The Billy the Kid and D Files

They were found on a roadside, deep in the Nevada desert. Part of a cache of documents obviously intended for a secure location, the files have been kept secret until today. Their earth-shattering contents will amaze, possibly frighten and answer the question: what happens when an infamous Old West gunslinger and a centuries-old time-travelling Druid meet up?

 Chaos. Card games. Drinking. And chaos.

Part 1: Introductions

Billy: D! D? Where are you, Partner?

D: I am… trying to angle myself around herself over here as she eats and types. And the Romans considered my people to be barbarians.

Billy: I know my Ma never used to let me eat and talk. I’d be backhanded for sure! Or bonked on the head with her old wooden spoon!

D: You are speaking my language, Billy. These (what do you call it A? A: First world? D: That’s it.) These First World Europeans and their American cousins don’t know what life is truly like. Plus, they have no manners.

Billy: I know exactly what you mean. Anyway, I think I do. I don’t know a lot about history, but I do love to read. Maybe one day you’ll loan me a book from your time. Well, I’m assumin’ that you’re from a different time than I am, anyway. Earlier than the 1800s, I’d bet.

D: I am – I was born in 667 AD … a good 1100 years before you, Billy! But your world and my world really aren’t that different. That’s why I love the Old West. It was the last time men did battle with the elements, rode on horseback and counted their livelihood through cattle. I never did get a chance to spend much time in the American west during my travels through time, but when I read about it… well, it reminds me of home. We counted our fortunes in the number of cattle we had. And my family – my clan – was wealthy in land and cattle. Never did get to lasso one, though – Sigh.

Oh, and I’ll hunt up a scroll for you – my people didn’t write much – no written language (Except for my mother, but that’s a whole other story!), but other cultures wrote about us. We scared the Romans and the Vikings fled before us, for a time, anyway! What about you, Billy – I’ve heard all sorts of tales about you – sometimes written by people who weren’t always too kind in their words!

cowboy-hatBilly: Thanks D, I’m not sure what a scroll is, but thanks! You sound like you come from a great place. The forefathers of cowboys and outlaws. That makes it an honor for me to know you, partner. And about me, well, there’s some who love me and some who hate me. Some look at me as an old west Robin Hood. But others have argued that I was nothing more than a bloodthirsty monster. I cannot say I have a heart of gold, but I didn’t kill for fun. Yes, I stole more than my share of money and cattle, and even some right nice horse flesh. But I never took anything from people who couldn’t live without it. I just couldn’t steal from the mouths of motherless youngsters, or take the only means of transportation from a lonely widow woman. Some say I had a streak of meanness a mile wide in me, but I don’t. That’s not to say I won’t fight for what’s mine and protect those that I love.

D: I think that goes a long with living a full life and having your name remembered well past your death, Billy. I think those that call you infamous are just jealous! Tell me, do you have a favorite heist? One that really sticks in your memory? And how does Briana feel about your adventures? A never tires giving her opinion when she’s writing mine.

Billy: I suppose you’re right. But I must say, I’ve always liked having and ‘infamous reputation’. It has a nice ring to it. And I have a memory that comes to mind right away. It wasn’t a heist, but an escape. It’s the greatest escape I ever made. I’d been sentenced to die, and only two weeks before I was to make my last walk through freedom and end at the gallows, I made the most glorious escape in all my history. But even that memory has a sour note. I had to kill a man who I thought of as my friend. He was the kindest lawman I’d even known. *sigh*

Briana: I love Billy. Really I do. If I’d lived during his time, I’d have hunted him down and–

A: Oooh!

D:A, get your mind out of the gutter!

Billy: Briana, please. I am trying to talk to my friend. You hardly ever let me out of this place and I do still like to have fun. My land! D! Can you believe these women???

D: They’re terrible! I’m all for equal rights (you’ve never seen terror until you’ve seen Celtic women fighting beside their men in battle), but these two are beyond decency.

I like your infamous reputation too, Billy – but I’ll fight any man who says you have a meanness. *You* didn’t make fun of my spurs. I’m sorry about your friend, though. Those are tough choices to have to make. I’ve watched men – friends – die. Sometimes I was the cause, and others – well, they were bloody and lawless times too. Who do you consider the biggest outlaw of your time? Who were your biggest rivals?

