This meme was started by Delores a long time ago. Week after week she provided us with challenging prompts. 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 were to be provided by Jacqueline aka The Cranky on her blog. Sadly Jacqueline has had a stroke and is unable to participate. Even sadder, it now seems unlikely she will be able to rejoin us. My heart aches for her and for those who love her. It seems so unfair that she was hit with this just when she was turning her life around.
So I am providing this month's prompts here.
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 were to be provided by Jacqueline aka The Cranky on her blog. Sadly Jacqueline has had a stroke and is unable to participate. Even sadder, it now seems unlikely she will be able to rejoin us. My heart aches for her and for those who love her. It seems so unfair that she was hit with this just when she was turning her life around.
So I am providing this month's prompts here.
This weeks prompts are:
- fiend
- imposter
- flood
- island
- primitive
- fix
And/or
- happiness
- curious
- bubble
- bizarre
- degeneration
- adrenaline
I am looking forward to seeing where these words take people...
It's that time again...
ReplyDelete"The airline strike came out of the blue with little or no forewarning. The delay caused a rapid DEGENERATION in the moods of many of the travellers eager to reach their ISLAND destination.
And just when everything appeared to be on the move again a water main burst on the tarmac causing another BIZARRE turn of events. Suddenly a FLOOD of water spread across the runway.
Upon hearing the latest news their HAPPINESS was burst like a BUBBLE. One moment the ADRENALINE had been flowing not unlike the gushing water main, and now the tourists felt deflated once again.
Many CURIOUS holiday-makers went to have a look at the PRIMITIVE scene unfolding before them.
“It’s 2016, for goodness sake!” Some were heard complaining, loudly. “These kinds of things shouldn’t be happening!”
Others, accepting their lot, wandered off to the bar for a FIX or two, content to wait it out in more congenial surrounds.
One fellow, a bit of joker who wasn’t going to allow anything to upset his holiday mood, whispered to his girlfriend, but loud enough for the grumpy, whingeing person standing next to them to hear:
“See that fellow over there in the pilot’s uniform? He really isn’t a pilot, he’s an IMPOSTER!”
When his intended audience spun around ready to alert the nearest person of apparent authority, the good-spirited young bloke let out a FIENDish laugh."
Oh, not an airport I want to visit. :)
DeleteIt's a good thing I don't have travel plans, a story like this would have me cancelling and going by train.
DeleteI heard there was a train strike, too, River; and the rail bridges were under water! :)
DeleteLee: Is it wrong of me to chuckle at his sense of humour? Moaning and groaning doesn't fix anything. (Though I will admit that causing a panic is counter productive.)
DeleteNot at all, EC. If in a similar situation, I could very well have been the joker! lol
DeleteOh my goodness what a story. I found myself laughing at their plight. Not a good place for the FIENDish joke. LOL
DeleteOh how lovely, the thought of an island vacation.
DeleteHere goes my take on the first group:
ReplyDeleteHe was a wimp or a fiend depending on who he was dealing with. He was the type imposter who knew how to play anybody and everybody. He had been there right after the flood had destroyed most of the island. He had constructed primitive housing but charged the government for more elaborate construction. He had needed a quick fix of income to payoff a large debt he'd incurred. He thought his future was all rosy and fun. What he didn't know was the government he had supposedly outfoxed was secretly the same people he owed money to. And they didn't take kindly to being ripped off.
Ha Ha, the foxer has himself been outfoxed! I like it.
DeleteMason Canyon: Love it. Live by the sword, die by the sword.
DeleteAmazing where each of our minds go. Primitive housing and ripping off the government very timely topic. Great job Mason.
DeleteThey never do, take kindly to being ripped. Nice story.
DeleteI'll put on my tinfoil thinking cap.
ReplyDeleteonly slightly confused: Your tinfoil thinking cap produces diamonds. I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with this time.
DeleteThat's a very mixed bag of words EC. I'll tuck them away in the subconscious and see what it spits out.
ReplyDeleteRiver: My mind is very mixed. And I am pretty certain that your subconscious is MORE than up to the challenge.
DeleteA friend of mine was troubled by an impostor
ReplyDeletewho brought a flood to his island
I gave him a primitive fix
a warm cup of coffee and an ear
Martin Kloess: That primitive fix sounds pretty good to me. (Though I will have tea with my ear.)
DeleteLOL!
DeleteThis fiend was not a friend but an impostor, filling his head with a flood of falsehoods. The island was small, his house primitive. But he had hope that with a fix here and there, ever so slowly, with hard work, determination and perseverance, eventually it would all come together and he would have the last laugh.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you for joining in. I do hope that slowly and steadily it does come good for your character.
