Written by Poppy - MARGARET

COMING SOON:

MARGARET

Written by Poppy Dodson

Book details:

The story "Margaret" by Poppy Dodson is a poignant tale of resilience, friendship, and the quiet strength that can be found in shared human connection. The story centers around a farm and is character-driven. Margaret and Thomas are married, and Thomas falls ill. Margaret is caring for the farm and her husband's needs and encounters Eleanor. This is a turning point in Margaret's life. Eleanor's intuitive understanding and steady support help Margaret rediscover her own strength and resilience.

People who will resonate with my story include caregivers, those living in rural areas, those who value friendship and support, individuals who have faced personal challenges, and, last but not least, those who enjoy positive and uplifting endings.

Artist - Book Cover by Poppy

The Radiating Vibe

Thank you for coming to visit Poppy's Blog.

Last year, I decided to participate in the NYC Midnight 250-word Microfiction challenge. 5,439 writers participated, and there were 125 groups, with approximately 44 writers per group.

The challenge is where you are assigned a genre and what needs to be in your story. Well, if you know me, I am a hopeless romantic, but I have never written a romance short story or story, so this was a challenge for me.

"The Radiating Vibe"     Written by Poppy

Coralee had a bad day at work because she was written up, so she decided to stop at her favorite watering hole. She walks into the bar and hears Todd Rundgren playing, hello, it's me. Coralee finds an empty bar stool and plops down. She continues to sing; I've thought about us for a long time. As she looks to her left, a big athletic guy is smiling at her with piercing blue eyes like hers. Coralee smiles. The bartender comes over, and Coralee orders a drink. The athletic man introduces himself as Louie and says, may I buy your drink? Coralee says yes. When the drink appears, she takes a sip. Louie then says bad day. Coralee says working in an office with all ladies can drive you crazy. Louie says I work with grown men who whine all day. Coralee says, touche!   

As they continue chatting, mostly small talk, Coralee notices she is finishing his sentences, and he is finishing hers. They order more drinks, and they are laughing. Coralee likes his laugh; it's contagious, just like hers. But his vibe was something else. It was radiating around her body. Coralee adjusts her skirt, smiles, slowly crosses her legs and swings them towards Louie. You could see Louie looking at her legs. Louie then smiles as he puts his hand on Coralees thigh nonchalantly. Coralee does not flinch and allows Louie to touch her thigh. Louie then reaches over and whispers in Coralee's ear. "I want you." 

Below is my feedback. This was definitely a challenge for me.

Dear Poppy,

The feedback from the judges on your 1st Round submission from the 250-word Microfiction Challenge 2022 is below. We hope you find the feedback helpful and are proud of the story you created for the challenge. Thank you for participating.  The numbers are judges.

"The Radiating Vibe" by Poppy 

WHAT THE JUDGES LIKED ABOUT YOUR STORY

{2256} I thought Louie working with whiny men was really funny. 

{2253} This story does a great job of adding mystery and a build up of sexual tension. I particularly like the ending when the scene seems to slow down a bit as the narrator is describing Coralee as she adjusts her skirt and Louie looking at her thighs—slowing this scene down shows how much the characters themselves are focused on these movements, thus building the tension and heat of the moment. 

{2281} Coralee and Louie meeting feels natural and at the whim of chance. There's something inherently romantic about just that kind of meeting. The idea that Coralee randomly deciding to stop for a drink could alter the course of her love life is a timeless concept. 

"In the end we all become stories."  - Margaret Atwood

Self-Love

Welcome to Poppy’s Blog.

I have not written in a while and felt the need to write today. 

I feel blessed to share my life journey. I hope my story resonates with some of you, gives you hope, and inspires you to be the best version of yourself.

Poppy has come full circle. She made a comeback by healing herself from the inside and out. It’s been four years since my husband’s death, and I miss him dearly. I made a mistake. I went into a relationship while I was grieving. I don’t know how I managed to be in a relationship. But one day, I had an epiphany, packed my bags, and left. Now, this is when the real healing started.

