Torch in the Dark Fount

Such fragility

Finn struggled with creating meaningful narrative in his latest book, Torch in the Dark Fount.

Liam carefully spread the ceremonial shawl upon….

Who? Why would he “spread” any shawl upon…? Delete…delete…

Liam grasped his knife and savagely shred the silken shawl ….

A little better….type, type…

Liam presented a fragile white crocus dipped in enemy blood to Warrior Queen Maeve. 

Ah, much better, Finn decided. With a chest filled with pride, he headed to his kitchen.

However, Finn Liam did not push save, something he would regret in a few hours. Rookie mistake, but it was not Finn's Liam's first.
 

source

The underlined words are part of the Wednesday Words from Sept. 2016.  

Fine Eatin'

Source + recipes

In the backwaters of Louisiana, the place to eat was at Kalper's Kitchen, where unique and delicious fare could be found. Food was prepared by the man, Kalper himself.  He was always the force blowing full bore around his kitchen, letting no one and nothing get in his way. No one ever knew his secret recipe for award winning shredded beef and smoked ribs.

Not an easy person to approach, his manic brilliance gave new definitions to Southern fried catfish and smoked ribs.  AND all who knew Kalper also understood to stay out of Kalper's kitchen during these hours of inspired creation.

After other sous chefs--Alvin, Sanders, and Simon--got fed up and left, a short new sous chef, Whittier, joined the staff. Whittier was missing some brain cells, and stumbled into the kitchen whereupon Kalper promptly skewered Whittier with his newest blade, a nine-inch Miyabi Birchwood.

A squelched scream gurgled. Hearing the thud,  Kalper's three brothers rushed in to grab Whittier by his sneakers, and drag him to the freezer. 

One muttered, “Damn! That’s the third one this month. Damn shame.""

They tossed Whittier onto the heap of Alvin, Sanders, and Simon. Soon they would finally be allowed in Kalver's Kitchen.


Wednesday Words was started by Delores, who closed her site.  Elephant's Child and at River along with other bloggers are providing pithy challenging words.These words were from 2015.

I took these words and using a dark humor hidden in my brain, put this into a new and unusual short story.

Great fun. 

                

The Intrepid Young Explorer

Warm laundry...mmmm

Being intrepid did not always work in Little Man's best interests.

When Mummy turned her back, he crawled toward a vase, leading to a crash and broken glass.  Then Little Man discovered a spoon and Daddy’s iPad.  Just a few bashes resulted in a clang, a flash¸ and some loud buzzing.

Yes, being intrepid could possibly drive Mummy over an emotional cliff.

I crawled here, and stood up.  NOW what do I do?

This is a repost from 2013. Italicize underlined word are from Wednesday Words, prompts for bloggers to play with. Little Man is now 7 yrs old with a little brother who dearly loves his big brother.  Grandparents love them so much.

All is at Peace

Everything lavender

The sun filtered through the garden, breaking through the dense foliage.  The twining squash vines sported hearty zucchini, which  would soon muscle its way through other vegetables.

Garden making

Butterflies were dancing over the blooming lavender and dahlias.  Over in the corner, isolated from the serene garden, were two gooseberry bushes.  Brooding and sour, they knew it was only a matter of time before they would be picked and treasured.

But, for now, all is at peace.

The italicized words come from Wednesday Words from Delores some time ago. These  were supplied 5 + years ago, when Delores had started W. Words as a way to encourage writers to expand genres. The goal was to integrate these words with their own style.

Current words can be found on Wednesday at Elephant's Child blog site.

This is a challenge I savor. Brevity, saying much with chosen words (about 65 words above), is powerful in its conciseness. Writing, with those few meaningful words that convey an image, well, that is just plain fun.

Bon Choix

Wine List

Fine Dining Here! Make a reservation.

Dillard Sanders had spent weeks trying to obtain a reservation in the new gourmet restaurant, Bouvillon Arrière-Train*****, to no avail.  When his cousin Jim plummeted from the hay loft that day after consuming a tankard of his best whiskey, Dillard managed to infiltrate by claiming Jim's reservation.

