Here’s another sneak peek into my latest fanfic….enjoy! 
The next morning, the young Cartwright family made its way to the Ponderosa. As always, Hop Sing was elated to see Joe, Merrie and little Allie, who he considered his own little grandchild. “Come with me small one, Hop Sing have surprises for you in kitchen!” he exclaimed as he took the toddler into his arms. As he watched the goings on, Ben laughed as he said, “I don’t have a moment with my granddaughter with Hop Sing around!” Turning to his father, Joe said, “If you’re up for a bit of babysitting, I think we can solve that problem Pa.” Ben gave a puzzled look to his son as he replied, ” Are you and Merrie going somewhere? In her condition?”
“I’ve heard from my father, Pa.” Merrie explained. “He wrote to apologize for his behavior, and he also informed me that he was terminally ill. Joe thought it might be a good idea to travel back East to see him one more time. We’re heading to Doc Martin now to see if he think’s I’m fit for such a trip.” Ben nodded as he listened to Merrie’s story. “I agree with Joseph, Merrie. After all, he is your father.” Merrie replied, “Pa, he may be my birth father, but he’s never treated me with the love and tenderness you’ve shown me these past two years. This is my home, this is my family. I may be going back to forgive him, but I cannot forget how he and my mother treated me - and your son.” Ben arose from his chair, his booming voice reduced to a hush as he spoke to Merrie. Giving her a hug, he whispered, “I love you like my own, dear daughter, don’t you ever forget that. You go back and do what you need to do. We’ll all be waiting for both of you to return.”
Merrie was getting dressed while Doc Martin gave her his verdict .”Well, you’re as fit as a fiddle young lady, but I would try to take it easy ~ keep your feet up when you can, and get enough rest. This baby isn’t due for another three months, so you’ll be back with time to spare.” Merrie smiled as she assured the good doctor,” Don’t worry Doc. With Joe by my side, you know that I won’t be overexerting myself.”
So with Doc Martin’s blessing, the couple proceeded to get things in order for the long trip east. A wire was sent to New York, informing Merrie’s family that she and Joe would be making their way for a visit. Reservations were made on the stage and the railroad, and Allie’s belongings were packed for her extended visit with Grandpa Ben, Uncle Adam, and ‘Grandpa Hop Sing.’ And when their departure day arrived, Joe and Merrie held their daughter close, showering her with kisses and hugs. Joe’s eyes teared as he told Allie, “You be a good girl for your Grandpas and Uncle now, Mommy and Daddy will be back real soon.” Merrie, unable to speak, choked back a sob as she hugged Allie one last time before handing her to Adam, who kissed her atop her head. “Don’t you two worry, this little one is in very good hands.” Adam said as he gave his sister in law a one armed hug. As Joe helped Merrie into the surrey, Adam pulled him aside and gave his little brother a hug as well. “Be careful Joe, you know that those Hamiltons cannot be totally trusted. Even though Merrie is seeing things through rose colored glasses at the moment, both of us know what they are capable of.” Joe nodded in agreement with his brother’s words. “I know Adam, but if I didn’t take her to them, she’d feel guilty for the rest of her life. And both of us know how guilt can eat you from the inside out.” The brothers shared a knowing glance before Joe walked over to Ben and gave him a big hug. “We’ll be back real soon Pa. I’ll wire you along the way and let you know what’s going on.” Ben looked at his son and replied, “Take care Joseph, you and Merrie be well and come back to us soon.”
Posted in My Life by DonnaB with One lone comment
Here’s the beginning of my latest story…. I hope you enjoy it!
Looking back on my life, I have to say that it’s been quite a ride. Ups and downs, successes and failures….but my biggest failure has been my personal life. My darling, I am sorry that I have shut you out of my life, and I totally understand if you deem it proper not to reply to this note. Not respecting your right to live your own life has cost me dearly, I see that now.
As the doctors have told me that I haven’t long to live, I hope that you will find it in your heart to forgive me for my narrowmindedness. Know that I have always loved you despite what I have said and done over these last two years. I wish you well dear daughter.
