This week for me a get-together with
a friend, not met with for forty years – a joy to roll back the years to school
days. And an equal joy to return here to read this week’s offerings. But, an
important question – is it only me suffering from ‘dillo deprivation? I realise Terri has been absent for while – does anyone know where or why she’s
gone?
This week’s winner is Patricia. Initially for ‘Casting’ then,
because of its title (something I too often struggle with so am all the more
admiring) for "Georgie-Boy Endicott a/k/a Big Dipper", episode 169 of
Kursaal – and also I loved ‘rapscallion’.
Words
for next week: familiar necessary thumb
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 4th July,
words posted Friday 5th
Usual rules: 100 words maximum
(excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above
in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction
is, as always, welcome. All variants and uses of the words and stems are fine.
Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever
social media you prefer.
Patricia, such wonderful writing to have two stories reach the top spot for last week. A worthy choice in each case. As for Sandra's question, no you're not.
ReplyDeleteGo Georgie-Boy. Patricia has the market cornered with rapscallion characters.
Deletecongrats, Patricia! Not sure how you manage so many each week... but you do and they're brilliant.
DeleteIn the absence of a secret ballot [Threshold 257]
ReplyDeleteDespite despoilment, we were asked to oversee.
In the necessary absence of voices, we listened to the stick/unstick of soles on flagstones, the creaking of old bones beneath coarse linen, as they shuffled to press thumbs onto black-ink pads and thence to print them against their chosen candidate.
Noted there were fewer of the aged than there had been.
The younger ones kept their faces veiled. Made brisk entrance and then exit. When certain strides became familiar we realised they were recycling.
We were about to cry “foul” when the approach of horses signalled possibility of rescue.
So we didn’t.
Ooh, I wonder who's on the horses? I bet I know. And I thought the United States had voter fraud sewn up.... I guess that stuff goes on everywhere. Really smooth writing, Sandra. I enjoyed it.
DeleteOh my, election fraud. Thumb prints, hope they hve magnifying glasses. Very good story, Sandra.
DeleteGreat use of the prompts, Sandra, and a novel twist on voter fraud.
Delete"Creaking of old bones beneath coarse linen"
DeleteI like that. Good job!
very nicely done, Sandra!
DeleteAlways such marvelous plot development within a given allowance. Loved the thought of a "necessary absence of voices."
DeleteShake the Lemon Tree
ReplyDeleteFor those not familiar with Lemon Hammock, some background information is necessary. Lemon is the first person on record born with ten thumbs. So, it’s logical to hear he’s been banned from every china shop in the Midwest.
What defies logic is that all ten thumbs are green, which makes him a botanical genius. Highly sought after in the newly legalized cannabis business, Lemon sets his price. His plants have been known to reach staggering heights.
Lemon’s wealth though, is in the toilet. He never should have started collecting Fabergé eggs.
Maybe he was consuming too much of his product. God humor to go with a good story, John.
DeleteThanks, Jeffrey. I think you meant 'good humor.' God humor is another thing. He can be subtle.
DeleteBut what if you were all thumbs and kept breaking your Faberge eggs? You'd want to be taken seriously, wouldn't you? I think you owe Lemon an apology. :)
Surreal, the image of those thumbs ...
DeleteMaybe not Lemon but you and the other participants here for such bad SP&G and poor writing.
DeleteHopefully Lemon's other talents will compensate for his "thumbness." The eggs' idea really elevated your tale, John. Well done!
DeleteNicely done. Love the thumbs lol.
Deleteoh good one. How many Faberge eggs are there to be found still, is it 3? Keep searching, people, and be more careful than Lemon when you find one...
DeleteWhat a gorgeous name is "Lemon Hammock." Sounds like a name that should be bestowed upon his particular variety of that "newly legalized" crop of his.
DeleteThank you so much for such a high honor, Sandra. How you manage to make a decision every week among so many fine entries continues to astound. As for Terri, I too miss those charming 'dillos. At first, I thought she might perhaps be on vacation but it has been two weeks now and I do hope she's okay. Does anyone know if she has a website or perhaps a Facebook page which might provide some insight into her absence? I do hope this isn't a permanent situation.
ReplyDeleteGood thinking patricia, but neither Terrie's FB page or blog have been updated for some months ...
DeleteYou live in the UK, Sandra; just go over there and check... how big can the place be?
