Hi there! HAPPY NEW YEAR! I know it’s been a minute! But I’m back to celebrate with you! I hope you are well and staying safe in these very unpredictable, crazy times. On the bright side…
It’s MLW’s (michelle leigh writes) 9th Birthday/Anniversary!!! Which I’ve decided to name Birthaversary. It’s crazy to think that 9 years ago, I decided to finally start sharing my writing. I have always been scared to admit that I was a writer. Now, I proudly include it as part of who I am. Even though I’m not posting all the time. Writing will never really leave me. And whether I ever make it my career, or make money from it or any of that, no matter what, I know I will always be a writer. And a storyteller. And a believer of magic. 🙂 I always come back to it in some way. It is my way of sorting things out. Overcoming things. Making sense of things. And healing. Well that and some damn good Therapy! 🙂 It’s 2022 people. I’m telling you get on that therapy train. It’s worth it!
Happy 9th Birthaversary Michelle Leigh Writes!!!!
I know I haven’t posted consistently much, but I will still be keeping this blog alive in order to share my writing when I feel to- mostly for the longer pieces. I already have so many Short Story Series on here for you to browse. Otherwise, I will be sharing most of my writing on my writer’s instagram more consistently. So please do follow! @michelleleighwritesvibes(I shared a lot of good stuff this past year! Check it out!)
As 2021 comes to a close I wanted to just review some of the creative projects I shared. I love to do this little reflection of my work before every new year. This way I can set intentions for the next year. MichelleLeighWrites is my blog baby. I don’t post that often but when I do, it is the host of my long form storytelling. A safe place for the written word. Here are some of my writer vibes this past year. 1.Vibe With Me Podcast– a YouTube playlist/podcast chit chat of 12 lessons I learned in 2020.
8. Journaled the entire month of June with guided prompts. Tnx @allthingskoze
Also keeping up my Journaling every day habit…on journal #7 now! 9. Did some work on my Novel. 🔥❤ Sadie and Luke’s love story will hopefully see more light in 2022!
Making time to write isn’t always easy. I haven’t always been the best at it. Especially as of late with a new job and the craziness of the holiday season. However, I am proud of the things I did get to create. My hope for the new year is to further embrace the writer in me, the artist in me. And I hope that if you feel inclined to come along and read or listen to something here on MLW that you can relate to it. This is my heart. Happy New Year, my friends! Cheers to a new year of new projects. Some already in the works, and some probably not even thought up yet. 2022…let’s do this! Stay safe out there everyone! 🙂
Due to violence, language and some sexual content.
Chapter 5: Didn’t Even See It Coming
The Next Morning
I gingerly open my apartment door. Even though Greg had agreed to let this go, I know better. After Greg’s profession of love last night, my head was spinning in a million directions. Couple that with the crazy events of last night’s run in with the Black Hawk and I guess you could say I had a perfect storm in the making.
I close and lock my door as to not make it so obvious that I’m leaving. Immaturely of me, I knew I wasn’t ready to see Greg yet. Low and behold I made it out of my door way without seeing Greg. Keeping my eyes glancing back toward the door every now and again, I rounded the corner of the hall way and out to the sidewalk. As I turned the corner of the city block, I bumped full on into a hard, toned body.
“Oh, sorry.” I say spinning around and noticing a familiar face. I smile.
“Matthew, hey. It’s been a while! How are you?”
“Nevina…The Little Luna. I’m good. It’s been a minute. How are you?” he says with a sweet smirk.
“Good…Good. What are you doing in this neck of the woods?” I ask.
“I actually moved back to the city. The suburban life wasn’t for me,” he says with chuckle.
“Oh?” I say with a raise of my eyebrow.
“Yea I mean you know as good as I do, that the country…simple town where everyone knows their neighbor was more Amelia’s dream.”
There it is, I think to myself. One of us had to bring her up soon enough. Hearing her name still sometimes hurts.
“Yea. I remember.” I say as my eyes begin filling up. Water threatening to spill over.
