Category: Flash

Flash

A Little Alone Time

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Sammi at Weekend Writing Prompt
has challenged us to write something clever
in exactly 91 words, using the word β€œintent”.
This is my response in exactly 91 words.

Angie eased into the bathtub.

Her once lithe and graceful body had been rebelling for a while; now it had declared mutiny.

She didn’t expect to have free time today so this moment of solitude was bliss.

Angie barely had time to relax when she heard the persistent nudging on the door; a black paw soon found its way into the narrow opening.

Sidney, the cat.

He was intent on getting into the bathroom to see what Angie was up to without him.

β€œSid!” Angie scolded playfully. β€œA little privacy, please!”

NARΒ©2024
91 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #352 – Intent
FOWC with Fandango β€” Privacy
Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge – Expect
FOWC with Fandango β€” Lithe
Moonwashed Weekly Prompt – Bliss

This is Rufus Wainwright with β€œAlone Time”

All text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Remains Of The Day

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Rochelle, our gracious host at Friday Fictioneers,
has challenged us to write a story of 100 words or less,
using the photo below as inspiration. This is my story.

Photo Copyright Alicia Jamtaas

Too many arguments, too many years of spiteful words. She’d had enough.

He walked into their bedroom where she was packing. β€œHow can you do this, like it was nothing?”

β€œLike it was nothing? Do you really think this is easy, like tossing out yesterday’s leftovers?”

β€œTwenty-three years, Beth. You can’t throw that away.”

β€œWould you just let it be, Sam, and go to work.”

β€œI’ll see you when I get home, Beth.”

β€œOblivious” she murmured.

Of course she was gone when he returned. Nothing left but remains of the day.

And he didn’t have a clue what to do.

NARΒ©2024
100 Words

23 February 2024

This is Steve Tyrell with “A House Is Not A Home”

All text, graphics and videos)Β is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s TrunkΒ and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Endless Love – Part 2

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

It’s time for Friday Fictioneers Fun with Rochelle! Here’s something different for you today. I wrote Part 2 to Dale Rogerson’s terrific story, Β Endless Love and piggy backed my story onto hers. Here’s the link to Dale’s site; please read her story before mine. Thanks to our host Rochelle and my friend Dale for a fun read and a great photo!

Endless Love – Friday Fictioneers
Β© Dale Rogerson

Aw, do you love me, Baby?

Oh, Honey, you know I do.

Then come and show me, Baby.

Now, Sugar Cookie, what if I slip and hurt something important?

I’ll give you my very special TLC, Baby.

Really, Sweet Pea?  What kind of TLC?

Why, I’d give you some hugging, Baby.

Then what, Munchkin?

Some squeezing, Baby.

Ooh, then what, Turtle Dove?

Some kissing, Baby.

Oh, Sugar Lips, I do love your hugging and squeezing and kissing.

You coming over tonight, Baby?

Aw, Honey Pie. It’s freezing outside.

But it’s sizzling in here, Baby.

Mmm, Sweetness! Nothing’s gonna stop me!

16 February 2024

This is Mickey and Sylvia with β€œLover Boy”

NARΒ©2024
100 Words

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Revenge Bill

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers has challenged us
once again to create something amazing
in 100 words or less to go with the photo prompt below.
Here is my 100-word response to that challenge.

Β© Peter Abbey

β€œWhat are they looking at, Bob.”

β€œSomething rather barbaric, Ellen. I think we should just move along.”

β€œWhat do you mean β€˜barbaric’? Now I’m feeling both disturbed and curious.”

β€œIt’s an execution, Ellen.”

β€œAn execution? Here …. out in the open? When did that become legal?”

β€œLast week. It’s the β€œRevenge Bill”. Convicted murderers can be executed the same way they killed their victims. In the cage is the β€œBathtub Murderer”. He’ll be lowered into the water and kept there until he drowns. These people watching are the victim’s family members.”

β€œOMG! That’s dreadful!”

β€œAn eye for an eye, Ellen.”

NARΒ©2024
100 Words

NB: This is a fiction piece and must be regarded as such. My beliefs regarding capital punishment or my political/religions/humanitarian leanings are strictly personal and are not up for discussion on a public forum such as WordPress unless I specifically choose to do so.

9 February 2024

This is Unkle with “Eye For An Eye”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Until Now

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers
has challenged us to respond to this photo
in 100 words or less. Here is my story.

