Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #390
incorporating the word “diamond” in exactly 19 words
and based on a true event I’ll never forget. Here’s my flash.
Tag: Weekend Writing Prompt
Slim Pickings
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #389
incorporating the word “hunter” in exactly 99 words.
Also responding to Gerry & Sue’s Weekly Prompts
Wednesday Challenge (“duplicity”) and Sue & Gerry’s
Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge (“method”).
For further inspiration, I am using one of the amazing
graphic prompts created by Kevin at No Theme Thursday.
Here is my 99 word flash.
Feeling Lucky
Written for Sammi’s Weekly Writing Prompt #388
in exactly 21 words and incorporating the word “dark”
and for Sue W & Gerry C’s Weekly Prompts Colour
Challenge using the word “grey”. Here is my flash.
Tout Doucement
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #387 and
Sue W & Gerry C’s Weekly Prompts – The One Day Prompt #7,
incorporating the words ‘unexpected’ and ‘one day’
written in exactly 15 words. This is my 15-word flash.
Dear Ryan
Written for Kevin’s No Theme Thursday 10.17.14 photo prompt,
Sammi’s 94 word Weekend Writing Prompt #386,
Sue & Gerry’s Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge
and Gerry & Sue’s Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge.
Responses must be exactly 94 words (for Sammi), including
‘teach’, ‘ahead’ and ‘simplicity’. Here’s my little story.
Doris sat in the kitchen proofreading her letter.
Dear Ryan Seacrest –
Imagine my surprise when I tuned into “Wheel of Fortune” and discovered you’re the new host!
Where the fuck is Pat Sajak? He could teach you a few things about show business! You have a nice smile and might have a future ahead in commercials.
You’re a cutie-pie; I wouldn’t mind a roll in the hay with you, that’s for damn sure. Next time you’re in Wichita, stop by Doris’ Donuts – simplicity at its tastiest!
I’ll keep the light on.
Fondly, Doris Lipsmacker
NAR©2024
94 Words
From 1952, this is “Wheel of Fortune” by Kay Starr
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Chills and Fever
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #385.
The challenge is to write a poem or a piece of prose
in exactly 85 words using the word “vertigo”. Here’s mine.
What is this sudden disequilibrium?
I feel like I could fall flat on my bum!
Tummy’s flipping and I’m gonna be sick
Somebody get me some Pepto quick!
Ears are ringing, I’ve got a headache
Doctor, please! I need a break!
First a fever and now the chills
Pass me some of those magic pills!
My heart is racing like an SST
Give it to me straight, Doc. What’s wrong with me?
What’s that you say? It’s love vertigo?
There’s no cure? Well, whaddya know!
NAR©2024
85 Words
From 1964, this is “Chills and Fever” featuring a 24 year old Tom Jones and his group, The Senators.
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
“Fresh” Tomatoes
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt 384 (groceries),
Sue & Gerry’s Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge (mainly orange)
and Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (mock). Here’s my 29 word flash.
While shopping for groceries, I was surprised to see the tomatoes were mostly orange and looked like sickly miniature pumpkins. Oh, how you mock me, my beloved red Heirlooms!
NAR©2024
29 Words
This is “Home Grown Tomatoes” by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Propagation of Uncertainty
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #383
where we are asked to get creative in exactly 80 words using
any form of the required word “calculate”. Here is my flash.
Think about all the calculations involved in bridge building – not the least of which is the maximum weight a bridge can hold at any given time. I’m not a mathematician or an engineer but it’s obvious the answer isn’t one you can get wrong … ever. No guessing allowed! One small miscalculation could spell disaster. Imagine tossing and turning in bed after handing in your numbers to the bridge committee, wondering if the decimal point was in the right place.
NAR©2024
80 Words
This is “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) by Simon & Garfunkel.
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Eat Me!
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #382
where we are asked to get down in exactly 22 words,
using the required word “please”. Here’s my flash.
Now that Autumn is here, I’m thinking Brown Butter Pecan Pancakes with a side scoop of butter pecan ice cream. Yes, please!
