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. And huge thanks to those of you who come back, sometimes time after time to cheer other contributors on.
The prompts will be here this month, but they are being provided by David M. Gascoigne.
This
week's prompts are:
- Illustrator
- Judgement
- Insignificant
- Friend
- Creative
- Married
and/or
- Myriad
- Quilt
- Product
- Lip-service
- Assemble
- Bask
Have fun.
More good words. Anxious to see everyone's offerings.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: So am I. Including yours.
DeleteIt is perhaps a harsh judgement, but I think that many illustrators these days pay lip service only to the idea of creating a recognisable drawing.
ReplyDeleteThe same is true of many other fields of artistic and creative endeavours. The makers are married to the idea of success and more than ready to bask in glory (and preferably lots of money) but the insignificant details like persistence and hard work (not to mention talent) seem to have slipped away.
The end product tells the story. I am tired of seeing quilts on display with a myriad of glaring errors. Corner pieces that don’t match and designs that seem to have been assembled on the near enough is good enough principle. Do they have no friends? No-one who knows them well enough to suggest that back to the drawing board Is not an empty phrase?
Perhaps it is a facet of the speed of our lives. Everything has to be instant. And long standing crafts fail to make the grade. I miss them. Badly.
Well done!
Delete"...the near enough is good enough principle."
This reminds me of the old adage the good is the enemy of the best.
So well done!
DeleteIt's true, 'near enough is good enough' is the Aussie way and it has crept into the world of craftsmanship, which is a crying shame. And not enough people care enough to do the quality work which ends up costing more for them and for the eventual customer. Once the standard slips, it's very hard to claw it back.
DeleteThe sloppiness you describe is simply a form of obsolescence, whether planned or unplanned, and it has conquered almost all areas of life.
DeleteExcellent use of the prompts, as usual! I have a few quilt-fanatic friends, and none of them would dream of displaying a quilt with even a stitch out of place. At least a few people are upholding the integrity of the craft. :-)
DeleteWell said.
DeleteThere are so many reasons for this, i will not hijack your blog to start a list that will depress me in the writing and possibly others in the reading.
Hi Sue - good descriptive piece about life in general ... love the use of 'No-one who knows them well enough to suggest that back to the drawing board Is not an empty phrase?' how often we should be able to use this!!
DeleteCheers - good interpretation of David's words ... Hilary
Well said and words to keep in mind while creating.
DeleteWell-written and sadly so very true.
DeleteSo very true, Sue. I have encountered out here and been criticised for the meticulous work I do on my story shawls that I design and create. "Why take the time?" Indeed.
DeleteXO
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Well done, Sue. Miriam would echo these thoughts.
ReplyDeleteA FRIEND of mine, a successful artist and book ILLUSTRATOR, once made the observation that I am lucky to be MARRIED to a quilter since I get to see the CREATIVE process at work every day. He is right! Not only do I get to see it, I am able to participate - in the most INSIGNIFICANT way, of course, but quite often my wife asks my opinion about things, and I am fairly sure it is because she values my JUDGEMENT rather than paying LIP-SERVICE to a spousal relationship. It always amazes me to watch her make templates for what she is going create, ASSEMBLE MYRIAD pieces of fabric on her cutting table, carve up fabric with certainty and precision, and a QUILT begins to take shape. Ultimately, the finished PRODUCT will look spectacular, of course, and I will BASK in the knowledge that just the tiniest, smallest part of it represents a bit of me. And it doesn’t hurt that she will hem my pants either!
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Smiling here. While I was still quilting I often asked himself's opinion too - and he gave it, even when it wasn't what I wanted to hear.
DeleteWonderful use of the words. I believe if I asked TheHub for a critique of any creative project I would get his stock answer to everything."It looks fine"
DeleteYou used to quilt? I'd love to see pictures of your work if you have any.
DeleteLucky who has someone to ask for an judgement, and can be sure it will be honest.
DeleteIt sounds like a wonderful relationship.
DeleteHi David - yes very fortunate for you both ... that Miriam knows you will be fair and true in your judgement.
DeleteRe what Sean says ... perhaps explains why I'm not married (any more) ...
Excellent take on the words - cheers Hilary
Muy bonito y bien hilvanado. Felicidades, David.
DeleteSobre la suerte de estar cansado, el refranero español es muy rico en este tipo de asunto. Ahí van algunos:
- El que se casa, por todo pasa.
- Casarás y amansarás.
- Más vale una mala boda, que un buen entierro.