Taking care of myself was my number one priority. I was depressed, lost, and lonely. So, I went into hermit mode, which is solitude. I cried, worked in my garden, started swimming at the gym, and wrote short stories. I meditated and listened to Sarah Blondin- accepting change. I learned to give back all the love I gave out, so I started filling every hole in my body with self-love.  

I have been reborn and given a new life experience. I am “the phoenix rising from her ashes.” I have become resilient and allow life to spill into me, not on me. I have become more of an observer. I started a new job and returned to my original profession as an Accountant. I landed a stellar job, and I love what I do. I have the best co-workers and clients.

I am blessed to have a daughter and granddaughter who helped me through this difficult time. I am enjoying each step of my life journey, and I still wear my heart on my sleeve.

Let me end with this quote.

           “A life without cause is a life without effect.”

Poppy sends love and light.

A New Year means new Beginnings

Welcome to Poppy's Blog.

A New Year means new beginnings. I hope you wake up and find the place where everything feels right, your heart is calm, thoughts are positive, vision is clear, and beauty fills your soul with mystery.

This year I figured I would try my hand at pitching a Comedy. I wrote my pitch thinking about my life. As I look back on my life, I’ve had many feelings like sadness, anger, joy, stress, and excitement. I have learned a lot about myself and realized I am a strong-willed person beautiful inside and out. I don't know where I am going, but I promise it won't be boring. 

The quote that comes to mind is:

I am strong because I was WEAK, fearless because I've been AFRAID, and wise because I've been FOOLISH.

"REALLY" is my first Comedy Pitch.

I entered it into the ScreenCraft Virtual Pitch (Spring 2022)

Logline: A woman enters the dating scene via a dating app after the death of her husband. She finds most of her dates are in need of a sympathetic ear, so she sets up a chatline. She meets the most boring, broken, selfish, and inconsiderate people looking for love and somehow heals herself from the chaos and drama that unfolds in front of her eyes.

Happy New Year's - Poppy

Just remember to make happiness a priority.

The White Feather

After my husband's death, the physical and emotional pain I suffered opened a hole in my heart to see and feel things on a deeper level. I found myself noticing strange and subtle occurrences. 

While I sat at a stoplight, a white feather descended from nowhere and landed on my windshield. I jumped out of my car and was determined to grab the white feather and hold it in my hand. Another day, while walking in the park, I sat on the bench I shared with my husband, birdwatching. A little bird came and perched next to me and stared at me. I carefully examined the bird as it moved its head back and forth. It was as if the bird was talking to me. I believed it was my husband sending me a sign from heaven. Though I thought I was going crazy, I was not. Then again, maybe I was. Another time I felt blue and decided I would use what energy I had to dress and go to my favorite restaurant to have lunch. I drove to the restaurant sat in the parking lot, afraid to go in and sit alone. But, somehow, I summoned the courage to walk through the doors alone. I sat near a window, and the table had a beautiful floral centerpiece. As the waiter took my order, I felt something hit my ankle. When the waiter left, I slowly bent over, and there was a nickel near my ankle. I picked it up and smiled. I knew then it was my husband telling me I would be OK.

There are signs everywhere. We need to learn to stop our busy brains and acknowledge the signs our loved ones are sending us. I have become a witness to seeing and acknowledging these signs on my life journey. It has made my faith stronger and resilient. I remember my mother saying, "seek adventure everywhere you go, but remember, you must see and feel with your heart to experience it." Most of us just exist daily. Some of us have not learned to leave our baggage behind, and it has become a security blanket that holds us down. Some are blind and unable to visualize the world differently because they were trained only to see in front of them. I will never allow myself to root in one place, the world is so big, and there are so many adventures waiting for me.

It's been three years since my husband's death, and I have learned to love every part of myself, the quirky side, birdwatcher, wildflower pod picker, nature lover, and writer. I also have learned to be patient with myself, go to a restaurant, movie, and park alone. Take my country drives and picnics every Sunday as I did with my husband. Though he is gone, he will always have a special place in my heart. Whenever I think of my husband, I know he will send me a sign from above to guide and protect me because he is my angel in heaven.