NAR©2024
22 Words
Here’s the recipe link: https://naturallyella.com/brown-butter-and-pecan-pancakes/
This is “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Going To The Mattresses*
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #381 where
Sammi asks us to use the prompt word “bungle” and
get creative in exactly 41 words. Here’s my flash.
Dio mio! I’m afraid I’ve bungled things quite badly.
While planning the seating arrangement for my son’s wedding, I inadvertently placed Zia Carmella at Table 1 and her sister, Zia Francesca, at Table 2.
An insult! Disgrazia!
This means war!
NAR©2024
41 Words
* In times of war or siege, Italian families would vacate their homes and rent apartments in safer areas. In order to protect themselves they would hire soldiers to sleep on the floor in shifts. The meaning of the phrase “going to the mattresses” symbolizes the association in Italian folk-memory of mattresses with safety in wartime. The phrase wasn’t well known outside the US and Italy prior to the Godfather movies. It was used there, and later in The Sopranos, to mean “preparing for battle”.
When Kay met Michael, scenes from an Italian wedding (Godfather, 1972) featuring Al Martino as Johnny Fontane. This is “I Have But One Heart (O Marenariello)”
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Tears Come Easy
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #380 and
Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge where the required words
are ‘auction’ and ‘lilac’. In exactly 78 words, here is my story.
My husband came home from grocery shopping and after putting away the ice cream said to me, “I stopped by the Chatsworth Auction House. Look what I found.”
He handed me a small box; inside were vintage lilac gemstone and silver filigree earrings.
I started to cry … tears come easy … and he asked “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. They’re perfect” I sobbed. “Just like the ones I lost years ago.”
“I remember” he whispered and kissed my head.
NAR©2024
78 Words
This is “I Remember You” by Frank Ifield
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
From Where to Eternity*
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #379 and
Weekly Prompts – The One-Day Prompt. In exactly
82 words and including the required words
“timepiece” and “one day”, here is my flash.
The Sopranos, Episode 2.09. A post-surgery Christopher Moltisanti frantically pumps his morphine drip.
Those were my thoughts at 4AM after waking up in agony; my 8-Hour Tylenol had worn off two hours early, alerting the pain timepiece in my brain.
Clearly the Tylenol isn’t cutting it, but due to federal guidelines and crackdowns, a doctor’s ability to prescribe necessary painkillers has been seriously restricted and people like me living in the US are getting screwed.
Maybe one day they’ll get it right.
NAR©2024
82 Words
*The Sopranos, Season 2, Episode 9
This is the opening theme for The Sopranos, “Woke Up This Morning”, by Alabama 3.
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Whole Lotta Shakin’
Written for Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge with the
prompt word ‘bank’ and for Weekend Writing Prompt #377
using the word ‘reverberate’ in exactly 43 words. Here’s my piece.
When my kids played
the whole house would
shake
like an eight point
earthquake
and the coins in their
piggy bank
would
reverberate
as the crystal glasses
in the dining room
breakfront
did the hippy hippy
shake
and I
baked
an
earthquake
cake
NAR©2024
43 Words
You can find the recipe for Earthquake Cake HERE.
This is “The Hippy Hippy Shake” by the Swinging Blue Jeans
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
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 I’ve stitched.
I’m a cook and crafter but sewing’s not my thing!
NAR©2024
100 Words
This is “I Am Woman” by the one and only Peggy Lee.
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Brace Yourself
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #375,
Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge and
Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge,
31 words exactly using the three prompt words
of defray, brown and rigid. Here is my flash.
Mary went rigid and her soft brown eyes filled with tears when she saw the orthodontist’s bill. With no dental insurance, she’d have to find some way to defray the expense.
NAR©2024
31 Words
https://sammiscribbles.wordpress.com/2024/08/03/weekend-writing-prompt-375-defray/
This is “Easy Money” by Billy Joel
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Feeling Punchy
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #371
where we are asked to get creative in exactly 54 words using the prompt word “timorous”. Here’s my story.
Nelly was a timorous sort; every little thing turned her into a nervous wreck.
