1. My favorite movie scenes:
2. By: Joe P. Attanasio
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5. I like to watch movies. Well, not just any movies, probably less that 5% of all the movies released each year. Like everyone else, certain scenes or words can become dear to me for one reason or another. I like to call these “my favorite scenes”, This is not very original, but identifiable by many.
   
   
   Over the course of the last forty-fifty years I probably have less than twenty favorite scenes. I think you can learn a lot about a person by asking them about their favorite scenes and since I brought this up, I will save my readers the bother of asking.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   FIRST KNIGHT (1995) – Richard Gere, Sean Connery, Julia Ormond and Ben Cross:
   
   
   I really liked this movie a lot. Guinevere was abducted and Lancelot chased the captors relentlessly and eventually saved her and they escaped. He stopped for a moment to rest in a small grove of trees and she asked him why they were stopping. “I’m tired.” was his response. She laughs politely and says, “Never! You battle in your dreams.”
   
   
   This line exemplified Lancelot’s Spirit and Guinevere’s love and respect for him. I think all men who consider themselves “champions of a cause” would like to be seen this way, as tireless in the fight against evil.
   
   
   
   
   
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    PRINCESS BRIDE (1987) – Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Andre the Giant and many more.
    
    
    Although I have many favorite lines from this movie, one scene stands out above the rest. Westley was almost killed and mostly dead but recovering. He was a master planner and was dragged to the city gates by Inigo Montoya and Fezzik who needed to get inside. The gates were being guarded by sixty men and there was just the three of them. Westley could not even hold his own head up he was in such bad shape. “We must get inside but the gate is guarded by sixty men,” Inigo told Westly while trying to revive him.
    “What are our assets?” Westley asked rolling his eyes in a stupor. “My sword, Fezziks strength and your brains,” was Inigo’s response. “Impossible,” Westley stated, “I mean, if we only had a wheelbarrow, that would be something.”
    Indigo responded, “We brought you in a wheelbarrow, it is over there.”
    Westley said, “Well, why didn't you list that among our assets in the first place?”
    
    
    I like dry humor and the whole scene is bathed in it. The idea of an almost dead man asking what are our assets and chiding them for mot mentioning a wheelbarrow tickles my twisted funny bone.
    
    
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    BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969) - Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Katherine Ross:
    They were being chased relentlessly by a special posse of expert lawmen and were trapped on a rock ledge about 150 feet above a white water river. With no way out Butch said, “We will jump, I'll jump first.”
    Sundance replied, “no.”
    “Then you jump first,” Butch countered.
    “No, I said,”
    “What's the matter with you?” Butch said desperately.
    “I can’t swim,” Sundance’s replied.
    Butch looks at the 150 foot drop into the rapids then back at Sundance and breaks out in laughter.
    “Are you crazy? The fall will probably kill you.” Butch said grabbing Sundance’s hand and pulling him over the edge with him.
    “OH SHIT…..,” could be heard as they dropped into the river.
    
    
    I loved this scene as it showed bravado in a no win situation, The determination to try anything before giving up to certain death, and doing it with style.
    
    
    
    
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    CAT BALLOU (1965) Jane Fonda, Lee Marvin, Michael Callan:
    
    
    One of my favorite movies but one particular scene always come to mind and has been quoted by me numerous times. Frankie Ballou (Cat’s father) is in danger from a gun slinger and she convinces her friends to stay close to him to protect him. Every time he takes a step three guys move with him. Frankie stops and spreads his arms moving the three people away from him and says, “Stand back and let me breathe.”
    
    
    I know this probably sounds mundane but it has stuck with me all these years.
    
    
    
    
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    ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN (1948) Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Lon Chaney Jr. and Bela Lugosi:
    
    
    This old classic is full of ‘tongue in cheek’ humor and is very entertaining. A local museum operator orders Dracula’s coffin from Europe and ends up with Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolf Man terrorizing their small town. He is concerned with the loss of his exhibits and blames Chick Young and Wilbur Grey. In the final scene all three monsters are chasing Chick and Wilbur when they pass the curator. Wilbur yells, ”Hey, if you still want your exhibits, here they come,” as he points at them in pursuit.
    
    
    
    
    I love the line and am always finding ways to use it in everyday life with my wife. The picture of the three monsters chasing them and the snarky way Wilbur yells it to the curator is priceless.
    
    
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    INDEPENDENCE DAY (1996) Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Margaret Colin, and Randy Quaid:
    
    
    I was moved by the speech the president makes in the face of obliteration from a conquering race of aliens.
    
    
    President Thomas J. Whitmore: Good morning. Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world, and you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. Mankind, that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences any more. We will be united in our common interest. Perhaps it's fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution, but from annihilation. We're fighting for our right to live, to exist and should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice, 'We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on, we're going to survive.' Today we celebrate our independence day!
    