To read more of Poppy's short stories, click on the link below. 

https://www.amazon.com/Poppy-Dodson/e/B09NJGV325?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5&qid=1639416095&sr=1-5

Friday’s Quote – a Gift

Welcome to Poppy's Blog!

Deep down inside, we know that the best gifts don't come from a catalog or shopping mall. They don't come in brightly colored packages or fancy envelopes, and they're not hiding in a closet for you to open on Christmas morning. They come when we look at each other, REALLY look at each other, and say:

"You mean a lot to me, or I'm glad you are part of my life." It is a gift that will never go out of style or be forgotten or returned for a different size.

A gift like that can make someone's day or change someone's life.

        -    Ron Atchison

Merry Christmas

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THE STORY OF RUDOLPH

 Welcome to Poppy's Blog!

Today I will be reading a story published January 11, 2011, Reader's Digest - CANADA.

THE STORY OF RUDOLPH

Once Upon a time, there lived at the North Pole, a young reindeer named Rudolph. He was a lively, happy reindeer and loved playing in the snow. But one day, the other reindeer noticed that he had a large, bright red nose, and they teased him about it without mercy.

Rudolph was sad because it was Christmas Eve, and he was afraid that he would never be chosen to pull Santa's sleigh because of his shiny nose. He visited Santa and the elf, who were getting all the presents ready. Santa and the Elf were always kind to Rudolph and never mentioned his funny nose.

At last, Santa boomed, elf, I must go. Let's load up the presents.

When all was ready, Santa asked, where are my 8 reindeer? I need Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen's strength to pull my sleigh. Then Santa looked around and noticed how foggy the night had become. He worried that he would not be able to see his way. Suddenly, he noticed Rudolph with his bright red nose, and then he had a very bright idea! "Rudolph," he cried, I want YOU with your shiny nose to light the way from my sleigh tonight!"

All the reindeer made way for Rudolph. Everybody loved him and said what a
special reindeer he was from then on.  They never teased Rudolph.  Rudolph would always be Santa's first choice every Christmas Eve.

Let me end with this quote – The magic of Christmas never ends, and the best gifts are Family and Friends.

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Twas the Night Before Christmas

 Welcome to Poppy’s Blog!

Since the holidays are upon us, I will be reading Christmas Stories my mother read to me as a child.  Let us spread the Holiday Cheer!

Here is a little history of the story I will read today. Enjoy!

Twas, the Night Before Christmas, was first published in 1823 as “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas” in the Troy Sentinel, later attributed to Clement C. Moore and renamed. 

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care and hope that Saint Nicholas would soon be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. And Mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. Went out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the newly fallen snow gave a luster of mid-day two objects below. 

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick. More rapid than eagles his courses they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name! Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!

But I heard him exclaim, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

 Welcome to Poppy’s Blog!

Today I will be reading a short version of Dr. Seuss’s 1957 children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas."  

Every who down in Whoville liked Christmas. But the Grinch who lived on top of Whoville DID NOT. He hated Christmas the whole Christmas season. Now, please do not ask why, and no one quite knows the reason why! It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. It could be his head was not screwed on exactly right.

But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small. But, whatever the reason, his heart, or his shoes, he stood there on Christmas Eve hating the Who’s.  Staring down from his cave with the sour, Grinchy frown at the warm lighted windows below in their town.  For he knew every Who down in Whoville beneath was busy hanging a hollywho wreath and their stockings, he snarled with a sneer, Tomorrow is Christmas! It is practically here!

Yes, tomorrow all the Who boys and girls will wake up bright and early and run to their toys.  Then all the noise.  All the noise, noise, and noise.  He then got an idea an awful idea.  The Grinch got a wonderful AWFUL IDEA!  I know just what to do about Christmas. He made a Santa Claus hat and coat. He laughed in his throat.  With this coat and hat, I look like Saint Nicholas.  He made a sleigh, and all he needed was a reindeer.  If I cannot find a reindeer, I'll make one instead. He named the dog Max and made a big horn on top of his head. 

