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.
Last month Lissa gave us some stunning prompts. This month they will be here, but are being provided by David M Gascoigne.
This week's prompts are:
- Plumage
- Sleek
- Peripatetic
- Agony
- Permissive
- Pray
And/or
- Duty
- Colourful
- Absent
- Mastery
- Prey
- Orchid
Hi Sue:
ReplyDeleteIs it customary for the person providing the prompts to also contribute a story using them?
David M. Gascoigne: It is certainly strongly encouraged.
DeleteThen I will do so tomorrow!
DeleteI find these words challenging as I'm trying to use the words in the order given.
DeleteJulia
I am a teacher. A tired and overworked teacher who spends her day thwarting the misguided effects of permissive parenting. Trying to convince all the little James or Janets that everything was not put on the world for their pleasure is agony. Neither minks nor orchids have a role in decorating human bodies or clothing.
ReplyDeleteMy own biology (and to a lesser extent) duty keeps me firmly earthbound. If wishes had wings I would assuredly take to the skies, peripatetic and powerful. I would soar and glide with total mastery of the winds. However, sleek or even dramatically colourful plumage is not part of my dreams.
An ornithologist might pray to see me. A mistake. Pray and prey are separated by one letter – and oceans of meaning.
If only I could take to the skies I would do so as a dragon. A flame throwing dragon. Satisfaction and justice would no longer be absent from my world…
A beautiful take EC. I often dream of effortless flying and floating hikes. I like the image of the fearless dragon.
DeleteXO
WWW
You are amazing.
DeleteVery well written EC. I would love to start back in sometime on writing chain, but sadly, most of my writing is my at home therapy as you know. Maybe when things settle again.
DeleteJuli: Thank you. I hope that life settled down and allows you to write for fun rather than therapy.
DeleteWow, this is good.
DeleteJulia
So glad neither minks nor orchids are decorating me. Go on then, dragon Sue.
DeleteWell done! Yes, i can imagine the justice a dragon could mete out.
DeleteWell done. I too despair at the permissive parenting results that are now seen everywhere.
DeleteThanks EC - I too agree ... I'd love to be able to fly to get away sometimes, but also to oversee life as it goes along ... imagination creates - cheers Hilary
DeleteI like this, and there are some good uses for being a dragon.
DeleteOnce again you dazzle me with your use of the prompts!
DeleteWhat a beautiful short. Oh, if only wishes had wings and a dragon I could be. Love it!
DeleteLove it. I marvel at teachers' fortitude and tenacity. If I were a teacher, I would most definitely want the ability to mete out fiery justice!
DeleteDiane Henders: I am not a teacher and still long to be able to flame people...
DeleteExcellent, EC. Your imagery was spot on and had me soaring the skies with you.
DeleteWell done, my friend. Very well done! I'm there with you.
DeleteI have had a terrible time trying to read your blogs for ages. All that ever comes up are the pictures of your two lovely (but by now, very well-seen) cats. I know you have posts, especially when other bloggers mention they have gotten their Words for Wednesday from you! Today, I finally figured out how to get in! I went to the 'older posts' button and worked my way forward! Yay! I'm here at last!
Diane Stringham Tolley: I wonder why my blog was so hard to get to - and am grateful that you persevered. Thank you.
DeleteOh, to be a dragon. You are really dreaming there. Well writtgen.
DeleteThis is amazing! You are amazing! Big Hugs!
DeleteExcellent to see the words here ... I will comment tomorrow - looking forward to everyone's stories ... excellent selection of words by David - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I look forward to seeing where David's great prompts take you (and us).
DeleteHere is my take on the words. I used all of them. A good challenge.--------------------------------------------
ReplyDeleteIt only bloomed every 3 years. She had been entrusted with its care by her peripatetic Aunt Molly. A sacred duty. Aunt Molly had long been absent from the planet and her precious and now ancient orchid was sleek in presenting the beginnings of its colourful plumage after three years. Most fortuitous.
Dorothy had decided to take classes in the mastery of such an exotic beast when it was the victim of some strange and tiny prey. Her agony felt real. Her sense of failure at the permissive manner in which she had allowed this desecration was immense. Her abject prayers were not answered. She was losing her darling Aunt Molly all over again.
Hence the class. And Nigel the expert on all things orchid. And his magical hands healed it. And along the way he healed her too.
She called him into the sun room.
“Look my darling! Look at the magic you have wrought!”
----------------------------------------------------------
Wisewebwoman: This is lovely. Mind you, I think the magic is being wrought by Aunt Molly. Still.
DeleteGreat job!
DeleteWell done.
DeleteJulia
Nice read. Enjoyed it.
DeleteBeautiful!
DeleteNicely done WWW.
