I'm sorry I neglected to put up a little background on Selkies on my previous Flash Fiction.
I'll just borrow from Benjamin Russell's comment: "Selkies are able to become human by taking off their seal skins, and can return to seal form by putting it back on. Stories concerning selkies are generally romantic tragedies. Sometimes the human will not know that their lover is a selkie, and wakes to find them gone."
I'll also add that the lore can be found in Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, and other islands nearby. It is said to have originated in Scotland: Orkney and Shetland Isles. The word "selkie" means seal in the dialect of the Orkney Isles. Nowadays, they are often lumped together with Fairy races.
Sometimes, as is often the case of the selkie-women and other creature/"shapeshifter" tales (like the "Swan maiden") - the human who falls in love and lust with the mythical creature cannot bear to be parted and will purloin their hide/feathers/pelt, etc and secret it away - causing such sorrow and longing in the creature (who usually ends up marrying the thief) that, in the end, the mythical one finds it and returns from whence they came (leaving their husband and own children behind or taking the children with them).
Selkie-men were notorious for seducing women (unwed and wed) and luring them into the sea to live with them. This was a common (and handy) explanation for when a village girl went missing.
These are the typical scenarios that occur from a selkie encounter...but not always!
I have a passion and fascination for mythology and folklore, mythic creatures, but especially those who can manipulate form and become something else: shapeshifters, shape-changers, skinwalkers, were-creatures, etc...
I have some wonderful resources on them, including metaphysical and spiritual sources and have even had personal experience with shifter energy. This energy was the inspiration for my own romantica story, "Shifting Illuminations."
When I am more clear-headed, I will share some of that story. I am currently working on editing it to submit to a publisher. I will also share my own take on a shapeshifter myth/fairytale that I wrote in college for a writing assignment. I chose the Swan Maiden tale and gave it an elemental spin.
Woohoo! It's my 12th Flash Fiction Friday with the Flashers writing group!!! The group is growing and it's awesome.
Enjoy and please feel free to comment. Thanks!
Flash Fiction Friday - Writing challenge based on a picture prompt. One picture to inspire one hundred words (no more, no less).
Trust
Sliding her hands carefully along mottled fur, Gianna brought the gray hide up to her nose. The scent of sea assaulted her senses as a plaintiff whimper mewled from the table. Startled coal eyes met her gaze.
“Ah, you're awake.” Lifting the hide, she surveyed the naked man before her, reaching out. His body shuddered at her touch, hardness stirring to life. Gia licked her lip, trailing her fingers down the slope of his sleek back.
“This what you want?” she taunted.
“I trusted you,” his lilting voice accused.
“Mine.” She triumphed as the selkie keened.
~~~~
You can find the other participating fabulous writers of Flash Fiction Friday and show them some love here:
In honor of my latest Flash Fiction - Welcome - I'd like to share some faery-inspirations with you in the next few posts: music, lyrics, words, and some of my poetry. You decide what faces Sage when she is spirited away Behind the Veil.
It only seems appropriate to start with one of my favorites, "The Fairy Ring." Gary Stadler's faery music has fueled my imagination and nourished my muses since I was a teenager.
Let the magic of the Fae spirit you away with inspiration.
Twas a longing came into my heart
I could not sense a name
It tore me from my sheltered hearth
Then swift to nature came
The beauty of the soft green hills
The singing of the trees
They left my soul more empty still
I could not find a peace
I could not find a peace
I saw the shining fairy ring
Myself within its heart
And I found a lonely comfort
Though its magic touched me not
Its magic touched me not
I wandered by a running stream
And touched its stones for strength
Then I sat underneath a great old tree
Then drifted into sleep
It lifted me with gentle powers
And took me far away
When I awoke the darkest night
Had chased away the day
I lay within a fairy ring
Myself within its heart
And I found a lonely comfort
Yet the magic touched me not
The magic touched me not
My mind a whirl of clouded dreams
I knew not where I dwelled
Yet in that shining fairy ring
A calming word I felt
Oh thrice I called unto the Fey
And thrice about this turned
I fell upon living earth
And in that moment learned
For there that night I felt a touch
And in that moment knew
The fairy magic had rebuilt
My hearts desire true
For in that touch I felt such love
And in that moment knew
That I did touch a perfect love
My heart's desire true
My heart's desire true
I lay within a fairy ring
Myself within its heart
And I found a loving comfort there
The love that I had sought
The love that I had sought
My words at once are stilled within
My heart has felt so much
I oft returned to the magic ring
To feel the fairy touch
Oh now when 'ere the moon is full
I bid my cares depart
And kneel within the shining ring
To touch the fairies heart
To touch the fairies heart
To touch the fairies heart
~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Fairy Night Songs"
By: Gary Stadler and Stephannie
Dancing a spiral we sing unaware
On faery night wings our songs fill the air
Making a circle of magic and light
Watched silently by the fay of the night
Our hearts full of love and our arms open wide
We hold the key to the faeries delight
Song in our hearts belong in the air
The words of our wisdom we bring forth to share
The songs in the night
As we dance 'round the flame
The Fairy Nightsongs are never the same
The words from our lips as we sing for the night
Impart to the Fay our hearts truest sight
Sounds of the forest in sweet harmony
We give the gift of our song to the faery
Dancing a spiral we sing unaware
The faery night wings our song fill the air
The songs in the night
As we dance 'round the flame
The Fairy Nightsongs are never the same
The words from our lips as we sing for the night
Impart to the Fay our hearts truest sight
Ahh.....