    
    
    
    I hope we got to know each other a little better through our FAVORITE MOVIES SCENES. Thanks for reading and feel free to check my blog archives for other articles.
    
    
    
    
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Erotic, Hot or Spicy writing:

Ramblings by: Joe P. Attanasio

I have never been a romance reader per se. I find that odd since I have always been a romantic person. I have written a number of short stories and poems of a romantic nature but I was never interested in reading romance novels. I think that is because I perceived them to be filled with “fluff”.  

In this case fluff would be; ho hum relationships, overly described in meaningless detail with a number of partners, involving the same schemes and ending in the hero gets the girl predictability.

Recently I have become involved with a number of authors and writer groups giving me a responsible desire to sample romance novels of sorts. This came about as a mixture of curiosity and a sense of reciprocation for reading the works of fellow writers.

I found that the term “Romance Novels” did not fit my preconceived notions anymore.

Many of these stories have thriller and mystery plots intertwined with romance and seasoned with Spicy, Hot or Erotic scenes. The reading is compelling and the story settings are easy to become immersed in.

The seasoning here has come a long way from the true detective stories of the 50’s. The descriptions of intimate scenes are often so vivid they make you squirm in your chair as you peek through the gaps in your fingers to read every word you thought you did not want to see.

I see from the comments on Amazon that some people prefer not to see explicit scenes but they are finding their way into many of the books these days. Men and women are titillated by these bold descriptions and curious about some of the alternate sexual lifestyles presented.

Authors are using sex to help draw attention to their works as less people read and more and more books are released.

I am no stranger to reading and writing adult and erotic short stories. One does become ‘desensitized’ after a while and finds themselves skimming the sex to get back to the plot but I still get caught up in the scenes from time to time. The old adage going around Facebook as a meme is routed in truth: “Women who read romance novels tend make their husbands very satisfied at night” or something to that effect.

It is not simply the descriptions of the sex act that fills these romance books today but the teasing and flirting in the dialog and the narrative. Chat room talk to strangers and innuendos set the stage for the inevitable sex scenes. Tension does drive a story after all.

Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of bad erotica and romance stories on the market by writers that think the sex is all that matters. However, there are some real gems in the pile of books available if you look. The good news is that authors in general are responsible enough now a days to tell exactly what kind and how much sex is in their stories so people know before buying them what to expect.

Please look over my BLOG archives for other stories to read.

Learn to write part 3

Self-Publishing

By: Joe P. Attanasio

This is the final part of my blog for beginner writers. I am going to assume you have written a novella or a novel. Let’s also assume it has been edited and beta read by at least four people. You have tweaked and rewritten your manuscript and finally you are happy with it. Remember to add page numbers if you have not already done so. You will also want to have a title and a description of what the story is about. What do you do now?

With final draft in hand, you have basically two options.

Option one: Try to get a publisher interested in your manuscript eventually singing a contract with them to publish and promote your work.

Option two: Self publish your story as an independent author.

About option one: It is rare that an unknown author is going to get a publisher to take on their book. If you are interested in trying this route then I would suggest hiring a literary agent to do the work for you. This is often a time consuming and costly process.

Most writers will be going for option two these days. There are a number of places to self-publish but I am going to outline the process I am most familiar with.

I used https://www.createspace.com because I think all books should be available in both print and digital formats. You make up a password. They use your email address in place of a user name. It costs nothing to join.

Before you upload your manuscript you will want to format it for the size of the book you want. I chose 6x9 inch format. They have tutorials and community pages to help you do this. I use M.S. Word so for me I had to select 6x9 as the page size and set the margins as mirrored with a 1.5 in interior and 1 in for top, bottom and exterior margins.

You will want to include a title page, copyright notice if applicable and maybe a dedication or other information you want to add before the first chapter. At the end of the book perhaps a little background about the story or a biographical note about the author. Perhaps include links to your blog or Facebook page if you want.

Once you upload your manuscript Createspace will require 24 hours to check it to make sure interior file fits the book size and everything looks alright. They will tell you how many pages your book will be and how wide the spine will be to accommodate them. This information is used when designing the cover.

Take your time and design a cover you are happy with.

An example for a book with a 1 inch thick spine follows. The cover dimensions would be 6 (front) +6 (back) +1 (spine) or 13 in wide and 9 in tall. You can make your own cover and upload it in adobe format or use the book cover designer they have available for you. Either way, they have much information to assist you.

Once cover and book are approved to fit properly you can order a proof to look at. They will print one copy or more of your books for about $5.00 each and mail them to you to look over. You do not have to approve the finished book until you are happy with it. After you look the physical book over and are satisfied, go online and click approve. You will then have the option to make it also available for the Kindle (digital). They will submit the files and help you because Amazon, Createspace and Kindle are all the same company. You can have a printed copy in your hands and a book on Amazon in paperback and Kindle in digital format for under $10.00 if you design your own cover.

