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 26, 2013: Quaint Little Coffee Shop

 Words used in this story are: Imprint, Careworn, Crescent, head-on, satin  

Quaint Little Coffee Shop

Janet stopped in front of the quaint little coffee shop in the small town of Flagstaff, near where she had grown up, the imprint of the train catching her eye.  Apparently the coffee shop was fairly new, because she didn't remember it being there when she moved away several years ago, but then a lot had changed.  Still, it was a far cry from the busy city of Dallas, TX where she now lived.  For a moment Janet debated going in.  She was still wearing the same satin blouse and tweed skirt she had worn to work the day before.  The skirt had survived okay, but the the blouse was all wrinkled from the long drive/

As she opened the door to go inside, Janet's thoughts went to her brother, Jason.  Jason had loved trains, jokingly calling himself a ferroequinologist.  She tried to remember if he had ever mentioned coming here.  After all, it combined his two loves Coffee and Trains.  Sadly he had just died a couple days ago  after being in a coma as a result of a head-on collision.

After Jason's accident, Janet had been unable to get away from work and had to rely on daily phone calls to her parents who sounded careworn.  When her parents had called with news of Jason's death, Janet immediately requested (more like demanded) time off work.  She had pretty much driven straight through except for a stop at one of the rest areas along the way to catch a few ZZZs.  The crescent moon had  still been in the sky when  Janet  pulled out of the rest area.

After ordering a coffee and pastry, Janet found a seat in a quiet corner.  Her thoughts once again returning to her brother.  She had a feeling he would have loved this place, simply because of the name.  Well that and because of his second love - Coffee!!  He always use to say that you could never have enough coffee.  He was always sending her pictures of the latest coffee mugs (and other coffee related gadgets) that he had picked up from various places that he travelled to.  It was funny, Janet had moved away to a bustling, busy city because she wanted to get out of what she had considered to be a boring place to live and yet she hardly ever ever went anywhere, while Jason (who had stayed in there home town) was constantly traveling all over the world, seeing new places and meeting new people.

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"  

"Moment of Truth" Part 3 of a collaboration challenge story

Before you read my part of this "Collaboration Challenge" story, be sure and read Part One by Carrie Sorenson of Chasing Revery and Part Two by Nicole Pyles of The World of My Imagination. Also, my apologies.  I had a hard time finding the right pic then when I did find something that would work I couldn't get it to post correctly. 

"Let the games begin".... such innocent sounding words but in light of past events where people had ended up being hurt by the so called "innocent little fun & games" they sounded ominous to Kips ears.  "I must be loosing my touch," Kip thought to himself as he hesitated in the doorway, again trying to decide what to do.  What was wrong with him, he wondered.  He never had trouble with making decisions to do something and then jumping in and doing it.

"You planning on coming in dude" Mick asked.

Kip gulped, "Yeah, I'm coming in"

He followed Mick down to the basement where the "game" room was.  He had been down here a gazillion times, but this time, he felt as if a noose was tightening around his neck as he walked down the steps.

In the game room, the others were lounging around on the couch.  A table was set up across the room with a variety of alcoholic drinks, several shot glasses, a die, a sheet of paper, and what looked like a stack of blank business cards.

"We're all here" Mick spoke to the group,  "We can finally begin".  A cheer went up in the group and Kip cheered right along with them though his heart wasn't really in it.  In fact his palms were getting sweaty and his heart felt like it was racing.

"Here's the rules," Mick continued on after motioning for everyone to be quiet, "I have a sheet of paper here with the names of the six drinks you see on the table.  Each drink has a number by it,  We each take turns rolling the die and taking a shot of the drink that we roll.  After you drink your 'shot' you pick a card and have to do whatever the card instructs you too.  If you are unable to then you fail and have to wait till your turn again to try again.  If you decline your shot then you automatically fail and sit out the rest of the game. The winner is the last man standing!"

