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 Fulcher. They also include photographs taken by Margaret's friend Danny McCaughan.
Without further ado.
The weeks words are:
- Scuttle
- Rapper
- Drop
- Machine
- Flowery
- Button
And/ or
- Cashback
- Tipping
- Pizza
- Energy
- Unsubstantiated
- Clear
Have fun.
When I read through the lists, for some reason I laughed a bit when I said aloud 'cashback'. If I didn't already know what 'cashback' meant, then I'd really have to wonder a bit... Cashback, Razorback, Quarterback=all funny-sounding words.
ReplyDeleteBea: They are. As is throwback.
DeleteLet us be clear about this. Your accusation that I paid the rapper outside the your pizza shop to drop four letter words into his routine and scare off your customers is totally unsubstantiated. Nor did I pay people to complain that the pizza was inedible. The first was a co-incidence and the second is down to your lousy cooking.
ReplyDeleteHowever your fears that I am trying to scuttle the business are right on the button. Your attitude to people (customers AND staff) is why I have put a lot of energy into just that. Your staff are humans not cold blooded inexhaustible machines. They need to be paid more. Flowery language doesn't feed them or their families. They can't rely on customers tipping generously either. So you feel a bit of their pain I *may* have found your jealously hoarded and miserly distributed cashback coupons and scattered them throughout the local community (including the refuges you despise)
When and if you start to play fair with your staff, the games will stop. You have been warned. Sink or swim. It is entirely up to you.
Hooray for action being taken. Let's hope he hires a better cook too.
DeleteI know you paid the rapper!
Delete😡
Sandi: Who me?
DeleteThat'll teach him! Well done!
DeleteXO
WWW
Love this! Is this as serious as paying the piper? hee hee.
DeleteHahaha, That's a good story Elephant's Child.
DeleteHave a wonderful day.
Hugs, Julia
Woo Hoo! You go, girl. If you aren't writing to the establishments, you should be!
DeleteExcellent story, and excellent idea for dealing with someone who does not practice capitalism with a conscience, which is the only way capitalism should be practiced.
DeleteGlad you spoke up to put things right. Great take on it. I think people are enjoying these words this week.
DeleteGood one, EC!
DeleteClever, clever, clever!
DeleteExcellent EC!
DeleteYes, it's been too long, here's mine. It's unsubstantiated at the moment but clear as the rapper and his rap on "Scuttle Machine" with his wild energy but less than flowery jargon (tipping is allowed) but no cashback so if you're planning on pizza at the "Do Drop In" save some cash!
ReplyDelete21 Wits: Thank you for joining us. The rapper in my take didn't use anything as gentle as flowery jargon either. Love your pizza parlour's name.
DeleteScuttle machine...🤣
DeleteWell done!
DeleteXO
WWW
Nice!
DeleteA story in one sentence Well done
DeleteThumbs up:)
DeleteI see a scuttlebutt coming!
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Sometimes scuttlebutt can be a powerful force for change.
DeleteI'm in! https://jannghi.blogspot.com/2019/04/words-for-wednesday.html
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: Thank you. I have been, I have read, I have enjoyed.
DeleteInteresting choice of words. Am curious to see what people come up with.
ReplyDeleteNatalie Aguirre: So am I. Lovely to see you here.
DeleteHow about seeing what you can do with the words!
DeleteNice set of words, I'll see if I can work them into another "Tom" chapter.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Good. I look forward to reading the continuing saga.
DeleteThank you and I hope you can weave them into your Tom chapter
DeleteAlways love reading the responses to these. Such fun.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: They are, aren't they?
DeleteGo on, why not have a go yourself?
DeleteHe was a flowery rapper, the kind who could scuttle a big song drop just by overdoing the bling a tiny bit. Too many buttons, that sort of thing. But time waits for no one and commerce is a machine, so he "tipped the cashback, back back, and cleared the energy like it was unsub--unsub--stantiated."
ReplyDeleteI will never understand this slang! I am going to go get a pizza. Want to join me?
Sandi: Thanks so much for joining us. I would be very happy to join you for pizza.
DeletePizza party in my story - you're welcome!
DeleteXO
WWW
Yes, the slang does get past me, and a good pizza party is always welcome.
DeleteHope you still have a piece of Pizza left as I am coming round!!
DeleteThis was fun:) Great job.
DeleteThese are sensible set of words. Started to compose and got interrupted and lost my train of thought!!
ReplyDeleteMargaret-whiteangel: I do hope you can regain your train of thought and come back.
