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 week's prompts are:
- 'Chrome Yellow'.
- Shell.
- Experience.
- Art.
- Toxic.
- Coincidence
And/or
- Frost
- Turnip
- Bevy
- Jaunt
- Map
- Daffodil
Have fun.
Grump, grump, grump. My experiences over the last few days have been nothing short of toxic, and if I was to map them there would be lots of places marked ‘here be dragons... I would very much like to crawl into my shell and refuse to play. Sadly that is not an option. I am very, very grateful that we took a jaunt down to the lake for a kangaroo fix before the smelly substance hit the fan. We were lucky too, not one kangaroo, not a bevy of kangaroos, but lots of them. They were relaxing as only cats of kangaroos can do, and were very obviously at peace with the world.
ReplyDeleteBack home things have been less positive. We are in the throes of having solar panels installed. A good thing. A most excellent thing. When the current debacles are over they will line our roof and harvest the chrome yellow, daffodil yellow, every kind of yellow rays from the sun. I may even welcome hot and sunny days instead of longing for the frosts to return.
In the interim we were told that our electricity meter and fuse box had to be replaced. So we have been hunting down an electrician who is qualified to undertake the work – and not on holiday. Even obtaining quotes so that we could get the best value for money was an ordeal. We found one. We accepted his quote. And then the artful dodger disappeared and didn’t answer his phone or emails. Back to the drawing board.
We selected another. We negotiated with our electricity company (who has to be involved) and found a date which suited them both. The day dawned. Hot. And sticky. Our power was turned off. Eight hours later it was turned on. Job done.
The electrician left. And we discovered that we had no lights in about a third of the house. The electrician couldn’t come back for two days. We waited. He returned, telling us that the new meter was much more sensitive and that such outages were common. No-one had thought to tell this turnip that in the lead up. He fixed the lights (and had to replace a light fitting in the ceiling). Ok.
We ran the dishwasher. Or tried to. It shorted out, half way through. It is NO coincidence that when it died it was half full of water. Yes, yes, I know. That more sensitive meter thing.
Today we have ordered another dishwasher. Which might be delivered this week. Watch this space, and block your ears. My language has not been pretty.
Hi EC - brilliant ... I'll block my ears - not sure how much of this reflects real life ... but hope life treats you well! Congratulations using 'my words' - cheers Hilary
DeleteOh, no! What an ordeal! I can completely relate to the "language" issue. Mine would be scorching the paint by now if I were in your shoes. I hope all the issues get resolved soon. (And nice job using all the prompts, too!)
DeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: It is all true, and my language has been sanitised. Jazz has not been happy either.
DeleteOh gosh EC ... so painful to read or think about ... mind you the solar panels will be helpful - cheers Hilary
DeleteWhat an ordeal you went through. I hope it will all be sorted out very shortly.
DeleteYou did a terrific job on using the prompts.
I can't play the prompt challenge this evening but
hopefully sometime this week.
I'm glad you got your kangaroo fix to sooth the rough spots you encountered while working on your renovation project.
Hugs,
julia
What an experience*!
Delete* And thanks for offering me the opportunity herewith to submit the very word I missed to use.
Ugh! It's bad enough to need to get work done, it's worse when this kind of stuff plagues the work.
DeleteGood thing to know about "more sensitive" meters. Is it possible they just need a stronger fuse capable of delivering the necessary load?
DeleteRiver: All the fuses were replaced with the meter. I think that some 'older' appliances just can't cope and trip the new and supposedly improved models.
DeleteI think an appropriate title for this one would be "Nightmare!"
DeleteDoes the dishwasher actually fill up with water or does it just spray water around? This is a great mystery to me and I must know.
DeleteSandi: It if just sprays it around it leaves copious amounts of water in the bottom when it fails to drain.
DeleteGreat use of the prompts. I won't tell you about my day. LOL
DeleteWhat a fun journey this was, and it reminds me a bit of my own life! Great read! I also wrote a bit of a story and locked it all in a post which can be read here. https://twincitiesblather.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-version-of-winter.html
Delete21 Wits: I LOVED your take on Hilary's challenging prompts. Thank you so much for joining us again.
