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.
Huge thanks to messymimi for providing the prompts last month.
The prompts will be here this month, provided by me.
This
week's prompts are:
- Candles
- Everyone
- Nine
- Days
- Heart
And/or
- Aunt
- Strike
- Bullet
- Ballet
- Missed
Have fun.
How do you volunteer? What does it require?
ReplyDeleteSandi: You let me know that you would like to volunteer - either on a post or via an email and tell me which month would suit. It involves providing prompts each Wednesday for the month in question and (depending on your preference) either publishing them on your blog or sending them to me and I will publish them here.
DeleteI'd like to do it! Any month.
DeleteSandi: Thank you. Here or on your blog?
DeleteI would like to post the prompts here on your blog. Or email them too you.
DeleteSandi: Thank you. If you email the prompts to me I will put them up (and give you the credit).
DeleteGreat prompts, Sue. I used all the words and most of this story is true.
ReplyDelete-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Auntie had a routine for her birthday. I’ve never seen anyone more excited for her own birthday. It was never about presents (“why would I want everyone buying me stuff I don’t need with money they don’t have?” - and she meant it.)
She was a squarish roundish woman with a passion for the ballet and a heart of gold. She’d do anything for everyone. Sure, there’s one in every family. We dedcied to do something different this year. Something that would acknowledge our gratitude for her years of love and dedication to our troubled family.
At nine days out from the big day, we pooled our bits of money and bought two tickets for Swan Lake at the Cork Opera House. We drew lots for the one who would go with her.
Tom decided to bite the bullet and fill her car with petrol to make it less stressful. Between the bunch of us we didn’t miss a trick.
Joanie, her daughter, won the second ticket and on the Big Day when they had left for the ballet we descended on the house. I had time to bake the heart shaped cake and someone had got fancy candles.
We didn’t know it was her last birthday on earth. We were all so happy when she arrived in the door with her daughter and there were fifty of us hiding everywhere in her big old rambling house, all jumping out of our hidey holes to scream and holler and take pictures of her startled face, her ballet programme still clutched to her chest.
Cancer took her lickety split six months later.
And every day, she is missed more deeply.
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XO
WWW
I don't know which parts of this story are true, but I suspect that the death of your aunt led to this story. She must have been a delight in your life. Thank you for sharing her with us. Peace from Dee Ready
DeleteWisewebwoman: This is beautiful and has left me with misty eyes. Interesting that we both featured Swan Lake - though my story is definitely not true.
DeleteA beautiful story, and a reminder to cherish every moment.
DeleteHeartwarming.
DeleteA sad but very lovely celebration story.
DeleteWell written and heartywarming. All lives should be marked in this way at least once.
DeleteHugs on this. It was so warmly written and your auntie sounds like she was a wonderful woman.
DeleteOh, what a good story. Well written, thanks.
DeleteWhat a lovely, heart-felt story. I'm sure she knew how much she was loved.
DeleteI love reading this touching story. I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteYou chose fitting gifts but most of all, the gift of love.
Julia
Uncomfortable in the suit she insisted that he wear, he sat glumly in the uncomfortable seat in the overheated theatre. He wasn’t sure how long they had been there, but it felt like at least nine very long days.
ReplyDelete‘Strike me dead’, Ben muttered. ‘A bullet would be less painful. I have missed a game of football for this?’ His aunt Hester was the odd one out in the family. She arranged scented candles around the bath, and liked art and kulchur. She told him that everyone should see at least one ballet in their lives – and appreciate the grace, the strength and the beauty. She was very dear to him, and had a firm place in his heart so he had agreed to take her to see Swan Lake, because her usual companion was too sick to go with her.
He made a quiet (but firm) decision. Next time Aunt Hester wanted to expand people’s horizons, someone else in the family could step up to the pass. Much as he loved her, he had done his duty.
This is great, EC. You have a lovely knack of intertwining sentiment with droll;) Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com
DeleteOne taste was enough, well told EC, though I often do wonder how changed men would be if they opened up to magnificence.
