I was back home by October, 2003 racking up 10s of thousands of Delta miles in the interim. (Also, thousands of rental car miles between Salt Lake City and Ashton, Idaho – one of the prettiest stretches of highway that exists.)

WIKIPEDIA - Wasatch Range, Salt Lake City, Utah... Click on the pic for full panorama.

I missed my kids, my friends, my home, Texas… but I had been hell-bent to run from bone-deep grief. So determined, that I married a potato farmer and made that move to the farthest eastern portion of the Snake River Plain butted up against the Grand Tetons.

*

Grand Tetons - seen from the Snake River Plain

Jeff and I had a chemistry that was palpable. If that hadn’t been the case, I would have been home long before those twelve short months.

That year was a lifesaving gift. I made forever-friends and gathered family that I still consider family. My only regret is that I disrupted the lives of two sweet girls, Allison and Kelsey – for that I will always be sorry.

Why do I delve into this?…

This morning, I headed out to clean my garage… and my hands, of their own volition — free from any thought processes, started unpacking boxes from the Idaho move back to Texas. These boxes had been stacked in my garage all this time; I’d managed to shove their existence to the very back of my brain for 8-1/2 years.

So why unpack them today?

My guess is because my life will be entering a new adventure in the next year or so. I’m now engaged to one of the best men who ever lived. He loves me  – sometimes I’m awestruck by how much he loves me. He loves me so much that I am for the first time in my life free to be ALL of me. And since some of this “ALL of me” is rather raw, I’m amazed he tolerates me at times.

My first husband, Gary, died almost twelve years ago. Jeff died more than three years ago. I still grieve for Jeff, and I will never finish grieving for Gary and the more than 26 years of full-to-bursting life we had together.

I’ve made mistakes on my long path of healing, but each mistake has taught me more about life, more about me. I’ll keep on making mistakes and keep on learning. Life never stops giving in that manner unless we quit receiving — this I believe with all my heart.

*

Well, the garage is cleaner than it’s been in years. Trash and recycle bins are brimming for Monday’s pickup. Boxes are stacked ready to go to storage. My hands are blistered, and this beer tastes great.

There remains one banker’s box from Idaho to explore. Maybe in another 8-1/2 years…

- debi

Then we cried in memory of loved ones we’ve lost much earlier than death should have had the right to claim them.

It was one of those evenings that was relayed by my hippocampus into its forever and ever safe-storage in my cranium.

Rach and I crashed in the guest room, her bulldog Suri bedding down between my legs pinning me to the mattress. But who cares when you’re that inebriated?

At some point in the middle of the night, my body revolted and sent me to the porcelain throne, no doubt the only reason I was able to wobble into work this morning.

After washing my face and brushing my gnarly teeth and tongue, my incredible man made sweet love to me… completing this perfect memory.

The last thing I remember before the sandman visited was giggling and saying, “I guess I never grew up.”

And I hope I never do.

- debi

*

Basic Instinct (1992)

Manipulation can be demeaning and frustrating. In extreme cases, it may even be dangerous, as detective Nick Curran of the SFPD found out in Basic Instinct.

There are also times we are manipulated for “our own good”. We’re often grateful for this kind of benevolent leading; e.g. a trusted relation gently swaying us toward a better life decision.

But we should make an effort to distinguish the difference; know when someone is deliberately or otherwise leading us down a wrong path.  Do you recognize the signs?

Manipulation can hide behind numerous disguises; tactics are as varied as the individuals employing them. Our personalities determine the methods we’re prone to use. Do you know your particular brand of control? Let’s find out.

If you don’t already know your Enneagram personality type, take the test at this post, remember your type number and return here.

Look below, find your type and see if you recognize behaviors you’ve enacted toward others. Conversely, peruse the list; unless you’ve lived in a bubble, you should see underhanded ploys tried on you.

And keep in mind… as we observed with Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner… who is manipulating whom?

Wile E. Coyote

Type 1:  The Reformer feels that to be loved he must be good, and to be good he must be right. Whether his argument is correct or not is irrelevant; his method of manipulation is to persuade others to agree with his views in his attempt to satisfy his underlying needs.

Type 2: The Helper feels he must earn others’ love by putting their needs before his. His method of manipulation is to learn and cater to the needs and desires of others hence creating dependencies in his attempt to satisfy his underlying needs.