Billy: D, I won’t lie to you. I thought you looked just dandy! And your spurs were the best part! I had me a pair like those, back when I lived in Texas. They were about the niftiest gadgets ever invented. And actually, I don’t mean to sound vain, between the years of 1878 and 1881, I was the biggest outlaw out there. Everyone wanted me dead. And of course, Sheriff Pat Garrett was my worst rival. He would lead to my undoing, one way or another. And ah yes. It is the loveliest of all visions when the woman you love fights by your side. Speaking of, it is a good thing I brought a friend with me. D, I’d like you to meet my girl. This is Angel. Angel, this is my pal D.

Angel: Howdy. Nice hat you have there, Cowboy.

D: Did you hear that, A – he called me his pal and said the spurs were fine.

A: D . . . focus, D. There’s a pretty girl – kiss her hand or do something druidy…

D: Druidy?

A: You know what I mean.

D: *blushes* Why thank you, Ms. Angel. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Angel: The pleasure is all mine, Good Sir. Billy has told me ever so much about you. All very good things, of course.

Billy: *chuckles* This is the girl Pat Garrett tried to take from me.

D: Thank you, Ms. Angel – Billy! She’s divine. I can see why the Sheriff was keen to steal her from you! Tell me, was it a rousing adventure? How did you get away?!

Billy: I’m afraid that is a tale for another day, D. Briana’s telling me we have to step aside now. Care to continue this later, partner?

D: Do I ever, Billy! I’ll see you soon.

Read The Billy the Kid and D Files, Part 2

Find out more about Billy and Briana at her blog, When I Became an Author.

Wondering how D and Billy met? It all started when A decided to go on hiatus…

Now a word from our sponser

A: D!! D, Where are you?

D: Over here!


A: D, what are you doing? Are those weights?


D: Green Embers gave me a face, A. But he also gave me pects.


A: Did he ever! Isn’t that the greatest? Plus, now I can call a pecty-Pict! Ha!

D: You have no shame.


A: None whatsoever. So, what’s with the weights?


D: I just want to make sure I live up to my image.


A: Oh dear – we may have created a monster: The Hunky Pecty-Pict. This could get ugly.

D: Ugly, A? Hardly. I think I’m rather dashing – in a rugged sort of way.

A: Great. Say thank you, D.


D: Green Embers, you have my deepest appreciation for breathing life into my words! Now maybe I can get some sympathy around here.

A: (Not bloody likely). Thank you, Green – D looks fabulous!

Scrapbook Party

D: What is this thing you call a “scrapbook party,” A?

A: Just like it sounds, D. It’s a party across Blogland.

D: . . . Sometimes I don’t believe you speak English.

A: It isn’t your first language either, D, but you don’t see me complaining.

D: . . .

A: Fine. The scrapbook party is an interview with Scrapbook Muse by Briana Vedsted.

D: Oh, Briana is involved? Well, then never mind. Carry on.

A: One of these days, D . . . one of these days.

Anyway, let the Party begin:

100_6585So, what is “scrapbooking”?

Simply put, scrapbooking is putting beautiful, fun paper, photos, and memorabilia together to tell a story.Think of it as enhancing your photos.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  What if you don’t know what those words are.  Scrapbooking allows you to remember all the stories, jokes, heartfelt moments, and everyday life, and share the memories with family and friends.  Imagine looking at a photo from someone else’s life.  The photo by itself may give you some hints.  Now if the photo were scrapbooked, the story behind the photo would also become clear.  Scrapbooking is a fun way to share and remember your story for years to come.

And what in the world is Memory Works?

I like to call Memory Works the Mary Kay of the scrapbooking world.   Memory Works carries scrapbooking products from all the big names (Fancy Pants, Pink Paislee and BoBunny, to name a few), as well as their own line called Simple Stories.  Memory Works also offers a monthly kit subscription for $29.95 (plus shipping, handling, and sales tax).  Each themed kit is packed with coordinated papers and embellishments from different brand name companies.

In addition, Memory Works offers a Hostess Incentive.  This is a free gift to the party hostess can earn if the party results in an order of $150.00 (before tax).  I like to offer this as well if there is either a single order from a customer of $150, or if there is a group of customers, though not necessarily at a party, that order enough supplies to meet to required minimum.  The incentive changes every month and can be anything scrapbooking related, from a collection of patterned papers to a stamp set to a few specific items from a brand name collection.  

Is scrapbooking hard to do?

