How did the group get its name? As Antonia explained, it was started by Lily
Childs as Friday Prediction, back in 2010. You only need have a look at Lily’s
‘Feardom’ blog to see the scale and breadth of words she regularly used (memo to self: must try harder!)
Although ‘Friday’ was dropped, I am loth
to lose ‘Prediction’ it in case it prevents long-lost members finding us again.
It’s one of those never-lost members who pips the
rest of you at the post this week – Antonia
for yet another solid episode of The Captain’s adventures in Infinity 181 – but the rest of you are snapping at her
heels, giving us all an excellent week’s entertainment.
Words
for next week: devastate essence joint
Entries
by midnight Thursday 19th January, new
words posted on Friday 20th
Some of you caught Rosie's last minute post, but none of you will want to miss Zaiure's late one. Both worthy of a backtrack.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra!
Deletemany thanks, Sandra! typing with fingerless gloves on, so difficult, but so cold here this morning, the timer didn't work on the new heater... (new to us, that is)
ReplyDeleteDo check out the late entries, everyone, superb writing.
Congrats Antonia!
DeleteCongratulations Antonia. Oh boy seems I've got some reading and catching up to do.
ReplyDeleteI booked myself on a course starting later this month called from script to screen, unfortunately I also booked myself on an eight week Cyber security course that overlaps by six weeks, so I have had my head buried in VPNS and asymmetric encryption all week to try and do an eight week course in one week. Currently on week 6 so hopefully a weekend of hard work and I should have some space to come out and play and more importantly comment.
You've been missed William, but I know how Life can get in the way. even when you're having fum elsewhere. Look forward to reading you when time permits.
DeleteI definitely understand getting caught up in other things! Always enjoy reading your entries. :)
DeleteBtw the script to screen course is free and is with National Film and Televison School on the future learn platform.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Antonia. Fingerless gloves, hey it just ight work for me.
ReplyDeleteMuch applause to Antonia for a magnificent entry. I will return tomorrow to read Zaiure's tale. I already caught Rosie's submission. Interesting selection of prompts this week -- but then I could say that about any week really. Looking forward to seeing what they inspire this time around.
ReplyDeleteGreetings, I feel the need to explain or would it be to define this poem.The style is one I stumbled across and had never heard of, so I decided to experiment. I hope that this is enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteBurlesque is a comic style that works in one of two ways: you can either elevate something lowly and ridiculous (high burlesque) or trivialize something lofty and important (low burlesque).
Burlesque makes audiences laugh because of the difference between the content and the form (the style and the substance).
An example of high burlesque is Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock", a poem that takes something seemingly trivial (a lady getting a lock of her hair cut off) and turns it all into a big ol' hullabaloo. You'll have to read it to find out just what that hullabaloo was. For low burlesque, check out Samuel Butler's Hudibras.
A Burlesque Opinion
The panache of good taste lies not in the creation, but the presentation.
Take a gift wrapped with TLC, over one that a bumbling idiot used a roll of scotch tape on.
Imagine the devastation if the joint of Mary Jane, lacks the essence to get you high.
To laugh at life’s artless distractions; does it make the major issues…more bearable?
Why we can’t swim at rip tide, but can at low and high?
I seek no mockery, yet only preposterously suggest,
What man finds dissatisfying, is at times, so enjoyably laughable.
Like, reading about death; in the Darwin Awards.
Have to confess, Jeffrey, as a crap gift-wrapper lacking (as my kids will tell you) a sense of humour, some of this passes me by ...
DeleteThanks you very much, Sandra. That's strike one.
DeleteVery interesting style indeed. Not sure if it would appeal to the general populace for the most part, but I found it very creative and not easy to accomplish, I would assume. Well done!
DeleteThanks Patricia, I was surprised when I discovered it, as I thought burlesque was just a form of dance. I read parts of the two poems that are referenced above. I like humor and making people laugh, because when people laugh, no matter how bad a day they are having, for the time they are laughing, they are now having a good day. Thanks for your time and comments, I even managed to get the prompts into the poem.
