Wed. words:

  

Melody,the elephant in the room

Happy Henry’s Veterinarian provided treatment for a wide assortment of animals. The line to the office wound out the door and around to the parking lot, where a huge circus tent was set up for larger animal patients. And local observers.

 As always, his patients were never the same usual animals. The owner Nancy brought in Lady as happy as a dog with two tails could be. He lanced the abscess under the anus carefully, avoiding the two tails that whipped around with happiness.

Next came Old Man Bill with cat Fluffy, whose claws had gotten Old Bill’s tongue.  It wasn’t pleasant but Fluffy survived

The third patient was owner Lucy’s pet bison, Moby, which was taken to the tent. There Moby had a whale of a time chasing other pets. All except the locals (who hung behind an iron bar security fence) the tent taking bets on who would be tossed in the air first.  They were not chicken hearted, although some left in a hurry.

The fourth patient was a hybrid blend of a wolf and sheep. No details were given about the wolf in the sheep’s clothing creation or what brought it to the doctor. No one wanted to know.

And then, came the retired circus leader with his pet elephant, Melody.  No one could ignore that elephant in the tent.  By that time the whole town was crowded in the tent watching the bison take on the elephant.  How it ended, no one knew since they were all running for their lives.

At the end of the day as Happy Henry closed the door. It had been another rewarding day. 

The alligator didn’t come but would tomorrow. He smiled. Oh how he loved his work.

 

The italicized segments are from Elephant's Child who manages to find or fineable words to challenge bloggers in Blogger world. Go to her site and see what people have done with these. 

I really enjoy challenges like these. These strangest words always provide lots of entertainment. 

 These are the gourmet from which to choose:

the elephant in the room; as busy as a bee; as happy as a dog with 2 tails; chicken hearted; a wolf in sheeps clothing; cat got your tongue; having a whale of a time; ants in your pants.

Garema Place in Canberra

 

From Elephant's Child

 

 

Billy Jim and Esther Sue had saved all their lives for this trip, and by golly, they would see as much of this street art place in Australia as they could.

The bus tour gave them 45 minutes to roam about this park in the middle of Canberra called “Garema” Place.

“Hell, Esther, if I’da wanted to look at weird metal sheep sitting on a bench, I’da made one at home,” Billy Jim stood with his big belly balanced by hands on hips.  “Mighty dumb, if ya ask me.”

‘Glad I didn’t ask.’  Esther Sue mentally responded.  She came to a lonely plaque on the sidewalk.  As she read it silently, a tear slid down her cheek.  ‘Well, at least you rejoiced when it came, Linette Bone.'

 

Billy Jim hollered, “Time to git back on the bus.  Git on over here, woman!”

Esther sighed, looking one last time at the plaque.  ‘Hope you were loved, ….’  Then she joined Billy on the bus.

 

This is a repost from 2011.  Elephant's Child provides so many photos from her marvelous country. Check her out on Sundays. 

wire sculptures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garema Place Blest

From Elephant's Child

Billy Bob and Esther Sue had saved all their lives for this trip, and by golly, they would see as much of this street art place in Australia as they could.

The bus tour gave them 45 minutes to roam about this park in the middle of Canberra called “Garema” Place.

“Hell, Esther, if I’da wanted to look at weird metal sheep sitting on a bench, I’da made one at home,” Billy Jim stood with his big belly balanced by hands on hips.  “Mighty dumb, if ya ask me.”

‘Glad I didn’t ask.’  Esther Sue mentally responded.  She came to a lonely plaque on the sidewalk.  As she read it silently, a tear slid down her cheek.  ‘Well, at least you rejoiced when it came, Linette Bone.’

Billy Jim hollered, “Time to git back on the bus.  Git on over here, woman!”

Esther sighed, looking one last time at the plaque.  ‘Hope you were loved, ….’  Then she joined Billy on the bus.



This was a photo prompt from May 2012.  Its story, told in those very few words, touched me deeply.

Here are some other art displays at Garema Place in Canberra, Australia:

Source: mattewharding.com

Source: Hannah....you must visit this site.

This is a re-post from October 2012, a PhotoPrompt provided by Elephant's Child.  My Switzerland family (daughter Mary and 6 year old grandson Benjamin.) are still here. Will be leaving tomorrow. It has been a wonderful time.

Wednesday Photo Prompt: Suzanne

from Elephant's Child

Suzanne straightened the review mirror, catching a look at her watery eyes.  This is it. Words filled her mind, as she turned the key and left the driveway.  What will happen? What if…

The country road was one lane, one long empty lane.  Suzanne had passed years on this road, knowing every bump and every curve. A lump filled her throat and tears slowly rolled down her cheeks…  She had never driven so far with such thoughts.

The side view mirror reflected her face and the road behind.  Never noticed those trees before…lush…green…

Source

Suitcases in the back seat shifted and fell. Suzanne pulled over just as she approached the yellow Yield sign.  She turned the car off, shifted gear into neutral. The country road stopped at this main two-lane road. Yield?  Which direction?