The maître’ de (the high school French teacher Mr. Wilder who was half-French) escorted Dillard to his table, handing him a menu.  Pour voux, Mr. Wilder bowed and gracefully withdrew to another table.

Dillard examined the menu, Man, I am gonna eat fine tonight:  A “Splendid Gastronomic Feast"!  He read the header at the top of the parchment paper.   

His first obstacle came when he examined the entrees, all written in French.  The half-French Mr. Wilder returned and solicitously awaited.

Dillard, filled with anxiety, merely pointed to the fourth entrée,

“Bœuf Fumé en Tranches Fines sur Pain Grille en Sauce Blanche”.**

“Bon choix”, Mr. Wilder nodded, handing him a wine list.

Dang!  I am out of my league here!  But, he thought red wine would be just fine and indicated the last one on the short list:

“Ferme du Aubaine”.***

Before returning to the kitchen, Mr. Wilder snapped the white linen napkin and tossed it on Dillard’s lap.  This was a bit of a surprise, as Dillard usually tucked it under his chin.  Must be a French thing…

The half-French Mr. Wilder returned with the bottle of red wine  and presented it to Dillard, who felt confident here, having watched Murder, She Wrote one hundred times and had seen how this was handled. 

Dillard nodded, and Mr. Wilder opened the screw top bottle, and poured a bit into the wine glass.  Dillard stuck his nose in a bit too far, but recovered by sipping carefully. 

Dillard again nodded abruptly as Mr. Wilder (who was half-French) poured the wine, then departed to the kitchen.

Mr. Wilder returned with a gleaming cloche (aluminum dome cover used to keep food warm) and removed it with a flourish, setting the steaming entree in one elegant move before Dillard.

Dillard exclaimed approvingly. Not one to dither about, he savored the first bite.

Chipped beef on toasted white bread in white gravy was an unexpected pleasure, Just like Ma made…


He swirled the red wine, a fine choice with an aggressive bouquet, and that it was his favorite, Boone’s Farm, not a high stuck-up wine.

***translation:  Bargain wine from a farm

***** Rear End of a Bull

Jim, you sure missed a treat tonight! And Dillard dug in, while Mr. Wilder (who was half-French) observed appreciatively, as his mouth watered.

Apologies for:  1.  Slaughtering the French language---using an on-line dictionary may not have helped; 2.  Making fun of anyone unintentionally; 3. Suggesting that Boone's Farm is sub-standard, having enjoyed it many times myself during college years; 4.  "Dillard" is the name of department store, not the name of a person, maybe; and, 5. Abusing the name "Mr. Wilder", since I do not know of any Wilder except Gene.

 The underlined words come from a Wednesday Words challenge started by Delores, now at Muted Mumblings as a way to challenge writers. I wrote this in 2015. With Christmas being a busy time, I am digging into the Vault, finding some of my personal favorites.

Wine to beat all Wines

Wed.Words: Passion

Source

There were two types of people crammed in an elevator heading to fifth floor: those who smiled, nodding; and those who huffed with condemnation.

Stuffed tightly as in a jar like a jar of pickles, people were heading to the top where a conference on “Passion for Christ” was being held.  A grandmother holding her grandson’s hand was also attending.  The huffing group glared at her tattoo of an angel wrapping up her arm.

In actuality only a few held that passion for Christ, Grandmother being one of them.


The above underlined words were given as an encouragement to writers to take a leap at different genre. The Wed Word meme was started by Delores who is now writing her own blog, and handing off the word challenge to other bloggers.  Currently, Elephant's Child is providing words to encourage writers to write. Post your own Wed Word take in her comment section, or at your own site, inviting other bloggers to read.

W.W.--It's a rough life--but someone has to live it.

Wallowing in self-pity

I am tired of wallowing in a life that swirls  around on a figurative spindle with no results.

I am tired of smelling smoke of bratwurst wafting from that neighbor just below my apartment.

I am tired of blaring music from another neighbor above me from Trinidad.

I am tired of big boob blonde neighbor across the hall, who parades around in new purchases from Victoria's Secret, 
down around the courtyard. (Actually, I don't mind that part at all, being a red-blooded American male.)

I am tired of that toothless, knobby knees codger on first floor apartment 
ogling the blonde as she struts around applying sunscreen.

