Angela Raines Writing & More

"If you are ready I shall tell what I have seen and heard over the years.” the tree said. “I am ready.” I leaned back against the trunk and closed my eyes ready to hear what the tree had to say. The tree sighed and then I saw a woman in my mind. She was covered in armor with sword in hand. As I took this all in I heard her voice and the story of her dance with death. It had been a fierce three days of battle. The field was covered with corpses, their body parts strewn out over the field like the broken shards of pottery they resembled. I had managed to stay alive until this last day when victory was no longer ours. Now, it was time for my own dance with death. Were the old stories true? Did one Dance with Death to decide whether you would go or stay, where you would reside? I fervently hoped so as I drew my last labored breath. The first day of fighting we were victorious in every engagement. The young warriors were ecstatic. They celebrated, cheered and drank t...

The Story Tree by Angela Raines I found the story tree not by accident, but by being called to where it stood. I was driving through my favorite park. It was a warm sunny day. The car window was down to cut the heat coming from the sun. I had taken a new route through and was about to take the turn out of the park when I heard a crying coming from my left. I slowed and tried to focus on where the sound came from. Unable to pinpoint the location I pulled into a parking lot and got out of the car. I stood listening. A few minutes later the sound came again. This time I heard a “please help”. The sound came from the left. I started moving in that direction-thinking maybe someone had fallen and was hurt or stuck. The many trails through the park were always busy. Occasionally someone would wander from the path, but it had been a long time since a situation where someone's life was threatened. Of course there was always a chance. That was the reason why I was foll...

The Ride by Angela Raines “Did you call a cab?” “You know I did, in fact you're ten minutes early.” “Hey, I couldn't wait to pick up my favorite fare. By the way, you look really good in the shade of blue. It matches your eyes.” “Thank you for the compliment. You are looking rather dashing in your yellow shirt.” “Right back at ya'! So where do you want to go today?” “Let's just drive and when I feel like stopping I'll let you know.” “Hey, you're payin' so what you say goes. Which way you want to go first?” “Let's head downtown. By the way, I have loved the stories you tell as we drive along. I especially liked the one about your being shot. Was that really true?” “Here's the scare on my elbow where I pulled the bullet out 'cause the hospital couldn't take the time.” “Stop here. I want to see what's new at the jewelery shop.” “You want me to wait?” “If you would, please.” “Aspen tree stands t...

"Hello Blanche.” said Henry, “You have been a difficult person to find.” I stood staring. What could Henry possibly want with me and why was he trying to find me? I had left that part of my life behind. In coming to Fairview I had hoped to catch up with my childhood friend Sarah. Instead I had found Sarah had already left for California, but I found I liked the mountains and the area brought me peace of mind. Now here was Henry wanting what, I didn't know. “Aren't you going to invite me in?” he asked. “Of course,..No. What are you doing here?” I stumbled over my thoughts and after saying yes, I knew I did not want Henry in my home. “I came to see you.” “Henry, you wanted the farm more than me. After the initial disappointment, I found I was pleased with the choice you had made.” “Blanche, you loved me once. Don't tell me that has changed.” “Henry, nothing has changed. I really never loved you. It was more my fear of being alone. Living here, I f...

by Angela Raines When I arrived on the stage it was a cold, over cast day. My parents had died the past summer and I found that I could not and did not want to maintain the family farm. Henry had wanted the farm and me. I gave him the choice and he chose the farm. That did little for my self-confidence, but I sold the farm and used the proceeds to the travel to west fork of Autumn Creek in the Colorado Territory. The little settlement on the creek was called Fairview. I was hoping it lived up to its name. The house I had rented site unseen was at the edge of the settlement. It had been the home of a family who had died of the fever three years ago. As I opened the door there was dust everywhere. Still the roof seemed sound and with a bit of work it looked like it would clean up nicely. I had a funds, but they would not last long. I needed to look for a way of earning a living. There was little I could do, but perhaps taking in sewing or maybe cooking. Nice job...

An Arranged Marriage by Angela Raines Becky Jean Porter, she got married. It was what was called an arranged marriage. You see she was considered an old maid at twenty-three. Her mother had given up on her making a choice so she did it for her. In Hilltop you just didn't hit the old age of twenty-three without being married, or at least being engaged. Becky Jean's father couldn't say nothing once Mother had made up her mind. On her wedding night she sat and watched DVD's of old Wanted Dead or Alive shows. Now you may think that is a strange way to spend a wedding night, but Becky Jean and Herbert, that was her new husband, got together and talked everything out before the ceremony. Herbert, he had him a girlfriend, but he was broke. Becky Jean, her parents were rich. You see where this is going. Herbert got the money, Becky Jean got away from her parents. That is what the two of them decided would work best given they had no other choice. So that night as Beck...

Good-by Again by Angela Raines Copywrite 2010 by Doris McCraw; all rights reserved “Jack, how can you say that?” I asked as we sat at the same table in the same coffee shop we had been visiting each Saturday for the last six months. “Mary, I am sorry but this is the way it has to be.” How many times had I heard those same words? Jack seemed to have problems with committing to anything. In a way that was what had drawn me to him. That sense of spontaneity, of always being ready for the new. “I don't believe it.” I said. “Think of all the wonderful things we shared. The snow, trees, the laughter when we took that trip to the mountains. You are saying that all of that is over?” Every time he went away he was back within a week. I wondered if this conversation was just his way of finding if I would stay with him. This time I wouldn't play his game. When he came back I would say no way Jack. I finally realized that in spite of all the wonderful things I enjoyed about Ja...