Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wednesday 24 February 2021

Words for Wednesday 24/02/2021

 

 



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 but are provided by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Alex rarely plays but has very generously provided us with with some intriguing/testing prompts.

This week's prompts Alex described as 'odd and funny' words.  He gave me extra and suggested I could leave some out.  I didn't.  Use as many (or as few) of them as you like.

His selection is:


  1. Guacamole
  2. Ninja
  3. Lollygag
  4. Malarky
  5. Skedaddle
  6. Piffle 

And/or

  1. Berserk
  2. Earwig
  3. Fiasco
  4. Gazebo
  5. Huzzah
  6. Nitwit
  7. Thingamajig
  8. Pandemonium


Have fun.  And huge thanks to those who come back (sometimes time and time again) to offer encouragement to others. 

Thank you Alex.  I have really enjoyed your prompts - and seeing the myriad of directions they have taken us on.  Words for Wednesday will be here next month as well, but the prompts will be provided by Hilary Melton-Butcher.

135 comments:

  1. Remembering that you (nitwit that you are) probably paid more for the kit than either the writer or the translator will receive in many months, what is behind the piffle which is included in each and every kit? Is it a series of innocent mistakes, or malevolence at play. You decide.
    To help you with this decision I give you excerpts from the malarkey included in a kit.
    Congratulations on the purchase of the Build it Yourself Berserk Ninja kit. Inside you will find detailed and complete instructions. All parts and the necessary tools are included. In just a few short hours while you lollygag in your gazebo (not included) with a long cool glass of Fiasco (also not included) your very own designer coloured berserk ninja will launch surprise attacks on your neighbours and their yapping dog. Pandemonium will ensue and they will skedaddle so fast you won’t see them for dust.
    Step 1. Spread out the pieces in alphanumeric order (using the Greek alphabet, except in Europe where the Cyrillic alphabet is required).
    Step 33: Thinly spread guacamole on all sides of the thingamajig using the golden whatsit provided. Attach to the doohickey using the earwig and washers provided. Tighten, ensuring that all parts are kept at an angle of sixty seven degrees. Do NOT over tighten.
    Step 39: Carefully turn upright and light the fuse.
    Huzzah. Your deluxe Cavanaugh rotating drum compost maker is now ready for use.
    What the???? All this work and no ninja???

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    1. All this work and no ninja. Oh, I love it. and now I want my very own ninja, please.

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    2. Does the word brilliant come to mind?

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    3. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Is the compost maker merely the ninja's clever disguise (they are tricky beasts)?

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    4. Beyond magnificent!

      Alex doesn't make things easy, does he? :)

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    5. It was scorching hot that day and I had been weeding in the shaded garden but needed a little rest. I had just sat down to rest in the shade of the gazebo when all of a sudden, my dog, Muffin, went berserk chasing after a little earwig while my grandson became as excited as she was and shouted, Huzza when she almost caught it.

      I don't know who the nitwit who invented this thingamajig to catch earwigs but all of a sudden the whole contraption came spilling hundred of scurrying earwigs all over the place and my lemonade splashed all over the place... It was pandemonium in my gazebo. Those earwigs gave me the heebee-jeebees.

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    6. I do want exactly this compost maker.

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    7. Julia: I love this - and will admit that earwigs (and centipedes) make me uneasy too.

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    8. I'd love a Ninja kit, but don't fancy having to spread guacamole on anything. I would also love to scare away some of my neighbours.

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    9. Heeheehee! EC, that's brilliant.

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    10. Julia, that many of the critters would cause pandemonium here, too.

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    11. Brilliant EC - outstanding imagination ... gosh give that to 5-6-7 old child and he'd be laughing for many an hour ... and probably demanding guacamole. Clever to say the least ... loved it! xoxo

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    12. You are too clever. This was a big challenge.

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    13. Bahahaha!!! Still laughing - that's superb! (And oddly similar to some of the 'translated' instructions I've read in the past.) ;-)

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    14. Diane Henders: Suffice it to say that we recently completed a kit construction. And were NOT rewarded with a ninja.

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    15. That's pretty funny, even messy with the guacamole spread all around!

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    16. Oh my gosh (perfect storyline) and I want a Berserk Ninja kit too! What a wild adventure this was even if there's no chance of me getting the kit I can dream right?!

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    17. I was laughing out loud at this. Must remind me of late night Christmas Eve "Santa" instructions.

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    18. Elephant's Child: The steps sounds fun but confusing. 'All this work and no ninja' - I was waiting for the ninja too.

      Have a lovely day.

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  2. I forgot how much I missed this until just now. Your post and the comment you posted were like the sun coming out after a long period of horrible weather. I'll be back when I get my head together enough to participate. By the way, thank you!

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    1. Mildren Ratched: It is lovely to see your head poking up above the parapet again. I am looking forward to seeing where Alex's prompts take you.

