Recondita armonia...



“Recondita armonia di belleze diverse!..É bruna Floria, l’ardente amante mia, e te, beltate ignota, cinta di chiome bionde! Tu azzurro hai l’occhio, Tosca ha l’occhio nero! L’arte nel suo mistero le diverse belleze insiem confonde: ma nel ritrar costei il mio solo pensiero, il mio sol pensier sei tu, Tosca, sei tu!” (in Tosca by Giacomo Puccini)

“Hidden harmony between different beauties! Floria, my passionate lover, is a brunette; and you, unknown beauty, are enveloped by golden locks! You have blue eyes; Tosca has dark eyes! Art, in its mystery, merges the different beauties together: however as I paint her, I only think…Ah, I only think of you, Tosca, you!" (in Tosca by Giacomo Puccini)

…Suddenly Catherine, crying, bumps into him «I am so sorry!» she says, he looks at her with a mix of compassion and tenderness in his eyes «Are you all right? Can I be of any assistance?»…

Catherine wipes her tears with her sleeve and says, «I’m not all right, no…I’m pregnant by a distasteful man!» Bernard offers her a handkerchief and suggests that they talk in a café nearby. They sit and Catherine tells him her story; as she does it Bernard admires her beauty: dark brown hair, olive black eyes, fair complexion, fleshy pink lips [“she doesn’t smoke” – he thinks]; pure salty tears running down her beautiful cheek bones…«and in the end he tells me that nothing has changed! [Sobbing] I even thought about getting rid of my child…stupid me!»

Bernard holds her hand and utters, «Your story beats mine by far!» and tells her his tragedy. As he speaks Catherine, with swollen dry eyes, admires his lips [«it’s not that I was deeply in love with her…»], his wavy brown hair, his blue eyes [«…but you see: I want to settle down and…»], she wondered what those beautiful hands could do…«and I catch her kissing another woman! In our spot!» Catherine frowns «Another woman, you said?», «that’s right!» replies Bernard…«and you didn’t take advantage of it, Bernard?!» they look at each other and start laughing out loud…

Five years later…

«Bernard, darling, don’t forget to bring Sebastian’s teddy! It’s on our bed!», «Got it! I am dying for a cappuccino!». Every Friday afternoon, Catherine and Bernard take their son to the café where their romance began – “it’s part of our story” Bernard says.

They get to the café, sit at their table and Laura – the owner – holds Sebastian «he’s cuter and cuter everyday! The usual, guys?» the couple nods. After an hour talking, laughing and playing with their kid, Bernard sees someone who reminds him of Sophia…this person smiles at him as she walks towards their table. «Hello, Bernard! It’s been a long, long time...» in shock, Bernard introduces Sophia to his wife [“she’s so so, but so fat! What on earth…?” – He asks himself] and invites her to join them.

Looking at Sebastian, Sophia comments «I didn’t know you had Pakis in your family, Bernie!», «I don’t!» Bernard gently replies. Catherine intervenes «Bernie’s description of you, didn’t make you justice…you seem larger!» [Bernard tries to conceal a smirk, with no success], Sophia explains «Yes, I used to be slim, but with all the things going on I started eating like a bloody African…[Catherine and Bernard can hardly believe in their ears]…I made a bad decision, Bernie; I got married to a gorgeous Opus Dei guy, who does not approve of my alternative desserts and…[Bernard looks at Catherine who is taking a set of ear-muffs, from her bag, and places them on Sebastian’s ears]…instructed his religious people to keep their eyes on me (I think they are afraid of my shagging an Anglican vicar or something LOL), and on top of everything Paul is lousy in bed…I think he hates women, Bernie!» [By now Catherine is lullabying little Sebastian; probably to keep her mind off that ghastly conversation].

