I Tried…To Protect You  [Part 22]

(Books by Authors Who Never Existed:  A Steampunk Hybrid story)

By the author of BARD: Owner of the Gemstone

Tobey is lying across the empty space on top of the Salinas desk.  The bronze faced man is motionless in front of him.  Behind him, he can feel the ridge of the bookcase that contains the books, by authors who never existed.  His human mom is listening to the crank radio, while holding the hearing horn to her left ear.   Through the side windows of the front door, he sees a steam delivery truck pull up to the curve.  Dense mist starts pumping out of the steampipe on the top of the truck’s cab.  His eyes widen and he looks closer.  At the same time, he sits up.  Dark figures pour out of the truck.  He hears the soft sound of metal turning against metal.  The front door opens.  He detracts his claws and hisses. 

Four human female figures, all around the same height, and all dressed in black, stand in front of a much taller, masculine figure, also dressed in black.  The tall figure moves sluggishly.  One of the females, pulls out a large brass pistol, with an air cartridge on the top.  The muzzle of the gun has a pointy projectile protruding from it.  He feels a sharp pain in his left shoulder.  He cries out a warning, to his mom.

Chief Shabuni with Inspectors Harper and Campbell, charge through the front entrance.  They must have been watching from outside.  Tobey shakes his head and blinks his eyes.  It’s getting hard to focus.  There’s a scuffle between Chief Shabuni, the Inspectors, and the black clothed women.  Three of the women fight, while the one with the brass pistol, steps back and takes aim.  As he was watching the fight, Tobey forgot to keep an eye on the tall masculine figure.  There’s a familiar scent to the man.  A petrol smell mixed with lavender cologne.  The man is placing some contraption into the brass man’s chest.  With a hiss, he fights through his wooziness, and claws at the black clad man.  The man ignores him and starts to screw the contraption into place.  With all his remaining energy Tobey lets out another cry.  Then he slides back down into a lying position.  It’s getting harder to just keep his eyes open.

The man closes the brass faced man’s chest and pats Tobey’s head.  “S-s-sorry,” the man says in a familiar voice.  As the man walks away, a twirling sound comes from the brass faced man’s chest.  The brass faced man’s headlight eyes flash on and his clamp hand reaches for the books.

Tobey glances at his mom.  She’s asleep in her armchair with a needle in her neck.  He hears a thump followed by another one.  A moment later he hears a much heavier thump.  As the brass faced man walks away with the books, he notices bodies lying on the hall floor.  Some of the black clothed women are limping or holding their arms.  On the floor are Inspectors Campbell and Harper.  Closer to him, is Chief Shabuni, sprawled on the floor with one arm reaching in his direction.  All the blacked clothed women, but the one holding the pistol, start to drag Chief Shabuni towards the mist shrouded delivery truck.

Sorry Chief, Tobey thinks.  His eyes close and he rests his chin on the surface of the desk.  “I tried…to protect you.”  

***

Honourable Mention

That Cello Guy

Cremaine “ThatCelloGuy” Booker, is one of the first musicians on Youtube, who had me saying, “Wow!” and realizing how much I enjoy listening to cello music.

@thatcelloguy15

Nothing Else Matters

There’s A Deal I’ve Made…  [Part 21]

(Books by Authors Who Never Existed:  A Steampunk Hybrid story)

By the author of BARD: Owner of the Gemstone

The Inventor

The Inventor, has his latest automaton, carry Mr. Clockwind outside. 

“Place him near the garage doors, Bowditch One,” he instructs the automaton.  He waits, until the yellow H4 chopper headlight eyes, of Bowditch One, blink in acknowledgement.  From the ground he sees the clockmaker stir.  “Soon the others will be here,” he says to Mr. Clockwind.  “You’ll assist them in repairing my automaton.  You’ll also help take, the books by authors who never existed from Mrs. Claws.  And if you have to hurt Mr. TLC to get them, think of it as, collateral damage,” he finishes with a scowl.

In the distance, he hears the familiar sound, of a powerful steam engine.  “Don’t worry,” he says, when he sees the confused look on Mr. Clockwind’s face.   “You’ll be dressed in a ninja outfit.”  Turning to the automaton, he says, “Place the contraption on his lap Bowditch One, so he doesn’t forget.  Oh, and also his toolkit.”

A delivery truck drives onto his back-alley driveway.  “Soon, it will all be over, Mr. Clockwind.  And you’ll go back to fixing clocks.  However, before that can happen, you and I still need to stay close.”  The Inventor walks around with one hand behind his back, while he wields a long cane with a skeleton handle.   “I have some unfinished business with a very powerful, influential, and enchanting associate.  She has a great interest in our Chief Dimoso Shabuni.”  He points at Mr. Clockwind.  “There’s a deal I’ve made.”  He hesitates before finishing with, “And you’re going to help me, conclude it.” 

***

The Inventor is portrayed by Brandon Gray.  The video clip and pictures are by his wife, Robin Gray, who also helped with the costume and did the makeup.

