1. Because Happily Ever Afters make you happy.
2. You are tired.
3. An accident has prevented you from continuing.
4. You've run out of material for the craft you're working on.
5. You just really like cliffhangers.
6. The story had dragged on long enough that all interest in it has died.
7. The thing you were working on was canceled.
8. The thing reached a satisfying place to end.
9. You've run out of ideas.
10. Because you've reached The End.
There comes a point when one must ask themselves, Is it worth continuing on this course?
Of course, it is probably best to ask yourself this before you are being chased by an angry dragon in the company of a mad elf and pyromanic human.
Unfortunately, you don't get a lot of opportunities to reflect on your life choices when you happen to be said human's horse.
"Onward, Aodh!" My human urges, and I offer a snort as we angle for the narrow pass that leads out of the mountains towards the forest. If we can reach it, we'll be safe, as the dragon is too large to fit in such a tight area.
Hopefully, the mad elf my human insisted on bringing was able to use her magic to prevent the dragon from using its fire. If not, well, I've been around more than my share of fire since acquiring my human.
We make it to the pass, but barely, the rancid breath of the dragon hot on my croup as its teeth snap shut mere moments too late to catch me. The dragon's roar of fury is painfully loud, and spurs me to greater speeds even as the mad elf gives a piercing laugh.
My human joins in the laughter, and I wonder why I didn't listen to my dam when she suggested I find myself nice bard to travel with. No, I just had to go for the gallantry of becoming a knight's steed, I thought bitter to myself. If I ever sired any foals, I'd make sure they knew to always listen to their dam.
When we finally made it out of the pass and into the forest, I was exhausted. But on the bright side, the dragon seemed to have given up once we were outside of its territory.
My human cared for my needs before seeing to his own, and I reminded myself that a little danger came with the job. I'd wanted adventure, and I was getting exactly what I'd asked for. I was young yet, and I couldn't trust any other horse to keep my human from setting fire to the camp. Again.
Speaking of setting fires, I thought with a resigned huff as I recognized that gleam in my human's eyes. Flicking an ear in irritation, I went to stop with from trying to burn the fancy scroll he'd stolen from the dragon's hoard. We needed to get that back to the court magician, who really should know better by now than to send my human to fetch something so easy to burn.
1. Snakes.
2. Vultures.
3. Crocodiles.
4. Moose.
5. Cats.
6. Moths.
7. Frogs.
8. Owls.
9. Snails.
10. Elephants.
The road was long, but still they traveled on.
Mile by mile, until at last they reached their destination.
There, the family gathered round, eager to exchange tales from their year.
The atmosphere was warm, everyone feeling bright with good cheer.
With how spread out they were, the moments wherein they could all gather were few.
But each time they did, their love for one another grew.
1. Socks.
2. A hat.
3. A block of wood.
4. A game.
5. Anything elephants.
6. A mug.
7. Pajamas.
8. Books.
9. A flashlight.
10. Chocolate.
Rabbits may rush about trying not to be late, and turtles might slowly find themselves winning a race.
Whatever the moment, there are options ahead.
Even in sometimes the best option is going to bed.
Setting a schedule doesn't always work right.
Sometimes you forget until late in the night.
Whether you relate to the rabbit's quick feet or to the turtle's slow and steady beat, rember to take a moment to breathe.
1. Mints.
2. Fudge.
3. Syrup.
4. Mousse.
5. Milkshakes.
6. Candycanes.
7. Ice cream.
8. Hot chocolate.
9. Cookies.
10. Cheesecake.
Should you neglect your dragon, they may just decide to eat you.
If you feel as though this is a potential occurrence, you can attempt to dissuade your dragon from this course by placating them with a treasure for their hoard.
Just be sure to pick something that your dragon will highly value, or else you might insult them into finalizing their decision to eat you.