DeleteYou know, I just read my comment and it's no wonder you and Patricia say, 'Oh John" a lot.
Size isn't everything, John, you also need to know where to begin looking.
DeleteHow about an email address? Does anyone know what that is?
DeleteAntonia might - they have met.
DeleteTerri is fine. Will be back soon. :-)
DeleteThat's awesome, Sandra and thanks for your time in finding out and letting us know.
DeleteWell that is certainly excellent news!!!
DeleteBuyers Decision
ReplyDeleteYou’re cut in different directions,
a necessity, experts say.
You’re short, concise, and faceted,
light shines from you.
Clarity is important,
know what’s being said and why.
Beware of pesky blemishes
that disturb the surface.
Color, or lack of, is desired,
Pink and chocolate are valuable impurities.
Black ink enhances white pages,
a familiar theme, for the familial we’ve created.
You saw me, my thumb out,
looking for a companion.
Twenty-seven years ago, my qualities mattered more,
than those of the ring on I placed on your finger.
I'm glad the MC's significant other didn't listen to mother about picking up hitchhikers. Unless you're the MC in this one, in which I'm still glad your significant other picked you up.
DeleteYes, I'm the MC. The day referenced was Wednesday and I couldn't get the prompts to work, these were easier and I was able to drop them into what I had.
DeleteCongrats on 27 years.
DeleteThanks and like my writing, we're both diamonds in the rough.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI like this. Poetry is a passion mine. Though the word of the week being thumb and john mentioning hitchhiking reminds me of Tom Robbins unique book, Even Cowgirls Get The Blues" my random thought of the day.
DeleteNicely composed effort, Jeffrey. This is a piece as shiny and eye-catching as the referenced diamond.
DeleteM*A*N*_P*L*A*N*S,_A*N*D*_G*O*D*S*_L*A*U*G*H
ReplyDeleteHis body, familiar after 15 years of a shitty marriage, stopped. She casually
wondered if he was asleep, unconscious or dead. She didn’t really care, she just
want it over. She hated him, his fat belly and grossly bald head. But mostly,
she hated his stupidity. She couldn’t wait to tell him she was leaving, and then
about Frank. The necessary things had all been done, money, credit cards. Her
life was gonna be SWEET!
Then his thumbs began pressing into her neck, hard. TOO hard.
“Frank changed his mind, DEAR” she heard, as vision faded to a tiny pinpoint.
Dave, your stories have very noir feel to them. Enticing narration to draw the reader in and some nice use of the prompts.
DeleteThank you, Jeffrey. I think I have a dark soul, or at least badly stained one...
DeleteIt looks like her plans fell through. Very enjoyable tale, Dave.
DeleteOuch! That girl, it appears, deserved a better fate. Or, is there more than first meets the eye? The suspense builds steadily and plausibly. Good writing, Dave.
DeleteVery visual, Dave. A proper heart-stopping moment.
DeleteMy twisted friend. Good job, Dave.
Deletethat's a good one, Dave. Lesson 1, never try to deceive...
DeleteOh my!!! Didn't see that one coming at all. Nice little job at deception there, Dave.
DeleteKitten Kaboodle
ReplyDeleteCertain roles are tailor-made for certain individuals. My dream was to play the second Macbeth witch. The one who cackles: "By the pricking of my thumbs...."
I just knew I was perfect for the part.
Creativity was encouraged. I was determined to stand out. Catch their eye. Traditional witchy costume was a given, same as the pointy-chin, wart-on-nose and hazel broomstick. But I brought along more than simple humdrum trappings. I brought along a little black cat. Don't all witches worth their salt have a little black cat?
I didn't deem it necessary to tell them she was my familiar.
The title was so good, I almost didn't read the story in case it didn't live up. But I read it, and it lived up. Love that witchy woman. I hope she gets the part.
DeleteNot a witch to risk upsetting, but do THEY know that?
DeleteCleve . Had to reread yo catch that "admission " at the end
DeleteVery well done, Patricia. You had Shakespeare give you a prompt. I enjoyed that they didn't hire a character actress for the part.
ReplyDeleteI liked that one a lot!!!!!
DeleteThe Shapeshifter Chronicles: Meeting Up
ReplyDeleteAn elegantly dressed and familiar man greeted his guests.
“Anubis, Tezcatlipoca, and Morrighan welcome to Cairndhu House. You brought what I asked?”
“Luna Din, we’ve done so, look here,” said Anubis. Three attaches cases were on a table.