Bernard says «I’m sorry to hear that, Sophia [while looking at Catherine]; you deserve i…better!» Sophia smiles «well, it’s nothing really…at least I still have my muffins! [Catherine gets up and takes Sebastian away from the table] I must go now…bye Catherine [who waves from afar]! Goodbye, Bernie. It was nice seeing you [she leans over him and whispers]: Seb is a bit of a chocolate, isn’t he?» and leaves…

«Catherine?!» she instantly recognises his voice and turns around slowly «Tarik! How’re you?» he smiles «Fine, fine…How’re you? Is that your baby boy?» Catherine shivers [“he’s going to take him away from me” she thinks] «yes, he is; I got married…Bernard, come here please, darling! [Bernard approaches and instinctively holds Sebastian] This is Tarik. Tarik, this is Bernard!»
«Hey mate [firmly shaking Bernard’s hand]! You have a gorgeous son. Congratulations!» Bernard dryly replies «Thanks!»…

The End

Next episode: Entangled Webs

Comments

  1. Max,
    Are you writing a novel? This story is so much like real life isn't it?

    "I started eating like a bloody African…"

    ROFL (Rolling On Floor Laughing)

    I am glad Catherine found the love she craved and Sophia, well she found the desserts she craved. LOL.

    I love the name Sebastian. That's one of my characters names too, he is also a baby.

    I think Tarik should be the one who found Bernard's ex and her girfriend together. He may have been the third party? Okay, maybe I've just given it a Hollywood twist.

    I'll do the screenplay version. Who do you think should play the main characters?

    Keep up the excellent work and I will stay tuned for the next installment.

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  2. Oh Max I loved the continuation. Very nice ending ;)

    Take care and have a nice day!

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  3. Alexys,

    lol no, I am not writing a novel. This is just something that came to my mind while listening to opera :). Yeah, I think that someone, somewhere in the world, has already experienced something like this...it's only life in one of its many aspects!


    «"I started eating like a bloody African…" ROFL (Rolling On Floor Laughing)» - LOL LOL I know how it feels, when I wrote it I was rolling laughing myself LOL *nodding*!

    LOL Sophia's story is incredibly funny. I don't think she deserved to be with Tarik cause deep down she is less wretched than Tarik is. She's just trying to fit in, and in the process of it she messes things up *nodding*. She's vulgar, insensitive, and a bigot at the same time...can you imagine a creature such as her?
    Tarik is the kind of man that one would despise (even other men) *nodding*! His character would be a hit on screen lol...

    Catherine is such a sweet person; sweet and naïve. But in the end she got the love she deserved :).
    I adore the name Sebastian :)! Don't say?! Excellent choice, Alexys :D!

    LOL LOL believe me if Tarik would've found his girlfriend with another woman, he would definitely be the third party lol - he's nasty like that!

    LOL a screenplay version would be great lol :).

    "Who do you think should play the main characters?" - I live that to you, I am terrible with names *nodding*.

    Thank you, Alexys *bowing*! LOL is that a request? lol

    Cheers

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  4. Hey Liza,

    I am glad that you liked it, dear :)! Thank you *bowing*!

    Have a nice day yourself :)!

    Cheers

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  5. In reference to your comment Max. Ahaha. I think 'Rabbit Proof Fence' was mainly made for the social commentary. To try to educate the public, but still, it aint exactly good viewing. Funny tho, because people i know were still captivated while i was like; what are they?, mutes?

    Also, i quite like the pictures you put in this post, and the last one.

    ____________________
    http://zexk.blogspot.com

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  6. Aren't café the perfect place to start a romance? So European though, cause I don't see how you can even talk in a Starbucks in North America, music is so loud... Anyway, I can picture the two of them, talking at a terrasse, getting to know each other... So romantic...

    I love the transition to their son, nicely written!

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  7. By the way, I awarded you! Come to pick up the handmade award... ;-)

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  8. Max, you know I did not expected this type of ending - a happy ending. You have written so well, what an attention to detail, and great sense of humor, lol, yes eating like a bloody african killed me too, lol, lol. Thanks for happy ending, Anna :) So should I tell you again, you should start writing your novels soon, lol, kidding aside, you are great.

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  9. Hey, Max! I LOVE IIIIIIIIIIITTTTTT!!!! See? I think your story's much better than my imagination he he he he...

    Sorry I missed it yesterday. I was busy trying to find another gift for R2. He prepares two gifts for me, so I was determined on finding the second one that I can wrap so that he'll get CURIOUS. Remember that he knows the first one already 'coz I wanted to make sure he wanted that novel and that he didn't have it already he he he he...

