Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wednesday 24 October 2018

Words for Wednesday





This meme was started by Delores a long time ago.  Computer issues led her to bow out for a while.  The meme was too much fun to let go, and now Words for Wednesday is provided by a number of people and has become a movable feast. 

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, which includes cheering on the other participants.  If you are posting on your own blog - let me know so that I, and other participants, can come along and applaud.


The prompts will be here this month but are provided by Margaret Adamson, and her friend Sue Fulton.  They also include photographs taken by Margaret's friend Bill Dodds.


This weeks prompts are:

  1. Haircut
  2. Speculate
  3. Dangling
  4. Molluscs
  5. Crinoline
  6. Couches





  1. Basketball
  2. Thimble
  3. Knickers
  4. Juggling
  5. Freelance
  6. Parachute


Have fun.

141 comments:

  1. Knickers? I could run with that one!

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    1. MarkD60: My mind immediately went to the old knock knock joke.
      Knock, knock.
      Who's there?
      Nicholas.
      Nicholas who?
      Nicholas girls shouldn't climb trees.

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    2. Ha Ha, I'd forgotten that one :)

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    3. I'm like Margaret, I hadn't heard that one either.
      LOL!

      All the best Jan

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  2. I snickered when I saw knickers. Donna@gather

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    1. Well I hope after you have finished Snickering, ai hope you come up with a good story and we can all have a laugh then.

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    2. Donna@gather: Knickers are an essential. But yes, they do provoke a smile.

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    3. Origin of the joke extracted from the book by Shelagh Delayney. "A taste of Honey".

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  3. Crinoline? You sure put up some good words.

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    1. Only here to please and CHALLENGE Susan! Looking forward to reading what you come up with. Margaret

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    2. Susan Kane: I claim no credit. Margaret et al have given us some wonderful prompts and challenges this month.

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  4. Now there's a selection that takes the mind all over the place....should be fun.

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    1. Here we go:
      "Don't get your 'knickers in a knot' Elsie and get up off that fainting couch. You're not some delicate belle from the 1800's in a crinoline and ostrich feathers."

      Elsie brushed her hair back revealing her dangling pearl ear rings.

      "Well, I wish I was." she snapped. "And, if you'd just gotten the worst haircut of your life you'd be in distress too. Who would speculate that a simple trip to the hairdresser for a trim would result in such a disaster."

      Ed sighed. "Well, I suppose your reaction isn't all that out of the way. In the old days I would have given you a thimble full of sherry and you would have retired to your bed for a week."

      Elsie laughed. "Okay, so it isn't quite as bad as I'm letting on. It's just that I'm a little stressed out lately wth juggling two jobs. This freelancing isn't all it's cracked up to be. This was just the 'straw that broke this camels back' so to speak. I'm okay now. Are we still going to the Lakers game tonight?"

      "Ah..." Ed grinned, "so you ARE up to a basketball game then. Do we need to bring the fainting couch along with us?"

      "I'm fine" Elsie said "and since you were less than supportive at first you can take me out for a sea food dinner. I've got a craving for a plate full of molluscs."

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    2. This was a great read ... can definitely visualise it all ... and I'd have a plate of molluscs for supper. At least she's eased up in her reactions ... oh a hair cut can do terrible things ... cheers Hilary

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    3. I love the way you wove all the words into this story Well done.

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    4. only slightly confused: This is (as usual) excellent.

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    5. I agree, this is excellent.

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    6. Great story, and the difference between a bad haircut and a good haircut is only two weeks.

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    7. As I commented in your blog, Delores...I think this is quite wonderful. :)

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    8. Hey Watch it sport . Elsie is featured in my story today
      But my Elsie got more than a good feed of molluscs, Poor Elsie.

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  5. I do try to stay as supple as advancing years will permit, but the idea of juggling a basketball and thimble ties my brain and hands in knots.
    Mind you, I did learn to juggle as a little 'un and I was quite good. Even with mis-matched things, like an orange and three tennis balls.Or a ball of knitting yarn and one orange. It's disparate weights that can undo you! Cotton reels (they were made of wood then) and steel thimbles were good, but only outside, well away from crystal!And lightweight stuff, like flimsy scarves are hopeless. At least, I never got the hang of them.No, flimsy stuffs, like parachute silk was much better suited to being made into knickers!

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    1. Hi Dinah - loved this ... such a fun read ... especially oranges and tennis balls ... and parachute silk was much better turned into knickers. Cheers Hilary

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    2. well this is another story that made me laugh (in a good way) Well done Dinah.