DeleteHas your train of thought returned yet? Looking forward to a good story
DeleteFirst set of words used and hope to get round to the second set soon.
ReplyDeleteEvery Saturday Ray arrived on his "pitch" in the High Street in my town. Not only was he a FLOWERY character and well known in the town but every week he turned up looking like a throw back to the flower power days with his colourful shirts. People actually came out to hear him and they called him Ray the RAPPER.
When he was nearly set up with his black SCUTTLE in front of him to collect all the money that people would willing DROP into the bucket, and his gettoblaster MACHINE beside him, there was already a crowd of 24 people waiting to hear what or who he was going to rap about today. He knew most of these people well and so he rapped about them either making them smile even laugh or sometimes squirm!
With one press on the BUTTON, the instrumental track of music blasted forth and he was off.
Ha! Very good.
DeleteXO
WWW
Sounds like he has a great venue and dedicated audience. Fun story!
DeleteMargaret Adamson: I really like this. The Rays of this world add life and colour to a city.
DeleteHi EC - 2nd lot:
ReplyDeleteWhereon earth did they have the idea that you could get energy from Pizza – quite unsubstantiated … but the promotion on the menu card suggested that.
I needed to get some cashback so I could leave a tip … but the whole ‘event’ has left me totally undecided … I’ve expended enough energy on this …
... the ‘story’ is completely fake – I’m exhausted … so they can clear the order … and I’ll regroup elsewhere.
Cheers Hilary
Well done Hilary!
DeleteXO
WWW
Love it, Hilary!
DeleteExcellent!
DeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: You mean that pizza isn't a 'super food'. Pouty face.
DeleteHad to laugh at your story . Loved it
DeleteI do like reading the responses to these...so many brilliant stories always!
ReplyDeleteI began trying one myself, but it is one of those days when interruptions reign supreme!😕
Should things quieten down later, I will try again!!
Do hope things are going OK with you.
Lots of love and hugs ❤❤❤
Ygraine: Sigh at the interruptions. I hope things calm down for you - and if not there is always another week. The prompts will be here this month and next.
DeleteHuge hugs.
Hoping you will have a quiet time to put pen to paper this week
DeleteHell EC
ReplyDeleteThought I'd let everyone know I've posted to the blog - hopefully you'll find it HERE
Will come back to read all other entries
Cathy: I love your story. And sent it to Margaret who also loves it.
DeleteIndeed I did. A very fine story.
DeleteHere's mine, challenging choice of words, I needed that to get the creative juices flowing.
ReplyDeleteWise Web Woman
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: I really liked your take on the prompts - and am endlessly amazed at the very different directions the words take people.
DeleteI'm trying to get a proper link and failing. Here's the copy and paste.
ReplyDeletehttps://wisewebwoman.blogspot.com/2019/05/words-for-wednesday-may-1st-2019.html
XO
WWW
Wiswebwoman: Sigh on the blogger glitch. And people? Do visit her. It is worth the effort.
DeleteBeen there, loved the story, zipping over to Cathy in a minute.
DeleteMy second story using the second set of words.
ReplyDeleteWhen I go shopping I have my "list" on my iPad nowadays. I was not into the supermarket for much that day however I always take a trolley. I bought a PIZZA and a lovely bottle of my favourite white wine to go with it and some strawberries and cream for afters and a few other bits and pieces. I do not really like shopping as it seems to zap all the ENERGY out of me. So little and often does the trick for me. I always use the self service machines. I do not know why as many times I have had to ask for assistance for help as something is amiss. While using the scanning I had left my iPad in my trolley. At one point I suddenly felt strangely uncomfortable. Something I saw must have TIPPED me off, yet nothing looked out of place. I convinced myself it was CLEAR I was imagining things. Anyhow I finished scanning my shopping and put my card in the machine and as I often do, got some CASHBACK. I packed my shopping and just as I was leaving this area, wondered where I had put my iPad. It was gone. Only then did I remembered that the customer next to me had bumped into my trolley and probably lifted it but I could not prove it and the management were unlikely to accept my UNSUBSTANTIATED word. A hard lesson to learn!
Great story, and i hope it isn't based on fact!
DeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: Ouch. Echoing messymimi - and loving your take.
DeleteI've never used an ipad.
DeleteCoffee is on
NO it isn't try that someone stole my iPad Messymimi and Dora I'll be round for coffee and show you how easy an iPad is to use!
DeleteI love all your stories, and I look forward to reading them at leisure, when this crazy week is done. Here's my chapter of Unicorn Farm
ReplyDelete.