“Excellent, they’re necessary to start the next phase.”
“Our presence will be noticed. They will be prepared,” said Tezcatlipoca.
“I doubt it. We are now but legends, fantasy, and myth to our erstwhile flocks.”
“Our enemy will learn of our emergence and help them,” said Morrighan.
“The humans betrayal sticks in their mind, like a Roman Emperor using his thumb.”
I thought of the three wise men when the visitors arrived with gifts. But the cunning and ruthless conversation seems anything but wise. Good tension building in this one.
DeleteNice visual of the "Roman Emperor using his thumb" to indicate events. As always, the use of dialogue is one of your strengths.
DeleteThe First Battle: Enemy Assault
ReplyDeleteThe stillness was all too familiar. Captain Khor heard his heart beating so loudly, the enemy probably heard it. He cracked the knuckles of his thumbs and finished suiting up. He said an archaic prayer, feeling it was necessary.
“Ave, Imperator: Morituri te salutant!”
“Cap’n, were go. Sensors indicate the enemy’s approach.”
“Initiate Operation Second Life.”
His HUD lit up, A full frontal assault along the line, except here.
Grasshoppers landed on the plateau, the defenses automatically fired, then they jumped away, landing behind Stygian Notch, five hundred enemies behind his line as a horde appeared, charging his front.
A full blown futuristic battle underway, it seems, with all the gory technology to go with it. Pretty soon, we can just do battle on computers and declare a victor afterward.
DeleteAnd the battle commences. Wonder who will be the victor.
DeleteBroomsticks Are So 1670s
ReplyDeleteThe witch came out of the west, gunning the peddles of a rusted camper van. On the passenger seat sat her familiar, a tortoise, pentagram drawn onto its shell in black marker pen.
Twisted into her braided hair were lengths of cheap Christmas tree tinsel. Around her neck on rainbow coloured string hung a ketchup bottle which contained a pickled thumb. She said her enemy had fared far worse than his amputated digit.
“Do you want my help?” she asked.
Clarissa turned to me and shrugged. “You did say by any means necessary.”
So surreal and full of great details. Loved the makeshift evil tortoise. Good one, David.
DeleteYour witch would have blended nicely into the crowd at Woodstock in the 60's, David. a turtle as a familiar... nice touch!
DeleteYes, it's the details that entrance tho the whole is pretty special too.
Deletehow did Americans make c at s u p out of k e t c h u p, I ask? It's something that bothers me a lot - but there you go, Antonia has some odd (old lady) ideas at times... got one good idea about this story, David, it's good!
DeleteLove this mingling of old tradition with new ideas. This had something of a steampunk feel to it and was extremely enjoyable.
DeleteDavid, how enjoyable and descriptive this is. A catsup bottle with a pickled thumb. Great story.
ReplyDeleteJOB SEEKING
ReplyDeleteA familiar is a spirit begotten in the distant past to assist witches and wizards. I’m a familiar, but one who will assist anybody. I prefer materializing as an animal, though I can assume human form when such a transmogrification is fitting.
My most recent companion tried keeping me under his thumb. His efforts failed, thus he began badmouthing me to his doctors. That backfired; they locked him in a rubber room.
Not one to be sequestered, I altered to a panther and chewed him to pieces, which allowed me to escape.
But I don’t enjoy being idle.
You interested?
Never bad mouth a familiar to your doctor. Top notch entry, Jim.
DeleteSmooth, and another totally entrancing entry - I confess I never thought of that use of familiar!
DeleteWell, folks, I just discovered that I omitted the prompt NECESSARY from my entry this week. For some reason I used DISTANT, a prompt from last week. my only excuse, which I'm using more frequently of late, is AGE.
DeleteJim, me too... going all the way downstairs to collect watering can, bring it upstairs, put it in the bathroom, go off to check on cats, come back, collect (empty) watering can and am half way down stairs when I realise it's altogether too light... so you are Not Alone! and I love this story!!
DeleteDidn't even notice the omission, so attention absorbing was the story. I'm sure nobody would have known if you hadn't mentioned it, Jim.
DeleteJim, familiars as free lancers, excellent originality and a pretty darn good story.
ReplyDeleteChange of focus [334]
ReplyDeleteSmith’s destination wasn’t Scarborough. A twenty minute taxi ride took him not to the station but, via an all-too-familiar route, to the crematorium.