Her reflections from rear view and side view mirrors questioned her.  She turned the key, put the car into gear, and stepped on the gas pedal.

Some very talented writers have given time and talent to challenge writers to take a leap away from other projects--be challenged by the prompts they create.  This week's photo prompts are from Susan at Of Every Moment.com.  Two very different photos are posted at Elephant's Child.  Please pop over and write something.  You may post it in her comment section or at your own site, linking it back to her.

WedWords: Marching Home

Source

When Hitler threw open the gate of war, he had no doubt that his enemies would blunder and fumble through years of ineptitude.  A game to him, Hitler watched and waited.

The small village of Cranville-off-Trent lined the streets as their own brave boys set off to war.  Tears, so many tears dropped onto the cobblestone street where their sons had walked.  Come home!  Write!

At the "River and Trout" where publican Jim Garvey served many pints that day, he listened with equanimity and compassion for his patrons. Many pints over days, months, and then years were served, as Jimmy comforted despondent friends, waiting for their boys. 

Slowly, brave boys returned home, one by one.  Grieving parents, whose sons lay in graves somewhere, cheered for each young man.

source

Jim served many pints each time.  And he always poured a pint in memory of those who did not march home. Here’s to ye, brave lads.  God love ye and keep ye.

Two words sent me down this road:  publican and despondent.  We knew many publicans (pub owners) in Ireland, all good kind souls.  Most of them did not drink.

These bold underlined words are compliments of Elephant's Child for Wednesday Words.  Please click on her site, sit back and enjoy.  E.C.'s blogs always provide beauty and interest.

And....please look at the random words and take some time to write anything that inspires you!

The Old Woman

Photo taken in 1917

The Gwich’in tribe had decided, and once a resolute decision is made, there would be no change.

Leader Ti’kto’ma approached the old woman with tribal leaders behind him.  The old woman huddled close to the fire, but continued to chew the hide of a seal, softening it.

”Old grandmother!  It is time to leave you in this camp for you to take your final journey!”  Ti’kto’ma shouted down at the elderly woman, where her youngest granddaughter wrapped her arms around the woman.

Old Woman, whose worth now was less than bark on a tree, nodded in submission.  The young girl begged for Grandmother’s life, her bruised deformed face twisted in tears.  Ti’kto’ma kicked her away from the fire.  “The fire is wasted on you!  Return to your mother…she must have some use for you, Mongrel Child.”

Old Woman gazed as the tribe walked off in the distance, clutching her bag and fur scarf tightly. In a day where dusk came as soon as the sun disappeared, she was left in the abandoned camp. She settled her elderly bones onto icy snow, waiting for the cold to take her.

As night crept in and cold settled over her, sounds grew louder in the forest.  Old Woman reached out, finding her grand-daughter.

“Let us both float off in the final journey together,” Mongrel Child whispered.  Old Woman wrapped her shawl and scarf around the girl, and they settled into a final night's sleep.

Elephant’s Child has provided the bold underlined words as a challenge for bloggers to stir the pot and produce any genre using those words.  This week there are six and another six words to play with as you choose.  Pop on over to her site, by clicking on her moniker above.

Have you heard of a book Two Old Women: An Alaskan Legend of Betrayal and Survival" written by Velma Wallis? The tribe name is true and this ancient custom is accurate.  The story has truth in it as well.  After discovering "two old women" left behind, the tribe finds them well, healthy, and with a huge collection of dried foods.  The Gwich'in discontinued this tradition. This book is a worthy read, simplistic yet moving.

More on this history and legends

Wed. Words: Emily at Church

source

“There’s a storm comin’!  I tell you a storm!” Pastor Grimley yelled, pounding the pulpit.  “ARE YOU READY?”

The congregation shouted Amen, Praise the Lord…waking Emily from her nap on the pew.  Mama was standing, being one of the Amen group.

Emily rolled and then planted her chubby little feet on the maple floor.  The walking thing was still iffy, but she had the crawl-ing down.  Distance to the pulpit wasn’t far at all, and at a fast crawl, Emily could cover it before Mama noticed.

And, off she took, under pews, between legs, around feet, past purses.  Oh, Emily knew she was fearless, and this would be another time she found freedom, with her white diaper bottom wagging behind.

“Can you make a joyous noise to the Lord??” Pastor roared. Cue the organist, who joined in with a chorus from different hymns.

Emily reached the pulpit and pulled herself up, pounding on the cross.

Source

“Root out sin!  Let joy rise as a fragrance to the Lord!” He raised his arms, pointing to heaven.

Emily plopped down on her bottom, onto a loaded and ripe diaper.  You betcha!  Emily clapped and cooed as Mama came running.

Thank you, Elephant's Child for provided the bold underlined italicized words!  She tosses 6 to 12 words out at writers to take up a challenge in their writing each week.  Go to her site and check her comments!

Wed. Words: The Art of Being Mindless

Choices

Some people are born with a propensity to mindless  behavior, which is developed to be an art over a life time.  How does one recognize someone who does not have a clue, who spends life in a marathon of stupid choices?

