The lovely Delores at Under the Porch Light
had
been running this meme for a considerable period of time, week
after week. Computer issues led her to bow out for a while and I took
over. When Delores' absence looked like being more permanent I begged
and cajoled for other volunteers to share providing the prompts, and
Words for
Wednesday became a movable feast. Delores discontinued her blog for a while, but she has returned. Her new blog can be found here.
Essentially the aim is to encourage us to write. Each week we are given a choice of prompts: which can be words, phrases, music or an image. What we do with those prompts is up to us: a short story, prose, a song, a poem, or treating them with ignore... We can use some or all of the prompts.
Some of us put our creation in comments on the post, and others post on their own blog. I would really like it if as many people as possible joined into this fun meme. If you are posting on your own blog - let me know so that I, and other participants, can come along and applaud.
This month the prompts will be published here, but are provided by Margaret Adamson and her friend Sue Fulcher.
This weeks prompts are:
Essentially the aim is to encourage us to write. Each week we are given a choice of prompts: which can be words, phrases, music or an image. What we do with those prompts is up to us: a short story, prose, a song, a poem, or treating them with ignore... We can use some or all of the prompts.
Some of us put our creation in comments on the post, and others post on their own blog. I would really like it if as many people as possible joined into this fun meme. If you are posting on your own blog - let me know so that I, and other participants, can come along and applaud.
This month the prompts will be published here, but are provided by Margaret Adamson and her friend Sue Fulcher.
This weeks prompts are:
- Frantic
- Lemon
- Parasite
- Spine
- Pummel
- Early
- Staggering
- Lies
- Art
- Naked
- Preposterous
- Windmill.
I think it's a wonderful idea but these days I don't have time to keep up with my blog and do my own writing so, much as I love your prompts, I have to get back to work on the stuff I have already started!
ReplyDeleteKathleen Valentine: Not a problem. Life gets in the way sometimes doesn't it?
DeleteYes Kathleen it is good to get our priorities correct
DeleteI'm not sure whether to post my tale here or over at Margaret's site...but as I've now written it and am about to head out. :)
ReplyDelete"She found it absolutely PREPOSTEROUS that they were so horrified by her self-portrait. It was ART, for goodness sake!
The oil painting depicting her leaning NAKED against a weathered, ancient WINDMILL had caused a STAGGERING amount of talk. Many unfounded LIES about her were being bandied around, too.
In the EARLY stages when all the abuse began being tossed at her she wanted to PUMMEL those responsible, if not physically, at least with words. Their careless, hurtful and unwarranted criticisms cut deep.
Her detractors were buzzing around like FRANTIC bees that had lost their hive.
And, of course, as always, her main competition, a hypocritical PARASITE without a SPINE looked like she’d been sucking on a LEMON!"
Lee: I love it. The lemon-lipped always are critical aren't they? And don't usually take being criticised well.
DeletePublish your stories here, this month. Margaret's site is generally used for bird photos and videos.
Thanks, EC. :)
DeleteLove this Lee and hopefully the art critics will soon move on to something else to criticise.
DeleteHa, ha, ha. Loved it Lee. Especially your closing line. Can't wait for you to read my story because you were part of my inspiration.
DeleteLovedd this story Lee adn you had me laughing. Great line - Her detractors were buzzing around like FRANTIC bees that had lost their hive.
DeleteThe boldness of his lies was staggering. She caught them naked in the bedroom she shared with him and he declared loudly that she misunderstood. They were only practicing a performance art piece! Preposterous!
ReplyDeleteOf course, by his logic she could run directly at him with both arms flailing and connecting with his head and still claim she was only practicing to be a windmill.
Anne in the kitchen: Big, big smiles. I hope that her 'sails' were big and hit him hard.
DeleteHahahahahaha! I love it, Anne!
DeleteI like this Anne and I say let her go ahead and be a windmill with a couple of big frying pan "sails"
DeleteOMG! You cracked me up. Practicing to be a windmill. Love it so much!