With My Love Always, Father
Merrie’s eyes watered as she read the letter, a letter a long time in coming. As she folded the letter and placed it back into its envelope, she felt the strong, loving arms of her husband’s embrace.
“I’m sorry about your father, sweetheart,” said Joe. “And I’m even sorrier to see that he has realized the error of his ways a bit too late.” Merrie looked up to her husband, nodding her head in agreement. “He’s missed so much Joe - our wedding, our daughter….. it makes me so upset to think that he would believe I’d never forgive him. I have to send him a wire, so he can rest knowing that I do forgive him.” As Joe looked into his wife’s sapphire eyes, he knew instinctively what needed to be done. Not for his father in law, but for the love of his life.
“Merrie, I have an idea….maybe it’s time for a trip to New York, so you can see your father one last time. What do you think?” Joe asked. Merrie’s face brightened at the thought. Throwing her arms around Joe, she kissed him as she said “Yes! Yes! Yes!” “But on one condition.” Joe added, his face turning serious. “Doc Martin has to say it’s OK for you to travel in your present condition.” Patting her ever expanding stomach, Merrie replied, “It’s a deal.”
Posted in My Life by DonnaB with 4 comments
This is amazing…I am sitting on the Hampton Jitney, which is a bus service between the Hamptons and NYC - and they have wi-fi! :) So I have been able to catch up a bit on this loooong ride home! For as much as I know about computers now there is still alot that escapes me - and this type of stuff is some of it!
I have worked out in my head all of the logistics of my story, and I would start writing now if the glare on this screen from the sun wasn’t so annoying. But with both children away and hubby at work, I will get a nice piece done tomorrow!
Posted in My Life by DonnaB with 3 comments
Being out here in my old family home and finally relaxing has really given me time to think.
Looks like my stories “The Only,” “Adjustments,” and “Finding the Way Home” will have a companion piece….so stay tuned!
Posted in My Life by DonnaB with One lone comment
It’s only noon here, but it is as dark as night, rain teeming against the window….. a perfect day to get writing!
I have given much thought to a new story, and I think I will try to get the first pieces of it together today - after all, the outdoors is not calling me as it usually would on a summer day!
This new story will have the characters leaving the Ponderosa (for how long? ) and embarking on a new endeavor, not something that was sought out, but foist upon them.
Interested?
Posted in My Life by DonnaB with 3 comments
Like I said when I first started this blog, I was hopeful that the writing muse would make an appearance once again in my little part of the world. Well, I am happy to say that she’s been here, and has put a few ideas into my mind about a potential part IV to the Joe/Merrie story started in “The Only” which was my first foray into fanfic about two years ago. Still alot of ideas to flesh out before I think it’s going to work…..am I thinking too hard or should I just go with the flow? That is the question.
I also have one other story that I started a while back - I have to reread it and see if it strikes a chord to continue.
So thanks to Jo S. for this new creation, as it’s given me a new lease on writing!
Posted in Story Stuff by DonnaB with 3 comments
I’ve always found writing a story that length doesn’t make it’s way into my thoughts until I’m well into telling my tale. However, sometimes, such as in Which World Survives, I found myself thinking that I had so much to include and that the story woud wind up being too long. I felt that readers would get bored, even though there was alot of story still left to tell.
I tried a different tact when it came to Fools Rush In ~ I felt that idea didn’t need as much fleshing out as it were and it flowed endlessly from the keyboard. And it wound up being my shortest piece to date.
So I ask my fellow authors - do you have a preference? Do you know ahead of time just how long your latest tale will be? Are you deterred in your thought process if you think the story might be too long?
Posted in My Life tagged The Creative Process by DonnaB with 8 comments
Welcome!
I hope to have some new fanfic up and running shortly…. if there is anything you’d like to see, perhaps a continuation of an old story, or a character from the past, just let me know!
In the meantime, my brain is churning with many ideas…so as they say….
Watch this space for further developments!
Posted in My Life by DonnaB with One lone comment
