The words weren’t coming out of Lurleen’s pen onto her purple spiral notebook with college ruled pages. She’d come in early on a Tuesday, knowing that it would be slow until after seven, so she would have some writing time.
Plenty of time but no words. She couldn’t bear to write down the mundane things that happened in her life, the divorce, the miscarriage, the family’s redneck crudities, even the small dramas of the bar that sometimes ended in bloodshed. That was too real. She wanted to escape into another world, one that made more sense, where the good guys looked different from the bad guys.
She sighed in despair until someone walked through the wall of the Café O’Lay.
Lurleen stared at the wall at the corner of the bar near the bathrooms, where the old projector room had been when the café had been the concession stand at the drive-in, back when Lurleen was a little girl. It was a plain cinderblock wall, many times painted but showing every impact of bullet, chair and redneck skull. The woman had walked right through it, just like it was a beaded curtain.
The woman was chubby, dressed like a fairy in lavender gossamer that draped and flowed around her, making her look like a cross between an ancient hippie chick and a salvation army lingerie counter. She had dragonfly wings that vibrated and buzzed every so often. She appeared to be fifty-ish with some wrinkles and, short salt and pepper hair. She could have been anyone’s aunt–probably the cheek-pinching kind.
The woman hitched her hip up on a bar stool. “While you are deciding what you want to wish for, you can get me a beer. Draft. Guinness if you got it.”
Lurleen’s professional habits kicked in while her brain refused to process what was going on. She grabbed a mug, filled it and handed it over. “Want a tab?”
The woman didn’t answer at once. She was too busy sucking down the beer. When she came up for air, she said, “Sure. Now about that wish. You only get one, so think carefully.”
Maybe I’m dreaming, or this is some kind of flashback, Lurleen thought. She’d been heavy into the drug scene in college, but that was years ago. She didn’t even drink now, not even coffee, coke or sweet tea. She wet her hand at the sink and wiped the cold water over her face. The woman quaffed the rest of her beer and held out the mug for more.
“Okay, who are you, and how did you get through the wall?” Lurleen took the mug and filled it back up, though she had a premonition that the beer would never be paid for, not even in fairy gold.
“Maven’s my name. I’m your fairy godmother,” Maven said. She turned to look at the wall behind her. She fished a wand out of a hidden pocket in her gossamer and waved it across the wall. “I’m not sure how I got here. Must be some kind of dimensional door.” She walked over to the wall and ran her hand across it. “Interesting. Maybe you have to make your wish before I can go back.” She came back to the bar and sat on a stool. She didn’t seem at all concerned, except that she reached for her mug.
Lurleen pulled the mug back, out of reach. “You got any money on you? I believe in what I can see and feel for myself, some chick who promises wishes.”
“Fair enough,” Maven said. “Clients aren’t supposed to pay for their wishes. She dug back into her pocket and brought something out. She blew dust off it and wiped it off with a corner of her sleeve. “Twenty bucks do me for a while? Of course, the piece might be worth more as gold.”
She handed Lurleen a twenty-dollar gold piece, dated MCMVII–1907, with the figure of Liberty holding a flame and a branch. The back said United States of America. It looked real enough. Lurleen bit it, although she wasn’t sure what that was supposed to prove. She handed the beer to Maven. “Okay, I’ll bite. What’s the deal?”
“You were wishing hard enough that I heard you all the way to Faery–which isn’t so far away from here.” Maven cradled the sweating mug in her hands and sucked down the beer as if it were the last water for 500 miles. “So what do you want? Books? How many and what subjects?” She brought out her wand again and waved it over the bar. A stack of books appeared, some hard backs, some paperbacks, all over two inches thick, all with bright covers that proclaimed Lurleen Snipes much larger than the titles. The subject matter was hidden in the graphic design.
“Wait, no! I want to write them.” Lurleen pushed them away, although the feel of of her name in red foil letters under her fingertips was hard to resist.
“So, write.” The books disappeared. “You want a bestseller. Just give the word.” Maven drained the mug. “If that’s what you want.” Her voice had an edge of warning, just a note of ‘be careful what you ask for.’