DeleteI am stil laughing Anne. I just loved this story.
DeleteStaggering towards the windmill, the woman, almost naked, cried out, "Arthur...Art...it preposterous, all lies."
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: And more smiles. I am so enjoying the creativity that Margaret and Sue's words have released. Thank you for playing.
DeleteI am wanting to go back and write mine over. No naked people in mine. Fun image you created. Love it.
DeleteHI Marie Short but it did make me smile. Yes a lot of naked people in the stories today!
DeleteI'm looking forward to seeing the fanciful souffle you cook up, Honey!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Some day you will join us. And I look forward to it.
DeleteCome on Cloudia Give it s try!
DeleteA frantic lemon parasite - could be a science fiction story!
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: It could. And a lemon parasite could be a very scary monster.
DeleteThe mirror never lies. Which made Leonie frantic. Surely it was too early for summer? The preposterous idea that in only three short months she would have to try and squeeze herself into beach wear again was frightening. Terrifying even.
ReplyDeleteShe took a deep breath and faced herself, naked and unadorned. The evidence of her winter of over eating was staggering. Definitely no work of art at the moment. Failing developing a convenient fat sucking parasite there was work ahead. Lots of work.
Ok, she could do this. Stand up straight, stiffen that spine. No more chocolate. Hot lemon drinks to replace lattes.
Pummel those fat thighs. Windmill exercises to counter the bingo wings.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. Discipline.
Or is it time to move to a country going into winter?
I'm already exhausted just from imagining all that exercise! :)
DeleteI think it's easier to go into hibernation in summer than in winter! lol
Lots of fun, EC. :)
Ouch! A little too close to home here, have just recently seen myself in a fitting room mirror after a winter of over eating. I've promised myself exercise and less food too. Soon.
DeleteDefinitely time to move to a winterly climate. Alaska, maybe... Or Canadian Yukon.
DeleteHave you been window peeking at my house? Now I am reminded that I need to get on my exercise bike. Good job EC...as expected:-)
DeleteSue I just love this story and I cannot stop laughing. In fact the comments are nearly as good as the stoires this week. We never thouoght these words would ahve this response but people have really got into this.
DeleteOh how I love this! Oh how I live this!
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: Too many of us do.
Delete1.
ReplyDeleteFred the parasite was frantic for lemon. So frantic he failed to see the spreading poison that turned his spine to jelly and pummeled him into an early exit.
2.
The lies she told were staggering, from buying art, to owning a windmill, and the most preposterous of all, to spending a weekend at the Ritz with a trio of naked men fawning over her.
mshatch: Succint and clever. I particularly like the second - and might have known a person or two like her.
DeleteNot just one but three naked men?? Love your imagination. Love it!
DeleteI am still laughing at bth your stories but 3 MEN!!!!
Deletefrantic naked lemon coloured parasites staggering around inside the windmill pummeling each other.....
ReplyDeleteI'll see what I can come up with :)
These words have created so much fun! lol
ReplyDeleteI agree Lee. I cannot stop laughing and indeed the comments are nearly as good as the stories this week!
DeleteThese are great lists, but I have nothing. I really did enjoy your and mshatch's contributions though.
ReplyDeleteRawknrobyn: You? With nothing? I doubt that - but thank you. Muchly.
DeleteI am glad you like out list of words and I amsurprised you cannot come up with 'something'!
DeleteFRANTIC.
ReplyDeleteLEMON.
PARASITE.
SPIN.
PUMMEL.
EARLY.
The scene was the Persian Gulf in 1928,. A British Royal Navy Frigate HMS Nonsuch was on patrol intent on subduing every (PARASITE) in the drug and Gun running trade in the area.
(EARLY) that morning a Arab Dhow was sighted and was in full sail trying to avoid capture,
This one was not a (LEMON) like the others recently boarded, there were a few who were honest traders but this one was a dead cert..