Because the paperbacks are print on demand and the kindle version is digital; you can change the interior files any time to make edits in case you discover an error. The down time is only 24 hours.

I hope you enjoyed my short version of the entire process from this three blog series.

Check out my other blogs while you are here from my archives by month on the right side of this page.

Learn to write part 2 

 By: Joe P. Attanasio

I will assume that you read part 1 of this blog and that you wrote at least one short story. If you did not write a short story, go back to part one and write something. You cannot learn to write if you don’t try.

You now have a ‘first draft’ of your story. A lot of writers will tell you that this is where the real writing begins, polishing your draft. This is also called editing and rewriting.

Many word processors like Microsoft Word will underline text in red or blue that is used wrong or spelled wrong. In addition, many of these have a spelling and grammar checker that will help you find possible mistakes in your writing. I hesitate to use the word mistakes or errors here and these programs will miss many things and ‘flag’ or color things that are alright or passable. Still this will go a long ways toward helping you with grammar and spelling. As a bonus, if you thought a sentence or word were fine and discover what was wrong, you will be teaching yourself better grammar and spelling.

Certain web sites can also correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. This site has a free trial but requires signing up for a monthly plan that you can cancel: http://www.grammarly.com/

Once you are satisfied that your short story is mostly polished, have a friend or relative ‘proof it’ by reading it. Even though a story may be free of spelling or grammar errors it may be confusing to read. You need someone else to read it and let you know. It may not seem confusing to you, but it needs to be clear to others also.

Make any necessary corrections and then you will be ready for the final step.

Post your story online and see what readers think of it. This can be Facebook, a blog or a website where writers post and others comment.  

Places like:

http://www.wattpad.com/

or

http://www.booksie.com/

You don’t need a picture or even a bio if you don’t want to post one yet.

You need a unique username like: NC17665 or Lucy2014 etc.

You need a password like: snowbunny41, or boogaloo4

Both of these are usually case sensitive. Write them down so you remember.

About these sites: People often don’t comment on your work unless you comment on theirs. This is good because it allows you to see how other do things and you can build friendships in the writing community. Many writers still use these sites for feedback and sharing.

Part 3, the final part in this series is now posted.

Look back in my archives for past blogs that might interest you.

Can I learn to write? Part 1 of 3

By: Joe P. Attanasio

"The more you know, the more you realize that you know nothing." - Unknown

Some say this quote can be traced back to Plato or Socrates, but Unknown will suffice.

I am going to do a series of blogs about learning to write.

I dropped out of high school in the eleventh grade to join the army. A better education will certainly help, but you can write without one, I did.

When I started writing I realized how true this quote really was. The reason or lesson behind this blog is the proverbial phrase, “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

First you have to ask yourself this question. “Do I have something to say?”

Before you answer let me ask you a few questions.

“Do you like to tell someone about your dreams sometimes?”

“Do you like to tell jokes or stories to friends and family?”

“Can you chat on the phone for hours sometimes?”

“Can you talk to strangers in a waiting room?”

“Do you like to read?”

“Do you wish you could write?”

I am willing to bet most people can relate to at least one of these questions.

Alright if you agree you have something to say then follow along.

You next concern might be, “Can I write?”

English was my worst subject in school; grammar, spelling and composition being the reason. Between reading, crossword puzzles, and an interest in knowing the meaning of new words I came across; my vocabulary was not too bad.

Some people write by hand and type it later or have someone else do the typing. I prefer to type on the computer. Speed and accuracy are of no concern here as you just want to get your ideas down to start. Trust me when I say it can all be fixed later. Just get your thoughts down. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, elegance, style or composition. This can be fixed later.

Writing a novel can be a daunting task for a beginning writer. It is rare for a new writer to have it in them to pluck away at a 50,000 to 120,000 word novel. I suggest short stories 500 to 7,000 words. Anywhere in that range until the story seems done. If you are ambitious a novelette is 7,000 to17,000 words. A novella runs 17,000 to 45,000 words.

The following is a partial list of literary genres:

Action, Adventure, Humor. Crime, Erotic, Fantasy, Historical, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal, Philosophical, Political, Romance, Satire, Science fiction, and Thriller.

My advice is to take a story that you have told before and put it into words. Maybe the day you swam in a river for the first time. Or a funny story about putting a metal pan in the microwave. Perhaps write about that camping trip where you saw the bear. You must have some stories you enjoy telling. Write one up. Just pretend you are writing it in a letter to a friend. You may find writing is not so hard after all and you enjoy doing it.

I will give a few ideas for a short story.

1. Write a story about Halloween. It can be scary, funny, or whatever you like.

2. Write a fiction story about meeting a celebrity. It can be anywhere or anybody.

3. Write a story about an injury to yourself or someone you know.

4. Write a true short story about a relative. Maybe something they told you happened to them.

     5. Write a story about something that happened in your childhood.

Parts 2 and 3 are now posted in this series. 