What Lurleen wanted was to get away, to live out there in the world where life made some sense but to make it this time. She’d failed out of college, she’d failed out of marriage, she’d failed out of motherhood, and she wasn’t even much good as a barmaid in her momma’s whorehouse. She couldn’t face leaving this hellhole and then having to come home again with her tail tucked and her ears pinned back.
Maven handed her the mug, nodding at it significantly. “Take your time. There ain’t no beer in Faery.”
Loading ...
April 21st, 2010 - 9:48 pm
I cannot consent with you a little more on this a. It appears everywhere I go people today begin flaming about something. I am beginning to question consumers…I do not know seems really pesimistic but this really is how i see it.I believe persons have to discover out a bit more about themselves in normal for the reason that only with propper education will we make a distinction. My 2 cents.
April 25th, 2010 - 3:15 pm
Excellent post! I’ve bookmarked your web site as well since I identified it very educational and I enjoyed reading your posts.
April 25th, 2010 - 3:18 pm
I cannot consent with you considerably more on this distinct. It appears everywhere I go persons begin flaming about something. I am beginning to question many people…I do not know seems incredibly pesimistic but that is how i see it.I believe citizens have to discover out a great deal more about themselves in standard due to the fact only with propper education will we make a distinction. My 2 cents.
April 26th, 2010 - 4:52 am
Could it be possible if I refer to your website, from my website? I’m researching and need to discover as many snippets of info as I am able.
April 27th, 2010 - 9:44 am
Hi this post was great and I think you are very competent (i hope this is the right word, I’m from germany)! Actually I study computer-science in berlin and I want to make my master-degree in your country! (to learn the language and so on). I would export some special and high-priced hardware from germany to sell it in your country but I need a market like ebay or http://dimida.de to promote this hardware (its pc stuff). Do you know some plattforms in your language/ country? I thank you!
April 27th, 2010 - 4:09 pm
We’re a group of volunteers who are starting a brand new initiative in this community. Your Maven Fairy Godmother − Lurleen in the Cafe O’Lay gave us beneficial facts. Thank you!
May 1st, 2010 - 10:00 pm
I agree with the previous poster, it appears like you’ll do a fantastic job on the net.
May 15th, 2010 - 5:00 am
You seriously are a very smart person! Nice post! GA often also my biggest earning. However, it’s not a much.
June 6th, 2010 - 1:47 pm
aha,I found you here
June 6th, 2010 - 4:56 pm
Random Chicken Facts
June 9th, 2010 - 7:28 am
Great info, thanks for useful post. I am waiting for more
June 12th, 2010 - 10:35 pm
Great blog post.Really looking forward to read more.
June 15th, 2010 - 9:42 am
Your blog is so informative ¡ keep up the good work!!!!
June 15th, 2010 - 5:00 pm
thanks to your ideas , i¡¯d adore to adhere to your weblog as usually as i can.possess a good day
June 15th, 2010 - 7:30 pm
Great blog post.Really looking forward to read more.
June 16th, 2010 - 9:16 pm
Your blog is so informative ¡ keep up the good work!!!!
June 20th, 2010 - 8:43 pm
on-line for articles that can support me. Thank you
June 21st, 2010 - 7:35 am
Fantastic information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
June 27th, 2010 - 1:45 am
just learn it and thanks the post again
July 19th, 2010 - 10:14 pm
I will add this blog to my favorites, it is great.
July 23rd, 2010 - 9:07 am
Awesome post peter, it’s been a long-time since I’ve been on here. I see that nobody has lost their passion. Good to be back.
July 23rd, 2010 - 3:56 pm
The all-new Ford Focus made a pretty big splash when it debuted at the Detroit Auto Show this past January. The new car, which will be offered in both sedan and hatchback flavors, rides on the automaker’s new global C-car platform, and the version that America gets won’t be noticeably different from the European model. A good thing, as we’ve been crying for Euro-tuned Foci for years, though it’s safe to assume that the hot new Focus wagon won’t be headed to our shores.
