. The one person he was sure wouldn’t turn him down was Santa.

But just in case Mom or Dad got to Santa first before Tyler could hand him his letter, when he saw him at the mall in December, he had a plan. Before it got too cold, he would ride the old trike he hated more than his younger sister Emma until the wheels dropped off or the frame bent worse than Dad could repair, even with Grampa’s help and magic tools.

Every day after school, rain or shine, Tyler took to the leafy sidewalks, skidding out and slamming the tricycle into tree trunks. After weeks and many bruises, a shadowy figure jumped across his path. Frightened, Tyler collided with a loud thud into an old oak that set one of his rear wheels wobbling. He picked himself up, watched the shadow man return to a high branch, and the faint jiggle of a sleigh bell made Tyler smile.

Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her. 

Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. 

JOIN MARSHA'S MAILING LIST and receive a free copy of her paranormal romance story RULER OF THE NIGHT.

Read Marsha's COON HOLLOW TALES of paranormal romance and her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Tea Leaf Tales: Have you met the Watermelon Warrior?

Winnie Walters chopped and mixed her fruit salad for the neighborhood Labor Day block party.

Even though she’d received the sign-up form late, no one claimed her specialty. For the last fling of summer, everyone wanted Winnie’s salad. Her sweet elixir brought to mind the magic of heady jasmine-scented June nights with dizzying white blooms that made neighbors swarm her fruit like a hive of honey bees.

On the blustery Saturday afternoon when Winnie arrived at the party carrying two heaping bowls, many cheered while others gaped.

One woman peeled two squirming elementary-aged kids from her side, held out an empty plate, and pleaded, “Look at you: summer goddess. Dish me up some of your inner peace to get me through until school starts.”

Winnie planted her feet in a wide stance, twirled a long-handled serving spoon, let out a piercing yell, then filled the woman’s dish. “This is no goddess headdress, but the helmet of a warrior—defender of fruit through Crone’s Summer and Blackberry Winter.”

The woman savored the salad’s sweet flavor and sparkling magic, shared some with her children, and after the meal the serene golden glow of Indian Summer warmth blanketed the neighborhood.


Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.

For years I've written somewhat regular installments in a collection of fantasy flash fiction, my Tea Leaf Tales, which have been posted here on my blog. These enormously popular, original ten-sentence short stories relate to photos/scenes that resonate with me.

As a special perk to those who are part of my mailing list, I've decided to share new Tea Leaf Tales with them before posting them on my blog. These are short, fun, and give some insight into the creativity and imagination found in my books. Sign up to receive them first!

Sign up using this link.

And as a thank you for signing up, you'll also receive a free copy of my paranormal romance story, Ruler of the Night.

Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. 

JOIN MARSHA'S MAILING LIST and receive a free copy of her paranormal romance story RULER OF THE NIGHT.

Read Marsha's COON HOLLOW TALES of paranormal romance and her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Tea Leaf Tales: For the Price of a Bird of Paradise Song

On my daily walk going nowhere in particular other than through the fresh air, this majestic bird chirped at me, “Please, I beg you, free me from my captivity.”

“But you are in every bird’s idyllic home—paradise—where food and water and sunshine are everywhere.”

“True, those are freely abundant, but I wish to travel and see the world whispered about by the finches and squawked about by the scaup ducks. They have the life, not me.” The bird lowered his tone, and I drew nearer. “I have seen my brothers and sisters make the same pleas, but once cut free, they were forced into a worse prison of a narrow tube of stale water with no sunlight, but I can tell you are different than those who’ve passed by here before. You can transform my stem into wings, can you not?”

I worked to hide my smile and replied, “That may be true, but what will you give me in return?

“A beautiful song.”

I withdrew my pocket knife, and as I slashed his thick stem, a whistle grew into a clear note, into a trill, into a melodious warble…and off he sailed…for the high price of his first song that I deemed a fine trade.

Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.

*~*~*

Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous, epic fantasy romance. For a FREE ebook sample of her writing, read her historic fantasy short story, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Tea Leaf Tales: Gravel Ends

One of the definite signs of summer—the highway department is busy, too busy. Lately, I found interesting digital road signs warning to watch for the danger of trecks entering the highway. Not knowing what a treck was, I did’t know if any entered while I passed, but I did manage to get through that stretch of road safely, thank goodness.