Check out some of my other blogs while you are here.

Passion and Debate:

Thoughts by: Joe P. Attanasio

Let me start with some definitions of these two words:

Passion:

(1) A strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something.

(2) Strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardor.

(3) Passion is when you put more energy into something than is required to do it. It is more than just enthusiasm or excitement, passion is ambition that is materialized into action to put as much heart, mind body and soul into something as is possible.

Debate:

(1) A formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward.

(2) Argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner.

(3) A discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something.

(4) To engage in argument by discussing opposing points.

(5) a discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something

(6) A debate can be an organized event, an informal discussion between two or more people, or a general discussion that involves many people.

I am all for passion. Those that know me have heard me say many times that I despise apathy. For those few that do not know what apathy is I will list a definition for you. Apathy is a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

I don’t know how people that don’t care about anything can consider that they are alive. Consciousness dictates interest, concern and care about most things around us in my opinion.

I have mixed feelings about debate. In theory I suppose debate is healthy in that it presents different opinions and facts about the subject that is being debated. The reason I say I have mixed feelings is that in my experience debate has often led to hard feelings. These hard feelings can destroy relationships; be they family, friends, or acquaintances.

Another difficulty I find with debates is “when” they are considered ended. Often one party is not willing to declare a debate over until the other side concedes to their points.

This brings me to my blog topic for today.

Passion and Debate mix as well as Oil and Water.

I think a debate should have rules. Perhaps be limited to a certain amount of time or number of points. This should be agreed on beforehand. I also think a person should be able to “agree to disagree” in some cases and end all discussion by making that statement.

I know some people that enjoy debating just about anything with their friends. They revel in presenting pros and cons for hours. They get to exhibit there knowledge and expertise and truly enjoy the whole experience. I say, “Good for you if that is your thing.”

To me, debate is just a fancy word for argue until you prove yourself right. Although I am passionate about a great many things, you will rarely find me willing to debate my point. I don’t like the confrontation. I will state my opinion and you can agree or disagree. Try to debate with me and “I will pass”.

As has been my habit in the past I will share a poem on passion, I never wrote one on debate.

Passion

By: Joe P. Attanasio

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Passion, part of sex for sure

Strong desires are a lure

A love that is compelling

Feelings that are swelling

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Passion makes us feel alive

Energy fueling overdrive

Pushing us because we care

Rewarding us, if we dare

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Passion is the ultimate focus

Not just simply hocus pocus

Energizing certain feelings

Crushing imaginary ceilings

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Passion can overcome fear

It can only be, sincere

Enabling us to reach a goal

Sustaining our very soul

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Passion can be over anything

Politics, religion, even spring

Whatever’s important to you

Give it your all, See it through

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Without passion, life is bland

We don’t move, or even stand

Give yourself a little spice

Be alive; live your life

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As always I invite you to read my other blogs. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a message here then go to my Facebook page and private message me. The link is in the upper right corner.

Alternate sexual lifestyles:

Musings by: Joe P. Attanasio

I am, what one might call, an old fashioned heterosexual male. I grew up with Christian teachings both in school and at home. The subject of alternate lifestyles was never discussed in either place. We knew there were “gay” people in the world. That is the name we used when referring to them in the late 50’s and early 60’s. The word “queer” was around but it had such a degrading connotation to it that most people I knew avoided using it.

There was no hatred felt or expressed toward gay people among my friends. They simply had different feelings of what they were attracted to. In other words, sixty years ago we accepted them as friends for who they were not what they believed.

In today’s world (real life and literature) there are many alternate sexual lifestyles:

Polyamory is gaining popularity. In Polyamory relationships it is not uncommon to have multiple significant others. This is an emotional connection with multiple partners, and overcoming jealousy to have meaningful relationships with each of their partners.

Sadomasochism (S&M) is usually combined with Bondage, Dominance/discipline, Sadism/slave and Masochism/master (BDSM).

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender are often referred to using the initialism LGBT and often refers to anyone who is non-heterosexual.

Gender Fluid is a gender identity best described as a dynamic mix of boy and girl. A person who is Gender Fluid may always feel like a mix of the two traditional genders, but may feel more boy some days, and more girl other days.
Being Gender Fluid has nothing to do with which set of genitalia one has, nor their sexual orientation.

The truth is that the alternative sexual lifestyles of yesterday are becoming mainstream at a steady pace in today’s society.

Regardless of spiritual beliefs or social opinion, the people involved in “alternate sexual lifestyles” are first and foremost PEOPLE. As such they deserve the same respect and love that we should show all people.

I am sharing a poem I wrote a few years ago that deals with this subject.

Not always a choice!