Dammit, I am just plain tired of it all.  In fact, I may move out of Mom's apartment when graduation comes (after five years of studying ancient Sumerian history) 
and get a job as a shelf stacker at Barnes and Noble.

The underlined words are Wednesday Words, 
a meme began by Delores from Under the Porchlight who wanted to challenge bloggers to enjoy a break from their chosen genre.

Fighting computer frustrations, Delores handed this challenge off to various bloggers.  This month's words are provided by Mark Koopmans, with Elephant's Child posting the word lists.

If you would enjoy a change of pace, visit E.C. site to collect the words!  If you plan to post at your own comment section, please let us all know, so we can hunt you down.  Or you can write your poem, prose, short story, whatever, posting it in the comment section in E.C. comment section!

Wednesday Words: Tobac for the ol' man

http://jblethers.blogspot.com/

Aw, so, ye caught me, yer ol’ man and ol’ wit ruby cheeks from pints of faded memories.

Go ahead, take laughter at me expense, lass.  Give me a kiss and take flight wit yer fairy wings. 

Oh, girl, do ye have any tobac for me píope??

Aw, well, so. On wi’ ye.

...and again I forget to credit the right blogger who threw the words at me with a photo besides.
This week and month are from Randomosity.  Please,oh please, give yourself a whirl and write a short story, poem, prose...there are some mighty handsome words there.  Write in the comment section or indicate that you'll post something at your own site.  We beg that you link it back to her site, so we can all give it a look see.  Slainte.

Wednesday Words: Oranges

http://edibleherbsandflowers.blogspot.ca/

A gauzy fog rolled over the low ground, then rose in a flamboyant curtain of a freezing mist.  

Soon each orange was covered with a thin coat of clear ice, as stilettos of icicles lined the branches, shimmering through shadowy moonlight.  

In the morning at sunrise, glittering diamonds across the orchard disappeared as ice turned to water, which fell to frosty grass 

below.

Delores from Under the Porch Light started this meme to shake up writers and challenge them with some interesting ideas.  Her computer rebelled, so several bloggers are taking turns to pass the baton.

This week the words are provided by Randomosity

Every week, we are given a selection of prompts; what we do with those prompts is up to the blogger.  Try a short story, poem, song, prose, or nothing at all.

Some of us share our creations in the post’s comment section, while others post on their own blog. IF you choose to post on your own blog, please write that in the comment section, in order that readers can hunt you down, and enjoy your creation.

This week there are two sets of 6 words each, a photo, and a bit of music.  Let your fingers do the typing!

Wed. Words: Martin Van Buren O'Brien

Please check this site--about prohibiting children from speaking their native language.

Remnants of the original family stories trickle down generations.  As with all stories, there was truth and imagination interjected throughout.

Incredibly, family patriarch and provider of his large clan Martin Van Buren O’Brien spoke, said, and did every blessed thing the stories passed down insisted.

“The bastard was a spiteful old sinner…cranky does not begin to describe his temper…words that son of a bitch could say…Ireland would weep at the vernacular when Van exploded in one of his rages…

Actually, this is one of our family stones,
 and the head of the family was Martin.

Many more true tales hovered about.  Subsequently, at Martin Van Buren O’Brien’s interment, over six hundred town residents gathered around the grave to hear final words from the priest.

Then, one by one, each passed by the mound of dirt and spit on it.  Some spoke words in their own vernacular, expressing heart-felt wishes.  One frequently used phrase was “May you burn in hell, you…..”

This week's words were provided by River, who has given six words and/or prompt sentence  (which was quite interesting this week!).  Please pop over to her site and see what other bloggers have posted in her comment section, OR write your own poem, prose, story, etc.  Be sure to leave an address at River's site to allow us to find you!

Wednesday Words: mmmm...good coffee...

mmmm...coffee....

Heavy silence fell when an elderly man with a cane came in to buy a coffee.  The customers in Rick’s Coffee remembered him well.  Oh yes, they remembered him.

He called himself “Fred”, but no one ever knew his true identity.  An air of inaccessibility surrounded him, which was just the way Fred liked it.  All that anyone knew was that Fred was superb at tracking.  Animals or people, Fred was on their trail while foot prints were still wet.