Type 3: The Achiever feels he is worthy due only to his achievements and performances. Leaving his true self behind to be “successful”, he will manipulate by charming others and by assuming whatever facade seems appropriate in the attempt to satisfy his underlying needs.

Type 4: The Individualist is on a life-long search for his identity. In his insistence that he is unlike anyone else and that he is true to himself, he manipulates through making others very uncomfortable with his moodiness and eccentricities in the attempt to satisfy his underlying needs.

Type 5: The Investigator can only recognize self-worth if he feels a degree of expertise in at least one area; if he has mastered some thing. He will manipulate by staying preoccupied and detaching emotionally from others in the attempt to satisfy this underlying need.

Roadrunner

Type 6: The Loyalist longs for support and guidance and the ability to stand on his own. Though it may undermine the support he strives for, he will manipulate by complaining and testing the commitment of others in the attempt to satisfy these underlying needs.

Type 7: The Enthusiast desires to be happy and satisfied, escaping anxiety. He feels OK if he has “all he needs”. In the attempt to maintain these heightened feelings, he will manipulate by distracting others and insisting they meet his demands.

Type 8: The Challenger fears dependency of any kind in his quest for autonomy in this hostile world. Feeling he alone is strong and works hard, he will manipulate by demanding others to do his bidding; becoming domineering in his attempt to satisfy these underlying needs.

Type 9: The Peacemaker desires peace of mind and stability in his inner and exterior world and believes all is OK if those around him are OK. He will manipulate by passively-aggressively resisting others and by disappearing into his daydreams in his attempt to satisfy these underlying needs.

Armed with this knowledge, can you visualize maintaining a more disciplined, forthright mode of interacting? Can you visualize banishing the games and relinquishing control over others’ lives?

- debi

Upon arrival at their Idaho homestead in the raw pioneer world of 1890,

a Ft Worth debutante and her wealthy groom are kidnapped

and held for ransom by notorious bank robbers.

Will Madeleine escape; will she want to?

****

If you haven’t read the previous scenes, please click on the Teton Screenplay posts to the right, and then meet us back here!

****

INT. GUEST ROOM – GREAT ROCK SALOON – NIGHT

MUSIC and VOICES are muted.  A full moon dimly lights the room; Madeleine sleeps.  Joseph BANGS the door open, enters the room, staggering slightly.

JOSEPH

Ahh, my beautiful bride. Wake

up and make me a happy man.

Madeleine sleepily sits up in the bed.

Joseph is removing his boots, belt, his head down, focusing on the last of his clothes. Madeleine’s expression changes from confusion to irritation as she wakes.

JOSEPH

I had hoped to save this

moment for when we arrived

at Stiller Meadows, but I’ve

changed my mind.

Madeleine stands and crosses her arms over her chest, hands on either shoulder.

                   MADELEINE

                   (firm voice)

I will not have you touch

me after your actions tonight.

You did not act like a proper

husband, and until you do,

I’ll not act like a proper

wife!

Joseph lifts his head, eyes harsh, jaw thrust forward; his hands stop, long johns hanging off his hips. Madeleine stops; looks a little wary as if she knows she pushed too far.

JOSEPH

(sobered voice)

Understand this – I own this

town, and now I own you. You

will do my bidding… and if

you know what’s best, you’ll

do it without all your

disagreeing words.

Madeleine grabs her robe off the bed, starts to walk around Joseph to the door. He grips her arm. She struggles to free herself. He grabs her, rips her gown, buttons flying, throws her on the bed pinning her hands down forcing himself between her legs.

Her struggles fade with realized futility; pain and hatred in her eyes cause angry tears. She bites her bottom lip to keep from crying out; somehow knowing it will do no good.

GUEST ROOM – EARLY MORNING

First sunlight slants in the window. Madeleine is fully dressed, her head leaning in the wing of a chair, vacantly staring out the window. Joseph is asleep in the bed.

Loud KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK on the door.

SMITTY (O.S.)

Joseph Stiller! Wake up – ‘tis

urgent.

Joseph reluctantly stirs. Madeleine stands quickly, walks to and throws the door wide open.

MADELEINE

Come in, please…

Mr. Stiller was just attempting

to stir himself.