DeleteGreat job with the words Denise. Isn't this fun? You spun an excellent tale.
Delete
ReplyDeleteHappiness is a curious creature. You wake one morning bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to tackle a long overdue to do list. Then the phone rings and you think twice before answering, because you don't want a long conversation derailing a perfect workday. You answer anyway and you hear gasping on the other end and the words "i need you,' right as the line goes dead.
Of course you recognize the voice. It's the one who told you "Eat your dinner" "Brush your teeth""You're not going anywhere dressed like that, young lady" "Be home by midnight", "Be careful", and every other maternal directive and encouragement you have ever received.
Your bubble bursts and you move without thinking as your body goes into automatic pilot mode. You grab your keys, start the car, get halfway there, then realize you have not showered or combed your hair and you have to pee_now, but keep going, driven by fear and adrenaline.
You jump out of the car and fly up the walkway, putting your key in the lock afraid of what you will find, but equally afraid not to step though the door. You rush in, yelling "Mom!, Mom!" , only to find your mother sitting in her chair.
"Thank you for coming honey" she says. "I was knitting the Santa face on this Christmas stocking and lost count. I need you to help me with the next three rows"
As your mind strives to process this bizarre situation, you count the stitches while your mom knits, fully aware that having no where to put the massive adrenaline dump it is only logical that your brain degeneration has begun.
Anne in the kitchen: This is brilliant. I have been there after answering more than one frantic emergency call.
DeleteWow. The maternal umbilical cord. my mother had one and every time her mother called, my mother flew. Literally. On a plane to Germany, to see a mother who had never wanted her in the first place, but whose demands could not be ignored.
DeleteOh I love this. So funny. She seemed so calm to be helping after going through such a scare. Guess there was nothing else to do. Great job with the words this week!
DeleteI will have to do some thinking , might come back.
ReplyDeleteMerle..............
Merlesworld: I hope you can.
DeleteJosh found it bizarre that Petra appeared to be surrounded by a bubble of happiness despite the adrenaline imbalance caused degeneration of her health. He was sufficiently curious to ask bluntly whether it was real or an act.
ReplyDeletePetra laughed. She said 'No imposter here. I can treat my illness as a fiend and flood the world with my tears. Which will change nothing and fix nothing. So when the pain becomes too much I resort to a primitive and effective solution. I let my mind wander. Today it is basking on a deserted island in the sun. Tomorrow I may be ice skating.'
I love this! enjoy your basking :)
DeleteFantastic!
DeleteOh, wow! So poignant and so uplifting. Your Petra is such a wise and courageous woman.
DeleteEC once again you are genius. You created magic weaving all the word into advice for dealing with pain.
DeletePerfect, EC! I love it.
DeleteEnjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteFIENDS.
IMPOSTER.
FLOOD'
ISLAND.
PRIMITIVE.
FIX.
My story is about Bill Smith and His wife Mary who live on a small (ISLAND) down the coast where the population is small until the (FLOOD) Of vacationers and sales (FIENDS) arrive in their boatloads for a weekend of fishing and trying their best to sell you Solar panels in an attempt to (FIX) up your (PRIMITIVE) lifestyle, However, Bill and Mary Smith are having none of these (IMPOSTERS) Who are intent on disrupting their (PRIMITIVE) lifestyle as the salespeople refer to their down to earth style living arrangements, Bill and Mary have become accustomed to living without television, radio and other electrical devices except for the Gas fuelled Barby and a supply of beer BILL say's "No Aussie should be deprived of.". Bill Say's "" Gdday".
Vest back soon.
Vest: I don't drink beer, but otherwise this sounds like an idyllic relationship to me. Though solar power might work too. Not at fiendish prices though.
DeleteI used to think living on an island with nothing to do but swim and fish, maybe grow a few vegetables and fruit trees, would be a great way to live. Now I'm older, I'd prefer that existence with electricity for a TV and computer.
DeleteLove the tale. All tourist spots need to beware the fiends attempting to trick the residents into buying junk.
DeleteThe primitive and isolated island was faced with the greatest flood of the century. After the flood so called do gooders swooped in to fix the myriad of problems faced by the native people. The impostors promised the islanders they would help repair all the damages. Eventually the people realized just what fiends they had put their faith in.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: I suspect the imposters were investors. This is a very sad, and often true tale.
DeleteImposters everywhere taking our hard earned money. Oh your poor islanders. Loved it Linda.
DeleteHi EC - wonderful how so many commenters have replied ... I shall need to think. Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: It is wonderful. And there have already been some very different and fascinating takes on the prompts. I hope you can get back to us when your thinking is done.