Robin Gray can be reached at @grayandwhitelaw  Custom Decor and Designs

Her new website is:  www.grayandwhitelaw.ca

Honourable Mention

Saharagirls

@saharagirls

A sax player and two violinists

I’ve never played the violin but I have played the alto sax

This quite the collaboration.

Just Curious–? [Part 20]

(Books by Authors Who Never Existed:  A Steampunk Hybrid story)

By the author of BARD: Owner of the Gemstone

He doesn’t know who this individual with the brass mask is, but the blue eyes behind the goggles seem very human, and dangerous.  That’s when he notices the gloved hands appear human in shape.  Although, there is something strange, about the stranger’s left hand. In the stranger’s right hand, is a rotating brass barrel pistol.  The steam cartridge on the top of the barrel is oversized.  This is a gun designed to take on numerous opponents at close range.  The stranger slides his peculiar left hand into a pocket, where there seems to be something long and thin.

“I have a few tasks for you,” the voice snarls at him.  “Tonight, you will help me repair the automaton, currently at Mrs. Claws’ house.  Then you’ll be returning with me to my own shop, where I have further work for you to do.”

“Let me take off my optical visor and put on my glasses,” he says.  He turns his back and sets down the device.  Next, he takes off his optical visor and sets it on the ledge under the clocks on the wall.  He uses the metal rim of his glasses to write into the waxy surface of the wood: brass face – taken, before putting the glasses on, and picking up the device.

“You first,” the brass faced stranger commands.

“Of course,” he replies.  He starts to ask, “Just curious–?” when he feels a needle jab into his neck. 

                                                                           ***       

Bob Godglick (Mr. Clockwind) does repair vintage clocks.

He and his wife Dianne, and Lexi, the furry one of the family, are also fantastic neighbours and friends.

If you want to learn more about, Considerate Done:  Vintage Clock Repairs, below is an interview we did a few years ago:

Video and Audio Interview with Bob Godglick of Considerate Done: Vintage Clock Repairs

Bob can be reached at:

Bgdm201@gmail.com

519-897-0419

Honourable Mentions (people I enjoy listening to and/or want to work with):

Cellistlidia (@cellistlidia) and Annaworldmusic (@annaworldmusic)

You can often see them playing together on their Instagram accounts

Lydia Alonso:  Lewis Capaldi  — Before You Go

Anna Kuzmina:  John Legend – All Of Me

Is This What You’re Looking For?  [Part 19]

(Books by Authors Who Never Existed:  A Steampunk Hybrid story)

By the author of BARD: Owner of the Gemstone

Mr. Clockwind, is hunched over a device consisting of an assorted size of gears. He’s so focused on the tiny bolt he’s unscrewing, that he almost doesn’t hear, the uneven steps coming up the stairs.  He sets down the device, and takes off his magnifying visors.  Reaching behind, to his work desk, he grabs a spring coil tied with wire, and a pair of pliers.  He shoves them into his pants pockets.

As the footsteps reach the doorway of his workroom, he picks up the device once again. 

“My understanding is, that my automaton, will be brought to you, on the morrow,” a wispy voice says behind him.  “I also learned, that part of him might already be here.”

Inspectors Harper and Campbell did bring him the device he’s currently holding.  A safety precaution, they had told him, since the automaton’s hourglass had been flipped.  He turns to the stranger and asks, “Is this what you’re looking for?”

                                                                           ***       

Bob Godglick (Mr. Clockwind) does repair vintage clocks.

He and his wife Dianne, and Lexi, the furry one of the family, are also fantastic neighbours and friends.

If you want to learn more about, Considerate Done:  Vintage Clock Repairs, below is an interview we did a few years ago:

Video and Audio Interview with Bob Godglick of Considerate Done: Vintage Clock Repairs

Bob can be reached at:

Bgdm201@gmail.com

519-897-0419

Honourable Mentions (people I enjoy listening to and/or want to work with):

Galya Sky is a Lithuanian musician, who plays what is becoming my favourite instrument, the cello.  She also has a voice that will draw you into ethereal planes.

https://www.instagram.com/galya.sky.official/

I’ve Got My Monocle, On You!  [Part 18]

(Books by Authors Who Never Existed:  A Steampunk Hybrid story)

By the author of BARD: Owner of the Gemstone

Mr. TLC observes the humans talking in the kitchen.  He knows, when speaking cat to his human mom, he needs to repeat instructions over and over again.  Unfortunately, as with most humans, she doesn’t have the cognitive ability to understand the superior language, right away.  Worse, if she doesn’t have her hearing horn in, he has to gently swat her, to get her attention.

He hears Chief Shabuni talking on his steam cell to Mr. Clockwinder.  Tobey can’t wait for the clockmaker to arrive, so they can discuss the man with the brass face.  He listens more intently, as the Chief’s voice becomes frustrated.  The Chief just said that, since the clockmaker can’t get here today, they’ll transport the automaton to his shop tomorrow.

Tobey turns his attention to the hourglass on the brass faced man’s top hat.  As the grains trickle down, the needle of the pressure gauge hanging around his neck, show an increase in pressure.

