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 were inspired by some of his favourite movies and are:
- War
- Alien
- Tomorrow
- Metal
- Dragon
And/or
- Suspects
- Quest
- Fury
- Winter
- Darkness
Lucy generally loved her job in customer service but today the darkness of winter had obviously got into her caller’s hearts and minds. None of them were ready to listen to reason and the gentleman who told her that aliens had taken over the world was typical. When he asked if she was wearing a metal hat to protect her from the death rays, and asked how he should sign up to join the dragon fleet to help fight the imminent war she was flummoxed. ‘ It is my quest he said. ‘ I was born for this.’ She had no answer that he could accept. In obvious fury he slammed the phone down – but not before he told her that he would be writing to his senator about her. About her and a long list of other suspects who were clearly under the mind control of the aliens …
ReplyDeleteTomorrow was another day Lucy decided. For tonight she could deal with nothing more confronting than a hot chocolate, and an early night with a book.
The customer is always right, but a limit has to be drawn somewhere ... well written, and thought out.
DeleteThat is awesome!
DeleteGreat read EC!!!! Well done! Big Hugs!
DeleteOh no! Aliens with death rays! Where's my foil hat? Aww, I used it to wrap the left over pizza. Better make a new one.
DeleteI love this!!! Makes me want more of the story.
DeleteYou really put every word to good use. Loved the direction of the story. Mine is posted on my blog. Alex gave us some great prompts.
DeleteHi EC - what fun ... such a great story ... me too - I'd be ready for hot chocolate too ... stay safe - Hilary
DeleteOh, dear, i feel badly for her. Excellent story!
DeleteWhat a job! Chocolate and a book is a great ending to a crappy day.
DeleteAwesomesauce! Mansplaining about aliens AGAIN? lol
DeleteI love it!!!! A well told tale.
DeleteWell done! This is why I'm always polite to even the most annoying telemarketer. What a miserable way to have to make a living!
DeleteIt was almost alien in the United States not to be in a new war but for the first presidency in years, President Trump had accomplished that feat. He came to the presidency like a fire breathing dragon accomplishing much in a few short years despite rampant, blatant hatred and diabolical undermining of his agendas and goals to help Americans in all walks of life. President Trump seemed to have an armor made of the strongest metal known to man. He was like an energizer bunny and kept on going and going no matter the setbacks. Who knows what tomorrow will bring but if the last three weeks forebode the future we are in for a roller coaster ride and not the best one for those already out of work and the hundreds of thousands now losing their jobs in droves. After several months of this I know folks will be wishing they had President Trump back. Many will not admit this out loud for fear of banishment, much like the social giants and media have done to conservatives over the last several years. But secretly they'll be wishing things would return to the agenda of making America great again and keeping America great. This agenda isn't and never has been at the expense of other countries nor even the immigrants who have always been welcome, but it is the goal that if the lowliest person is prospering all will in turn prosper. Every person and action is interrelated to another person and action but the so called "elite" never suffer consequences of their ill formed policies and actions, so they continue on and the nation becomes a little less safe, a little less prosperous, and a little less free.
ReplyDelete❤️❤️❤️
DeleteI love this. I wish I could hug you!
Hi, Elephant's Child. Thank you for your graciousness in posting this.
Linda Starr: I disagree with you completely - which doesn't alter the fact that this is an unexpected and masterly use of Alex's words.
DeleteUnexpected and masterly use of the words ... so right and I totally agree.
DeleteAs to the contents, I - like EC - has my serious doubts, but it's not my kettle of fish (living in Denmark) and my opinion of the President of the US of A is not worth anything much.
I completely agree as well! Great use of the prompt words.
DeleteI agree with you EC!
DeleteWhat utter nonsense. QAnon will be proud of you.
DeleteGreat job Linda. Didn't you know this would turn out to be less of a fun story and more of attacks from readers? You are a brave soul.
DeleteWell done Linda - your descriptions are great ... but I do hope we can keep the present situation of some normality right now. Stay safe - Hilary
DeleteOh I love Lucy's attitude. A hot chocolate and a book, is most soothing. Good job on those prompts.
DeleteHugs, Julia
Linda, I agree with you.
