A long year....and a break

 Dear readers, 

First of all, hope you're all OK as well as your loved ones. It has been 15 (long) months, roughly, since the start of the pandemic. We had 3 lockdown, many shops have closed, re-opened, closed and re-opend again, many other restrictions, some have been lifted, while some are still in place for the time being. Patience...(yes, I'm aware it's not easy especially when you want to travel and/or see your family). 

But in other good news, vaccine is here! So, don't wait! ;) 

Meanwhile...

I'm not going anywhere but have realized I don't feel as enthusiastic as I was when I first started this blog, nor have written much lately. I'm sure I'll come back at some point or change my mind. Who knows? But for now....a break is needed. 

Thank you again for those who still read what I wrote, even after all this time (11 years, 4 months, 1 week and a few hours give or take but who's counting?) 😉😅

Take care and see you around :) xxx

Elsie&Ethan are back (again)

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK and enjoying the beginning of the winter, despite it being quite fresh!? :)
Sorry (again), I'm aware I haven't been writing very much lately...:)

Anyway, let's go back to Elsie & Ethan, shall we? Last time, if I remember correctly , Ethan was asking H.R for a possible new assistant and Elsie was juggling between her mum living with her and her break-up or shall we say her time part from Ned.

 And now...

She really didn't know what the right term was as she hated the term 'we're on a break', which constantly reminded of the running gag between Ross and Rachel, in the famous T.V show (and her favorite in passing) F.R.I.E.N.D.S, you rarely ever knew anyway what it meant. You could either think your relationship was over and therefore (if the opportunity arises) might be tempted to seek comfort elsewhere OR you thought you were temporarily apart and might be able (hopefully) to put this all behind and reunite. Everything was possible. Exactly. Who is to say that Ned may have already set his attention on someone else whilst away from her? Or that like he said, he needed time to think this through on his own? Elsie sighed. Her mum's words certainly didn't help either. Why did she have to take Ned's side? Why not try and see her point of view? Was it too difficult? She thought as her mum's footstep faded away.
A few minutes later, her phone vibrated. Lost in her thoughts and still thinking about what Ned was doing, Elsie forgot to check the caller I.D as she answered: 'Ned?'

'Um, sorry, no. Is this Miss Elsie Fitzpatrick?'
'Y-yes....who is this?'
'Hello, I'm Mrs Watson from H.R at Martin&Wood Associate?' There probably wasn't a interrogation point needed but Elsie could still hear it.
'Hello, yes...what can I do for you?'
'It's rather...um...' She paused. '..an unusual request actually...'
'Oh? Is there a problem?'
'No, not exactly...'
'OK, can you tell me why you're calling me? I don't-'
'I apologize. There isn't any problem...it's just-'
'Am I fired?'
'F-fired? No!' Mrs. Watson exclaimed. 'Absolutely not. Sorry. Again. It's just Mr. Martin-'
Why couldn't she get to the point? Elsie took a deep breath. 'What is it?' What did they want now?
'Mr Martin needs a assistant'
'Yes. So? Doesn't he have one already? I'm on maternity leave...I've been told that-'
'We know' She interrupted her. 'However, none of them seem to work out'
'Why not? It's not that complicated, well, maybe sometimes but-'
'I'm aware. Mr Martin is, shall we say, getting impatient' (in better terms, he wasn't getting his way) ' and despite our best effort, we haven't been able to find a suitable candidate'
'I'm not sure how I can help...usually-'
'She isn't here at the moment' Mrs Watson said referring to Marge, one of his usual assistant. 'She is off sick'
'Oh, I hope she feels better soon'
'Mm-mm... anyway, we need you to come back until she's recovered. I don't think it'll be long. Of course, you'll be compensated for your troubles. In meantime, if you could-'
'Wait! Stop! Listen, I'm sorry for...everything but I'm afraid I can't'
'Why not?'
'Because for one, I'm pregnant'
'Yes, we know' She replied patiently.
'And second, I'm on bed rest. This is why I had to leave a little earlier than planned. My doctor doesn't-'
'It should be fine' She interrupted Elsie. 'You'll mostly be sitting at your desk anyway, it shouldn't be a problem'
No, I won't! If Elsie knew something about her job, is that she was rarely sitting down, more like running around all day. Barely having a minute to herself.
'Listen, I'm sorry. I'm sure there are plenty of other assistant who can help him better than I can at the moment. I-I have to go. Good luck' Elsie hang-up, feeling tired. She turned off her phone, just in case. She wasn't in the mood. Suddenly, being in the four walls of the bedroom, wasn't enough. She needed some fresh air...
A short walk should do the trick.