Now, seeing this, I’m confused why they think it’s necessary to warn people coming out from this pipe that the gravel is soon going to end. Normal people wouldn’t be emerging from random drain pipes. True, the occasional weird fantasy writer, like me, looking for portals to other lands or dog owners chasing their beloved runaway pets or kids discovering a secret passage might make use of this warning. The highway workers must think we haphazard sorts are numerous, enough to warrant the expense of a permanent sign. Do they think we shy away from pavement and need to be warned, in case it might diminish the quality of our journeys? Or are they acting on their own behalf, fearful of encountering the dangerous minds that might emerge from the pipe? Or, it’s just summer, when even the highway crew is allowed to be a bit crazy.

Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED, Book Three, LOST VOLUMES, and Book Four, STAUROLITE. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Tea Leaf Tales: Serving Big Hats Only

For weeks, there was a car parked outside and a man and woman coming and going carrying boxes and grill tops, a huge coffee maker, and other restaurant-size appliances, usual things for a restaurant, so no one paid much notice expect to ask around if anyone knew the new owners. No one did, which seemed odd but not too odd, because most folks were eager for a new place to eat out as a break from the winter blahs.

But when the couple taped newspaper over the picture windows and even the front door glass panels, people began to wonder. When an old pick-up started arriving every evening, always at the last light of dusk, the talk really got going. Some, who could always be relied upon for the latest gossip, drove by the place extra slowly and gave reports of a wide variety of antiques being unloaded: two china cabinets; a grandfather clock; a pie safe; at least a dozen tables and countless chairs, none matching any that went before or after. All in all, too much to fit inside the space of the business. This got the gossips’ tongues wagging, saying the place was going to be an antique store instead of a restaurant, and that notion began to catch on when a huge old hall tree was moved in.

The man finally hung this sign today, and it seems like they do intend to serve lunch…but only to clients with big hats, which is obviously why they needed that hall tree. The couple must have been riled by all the talk going ‘round about them, since whispers are pointed to go somewhere across the street even though only the gas company building sits there. No word from the town gossips.

Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.
~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED, and Book Three, LOST VOLUMES. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Tea Leaf Tales: Firemagicful wishes for your New Year

 

Last night while my husband and I watched fireworks lighting the sky and reflecting across the water of the lagoon, I began to wonder about the word itself.

Firework. Does the fire make the sky perform work, or does the explosive do the work? That takes me back to my tedious years spent in college physics and chemistry classes, considering atomic electron orbital patterns, molecular reactions and bonding. I’m shrugging that off fast—too much work for my brain. All this work, work, work really doesn’t seem like a celebration, which we usually associate with the term.

I’ve been thinking sideways, since the fun, the spectacle, the magic is not found in the verb, but the noun form of the word. The ninth listed definition of work as a noun is a decoration or ornamentation. Firecraft, firedesign, fireart, firemagic—all sound so much more enthralling, just like what we saw last night to ring in a wonderful start to a new year. I hope yours was just as enchanting—firemagicful!

Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.
~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED, and Book Three, LOST VOLUMES. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Tea Leaf Tales: Snowbird Migration

 

Down here in Tampa, we’ve begun welcoming winter guests…snowbirds of all types. Tired from travel, they often take some awkward and risky postions while looking for food, water, their friends to arrive, or unpacking the car.

This little guy reminded me of a yoga pose I’m trying to master. A lot reminds me of yoga lately, since I’m eager to begin a year-long yoga teacher training course in January. It is an asana called Hanumanasana, Monkey Pose, or a more common name—forward splits.

What amazing hip flexibility! I sure need whatever magic he has! I’m so envious. I secretly hope that he’s just so thirsty, he’s pushing his limits and will pay like the rest of us the next day with sore muscles. No matter, the magic of the healing sun will mend him soon
 

Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED, and Book Three, LOST VOLUMES. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Tea Leaf Tales: Amazon Woman

Down an alleyway in St. Paul de Vence, this woman was poised in a most precarious position, with the ancient city wall solidly behind her. 

Was she attempting to vault her way to an escape? From a mad sculptor who kept her captive on his balcony, never letting her travel to the lovely rolling countryside beyond? 

I think she was actually a part of some deceptive modern security system, running surveillance on wrongdoers and lost tourists. One look at her muscular build and you knew she could hurl herself at your feet in seconds—a true Amazon. 