Scrapbooking should be fun, so no, it’s not hard to do.  If you find you’re having difficulty, take a step back.  See where you’re getting stuck.  Are you trying to re-create a technique or layout and it’s not coming together?  Do you not understand the terminology?  Take me for example.  I know thismuch about knitting and crocheting.  Now I know the terms knit and perl.  Did I spell them right?  No idea.  Can I tell you what they mean?  Nope, sorry.  I learned a lot of the terms from magazines and websites.  And for me, it clicked.  I kept wanting more and more.  So it shouldn’t be hard.  Again, if you’re running into trouble, try to pinpoint what exactly is giving you pause.  Sometimes you need clarification, or to just tell yourself there are no mistakes.  I really enjoy it and I’m always learning something new, so there’s no limit to what you can create.  I’ve found if you love it, you stick with it and your style evolves from there.

Do you have some examples of what scrapbooking is?

Absolutely.  These are some recent layouts (a layout is 1-2 scrapbook pages).  I have lots more on my blog with close up detail photos and info on supplies and techniques I used.

100_6944Can someone teach me how to scrapbook?

Absolutely, there’s lots of options.  Now, I must confess, I learned by doing.  I never took a class, nor did I know anyone else who scrapbooked.  Heck, I had just learned about it myself.  So I went to my nearest bookstore and bought some scrapbooking magazines.  Then after reading them and devouring them (figuratively speaking, of course), I went to my local craft store and bought some supplies (careful, this hobby is addicting!  in a good way :D).  And I started scrapping!.

However, if my journey sounds scary, you can take a class.  These can be offered anywhere from a religious/spiritual center, your local craft store (big box and small business), library, school, historical society.  If you know someone who is a scrapbooker (the majority of which are women, but there are some VERY talented men out there), you can ask them to teach a class, or just teach you!  There are also numerous blogs online whose author post videos for certain techniques, etc.  And, being in the age of YouTube, there are blogs, magazines, and individual people who have a channel which you can view and/or subscribe to.  One benefit to individual scrapbookers is that they teach techniques that you may not otherwise comes across.  And they give you lots of inspiration and ideas.

Where can I get scrapbooking supplies?

In a sense, anywhere.  However, just because you CAN get it anywhere doesn’t mean you SHOULD.  Office supplies, arts and crafts stores, big chain stores, and local scrapbooking/stamping stores; all of them carry supplies.  I’ve actually found that the big box crafts stores by me do carry some of what I need, but not most of what I’m looking for.  You can also go the online route, which opens up the possibilities tremendously.

Big box general retailers are limited in what they carry because they’re general retailers.  So, see what they carry, check the prices, and think if you’ll actually use it.  Don’t get lured by the clearance sticker of half off and pay $5 for a border punch that you’ll never use.   This is why if you can, purchase your supplies from a crafts store, a scrapbooking store if possible.  If you live out in the middle of nowhere, so to speak, your best options are probably online shopping or a consultant for a scrapbooking supplies company (yes, shameless self-promotion, I had to do a little :P)

100_7631I live in the United States, do you know anyone who I could send my pictures to for them to design a scrapbook for me, because I’m just to busy to do it myself right now.

Why, yes I do *wink, wink.*  I am happy to design a scrapbook, mini album, etc. for you.  My prices are simple and really reasonable.  I do not want any screaming wallets, thank you 😛  You can look at my blog, myscrapmuseis.wordpress.com, to check out my prices, and e-mail me at tracy . carrig @ gmail . com to get the whole party started (just delete the spaces before hitting send)!

What is your favorite thing to make?

So far, layouts, either one of two pages.  I just finished a two-page layout for my little person’s first birthday.  I’ve start making cards, which I sell on my Etsy shop, called ScrapMusings.  And I’m starting to get into altered art, mixed media, and mini albums.  I’m loving getting messy, and I love layers.

 

I want to find out more about this art called scrapbooking! Show me more! Are you online? Twitter? Facebook? Pinterest? Got a blog?

100_8376 - EditedYes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.  Here’s my stuff:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScrapMuse (ScrapMuse)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scrap-Musings/141917992518574  (or search for Tracy Carrig (you should see a pic of me and my munchkin))

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ScrapbookMuse/boards/ (or look up Tracy Carrig / ScrapbookMuse, or you can just find me from Briana’s page ;P)

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ScrapMusings (shop name: ScrapMusings)

Blog: myscrapmuseis.wordpress.com

Thanks to Briana for setting this up and hosting my interview.  And thank you to everyone else who hosts and/or reads my interview.  I hope to see and talk to you all soon!  Happy scrapping!

The Hearasy of Before

D: It is so like you to romanticize a simpler life in the face of apocalypse.

A: Sorry, what?

D: You heard me.

A: Perhaps, but we all have our methods of escapism, D.

D: We do?

A: Yep – I happen to know for a fact that yours is–

D: That is quite enough of that, A. Lovely story you have over there at the Community Storyboard, really. I like it.