Having caught up with the Dhow. The order "Away Armed Whaler" was given. The crew of the whaler (Boat) armed with pistols and large cudgels which were used to (PUMMEL) any opposition into submission.
In charge of the boat (The Whaler) was Sub Lt, Head-Strong RN, A bumptious no-all but in truth foolhardy to say the least.
As the armed Whaler pulled alongside the Dhow a rope ladder was thrown down the side of the Dhow, Whereupon Sub Lt Head - Strong yelled " Follow me men, up the ladder to honour and glory"
H S having arrived on the deck of the Dhow was met by a very large Arab with a Scimitar (sword) who promptly chopped off F H's Noddle which fell into the boat with a loud thump, Hooky the coxswain of the boat took one look at this grizzly head and asked "Any more for Honour and glory", .Being it would take some (SPINE) to repeat the folly of HS, there were no takers so Hooky gave the order" bear off forward we are returning to the ship.
On returning to the ship the captain was (FRANTIC) and ordered the immediate sinking of the DHOW.. Later after the smoke from the guns had cleared little regard was given to the crew of the Dhow, who were now swimming for their lives in shark infested waters.
VEST ....BACK SOON
Vest: Thank you. Nice that the know-it-all was the one who suffered most from his bravado. Too often it is others.
DeleteExciting and vivid tale. Good job Vest.
DeleteAn all action good sory Vest
DeleteHi EC - I'll have to bow out ... doing a disappearing act - but I'll be around again ... and these can be fun - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I hope that you can play again some other week - but sometimes life does get in the way.
DeleteFirst story using secind lot o words.
ReplyDeleteART had been feeling unhappy with the coldness his wife had been treating him over the last few months and had suspicions for some time now that she was having an affair so he confronted her. However she adamantly denied it and po poed the PREPOSTEROUS idea even accusing him of being jealous and distance recently.
However these thoughts would not leave Art and he really needed to find out as it was eating at his heart. He had always been honest in his marriage, He hated LIES so he hacked a plan.
He had to go away on business overnight and his wife knew this however he decided to return home late so see if his wife had someone in the house with her.
His heart was so heavy and sad as he still loved her and deep down he hoped he was wrong with his thoughts.
Very quietly he entered the hall and heard music coming from the bedroom. The door was slightly ajar and the room was lite be many candles. He entered and stood stock still in shock. There lay his wife with his best friend NAKED with arms and legs flying around like a WINDMILL. They were in such a high state of frenzied sexual activity that they never realised he was standing there but when they did, they jumped out of bed, STAGGERING to grab clothes to cover their nakedness.
ART’s world was shattered. He said nothing just turned and walked out.
Sorry, There are a few mistakes there but the main one is 'Hatched a plan' sorry was in bit of a hurry! Margaret
DeleteMargaret Adamson: Poor Art. It is a great story but I am sorry his intuitions were correct.
DeletePoor Art. I hope his wife gets every bad thing she deserves and his best friend too.
DeleteLove your story and love the words you provided this week for all of us. Look the inspiration you gave everyone including yourself!
DeleteWonderful prompts. A story just popped into my head.
ReplyDeleteWords: Staggering, Lies, Art, Naked, Preposterous, Windmill.
The gossip windmill whirred overtime, as it always had in our sanctimonious, hypocritical community. Preposterous rumors and outright lies, ubiquitous like flies, buzzed through the village, only this time, the focus of all the staggering news was me. It was I who shamelessly posed naked for the itinerant artists—if only... It was I who starred in their salacious orgies—maybe one day... It was I who should be banished forever—yes!
My mother, teary and pale, bowed to the pressure of the elders. While she stuffed pies and cheese into my traveling satchel, my father couldn't even look me in the face. He stood with his back to me, waiting for me to quit his house.