DeleteA real life grumpy story. Such matters are so frustratins - as is fo me your page not updating or allowing me to comment until today. But I succeeded, and I hope the best for you.
Delete@ 21 Wits - EC I so agree her take on the words is a fun read ... cheers Hilary
DeleteNow that is a challenging bunch of words! Well done.
ReplyDeleteAlec J. Cavanaugh: They were challenging. Are you going to join us this week?
DeleteAck. Sounded like Murphy was visiting.
ReplyDeleteWell done.
Sandra Cox: Murphy moved in and I am not sure he has left the building yet.
DeleteWhat a completely rough week and you capture it well with the words. Well done!
DeleteXO
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Hi EC - thanks for posting ... here's my first entry for the 2nd set of words ...
ReplyDelete"Turnips a bevy of them lie in the fields … the frost glistens on the leaves, but we really need to harvest and store them before the ground freezes.
Once that happens … then the field can lie fallow until the Spring … over that time I'll be able to have a few jaunts – perhaps using my paper maps, rather than the sat-nav … and then those beautiful daffodils will fill the field bringing sunshine back into our lives."
I'll be back and around soon ... cheers Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: Love it - and hope you can take those jaunts, with or without maps.
DeleteWhen the fields can lie fallow is the only down time a farmer has, and even then, there's other work i'm sure. Enjoy those jaunts!
DeleteNicely done Hilary. Artistic.
DeleteXO
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I enjoyed using your fun prompts. My story is posted her and on my home page. Love the idea of daffodils popping up in the empty turnip field.
DeleteWhat a lovely read I needed just this sort of happiness, as I could see visions through your words!
DeleteHope of spring in daffodils.
DeleteFirst set:
ReplyDelete"What a toxic pigment 'Chrome Yellow' is … it is thought that many famous artists were perhaps poisoned over time by their use of this colour in their art works.
My experience of a swim in the sea at Dundas, Tasmania was enhanced by the shells I collected from the beach … by coincidence they'd been tinted lemon yellow from the outflow of a local crocoite mine."
Cheers H - I'll be back tomorrow ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher: So many things were toxic, and used without a second thought. I do hope that the artists didn't ingest too much - but fear they did. Love that coincidence too.
DeleteArt pigments being toxic, mercury used for curing felt for hats -- so many such things they didn't know not to use back then. In 100 years, what are they going to say we did not knowing?
DeleteGood thought Messymimi - I do wonder what we're at and what we do without knowing ... cheers Hilary
DeleteAgain, yes very well done, toxic pigments, arsenic used also and licked off the brushes.
DeleteXO
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Huxley's novel of the same name was certainly not as toxic.
DeleteGood one, Hilary.
Hi Sean - I decided to take a look at Huxley's book = knowledge - improving my reading ... I love the cover of this and other of his books. Thanks for the suggestion - cheers Hilary
DeleteYes so true, I love the thougth of chrome yellow sea shells.
DeleteEstimada amiga. Quiero dejar claro antes de nada, que el texto que vais a leer, lo acaba de escribir mi nieta Daniela, de once años, en apenas una hora, que hace que pasé por aquí, y le copié las letras exigidas.
ReplyDeleteElla, a la que le gusta mucho escribir, está pasando unos días conmigo, porque sus padres están en cuarenta, por dar positivo en el COVID.
Espero que os guste, aunque os pueda dar en la traducción alguna dificultad, ya que está escrito con el lenguaje de una niña de su edad.
Don Narciso salió de excursión, el día estaba frío, pero a todo su grupo de amigos avisó, y les dijo...
- "Sin que parezca una coincidencia hoy será el día en que vivamos una maravillosa experiencia, coged vuestro mapa y disfrutad con mucho arte de esta vivencia."
A pesar del frío, brillaba un bonito sol amarillo cromo, que combinaba con el color de la camiseta de Jeromo. Nada más comenzar el paseo, Narciso vio una siembra de nabos en un pequeño huerto.
