The first photo I am responding to came from mybabyjohn/Delores at thefeatherednest.
Flash Fiction 50 words.
He was longed for and missed, that is clear. Stone angels have never been cheap or quick to install. He left the world at or before he came into it. No name, no dates. And now he is alone in the graveyard. Leaving him alone must have hurt so much.
The second was from Susan Kane at thecontemplativecat (isn't that a brilliant blog name).
Old barns are romantic. Old barns have charm. People spend small fortunes converting old barns into homes for themselves rather than for the animals or fodder of the original design.
How many of these old barns would have got a second look when they were strictly utilitarian? It seems that the charm and the romance only begin when the door to the barn has been shut, and the horse has long since bolted.
PS: I am not immune to the charm of an old barn, with its mellow colours and the links to bygone days.
And the final one was prompted by this photo I put up.
He was longed for and missed, that is clear. Stone angels have never been cheap or quick to install. He left the world at or before he came into it. No name, no dates. And now he is alone in the graveyard. Leaving him alone must have hurt so much.
The second was from Susan Kane at thecontemplativecat (isn't that a brilliant blog name).
Old barns are romantic. Old barns have charm. People spend small fortunes converting old barns into homes for themselves rather than for the animals or fodder of the original design.
How many of these old barns would have got a second look when they were strictly utilitarian? It seems that the charm and the romance only begin when the door to the barn has been shut, and the horse has long since bolted.
PS: I am not immune to the charm of an old barn, with its mellow colours and the links to bygone days.
And the final one was prompted by this photo I put up.
'How could she!
I just don't believe it.
It was bad enough that she did it,
it was worse that she had no shame and talked about it.
And now:
Now she has paid someone to put up a sign about it.
In a spot where my friends will walk every day.
I am so humiliated.
I will have to leave town.'
Nice ones, E-Child. I've never been brave enough for Flash Fiction...
ReplyDeleteKath: Thanks. I feel a little as if I am holding my nose and have jumped in at the deep end.
DeleteYou did a "three in one". Wow!! These are great. I am still thinking about the photo you submitted but I have the germ of an idea. Isn't this a blast?
ReplyDeletemybabyjohn/Delores: Thank you. I am finding it scary, playing out of my league. It is nice to be challenged to think though.
DeleteWow - you did a wonderful job! The photos were wonderful prompts, too.
ReplyDeleteLynn: Thank you. Perhaps you would like to play next week?
DeleteI want that statue for my garden!
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: Speak to mybabyjohn/Delores. It was her prompt. Where would you put it in your garden?
DeleteHahahaha, I like the last one the best but then I am easily swayed by humour, and the others are really good too. I do write. But not for the public, I'm thinking about it. I'll think some more.
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: I am a reader, rather than a writer. If I can pop my head up from the dugout so can you.
DeleteThoroughly enjoyed both of them, but particularly -- if I must choose -- the second one. Yes -- how often does something become noticed, and loved, and perhaps re-purposed, after the "horse has left the barn"??
ReplyDeletePearl
p.s. In answer to your question about the homeless woman I wrote about yesterday, she never talks to anyone. And no one talks to her. She is, literally, surrounded by bags, continually smoking, chewing her lips and mumbling...
Pearl: Thank you for replying to my question. I did, and do, wonder about the people on the street. Such an easy step to take down it seems, and such a mountain to climb out of.
DeleteBeautifully written, EC. I enjoyed your thoughts immensely, especially about barns and the animals who abide in them.
ReplyDeleteBe well and happy.
Pam: I am glad you liked it - it was a beautiful barn that Susan Kane chose as her prompt.
DeleteStepping out of one's comfort zone is a bit scary, but in your case very fruitful. I enjoyed all three of these, EC. You should bask in all the compliments you are receiving, well deserved. Sending you a cyberhug just for fun... :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you for both the compliment and the cyberhug.
DeleteYour observations and comments are thoughtful and sensitive. That is why I like you and your blog ... it is like knowing you in person. Thank you again for a beautiful post ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
Andrea: Thank you. I should warn you that there is a dark side as well ...
