Heads Up Bears Up

What is the most terrifying thing that you have ever seen in your life; what are you going to do with that? The short story "Bluffing" by Gail Helgason describes a grizzly attack in Jasper National Park. One of the main characters, Liam, claims that he ran away from the bear so that his girlfriend Gabriella would remain safe. Is he telling the truth? Is he bluffing? Liam is unpredictable and a difficult person to understand. Gabriella on the other hand is committed and wants to continue living her life with Liam.  He shows how unpredictable he is when he discloses his plan to go to New Mexico for three months along with Clive for three months during the winter, leaving Gabriella. This news shattered her dreams of continuing to live together. Annoyed, she simply "[pushes] herself off the rock and [strides] as fast as she can without running." Gabriella doesn't pay any attention to Liam until she comes face to face with a grizzly bear standing twenty paces ahead. However, Liam is unaware of the situation that lies up ahead and even though Gabriella cautions him not to come forward he does. The grizzly watches her movements and "she knew if she retreated to quickly, the bear could be on her like a cat on a wounded bumblebee." On the other hand Liam had a different idea. He started to retreat. The bear instead of pouncing on Gabriella ran straight after Liam. The rest of the story remains unknown until Gabriella finds Liam. Finally, when she sees him at the hospital his first reaction is a false smile and a arrogant remark that "[he] wasn't trying to run away" and that he sacrificed his life for her. There is no way to be fully convinced whether he is bluffing or telling the truth, accept that throughout the story everything was always about him so why would that change now. Gabriella feels that he is bluffing and just pays Liam's insincerity back by returning a smile.

One of the Boys

 

  Vivian is a classy old broad. Yes, a broad. I'm sorry but she can't be described as a girl or a woman and certainly not a lady, she is simply a broad. At 85 years of age, Viv still likes to get gussied up for a poker game. She pulls her favourite hat down from the high shelf in her wardrobe, because "a gal should always cover her head." She takes the time to clip her earrings to her ears, as they go so well with her blouse. Years of two packs a day have taken their toll. The wrinkles on her face are a world map of her life, some etched deeply and others faint. Vivian doesn't care though her life has been good sometimes crazy good. Always ready for an adventure she simply puts the rings on her fingers, the necklace on her neck and heads out to play with the boys. Wow, she's definitely a proud peacock and she takes satisfaction in looking the part. Viv has no regrets and no secrets, well maybe one. A straight. Yes, Vivian is a classy old broad.

Madi's Life Part 1

     Born on a warm radiant afternoon, Madison, a girl who has only dreamt about being No. 1 at everything, had her world shaken when she was introduced to her No.2. She is the OLDER twin to her sister Brooklyn, and though some might assume they are exactly the same, through their twin telepathy they know they are two very different people. Madison has a passion unlike many other teenagers however her passion may be the only thing that continuously makes her strive for success. She is an avid runner and hopes to one day run as fast as a speeding bullet with an university track team. Another strong attribute but perhaps a weakness Madison contributes is never settling for second best . Diligently she works on her projects just hoping she can work her way up to the top and become a mountain nobody can knock down. This whole experience has just started and Madi is enjoying this first part of her life but, she is excited to experience the adventures that "Madi's Life Part 2" will bring her.