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, and mixing and matching is encouraged.
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 and I am providing them.
Thank
you to everyone who put their hands up to provide the prompts next
year. I am still hunting for volunteers for the second half of next year, and don't like imposing on anyone for multiple months. Please, pretty please give it some thought. You will have my eternal thanks with sugar on top. I will put up the schedule some time next week.
This week's prompts are:
- Celebration,
- Birth
- Bells
- Majesty
- Small
- Forgotten
And/or
- Bay
- Half
- Hope
- Sister
- Book
- Hunt
And an another (as always optional addition).
In memory of Jo Wake, I would love it if you could include the word dragon in your stories.
Have fun. And my very best festive wishes to all.
‘Ask not for whom the bells toll, it tolls for thee…’
ReplyDeleteIncluding the word dragon in my prompts this week is a small (but not half-hearted) celebration of Jo Wake, and a way to show that while she is gone she is not forgotten. She loved the majestic beasts and included a dragon in each and every piece she contributed to the meme. I suspect she used the fantasy world to keep the sometimes ugly realities of her life at bay. Her continuing tale included fights against evil, and the developing romance between her dragon and his companion. Their hunt was never concluded but I hope she knew just how much I looked forward to the developments each week. Like so many of the talented contributors to this meme I had hoped that she would work her continuing stories into a book.
Sister across the seas and now across the stars, I salute you.
Kudos.
DeleteWhat a lovely memorium to Jo. She'd love it.
DeleteYou bring tears to my eyes, Sue.
DeleteHer stories were wonderful, i am sorry i won't get to read more of them.
DeleteBeautifully done, and I LOVE your final line. :-)
DeleteWonderful memory for Jo - thanks Sue for letting us see some more back-story on her life ... she had so much to offer ... I honestly hadn't realised dragons featured quite so heavily for her ... but am so pleased to read this brief eulogy to her.
DeleteAnd yes - as Diane says to the last line ... superb to read - thank you ...
A most wonderful tribute!
DeleteSuch a beautiful tribute to a blog friend. The prompts were great and I too used them to eulogize a loved one, even including the word "dragon" for Jo Wake.
DeleteWhat a lovely tribute. I'm sorry to hear of Jo's passing. Another blogger told me about her stroke, but I didn't know she'd succumbed. Yet another loss of 2020. She will be remembered fondly by her blogging family.
DeleteSusan: Our blogging family becomes very, very dear to us doesn't it? I hope Jo is now at peace and flying high.
DeleteThis is very well done. I love reading the different perspectives on the key words. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Delete<3 I too would have loved to hear the whole story of Alcalador the dragon and Eleuthera the witch. We'll have to wait until we meet agin beyond the veil.
Delete... and just now I visited Jo's blog for a re-read of the stories. I can't find them! I hope I'm just stupid.
DeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): I coudn't find them either.
DeleteSad.
DeleteSo beautiful EC!! Big Hugs!
DeleteAh, one for taciturnity again:
ReplyDeleteThe sound of the celebration bell after the small Majesty's Birth was long forgotten when, book hunting with his half sister his hope got fulfilled: A bay horse turned out to be the famous dragon Falcor alias Fuchur, and thus an neverending story began.
Well done!
DeleteSean Jeating: I love it - and it needs no more words. Thank you.
DeleteBrilliant!
DeleteI could just see the bay horse changing and taking off on his dragon wings. My story is posted on my blog. It is always too long to post here.
DeleteVery nice!
DeleteI will create something tomorrow, Sue, but I could provide the prompts for one of the months next year if you wish.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: That would be lovely. Do you want to put them on your blog or here?
DeleteI will provide them to you to be placed on your blog, Sue. Just let me know which month you assign to me and when you need the prompts.
DeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Thank you.
DeleteYa quiere enterarse su Majestad las noticias del nacimiento!
ReplyDeleteLa pequeña aldea se viste de fiesta para la celebración.
Y es que en ese pesebre olvidado y pobre esta llegando un niño que se llamara Jesús y será quien venga a salvarnos de tantas injusticias y dolores..
Suenan las campanas !
El niño ha nacido
y el mundo ha vuelto a nacer con El, con esperanza y alegria..
Aqui mi aporte querido Hijo de elefante... Gracias por estar siempre en mis espacios...
Te deseo una hermosa navidad y que tu salud mejore y puedas disfrutar los dias hermosos, la amistad, la belleza de tus flores y jardines... Gracias por tantas cosas bonitas que nos dedicas en tu blog.. FELIZ NAVIDAD
Una bonita historia! Feliz Navidad.