He went to Whoville, and he came back with lots of packages, boxes, and bags. And in Whoville, it was not sad it was HAPPY VERY HAPPY. Then what do you know? The Grinches heartbeat three sizes that day. He brought the toys back and the feast's food, and he himself carved the roast beast. The Grinch enjoyed Christmas and the wonderful Christmas Season.

Let me end with this note - What if Christmas Perhaps Means a little bit more.......

Merry Christmas

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Exciting News!

Today, Poppy published her first story on Kindle ebook short reads.  

WHERE AM I - Written by Poppy Dodson

This story is shared through the eyes of a woman whose husband died. One evening she falls into a deep sleep, and her husband appears.  He reassures her she is not going crazy and says she has a special talent to share with the world and must go home.  She looks at him, confused, and he disappears.  She awakes in an ambulance, where she flatlined.  As time moves on, she realizes a piece of her is gone, and grief has tucked itself into a special place within her heart where she will carry it forever.

Poppy looks forward to reading your comments.  Make sure to click the "Follow" button, so you don't miss any of my new releases.  Cheers to exciting times.

Poppy

A Note from Poppy

Welcome to Poppy's Blog!

My Reader

I want you to know that I am grateful to you for being here even if I’m sure that sometimes there are better and more important things you can be doing.

I know, I don’t have a lot of traffic and there aren’t hundreds and thousands of readers and users checking my blog every day but there are a few of you who are reading it. To you I say, “Thank you."

It means a lot to me that you read my blog and that you sometimes share my articles. I was raised to say please and thank you for everything and to write thank you notes all the time.

• When someone gives you a present…write a thank you note.
• When someone acts as your reference….write a thank you note.
• When someone takes the time to help you….write a thank you note.

Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Poppy

Poppytheauthor a Country Girl at Heart

"Thank you for your part in my journey."

Make a decision

Welcome to Poppy's blog.

Decisions, Decisions, and Decisions. Every moment of every day, we make decisions. Our lives are mostly defined by the sum of decision-making and the actions that we make along the way. Most of us are programmed to make decisions based on fear, low self-esteem, and lack of willpower.  

The problem is that many people have a "deer in the headlights" moment when faced with a decision.  Afraid of making a wrong decision, they end up not making a decision.  However, not making a decision is a decision in and of itself - and it's almost always the wrong one. The inability to make a decision can leave you frozen in place when changes are necessary.  It can also wreak havoc on your confidence, your happiness, and your overall emotional well-being. 

If you overthink your decisions, you can end up going in circles. Even after days of analyzing decisions, you may be unable to effectively weigh the pros and cons, determine what you want, or settle on what you think is best.  Moving out of your comfort zone; fear creeps in along with anxiety. Try to push past your fears and doubts. Be brave when stepping out of your comfort zone because it can entail positive change, new skills, and worthwhile risks. You will stretch and grow. After all, if a decision is important enough to change your life, it's understandable that you'd want to make the right decision. Listen to your heart, meaning you should try to listen to your feeling and emotions, too.     

Learn to train your mind to stay focused, confident and optimistic. Stop and think about your options. Let them percolate in our mind and take stock of your strengths and talents, as well as your genuine interests and desires. 

What you do is not as important as who you are. Strive to be trustworthy, responsible, and kind, and you will attract like-kind people.  

Let me end with this quote:

Why do we have to listen to our hearts?" the boy asked.  "Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you will find your treasure."

A couple of years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life, you didn't settle for it.

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JOE BOOTS

 Poppy is pleased to announce:

JOE BOOTS

has been entered into 

Screencraft Cinematic Short Story Competition (2022)

The haunting of a confederate soldier in a farmhouse in Silicon Valley in the early 60s.

THE FLOWER BOX

Poppy is pleased to announce:

THE FLOWER BOX

has been entered into

Screencraft VIRTUAL PITCH Competition

FALL 2021

The flower box is about a girl who grows up in a dysfunctional family.  She fights many addictions, alcohol, drugs, and sex.  One day she comes home from an alcohol bender and pulls the flower box down from the closet.  She opens the flower box and finds a locket her mother gave her, pictures of her mother, and the newspaper clipping of her mothers' death.  She becomes so overwhelmed with the items from the flower box and tries to take her life. She ends up living, fights for her life, and frees herself from her past. She receives a job offer from a prestigious advertising agency and accepts. At the Agency, she flourishes and finds her self-confidence.

