practicing using a flash

I like what's going on in the image in the last post.  But it's way, way too dark...and that was after trying to brighten it up in Lightroom.  The problem was I was in a dark room and didn't use a flash when I really, really, REALLY should have.  I don't like to use a flash because I'm not all that good with it (and if at first you don't succeed, just quit.  Nah, I'm kidding).

I've decided I really need to start practicing.  These are few pictures I took the other day and today using a flash and defuser.