Pettinger, wondering aloud, ‘Gathering a few more ashes?’
Drug Squad DC more sceptical. ‘Maybe. Thanks to a friendly crem. attendant raking out the ashes. More likely, all those double-handed Sorry for your loss handshakes, perfect for passing tiny packets.’
Thumbing crumbs of a pasty from the corner of his mouth, ‘So, no matter who, the funeral’s just a cover?’
‘Only necessity being it’s big enough to attract a crowd, so the real bereaved don’t spot they’re strangers.’
Makes one wonder where else such subterfuge takes place. You have me believing just about anywhere, Sandra. Unusual ans very nicely done.
DeleteFirst thanks for getting the song Scarborough Fair playing in my mind. Next, you have a criminal mind using a funeral as a cover for illicit activity, all wrapped in your usual excellent writing.
DeleteInteresting turn of events here. The idea of a funeral acting as a cover is an intriguing one full of possibilities. After all, those in attendance usually have their minds focused solely on the matter at hand.
DeleteSounds like an elaborate drug ring is in play. Nothing like a crematorium to add to the suspense. Nicely done, Sandra.
ReplyDeletegood setting, different, and a great instalment.
DeleteThe Life I Live #1
ReplyDeleteWaiting and Hoping
Music in my ears, pen under my thumb, I wait and worry. I always do. My worries are as familiar to me as the route to the mechanic. Will he pass inspection? What does this check engine light mean? Is that piece of rubber important? Do I get to keep my friend? Speedy isn’t even really mine, but what if he’s too expensive? Is today the day my parents decide he’s not worth it? I can’t save him yet.
I hate inspection day. It’s necessary but hellish. And he’s not out yet.
(Speedy is my sky blue 2000 Toyota Sienna.)
Interesting thoughts, Rosie. Good luck with Speedy.
DeleteUncomfortably familiar tale, this, Rosie - fingers crossed it'll work out.
Deletethis could be me, fussing over Mitzi (silver Mitsubishi Colt, now 26 years old and counting...) I could associate with all of this, Rosie!
DeleteA new serialization, Rosie? As entertaining as this was, I do hope you haven't abandoned the Adventures of Rosebud and look forward to its return.
DeleteHow you made a car inspection a tense and human experience. Lovely use of the prompts and very good writing.
ReplyDeleteClimax
ReplyDeleteHis thumb pressed into my flesh, his grip tight, unrelenting, leaving unnecessary bruises. It's not like I was going anywhere.
The familiar stink of his breath--black coffee and weak cigarettes--wafted about my head. His breathing was shallow, rapid, nearing climax.
I held my breath with each thrust, measuring the space between with a giddiness more akin to a child than the 19 year old girl I was. You might get the impression that I liked this.
I didn't.
Or at least I didn't want to.
Still…
His face when it was over.
When I pulled the knife from his gut.
A continuation of Dave's story - I've missed these. A satisfying fate for dear old hubby.
DeleteActually I had written this before even seeing Dave's piece. It's a weird and funny coincidence. Lol.
DeleteBlack coffee and weak cigarettes is a very good line. Good, tight and imaginative writing.
DeleteA fitting end for this waste of a man. Well done, Jerry!
DeleteDoes bad breath really warrant this? I don't know, but was highly entertained by your demonstrating it.
Delete"Breath-black coffee" is one of the most accurate descriptive passages I've seen in quite some time. Loved the spacing of those final lines. They added such a sense of drama.
DeleteSorry I've not posted for a while. I will be posting some catch up 'Dillo offerings.
ReplyDeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 72
A patrol member waved his clawed thumb at Tosca’s familiar shape ambling ahead, ‘Is that really necessary? Can’t be anyfink confidentshul cuz it stinks too much to be secret.’
‘Camouflage,’ said Nigel, ‘reckon most critters‘d give it a miss don’t you.
If you ‘appened on summat smellin’ like troll-shite first thing yu’d do ‘d be, avoid it, rite.’
The platoon viewed Tosca’s grubby camouflage with growing appreciation.
Reckon yur rite Nige…er Sir, but cud yu’ ask ‘im to walk upwind?’
Nodding, Nigel grinned, ‘Let’s get moving tho’ lads. Gotta be much nearer the edge of the valley by t’morra.
There's that stinky camouflage again - so intriguing to speculate on it. Lots of goings on in this valley. Looking forward to more.