I gazed out the window, at the road the artists had taken this morning. I hoped they would wait for me at the crossroads, as we had agreed last night. I tried to keep a triumphant grin off my face, lest the elders changed their minds, but inside, I crowed with delight. I could finally spread my wings and fly out of this stifling place. They would even open the gates for me, while everyone else was forbidden to exit the compound. Oh, yes, I had perfected the art of deception in the last few days. None of them realized that it was I who had initiated all the lewd whispering and malicious innuendos. Finally, I would be free.
Olga Godim: I love it. Freedom through prevarication. I hope she soars through life.
DeleteAny thing that gets you out of a locked compound has to be a good idea. The lies and innuendo will die down when they find someone else to gossip about, but you will still be free.
DeleteHow clever a writer you are. This was great and I am happy she could make her escape...assuming it was a girl:-)
DeleteI just re-read what I've written and realized it could be either a boy or a girl. I was thinking of a girl when I wrote it.
Deleteyes I thought it was a girl also Olga. very cleverly written story and I am glad she is now free.
Delete2nd story using first set of words.
ReplyDeleteAt last, EARLY one morning, in a well organised but FRANTIC attempt to catch a SPINEless drug dealer, we raided his home. He was nothing but a PARASITE who feeds off the weakness of addicts. His poor wife was standing there looking like a lost LEMON, as she knew nothing of her husbands dealings. We lost no time or sympathy for him as we started to PUMMEL the truth out of him of his other contacts.
Margaret Adamson: Great story. I am always suspicious about vigalante action though.
DeleteI'm always suspicious of wives who claim to know nothing of their husband's drug dealings, but on the other hand, I was clueless about my hubby's girlfriend, so perhaps she really doesn't know.
DeleteGood story.
"..nothing but a parasite who feeds off the weakness of addicts.." Excellent!
DeleteI should try writing prompts because ideas for posts sometimes eludes me.
ReplyDeleteRick Watson: I am always amazed at the very different directions the same prompts take us.
DeleteNot sure why my mind went to a dark place this morning, but here goes.
ReplyDeleteHe was frantic as he carefully sliced the lemon pie. Would she be able to taste the parasite? Or would it be able to work its way to her spine before she knew it? He didn't want to pummel her to get the key. He wanted her immobile, but still able to know what was happening. It was early, he'd wait and see if his pet did the trick.
Thoughts in Progress
and MC Book Tours
Ooooh! Very dark. And devious. I want to know more. What key? Why does he want it? what is it hiding? Will she taste the parasite?
DeleteJust like Paul Harvey,I would like to know ..."the rest of the story"
DeleteNow you have left us with some many questions!!
DeleteMason Canyon: Love it. Sometimes the words dictate a dark path don't they? A pet parasite? Definitely intriguing.
DeleteMy story will appear on my blog on Friday 9th.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I look forward to it.
DeleteIt feels like such a long time since I've played this game...but....I'll give it some thought and see what I can do.
ReplyDeleteokay....I think I've got it
Delete"Adam, you look absolutely preposterous staggering around your art gallery flailing your arms like a windmill. Now, tell me the naked truth...none of your lies...have you been sniffing the paint thinner again?"
Adam straightened his spine and fixed Angie with an indignant glare. "Are.You.Kidding? Look around you I came in early...brought that little parasite Edmond his tea and lemon....and look at what I found. My gallery....cleaned out. Can you blame me for being frantic? When I catch that little rodent I'm going to pummel him into sawdust."
Oh I love this story. It did have me laughing a lot.(in a good way)
Deleteonly slightly confused: Welcome home Delores. I love this. Lots.
DeleteI once wanted to pummel someone into sawdust, but she was bigger than me and could hit harder, so I ran instead. We were eight.
DeleteOoh, these are some goods ones. Very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: There are some great creations this week. Really great.
DeleteMy story is also posted on my blog. I used all twelve words.
ReplyDeleteTRUTH AND LIES by Granny Annie
The old WINDMILL made a perfect location and now all their renovation and remodel efforts could prove wasted. It was a FRANTIC time realizing first that one LEMON then all the lemons had all been infested by a PARASITE.