July 25th, 2010 - 12:10 am
Yes, I was very keen on that. So was my mate. He said he is going to check it out next week. We will be back before you can say anything.
July 25th, 2010 - 6:29 pm
Really appreciate you sharing this blog.Thanks Again. Want more.
July 26th, 2010 - 2:30 am
hola, for the without a doubt coolest cafe world resources, cafe world mastery check out cafe world advantage.
July 26th, 2010 - 2:31 pm
I’m looking for themes on my blog I am just starting. Do you think this type of theme would work for my photography blog?
July 27th, 2010 - 5:21 pm
hey all, Keep up the good work. very informative, and love all the information provided. I love everything i have read so far
July 28th, 2010 - 1:38 am
Random question: I am starting my own blog to share my photography experiences. Do you find it hard or easy to post consistently?
July 28th, 2010 - 1:48 am
Do you think blogging just has to be about writing? Reason I ask is I want to start a photography blog, but I feel I am better at expressing myself with photos rather than write. Should I even start it? With your experience could it work, more pictures, less words?
July 28th, 2010 - 2:22 am
Do you think blogging just has to be about writing? Reason I ask is I want to start a photography blog, but I feel I am better at expressing myself with photos rather than write. Should I even start it? With your experience could it work, more pictures, less words?
July 28th, 2010 - 2:35 am
Great read. Sorry to be a little off topic but I was wondering, I want to start a blog but was trying to figure out how to get a readership to it. How do you get search engines to find you like I found you? Is that hard?
July 28th, 2010 - 8:40 pm
stating: July 6th publication release of “Undines: Lessons from the Realm of the Water Spirits,” by William Mistele, from North Atlantic
July 29th, 2010 - 1:33 pm
It\\\’s nice right here. great research. I have been looked this data for a little bit. thanks
July 30th, 2010 - 10:22 pm
I recently decided to make a simple movie about this, I would be honored if you would maybe take a second to check it and perhaps leave a message about what you think, I left the video link in the “website” field, hopefully you can get to it, I appreciate it greatly
August 2nd, 2010 - 5:30 am
hi you all, i’m really listless on the internet so you all should email moi if ya are also, strike up a convo
August 2nd, 2010 - 8:46 pm
Hi, I found this blog post, but are looking for shopping information on Google, and found it very good article to share, thanks greetings and cheers!
August 5th, 2010 - 8:56 am
Just came upon your post and will certainly check out other ones. Seems like real good stuff.
August 5th, 2010 - 12:11 pm
Wonderful, that’s exactly what I was searching for! You just saved me alot of work
August 6th, 2010 - 12:32 pm
Great. Are you going to keep writing articles? I read all your posts. But.. it has been very slow to load lately.
August 7th, 2010 - 2:11 am
What theme are you using on your site ? I really like the layout. Many thanks for this post.
August 9th, 2010 - 12:49 am
Fantastic resources. Wish i could get more info like this by other people! Thanks!
August 9th, 2010 - 12:54 am
What theme are you utilizing on your site ? I really like the layout. Thanks for this post.
August 9th, 2010 - 12:58 am
I enjoy your layout, the actual inescapable fact that your site is a tad bit different tends to make it so useful, I get tired of discovering the same stuff almost all of the time. I’ve I merely happened on this page by you Cheers.
August 9th, 2010 - 1:07 am
Very good information, many thanks to the article author. It is puzzling to me right now, however all around, the usefulness and importance is overpowering. Really very much thanks again and best of luck!
August 9th, 2010 - 1:12 am
I like your site. Very practical and very inspirational. Thanks a lot. It’ll help me a lot.
August 9th, 2010 - 1:23 am
I like your design and style, the inescapable fact that your webpage is a tad bit unique tends to make it so helpful, I get fed up of viewing same-old-same-old almost all of the time. I’ve I simply just happened on this site by you Cheers.
August 9th, 2010 - 1:38 am
What theme are you using on your site ? I like the style. Thanks for the posting.