1. Look at how unique each snowflake is.
2. Take a picture to send to friends who live where there is no snow.
3. Listen to how queit everything seems when covered in snow.
4. Twirl around as it falls.
5. Watch your dog run delightedly through it.
6. Make a snowangel.
7. Build a snow fort.
8. Shovel a path through it.
9. Have a snowball fight.
10. Build a snowman.
Fatigue settles like the a cold chill from being caught in the rain without a coat.
You become sluggish, unsure if you'll ever be warm and dry again.
But an opportunity to rest is like finally getting dried off and settling someplace warm.
It may take a little time to get there, but the fatigue you feel now needn't last forever.
Rest will come, eventually. You must simply be read to seize hold of it once it appears.
1. Yellow.
2. Strawberry.
3. Black forest.
4. Red velvet.
5. Coconut.
6. Apple.
7. Chocolate.
8. Spice.
9. Pumpkin.
10. Carrot.
If the fire died, then the wolves would get them.
But if they kept the fire lit, then the Shadowman could find them. For a shadow could not exist without light.
Looking at those under her care, teenage girl wondered which option was worse. She knew that not everyone would be able to outrun the wolves, especially not with the injuries that Joey and Cecile had.
Yet if they let the Shadowman come, who knew how many of them he would take?
"I'm scared," little Rosie said, and the teen scooped the young girl up.
"Don't be scared, Rosie. We'll figure this out," she said with false cheer. As she passed the girl over to Alec (who was much better with the little kids than she was) the girl noticed a flicker at the corner of her eye.
Glancing around as subtly as she could, it didn't take long for her to notice something that filled her heart with dread. A long, thin shadow that didn't fit the shape of the stump that cast it.
The Shadowman had found them.
He hadn't yet taken on that semi-solid form required for him to interact with their world, however, so there was still a chance. If I can just kill the fire before he acts, she thought as she turned back towards the campfire. But before she could take a step, a voice like the whisperings of a monster beneath the bed breathed in her ear, "I wouldn't do that, dearie."
Turning back towards the stump as casually as she could, the girl moved so that she was between its unnatural shadow and the others. "What do you want with us?" she asked quietly, lips barely moving as she stared at the shadow. It shifted in a motion independent of the flickering firelight, moving closer to her.
"I don't care about most of you at all, actually. It has simply taken me this long to figure out which one of you I needed," the Shadowman said, his indistinct form seeming to grow more solid the closer it came to her.
"If you only need one of us, then what have you done with the others you've taken?" she asked.
"They don't matter, dearie. You'll never see them again," he replied, and she took a step back as she turned her head to call the warning she should have issued earlier.
Her warning never formed, however, for semi-solid arms wrapped around her and dragged the girl back into a world of shadows.
1. Penelope.
2. Quincy.
3. Jolene.
4. Bronagh.
5. Carl.
6. Douglas.
7. Geoffrey.
8. Frederick.
9. Walter.
10. Therius.
A long time ago, there was a frog.
The frog lived in the swamp, and every day the frog would eat his fill of flies and other bugs that happened along his path.
It was a simple life, but one that the frog enjoyed.
Then one day, a young woman dressed in the red and black of a ladybird came to the swamp. Now, the frog had never met a person like this woman, and didn't realize the danger that would come from trying to ask her to stop spraying whatever stinky stuff was scaring away his lunch.
For when the woman heard the frog speak, she decided that he must be a cursed prince.
And so the frog found himself taken from his lovely swamp, and set on a pillow in a room within a castle that was sorely lacking in bugs for him to eat.
When the young woman—who turned out to be something known as a princess—kissed him, the frog was confused.
The princess was disappointed, and decided that she must not be the one meant to break his curse.
Thus began the Frog Festival, wherein every eligible princess or maiden in the surrounding kingdoms who could attend woulf have the opportunity to try and break the (supposed) Frog Prince's curse.
No one listened when the frog said he was just a frog, and so he resigned himself to being stuck in the castle for the rest of his days.
