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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Fairy Tales & Fantasy
- Subject: Memory / Reminiscence
- Published: 03/27/2015
Princess Menses' Tale of Heroism
Born 1972, M, from Nanticoke, PA, United StatesFlorence Savoy, now in her fifties, has become an inspiration to women everywhere. This was not always so. Her story begins almost fifty years ago. Though it had a violent beginning, the life of this modern day heroine has become a beacon of hope and strength. This is a girl that turned affliction into power.
Princess Menses greets a new day in her garden, as the rays of the morning sun warm her back. She is in a reflective mood while she enjoys the peace of birdsong and distant wind chimes. She will give an interview today which will be televised, available in print, and online. Though she lives in a technological age, Florence is more like her ancient ancestor Evelyn, a simple peasant girl at heart. Florence is in touch with Nature more than with the latest trends. She is also, ever aware of how cruel the world can be; modern or not.
Before her lays the remains of her breakfast: a few crusts of buttered toast, smeared egg yolk, and a half eaten cantaloupe; her tea cools with the chill of the morning air. In preparation for retirement from crime fighting, Florence sits quietly alone, and remembers.
She recalls several memories at once: of when she realized her power, of a tale she heard long ago, and a memory she has shared with no one, until now. Florence sips her tea as a flood of memories and emotions cause her to daydream. She recalls pleasantries from her youth, adventures she had as a younger woman, and a story told to her by one she loved. The story may or may not be true. But, it is so strongly anchored in the princess’ mind, she really doesn’t care. Many have been influenced by stories; the validity of which may never be proven. If the telling of the story is great, a tale can be a powerful thing. This is briefly how it began.
Centuries ago, thousands of miles from where Florence sits today, people lived simpler lives and toiled vigorously merely to survive. Life was filled with obtaining the basic needs: food, shelter, and clothing. Perhaps later, there was time for frivolity; but not often. Roles in that lifetime were rigid, and people remained ignorant of change. Superstitions were commonplace and there were those that used this knowledge against the average citizen. Florence was awed by Evelyn’s life and how she was different.
Evelyn Farancourt was a typical woman that lived during the Dark Ages of Europe. She raked hay, milked cows, cooked dinners, and created garments of the period, for women and men. She also had faith in her church, and could read the Bible; basically the only book around to read during that time. Evelyn was inspired by the struggles of those old people. She also was amazed by the strength of the women like Mary, Elizabeth, and Ruth. For some reason Evelyn was able to dream of more for herself; despite the circumstances of her meager life.
As a seamstress, Evelyn met many people. She also just saw Life around her. Her conclusion was: women were treated very harshly. Maybe she was lucky her young husband died in a battle long ago. No one made advances towards a widow of almost thirty years of age. Men, young and old, were drawn more to younger, more spry and bosomy lasses. Secretly, and in the open, at all times of the day, women would seek advice from Evelyn, as they sought her out to share their tribulations.
Evelyn was free; living just before the feudalistic times to come. However, people struggled just to live one day; greed, debtor’s prisons, and hand sanitizer would arrive later. Many women of the time were not as fortunate as Evelyn. They lived in fear of the known and unknown. Rape and kidnapping were common; physical abuse and death, no matter the cause, were just accepted, as sure as the sun would rise the next day.
Ms. Farancourt struggled just like everyone else. But, she had within her a sage’s knowledge and a strong belief. The advice she gave to those weary women that sought her out was direct and concise: “You must have hope and believe you can help yourself.” She encouraged women to fight back at times, or yell, or to walk out; all actions foreign to the usual responses. Evelyn wanted to impress on those she helped that they mattered. They could be strong, make decisions, and they did not deserve the abuse they received.
No wonder Florence admired Evelyn Farancourt so; Evelyn was about 1,400 years ahead of her time. Lore or fact, the advice and life of Evelyn, what little Flo knows about her, drives Florence in a hidden way; only secretly known to those two ladies. For, it is in times of despair that Florence speaks to the spirit of Evelyn Farancourt; for motivation, guidance, or inspiration that day. Florence is like one of the women that would seek assistance from Evelyn during those much more trying times. Florence has become comfortable in believing in the Dame of the Dark Ages. As Princess Menses, Florence has also gotten great comfort from simply thinking about Evelyn’s life.