August 9th, 2010 - 10:01 am
Certainly concur with what you explained. Your explanation was undoubtedly the least complicated to comprehend. I tell you, I typically get irritated whenever individuals discuss factors that they plainly don’t know about. You were able to hit the nail on the head and spelled out the whole thing with out complication. Maybe, people can get a signal. Will likely be back to obtain more. Thx
August 9th, 2010 - 9:56 pm
Fantastic ! I hope you will not stop posting new articles. I like the way you write. But.. it has been very slow to load lately.
August 9th, 2010 - 11:24 pm
What theme are you utilizing here ? I like the style. Thank you for the post.
August 10th, 2010 - 12:25 am
Very good post.
August 11th, 2010 - 1:38 pm
hey all, i’m really listless on the net so you all should mail me if ya are too, strike up a convo
. or possibly myspace, my name on there is ray walloch
August 11th, 2010 - 11:25 pm
I like this website. Really helpful and very inspirational. Thanks a lot. It’ll help me a lot.
August 11th, 2010 - 11:29 pm
What theme are you utilizing here ? I really like the design. Thank you for this post.
August 11th, 2010 - 11:33 pm
Very good information and facts, a lot of thanks to the author. The idea is perplexing to me today, but all around, the effectiveness and importance is overpowering. Really much thanks again and best of luck!
August 11th, 2010 - 11:37 pm
I like this blog. Really practical and very motivational. Thanks a bunch. This will help me a lot.
August 11th, 2010 - 11:40 pm
Just stumbled upon your article and will have a look at other ones. Seems like real good stuff.
August 11th, 2010 - 11:45 pm
Fantastic information. Wish i could get more information like this by other people! Thanks!
August 11th, 2010 - 11:49 pm
Certainly agree with exactly what you stated. Your explanation was certainly the easiest to fully grasp. I typically get irked whenever folks comment on issues that they obviously do not know about. You were able to strike the nail on the head and explained everything without complication. Maybe, people could take a signal. Will likely be back to acquire even more. Thanks
August 11th, 2010 - 11:56 pm
I like this blog. Very helpful and very inspirational. Thanks a ton. This will help me a lot.
August 12th, 2010 - 12:00 am
I enjoy your layout, the inescapable fact that your website is actually a tad bit different tends to make it so intriguing, I get completely fed up of viewing same-old-same-old just about all almost daily. I have I just stumbled on this web page by you Thanks.
August 12th, 2010 - 12:03 am
Took me time to be able to understand most the feedback, however I really liked the post. It turned out to be Really useful to me and I am confident to just about all the commenters here as well! It’s always great when a person can not merely be informed, but also entertained! I am certain you had fun composing this write-up.
August 12th, 2010 - 12:06 am
I like your website. Really helpful and very inspirational. Thanks a bunch. It’ll help me a lot.
August 12th, 2010 - 12:09 am
Valuable info shared I’m very delighted to read this particular post..thanks with regard to giving us nice material.Excellent walk-through. I appreciate this kind of article.
August 12th, 2010 - 6:33 am
Hello really nice blog, I saw your website when I was study on possibly how to improve my web log. I was just now enquiring which spam software system you utilize for comments as I get a good deal on my site.
August 14th, 2010 - 4:47 am
Nice Info . Do you mind if I talk about this post in my blog. You and your blog will surely get the credit
August 14th, 2010 - 7:25 am
Sold all my yrcw. News is coming tues? Earnings? Had nice run from .10 to .40 . Did not want to hold over weekend. They have 1 billion in debt I think…dont quote me on that. Most people sell on news…remember that. Regardless if news is good or bad. My opinion is they my be a Q soon. Soo many big businesses this year have just decided to go to Q instead of trying to pay off their debts by working at it. I may be wrong. If it dont crash next week and starts running back up i can always get back in.
August 14th, 2010 - 10:32 pm
The all-new Ford Focus made a pretty big splash when it debuted at the Detroit Auto Show this past January. The new car, which will be offered in both sedan and hatchback flavors, rides on the automaker’s new global C-car platform, and the version that America gets won’t be noticeably different from the European model. A good thing, as we’ve been crying for Euro-tuned Foci for years, though it’s safe to assume that the hot new Focus wagon won’t be headed to our shores.