2. Raspberry and lime.
3. Vanilla and strawberry.
4. Lemon and pepper.
5. Cinnamon and clove.
6. Chocolate and mint.
7. Blackberry and cranberry.
8. Oregano and feta.
9. Rosemary and citrus.
10. Garlic and parmesan.
Time can be meaningless if not spent well.
Look around: where do your thoughts dwell?
Do you spend your time on things of mediocrity?
Or do you strive to improve your talents to the highest quality?
Looking around, are you pleased by what you see?
Or do you find yourself wondering if this is all you can be?
Lift up your hand, and reach for the stars.
If you never give up, I'm sure you'll go far.
1. Milk.
2. Apple juice.
3. Horchata.
4. Orange juice.
5. Water.
6. Hot chocolate.
7. Soda.
8. Cranberry juice.
9. Milkshakes.
10. Broth.
It was noisy and cold, but at least one of those problems could be solved. Wrapping a blanket around you shoulders, you shiver in the dark for a moment.
Soon enough, though, the blanket fulfills its duty, and you start to feel warm again.
If it wasn't for the loud party next door, you might have been able to sleep. But the music was so loud that you could feel it in your bones, and the pounding of your head beat in time to the thumping bass.
Your neighbers always seemed to have a wild party on the weekend, and you were exhausted by the chaos it brought. You couldn't imagine what it would be like to actually be at the party, given how loud it was through the solid walls of your house.
Glancing at the clock, you gave a soft groan. Only a few more hours, and it should be over, you thought wistfully. Maybe you'd fall into an uneasy, exhausted slumber before then.
It was unlikely, but you could hope.
The one bright side of all this was that you didn't have to work tomorrow. Your neighber's parties were always worse on the nights where you had to go into work the next morning.
For now, you would simply suffer and how for sleep to claim you.
1. A vampire.
2. Spaghetti and meatballs.
3. A mummy.
4. A book.
5. A tree.
6. A mirror.
7. A giant cupcake.
8. A statue.
9. A time traveler.
10. Your evil twin.
The willow stood restless under the assault of the wind. Its long, thin branches swayed with every turbulent breath.
Then came the rain, pouring down to splash again the ground in a soft pitter-patter.
The wind and the rain continued on through the night, battering at the willow and the earth around it.
When at last the light of day began to creep out from behind the distant mountain, the storm slowly subsided.
The willow still stood, though it had lost a few limbs to the whistling wind.
All would be well— until the next storm came.
1. You got lost.
2. You overslept.
3. There was an emergency.
4. You forgot.
5. It's fashionable.
6. The wind knocked a tree down in your driveway.
7. You got a flat tire.
8. A friend needed your help.
9. You lost track of time.
10. Another meetinf ran overtime.
Free, like a leaf tossed about by the wind.
Hungry, like a hummingbird darting from flower to flower withoit pause.
Soft, like a bed of moss.
Wild, like the a storm raging through the nught.
Whatever you are, strive to be the best you can be.
1. Leftovers.
2. Oatmeal chocolate chip muffins.
3. Biscuits and gravy.
4. Cereal.
5. Bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit.
6. Sourdough waffles with toasted coconut and a homemade caramel drizzle.
7. Shredded hashbrowns.
8. Ham and cheese omelet.
9. Chocolate chip pancakes.
10. French toast.
Drawing a blank figure standing before a house, the girl paused with pencil poised over the paper.
Perhaps some tulips over in that corner, and a wistful look on the character's face, she thought, before nodding to herself and letting her hand flow once more.
She didn't have any real plans for this piece, merely having wanted to work on different elements. As she wasn't planning to share this piece with anyone, the girl felt no pressure to have it be perfect.
It was a strange feeling, both freeing and frightening at the same time. Still, she wouldn't dwell on her thoughts too much, for right now it was time to sketch.