DeleteHi WWBW ... clever take on all the words - and the introduction of Nigel - very informative of her happiness and no doubt the orchid's rise again. Cheers Hilary
DeleteWonderful! I like this!
DeleteOh I really did like this!
DeleteI liked this, very much.
DeleteExcellent!
DeleteThat is a great mix of words!
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: They are aren't they? Mind you, I found them challenging.
DeleteOkay, i will work on these as soon as i am able.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: I look forward to seeing where the words take you - and am grateful to see your comment so I can follow you home to one of your daily posts.
DeleteMy post, such as it is, will be over here.
Deletemessymimi: I thoroughly enjoyed it - and as usual you were tooooo hard on yourself.
DeleteI love your post.
ReplyDeleteGosia: Thank you.
DeleteThe discrete plumage on her sleek ermine hat fitted snugly in the fashionable suitcase of this peripatetic traveller.
ReplyDeleteShe didn't care about the agony endured by the small critter for her vanity. She was the product of permissive parents and didn't felt the need to pray and only lived for adventures.
Julia
Julia: Wow. This is excellent. And I do hope that she learns a painful lesson. Soon.
DeleteThis describes too many, sadly. Well done.
DeleteHi Julia - this world ... no thought - but you've expressed it perfectly - congratulations - Hilary
DeleteThis gave me quite a shiver. We can't be selective truly in the animals we select to love or abuse.
DeleteXO
WWW
Well done, Julia.
DeleteA nice, altho sad for the ermine, use of the words.
DeleteJulia, sad attitude that so many have!
DeleteWith but a few words hitting a certain nail. Kudos.
DeleteGood use of the prompts, but a sad story.
DeleteAs the agony aunt had suggested, the would-be permissive Peripatetic, while sleeking his colourful plumage, thought it was his Aristotelian duty to ...
ReplyDeleteMoments later his self-mastery was absent; he became prey of the porcelain god, and thus prayed to him. Or her.
Far was the odoriferousness of an orchid from him.
Sean Jeating: As one who has driven the porcelain bus all too often this struck home. No mastery, no dignity, no pride.
DeleteHi Sean - excellent take on the Peripatetic School ... the porcelain god ... clever painted addition ... while having Anosmia is just unfortunate. Cheers Hilary
DeleteA unique take in the prompts!
DeleteA brand new perspective - we have all been victims as we worship at the bowl. Well done.
DeleteXO
WWW
an interesting use of the prompts! nicely done!
DeleteAnd this is agony for sure.
DeleteJulia
Nice and very different take on the prompts!
DeleteThe harder they fall...
DeleteThanks, everyone. It's all David's fault. His prompts caused my writing. ;-)
DeleteI learned something new today, I never heard of the porcelain god before. Thanks for expanding my vocabulary while using David's prompts in a fine way.
DeleteI do hope blogger will solve its issues soon. Always a pleasure to be with you dear
ReplyDeleteCloudia: There are some promising signs. Fingers crossed.
DeleteVery interesting selection of words. I hope I can come up with something by Friday. Where's my thesaurus?
ReplyDeleteRiver: I am sure you will - and hope that I can read your creation this week.
DeleteDefinitely see David is into creature by some of his words he's chosen that makes it interesting.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: He is passionate about rather a lot of wildlife - and his words do reflect that passion.
DeleteMy access to my blog list is still missing. (the little wrench icon). I can see why you need a reading list. Me, not so much. I just use my blog list.
ReplyDeleteMike: My reading list has come back (yay). The wrench item is missing but I can edit from the Layout screen. I think.
DeleteAh, so the missing wrench isn't just on my blog! Good to know, EC. Thanks. I've been following Words For Wednesday but haven't jumped in yet. Soon, though.
DeleteGail M Baugniet-Author: I think that lots of us are missing that wrench - and do hope that you will join the Words for Wednesday fun soon.
DeleteHi David and EC - interesting words ... I seemed to have theft on my mind:
ReplyDeleteGroup One:
The sleek, non-peripatetic magpie with its beautiful plumage … made me shriek in agony as it whizzed around the nest aiming its beak at the beautiful eggs.
I prayed that the regulations would be amended to allow more permissive catching of the little blighters – leaving the garden birds to prosper.
Group Two:
As security guards our duty was to prevent any theft of these colourful precious orchid blooms arranged with such a mastery of precision.
We could not be absent, we needed to ensure that the mob were not able to prey on this collection and ruin the family’s life’s work.
Sue - Sorry about your reading list disappearing ...
I'm looking forward to David's continued contribution to your 'Words for Wednesday' ... cheers to you both - I'll be back to read everyone's entry ... Hilary
Great job as always, Hilary!
DeleteVery good use of the prompts!
DeleteHilary, I admire that you used a negative before the word peripatetic and it gave it a new perspective.
DeleteI would have never thought of it. Well done on both groups.