Joseph pushes himself up to sitting, pulls a sheet around himself.

JOSEPH

This better be good, Smitty.

I don’t appreciate my wedding

bed being interrupted.

Smitty abashedly glances at Madeleine.

SMITTY

Oh…, ay, I beg yer forgiveness,

Ma’am.

SMITTY

(to Joseph)

Yer bank was robbed last

night… Sheriff is at the

telegraph office summoning

the Pinkerton Agency at this

very moment.

Joseph stands and drops the sheet grabbing clothing, boots, etc… dressing hurriedly. Madeleine in the b.g. turns her head in embarrassment.

JOSEPH

Why do you wait till now to

tell me?

SMITTY

I’m relaying the news, dammit!

I just learnt of it meself.

(beat)

The masked bandits, five according

to witness account, call

theyselves the Snake River Boys.

JOSEPH

Oh, good God, what theatrics.

(beat)

Have my carriage retrieved

from the livery.

Smitty nods and turns to leave.

****

- debi

Teton Screenplay 8 coming soon.

Upon arrival at their Idaho homestead in the raw pioneer world of 1890,

a Ft Worth debutante and her wealthy groom are kidnapped

and held for ransom by notorious bank robbers.

Will Madeleine escape; will she want to?

****

If you haven’t read the previous scenes, please click on the Teton Screenplay posts to the right, and then meet us back here!

****

EXT. MAIN STREET – DUSK

GREAT ROCK, IDAHO

A broad street, daylight dimming by the minute. Sloppy with mud and animal dung; bustling: horses, pedestrians, carriages, movement all around. NOISY. Shopkeepers YELLING their wares.

The stage-coach is stopped in front of the Great Rock Saloon. Madeleine takes the hand of the driver and steps out the coach door, her attention caught by the view of Grand Tetons, snowy peaks stained sunset-crimson, stretching for the heavens, framing the east end of the street.

The driver’s young SON is unloading bags. Joseph jumps out the coach door and jostles Madeleine slightly not bothering to apologize. She steps out of the way as others disembark, nods fondly at other passengers.

JOSEPH

(to the driver’s son)

Boy, carry those bags inside.

The proprietor of the Great Rock, SMITTY, a big loud red-headed man, swings the doors open wide with a CREAK and steps out on the wood walkway.

SMITTY

(loud amusement-filled

voice)

Joseph Stiller, it’s about

time ye got your ass back

here where it belongs. Eagle

Rock has seen a bit o’ the

dull since your departure.

Joseph looks up at the proprietor, a grin on his face.

JOSEPH

Smitty! I seriously doubt the

claim of dullness, but I am

glad to be back.

SMITTY

I dare say there’ll be a

celebration tonight; a bottle

o’ the corn calls your name.

JOSEPH

Any sign of my cattle?

SMITTY

You’d be smelling their shit

if they’d made their way home

afore ye.

Joseph chuckles and turns to Madeleine.

JOSEPH

Mrs. Stiller, we’ll rest for a

moment and have a refreshment

before we tackle the last leg

of our journey.

Joseph points palm-up toward the saloon and dips his head. Madeleine’s eyes widen a little. She hesitates, then turns and walks up the steps of the Great Rock Saloon.

INT. SALOON – NIGHT

Large room, wall sconces provide dim light. Customers at the bar, at tables. LOUD. Tinkly piano MUSIC. Saloon girls circulate. Joseph is at a poker table, a pretty blond with mostly bared breasts leaning over his shoulder. He slaps money down.

Madeleine sits at a table by herself, back straight, hands in her lap. A good-looking cowboy, CHARLES ADAMS, walks up, removes his hat. He’s the man we saw at the gravesites.

CHARLES

Miss, is this chair taken?

May I join you?

MADELEINE

(slightly embarrassed)

Oh! I am sure I would enjoy

your company, but…

(a breath and exhalation)

My name is Mrs. Stiller.

CHARLES

I beg your pardon… Ma’am.

(beat)

My name is Charles Adams. May

I assume you are Mrs. Joseph

Stiller?

Madeleine nods her head. Charles turns briefly toward Joseph in the b.g. intent on his poker game and companions.

CHARLES

Your husband seems to be

agreeably occupied.

Madeleine blushes.

CHARLES

Ahh, I’m pleased to see you

have the good grace to be

embarrassed for your groom.

