Portia Bennett

New Story Required Changes to Old

For more than two years I have been contemplating writing more about one of the characters in A California Saga. Well, the muse kicked in a few months ago, and the story is nearly completed. The title is The Redhead and the PM, and it is about Sylvia's older sister, Kate O'Donnell. As this story evolved, I realized that some of the things I wrote in Chapter 13 of Five Love Stories en Brochette would have to be changed. Thank heavens it is an author's prerogative to change the universe about which he writes. The necessary changes have now been made and posted.

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Musetta's Waltz Update

It's been more than two years since Musetta came to life. Dr. O'Donnell asks her if she has Klinefelter's Syndrome. She didn't know what it was and in the story as originally written it turns out she didn't. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that her having Klinefelters made a lot of sense. It explained her natural appearance and some of her personality. I made some corrections in Chapters 11 and 12 to now reflect that she had this condition. It does nothing to change the story other than to make it a bit more realistic.

Hugs,

Portia

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Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling, The Saga Continues, Chaps. 20, 21, 22 & 23

I have mentioned several times that I would never post a story until the entire story was completed. Well, I was in error. Several readers felt that Jim and Margot Campion's punishment was far too severe. Hey, they did steal more than $50,000,000, and cheated at golf. Some also felt that they shouldn't have lost their personalities. I'm not sure that fact was ever established. Well, I began to wonder what actually happened to them. We had left them under the very loving care of Bob and Hilda Brewer. What could possibly go wrong?

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Randi and the College Professor - Chapters 12, 13 & 14 (Conclusion)

Randi and the College Professor — Chapters 12, 13 & 14

By Portia Bennett

We have learned quite a bit about Betty and her origin; however, it remains to be seen what she can do in her confrontation against the combined forces of the Lewis’s, Brewers, Schmedlaps, and others. If the good guys win, what is going to happen with Betty. What are the implications of a rogue witch?

Lessons Learned

Thank heavens this site has never slid into the pit that some other sites, TG and otherwise have slid into. Still, once in a while, I have felt that the sex act between consenting lovers was an important part of the story. Not being particularly good at delicate descriptions that let every reader know exactly what was going on in exquisit, emotion filled detail without being somewhat graphic, I fell into the latter category. What I have determined, looking at the numbers, is that two lovers consumating their relationship is a turn-off for many readers.

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Randi and the College Professor - Chapters 10 & 11

Randi and the College Professor — Chapters 10 & 11

By Portia Bennett

The big questions now are who is this Betty Brown and where has she come from. She has obviously ‘captured’ Frank Deere. How did she do it, and why? What is motivating her? Betty has been a bit of an enigma up to now; however, as we delve into her past, things may become a bit clearer.

Randi and the College Professor - Chapters 5, 6 & 7

Randi and the College Professor — Chapters 5, 6 & 7

By Portia Bennett

Off to New York City and a very romantic weekend. Enough said there. This section is a definite ‘R’, but it’s not prurient. These two young adults just happen to be very physically attracted to each other, and they are very much in love. Frank coaxes Randi into Tiffany’s after the opera. I wonder why he did that? If all works out, theirs is going to be a very short engagement. That does beg the question, though. Somebody is watching them.

Does anyone want to venture a guess of the name of the hotel where they are staying? It’s very nice.

Randi and the College Professor - Chapters 3 & 4

Randi and the College Professor — Chapters 3 & 4

By Portia Bennett

Randi and Frank had a very enjoyable and interesting dinner. They have already acknowledged what The Wizard predicted. They are very much in love with each other. Randi knows that she can’t keep any secrets from Frank. She is going to have to tell him about her origin. Her fears are never realized. Randi meets Frank’s parents and is immediately accepted.

Randi and the College Professor - Chapters 1 & 2

Randi and the College Professor — Chapters 1, & 2

By Portia Bennett

The turmoil and excitement generated by Bobbie’s win in the Masters has died down somewhat; however, the game of golf will never be the same. One result of the magic cheating scandal was that all professional sporting events in the western world would be closely monitored for magical influence. The word went out in the world of magic that anyone found influencing a sporting event would immediately and irrevocably (subject to review) lose their magic powers. The warning also carried over to the gambling community, which included the many lotteries around the world. It took a while for the word to reach some of the more remote areas of Africa and Asia. Eventually there were two banishments, both for influencing gaming. After that, for at least a century, the problem seemed to be under control.

Bobbie enjoyed her break from golf tremendously. Both she and Cindy found it difficult to describe the deep joy they felt about their impending motherhood. Bobbie and Andy were much in demand on the sports and regular talk shows, but Bobbie did manage to caddy for Andy for two months before it became too tiring. During that time, Andy won his first two events on the PGA. That opened the door to all the ‘Major’ tournaments on the tour.

The very precocious Randi Lewis, at only a little over 20 has completed her bachelors and masters in chemistry and will soon be starting doctoral work in chemistry at MIT. She is being groomed by The Wizard to run a satellite SRU shop. It will be only a part time, weekend job; however, this is setting the stage for other witches and young wizards to be able to practice their growing magical powers. Randi and Myrna Moscowitz will be doing major genetic and bio-chemical research. Avery Moscowitz has become l’enfant fantastique in physics for his research in controlled fusion. Now the adventure begins. Randi and Silky are alone in the SRU shop.

Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling - Chapters 16, 17, 18 & 19

Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling — Chapters 16, 17, 18 & 19

By Portia Bennett

I guess the question now is can Bobbie hang on? She has a good lead with three hole to go, but as we have already seen, this course can jump up and bite you rather severely when you least expect it. A couple of birdies and a couple of bogies could have things even. Campion is going to let it all out, and Bobbie can’t play it too safe. Andy has seen it, too. Bobbie is getting tired, not that any of the golfers wouldn’t be getting tired at this point. Then there is the nineteenth hole where we might be able to straighten all this mess out.

Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling - Chapters 13, 14 & 15

Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling — Chapters 13, 14 & 15

By Portia Bennett

What a tremendous turn of events, and Campion did it to himself. As Bobbie will say later on, holes in one are accidents. It was a great shot regardless of whether or not it went into the hole. Well, there is one more hole in the Amen Corner to go before we get to the last five holes. There is plenty of room for things to go right as well as wrong. The 13th is a short par 5, but disaster waits in the form of a creek crossing in front of the green. How will Bobbie handle this beautiful little hole now that she has the lead?

There is a startling revelation about The Wizard, and Don and Cindy.

Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling - Chapters 10, 11 and 12

Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling — Chapters 10, 11 & 12

By Portia Bennett

The tenth hole is Bobbie’s least favorite hole on the course. It is long, very long, and usually plays as the most difficult hole of the eighteen. It is going to require all of her skills to get past this hole and the three following known as the ‘Amen Corner’. Yes, if you haven’t figured it out before now, Bobbie is playing in The Masters, one of the four ‘Majors’ on the PGA tour. Getting to the Masters is not easy and Bobbie took the route most available to her. We are going to find out how she did it. We are also going to find out about acceptance and non-acceptance of her on the tour by others.

Some of you might remember The Wizard’s advice in Cynthia and the Dumpster Diver. “When you get to twelve, use the 9-iron, not the wedge.” Well, The Wizard didn’t have the right clubs in mind, after all he doesn’t play golf, but the intent of his advice is remembered. The announcer is fortunate that he wasn’t fired.

Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling - Chapters 7, 8, & 9

Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling — Chapters 7, 8 & 9

By Portia Bennett

Ever since high school, Bobbie has been known for her short game; that is, her approaches to the green, her ability to play sand shots, chipping, and putting. She knows, as does everyone else, that it is the reason she is where she is in the tournament. Well, she caught Campion and whoever his accomplice is off guard when she sank her sand shot on six. It’s only a matter of time before the evil forces are going to try to disrupt her game even further. They are not very nice people.

For All You Non-Golfers Out There - Golfers Too

I've started posting a story about Bobbie (Schmedlap) Anderson, Cindy's best friend. You might remember (Cynthis and the Reluctant Girlfriend) that Bobbie used to be Bobby, a ten year old, sports loving little boy who happened to be a girl. Thanks to Cindy and The Wizard, she became that girl. Let there be no doubt about it, Bobbie is all woman, and a very sensual woman at that, when it comes to her relationship with her boyfriend, and now husband Andy Anderson; however, Bobbie refuses to allow a male dominated sport hold her back. She knows actions speak louder than words.

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Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling - Chapters 4, 5 & 6

Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling — Chapters 4,5, & 6

By Portia Bennett

Bobbie realizes that Campion is cheating. She thought his putt on the first hole shouldn’t have gone into the hole, but it did. When Campion’s long downhill putt was destined to roll off the green, but stopped next to the hole, she felt the magic ‘push’ that stopped it. Now she is waiting for the other shoe to drop. She is certain that whoever is doing the magic will start to affect her ball as well. It is only a matter of time.

The problem is Bobbie will not use magic in retaliation. It will destroy everything she believes in. Her hands are tied. She is just going to have to gut it out. Bobbie’s friends know what is going on and have notified The Wizard. He will not do anything to affect the play of the game.

The bulk of this story takes place over one day. There are eighteen chapters (holes), plus the Nineteenth Hole (Conclusion).

Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling - Chapters 1, 2, & 3

Bobbie and the Glass Ceiling — Chapters 1,2, & 3

By Portia Bennett

This story takes place in the world described in The Cynthia Chronicles. It is now twelve years since the conclusion of Cynthia and the High School Years — Part 2. Bobbie (Schmedlap) Anderson is playing in the most important golf tournament in her young life. Since turning pro after her graduation from college, she set the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) tour on fire, winning just about everything in sight. Now she is playing in both the LPGA and PGA, and continuing to win. As you read, you will find out how she arrived at where she is. She has done it with the support of her husband and high school sweetheart, Andy Anderson, who is a pretty good golfer, too. She is now locked in a head to head battle with a male chauvinist golfer who has made it known that the idea of a woman golfer on the PGA is repugnant, especially in this particular tournament. It doesn’t help that Bobbie has defeated him in the past. Some of you may recognize what tournament they are playing in right away. It won’t be kept from you for very long, if you don’t know.

For the last few months, Bobbie has been receiving threatening notes, vowing to expose her as a witch. If it was done, it would destroy her and Andy’s careers as professional golfers. It would also cause serious damage to the magic world, and would probably lead to the destruction of professional sports, in general. Who could be doing this, and why? What can Cindy, Bobbie, The Wizard, and the rest of their friends, magical and non-magical do to prevent this disaster?

The bulk of this story takes place over one day. There are eighteen chapters (holes), plus the Nineteenth Hole. I then added four more chapters to follow what happened to the antagonists over the following years. Those last four chapters might become part of a future story.

Are there Any Golfers Out There?

I have been working for some time on The Cynthia Chronicals - Volume 2. One of the stories in the series is completed; however, it was written out of sequence and must wait for other stories to be written before it can be published. I need someone who is golf knowledgeable to read my current effort that should be finished within the week. It is written around Bobbie Anderson (nee Schmedlap) who is Cyndy's best friend, so it would be very helpful if the reader was familiar with the previous stories in the series.

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Five Love Stories en Brochette - Update

I spent some time this morning reading Tips and being left with the desire to read the entire trilogy. I had never looked at my postings the way other readers at this site might find them. I must say I am very pleased with the way the behind the scenes editors/administrators have put everything together. I opened up Five Love Stories en Brochette when I realized I hadn't posted a correction to the epilog. Several readers took exception to what happened to one of the characters, and I realized there was no reason to have done what I did. That is now fixed.

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Te Deum - Bryn Terfel Jones

I have just finished listening to the first act of Tosca by Giacomo Puccini, a production by the Metropolitan Opera. The evil Baron Scarpia sings to the background of the very sacred Te Deum about how he wants to ravage the beautiful, flamboyant Floria Tosca. Bryn Terfel (Jones) did a fabulous job as the evil chief of police. He'll get his in the next act. His performance literally brought tears to my eyes. It is such an emotional experience.

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Bike: 23 April 2010, 11:45 AM

It's a good news - bad news situation. As of a few minutes ago, I have officially caught up. Now, like so many others, I am sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next episode. I guess the good news is that I can get back to my own writing that seems to have been put on hold. My muse was as entranced as I was.

Thank you, Angharad, for propagating these little bundles of sweet entertainment.

Portia

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Wuthering Dormice - As Easy as starting to read and not putting it down

After being rather nicely put in my place the other day after commenting on another blogger's premise, I went to Holly's compilation and copied the first 50 chapters. I think that was late yesterday. Finished those and have copied the next fifty chapters. Will probably finish those this evening. Other than being especially well written, sweet, delightful, insightful, tear jerking, giving warm feelings to the tummy, I don't understand what the stir is all about. Excuse me, I have some reading to do.

:) Portia

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Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 2, Chapters 11 & 12

Cynthia and the High School Years — Part 2, Chapters 11 & 12

By Portia Bennett

Chapters 11 & 12: There are several loose ends to take care of. Cindy and Don have to find a place to live in Boston. Myrna and Avery already have a place, tiny as it is. Bobbie is already set up with Andy at Wake-Forest. Finding a suitable place to live proves to be difficult; however, they realize there are several options for the future. They do find a homeless teenager who is living a very precarious existence. Cindy, Bobbie, and The Wizard save the day. This adventure draws to a close. College starts in a week. The Wizard is finally able to sleep peacefully.

The Cynthia Chronicals - Volume 1 Coming to a Close

The penultimate posting of the Cynthia Chronicles is now up. To me, Chapter 8 represents the most important chapter in Cindy's life since her first encounter with The Wizard many years before. There are several chapters and tales under construction that may eventually appear in The Cynthia Chronicles - Volume 2. These will follow the further adventures of the group as they go through college and beyond. We will find out what the major motivation has been behind The Wizard and his group's actions.

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Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 2, Chapters 8, 9, & 10

Cynthia and the High School Years — Part 2, Chapters 8, 9 & 10

By Portia Bennett

Chapter 8: Many years ago Cindy was a little nine year old girl just beginning to learn what being a girl and young woman was all about. Now it’s the week between Christmas and New Years and the two lovers are taking the final steps. When I started this writing this series of stories last year, this chapter was always the objective. Although this chapter represents the most important thing in Cindy’s life up to now, the story is far from over, and it won’t be completed for quite a while.

Chapter 9: The Brewers are invited for dinner, and although they didn’t know it at the time, they are going to meet The Wizard. Once again Randi manages to steal the show. The Brewers are surprisingly accepting.

Chapter 10: Don and Cindy, Bobbie and Andy, and Avery and Myrna spend a delightful weekend at their favorite place. We find out that Avery remembers some other things. Bobbie and Cindy meet an old acquaintance. Someone they met in Cynthia and the Dumpster Diver.

Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 2, Chapters 6 & 7

Cynthia and the High School Years — Part 2, Chapters 6 & 7

By Portia Bennett

Chapter 6: Bobbie is concerned that Cindy has not taken the final steps in her relationship with Don. After all, from a life experience point of view, they are both over 35 years old. So, Bobbie and Andy have given Cindy and Don a little Christmas present.

Chapter 7: The group gets together over the Thanksgiving holiday and Avery is brought in on the magical aspects of the group. He also remembers Donna.

Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 2, Chapters 4 & 5

Cynthia and the High School Years — Part 2, Chapters 4 & 5

By Portia Bennett

Not surprisingly, there is a small and decreasing population of witches in the New England area. Word about Cindy, Bobbie, and Randi is out there; thanks to publications like The Journal of Witchcraft and word of mouth, much initiated by The Wizard. The New England Coven holds a meeting in the girls’ home town, and they and their mothers are invited. Marissa and Sally find out who they really are, but Marissa probably knew for a long time. Maddy and her two students, Silky and Chloe, perform for everyone, and Randi is up to her usual tricks.

I decided to go on and post Chapter 5, also. There is not a lot of action; however, there is an important discussion concerning the event that led to Sally’s early mind erasure. This chapter is really the set-up for Chapter 6, which concerns a significant confrontation between Cindy and Bobbie.

Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 2, Chapter 3

Cynthia and the High School Years — Part 2, Chapter 3

By Portia Bennett

Marissa and Cindy have a ‘mother-daughter’ conversation. Marissa proves to be much wiser about things than was first indicated. Cindy comes to the conclusion that her mother is a witch, and just like Bobbie’s mother, Sally, something has happened to prevent her magic from developing. There are some problems at school. Three of the students are particularly bigoted, and don’t hold back about revealing their displeasure with Don’s racial origin. This is a project for The Wizard.

Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 2, Chapter 2

Cynthia and the High School Years — Part 2, Chapter 2


By Portia Bennett

Well, Myrna rather quickly deduced that Don and Donna were the same person, and she realizes that the magic she has learned about must be responsible. With The Wizard’s help, they explain how the transformation took place. It was very complicated, as we know. Myrna also finds out more about Cindy and Bobbie’s origins. The cats welcome Myrna into the group.

Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 2, Chapter 1

Cynthia and the High School Years — Part 2, Chapter 1


By Portia Bennett

It has taken nine years, but Cindy is finally a senior in High School. There have been some fantastic events, events that not all her friends are aware of. Cindy has a boy friend (It is really much more serious than that) and Bobbie and Andy have taken their love to the next step. Myrna Breckenridge is surprised to see that Cindy has a boyfriend; after all, she never had one before. But wasn’t there someone?

Thank You Dear Readers

Thank you everyone for reading, voting and commenting on Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 1. When I conceived this little series of stories I knew I was going to take it to where the story is at the moment. The early emphasis of the story was on the male to female transformations; however, I knew that one of the most important events would be a female to male transformation. A major thought was that it was the person inside, not necessarily their physical being, that mattered. I also knew that there are many of you who sympathize with the FTM or are perhaps one.

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Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 1, Chapters 12, 13 End Part One

Cynthia and the High School Years — Part 1, Chapters 12 and 13


By Portia Bennett

Chapters 12 and 13: Did what I think just happen really happen? Well, we have two chapters to straighten this mess out; however, there is much more going on than will ever be revealed in Parts 1 and 2 of Cindy’s high school years. You can read a lot between the lines. There are many others working in the shadow of The Wizard. The question is going to be asked again and again: why is The Wizard going to all this trouble?

Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 1 - Chapter 11 Posted

I just couldn't stand it and had to post this chapter instead of waiting another day or two. I am really very proud of it. This chapter brings us to the second major event in Cyndy's life. Her transformation being the first one. Please let me know if you like what I did. There are still two chapters remaining in Part 1 to try to straighten this mess out.

:) Portia

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Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 1, Chapter 11

Cynthia and the High School Years — Part 1, Chapter 11


By Portia Bennett

Chapter 11: Bobbie’s golf skills garner national attention, some of it not what she really wanted when a picture of her and Cindy dressed in revealing bikinis surfaces. Bobbie is invited to compete in a women’s professional tournament as an amateur, and after a slow start, does very well. Cindy and Donna go to a summer camp for athletes so they may refine their skills. Cindy is just glad to be with Donna, as Donna is glad to be with her. Cindy realizes there is something bothering Donna; however, she respects Donna’s privacy and doesn’t ask what it is. Then Donna disappears, never to be seen again. Needless to say, Cindy is nearly destroyed with grief as she finds out Donna no longer exists in their universe. The whole thing reeks of magic gone wrong, and The Wizard admits her existence has been terminated. He doesn’t seem to be too concerned. And, what’s this about ducks?

Cynthia and the High School Years - Part 1, Chapter 10

Cynthia and the High School Years — Part 1, Chapter 10


By Portia Bennett

Chapter 10: Cindy and Donna’s love for each other is stronger and stronger, and out in the open. There are some disappointed boys. Bobbie’s golf skills are remarkable and she wins her Country Club’s match play and stroke play championships — against the men! Myrna confronts Cindy about what happened to her sister and Dave Growell. Cindy realizes that Myrna needs to know about her and Bobbie’s powers. They give Myrna a special gift purchased at the SRU Shop.

Cynthia and the Moment of Truth

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Cynthia and the Moment of Truth

By Portia Bennett

Growing up isn’t easy for anyone, and certainly Cynthia Lewis is no exception. The hormones are starting to flow in greater quantities than they ever have before. Suddenly, the doubts that had been hiding in the depths of her mind are beginning to surface. Menarche is pending, and Cindy is beginning to think that she doesn’t have what it takes to be a woman. She is suddenly very afraid.

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