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  3. Laurie: Brilliant. I can just picture this.

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  4. These are going to be fun! I will be checking in.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Good - and thank you so much for the prompts you have given us this month.

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    2. I had to miss the middle two weeks but my story is up for today to finish February with you. Great prompts the entire month Alex!

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    3. Thanks for the brain stretch! You almost got me, (a bit of hair pulling hehehe) but I had too much fun to give up! Great list by the way.

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  5. Oh crumbs … I can sense an Alex Ninja around these words … but he doesn’t lollygag around … me might have guacamole flavoured crisps – are they called that over the pond … well no worries … this malarkey of a word game gets a bit much.

    I think I’ll skedaddle off … piffle to everyone’s comments – now for a glass of wine with some guacamole crisps … ideal for the start of a lollygagging evening.

    Enjoy the week – everyone … Hilary

    PS I'll be back tomorrow to see everyone's entries ...

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    Replies
    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I am smiling broadly - and hope that Alex's ninjas don't make off with your crisps.

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    2. Guacamole-crisps an ninjas, too funny. And I had to look up crisps!

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    3. You have really nailed it, Hilary! Well done!

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    4. Nice way of lollygagging an evening.

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    5. Sounds like a great way to spend the evening.

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    6. You make me want some guacamole crisps. Never heard of them.

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    7. Sweet little piece and Alex did give us quite the challenge with these wild words and then tossing in guacamole and what better taste then in chip form!

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    8. Oh the use of guacamole chips was wonderful.vNow I am hungry!

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    9. This one made me smile:) Great job, Hils.

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  6. Ohh fine. Like EC I can see this scene enfolding.

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  7. My story will come up, ad Tuesday turns into Wednesday at my place.

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): I really, really look forward to seeing what you make of these prompts.

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    2. It is quite a sad chapter, with more sad to come. But as you said in your comment with a lot of potential stories.
      One of them is already written. Is it cheating to write a story first and then try to fit as many of the prompts as possible into it? Because I'm planning to do just that.
      My story is here.

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  8. I knew that my attempt at building an ornate birdhouse must have been a total FIASCO when Grandpa raised his eyebrows, peered at me over his glasses, and said, “What have you done here? And don’t give me any MALARKEY.” Just like when Joe Biden utters the word you pay attention when Grandpa says malarkey. He could use stronger words but they wouldn’t have the same impact. I should have SKEDADDLED out of there right then.
    Grandpa never goes BESERK, or anything approaching that level of rage; Not for him the NINJA attack. He can make you feel bad with a mere glance.
    “This is supposed to be a mansion,” he said, “But it looks more like a GAZEBO. And the entrance is so small an EARWIG could barely wiggle in, let alone a bird.”
    I was starting to feel that I should never have agreed to build it. I must have been a NITWIT to start it. I didn’t really have all the right tools, everything seemed like a THINGAMAJIG better used for other purposes.
    In the midst of this PANDEMONIUM Grandma came out, and as she so often does, she saved the moment. “HUZZAH”, she exclaimed, “It’s finished!”
    My grandparents are like that; they use odd words like malarkey and huzzah. Maybe they even say, egad!
    “Finished?” expostulated grandpa, “What utter PIFFLE?”
    ‘Now dear,” Grandpa started in, and Grandpa knew well enough to back off when she started dearing him! He clammed up immediately.
    “The prototype looks wonderful,” said Grandma smiling sweetly, “And so will the finished product with a few design changes. Now it’s time to LOLLYGAG and eat this delicious GUACAMOLE I made. And I fixed a whole pitcher of Margaritas too. Maybe Johnny had a sip or two before he started cutting wood for the birdhouse!”

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    Replies
    1. David M. Gascoigne: Loud applause. I really, really like the way you used these difficult prompts (and of course your love of birds found their way in). Grandpa and Grandma sound like a formidable couple - and a perfect complement to each other.

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    2. Davis M. Gascoigne, Diplomatic Grandma always knows when to intercede at the right time doesn't she? A good use of the prompts.

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    3. Certain grandmothers bring diplomacy to perfection. I know that. I am a grandfather.
      Lovely little story.

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    4. Grandma saved the day, a few tweaks to the design and all will be well.

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    5. Good use of all those prompts. Poor Johnny. He'd better bring his own tools next time.

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    6. Hi David - fun bringing Grandma into the frame ... prototype finished - time for a break. Wonderful construction ... of the story and the birdhouse! delightful to read ... excellent ... I wonder how long the prototype will be around for any living creature?

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    7. Boy howdy, you sure used a hunk of old fashioned words in this palavering.

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    8. Yes, quite delightful and bringing in a twist of birds was genius!