Do you often have to wait

for him to tire of his

activities?

Madeleine narrows her eyes.

MADELEINE

(low voice, stern)

Mr. Adams, are you not being

rather forward?

CHARLES

I suppose I am; let me start

over. Has Mrs. Stiller been

privileged to receive such

attention from her groom

since your recent wedding day?

MADELEINE

I believe you are as

uncivilized as he is!

Charles’ raises a brow over a half grin.

CHARLES

Because I speak truths you

prefer to ignore?

Madeleine stares angrily at Charles for a moment, turns her head as if to ignore him but is unable to restrain herself.

MADELEINE

Since you seem to have such

a solid grasp of human nature,

what would you do were you in

my situation?

Charles leans forward slightly. His eyes light up.

CHARLES

Why, Mrs. Stiller, I would

walk over there to my loving

husband and scoop up all that

cash on the table in front of

him; after all it belongs to

you as much to him. Then… I

would slap him loudly across

the cheek and stay at the inn

across the street!

Her eyes spark, chest rising, hands clasped on the edge of the table as she stands.

We see Joseph in the background raise his head and stare at Madeleine and Charles.

JOSEPH

(loudly)

Rose, show Mrs. Stiller to

a room.

Charles stands straight and resumes a formal air. A young pretty woman, ROSE, nods her head at Joseph; walks toward Madeleine.

CHARLES

Mrs. Stiller, it is my

pleasure to have made your

acquaintance.

Charles bows politely and starts to walk away then turns back as if with an afterthought, hat still in hand.

CHARLES

Perhaps we shall meet again…

soon.

****

- debi

Click on Teton Screenplay 7 to the right to read more.

Upon arrival at their Idaho homestead in the raw pioneer world of 1890,

a Ft Worth debutante and her wealthy groom are kidnapped

and held for ransom by notorious bank robbers.

Will Madeleine escape; will she want to?

****

If you haven’t read the previous scenes, please click on the Teton Screenplay post to the right, and then meet us back here!

****

INT. STAGE COACH – MORNING

A small room swaying with forward motion. Rays of early morning sunlight peek in curtained windows. Three benches form a C facing the too short door on one side of the coach. A bright beam of light wakes Madeleine; slight startle as she looks around, realizes where she is, sits up.

We see Joseph asleep lying on his bench. The third bench holds two MEN, a WOMAN and two CHILDREN – all asleep except the woman; miserable with one child’s head in her lap and a newborn, freshly fed, resting on her shoulder.

Quickly, the woman tries to button her front upon the sight of Madeleine waking. Madeleine looks surprised at the passengers that had not been there when she fell asleep.

MADELEINE

(whispering)

Oh, you look uncomfortable.

(beat)

Please share my bench. How

selfish of me; I must have

slept through your boarding.

The woman looks at Madeleine and then at sleeping Joseph.

WOMAN

(whispering)

Ma’am, would that not be

improper? Your husband

instructed us to sit on

this bench.

MADELEINE

Please, how can it be

improper if I insist?

The woman gives Madeleine a worried look, but carefully moves the older child’s head till he is lying down and scoots over to

MADELEINE’S BENCH

with the newborn.

MADELEINE

Lie down. Don’t say a

word….. I insist.

The woman looks close to tears with relief and is almost instantly asleep, the baby cradled in her arms.

Madeleine reaches out and touches Joseph’s arm. She shakes his arm when he doesn’t respond. He finally wakes.

MADELEINE

Will we stop soon? I’m in

need of… of a stop.

Joseph pulls his pocket watch out.

JOSEPH

We’re scheduled to stop

early this morning. I’m sure

we’re close.

He wakes up enough to see the woman next to Madeleine.

JOSEPH

Why is she on your bench?

Wake her up; make her move.

MADELEINE

I invited her.

Joseph narrows his eyes and glares at Madeleine for a moment then rolls away from her, back to sleep.  Madeleine squirms uncomfortably as she peers out the window.

INT. CAFE – MID MORNING

HENRIETTA, TEXAS

A low ceilinged café, bright light streaming in a window onto a wood table. Madeleine and Joseph are seated eating a meal, the flat landscape of west Texas visible out the window. Madeleine is animated, excited to be traveling.