Deletean odd one, read it twice and still feel it is evading me...
DeleteMy intent was to poke fun at what man(we) consider a tragedy to be one day and funny the next, as if we seek avoidance and protection in doing such.
DeleteI've never heard of this style either. I liked the cadence of the piece, and the line about a joint of Mary Jane and not being able to swim during rip tide prompted deep musing, something I like to churn up whenever I write poetry.
DeleteI was able to finish a submission that should be much more understandable.
ReplyDeleteTorch Wood Eatery-2
They both looked at the joints menu.
Mike looked at the waiter. “Sir, there is no food on the menu, just the names of people.”
The waiter replied.
“The names are the meal. It has to do with when you get your order. The Past is kind of an express delivery.”
“Then what is chary,” said Jamie.
“Those meals could be devastatingly disagreeable, depending on your palate. You eat the same food but experience more of the essence that was involved in its…creation. A much more spicy and hot meal.”
Sounds like a restaurant to be wary of. Very effective dialogue.
Deletenow that's interesting... where is this one going?
DeleteAnother unique entry. These submission really force the imagination to "tweak" itself. Unique that the menu features time of delivery as opposed to what is actually being delivered. Like Antonia, I look forward to finding out where this is going.
DeleteLove how mind-twisting this restaurant is and how every time I read it, the world suggests something different.
DeleteMy poetic entry for this week.
ReplyDeleteThe Wings of My Thoughts
How high do you need to be when walls of glass matter more than ceilings?
Is it more devastating to be under the radar, or under the weather?
Is the essence of self-worth ever equal to ones self-esteem?
Is there a difference between Icarus and the person who smokes a joint?
They both go flying but end up crashing.
To end my rhyme, will not make you roll a joint,
Nor, I hope, be devastating, for you are the essence of my dealings.
To soar over walls and fly between the clouds of my readers thoughts.
As ever, a string - a wing even! - of questions to ponder on.
Deletestrange questions but good ones, this was intriguing.
DeleteI always admire poetic submissions that force you to think about what is in front of you as opposed to it being "in your face." The image of a "wall of glass" mattering more than a "ceiling" is definitely something to ponder. The other queries are also puzzling in their own way. I find myself saying "unique" a lot when it comes to your offerings, Jeffrey.
DeletePatricia described exactly what I was thinking in how your piece allows for a lot of interpretation and imagination when considering the content. Every line evokes a new emotion.
DeleteA Lot To Answer For
ReplyDeleteSilence can be devastating.
"Hello?"
Disjointed mumblings even worse.
"Hello?"
To discern an incorporeal essence, most desolate of all.
"HELLO?"
This especially potent at 4.40 a.m. after a couple of sleepless hours!
Delete"Fools" said I "You do not know, Silence like a cancer grows."
DeleteUsing a question, repeated in bold and then caps was eye and mind catchy.
I'm sent a daily blog mailing from an Australian writer, Clancy Tucker. They're on every topic there is and then some. My favourite is when he finds 'weird things', those off beat signs and comments. One of yesterday's made me laugh so much and it's come to mind on reading this from Patricia.
DeleteIf you get a call from a number you don't recognise, whisper 'it's all over but there's blood everywhere' and then hang up...
Silence can be so terrifying. Love this, and how you portrayed growing concern with all caps and bold.
DeleteI wish I was ballsy enough to say that, Antonia! :) Laughed out loud!
Oh my, sorry for being AWOL. The transition into the new year has come with several surprises, one of them being a surprise vacation to Florida, where I am now. Anyway, here's my entry for the week.
ReplyDeleteIn the Blink of an Eye
Portia blinked. The spoon was gone and so was the rest of the kitchen Dante and she had been sitting in. She was now surrounded by darkness. She moved and took in a sharp breath. Her ankle joint throbbed from having landed badly after the teleportation.
It happened on occasion that the essence of her body, when travelling through space did not quite know where to reform. She might drop one or two feet or if really unlucky her body might get stuck in the ground or a wall.
Dante was probably devastated to find her gone.
Yeah, right!
Well-described dislocation, Kai. Enjoy your unexpected holiday!
DeleteI liked how her essence goes on a head of her when teleporting. Very nice piece. Oh, an poor Dante when she gets back.
DeleteNice one, Kai, lots to think about in there, cleverly put together.
DeleteLove the "tongue in cheek" touch to this. How horrifying to think that a person might actually reform in the middle of a wall or halfway in the ground. I suppose a second teleportation might solve the problem pretty quick, but what if it keeps happening? Now that's nightmare stuff.
DeleteLuckily Portia did not end up somewhere worse! I've always wondered about the dangers of teleportation when you're not familiar with where you're going. Or what if someone moves something, like a piece of furniture or wall where there should be none!
DeleteKursaal (Episode Fifty Four) -- "Fortune Favours"
ReplyDeleteOn the heels of Dottie Randall's disappearance, Alexis Champagne had now also vanished. In essence, Chief Constable Twittering was just a local bobby with no experience in missing persons -- one who remained befuddled by the devastating abduction (and later demise) of little Lucy Pepperdyne. Regardless, duty called to investigate recent occurrences.
Isabella la Gaya, the fascinating crystal-gazer Twittering met on his first visit, greeted him at the Kursaal entrance. Isabella's pet project was post-mortem photography and she was well-pleased with her latest additions.
"We will make this undertaking our personal joint venture," she assured taking him by the arm.
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To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
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Oh, this utterly delightful - from Chief Constable Twittering to the vividly-evoked Isabella. You are so skilled at characterisation and for them to now be interacting is a joy.
DeleteIsabella is far more than what she appears, so I think and wouldn't be surprised if our esteemed Chief Constable is as well. I did so love the descriptions you used.
Deleteand...
DeleteI do like the name Chief Constable Twittering, conjures its own images!
Isabella sounds fascinating, and I love her pet project. Such a complex world!
DeleteUXBEX #5
ReplyDelete“Garri, has anything new been learned from the recent murder scene?”
“No Imperator, we haven’t. The scenes are identical for method, victims and settings.”
“Include not Uxbex in assumptions about devastating murders three.”
“Uxbex, you’ve been wearing your masks so long, your brain is out of joint. Six people have been killed.”
“Why proconsul not proper tool use emply? Mouth, eyes and ears but tools; fist one use less, second glasses does need and last cleaning, long time has been.”
“Why you little…”
“Stop Garri.”
“In early earth’s enjoyed multi-frames form, will be clue of monsters essence.”
Uxbex continues tricky!
Deleteand the story continues to twist!
DeleteAnd the fascinating dialogue exchange continues. I do believe Uxbex is beginning to remind me a little of Yoda.
DeleteIt is fun to see an untraditional form of dialogue from Uxbex. Love the phrasing of the final line and the hook to the next continuation of the story.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 79-He Who Hesitates...
ReplyDelete"Don't want to put that noble proboscis out of joint, dear chap," said the Station Master, the very essence of compassion. "But since you remain wishy-washy reaching a decision about your destination, one has been made for you."
Placing a hand on Clive Bailey's shoulder, the Station Master steered him toward the Canteen. Clive didn't know whether to be devastated or thankful that the choice was now out of his hands.
"Violet will make a nice cup of tea," the Station Master reassured. "But best not to dilly-dally over drinking it."
On occasion, the Station Master was fond of reduplication.
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To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
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Superb and smooth incorporation of the prompts - and in searching for them I realised I'd got them wrong in my offerings! I was going to say I especially like the opening paragraph, then realised I liked all of them.
DeleteDrive through tea at the train station, how else do you not dilly-dally when drinking it? A very well embedded use of the prompts. Hopefully Violet will sooth his mental state.
Deletethere's so much 'niceness' going on and so much 'not niceness' underneath, it's almost like real life...
DeleteAntonia said it well - there is an underbelly to all these prim and proper conversations and I remain on the edge of my seat waiting to see what comes next.
