Last week, in a book containing glossaries of
near-forgotten words, I found her name. But I fear to tell it to you
for, as Terrie says, names hold great power and to reveal it might cause her to
lose her magic. Suffice it to say, it’s one I doubt you’ll ever guess.
And, not for that snippet of wisdom, but because, by
the narrowest of margins, Terrie’s ‘Gathering Magic’ charm-sharded its
way to top place, leaving several panting in the rear, I declare her this week's winner.
Thank you all for another hard-to-choose-from week of
entries (and I trust Patricia will be unable to resist a continuation with the
following).
Words
for next week: membrane perch witness
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 7th May ,
words and winners posted Friday 8th
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.
Terrie, another very well done story for a good series and well deserving of selection.
ReplyDeletegreat news, Terrie, you work so hard at your serials it's good to see it acknowledged. and thanks for the entertainment!
ReplyDeleteI was genuinely surprised to be chosen top place from last weeks stories as they were all excellent offerings. Several of which are so cleverly and expertly penned that I am looking forward, with anticipation, to their next instalments.
ReplyDeleteKeep the fantastic writing coming everyone.
I am constantly working on the 'dillos tale and have completed chapter 6. I know where its going but do you know i am enjoying it so much I don't want it to end... not yet anyway. Gathering magic needs a little more planning but has the potential for a second novel so in these strange and dangerous times I am keeping quite busy writing.
Excellent news Terrie ... and re the not wanting it to end, leave yourself a little hook in the final chapter. That's what I've done with my Love triangles with murder series. And you'll know when it's time to end it, too.
DeleteYour entry was an excellent choice for last week's top spot, Terrie.
DeleteNicely done, Terrie. Very nicely done indeed. Your excellent submissions every week serve to inspire me to do better on a personal level and improve my creativity.
DeleteWay to go, Terrie. I'm really happy for you on being inspired to work on your novels. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteSandra, your willingness to provide us a name is exciting. So you don't think we can guess it? One small hint might provoke thought.
ReplyDeleteOkay, John, you've persuaded me: it's four letters long.
DeleteA pretty good hint, Sandra. Myra?
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 104
ReplyDeleteNigel, mesmerized, witnessed Cinereus move quicker than his crippled body belied.
Perched on the contraption, using his wooden leg for balance, the itinerant mystic reached into his pouch and, in a blur of movement, stabbed something small and sharp into the soft membrane of the gerbil’s eye.
The gerbil shuddered and was still.
‘I didn’t mean kill the little squealer.’
Cinereus fixed his customary scowl at Nigel. ‘Not dead: Deep sleep.
Was hoping I wouldn’t have to use it. Now I need to keep an even closer eye on him.’
He tossed the spent nadders fang into the mud.
Cinereus is pretty cagey, and quick too. I'm thinking nadders fangs are hard to come by, but it seemed a good time to use it. Very entertaining, Terrie.
DeleteWell that was a surprise. Wonder if they've an eye patch when he wakes up? Good continuation and enjoyable use of the prompts.
Delete'spent nadders fangs' - what joy!, as is the 'blur of movement'.
DeleteI like that line, too... very evocative and fits so well in the scenario created here.
DeletePoor little "squealer." I hope he'll be okay. Like Jeffrey, I wonder if he'll need an eye patch when he eventually comes round.
DeleteThe curious cases of Dr. A. Marie Abernathy, Part 4
ReplyDeleteDetective Thorne peered at Dr. Abernathy, his Dollar Store readers perched on his nose. She raised her eyebrows, suppressing a smile.
“All pleasantries aside, Alyson, the Chief wants to know how the pendants are making their way into the hearts of the victims.”
“You think I don’t want to know?” She frowned. “No witnesses, no openings in the skin or pierced membranes that would allow entry from within.”
“I need results, Doc.”
“Perhaps the writer will think of something soon.”
“I doubt it. He’s not really very good at serials.”
The two sipped their coffee and waited for inspiration.
I agree, very clever writing John. I'm sure 'the writer' will come up with a brilliant explanation for the placement of the pendants, given time and with Thorne and Abernathy's help of course.
DeleteI have no doubt that plenty of coffee and time to think will produce the inspiration being sought, John. After all, there are three dedicated people at work here.
DeleteI envy (not for the first time) your ability to present apparently insoluble problems, John. And then solve them.
Deletethat's funny - now I really do need to know how the pendants got there!
DeleteThis so has your trademark written all over it, John. What delightful entertainment you do deliver week after week.
DeleteThis deserves consideration for this week. How you beautifully brought yourself into the story.
ReplyDeleteMembrane, perch, witness
ReplyDeleteAm I Wrong
Why no chorus of recognition?
Voices all hoarse from those previously given.
I’m enraptured by Beverly Hill’s beautiful perch,
Hides the hovels of Olympic Boulevard.
Don’t I work like those do?
Sweat as much if not more than those do.
Cry, laugh, and die like those do.
Why never thought of as equal?
Darkened glasses membrane protects their soul’s gate.
They see only fellow club members awards.
Fearing to give witness to their lesser.
I dream of hillside life, to become what they are.
Life’s insidious trap,
Worrying about not vs. do.
Ego’s soothed, ego’s bruised.
Perhaps I already have.
Talk about inserting ones self into the story...
DeleteI too have noticed the recognition issue. I don't really know what to say about that. Perhaps a little less sweat and a little more simplification. My mind, for one, works better under simpler conditions.
Hopefully you won't be offended by this suggestion: Maybe try one or two stand-alone stories each week and concentrate on a simple plot with realistic dialog. I sometimes get confused with all the serials (not just yours) going on here and forget which is which (remember my simple mind). Or, include one serial (pick your favorite) and one stand alone. Of course, this is just a suggestion. You're the writer. I will continue to read and enjoy your stories and provide whatever feedback I can. Happy writing.
John, Thank you so much for your comments. In simple term, I'm the worst writer here. That doesn't make me a bad writer just not as good as the rest of you. I've never been selected as a weekly winner because I'm not able to write a story or poem that's good enough. I'm the 'B" student in a class of 'A+' students.
DeleteI'll never be offended over constructive suggestions. I never thought about that, more stand alones vs. series, thanks. Horror does very well here and I don't do horror very well. I've tried to concentrate on what I'm told are my strength's, dialogue and history. You have permission to include any comment where I might have made a mistake. Thank you for your weekly support and your excellent stories from which I learn. You and others have helped me work on my narration.
Pshaw, Jeffrey! Your writing skill align nicely with us Prediction writers. I always look forward to your entries and am especially impressed with your poetry. Keep writing!
DeleteI can only echo John's sentiments here, Jeffrey. He really is offering most excellent advice. And hang in there. You have as much right to be here as anybody else.
DeleteMembrane, perch, witness
ReplyDeleteThe Council of Canossa 11
PARIS FRANCE APRIL 28, 1351
Pierre Gaston visited, Andoun Aubert, