As for the Holiday Contest last week, Lily Tomlin is correct. So how easy was that and you got a little blast from the past of her stage act. I love her!
Okay, now. I had Mr. Boy pull numbers, names and prizes. Here are the winners for the first holiday drawing here at Totsymae’s:
Prize No. 1: The name drawn for the original work of art is La Femme Roar.
Prize No. 2: The name drawn for the flat note cards is Annie Boreson of Annie Off Leash.
Prize No. 3: The name drawn for the portrait is Phil of Up 2 Random Thoughts.
Consolation Prize goes to Lorna of Lorna’s Voice for matching the picture/voice to Lily Tomlin and getting the exact number drawn. While her name was not drawn, it’s only fair to award her. Lorna will receive a set of note cards.
If you would, please forward me your address by visiting my contact page.
Congrats to you, winners and thanks to everyone who participated.
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Devil Got a Hold on Her
Damn if nobody had good sense around there except Dolly. While everybody else stood around arguing about the will – whether Aunt Rosa changed it before she passed, if she was in her right mind in naming Slick as her sole beneficiary, or who the hell ever was gonna get the new stainless steel pots purchased off layaway two days before she expired, Dolly rummaged around until found her way to the bottom of the chest at the foot of the four-poster bed ‘til a thick manila envelope materialized with what felt like a wad of bills that smelled like old and good as spend- ing money for her pockets. Shit, she had no time to be fretting over matters that had to go through the legal system when all she needed from poor Aunt Rosa, rest her soul, was in the palm of her hands.
Watercolor on paper Copyright 2011 Totsymae
She took her crooked ass on out the back door, her patent leather purse bulked up and her nose smelling greens and smoked turkey wafting past from the crowded kitchen. She made herself comfortable on the back step, where Job, Aunt Rosa’s mutt, came sniffing at her, tongue hanging out, looking Dolly straight in her eyes and seemed like, right on through her skull where dollars signs were jumping about in her head.
“Damn, dog! Git away from here!” Dolly shooed ole Job along and damn near couldn’t wait to get inside the envelope.
“You coming in to eat, Aunt Dolly?”
That was somebody’s child she hadn’t seen before today, who’d taken to calling her Auntie, being that somebody said she was the fifth cousin of Junior who was from Opalaka and married into so and so’s…hell, she couldn’t remember now.
“Naw, boy. Git on back inside and feed yourself,” she said, looking over her shoulder. Dumb ass boy, probably gonna end up half no good on account of who’s side of the family he came from.
“You wanting a plate fixed and set aside then?” the boy asked her through the screen door and looking at Dolly’s head bent over her purse.
“Boy, who you belong to again?” She was scowling now and the dollars signs that were in her head seconds before looked more like teeth that wanted to bite the hell out of this boy who didn’t have shit else to do but worry her.
“I’m Glory’s boy.”
“Glory’s boy, go find Glory. I got business out here to mind. Go on!” She hugged her purse as though the boy was standing in front of her and trying to snatch it.
She didn’t hear any footsteps. When she looked toward the door, Glory’s boy was still hanging around the back of her, mouth hanging open and shit, like the dog she’d shooed off just before this child got a mind to hunt her down and bug the hell out of her.
“Go find your ma, boy. Mind grown folk and do like I say,” she whined, itching to get inside that envelope.
“Yes, mam.” The boy finally left Dolly alone.
She closed her eyes when her hand slipped inside, felt the singles that were held together like what she’d seen at the bank and stores. Felt like new money too. So many stacks in there, she’d have to go home to count her findings and make a list on what she wanted to spend it.
Dolly opened her eyes and humped over to finally get a peep, only to find colored papers neatly bound together. Her chest went up and down with fast breathing as she pulled out the first wad of cancelled checks, then a note written in Aunt Rosa’s handwriting talking about,
Dolly,
Always have been a thieving heifer. Even now, you take from me when I gave to you so freely. Make good on your lowdown life ‘fore you get cancelled like one of these here checks that ain’t useful no more.
Once Yours,
Rosa
Dolly was hot from head to toe and still slumped over like the lowdown heifer Rosa called her. Didn’t hardly deserve that lick on the face Job made his way back over to give her with all that meanness hanging in the air.
I'm an artist who's writing,mothering, blogging and doing a few other things under the sun. I buy toilet paper 99.9% of every trip I make to the grocery store. I'm a people watcher, so I know you're here but drop me a line anyway.
Totsy, you are talking about a lot of families in this post. I’ve seen this stuff with my own yes.
Congratulations to the Winners! I know they are thrilled.
Yep. I actually had family members fighting over pots and pans. I didn’t
know folk got bent out of shape over such things. I also remember
after my great-grandmother passed, how one member was suspected
of stealing 10,000 dollars from the chest. I don’t know if the truth was
ever found out but it may have been a case of accusation on account
of the accuser not getting to it first. Who knows?
Well I am bummed that I didn’t win any Totsy art of my very own, but I’m thrilled to see more short fiction. Love this story and the art that fits so perfectly.
I’m sorry. It’s not the last contest, however. I think Valentine’s Day
sounds good.
Totsy, I always come and visit here because it puts a smile on my face, but today… Good lord, Totsy! I just about did a back-flip when I saw my name on that prize list. My new favorite person, other than you of course, is Mr. Boy. I’m floored. I really am. You are way too kind.
