Lessons From the Universe with Imogene Constantine

By Barbara Gurney

Imogene's father taught her the world can be changed one person at a time, and she should be vigilant in being part of the adventure.

 

Imogene believes people come into each other’s lives for a reason. In a series of stories, while gathering new friends, she reveals herself a little at a time.

She guides these n

• Language: English
• Publisher: Serenity Press PTY.Ltd
• Release date: Jan 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9780648459811

Barbara Gurney

Barbara Gurney writes across several genres including short fiction for adults and children and free verse poetry. After over fifteen years of writing and editing a newsletter for a community-based organisation, she joined the Gosnells Writer's Circle in 2008 & Writefree Women’s Writing Group at KSP Writers Centre in 2009. Both groups continue to inspire Barbara to regularly produce poetry and short stories while their encouragement pokes at her ambition to publish a novel. Many of her pieces have been accepted for the groups’ annual anthologies. *Fairies of the Milky Way was accepted in 2009 by Stories for Children Magazine, an American online publisher. *Living Histories, a Western Australia State Government initiative, accepted Barbara’s submissions for both the 2008 & 2009 publications. *Competition success came in October 2009 when Counting of the Stones was awarded a ‘Commendation’. *A short story for children Jake’s New Friend was shortlisted in the Charlotte Duncan Award 2010. *2011 – Shadows of Remembered Dancing, a 267 word story was awarded Highly Recommended in Scribblegum’s Gum Leaves Competition. *2012 - Honourable Mention for 'Honest People' Golden Wattle Writing Competition. *2012 - First Prize for "Purple". Yarram Community Learning Centre Annual Literary Competition. *2012 - First Prize for "Wide Brown Land". Minlaton Show Literary Award. *Barbara's book of poetry ‘Footprints of a Stranger’ is now available from Ginninderra Press ISBN 978 1 74027 767 9. www.ginninderrapress.com.au In her non-writing life Barbara has been a drummer, bagpiper, swimmer, debt collector and a secretary - amongst other collective nouns. She has two adult children. Her son lives in Prague with his wife and two children, thus giving Barbara a glorious holiday destination with free accommodation. A locally based daughter and son-in-law makes sure she has people to spoil without an airfare being necessary. She is the current Secretary of the Gosnells Writers Circle and a sub-editor of their magazine Showcase, which has been published three times a year since October 2010. Barbara communicates with the overseas contributors and approaches local businesses for paid advertising support. Barbara likes nothing better than to tap away on the computer, creating characters worth remembering and hiding her life experiences in the pages. She finds satisfaction in writing stories for others to enjoy. Based in a southern suburb of Perth, she is supported by her husband Graeme, who has the honour of being the first to hear the latest edition of Barbara’s writing.

Book preview

For my old,

new and

yet-to-be friends

Imogene

Imogene turned the page of her diary and wrote in a large script, ‘Happy Birthday to me ... ’

It would be another birthday celebrated alone. She wasn’t in the habit of telling people much about herself, and therefore there were no telephone calls or cards in the mail on her special day. Over a cup of dandelion tea she re-read the birthday card she received from her father many years ago:

Dearest daughter,

The world can be changed, one person at a time

Be vigilant in being part of the adventure

Happy Birthday 

May true strength be yours

Father

He had taught her many lessons, and as she tapped a picture of a fading gondola the warmth of his memory spread through her. A smile curled at the corners of her mouth and she remembered the excitement she felt when this vibrant card, with seventeen photographs of foreign places, arrived in the mail.

One person at a time, she thought. ‘Be vigilant,’ she reminded herself as she rubbed the earth of the Sahara.

She knew new friends were waiting. The Universe was surely already preparing the people who needed her. Yes, she was ready for the adventure.

Although she shared her birthday with no one, her life had been full of special people—just because they were detached from the present didn’t make them less significant. No—her father had asserted that each whisper of companionship sends a finger of persona into the aura of an acquaintance.

And so it was with Imogene. She felt the threads of those she befriended long after their association had ceased. She hoped they too attributed some blessing that befell them was because of her.

Imogene finished her tea and went to bed. There was a train to catch tomorrow and she had to be up early.

Imogene and Sebastian

Imogene and Mrs Harrington

Imogene and Quiet Time

Imogene and the Little Red Car

Imogene and Music

Imogene and the Rag Doll

Imogene and Sammy the Dog

Imogene and Beth, Bridget & Beatrice

Imogene and Miss H

Imogene and Her Wishes

Imogene and the Doctor

Imogene and The Map

Imogene and Barbara

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Imogene and Sebastian

She sat on the last seat in the carriage of the train whisking us to our prescribed destination. A carousel of colours wrapped around her as if she was frightened to offend any excluded colour. I looked at my reflection. It stared back at me from between the shoulders of the other passengers. My smart business suit, white shirt and sober tie immediately caused me to wonder at my reluctance to stand out in a crowd.

Alighting from the train, I looked for her and was astounded when a soft touch made my arm tingle.

'I was looking for you,' a strong and purposeful voice said.

'Me? You can't have been looking for me. We haven't met,' I replied.

'Oh, that doesn't matter. Today was our day of destiny.'

We kept pace with each other and, after the green light beeped acceptance of our rail passes, we headed out of the railway station.

'I see you are going to classes,' she said, indicating the books weighing down my satchel.

'Yes, off to improve my chances of not being one of the unemployed.'

'See you tomorrow.' And the rainbow parakeet darted into the library.

I had trouble concentrating during the morning session. How could she say we were destined to meet when after only three more sentences she disappeared? It hardly seemed like destiny to me.

During my lunch break I felt compelled to wander through the library, but I saw no one who resembled the vision I sought. By mid-afternoon I convinced myself I had been dreaming and settled down to the lecture.

The following day I alighted from the train and found her sitting on the bench in front of me.

'I thought I would wait for you,' she said as she unravelled a pale blue scarf from around her head.

'Good morning. I'm pleased to see you again. I thought you were a figment of my imagination.'

A musical laugh sprang forth. 'My name's Imogene and you are my new friend.'

I gave a half-bow and held out my hand. 'Pleased to meet you, Imogene. I'm Sebastian. I'm flattered to be your new friend. To what do I owe the pleasure?'

Taking my hand, she turned it around and stared at it for a moment before releasing it. 'The Universe announced your arrival. I've yet to find out why. You aren't disappointed, are you?'

'Disappointed? No, quite the opposite. However, I must tell you it's the first time I've become a friend in this manner.'

'That's a pity.'

As we walked away from the busyness of the station, she tapped my arm and asked, 'What you are studying?'

'Basic Law in the Workplace. I think it was made up to create employment for the tutor.'

'Why do you need it?'

'Simple really. It's about advancement. One must have several dossiers of paper declaring one's ability to answer questions in a manner in which it is required.'

'Good heavens!'

'It will take time,' I explained. 'It seems one can't expect a gold embossed certificate without time being crucial.'

'Good heavens,' she repeated, this time in a whisper. 'I wonder why I'm to be your friend.'

Again she disappeared into the library, and even though I called to her, she kept moving away. I could only stand and stare.

Today she was dressed in all black except for the ridiculously long scarf the colour of the ocean that matched her extensive use of startling eyeshadow. The scarf trailed down her back and threatened to trip