MADELEINE

Uncle George said our journey

will take fourteen days. I

look forward to seeing the

changing landscape.

Joseph continues eating, not bothering to look up.

JOSEPH

Eight more days and seven

nights, straight through. I indulged

you with more time than I should

have for the wedding.

Joseph looks up with a self-congratulatory grin.

EXT. STREET – MINUTES LATER

Flat, wide street, bright sunlight. An elevated wood sidewalk and porch roof support a sign “Henrietta Café”. Madeleine and the other passengers are standing on the walk awaiting the coach. One of the men picks his teeth with a piece of straw, his son imitating him.

Joseph steps out the cafe door and stands behind the boy, looks up the

STREET

Where the coach DRIVER and a squat, strutting LIVERY OWNER are walking toward them under an open white sky, heat waves rising in the distance.

JOSEPH (O.S.)

Driver, where’s our coach?

DRIVER

It appears we’ll have a delay.

There seems to have been a

misunderstanding.

WALKWAY

Joseph’s face turns red, his mouth grim. He moves forward shoving the boy to one side as the father grabs for his falling son.

JOSEPH

(voice rising)

I didn’t pay for delays!

STREET

The driver places his hand on the other man’s shoulder pushing him forward.

DRIVER

He owns the livery; he’ll

explain.

WALKWAY

Joseph STOMPS down the steps into the

STREET – CLOSE UP

Walks up to and towers over the nonchalant livery owner.

LIVERY OWNER

My one fresh team was promised

to another coach.

JOSEPH

(menacing)

I reserved those horses. I

don’t care who you’ve

promised them to – I bought

and paid for them.

LIVERY OWNER

Another team’ll be ready this

afternoon. You’ll be on the

trail in six or seven hours.

Joseph pulls his gun and jabs it in the man’s temple. The owner returns a defiant look. The woman passenger (O.S.) GASPS, the older child CRIES and is silenced.

JOSEPH

I don‘t have six or seven

hours. The horses are mine.

If not, return my money;

I’ll find another stable.

The owner closes his eyes, considering, holds up a hand.

LIVERY OWNER

No, wait.

(beat)

I’ll give them to you, but

I’ll need to provide the other

party with compensation.

Joseph looks down in contempt.

JOSEPH

(low voice)

Don’t even think it. You’re

pathetic.

Joseph holds the barrel of his gun by the owner’s ear, FIRES into the air. The owner grabs for his deafened ear, and Joseph punches him in the gut causing him to fold forward with an OOMPH holding his stomach.

JOSEPH

Look at me.

The owner straightens up slowly, fear and hatred on his face.

JOSEPH

It is of no concern to me

what you do about anyone

else’s problems.

Joseph shoves the man away from him.

JOSEPH

Get to it, man.

****

- debi

Click on Teton Screenplay 6 to the right to read more.

Upon arrival at their Idaho homestead in the raw pioneer world of 1890,

a Ft Worth debutante and her wealthy groom are kidnapped

and held for ransom by notorious bank robbers.

Will Madeleine escape; will she want to?

****

If you haven’t read the previous scenes, please click on the Teton Screenplay post to the right, and then meet us back here!

****

EXT. MCCARTEL ESTATE – 1 PM

A sweeping view of a large manicured lawn lit bright by early summer sunlight; from time to time shadows from puffy clouds lazily cross the green sea of grass.

A wedding trellis stands on a small stage where a string quartet sits. Chairs and tables, brimming with food, are situated under large oak trees. Black servers move amidst the guests, generously distributing champagne and other libations.

We hear the PASTOR speaking wedding vows as we look out on the seated audience gathering images: Aunt Louise displaying a practiced indifference, Uncle George a grin of contentment. On the

WEDDING STAGE

Lillian, standing next to Madeleine, wears a barely-concealed jealous scowl. Joseph is distinguished in a long-tailed coat; Madeleine’s white satin and lace veil spreads wide and long behind her, barely leaving room for Lillian on the stage. Her skirts are bound up on her hips in massive bustles. Joseph lifts Madeleine’s veil and kisses her.

PASTOR

On this sixth day of June in

the year of our Lord, Eighteen-

Hundred and Ninety, I present

to you, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph

Stiller.

The quartet begins playing. Madeleine turns to Lillian.

MADELEINE

Oh, thank goodness, finally!