- Quien mal casa, tarde enviuda.
Hay muchísimos más, pero no me quiero extender.
Un cordial saludo.
This sounds nice. Writing is not quilting, but I think the same applies here.
DeleteThis is really well done!
DeleteLovely David. I would like to see pics of those quilts at some point on your blog.
DeleteXO
WWW
A married illustrator's judgement: "The quilt of history is product of a myriad insignifant lip services."
ReplyDelete"And each easy to assemble", smiled his creative friend. "I am basking in serenity and am one with the universe."
Ah, to be one with the universe!
DeleteThis brought a big smile.
DeleteSean Jeating: I am echoing David.
DeleteMe too - echoing Sue and David .... cheers Hilary
DeleteI really liked that Sean. I am also filled with envy for those who are at one with the universe. I seem to always be standing behind the back door when the universe comes calling.
DeleteSounds good, and a bit fun, well done.
DeleteWe should all be as one with the universe and maybe then we would not have these climate catastrophes unfolding.
DeleteXO
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Thanks for hosting us
ReplyDeleteCloudia: It is a pleasure.
DeleteI'll get to work on the words tomorrow. Lip-service?
ReplyDeleteRiver: Have fun.
DeleteHere i thought i'd commented earlier! The words led me down a long road this time.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: I love the road your words took you, and us, down.
DeleteMy friend, who's a creative illustrator, showed not so insignificant judgement when he got married.
ReplyDeleteMike: I am glad to hear it.
DeleteThat's good Mike ... cheers Hilary
DeleteLove is love is love ...
DeleteGood for him!
DeleteGood for him, and good shortie.
DeleteGood words to make a story, but then all words are good well most of them.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: I agree and wish that blogger didn't insist on classifying your comments as spam.
DeleteThe first batch might be easier to work with.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Both had some challenges, and some people have used both sets - very well.
DeleteI enjoy these, words and stories from you and all your blogging friends. All fun and interesting reads.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. It is a great meme.
DeleteHi EC and David - here's my two:
ReplyDeleteAs an illustrator his judgement was not insignificant … as a married friend though she wasn't prepared to be his creative other …
She basked in his lip-service thoughts … not realising the myriad of innuendos his words implied. However she was happy with the assembled gatherings complimentary comments about her quilt.
Cheers I'll be back to read and comment on everyone's entries ... Hilary
PS - I'm concerned Sean may pick up on my, at times, appalling grammar?! Cheers H
DeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I enjoyed both takes - and suspect that all of us let grammar rules slip from time to time.
Delete;-)
DeleteAh, loveliest of all Hilarys, as someone who dabbles here in a language he did not suck from his mother's breast, I would be treading on very thin ice with linguistic nitpicking.
Rather, I am always grateful when mistakes are pointed out to me, preferably with a wink ;-)
The realm of letters is a wonderful one, isn't it?
... And so was your second take.
As if it was (immediately) to be proven.
DeleteSee?!
Herewith I declare the last sentence deleted. Please read:
And so were your two takes.
;-)
I enjoyed them thoroughly, Hilary.
DeleteYour grammar is consistent with how many people speak "in real life," and as such is perfectly acceptable in your very good stories.
DeleteThanks everyone ... especially Sean for joining in - just noticed the apposite mistake ... 'the assembled gatherings' complimentary comments' ... no apostrophe - bad me! Appreciate you all - cheers Hilary
Delete@Hilary - I would love to have an edit feature for comments.
DeleteI think when writing it is almost imperative to write how your subject would speak, which is not always using proper grammar.
DeleteThanks Anne - I just seem to have adopted this way of writing posts and comments - no idea why. But the grammar aspect Sean mentions I'd appreciate ... still we know what we mean. Cheers to one and all - Hilary
DeleteWell done despite errors - which I did not notice.
DeleteComments do not have an edit function, as you could sneak in nice posts on moderated blogs, to later edit in not innocent ways.
Thumbs up on this one, Hils:)
DeleteThanks Hilary. Grammar is insignificant in the creative writing process. Lovely piece.
DeleteXO
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My story is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) at my blog.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I have just released you from the spam folder and look forward to your story.
DeleteHe opened his portfolio with print outs of his recent works. The artist never claimed nor wanted to be an illustrator. He spent entirely too much time on each piece he wanted to create to spare time on the drawings the writer wanted.
ReplyDeleteWithout judgement he never thought of a books illustrations as insignificant, but they were not like the art world he lived in.