Meanwhile...

'What do you mean? She said what exactly?'
'She said she couldn't do it' Mrs Watson repeated, not for the first time.
'Why ever not? Didn't you mentioned that she would-'
'I did'
'And that she also would get-'
'Yes! I'm not stupid'
'I apologize I've never implied that you were. I just...' His voice trailed off. 'Never mind. Do you have another candidate?'
'Not at the moment. But I'll keep looking'
'Thank you' Ethan was about to hang-up when he asked one last question (or favor) to Mrs. Watson.

To be continued....
Hope you're still enjoying it? :) No worries, they will meet soon...;-)
Take care and see you soon for another article.
Copyright-all rights reserved.

And...8 years! :)

Dear readers,
Hope you are all OK?
Just a short article today to wish my blog a happy birthday! Can't believe it has  been eight years already!
Thank you again for (still) reading my articles, hope you're having a great time and are not too bored (rire).
Anyway thanks again and see you soon for another article, take care.  Xxx

Untitled

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK and had a nice start in this New Year! :) All the best once again ;-)

So, as promised, here is another extract of my story. I'm not completely sure about the title yet but will let you know. :)

Previously, we left Elsie,  one of our main character, in the doctor's office, being made to take her maternity leave and having to stay on bed rest...:) despite the fact that she has a very demanding boss...

Read what happens next! ;-)

Meanwhile...

Ethan knew something was different. He just couldn't pinpoint what it was exactly. It had been a week. A week of people telling him there was nothing out of the ordinary. Yet, somewhow, it did seem different. 
Not his personal life. No, that part was going fine. Better than fine. Women were always interested in him. He had no problem getting regular dates. Whether or not it was serious was another matter. Ethan liked his life the way it was. Maybe one day, like his older brother Paul, who had recently gotten married, he would think about tying the knot. Just not right this moment. He didn't feel ready to settle down. 
It was more of his professional life that looked...not the same. At first, Ethan hadn't noticed. Why would he? Everything was always ready when he came to work. Everything was neat and tidy. Everything was working like clockwork. Usually. 
Not this time apparently.  Although he did appear to be the only one noticing something was out of place. Everyone else was focusing on their work. Well, Ethan thought, good for them. After all, that what I'm paying them for. However, there is something going on...I just don't what that is! 

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. 'Come in' Ethan said.

'Ethan Martin! If you don't stop right this minute, I'm going to strangle you or personally ruin every future date you're going to have!'

'Sarah!' Ethan's face, lightened-up. Finally something normal. He'd missed it for the past week. 

'Erase that smile of your face! How many times do I have to say I'm not interested!'

'Well, if you aren't, why are you here? Yelling at me in my office?'

'Oh please! Do be serious for a minute! You know as well as I do, that...this' Sarah pointed out at both of them. '....won't work! Besides, I already have an...overbearing mum who can't wait to marry me off and a...well, never mind...um...so, please...stop sending me flowers and such because I-'

'I-flowers?'

'Yes! Flowers...why?' Sarah frowned.

'I do send flowers sometimes, although not that often, I'm more a jewellery kind of guy, but...I, um, haven't send you flowers recently'

'Y-you didn't?'

Ethan shook his head. 'Sorry'

'Oh my...God! How...embarassing!' Sarah put her head between her hands. She groaned before raising her head. 

'Maybe but it got you to come to my office'

'Not helping!' 

Ethan chuckled. 'So, what made you think I had...?'

'...sent me flowers?'

He nodded. 'Oh, er...there was a card attached and...' Sarah took it out of her jacket. 'I...it's silly really' 

'May I?'

