Fourth of July, No Celebration (My WWBH Story - July 03, 2013)

In keeping with the fact that the Forth of July is right around the corner (tomorrow)  I decided to base my story on that and on what a young soldier might have to deal with.

The Photo by Kristoffer Sorensen:

John walked along the beach the sand squishing between his toes as he walked along.  In the distance, beach-goers  enjoyed their "beach-time"  strolling, swimming, sunning  all that fun stuff that he had once enjoyed doing.  But now?  Now he was only here because he needed to be because the therapist had said that the best way to get over the grief that was weighing him down was to face what happened, face the area in which it happened.  Okay, so maybe this wasn't exactly where the incident had occurred, but it was the closest he could come for now.  He knew that the people here on the beach (as well as all over the nation) would soon be settling down to the one of the biggest celebrations of the year - Hell he had once been one of those folks.  Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Beer, Soda and the Fire Works, the whole shabang........  John shuttered at the thought of the word.....  ShaBANG  that's exactly what had happened and in in instant his best friend and comrade was gone, gone forever.  Just a thin cord like trigger, running across the darkened beach that they had landed on,  not even noticed until it was too late. 

Thoughts of celebration brought a bitter taste to his mouth.  There would be no more celebrating for Timothy.  Hell, he hadn't even gotten to celebrate his 21st birthday (which was just a week from that day).  Timothy had been excited about turning 21, about being able to legally go into any bar and order ANY drink he desired (he'd never get that opportunity now).  And of course, Timothy had insisted that he would have to order his absolute favorite Chocolate Custard.

John pulled himself back to the present....  Wallowing in the memories wasn't going to change anything, wasn't going to alter the past.  Best he deal with reality rather than memories and myth.  

The Five Words:

Custard

Cord

Birthday

Alter

Myth

My #WWBH story: June 12, 2013 - A nice day for a jog

 

A Nice Day For A Jog

It was a beautiful day out and Jeannie was enjoying one of those rare moments when she was able to get out and go for jog.  Work kept her so busy much of the time that she rarely found the time to get out.  The cough variant asthma that plagued her made it that much more difficult to get out (even though she knew the exercise would do her good). The path along side the woods. not too far from where she lived, felt like the perfect spot to relax and get a way from all the stress and worries of every day life and just let her mind go numb.

The day promised to be so gorgeous that she had decided to treat herself  to a picnic lunch at a small park nearby the trail's start/end. A small lunch, as well as a food magazine that she had gotten in the mail a couple weeks ago (but hadn't had a chance to really read yet) waited for her in her car.  One thing Jeannie loved to do was cook and was always interested in trying out new things, especially ways to bring variety to boring bland foods.  This particular magazine was all about ways to "bring spice and life to the boring potato"

After she finished her jog, Jeannie took a big long swig of water from her water bottle before retrieving her lunch from the car.  After finishing the sandwich she had made earlier, Jennie picked up the magazine and opened it.  Nibbling on a carrot from her lunch she began to read, her mind formulating new ideas from those that she gleaned from the magazine as she read.

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I believe there's a little bit of time left (if you hurry) before this weeks Blog Hop Photo Prompt goes up.   Just a few quick rules: Must be related to photo and include the 5 random words (as seen in bold in my story - or click here) and be under 500 words Click on the linky thing below and link your own creative short story to the "hop"  

WWBH: Blog Hop - Photo Prompt May 22, 2013

Sorry it's a bit late getting out... Been a busy early part of week.  Went to post Thursday and realized I had lost the eMail with the code from our host this week.  Then another busy day today
Definitely an interesting picture for this week as well as interesting words....  As for me - I have NO idea where to begin...  How about any of you?
this week our WWBH Photo Prompt Blog Hop Host is Nicole from The World of My Imagination


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It's that time again and this week I have the reigns! Yay! It's been a long month for me so far - and I have a new goal to write a story to a photo prompt once a month at least. I think I can do it - how about you?

Anyways, before we kick off the prompt, make sure to check out the amazing prompts from last week-

Imagined Dream World by Scott Taylor
Camel Man by Leanne Sype
Home Coming by Sally Stackhouse

Aren't they awesome??

Okay, now make sure you grab a copy of our Flash Fiction e-book.

Ready?

Here's the rules:

Here are the rules:

1) Use the photo and the 5 words provided in your story

2) Keep your word count 500 words or less.

3) You have until next Tuesday to link up your post.

4) Link up with your blog hostess (Nicole, Carrie, Tena or Leanne) when you’re done via the inLinkz linky below.

5) Have fun, don’t stress, let those creative juices flow.