BY: Joe P. Attanasio

Sexual orientation is not a choice

That people just decide to voice

It is all a matter of how one feels

Who arouses you, who appeals

To yourself, you must submit

Not always easy to admit

Social and peer pressure felt

Retributions, might be dealt

Some accept, some feel strange

And wish that they could change

But inside; the way you feel

Can’t be changed, just by zeal

We are all born a certain way

Feelings we cannot betray

If we try to contradict

Forever we’ll be in conflict

Embrace who and what you are

Don’t shy away; grab that star

You do; what you have to do

To let peace and happiness come through

  

 Check out my other blogs too!

We all keep secrets during our life at one time or another.

SECRET:

1. Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

2. Done, made, or conducted without the knowledge of others

3. Kept from the knowledge of any but the initiated or privileged

4. Operating in a hidden or confidential manner.

5. Dependably discreet.

These don’t have to be sinister or earth shattering. We could be talking a rip in your pants. Perhaps you keep certain aspects of your religious beliefs from your friends for various reasons. You might have intimate dreams about your neighbor that you would rather not discuss. Maybe you have a habit that you would rather not share. You might secretly dislike a person in your social group of ‘friends’.

Secrets vary in size and importance from small to huge. Some are morally and even legally wrong to keep.

We must be very careful when dealing with other people’s secrets that we become aware of from them, or by accident.

I wrote this poem on secrets a few years ago and wanted to share it.

Secrets

By: Joe Attanasio

We all have secrets hidden away

Some we keep for others, to not betray

Knowledge not to be openly shared

Information we wish not declared

Some we take to our grave

No hint of which we ever gave

When a secret is shared with you

You’re trusted to keep it too

A secret, some people can’t keep

Through all their friends it will sweep

Some secrets have to be told

Legally and morally wrong to hold

A secret that is discovered by you

Should certainly be thought through

It may be something to just forget

Or someone in trouble, you might get

We think and do things we don’t want to share

If exposed it could be too much to bear.

Some secrets are fun and just for play

Others very serious and heavily weigh

“Can you keep a secret?” someone might ask

Better be sure you’re up to the task

Most people automatically say “yes”

Not thinking the secret might cause them stress

Keeping some secrets seem unjust

If you don’t tell someone, you will bust

If the secret is gossip and a juicy bit

Spreading it around would be unfit

I hold many secrets inside of me

Both my own and for others you see

People confide in me and trust me for sure

They need to tell someone, I keep it secure

If you say “I have no secrets”, I know

That like Pinnochio, your nose will grow

May all your secrets stay safe and secure

Any never be told until you are sure

  The first chapter of my novel Sarah.

          Sarah

                  By: Joe P. Attanasio

                    Recommended for ages 13+

                   Copyright © 2014 by Joe P. Attanasio

                                                           Chapter 1

     Sarah sat with her brother Samuel in his carriage and watched the rest of her family sail for Massachusetts. She thought of the conversation she had with her mother not an hour before. She had regrets to be sure but this was 1684 and New York City would be her new home and start of her new life. The large merchant frigate had left the great docks in lower Manhattan just minutes before and was already fading into the mist on the far side of the harbor. Sarah closed her eyes and listened to the caws from the gulls while replaying the goodbye in her mind.

     She had just hugged her mother, also named Sarah, and kissed her on the cheek. She told her mother that Henry and George would take good care of her at the new house in Bedford, Massachusetts. Her mother gave her a cold look like she was a stranger and had said to her, “I will be fine. You need not feel guilty for staying here in New York. You are seventeen now and can do what you please.” She remembered how her mother turned away as she was saying the last few words and boarded the ship without looking back.

     Sarah tried to excuse her mother’s cold attitude. She knew she was grieving over her father’s recent death. She knew her mother would miss their family home in northern Manhattan having lived there since Sarah was born almost eighteen years ago. The truth was that Sarah and her mother were drifting apart even before her father died. Growing up the only girl with four brothers had been hard on Sarah. So much was expected of her by her mother and Sarah felt pressured to become someone she was not.

     Sarah thought it was a great idea when Samuel bought a house in Bedford, Massachusetts near their other relatives for her mother Sarah and her brothers Henry and George. Henry was assured a position working with their oldest brother James and their cousin Peter at their export business on the Boston docks.  Her younger brother George would look for work near Bedford.

     Sarah knew her mother and brothers would be fine. Her father, Col. Samuel Bradley, had become wealthy in the trade business since moving to New York. It was a smart move relocating here from Boston in 1666. The timing was perfect with the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam coming under England’s rule. Sarah was born in their country home in northern Manhattan near the Hudson River that same year.

     Sarah thought about her four brothers. They were all very different, perhaps because they were all born someplace different. Samuel, the oldest, was born in Newcastle England. James was born in York, England. Henry was born in Boston. She and George were both born in northern Manhattan.

     It had been eleven years since her brother James moved back to Boston, she was just a little girl then, but she remembered it well. Sarah had not seen James since he moved away. Would it be a long time before she saw her mother again?

