Monthly Archives: May 2016

Excerpt from Manuscript – Dear Paxton

30 Monday May 2016

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 Excerpt from Dear Paxton

05.30.2016
  
Quickly, she turned on her heels, grabbing her purse, while proceeding to slam the door harshly behind her on her way out and down the stairs.  Large crocodile tears spilled down her checks as she ran through the apartment complex, desperately searching for her car. 

She needed to get away, as for away as she could.  She knew he could find her if he wanted to and this she did not want. 

He had crushed her heart beyond repair now.  Not only had he turned his back on her, but he had also turned his back on his own flesh and blood. 

She loved this baby growing inside of her, but she knew she couldn’t raise it on her own.  She knew what she had to do, it wasn’t going to be easy, but she no longer had a choice of what she wanted anymore. 

She had tried, fighting for her baby with all her might, but she had lost the battle. 

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Photograph By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright May 30, 2016 

Excerpt from Manuscript – Snow

26 Thursday May 2016

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EXCERPT FROM SNOW

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The days were slowing down, giving her a chance to ponder, as her mind wandered back to a happier time. Realizing she was alone, not just in the moment, but really alone.

She felt lost, wondering where everyone had gone.

She remembered the joyous days, as her girl’s laughter echoed through their home. She was teaching Bella how to bake Snickerdoodle cookies, they had been her favorite as a young girl and now they were Bella’s favorite too.

But now, as she slowly sipped on her peppermint tea, gently swirling the cream around in the cup, she had nobody to sit around with and laugh. Time was going faster, but had also seemed to stop.

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Photograph By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright May 26, 2016

CONTRADICTION

18 Wednesday May 2016

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CONTRADICTION IN WORDS…

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Family is what saves you, but yet…
Family is what can destroy you.

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Photography By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright May 18, 2016

EXCERPT FROM MANUSCRIPT – SNOW

15 Sunday May 2016

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EXCERPT FROM MANUSCRIPT – SNOW

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Jack eagerly pulled January up and onto his lap. She straddled him, wrapping her arms around his neck, freely and passionately kissing him, taking him in…with every breath, the scent of him, the touch of his face, as her hand gently touched his hair and cheeks, his mouth.

“I will do my best to never hurt you. You are so beautiful, in every way.”

January smiled.

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Photograph By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright May 15, 2016

Travel THROUGH TIME TO VENICE BEACH

13 Friday May 2016

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TRAVEL THROUGH TIME TO VENICE BEACH
Venice Beach January 2016

California coastal beaches are magical in so many ways and if you are visiting the Los Angeles area, you must take a walk down the boardwalk, into the city of Venice.

Venice Beach, California is well-known for its trending vibe. You will get the opportunity to walk along the sandy beaches, visit the boardwalk for some shopping, stop to watch the street entertainers, as they perform in front of you, and dine in some of the most infamous and delicious restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area.

My favorite restaurant and a must go to, is the C&O Restaurant in Marina Del Rey. It’s just a few blocks south of the Venice Beach Boardwalk (pier). The C&O (Cheese and Olive) serves fabulous Italian cuisine and superb wines. The best part of the meal, besides the great service, are the garlic bread knots. They are literally to die for and delicious. Outdoor dining is optional and allowed if you want to bring your furry pet.

Another favorite is the Sidewalk Cafe. This quaint restaurant sits inside and out. It has acquainted celebrities; such as Jim Morrison from the Doors and Janice Joplin. Once again, you are welcome to have your furry pet hang out with you, while you dine out on the patio. Last time I was down there, we saw a pet pig tied to the table of a family of four…how cute is that!

Once you are feeling relaxed and satisfied from your meal, it’s time to go for a nice, romantic or casual stroll along the canals. Many movies have been shot in this location for its unique style and charm; such as the Doors, A Touch of Evil, starring Charlton Huston, Dragnet, Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Speed, and American Gigolo

On your way to the beach…don’t forget you sunscreen and your camera…have fun!

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Photograph By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright May 13, 2016

Excerpt from Manuscript – Snow

11 Wednesday May 2016

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Excerpt – SNOW

Tulips 05.11.2016

“I know you’re lying!”

January knew he only lied when he was using. She had lived with the cycle for long enough to see the subtle changes in his behavior. She used to laugh about it, saying he was two-faced, but in reality it wasn’t funny.

She had been living with this man’s ups and downs for nearly twenty-seven years.

“I’m not lying, baby.”

“I know you didn’t go to work today, Jack, your boss called.”