First, such a person would walk across a yard while the sprinklers are on full force, because one is playing “candy crush” something on an iPhone.

Man tears tendon after playing Candy Crush for 10 hours every day for 8 weeks

Next, one such is seldom wary of danger, like crossing against traffic, while checking local movie times on that stupid iPhone.

Screeeccchhhh!

Finally, this person, who is downloading Johnny Cash’s Greatest Hits, will suddenly develop itchy welts on feet and legs after ignoring a friend’s warning, “Hey, --------.  My sister’s dog is swarming with fleas.  Don’t go near it…”

Source

Fact is, mindless people will find that being mindless does not serve them well. Ever.

Thanks to Elephant's Child who has provided 6 and/or 8 words each week for bloggers to use.  These words are italicized and underlined.  So... Shake up your writing!  Try something new and challenging! Prose, poetry, fiction, whatever!  And, visit her site to read some comments using these words.  Good reading.

And, many good wishes to Delores at Under the Porch Light, who is currently having computer issues (haven't we all been there??).  

Succulents hold the secret of water...

This is the fourth year of the California drought.  Too many photos show the Central Valley—the home of huge fields growing every fruit and vegetable imaginable—is starting to look like a waste land. 

We rejoice for the rain that is beating down on other places, and are appalled at the floods with its unrelenting damage.

Selfishly, I look at the flowers on Elephant's Child site and sigh at their beauty.  Cup on the Bus is surrounded by flowers, plants, and green, so green.  There are other blog sites who post such amazing photos of their world.

Well, now.  The only way I could show any photos at all was using my cellphone to capture succulents at a local Succulent show.  Here are some beauties, and I don’t know their appellations:

<==This seriously could be used as a back drop for a C movie.

The plant to the right is
some sort of bonsai; do not
know what kind.  Do you?==>

This plant might actually survive with my ineptitude?
<==

I was told this plant to the right is called 
"pitcher plant" or monkey's paws.  It
has a sweet nectar at the bottom of the 
pitchers that traps and consumes insects.==>

If you have suggestions, please
write them in your
comments!  Please?

Perhaps you all may know these amazing plants' names?





<==I love this one!

Good book, indifferent book, or just plain bad book?

sourc: great-creative-bookshelf-designs

When Elephant’s Child wrote about her struggle with purging her bookshelves, overflowing with so many books, thoughts began as my own book purge began.  What determines a good book from an indifferent book?  How do I began?

Perhaps this guidelines will help:

A book is declared good when it moves from being a bathroom reading book to a book-by-the-recliner, in one flush.

A book from a garage sale box marked 25¢? It may look great, but it has never been read, with only the first five pages turned.  One will buy it, but it will eventually end up it one’s own 25¢ box.

When the reader resumes at page 147 and a few hours later, moves the bookmark to page 245: This reader wants to find out what happens next.

When a book works its way from the “high interest” shelf and works its way down to the bottom shelf where there is a stack of Kohl’s ads and some two year old magazines, the book did not pass muster.

And

When the book one is thinking of buying at the used book store, one notices pages are folded down in the upper corner many times by different people.  And, also, there are notes made in margins.

It is hoped that these observations are helpful.

PhotoPrompt: The Birth Plaque

From Elephant's Child

Billy Jim and Esther Sue had saved all their lives for this trip, and by golly, they would see as much of this street art place in Australia as they could.

The bus tour gave them 45 minutes to roam about this park in the middle of Canberra called “Garema” Place.

“Hell, Esther, if I’da wanted to look at weird metal sheep sitting on a bench, I’da made one at home,” Billy Jim stood with his big belly balanced by hands on hips.  “Mighty dumb, if ya ask me.”

‘Glad I didn’t ask.’  Esther Sue mentally responded.  She came to a lonely plaque on the sidewalk.  As she read it silently, a tear slid down her cheek.  ‘Well, at least you rejoiced when it came, Linette Bone.’

Billy Jim hollered, “Time to git back on the bus.  Git on over here, woman!”

Esther sighed, looking one last time at the plaque.  ‘Hope you were loved, ….’  Then she joined Billy on the bus.

Flowing Colors

A talented mind: Elephant's Child

Georgia ran her hand along the quilt, feeling the seams and the stitches.  'Such tiny stitches!  How did she do this?' she wondered, amazed at what she felt.

Was it a river? A wave?  Flowing clouds?  "This is so incredible, Elena!" Georgia exclaimed.  "How did you manage such wonderful piecing?"

"The same way you do, the same way," Elena told her blind sister.  "The fabric folded in my hands, and I stitched.  Blindness is not a hindrance for us.  We can hear the fabric speak, and feel the pattern move.  Color to color, curve to curve."

Note:  This has been edited to include the video below, AND to make sure that Elephant's Child is credited for this PhotoPrompt.  This is her quilt, and it is amazing.  It makes my hands hurt just to think about the work that she put into this creation!  Wed., 5-16-12
See this YouTube site: