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.
This month the prompts will be here.
This week's prompts are:
- Unsuitable
- Ladies
- Didn't
- Crocodile
- Home
- Cards
And/Or
- Life
- Wall
- Appeared
- Voice
- Both
- Slipper
Have fun.
‘Ladies didn’t…’
ReplyDelete‘Unsuitable for a Lady’
Alice heard the voice of authority citing both those pronouncements too often growing up. And as far as she could see they applied to everything she thought was fun. Or exciting.
She was obviously supposed to stay safely ensconced (imprisoned) in the four walls of home waiting for Mr Right to appear.
Last week when she had announced that she would like to attend school, like her brothers, her family was horrified. Again. Threatened with ‘the slipper’ if she continued to express these wild ideas she subsided, crying a few crocodile tears of remorse.
If she was to have a life, a life of her own, she had to play her cards close to her chest. Reluctantly her parents agreed that undertaking a little training in nursing (one of the womanly arts) was appropriate, and could indeed be useful in her future life. Little did they know just as soon as she had finished her training she had every intention taking her new found skills overseas…
How time have changed. A great story.
DeleteHugs, Julia
Good one.
DeleteAnd looking around it is not necessarily a story about what happened "Once upon a time".
Well done! You go, Alice.
DeleteI left a story. Not sure where it went. Sigh.
Sean Jeating: Sadly not. I really resent anyone being defined by their gender.
DeleteI am rooting for Alice all the way!
DeleteMay she go far and do much good in her world.
DeleteExcellent story. I often wonder how a woman is supposed to find "Mr Right" when she is not allowed out to look for him.
DeleteYes! Go, Alice!
DeleteAlice was not going to be help down or back by her parents attitudes, she would do her own thing in life and make her own mistakes
DeleteSorry Sue, That should be KEPT down
DeleteDear EC
DeleteThat's a very good story and one that sadly is still all too relevant among some cultures. I wish it wasn't. You have a wonderful way with words.
Best wishs
Ellie
Afghanistan came to mind, sadly. Excellent story! Hope Alice can escape the traps of restrictions and gender discrimination.
DeleteAnd, like Alice, we all crave a life of our own.
DeleteLiving a "cultured" life often comes at the prize of freedom, happy she's breaking free.
DeleteSo glad the word "unsuitable" is out of fashion with respect to womanly occupations.
DeleteAh, sadly, I lived in those times, so can strongly relate to your well written story.
DeleteWell done!
XO
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cleemckenaie: How I wish that was true - the world over.
DeleteGood for Alice! I wondered how you were going to fit 'crocodile' into that story. :-)
DeleteDiane Henders: It slipped in quite easily in the end...
DeleteHi EC - yes ... I wonder how many escaped that way - great story using those words. Cheers Hilary
DeleteExcellent story!!!
DeleteIt was unsuitable for ladies to venture outside in this weather and I didn't feel going to a crocodile movie so I stayed home and played a solitary game of cards.
ReplyDeleteJulia
Julia: A crocodile movie wouldn't tempt me either. Cards do. I like your use of the words.
DeleteMuch better to stay home that venture out in the rain to see such a film. Cards are fun.
DeleteA crocodile movie would tempt me more than cards, despite the rain ;)
DeleteI'm with you, one croc movie was enough for me :)
DeleteXO
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Hi Julia - very sensible choice ... cheers Hilary
DeleteI like the use of the words!
DeleteThe ladies didn't like the way the crocodile played cards. In fact, they found it rather unsuitable he was even allowed in the house!
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: I suspect that the crocodiles were winning...
DeleteAs long as i am not on the snack menu, i think allowing the crocodiles to play would at least be an adventure.
Deletehehe, I won't play cards with no crocodile either.
DeleteI wonder was it bridge or poker ? LOL
DeleteXO
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Fun to think about Alex - hope he didn't get hungry?! Cheers Hilary
DeleteA crocodile lady is unsuitable for the home. Ha!
ReplyDeleteTammy Theriault: Whose home?
DeleteCrocodile lady, or lady crocodile? Either way, i can see how having a crocodile in the house might pose problems.
DeleteYes, a crocodile lady might pose some problems.
DeleteThe cold-eyed, lumbering crocodile sunning himself on the front yard of her Florida winter home was entirely unsuitable. The ladies were coming today to play cards. And that big, ole reptile didn't add to the imagine of gentility she strove to present.
ReplyDeleteHands on hips, she called, "Henry, you know you are only allowed in the front yard after dark. Go to the back. Now."
The old croc gave her a beady look then slunk away.
With a nod of satisfaction, she hurried back inside to finish preparing for her guests.
Sandra Cox: For some reason blogger in its wisdom decided your comment was spam. I have resurrected it - and applaud. And I love that Henry is allowed in the back yard - where hopefully the visiting ladies will not go.
DeleteReptiles in yards is indeed common in the swamps throughout Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and even a bit into Texas. You have to put your foot down with them or they will quite take over.
DeleteEC, Thanks for the resurrection:) Good ole blogger.
DeleteMessymimi, Heh:)
How fun that she knew her crocodile. No the invited guests would not have understood. LOL
DeleteCrocodies and guests do not mingle well, I suppose. I hope Henry is allowed back in the sun when the guests have gone.
DeleteLoved "cold-eyed" and "lumbering."
DeleteWell done, nothing like an obedient crocodile in one's yard.
DeleteXO
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Sandra Cox: Henry seems fun, when you imagine a crocodile acting so human-like. Good use of the prompts.
DeleteHave a lovely day.
Rather a croc than a crock, eh?!
DeleteHi Sandra - great storyline ... hiding a croc away is not easy ... if I was a gentle lady, I'm not sure I'd be happy to visit this particular friend! Cheers Hilary
DeleteWell done Sandra!
DeleteLadies didn't cry crocodile tears at home because of unsuitable cards.
ReplyDeleteMike: I suspect that ladies have cried (floods of real tears) over cards received (or not received) over the years...
DeleteWhen playing cards, you live by the luck of the draw, so i agree, no tears.
DeleteReal ladies and gentlemen too do not shed tears over cards :)
DeleteGreat take Mike - well done, cheers Hilary
DeleteUnsuitable cards appeared! Didn't they know before? That's life in a casino. Shouldering their crocodile-bags, off the ladies went. Mirror, mirror on the wall who's the fairest of both? At home Paphiopedilum, often called Venus' slipper, voice-less was crying for water.
ReplyDeleteSean Jeating: I think that plants often cry out for their needs very loudly. And often they fill me with guilt.
DeleteDon't get me started on crocodile bags/shoes though...
Gambling can steal your life, causing neglect of more than just the houseplants.
DeleteA whole story in so few words, well done.
DeleteImagine two botox-filled "ladies", kept by certain oligarchs who would admire their total lack of intelligence.
DeleteSean Jeating: Sigh. And the same oligarchs view those botoxed ladies as a feather in their cap. Until they aren't.
DeleteHi Sean and EC - love the inclusion of 'Paphiopedilum' into the 'storyline' ... clever - cheers Hilary
DeleteOff to the races, back to read and comment soon.
ReplyDeleteIf this works, it will be over here.
Deletemessymimi: I loved your story, but it made my eyes leak.
DeleteYour story is lovely...the words are good ones, thought of a short story immediately but on my phone!
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: I do hope you remember the story and will share it when you are close to a PC. Please.
DeleteBecause of the Covid-19 outbreak, life becomes difficult.
ReplyDeletebread%salt: It does indeed.
DeleteInteresting set of words. I shall put my mind to work as soon as it wakes up.
ReplyDeleteRiver: As always I look forward to seeing where they take you.
DeleteThis is such an interesting set of words. I was inspired.
ReplyDelete~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Colin is UNSUITABLE," Marisa wailed. "All the LADIES in the club will repudiate me. We DIDN'T create the Brides Club for any of us to marry a CROCODILE shifter. Could you imagine taking him HOME? Introducing him to my parents?"
Her friend Poppy shrugged inelegantly. "You love him, don't you? And he loves you. What do you care about the club?"
"Yes we love each other, but that's not the point," Marisa said miserably. "What would I say on the wedding invitation CARDS? 'Marisa and the crocodile?' I'll be a laughing stock for LIFE. It is impossible." She sniffed broken-heartedly.
"Idiot!" Poppy said. Leaning against the WALL of Marisa's study, Poppy APPEARED relaxed, but her VOICE betrayed her agitation. "If you don't snatch him now, you'll lose him. BOTH his parents disapprove of you, a full human, don't you know?"
"Do they?" Marisa drawled, suddenly feeling militant. It was one thing to give up a guy because of her own doubts. It was quite another to slink away because his parents disapproved. She wouldn't allow anyone to direct her life, not even Colin's parents. Only herself. Steeling her spine, she thrust her SLIPPER at Poppy. "Take it to him, then. I accept his suit."