Deleteeli mendez: I am glad that you found Christmas in my prompts. Thank you for joining us again and a very Merry Christmas to you too. To be followed by a healthy and happy New Year.
DeleteI totally agree!
DeleteOkay, working on it, will add a link later.
ReplyDeleteMy words will be over here.
Deletemessymimi: I look forward to it.
DeleteMine is posted on my blog. I will be heading over to your place soon to see what you have done. Can't wait.
DeleteThat's a lovely tribute to your friend.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: Thank you.
DeleteI'll get to work on these first thing tomorrow and of course I will include 'dragon'. I love dragons, being one myself.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I look forward to it - and knew that you love dragons. As I do.
DeleteI hope my half sister's book hunt had a happy ending in the window bay.
ReplyDeleteI know. This is kind of long but it's the least I could do tonight.
Mike: Not a problem. There are NO rules about length. Do what works for you - and I always like happy endings.
DeleteOh my, it wore me out reading this. What a great tale:-)
DeleteMerry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteBlue
Blue Grumpster: Thank you. And to you.
DeleteHi EC - Happy Christmas ... more importantly a peaceful safe one ... look after yourselves and your families one and all - let's hope 2021 will be kinder to the world. Here's my entry ... 2nd set of words:
ReplyDeleteOh gosh my ‘horrible’ sister has hidden my Christmas book … and is making me look for it – having advised via Santa’s card … that it’s in the house somewhere.
We always have fun at Christmas with amusing puzzles, games etc … but we also have a mid- afternoon break when we have a time to read … and she knows I really want to get stuck in …
I have to say I’d half-hoped she’d have put it in an easy place to find … under the bed, with the other presents under the tree, plopped somewhere amongst the piles of papers, books, bills etc that are always scattered around the house … bu no … it was, so far, well hidden.
We were in the sitting room … the Christmas tree lights were twinkling, the family were happily listening to carols over the radio … tea was on – the cake was there … cups handed out …
I needed to sit down … over to the bay window, I pushed the huge cushion I usually used to fend off the frosty air against the frame … and found my book. Clever sister had found the perfect hiding place. Now to read … always a pleasure …
All the best - Hilary
Loved your story Hilary. I have always wanted to have a bay window in my home but have yet for that wish to come true. I would sit there and read also.
DeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I can picture this - and am so glad that the book was found - and in the perfect place to settle down with it for the rest of the afternoon. Books are the BEST present.
DeleteNice use of the words. As the owner of a tricky sister I doubly appreciated your take on the prompts.
DeleteA wedding by the bay! Why hadn't she thought of that before? A simple walk by the water was just the impetus to give birth to the plan for her perfect day. It would be a celebration that would not easily be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteShe imagined the majesty her wedding would convey. A walk down an aisle would be too mundane for her. She could see herself sashaying down the path with small bells tied to satin streamers hanging from the tree limbs. The wind formed from her exaggerated movements would cause slight tinkling sounds as she passed. Perfection!
Giddy was the only world to describe her feelings, except for that slight problem of her future sister in law. She was an unattractive young woman and would detract from the grandeur she could foresee for her wedding.
How could she handle the sticky situation? A wedding by the book would certainly have her intendeds sibling as an attendant. She would have to hunt for the proper, no not just proper, but delicate words for the impending exclusion with the half hope that her future Mother-in-law would understand and not become a fire breathing dragon.
Anne in the kitchen: Is it wrong of me to think that your protagonist is MORE ugly than her future sister in law. I hope that fire (and brimstone) is breathed her way...
DeleteAnd I love your take on the prompts.
Sounds like the bride-to-be is a real prima donna, a legend in her own mind already.
DeleteExcellent.
DeleteAnd then to imagine the beauty's face when the bridegroom-to-be in front of her eyes converts in a bridegroom-not-to-be.
If you have even a passing acquaintance with Chinese culture and history, you will know that the CELEBRATION of dragons is writ large into it. I am not intimately familiar with all that dragons signify, but perhaps some are meant to commemorate a BIRTH, especially one that has an air of MAJESTY about it. After all, another tradition has three chaps on camels HUNTING for a star, that leads them to a different BIRTH. And we celebrate that with BELLS and whistles – well, not so much the account that was written in the BOOK – but the orgy of excess that has resulted it from it. No sense to keep it SMALL. Most people have FORGOTTEN the “reason for the season” as tee shirts and sweat shirts proclaim, and few believe it anyway.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of the Chinese, they must HOPE that the modern version of Christmas continues, since the consumption of all the cheap trinkets and ornaments they produce keeps their economy chugging along. If we even cut out HALF of the stuff we buy just think of the impact it would have.