Thank to Elephant's Child for hosting and to Margaret Adamson for providing the prompts.
Uglemor: I have thoroughly enjoyed ALL of your Unicorn Farm tales.
DeleteLove the word clusters and if I can gather my wits, I'll pull together an appropriate tale or two. Thanks for the fun. It's always a sweet challenge.
ReplyDeletecleemckenzie: It is isn't it? I hope to see you back here (this week or next).
DeleteI do hope you can make it with a story this week with these varied words
DeleteIf I find a time to post; I am going to join this feast!
ReplyDeleteReHiTu: I hope you can. The more the merrier.
DeleteReally hope you can make it this week and join in the fun
DeleteMy attempt at humor when the well ran dry is over here.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: Your well didn't run dry at all. Such a clever take.
Deletean interesting and clever approach on the words
DeleteGracias guapa me alegra que pases por mi blog.
ReplyDeleteBeso
ANNA: Foi um prazer. Abraços
DeleteWords scuttle around the brain. Hey I'm a Rapper, lets drop a dime or button and pick up flow.....erm....yeah!
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy: Thanks for playing. There are words scuttling around in my head too.
DeleteYes one does not often hear the word scuttle nowadays but it has got us all thinking!
DeleteMy story is post over at my blog...https://peppylady.blogspot.com/2019/05/wednesday-pop-up-number-thirty-five.html
ReplyDeletepeppylady (Dora): I am heading over now.
DeleteGreat selection...mine's up now.
ReplyDeleteonly slightly confused: Yet another very different take on the prompts - which I loved.
DeleteScuttle
ReplyDeleteRapper
Drop
Machine
Flowery
Button
And/ or
Cashback
Tipping
Pizza
Energy
Unsubstantiated
Clear
I was shopping at Walmart. I hate shopping. When I'm tired I become someone you do not want to shop with or even be nearby. People scuttle from my path like cockroaches run when a light flicks on.
I picked out a clear plastic wrapped pizza and two energy bars seeing as how my energy was near zero by then. Some people should sleep more. Oh yeah, maybe I should sleep more. Nah, it's everybody else, not me, I yawned to myself, as I kicked a fallen can of corned beef hash two aisles down. "That shouldn't have been in my way," I muttered loudly.
There are no checkers anymore. They make us check out ourselves. I resent that they haven't cut prices after dropping real live employees, for cold hard machines.
I scanned my items through, scowling and growling to myself. "Do you want cashback?" the machine voice droned back in flowery female tones. I pushed the button to signify no. But of course I was really thinking YES I would like one million dollars cashback please. Consider it mandatory tipping, I smugly said to the check out machine, for ripping off employee jobs, and making us do the labor for the same price.
Strangely, as if I'd won a secret lottery, as if the machine had grown a soul and wanted to make amends, to me of all people, dollar bills, then twenty dollar bills, began spewing at high speed, from the dollar bill change slot.
I tried to stop it, I swear I tried to block it with my hand, at first. Ok, no I didn't. I put my reusable filthy cloth grocery bag over that spewing slot and filled er up. When that was stuffed, the single mom behind me with two hungry looking kids, handed me two of hers. Gleefully. Then she took off at a very fast pace, literally dragging one little kid. People were lining up now, with their reusable bags of various sizes and stages of politically correct disintegration. And I was filling em, like a gas station attendant, grinning like Santa Claus. At last, I was in a good mood and doing something meaningful with my life. My euphoria was interrupted by a loud rapping sound. The rapper seemed very close to me and suddenly was in my face. Oh holy shit--a Walmart manager!!! Where's your bag sir, I said, dead pan. I can't fill your bag unless you give me one to fill. His stern countenance and nervous rapping against the back of the cold machine with his large set of Walmart keys stopped. He looked this way and that way. Then he grabbed two reusable Walmart sacks off a huge rack of them for sale, grinned nervously, and said "Do It!" I did it! After which he ran for the parking lot, hooting all the way.
The unsubstantiated claims the papers are making about me now really hurt. I had to pay my lawyer by handing him an unwashed reusable grocery bag of good cold cash, too. I saw him use hand sanitizer after he took it, and stuffed it under a seat of his Camry.
Strayer: What an absolute hoot - from beginning to end. Thank you for joining us again.
Deletewow! I think I would get in line with my cloth bag for that. this is a lot of fun to read.
Deletehave a lovely day.
A brilliant story, quite hilarious
DeleteIt was so much fun to make this story up, thanks EC, lissa and Margaret! Maybe its a fantasy of mine.
DeleteI would have filled my bags too from that bottomless well. Great story :)
DeleteLove this story!
DeleteI finally managed to participate again. I was going to write something other than april gale but it didn't happen
ReplyDeletehere's my take on the words, though I use not that many words
april gale 13
have a lovely day.
lissa: I am super impressed at how many of you use the prompts for continuing stories. Thank you.
DeleteWhen it comes to tipping, I'm typically frugal. One pizza delivery guy, though, got the benefits of my rule-breakage. His energy and spunk, at the end of a long, hot day was unsubstantiated. His cuteness, even moreso. "No cashback," I said with a wink, handing him a stack of cash. "To be clear, your Italian sausage is the best I've ever had."
ReplyDeleteRawknrobyn: Do I detect a double entrendre or three?
DeleteChatting up the Pizza man? Or was it bribery?
DeleteDear EC and Margaret,
DeleteWhatever it takes to get that tasty sausage - that's all I'm saying.
Wink.
XX
Laughing!
DeleteSorry you're having trouble with your reader. I don't use it so can't comment. I use my blog log, and each time I write a post, I visit, read, and comment on everyone on my blog log. You might have more than the reading issue though. Your latest post dated today the 4th, is closed to comments. You've only got a few comments but when I clicked to leave a comment on your post it said no new comments permitted. I tried to click on reply to see if I could let you know about the problem and wasn't able to do that either....thus leaving you a comment on your older post. Fingers crossed you actually see this comment...depending on your settings, some folks get notified via email of their comments others just look at their recent blog post for comments.
ReplyDeleteSandy: I shut off comments to the blogger glitch post after the problem was fixed. Sorry to confuse you.
DeletePizza! Who the hell names their son Pizza? Oh yeah, that would be my parents. My birth certificate issued from the State of Nevada lists my given name as Pizza Moon Simmons.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, the story of the night I was born was always the same.
My folks lived in a rural communal enclave toward the end of the hippie era. Supposedly the night I was born (outside no less) there was a blood moon and my Dad thought it looked like a Pizza. He credits The Universe for my name. Personally I think it was just a case of the munchies following some mushrooms. Tipping the scales on the munchies theory: eleven months later my sister Flan came into this world.
Let me be clear, I am not bitter about the name. When I entered school I became known as P.M. Simmons. I will be eternally grateful for Mrs. Green, my kindergarten teacher, who asked me which name I would like to be called "Pizza," "Moon," or simply my initials. The initial thing was a blessing until I hit middle school. Nothing is more humiliating to a guy than to have the initials P.M.S. on his gym shorts. I wasted untold amounts of energy worrying about how to counteract the snickers that happened the first day of gym class all three of those years.
Fast forward to my 18th birthday. I was legally an adult and could finally do something about my name. I legally became Paul Martin Simmons, though to this day I still use my initials as my go to moniker. Except with my family. I am still and I guess I always will be Pizza to them.
Oh and as a little aside; in case you were wondering about the parents who enjoyed commune living in the 70's. They left "The Farm" when I was two. Dad finished law school and practiced corporate law. Mom worked in advertising for a long time and later developed a cashback app tied to several national merchants. Without Flan's and my names as proof, any claims they made about their former hippie days would be unsubstantiated, especially if you met my 2 youngest siblings, Laura and John.
Anne in the kitchen: Love this. I believe that some of the names parents inflict on their children qualify as child abuse. And of course Paul is known to his family as Pizza. Hooray for the Mrs Greens of this world too (though I am laughing at PMS).
DeleteI would definitely change my name if I was named Pizza especially coupled with Moon. this is fun & I like how you use all the words.
Deletehave a lovely day.
Yes probably high when they thought of your name Pizza! Glad they at least got sense when your last 2 siblings came along
DeleteGetting some Cashback allowed me the chance to do some Tipping after we had some Pizza, which gave me the Energy to look into the Unsubstansiated, but Clear rumours my kids think I'm old and silly sometimes! :)
ReplyDeleteMark Koopmans: You? Old and silly? Perish the thought.
DeleteYes that is what most kids think of their parents
DeleteWhew. Glad you got your list fixed. Google/BlogSpot is really getting contrary lately.
ReplyDeleteSandra: It is.
DeleteThese are fun to read. Glad you got your blog issues all better!
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: They are fun aren't they? And hooray for the absence of blogger glitches.
DeleteGreat reads everyone! Big Hugs EC!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Margaret and her friends prompts produced some wonderful stories didn't they? Hugs.
Delete