“Hey, I didn’t mean to upset you,” Matthew says grabbing my shoulder in an effort to comfort me.
“No…no, it’s not your fault. I just- um I don’t get to talk about her much. Partly because I sometimes just can’t and partly because my parents are still a wreck over losing her. Rightfully so. They rented an RV and just took off to go explore the world on their own terms. I just think they can’t seem to allow themselves a minute to sit still. Because that’s when the pain hurts the worst. In the quiet day to day. The days she should have been a part of,” I choke out as my voice knots in my throat, my hand wiping away a fallen tear.
“No, I get it. It’s hard to believe it’s coming up on 5 years since we lost her.”
“Yea I know, even with the passing of time, the wound is still fresh. In a way I think it always will be.”
“For me too,” he says, his eyes falling to the floor.
I don’t know what it is. I haven’t seen Matthew in almost 5 years. I think after losing Amelia we all sort of looked inward to deal with it. Everyone deals with loss and grief in their own way, I guess. I certainly had my own way, that’s for sure. But even though it’s been a while I feel this overwhelming sense of familiarity. Déjà vu… or something.
We stand there silent for a few minutes. Stillness creeping in.
“Hey well listen, I have a meeting to get to… but it was great to see you. Let’s grab dinner soon, and really catch up?” he says breaking the silence.
“Um yea….of course. I’d like that.”
“Great, I’ll call you. Same number?”
“Yea.”
“Ok cool…we’ll talk soon.”
“Definitely,” I say as we part ways.
What a blast from the past I think as I push the door open to my favorite nearby café. Stepping up to the counter, I smile asking the barista for a small iced pumpkin coffee.
“Sure thing,” she says with a smile as she grabs a cup.
I pay the woman and turn to see if my favorite table is free. My eyes meet Greg’s who smirks giving me an awkward wave.
Time to face the music I guess.
“Hey,” I say with a weird smile.
“Hey,” he says almost sheepishly.
“May I?” I ask gesturing to the empty chair beside him.
“Of course,” he says pointing.
As we both sit there awkwardly sipping on our coffees, I hate feeling like we’re strangers.
Finally I break the silent tension by saying, “So you’ve got the day off today?”
“No, I’m on the night shift from now on.” He says
“Ah,” I say nodding.
“What about you…slow day at the shop?” he asks.
The shop Greg is referring to is my auto body shop. It was originally my dad’s. I spent so many days of my childhood there, I took a liking to cars and auto parts. So much so that I studied engineering and auto mechanics in college. When my mom and dad took off to explore, I took over the business. It comforts me once in a while, to have a place where I am able to fix things.
“Um…no not exactly. I just um…needed a day.” I say shrugging.
“Yea I can imagine…it must get exhausting chasing after serial killers at all hours of the night,” he says his voice barely above a whisper as he leans toward me.
“God. I knew you wouldn’t let this go,” I say huffing as I sit back in my seat, creating a safe space between us.
“What do you expect, Nev. I can’t just sit back and let you literally step into the line of fire…night after night. Taking it upon yourself to right everybody’s wrongs.”
“Why not? Isn’t that what you do?” I say angrily as I raise an eyebrow at him.
“Yea… but I’m a trained professional Nev.”
“Oh please… you’re always saying how most of the cops at the station could afford to be a little more diligent. This guy has been haunting this city for nearly a month and what does the NYPD have to show for their little investigation…a few blurry images and some random sightings.”
“Wow…good to know what you think about my work.” He says huffing and looking away.
“It’s not a personal attack Gavin, I know you’re a good cop.”
“Then trust me to do my job,” he says looking at me with pleading eyes.
“You and I both know why this hits home for me…” I say glaring at him, my eyes starting to fill. Today sucks.
“I know…hey…I know,” he says taking my hand in his, as he laces his fingers through mine. He brings the back of my hand to his lips, placing a sweet kiss on it.