DeleteExcellent use of the prompts, and i appreciate many opinions and wish all of us could simply sit and discuss and debate and come up with sound solutions to the problems that beset us.
DeleteI never make political comments on social media. You did use the words well.
DeleteOkie dokie, then! So happy to live in Canada!
Deletefor those who disagree I expected that but I've lived a good long time in my country and know there is a lot wrong which needs repair and trump had the guts to tackle a lot of it. for those who complimented me, thanks so much, your words and thoughts were unexpected and are so appreciated. You all have no idea how many former friends and relatives no long speak to dh and myself purely because of our support of the president and his accomplishments, therein I feel sad and see a huge problem in today's society. Even now the president is no longer in office and the opposite side are still after all his supporters and want them "deprogrammed" and want those in his cabinet and other political supporters banished forever from holding office or any job for that matter. People's lives are being deeply affected and it pains me this type of behavior seems to be acceptable modus operandi to so many.
DeleteLinda Starr: Thank you for coming back. I am a confirmed leftie so of course I disagreed with you, but I was, and am, impressed with your use of the prompts - which is what the meme is about.
DeleteOh my such dark prompts! Fascinated to see what everyone will do with them good luck everyone.
ReplyDeleteCloudia: It is early days yet, but the prompts have already produced some very different takes. I hope they will trigger more.
DeleteMy story is posted on my blog. The prompts were great.
DeleteGranny Annie: I have read your story and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a complete dragon lover.
DeleteThanks again for asking me to provide the prompts.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Huge thanks to you for listening to my pleas - particularly when you realised just how much I was asking.
DeleteGreat job with the prompts. You were great to help Sue out. Maybe I can volunteer if she needs me later. My little story is on my blog.
DeleteWorking on it, will be back to read and link up soon.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: I look forward to it. A lot.
Deletemessymimi: I have read your heartbreaking (and very skilful) use of Alex's prompts. Thank you.
DeleteFor those who might want a link, my story is over here.
DeleteExcellent prompts Alex! Big Hugs EC!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Thank you. From both of us in case Alex doesn't see your comment.
DeleteWell I never - yes, I'm have a go..short but sweet :)
ReplyDeleteWith WINTER came the DARKNESS, the SUSPECTS of the murder became more apparent as FURY gathered amid the people – their QUEST soon to be known.
Margaret D: It is lovely to have you joining us. I do hope that the murder can be solved - and that no more follow.
DeleteMay justice be done.
DeleteGreat, succinct use of prompts.
DeleteThat's an interesting list. I'm going to have to do some thinking. And I'm in such a lazy mood...
ReplyDeleteRiver: As usual I have faith that your thoughts will give us a delightful take on the prompts.
Deletemmm will see what I can do..interesting.
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: I do hope you will. This really is a fun meme and the more people who join in the better.
DeleteHi EC - and thanks Alex for the suggestions:
ReplyDeleteThe Suspects raged with Fury at the Winter weather … now it was night they could escape to continue with their Quest … but the Darkness would not hide their route … it was so unfair – they’d be back inside soon enough.
It's me next month ... I'll send mine over next week ... stay safe - Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. I am more likely to rage at summer weather (but suspect I am in the minority). Love your take on the prompts.
DeleteAnd thank you for agreeing to give the prompts for next month.
Well done, i want to know what they are questing.
DeleteMy small piece has gone live here
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): I loved it. And my greedy self wants more (as usual).
DeleteNow it was known to all and sundry that Jo was wild about DRAGONS. Indeed there are those who might have concluded that she was a bit of a dragon herself, or some other benign species of agreeable ALIEN. Never one to make WAR with dragons, hers was an eternal QUEST to get to know them better and introduce them to the world. I SUSPECT she felt that the presence of a dragon, entirely welcome of course, heralded a better TOMORROW. After all, if you have the FURY of a fire-breathing dragon on your side, to illuminate the DARKNESS of WINTER gloom, you are pretty sure that you will not need a METAL sword to defend yourself. Even tempered steel would melt from a dragon’s blast of fire. Jo and a dragon – now there’s a combination that’s hard to beat.