Kip listened to the rules as he eyed the drinks sitting on the table.  He was liking this game less & less with each passing second.  Sure he drank booze with his buds, no biggy but the drinks here were hard liqueur and they were talking about mixing drinks - NEVER a good thing.  He had seen the results once when his father had inadvertently drunken a different drink than the one he'd been drinking during a small dinner party he had had at their house.  His girlfriend had been smart to quit.  Of course she had given the excuse that she was going to take some sort of college prep courses and "make something of herself", but the truth was she looked at these parties as "stupid and childish"  She had told him more than once that he needed to grow up and get a life ( a REAL life). Kip knew he should have quit too, but he was in too deep now.  If he left "the party" early he'd have to make up some sort of excuse (something he was terrible at) or tell the truth and risk being ridiculed by the others.

They all took a turn shaking the die to determine order.  Kip was relieved to see he had the smallest number, which meant he would get to go last.  One by one everyone in the group took their turns all of them passing their "test" as instructed on the cards.   No one had declined their turn.  Then it was Kip's turn.  No way he could chicken out now not when he'd be the only one to do so and he had a rep to uphold.

Kip  stepped forward and rolled the die, then picked up the shot glass that correlated with the number he had rolled.  The drink burned going down, landing heavily on his churning stomach.  He then took the top card off the pile, turned it over and read it aloud to the rest of the guys.

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Be sure and tune in next week at Confessions of a Pixel and ink-stained wretch as Leonard Suskin takes over the story.

WWBH Blog Hop Photo Prompt: June 12, 2013

I have to apologize #1 for not posting last weeks Blog Hop and #2 Not keeping up with my blogging in general. This last weekend Hubby and I took a short weekend trip up to Flagstaff (We currently live in the Tucson area) for a train swap meet. You wouldn't think that preparing for such a short trip would be such a big deal as to need tons of planning but we were planning on staying at a campground and (because of hubby being disabled, needed to have our pop-up tent trailer in usable condition. Said trailer needed to have some work done on it. Not to mention the stuff that needed to be done to prepare for swap meet itself.... Seems things are always getting done at last minute around here.... But you didn't come to this post to hear about our little trip - So, without further ado, here's Leanne with this weeks Blog Hop:

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5 words, 1 picture, and a whole lotta talent-- it's blog hop photo reveal day!I'm going to get right to it, my friends! First up? David Bastiani was our blog hop ad winner! Here is his button to display on your site so people can hop on over to his blog after they've hopped over to yours (see what I did there? ;)). Congratulations, David! Okay, here are the stories from last week's photograph. Be sure to hop over to each blog and read the stories ( ;)) and show some love to the authors in the comments! Hop vs. Prompt? by JP Climb by Carrie K. Sorensen Ice Drop by Leanne Sype J'Sharn's World--Episode II Where's your Stick? by Scott Taylor The Birthday Treat by Sally Stackhouse Here is a reminder of this works

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.

And drumroll please for this week's photo-- badadadadadadadadaaaa

(randomly generated) Mandatory words

potato

magazine

carrot

day

cough

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 for April 24, 2013 - Hard Worker

"Now sweetheart, don't get all in a huff" Patricia said as she noticed her husband tapping angrily on the steering wheel of the car as they drove along the highway. "Maybe we should pull over for a moment" she suggested a bit nervously.

"No," Jack answered, "I'm fine"

"Are you sure" Patricia inquired, concerned.

"Yeah" Jack replied, "It's just that BS they gave me at HR about the reason for letting me go is a pile of crock. All they care about is the quantity of work done, not the quality.

"I know," Patricia said agreeing with him. "They have no idea what a conscientious and hard worker they're losing" She rubbed his arm affectionately.

She recalled the the letter that had come from the construction company that Jack worked for on official looking letterhead from the Human Resource Department.  

  Words used: Letterhead Quantity Construction Huff Crock

WWBH Blog Hop: Wed April 17, 2013

Outraged and Devestated

Leanne Sype suggested the prompt we put together this week be in honor of Boston. To be honest, I loved the idea, but I was not going to do it because everything I read made me cry and I didn't think I could do it. Until I saw this.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/boston-marathon-tragedy-met-with-amazing-acts-of-kindness

It corresponds with what I read a few days ago, a quote by Fred Rogers that says, "When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

So, I will put together a post with that in mind. I have found a lovely photo, though I believe it was taken before the bombings, it is open to many interpretations, not just for the marathon.