I guess being best friends with Gavin all these years, I didn’t realize how often he did this. It was almost like second nature to me. But this time, I felt a spark and a tightness in my stomach. And suddenly, I realized, something big was about to happen. A change I never ever knew would work its way into existence.
I pull my hand away gently, Gavin noticing, he coughs, nervously as he sits back in his seat.
“5 years…and now he’s back. I cannot let him kill any more women like he killed my sister.” I say trying to keep from fully falling apart in front of him.
“Nev, we don’t know for sure that this is the same guy.” Greg says his voice kind.
“Are you kidding me Greg? Open your damn eyes. Of course it’s him. But you know what I honestly don’t care who it is. I just want him taken care of. The police force did a nice job of covering Amelia’s death. Claiming she was just drunk and crashed her car. When you and I both know that bastard killed her, and then drove her car into a river.”
“Nev, look I get that this is hard for you. I was there for it all. I was with you. And I know her anniversary is coming up and this is all a lot. I just think you need to take some time to yourself. Allow yourself a minute to breathe. And just let me take care of this. When I joined the police force I swore to you that I would do everything in my power to help find out what really happened to Amelia. And I will. But I just need to play this the right way. If what you and I suspect is true. That her death was manipulated, than that means someone was working from the inside. And that person has a motive, a link that connected him or her to Amelia. To you. To your family. That’s why I play so close to the rules, because I won’t be suspected of digging into old files and getting to the real truth. We’re playing the long game here, Nev. I just need some time. And I need you to trust me.”
I look up at him sighing loudly. I take his hand in mine, “Greg, I do trust you. More than you know. Which is difficult for me to even admit, considering everything my family has lost. But as much as I love and trust you, these girls…they don’t have time. He’s picking women off left and right, every night. In a pattern. If you noticed.”
“Dark hair, dark eyes, tan complexion. Yea I’ve noticed.” He says his eyes meeting mine.
“I have to do something. This time I HAVE to do something. Because I didn’t get to help Amelia. I failed her. And I carry the weight of that with me, every day.”
“Hey…none of this. Is your fault.”
I turn away from him.
“Hey…none of it. You hear me,” he says pulling me in closer as our foreheads touch.
He is my safe space. He always has been. Even if I don’t say it often. Even though I know I can stand on my own. It’s nice knowing I don’t have to.
I breathe in a shaky breath, my mind starting to fog. My heart dancing in my chest. I’m completely confused by this sudden overwhelming feeling of wanting to just pull him in and kiss him.
But I don’t. And we sit there, in silence. Holding onto each other for what feels like forever.
“Hey…I want you to know I hear you. I hear everything you’re saying ok? And I promise you, I will get to the bottom of this.” He says starring up at me. “After all, why do you think I asked to be on the night shift?” he says with a smirk.
I smile as I blink my tears fall down my cheeks. Greg wipes them away with his thumb and I lean in placing a sweet kiss on his lips. He stills for a minute and then kisses me back and I suddenly realize what I’ve done. I, Nevina Luna think I may or may not be in love with my best friend. And the scariest part of it all is… I didn’t see this coming.
Nev & Greg. [my fan art dream casting manipulation]
Oh well, this should be interesting.
TO BE CONTINUED…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
Due to violence, language and some sexual content.
Chapter 3: Flirting with Murder
Nevina’s Narration:
It’s happening again. He’s back. Somehow. And this time, it’s different. Because I’ve been waiting. I’ve been preparing. My gym sessions with Greg, boxing classes, karate classes, boot camp workouts, combat training, you name it. I’ve done it. And it all started with one self-defense class. My night hustle has been part of my training too. How many men can I leave petrified? I’ve lost count. Although I guess you could say that cat calling men are not as much of a risk as a full on murderer. But then again, NO man should ever tower over you, making you feel inferior. The Black Hawk may be back. But, this time, he’s not the only bird in town. He has no idea who he’s messing with. For every woman I save…the nights can rest a little easier. And soon enough he will be right where he belongs, on death row or in the ground. It’s up to me to right this wrong. To give all the women whose lives he stole, some justice. To save others from his preying eyes. His deathly stare and his rake of death. I will not rest until he is gone. For good. Ladies…it’s time we take back our nights. Our walks. Our jogs. Our freedom. You know what they say, if you want something done right, do it yourself.
Nevina puts on her black leather costume. She shuts off the news report on the television that is describing another brutal murder. She carefully sneaks down her building fire escape, like a thief in the night. Like so many nights before. Her quest to find her prey- The Black Hawk.
Nevina’s spiked black heels crushing leaves as she walks, the full moon shining down upon her. Her head held high.
“Ahhh, ahhhhh!!! Help! Someone help me!” She hears a female shrieking. She picks up her pace rushing toward the direction of the screams.
Suddenly I see a young brunette girl, with olive complexion and brown eyes, rushing past me, clutching her chest in fear. “Run, Run, he’s coming, The Black Hawk, I saw him!” she screams and then stills as she seems me.
“Wait…who…who are you?” she says backing away, her eyes shifting all around. “Are you his partner, or something…” she says stepping back nervously.
“No. I’m a friend. To all women. Go. Run. Find a safe place. I’ll take care of this. I say reaching into my pocket, I pull out a black hair comb, with a flick of my wrist it turns into a knife. Clever right?
The young brunette girl looks on stunned as she rushes off. I don’t blame her. It’s hard to trust anyone these days.
The news has reported that The Black Hawk’s murdered 6 women so far. The police have no leads. And his recipe seems, pretty slasher standard. Stalk women at night in dark, secluded places. Each attack he makes more violent and gory than the last. Rake through the face was just the beginning for him. He’s hunting women like prey.
Rounding the corner I see him, walking through a dark alley. Calm. Cool. Collected. In that smug designer suit. Who the fuck wears a fedora anymore? His eyes haven’t met mine yet. He hasn’t spotted me. So I have an advantage. He looks rather… disappointed. Almost as if he, failed his mission to slay yet another woman. I duck behind some tall trees, removing my mask, I toss it to the side. It’s show time.
I tuck away my knife beneath the sleeve of my leather jacket. Fluffing my hair, and adjusting my cleavage, I exit from behind the trees and bushes. Making sure my heels click, and my hips sway. After all, brunettes, olive complexion, brown eyes. Hmm, seems I’m just his type.
I see him. He stills. Turns. His eyes lock on me. The Hawk Mask is creepy. One of nature’s dark predators. Clever. I’ll give him credit. But a fucking mini garden tool. Give me a break.
He begins walking toward me, with swift, long strides. His weapon glistening in his hand.
My eyes dark. Focused on him. He freezes, suddenly confused. I begin walking toward him. My tanned legs glistening with oil.
Even in his mask, I can see his head move, looking me up and down.
“Oh, hey there. Oh am I supposed to go running and screaming or something?” I say coyly. Flirting with murder.
He nods, silently.
“Oh, but, I can’t run in these shoes, baby.” I say walking up to him, I touch his chest my fingers dancing up toward his neck, straightening his tie. “It’s a shame, I think you and I could have a lot of fun.” I say, my tongue sliding across my teeth, as I bite my lower lip.
See, I know I’m playing with fire here. But this misogynistic asshole seems intrigued. Sure he wants to kill me. But I can also sense his attraction. His eyes watching me as I circle around him. My hands sliding along his shoulders. Taunting him. He likes the chase, but this is somehow keeping his attention. Reverse psychology for the win. Ew, he’s probably one of those gross guys who likes role play.
He grabs my wrist swiftly.
“Someone likes to play rough, huh?” I say playing the part. Ugh why were 90’s slasher girls always so overly sexualized. I mean really come on.
Black Hawk, nods. I hear him, suck in a breath. He’s enjoying this. Freak. I bite my lower lip, looking up at him.
“You like taking control of women.” I say unbuttoning is suit jacket, sliding my hands up his chest. He stills. His heart beating, no pounding against his chest. He tightens his grip on my wrist, tucking his weapon away. My knife safely tucked away and velcroed to my other wrist. His hands grip my hips. As they slide across my silk slip dress, cupping my butt. His body pressed against mine. Gross. He’s liking this.
“Huh, well, do you wanna play a game?” I say, leaning into him, his neck slightly exposed. Taking it a step further, I place a dark black lip stain on his neck. He cocks his head back, and let’s out a groan.
“You like that, Black Hawk?” I whisper in his ear.
He nods, his touch becoming more intense. His grip harder, tighter. More aggressive.
“Hmm, great.” I say as I loosen his tie, unbuttoning some buttons on his collar. I place a few kisses along his neck and collar bone.
Using my feminine wiles to take notice of anything that could be a key feature. He smells like cigars and after shave. His body frame is fit, minimal chest hair, and from what I can tell, he has a tattoo over his heart. He grabs my hand before I get to fully read it.
“Off limits?” I say pouting.
He nods. Still silent. But I still can feel his heart pounding.
“You get off on feeling in control of women, right? You like playing God. Deciding which of us gets to live. Which get to die?” I say my flirting is on point. I have to say ya girl is SLAYING this interaction.
He nods. His hands sliding up my dress.
“Wait. Baby wait.” I say pulling away, pushing him gently. Pulling my dress down. Trying to cover up.
He stills, I feel his anger. He doesn’t like being led on, or told no.
“Oh no, have I upset you?”
He nods.
“I didn’t mean to. I just. Ya know. I know I came on strong. But maybe we can just slow it down a bit.”
He shakes his head no.
“But I said no.”
“No one, says no, to me” he says finally uttering his first words. His voice deep, husky and without any trace of sympathy.
“Well, it’s not a no, it’s a not right now. We just met, maybe we just need to take it one step at a time.” I say pretending to stumble over my own feet as I back away.
He shakes his head no.
“Are you going to kill me now?” I say fearfully.
He nods yes, silently. Back to the silent treatment.
“Ok. Ok, wait…we were doing so well. Let’s play a game first. You like to play games right?” I say as I continue to back away from him.
He slowly follows. His glare, dark, evil. And oddly enough, kind of familiar. Could this be someone I’ve met before? In passing. Or if slasher film history would have it, could this be someone that I actually know?
He nods. Calmly as he advances. He reaches for his weapon once again.
“Ok, let’s play, a game.” I say my voice appearing shaky.
This could easily get out of control. But I remain focused. On course. My mission set in stone. He reaches me. Standing before me, he raises his rake, and I swiftly pull out my hair comb knife and stab him in the stomach before he could stab me.
“Now how about you run, and I chase you?” I say staring into his dark eyes as he falls to his knees, groaning. His rake falling to the floor.
TO BE CONTINUED…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
My heeled boots click clack on the concrete floor. It’s a comforting sound. Silver spikes up the back of the heel. My long legs exposed to the fall chill. A black short slinky satin slip dress, paired with a faux leather jacket with black feathers dancing along the lapel. For accessories I pair it with a pair of leather fingerless gloves donned with silver spikes, and dark black midnight lipstick. Who says you can’t look fashionable while hunting. Am I right? The final touch. The mask. Black. Bird-like. A Black Nightingale. The prey that hunts back.
Strutting about the New York City streets like I own it, you think men would take a hint. With a get up like this, it should scream fuck off. And yet they don’t. Far from it.
I still. Feeling his eyes on me. His hands just minutes away from touching my body. “Hey girl….you uh wanna need a reason to reapply that lipstick?” He slaps my ass forcefully. And I laugh to myself because well honey… he just doesn’t quite know who he’s messing with. One swift turn and kick. Right in the crotch.
“Ughhh…ahhhhh…oh fuck, girl what the hell is wrong with you?” he grunts, doubling over in pain.
“Oh, I’m sorry. You looked like you were asking for it.” I say as my knee retracts from his special place. Going around talking to women like that something tells me it’s not that special.