    So I'm VERY smug now that I've wrapped his second gift and display it in the living room HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA...

    Anyway, maybe you should send the short story someplace and have it published! ;-D

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  10. Hey Zexk,

    But still, if one is going to make something to educate the people it must be really good, catch they attention...and specially: the characters must talk lol!

    I bet you are the only one whose opinion about it is sincere lol (like here, people go watch Portuguese movies, which are boring, and come out of the theatre trying to philosophise about it *nodding*, when deep down they know it was rubbish)!

    Thanks, Z; I like them too :).

    Cheers

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  11. Hey Zhu,

    Cafés are definitely the perfect spot to start a romance :)!
    Indeed; I think that is why we don't have Starbucks here...it wouldn't work, cause Europeans go to the café to talk, to debate, to romance or to break up with their relationships lol *nodding*.

    Thanks, Zhu, I am glad you liked it :)!

    Cheers

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  12. Hi Anna,

    lol Catherine and Bernard deserve a Happy Ending :D, so I had to create one for them :)!
    LOL "eating like a bloody African" cracked me up when I wrote it *nodding*. In fact I think I was rolling on the floor laughing, like Alexys said lol :).
    Sense of humour is the spice of life (they say it's sex, but it's not...) :)!
    You are most welcome, dear *bowing*!

    LOL LOL LOL you are the second person who tells me that lol! I will think about it, Anna; I will think about it :).
    Thanks for the compliment, and for the kind comment :D!

    Cheers

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  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  14. Hey Amelia,

    lol lol I am sure that your imagination would've done a wonderful job too lol :). But I accept the compliment *bowing*!
    I am glad you loved it!!! :D

    No, need to apologise, girl. The "Max zone" (LS named it lol) is pressure and stress free lol...so you read whenever you feel like it :)!
    LOL Xmas is keeping you busy, huh? R2 will be curious I am sure ;). lol lol ah yes, you told me about it! Well, just make sure he doesn't know about the second one :).

    LOL LOL being smug, from times to times, is quite all right. Did you placed it under the tree too?

    Oh my....you are the third person saying that :). If I have it published you would probably be the only ones buying it lol (you and the blogger mates) :)! I take your suggestion as a compliment: thank you *bowing*!!!

    Cheers

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  15. Hi! Max. A sad tale at first. But lady luck saves the day and all things change for the better. Or do they? By shear chance, as in real life, everything that is good in one's life, can be threatened by a single chance meeting. Could this be true? Yes, all things are possible. Good times and Bad times await us all. In what proportions;
    one can only hope for the best!

    Thanks for listening and I eat like a "Bloody Aussie!"

    Regards
    Peter

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  16. Hi Peter!

    Thanks for droping by :-D!

    Yes, things change for the better, even though we may not think so (it is one of those mysteries of life: what seems to be bad is actually good for us, and vice-versa)!
    All things are possible indeed, Peter :). Good times are there to make us laugh, and bad times are there to make us grow...it seems to me that we need them both to evolve!

    "Thanks for listening and I eat like a "Bloody Aussie!"" - you are welcome, and LOL LOL LOL I see :D!

    Cheers

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  17. Hello Max! I tagged you and it's up at http://mlizcochico.com. Thanks for the visit and comment. Take care and have a nice day!

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  18. Hello Liza,

    Thank you, dear :)! I'll check it out in a minute :)!

    You are welcome, I just had to say something: I hate child abuse (well, I hate any kind of abuse)!

    Cheers and thanks once again!

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  19. Zhu,

    A handmade award for me?! Oh my Lord...what an honour!!! :D

    I am on my way to your place; now I am curious :)!

    Thank you so much, dear *bowing*!

    Cheers

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  20. Yeah, true, people like to 'support local industry'. So to speak. Thing is my vision isn't blurred when it comes to local movie's. Mind you, local movie's are way different than imports. But, Happy Feet is an Australian film.

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  21. Hi Zexk,

    Well, nowadays French movies are like import one, in terms of quality. I love watching French and some Italian movies, they are quite good. I am not even going to mention the British ones (those are even better than the American ones - the ones we call import movies, here)!!!

    Happy Feet? Is it the one with the penguins?

    Cheers

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  22. Hi, Max!