Some said Fred could find a mosquito hiding in a free standing rotting tree, during a raging sand storm.

When “Fred” left, walking slowly with his cane, all exhaled. They had not wanted a repeat of the last time he came for coffee.

No.  They did not want that.

The italicized underlined words are courtesy of River, who is providing Wednesday Words for the month of December.

Please click on her name to access her site and enjoy how other writings have used these words and the sentence prompt!

No Worries Wednesday

Outback Steakhouse

There are so many great writers participating!  These bloggers take the words, creating unexpected stories, poems….

This is the third week of November, already...42 more days until Christmas....  Here are two sets of words and a sentence prompt.  Use all or part.

Door, roll, fluctuation, ignore, personality, mother

And/or

Hilarious, north, dividend, particular, use, temple

Sentence:

He looked at his phone, turned pale, then quickly left the room. She watched him, smiling.

  Now, isn’t that provocative?

You may post your creation in the comment section below or write that you will posting at your own site on whatever day.  Help us find you! 

Now, have at it! (I will be posting here on Friday.)

The creator of Wednesday Words is Delores at Under the Porchlight. She passed the baton to other bloggers, wonderful bloggers.  My turn is the month of November.  Who will be in December or January?  Wait and see.

Wednesday Words for First Week of November

Source

Welcome to yet another site of Wednesday Words!  There have been some gifted writers who have provided challenging words to bloggers who would like to try something different!

First some history: Delores at Under the Porch Light started this meme ages ago but her computer rebelled.

River caught the ball and continued, 
until passing it off to Elephant’s Child.  

Some wonderful volunteers supported this excellent site:

 Jacqueline atRandomosity;   Susan at the most…of every moment; and,   Margaret Adamson and friend Sue. 

I will be tossing out some words for you to play and enjoy in the month of November.  Here they go:

depart

lick

register

free

text

shout

AND/OR

avenue

cower

charismatic

swim

fold

notebook

OR

Try this sentence prompt:

The horse came back alone.

I hope you'll think about these words and prompt.  You may even leave your written response in the comment section here.  Or, if you wish, post your writing on your blog and link it back to this site.  That's the only way we can find you!

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!

WedWords: The Diary of Lucy Powell

Source

When the town’s beloved, elderly, and feisty Lucy Powell died suddenly at age 95, all wondered how to peer into her belongings.  Miss Powell had no relatives yet alive and no family to inherit a lifetime of her history.  Her family was her community and friends.

Slowly, close friends began to assimilate bits of China, old books, quilts, and other items into their own homes.  That was when the diary was discovered. Who should take it?  Who should even open it?

A diary can paint a picture of unrequited love with hearts broken, hearts renewed, and love lost then found. Finding a worn diary, fringed from fingers turning pages over decades, awed all who gathered around.

Finally, Old Ms Alda Franklin stepped forward.  I will take it.  She and I shared so many memories… All agreed.

When Alda settled down into her rocker with a cup of tea, she opened the cover and began reading each page. She chuckled, cried, gasped, and sighed until she read the last page:

My life had meaning and gave me reason to exist.  Touching others, being kind and generous, loving those who are unloved: that is the essence of life.

To all who turn these pages: Go!  Make your life count!

Source

This Wednesday, Make every moment count has posted 6 to 12 words to be used by any blogger who wish to enjoy a break from the serious stuff.  Use these words to write fiction, prose, poetry, flash fiction, etc.  Either post it on your own site and link it back to Every Moment or  make your addition to her blog site comment section.

The underlined bold italicized words are this week's words.  Hope you enjoyed how they were used.

Also, many thanks to Delores at Under the Porch Light who started this writing stir up, and to Elephant's Child who took up the the challenge. And also to River who grasped the baton to pass on, then to J. Blethers and now Every Moment.  Brave bloggers, talented and devoted.

Go on with it!  Fling yourself out into the unknown!

Wed.Words: Kindle Windle Valentine

Kindle Windle Valentine

Went looking for something

He could not find.

It need not be something gentle or kind.