ReplyDeleteGreat job with the prompts David. I would love to have a fire breathing dragon by my side.
DeleteHi David ... delightful take for Jo by using the prompts from Alex ... stay safe - Hilary
DeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: This is a delightful tribute to Jo Wake. Thank you. I hope she is flying with dragons now.
DeleteWell told!
DeleteBeautiful!
DeleteTo be friends with a dragon ...
DeleteHaha, here goes...
ReplyDeleteThe WAR began with an ALIEN invasion. At first it seemed we had no chance, that there would be no TOMORROW for us.
Then, so unexpectedly, there appeared a gigantic METAL tank. It's double doors opened...and out flew the Welsh Red DRAGON, breathing fire.
Well, that was the end of the would-be conquerors...they didn't stand a chance!
Hope you are having a good day, dear Sue!😊😊
Much love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Yikes! I think of Puff the Magic Dragon not one that would end the world. Great job with the prompts.
DeleteYgraine: Of course a dragon (and perhaps particularly a Welsh dragon) would save the day. Love this.
DeleteA helper dragon, i like it!
DeleteDragons are the real heroes. Thank you.
DeleteOne of these days I'll actually get here for challenge. I used to love these. Feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteYolanda Renee: I hope you can get here - I love your idiosyncratic takes on the prompts. And thank you.
DeleteGosh, it's been so long since last I wrote a story, or a tale, or a joke... I'm completely rusty, although they are all great words that should sparkle some creative magic. May be next time, but even though my muse is at war with me, I will not wait for tomorrow to leave you dragon hugs. :)
ReplyDeleteAl Diaz: I do hope that Alex's words prod your muse to seeking peace talks with you. It is lovely to see you here - dragon hugs are gratefully accepted and returned.
DeleteHehe, hope next weeks prompt kics you even more.
DeleteThat first list especially sounds like Alex, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: It does. And we have three more lists to look forward to.
DeleteHa ha ha!!! That was a fun read! Those choices sure did sound like Alex!
ReplyDeleteLisa: I am so grateful to Alex for providing the prompt - and love the different directions they are sending people along...
DeleteMy last quest for Northern Lights came as a winter trip to Iceland. One suspects that one would see them in the months long darkness. Little did I understand how that could all be ruined by the fury of a North Atlantic storm.
ReplyDeletejono: Seeing the Northern Lights is a (probably impossible) dream for me. I hope that storm passed and you DID see them - and thank you for joining us.
DeleteAlong with you, i'd love to see those lights. My hope is you will someday, storms be banished!
DeleteThe North Atlantic is the worst sometimes! Just ask the folks from the Titanic!
DeleteChasing Northern ligths is on my list too - North Atlantic storms not at all!
DeleteIsn't there Southern lights as well for you at the other hemisphere?
Charlotte (MotherOwl): There IS a Southern Lights experience (which I would also like to have) but it is not nearly as spectacular.
DeleteTune in tomorrow when the Metal Dragon goes to war with alien suspects in the darkness of winter on a new episode of "Fury Quest."
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: Tune in tomorrow? Pouty face here. I want to see that episode now. Or NAOW as the cat of the house puts it.
DeleteIf only I could write that fast :)
DeleteCarol Kilgore: My greedy self wishes you could. That all writers could. And did.
DeleteAh, a show worth watching!
DeleteHey, I'd tune in!
DeleteHey, you forgot the link.
DeleteMost efficient, I love it.
DeleteI see outlines for new stories popping up like crazy with these word choices. Very clever assortment this time around.
ReplyDeletecleemckenzie: What do you expect when Alex provides the prompts. Of course they are clever.
DeleteHappy Groundhog Day! Here is James and another adventure:
ReplyDeleteThe suspects could have been many, but James knew it was only a matter of time before his sins would be discovered.
What had he done? James had been given a Quest to follow, simple. He read about its importance when he discovered “The Wishmakers” by Tyler Whitesides. NOW there were some massive Quests.
A dark fury emerged from the darkness and the Quest was closed like a stone door.
A blast of frigid winter air had burst through the room, and James knew destiny was being fulfilled. The High Priestess stood over him, arms crossed and with eyes like lasers. James hung his head down as he spoke.