Photo Prompt Β© Susan Rouchard

Hard to imagine life without her. When the hell did everything start to unravel?

He sat alone in the shell of their apartment nursing his second Dewars. Once upon a time this place was alive with people enjoying one of their famous dinner parties. He could hear the sound of her spirited laugh when someone told a dirty joke. 

They were the perfect couple, the envy of all their friends. Theirs was an easy, comfortable marriage. They were in sync in their choices of restaurants, paint colors and the biggest decision of all .… neither one wanted kids.

Until now.

NARΒ©2024
100 Words

2 February 2024

This is Landon Austin with β€œBlindsided”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Jumping The Shark

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Two prompts today:
Weekend Writing Prompt and
Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge ~
to include the words ‘bridge’ & ‘turmoil’,
all in 53 words. Here is my story.

There are certain lines that exist in society, even among the closest of friends, lines not meant to be crossed.

She not only crossed the line …. she hurtled the bridge and jumped the shark.

And why? She’s only human and carelessly, regrettably didn’t think things through; now her brain is in turmoil.

Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge – Bridge.
Weekend Writing Prompt #348 – Turmoil

This is Billy Joel with β€œYou’re Only Human”

This portfolio (includingΒ text, graphics and videos)Β is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s TrunkΒ and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Pennies From Heaven

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers has
challenged us with this photo prompt.
Here is my 100-word response.

Photo Prompt Β© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Sunny Hill Farm. The name alone made me smile.

We never went on vacation when I was a kid; that was for β€œrich people”.

You can imagine my unbearable glee when it was decided in the summer of ’59 that we would leave The Bronx for five glorious days in a place called Sunny Hill Farm.

Looking at the brochure we declared it to be β€œperfect” with lush rolling hills, horses, swimming, picnics, barbecues, fresh air and sunshine everywhere.

We loaded up the car, singing all the way to our vacation nirvana …. where it poured and poured for days.

NARΒ©2024
100 Words

26 January 2024

This is “Pennies From Heaven” by Billie Holiday

This portfolio (includingΒ text, graphics and videos)Β is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s TrunkΒ and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Wildflowers

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers has
challenged us with this photo prompt.
Here is my 100-word response.

Photo Prompt Β© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

“Good morning, Sunshine! Did you notice the wildflowers? It’s like they sprang up overnight. It’s awfully stuffy in here, don’t you think, Charlie? I’ll open the window a crack for some air if you promise to behave. One little yell from you and I’ll be forced to put your gag back in. Do you want that, Charlie? Ah, that’s a lovely breeze, isn’t it. Oh, now Charlie! You really shouldn’t have hollered like that! Just when I was gonna untie you. Why can’t you follow orders? That makes me angry. You remember what happens when I’m angry, don’t you, Charlie?” 

NARΒ©2024
100 Words

26 January 2024

This is Tom Petty and “Wildflowers”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Home Cooking

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Sammi at Weekend Writing Prompt
is challenging us with the word β€œnote”;
in exactly 72 words, this is my response.

My mother was a terrific cook; her specialty was, of course, homemade Italian food – manicotti, arancini, etc.

She left me her β€˜recipe book, which was really nothing more than scribbled notes. Her ‘detailed‘ cooking instructions read: β€œsome cheese” and a β€œglass” of water.

I can remember the glass she used to add water to whatever she was cooking; it was an old Flintstones jelly jar.

How I wish I had that jar!

NARΒ©2024
72 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #347 – Note

This is “Come On-A My House” by Louis Prima

This portfolio (includingΒ text, graphics and videos)Β is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s TrunkΒ and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

High And Dry

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Sammi at Weekend Writing Prompt
is challenging us with the word “note”;
in exactly 72 words, this is my response.
🍸

After thirty minutes and two martinis I began feelingΒ paranoid. It was painfully obvious, at least to me, that everyone who saw me sitting by the bar thought I was either an elegant call girl just past her prime or a lonesome, tedious housewife who had beenΒ stood up.Β 

I became aware of someone approaching. I looked up expectantly, smiling; it was just the concierge. Whispering discreetly, he handed me a note.