DeleteXO
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I love your story EC and I can picture Ben muttering "A bullet would be less painful" I love the play on the word ballet. (bullet)
DeleteI'd love to go to the ballet.
Julia
He got his kulchur and that was enough. Many people are like that with ballet.
DeleteGood story!
Well, the Bens of this world like to sit in their favourite armchair with a chip bag in their left hand and a beer bottle in their right and watch tattooed multimillionaires in short panties play. Thousands of people do even follow them to away games by train or plane. That's kulchur, stupids! How much is the world?
DeleteNicely done EC although I'm with Ben and would prefer to be elsewhere, but not watching football either.
DeleteI suspect that many people, especially men, would feel the same way about ballet, without giving themselves a chance to understand it and appreciate its incredible beauty - and those dancers were doubtless more athletic than the football players he missed seeing.
DeleteExcellent use of the prompts as always, and you made me chuckle with "art and kulchur". Not everyone's cup of tea. ;-)
DeleteMinus the scented candles I would love taking his place. Well written.
DeleteOh, bless him for 'doing his duty.' Maybe he enjoyed the ballet, despite his misgivings.
DeleteMarlene lit the candles for her mother, Sally, who'd returned from her nine-day trip abroad the week before. All her life, Sally had wanted to visit Greece. She'd studied the language, did her research, discovered which villages she wanted to visit, and saved her money. Now she was home and everyone who'd chipped in to help her make her dream a reality, was there, eager to hear her stories. In the glow of the sputtering candles, she began to tell them of all the people she'd met. "Everyone I met welcomed me to their country," she said. "That wouldn't, couldn't have happened without your help. I hold all of you in my heart. How dear you are to one who's dreamed has been realized. Thank you." (Dee Ready)
ReplyDeleteDee Ready: This is lovely. Thank you for joining us.
DeleteLovely story, Ready, enjoyed it so much.
DeleteXO
WWW
It's wonderful to help make someone's dreams come true.
DeleteDelightful.
DeleteLovely story. Good use of the prompts.
DeleteA trip she'll never forget.
DeleteBullet and ballet - now that's quite the combination!
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: And people are already stepping up to the pass with it...
DeleteKeep everyone in your heart during the nine days of candles.
ReplyDeleteMike: Nice to see Captain Succinct on the trail again. Which nine days of candles?
DeleteMaybe we start a new tradition.
DeleteHanukah, for Cloudia and Robyn.
DeleteNine days of candles sounds nice. Love your shorties.
DeleteI will work on my story between addressing Christmas cards and be back to link up soon.
ReplyDeletePlease include me on the list for next year, i have so much fun doing it.
messymimi: I look forward to seeing what you do with the prompts on your busy day. And thank you.
DeleteMy story will be over here.
Deletemessymimi: I have read it and applauded. The louder because it is a true story.
DeleteI can sympathise with you about your car, Mimi: At the end of October, after 22 years, I had to say goodbye to my brave burro.
DeleteRe the recovery of your relative one thought spontaneously came to my mind: What a man's will can achieve! Wonderful.
There was a candle by the window sill every time you opened a door it flickered and died . But when you went by it would die. Again you light it but it dies when you walk by. You keep this up for hours on end but that light just dies out, again. What is it? Is it knocking at my door? In my thoughts I think my candle is fading out. Awe What is my next task. Is death upon me? I just have to ask, Well the time has come and I must go, the call has come and I shall go.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: This is dark. And intriguing.
DeleteVery sobering thoughts in this story, Anonymous.
DeleteThe Grim Reaper comes for all.
DeleteI wonder what would happen if the candle was burned at both ends?
DeleteDark but powerful story.
XO
WWW
Death, where is thy sting?
DeleteDark and enticing.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOops, second try. I missed a word!
ReplyDeleteSing to the tune of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
Go get the matchbox out
and pretty candles numbered nine
We'll make it last for eight days
based on rituals, divine.