'Sure...' Sarah gave it to him. 

'Oh my, this guy is really...cheesy! He even signed 'Your secret admirer'!'

'No need to-'

'And...how could think it was from me?

'i don't know! OK! I just-' Sarah exclaimed 'I'm sorry...I-'

'It's alright' Ethan assured her 'It could have been from me...if I was seventeen and very-aouch!' Sarah had punched him on the shoulder. 

'That's for making fun of me!' 

'I wasn't-'

'You were going to!'

'OK, OK...just please, don't punch me again'

'Fine. I'll let you go back to work'

'Thanks' 'So, any clue as to who it could be?'

'No...' Sarah said softly 'maybe...I-I'm not sure...anyway, it doesn't matter...probably just a prank from...someone'

'Mm...' 

'OK, I'm off...and could we keep that between us?'

'I don't know...what do you offer in exchange for my silence?'

'Ethan! I'm not in the mood to-'

'I was kidding! Your secret's safe with me'

'It better be...' Sarah glanced around, frowning.

'What?'

'Er...nothing, it's just...um, nothing'

'No, what?'

'Your...um, office looks...different'

'It does? I haven't noticed any....changes' Didn't he?

'Not that I know, I rarely come to your office...so, I'm probably wrong'

'Yeah...' Ethan wasn't sure either. 

'Anyway, have a good day'

'Mm...thanks' 

And Sarah left. Ethan sat down at his desk, lost in his thoughts. He didn't notice Elsie going in the elevator. She had to come to the office, as there had been a misunderstanding with her maternity leave. Elsie sighed. What a week...

'Could you hold the elevator please?' Came a voice. 

'Oh...' Elsie pushed the button to hold the door just in time.

'Thanks' the woman said, smiling. The elevator door closed just as Ethan risked a quick glance outside his office...

To be continued...hope you still like it!? :) Take care and see you soon for another extract...:) xxx

'You'll never walk alone'

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK in this festive period as Christmas approches...:)

Just a short article today-sorry I haven't been writing much lately....

And a song that makes me feel hopeful and look foward to new things despite everything and a lot of questions that I'm asking myself recently...or whenever you're doubting yourself or feel alone...;-)

'You'll never walk alone' by Josh Groban, from the 'Stages' album. Source: Youtube
 
a VERY SPECIAL thought to someone I'll miss very much...:)

Take care and see you soon for another article...and if I don't have time to write another article before hand, happy holidays in advance, have a merry little christmas (like the song says-if I remember correctly) and best wishes for the new year! ;) xxx

In need of a holiday...:)

Hello dear readers,

Hope you're all OK ;)

Just a short article today...I'll let this picture (and the title) speak for itself. I do indeed need some proper rest and to recharge my batteries...:)

Somewhere in the south of France...;)

Take care and see you soon for another article! :) xxx

Jane Austen: already 200 years

Hello dear readers,

Hope you're all OK and enjoying the start of the summer...:)

Sorry again, I haven't been writing much lately but I don't really feel inspired and don't want to write an article without feeling it...;)

Anyway, today, just a short article, to celebrate the bicentennial of one of my favorite author...you may have already guess (see title lol): it is...JANE AUSTEN!!! :)

Indeed, 200 years ago, Jane Austen left us...with an incredible legacy and still trending to this day ! :) Quite incredible I'd day ;-)

Many TV or more modern book adaptations have been made and/or written over the years...whether you like(d) or them or not...but the best of the best, the crème de la crème is and always will be...Jane Austen's original work! :)

Always there, even when you don't expect it and is never too far away, at least for me...whenever I feel down or just need a laugh I know I can count of her books to make me smile or laugh...:)

So, I just wanted to honor the memory of this wonderful authoress...;)

Jane Austen's books :) 
Source: Google images (in waiting for my own pics)

Take care and see you soon for another article! :) xxx

In need of Jane Austen's wisdom

Dear readers, hope you're all OK! :) 

No, I'm not (officially) back just yet-am still figuring things out...:) 

So, today, not a big and long article-sorry, just pictures and...hopefully wisdom from one of my favorite author! :) 

Hope you'll enjoy it...whenever I feel down (or just need to smile), Jane Austen is never too far away...;) 
And before I leave you, two special thoughts for two very important people :) 
Take care and see you soon for another article! :) xxx

If like me, you don't want to celebrate Valentine's day....:)

Hello dear readers! :) Hope you're all OK?