NARΒ©2024
72 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #347 – Note

This is β€œThe Queen of the Blues”, Dinah Washington, with β€œDrinking Again”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Thin Skin

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers has prepared for us
another prompt with the intriguing image below.
This is my 100-word response to her challenge.
πŸ₯Ά

Photo Prompt Β© Jennifer Pendergast

It’s been dreadfully cold lately; I seem to get a chill much easier now that I’m older. Maybe my β€œSenile Under-Skin Bleeding” is a direct result.

I spoke to my dermatologist about the thinning, drying and bruising skin on my lower legs; she suggested sauna bathing. The benefits include detoxification, increased metabolism, weight loss, increased blood circulation, pain reduction, anti-aging, skin rejuvenation, improved cardiovascular function, improved sleep, stress management and relaxation.

What could possibly go wrong?

I located a spa with a sauna. My glasses steamed up, I tripped and bumped into the frozen water bucket.

Lovely! Another fucking bruise!

NARΒ©2024
100 Words

✦ Authors Note: “Senile Under-Skin Bleeding”, also known as β€œSenileΒ Purpura”, occurs when the skin and blood vessels become more fragile as people age, making it easier for the skin to bruise from minor trauma.Β While it is mostly associated with older people, it is a common problem among those in their 30s and 40s. This frustrating and painful skin issue with a very ugly name can be improved slowly following a dedicated regimen of gentle exfoliation, daily Vitamin D and a skin lotion rich in Vitamin C. Staying out of the sun and wearing sunscreen, keeping hydrated and eating fruits and leafy greens are also extremely important and helpful.

19 January 2024

This is Brian Chevalier with β€œThin Skinned”. Relax to this bluesy sound.

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Step Right Up

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Sammi at Weekend Writing Prompt
has challenged us to write a piece
of exactly 87 words, making sure to
include the prompt “appointment”.
This is my response to that challenge.

β€œDo you have an appointment?”

β€œAn appointment? I didn’t even know I was coming!”

β€œHaha! You should have seen your face! You looked like you were gonna die!”

β€œFunny! You’re a regular Jerry Seinfeld!”

β€œListen, toots! You barely made it up here so don’t push it. HE remembers everything!”

β€œUp here? So I made it? Oh, thank God!”

β€œYou’ll get your chance.”

β€œGatekeeper, can I put in a good word for a friend?”

β€œNo saving seats.”

β€œCan I tell you her name?”

β€œNo need. HE already knows.”

NARΒ©2024
87 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #346 – Appointment

From the soundtrack of The Aviator this is Rufus Wainwright with β€œI’ll Build A Stairway To Paradise”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Chosen

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers
is hosting another photo prompt.
Here’s the photo followed by
my 100-word response.

Photo Β© Dale Rogerson

Leyland spoke softly as he comforted his weeping wife, Willow.

β€œHush, darling. Another season has come and gone and I’m still here to protect you and the children. I realize I had a couple of close calls but so far, so good. I never thought I’d say this but I’m thankful for my disfigurement; it’s kept me from being selected and close to you.”

Willow sighed. β€œI feel terribly guilty. There’s no chance I will ever be chosen and I fear for our friends and family.”

β€œI know, darling. I’ll check on Douglas today. Pray the family is all safe.”  

NARΒ©2024
100 Words

Author’s Note: Leyland and Douglas are very popular evergreens sold as Christmas trees. One of the saddest things is seeing all the dead and forgotten Christmas trees discarded by the curb after the season. Next time you go looking for a Christmas tree, consider buying one with its root ball intact instead of one that’s been chopped down; you can replant it in your yard or place it in a pot. Your tree gave you so much joy during the holidays; why not give it a chance to keep living? And BTW, artificial doesn’t need to have a negative connotation!

5 January 2024

This is the one and only Frank Sinatra with β€œWillow Weep For Me”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

Dizzy Miss Lizzy

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

It’s a hat trick!
Melissa’s Fandango Flash Fiction Challenge,
Fandango’s One Word Challenge and
Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt.
πŸŽ„β€‚ πŸ‘“β€ƒπŸ˜‰

Β© Claudia Nass @ iStock

In my tree
winking at me.
Can you see?
No?
You need glasses!

NAR Β© 2024
13 Words

Melissa’s Fandango Flash Fiction Challenge #248
FOWC with Fandango β€” Glasses
Weekend Writing Prompt #344 – Wink

This is β€œDizzy Miss Lizzy” by the incredible Colt Clark and the Quarantine Kids. Of course it is!!

