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Through Laura's Eyes
There is a part of Laura's life I've long wanted to explore - her relationship with Wilson. It seemed to me, based on Vintage Steele, that Wilson is a sympathetic character. After all, Laura wouldn't otherwise have fallen in love with him. Still, she ended up hurt. There were differences between them: how did these evolve? How did our strong ( Read more... ) -
Contemplation
Be gently forewarned: on the surface the opening to this entry may seem a bit sad. Stick with me. The ending is good!
My father is slipping slowly away from my family, from himself, into dementia. He no longer remembers his personal history, family members, or friends, and repeats his own full name as if trying desperately to hold onto who he is. ( Read more... ) -
For the New Year...
2010
A prayer for peace, for health and hope, more joys than sorrows, strength to cope. For pluck, adventures full of fun, boats for floating, roads to run. For vision, vistas, brilliant insight, gentling evenings, dazzling daylight. For poise, for words to write and send, messages to bridge and mend. For smiles, for tears and friends to ( Read more... ) -
Steele Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Final Part
Choral selections of the Stanford glee club Christmas album floated through the loft, Laura adding a melodic contralto as she set yet another empty ornament box carefully into a plastic storage bin bought just for that purpose. Silent for a moment, she stepped back to survey the final effect.
A tree ( Read more... ) -
Steele Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Carol of the Bells
Part 7 of 8
The flash of red lights against damp pavement kept a staccato time to the carol ringing out from the carillon of a nearby church. While Laura stood talking to several plain clothes police officers, Mr. Bell arrived with a squeal of tires to fling open a car door and stride toward her.
“Mr. Steele found our thief ( Read more... ) -
Steele Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
The Skater’s Waltz
Part 6 of 8
Laura and Mr. Steele followed other symphony patrons into Fugue Hall, where the music of a string quartet provided a backdrop to laughter, cheerful conversations and the tinkling of ice in glasses. Leveling a lingering look at the performers as they began a gay rendition of the Skater’s Waltz by Waldteufel, Steele ( Read more... ) -
Steele Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Caroling, Caroling
Part 5 of 8
The limo pulled up in front of Laura’s loft. Steele groaned slightly from the back seat. “Time to climb the heights, eh, Fred?”
“Shall I call and let Miss Holt know we’ve arrived, Sir?” Fred offered sympathetically to his suffering employer.
“A gentleman always calls for a lady at her door, Fred. A brisk ( Read more... ) -
Steele Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Deck the Halls
Part 4 of 8
Mildred’s head and shoulders were moving in time to the cheerful Christmas music that filled the agency’s reception area. Laura leaned over the older woman’s shoulder, her fingers tapping in time to the same tune as she scanned the list on Mildred’s computer screen. Both looked up when Steele walked through the agency ( Read more... ) -
Steele Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
The Nutcracker March
Part 3 of 8
The lights in the Symphony Hall foyer were just beginning to softly show in the darkening evening as Laura pushed one of the heavy entrance doors open and stepped onto the wide sidewalk. Turning, she briefly shook hands with Mr. Bell as she parted from him once again. A thick new folder in her arms, Laura ( Read more... ) -
Steele Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Angels We Have Heard On High
Part 2 of 8
Laura led the way into the Symphony Hall, slowing as she did. A beatific smile dimpled her face as she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.
“Laura?” Steele turned and sniffed inquisitively, testing the air only to sneeze loudly.
“Bless you, Mr. Steele. Some of my favorite Christmas moments have ( Read more... )