     “Are you alright Sarah?” Samuel asked snapping her back to the present.

     “Yes, I was just thinking about our family and our home in the country. It seems strange to think that other people will be living there now and turning it into a farm. You have been living here in the city with father for a long time now. Do you think you will miss visiting our old home?”

     “I moved here fourteen years ago when I was just seventeen like you are now. I remember when papa bought the house on Dock Street so he could be closer to the docks. I have considered this my home ever since. I must admit it has seemed somewhat empty since father died, even with Lena and Mary there. I am glad you asked to stay here with me. My store is doing very well and I am happy here.

     Samuel always stood or sat erect making him look taller than his average height. He was lean but with a rounded face. His thick wavy dark blond hair covered his ears and barely touched his shoulders. He parted it down the middle and let it hang naturally. His clean shaven face had a profound look of kindness in it, heightened by his pale blue eyes.

     Samuel took the carriage to Johnson’s Livery which was two short blocks from his house and they walked back.

     The house at 6 Dock Street was a two story red brick townhouse of classic Dutch construction.  The house had stone arches above the first floor windows and door. The traditional split door, in which both the lower half and the upper half can be opened separately was made of thick oak. The house was topped with a red gambrel roof made of wood shingles. There were three bedrooms upstairs and a kitchen, dining room and parlor on the first floor. Samuel retained a Dutch housekeeper named Mary Kees who was hired by his father. An African slave woman named Lena cooked and did chores. Lena slept on the enclosed delivery porch at the back of the house that led to the kitchen.

     Sarah had been to the house before, but this time was different. This would be her new home and the start of a new life. She was excited as she paused outside the front door and looked up and down the street. Dock Street was only two blocks long. The end closer to Broadway was mostly small shops with living quarters above. This block closer to the East River was all residential and quieter than most of Manhattan. A nice breeze carried the fresh air from the bay down the street.

     “I can hardly believe that I will be living here and working at your store. Thank you for allowing me to stay here in Manhattan with you.”

     Samuel put his arm around Sarah’s shoulders.

     “Sarah, living in this city will be a whole new world for you. Very different from what you have known at our home on the Hudson. This can be a dangerous and scary place, especially for a pretty young lady. I know I might sound like an over protective brother, but I expect you to listen to me. I have been working here for over thirteen years now and know what I am talking about.”

     “I’ll be careful Sam and do whatever you tell me.” Sarah said giving Samuel’s shoulder a pat and smiling.

     “Let’s get you settled in your room then.” Samuel said as he opened the door and they walked in.

     Mary stood there waiting to welcome Sarah officially.  Mary was about 50 years old and had long grey hair that she wore twisted into a bun. Her baby blue eyes were a stark contrast to her worn face and looked like they belonged on a much younger woman. Mary was stout but strong and it was evident she was no stranger to hard work. Mary spoke Dutch, English, German, French and a little Spanish. She lived in the small middle bedroom upstairs. Mary agreed to work at the house when her husband died in 1674 in exchange for little more than room and board. She had no desire to remarry and took comfort in being allowed to stay here and care for the Bradley family.  

     “Welcome to your new home Sarah. All your things have been delivered and put in your room.” Mary said with a warm smile.

     Sarah nodded and smiled as she walked to the base of the stairs along the wall to her right. Sam followed Sarah as she led up the stairs. Her room was to the far left and Sam’s was at the top of the stairs.

     Mary watched Samuel and his sister climb the stairs. Samuel was about a half a foot taller than his sister. Sarah looked pretty with her chestnut colored hair hanging loose and gathered on her shoulders. Her green eyes sparkled with the vibrancy of youth. The freckles and dimples on her baby face gave her a girlish look. Her lean but curvy body moved with grace as she climbed the stairs. She looked much older from the side and back. Mary thought about all the men who would call on her once she got known around town. She sighed at the thought and shook her head, chuckling to herself as she followed them up but went to her own room.

     Sarah gasped when she opened the door to her room. Samuel had a beautiful four poster bed with fringed canopy delivered and made up to surprise her. Two featherbed quilts were on the bed.

     “Sam, I love it! Where did you ever find the bed?” Sarah said as she walked to the bed and rubbed her hand down the contours of the carved oak post at the footboard.

     “I saw it a few weeks ago and had to get it for you. I knew you would like it.”

     Sarah looked around the room. There was a large white pine armoire along the wall on the right side of the small window and a tall Kas wardrobe chest on the other side. A beautifully painted carved oak chest sat at the foot of the bed. There was an ornate wood framed looking glass on the side wall with a small wool rug in front of it and a high backed chair. Sarah turned and gave Sam a big hug.

     “You are so sweet to do this for me! I love you. I am lucky to have a brother like you.”

     Sam smiled and patted Sarah’s back.