“Let me let you in on a little secret” I say as I lean into his ear, my voice holding a breathy whisper as I pull what can be easily mistaken for a tube of lipstick from my jacket pocket, pop the cap off and a silver shine emerges from the blade. I hold it flush against his chin, “You know what they say about The Nightingale, how it sings beautiful songs. This is me singing. For all women. The nights…they belong to us now. Be a dear and spread the word to all your pervy little friends, would you?”
Straightening my posture like the classy lady that I am, I saunter away leaving him rolling in pain and let’s be honest… fear. I know to some it may seem like overkill. An overreaction to a minor discretion. A cat call. Slip of the hand. I mean I should take his interest as a compliment. Flattery. Sense the sarcasm? The way women are treated as they walk the night is a load of bullshit. And anyone who tells you different well, they are just imbeciles. You don’t know how fucking fed up I am. Or maybe you’re starting to. Put your hands on a woman unwarranted and I will ruin you.
*Black Nightingale.* Credit
A series of images, pasted on a cork board. A map of New York City. Red X’s marking what could only be seen as hot spots. Dark Alleys, Train Stations, Parks, Jogging Trails. Nevina’s slender hand places her Black Nightingale mask on a nearby end table as she tosses her weapons down too. She lets out a sigh.
“It’s been a long night,” she says flopping down on her couch, and lifting her legs onto her coffee table. She clicks on her TV.
A newscast humming in the background of the dimly lit room.
“Just this morning an early jogger phoned in what she could only comment on as a gruesome attack. A young unidentified woman was found dead in Harrison Park. There are no concrete suspects at this time, but the NYPD did pull some neighboring camera footage and we see a man in a mask walking away. Officers are on the scene and working to bring whoever did this to justice.”
Nevina sits up, she raises the volume. Her eyes transfixed on the TV.
“He’s back…,” she says to herself. “The Black Hawk, he’s back.”
TO BE CONTINUED…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
Midnight. Rolling fog. Slight precipitation in the air. A light fall breeze. A young brunette woman, with olive skin and brown eyes is walking in the middle of a New York City park, heading home. The lamp posts, casting a halo like glow around itself in the fog.
Her outfit- rather modest. With the exception of some classy cleavage. Suddenly she feels an eerie gust of wind that stops her in her tracks. She shivers, pulling her jacket closed. She glances behind her…nothing out of the ordinary. She turns and is met with a sleek black suited gentleman in a bird- like mask.
“You scared me. Cool costume. But it’s a little early for Halloween, isn’t it?” she says with a laugh, as she starts to walk past him.
His gloved hand stops her, his fingers clasping her wrist tightly.
“Hey, let me go,” she says pulling her arm, trying to break free.
He pulls out a small garden tool. His head tilting to the side, ever so slightly. Silent. Controlled movements. Dark eyes. He slides the small rake teethed tool down her neck meeting her cleavage.
“Get your hands off me,” she says… “What are you gonna do…rake me to death? … Fall Basic Asshole, I bet you sip on pumpkin spice lattes in your spare time. Whatever this is, it’s not sexy. Its creepy.” she says pulling her wrist free, she walks away in a huff. Her footsteps quick.
She turns back one more time and he’s somehow vanished. Gone. She sighs, relieved. Turning to go on her merry way, she’s met with his masked face yet again, starring back at her,
“What the hell do you want from me Wall Street?” she says annoyed, her fear now really starting to kick in.
He brings his weapon swiftly through her chin, the small rake splitting through her face. Her eyes bulging out of her head. The dark red blood gushing out as she falls to the cold, wet ground. Kneeling down, the masked man pulls the weapon from her head, as it makes a violent thrashing, sticky sound.
He stands towering over his victim. Cocking his head to the side, ever so slightly. Like a predator hovering over his nightly prey.
He takes a silk brown handkerchief from his suit pocket and wipes his rake weapon clean, tossing it in the blood pooling near the young woman’s lifeless body. Securing it away, he straightens his tie and fixes his collar as he calmly walks away. Back into the night. No one around to witness his violent crime.