But something where the road would wind,

Which would be just fine.

Kindle Windle Valentine stumbled and fumbled,

Then rose to his feet.

Questions to his mind rumbled.

Should he take the path of dreamers?

Should he seek a place of solidarity?

Which would surely be a rarity…

With hands on his hips, a whistle on his lips,

Kindle Windle Valentine

Was done, then undone by all his searching

with thoughts in his mind.

He was tired of walking and working,

A place of comfort was where 

Which was where he started,

Which was just fine.

This week's words were supplied by Randomosity , Jacqueline has graciously agreed to supply the Wednesday Words writing challenge, from River, Elephant's Child, and Delores (great writers in themselves).

The photo and/or the six words can be used to inspire writers who are struggling with brain block, or simply want to do something else. The bold, underlined words are six unrelated words with which to cut loose and take a big leap.  You won't be sorry!

Wednesday Words: Kalper's Kitchen

Source + recipes

In the backwaters of Louisiana, the place to eat was at  Kalper's Kitchen, where unique and delicious fare could be found. Food prepared by the man, Kalper himself.  He was always the force blowing full bore around his kitchen, letting no one and nothing get in his way.

Not an easy person to approach, his manic brilliance gave new definitions to Southern fried catfish and smoked ribs.  AND all who knew Kalper also understood to stay out of Kalper's kitchen during these hours of inspired creation.

Sadly, a short new sous chef, Whittier, was ignorant, and stumbled into the kitchen whereupon Kalper promptly skewered Whittier with his newest blade, a nine-inch Miyabi Birchwood.

A squelched scream gurgled. Hearing the thud,  Kalper's three brothers,rushed in to grab Whittier by his Nike sneakers, and drag him to the freezer. 

One muttered, “Damn! That’s the third one this month."

They tossed Whittier onto the heap of Alvin, Sanders, and Simon. “Damn shame.”

Every Wednesday, River posts 6 to 12 words to be used by any blogger who wish to enjoy a break from the serious stuff.  Use these words to write fiction, prose, poetry, flash fiction, etc.  Either post it on your own site and link it back to River's delightful gentle stream, or make your addition to her blog site comment section.

Also, many thanks to Delores at Under the Porch Light who started this writing stir up, and to Elephant's Child who took up the slack when Delores' computer went all wonky.
Go on, with it!  Fling yourself out into the unknown!

                                                             

Wednesday Words: The Foursome

NatGeo

When Evan dropped dead in front of his golfing foursome, Frank responded quickly.

With his brand new golf shoes, he nudged Evan, and turned him over.  “Damn!” Frank cursed, “Now I have grass stains.  Damn.”

Clem interrupted. “Well, you did insist on a morning tee-off time.”

All looked down at Evan’s still body.

Jack spoke up. “Who will be our fourth?!  It isn’t likely Evan will be regenerated anytime soon.”

Frank shook his head.  “No help for it.  Let’s head back to the clubhouse.  We’ll tell the Front Desk about Evan.” He nudged Evan once more with a heavy sigh.

This was a Wednesday Words Post, and I truly enjoyed writing it.

Wednesday Words: The Storm

The Perfect Storm Source

Last night’s violent thunder and lightning storm more than battered Theo’s barn.  The storm brought it to the ground, leaving broken timbers and shattered planks.

Theo and Ellen were silent, as he assessed all that had been lost.  His eyes widened as he realized the cost to rebuild and to begin again.  Credit?  That was stretched beyond his ability to repay.

“Maybe we could take up a collection from our families?  I know that…” Ellen suggested, hesitantly.

Theo hung his head, “No, no.  I can’t ask them, you know that.”  Then Theo realized with clarity what he could do, what he should do.  “I’ll be back.” He hugged Ellen tightly and then getting into his truck, Theo drove out onto the dirt road in a cloud of dust.

Where did he go?  What will he do? Any ideas? 

This week, River provided 6 or 12 words for bloggers to use as a writing prompt, to stir up the old brain cells.  Take the leap and see what you can create.  You could write it in the comment section of River's site, post it on your own site (with a link back to River).  

I have really enjoyed these prompts.  They give me a chance to cut loose, take the plunge....

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??).