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

WRAP IT UP: A DECTINA

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Dectina Refrain:
This refrain is written as follows:
1st line – 1 syllable, 2nd line – 2 syllables
3rd line – 3 syllables, and so on for 9 lines;
the 10th line is comprised of the first four lines
as one stand-alone line.

Torn
wrapping
paper is
scattered about.
Let’s ring out the old
and ring in the new year.
Resolution-making time.
Hit the gym and start that diet.
I’ve never kept a resolution.
Torn wrapping paper is scattered about.

NAR Β© 2023

Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Wrapping

This is β€œHappy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

VERNAL EQUINOX

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

As I sit here in my recliner looking out my bedroom window, wondering where Christmas has gone, I ask myself if I should venture out for my walk.

β€œIt’s a bleak-looking day and awfully chilly. Stay inside where it’s warm and comfy.”

But then I remember that my wonky knee could use the exercise and time is fleeting. In just 83 days the beautiful blushing bride of nature will arrive and winter will be nothing but a distant memory.

NAR Β© 2023
79 Words

This is Felix Mendelssohn’s “Spring Song, Op. 62 No. 6″

Weekend Writing Prompt #343 – Window

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and not for use by anyone without permission. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Time once again for Friday Fictioneers.
Rochelle has offered up this photo challenge.
This is my 100-word response.

Photo Prompt Β© Rowena Curtin

This can’t be the right place.

Checked my text message again; yeah, it’s the correct address.

In all my years as Santa Claus, I’ve been sent to a few places that tore my heart out but they were castles compared to this.

Broken windows could only mean no heat. No lights – obviously no electricity.

My white-gloved hand grabbed the fence and it shook as my anger began to rise. How do people exist like this? Why is homelessness allowed to continue?

Dammit! Better get a grip and do my job. Can’t have these sweet kids going without yet another night.

NAR Β© 2023
100 Words

22 December 2023

From 1984, this is β€œDo They Know It’s Christmas” from Band Aid

This portfolio (includingΒ text, graphics and videos)Β is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s TrunkΒ and The Rhythm Section. NAR Β© 2017-present.

Flash

LIFE IS STRANGE

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

This weekend our challenge was
to write a poem or a piece of prose
in exactly 21 words using the word β€œocean”.
Here’s mine.

Me and sis
AI Β© Misky

Life is strange.

I’ve lived years on  
one continent
only to find a friend
across the ocean

who became
my sister.

NAR Β© 2023
21 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #342 – Ocean

This is Lucy and Ethel singing β€œFriendship”

And from the 1954 movie “White Christmas”, this is Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen singing “Sisters” (co-stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye).

Flash

KUKLA HUGS

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Today Sadje is asking us
“What do you see?“
Using her image along with
Eugi’s word prompt “boundless”
and Fandango’s word prompt “back”,
this is my response.

Image credit: Jr Korpa @ Unsplash

I stand at the doorway and watch
as she stretches her legs from her car seat
in the back of her daddy’s car,
grunting with that Little Engine That Could determination
until her fur-trimmed black ankle boots finally reach the curb.
With the boundless spirit of a 3 year old,
she runs up the path to our front door,
stops for a second to wave at our North Pole decorations,
and gaily calls out β€œGrammy! Grampy! It’s your Kukla! I’m here!” ….
my nickname for our youngest granddaughter, Colette.
She flings herself into my arms
and we share a big warm Kukla Hug.
Her hugs are the best and I don’t want to let go.
Eyes smiling, she excitedly tells me
she saw Santa and the elves outside
and asks if we can bake Christmas cookies today.
Every day with her really is
the most wonderful time of the year.

NAR Β© 2023

My Kukla
Moonwashed Weekly Prompt – Boundless
What do you see # 216- December 11, 2023
FOWC with Fandango β€” Back

This is Pentatonix with β€œThe Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”

Please join us today
for a very special
holiday edition of
“Be Our Guest”.
https://rhythmsection.blog/

Flash

BLUE CHRISTMAS

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Rochelle @ Friday Fictioneers
has challenged us once again
to write a 100 word story
using the image below as a prompt.
This is what came to mind.

Photo Prompt Β© Susan Rouchard

β€œWhat is this place, Draco, and why have I never seen it before?”

β€œAh, Natalia, this is the most prized room in the castle! Very few know of its existence …. only those whom I trust implicitly with my deepest secrets, those whom I know will never speak of this room to another living soul.”