“Mama, it was an accident i didn’t mean for that to happen i am so sorry i was supposed to rescue the treasured vase from grandma it was a matter of fate,” James knew a hopelessness that flooded down on him, when Mama started to talk.
There would be no more quests any time soon.
A joyful thing is an imagination -- if it doesn't run away with you and get you into hot water with Mama. Well told!
DeleteSusan Kane: Poor James. He meant well. Mind you I can hear my father saying 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions'. Well told.
DeleteSometimes things like Grandma's vase must be sacrificed in a quest to save the world!
DeleteOhh, *sad face* good story.
DeleteVery nice!
DeleteJames should soon remember a quest should never involve breakables.
DeleteIt was Covid winter and online school that was supposed to have been only a month was starting the second semester with no signs of stopping. Liba had majored in journalism, not home schooling and was at her wits end. Her kids were at the end of their ropes too. No the word was desperate, they all were desperate.
ReplyDelete"Tomorrow" she thought, "Yes tomorrow I am letting the kids skip school. Yep a mental health day is just what we all need" She made a quick phone call, then asked the boys to come downstairs. She told them her plan, but also told them the day would not be a free for all, but would be organized fun. She ignored the groans when they heard the word organized and continued.
"First I want everyone downstairs at 8 o'clock, dressed for a quest. Use your imaginations. Anything you want to be is fine.
Andrew, I want you to bring your alien action figure and Clay I need you to bring your dragon. I thought we could go outside and have a pretend war between the two figures. Plastic only! No metal toys, because I don't want anyone to get hurt.
After the Great War, maybe we can take a walk to the park and make up stories about all the people and animals we see outside on our way. I think we should have a mystery tale and everyone we see can be suspects, even the Simmons dog, Dooley can be one. I know both of you like to tell stories and this will be a progressive one that we can add to whenever we see someone.
After some play time at the park, and I mean serious running around playtime we can walk to Burger Billy's and grab some lunch to eat at the house.
And your very special treat is Grandpa. He is coming over to see us, and yes, you will have to wear your masks. He found some old tv shows on YouTube about a horse named Fury that he watched when he was about your age. He would like to watch them with you boys. I will close all the curtains so the room have as much darkness as possible in the afternoon and we can all pretend we are at the movies, with lots of popcorn. Sound good?"
Anne in the kitchen: That sounds very, very good. Liba is rocking her new role (even if she doubts herself).
DeleteAnd where is this Burger Billy's of which you speak?
DeleteYes it sounds good!
DeleteI'm in! Definitely skipping school tomorrow!
DeleteThe war inside me has escalated to a weird state of indecisive fury. Do I do something? Anything? Or just go back to bed. Every day is the same, since COVID came to town. Today is just like yesterday; tomorrow will be a carbon copy of today. It's tempting to just go back to bed - especially since the sheets are the only thing that still fit. If I don't start DOING something I'm going to wind up looking like some freakish alien. A fat alien, with all my green gills stretched to busting through my metal stretchy pants. Or maybe not an alien. Maybe a dragon. Ever noticed how they all have teeny wee heads and bodies the size of Pontiacs? That's about right. And I suspect if I don't soon brush my teeth I'll be dealing out some atrociously Dorito-scented dragon's breath. The only good thing is January is over and winter darkness has retreated just a notch. February is short, and full of chocolate, and pretty soon the sun will be setting after the six o'clock news. It's such a joy, living so freaking far north. Yes, that's sarcasm. It's pretty much what I'm best at during these weird pandemic daze. As time melts from one calendar page to the next, I will continue this bizarre quest for sanity ... as well as larger metal pants.
ReplyDeleteAnd hey EC! Thanks for dropping by! I had some fun with all your words - thanks to you and Alex and all the gang.
DeleteCathy Oliffe-Webster: Any metal pants I squeezed myself into would come down with a severe case of metal strain. Immediately. I love your story. Thank you for joining us.
DeleteYou have to be extra careful with metal pants ... I highly recommend Depends... cause, you know, rust.
DeleteTrue to life and good use of the propmts.
Delete- A co-northener.