* “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” by Fall Out Boy begins to play.*
Nevina Luna and her neighbor Gregory “Greg” Gavin take turns knocking around a punching bag at their local gym.
“You’ve got it all wrong Luna…I Know What You Did Last Summer is such a better slasher film than Scream.”
“What?” Nevina says gasping as she kicks the punching bag he’s holding, he moves his face out of the way just in time.
“Ghost face really? He’s not scary. Now a guy with a hook for a hand. That’s creepy!”
“Oh ghost face is so creepy. I mean he’s not. But he is. I just think it’s the lurking and the stalking and the idea that he’s masked that creeps people out. That’s what does it for me, at least.” She shrugs as they move to the boxing ring.
Nevina comes at him with a right hook and Greg ducks blocking his face with his boxing gloves.
“Damn it, Luna. You’ve got one hell of a right hook.” He chuckles as he steps back.
She laughs. “You bet your ass I do,” she says as she throws him a sly smirk.
He looks at her. An uncertain look in his eye.
“What?” She says.
“Nothing,” Greg says looking away.
“Gavin what?” She laughs punching him in the shoulder playfully.
“You just…you have really pretty eyes, Luna.” He says seriously.
“Why Gregory Gavin are you flirting with your neighbor/best friend since forever?” she says dramatically.
“Now would I do that? What kind of man do you think I am?” He says laughing.
They share a laugh. “Come on I’m just messing with you, let’s go get some tacos. I’m buying,” Nevina says sauntering away.” Greg rolls his eyes at her as they follow her, with a longing look. A sweet smile on his lips.
“Hey are we still doing movie night tonight?” he asks.
“Yes for sure. You pick the horror film, I’ll bring the candy?”
“Deal,” Greg says smiling.
“But I do have an early morning so can we make it an early showing.” She says smiling at him as she bats her eyelashes at him jokingly.
“Yea, sure. Luna where are you always going?” he says puzzled as they head out of the gym doors and onto the sidewalk.
“Places to go, people to see, my friend,” she says smirking at him.
TO BE CONTINUED…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
To me dream casting means that if I were to cast this movie- these are the actors/actresses I see myself casting. It’s a habit I picked up in college. It’s just fun to imagine and give the audience faces to put to my characters.
Crazy Stalker Love– A Short Story Series here on michelle leigh writes (21 chapters…New Chapters Coming to you everyday!) 🙂
2020 was a crazy year, but in all the fear and uncertainty so much transformation has been brought to light for me. Along with so many heartfelt Good Vibes. And so I’m trying something new…I give you my version of a podcast…Vibe With Me. All new topics over the course of 12 days! [Playlist below w/ all links included!] Love, and Light. Peace.
As you grow, you learn. As you learn…the vibes are good! Or at least you can find the good! 🙂
This was just a compilation of Life Lessons I’ve learned throughout the past crazy year of 2020. Many related to Mental Health in some way, which I have a great passion for as someone who struggles with anxiety. I’ve always wanted to start a podcast and YouTube channel of some kind and this was my way of testing it out and merging the two. I hope you can relate to the topics discussed. And I hope you find that you are never alone in this crazy life. Someone out there gets you. I hope I can be that person for you. Thanks for listening!
Happy New Year!!! “A new year full of cheer my dear!” 🙂
It has recently dawned on me that today is MLW’s (michelle leigh writes) 8th Birthday/Anniversary. Which I’ve decided to name Birthaversary. It’s crazy to think that 8 years ago, I decided to finally start sharing my writing. I have always been scared to admit that I was a writer. But I’ve realized over the past 8 years that is part of who I am. Even if I’m not posting all the time. Writing will never really leave me. I always come back to it in some way. Being that I am celebrating MLW’s 8th birthday on January 8th, I wanted to do a little GOLDEN birthday inspired post to celebrate.
A GOLDEN BIRTHDAY is when the stars align and you turn the same age as your birthday – (8 on the 8th).