Rosa teaching Dolly lessons about life even from the grave. Now that’s one smart woman! I’m guessing that Dolly isn’t really going to learn this lesson either. What a shame. I’m always amazed at how families get when it comes to money – and it doesn’t have to be a lot. Money does weird things to people.
So… did I tell you I’m floored? From the bottom, and well, from the middle and top of my heart too, I thank you for this lovely act of generosity. I’m touched. And tell Mr. Boy he’s done a great job. Yesterday for taking such great shots of you, and today for drawing my name out of a hat…
You’re so expressive, Phil. I’ll bet you’re one of those hubbys whose
wife never says, “He doesn’t talk to me.”
Now, were you at the office or at home when you hit that back flip?
Boy, what I wouldn’t give to have seen that one. LoL!
If you read my first response, to Linda, you’ll see the inspiration
behind this little tale. Not a recent event but it happened. For real.
Mr Boy read of your elation over winning the portrait and went to
grinning. He’s kinda goofy like that. Must’ve picked up that little trait
from Then Husband and the good parts from me, of course.
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m a weiner
Loved the story!!!!!!!!!! Dolly got her comeuppance. Fbing this
Congrats to you, La Femme. Your response makes me smile.
Glad you liked the little story. Yes, Dolly got what she was least
expecting.
And thank you. Can’t wait to get your wonderful art! You are soooo talented
Totsy, I am so excited to have won! Thank you to Mr. Boy too! Truly, I am thrilled to be picked. Made my day I tell you!
That first sentence of the story is a beauty! It sets it up so nicely. I love how you draw out the suspense until the very end. Like Phil said, “teaching lessons from the grave.” Did you see the Writer’s Digest contest for a short story no more than 1500 words? This would be a good one to submit. I think the deadline is today. Just say….
Thanks so much, Totsy! I will definitely enjoy my prize.
Congrats!! Mr. Boy read the responses to this post and grinned ear to
ear, so I’d say he was happy for all of you winners.
Starting the story was easy but I had the darnest time ending this one.
I checked out the story contest and will be trying to submit something I
haven’t published here. Thanks for telling me about it and even thinking
my story is worthy of entering a contest. You’re a doll.
Well, well, I am a loser once again
, but truly I am a winner – because I found your blog and you let us inside your world once in a while. Next time tell Mr. Boy to pull my number. Dolly got what she deserved!
Aawww, why do you say that? Now, I feel badly.
And I am equally glad we have met. I still read your post with a Russian
accent. Weird or no?
Yep, Dolly got about as much as she was worth alright.
First, that story taps into several of the defining qualities of humanity: greed, revenge, selfishness…you name it. When will be ever learn. You really cut to the quick and never mince words. I love your style.
Speaking of style…your generosity overwhelms me. I’m not turning down those note cards, but you sure didn’t have to give one extra gift you weren’t counting on. I’m thrilled. I typically don’t win “lotteries.” Last year I won a huge bucket of booze bottle. Yeah. Ironic, huh? This win is a whole lot better!
Thanks so much! Lorna
Thanks, Lorna.
Hope you enjoy the cards. My plan is to ship everything next week.
You’re on a roll if you’re winnings are in consecutive years. Who knows,
you may need to play the lotto next year.
Congratulations to the winners! I’m really bummed that I wasn’t one of them but next time — will there be a next time?
OMG, poor Dolly. Love the story. Took me through all kinds of emotions, could see, smell, feel and hear her go from highest high to rock-bottom low. Beautiful!
I think Valentine’s Day would be a good time for another one.
Yeah, poor ole Dolly. Can’t seem to catch a break.
So glad you liked.
Toasting the winners and you, Tots, for the great story bonus. Nice work!
Thank you, Aurora.
When Auntie died I sat in the chair staring at a painting on the wall. The same one I looked at every time I came over and when the grown ups were talking. Same one she sat on the couch beside me and told me was her favorite.
See, I didn’t want to concentrate on everyone bickering over her things and there were plenty of them too. All hounding about like vultures going through her costume jewelry that I’d thought was real up until my uncle tossed it on the bed and said it was worthless. I remembered Auntie looking like a movie star all made up in those dripping all over her.
Someone asked if I wanted anything as they took that painting down and all I could think was they could have it all, I just wanted her.
I’m glad you wrote this Totsymae. People ought to look at this and make sure they don’t behave this way.
Your sentiments, hopefully, express what many actually do feel. Fighting
over stuff never equals the loss of life. It’s shows the pitiful state of
humanity.
Hi Totsymae,
Happy for the winners and terribly downtrodden for myself lol. I love your work and this was a wonderful idea. That’s a crazy story! Amazing and disgusting how death reveals the most avaricious side of human nature.
Thank you, Coco. There will be other contests. Stay tuned.
Yes, this is art imitating life at its worst.
[...] About a month ago I was reading through a blog I regularly visit, Totsy Mae and I participated in a little gift-giving contest fun she planned to do over the course of a few blog entries that would follow. The original article is here: Six Word Saturday: Tis the Season to be Giving. It was all in good fun. I never expected to win anything, but surprisingly, her son drew my name out of a hat and I wound up one of her winners. Yay me! [...]
I absolutely love your writing style.