Dancing a spiral we sing unaware
On faery night wings our songs fill the air
Making a circle of magic and light
Watched silently by the fay of the night
The songs in the night
As we dance 'round the flame
The Fairy Nightsongs are never the same
The words from our lips as we sing for the night
Impart to the Fay our hearts truest sight
Our hearts full of love and our arms open wide
We hold the key to the faeries delight
Song in our hearts belong in the air
The words of our wisdom we bring forth to share
The songs in the night
As we dance 'round the flame
The Fairy Nightsongs are never the same
The words from our lips as we sing for the night
Impart to the Fay our hearts truest sight
Sounds of the forest in sweet harmony
We give the gift of our song to the faery
Dancing a spiral we sing unaware
The faery night wings our song fill the air.
~~~~~
Or perhaps Sage is returning Home and being welcomed by her Kin... Or could Elphame/Land of Faerie be the origin of her soul and have her recent recurring dreams unlocked Past Life memories of times gone by...
like moonbeams
dancing across
the pristine snow
like stars in the
blanket of midnight
we'll know
we'll fly on wings
of lover's dreams
our hearts afire
flaming with desire
like children
as they play
we'll be free
in every way
symphonies
of birds will sing
and whispers
of the trees
waltzing
in the breeze
dizzying love
arms wide open
gaze up above
come dance
with me
come fade away
and lose yourself
in my touch
~~~~
Not writing lately has given me the chance to take a poet's meandering walk through words written of yesteryear.
The soft glow of the moon shimmers down with large white flakes like diamonds mixed with white lace A picture-esque, winter-wonderland scene if only I could hold onto this dream my mind and imagination frolick and play making angels and snowmen and riding on a sleigh while my body holds me captive and my pain keeps me inside my brain is confuzzled thoughts caught in a fog I silently cry A mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped-cream the fire blazing and a book in hand my gaze wanders to the crystallized icicle-laden window I smile at the children as they fight in the snow I yearn to join in their fun but after all I remember what happened last time I dearly paid for that one day in the snow that I played Now content as I can be I sit with my book on my lap pen in hand, writing this Snowful Wish.
~~~~
This was written during a typical winter for me. I remind myself that just getting outside and making a snow angel with wee pixie this weekend is more than I'd been able to do in years past. I should look at that and not look at the running, jumping, sledding, and playing I did in the snow with my grown siblings when we were snowbound last year during the Holidays. And the inspiration such moments ignite.
I'm sorry my blog has been lacking lately. With the exception of the Flash Fiction Fridays (thank goodness for those), I have been unable to write much. I most likely won't be entering this year's Valentine's Day contest, unless I can stop this merry-go-round I have been on for the past few months.I have been having some health issues which have impeded my focus and concentration. As many who follow me on social media or read my stories might know, I have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (which stemmed from Lyme Disease as a preteen). I was in a three-year remission brought on by the pregnancy of my little one, but have since had a major relapse. I feel like a newbie to it again and it's not sitting well with me!
The debilitating symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, heart palpitations, and nausea have the doctors puzzled. Every diagnostic test has been negative, and there have been a slew of them; EKG, MRI, Holter Monitor, lab work, VNG, positional vertigo maneuvers. I am waiting to hear the results of a brain/brain stem/inner ear MRI and inner ear/balance test: VNG -- tomorrow. My intuition tells me that the dental infection/issues and root canal I had a few months ago not only flared up the Fibromyalgia, but also disrupted something in my inner ear.
So tomorrow I'll find out. I don't want them to tell me I have something even more complicated, but chances are they are going to give me the non-answer of, "It's the fibromyalgia." That's not a helpful answer because there isn't much to be done. My doctor did refer me to a local Fibromyalgia Clinic which might offer me some help. In a couple of weeks I will have a four-hour assessment and they will tailor a treatment (non-medical) plan to help me readjust my life again and manage the symptoms better.
With that said, I think I'll share some of my Fibro poetry from the past. Please keep in mind these were written by a hurting teenager/college student. I'll begin with one of longing for a gentle touch, an understanding ear, and hope.
~Frail Dreams~ is dedicated to chronic pain and fatigue sufferers.
