Joy

This story is dedicated to EW. Thanks for all your help.

Dotty and Della were best friends for a long time, ever since Dotty moved into the house next to Della's. They had a lot in common. When they met both were married with small children. Every day they visited each other for coffee and exchanged the latest gossip and recipes, complained about this and that and talked about the romantic novels they loved to read. One of their favorite writers was Samuel Richards. He gained fame with his Corrigan Saga, starting during the Irish Famine. The latest installment was placed in the present. Dotty and Della could have debated the interesting characters for hours. They loved how detailed everything was described. The story didn't simply finish with a typical ending, like the romantic couple got together after some hurdles and lived happily ever after. It followed their progress through live and that of their descendants. One or two old characters, who had already died in the books, returned as ghosts to warn family members. Somehow the idea was comforting.

Of course they also got their hands on every tid bit available about the writer.

One day Dotty arrived at Della's house - it was her turn to provide coffee and cake. "Look what I found!" she said excited, waving a magazine in her hand. "What is it?" "There is a writers convention going on at the MGM in Las Vegas. Bonnie Jack, Samuel Richards and Casper Otto are just a few of them!" Dotty nearly squealed in delight. Della was infected by Dotty's excitement. They didn't live too far away. Just a quick hop to Sacramento International Airport and a very short flight made Las Vegas easily reachable. They forged plans over banana chocolate cake, Della was famous for.

A few months later Della, Dotty and their husbands flew to Las Vegas. While their men gambled, they went to the convention. Bonnie Jack was a big disappointment in Della's and Dotty's opinion. As romantic as her thrillers and novels were, she behaved like a diva and wouldn't allow any photographs or that she was touched.

Casper Otto was great. He simply was very shy and had problems getting his mouth open.

Dotty was red faced, when she and Della approached Samuel Richards. Dotty's eyes popped open, because he was signing with a gold fountain pen, studded with diamonds. It was very feminine. There had been some rumors the writer had a sham marriage. Mr. Richards' wife was Brazilian and what easier way to get American citizenship than to marry an American? If Mr. Richards was gay and preferred it to stay a secret, he could perfectly well hide under the cloak of marriage.

Mr. Richards was open, discussed their favorite characters with Dotty and Della and signed all books, they had brought along. He didn't mind having a photograph taken and explained laughing, the pen didn't belong to him. "Mine stopped functioning and Marty - I mean Ms Erikson - was friendly enough to borrow me her spare." Martina Erikson - an author, famous for her novels being set in the Wild West - laughed. She was the whole opposite of him. She was blond and freckled, he was dark haired and had a slight tan. "You should have seen him swearing. I wouldn't have been surprised, if Sam had thrown the offending pen out of the window." "I'm well behaved and wouldn't have done it. The windows don't open anyway." Sam replied smiling. Marty teased him. "Well behaved? I heard all you said under your breath." "Did you understand everything?" "Nope, my Spanish isn't so good." "It was Portuguese." "Oh." Della was impressed. The friends found out he spoke it fluently. He admitted, that he generally picked up swear words quickest in any language he learned. After a successful weekend the biggest impression of all writers were made by Martina Erikson and Samuel Richards.

A few years later the couples were back in Las Vegas. Della's and Dotty's husbands had enjoyed the gambling and fine dining so much, they were returning regularly. While their husbands gambled Dotty and Della went shopping at the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace. Passing Tiffany's and looking inside, Della thought, she had seen a famous person in the shop. They returned and peeked through the window. Really! Della hadn't been wrong. It was Samuel Richards, so in they went. Sam was paying some items he had bought. It seemed he wasn't alone. "Mr. Richards, is that you?" Della asked. Sam handed over the shopping bags to a young Asian lady. Then he replied: "Yes, how can I help you?" Della and Dotty were shy, but they asked friendly, if they could have another autograph. "We understand, if you don't want to give one, you are here on a private trip, so  ..." Dotty said. "It's no problem. Do you have a pen?" Mr. Richards didn't hesitate. "Would you like that I take a photograph of you and Sam together?" Mr. Richards’s companion asked. She had seen Della's camera. The ladies were very excited about it and flushed deeply. Mr. Richards introduced his companion as his newly wed wife Hue. They were here on Honey Moon with Hue's children from her previous marriage and based on the articles Dotty and Della had read in celeb magazine thought, Sam was widowed, but in a new relationship, and Hue and Sam had a daughter together. The baby of the family was asleep in a buggy and looked highly interesting with red hair and almond shaped eyes. She was nine month old now. Dotty thought Alyssa was really cute. She had grandchildren herself and showed Hue and Sam pictures of them. Then she asked, if she could have as a memento a photograph of Hue and Sam. The couple communicated wordless. They were more careful about being in the public light, especially since they had one paparazzo following them. The decision was made silent and didn't take long to reach. Hue agreed. After that Dotty and Della left the family alone.

Even month after the encounter, the friends talked about how friendly both Mr. Richards and Mrs. Alexander Richards had been. They could have simply refused their requests. It didn't matter the writer hadn't recognized Della and Dotty immediately. The friends guessed, Samuel Richards was meeting so many people, he could impossibly remember them from way back.

©2011

Travel Report London, Airline BMI, Hotel Andaz Liverpool Street

This time around it has nothing to do with fiction. It’s a description of my travel.

My fiancé and I love London. We have been there numerous times and have stayed at the Ibis Euston Station, Marriott Maida Vale, The Dorchester, twice at the Four Seasons Canary Wharf , The Bentley (Waldorf Astoria Collection), The Park Tower, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Jumeirah Carlton Tower and this weekend 15.01.11 to 16.01.11 at the Andaz Liverpool Street.

We live in Dublin and our preferred choice of transportation to and from the airport is the Airlink, a bus connection provided by Dublin Bus. There are other options as well, like the Aircoach or taxis.

Since November 2010 Dublin International Airport has two terminals. The new Terminal 2 looks stunning. Unfortunately we hadn’t yet the chance to use it, but hopefully coming soon. Etihad has moved already and a few flights for the Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus are also departing and landing there. If everything goes as planned Aer Lingus has moved all flights to the new terminal by March 2011.

After printing our boarding passes at the BMI Check in Area 2 in Terminal 1, we went through security and made our way to Burger King. It’s our favorite place to have breakfast at the airport. We both had an orange juice, my better half had bacon and cheese butty and a sweet chili chicken wrap. I had 9 pieces of mini pancakes with syrup. After breakfast we strolled comfortably to our gate, doing a little bit of shopping on the way. Soon it was time for boarding. The Airbus A319 had the new seating and we were delighted to try it out. The cabin has a clubby feel with blue seats and brown armrests. There are no head rests available and it was a slight disappointment for my fiancé, who is tall. It is uncomfortable for him. Being much smaller than him, it wasn’t an issue for me. At first the seating felt uncomfortable, but it seems they are shaping themselves after you and we had the best nap ever on the short flight (50 minutes) to London Heathrow. We traveled light and hadn’t any check in luggage with us, so we could go straight for the exit and get tickets for the Tube.

We got off at Knightsbridge to check out, if Harrods, the famous department store, had Leica cameras. We were especially interested in the D-Lux 5 and the C-Lux 3 (Point in shoot cameras). Even if a price list claimed, they had the C-Lux 3 still available, it was already sold out and a disappointment for us. They also didn’t have any hand grips for the D-Lux 5, so we decided to check out the Leica Boutique at 34 Bruton Place. The nearest Tube station is Bond Street and only a 15 minute walk. The personal at the Leica Shop was very helpful and friendly. They explained, they had the C-Lux 3 still available, but only limited, because it’s no longer produced. We were also told the different functions of each camera and could try them out. We decided to come back in a few weeks time to buy a few products. Unfortunately we had a tight budget this time around, otherwise the cameras would have been ours immediately. Our next stop was the Andaz Liverpool Street, where we stayed for one night. It was easy to find. Just get to the street entrance, you have to climb a few stairs and then get out, you see McDonalds on your left (not tried, but looked always full). The Square outside commemorates the Kinder transport. Jewish children from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland were saved and arrived via train at Liverpool Street Station, prior to the Second World War. The Memorial was created by Frank Meisler, a famous sculptor, who lives in Israel.

When you pass McDonalds and turn to your left, go straight, maybe for 50 m. There are two red brick buildings and both belong to the Andaz. The lobby is in the second building. The façade is classic. The building dates from 1887 and was built by Charles Barry, the grandson of the designer of the Houses of Parliament, also named Charles Barry. Originally the hotel was known as the Great Eastern Hotel and was a Victorian Railway Hotel. It is a Grade II listed building. Since November 2007 it is rebranded as Andaz by Hyatt.

The inside of the hotel looks completely different. It’s contemporary furnished in earth colors. There is also an atrium, reaching to the top floor. Check in was at a huge table to the left with tablet PC’s. We were offered a welcome drink of our choice and received an upgrade from a King Room to a Large King Room on the 2^nd floor. We also received a short explanation about the amenities available in the hotel. We were then shown to the elevator.

My fiancé had started taking photographs with his Nikon D90, while I checked in. Now on the 2^nd floor he was photographing the atrium. We were disturbed by a lady, asking, if he was “the photographer”. She came by herself to the conclusion he wasn’t the guy she was looking for.

Soon afterwards we saw the real photographer and the bride arriving for the wedding photographs. On the first floor are all the meeting rooms located and you have a great view over the foyer. It’s Zen like designed with Bonsai trees and there is also a cool space with sofas, chairs and lighting like you are on a film set. It made me promptly want to book the Andaz’s sister property, the former Riot Hyatt, Andaz West Hollywood, California.

When my fiancé was satisfied with the photos he had taken, we went to our room. By the way I think he is a photographic genius and excellent editor. He won’t believe me, though.

Our room was large with a wooden floor at the entrance and extremely high ceilings. I guess they were around 3.5 m (ca. 11 ft) to 4 m (ca. 13 ft) high To the left is the bathroom and healthy mini bar, to the right two coat hangers. The bedroom also has a carpet, a red chair and a table, a leather covered bench in front of the huge bed, a flat screen TV, you can swivel, a dark wood wardrobe, a blond wood writing desk with Eames chair and Jacob Jacobsen lamp.

The mini bar contains snacks (nuts, biscuits and chocolate covered coffee beans), pear juice, water and beer. The snacks and non alcoholic beverages are free. There is also a kettle, cups, glasses, tea and coffee making facilities available. All products are either sourced from the UK or are fair trade. When ever possible they are organic, too. Another perk are free local calls, music and free wired and WIFI internet access. You can also access the internet via TV. It is fast, but doesn’t always function the way you want it to. We had left our net book at home by the way.

The bath room is tiled in Art Deco Style and large with one round sink, a small cupboard to store your cosmetics, a hot towel rail, toilet and a bath tub. There is no handheld or separate shower available. Bath room amenities were by Plantation. We knew the brand already from our stay at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower.

The toilets are loud, that is undeniable, but they are special. The hotel couldn’t dig underground because of the tube lines running directly underneath the building, so when you flush the toilet, the waste is sucked upwards and goes through the roof to leave the building. It’s also eco friendly and uses only 20 % of water than when you flush an average toilet.

There are international TV channels available including Bloomberg, CNN and BBC.

In the wardrobe you have a safe, Yukata robes, a few hangers and a luggage rack. Storage could be a problem, if you stay longer

You also have an alarm clock and an iPod docking station in the room.

There is 24 hour in room service available and 24 hour dry cleaning/laundry services.

The views from our room were over the City and the construction site of the Heron Tower, where a new (the third) Four Seasons Hotel, an all suite and residence property, is going to open later.

The hotel offers a fitness center and spa treatments, a business center, 5 restaurants and bars (1901, Miyako, Catch and Champagne Bar, Eastway, George Pub).

After more photographs and exploring the room we went to the Barbican Art Gallery for the show Future Beauty 30 Years of Japanese Fashion. It runs until 06.02.11. It exhibits works by Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Jun Takahashi, Rei Kawakubo and many more. It was highly interesting and the reason, why we visited London in the first place.

We spent around two hours at the exhibition and found loads of inspiration and interesting design.

In the evening we had dinner at Eastway, the Andazs brasserie, it’s in the first building, I mentioned earlier. We liked the interior with fans and dark wooden furniture with a long bar as the focal point. We were directed to a small table with two chairs at the window. At first we thought the space would be too few for us, but it turned out alright. We decided to have the three course dinner for 18 GBP per person. As drinks we chose a large bottle of still water (It’s organic and from Wales.) and two hot chocolates. Our starter was Smoked Salmon Tartar. He had as main course the chicken wrapped in Parma ham and served with greens, I had pangasius fish with red peppers and black olive mash. As dessert we both had ginger bread with lemon curd. All was fantastic, the staff attentive and dinner was finished within an hour. The total came in at around 55 GBP including 12.5 % Service Charge.

We made use of the free lounge in the lobby and had some more pear juice. Afterwards we retired to our bed room for a good nights sleep. The beds are very comfy and if the light wouldn’t have been perfect for photography, we would have spent a little bit longer in bed and maybe taken a bath. The call of the photographer was stronger, though.

After the photo session we went to breakfast at the Eastway. We had a la carte breakfast, consisting of hot chocolate and freshly squeezed orange juice for both of us, crumpet with ham and poached egg for me and French toast with berries for him. It cost around 35 GBP including 12.5 % Service Charge. Afterwards we went to our room packing and were slightly late checking out. We received a friendly call from a member of staff and were asked, if we needed the room longer. We were nearly ready to leave, so I confirmed we were on our way out.

The Andaz Liverpool Street promises you casual luxury and you definitely get it. We were very happy and are more than willing to return soon.

After check out, a little bit time was left to explore the area further. We found the Nido Tower, the highest student accommodation in the world. It’s an interesting building and most rooms seem to have views over the Gherkin.

We took the Tube back to London Heathrow Terminal 1. Unfortunately our flight with BMI was 1.5 hours delayed because of technical problems with the aircraft. The flight was with an Airbus A320 with the old seating and event less.

I hope you enjoyed the travel report. As always any feedback is welcome.

Your writer1976 © 2011

Just a quicky from your favorite Doggy!

Hi my dears,

something exciting is going to happen! My creator is busy working on a travel report. She hopes it's finished by the end of the week. So keep an eye out about London!!!

Your Metzger

The Birthday Gift

This is the one episode of the life of one of my characters, I am writing about at the moment. I am against spankings and don't endorse them.

Coldham Fintan Noose I. and his wife Lilian Rose were in disagreement. Their grandson Fin celebrated his seventh birthday, and Coldham F., as the grandfather was nick named, thought of giving a special present to his grandson. It could be used for a long time and the experience was memorable. Lilian Rose saw it as gross and highly undesirable. She had bought Fin a Masters of the Universe figure, he had been dreaming about for a long time. Fin was her favorite grandchild, reminding her for some reason of her first husband.

In the end Coldham F. gave his present to his son and name sake. Coldham and Beverly Noose were delighted. It was just what they had been looking for.

A few days after his birthday, Fin's parents took him aside. Fin feared, he had done something wrong and was going to be punished for it. He couldn't remember any infractions. Mike, Fin's younger brother, was on a play date. He was popular in his class and outgoing, the whole opposite of Fin, who was quiet and had only a few friends. They looked completely different too. Fin was light ash blond with blue grey eyes, Mike was dark haired with blue eyes.

"Fin, you are a big boy now, so if you misbehave, we aren't going to give you a hand spanking any longer." His mother explained Fin wasn't sure, if he should be glad or not. Knowing his parents, he thought, they had something up their sleeves. He wasn't disappointed. "Instead we are going to use this." His father showed him Coldham F.'s birthday present, a stick with a crooked handle. Fin was frightened, because the stick was nearly as long as he was tall. His father called it a cane. "When I was your age Granddad Coldham F. started to use this cane on me, when I was bad, so I know exactly, what it feels like." Beverly explained how in future canings were going to be conducted. Fin wasn't looking forward to get one and tried everything to avoid being punished. Still he believed he preferred a caning, because his parents were going to tell him the number of strokes in advance and promised to use the cane either on his fully clothed backside or on his underwear. Only very grave offences were punished with a bare bottom spanking. When he got a hand spanking, he never knew, when his parents were going to stop. No matter how long or short he was bent over his fathers or mothers knee, it felt always endless. Fin was left feeling drained and tear streaked. Of course Coldham and Beverly wanted to comfort their son afterwards, but he hated it. He couldn't stand being touched by the persons, who just had either hurt him or watched the proceedings. It didn't make sense to Fin, when his parents told him, they had just walloped him, because they loved him. Fin resented them for days and was withdrawn. Coldham and Beverly couldn't understand it. When they punished Mike, he reacted completely different. He loved nothing better than being hugged afterwards and forgot the spanking hours later. They never used the cane on him.

Fin was on his best behavior for months. One day he had one of his friends over for a visit. They played baseball, but Fin's mother warned them, not to play at the house. She didn't want them to break a window. Of course they didn't listen and had a few close encounters. Beverly shot out again and told them off. After his friend left, Fin picked up his soccer ball and bounced it against the wall. By mistake one of his volleys went astray and shot through one of the windows on the first floor. He thought his mother hadn't heard him, and nobody else had seen it. He was wrong. Beverly had seen it. She wanted to test how honest Fin was. Fin behaved as if nothing had happened and retrieved his ball. As always Beverly discussed the issue with Coldham.

They confronted Fin, when Coldham returned from work. Fin was denying everything. He feared he was getting a thrashing, if he admitted he had smashed the window. His parents had agreed to ground him for breaking the window. Had he told the truth, he had escaped with that. "Okay, I know you are lying. I saw you do it." Beverly explained. Fin blushed, knowing he had done himself no favor. "We hate lying. You are going to be caned for it, and you are grounded for two days for breaking the window." His father said stern. "Because it is your first time, it's one stroke. You can stay clothed. I am doing the honors." His mother added. "Go to your room and wait for us." Coldham ordered. Fin went with hanging head. He dreaded the cane very much and wished he had told the truth from the beginning. Of course it was too late now. Tears welled up in Fin's eyes. He was truly sorry. With slumping shoulders he sat down on his bed. How long would his parents let him wait? Was it going to hurt a lot? Maybe if Fin apologized they would let him off with just the grounding...

After what seemed like ages, his parents arrived. It had been only five minutes. His mother carried the cane. It seemed even more enormous since the last time Fin had seen it. Fin pleaded: "Mom, I'm really sorry. Please don't spank me. I won't lie again and I promise I won't play in front of the windows anymore. From now on I'm a good boy. Please, please..." His mother interrupted him. "You should have thought about it before, young man. You get the caning and we don't want any protest, understood?" "Yes, Ma'am." Fin looked to the floor, fighting not to start crying before he even got spanked. Mom and Dad had told him he was a big boy, so he didn't want to behave like a little one.

Beverly had qualms caning her son, but thought it was well deserved and he would only remember and learn through pain. Wasting no further time, Fin had to grab his pillow and place it halfway of the length of the bed near the edge. His mother was in command from now on. "Bend over." Fin hesitated. "Come on, or do you prefer to get the cane from me?" Coldham asked, barely containing his impatienece. Fin thought better not to trifle with his parents. He was shaking with fear, when he got into position. It didn't go unnoticed with Coldham and Beverly. Beverly's heart squeezed, and she nearly would have hugged Fin and told him, she wouldn't do it. A glance at Coldham told her, she couldn't back down and offer a hand spanking instead. Coldham remembered his own sessions with his father very well and could imaging how Fin felt. There was no help for it. Liars had to be punished. "Coldham Fintan, hold on tightly." Fin's father advised Fin. Fin was sweating and his small hands gripped the other end of the bed. His behind was sticking out, ready to be punished. Fin wasn't. Beverly tapped the cane once, twice against her son's bottom to take measure. Fin started to sob. He couldn't take the tension any longer and feared he was going to wet him. The tapping was unnerving and Fin guessed the stroke was imminent. He tensed. Suddenly there was a whoosh, and a loud crack announced, that the cane had made contact with the center of Fin's buttocks. The sting on impact was indescribable. It was followed by a hot burning pain a few seconds later. Fin was crying harder than before and screaming. Unconscious he had jumped up and was furiously rubbing his behind. Coldham tried to embrace Fin to give him some comfort and assure him of his parents' love. Fin went stiff, and Coldham gave up his attempt, releasing Fin. Beverly fought back tears herself. It had been very hard for her to use the cane. Fin was so small...