- "¡Vamos a cogerlos!, dijo su amigo el tuerto. Y Narciso respondió:
- "Pero te vas a helar las manos, ¿no ves que están cubiertos de escarcha. Sigamos la marcha".
Caminando pasaron la mañana y les entró un poco de "gusana", y Narciso sacó unas ricas naranjas y dijo...
- "Dejaros de cháchara, comerlas y echar en este saco las cáscaras", a lo que Jeromo respondió:
- "Muy generoso estás tú, no serás tóxico este manjar, y nos vas a envenenar, jajaja".
Todos rieron.
Y así fue como pasaron un bonito día. colmado de amistad, naturaleza y alegría.
Gracias a todos, y si hay algún comentario, ya se los enseñaré a ella.
Abrazos.
Manuel: First, Captain Google's translation:
DeleteDear friend. I want to make it clear first of all that the text you are going to read was just written by my eleven-year-old granddaughter Daniela, in just one hour, that I passed by here, and I copied the required letters.
She, who likes to write a lot, is spending a few days with me, because her parents are in their forties, for testing positive for COVID.
I hope you like it, although it may give you some difficulty in translation, since it is written in the language of a girl her age.
Don Narciso went on an excursion, the day was cold, but he warned all his group of friends, and told them ...
- "Without seeming to be a coincidence, today will be the day we have a wonderful experience, take your map and enjoy this experience with great art."
Despite the cold, a nice chrome yellow sun was shining, matching the color of Jeromo's jersey. As soon as the walk began, Narciso saw a field of turnips in a small garden.
- "Let's catch them!" Said his friend the one-eyed man. And Narciso replied:
- "But you're going to freeze your hands, can't you see they're covered in frost. Let's keep going."
Walking they spent the morning and they got a little "worm", and Narciso took out some delicious oranges and said ...
- "Stop chattering, eat them and put the shells in this sack", to which Jeromo replied:
- "You are very generous, this delicacy will not be toxic, and you are going to poison us, hahaha".
They all laughed.
And that's how they had a nice day. full of friendship, nature and joy.
Thank you all, and if there are any comments, I will show them to her.
Hugs.
Thank you and Daniela so much. A day with friends, nature and joy is always wonderful, and Daniela captured that so very well.
DeleteWhat a lovely little story you created, Daniela. Jeromes joke sent the corners of my mouth on an expedition to my ear-lobes, and they have not returned, yet.
DeleteKeep diving in the wonderful realm of letters and enjoy.
*
Qué bonita historia has creado, Daniela. El chiste de Jeromes hizo que las comisuras de mi boca se dirigieran a los lóbulos de mis orejas y aún no han regresado.
Sigue buceando en el maravilloso reino de las letras y disfruta.
Daniela, i did enjoy your story! Thank you for participating.
DeleteAn excellent little story Daniela, thank you.
DeleteWhat a wonderful story, Daniela!
DeleteWhat a sweet story, thank you!
DeleteXO
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A delightful story and especially amazing job for an 11 year old.
DeleteDaniela what a lovely story!
DeleteWoow! What a talented job Daniela! Hope you have tons of nature and joy days.
DeleteHi Daniela - clever to write an enticing story using these words - thank you so much ... cheers Hilary
DeleteHola Daniela. A mi ha gustado mucho tua storia. Especialmente todas las cosas de color amarillo. Sol, camiseta y naranjas.
DeleteTe deseo muchos días hermosos, llenos de amistad, naturaleza y alegría.
Charlotte de Dinamarca.
"Would you agree that a daffodil is not as poisonous as chrome yellow?" I ventured to ask Tetrapilotomos.
ReplyDeleteMy friend, as almost always busy proofreading his 1669-page opus magnum "Pre_Assyrian Philately in a Nutshell", raised his eyes, fixed a new inkblot on the wall, which, not unlike a map, reminded me of a jaunting car being chased by a bevy of turnips in the frost, and - coincidence? - without the slightest twitch of the corners of his mouth, he murmured: "Art, not everything lost in translation is poetry."
Sean Jeating: While I would prefer not to consume either, the son of one of my sisters in law chopped up and fried a daffodil bulb - thinking it was an onion. He had no ill effects.
DeleteA 1669 page opus? As a nutshell? I wonder just how long a less than concise version would be... Smiling just the same.
He sounds like some professors i have known.
DeleteHi Sean - what an interesting thought ... you've certainly given us a piece of art - that were it discovered today would bemuse the world ... and would make an interesting tale.
DeleteYour mind revolves in many ways ... I enjoyed it - thanks Hilary
A world of stamps back then? You need to tell us more about this opus.
DeleteXO
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Definitely a concern for the opus. You wove quite a tale Sean.
DeleteI have put in a request at my local library for "Pre-Assyrian Philately in a Nutshell" They tell me it might take a while.
DeleteHi David - I wonder how long it'll take ... and how it will arrive - in clay-tablet form? It'll cost a bit!! Cheers Hilary
Delete"Pre-Assyrian Philately in a Nutshell" Hah, some heavy stamps that must be :D
DeleteI love your story, maybe we all know your friend ;)
Thanks, all.
DeleteTetrapilotomos certainly knows how to cut a hair in four pieces.
My words will be over here.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: As always I look forward to seeing your take on them.
Deletewhen the Frost is on the Turnip, grab a
ReplyDeleteBevy for a
Jaunt all over the Map seeking The elusive
Daffodil!
Cloudia: I hope daffodils NEVER become elusive - I would certainly join any such jaunt if they did.
DeleteAlmost mike-esque.
DeleteIn winter when frost is on the turnip, you're right that a jaunt to find daffodils in a summery place may be in order.
DeleteI love it!
DeleteWell done Cloudia - clever take - cheers Hilary
DeleteOh, count me in!
DeleteWhat colour frosting would you like on your turnip shaped cake, we have chrome yellow or daffodil.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Daffodil for me. Every time.
DeleteHi River - definitely daffodil for me ... cheers Hilary
DeleteHa. Good one, River:)
DeleteI would go for the chrome yellow, just to be bold.
DeleteBrevity is the soul of the wit, Mike ... oh! River, you?! Excellent. ;-)
DeleteClever! Daffodil.
DeleteNice one, I think I prefer Chrome yellow (but not the poisonous variety) for my cake - if I can't have blue!
DeleteWe were at a performance art exhibit to watch Lila and a bevy of her friends dressed as flowers (she was the daffodil) afloat on an imaginary sea provided by blue overhead lights. I will admit the way they simulated movement over waves was a lovely visual to experience, but I think some of the viewers might have been a little shell-shocked when the lovely flowers started writhing in pain as they floated into Chrome Yellow toxic water.
ReplyDeleteOne lady complained loudly to her partner "You told me this little jaunt was going to be fun, not some environmental diatribe. I would have happily stayed home and worked on my map of Wisconsin bald eagle nests jigsaw puzzle instead of watching this."
You would need to be deaf to not hear the frost in her voice as she aimed her displeasure at him. We watched him as he eased slowly toward the door, then disappeared leaving her in the room. Later when the event was over, she was still alone like the last turnip at a produce stand, and he was no where to be seen. Coincidence?
Anne in the kitchen: I do hope her partner can stay away from this woman - or that she learns something. Great to have you back again.
DeleteHi Anne - great take on the words ... I presume she was sucked into the Chrome Yellow toxic water never to reappear ... well done and thank you - Hilary
DeleteBrilliant take on the words.
DeleteXO
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Toxic.
DeleteGreat job Anne. Loved "like the last turnip in the produce stand".
DeleteMaybe he got away just in time.
DeleteFalse pretenses to lure your partner - bad idea. I hope he never returns.
DeleteWith our map we took a jaunt to see a bevy of turnup and daffodil in the frost of the morning.
ReplyDeleteThere are people that are out 'shorting' me!
Mike: Given my electrical woes this week, shorting is not a word I welcome... That said on your v short (as opposed to shorting' piece 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery'?
DeleteHi Mike - succinct take on a set of the words - thank you ... and for including 'shorting' for EC. Cheers Hilary
DeleteExcellent, Mike, and don't worry that i'll ever short you, i'm too long-winded.