DeleteGreat photo inspiration there. And what a story mix! I don't think I could pick a favourite... I like how they all work together. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteAnd crikey, that was an easy child birth. ;)
CarrieBoo: I suspect that many people would have loved such a quick childbirth - though perhaps the timing was a little out. Giving birth in a public square would have to be low on any woman's preferred list. It would make a good story though.
DeleteSuperb, EC! Love how you rolled them all in one post. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThe childbirth one is the one I will think about:
I am so humiliated.
I will have to leave town.'
Great stuff!
Susan Kane: I remember a stage while growing up when my parents could do nothing right. It was that stage which created my response.
DeleteAll three responses are very well written indeed. The plaque one gets my vote :-).
ReplyDeleteThanks Windsmoke. I could hear the stroppy little so and so as I typed.
DeleteThese are all great!
ReplyDeleteDanielle L Zecher: Thank you.
DeleteYou did a wonderful job on all three prompts. I especially enjoyed the last one featuring your photo. Julie
ReplyDeleteEmpty Nest Insider. Thank you very much.
DeleteTwo crackers here, though I must say I'm more drawn to the charm of the old barn - and what you have made of it.
ReplyDeleteDave King: Which one didn't you like? I am really interested, and value your judgement.
DeleteThe old barn is gorgeous and would make a great sketch. Your writing has such interesting shade and light. Very readable! The sign photo prompt made me laugh and gasp with horror at the same time. I'lll be thinking about it all night too. What a story!
ReplyDeleteMrs Catch: The mellow colours in old barns suck me in every time. And yes, that plaque is a doozy. I would love to know the story behind it.
DeleteThese were great and you are very creative.
ReplyDeleteDenise: Thank you.
DeleteOh yes, two of my favourite bloggers, along with you, of course, mentioned here. Makes me want to have a barn dance. Could be interesting. Never seen a 'barn dance' :)
ReplyDeleteA thoughtful collection here.
In kindness, Gary
klahanie: They are two very talented women. I love the image of the barns dancing. Preferably not a tango - something more dignified like a slow waltz or the Pride of Erin.
DeleteThis is such a wonderful post and idea.I love the responses. I will have to keep my eye on this one. Maybe, daresay, I shall even participate???
ReplyDeleteSpectra
O, wait - I hadn't realized you wrote all of these!I'd thought your readers had submitted writing on your pics. Silly me, so out of the loop. Your wording and phrasing is inspiring - love the barn summation, too. Love barns. The birth drop plaque is mystifying, why? WHY would anyone put up a plaque? But funny.
DeleteBut the stone angel is most moving to me. SO sad.
spectrumwoman: Please do participate. Each week. Monday your time, Tuesday ours. Put up a photo, and steal photos from other blogs to use as your inspiration. The more the merrier.
DeleteJust 3 words..Creative. Innovative. Marvellous :)
ReplyDeleteMalavika Varma: Welcome. And thank you.
DeleteThis is great! I sure have missed a lot of posts since I've moved but I'm glad I am catching up. =)
ReplyDeleteHave Myelin?: Thank you. It is great to have you back.
DeleteHave a delightful weekend with SP.
ReplyDeletecheers
Pam: And to you.
DeleteLove all three pieces of writing.
ReplyDeleteladyfi: Thank you.
DeleteBeautiful words with the pics...I like old barns, they have a charm
ReplyDeleteKim @ Stuff could...: They do have charm. Lots of it.
DeleteThe plaque is quite intriguing. I liked all of these essays of yours. A good writing exercise, I think!
ReplyDeletejenny_o: The plaque is intriguing. I would like to know more about it. And yes, it was good mental exercise, but I am a reader rather than a writer.
DeleteDear EC, I find your blog always so interesting. It intrigues me with its photographs and writing.
ReplyDeleteThe angel statue reminds me of a manuscript I once worked on with a photographer. We tried for several years to get it published, but no go. Perhaps I'll try again now that you've inspired me anew. Peace.
Dee: Thank you, that was a lovely thing to say. Perhaps you should try and get the manuscript published again. That photo was not mine though - the credit should go to mybabyjohn/Delores at thefeatherednest.blogspot.com
Delete