Delete'You, come with me.’ [Threshold 147]
ReplyDeleteHe mis-read my death-stunned hesitation as reluctance. Gripped my hand so tight knuckle joints popped a fusillade of musket shot. Misheard my resulting squeal as objection. Yanked me round to face him and delivered a spitting tirade of invective, the essence of which was I no better than a scum-plastered pricktease.
I diagnosed nervousness.
Suspected that, thus far, his relationships had been little more than a devastatingly brutal sating of animal lust. Faced with someone he cared for, he perhaps doubted his capacity for self-control, of merging sex with love.
Did I dare begin to think he cared for me?
I like the presumptive thought of his liking her and why, along with her being intrigued with the prospect of a relationship. Like Jane reviewing the qualities of Tarzan.
Deletewill he dare? A wide open question following a thoughtful instalment.
DeleteThis was a powerful installment. I read it three times to make sure I missed not a single innuendo...and I didn't even look for the prompt words one of those times! I didn't care if they were present or not.
DeleteLoved the phrasing 'knuckle joints popped a fusillade of musket shot'. I'm enjoying the complexity and unraveling of these characters, and the contrast of them to each other.
DeleteChange of focus [218]
ReplyDeleteValdeta’s essence – post-partum blood and breast-milk – swamped Pettinger’s senses. ‘In another week, will you be fit to travel?’
‘To where?’
‘Me. My home –‘
‘But, why?’
‘So we can be together. A family –‘
‘No –‘
‘No?’ His gaze swung to his son. The devastation in his eyes should have warned him.
‘Yanno, it has already been decided. Jointly. Aleks stays with me –‘
‘But –‘ So much he needed to say. ‘You will allow him to visit?’
‘You can visit us.’
‘But who –? Where, how, will you live? Who will protect you?’
‘What right have you to ask?’
Valdeta looks like she's been given the choice of a hot Roman bath with a sharp knife.
DeleteI just rejected a story which was based entirely on dialogue because the writer used it as a massive info dump, instead of, like here, moving the story onward without you realising you're being moved along.
DeleteThis was intensely vivid in it opening before transitioning smoothly to fast-moving dialogue. This is one of your best in my opinion and you have outdone yourself in spades this week.
DeleteAn emotional, powerful piece. I love how you're able to use primarily dialogue to drive this story, without, as Antonia mentioned, info dumping. The characters are very strong.
DeleteAnd a stand-alone:
ReplyDeleteA domestic scene of devastation
I remembered several such from childhood; me as fascinated by the magic litany of words: vanilla essence, cochineal, angelica and silver dragées, as by the ingredients, the bun-making process itself. (That beetle derivation of the crimson a much later discovery.) My mother, gingham pinafored, embarked on a joint mission of entertainment and education for her daughters, relaxed about the temporary chaos. Wooden spoon, yellow mixing bowl, fluted paper cases and dark-burnt bun-tins.
Fast-forward forty years. Same kitchen. Similar colours. Just a different derivation: blood and shit and vomit. And normality not the only thing suspended.
Some vivid and powerful images here. The contrast between the cozy and welcoming kitchen of yesteryear to the horrific scenario that follows decades later is like a stream of cold water in the face. I think I stared at that final paragraph for several seconds before actually blinking.
DeleteA strong, vivid piece that sucked the breath straight from my lungs. The contrast is shocking and sad and horrifying, especially with the warm familiarity of the beginning. Loved how you described the bun-making and the phrase regarding the mother 'relaxed about the temporary chaos'.
DeleteI liked what I perceived in this piece. Is the magic in the words, the ingredients or the intent of the cook or apothacer.
ReplyDeleteall serenity, nostalgia and then head first into horror mode. Brilliant.
DeleteInfinity 182.
ReplyDeleteIn the end it were a joint exercise, the Devil and me. Leastways it felt like that. I got a sickness in my stomach, essence of fear, methinks, so I stomped down to the galley, collared the cook and thrust him into the aft hold. There was no complaint, no fight. This were more than a tricksy man, this were a shapeshifter and that shape be shifted out of Infinity forever. The crew be devastated but they needs now to shift themselves and get cooking or starve. The southerly islands beckon, the winds be a-coming, we needs to be gone.