 

To test this theory, my husband and I made a dangerous trek along the city wall behind her. However, she didn’t move. Maybe we didn’t look hostile or appear lost. I wish we could have stayed longer to be sure of her plan, but we had to return to the tour bus or we’d still be wandering the medieval cobblestone streets, enjoying the rich French cuisine, smelling the fragrance of potted herbs and flowering vines climbing the stone walls. Then we would know.

Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.
~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED, and Book Three, LOST VOLUMES. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Tea Leaf Tales: The Second and Third Hand Shop

 

While I was driving to an appointment in a section of town that was new to me, I passed this awesome store. I really needed another hand since my two are more than busy lately, what with the summer gardening. It would be perfect to leave an extra outside doing the weeding while I wrote with my regular pair…that is if the hired hand could be trained to work alone.

So with high hopes, I pulled into the parking lot, the converted front yard of an old house. Inside, I was disappointed to find the first floor filled with gaudy vintage clothing from the 70’s and a sign pointing upstairs stating “Second Hands.” Frowning, I asked the clerk, “I’m fine with my own first and second, so do you have any third hands for sale?” 

She tilted her head and, without saying a word, turned on her heel and walked away. 

A moment later, a tall, wiry woman approached and crooked a bony finger, directing me to follow her up the narrow staircase. The boards creaked under the weight of my steps, but at the top landing I spied what I came for….a glass display case with half a dozen hands, all resting quietly except for one that whirled its fingers in my direction to tap on the inside of the glass.  As I reached up to unlock the case, the shop owner’s face lit with a wry smile and she asked, “Do you wish to have it wrapped?”

Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, and Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Tea Leaf Tales: The Powers to Never Forget

Eyes flutter open without sight, but still see beauty.

A nose that no longer inhales, yet smells familiar scents of loved ones.

Thin skin so worn, its delicate surface is marred by dozens of scrapes and bruises. Your fingers still bend around mine.

Open and gasping for living breath, your voice utters words with the same soft tone.

The superficial holds no importance, only what is inside. And what lies inside is a wealth of wonderful decades, years, days, hours, and minutes. I hug you and wish I could travel inside with you. Then, I close my eyes, and I have the magic to see within. And the powers to never forget what I saw.


Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. The first of her epic fantasy romance series, ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS, is now available--SEEKING A SCRIBE. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, fantasy romance with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Tea Leaf Tales: Wrath of the Headless Lady

Strange how the headless lady refused to sit on that nice velvet-cushioned chair. Did she think it was important to keep her armless sleeve closer to her pocketbook on the high table? I had politely asked her to be seated, maintaining my most sincere tone even though I talked to a headless person, something I rarely do. 

I know…maybe she wanted to stand near that portrait. Perhaps it represented the woman in her prime, when she possessed all of her body parts. Seems likely since the character in the painting also wore the lady’s favorite dress styles—a long rose-colored gown, trimmed with white lace at the cuffs and bodice.

After several failed attempts at communication, I took the seat myself. 

As soon as I did, a female voice from behind snapped, “Get up! I’m trying to convince my twin sister to take a rest and look more like me.”

I jumped up and a burning pain encircled my neck.

Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. The first of her epic fantasy romance series, ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS, is now available--SEEKING A SCRIBE. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, fantasy romance with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Tea Leaf Tales: Unicorn Playing

I’ve been exploring some new parks lately, and this one has a well-kept secret, or maybe a joke, since I didn’t see either horn or hair of a unicorn. 

From her seat on a bench, an old woman motioned me over to her with a nod of her silvery head, and as she rested a hand on her cane she said, “You must be lookin’ for the unicorn.”

“Yes, but haven’t seen any.”

She began feeding the pigeons and said, “There’s only one, and she’s to be seen only ‘tween sunset and nightfall, only by those who believe… like you.”

“Thank you,” I said as I glanced down at my body, wondering what showed that I believed in unicorns. “Will you be here tonight?” I asked.

She said nothing, but gave me a wide, toothless grin.

That evening I returned and saw the old woman, teetering over the footbridge as she leaned on her white cane. I followed and called to her, but she disappeared into shadows of the trees beyond the bridge before I could cross. I thought I saw her cane, but instead, the tip of a white horn extended from behind a wide trunk.

Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. The first of her epic fantasy romance series, ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS, is now available--SEEKING A SCRIBE. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, fantasy romance with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.