So the other night at the dinner party when everyone except Nelly started feeling deathly ill while she stood off to the side calmly sipping her water, the truth became obvious.
Nelly was the one who poisoned the punch bowl.
NAR©2024
54 Words
This is “Little Drop Of Poison” by Tom Waits
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Noble Spirit
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #370,
incorporating the word ‘pirate’ in a story of exactly 74 words.
Also for Thursday Inspiration #234 – ‘No Matter What/Nothing’,
What Do You See #242 (#WDYS) and Weekly Prompts –
The One-Day Prompt (3). Here is my story in exactly 74 words.
The fiery battle raged for days; in the end Evalyn, the Pirate Goddess, was victorious … but at what cost?
While fighting on deck, there was a sudden cannon retort followed by grapeshot finding its mark … Evalyn’s beautiful face. Her eyes were spared but she was disfigured.
That one day changed Evalyn into a stronger woman. For her, nothing else mattered.
Fashioning a mask of solid gold, she became Evalyn, the Noble Pirate.
NAR©2024
74 Words
This is “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Bad Medicine
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #369
where we are challenged to write something clever
in exactly 33 words using the word “spoonful”.
Identical medicine bottles was how my non-English speaking grandfather almost killed my grandmother.
Alone for 15 minutes resulted in administering a near-fatal spoonful of massaging oil of wintergreen instead of dextromethorphan for coughs.
NAR©2024
33 Words
This is “Bad Medicine” by Bon Jovi
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Inquiring Minds
Written for Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge
and Weekend Writing Prompt #368 where we are
asked to be creative in exactly 100 words incorporating
the prompt words “sleep” and “quaint”. This is my story.
We visited the Poe Cottage this week, former home of the poet Edgar Allan Poe. It’s about a 30 minute drive from my house and I thought my two teenage grandchildren would enjoy the walk-around since they’re both reading the works of Poe in school.
It’s a quaint old place with small bedrooms, a common kitchen-parlor-dining room downstairs and an upstairs loft. My 6’ tall grandson questioned how a grown man could sleep in the tiny bed.
At one point I realized my grandson had gone missing. Imagine my embarrassment when he was found napping in Poe’s bed!
Inquiring minds.
NAR©2024
100 Words
This is “I’m So Tired” by the Beatles
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Love Happens
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #367 using the required
word “party” in exactly 88 words; Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge,
with the required word “peak” and Weekly Prompts Wednesday
Challenge using the required word “sunset“. Here’s my flash.
Yesterday was our anniversary, wed 52 years. No party necessary.
None of our friends who married around the same time are still together. How sad is that?
People have asked “What’s the secret to a long and happy marriage?” For us it’s pretty simple: respect, communication, honesty, having a sense of humor.
When you combine those ingredients, love happens. You can manage the lows and celebrate the peaks, watch the dawns and the sunsets, walk hand-in-hand through the ordinary and make it extraordinary.
That’s us. Uncomplicated. Happy together.
NAR©2024
88 Words
This is “Happy Together” by the Turtles.
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Check List
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #366
where we are to get creative using the word ‘Monday’
in exactly 25 words. Here are my 25 words.
Garbage out? ✓
Clean sheets? ✓
Toilets swished? ✓
Kitchen mopped? ✓
Pain Management appointment? ✓
Trigger point injections and back massage? ✓
Lather, rinse, repeat next week! ✓
Routine Monday maintenance. ✓
NAR©2024
25 Words
This is “Yakety Yak” by the Coasters
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not for use without permission which I usually give when asked. NAR©2017-present.
Fanning The Flames
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #365
and Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge.
Our write must be 61 words exactly and include
the words ‘pause’ and ‘heroism’. Here’s my flash.
Cambridge, England
This weekend in the US we pause to honor all Americans who died in any war while serving in the US Armed Forces.
There have been 108 wars involving the US, including 11 major wars, 4 ongoing. That’s a lot of fighting, bloodshed, death, heroism.
If war is hell, why do we keep fanning the flames? When will we ever learn?
NAR©2024
61 words
This is “Where Have All The Flowers Gone” by the Kingston Trio
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Pointless
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #364
where we are asked to be creative with the word
“squander” in exactly 11 words. Here is my creation.