1. Basil.
2. Oregano.
3. Vanilla.
4. Nutmeg.
5. Garlic.
6. Rosemary.
7. Ginger.
8. Cinnamon.
9. Clove.
10. Mint.
Sometimes, you see something that just makes you want to sleep.
That is what the cat thought, as he watched the dog dart up and down the hall at full speed. He wasn't even the one running, yet he was getting more exhausted ever second that he spent watching the dog.
And so, the cat decided to do the wise thing. He moved over to where a patch if sunlight was gleaming upon the ground, slumped down onto his side within it, and closed gis eyes.
If he was tired, then he would sleep now. If wasn't as though anyone would try and stop him, after all.
1. Hats.
2. Scarves.
3. Pins.
4. Necklaces.
5. Shoes.
6. Sweaters.
7. Earrings.
8. Ties.
9. Bracelets.
10. Flowers.
The bell tolled, and the axe fell.
The boy looked away as the dragon's head hit the ground, and slowly started making his way through the crowd to leave the execution. It wasn't the sort of event he enjoyed, but it was a law that unless you had a valid excuse for missing an execution, all citizens above a certain age had to attend.
He supposed it was the Empire's way of reminding them that dragon-riders were outlawed. You get caught raising a dragon, and the beast was executed. Meanwhile, the wannabe rider was sentenced to the mines.
The boy didn't know why anyone would want to be a dragon-rider. Dragons were smelly, hot reptiles that weren't good for any sort of labor until they were at least a year old: as they remained small, nimble creatures during that first year. They couldn't even breath fire until they were two, and the window of opportunity to actually get a dragon broken for riding was so short that you literally couldn't do anything else during that short time period. And as a dragon would only bond with one rider, you couldn't just have someone else train the beast for you.
No, dragons just weren't worth the effort. He'd stick with horses, which were legal to own and train.
A stranger bumped into the boy, and he felt something near his coat pocket. Oh, no, I am not getting robbed today! he thought, reaching to make sure his coin purse was still in the pocket as he turned to try and locate the stranger.
His purse was there, but there was something else in his pocket. Extracting himself from the crowd, the boy slipped into an alley between a couple of shops surrounding the town square and pulled the mysterious object out of his pocket.
One look at the little thing, and he knew exactly what it was. "Oh, no. I am not having any part of this," he said softly, shaking his head as he stuck the brown dragon's egg back in his pocket.
He'd be a good citizen, and turn it into the guard, along with a description of the stranger.
It was a good plan.
But as he turned to leave the alley, something struck him, and the boy lost consciousness.
1. Will-o-wisps.
2. Dragons.
3. Chimeras.
4. Goblins.
5. Each-uisge.
6. Perytons.
7. Basilisks.
8. Almiraj.
9. Wyverns.
10. Vampires.
There are moments in life when one must ask themself the most important of questions: When can I sleep?
Is it acceptable to sleep now, when the night sky is filled with brilliant stars and another watches you with adoration in their eyes?
Or perhaps it is better to sleep while the sun shines, for how else will one keep turn nightmares into the sweetest of daydreams?
Suppose you maintain a schedule for when you shall sleep. Shall you alwats be beholden tobits whims, incapable of resting from your day-to-day cares at any point in time?
Though there remains the possibility that you've abandoned the ideal of sufficient slumber entirely, and now slip from one moment to the next in a state of solemn sleeplessness.
No matter your relationship with sleep (or lack thereof) the question will at some point be asked, and you'll be required to provide an answer.
1. To stay hydrated.
2. You like the taste.
3. Because you can only drink clear liquids at the moment.
4. It's easier than figuring out what flavored beverage you're in the mood for.
5. Your ice is going to melt really fast in this heat, and this means your drink won't be watered down when it does.
6. Because you're taking a break from your typical choice of drink.
7. You're trying to encourage your kid to drink more water, and won't make them attempt something you yourself won't do.
8. Because you like drinking water.
9. You are thirsty.
10. Because that's what you were offered.
The cat leapt out the door to freedom, heedless of the calls for him to return. He darted arou d the corner, intent on placing as much distance between himself and his keepers as possible.