Definitely chills ran up the SPINE of Chef Ryan as they approached the grand opening of the restaurant. The health department would PUMMEL them with citations if they did not get rid of this quickly. Ryan arrived EARLY to discover the lemons had already been used in many of the dishes.
The restaurant owner had made a STAGGERING suggestion that they tell LIES about the the parasites. This was not acceptable to his chef.
All of the dishes prepared with great attention were not just flavorful but also were pieces of art. Yet it would be PREPOSTEROUS to even think of causing a risk of illness to the guests attending the opening. Chef Ryan would be left feeling stripped NAKED, shamefully betraying his trade.
Much to the horror and anger of the owner, Ryan insisted that they postpone the opening until the invader could be eradicated or he would have to disclose the problem. The owner finally agreed but Ryan was fired soon after the opening finally took place.
Chef Ryan departed the Old WINDMILL Restaurant in search of a new position but with is pride intact.
great story Granny Annie and I have to say I might have been temptd to open agaist the chef's wishes!!!!
DeleteGranny Annie: Love it. And admire Chef Ryan.
DeleteYou guys come up with some TERRIFIC words to use for these writing exercises. One of these days, I'll have to join y'all and play with them a bit.
ReplyDeleteCome on Susan, there is no time like the present. give it a go.
DeleteSusan: One day...
DeleteI have enjoyed everyone's take on these words. One day I will join in :)
ReplyDeleteCome on denise in VA. Why not give it a go this week? even a line will do!
DeleteDeniseinVA: Soon. Please.
DeleteEC it is interesting but not so easy...
ReplyDeleteGosia: It is a fun prompt, but no, I couldn't begin to play in another language.
DeleteDefinitely some challenging words! Thanks for the prompts :o)
ReplyDeleteHBF Not that challenging that you cannot have a go at a few lines even using some of the words.
DeleteHBF: I loved your use of the words at your blog. Thank you.
DeleteStaggering lies,
ReplyDeleteA naked art,
That saw me on a ponderous windmill
To lay within the mud
Very good and you managed to get a lot of the words in a short space.
DeleteMartin Kloess: A very different focus. Thank you.
DeleteI should never have read this post. Now sleep tonight will be totally impossible because these words will try to coalesce into a story, and then I'll get up about 3am to put down that story, and then I will face plant about 4pm and think, "Why?" :-)
ReplyDeletecleemckenzie: I am so sorry. It is not our intent to cause sleepless nights or face plants. Mind you, my greedy self hopes you will share the story which emerges...
DeleteDying to hear what you came up with in the middle of the night!
DeleteHahah, great collection of words.
ReplyDeleteThe Happy Whisk: They are, aren't they. Margaret and Sue have done us proud.
DeleteMAny thanks, Sue and I appreciate your comment
DeleteI might have to use these since I'm trying to be better.
ReplyDeleteRobert Bennett: I hope you can find a use for them. And share it.
DeleteLook forward to seeing what you come up with Robert
DeleteThat's a good mix of words to get the thoughts a'flowing. I think these kinds of exercises are fun and I love that there's group support with it too!
ReplyDeleteNow we are waitng for your story so do join in the fun
DeleteThis Story is from my friend Sue who aided and abetted me with the prompts this week. I have to tell you the first part of this story about the car park is true!!!
ReplyDeleteI opened the envelope knowing full well what it was. It was PREPOSTEROUS, £90 for a parking fine and I was only 15 minutes over.
I phoned, I wheedled, I cajoled, I played the widowed pensioner card all to no avail. I still had to find £90 from somewhere.
The answer seemed to appear in the small ads of the local newspaper.
WANTED
MODELS FOR ART CLASSES
MATURE BODIES PREFERRED
£60 PER SESSION
It was the answer to a prayer and I rang the number immediately, was welcomed and the following Tuesday was on my way to the college.