    No, we don't have a Christmas tree and we'll go to my in-laws on Christmas eve to spend a night there. In the evening we'll open our gifts there he he he...so right now the gifts are lying down on our carpet inside the bags he he he...

    Anyway, hope you don't mind this EASY tag:

    What Does 2007 Mean to Me?

    Btw, you might be wrong about who's going to read your story. I'm sure if the blogger friends love it, lots of people are going to love it. After all, your story's SO universal, Max he he he...

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  23. Hi Amelia!

    That is great: spending Xmas with your in-laws :D! Ah, Finnish don't open their gifts on the 25th morning? I see that they are like the Portuguese, who also open their gifts on Xmas eve :).

    A new tag? I will check it out in a while...thanks :).

    LOL you are soooo kind and sweet, girl :D! Thank you for the support; and I will think about it *bowing*!

    Thanks, Amelia *hug*!
    Cheers

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  24. Max- Thanks for coming by my website. I plan on checking your website out this weekend when I have more time.

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  25. Nice reading....so realistic!

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  26. Hello Spyder,

    You are welcome :)!
    And thanks for dropping by :D!

    Feel free to visit MAX whenever you can :)!

    Cheers

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  27. Hello Kalyan,

    Welcome to MAX :D!

    Thank you *bowing*! I do try to be as realistic as possible :).

    Thanks for having visited; and I hope to see you again :)!

    Cheers

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  28. I walk next door to visit the Max Zone!!!!!

    LOL LOL

    Good thing I read these in the proper order! LOL

    Act 2 is a masterly woven web!!!! Delicate, strong and a beauty to behold! Sounds like the writer!

    Ok Maximus let me sink into the lives of your characters….

    I love the line from Tosca:
    “Floria, my passionate lover, is a brunette; and you, unknown beauty, are enveloped by golden locks!”

    Talk about melodramatic! LOL (I love melodrama in the arts, not as much in my own life!!!! I think most feel that way which is one of the reasons the arts and entertainment in general are so popular).

    Floria is not “just” a lover she is a “passionate lover”! The kind of lover so many romanticize being or meeting but are not one themselves and/or have not met…. one of those kinds of creatures….

    “I’m pregnant by a distasteful man” – LOL That’s putting it mildly!

    “she doesn’t smoke” – LOL I met a young woman at work the other day and could tell in 5 seconds that she smoked! It does so much damage so quickly….Bernie is such a helpful and observant knight in shining armor!

    “admires his lips” – lots of nice lip descriptions etc… to build the feel of sensuality….

    And then you bring “and I catch her kissing another woman! In our spot!” back into the spot light….You continue…

    “Catherine frowns «Another woman, you said?», «that’s right!» replies Bernard…«and you didn’t take advantage of it, Bernard?!» they look at each other and start laughing out loud…” - - As a man that has partaken of this kind of activity with multiple female partners on numerous occasions (I tell you this yet again so that my “credentials” are established on this matter) I have to say that those kinds of activities are great at fleeting moments of passion that may burn iridescent in the imagination but they are barren in any real fulfillment, they simply deepen the underlying empty issues that lay within, it is as one who licks up a plate of salt with only a single drop of water to alleviate the thirsty needs, or the alcoholic or drug addict needing more drinks and more hits….

    One of the underlying issues is being known to another which is amplified by the additional partner; this does not help abate the feelings of loneliness it only exacerbates the situation…because the sexual acts become more mechanical and lack the intimacy required to build “knowing” relationship. There is a lot more to it but that is an article unto itself….

    Max since you love to layer things so much and delicately apply double meanings I could paddle around in the waters of the next section for a very long time….LOL

    It seems to me that Sophia is still attempting to fill the vacuum in her life with something new, another sensual delight….But I will deal with another physiological aspect of Sophia….often when a person (more typical of females) overindulges in food and becomes heavy it is actually a defense mechanism (raising shields in Star Trek lingo) to prevent sex. They are actually trying to be less desirable on a deeper level….

    I’ll leave the racist remarks to others to touch upon, obviously they are reprehensible….