For he was a cat born to roam, to stalk beneath the trees and terrorize the birds who roosted therein.
But it was dark, and the place he found himself looked nothing like his old haunt.
Where was he? the cat wondered, sniffing the grate that led beneath the house. Nothing seemed familiar to him, and he didn't know where the tastiest birds slept.
He coyld hear one pf his keepers calling dor him, and reluctantly allowed himself to be caught and taken back inside.
He would try for another escape during the day, when more birds would be awake for him to hunt.
1. Silver
2. Mint.
3. Lemon yellow.
4. Green.
5. Gray.
6. Burgundy.
7. Orange.
8. Periwinkle.
9. Chartreuse.
10. Brown.
The anticipation was killing her.
Quite literally, in fact.
But that was the hazard of living in a world where emotions took physical form whenever you dwelt on them. Joy was an exciting friend, always happy to be doing whatever needed doing. Sorrow dragged at your feet, moaning about the gloominess of the day.
And anticipation got so worked up, that it couldn't stand itself anymore. At that point, it would turn on the one feeling it, and ignore the emotions that it caused by its actions.
For the emotions were not affected by other emotions whose source was themselves, unfortunately.
And so she had to run away from her own anticipation until she no longer was feeling it.
Too bad that could be a while...
1. Black olives.
2. Pepperoni.
3. Feta cheese.
4. Bacon.
5. Salami.
6. Sausage.
7. Macaroni and cheese sauce.
8. Garlic.
9. Oregano.
10. Parmesan cheese.
The children were hungry. Hungry for vengeance.
For they had been wronged, betrayed by the one they trusted the most.
Spot had eaten all of their cookies.
And so, Spot had to be punished for his crimes.
The children gathered together in the backyard, and decided on what would become of the betrayer.
After much deliberation, they came to a decision.
Spot would receive no treats, belly rubs, or good boys for a week.
Such was the price he had to pay for stealing what was rightfully theirs.
Meanwhile, Spot was laying in the sunlit grass. He didn't know what his little humans were doing, but he hoped one of them would want to play later. For Spot loved his little humans, and they had seemed sad for some reason that day. Playing would make them feel better, he knew.
1. So you can sleep.
2. Because you're hungry.
3. You've started repeating yourself.
4. The quality of your work has decreased.
5. You want to.
6. Because the cat wants cuddles.
7. You need to go somewhere.
8. Because continuing wouldn't make you feel happy at that moment.
9. So you can recharge.
10. The power went out.
Whenever life gets hard and you don't know what to do, there are some simple things that can help you work it through.
Achieving enough sleep will help you make it through the day, while eating food will provide energy you need in order to play.
Time with loved ones can help lift the heart.
While time alone can help when you feel like you need to be apart.
No matter the struggle, you can succeed!
Believe in yourself, and you'll find joy indeed!
1. Go to the park.
2. Get ice cream.
3. Watch each of your favorite movies.
4. Go to a used bookstore, and find a book you think the other should read.
5. Go to a zoo.
6. Play games together.
7. Share a meal.
8. Go to a museum.
9. Sing karaoke together, in whatevrr way you want.
10. Go for a hike.
The sky was dark, the world a gloomy gray despite it being mid-afternoon.
The ground was littered with puddles, the scent of fresh rain filling the air.
A light drizzle still fell, so fine that it appeared almost as misty haze.
From the comfort of a chair on the covered patio, you took it all in with a deep breath, pleased with the storm. The area needed the moisture, and you loved the general feel that came upom the world whenever it rained.
So here you would sit, until the storm moved on.