His friend only had creative chops when it came to the written word, and even though he was married to his cousin, he did not think those ties were strong enough for him to be obligated to do a myriad of drawings for a children's book.
He decided extravagant praise for the tale would be his first step in refusing the job. Then he would quilt together a string of excuses about time and upcoming projects so the end result, a gentle no, would hopefully leave no hard feelings.
After paying the proper lip service about his gratitude for being considered for the job, he would assemble his works, put them back in the portfolio and leave his cousin's husband to bask in his admiration of the story.,
Oh the trouble of saying a polite No to working for free ... every creative person, and I suspect also practical ones know this pressure.
DeleteBut oh you get free advertising, speaking time ... your works are presented to a greater public. The excuses for not paying, or just gifting a bottle of wine or two for creative work are many. I say a polite, but firm no. Pressed I ask if they ever try this with the plumber.
Sorry, you hit my rant-button. Well written indeed.
DeleteAnne in the kitchen: I love this. And it is sadly true. I am joining with Charlotte (MotherOwl) to say that you have pushed one of my buttons. Hard. Exposure doesn't feed starving artists or their families.
Deleteso very true Anne. I've also experienced this particulary in editing work. So insulting and demeaning.
DeleteXO
WWW
Ah, I shan't get started.
DeleteGood one, Anne!
It sounds as if even were he to be paid, he is not interested in such a job, as illustrating stories just isn't his "thing."
DeleteHi Anne - a real tale of the way we often experience life, though usually not explained as you've done here - just the way we think about others sometimes! Fun entry - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteFinally I've gotten down to write a small piece. Words for Wednesday
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): I have read it and, as usual, thoroughly enjoyed it.
DeleteGreat prompts will tackle these later on tonight.
ReplyDeleteXO
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Wisewebwoman: I am looking forward to seeing where they take you.
DeleteSomehow I decided to write some bit of Lord of the Ring-ish story. Here's my take on the prompt: Fiction: A Simple Quest
ReplyDeleteThanks for the prompts though I'm always late to write something.
Have a lovely day.
lissa: I have read and thoroughly enjoyed your fan fiction.
DeleteSuper blog
ReplyDeleteRajani Rehana: Thank you.
DeleteLate but here. This is a true story. Happening right now. A dear friend. All words used which seemed weirdly appropriate.
ReplyDelete-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They had a yearly little ceremony and recommitted to each other. A small assembly of close friends. Vows at an altar were insignificant and involved a god and clergy they didn’t believe in. Why be married in such an environment. Hypocritical and a form of lip-service to the religious community of which they wanted no part. There was a myriad of reasons. They ran a business together, their product: hospitality.
They basked in the five star feed-back - for ten years now - on the tourists that availed of their enterprise. They worked hard.
A small shop on the premises provided local crafts such as quilts and cushions and jams and rugs.
When he got cancer three years ago, she assembled their friends and neighbours to provide support and twenty-four hour care in small shifts. He was well loved, he had run a radio station, he painted, he authored books he made recordings.
When he died, she was confident she would be taken care of.
But because of an archaic Newfoundland law, the only province in Canada which had such a law, common-law spouses were not recognised by the courts. His executor lawyer son rolled in from Ottawa and evicted her. He didn’t allow her to remove even her own possessions. She is grieving and devastated and, broke, living with her sister in another province.
She has now decided to launch a law suit to change this egregious law. Forever.
We are all contributing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'll read all contributions now.
XO
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Wisewebwoman: Dumb law, that one. But at least she's fighting.
DeleteHave a lovely day.
Wisewebwoman: Hiss and spit. What a dreadful law to still have in place. I hope she can get it changed. Fast.
DeleteA dreadful story, a sad story, and the worse for being true.
Regardless of this appalling law, what a lousy son. I suppose he had no contact for years, let alone care for his dying father?
DeleteI wish your friend strength ... and success!
It infuriates me that she would be refused even her own personal possessions. May she win and win big.
DeleteOh, what a sad, sad story. Can't you marry at the registrar's office or some such in Canada? We can in Denmark, and marriages are equally vaild whereever you did this. Butyou're worse off as non-married than married. Our rules are actually very like those in Newfoundland, I think.
ReplyDeleteWisewebwoman's true story was appalling, Sue! I didn't realize that such a law still existed in Newfoundland. I hope the lawsuit works!
ReplyDeleteFundy Blue: I hope the lawsuit is successful too. That is a shocking story.
DeleteExcellent
ReplyDeleteThanks
Rehoboth: Thank you.
Delete