.
THE TIME IS NOW
CHAPTER I
GLADYS
“Do not aim for perfection. Do your best and let it be.”
I saw the ghosts today. One comes early morning, the other in late afternoon. There is a new one today. She/he arrived near noon, thin as a rail and sits in the chair at the side of the copy machine. She/he does not move. I know I am not crazy because others in the office have seen them, too.
I work in the office of an old building where there has been a Scrap Metal and Iron business for nearly a century. We are located near downtown Los Angeles, California. Lisa and I are secretaries, and I think one of the ghosts is a former secretary named Miss Cummings from seventy-five years ago. She is preceded by a smell of powdered roses, like a perfume from long ago. She is a shadowy thing that brushes against the desks and sometimes rattles the doorknob to the bathroom. She has on adorable clothes with a lacy collars and ruffles on bottom of her shin length skirt. I can’t really see her well, but I know when she is here. The powdered Rose smell precedes her.
The Ghostly man is shadowy as well, but we see him more clearly than the others. He is announced by the smell of cigar smoke. There are no smoking signs everywhere, so naturally we were upset if in fact it was someone smoking on the premises. He is dressed in a dark suit, tie, and a large hat signaling the forties. He goes directly to the boss’s office, rattles around and checks every corner of space, then goes out into the scrap yard. The well-dressed cigar smoking man seems satisfied and is gone until the next time. Oh, yes there is a next time. Ask me about it
Sheilaclapkin's Blog; 
Sep 24, 2017 @ 04:04:09
You have a hook to grab the reader in the first paragraph – this is the start of good book, Sheila!
Sep 26, 2017 @ 15:56:19
So, I’ve got a good start. Thank you so much. Your comment helps to sooth the fear of starting another big project.
Sep 24, 2017 @ 11:33:45
I am thrilled that you let me know about the first paragraph grabbing the reader. i shall take off and see what else comes. I’m still dancing to the tune of your comment. Thank YOU!
Sep 24, 2017 @ 11:45:01
Yep, I’m hooked and want to read more….doing my BEST each day as recommended!
Sep 26, 2017 @ 15:57:31
And you mention doing your best each day. Such good and helpful words.
Sep 24, 2017 @ 20:08:34
GP Cox is absolutely right; the first paragraph pulled me into the story. And, the picture is perfect. I’m hooked, too.
Sep 26, 2017 @ 15:59:13
Oh thank you for giving me soothing hope. I needed you to tell me you are in it. Hugs.
Sep 25, 2017 @ 20:48:44
This is so good! One of my favorites!! I want to know more! Keep up the good work and love you.
Sep 26, 2017 @ 16:03:17
To have your granddaughter approve is an awesome experience. I love you so much.
Sep 26, 2017 @ 10:21:18
You go girl! Can’t wait for the next instalment!
Sep 26, 2017 @ 15:54:59
Truth be told, I am scared to pieces thinking about finishing it, but you know I will. Thank you Jan.
Sep 26, 2017 @ 12:21:09
I know there is truth in this story! So fun.
Sep 26, 2017 @ 15:53:53
Than you for stating the meaning and purpose for writing this story.
Oct 11, 2017 @ 16:20:50
I’ve got these two in my mind’s eye………now what do I do??
Oct 13, 2017 @ 10:13:52
WAIT FOR THE BOOK TO MAGICALLY APPEAR. that’s what I am doing. See you soon!
Feb 04, 2018 @ 00:37:48
It’s wonderful so far. You’ve got me hooked.