Lillian, help me remove this

awful veil and then store it

in my trousseau trunk, please.

Lillian sulks but does as told. Joseph sweeps Madeleine into his arms and they circle a temporary massive

DANCE FLOOR

placed on a level area of the lawn.

Other couples merge on the dance floor. Madeleine’s haughty expression fades. She appears to relax for once.

EXT. LAWN OF ESTATE – LATE AFTERNOON

Shadows are slanting. Guests are loud and obviously enjoying themselves; women fanning rosy faces; an inebriated ambiance as the NOISE climbs.

ON THE DANCE FLOOR

Madeleine is dancing a slow melody with her Uncle George.

MADELEINE

I’ll miss you, Uncle George.

You won’t forget me, will you?

George appears a little choked up, but maintains his composure.

GEORGE

How could I, Child?

(beat)

You and Mr. Stiller make a

handsome couple.

MADELEINE

Thank you, I’m excited to be

Mrs. Stiller, soon to venture

to other parts of the world.

Madeleine lays her head on his shoulder for a moment. We see Joseph walk onto the dance floor, dancers side-stepping to miss him.

JOSEPH

Mrs. Stiller, it’s time for

us to make our departure.

Madeleine and George slow their dance and turn to Joseph. Other couples must step around to avoid collisions. George looks surprised; Madeleine confused.

MADELEINE

Mr. Stiller, the party has

many hours to go, and we’re

the primary attraction.

JOSEPH

This party will proceed

without us; parties wait for

us in Idaho. We can’t have my

cattle arriving before we do.

(beat)

Gather your things; the coach

will be here at 7pm.

Madeleine stands stock still looking in disbelief at his unmoving face.  After a moment as Joseph does not back down, Madeleine curtsies slightly and turns to George, holds his hand as she looks into his face then exits the dance floor.

****

- debi

Click on Teton Screenplay 5 to the right to read more.

It was a fun day for my boyfriend and me.  The Texas Rangers hosted the Chicago White Sox, and we accepted an invite to watch from a suite at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Strange strains of luck seem to follow Ken and me any time we travel or plan outings, that evening being no exception; the heavens opened for the last time this summer and chased us out of the Ballpark. We left, thankfully, when the game was suspended… a three hour delay to see the Rangers lose at 1:30am is not one of my favorite things.

The only dribble of rain gifted to the metroplex since then happened on the 13th of August while we were out of town for a long weekend. It was such an unexpected and celebrated occurrence that my phone beeped constantly with excited texts for well over an hour. The glorious, though short-lived, event was the biggest news of three months.

With the never-to-be-underestimated  optimism of the human race, we all spoke of breaking weather patterns, of a stubborn-as-hell high pressure system succumbing to a lower weather pattern, of the first cool breeze of fall on millions of Texas faces worshipfully pointed toward the northern horizon.

Alas, Mother Nature was merely teasing us… rather like the local weather forecasters with their weekly promises of relief always six to seven days in the future. I’m convinced they have created a conspiracy designed to hold the boiling, over-heated masses at bay: give us a glimmer of hope – don’t dare tell us that fifty, sixty days of fry-the-egg-on-the-sidewalk afternoons are our fate. (Those of you nonbelievers in cooler climates, I dare you to visit and walk barefoot on our cement frying-pans!)

From May’s beautiful green fields and trees topped by blue skies that often brought clouds…

we’ve fallen to the bland brown of thirst under skies so hot they are almost bleach white.

Now if we see clouds on the horizon… well that’s just where they stay.

And despite water bills almost as big as my electric bills, I fear for my poor Japanese Red Maple…

My Maple and Ivy now...

Grrrrr…..

My Maple and Ivy then...

*

**

***

- debi

***

**

*

Upon arrival at their Idaho homestead in the raw pioneer world of 1890,

a Ft Worth debutante and her wealthy groom are kidnapped

and held for ransom by notorious bank robbers.

Will Madeleine escape; will she want to?

****

If you haven’t read the previous scenes, please click on the Teton Screenplay post to the right, and then meet us back here!

****

INT. OTHER SIDE OF MCCARTEL BALLROOM – NIGHT

Madeleine weaves through the crowd, finds and stands by Uncle George, who is engaged in conversation with a tall, handsome man, JOSEPH STILLER, in his early thirties, dressed in tailored coattails of the latest fashion.

