New Year - New Blog

Goodbye Blogger - Welcome Wordpress!

My Little Avalon has moved to http://mylittleavalon.wordpress.com 

Looking forward to seeing you there for daily posts of Flash Fiction, Book Reviews and more!

The Last New Years Eve - A Dark Fantasy Flash Story

He was waiting for her to fall asleep. Her breathing had been labored all day, and she had been in pain, but no matter what she had found a smile, a kind word, and a loving embrace for everyone that came to see her.
She was the strongest person he had ever met, the love of his life, and for a long time, the only reason he kept on going.
She was his everything.
Now all he could do was wait.
Wait until her last breath, until the harsh truth of Cancer would take her, as it had taken every aspect of her life, exept her spirit.
Actually it had grown her spirit.
Since her diagnosis she had lived with such full vigor that is was impossible to not feel infected by her presence.
On good days, the long conversations, family gatherings and travels.
On bad days, she smiled through Chemo and the loss of her thick red hair. Her bright scarfs where adorned by lots of little glitter that she added with the help of both of our nieces, the twins glowing each step of the way, unaware that this woman full of life was slowly swallowed by death.
Finally Diana relaxed in the arms of sleep, the few minutes of peace that she now found, interrupted by horrific pain, that woke her after way to short periods of rest.
This is the way he wanted to remember her.
Peaceful and at ease, a half smile on her open lips, resting in the knowing that she was loved.
And loved she was.
He picked up the pillow that had caressed him earlier, making the hard chairs of the hospital less uncomfortable, or at least bareable.
Kissing her one more time, he whispered gently. "I love you more then you know. Good bye my love."

Crossing - A Friday Flash Fiction Dark Fantasy

She lit another candle amongst a sea of candles.
“Another one already?”
She nodded quietly, then finished her silent prayer to the Gods. Turning toward the older gentlemen she smiled sadly.
"The seventh in three days."
"It is  an epidemic then?”
“Indeed. I wish there was something more I could do.”
Charon placed his hands on her shoulders, feeling her shiver, and rubbed them gently.
“You are doing all that you can do for them, love. How long have you been out here?”
She shrugged, overlooking the now dark pavilion with distant gaze.
“A while, probably. I do not remember. It was light. I have to..”
She turned, but he held her gently, forcing the younger woman to look at him.
“You can not forget to take care of yourself, Medina.”
Quietly she nodded again, but turned.
“I will, Dad, I will. But for now I need to help them. I need to aid the Dead.”


(Charon or Kharon was the ferryman whom in Greek mythology transported the dead to the Underworld. In my story, I imagined his daughter as a Priestess aiding those who passed unexpectedly from illness, through prayers and offerings to the Gods in their behalf).

Book Review - Language Development - How to Use Activities for Toddlers to Boost Language Development by Roei Peled

Language Development by Roei Peled

I was invited by the Author to review this book, as he is a part of a writing group I belong to. As a person who has as an extensive background in early childhood development and homeschooling, I was wary about a book written by a lay person about the subject.

I found this book to be an interesting read, that could be an informative book for those new to the subject of language development of toddlers. His insight born out of necessity is written in a caring way, asking the parent to engage completely with the child, no matter if they are right on track in their development or delayed.
The only concern I have about this book is the lack of expert information. It would have been nice for the Author to back up some of his claims, such as the individual stages of development, by quoting an expert in the field to give his account more credibility. Considering that he writes about such an important subject, expert verification is an important addition necessary to ease a parents concerns.

Overall I feel very comfortable sharing this book with a new parent, who might have general questions about their child's language development.

The Gift - A Friday Flash Ghost Story

Flashcomb December 2013 Competion

The Gift

She knew he left the gift.
There was no real reason why this pretty little box, wrapped with a red bow should have been in her room.
No one had come in and out all day, no one cared enough to check on her, everyone busy with their own preparations of Holiday cheer, to even notice that she was missing from it.
She was not their favorite.
But he would have noticed. He would have wanted her to have fun, and stand in the midst of others, included in the fun and cheer.
Of course he would have. In his presence she had felt loved.
Deep, true soul mate kind of love, the one that gives  wings and allowed her to reach new heights.
And in his arms, that love had been hers.
A tear rushed down her cheek, leaving a salty, lonely line.
Quickly untying the bow, she opened the folded paper, reading it with a mixture of laughter and a quick sob.
“Go on living - promise me.”
She nodded into the seeming emptiness of the room, knowing she was not alone, never would be.
Quietly she murmured toward the unseen presence of her passed husband.
“I promise.”

       "The Gift" was written as an entry for a writing competition held by 1000 Words called "Flashcomb December 2013"  . The writing prompt was the picture of the gift above. 

Book Review: Kay Hooper's "Hostage"

Finally I had a chance to read the new book of one of my favorite Authors - Kay Hooper - "Hostage", and I was not disappointed.
A stand-alone novel, yet a part of her on-going Bishop series, Kay has again delivered a fast paced story with twists and turns you will not see coming.
Following the story of Haven operative Luther Brinkman and Undercover FBI Special Crimes Unit Agent Callie Davis in an intense cat and mouse game with an escaped felon, Kay managed to utilize paranormal aspects in a way that makes them plausible, and believable, while giving us an idea of the downside of having "extraordinary" powers and senses.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and was delighted to reconnect with some of the characters that are also present in other books.

I highly recommend that you check out her other Bishop related books, which while all stand-alone novels, give you an insight into a very intriguing paranormal FBI Unit, and its leader, Special Agent Noah Bishop.

You can find out more about Kay Hooper, her books and her charity work here on her website. 

Redemption - A Flash Fiction Horror Story

I ask for redemption, but it did not come.
No answer arrived and no ways could wash my sins away.
I had to do something, take action before the anger that had fueled my previous acts would reveal their ugly result.
Nothing, nothing I would do would unburden that within me, I thought, nothing, but sweet relief might come if I followed the plan He laid before me.
Unless, redemption would take a heavenly form.
I prayed, that night, long and hard, longer and harder then I ever had before, making sure that my words where chosen carefully.
Unlike other nights, the silence that engulfed my life was darker and emptier then usual.
Answers did not arrive.
Signs stayed away.
But the anger and the need for redemption remained.
What else did I need to do, to deserve to move on?
I began to beg on my knees, the tears of my soul pouring upon the smooth floor of the room, wearing me out, until I could do nothing but sleep.
Did He hear me at all? Was I now alone in the world, forgotten by the Most Powerful One?

                                                                                  *


The morning light revealed itself upon the bare concrete floor, uncovering every inch of imperfection as the previous night had shown within  me.
I knew now what I had to do. I knew now, that I was asked to give to others, that which I could not find within myself.

Warmer in thought and heart, I gloated in the midst of this new certainty, until it filled me completely, elating my every fiber, growing like the strong sunlight that poured more and more into the barren room.

Raising myself off my knees, I smiled, turning toward the mesmerizing sight behind me, just as the sunlight touched her tear stricken face, her hands still bound above her head, bound, wounded and filled with sin.
Carefully choosing my tools, I wondered if her blood would reflect or absorb the light.