     “I will enjoy your company Sarah. I am glad you wanted to stay. You get settled in and then come down for dinner." Samuel said as he walked out onto the landing and closed the door.

     Samuel went through the arch that separated the kitchen from the rest of the house. Lena had two chickens roasting on the spit. Three loaves of fresh baked rye bread were cooling on the small table in the kitchen.

     Lena was from the Sierra Leone region of northwest Africa. She was around thirty years old. She boarded an English slave ship with her son but he died on the crossing. Lena spoke some Dutch, English and Portuguese, mostly Dutch. Lena was short and muscular but lean. She had black hair, cut short and tied into pig tails, and brown eyes. Her face was scarred badly from an illness she once had. Lena looked like she had a scowl on her face all the time but it was from the scarring and not because she was unhappy. Samuel was glad Mary was at the auction when Samuel’s father bought Lena and helped select her. He was very pleased with her.

     “The chicken smells good Lena.”

     Lena smiled.

     Samuel filled two pewter mugs with wine and brought them to the table. Then he sat in a ladder backed armchair near the window and looked out. As he was watching the people pass along the street, he wondered how Sarah would like living here. He wondered if she would like his friends and associates. He thought about the time a lady shared his bed. Sarah didn’t know about such things he decided, she had been too sheltered at home. How would having her here affect his life? While he was pondering these thoughts Sarah came down the stairs and joined him.

     “What are you thinking about Sam? You seemed lost in thought.”

     “Nothing in particular, I was just watching the people in the street. Lena roasted chicken and baked some rye bread, come sit at the table.”

     The large wooden table had a chair at each end and a bench on each side. Samuel sat in a chair and Sarah sat next to him on a bench.

     “I feel I should tell you that on occasion I may have a lady in my room. If my door is closed perhaps you should knock and wait for me to open it if you need me.”

     Sarah laughed softly.

     “I am a lot younger than you, and you must think that I don’t understand about men and women. However, I do know about such things.  I will respect your privacy and not enter your room unannounced. You will do me the same honor, will you not?”

     Samuel wanted to think about what Sarah just said so he didn’t answer right away.

     “Have you been with a man already?” Sam finally asked hesitantly.

     “Perhaps and perhaps not, I don’t think a lady should tell,” Sarah said with a grin.

     Samuel let out a deep sigh. Just as he did Mary came in with a bowl of chicken and set it on the table and went back for the bread.

     Samuel looked into Sarah’s eyes. Her steely gaze unnerved him a little. He decided to just smile and eat for now. He passed the bowl of chicken to Sarah.

     “Here you go, help yourself.”

     Sarah put two pieces of chicken on her wooden plate. Mary brought the bread in a basket wrapped in cloth. Samuel tore off a piece of bread and set it on Sarah’s plate before taking a piece for himself. They ate in silence for a few minutes.

     “Let’s go to the store after we eat so you can officially meet everyone and I can outline your duties for tomorrow.” Samuel said while buttering his bread.

     “That would be great, I am anxious to learn so I can help you.”

     Samuel’s mercantile store was at 37 Browers Street which was about a 15 minute walk. Occasionally Samuel had Lena or Mary go to the livery and fetch his horse and carriage, but he usually walked.  He decided they would walk this day which is why he had returned the carriage. He knew men and woman would stare at Sarah along the way. She looked pretty in her stylish gold colored long-waisted bodice and narrow copper colored embroidered skirt which was pinned up in the back.  He wanted Sarah to experience the reaction she would likely get along the way. People did indeed stare at her as they walked. Pretty young ladies so lavishly dressed were rarely seen walking in this area.  A bold man made a comment to her as she passed. Sarah ignored him completely, as if she never heard him. She saw some women whispering while looking in her direction.  

     Samuel’s store occupied a large stone and brick building. Standing at the front door of the store, Fort James could be seen past the far end of the street. As they entered the door a young man greeted him.

     “Good day Mr. Bradley,” he said politely.

     “Good day to you too Thomas,” Samuel replied.

     Samuel led her to the office in the back of the store. His assistant manager sat at the smaller of the two desks looking through a stack of papers. He looked up from his work and stood immediately upon seeing Sarah.

     “Sarah, I would like you to meet John Warner. He is my assistant and manages the store for me in my absence.”

     “It is a pleasure to meet you Sarah,” John said with a polite bow of his head.

     “It is a pleasure to meet you also,” Sarah said with a smile.

     John was a little older than Samuel. He was a burly man with shoulder length black hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His heavy eyebrows made him squint almost hiding his dark blue eyes.

     “John will show you around and tell you what your duties will be.” Samuel said as he sat at the larger desk.

     John opened the door.

     “Follow me Sarah,” John said politely.

     Sarah had not been to the store for quite a while and had never met John before.

     They walked out into the store. John closed the office door behind them. John introduced Sarah to the employees as they toured the store. Samuel sold just about everything at his store. The store was laid out in sections with similar items grouped together. The main areas were clothing, food, tools, furniture, household items, hardware and remedies.  They also sold tobacco and liquors.