Everyone concurs that
storebought fruitcake ain't divine.
And the airing of the grievance
Takes my peeps far, far, far
too much time.
So take heart that you'll destroy your heart
Cuz latkes are delicious
and not at all nutritious
Hanukah is coming around!
Rawknrobyn: I love this . And hooray for combining religious/cultural celebrations.
DeleteWonderful! There is so much to celebrate this time of year.
DeleteThanks so much, EC and messymimi.
DeleteYou and blogland remind me of all the good stuff that's worthy of relishing in, especially this time of year.
Cheers.
Brilliant Robyn ... so clever - cheers Hilary
DeleteGood take on the words.
DeleteXO
WWW
Thanks, all. It doesn't exactly flow like the song, but it was a fun creation. Love and blessings all around.
DeleteWell stated have been off blog due to bereavement
ReplyDeleteSteve: I am very sorry for your loss.
DeleteThank you
DeleteMy heart aches for you. It can be especially difficult at this time of year.
DeleteHappy Writing Everyone!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Happy Whisk: Thank you.
DeleteGlad to read that the kittens are getting better. Hope you and the mister are doing well.
DeleteAfter all nine bullets had missed everyone of the ballet ensemble, the idea striked him to lit a few candles for his aunt in the cathedral of his heart. Those were the days.
ReplyDeleteSean Jeating: I suspect the cathedral of his heart is huge - and will hold a number of candles.
DeleteH'm that is a succint anecdote of what must have been terrifying.
DeleteXO
WWW
It would certainly be worth taking time to be thankful after such an event!
DeleteHappy that he missed. Still love those shorties. Maybe because I can't do them?
DeleteThank you for the words which I will work on tomorrow and have a story on my blog on Friday. This afternoon I go to visit the dentist. it won't be as bad as sitting through a ballet but holding those x-ray clamps will feel like biting a bullet.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Good luck at the dentist.
DeleteThe news was not good, but as I expected.
DeleteRiver: I am sorry to hear that.
DeleteI'd rather sit through ten ballets than visit the dentist once, but you already used some of the words here. Good luck.
DeleteGood to read these once again.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: It is a fun meme isn't it? Sadly I had to rescue you from spam again. Blogger seems to have taken a dislike to you.
DeleteHi EC - so glad the words are here again ... I've used all the words:
ReplyDelete"As everyone sat huddled with only candles for light and warmth … my aunt reminded us that we had nine days or more ahead when the weather would be freezing.
She was also so good at telling stories … and often reverted her tales back to the times she was in the war when a bullet had missed her – bringing the horrors outside back to us.
Now we made a space and for exercise practised our ballet or worked out making sure our heart rate rose …
The most important thing we felt was to come through this time intact and healthy … we valued our lives and our society … and wanted to see 2023 in."
Cheers - I'll be back to read all the entries ... Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: I love it. And hope those nine days go fast.
DeleteWell crafted in your own inimitable style, Hilary.
DeleteNicely woven Hilary, I can see it all clearly in my mind.
DeleteXO
WWW
I do hope they see in the new year, and many to come.
DeleteWell written, Hilary.
DeleteThere are not many aunts alive, yet, to tell their great-great-grandchildren about the horror of war. Which is why the multifaceted horror of war is unimaginable for most. As it probably is for us happy old people who have been allowed to live in peace all these years.
Looking around the world, may we be spared this experience.
Keep warm, that's most important.