β€œOh, dearest Draco! Tell me truly. Does this mean you love me?”

β€œLove you, Natalia? No, my dear. It’s not love that rules my vampiric heart, but lust.”

And with that he ravished her atop the sarcophagus before sinking his teeth into her comely neck.

NAR Β© 2023
100 Words

15 December 2023

This is β€œBlue Christmas” by Elvis Presley

Please join me today for
Birthday Thursdays.
No fuss, no muss –
nothing but music!
https://rhythmsection.blog/

Flash

WHY BOTHER?

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Rochelle @ Friday Fictioneers
has offered up another photo prompt;
this is my 100-word response.

PHOTO PROMPT Β© Ted Strutz

My mother was coming for a visit – just a couple of hours but enough time to give my house the once-over.

I gave up long ago trying to please Mom or meet her unreasonable expectations; nothing I did made her happy or proud so why even bother? Now that I was a mom, spending time with my kids was more important than keeping an immaculate house.

To my surprise, the afternoon with Mom was delightful. As she was leaving, she walked by the pile of shoes in my mudroom and announced with a huff, β€œNancy, you are such a disappointment.”

NAR Β© 2023
100 Words

8 December 2023

This is “Motherless Child” by Eric Clapton

Flash

THWACK!

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

β€œWatcha staring at, Norman?”

β€œAin’t staring, Agnes. I’m observing.”

β€œThat so? Watcha observing then, Norman?”

β€œNuthin that concerns you, Agnes.”

β€œIt’s Mrs. Claus with the biggy bumps, ain’t it?”

β€œShe’s got a nice wobble, is all.”

β€œYou idiot!”

**THWACK!!**

β€œOw! I gots a biggy bump on me head now, Agnes!”

β€œAin’t no bump, Norman! Just a wee wobble.”

NAR Β© 2023
58 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #340 – Wobble

This is Sue Thompson singing “Norman”.

Flash

”PETAL” TO THE METAL

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers is challenging us
once again with a very unusual photo prompt!
This is my 100 word response to her challenge.

Β© Photo Prompt by Fleur Lind

Dad never learned to drive so mom had to take matters into her own hands.

She got her driver’s license in 1957 at age 40. Oh, she’d driven a bit when she was younger but women drivers in the 30s and 40s was unheard of.

Her first car was a Studebaker Golden Hawk and she ran that thing into the ground, literally.

One blindingly sunny day with the pedal to the metal, mom drove off the road, smashed into the cemetery and dug up a few floral arrangements along the way.

The old Golden Hawk. May she rest in peace.

NAR Β© 2023
100 Words

1 December 2023

This is Drive, She Said with β€œPedal to the Metal”

Flash

AS IF

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Our summer neighbors were two women from Manhattan; β€œplaywrights”, they said.

There was endless β€œlesbian” speculation.

The writers called their weekend cottage β€œIntermission” – tres cool!

Idiots foolishly obsessed over the whole gay thing.

β€œWho gives a fuck?” I argued. β€œThey’re authors!”

β€œSays the storyteller!” the idiots jibed.

NAR Β© 2023
47 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #339 – Cottage

This is Elvis Costello & The Attractions with “Everyday I Write The Book”

Today I’m hosting
Name That Tune.
Hit the link; try your luck!
https://rhythmsection.blog/

Flash

ON LEADEN FEET

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

A provocative & evocative image from
Jenne at The Unicorn Challenge;
our mission, if we choose to accept it,
is to write our reaction to this prompt.
Here is mine.

Β© Ayr/Gray

Carry myself with pride, as my mama taught me. My name is Elizabeth but everyone calls me Betsy. I am sixteen, pretty and full of life. This is day one of my first paying job – working in the cotton mills. I’m lucky and so grateful.

Mama is home caring for my seven little siblings. Daddy left one day and never came back.

In my lunch sack is bread, an orange and a chunk of cheese; a plain lunch but it keeps me going. During my break I’ll sit by the banks of the river and splash my scorched face. Life is good.

Carry myself with stooped shoulders. I’ve been in the mill for eight months. It’s hotter inside than the blazing Georgia sun. Humid, too, to keep the thread from breaking. Boiled potatoes and river water for lunch. I’m sixteen. Maybe I’ll meet a husband here.