Pouring herself another cup of tea in her coast-side garden, Florence recalls how she became the woman she is today. Fifty-three years ago, Florence Savoy was just a toddler learning to talk in complete phrases. During an average day while young Florence played in a country park close to her home, a woman was stabbed repeatedly in the broadness of that Spring afternoon. Little Florence was playing while the shocking event occurred and her gaze was averted while she was in play. Florence did however see that a woman was lying in the grass; surrounded by her seeping crimson blood. Upon seeing this site, Florence let out a tremendous scream and cried; as is typical of little children. Through her childhood, she showed a deep fear of blood that brought about tears, even if the blood was from her knee or nose.
Florence was a bright girl, interested in music, nature, and other subjects. Those that raised her were not as bright as she however. When she received her first menstrual cycle, she could find no one near that could adequately answer her questions. Advised by a doctor, she began to accept menses as a part of her life and fear dissipated. Feeling empowered while in college, she was inspired and able to write a comprehensive book for women to better understand their bodies; no decent guide was available at the time. The title of her book: The Menstrual Cycle and The Effects on a Typical Woman. She disapproved of the word average, and did not want to appear to speak for all women. Bored with the traditional roles of women, Florence decided to enroll with the State Police.
Breaking from her day dream for a minute, Flo laughed by herself, alone in her garden, as she recalled how she was once told, “being a cop may not be your cup of tea.” This thought came back to her as she enjoyed her Chamomile blend. She actually did a spit take, and was glad no one was there to see that.
Florence learned she had to serve with the local police first, before she could be eligible for the academy in her state. She walked her beat and ‘flew a desk’ for a while, until the day came to take, and ace, the entrance exam. Florence specialized in studying violent crimes, and was particularly good at marksmanship and obtaining information from victims; women really trusted and admired her.
When it was discovered that she published a book about the menstrual cycle, Florence was given the nickname, Princess Menses, by her fellow cadets; she didn’t mind. Now, as she contemplates retiring from being an active duty state trooper, Lieutenant Florence “Princess Menses” Savoy wonders what it would be like to teach at the academy. Will she be able to continue to inspire, as she has been inspired? Will she be able to call on her experienced and private talks with victims she has met and that have inspired her? Will she retain her childhood lessons, especially what she learned by studying up on the life of Evelyn Farancourt? Maybe Florence will take an entirely new path.
All of this fills her head, as she awaits her upcoming interview. People she has met, or has yet to meet, think very highly of her. They respect her work, her words, and her actions. Little does she realize the impact she has made on her small corner of the world.
Princess Menses' Tale of Heroism(Charles A. Mazzarella)
Florence Savoy, now in her fifties, has become an inspiration to women everywhere. This was not always so. Her story begins almost fifty years ago. Though it had a violent beginning, the life of this modern day heroine has become a beacon of hope and strength. This is a girl that turned affliction into power.
Princess Menses greets a new day in her garden, as the rays of the morning sun warm her back. She is in a reflective mood while she enjoys the peace of birdsong and distant wind chimes. She will give an interview today which will be televised, available in print, and online. Though she lives in a technological age, Florence is more like her ancient ancestor Evelyn, a simple peasant girl at heart. Florence is in touch with Nature more than with the latest trends. She is also, ever aware of how cruel the world can be; modern or not.
Before her lays the remains of her breakfast: a few crusts of buttered toast, smeared egg yolk, and a half eaten cantaloupe; her tea cools with the chill of the morning air. In preparation for retirement from crime fighting, Florence sits quietly alone, and remembers.
She recalls several memories at once: of when she realized her power, of a tale she heard long ago, and a memory she has shared with no one, until now. Florence sips her tea as a flood of memories and emotions cause her to daydream. She recalls pleasantries from her youth, adventures she had as a younger woman, and a story told to her by one she loved. The story may or may not be true. But, it is so strongly anchored in the princess’ mind, she really doesn’t care. Many have been influenced by stories; the validity of which may never be proven. If the telling of the story is great, a tale can be a powerful thing. This is briefly how it began.
Centuries ago, thousands of miles from where Florence sits today, people lived simpler lives and toiled vigorously merely to survive. Life was filled with obtaining the basic needs: food, shelter, and clothing. Perhaps later, there was time for frivolity; but not often. Roles in that lifetime were rigid, and people remained ignorant of change. Superstitions were commonplace and there were those that used this knowledge against the average citizen. Florence was awed by Evelyn’s life and how she was different.
Evelyn Farancourt was a typical woman that lived during the Dark Ages of Europe. She raked hay, milked cows, cooked dinners, and created garments of the period, for women and men. She also had faith in her church, and could read the Bible; basically the only book around to read during that time. Evelyn was inspired by the struggles of those old people. She also was amazed by the strength of the women like Mary, Elizabeth, and Ruth. For some reason Evelyn was able to dream of more for herself; despite the circumstances of her meager life.