Truth, and exactly why I had to rejoin the keto brigade. Excellent use of the prompts
DeleteFantastic grasp of the current situation! Those dragons :)
DeleteExcellent use of the prompts, and i do hope you get to do something, anything, to mix it up soon and stave off the boredom of the sameness.
DeleteSuch fun. What a good story!
ReplyDeleteNasreen: This meme is a heap of fun. Perhaps you will join us some week.
DeleteThe fury winter and darkness prompts make me think of a blizzard or big snow storm but I've never experienced anything like that here in Brissy, haha!
ReplyDeleteHope that you are having a good week :)
Away From Blue
In the southern US snow is seen as magical. Our last substantial storm was in 93.
DeleteMica: In Brisbane I associate fury (summer and winter) with your heat - which is too much for my wimpy self. Particularly teemed with your humidity.
DeleteWell done!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear EC, no poem today from here in Missouri. A chilly day that began with snow showers and has left me woozy with Meniere's. Just wanted to stop by and say, "Hello, I hope all is well." And to add that I watched the movie "Gallipoli" with Mark Lee and Mel Gibson last weekend.An outstanding film that taught me so much about your country and that war. I'm not a particular fan of Gibson (never have been), but he was excellent in the film and Lee, whom I'd never seen before, just captured the role. Are there any other Australian films you'd suggest I try to get from the library? Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee: I am so sorry that Meniere's continues to plague you. I am sorry but I really don't do films so I have no suggestions. Gallipoli was an abomination. So many young lives thrown away. Which is probably true of wars in general. I hear you on the Mel Gibson front too.
DeleteI was referred here by Alex. This sounds fun, so I'll give it a short try:
ReplyDeleteWinter's fury blew all around me as I ventured out on my quest. The blizzard covered all the tracks as I went along the trail. Where could it possibly be? My eyes were blurred with the snow and all the metal around me appeared to be fuzzy and white. I pulled my hood closer to my face as the darkness of night was quickly approaching. I felt like I was going in circles. Suddenly, a thought occurred to me. Why hadn't I thought of this at the beginning? I pulled out the tiny dragon keychain in my pocket and began pushing a button. There, I saw lights in the distance, like the dawning of tomorrow. I shuffled my way toward the lights, shook off the snow from my jacket, and climbed into dry haven of my car. Next time, I'm checking the weather before my shopping trip!
Elizabeth: Welcome (and thanks to Alex). It is a fun meme and I love your use of the prompts. Thank you for joining us.
DeleteClever :)
DeleteExcellent!
DeleteGreat tale and use of the words!
ReplyDeleteThis dragon is alien to her. It is not in their nature to travel during winter months, but here the beast stands, steam rising from clenched jaw, deep darkness shining in its eyes. She suspects it is yet another refugee, fleeing the damage of endless war and the quest for rare magical properties—dragon scales, dragon breath, dragon tears. Fury rises as she realizes the beast is alone, no pack, no mate, no protection. So tomorrow, she takes up her metal—sword, shield, and armor—and she will once again shoulder the responsibility to protect the precious, endangered creatures who will one day be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteSteph W.: I LOVE this. And hope that dragons are never forgotten. Thank you for joining us.
DeleteI'm so glad I found your blog. This was fun and a nice creativity break for me.
DeleteSteph W.: I am glad, and hope you will join us next week too.
DeleteI haven't attempted a tale yet because I'm gob smacked by the wealth of talent that appears on this page. It's been such fun reading through the comments.
DeleteKalpana: Your own very real talent would fit right in. I am amazed week after week at the range of stories and styles on display.
DeleteWell done, i am on the side of the protector. We need our dragons!
DeleteBuona giornata.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Thank you.
DeleteI like your sky picture although it looks slightly sinister. I imagine that's what a black hole should look like if I were in space! I love birds and your pelicans are tops, wonder if there's any fish inside their large pouch? Even with the algae bloom, the water is clear to get good reflections for photos👍
ReplyDeletekestrel: The sky opened and buckets of water came down not long after we came home. I don't think that these pelicans had food in their pouch - but hope they find lots in the lake. And yes, despite the bloom it is mostly a clean lake. which is lovely.
Delete