A: (Eye roll) Thanks, D.

Calling All Artists! Calling All Artists!

Writers, artists, poets, musicians – this is for you! The Community Storyboard: Where Creativity Meets Community (and squirrels)!

Charles Yallowitz's avatarLegends of Windemere

Do I have your attention?

I’m writing to let all authors, poets, musicians, painters, and any artist types that I forgot!

The Community Storyboard is a new and exciting blog where you can submit your work and have it showcased.  You can get important feedback and make friends with other artists.  Aside from submissions, we are going to be doing a few prompts and weekly themes that you can use for some spontaneous creations.

We’re all friendly people there and want this to become a blog where all artists can come for support and fun.  Being an artist is a tough road, so let’s try to unite and travel down it as a community

View original post

The wall

D: A? A, where are you? Why is it so dark in here? What’s going on? Why is my voice echoing? Mommy, hold me!

A: Chill, D. I’m here.

D: Good heavens, woman! Don’t do that to me.

A: Ha! Didn’t know you could jump that far, Druid.

D: I didn’t jump . . .  I was practicing my calisthenics.

A: Do you even know what those are?

D: . . . they have something to do with vigor and attempting to assuage your sedentary bodies now that you no longer hunt for your food.

A: Fair play, D. Speaking of. . .

D: Oh no you don’t. Where did you go? Why was it dark and more than a little creepy up here?

A: Are you telling me that you’re afraid of the dark? The big bad Druid, the man who made old gods real? The wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey master who is tying my brain into knots with his plot holes is afraid of the dark?

D: Does it make you feel better to think so?

A: . . . yes.

D: All right. I will fall on my sword for the greater good. It won’t be the first time.

A: And if there is a god in the heavens—

D: Oi! No wishing for my death. I was speaking metaphorically.

A: And I wasn’t?

D: No.

A: You know me too well, D.

D: {Sob} I know!

A: Well, if that’s all, I think I will-

D: Not so fast, woman. You are avoiding the question.

A: No, I’m avoiding the answer. You’ve already asked the question.

D: . . .

A: I went nowhere. I went everywhere. Despite having to re-write four chapters over the last two days, I am thisclose to finishing book 1 but hells-bells, D–

D: A, I’m a Druid. I don’ t do hell.

3u5ov3
. . . Yeah, D. Listen to Capt. Jack.

A: I would soooo beg to differ. Your shenanigans have my brain twisted all around and inside out. It hurts, D. Stuffing the plot holes alone is giving me brain cramps. So, I evacuated the land of the socially functioning and bypassed much of the rest of the world for a few days. This is my sole come-up-for-air moment.

D: I’m sorry, A. I really am. That’s a nice word, too, shenanigans.

A: What’s wrong with you?

D: What do you mean?

A: You never like my words. And you said you’re sorry. Oh my god, are you dying?

D: We’re all dying A – it’s simply a matter of time.

A: I hate you.

D: No you don’t, A. You’re tired and I think you’ve hit the proverbial wall.  And to answer your question, I’m not the D you know now. I’m an older, relaxed version of myself who has gone through the publishing process with you. We’re going to have great fun, A. Just you wait and see.

A: God, why do you do this to me?

D: Wibbly wobbly, A. Wibbly Wobbly.

A’s telling the tale tonight, Baby!

Actually I’m not because I have no tale to tell – and neither does D. Side effect of writerly-hibernation: we have no idea of what’s  going on.

D: Speak for yourself, woman.

A: Pardon?

D: I happen to know that Dean, of Dean’z Doodlez won Green Embers’ contest.

A: Oh?

D: Yes. And Charles not only has some incredible news about Prodigy of Rainbow Tower, but he’s also funny. You should take pointers, A.

A: I’ll consider it–

D: Then there is Helena’s twisted associate, Jessica Bell, who has begun a delightfully creepy series, the Bayou Bonhomme Serial, which everyone should check out.

A: Indeed. Is there more?

D: Of course. Andra’s tribute to her father’s birthday month, as well as his rather ingenious acquisitions is heart-warming and charming.

A: As is her style.

D: And finally, even though you like the man, I’d like to congratulate Ms. Melissa Janda for saying what we all think: Hemmingway can sometimes be boring, confusing and oh yeah, a drunk.

A: I don’t think she said that, D. She was talking about the ‘rules’ of writing that Hemmingway breaks with reckless—

D: Drunken.

A: Abandon as he sets out to tell a tale of the Lost Generation. I’d think you’d appreciate that, D. Besides, Hemmingway’s comments on the state of one’s first draft are, I find, spot-freaking-on.