Olga Godim: Poppy sounds like a wonderful friend to me. I hope that Marisa and her crocodile live happily ever after.
DeleteWho'd have thought of a crocodile shifter. A definite thumbs up.
DeleteIs a shifter a skin turner? I like this. Good friend, Poppy!
DeleteGo Poppy.
DeleteWell done Poppy. A crocodile shifter!!
DeleteXO
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May they have a beautiful life together despite the naysayers.
DeleteHi Olga - very clever take on various tales ... Cinderella's slipper makes sense for a crocodile shifter. Cheers Hilary
DeleteUsing my new credit CARD, I purchased a pair of LADIES CROCODILE boots which I asked to be sent to my HOME address. Of course these types of boots are quite UNSUITABLE to go Bird Watching in but I DIDN'T care, I have always wanted a pair!
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: Not for me, but I hope that you enjoy them.
DeleteNot me in real like either Sue
DeleteLIFE I meant!! Not working too good this morning!!
DeleteI once heard an Italian chilrens song about two crocodiles who were nearly turned int suitcases, bads and shoes. Since then I've never liked crocodile things ;)
DeleteIt's called Cocco & Drilli if you want to hear it.
Interesting Margaret, I have taken the completely opposite tack.
DeleteXO
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It seems to me that crocodile skin would make very sturdy footwear, rather like alligator does here.
DeleteI had called and called my son to get up. He was going to be late for work again! Even through my VOICE was loud enough and I knew he could hear me, he still had not APPEARED. So, I tugged up to the third floor, and just as got to his door, could hear BOTH of his size 14 feet reach the cold lino floor. He now could only find one SLIPPER! I told him, I can’t go on for the rest LIFE, climbing up all these stairs, my poor heart will not make it but it's like banging my head against a brick WALL.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: I love this - and suspect that many mothers can attest to its truth.
DeleteIf he's old enough to work, he's old enough to have his own alarm clock!
DeleteI know some 50 yo men living with their mothers who behave even worse than this guy. But the mothers don't have the heart to stop them.
DeleteXO
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It's not necessarily good to have sons. Or as Shaw put it: Youth is wonderful; what a shame to waste it on children.
DeleteMaybe if she doesn't go up the stairs and lets him be late and explain for himself a few times, he'd learn. It often helps.
DeleteWe left the lodge in high spirits. We had come to see Saltwater CROCODILES and many had recently APPEARED in the lagoon adjacent to the rain forest. My wife’s clothing was entirely UNSUITABLE, but she couldn’t get dressed without checking the fashion pages. I think she would have tromped along in SLIPPERS if fashion had demanded it. She DIDN’T I am happy to say, but the other LADIES were far more sensible in their choice of attire. What my wife wore that day some would have found unacceptable even at HOME. An afternoon of CARDS would have been more appropriate for her lace blouse, but she considered BOTH her blouse and denim skirt the height of bush wear. We all positioned ourselves behind a WALL with viewing windows to observe the LIFE in the lagoon. Always anxious for the best picture, my wife left the safety of the blind and ventured out for a close shot. Her VOICE still echoes in my head. Crocodile lunch is not a good way to end it all, lace blouse, denim skirt and all.
ReplyDeleteHi David - great ... so often so true to those in the bush ... great story telling - cheers Hilary
DeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: I am sure that the crocodiles didn't care what she looked like - and hope that no-one took a final shot...
DeleteA dark and clever use of my prompts.
Urgh ending up inside a crocodile is not nice.
DeleteDark and depressing end. But he does sound rather cheerful.
DeleteXO
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Ha ha ha, glorious.
DeleteSome people are just not suited to go on safari.
DeleteFun prompts Sue. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOLIVIA'S PLIGHT by Granny Annie
The slippers were crocodile and she rejected them as unsuitable. The day would never come when Olivia would wear any animal. She left the ladies department in a huff and was heading straight for home. She didn't even stop to look at the assortment of cards on the wall at the exit door. Suddenly a stern voice stopped Olivia. Buzzers and bells sounded and it was a shock of her life. The security guard appeared in front of her and examined both of her feet. “Where do you think you are going with those?” and he pointed to her feet. She had failed to remove the slippers she had tried on and was now trying to explain. The security guard would not listen and escorted a shamed Olivia to the office where he called the police.
Granny Annie: Blogger also sent your comment to spam. I have rejected their assessment.
DeleteI feel for Olivia, but wonder why she even tried the slippers on.
