New Year’s Resolutions from Levi, Oklahoma

This morning, I thought it would be fun to hear a few of the New Year’s resolutions of the good citizens of Levi, Oklahoma, at least those that made it to 2014.  Sad to say, some won’t be around to make resolutions but for those who made it through,  here’s what they are saying:

Burke Hopkins: I don’t believe much in resolutions. I just hope I can continue to live on my farm with my dog, a few chickens, and learn more of the ways of the woods. The old ways are best and I sure hope I don’t get involved in any more narrow escapes this year. Maybe, if I steer clear of Darcy and Flora…

Georgia and Carolina Jenkins: Georgia: How many years, sister, have we been making resolutions? I’ve got a new one this year: to get better acquainted with Darcy and Flora. Carolina: And, to keep what’s past, past, and to look forward to a most interesting 2014.

Pat Harris: My only resolution is to keep up with Jasper and do my best to keep that boy out of trouble. In fact, staying home would be a great resolution for him to make. Jasper! Where is that boy? Off in the woods again, I suspect. Jasper!

Jim Clendon: Believe it or not, I’m going to resolve to watch my mouth. It’s hard to do, though. I mean, that’s one of my jobs as deputy here in Ventris County, to keep a sharp eye on my boss, Grant Hendley,  and to needle Darcy. A guy’s gotta have some fun. Right?

Jackson Conner: I’ve practiced law in Ventris County for a good many years, had my office right here in Levi in the same spot and sort of watched the lives of people flow around me. A lawyer is privy to a good many secrets, especially in a small town, and I want to tell you that nothing is ever as it seems. Nothing! Why, who would have thought that…Anyway, one thing I don’t plan to keep secret is my admiration for Flora Tucker. So, that’s my resolution: to bring up a most important subject with Flora.

Grant Hendley: When Darcy moved back home to Levi, all my New Year’s resolutions about forgetting her went out the window! That woman attracts trouble like nothing I’ve seen! I can’t let her out of my sight or she’s bogged down in some mystery. So, my resolution for 2014 is not to let her out of my sight again–ever!

Flora Tucker: I don’t believe much in resolutions ’cause I think a person ought to live each day the best way she can. Instead of resolving anything, I’m just going to be thankful for life, that my daughter is safe and that the future just might be a little bit more wonderful with a man called Jackson Conner in it.

Darcy Campbell: I firmly resolve and promise to never open any more packages dug out of the ground, or to let my curiosity take me where danger lies. I resolve to live a sane, sensible, comfortable life here in my hometown and if I hear of anything puzzling, I’ll turn a deaf ear. Furthermore, I want you to know that I’ve never kept a resolution and probably won’t keep even one of these for 2014. There’s one, though, that I do plan to keep, and that involves a certain tall, slim, wonderful sheriff of Ventris County. That, however, is a private matter between  Grant and me. 

As a writer, I do believe I hear other interesting characters asking for a chance to be brought to life on the pages of my next book. So, I firmly resolve to give them a chance to meet you, my readers in the coming year!   — Blanche Manos