What resonates with you?

Hi, Poppy here.  

Thank you for joining me. I have been busy editing my cinematic short story "Joe Boots" and its coming along. I am quite happy with it. Here is something I wrote while watching the birds this morning and sipping my coffee.

Being outside in nature always provides me with a sense of joy and satisfaction. I also receive energy when something resonates with me because I feel lighter, alive and connected. 

I often let my joy and happiness bubble up into talking and singing to my flowers in the garden or riding my bike. Joy is definitely contagious. Pay attention to what resonates with you and you will move closer to alignment with your life's purpose. Remember what resonates for you may not resonate for another. It is that simple. 

"She did not need much, wanted very little. A kind word, sincerity, fresh air, good cheese, crackers, grapes, clean water, a garden, birds chirping, kisses, sheltering arms, a cozy bed and to love and be loved in return.

What replenishes your energy? What resonates for you?  I would love to hear from you.

I hope your week is filled with Happiness, Joy and Love.

Poppytheauthor a Country Girl at 💜

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Trust your Journey

Hi, it's Poppy here.  Thank you for joining me.

Today I decided to share a short story I wrote. I think we all, at one point in time in our lives, need to recreate ourselves.  Like the Byrds song, to everything (turn, turn, turn), there is a season (turn, turn, turn) and a time to every purpose, under heaven.  As I become older, I am more curious and adventurous.  I want to learn as much as I can while I am on this earth. How about you? I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please feel free to leave a comment on where you are in your life journey.

Here I am at the crossroads of my life, needing to change due to feeling bored. Work has not been stimulating enough, so I am investigating reinventing myself.  I have been writing, and it invigorates me, and I feel joyful. But I have noticed I don't want many people around, and silence has become my friend.  I like being out in the country where I can birdwatch and work in a garden.  So today, I have decided to take a country drive and have a picnic. As I drive the country roads, I start to reminisce about all the fantastic things I have done in my life. I can't believe I am only in my late 50's, and the universe bestowed upon me many great opportunities that I eagerly took.  I had several professions.  I worked as a Nurse, Accountant, Trustee/Fiduciary, President of a Land Acquisition Company, Forensic Accountant, started a few businesses, and now I am a writer. I thank the universe with a big smile.  I then turn the volume up on my radio and roll down the windows to let my hair blow in the wind while singing out loud. 

As I start going up hill, I notice a hitchhiker.  Should I pick the hitchhiker up? I pull over and roll down the window. The hitchhiker leans in and says he is going to the next town and is hungry.  I said, sure, hop in. I reach for my picnic basket and pull out a bread roll and a piece of cheese, and he gladly accepts.  The hitchhiker begins to tell his story.  He was married for 20 years, a loyal husband, and loved his wife, then one day, she decided to leave.  All the damn years I worked to give us a comfortable life, and poof, it's all gone in a split second.  After she left, I went through a low self-esteem issue.  Then one day, I woke up and had an epiphany.  I realized I only needed to take care of myself. I started reading self-help books and taking yoga, then thought I didn't need such a big home, so I sold it. I am now beginning a new journey in my life, even though I am in my late 60's.  As I listened, I thought I was the only one recreating my life. I said as I was driving; I am reinventing myself too. We have to remember we are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream. I chuckled and said, I now have an accomplice.  We both smiled.  I continued driving down the country road.

We drove into town, and we said our goodbyes.  As the hitchhiker jumped out of the car, he turned and said, it was nice meeting you, and I hope to see you around.  I turned and said, trust your journey; no matter how many detours you take or delays you encounter, you will always be led back to where you are meant to be. Cheers, and I drove off.

Poppytheauthor a Country Girl at 💛

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Continuing with the Byrds song -  A time to gain, a time to lose, A time to rend, a time to sew, A time for love, a time for hate, A time for peace, I swear it's not too late.