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    3. dinahmow: Love it. And could never, ever juggle. Anything.

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    4. I was just visualising what Janey(who showed me how) told me and it suddenly dawned on me - I was left-handed when I learned, but if I try to juggle now, I get confused.

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    5. Another good story. I can't imagine trying to juggle basketballs.

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    6. Learning to juggle must be both fun and exasperating. Nice story!

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    7. For many years I juggled with the reasoning of female minds especially ambidextrous minds. The source of their reasoning could never be found; or if it were a mere male would become efficient in the art of juggling Left handed spoons.

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    8. Fantastic! Loved the way the words were used. I have long wanted to try juggling- but so far I don't have it down. :)
      ~Jess

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  6. The first one:

    "I was speculating how I’d grow old … as a youthful mussel I needed to avoid those humans finding me … but once older I’d probably last more easily.

    I know my beard will thicken as the whiskers grow … perhaps a good thing, even though I’m female … then I can relax on the kelp covered couch with my crinoline clothing me …

    I really don’t want those gangling, dangling youngsters reminding me I needed a haircut … I’d better make sure I live in sheltered housing where the rock pools are found … but they won’t want to touch me … all those prickly whiskers popping out through the crinoline – I should be safe to live out my life."

    Please enjoy your mussels - you won't find me amongst them!
    Cheers Hilary

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    1. that is hilarious Hilary and a very different take on those words

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    2. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Big, big smiles. Love it.

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    3. I concur! This was great :)

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    4. Hmm, life from the mollusc point of view. Well done.

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    5. Heeheehee! Yes, i can imagine even a mollusk doesn't want to get eaten.

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    6. A fishy yarn with a lot of Prickles.

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    7. What fun, Hilary! Thumbs up.

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  7. 2 STORIES.

    Princess Alice was very excited at the prospect of Prince Herbert’s visit. They had been writing to each other for some time and although she did not wish to SPECULATE to much on the outcome of this meeting, in her heart, she was hoping that he was coming to propose marriage.

    Mary, her maid had been told of his visit and she started preparing Princess Alice. It had been decided that the pink CRINOLINE dress would be the one of choice as it would make the best impression. Just as she was ready and sitting beautifully composed on one the blue velvet COUCHES, she spied two MOLLUSCS climbing up one of the legs. This was not usual in this damp castle however she had no time to have them removed as she could hear the Prince’s footsteps along the corridor Quickly she moved along to the end of the couch and with her dress covered them.

    The double doors opened and the butler announced the Prince. There stood a tall, good-looking man with a rounded HAIRCUT that might have been stylish somewhere but to him looked ridiculous. Her heart sank as she also saw his eyes were riveted on her necklace DANGLING between her full breasts.
    -----------------------------------------------------------

    My name is Jeff and I am a FREELANCE reporter who had been asked to cover a BASKETBALL game between Los Angeles Laker and The Toronto Raptures. All had been going well although the LA Lakers were thrashing their rivals at this point.

    Suddenly, there seem to be a bit of a hush in the stadium and everyone started to look up. Well I could hardly believe my eyes. There was a poor woman floating down in a PARACHUTE, JUGGLING with trying to keep her skirt down with one hand and holding on bravely with the other. Unfortunately she really was unsuccessful with taming her skirt and 40.000 people saw she was wearing bright red KNICKERS! Who had the brains of a THIMBLE to allow that poor lady to dress for the jump dressed like that!

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    1. Margaret Adamson: I really enjoyed both of your (very different) takes on the prompts. And hope that Prince gets shown the door.

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    2. Hi Margaret - love the Princess one ... two people at completely different times in life ... well if she was looking at his eyes, at least she wouldn't see the haircut.

      Your second ... Brains of a thimble ... I'll remember that line ... and the imagination boggles ... lots of laughter -

      Congratulations ...

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    3. Good stories, both of them. I can't see Prince Herbert as "the one" for Princes Alice.

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    4. Heeheehee! Two very fun stories.

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    5. Two times great...ditto well done! :)

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    6. On October 29 in Greenock Scotland I saw the Blue Knickers of Princes Elisabeth when Entering the top hatch of a large gun turret blowing exhaust air. During a visit to the ship named after her daddy.


      s

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  8. #4 is fun! Can't wait to see it used dear 💋

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    1. Cloudia: There are already some wonderful stories. I do hope you join us.

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  9. 'My wedding dress (and my slip and knickers) was made of parachute silk dear. John said it was entirely appropriate since I had kept him dangling for so long while I juggled a huge string of admirers...'
    Sally's fingers continued their dextrous work on Mrs Campbell's haircut while her mind went freelance.
    'It was during the last war you know. It was my patriotic duty to support our soldiers, to cheer them up. There was no point in speculating which of them would be here tomorrow. '
    The last war? That recently? Are you sure it wasn't the one before that? I see you draped in a crinoline, reclining on satin covered couches, with a fan...'
    Sally reined her mind in. Mrs Campbell was a loyal customer even if she did talk too much. Molluscs might be preferable company, but they didn't pay as well.
    What made you choose John Mrs Campbell?
    'I saw him playing basketball. He was so tall, so athletic that I just fell in love. He always said that he sealed the deal with his grandmother's gold and diamond thimble, but he was wrong. He had my heart from that first game.'

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    1. Hi EC - I can understand the hairdresser going freelance - as you describe it ... some of our witterings must be just beyond belief, let alone our minds. Molluscs certainly don't pay enough. A ridiculously thought provoking read through ... so many threads ... lovely - cheers Hilary

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    2. Love your story EC. I wish more hairdressers would go freelance. Mine all seem to ask far too many personal questions. I've given up going anyway.

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    3. Sometimes even behind the absurdity there is a deeper love story. Very well done.

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    4. I love this, EC....a great story...thank you. :)

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    5. I knew too and still remember now although it was 65 years since that pretty young lady and I first met that love has never died.

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    6. i love your story Sue. although i do no think Mollusces were better company!!

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    7. Woo Hoo, EC:) This was great. I could picture the conversation.

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  10. The gala party was fully underway when, to everyone's surprise and enjoyment, a PARACHUTE with colourful gift bags DANGLING from it floated to the ground.

    It was impossible to SPECULATE what was going to happen next at the grand fancy dress affair.

    There was no point getting one’s KNICKERS in a not over it...best to just enjoy all the frivolity and surprises, Jane told herself, and that is just what she intended to do.

    Jane struggled with her CRINOLINE as she walked past the colourful COUCHES trying to choose the most comfortable one.

    It wasn’t easy to sit down while clad in the hoop skirt made from coarse, stiff fabric. Jane believed her mother must have worn through her THIMBLE and broken many sewing needles in the making of the exaggerated underskirt.

    One of the many FREELANCE entertainers in attendance was JUGGLING among his tools of trade, of all things, a BASKETBALL!

    The afternoon breeze was blowing his long curly hair onto his face. Perhaps he should have had a HAIRCUT, if only a trim, before performing at the party, Jane thought as she watched on in wonder at his prowess. Hair blowing into his eyes didn’t appear to concern the juggler.

    Featured on the laden buffet tables were large platters bearing a variety of tasty-looking MOLLUSCS. It was apparent the chef had allowed his or her talent and imagination to run free in the preparation and presentation thereof.

    It was also obvious the party would extend well into the evening...with no complaint from any of the attendees."

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    1. Lee: It sounds like an afternoon with something for everyone, and a lot of fun.

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    2. Hi Lee - this was great fun to read ... I'd love to go to a party like that - imagination running riot ... and I bet no complaint from the attendees ... cheers Hilary

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    3. I'm guessing it was a costume party, there wouldn't be any other reason these days to wear a crinoline. I love the parachute git bags idea.

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    4. Gift bags! not git bags that sound like they'd be for old gits (geezers)

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    5. Yes, River. In the second paragraph I describe it as a "fancy dress" party. :)

      Thanks everyone for your comments...I'm glad you enjoyed my bit of fun. :)

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    6. It sounds like a fun party, and i'd like to know the juggler's back story.

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    7. He used to be Michael Jordan, messymimi! :)

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    8. Well done Lee, that's the stuff I like at parties. Good food and lots of Giggle juice.

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    9. As always, fun and well done.

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  11. Oh my, you weave your words so well,

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    1. laurie: It is a fun meme, and there are lots of people playing. Perhaps you will join us some week.

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  12. An interesting mix of words, I'll see what I can do with them.
    One question and anybody at all can answer: was/is crinoline a fabric or a dress style?

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    1. River: Wikipedia sums it up this way: A crinoline /krɪn.əl.ɪn/ is a stiffened or structured petticoat designed to hold out a woman's skirt, popular at various times since the mid-19th century. Originally, crinoline described a stiff fabric made of horsehair.

