| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from When the World Shook by H. Rider Haggard: Perhaps Mrs. Arbuthnot will have no children as there is so much
for them to take. Or perhaps you will lose all your money and
have to work for your living, which might be good for you. Or,"
he added, still thinking aloud after his fashion, "perhaps she
will die young--she has that kind of face, although, of course, I
hope she won't," he added, waking up.
I do not know why, but his wandering words struck me cold; the
proverbial funeral bell at the marriage feast was nothing to
them. I suppose it was because in a flash of intuition I knew
that they would come true and that he was an appointed Cassandra.
Perhaps this uncanny knowledge overcame my natural indignation at
When the World Shook |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: the bundles. Don't you remember how we used to do on our
birthdays?" answered Jo.
"I used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the
chair with the crown on, and see you all come marching round to
give the presents, with a kiss. I liked the things and the kisses,
but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while I opened
the bundles," said Beth, who was toasting her face and the bread
for tea at the same time.
"Let Marmee think we are getting things for ourselves, and
then surprise her. We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon, Meg.
There is so much to do about the play for Christmas night," said
Little Women |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Young Forester by Zane Grey: into the fire. Hurriedly I examined my Winchester. The magazine contained
ten cartridges. What luck that Stockton had neglected to unload it! This
made things look better. I had salt and pepper, a knife, and matches--
thanks to the little leather case--and so I could live in the woods.
It was too late for regrets. I might have freed Dick somehow or even held
the men at bay, but I had thought only of escape. The lack of nerve and
judgment stung me. Then I was bitter over losing my mustang and outfit.
But on thinking it all over, I concluded that I ought to be thankful for
things as they were. I was free, with a whole skin. That climb out of the
gorge had been no small risk. How those bullets had whistled and hissed!
"I'm pretty lucky," I muttered. "Now to get good and clear of this
The Young Forester |