     John gave her a quick tour of the store except for the clothing section which was in a separate room in the front corner of the store. After showing Sarah the store John led her through a large door into the storage area behind the back wall. This area was almost as big as the floor in the front.

     “This is where most of the money is made. Samuel uses his trade connections to procure large orders for other wealthy individuals and other businesses and makes a good profit on them. We move a lot of stock through this back room.”

     Sarah looked around at all the barrels and crates of cargo stacked in the back room. Looking out through the back door into the alley behind the store, men could be seen loading and unloading wagons.

     “Some of these items come from the trade ships that dock here. But you will see a variety of goods taken in trade for payment on items purchased. Samuel or I have to approve all trades.”  

     “Follow me, I want you to meet Thomas Taylor, he manages the back room.”

     John led Sarah to a table near the large back door leading outside. The man sitting at the table looked up and stood as they approached.

     “Thomas, this is Sarah Bradley, Samuel’s sister. She is going to be working in the clothing section out front.”

     “Nice to meet you Sarah,” he said in a polite but gruff voice.

     Thomas was probably 50 years old or more. His face was wrinkled and grey hair could be seen sticking out from his hat. He was probably a handsome man in his youth. His eyes were grey and clear. He looked like he was in good physical shape for his age. He was a little taller than Sarah.

     “If you ever need anything for yourself or your department, come see me. I keep a close eye on what is available around town.” Thomas said with a sly grin.

     “Thank you Thomas, I will keep that in mind.”

     John led Sarah back to the separate clothing and fabric room at the front of the store. Before they got too close John explained a little about Agnes, who was overseeing the department.

     “Agnes Wood is an indentured servant that came here under contract till her debt of passage is paid off. Samuel picked up her contract and she has two years left on it. She has been here for two years and knows how everything works. Agnes will teach you what you need to know.  You are going to be responsible for this department and Agnes will be your assistant.”

     Sarah looked around the large room when she entered. There were many bolts of cloth stored here, all kinds and colors along wall to the right. There was no door leading out to the street but there were two small windows so people could look in. They carried a large selection of notions for sewing and a good assortment of adornments and ribbon. In the center of the room were tables and hanging racks with clothes.

     Agnes was hanging a waistcoat for display when they walked up.

     “Agnes, this is Mr. Bradley’s sister Sarah. She will be responsible for the clothing section and you will be her assistant. Will you show her how everything is done here?”

     “Hello Sarah, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

     “It is nice to meet you too, Agnes.”

     “I will show her how you like things done, John.”

     John nodded then turned and went back to his office.

     Agnes was tall and very thin. She was about 25 years old and her straight brown hair just reached her shoulders. Her soft brown eyes looked large on her gaunt face. Sarah followed her around all day helping with things but mostly observing and learning. Sarah had many questions and it did not take her long to realize how smart Agnes was. Agnes was treated poorly by her family from York, England and signed her own contract to come here in servitude. She shares a room with five other women nearby. Samuel has been good to her and she likes working for him.

     After about three hours Samuel came and got Sarah and they went home in a carriage.

    “Well Sarah, do you think you will like working for me? I can be pretty stern at times.” Samuel said using a deep voice and trying to maintain a scowl, which he could barely do.

     Sarah leaned across the seat of the carriage and whispered in Sam’s ear. “You could never be mean, not with a face like that, you are too nice. All your employees like you. You don’t scare me at all.” Then she kissed him on the cheek.

     That evening after supper Samuel and Sarah talked about the store. Sarah wanted to know about the other people working there and how goods were purchased and sold from the ships coming into the bay. She was also interested in how the trading worked and what was in the most demand. Samuel enjoyed her interest and enthusiasm and was happy to talk to her about it.

     Mary helped Sarah get undressed and into her sleeping gown.

     “I am going to read for a little while before I go to sleep,” Sarah said taking a large book from the chest at the foot of her bed. Mary moved the candle stand closer to the chair so Sarah would be able to read better.

     “I never learned to read Sarah. What are you reading?”

     “This is the Third Folio of Shakespeare’s works. It includes seven plays that were not included in the Second Folio. I read them over and over. This was a gift from my father and a treasure for me.”

     “I wish I would have learned to read when I was younger but there was nobody to teach me.”

     “I know very few women ever learn to read, most men don’t either. I always wanted to learn and my father had me tutored for years, starting when I was eight years old. He somehow knew I would stick with it and learn.”

     “Rest well tonight, I will see you in the morning.” Mary said backing toward the door with a warm smile on her face.

     “Thank you Mary for your help. I find comfort in knowing you are here.”

     Mary nodded, then turned and left the room closing the door behind her.

This book can be ordered from my book page here or on my Amazon Authors page below.

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00954GOP2

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