Poor Olivia. So upset she lifted those crocodile slippers and now will pay with humiliation.
DeleteOh boy, I wonder was it deliberate.
DeleteXO
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It happens.
DeleteMercy, what a predicament! Maybe the sales person will vouch for it just being a mistake.
DeletePoor Olivia. Her heart was in the right place.
DeleteSo lovely post!
ReplyDeleteBjxxx
Ontem é só Memória | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
Teresa Isabel Silva: Thank you.
DeleteHi EC here's mine from the 2nd six ...
ReplyDeleteThwack … be quiet the voice said … a whisper – that wall appeared very recently … in your lifetime? She had no idea … she thought her life had passed … but here was her lost slipper … the one that had come off as she’d run down to the river – those many moons ago. What is going on?
Cheers Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: Oooh. I really, really want to know what is going on. As much as your heroine. More please.
DeleteShe's confused and i am more so. You've got the start of an excellent tale, i think.
DeleteHi EC and Messymimi - yes I wasn't sure where this was going - though could see I could extrapolate the story ... but that's it for now! Cheers Hilary
DeleteMine has been posted here: https://ofdandelionsandsunshine.blogspot.com/2021/10/words-on-wednesday.html
ReplyDeleteCindi: I read your sadly true story and my heart ached.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHad to edit...forgot a word!
ReplyDeleteMarjorie Bloom took a seat the table with three other ladies and hung her crocodile bag over the back of her chair. She was new to town and had looked forward to this fundraiser and to making friends. In fact, she'd been so excited about the prospect, didn’t pay any attention to the cause and simply paid for her luncheon and a place at the card table.
The women chatted among themselves between bids, but they didn’t seem interested in including Marjorie. She suspected they might have been a bit deaf because they didn’t respond to her questions or follow up on her comments. None sat with her when they moved from the game to the lunch table, and Marjorie found herself seated near the kitchen. Alone.
She returned home puzzled and just this side of devastated. She’d never had trouble in social situations before. People liked her. They found her interesting. So she thought. Her eyes stung with tears and she sniffed. “Well, forget that bunch of snobs.”
She kicked off her heels and dug inside her bag for a tissue, and that’s when she found the note: Please do not attend future “Save the Denizens of the Swamp” events. Your grim trophy of handbag is entirely unsuitable. Respectfully, The Committee Chair
cleemckenzie: Ouch. I feel for Marjorie - but my sympathies are with the crocodiles and the Committee.
DeleteOuch. One solid faux pas!
DeleteFine plot, good read. Thank you.
DeleteBeing obviously new in town and to the meeting, I think someone should have quietly said something to her.
DeleteBrilliant take on the words and remarkably similar to mine. I only read these when my own is finished.
ReplyDeleteXO
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Thanks EC for the prompts, loved reading the stories.
ReplyDelete-----------------------------------------------------------
For many years the ladies got together on the first Sunday afternoon of the month in their alternating homes to discuss the book chosen on the previous meetup. They didn’t call themselves a book club. That sounded too common. They felt they were a notch above. And certainly wouldn’t call themselves women.
Sonia, who was a long term member of PETA, was horrified to observe crocodile shoes on Ruth’s feet.
“You didn’t!” she burst out without thinking, “How absolutely un…..unsuitable!”
Both of them glared at each other.
Grace, the peacemaker, ran off and appeared with a pair of slippers. And proffered them silently to Ruth.
“I can’t,” announced Ruth in a loud voice, pushing the slippers away, “accommodate your life and fanciful whims in my clothing choices.”
“Well”, said Sonia, “I’m going to the wall here and laying all my cards on the table. Hands up those who are in favour of murdering endangered species for shoes?”
In the melee that followed, all dignity was lost, and the genteel and respectful monthly gathering shredded forever as they yelled and screamed, often in profanity, at each other until, exhausted, they disbanded and then fled to their respective cars and screeched away.
------------------------------------------------------------
XO
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Wisewebwoman: I love it. And suspect the next meeting will be a LOT smaller. Or perhaps there will be two separate groups.
DeleteGreat job!!
DeleteNow no more mwwtings, I suppose. Darn. It's worse than politics!
DeleteNo fiction, real life brilliantly observed.
DeleteSuch good use of the words, EC. Women have so often been described as calculating, sneaky, wily. They had no other choice if they wanted lives of their own!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: Sadly that is STILL true in many instances. In many places.
DeleteI used the first set of prompts for my story.