1. Your dreams are always interesting.
2. Your bed is comfortable.
3. Because getting enough sleep helps keep you healthy.
4. You've had a hard day, and just want to start over fresh tomorrow.
5. Because you want to.
6. You don't have anything else that needs doing tonight.
7. You have something important you have to do tomorrow.
8. The writing flows better when your eyes aren't consantly closing.
9. Because your cat says you must.
10. So you can get up earlier.
After a long day, sometimes all you want is to cuddle with your cat.
Too bad that is when the cat never wants to be aroubd you.
For such is the way of a feline— when desired, he shall flee, and when unwanted he will never leave you be.
But on occasion, when all is just right, the cat may choose to grace you with the affection you desire from him.
Cherish these moments, for they so rarely occur.
1. Felix.
2. Freya
3 Fitzwilliam.
4. Felicia.
5. Fargo.
6. Flora.
7. Fred.
8. Forrest.
9. Francesca
10. Franklin.
Sometimes your mind slips, and things fall through the cracks.
Sometimes, the day flies away, leaving you no moment to catch your breath.
What was once important can have its value wither before your eyes, leaving nothing behind but a sorrowful sigh.
When such times occur, do not be sad.
Remember the good times, when excitement filled your heart.
Those times when all you could think about were the dreams in the distance, and how each day brought you another step closer to them.
All too often, dreams lay forgotten, cast aside by the ever-changing tides of life.
But what was forgotten need not remain so.
All it may take is a single spark to reignite the flames of your passion.
1. Cats.
2. Butterflies.
3. Snakes.
4. Mantises.
5. Magpies.
6. Spiders.
7. Crabs.
8. Frogs.
9. Dragonflies.
10. Elephants.
The dolls were staring at me.
From their place of pride on the shelf, each porcelain doll seemed to be looking directly at me, no matter where in the room I went. It was starting to creep me out, and I hoped the little old lady I was house-sitting for got back from her trip sooner rather than later. She was supposed to be back sometime this afternoon, and had requested that I be here to help her settle back in.
Which really wasn't the big of a deal, except for how I had to be waiting in the room with all the dolls.
"Too many scary movies," I muttered, shaking my head and promising to cut back on how many of those movies I watched. At least the little old lady didn't call this her doll room, and it did have more than one doll in it.
And none of the dolls had moved so much as a hair out of place during the time I'd been watching the house. I'd checked. Repeatedly.
My phone rumbled with the tone I'd set for the little old lady, and I pulled it out to read the message.
With a sigh of relief, I put my phone away and headed for the front door. She's at the light around the corner, and wants help bringing her bags in, I thought.
As my hand turned the knob to open the door, a sound echoed out from the room I'd just left.
"Mama, mama."
"Nope," I hissed under my breath, refusing to turn around and check out the noise. The little old lady could take care of her collection, and find another house-sitter next time she had to leave town.
1. Leftovers.
2. Spaghetti.
3. Cereal.
4. Eggs and hash browns.
5. Vegetable stir-fry.
6. Tacos.
7. A sandwich.
8. Chicken nuggets and tater tots.
9. French toast with bacon.
10. Fried rice.
Rain fell in a staccato outside, each drop punctuated by those that came before and after.
Inside the house, cats were settling down to rest, cozy in their chosen spots.
All was well.
As your eyelids drifted closed after the long day, you couldn't help but hope that sleep would hold you peacefully through the night, then release you refreshed to face the morning light.
It might have been a foolish hope, but you held onto it until conscious thought fled from your grasp.
1. Chuck.
2. Cindy.
3. Chester.
4. Celestia.
5. Christine.
6. Conrad.
7. Caitlin.
8. Cynthia.
9. Cleo.
1. Curtis.
'Twas midnight, and no cat could sleep.
So instead, they roamed the house on double, looking for opportunities to cause trouble.
They knocked books from table, and fished in the tank. They nibbled the bread, and shattered a piggy bank.
The cats, they were noisy, and caused such a clatter. But I was too tired to care about the matter.
And so the cats spent the night climbing the walls, and I tried to sleep in my room down the hall.