D: You’re just mad because you don’t understand time travel.

A: (Whimper).

D: Now, where were we? Ah, yes: I encourage you all to visit The Community Storyboard, where new artwork – courtesy Dean of Dean’z Doodlez– graces the space, depicting the twelve editors  in their superhero guise. Very well done, Dean.

A: And while you’re there, take a moment to read some of the fantastic work – and even consider submitting some of your own!

New Header for the Community Storyboard!

The Editors of the Community Storyboard have been immortalized as Superheros!

Inspiration or muse’s fool?

D: I think you’re mocking me.

A: What?!

D: You! You’re mocking me.

A: Okay, normally I’d say yes. But I’m not really sure what I’m mocking you about–

D: How about yesterday’s little limerick, A?

A: Oh, that. Ha.

D: And then the ghost-town story, with the guy. And his hat.

A: Uh. . .

D: Shameless.

A: Yeah, about that. . .

D: You have no defense, do you?

A: Not really.

D: So you admit it?

A: It’s not like it was planned.

D: Limerick, A.

A: Okay, that was planned, and that was awesome.

D: I had nothing to do with Naill and his Nine Hostages.

A: So you think.

D: You are not allowed to outline without me anymore.

A: Killjoy.

D: Limerick writer.

A: So not an insult.

D: (Bloody woman)

A: (Also not an insult)

D: Would you let me have the last word?!

A: Never!

A Invites the Audience’s participation!

Am I the only one who abuses her mental muse by mocking him mercilessly? Granted, he gets his jabs in too, but the limerick might have been a step too far for his ego.

The prayers heard ’round the world

D: Have you heard, A? A? What are you doing – stop eating and pay attention!

A: I’m allowed–

D: A! I mean it, put down the peanut butter.

A: Fine, fine – what has your . . . is that a kilt? You’re older than kilts, D–

D: Woman!! Have. You. Heard?

A: What? Oh, well, yes – I have but since you seem so emphatic about the whole thing, why don’t you help spread the word?

D: Cheers, A. For those who haven’t heard, the Queen, the Phoenix, the lovely Ionia Martin had surgery to eradicate the cancer that had decided to make her body its home. The . . . what is it called, A?

A: Cyberknife.

D: A, sometimes your world is truly remarkable.  Charles gave us an update that the surgery with the cyberknife was a wonderful success – thank you, Charles.

A: And Dean, of Dean’s Doodlez, recast Marvel’s Phoenix with Ionia: The Phoenix has risen! It is fantastic! I’m certain there are more tributes, congratulations, and news (like this, from the Grand Dame herself) out there, but we just had to share.

D: We continue to keep Ionia in our thoughts, hearts and prayers as she recovers from giving cancer a beat-down–

A: A beat-down?

D: Isn’t that how you say it? What? You said kicking cancer’s ass, yesterday!

A: I did, and that’s about as close to slang as I get – unless it’s weird and/or old fashioned slang.

D: Are you calling me weird and/or old fashioned? Is that what you’re implying?

A: Well, if the kilt fits. . . !

D: Well, yes it does – thank you.

A: Oh boy – you’ve been listening to Ionia too much – lady, you’ve created a monster! Get better soon and keep him in line, will you, please?!?

PS: this is this blog’s 100th post – I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than with this post. Sorry Charles, “a better person who cannot be named” will have to be named at a later date!

The Druid Tells the Tale . . . for Ionia

There is a woman on this place you call the blogosphere. Her name is Ionia Martin, and she is Queen. It has been my honor, in my travels, to serve as advisor to clan lairds and sing at their hearth; I have known kings and scholars, and yet I have known none like Ionia.

I have the deepest respect for this fiery woman, who could slay man and beast with her words and her wit, and yet is kind and strong. Both A and I bow before her talent with words as she brings them to life. She has graced us with her friendship, an honor of which we are scarcely worthy.

Tomorrow, Ionia does battle against a foe none can see, but is insidious. Tomorrow, she enters the fray and by the grace of the gods, she will come out on the other side victorious. I have seen war, but I have seen none battle so valiantly. On all days, both A and I hold Ionia in our hearts and in our minds, but tomorrow it is even more important. We ask you to do the same.

~ Dubh an Súile mac Alasdair (D)

 

Ionia, we love you, lady. Thank you for being you – you are fantastic, and I know you will kick cancer’s ass.

~ Katie (A)

 

PS: There are so many people out there praying for Ionia. Head over to the full list at Green Embers’ blog or the Community Storyboard.