    I laughed at the reference to Opus Dei (since I am not Roman Catholic) but honestly haven’t they been pounded on enough by Mr. Brown!!!!! LOL

    Since this section is replete with sexual and religious innuendo it is challenging to know where to start and stop! LOL (To those of you who don’t see it you are better off LOL LOL) However I do note your continued assault on Paul! LOL LOL (A continuing conversation for all of you that may have missed our conversations around this). St. Paul was clearly not a misogynist and he would abhor Opus Dei (and the whole official Roman Catholic system for that matter). Max this is one of the articles I promised to have written and still have not done so! (Bad Livingsword bad, slap on wrist to fit in with the Opus Dei theme LOL LOL)

    Interesting alluding to cappuccino, ear muffs, muffins and chocolate….LOL

    I like the way you slipped into a different mode for the final section with Tarik, what a “coincidence” that the four of them would be together in the same café like that! Interesting and fun read….

    Well done Max you always maximize your impact with a minimum of words!

    You are Maximus! And I salute you ***fist saluting against my chest in Roman Centurion manner***

    I wonder what would happen if these characters ever met the characters from my last Graffiti article!!! LOL LOL

    Unfortunately I see you have placed “The End” at the end of the story…would consider editing that for future considerations? LOL

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  29. Hello ladies of the Starbucks is not Romantic Enough European Viewpoint Club LOL LOL

    How scandalous! LOL

    I disagree…(I have to find something don’t I? LOL) I have been to many European cafes, Starbucks and non-Starbucks and the same is true of here in North America….and Starbucks can be just as romantic as any café I have been to in Europe LOL

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  30. LOL LOL LS!!!!


    "Good thing I read these in the proper order! LOL" - LOL you are an intelligent man LOL, I knew it :).

    "Act 2 is a masterly woven web!!!! Delicate, strong and a beauty to behold! Sounds like the writer!" - what can I say...LS? Thank you, thank you *bowing*! LOL LOL LOL LOL in fact the writer is rough, weak and an eye sore (that is why she gets to be intelligent, get it?) LOL LOL LOL *nodding*.

    "I love the line from Tosca: “Floria, my passionate lover, is a brunette; and you, unknown beauty, are enveloped by golden locks!”" - I am not even going to ask, why you love it lol *nodding*.

    "Talk about melodramatic! LOL (I love melodrama in the arts, not as much in my own life!!!! I think most feel that way which is one of the reasons the arts and entertainment in general are so popular)." - I don't think it is melodramatic; I find it quite interesting cause the man is swaying between two loves, he loves Flora (there's no doubt of it) but he secretely feels attracted to Angelotti's sister (the muse of his painting)...it's real livish!

    "Floria is not “just” a lover she is a “passionate lover”! The kind of lover so many romanticize being or meeting but are not one themselves and/or have not met…. one of those kinds of creatures…." - Aaah, but passionate lovers are not for everybody. I think it takes a lot of love mastery and study to achieve the quality of a passionate lover; who is an artist him/herself (deep down). Lucky those who find one :).

    "“I’m pregnant by a distasteful man” – LOL That’s putting it mildly!" - LOL LOL I couldn't write what I usually call that type of man (it's not proper of a lady LOL)...

    "“she doesn’t smoke” – LOL I met a young woman at work the other day and could tell in 5 seconds that she smoked! It does so much damage so quickly….Bernie is such a helpful and observant knight in shining armor!" - lol Bernie is quite observant indeed. I know what you mean, one can always tell when someone smokes (if it isn't the yellowness in the fingers, it's the blackness in the teeth, or the darkened lips *nodding*. Or even worse: the constant ashtray stench on the clothing *ugh*)!

    “admires his lips” – lots of nice lip descriptions etc… to build the feel of sensuality…." - absolutely! This is the exact moment when they fall in love with each other...
    "“Catherine frowns «Another woman, you said?», «that’s right!» replies Bernard…«and you didn’t take advantage of it, Bernard?!» they look at each other and start laughing out loud…” - - As a man that has partaken of this kind of activity with multiple female partners on numerous occasions (I tell you this yet again so that my “credentials” are established on this matter) I have to say that those kinds of activities are great at fleeting moments of passion that may burn iridescent in the imagination but they are barren in any real fulfillment, they simply deepen the underlying empty issues that lay within, it is as one who licks up a plate of salt with only a single drop of water to alleviate the thirsty needs, or the alcoholic or drug addict needing more drinks and more hits…." - wow! Yes, we know all about your credentials lol *nodding*. I always thought that men/women who engage in that type of sexual experience must have some kind of issue to resolve; but hey each one with its own experiences *shrugging*. I liked the plate of salt licking comparison: it describes exactly what excessive lust is *clap clap*! A few years ago I made a survey (among my male friends and cousins) to know why men fantasize about having sex with two women...the results were shocking (to say the least); but by your words I should conclude that most men experience an "underlying empty issue" that needs to be resolved? Who or what causes it?