Julia
Hi Julia - I had to add the negative ... because magpies don't move much ... well the British ones don't! But I checked my facts and therefore 'non' had to be added ... thanks - appreciate your thoughts ... Hilary
DeleteExcellent use fo the prompts!
DeleteTwo excellent uses of the prompts!
DeleteGood ones.
DeleteI suppose wingless bi-peds are the mob you mention in section two?
Good use of the prompts. Theft has to be stopped, by all bi-peds ;)
DeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I really like both your takes on David's prompts. Mind you I also like magpies. A lot.
ReplyDeleteMy reading list has now reappeared and hopefully will stay in place.
Hi EC - that's great your reading list has reappeared ... miracles of blogging life! Your magpies are different to our thieving ones ... but they are beautiful - despite their thuggery! cheers H
DeleteGood to hear! And I suspected as much from your quick replies.
DeleteImaginative writing. Love the entries. I also love that the writers are to use the same words, but each story becomes different.
ReplyDeleteT. Powell Coltrin: I am endlessly fascinated at the very different directions the prompts take us.
DeleteMine has been posted here: https://ofdandelionsandsunshine.blogspot.com/2021/08/words-on-wednesday-84.html
ReplyDeleteCindi: I read it, and my heart ached for the truth in it.
DeletePRETTY AS A PEACOCK by Granny Annie
ReplyDeleteThe crowd watched in agony as Madeline strutted into the room. Some began to pray that this grand-stander would end her peripatetic movements through the crowd. The dress she wore was sleek and fitted to her titillating form. Her hair was so tall and stiff it looked like plumage on a peacock. Everyone knew she was the victim of a permissive upbringing.
Madeline's parents were high-society and it was the duty of the host to invite her to the gathering. Still, many wished she was absent. She had a mastery of flirtation and every eligible bachelor was her prey. She was charmed by various colorful bouquets.
It was sad when a kerfuffle erupted because an orchid bouquet had been presented by a man who was NOT a bachelor and his wife attacked her husband and Madeline. This event came to an abrupt end.
(Great prompts David! I knew it would be full of bird words so I tried a surprise story.)
Yes definitely a different take Grannie Annie - Madeleine was too much a preener - putting off all her acolytes ... cheers - Hilary
DeleteThere are women like this, and the men willing to brave a wife's fury do exist. When they get caught, fireworks.
DeleteWell done!
Granny Annie: I think we have all seen a Madeline or two in our time. I really wish that they experience some of the pain they so happily dish out.
DeleteThanks for the kerfuffle, Annie. Still smiling.
DeleteThis was all kinds of fun. That darn Madeline.
DeleteYou painted a picture in my mind with your words. well done.
DeleteI can picture this drama in my head. I'm glad I wasn't invited, lol. Good use of the prompts, Grannie Annie.
ReplyDeleteJulia
Always a fun game to play! I understand why this hop keeps going. I play when I can and always enjoy it.
ReplyDeletecleemckenzie: This is a meme which keeps going and going. Always the same, always different - and I love it when you are able to play.
DeleteI do the follow home:) And you're right. It's sometimes difficult to track down blogs. Hope your reading list finds its way home.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: My reading list has returned. Yay. I miss so much if I only respond to comments.
DeleteSince I'd been absent for several weeks,I did my duty and took my mom to the local botanical gardens as she'd been requesting. The first exhibit we went through was the orchids. One orchid in particular was such a colourful blue it took my breath away.
ReplyDeleteNext we walked through acres of conifers were I spied a chipmunk showing off its mastery of chirring while finding seeds and berries. Unfortunately, it caught the eye of a bird of prey, effectively ending my enjoyment of the garden.
I would say poor chipmunk, but we have so many in our yard that I actively cheer for predators.
DeleteHi Sandra - yes poor chipmunk and poor visitors watching the bird of prey: would it or wouldn't it? Cheers Hilary
DeleteNature is not always kind and soothing.
DeleteSandra Cox: Nature isn't always gentle - but is amazing. Thank you for joining us again.
DeleteWhenever I see a predator/prey relationship occurring I am conflicted. There is little more majestic than to watch a bird of prey do its work, but one always has a small reservoir of sympathy for the victim,
DeleteThe opposite of 'live and let live'.
DeleteWell vritten Like David I am split, I love the bids of prey, but I also like the rodents. I have on the ohter hand no qualms when the victim is a dove - we have far too many oof those.
DeleteWell written Sandra!!!
Deletecc: friends:
ReplyDeleteI pray for any sucker about to be hooked! Absent of any true malice, I feel it is my duty to warn you, who might fall prey to the mastery and sleek presentations of Lula about Permissive Plumage. Come on guys! It is nothing but a fancy MLM. If you really want to sell make-up, apply for a job at a department store, but don't purchase a starter kit for $500 from her unless you want to be stuck with $500 worth of orchid lipsticks and other products you will never use and will never sell, enough to cover the cost of your investment. And due to her peripatetic nature with companies of this ilk she will not be around long enough after she gets recruits to provide any support for you.