This week's photo:

The words:

T-Shirt

Paddock

Spacestation

Pyramid

Zip

Oh, this should be so good.

When you're ready, post your link below -

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Note linky doesn't seem to be working - you can link through my main blog (also Jottings and Writings - on WordPress)  http://wp.me/p1s8Rt-xM

My #WWBH story: May 01, 2013 - Books and More Books.

This particular photo (and 5 words) presented a challenge for me.  Somehow I just couldn't get a story to "start up" in my mind.  I finally did come up with something, but I'm afraid it's on the short side this week (shorter than usual).  I hope that you will join in and link up your own Blog Hop story (short/long - well no more than 500 words - it doesn't matter).  To see this weeks Blog Hop Photo & Words click Here

Jeffrey walked amongst the rows of books at the large public library, fiddling with the napkin in his pocket as he did.  So many books, he didn't know where to begin.  He had never been in a library this large before, only the local library of the small town in which he lived.  When his father asked him if he wanted to go into the city with him, Jeffrey said "Yes" and asked if they might stop at the library there.  He could hardly contain his excitement when his father agreed, saying that he could even check out a couple of books.  Now as he looked wide array of books he wasn't sure how he was going to choose the one book that he was allowed.  Maybe he should look for a book on poisons.  His pet mole, racer, had gotten into some sort of poison and died.  Or maybe a book on concerts.  He and his dad had stopped and listened to  a free concert in the park and Jeffrey thought the sounds beautiful.  Jeffrey scratched at his neck while he thought about it.

Words used in this story: mole, napkin, poison, concert, neck

My WWBH Story - April 03, 2013: A Strange Light (yeah I know it's late)

Miranda shivered  as she stepped out into the chilly air from the warm cozy restaurant that she had been sitting in moments earlier.  She stood for a second outside, her gaze pulled to the large lake nearby.  She felt the call, a summons really, impossible to ignore.  The wind blew lightly and the grass rustled quietly around her as Miranda made her way towards the lake's edge.

Suddenly the wind stilled.  A strange white light streaked across the sky.  Miranda stared at it mesmerized, unable to look away.  The light wrapped around her, surrounding her.  The thought came to Miranda that this strange phenomenon  should frighten her, that she should be running away or at the very least screaming.  Strangely, though, she felt completely at peace.   A feeling of warmth and love seeped through her, the touch strangely familiar.

Suddenly a guy who looked like he belonged in the middle ages appeared in front of her - tall, dark, and undeniably handsome.  A sword hung by his side, the blade glistening brightly.

"It was you" Miranda claimed, "You were the one I felt calling me"  She could not explain how she knew this, only knew that it was undeniably true.

"Yes, indeed it was me." the man spoke his voice soft and melodious, an air of old world charm.  "I need your help"  He spoke simply without embellishment.

"Whhhy me?" Miranda stammered.  "I'm nobody, just a simple school teacher.  There's nothing special about me."

"I know your heart,  you have a certain repertoire about you for having unconditional love for those truly in need of it.  I know you are the best one for the job"

"What job?" Miranda asked.

"It involves one of your young students, Bethany".  Miranda's mind went to the quiet little girl who rarely spoke and didn't seem to be comfortable with anyone, anyone except for her that was.  "There is about to be great sadness in her young life and her life will be in grave danger." the man continued.  "She is comfortable with so few people.  You are one of the few she has warmed up to.  That is nothing to trifle at."

"But if you know this (Miranda didn't event think to question how he would know of these things) why can't something be done to stop it"

"Some things cannot be changed" the man said simply.

"So what is it that I'm suppose to do?" Miranda asked.

"Trust me," the man answered, "You will know."

"But....."

The man simply leaned forward, brushing his lips across her forehead.  "You will not be alone.  I will be with you protecting both of you"   The man shimmered, fading away.

"WAIT!!!" Miranda called ou but he was already disappearing the, strange white light from earlier re-appearing.  The light once again surrounded her filling her again with warmth.  Then, just as suddenly as it appeared, it was gone leaving Miranda feeling strangely bereft yet, at the same time, filled with a sense of purpose.

The words used in this story:  guy, repertoire, restaurant, blade, trifle

WWBH BlogHop Photo Prompt – Wednesday April 03, 2013

Today is gonna be a busy blogging day (darn to bad there's not another word for day that starts w/ "B" - then I'd have 3B LOL). I've got several blogs in my mind for today (2 blog hops, a "random topic", plus I need to catch up on the tweetalong transcript (that one posts on my Eapicoalerts blog (on WordPress) that I've been doing for the Arlington PD pretty much since they started doing them last year. That's what comes to the top of my mind.... So stay tuned.... But for now, without further ado The Wednesday Writer Blog Hop for this week with Nicole Pyles

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Ha! I still managed to fit in the letter "C" into our weekly writing prompt.