Carry myself on leaden feet. I work six days a week, twelve hours a day. I earn $1.00 each week. The air is thick with cotton dust. Nobody talks anymore; we keep our mouths covered but that doesn’t stop the coughing. I have no time or energy for anything else. I’m sixteen and feel like I’m sixty.

Carry myself with doom. I’m coughing up blood and see nothing in my future except dying in the mill. I think I’ll just walk into the river and never come out.

Carry my dead body to the graveyard. I was only sixteen and my name was Betsy.

NAR Β© 2023
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-24/11/23

“Isn’t It A Pity (George Harrison)

Flash

SEETHING MAN

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers
has challenged us once again
with an intriguing photo prompt.
This is my response.

PHOTO PROMPT Β© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

The man stood off to the side, silently watching, seething.

They were neighbors, friends at one time …. brothers, a lifetime ago. When asked to go into business together, he turned his friend down saying it was a foolish venture, throwing good money after bad. He was afraid.

His friend was successful in his business and became wealthy beyond measure while his own life languished. Jealousy turned to self-pity which morphed into anger and hatred so deep and volatile, his head pounded at the sight of his once friend.

And look at her with that flashy red purse. Disgusting.

NAR Β© 2023
100 Words

24 November 2023

This is “My Brother’s Keeper” by Orphaned Land

Flash

PERCHANCE TO DREAM

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Come to bed, pretty.

Can you hear the wolf beckoning you?

Let the Sandman cradle you in his arms, protect you from the macabre terrors of the night.

You trust me, sweet child, don’t you?

Foolish.

NAR Β© 2023
36 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #338 – Macabre

This is Metallica and β€œEnter Sandman”

Please join me today
as I host another round of
Name That Tune.
It’s an oldie but a goodie!
https://rhythmsection.blog/

Flash

UNFORTUNATE SITUATION

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

It’s time once again for Friday Fictioneers.
This is the photo prompt and my take.

Photo Prompt Β© Roger Bultot

Bet you’re wondering how I ended up here.

It was that little snot Petey and his lackluster efforts in watering the endive plants. One job and he failed miserably.

Well, after being told week after week that he was doing a lousy job, he’d finally found some gumption (ill-placed though it was) and hung me out to dry. What a master twit he turned out to be!

Here I am; I have no arms to pull myself up, no legs to jump down. Guess I’ll be here till the real thing comes along.

What an unfortunate situation this is!

NAR Β© 2023
100 Words

17 November 2023
Five Word Weekly Challenge (2346)

#gb5wwΒ #gmgblog

This is β€œUntil The Real Thing Comes Along” by The Billie Holiday:

Flash

THE MESSAGE

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

General Agricola was restless; for three nights he did not sleep. The Caledonians were plotting, of this he was certain. They were a pompous lot, thinking they could defeat his legions.

There was fire in his belly and he was determined to prove himself irreplaceable to the emperor, Vespasian.

Agricola summoned his first officer, Acilius. β€œI require the services of the scribe, Tertius. Depart immediately and bring him to me.”

Acilius did as commanded. The wizened scribe, Tertius, sat at the foot of Agricola, his calamus at the ready. He began the most crucial message of his life.

NAR Β© 2023
98 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #337 – Scribe
FOWC with Fandango β€” Belly
FOWC with Fandango β€” Pompous
Officer
FOWC with Fandango β€” Restless
Wizened

This is Civil War doing “Rome Is Falling”

Flash

GRAVY MEAT

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

It’s time once again for
Friday Fictioneers.
This is how the photo
prompted me.

Photo Prompt Β© David Stewart

It was a tradition in my house when I was a kid; Mom made macaroni with gravy meat every Sunday and Thursday.

Nobody called it pasta; it was Ronzoni macaroni. And we didn’t say β€œsauce” either; it was β€œgravy”. Meatballs, pieces of pork, beef and lamb, sausages and bracciole – that’s Sicilian β€œgravy meat”.

Mom’s cooking was absolutely incredible. With the steamy kitchen window open just a crack, the aromas wafted out into the night, beckoning aunts, uncles, cousins and a few neighbors to dinner. Our apartment was always full.

The bright light wasn’t really necessary; everyone just followed their nose.

NAR Β© 2023
100 Words

10 November 2023
FOWC with Fandango β€” Incredible

This is Louis Prima and “Come On A My House”