But first, some happier news. We have chosen the winner of our $25 Amazon Gift Card. Congratulations to

Yolanda Tong

We are so thankful to each person who participates in our weekly prompt. Please keep coming back, or write for the first time! We welcome everyone and can't wait to read all the stories like the ones from last week.

Mystery Man by Quinn Nielsen
After the Gala by Scott Taylor
A Grand Surprise by Leanne Sype


Now, quickly into the prompt. We'll start with 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 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.

The Photo, Courtesy of Soniasu

The Words:

Threat

Vitamins

Summer

Quarry

Eating

Sometimes I feel like I should take a screen shot of the creativity games site I use to generate those words, just to prove they were randomly selected by the internet.

But enough of that, it's time to get writing. Make sure to link up below so we can all share in your talent. :)

MY WWBH Story – April 03, 2013: Her Dad's Shop

"Now Sally" Austin replied, "Don't go getting your Girders in a knot.  You know easily upset you can get about these things and how stress affects your heart condition."

Austin was right, Sally realized.  The doctor had repeatedly warned her about undue stress and the importance of not getting all excited.  she forced herself to  take a calming breath then worked to take slow even breaths, trying to lower rapidly beating heart.

"You know how much this dinner party means to me. how much it means to keeping my father's shop open." Sally whispered.  "I promised my father that I'd keep it going after he died.   I need this dinner party, and the sale this weekend, to drive business so I can keep "Williams Fun & Magic  Shop"

Austin smiled warmly.  "Your father was such a ham always a trickster, always joking around, but he was also a good business man too, though" he replied.  "He really believed in parity of income for all workers and new & improved working conditions"

"I just hope I can follow in his footsteps" Sally sighed.

"You'll do fine," Austin assured her.  "You've got your father's business sense.

"Just make sure you don't spike the punch Austin," Sally replied.   "Your just like my father in that regard.  He would have liked your sense of humor.  He wouldn't have approved, but he would have liked it.  

The words for this WWBH Photo Prompt were:

1. Ham
2. Spike
3. Parity
4. Girders 
5. Sale 

MY WWBH Story – April 03, 2013: Murder At the Amusement Park (10)

I thought I'd revisit my Ongoing Blog Hop Photo Prompt story "Murder at the Amusement Park" with this one.  The rest of the story can be found on my "Murder at the Amusement Park" page.(on WordPress)  I'll be adding to it randomly as the bloghop photos and words lead themselves to the story.

Trent had just sat down in one of the balcony seats at the orchestra, that he was attending with his long-time friend  Samantha  Bearson, when his phone buzzed.  Samantha had ended up with an extra ticket when her boyfriend ended up being called into work. She had called and asked if he'd like to come along.  "Sure, why not" Trent had agreed.  The numbers being played by this particular orchestra included pieces by Beethoven, whom Trent considered to be a great composer.   One of the members of the orchestra had just stepped up to the front of the stage, violin in hand.  Trent glanced at his phone and saw the message  "Calling in 5" on the display screen.   He took the opportunity, while everyone was standing and applauding to make his excuses to Samantha and slip out into the large foyer just outside.

Five minutes later, right on time, his phone buzzed again this indicating an incoming call.

"Hello" Trent said briskly, answering on the first ring.

"He said he'll talk with you"  The man on the other end of the line said without preamble.

"How much?" Trent asked getting right to business.

"$600"

Trent let out a low whistle.  "That much?"

"Says he won't do it for any less"

"Okay," Trent agreed  What time? and Where?

"Tonight, 8:30 p.m.  at the Frowning Face Casino," The guy on the other end of the line told him.  "Look for a Silver colored Nissan Ultima with a cork on the radio antenna.

Trent glanced at his watch.  "That's half an hours from now..... I'm at the orchestra with a friend...."

"He says it has to be tonight or forget it."