My SISTER usually shops at The BAY, but I hear that iconic store is in trouble. It’s a sign of the times, I guess, or perhaps just the work of a malevolent dragon. They can’t all be kind and friendly after all.
Well done:)
DeleteGood one.
DeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: You are speaking to and for me again. I am a fan of dragons (Japanese or Chinese). I am not a fan of conspicuous consumption. And of course dragons can be malevolent - when it is warranted.
DeleteI love the use of the words and the commentary!
DeleteAmen...China has flooded the Christmas market with cheaply made products, and the information is all in Chinese. It is time for America to buy American. You are right---cutting back on those purchases, they would feel the crunch.
DeleteSusan Kane: Or perhaps it is time for all of us to buy a little less - regardless of where it is made.
DeleteTe deseo que pases una ¡FELIZ NAVIDAD!
ReplyDeleteSaludos desde Salamanca.
villa: Thank you so much. And the same to you and yours.
DeleteHands Up..
ReplyDeleteYeaah
Parpining: You have lost me a little, but thank you I think. My internet protection tells me your site is dangerous so I have not visited you.
DeleteA lovely tribute to Jo.
ReplyDeleteMay she rest in peace.
Julia: Thank you. I hope she does. A very very Merry Christmas to you and to your.
DeleteCool words, Merry Christmas ❤
ReplyDeleteKinga K.: Thank you - and to you.
DeleteAww, such a beautiful tribute to Jo...so very heartwarming and touching.😊😊
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas...and stay safe and happy!🎄🎄🎄
All my love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ygraine: This was not the piece I set out to write, but the words demanded an airing.
DeleteI hope that you and your family have a wonderful (cleverly distanced) Christmas. And here's to health and happiness in the year to come. And the years after that.
Just stopping by to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Best wishes for good health to enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Varadan, Author: Thank you. And to you.
DeleteAfter deep thought, I have come up with the word *Diverse* am offering for your next prompts at some point next year.
ReplyDeleteSteve: Thank you. I will assuredly include it. I hope your holidays are healthy and happy.
DeleteYes thanks alot a different Christmas but I remain grateful to God best regards!
DeleteMajesty Listeria had intensely prepared for the annual celebration for the birth of Jesus who saved and provided for them. Bells rang out and the nation of dragons gathered in the castle hall. The manger held a small child who had volunteered to do this honor.
ReplyDelete"Jesus Christ must not be forgotten," the Majesty cried out. "Dragon or person must always faithful to the event that changed us all."
At the last chime, all dragons spread wings and took flight. Their breaths poured fire over the skies, lighting the midnight. "Christ is the Light that we follow. The light we show is a hint of His Light."
Susan Kane: A very different perspective. I had never thought of dragons as having the slightest interest in religion. Thanks for joining us.
DeleteThank you for this. The idea of dragons celebrating the birth of Him who is the Light in this way was a delight to read.
DeleteHave a wonderful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: Thank you. It has been low key and lovely. I hope yours is delightful.
DeleteJust here to wish you a blessed Christmas. Your tribute to your blog friend is beyond lovely.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana Bose: Many thanks. I hope that your festive season is healthy, happy and truly lovely.
DeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours. May the New Year bring you good health, hope, peace, love and contentment.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Julia
Julia: Thank you so much. That is a lovely wish which I hope that you (and the world) share.
DeleteMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
A Cuban in London: Many thanks. The same to you and yours - I do hope that your lockdown isn't hasn't stopped you having a wonderful day.
DeleteHappiest Holidays to you!!
ReplyDeleteJ C: Thank you. And to you.
DeleteMerry Christmas. Enjoy your holiday!
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: Thank you - you too.
DeleteMy dear friend
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Merry Christmas full of Joy, Health and Peace!
I miss vist you so much! Love your blog!
Sending Lots of Hugs and Much Love to You!
sonia a. mascaro: How lovely to see you here. I hope that you are well and that you and your daughter are enjoying time together.
DeleteLook after yourself - please.
Hugs.
Like that word diverse.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas
Haddock: I like it too, and can see that I am going to have to put it in a Words For Wednesday post soon.
DeleteA happy Christmas to you too.
Fabulous blog
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
ReplyDeleteRajani Rehani: Thank you for your kind words and visit. And of course I read your post. I try (and mostly succeed) to read the posts of all those who visit me here.
DeleteLoved everyone's writes! Big Hugs EC!
ReplyDelete