A post I had intended to reblog, before getting waylaid by having to republish my first novel, was Sally Cronin‘ short story, “Xenia.” Sally asked us to choose a story beginning with the letters Q V W X Y or Z to introduce her new collection, which would be published in her latest book, What’s in a Name Vol. II.
Find all of Sally’s books HERE
I love Sally’s short stories; and as many of you know, she consistently supports authors and bloggers in several ways on her blog, Smorgasbord Invitation. If you’re not familiar with Sally, I think you’ll find her writing most compelling and hope you’ll visit and follow her blog.
Her short story “Xenia” touched me deeply, and I’m pleased to share it with you now.
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Your name is Xenia, after your Greek grandmother, whose wrinkled complexion smelt of roses and almond oil. I remember the hot summers of our visits as we played on the rocks beneath her stone house; working up an appetite for the platters of goat’s cheese, olives and warm bread. The loaves were taken straight from the wood stove; handled carefully with well worn hessian rags, and served up on the rough wooden table in her wild garden. I remember being fascinated by her hands as they sliced thick warm chunks with an ancient serrated bread knife. They were blackened from nearly 80 years in the sun, with dark-rimmed nails from digging into the soil for home grown vegetables.
She was still a beautiful woman, who loved to have her long black and grey hair gently brushed in the twilight; sipping delicately from her glass of rose pink wine. Happy sighs filled the scented air; encouraging continued effort. We dreaded her tears as we left to catch the ferry at the end of summer, with her whispered goodbyes and pleas for us to return again the next year, remaining in our minds for weeks afterwards.
But one summer only my father made the journey, to stay just a week to bury his beloved mother, with her silver backed hair brush and a small bottle of almond oil resting in her hands.
That was ten years ago and I have been saving up her name to give to you, my first child.
Thank you so much Tina.. it was lovely of you to do this reblog and it gave me a nudge too to add the Amazon link and proper cover.. You are a darling and so grateful ♥♥
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Most welcome, Sally ❤
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This is such a special story. Thanks for reblogging it.
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Welcome, Darlene ❤
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Thank you Darlene.. xx
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A fabulous story!
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My favorite of Sally’s, Annette ❤
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Thank you Annette. hugs xx
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio.
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Thanks so much, Don ❤
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You’re welcome.
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I just loved this heartfelt story. So great of you to share it here T. Congrats to Sal on her new blockbuster of emotions! ❤ xx
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Thanks, Deb. I cried when I read it ❤
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So did I. Surprised? Not! Lol ❤
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Hello Tina and Sally! Oh, what a beautiful and touching story! I was swept away to Greece and could almost smell that hot freshly made bread. ❤
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Thank you, Vashti. Serving it up with butter and cinnamon ❤
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I loved this story, Tina, great pick. xxx
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Thank you, Adele. It is my favorite ❤
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❤
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Great share here, Tina, and nice to see Sally’s book getting so much praise ❤
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Thank you, Christy. It is the least I could do for all the support Sally gives to others ❤
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This is such a moving post. Glad you reblogged xxxxxxx
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Thank you, my friend ❤
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