Trent let out a sigh.  Thankfully he and Samantha had come in separate cars, so he didn't have to worry about leaving her stranded.

"So what do I tell him, is it on or not?"

"Tell him I'll be there."

"You better be" the man on the other end of the line replied as he hung up.

Trent made a quick stop in the restroom and, finding an empty toilet paper roll wrote a quick note to Samantha apologizing for having to leave suddenly and gave it to the usher.  Half an hour later he was at the casino when he noticed a silver Nissan Ultima pull up.

Trent cautiously approached the vehicle.  Two men, in casual business dress, got out from the back seat.  "Mr  Maring I presume?"  The taller one said

"Yes" Trent replied.

"Jack said you'd be waiting for us."

"Where is Jack?" Trent asked

"We're suppose to take you to meet him.

"Where?"

"We can't say." The shorter man replied.  "So are you coming or not?"

"I'm coming." Trent replied as he got into the back seat of the car.  The two guys got in on either side of him.

A few minutes later the car came to a stop at a non-descript two story house with a see-saw in the front yard

The 5 Words used in this story are: Cork, Violin, Seesaw, Toilet Paper, Composer

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>

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<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;">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>

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Blog Hop Photo Prompt Reveal – No use for society

Gloria made her way carefully down the mountain using an old path  that most people didn't even know was there.   It had long since been over grown with weeds,  rose bushes and blackberry vines lined the sides making it hard to see.   Reaching a clearing, she saw a rickety old house on the river  2 old houseboats sat next to it in just as derelict a condition as the house.

"James" she called loudly  then waited....  "JAMES"  she called again when there was no response.  Gloria new that the old man was slightly hard of hearing and, also, new that he didn't like being taken by surprise and didn't take kindly to unexpected guests.  But he seemed to enjoy her company.  Of ten times they would sit and talk for hours about all sorts of things including things about the Lord.  There didn't seem to be anything that James didn't know about the Lord and about the bible.

Many people saw James as a decrepit  old man with little use to society....  Most people didn't even seem to care if he lived or died,  but Gloria knew differently.  Gloria knew  that underneath the withered old body  and a mind that was starting to slow with age there  a man who was quick witted  and a wealth of information.  James had a way of sharing information and telling stories that would make people laugh  (if they'd only take the time to listen). James held several degrees (including Theology, Psychology, and Education).   And had once  been the assistant pastor at a small church before his wife died  of cancer.   He had been so distraught over his wife's death that he began to binge, often times drinking himself into a stupor....  He had been at his lowest point in life, rock bottom,  with no where to go when a stranger had given a chance.   James had continued to work odd jobs scrimping and saving till he was finally able to buy the tiny piece of land  that he now lived on.  The two houseboats, that sat by the house, had once been in prime condition and he would often rent them out to vacationers.   It didn't bring in a lot of money, but it did pay the bills and put food on the table.  But the effects of years of drinking had paid their toll on James and as his health declined, unable to put forth the physical effort of upkeep, so too did the houseboats and house.

Gloria wanted to find a way to help James, but he was a proud man  and she knew he wouldn't take kindly to charity or hand-outs "Honest work for honest pay." He often said.  He wouldn't accept anything but that he earned it.  She had come up with an idea the night before.    The small community was in need of a tutor  to help some of the kids that were floundering....  Perhaps James would be interested in helping those youngsters to learn and grow.

(yeah - I know, I went over the 500 words)

This week’s words are:

laugh

saw

lord

degree

binge

Blog Hop Photo Prompt Reveal - Rainy Day at the Donut Shop

Aerial, Fare, Rain, Sale, Profit

"Ughhh, look at that rain" Monika complained as she re-arranged the assortment of donuts in the display case for about the fiftieth time that day, Monika.  There didn't seem to be anything better to do.  She'd already wiped down all the counters and cleaned the backroom - twice.  All the donuts had been finished and the outgoing orders had been filled  & delivered.  In fact the driver had gone home hours ago.    