Squander not your thoughts
on the predestined;
it is useless worry.
NAR©2024
11 Words
This is “Why Worry” by Dire Straits.
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.
More Time
Written for Weekly Writing Prompt #363
where we are asked to write something in exactly
42 words, incorporating the word “cabinet”.
This is my story in 42 words.
When the landlord came calling for the rent, she pleaded for more time.
He refused and viciously slapped her across the face.
She fell against the cabinet and a rage grew in her like never before.
Grabbing the hidden gun, she turned.
NAR©2024
42 Words
This is “The Landlord” [UNCENSORED]
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Picture Perfect
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #361;
we are asked to get creative in exactly 57 words and
include the word “classic”. This is my response.
“Oh, baby, you gotta see her! She’s a real beauty!
What curves, what style!
And the color is perfect …. it’s called Marina Blue and the paint job is amazing!
Brand new dash, broad grille, quad headlights and a tail sporting a fan-shaped alcove on both side panels.
I’m telling you, honey …. this one’s a classic!”
NAR©2024
57 Words
Author’s Note: That’s what my husband sounded like when he called to tell me about his ‘new’ vintage car …. a 1958 Chevy Bel Air. That was back in 1969 and he was still my boyfriend at the time. He was crazy about that car and took such good care of it. After about 8 months, someone stole it right off his driveway; that was one of a handful of times I’ve seen my husband cry.
This is “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” by Billy Joel
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Demons And Wizards
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #361;
93 words exactly using the prompt word ‘pilgrimage’
It was the early 1970s and the four of us scored tickets to see Uriah Heep in Allentown, PA. It was the dog days of August … the kind of sun that blisters your skin in minutes … and the concert was outdoors. The drive was 3 hours each way in scorching temperatures but we were going to that concert come hell or high water. Allentown became our Mecca and the road trip our personal hard rock pilgrimage. The details of that day are a little sketchy but the concert was freakin’ awesome.
NAR©2024
93 Words
This is “Easy Living” by Uriah Heep
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Steady Eddie
Written for
Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie Saturday Mix Story Starter,
Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge ‘flow’
and
Weekend Writing Prompt #360 ‘expire’.
There was no way he was doing it. And that was that.
He was a creature of habit, never deviating from the norm.
Let the cat out at 7:00 every morning.
Thermostat set at a constant 68º.
Teeth cleaned every four months without fail.
Just as rivers flow downhill, his course was ever steady.
No goddamn way was he going to let his parking meter expire.
NAR©2024
66 Words
#StoryStarter
This is The Outsiders with “Time Won’t Let Me:
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April Showers: A Haibun
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #359 (tempest, 29 words)
Moonwashed Weekly Prompt (gilt-edged) and
Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge (pointless)
It’s springtime! I love to see my flowers growing but sudden storms wreak havoc on defenseless, gilt-edged blossoms.
roses madly thrashed
spring’s wild tempest rains attack
my pointless garden
NAR©2024
29 Words
This is “Dead Flowers” by the Rolling Stones – Totally Stripped
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Cruel Mother
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #358 ~ Superscript
Just like something out of the evening news.
Did the attractive young woman, a former nurse and mother of one toddler, actually feed her little boy bleach or was it just a dreadful accident?
How could any jury not believe the clean-faced white woman in the proper skirt and blouse as she tearfully recounted the events of that horrific morning?
But they did believe her and only the most perceptible viewer in the courtroom or the living room caught the slightest cold-blooded superscript curl of her top left lip.
NAR©2024
89 Words
This is Emily Smith with “The Cruel Mother”
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Lovin’ From The Oven
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #357
using the word “temperature” in exactly 37 words.
Oven temperature set for 425ºF.
Brush turkey liberally with melted butter. Sprinkle with salt and drape bird with bacon strips. Place in oven and go watch the Macy’s Parade.
Return to heavenly, scrumptious golden-brown deliciousness.
Happy Easter!
NAR©2024
37 Words
This is “Easter Parade” by Frank Sinatra
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 