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  9. What a fiasco! Not only that reading the prompts, his rudimental knowledge of the English language forced him to lollygag and look up a) skedaddle, b) gazebo. Nah! What was that?! An earwig on the ninja shrimp! Short from berserking and – Huzzah! – throwing the guacamole against the wall, suddenly he smiled ecstatically: malarky, piffle – a pleonasm!

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    Replies
    1. I just had not the heart to call myself a nitwit. ;-)

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    2. But now:

      What a fiasco! What a pandemonium! Not only that reading the prompts, his rudimental knowledge of the English language forced him to lollygag and look up a) skedaddle, b ) gazebo. Nah! What was that?! An earwig on the ninja shrimp. Short from berserking and – Huzzah! – throwing the guacamole against the thingamajig, suddenly he smiled happily: malarky, piffle – a pleonasm!

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    3. Sean Jeating: I did enjoy this. And I will admit to having to look up pleonasm. I thought I knew (and did) but confirmation was needed.

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    4. Ach, Sue, after your confession I feel the necessity to admit that in fact I had to look up 6 (in words: six) of the prompts.
      I am so glad, Alex J. Cavanaugh Esq. will no longer be able to prove I am a nitw.., well, a thingamajig.

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    5. Sean Jeating: I often have to look up words and refuse to feel any shame. I have shame enough without shoveling more of it on myself.

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    6. Looking up lots of thingamajig while the world around us is more and more becoming a pandemonium, is better than berserking, anyway.

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    7. Sean Jeating: True. And the news often triggers my beserker urges. Often and often. When it doesn't cause my eyes to leak.

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    8. Feel yourself hugged, Sue. I am off to the land of dreamers. The peace of the night.

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    9. Sean Jeating: Thank you. Sleep well, and dream well too.

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    10. Pleonasm-every speech ever made by any politician making promises.

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    11. Well you make me me feel like a nitwit at least. Piffle, what a wonderful word. I'm so going to use it instead of nonsense in the future. It is so much more satisfying to say. Thanks for the equilibristic ride :)

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    12. Hi Sean - I was alright til pleonasm came along - wonderful word ... and now I want to forget it and its connotations eg wafflers ... hope the sleep was peaceful without any Ninja interjections ...

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    13. Ladies, thank you. I thought "pleonasm" in this case was a nice little aprosdokedon. ;-)
      Glad you enjoyed.

      Ah, as I am at it: Thanks to Alex Cavanaugh Esq. for teaching me a few fine words.

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    14. Personally I liked the use of the word pleonasm at the end__Yes , I looked it up!

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    15. Sean Jeating: pleonasm - a new word for me to look up. Good use of the prompts.

      Have a lovely day.

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  10. Brilliant Elephant's Child. I really hate having to assemble kits of any kinds. You made something that I find stressful into something funny.Lol

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    1. Julia: I hate them too. And struggle with them.

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  11. Okay, i'm working on it, back soon with a link.

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    1. messymimi: When you are ready - and I am looking forward to seeing where these prompts take you.

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  12. One of my favourite words this week :) Skedaddle.

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    1. River: It is a good one isn't it, and not one I have heard in quite a while.

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  13. Alex has put some thought into these words.
    Good ones.

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    1. Sandra Cox: He did - and I really appreciate it.

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  14. Good morning and have an outstanding day.

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    1. Sandra Cox: My Wednesday is winding down but it was a good day. I hope yours is too.

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  15. haha can't resist skeddale nitwit x

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  16. Lollygagging and earwigs make outstanding stories!

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  17. Great use of earwigs. That was a challenging bunch of words.

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  18. TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN' by Granny Annie


    Louise often whispered, “Piffle, piffle” while she worked in the kitchen. Usually she was responding to some malarkey she was hearing on the television.

    Her grandson Eric wandered into the kitchen dressed in his favorite Ninja costume. He questioned his grandmother about the meaning of the word piffle. Louise told him it means something is just a lot of hooey. "What is hooey" Eric asked next.

    “Don't bother me Eric”, his grandmother demanded. “I am trying to make this guacamole and don't want you to lollygag in here. Now skedaddle."

    Eric ran out of the kitchen to find his his mother and ask why Grandma spoke in a foreign language.

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    1. Granny Annie: I really love this - and grew up hearing all those words from that 'foreign' language. And I use some of them myself still.

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    2. Lovely little story. Enjoyed it very much. I think this happens everywhere on the planet regardless of what (foreign) language grandma and granddad do speak.

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    3. Heeheehee! Maybe he will learn to speak that language soon.

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    4. I loved this take on the words! I understand "Old Speak"

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    5. Granny Annie: I like that grandmother and her foreign language.

      Have a lovely day.

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  19. Hi Granny Annie - this is great ... that questioning could go on for ages - and I bet Eric thought it was very 'pigeon English' of some very ancient cult. Delightful - Hilary

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  20. Brilliant words Alex! Well done everyone! Big Hugs EC!!!