When Monika had arrived into work that morning, her boss (and best friend) had warned her that it would be a busy day due to the aerial show taking place that weekend.  Munchkin Donuts, Where Monika worked, was also offering the choice of an all day - allzone  bus fare or a $5 gas card with the purchase of two dozen donuts.  Unfortunately one of the other workers who was suppose to be coming in that day had had to call in because her daughter had come down with the flu, so it was only going to be Monika and her boss working today along with the baker (who had also left a few hours earlier after he'd finished with the baking.

 

Steady rain had been falling since early afternoon and the influx of customers they had that morning had begun to trickle till there was hardly anyone coming in the door.  The morning had started out pretty good and sales had been high, which was  a good thing because they were definitely falling this afternoon.  At present her boss was in the back working on paperwork for the nights deliveries.

"Look" Monika's boss (who had just come up front from the back office) stated, "The rain's stopped.  Just then a whole bunch of customers came through donut shop's doors.  "Maybe now we make a profit huh?!" He replied as he took the first customer in line.

"How can I help you ma'am?" she asked of the next customer in line as she shot a quick smile to her boss.

Blog Hop Photo Prompt: Cholesteotoma

Didn't get a chance to post the WWBH announcement this week (think it was from last  week also)  as I was busy catching up from my trip to Arizona (May try to put up some pictures I took).
This week Leann Sype (Writings and Ruminations) took a stab at the WWBH reigns and did an awesome job!!

If you haven't yet seen last weeks entries, here they are:

The Photo Finals Project, by Scott Taylor

I Have A Bad Feeling About This, by Nicole Pyles

The Only Way Out, by Leanne Sype

Okay so here it goes



Mandatory words:  lobster, remote control, luggage, ears, exam

Cholesteotoma

Sandy had always loved the rain, loved to run & jump through the puddles in  her lobster red rainboots holding her yellow with red polka-dot umbrella (if she bothered to remember it that was)...  Her mother always scolded her about going out in the rain without her ear-muffs and jacket hood on.  Sandy hated wearing those ear-muffs - Hated how they felt on her ears.  And the hood of her jacket meant she couldn't feel the rain on her hair and face the way she liked.  Now there would be no more running about in the rain, not for a very long time - Maybe forever.

A few weeks ago, after a particular cold and rainy day that Sandy had been running around in, she had gotten an ear-ache that quickly turned into an ear-infection.  The ear infection hadn't been bad at first, "we should be able to treat it with antibiotics" the ENT had said at the first exam, but the infection had gotten worse and refused to go away.  Finally, stronger antibiotics killed the infection but the doctor still had more bad news.

"it looks like the cholesteotoma is back.  Sandy still remembered all the surgeries she had had to have it removed and the medications afterwards -yuck!  The doctor wasn't finished yet.... "I'm afraid it's worse this time.  The cholesteotoma has grown even bigger than last time.  If we don't get it treated right away there's a good chance Sandy could go completely deaf and there's also a chance that it could extend into her brain."

Surgery was scheduled and Sandy and her mom were given instructions to check in at the hospital early the next morning.  Sandy's mom had helped her pack her purple and pink luggage bag with her favorite stuffed horsey from her Aunt Teri and blanket from her Gma Nonny. 

Now she lay on her hospital bed playing with the remote control that moved the bed.   The medicine she was given earlier already starting to make her groggy.  "We're ready to take her down to surgery" the orderly, who had just entered the room, said after checking her chart and bracelet.

Note: The story, for most part, is fictional - but parts are based on truthy.  I actually did have cholesteotoma as a child.  Mine was caught early on but apparently it can, if left untreated for long periods of time, eventually cause hearing loss and (in rare cases) affect parts of brain or even cause death.  I was lucky in that I only ended up with some hearing loss.  Also, I actually do have an Aunt Teri (who have me stuffed horse when I was little);  And a Grandma Nonny (actually Nonny), from whom my last gift (before shed died) was a robe (not a blanket).

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!