DeleteGlad you're back. The only problem with that camouflage is if any carrion birds or others show up. Nice episode and good writing.
DeletePhew - reading these I can breathe again - upwind of Tosca, of course.
Deletegood to see you back - good episode, Terri!
DeleteIf you hadn't already tumbled to the fact, Terrie, you and your marvellous 'dillos have been sadly missed. With this episode, all is now forgiven!
DeleteThe Procrustes Procedure
ReplyDeleteIt is an all too familiar sight and circumstances have dictated that the recommended solution, while drastic, is necessary to prevent an inordinate future expense for parents and caregivers. Thumb-sucking in infants results in dental malocclusion, a costly condition to correct and one which creates a financial burden. Therefore, the offending digits will henceforth be amputated at birth.
Let's see you suck your thumbs now, you little babies...
DeleteHow do you think of these things, Patricia. So imaginative.
Resulting in booming sales for pacifiers. Patricia, your wonderous imagination is again on display in this excellent story.
DeleteOooh ... can't we just try bitter aloes? This is really very chilling.
DeleteChilling indeed!
DeleteJOB SEEKING
ReplyDeleteA familiar is a spirit begotten in the distant past to assist witches and wizards. I’m a familiar, but one who will assist anybody. I prefer materializing as an animal, though I can assume human form when such a transmogrification is necessary.
My most recent companion tried keeping me under his thumb. His efforts failed, thus he began badmouthing me to his doctors. That backfired; they locked him in a rubber room.
Not one to be sequestered, I altered to a panther and chewed him to pieces, which allowed me to escape.
But I don’t enjoy being idle.
You interested?
I added the prompt word NECESSARY,which I had omitted from my initial entry. thus I'm back in the running!
DeleteToo late. I already penalized you for omitting a word. Thank you for pointing it out, or I wouldn't have noticed. I omitted 'ballot' last week. I'm not sure if I forgot or I subconsciously omitted it because it wouldn't fit. But thanks for the opportunity to read this again. One of my favorites so far.
DeleteFor me to even consider any penalty would be wrong. This is far to hard a task with three prompts and 100 words. Familiars as freelancing mercenaries or magical Janissaries. Nice idea and very good writing.
DeleteSome lovely other words, Jim, as well as the prompts, and so smooth.
DeleteAnd this lost nothing from having undergone a rewrite. It's STILL totally absorbing.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 195 - Light At The End Of The Tunnel
ReplyDeleteAn apprehensive Alice chewed on an already ragged thumbnail, which elicited a withering look and sharp reprimand from Miss Constance. The smoke arrow that led the way dissipated into a dense pall. It was now necessary to squint in order to determine what lay ahead.
Outlines were vague and ill-defined. Shapes shifted, rearranged and shifted again. Blurred objects were difficult to identify. Much too fearful to continue, Alice turned and fled toward the safety of Cripplegate's platform...but it was so very far away.
Then, the comforting beacon of a familiar orange tail ahead.
It swished.
It swayed.
It beckoned.
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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.
----------------------------------------------------------
Is Marmalade a kitsune in disguise? Good episode, enjoyed withering look and sharp reprimand.
DeleteIt might be heresy, but I can't say I 100% trust Marmalade ... sorry.
Deleteyou should think more than twice before trusting this particular feline, Sandra! He's too devious for words.
DeleteLiked this a lot.
Kursaal (Episode One Hundred Seventy) - "How Does Your Garden Grow?"
ReplyDeleteSometimes, Mrs. Pepperdyne seemed incognizant of the fact that her twins were gone and often behaved as though both Lucy (victim of foul play) and Libby (missing along with her dog, Lulu) were still under her care. Doctors considered this a necessary delusion.
Blessed with a green thumb, Mrs. Pepperdyne whittled away the hours in her garden. Snapdragons and wild lilac created an oasis for bees and butterflies. Carrots and potatoes were planted for Hungarian Goulash the girls loved so much. And borders of smiling pansy faces were so familiar to her, she frequently referred to them by name.
---------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Mrs. Pepperdyne and her twin daughters, Lucy and Libby, along with Libby's little dog, Lulu, have all featured in previous episodes.
Oh ... poor deluded Mrs Pepperdyne
Deletelots of images here, something difficult to do in 100 words. Patricia does it with ease.
DeleteA well done episode and very enjoyable. wild lilac's are a pretty flower.
ReplyDeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 73
ReplyDeleteBrenda followed Armi’s unmoving gaze. It was unnecessary asking what had engaged the pointed stare. Pausing, she sighed decisively and reached down for the hidden daggers. She offered them, hilt first to Armi.
He declined.
She flipped and shifted them with the flawless dexterity of familiar practice before depositing them by means of a skilful thumb-toss back into her boots.
Giving a faint smile, she surprised him further with a nod and the secret sign.
Armi was stunned. Never, in all the years knowing Brenda, had he seen any clue that she was an SAS operative.
‘Brenda! Yer S.A.S.’
What joy in this! I especially enjoyed "She flipped and shifted them with the flawless dexterity of familiar practice".
DeleteI always suspected that Brenda would be something of an expert with her weapons of choice, should she choose to reveal the talent.
DeleteGood scene setting and writing. Narration is hard and you did a wonderful job.
DeleteI have to take the laptop to the PC doctor so have popped back in to post the third instalment of 'Dillos which means we are now up to date with all the threads of their intrigues and adventures.
ReplyDeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 74
The weasel flowed like a fluid marauder through the gerbil ranks: Her eyes flicking with greedy familiarity over their panting bodies. She nipped and harried; working them until bloody claws tore from thumbed-paws and they fell senseless along the edges of the pit. At last just one remained standing, but by dawn-light he was missing and only Atlas saw his cruel and bloody departure.
Atlas was gone too.
He’d wanted to attempt rescue of these sad creatures but completion of the mission was necessary and vital.
Hurrying safely through the undergrowth, he was on his way to the contact point.
"nipped" and "harried" - what lovely verb choices, which make such a difference
DeleteHope the laptop woes don't keep you away again for too long, Terrie. In the meantime, I will sympathize with Atlas at the inability to be able to effect a rescue. But duty calls....
DeleteHope your computer isn't too badly off. "Flowed like like a fluid marauder" is a good opening line. Again you have presented us with a well written story.
DeleteSpeaking of fluid, this flows so smoothly along. It is a pleasure to read your work, Terrie.
ReplyDeletegood to have you here with the instalments up to date and all. I've been without my PC over the last week or so, it drove me mad!
DeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (53)
ReplyDelete‘How do you cope with the excitement?’ asked the browsing customer. Shaun and I looked at one another and said nothing. The shop is familiar to us, the work is necessary and excitement only comes when there’s a van load of goodies. Shaun knows what’s on board, the excitement is down to me but I generate enough for both of us. And I’m old enough to know better…
The companion set sold this morning, which means we need to clean some more brass and find a way to stop leaving black inky thumbprints on the door to the kitchen/loo…
The best compliment I can give this series, Antonia, is that it never fails to bring a smile of satisfaction to my face. You always brighten my day with these delightful snippets.
DeleteBringing life to fiction is hard keeping the life in life is harder. Thank you for these glimpses into you and your life.
DeleteI love the idea of you generating excitement when Shaun and van arrive!
DeleteThe Mad Italian 112
ReplyDeleteThe leadership contest faces are different; the rhetoric familiar, the obligatory responses are necessary and the country is still under the thumb of the European parliament. In turn, they want to dismiss the MEP for Sheffield because he is - to them – outrageous. I salute him. They shouted at another MEP who dared link Brexit to slavery uprising. She is absolutely right. You are ruled by many who have no idea of your life, your country, your parliament, your future. It is time you were free. It cannot be much longer, patience and faith in the right solution, my friends.
Patience and faith are virtues indeed. Let's hope that, in the end, they will pay off handsomely.
DeleteUnderstanding the past of a people is something most elected officials abdicated from their resume. Eisenhower made the local German citizens walk through the concentration camps, so they could see what their leaders had done. An excellent episode, Antonia.
DeleteCommon Countenance
ReplyDelete"You look very familiar," they say. "Are we acquainted?"
An unnecessary question since a satisfactory response...or any response at all for that matter...will not be forthcoming.
I watch them mentally thumb through countless images. Places, people and events catalogued safely within explicit memory banks of the brain. They are hesitant.
"But we HAVE met before, haven't we?"
I smile and tell them, "I just have one of those faces!"
Deliciously intriguing, with a multitude of possibiities as ending.
Deletesecrets and cover ups aplenty here...
DeleteWhat a nice way to start a mystery. Lovely writing and I liked how you used the prompts.
Delete