How do I know? Once upon a time, I fell victim to her spiel when she was an "anchor" for Fruits of Life, that supplement company. I should have known that the next big thing was only the next big thing for people willing to feed their friends to the beast.
MLM is only for those who get in at the top, and those who really like the products and understand they are only joining so they can buy for themselves at a discount.
DeleteAs one friend noted about this stuff, you can get the same at the store without having to join a cult.
Well told!
Anne in the kitchen: Ouch. And how very true. Great use of David's prompts.
DeleteI suspect that as PT Barnum said, there is a sucker born every minute, just waiting for the next scammer to come along!
DeleteLoved this, Anne. Very inventive. Had me grinning.
DeleteHa ha ha. So glad I am a humble villager not in need of orchid lipsticks.
DeleteOrchid lipstick wouldn't be too bad would it? Good job Anne.
DeleteWell written. And I think we all know a Lula.
DeleteHi Anne in the Kitchen - so true, sadly ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteFor the first time with these words... I got nuthin'. Happy August!
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: And a very happy August to you too. Hopefully you will be inspired by the next set.
DeleteMy peripatetic lifestyle has been a source of great joy for me. The agony caused by the pandemic has not been insignificant, and many are the hours I have spent wondering how many colourful hummingbirds and sunbirds have been feeding on orchids without me there to observe! I pray that they will welcome me back again if ever the opportunity arises, but we no longer have mastery over our own destiny. I regret having been absent, no longer able to marvel at them sleeking down their plumage after a feast of sweet nectar. Of course, they also prey on insects to gain much-needed protein. I might feel that it is my duty to observe, and study, and make notes, and take pictures, but they are indifferent to my presence. They will carry on in their own permissive ways, unsanctioned by human codes of morality or impeded by COVID. We should all be so lucky!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, we should. Excellent use of the prompts!
DeleteNice words and use of the words, David.
DeleteAs an aside: if you have never seen a magnified photo of a hummingbird beak, look at an image. Those fairy like critters are actually savage little beasts.
David M. Gascoigne: Truth. And a wonderful use of your prompts (which I found challenging).
DeleteI did too!
DeleteKudos. This was wonderfully done.
DeleteMay the source of your joy be upon you!
DeleteYou gave us great prompts and used them well yourself. Can't wait to see what you have for us next week.
DeleteYES; I long to be out there as well. A good use of your challenging prompts.
DeleteHope your reading list is working again. Mine came back yesterday!
ReplyDeleteRian: It did. I was very, very grateful to see it.
DeleteAnd an update. My reading list returned - and has disappeared again. Sorry, I will be back to not visiting, unless you leave a comment.
ReplyDeleteWow, some fantastic uses of the prompt words. I'm envious. I've been trying to catch up on all things blogger and have sadly neglected some of my favorites. Will try harder...
ReplyDeleteprestfortime: When you are ready we would love to see what you could do with the prompts. Sometimes life gets in the way - as it should.
DeleteGreat blog
ReplyDeleteRajani Rehana: Thank you.
Deletethese are tricky prompts I think to work them all together into something short. My brain block may also be due to the fact that I had to look up some of the words as well, ha! I'd never heard of peripatetic before! Given our current circumstances for lockdown here (students and teachers who attended a school function at one school and then returned to their schools and spread the virus unknowingly) definitely a relevant choice of word, haha!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a nice weekend :) Quiet one here, with lockdown!
Away From The Blue
Mica: They are tricky prompts. As always.
DeleteSigh on the spread in your community - and I notice today's figures are not great though they are MUCH better than those in NSW.
Hi EC - how are you? In the middle of winter!? And we in Delhi are sweltering. I had to come here, from my cottage in the hills to get my laptop fixed. AND I MANAGED TO DO JUST THAT. It feels wonderful to visit all my favourite bloggers without squinting at the phone. Can't wait to see your Sunday Selections tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteKalpana: I am enjoying our winter and don't envy you your heat. I am very happy for you that you were able to get your laptop fixed. My aging eyes and wobbly hands cannot blog from my phone. My Sunday Selections are now up.
DeleteSome of the stories I have read read just amaze me. Those are some very interesting words and again, I am ery happy I am here.
ReplyDeleteAnne M Robinson: Thank you. David gave us some excellent prompts. Perhaps you will join us next week? And yes, that is a hint.
DeleteFinally. My WfW post is up.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): I have read it - and loved it.
DeleteExcellent everyone!
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs, EC!!!
Magic Love Crow: Many thanks. I really, really appreciate you visiting back posts.
Delete