    "One of the underlying issues is being known to another which is amplified by the additional partner; this does not help abate the feelings of loneliness it only exacerbates the situation…because the sexual acts become more mechanical and lack the intimacy required to build “knowing” relationship. There is a lot more to it but that is an article unto itself…." - this is very interesting! But lack of intimacy also occurs in casual one-on-one sex; so you are saying that any type of sexual relationship which is not based on an intimate relationship...let's say, like marriage...simply reflects an issue of emptiness, did I get it right? Very interesting, indeed... :).

    "Max since you love to layer things so much and delicately apply double meanings I could paddle around in the waters of the next section for a very long time….LOL" - LOL LOL LOL if I were vain I would be smirking right now LOL *nodding*...

    "It seems to me that Sophia is still attempting to fill the vacuum in her life with something new, another sensual delight….But I will deal with another physiological aspect of Sophia….often when a person (more typical of females) overindulges in food and becomes heavy it is actually a defense mechanism (raising shields in Star Trek lingo) to prevent sex. They are actually trying to be less desirable on a deeper level…." - she feels the vacuum in her life because she is frustrated (her plans didn't quite come out as she designed them lol...so she thinks). As she said she made a bad decision (denying to be what she really is, castrating herself, by marrying a deeply religious guy *nodding*). LOL of course it is a defense mechanism, she wants to avoid fulfilling her marital duties with that man who lacks sexual skills; but specially because she's a saphic...

    "I laughed at the reference to Opus Dei (since I am not Roman Catholic) but honestly haven’t they been pounded on enough by Mr. Brown!!!!! LOL" - LOL LOL they are never pounded enough *nodding*. I don't know about Opus Dei members over there, but here they are incredibly funny to look at (they have no sense of style, they are too stuffy and stuck up. I mean who told them that to be God fearing one has to have those characteristics and plus a bad hair cut?).

    "Since this section is replete with sexual and religious innuendo it is challenging to know where to start and stop! LOL (To those of you who don’t see it you are better off LOL LOL)" - LOL LOL only now I realise that I have been waiting for your comments all along LOL LOL *nodding*...

    "However I do note your continued assault on Paul! LOL LOL (A continuing conversation for all of you that may have missed our conversations around this). St. Paul was clearly not a misogynist and he would abhor Opus Dei (and the whole official Roman Catholic system for that matter)." - LOL ok, you got me LOL LOL! I wrote it specially thinking about that promised article lol. I don't know if Inflamatory P would abhor Opus Dei or the Church for all that matter; but I do know that the man had issues with women...however I will leave this for your blog LOL.

    "Max this is one of the articles I promised to have written and still have not done so! (Bad Livingsword bad, slap on wrist to fit in with the Opus Dei theme LOL LOL)" - LOL LOL LOL LOL you are forgiven, and I am very patient...I wait!

    "Interesting alluding to cappuccino, ear muffs, muffins and chocolate….LOL" - I know LOL...

    "I like the way you slipped into a different mode for the final section with Tarik, what a “coincidence” that the four of them would be together in the same café like that! Interesting and fun read…." - there are no coincidences, LS :)! Tarik...nasty man, nasty, nasty *nodding*...

    "Well done Max you always maximize your impact with a minimum of words!" - thank you, Professor LS *bowing*!

    "You are Maximus! And I salute you ***fist saluting against my chest in Roman Centurion manner***" - LOL LOL LOL I like that, LSus :). I thank you once more *bow*!

    "I wonder what would happen if these characters ever met the characters from my last Graffiti article!!! LOL LOL" - LOL now that would be interesting!!! We must think about it, LS! For real...I am in for it if you are :D.

    "Unfortunately I see you have placed “The End” at the end of the story…would consider editing that for future considerations? LOL " - LOL but it didn't work, cause I had people asking for another sequel lol *nodding*. Anyway, let's consider your previous idea (it's mighty good)! :D.

    LS, it was a pleasure; as always *bowing*!

    Cheers

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  31. Hello North American-Starbucks-fan LS lol;

    We are Europeans and we are proud of it lol :D!

    "How scandalous! LOL" - LOL LOL LOL that's Europeans for you: Scandalous LOL!

    "I disagree…(I have to find something don’t I? LOL)" - I would be surprised if you would agree LOL...you had to find something lol.

    "I have been to many European cafes, Starbucks and non-Starbucks and the same is true of here in North America….and Starbucks can be just as romantic as any café I have been to in Europe LOL" - Ah no, no, no, no....our cafés, in Europe, have this aura that calls for romance, LS. The smell of coffee, of cakes and pastry (which appeal to the senses, and thus to romance); the walls full of history, the people whispering; the noise of sugar bags being torn; the waiters walking around in speed; poets have sat there and written beautiful texts (Nicola in Lisbon - 200 years, where Bocage wrote so many Romantic poems - romantic as in literary type of text)....it is not the same as Starbucks, which does not have history yet (and is known for trying to buy cheap coffee grains from Ethiopia); talk to me when they become 100 years LOL.

    I adore this!

    Cheers

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  32. Hi Max, just friendly visit, and just letting you know that Peter left some kind words about you on my blog. And he will be the third person for you to write a book. Great job, Anna :)

    See comments under Niagar Falls.

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  33. Max, you have an amazing mind for detail and layered meaning! When I write, I can hardly keep the details straight. You seem to have a special talent for this!

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  34. Ah, what a tale you're woven here. Hmm, Tarik should have gotten something bad too. Perhaps it's not the end? By the way, Merry Christmas Max...

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  35. Hello Anna,

    I am glad you came: I have prepared some coffee for us lol (unless you prefer tea) :D!

    Peter is so kind; I just loved his blog (I think I will become a permanent visitor in his blog)!!
    I will come to your blog to check it out :)...

    Thanks for dropping by :)!

    Cheers

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  36. Hello Lynda!!!

    Thank you very much *bowing*! Such kind words :D...

    lol [embarrassed face] thank you, once again *bowing*! I am glad that my words deserve your much appreciated attention :D!

    Cheers

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  37. Manimala :D!

    lol Tarik will learn his lesson, don't worry :)...
    Aah, let's see what the future reserves for us lol :).

    Thank you, my friend :)! I don't celebrate it, but I wish you a Merry Merry Christmas for you and your family :D!

    Thanks for your kind words *bowing*!

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey Max! Glad to hear that you've had a great weekend. I've had a busy one, but I'm still ok...lol.

    Take care and have a nice Tuesday!

    http://mlizcochico.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hello Liza,

    Thanks :D! That's all that matters: you being all right :)!

    Take care yourself; and have a blessed Teusday :D!

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  40. A nice piece of writing, together with the last one. So many coincidences in this story. What will happen next Max?

    ~Oswegan

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hey, Pretty!!!

    I've got an award for you here:

    Treasure Award

    And don't forget to read my pre-Christmas party story he he he...

    Pre-Christmas Party

    ReplyDelete
  42. One more thing...I wrote your name on snow. I'm not happy with it yet, but if you like it, you can take it he he he...

    Name on Snow

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hey Scott,

    I see that you are back :D!

    Ah, but they are not coincidences lol; every step was pre-designed :D!

    Next...there will be entangled webs of situations...stay tuned :)!

    Thank you for your kind words, Scott *bowing*!

    Cheers

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  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hello Beautiful!

    Oh my..."treasure award" for me?! Thank you, darling *bowing*! I will drop by your place to fetch it: have some coffee prepared for me please :D!

    It will be my pleasure to read your "Pre-Christmas Party" ;D!

    See ya, and thanks once again!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Amelia,

    You wrote my name on snow? That is soooo sweet of you :)! Thank you!!!

    I am on my way!

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete

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