Madeleine looks off at the dance floor and quietly listens to their conversation.

GEORGE

I assume you’ve been able to

recoup your cattle losses.

JOSEPH

It took three years, but my

herds are finally back to

pre-’87 health and numbers.

(braggadocio)

Including the three hundred

Longhorns I’ve purchased

from your brother-in-law,

I’ll add over one-thousand

head this season alone.

George appears appropriately impressed.

GEORGE

I’ve heard many northern

ranchers lost all they had

in that fearful winter –

herds and land.

Madeleine looks over with interest.

JOSEPH

Ah, yes. It seems to have

taken a toll on many… Maybe

they should have been more

diligent in their preparations.

I’ve found myself more

financially robust than ever.

After all, one man’s loss…

George is listening intently. A slightly inebriated man bumps into George; he turns to the commotion. Joseph sees Madeleine for the first time and drops his thought.

GEORGE

Madeleine! May I introduce you

to Mr. Joseph Stiller of Eagle

Rock, Idaho; bank owner and

cattle baron?

Madeleine curtsies. Joseph bows, kisses her gloved hand.

GEORGE

Miss McCartel has lived with

us for five years, since her

parents’ untimely passing.

Madeleine is unable to take her eyes off this striking man that reeks of charm. She forces herself to turn to Uncle George.

GEORGE

I’m thankful for each day

that I’m graced with her

lively company…

(teasing)

She has dreams of adventure

I have no doubt she’ll

fulfill.

MADELEINE

(reprimanding)

Uncle George, I’m excited

to experience the world or

at the very least this great

country. The collective

citizenry of Ft Worth hasn’t

entertained an original

thought in decades

(softening)

the exception being you and

Daddy.

Madeleine smiles at George and kisses him on the cheek. She looks up at Joseph.

MADELEINE

Idaho must be a vastly

different world from ours –

bank robbers and horse

thieves?

JOSEPH

I’m afraid the romantic tales

of the western frontier are

greatly exaggerated… Towns

are growing, civilization

flourishes; the law is in

command these days.

Madeleine cocks her head, looks a little askant, drops it.

MADELEINE

Are you not to become the

43rd state soon?

JOSEPH

Have you raised a prodigy,

George? When has a beautiful

woman cared about current

events other than fashion?

… I’m fascinated.

Madeleine blushes, lowers her eyes, surprising herself with her flirtatious, Lillian-like actions.

GEORGE

Be careful; she’ll answer

your questions before you

ask them.

A lively foxtrot starts. Joseph bows to Madeleine.

JOSEPH

May I have this dance, Miss

McCartel?

Madeleine curtsies.

MADELEINE

I would be honored.

Joseph takes her hand and sweeps her onto the

BALLROOM DANCE FLOOR.

They fit perfectly; dance as if they’ve danced together for years. Madeleine’s face lights up; Joseph can’t take his eyes off her. We see them weave effortlessly between and around other dancers. Men and women alike steal glances as they circle the floor.

On the completion of a graceful turn, Joseph pulls her in

CLOSER

than is socially acceptable and whispers in her ear.

JOSEPH

Miss McCartel, may I have

the next dance?

She’s unable to lift her gaze; embarrassed the heat she’s feeling will flare out her eyes.

MADELEINE

(whispering)

Yes, Mr. Stiller.

JOSEPH

Mostly, though, I want the

last dance of the evening.

Madeleine finally looks up and nods her head.

****

- debi

Click on Teton Screenplay 4 to the right to read more.

Midnight,

2,4,6

A.M.

Finally, it’s time;

the clock yields to a new day.

The night lingered

and lingered….

but now –

Quick, quick!

Chores to be effectuated,

items off the list to be scratched.

not a solitary moment to be wasted!

The hours racing each other to the finish line…

Father Time will not yield to trivial needs,

relentlessly pushing each grain of sand

through the hour glass.

Oooh…

but to have

four, five, six more hours

adjoined to a turn of the earth.

Wait! They exist —

Midnight,

2,4,6

A.M.

Tick, tick, tick…

*

- By debi

*

*

Pictures(respectively) from Wikipedia and HubbleSite: Raghvendra Sahai and John Trauger (JPL), the WFPC2 science team, and NASA