DeleteThanks everyone ... we can't imagine war can we - but perhaps Ukraine will bring the reality back to us - it's seriously dreadful in this day and age. All the best - Hilary
DeleteI am sure you will agree that EVERYONE loves CANDLES. What’s not to like about flames flickering in the dark, casting shadows, tugging at the HEARTS of young lovers, imposing remembrance of the dear departed on others? I think my AUNT was the candle queen of all time. It’s a wonder she didn’t burn her house down several times, but if a candle were to STRIKE her fancy she had to have it. She dodged the BULLET on more than one occasion. I remember once when she had NINE candles burning on the small kitchen table in her apartment. At least we were there to spring into action if the flames got out of control. There were many DAYS when we worried about her safety, but as it turned out our concern was misplaced. The fire brigade was never called! She passed away a year ago yesterday and she is MISSED terribly. I lit nine candles at our table and the flames flickered and danced in a BALLET of her life. She would have squealed with joy.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Another story that tugs (hard) on my heart strings. What a lovely way to be remembered.
DeleteThat would be a lovely remembrance of her.
DeleteWhat a peaceful flickering tribute. Lovely, David.
DeleteWarm remembrance, well done!
DeleteDelightful tale David ... wonderful and so glad no harm came to her. Cheers Hilary
DeleteOh I love this line David: "the flames flickered and danced in a ballet of her life." Well done!
ReplyDeleteXO
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Once in a year, in May, my aunt and I set up nine candles. Once a day for nine days she strikes a match and lights them, fresh and new.
ReplyDeleteEach candle represents a child killed that horrible day when a madman sprayed bullets at us. It was our first ballet performance. All were killed, except for me and one other, a girl who in her teens killed herself because she couldn't live with the memory. We added her candle years ago.
The candles are the hearts that no longer beat, no longer shine. The candles are the little pink tutus and satin shoes. My aunt and I say a prayer for her daughter, my cousin whom I will always miss, and for the other girls. We cry. We hug.
On the morning of the tenth day we put everything and everyone away and go one with our lives.
Wow, Bish! That was a compelling story,
DeleteBish Denham: Tears here. Thank you.
DeleteWow is right! Very well told.
DeleteNot bad for a children's writer. ;-)
DeleteCold ran up and down my spine reading this. Well writen.
DeleteHi Bish - so very sad ... a tale of horror, yet remembrance for their souls. Hilary
DeleteBeautiful and moving pieces of writing. We have such an awesome community of writers. Merry Christmas, EC.
ReplyDeleteJoylene Nowell Butler: We do, don't we? Which is lovely. A very merry Christmas to you and yours.
DeleteKudos to you for being almost done with your schedule for the next year, Sue! That must feel really good. Good stories so far!
ReplyDeleteFundy Blue: It does feel good and I am endlessly grateful to those who answered my plea.
DeleteI really like your story. It speaks about relationship and feelings on obligation, and I like that. This is a great line, "A bullet would be less painful".
ReplyDeleteI tried this morning to comment twice and couldn't. I'm having so many issues commenting.
Teresa
T. Powell Writes @ https://journalingwoman.blogspot.com
Teresa: Thank you. I am sorry that you are having commenting issues. Sometimes I have found that (temporarily) swapping browsers helps.
DeleteHere's my link: Susan. Now off to reading. Thanks EC for hosting this!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): I have already read and enjoyed your use of my prompts.
DeleteMy WFW are to be posted on my blog on Friday. Here it is in advance on your page. Fun prompts EC.
ReplyDeleteHAUNTED SHOOTING MATCH by Granny Annie
They lit the CANDLES and every BULLET missed. EVERYONE laughed as NINE shots were fired and there was not a single STRIKE. The flames danced like an undisturbed BALLET dancer. Our AUNT was aghast at the number of shots that were MISSED. She pressed her hand to her HEART and exclaimed that this had to be the devil's DAYS.
Granny Annie: Oooh. And now I am wondering whether the bullets were fired at the candles - or some other target.
DeleteBad shooting can be good :D
DeleteWhat a lovely remembrance and perhaps a new tradition of lighting nine candles each year .
ReplyDeleteOops! That comment was meant for Bish. I do like Granny Annie's piece, though. I would not care to be in that room with so many bullets flying around :-)
ReplyDeleteWhile jabblog has been quiet about it she has also used the prompts wonderfully on her blog.
ReplyDelete