DeleteI am short on time so replying in full is impossible for me but interesting to see other people's thoughts. Look after yourself. Diane
ReplyDeleteRhodesia: It is great seeing where other people's brains go isn't it? I hope time settles down for you. And thank you.
DeleteI'm a little surprised at what my subconscious spit out. There was nothing, nothing, nothing, then Bam! a story. Typed it out in between finishing the dishes and brushing my teeth. I hope everyone pops over to read it.
ReplyDeletehttp://river-driftingthroughlife.blogspot.com.au
D'Oh! On Friday of course.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I am already looking forward to it. Our subconscious can be a tricky beast can't it?
DeleteFor a minute I was confused. Is she writing now. Thanks for the addendum. LOL
DeleteSo sorry to hear about Jacqueline, though I don't really know her, a stroke is always a devastating event. I know her recovery will be long and arduous, but I hope she has the strength to hang in because I have seen many miraculous recoveries ... it takes hard work, but it can be done. Wish her well for me ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Andrea Priebe: Thank you. It doesn't look good, but she is a determined soul. And a fighter.
DeleteI'm very sorry to hear about Jacqueline. I trust she will recover and come back stronger than ever.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sandra Cox: Megathanks. And hugs returned.
DeletePrayers for Jacqueline. You just never know when life plans a plot twist.
ReplyDeleteCrystal Collier: Thank you. Some of life's plot twists put horror writers to shame.
DeleteAnd I'm back for all the brilliance!
ReplyDeleteE.C. thank you so much for the comment on Tuesday. It helped that you were in my corner. And Den and I are doing much better now that we got some sleep. Can I chalk that mess up to paint fumes?
Sonya Ann: There is a reason so many cultures use sleep deprivation as a torture. It is. And paint fumes don't help. Hugs.
DeleteMy Friend Sue's first story.
ReplyDeleteThe guy in the car coming towards me, smiled, waved and then stole my parking spot!
The words left my mouth in a FLOOD of PRIMITIVE venomous spite.
"you FIEND, you damned IMPOSTER, I'll FIX you if it's the last thing I do. No man is an ISLAND and I can wait"
I shook my fist at the smirking man in the black car as he gazumped my parking space.
Well, I did wait. I drove round and round until the car behind him pulled away, then I drove in, carefully parking my car so close there was no way he could ever get out until I chose to release him and pulled away, and believe me that would be a very, very long time.
Revenge is indeed a dish best served cold!
Margaret Adamson (and Sue): Nasty. Clever. And it would work.
DeleteOK Sue you are my kind of gal. I do love revenge stories more than forgiving ones. LOL Great job.
Deletehappiness
ReplyDeletecurious
bubble
bizarre
degeneration
adrenaline
The rush of adrenaline was the catalyst I needed to satiate my curious state of mind. Without any second thoughts I crossed the canal that separated both lands, happiness filling me as I reached the other shore. The degeneration of the surrounding flora made me pensive, as if I were in my own bubble, a bizarre situation in which I would find myself once more in the next couple of days. :-)
Greetings from London.
A Cuban in London: Thank you. This has me intrigued. I would like to know more (despite also being made sad by the degeneration of flora).
DeleteNow I need to know the bizarre situation that followed. You could say I need to satiate my curious state of mind. LOL
DeleteI'm getting addicted to this meme, but this time, it outfoxed me. I wanted to write to one set of words, but the story that emerged used the other one.
ReplyDelete~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Words: Happiness, Curious, Bubble, Bizarre, Degeneration, Adrenaline
A CURIOUS BUBBLE of HAPPINESS enveloped Deon, as his hated dragon body shriveled under the onslaught of magic. Soon, it would wither and die, and his human essence would finally be released. He could go home. If anyone still remembered him there, after his long years of enchantment, a small voice piped in his mind, but he stifled it. Despite the rapid weakening of his limbs, a BIZARRE ADRENALINE rush propelled him forward, towards the obnoxious magician. He had been so afraid to kill the bugger, he had avoided the confrontation for a decade. Stupid, stupid! Had he known before that the power of the magic staff would start such a quick DEGENERATION of his dragon shape, he would’ve forced a fight with his detestable sorcerer of a cousin long ago. He reached the man and in one mighty heave threw himself on the glowing crystal on top of the staff. The sorcerer squeaked, but Deon didn’t pay attention. As soon as his skin touched the crystal, the magic surged. His dragon skin sizzled, and the pain exploded. Dean screamed just as the creature’s charred remains split open. He stepped out, rejoicing in his first breath as a human in twenty years. He turned to thank his cousin, the wizard, but the man didn’t stir beneath the dragon’s smoldering remains. The weight of the dragon had crushed him dead. “Oops,” Deon said. He had killed his sorcerous cousin after all, just as the ancient prophesy foretold. He really didn’t want to. “Sorry, cousin,” he said.