Anyone else really glad it's the weekend soon? Oh wait, it's only Wednesday. But we're close!!

Before you get started, make sure to drop by the stories from last week -

The Wooden Roller Coaster by Cindy
Adventures at Dusk by Scott Taylor

Aren't they awesome??

So, just to recap, here are the rules -

A reminder and rundown of the blog hop rules:

1) Use the photo and the 5 words provided in your story

2) Keep your word count 500 words or less.

3) You have until next Tuesday to link up your post.

4) Link up with your blog hostess (Nicole, Carrie, Tena or Leanne) when youíre done via the inLinkz linky below.

5) Have fun, donít stress, let those creative juices flow.

And here's the fun part! Here is the photo for this week -

And here are the five words -

Cork

Violin

Seesaw

Toilet Paper

Composer

Oh, I'm so excited to see what everyone comes up with.

When you are ready, post your link below!

WWBH BlogHop Photo Prompt – Wednesday March 27, 2013

Sorry guys, I'm a day late on this (and totally blew off last weeks - though not intentionally).

This week we got Leanne from Writing and Ruminations taking the WWBH wheel by storm....

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Raise your hand if you are on Spring Break. *raises hand*  Although I'd contend "break" is a loose term and is certainly relative depending on who you are and if you have children. :)

Regardless, I hope you're enjoying the transition into a new season that promises renewal, growth, and hopefully *fingers crossed* warmer weather! Let's celebrate with a fresh Writer Wednesday Blog Hop photo, shall we?

Here are the fantastic stories written from last week's photo. Be sure to read through them and offer some comment love on their creations. :)

<a href="http://thegraveyardofmymind.com/2013/03/20/the-huge-stone-saga-part-4-father/">The Huge Stone Saga--Part 4, Father</a> by Christopher Shawbell

<a href="http://quinnk-newbie.blogspot.com/2013/03/synergy.html">Synergy</a> by Quinn Nielsen

<a href="http://leannesype.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/cant-hide-forever-blog-hop-story/">Can't Hide Forever</a> by Leanne Sype

<a href="http://scottywattydoodlealltheday.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-span-of-sorrowa-short-story.html">A Span of Sorrow</a> by Scott Taylor

<a href="http://chasingrevery.blogspot.com/2013/03/snapshot-reveal-cool-by-river.html">Cool by the River</a> by CK Sorensen

A reminder and rundown of the blog hop rules:

<div>1) Use the photo and the 5 words provided in your story</div>

<div>2) Keep your word count 500 words or less.</div>

<div>3) You have until <a id="_GPLITA_0" title="Click to Continue &gt; by Supreme Savings" href="http://chasingrevery.blogspot.com/2013/03/snapshot-prompt_20.html?showComment=1363817365724#">next</a> Tuesday to link up your post.</div>

<div>4) Link up with your blog hostess (<a href="http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a>, <a href="http://chasingrevery.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Carrie</a>, <a href="http://jottingsandwritings.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Tena</a> or <a href="http://leannesype.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Leanne</a>) when you’re done via the inLinkz linky below.</div>

<div>5) Have fun, don’t stress, let those creative juices flo<em id="__mceDel"><em id="__mceDel">w.</em></em></div>

<div></div>

<div>Okay... this week's photo and words are:</div>

<div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/4857947309/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1810" alt="4857947309_3632301394_z" src="http://leannesype.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/4857947309_3632301394_z.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a></div>

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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>guy</strong></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>repertoire</strong></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>restaurant</strong></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>blade</strong></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>trifle</strong></div>

<div style="text-align: left;"></div>

<div style="text-align: left;">Isn't this a rad photograph? Have fun, my friends!</div>

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<div style="text-align: left;"></div>

<div style="text-align: left;"></div>

<div style="text-align: left;">Oh... if you are diggin' the Writer Wednesday Blog Hop, consider sticking this button in the sidebar of your blog site so others can learn about the community:</div>

<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/search/label/Writers%20Wednesday%20Blog%20Hop"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-1009" alt="wednesdayhopbutton" src="http://leannesype.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/wednesdayhopbutton1.jpg" width="160" height="160" /></a></div>

<div style="text-align: left;"></div>

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WWBH BlogHop Photo Prompt - Wednesday Jan 02, 20123