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    2. thank you EC. Horsehair for dress fabrics? Yikes! that would have been terribly scratchy.

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  13. Well done everyone! Loved reading all the stories!
    EC thank you for your special comments on my blog! You always make me feel I am doing something right! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: You ARE doing things right. Rather a lot of things. And I love your art.

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    2. Big Hugs!
      (Just to let you know, not sure when the next retreat is.)

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  14. Gaggle

    Wednesday, 24 October 2018
    Words On Wednesday
    The words for this Wednesday are as follows.

    Haircut. Speculate. Dangling. Molluscs. Crinolines. Couches. ( Plus Knickers.).Hmm.

    The Wedding of the year.

    It was the year of 1597 Midst that of Billy Shakespeares lifetime fraught with mystery witchery and ignorance plus religious bigotry and burnings at the stake but the common denominator was ignorance among those who dwelt in the village of little Snorewood. where the first wedding of the year was soon to be.

    The Wedding had people agog with excitement and having only recently emerged from their winter
    looking like hair scratching humpbacked Morlocks were busy bathing in the village brook and having their bi-annual*haircut which made it a little easier to identify each other.

    The term organisation was unheard of so *speculation as to how the day would proceed was anyone's guess. although the occasional appearance of the local Squire and one or two of his mistresses dressed in *crinolines and he like a dandy for that is what he was so to speak being known as Desmond the dainty who had been blessed with peculiar marital habits.

    A substantial feast of hot rabbit stew also boiled crayfish and mussels like *molluscs from the brook washed down with gallons of mead and rye bread was being prepared by the more-intellectual matrons of the village where trestle tables were being erected and satin *couches provided for dainty Desmond's dollies.

    The Bride to be was Elsie Wurzel Picker, the maidservant of the Reverand Nutgrove, who unbeknown to most was the father of Elsie Wurzel Pickers unborn child. Although the bridegroom.
    Bert the Barmy, The illegitimate son of the widow Mrs Parsnip and the village Molecatcher, Well and gravedigger; Silas shovelhead, was unaware he had been Cuckooed by the Vicar prior to himself frolicking in the nest with Elsie Wurzel Picker and most likely as well all of all those who wore trousers in the village

    The Bells of the Quaint Norman era Church Suffering roof decay. St Alfred the Simple Showered dust and grime on the assembled parishioners as Elsie Picker swayed up the aisle her veil hiding her
    anguish the earth floor soaking up the trail she was leaving, when suddenly before the startled assembly she dropped to the floor and gave birth to her child who had decided it was a good time to enter the world. prematurely and much to the horror of all had the similar countenance as that of the Vicar. "Gadzooks" was the simultaneous cry From the Choirmaster and the bridegroom Bert the Barmy who drew his Sword seeing the child was from the loins of the Vicar. who fled in haste to the Crypt. But hardly an hour would pass when irate villagers had the vicar roasting while burning at the stake on the village green. And were singing the ancient song "O dear what can the matter be"

    Oh dear what can the matter be, two young ladies, locked in the Lavatory
    They were there from morning to late in the day
    and nobody knew they were there.
    The first young lady was Miss Gertrude Plumtree who merely went in to make herself comfy
    She tried to leave but couldn't get her Bumfree, Nobody knew she was there.
    The other young lady was Miss Elsie Picker who simply went in to fasten her *knickers
    Who thought she was Quick, 'But the Vicar was Quicker- and nobody knew she was there
    Chorus followed unending until the inebriated revellers departed in the evening to their hovels when the creatures of the night joined the dogs of the village to feast upon the remains of the well cooked Vicar. AMEN.

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    1. Vest: I could even imagine you were present for these festivities...

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    2. Oi watch it ,I am not that aged

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    3. What a wonderful story. Really funny with twists and turns. Well done, i enjoyed it very much

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    4. thanks for adding your story to Sue meme here

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    5. You're a wild man, Vest! :)

      Well done...I love your story! I was going to say "tale"....but that could possibly lead to some misunderstanding!! :)

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  15. I have also posted my story on my blog the DAILY GAGGLE.

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    1. Vest: Thank you for posting your very detailed account of a not uncommon story here as well. I grew up with the dear, dear what can the matter be song you finished with.

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    2. I only added the song so I could accommodate the word Knickers with Vicars

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    3. EC.UNCOMMON STORY?.Traditional stories, or stories about traditions, differ from both fiction and nonfiction in that the ... Some stories belong in multiple categories and some stories do not fit into any .... Length is not an essential matter in the definition of an apologue. .... the term is also used to describe something blessed with unusual happiness

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    4. Vest: What I was referring to as not uncommon was the father being someone other than the husband/fiancee. And all too often a person with a reputation to uphold and some power.