Olga Godim: It is an addictive (and tricky) meme isn't it? Your mind thinks it is going one way, and something different emerges.
DeleteDespite having a deep and abiding love for dragons I can only applaud Deon. And feel no sorrow for his small oopsie moment. His cousin had it coming.
Sorcerers and dragons lead to a creature's charred remains to release a human. Now there's a story for you:-)
DeleteA fiend who was a dastardly imposter was caught in a flood that washed him out to sea. He only survived when he arrived at an island where he found 'primitives'. Yet, these people were the ones who helped fix his rapscallion ways when he thought he'd be the one teaching them something.
ReplyDeleteRober Bennett: How true it is. And many years down the track we are still learning from the primitives (particularly about medicinal plants and herbs).
DeleteHappy that he was able to see the error of his ways thanks to the primitives.
Deleteheartiest prays for Jacqueline .hope she feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteliking your idea and participants are brilliant
baili: Thank you. Not my idea but Delores, and the participants are wonderful. I hope you join us sometime.
DeleteWonderful entries, EC. Lots of creativity at play here!
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: There is isn't there. I am always blown away.
DeleteThis is posted on my blog. I used all twelve words this week. Thank's EC for a great challenge. I even used a photo on my post:-)
ReplyDeleteHAPPY ADVENTURE by Granny Annie
He glowed with delight,
A HAPPINESS FIEND.
The laughing fellow
Was costumed and preened
It was CURIOUS
How he had bossed her
To be allowed in the circus
As a clown IMPOSTER .
He danced in the ring
Singing without troubles
As he blew out a FLOOD
Of colorful BUBBLES.
Far away from
His native highland
He enjoyed this BIZARRE
Yet remote ISLAND.
Lots of wealth and glamor
No expected DEGENERATION
Not at all PRIMITIVE
As he had imagined this nation.
The perfect place of fun
For the fake clown from the sticks
To charge his ADRENALINE
For a lifetime FIX.
Granny Annie: I love this. And how wonderful to think of a clown enjoying his job. They always seems sad to me...
DeleteThis is great! It would make a lovely illustrated children's book.
ReplyDeleteOh no, I'm sorry to hear about her stroke. :( I join you in sending her good thoughts and well wishes.
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: Thank you.
DeletePopped in to say 'hello' :)
ReplyDeleteMargaret-whiteangel: Lovely to see you. I hope Coffs Harbour has been lovely.
DeleteThanks for your visit on my blog yesterday. Have a great day. Hugs from Germany, Valerie
ReplyDeleteValeris-Jael: Welcome and thank you. It was my pleasure to visit your blog after Sandra highlighted it.
DeleteI am back posting! come visit when you get a chance.
ReplyDeletemohaverat: I will. Is it going to be a reciprocal agreement this time?
DeleteI love how you keep challenging and cheering
ReplyDeletethe writing thing in yourself and others - it's
joy to me:) You remind me of that quote I love
from Charlotte's Web: "It's not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer." (E.B. White) You are both:)
-Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson: Shamefaced, blushing, shuffling feet here. Thank you.
DeleteThe economic bubble had burst, with him in it, leaving him in a free fall. The degeneration of his well designed comfortable life had been rapid. His job vaporized. Without it, only months later, the bank seized his house. He'd merely been upkeeping it for them, with his mortgage, anyhow, really.
ReplyDeleteAlthough he rightfully should have been, at this time, paralyzed with depression, instead he was awash in bizarre feelings of freedom and happiness. No longer was he the ant in the long line of ants trudging off to work long hours unquestioning before marching home again, in the same line. No longer did he exist in a pressure cooker sealed shut and cooked hot by what his own brain told him, as it had been so programmed, that he must work harder, longer, please his employer, rise up in his company and die faster but richer, a proud manager in an insignificant company.
This curious turn in his life had turned him inside out. He had friends now, in the food lines, and at the homeless shelter where he sometimes slept. His heart pumped again, adrenaline rushes sometimes surged through his veins. Where before he was an angry monotone, now he was living color.
The bubble had burst, releasing him. He could breath now, be free and live.
Strayer: Freedoms just another word, for nothing less to lose? Love it. And wish that more people could realise how demoralising and destructive the race to the top can be.
DeleteOh no, strokes are terrible. She will be in my prayers!!! - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteGingi Freeman: They are terrible. My mother spent nine months in hospital after hers.
DeleteStrokes are thieves, cruel and heartless thieves. God bless her.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: I would go further and say they are terrorists.
DeleteHi Susan and EC ... great nostalgic post written up using EC's words ... lovely to read - cheers Hilary
ReplyDelete