DeleteFine!
DeleteGreat words Hilary, I've used them all.
ReplyDelete-----------------------------------------------------------
Somehow “chrome yellow” did not suit her marvelous new car. She always named her cars. This one she christened Daffodil.
Out of the bevy of cars in the car lot, Daffodil had spoken to her, Jean. She wasn’t new, of course, but “gently used” as the smarmy little salesman had whispered as if it were a big secret. To her, Daffodil was art. It was no coincidence they had found each other.
She had just emerged from a toxic relationship and he had taken their car as part of the settlement. Experience had taught her, and she had much experience, that you replaced the relationship with something new, a pet or a vehicle in the absence of a new man.
The next new man was unlikely, for as her mother would put it, there was frost on her turnip now if grey hairs were the evidence.
Yes, a map and a long jaunt in Daffodil would clear those cobwebs and set her on a brand new path.
She turned the key and Daffodil sprung to life.
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XO
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Wisewebwoman: Brilliant. I hope that Jean and Daffodil have a long and happy life together.
DeleteShe's got the right idea. Excellent story.
DeleteWould be nice if but turning a key would always do the trick.
DeleteHerewith echoing Sue: Brilliant.
Wonderful story WWW.
DeleteHi WWW - loved your story line - something new to ring the changes - an essential ... while your phrase: 'there was frost on her turnip now if grey hairs were the evidence' - made me smile hugely - cheers Hilary
DeleteFrost on her turnip, indeed may she live long and enjoy Daffodil.
DeleteI found these words a challenge, Hilary, and this is not my best submission, but it is the best I could come up with.
ReplyDeleteThe other day I had to make an infrequent visit to the doctor and while sitting in the waiting room, masked, sanitized and suitably distanced, I flipped through a gardening magazine, wondering how many sanitized hands had turned its pages before me. Who knows, perhaps the pages were TOXIC. What struck me was that a new variety of DAFFODIL on the cover of the magazine was lauded in glowing terms as having a ‘CHROME YELLOW’ inflorescence. It seemed like a huge injustice to ascribe chrome to the beauty of a flower. Some contract writer, more familiar with FROST on a TURNIP perhaps was clearly off the mark, but in my EXPERIENCE that’s what you get when get when you pay a nickel a word. It was no COINCIDENCE that his prose lacked finesse too. The ART of writing had not been part of the course he took from the local community college, and editorial rigour was chronically absent. One of the pictures showed SHELLS at the base of the plant, and this struck me as odd since even a duffer like me knows that daffodils are not found at the seashore. Suddenly my name was called, and I removed myself from the BEVY of people waiting to be healed. I followed the nurse as judiciously as one might follow a MAP on a JAUNT in the country, to the room at the end of the hall where my doctor awaited me. I almost fell over when I saw that she had a chrome-yellow daffodil on her table, nestled on a saucer with shell around the base of the pot. Never doubt the power of a waiting room magazine!
David M. Gascoigne: You were being too hard on yourself. I found your story intriguing - though I am not certain how much faith I could put in a 'fashionable' doctor. Or is that just me?
DeleteI was in the doctor's office yesterday and wondered the same about the magazine I started to view. Instead I scrolled through my phone. Good used of the prompts David.
DeleteEnjoyed this!
DeleteMany teacher training students, lawyers or even political scientists who don't find a job after graduating nonetheless consider themselves silver-tongued wordsmiths. And their success often proves them right: "Three weeks ago I didn't know how to spell shornalist, and now I already am one."
Excellent!
DeleteA nickel a word? With some of my more long winded efforts I'd be happy with that.
DeleteGood story.
Excellent story David, you sell yourself short. I love the repetitive daffodil angle.