It is said to be lucky. So cheers to some luck this new year. We all know we could use it after 2020.
Happy Birthaversary Michelle Leigh Writes!!!!
I thank you for being my safe place. My heart. My memories.
And although I haven’t posted consistently much, I will still be keeping this blog alive in order to share my writing when I feel to- mostly for the longer pieces. I already have so many Short Story Series on here for you to browse. Otherwise I will be sharing on my writer’s instagram more consistently. So please do follow! @michelleleighwrites_blog (I shared a lot of poetry back in April for “Escapril”)
My most recent Short Story Series “Move” was finally finished in 2020 here on MLW. So I wanted to give that a bit of a shout out!
I created a December Series called Writer’s Wonderland over on my writer’s instagram @michelleleighwrites_blog. I’ve been a lot more consistent on that platform. I’ve been sharing a lot of my writing on there this past year! My Writer’s Wonderland consisted of sharing poetry, short story series read a-louds on instagram stories, Short Story Excerpts, and lastly as mentioned in my last post, I wrote a children’s audio book- CLICK HERE TO LISTEN ! 🙂
I also have my New Year inspired Short Story Series Collection HERE too! If you wish to stick to a bit of a holiday theme! 🙂
I’ve learned so much over this past year. I’ve done so much reflection, wondering, healing, and I’ve been so much more open to change. Because the truth is, this past year, we had very little control over what was happening in the world, and that made me really understand that we really only have control over how we handle things. How we react or respond. So breathe, pray, talk it out, feel what you need to feel, play your music loud, dance it out, binge watch all the Netflix, video chat your loved ones, eat the chocolate, drink the wine, laugh. Because the now is important. The present moment is important. However, I also feel it is important to note, that if your present moment isn’t a happy one, know that pain is temporary. Better days are coming. Cheers to a new year. I am sending love and light and many prayers to all of you out there for a safe, happy and healthy year. Stay safe, wear a mask!
And in MLW fashion…I leave you with an inspirational song…
Hi there. It’s me. Michelle. And I’m back. For now. LOL. I will update you on where I see the future of this blog going later this week. That is whoever is out there in cyberspace still reading this. Lol. Who knows. 🙂
Happy New Year! Needless to say it has been quite some time since I last posted. I’m sure we can all agree that 2020 was one very taxing and crazy year. A year filled with uncertainty, confusion and fear. However, in order to keep my sanity, I’ve turned to keeping my faith and keeping my gratitude for what I do have rather than focusing on the negatives of life. In these days of wearing face masks, relying on video chats for our main source of human interaction, and spending most of our time in doors, I find it is best to keep a positive outlook. It’s very easy to get caught in the never ending doom of the current state of our world. But what good would that do for our mental health? The mind is a very powerful thing.
Although my outlook may be positive, I do understand the severity of what is going on. And the sacrifices of those on the front lines are not lost on me. I just choose to find the good, because otherwise the fear and anxiety would swallow me up.
Stepping away from blogging regularly isn’t a new thing for me. I often go in and out of consistency. I find it just happens in the nature of being a writer and a creator. Inspiration isn’t always forthcoming. However, just because I haven’t posted in a while does not mean that, I haven’t been writing, that I haven’t been creating. In fact that has been quite an incredible saving grace for me this year. At the start of the pandemic I started journaling daily and I have really loved it! Having more time to write and create and try new things in that world as been really great.
And I had been trying to find a way to address the pandemic in a way that can still somehow allow us to hold onto life’s magic. So, I present to you my very first Audio Book.
This is a children’s Christmas story, entitled- Christmas Magic: A story of Santa, The North Pole Fairy & God. I wrote this a few days before Christmas and released it on Christmas day. Being that Little Christmas is tomorrow, I felt it was appropriate to still share here, since I hadn’t done so. And If you like it, please let me know in the comments below!
I hope you will gather your kiddos, or nieces/nephews or any littles you have in your life and allow them a listen! I hope it makes them believe in magic! It still does exist. 🙂
Michelle Leigh Writes 