ReplyDeleteAs I was driving home from work a couple of months ago, I decided to take a detour to Berkeley’s Fourth Street shopping district. I needed to find a few greeting cards and a condolence card for my mother. As I was making my way to the stationary shop, I saw the ladies’ small set-up along the sidewalk in front of the furniture store. The women were stood in front of a few metal cages draped in what appeared to be old bed sheets. I didn’t need to adopt a cat that day, but it turned out that once I saw the wee guy peeking out from under a crocodile-printed blankie, I really wanted to! I filled out an application for Igor—I may change his name—on the spot. There were a few questions regarding compatibility like: Did I have any house pets already? And: Did I rent or own? Fortunately, nothing I’d written made me an unsuitable candidate for cat adoption and I now have a furry, purry kitty-pal living at my home.
Bea: Love it. And know how quickly those furry purry critters make a home in our hearts and our homes.
DeleteThe Group of Unsuitable Ladies appeared at the doorway to my home for the last card game of the year. Today's uniform didn't include their usual crocodile slippers. Their voices bounced off the wall as they both raised their arms and shouted, "To life!"
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: And a fine toast it is...
DeleteI think I'd like to join that group :D
DeleteBuona serata e sereno giovedi.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Thank you. And to you.
DeleteWhy do I think this is based on an actual adventure you had? Great story.
ReplyDeleteMy take on the prompts is here: Fiction: The Guardian of Planet No. 621.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
lissa: I will be over to read it in a minute. I am glad that you have joined us again.
DeleteLoved what you did with the prompt, EC! Alice will make it, I'm sure. Your WFW meme looks like fun. I'd join in, but I am overloaded. Story of my life. Have a great rest of the week!
ReplyDeleteFundy Blue: W4W IS fun, and I do hope that someday your load will lighten enough for you to join us.
DeleteUnfortunately I didn't visit until Thursday, I fear that it would now be unsuitable for me to participate
ReplyDeleteNo, not too late. many of us do not post the stories until Friday, and some even string out the words to last a full week.
DeletePaula: Charlotte (MotherOwl) is right. It isn't too late and we would love you to join the fun.
DeleteAre you another liberal like Jerry ?
ReplyDeleteIf so then Bye Bye.
Franks Conservative World: What an odd comment. Who is Jerry? While I am very, very unlikely to ever vote for the Australian Liberals I suspect that I am what you would term a liberal. Hello and good bye.
DeleteAmazing blog
ReplyDeleteRajani Rehana: It is nice of you to say that.
DeleteOne of these day I will actually sit down and concentrate long enough to add to your post! I'm usually flying by the seat of my pants, with someone standing over me hurry up, hurry up. We've got to go. LOL But one day, it'll just be me and you and your post! LOL
ReplyDeleteYolanda Renee: I know just how busy you are (and particularly this month). It would be lovely if you could squeeze this meme into your busy schedule some time though.
DeleteMy husband was appalled. I didn't think that it's unsuitable for ladies to use crocodiles for personal...gain, shall we say? If it's in the cards, why not? Then again, bananas from the home garden are teeth-less and work just fine.
ReplyDeleteOh, EC. Excuse my perversity.
I was really just dropping by to wish you well. Got a bit distracted by that first set of words.
Smiles.
Rawknrobyn: I am glad that the words inspired you this time - and thanks for your good wishes.
DeleteInteresting words...
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: Perhaps some week you will join us? I hope so.
DeleteThis rhyme is likely unsuitable,
ReplyDeleteFor the Ladies Home Club is immutable.
But we’ll try to slipper
This one by for the Gipper
In hopes it didn’t appear too inscrutable.
The crocodile didn’t embellish
The taste of his prey with green relish.
He’d eaten them all
But the remains on the wall
And sent relatives cards saying delish.
The Blog Fodder: This rhyme is ENTIRELY suitable and made me smile. Broadly. Thank you.
DeleteHello my dear friend!
ReplyDeleteI hope all is well with you and your family.
I don't have been visiting my friends and I don't post too.
Wishing to you all the best!
Lots of hugs and Love!
Sonia.
sonia a. mascaro: How lovely to see you here. We are ok - and hope that you are doing better than that. Many hugs.
DeleteLook how many friends you have, Dear!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: I am a very lucky woman.
DeleteBuon fine settimana.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Thank you.
DeleteNice tale and it's certainly one profession that when in another country a position is usually available.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: Perhaps because nursing is an essential?
DeleteExcellent everyone! Big Hugs EC!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Thank you, and hugs to you too.
Delete