Blog Hop Photo Prompt Reveal - Home-Made Business

 

Beverly watched from her kitchen window as her son, Jason, headed towards the path that he always gook when waking the families only dog. They had had two dogs but the other had died recently due to Iron Poisoning. Beverly couldn't believe how fast her boy was growing up. He was small for his age, but was big enough now to walk the dog to a nearby park on his own. In the small town in which they lived, where everyone new everyone, Beverly felt comfortable in allowing her son to go there on his own. Normally, Bench (whom Jason had named because he had found him, as a small pup, huddled under a bench one full-moon night) would be allowed off his leash to run once at the park. Bench was very well behaved and always came back with just the slightest whistle. But Beverly had given Jason the rule that unless she (or his father) was with him, Jason was to keep Bench on his leash at all times. As far as Beverly knew Jason had always followed this rule. Beverly continued to watch. Soon dog and boy were out of sight. Beverly went back to making another batch of honey-bread. She had been making bread most all morning to fill orders she had gotten both from local town folks as well as some from neighboring towns. Beverly made her special bread using homemade honey from the families very own bees. She remembered being a bit fearful of dealing with bees at first and had let her husband Brian take care of the bees. Beverly was still a little nervous about getting honey from the combs and preferred to let her husband gather the honey. But she had found that, if needed to, she could do the job. Many of Beverly's neighbors and friends had raved about her Honey-Bread saying that she could easily sell the loaves they were that good. Beverly wasn't so sure at first, but figured she had nothing to loose in giving it a go. The first dozen loaves she had made had sold quickly and there had been orders for even more. Beverly began to think that just maybe something would come out of her love for baking. She knew that the family didn't really need the extra money from selling the loaves as they got by just fine on Brian's income, and even had a little left over at the end of the month for a "fun fund". But they didn't have extra money to put aside for Brian to go to college and she figured the extra money from selling the bread could go into a University Fund for Brian to use for just that when he got older.

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

#WordoftheDay Story - Week Two - Culpable by Association

Again, I missed a couple days....  Stupid Phone - LOL

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In <strong>hindsight</strong> Charley knew that he should have steered clear of the <strong>motley</strong> group of wayward boys, but he had so badly wanted to fit in somewhere.  His home life was terrible.  His dad had hit the road years ago and his mom was always to busy entertaining and living the high-life to even pay attention to him (or his two younger sisters for that matter.

For the longest time, Charley had been very <strong>astute</strong> to the fact that his sisters well-being was his responsibility.  It's wasn't as if there mother was showing any concern to their breaking curfew and being out all hours of the night.  He knew he needed to set an example, but the hassle of being his sisters' keeper, and trying to be the parent, became a <strong>tribulation</strong> he was finding hard to handle.

When the boys began to speak in terms of breaking and entering, Charley knew he'd be <strong>culpable</strong> by association and new he had to get out of the group fast.

Blog Hop Photo Prompt Reveal - It was good while it lasted

Yeahhh looks like I've actually got this one done on time LOL

 

Angela put the key into the ignition and started up the Dodge Dakota. There had been a time when she didn't think she and her husband would ever get a new vehicle. The old vehicle had been giving them all sorts of trouble as part after part began to go bad. Unfortunately they just didn't have the money to get something newer and get rid of the old parasite.

Her twins, Samantha and Samuel, sat in the back of the extended cab each sucking on a lollipop they had gotten at their friend's birthday party. Angela hoped that the lollipops would keep them quiet, for a little while anyway....

"Leave my prize bag alone before I beat the tar outta you"..... No such luck.....

"Ha you wouldn't hit a girl," Samantha retaliated. "You wouldn't have the courage. Besides Daddy'll get you good if you were to hit a girl"

"Your such a daddy's girl" Samuel spat, "Go figure"

"All right you two, that's enough. I want you both to be quiet." Angela interrupted the brewing argument

"But Mo...."

"I said SILENCE"

For the rest of the ride home the twins stayed quiet. Both exiting the truck without saying a word after they pulled up in front of their house.

"Make sure you pick up your wrappers" Angela reminded them, "And don't forget your prize bags"

"Hey that's mine...." Angela heard one of them cry out.

"Oh well it was good while it lasted." she thought to herself