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  16. Quite interesting words when put together. Always enjoy reading what they inspire.

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    1. Mason Canyon: So do I. Often very, very different takes.

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  17. I desperately need a haircut(lol) I'm so sleepy this morning, that's the extent of my words thus far, EC. I have a week to improve though. Hugs and hope you are well! RO

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    1. RO: I hope you can get further with the words this week - but am always happy to have you drop in. I too desperately needed a haircut. I had one earlier this week. It will grow out. Fortunately.

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    2. Although short, i appreciate you putting pen to paper

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  18. That first batch is a real challenge.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Margaret et al are good at challenging us, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this week's takes on their challenge.

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    2. come on Alex a short sentence would be a start.

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  19. I’ll think about these words when I write my column today.

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    1. Rick Watson: That could make for a very interesting column.

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  20. Sporting her new haircut and that dreaded pink dress with the crinoline, Dorothy sat amid the couches on the terrace, overlooking the beach. She imagined herself dangling from the monkey bars or gathering shells on the beach, Molluscs as her mother called them. She did not have to speculate what her mother would say to those activities.

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    1. Marie Smith: Poor, poor Dorothy. I would much prefer shell collecting and monkey bars to a crinoline. Great take - and in so few words.

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  21. Having a haircut led me to speculate whether or not I'd miss my hair dangling in the rock pools whilst collecting molluscs in my crinoline dress and wishing the beach had couches to relax on, instead of these awfully uncomfortable deck chairs! 😉😉

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    1. Well done Ygraine - short and very sweet - love it ... cheers Hilary

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    2. Ygraine: Love it - and thank you for joining us. Deck chairs are never good and would be even worse in a crinoline.

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    3. Cannot imagine a crinoline would be much good on a beach particularly sitting in a deck chair. Good story

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    4. Aww...thank you so much guys! :))

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  22. Always fun to read what your other readers have come up with.

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    1. Denise inVA: It is, isn't it? And some day you will join us.

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    2. Come on Denise, I know you could write a story

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  23. Larry loved being a freelance writer. It meant he wasn't left juggling a career he hated with a passion he loved. Exploring the crazy scene of the Big Apple's night life. Last night he visited a bar in Tribeca called Thimble. All the drinks were .22 cents and were served in thimbles. Only in New York.

    Tonight, his plans were another bar. Knickers. Not the basketball team. Instead, all the bartenders and servers were dressed in knickers made of parachute pants from the 80s. Only in NYC.

    Elsie

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    1. Very creative, Elsie. Loved it.

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    2. Elsie Amata: Big smiles. NYC is somewhere I have never been, but my reading suggests that there are plenty of 'Larry' stories to be found there.

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    3. that story gave me a smile especially the bartenders in knickers!

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  24. I like reading what other come up with for these.

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  25. Replies
    1. Cindi: I have been, and thoroughly enjoyed your tale.

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  26. Thanks for your visit. Always appreciated. One of these days...one of these days I really need to try the prompts and see if I can come up with any thing creative or interesting.

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    1. Sandy: I really hope you will. This meme definitely falls into the 'more the merrier' category.

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    2. sandy I hope you will try and put pen to paper. There is no right or wrong way to write a story. Try a few sentences.

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  27. I love your story, EC. The final line, too - perfect. One of these days, I'll be moved to participate (again).

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  28. Elephant's Child, I just wanted to let you know that I'm back to blogging again.

    I'll check in at a later time.

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  29. It's one thing covering up my finger with a (thimble) after poking myself several times when I should have covered my finger beforehand, but I'll be darned if I'm going to wear my (knickers) out in this cold morning (juggling) a (basketball), heck I'll stick to my (freelance) job because playing sports for someone else certainly isn't it, I'd rather (parachute) out into the open sky, or would I.

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    1. Lon Anderson: A fun take on the prompts. Thank you.

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  30. The fruit of your writing exercises is soooooo evident
    in the words you string together to create pictures.
    You do words so well:) I love that you participate in such a practice as this; it encourages me to do dailyness better in my own writing. Thanks for the sweet inspire!
    -Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: I hope you ARE inspired. And are as kind to yourself as you are to others.

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  31. All so good, and I thought the words were quite a mix!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: The prompts this month have been very challenging - and have produced some marvellous tales.

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