I located the studio and entered and that's where it began to get strange.
A handsome young man invited me in and introduced me to his students.
So far so good.
"usually our model LIES on the chaise tastefully draped with a sheet but we thought we'd try something different today. Just go behind that screen and take your clothes off (WHAT!!!!!) and then come out and sit on that cocktail stool over there (WHAT!!!!)"
Oh well I needed the money so with a deep breathe and a short prayer I stepped out NAKED except for my glasses.
"I'm sorry,could you take your glasses off" said young and handsome.
I, it must be said am as blind as a bat without my glasses, but needs must and all that. I took them off and sallied forth, mercifully unable to see anything or anyone, alone in my little world until, dear friend, I trod on a discarded paintbrush and went STAGGERING toward the stool, arms thrashing like the sails of a WINDMILL. Eventually I lost my balance completely and ended up like a chinese puzzle, all legs and arms on the floor.
"Perfect" said young and handsome, " amazing, who would have thought that you could get in that position, stay just like that"
As if I had a choice, at my age getting up unaided isn't always an option.
I never did muster the courage to look at my portraits, but they did invite me back. I gracefully declined, however should I ever overstay my welcome in the car park again, its certainly an option.
Brilliantly funny Sue. Had me in stitches.
DeleteSue Fulcher: This is a complete hoot. Brilliant.
DeleteHi Sue, For whatever reason I couldn't reply below your exercise. Just let me say, it was great. Made me laugh. Kudos! A good way to start my day.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: It was excellent wasn't it?
DeleteThank you so much E. C.!!! I love reading the comment section. You have some brilliant and oh so funny friends/commenters!
ReplyDeleteSonya Ann: Add yourself to that list.
DeleteNow that I'll be moving to part time maybe I can play again! At the very least, I'll be able to do the words for October. =)
ReplyDeleteThe Cranky: I am so glad. And look forward to both your playing and your prompts.
DeleteI'll be posting my story - if I can stretch a point and call it that - on my blog on Friday in Canada (Saturday in Australia). Great prompts!
ReplyDeletejenny_o: I look forward to reading it.
DeleteThis is the second story from my friend Sue who helps me with the word prompts.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely time to spruce up the stairwell, I had a spider the size of a tarantula lurking in the highest corner.
I was looking at a colour chart, specifically a fabulous colour called Zingy LEMON. There was a movement from the corner and the spider was on the move. Damned PARASITE. I shook my fist at it. It was just out of reach of a feather duster, cunning arachnid.
At this point fate took a hand and my foot slipped off the next step and I bumped in a welter all the way down, my poor SPINE hit every step accompanied by a voice that sounded like me yelling Ow ooo Ow ooo Ow ooo Ow ooo!!!!!
I landed in a heap at the bottom and sat there making sure that everything was still attached, facing the right way and had the correct number of bones.
My dog, thinking what a fabulous game this was, immediately brought me her ball and dropped in my lap. She covered me with FRANTIC dribbly licks, tippy toeing and tail wagging equivalent of "do it again Mummy, do it again"
Two weeks later, my bruises having gone through a myriad of rainbow colours, I was still as stiff as a board and so decided to have a massage and booked an EARLY appointment for the next day.
As I limped in, the masseuse introduced herself, a tiny lady, but when she started it dawned on me that she had thumbs like steam pistons and she soon began to PUMMEL my poor back. I gritted my teeth, stifled the groans and promised myself to get a professional in to decorate the stairwell.
And the spider? It was found legs up on the stairs. I think it must have laughed itself to death. Damned PARASITE.
A great story once again Sue and although I shouldn't laugh at your mishap, I found it very amusing
DeleteSue Fulcher: Me too. And my spider loathing partner would be very happy at the spider's demise.
DeleteThis was great! Loved it.
ReplyDeleteSo fun- what a great selection of words. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
DMS ~ Jess: They are wonderful aren't they? And have been the seed for some amazing fun.
Delete