As a seamstress, Evelyn met many people. She also just saw Life around her. Her conclusion was: women were treated very harshly. Maybe she was lucky her young husband died in a battle long ago. No one made advances towards a widow of almost thirty years of age. Men, young and old, were drawn more to younger, more spry and bosomy lasses. Secretly, and in the open, at all times of the day, women would seek advice from Evelyn, as they sought her out to share their tribulations.
Evelyn was free; living just before the feudalistic times to come. However, people struggled just to live one day; greed, debtor’s prisons, and hand sanitizer would arrive later. Many women of the time were not as fortunate as Evelyn. They lived in fear of the known and unknown. Rape and kidnapping were common; physical abuse and death, no matter the cause, were just accepted, as sure as the sun would rise the next day.
Ms. Farancourt struggled just like everyone else. But, she had within her a sage’s knowledge and a strong belief. The advice she gave to those weary women that sought her out was direct and concise: “You must have hope and believe you can help yourself.” She encouraged women to fight back at times, or yell, or to walk out; all actions foreign to the usual responses. Evelyn wanted to impress on those she helped that they mattered. They could be strong, make decisions, and they did not deserve the abuse they received.
No wonder Florence admired Evelyn Farancourt so; Evelyn was about 1,400 years ahead of her time. Lore or fact, the advice and life of Evelyn, what little Flo knows about her, drives Florence in a hidden way; only secretly known to those two ladies. For, it is in times of despair that Florence speaks to the spirit of Evelyn Farancourt; for motivation, guidance, or inspiration that day. Florence is like one of the women that would seek assistance from Evelyn during those much more trying times. Florence has become comfortable in believing in the Dame of the Dark Ages. As Princess Menses, Florence has also gotten great comfort from simply thinking about Evelyn’s life.
Pouring herself another cup of tea in her coast-side garden, Florence recalls how she became the woman she is today. Fifty-three years ago, Florence Savoy was just a toddler learning to talk in complete phrases. During an average day while young Florence played in a country park close to her home, a woman was stabbed repeatedly in the broadness of that Spring afternoon. Little Florence was playing while the shocking event occurred and her gaze was averted while she was in play. Florence did however see that a woman was lying in the grass; surrounded by her seeping crimson blood. Upon seeing this site, Florence let out a tremendous scream and cried; as is typical of little children. Through her childhood, she showed a deep fear of blood that brought about tears, even if the blood was from her knee or nose.
Florence was a bright girl, interested in music, nature, and other subjects. Those that raised her were not as bright as she however. When she received her first menstrual cycle, she could find no one near that could adequately answer her questions. Advised by a doctor, she began to accept menses as a part of her life and fear dissipated. Feeling empowered while in college, she was inspired and able to write a comprehensive book for women to better understand their bodies; no decent guide was available at the time. The title of her book: The Menstrual Cycle and The Effects on a Typical Woman. She disapproved of the word average, and did not want to appear to speak for all women. Bored with the traditional roles of women, Florence decided to enroll with the State Police.
Breaking from her day dream for a minute, Flo laughed by herself, alone in her garden, as she recalled how she was once told, “being a cop may not be your cup of tea.” This thought came back to her as she enjoyed her Chamomile blend. She actually did a spit take, and was glad no one was there to see that.
Florence learned she had to serve with the local police first, before she could be eligible for the academy in her state. She walked her beat and ‘flew a desk’ for a while, until the day came to take, and ace, the entrance exam. Florence specialized in studying violent crimes, and was particularly good at marksmanship and obtaining information from victims; women really trusted and admired her.
When it was discovered that she published a book about the menstrual cycle, Florence was given the nickname, Princess Menses, by her fellow cadets; she didn’t mind. Now, as she contemplates retiring from being an active duty state trooper, Lieutenant Florence “Princess Menses” Savoy wonders what it would be like to teach at the academy. Will she be able to continue to inspire, as she has been inspired? Will she be able to call on her experienced and private talks with victims she has met and that have inspired her? Will she retain her childhood lessons, especially what she learned by studying up on the life of Evelyn Farancourt? Maybe Florence will take an entirely new path.
All of this fills her head, as she awaits her upcoming interview. People she has met, or has yet to meet, think very highly of her. They respect her work, her words, and her actions. Little does she realize the impact she has made on her small corner of the world.
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