Written for Sammiβs Weekend Writing Prompt
where she asks us to get creative in exactly
31 words using the prompt word βpatchworkβ.
Hereβs where the prompt took me.
Tag: Sewing
Shop Talk
Written for MLMM Monday Wordle #460.
Our twelve prompt words are shown below.
Here’s where they took me. Thanks, Di!
fine – course – only – pattern – since – prefer
outfit – blue – front – twins – please – surprise
Not My Bag, Baby
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #376
where we are to write something in exactly 20 words
and include the word ‘handmade’. Here’s my flash.
This quilted pillow is the only handmade item Iβve stitched.
I’m a cook and crafter but sewingβs not my thing!
NARΒ©2024
100 Words
This is βI Am Womanβ by the one and only Peggy Lee.
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantβs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NARΒ©2017-present.
KEEPING VIGIL
It was unseasonably warm for November; the sun was brilliant with only a few wispy clouds scattered here and there, but the autumn leaves swirling in the wind were a reminder that winter was just around the corner.
I decided to take a walk in the nature trail near my house. I didnβt like leaving my elderly mother home alone for too long but she was having one of her lucid days and insisted sheβd be fine at home doing some sewing.
I wasnβt gone long when it started getting cloudy and cold. As I walked up the front path, I spotted my mother sitting in her rocking chair on the porch. She was busy at work, her sewing basket by her side.
βMom, itβs cold. Come inside and Iβll put on the kettle for tea.β
My mother looked up and smiled sweetly but her eyes were blank; I could tell she didnβt know who I was.
βOh, I couldnβt possibly do that. I need to stay here. You see, Iβm waiting for someone and I have to finish my mendingβ she replied.
βWho are you waiting for?β I asked quietly, dreading her answer.
βMy husband. The war is over and heβll be coming home very soon.”
It was then that I noticed mom was repairing the zipper on my late fatherβs WWII bomber jacket. Little by little, day by day, Mom slipped deeper into another era β a time long gone but fresh in her mind as though it all happened just yesterday.
NAR Β© 2022
TWO DAYS TO WAIT
She sat at her indestructible Singer factory sewing machine, hands flying like an octopus knitting a scarf. Β
I peeked around the corner into her sewing room. Without lifting her head, she sensed my presence. βWhat is it, principessa?β she asked.
βCan we go to Post Arrow?β The little family diner with a few kiddie rides was one of my favorite places to go. Weβd get pastrami sandwiches, fries and ride the bumper cars, Ferris wheel and carousel β heaven on earth for an 8-year-old kid.
Without missing a stitch, my mother replied βCara, canβt you see how much work I have left to do? Besides, dinner is already in the oven.β
I stood on the threshold saying nothing. My mother knew I was there but kept sewing at warp speed. When she looked up, she saw my red, swollen eyes and tear-stained face. Her usual stern expression softened a bit. βIf I finish my work maybe we will go on Saturdayβ and she returned to the task at hand.
I drew a big red circle around Saturday on my calendar. Two days to wait.
First thing on Saturday I asked my mother about going to Post Arrow. Again she said βmaybeβ; she had to deliver her finished projects to the shop first.
Hours went by. I kept vigil at the window until my mother returned. She looked up at me and grinning, motioned me to come down.
βAndiamo, cara! Go get your daddy. Now we have some fun!β
NAR Β© 2022
The Elephant's Trunk 