August 16th, 2010 - 7:19 pm
thanks !! very helpful post!
August 18th, 2010 - 4:32 am
Muchos Gracias for your blog post.Really thank you!
August 22nd, 2010 - 9:56 pm
I love movies and want to bring you the best reviews and recommendations for you to get. You’ll have to wait for new movies to get to DVD but you’ll know …
August 23rd, 2010 - 11:23 am
Hey there, Thanks for the opportunity to publish here as it again beats phoning! We’re quite impressed by the contribution additional blog writers are making on your own website and hope to chip in as well any time as i can. I go along along with the earlier commentor and hope to visit here and there.
August 25th, 2010 - 1:16 am
wow, awesome blog post.Really thank you! Will read on…
August 25th, 2010 - 6:49 am
thankyou very much, I am obliged to say your blog is amazing!
August 25th, 2010 - 3:02 pm
Finally someone that actually knows the information – thank you for the great post about essential oils!
August 26th, 2010 - 7:05 pm
Completely fabulous! This is Exactly what I was looking for this past week. I can not comprehend how it took this much time to find someone who write what I needed written in plain English.
Thank you.
August 27th, 2010 - 6:04 pm
Great blog, I will add this blog to my favorites.
August 28th, 2010 - 2:09 am
Just happened upon your post and will certainly review additional ones. Seems like seriously great stuff.
August 28th, 2010 - 11:05 am
I was actually Seeming for this resource a Several weeks back. Many thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.This will absolutely going to Aid me in my Assignments .
August 28th, 2010 - 2:42 pm
Helpful information discussed I am really delighted to read this particular post..many thanks for presenting us wonderful information.Fantastic walk-through. I truly appreciate this article.
August 28th, 2010 - 2:53 pm
I notice quite a few blogs that look interesting and worth a read. There’s absolutely nothing worse than searching through endless yada yada sites simply to locate a few that hold ones interest. Thanks. Good job!
August 28th, 2010 - 3:05 pm
Very good information. Wish I could get more knowledge like this from other people! Thank you!
August 28th, 2010 - 3:14 pm
What theme are you utilizing here ? I like the layout. Many thanks for the post.
August 28th, 2010 - 3:20 pm
Very good information, a lot of thanks to the writer. It is perplexing to me today, but all around, the usefulness and relevance is overwhelming. Very much thanks once again and also all the best .!
August 28th, 2010 - 3:30 pm
That’s right! Fantastic piece, continue to keep up the terrific job. This is the type of material that should gain recognition pertaining to it’s craft. A lot more writers should learn from you. This is right on the money.
August 28th, 2010 - 3:35 pm
I see quite a few sites which appear intriguing and worth a read. There is absolutely nothing worse than sifting through endless yada yada blogs just to locate a few that keep ones attention. Many thanks. Good work!
August 28th, 2010 - 3:41 pm
Certainly agree with exactly what you explained. Your explanation was certainly the easiest to fully grasp. I tell you, I usually get annoyed any time individuals discuss matters that these people plainly do not know about. You were able to strike the nail on the head and explained every thing without problem. Possibly, individuals could take a signal. Will likely be back to get a great deal more. Cheers
August 28th, 2010 - 3:45 pm
I notice quite a few sites which look intriguing and worth a read. There is absolutely nothing worse than searching through endless yada yada blogs just to find a couple which hold ones interest. Thanks. Great job!
August 28th, 2010 - 3:51 pm
Took me a moment to be able to read most the comments, however I truly enjoyed the article. It proved to be Really helpful to me and I am certain to all the commenters here! It’s always great when a person can not only be enlightened, but additionally amused! I’m sure you had fun composing this kind of post.
August 28th, 2010 - 3:56 pm
Fantastic information. Wish i could locate more knowledge like this from others! Thank you!
August 28th, 2010 - 4:11 pm
I like this site. Really practical and very motivational. Thanks a bunch. It’ll help me a lot.
August 28th, 2010 - 4:17 pm
Useful info discussed I’m really happy to read this post..many thanks for providing people great info.Great walk-through. I enjoy this blog post.