                                                                           ***       

Although my artwork is rushed and conceptual, Jo Wermter creates amazing Steampunk Art. To see it go to:  gizmoroxon or Jo Wermter http://www.jowermter.com

High Heels Were Invented For Cats

High Heels Were Invented For Cats

You’re sitting at the desk

Trying to write a paper

When a lean, furry form

Jumps on your lap

Expecting to be stroked along the back

Quite ready to take a nap

To level out the thighs

You have to raise up your heels

And stay that way

While a certain kitten stretches out

And purrs

High heels were invented for cats

To keep the thighs level

While they groom themselves

While lounging

On your lap

The Hourglass [Part 17]

The Hourglass  [Part 17]

(Books by Authors Who Never Existed:  A Steampunk Hybrid story)

By the author of BARD: Owner of the Gemstone

Lady Evelyn Oolong

He glances down at Lady Oolong as they walk towards Mrs. Claws and Mr. TLC’s house.  “Really, he’s your father?”

Lady Oolong stares up at him and smirks.  “Chief Shabuni, you are so inquisitive.  I’ve heard about a person like you.  It’s whispered, that in one of the books by authors who never existed, a certain, very real, detective exists.  Do your eyes always move side-to-side like that?”

He halts.  “It’s called nystagmus.”

“Must mean you are magical.  You might want to wear special glasses.” Lady Oolong rubs her thumb along the drake handle of her cane.

“Your father wore special glasses.  Did he have any eye disorders?”  Two could play the game of distraction.

“I don’t know who my real father is,” she says, walking towards the front door.  “But Mr. Intrepid was as close as I got.”

He waited for her to say more but gave up as Mrs. Claws let them into her house.

“I brought tea, dear,” Lady Oolong says to Mrs. Claws. 

“Oh, that’s thoughtful,” Mrs. claws says, rubbing her hands together.  “Chamomile?”

“Much better,” Lady Oolong replies with a toothy smile.  “A mixture of chamomile, licorice root, tulsi and more.”

“That would be wonderful.  I’ll boil some water.”

As Mrs. Claws departs for the kitchen, he sees Mr. TLC bound down the stairs and leap onto the Salinas desk.

“This must be Mr. TLC,” Lady Oolong says.

“Protector of the house,” he replies with fondness.

“Well, you two talk, while I go into the kitchen to help Mrs. Claws.”

He steps closer to the now sitting Mr. TLC, and whispers, “Keep an on that one.”

Mr. TLC leaps off the desk.

He ducks under the lintel of the doorway to the kitchen. 

Inspectors Harper and Campbell are sitting at the kitchen table, eating sandwiches, Mrs. Claws must have made them.  Once she catches sight of him, Inspector Campbell wipes her mouth with her sleeve.  “Mr. Clockwind got caught in an emergency but should be here soon.”

“Well, that smells ready,” he hears Lady Oolong say from behind him.

“It does, and what a wonderful aroma,” Mrs. Claws replies.

“I must be going then,” Lady Oolong says.

He turns around, and sees the two ladies standing side by side in front of an ornate Chinese teapot. 

Lady Oolong smiles up at him with hooded eyes.  “I’ll let myself out.”

After many repeated goodbyes and thankyous for the tea, he sees Lady Oolong saunter up the walkway.

He turns to Mr. TLC.

“She—flipped—the—hourglass—on—the—brass—man,” Mr. TLC tells him.

***

Taylor Norris, RMT (Lady Evelyn Oolong): taynorris@gmail.com

My Jolly Sailor Bold—Mermaid performed by @_melegie

Perched Drake Cane by FireandSteel.ca

I just saw a fantastic steampunk post by @Hannah_redfoxcloset with art by @creadoresasueldo

One of the goals for these writing experiments is to include makers, and models of Steampunk.  Ben Lanzenstein of Switzerland creates Steampunk vehicles, weapons, and more.  I will be posting a short interview with Ben in very near future.  Meanwhile, you can see his work at:  ben_lanzenstein

Unwoman.com

Joanne Gosling (as Lady Marina Steamsail):  Jgosling@calclosets.com

Fireandsteel.ca Dragonrider Folding Knife

GRACEART Unisex Steampunk Top Hat with Goggles

Alivila.Y Fashion: Women’s Faux Leather Steampunk Corset Victorian Bustier Top

Book Review of: Songs Of Bittersweet Memories

Book Review of Nandita Khandelwal’s poetry and picture book:

Songs Of Bittersweet Memories

Poetry is universally known as the language of the Soul.  There are many styles: prose, haiku, limerick, ballad, and more.  Each, creating a moment, an observation, a realization, or a connection with others who have wondered or experienced the same.  In Songs Of Bittersweet Memories, Nandita reflects, encourages, and puts words to what many of us have seen or felt. 

In her book Climate Change—Health Connection, Nandita writes as a master geologist.  In Songs Of Bittersweet Memories, she is a dancer, writing swirling verses, that make up a dance of stanzas.      

Available on Amazon

Contact details 

Instagram and YouTube  – @Nandita Khandelwal