Today Pegman heads west to the quaintly-named Happy Jack, Arizona. Your mission as always is to use the photosphere/street view part of Google Maps to wander around and find something that inspires you to write up to 150 words, then post your work to the InLinkz below. Reading and commenting on other stories is part of the experience, so you won’t want to miss out! Do you best, and have fun!
I didn’t really have a clue until this morning what to write. On the other hand, I needed a diversion and it’s not like I have anywhere special to go. Many thanks to Josh and Karen (Good to see you back!) for hosting the challenge.
Such a peaceful setting. I would love to be there right now.
Genre: Historical Fiction
(I imagine this to take place before the Conquistadors. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 😉 )
Word Count: 150
SPIRIT OF LOVE
During her eighteenth summer Sicheii told Johona he had given her to Kai, a man from another Diné clan. In her anger, she stomped her feet and wailed, beating the air with her fists. “I don’t want a man.”
“My decision is made. Kai is a dependable man,” her grandfather told her. “He will give you a home and many children.”
The Spirit had not blessed Kai with good looks. His nose was too big and his eyebrows too thick. Johona wept bitterly on their marriage night and refused to share her bed with him.
Kai did not force her. “My hogan is yours. I’ll wait. “He flashed a crooked-toothed smile.
Two summers later, Johona gave thanks to Mother Earth at the ceremony celebrating her son’s first laugh. She rested her head on Kai’s broad chest.
“This child brings joy!” Sicheii proclaimed
“And,” Johona beamed, “he’s handsome like his father.”
*Sicheii is Navajo for Grandfather
Parents, remember your baby’s first laugh? What a sweet sound. Imagine a ceremony to celebrate it? How beautiful is that? When I read about it, I had to write about it. 😀
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 