DeleteXO
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I loved this, David:) It appealed to the writer and gardener in me;)
DeleteHi David - excellent take for this week's words - the co-incidences of life ... they do occur too and I can't remember how often it happens. Fun take - thank you ... magazines they've taken them out of waiting rooms over here ... I only know as I walk through for a jab! Cheers Hilary
DeleteFine twist at the end, and vell written. You deserve more than a nicle a word ;)
DeleteTurnip? Seriously, Hilary? You're not making this month easy, but here goes:
ReplyDeleteThe frost had barely vanished when the first daffodil of the season broke through the crusty earth. As spring aged there would be a bevy of them, and I'd take my yearly jaunt through the forest, map in hand so as not to miss the patches of bulbs I'd planted years past.
I'd been chided by friends about this penchant for planting daffodils. They thought planting a turnip or two would be so much more sensible.
"You can eat turnips, you know," they said.
"Ah, yes," I agreed. "But turnips only feed the body.
"Daffodils feed the soul."
cleemckenzie: Daffodils and a myriad of other bulbs feed my soul too. And I plant them in the hundreds...
DeleteExcellent!
DeleteWell said!
DeleteSoul food. I planted daffodils here years ago and never saw a single one. Even the bulbs disappeared. Maybe I should have planted turnips.
DeleteI like your story.
Bread and roses theme. Indeed. Love it.
DeleteXO
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Well done. I prefer daffodils to turnips too:)
DeleteHi Lee - I have to bring some Englishness into the 'Words for Wednesday'!! But you've given us a fantastic take on the words ... thank you ... soul food definitely - cheers Hilary
DeleteDaffodils for the soul ... oh yes. My soul longs for daffodils now in the murky winter days.
DeleteLOVED THE RAKE by Granny Annie
ReplyDeleteDefine someone who is a “Rake”
A rake is a lovable scoundrel. There's a wide spectrum of rakes. Usually, a rake is someone who has lots of experience with women and finds a number of relationships an art.
How was I to know this handsome fellow was first attracted to my shiny, chrome yellow '56 Studebaker? To me it was just a shell to get around in. I never dreamed my car's appeal would turn into a toxic coincidence. He did not own a car so I was his transportation, plus I loaned him my Studebaker often, never dreaming who he was visiting.
I named my car Daffodil and Rake and I had many a bevy of fun times during every jaunt. This car did not have a radio so Rake would charm me with his beautiful singing voice. Without GPS in those days, we had to rely on a map to take us new places. Yes once we even ended up stuck in a turnip patch. It was all good until one of his many girlfriends came knocking on Daffodil's windows that were covered with frost demanding to know who I was.
THE END?
Nope, I believed every explanation and married Rake. Though he was a scoundrel, he gave me two wonderful children and no regrets.
It sounds like a true love story through and through.
DeleteGranny Annie: I am not so sure that I would have been so quick to believe. My loss - and a great use of the prompts.
DeleteI left my comment at your site.
DeleteIt's always good to live without regret.
DeleteInteresting twist on the rake. I'm glad she was happy. The foreboding was incorrent.
DeleteXO
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Oh this was grand. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
DeleteExcellent story.
DeleteHi Grannie Annie - this was such a fun read - thank you ... cheers Hilary
DeleteSmiling at this story. Lovely children by a trusting woman and a rake :)
DeleteAnother good one, Annie.
ReplyDeleteThese are great, EC:) I'm enjoying the creativity.
ReplyDelete
DeleteSandra Cox: I agree. I am blown away each and every week.
Here is what I have created, good or bad:
ReplyDeleteWhen the frost covered the turnips, Graham knew it was time to harvest. Hooked the mule to the jaunting cart, he headed on over to Matthew’s house to help him with his turnips. If nothing else, Matthew would have some warm whiskey, when a bevy of pheasants flew from daffodils and fox grass. Dang, he thought. But Graham knew the map to Matthew’s cottage like the back of his hand. He’d been there often enough to enjoy some whiskey and maybe some poteen if he were lucky.
Susan Kane: I am wondering whether Graham knows his way home as well as he knows the way to Matthew's cottage. I suspect he does.
DeleteSounds like a fitting reward for gathering those turnips:)
DeleteHi Susan - well done ... love the description 'jaunting cart' and does he find his way home?! Cheers Hilary
DeleteA nice picture you painted there.
DeleteHappy Weekend, EC:)
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: Thank you. And to you.
Delete