“What a prick. He has had it out for me since the first day I started.”

Jack always knew what to say. Nothing was ever his fault, it was always the other guy.

January had come to a point when she no longer fought, it was easier to just accept it. Her best friend had told her once, you made your bed, now lie in it. She guessed she had.

“Jack, what are we going to do. We need money for our mortgage.”

“Don’t worry baby, I will get you the money.”

“How? You just lost your job.” January cried.

“Don’t worry your pretty little head, I will take care of it and have your mortgage money to you by Friday.”

It was always Friday, but he could no longer keep his promises. His lies were starting to catch up with him, they were drowning him and her and their family. Poor Bella, she didn’t deserve any of this.

“Jack, I can’t take this anymore. You always get fired after two weeks, why is that?”

“I told you baby, he was a prick. I will find another job, didn’t I tell you not to worry?”

“Hi, Daddy, are we going to have to move again?” Bella had just walked into our conversation, holding her ice cream in her hand, as it melted, dripping down her arm.

It was always the same story, but nothing was getting better. She knew why he lost his job after two weeks, it wasn’t because of any other reason, but he was using again.

He had just gotten paid two days before and now he had changed, January saw it, his boss saw it, and now Bella saw it.

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Photograph By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright May 11, 2016

Happy Mother’s Day

07 Saturday May 2016

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Happy Mother’s Day
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Sunday we are celebrating all moms on this very special day. Mothers are one of the most unselfish and perfect creatures. They have the ability to love you before they see you and continue to do so for the rest of your lives.

My most important role in life is being a mother. I wouldn’t trade it for any other career. It is so rewarding to watch the little ones we bring into the world grow up into great women and men.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there in our world. Thank you for all you do everyday to make this world a safer and better place to be.

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Photograph By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright May 2016

An Excerpt from Manuscript – DEAR PAXTON

07 Saturday May 2016

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Ask Ms Mandi

DEAR PAXTON

She was so excited to see his precious face that she could hardly stand to sit in the truck for another moment.  Quickly, she rolled down her window to get some fresh air when she saw him standing outside waiting.  He was standing next to a white wooded garage, kicking gravel while biting down on his lower lip.  He looked preoccupied and incredibly sexy, standing there, wearing a heavy army jacket smoking a cigarette.  His hair was quite a bit longer than the last time she had seen him, but he looked the same, only better.  His face was relaxed and unshaven.  He looked so innocent and vulnerable, but she knew him better than that.  Her feelings where mixed.  He had loved her so much, but had hurt her so deeply at the same time.  They had only known each other for two years, but she had experienced…

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Traveling through Northern California

04 Wednesday May 2016

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Trinidad Beach – Northern California

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I have to say that my traveling experience through California was one of the most memorable and beautiful trips I’ve taken in a long time. Our day started early, packing our car with our bags, snacks, and dog. We had to laugh at how many snacks we had in our bags…

“Where are you going? China.” My daughter asked.

“We might as well” I stated, traveling up the entire state of California is quite a journey, fourteen hours to be exact.

The first six hours are long and boring, not a whole lot to see, traveling through Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and then Modesto County…quite dry and yellow, not much green and hardly any mountains.

Once we hit San Francisco, the scenery drastically changed from dry to lush green. It was quite majestic to say the least.

My favorite part of our drive was after we went through San Francisco and traveled north of Marin County. There were lush, green trees everywhere, vineyards, rolling hills and streams and rivers.

Pictures don’t do the landscape justice; however, your camera is a must. A picture lasts a lifetime and compliments our memories in our mind.

I am glad to have marked off on of my bucket list item and strongly recommend a trip up the coast of California. Your reward is your adventure and it has only started once you’ve reached the beaches of Trinidad.

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Photograph By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright May 4, 2016

Excerpt from Manuscript – Dear Paxton

01 Sunday May 2016

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Excerpt Dear Paxton

ASKMSMANDI 05.01.2016

“Where have you been?”

“I told you I was visiting my sister in Lake Tahoe.”
He continued to glare at her, not saying much.

This infuriated her beyond control, but she refused to allow him to see her fear for him.  She knew he strived on her fear, this would keep her in line and close to him, but he was wrong.

She was planning her escape.

Her family, including Cole, thought she should be honest with him, telling him about her marriage and the move, but they were wrong.

Lisa saw something in his eyes that nobody else could see, she saw hatred and desperation growing deeper and deeper inside him day by day.

She was afraid.

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Photograph By: JCW
Copyright May 2016