WOOO HOOOO!!! Our first Blog Hop of the Year!!! Time to get that creativity mojo in the groove!! So this week Carrie from Chasing Revery This past month, we only had one story entry from a new visitor - Everyone else has won our ad prize already, or are ineligible due to blog host status. That's not going to keep us from choosing a winner, though, no way! Scott Taylor, it's yours! Congratulations, and thank you so much for your dedication to our writing prompts. We are grateful for you and everyone else who makes the time to not only check us out, but who participate and share your skills. (Gosh, I hope that grammar was right. Moving on ...) So, unless otherwise asked, we will be posting up the same button from your previous win starting next week. And yay for me, I just realized I get the first prompt of the New Year! Now, this is quite an honor. Let's see what my internet scrubbing can find. Rules: 1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create. 2) There is also a 500 word maximum. 3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post. 4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (Or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so! 5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it. The photo, to suit my mood: Austria,bakeries,cakes,candies,chocolates,Christmas,Christmas markets,cookies,desserts,foods,Germany,gourmets,iStockphoto,markets,pastries,Photographs,snacks,sugars,sweet foods,Vienna The words: aerial fare rain sale profit Oh, that's almost too easy. I would chose different words, but rules are rules, I suppose, and I always try to stick with the first set. Still, nothing is as it seems with these prompts, so let us know what your twisted beautiful minds come up with by linking up below. Oh - And make sure to grab a blog hop button if you're loving the prompts! writing, writers, blogs Click and copy this code href="http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/search/label/Writers%20Wednesday%20Blog%20Hop" target="_blank">

Thank You Nicole Pyles for doing our weekly Wednesday Writer Blog Hop - Photo Prompt.   Glad to have you back in the laptop/computer world

I hope you all will join in the fun and submit your story. Looking forward to reading them :-)

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This time I get to post the weekly prompt (and soon, I will get used to having a laptop enough to join in...I promise).  A special thank you for my co-hosts, Carrie K Sorensen, Tena Carr and Leanne Sype for having so much patience during my time of laptop-lessness.

And here's the awesome writers from last week's writing prompt! Make sure to go by and read their amazing pieces!

Snow by Randy Lindsay
The Call by Stella
John Buck Thompson by Scott Taylor

Even though rules were meant to be broken, you must follow ours (especially to be considered for our monthly contest) -


1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (Or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

And make sure to grab a blog hop button if you're loving the prompts!

Click and copy this code

<p align="center"> <a href="http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/search/label/Writers%20Wednesday%20Blog%20Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh540/sommerfugldesign/Worldofmyimagination/wednesdayhopbutton.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a>

Now, for this week's photo:

The Five Words:

Parking Meter

Stomach

Magazine

Chart

Olive

Oh boy, I have a good feeling about this one. 

When you have you're post ready, get yourself linked up below! Get those creative engines going!

Woooo!

WWBH: December 05, 2012

This week we've got Carrie over at Chasing Revery taking a hold of the reigns...  Take it away carrie...

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Who won this week?

I'm going to save that for later this time. ;)

First, let's take a look at last week's story submissions.

LINKS

I have to say, the thought of my son and dog inspiring those stories .... haha. :) It was lovely. And I have more for you this week.

Keep an eye on the rules:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (Or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

The photo for this week.

Microsoft Office Images

The words for this week.

Needle

Wisdom

Planet

Beach

Scandal

We haven't offered our button in a while. Feel free to grab one to share the love. :)

Click and copy this code

<p align="center"> <a href="http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/search/label/Writers%20Wednesday%20Blog%20Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh540/sommerfugldesign/Worldofmyimagination/wednesdayhopbutton.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a> <br /> <br />

And, finally, the answer you've scrolled all the way down to see. This month's ad winner is:

Heather @ Reading, Writing and Everything Inbetween

Congratulations! We will display your button for the next month. If you have a button already, please send it my way. If you have a photo you would like me to use to make your button, let me know that by Friday. Otherwise I can work from scratch.

Everyone else (not to exclude Heather) get to writing. It may be your blog up to win next month's prize.

Back to #WWBH - November 28, 2012

I hope you had a lovely week off from the blog hop. Now we're up and back at it again.

First, take a look at the stories from our Veteran's Day prompt:

Fulfilling A Promise by Leanne Sype
Daddy's Little Girl by Heather
Through A Child's Eyes by Scott Taylor
Angel Kisses by Tena Carr


Thank you to everyone who has participated. If you're interested in submitting some artwork or photography for the prompts, check out the information here.

As for this week's Snapshot Prompt, let's get going. First, the rules:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

This week's photo:

This week's words:

iron

moon

university

bee

bench

Okay, so have at it. And a quick reminder to get your stories in by 8pm EST Tuesday night to qualify for this month's ad contest. :D