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  21. Berserk, Earwig, Fiasco, Gazebo, Huzzah, Nitwit, Thingamajig, and Pandemonium are eight words I haven't said in a long time.

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    1. Mike: I use some of those words more often than others from Alex's list. Lollygag doesn't often roll off my lips.

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  22. I've never done this before so I'm assuming nonsense is acceptable? If so here's mine....
    " Holy guacamole! Ninja turtles have commandeered the gazebo. We have to make them skedaddle before the Grand Poohbah arrives or he'll go berserk! He is so looking forward to hearing the orchestra playing his latest composition and especially to hear how that new, stringed thingamajig sounds. Those nitwit security guys, lollygagging all afternoon, and now, no amount of malarkey can save us from this fiasco. When the guests arrive, all we'll have is pandemonium unless, unless the earwigs can cry "Huzzah!" "

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    1. molly: OF COURSE inspired nonsense is acceptable. I loved this and thank you for joining us. I hope you will be back next week too.

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    2. This was great. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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    3. Thanks for the encouragement Sandra!

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    4. Molly: This is fun, chaos nonesense maybe but fun.

      Have a lovely day.

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  23. I did it! These words were too delightful not to get this completed! So here is my wildly silly little story! Hope you enjoy, complete with photos too! https://twincitiesblather.blogspot.com/2021/02/pandemonium-breakaway.html

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    1. 21 Wits: I really, really enjoyed my romp through the words at your blog - and the pictures were an extra bonus.

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  24. Wonderful, and between lollygagging about and earwigs we're all going to be having them in our dreams as we read these stories! How fun, right.

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  25. I swear that earwig pinched me while I was napping in the gazebo. Or maybe it was that nitwit, Bobby. He has some secret ninja skills when it comes to sneaking up on people. Pandemonium should be his middle name. Wherever he goes some sort of chaos follows. I remember the last time he was up to his shenanigans. He started off talking__some old malarky really that no one was really paying attention to. I was watching him though, and knew it was just piffle. He only wanted one special someone to notice him. Our summer au pair, the very beautiful Vi, was completely oblivious to his actions and you could see his little pea brain ticking . To get her attention he stuffed a thingamajig__a marble up his left nostril, then pretended he could not breathe. What a total fiasco that was. He could breathe just fine, but the marble was lodged so deeply in his nose that he could not get it out. He went completely berserk and started running in circles with his arms flailing about. When Vi jumped up to help him he lost his balance and fell face first into the huge bowl of guacamole that was sitting on the table. I don't know if he inhaled some of the guac or not, but when Vi pulled his face from the bowl, he was snorting and sputtering. Huzzah! The marble came shooting out of his nose and landed smack dab in the middle of the bowl___Contamination city! Well, he got her attention all right!
    Now I can't lollygag talking about him anymore. I've got to skedaddle and find my cretinous brother. I'm pretty sure I have a noogie with his name on it

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: I am quite sure that many of us have been to family gatherings like that. Participated in them too if the truth be told.

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    2. Anne in the kitchen: This is fun and I like the way you use the prompts.

      Have a lovely day.

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    3. Ha ha, thanks for animating both my rami zygomatici and rami buccales of nervus facialis to massively innervate my musculi risorii; and not only because the marble's plopping into the bowl reminded of Gaylord Focker's foreskin.

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  26. Cute! We all have done some ninja moves to get rid of critters, haven't we?

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  27. I love what you wrote, and now I'll skedaddle.

    Love,
    Janie

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    Replies
    1. Janie Junebug: Thank you. No need to skedaddle, you are welcome to pull up a chair and lollygag here to your hearts content.

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  28. Replies
    1. New Release Books: Alex gave us some wonderful prompts. Perhaps you will join us some week.

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  29. The prompts made me ask the question 'Why can't cats be ninjas?' - read it here.

    Have a lovely day.

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    1. lissa: I have already seen your story - and loved it. Thank you for joining us again.

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  30. Great prompts Alex and EC though I haven't forgotten ninja movies when I was a teen.

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    1. Steve: Alex did us proud didn't he? Perhaps you could write about your ninja moves and memories?

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  31. Hi EC! I've written a Sci Fi story for Monday using all 14 of these words which I'll publish on my blog. I got such a kick out of writing this one up and trust Alex J Cavanaugh to pick the best for to encourage us. Thanks guys you've really made my day and I hope you enjoy my story.

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    1. Spacer Guy: I really, really look forward to seeing where Alex's prompts have taken you. Monday can't come soon enough - which is not something I say very often.

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  32. Un sereno e felice fine settimana.

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  33. Oh this writes itself!
    The Berserk Earwig Fiasco in the Gazebo was a real Nitwit Huzzah! Thingamajig Pandemonium for sure!

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    1. Cloudia: Huzzah indeed. I always like it when you join us.

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