Loved that image of the decisive Captain 'stomping', 'collaring' and 'thrusting' - a perfect illustration of excellent verb choice.
DeleteAnd the Captain takes the situation by the seat of the trousers as always and deals accordingly. I always love the mention of the "tricksy man." This was no exception. I still fear the possibility of mutiny. The crew may miss their gourmet chef too bitterly to be appeased.
DeleteA tremendous story of becoming a captain, for the second time.
DeleteSandra called out the verbs I loved, and how they depicted the Captain's move to action perfectly. I am also wondering if the crew will allow the loss of the cook, not knowing why he was removed.
Deleteunless inspiration strikes, there's no stand alone this week, three tries and none of them worked.
ReplyDeleteI had a moment of minor panic when I saw the closing date for this week's challenge, the 12th January, for surely I have lived through that day already, no? I recall not realising we were suffering a Friday 13th - not that it made any difference to the shop, days meld into one whether I like it or not. My partner's off sick at the moment with flu, being a mere male without common sense,like most of them, he gets his partner to drive him to the shop for him to say 'I don't want to give this to you' and for me to say 'Tracey's still out there, get her to take you home.' and I carried on with my day knowing he was in Nurse Tracey's ever practical care. But honestly... men!
Apologies - I cut and pasted and forgot to change the date (was somewhat under pressure last week, and the new bathroom still not finished) I'll do it now.
DeleteI love this season, but flu does seem to be everywhere!
Deleteno problem... just threw me for a few minutes, wondered if I was time slipping (wouldn't be surprised) keep losing track of days. In the shop all days are the same, nostalgic, time lapse days.
ReplyDeleteHope the bathroom's finished... been through some of that, never again if I can avoid it! We just spent 3 days of not being able to shower, use the washing machine or draw water from the mains, as they were 'flushing it through' whatever that means. A sink full of water isn't the same thing at all.
8 days since I had a shower! (But promised later today) Not entirely builder's fault as his son had a couple of medical emergencies. At least we always had heating.
DeleteRegrets [5]
ReplyDeleteJaen eyed him from the devastation of threadbare sheets and shredded pillows with a mix of satisfaction and self-disgust. She plucked a feather from her spiky hair, then swung both legs off the lumpy mattress. An unselfconscious Amazon of slim muscle and scarred sun-touched skin, she stepped over the pile of their clothes and opened the fridge.
Stifling a moan, Callon rolled onto his stomach and listened to every joint in his body groan in protest. “That was unexpected,” he said.
“Full moon,” Jaen said. “Anchovy essence and oreos, but no coffee?” She looked even more regretful than before.
Absolutely stunning. I loved this from the opening paragraph to the conclusion of disappointment. I have to say though..."anchovy essence and oreos..." Yuck! (But deliciously so!)
DeleteWow. What a stunner to wake up to.
DeleteJust ... wow.
Jeffrey here;
ReplyDeleteOh my, enjoyed the party but not the guest? Don't remember if this was a choice or need. Regardless, the opening line is precious.
Sorry for the lateness of this. It's not strictly one of Rosebud's adventures, but the Valkyrie lives in her 'verse.
ReplyDeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #60
The World Burned
It would devastate her. They’ve taken everything else. Even this-he’s barely got the essence of himself left-if they take it, their joint partnership will take them both. She must save him, nothing else matters.
How to go about it?
The last, best option, there are no others. Survival is an after thought. Once she has him back they will burn.
She is the Valkyrie, he is her match.
Bit of a switch, but delightful nonetheless. I loved the idea that the Valkyrie lives in the same space as Rosebud. With luck, the avenging vixen will put in another appearance soon.
DeleteOh. Innocence betrayed. Vengeance to be wreaked. And after such a final line I'm desperately hoping you won't leav it too long to post the next instalment.
DeleteLove this character as well! Excellent final line 'he is her match' and how it follows 'they will burn'. So curious to hear more about the Valkyrie.
Delete