No, I'm not writing because it's Valentine's day-you know me by now...(lol) as much as it's still sweet to celebrate romance every year...I find it more and more commercial every time, putting even more pressure on couples to do everything perfectly (champagne, cards, flowers, jewellery and other inventions) or for pushing single people to absolutely find someone, which is quite ridiculous!

Whether you're single or not, you don't especially need this day to celebrate love...you can also do it every other day of the year! :) But that's just my opinion...


Meanwhile, for all the singletons (as our dear Bridget Jones would say), here is a selection of books, that will make you smile...(hopefully)! :)

From the left to the right: 'Me Before you' By Jojo Moyes (keep the tissues close), 'A hopeless romantic' by Harriet Evans, 'Just like heaven' by Julia Quinn and just for fun: 'The Jane Austen's Marriage Manual' by Kim Izzo.

Or..just because ;-) I couldn't resist..:p

Have a lovely evening, whatever your plans are! :) Take care and see you soon for another article! :) xxx

And...7 years! :)

Hello! :)

No, I'm not officially back yet but I just wanted to write a short article, to wish my blog a very happy seventh bithday! :)

I still can't believe it either, as it feels like yesterday that I've started this blog. I didn't imagine myself writing on this blog for all this time....crazy! ;)

I certainly hope, that you're still enjoying it as much as I do-even if I do write less. :) and that you're not too bored (lol) ;)

And a very special thought this month to someone I shall (and still do) miss very much :) Take care and see you soon for another article! xxx

Dream a little dream...:)

Hello readers, hope you're all OK and are enjoying the start of the Summer! :)

Just a short article today-actually, I'll let this picture speak for itself! :)

A part from having the dream of being able to be an author one day, (see title), I'm also dreaming of having my own place in the near future, as well as having a dog (love them!) and just a room for books! (yeah, I'm probably...a little bit crazy, but who cares?) Wouldn't it be nice? ;)

Take care and see you soon for another article as usual! Have a lovely Summer, if I don't write by then! :)
And don't forget to dream once in a while! ;-) xxx

Books that makes you smile...:)

Dear readers, hope you're all OK and enjoying the nice Spring we've have been having? :)

Just (another) short article today and once again, I'll let the pictures (see title above), speak for itself! ;)

Enjoy! :) Hope you'll like them as much as I enjoyed reading them! :) Ah, what would we do without books? Don't you love that feeling? When you first open them and start to read the first chapter...? ;-) and of course, when you can't stop reading until you know what happens next? ;) I don't think it can go better than that...do you? :)
Take care and see you soon for another article! :) xxx

Writing

Dear readers,

Hope you're all ok since the last article I posted. Good luck for exams and/or assignments. :)

Sorry for not writing before but I've been quite busy and not so much inspired, also I won't be writing much for the weeks to come as I am and will be busy "wrestling" between essays, assigments and future exams to come (already stressing me out, don't really like it but then who does? rire)! :)

Anyway, just a bit of an article to make you wait until the next (which might be in a certain amount of time, don't know yet...) we'll see! :)

And now just a few lines about...writing, hearing the sound of a pen, a plume on the paper, a slight brush, filling up a blank page, transporting you in another world, making you forget for just a moment your problems or where you are, making you dream. Wondering as well how to sketch your thoughts or how your next character(s) is or are going to be in your own story, just magical I'd say, no? Losing yourself in a world of wonderful words (fiction or poetry, rhyme and rhythm, thriller, suspens or romance, you have a large choice! :) Enjoy!

And on that note, as my eyes are closing themselves, I'll let you for now, as putting my words together become quite difficult (hope there is not too many mistakes lol) :) Have a good week and see you soon I hope for another article! :) Take care, xxx