August 28th, 2010 - 11:01 pm
Hey mate, thanks for posting but this page doesn’t format correctly in Internet Explorer it is doubled up.
August 29th, 2010 - 2:17 am
I was orignally Googling for information on what to plant in my home garden. I’m not sure why but Google pulled up your article, I found it interesting so I decided to read it. I am happy I did because I came away with something ot think about.
August 30th, 2010 - 12:51 am
I just believed i’d report and let you know your websites is handy for revealed the important technique.I really appreciate your weblog.Basically, the posting is in possibility the very best on this really worth even though topic. I concur along with your conclusions and will impatiently appear forward to your arriving up-dates. Clearly saying thanks won’t just be sufficient, for the outstanding lucidity as part of your posting. I will quickly pick up your rss feed to remain informed of any updates.Truthful work and much good results as part of your work and online business opportunities.Anyways hold up the good deliver the results.Appreciate it.
August 30th, 2010 - 12:59 am
There have been a lot of spiteful comments concerning Jennifer Aniston doing the rounds on the web lately. I consider she appears great, especially following losing a few kilos.I found your blog in a new directory of blogs. I don’t know how your blog came up, must have been a typo. Your blog looks good, have a nice day.
August 30th, 2010 - 11:32 am
We would like much more people might publish sites similar to this which are literally entertaining to read. With all the fluff floating round on the net, it is rare to read a web page such as this instead
August 30th, 2010 - 4:59 pm
All in all, I like her. Yes, I think she is dramatic at times, but it seems like everyday communication includes a little showmanship to convery your message. I’ll tell you, she seems to have a great style! I like her!
August 31st, 2010 - 3:05 pm
This is a really informative post. Thank you for sharing it with us.
August 31st, 2010 - 8:05 pm
Awesome post! You have a excellent blog, absolutely the very best Ive read so far. I will be looking forward to your next entry. Thanks again.finance finance
September 1st, 2010 - 6:06 am
Great blog! I actually love how it is simple on my eyes as well as the info is well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!private student loans
September 2nd, 2010 - 9:53 am
None of that is going to happen, therefore the two sides are never going to stop fighting unless and until one of them is forced to do so. Period, end of sentence, end of paragraph, end of story. They have, as we say in the law, “irreconcilable differences.” Unfortunately, they cannot divorce nor divest, which is usually the remedy for same. So this will go on. Forever. It’s not going to stop. Ever.online education degree
September 2nd, 2010 - 12:47 pm
I generally make an effort to put in a number of minutes daily in order to search for enjoyable writings to keep on the top of the most useful leather furnishings in addition to leather-based goods resources. As well as the current leather styles.Even though leather-based know-how have evolved through the years, there is nonetheless absolutely no substitute with regard to top quality, regardless of whether its a leather jacket or a leather sofa. It was fantastic to come upon your website and the information on it. Best wishes.new weight loss
September 4th, 2010 - 10:55 am
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing websites that understand the value of providing a quality resource
September 5th, 2010 - 9:41 am
This topic has been up for debate quite a lot of times but none of the posts were as detailed as yours. AdminI hope to see such quality posts from you in the future.
September 5th, 2010 - 9:58 pm
Hola. I definitely did some web browsing and discovered this weblog. I walked via this web site put up and it is actually astounding.I actually actually get pleasure from your weblog.Completely, the part of simply writing is in confidence the very ideal on this actually really worth even though subject. I book-marked it and i’m hunting forward to your approaching web site discussions. I also observed that your web site has some very good leading performed to it. I will appropriate aside get maintain of one’s rss feed to stay informed of any improvements. Astounding information you acquired right here.Be sure to keep bring up to date on your fantastic publish.Thank you.
September 6th, 2010 - 6:41 am
Hi,
I found your blog from google. I love this post. Really Great article.
Will visit again.
Thanks
September 6th, 2010 - 6:04 pm
Good read … headline catchy … good points, some of which I have learned along the way as well (humility, grace, layoff the controversial stuff). Will share with my colleagues at work as we begin blogging from a corporate perspective. Thanks!