Coldham and Beverly gave Fin a few minutes to recover and then told him, they expected in future more of him, mainly to keep still during a spanking, not reaching back to try and protect himself - the risk of injury was too high - and to only get up, when his parents allowed it. Fin promised to do his best, but couldn't guarantee it, because the pain was so strong. When his parents left, he went to the bathroom and checked out his backside. There was a red stripe and a bruise was building up. Sitting was for a longer time uncomfortable.

Coldham F.'s present was unforgettable, that was true, but Fin could have done without it. He and the cane got well acquainted over the years. Fin found himself once or twice a year bent over. Depending what he did, Fin was mostly spanked on his briefs, sometimes bare and rarely on his pants. The older he got, Fin gained more self control. He managed to stay in place until his parents allowed him to get out of position. He seldom cried in their presents, no matter how much it hurt. The relationship between Fin and his parents hit an all time low, when they caught him stealing. It garnered him ten strokes with the cane, the average was four. Fin received his last spanking, when he was fifteen and was punished unfairly. He never forgot, and it was hard for Fin to forgive his parents. In fact he never had and resented those even years afterwards.

©2011

Want to know me better?

Now, that you have read my story, you want to know me better. I can smell it. Whuff!!!

CV

Name:                                                  Metzger Rott

Date of Birth:                                      02. January 2002

Place of Birth:                                     Baltimore, Maryland

Siblings:                                               five

Coat Colors:                                        Black and Tan

Height:                                                 26 inches

Weight:                                               114 pounds

Job:                                                      Guard dog, family pet

Training:                                              Started training in 2003

Hobbies:                                              Playing with the owner's children, going on long walks, eating, love to bark!

Favorite Food:                                     Chocolate (get too few!), dog biscuits, beef and

                                                               lamb

©2011

The Coming of Metzger

Security from a different perspective.

Any feedback is welcome.

They call me Metzger. I know everything that goes on in the house, because I was engaged to secure the family.

There are Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell and their three children, one teenage daughter and much younger twin boys. I can smell it, when Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were intimate or Danielle, the daughter, has been smoking. I won't tell. Of course I also know when she is sneaking out. My lips are sealed, though. She always pats me and gives me my favorite food, so I keep quiet.

When I'm off duty I love to play with the twins and go on long walks. I'm a bundle of energy and very protective of the kids.

If strangers approach, I warn them not to trespass otherwise I'm ferocious and go for their throats, if they don’t obey. Baring my teeth is enough. Most people have respect and keep their distance.

Recently we have moved house and the location is good. It means also more work for me, because we have loads of people surrounding us. I like the neighbors kids and wouldn't mind, if the baby of the family would ride on me. The twins did so, when they were small, too. The parents don't trust me and keep their children away. It's sad, because I love kids.

There is a particular friend of the neighbors I don't like. He could be in security, because he came to update their security system, but the way he is scanning the other houses, makes me believe he is a criminal. I kept a close eye on him, but he didn't behave further suspicious.

How did I get my name? My ancestors came from Rottweil in Germany and Metzger means butcher in English. My masters gave me the name, because I was especially aggressive during guard dog training.

©2011

Welcome to the new blog

Writing is my passion since I am a child.

English isn't my first language, so please excuse any grammatical or spelling errors.

My stories are sometimes difficult to categorize. Some of them are amusing and surprising, others are more serious and could be controversial.
I am quite liberal, open minded and have a dark sense of humor, so don't be surprised.

My characters are pure fiction and what is going on in their lifes hasn't any resemblance to mine.

So let's get started!

Writer1976