Although we are the
frail maidens of the world
we may seem fragile
and like porcelain dolls
who lack the sunshine
and sparkle in our eyes
the damsels in distress
we may need to be tended to
and loved and cared for more
than the average damsel
we need your time and your
hearts and your ears and
tender touches, just like
the others ladies of the land
we need secure embraces
and reassuring words
we seek your valor
chivalry and hero-like
intentions, but we know
that you can not slay
our dragons or tame
the beasts that haunt us
and yet our eyes shimmer
with silent tears
our arms yearn
and our souls
call out to your own
Knights and princes
look past the frailness
look past the paleness
look past the lack-luster eyes
reach past our everyday pain
chisel gently and patiently away
at the walls that protect us
and see into our hearts
see the strength that
even we don't realize
we carry inside
hold our dreams within
your hands
and realize the
woman longing
to be free
of her chains.
Sometimes you can't
hold us within your arms
but forever hold us
within your hearts.
~~~~
Woohoo! It's my 11th Flash Fiction Friday with the Flashers writing group!!! The group is growing and it's awesome.
Enjoy and please feel free to comment. Thanks!
Flash Fiction Friday - Writing challenge based on a picture prompt. One picture to inspire one hundred words (no more, no less).
Welcome
Sage walked through the woods to clear her head. Rounding the clearing, she saw the ring of translucent toadstools shimmering in moonlight. Focusing on the center, she sought out the tiny gathering from the night before, but no winged beings danced. As Sage bent for a closer look, she was knocked off balance by a strong arm that wrapped around her waist pulling her against the hardness of a warm body. Opening her mouth to scream, a hand covered her mouth, shoving her into the ring.
“Welcome,”chimed a voice that sent energy rippling through her body, heating her core.
~~~
You can find the other participating fabulous writers of Flash Fiction Friday and show them some love here:
Woohoo! It's my 10th Flash Fiction Friday with the Flashers writing group!!! The group is growing and it's awesome. Do I have have a treat for you this week!
This Flash Fiction is a continuation of a previous one. Returning are the two sexy, confident, strong women: Saskia and Ashlea from FFF 8 - Prize. Give "Prize" a read, then take a seat, peek into the window, and watch what happens after the arm wrestling match. Enjoy this naughty bit of fun! ;) And please feel free to comment. Thanks!
Flash Fiction Friday - Writing challenge based on a picture prompt. One picture to inspire one hundred words (no more, no less).
Woohoo! It's my ninth Flash Fiction Friday with the Flashers writing group. The group is growing and it's awesome. Enjoy this naughty bit of fun this week! ;) And please feel free to comment. Thanks!
Flash Fiction Friday - Writing challenge based on a picture prompt. One picture to inspire one hundred words (no more, no less).
Show Off
Karla posed shyly with her hands on her hips. She couldn't believe she'd let Sam talk her into this. He'd said she needed to be reminded how sexy she was. She needed to become reacquainted with this new body but wasn't sure this was the way. She felt fat, undesirable, like her body had been taken over.
“Don't be shy, love. Let's lose the black, go for something white, sheer.”
She balked at him, gently caressing her abdomen.
“Show off that gorgeous baby bump.”
Karla slid off the dress. Nude, she smiled at the flutter of life inside.
~~~~~
You can find the other participating fabulous writers of Flash Fiction Friday and show them some love here: All Flavors and Styles:
STEAMstress of moonlit musings, erotic enchantments, romantic ramblings, mystic meditations, mythic meanderings, otherworldly offerings, paranormal presences, passionate poetry.
* Yes, I am an - amorous - avid - alliteration; lover, user, abuser! ;)
* I am more widely known as: LunaEroticaMystica (especially by the Literotica community.)
COMMENTS are Welcome and Appreciated!
Returning Once Again to Blogging!
-
*Hi everyone, *
*I cannot believe its been since 2018 that I last posted and now it's 2021.
Last year or so we have all been through a lot. Now its time ...
Tuesday Tales and a Picture
-
Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! It's time for Tuesday Tales.
A group of writers gather together and give our interpretation of a
specific word prompt ea...
Bewitching Book Tours Sale
-
Sign up now to save 15% off any virtual book tour package from Bewitching
Book Tours
Sign up here: http://goo.gl/dNgqXv
Cannot be combined with any oth...
The Free Lunch in the Secret Cave
-
by Jean Roberta
*Queers Were Here: Heroes and Icons of Queer Canada*, edited by Robin Ganev
and R.J. Gilmour (Windsor, Ontario: Biblioasis, 2016).
This bo...
Review: Heart of a Dragon
-
Heart of a Dragon by Alisa Woods My rating: 4 of 5 stars captivating story
about Lucian who is struggling very hard with his pas. a past that stands
in the...
New Book Release
-
Hello Everyone!!!
I have a new book that I just submitted to Amazon and it should be out in
the next day or two. It's called Kim's Amazing Sexual Adventur...
This is for you.
-
You are amazing.
Thank you for reading these words.
The screen shines bright.
My fingers tip and tap i press the screen.
Twice, and wink.
Im smiling to the ...
Review: The Darklands Saga, by Autumn Dawn
-
I came across this little treasure while searching to Were stories online.
I don't tend to read reviews on books, movies or songs, since what I get
out of ...
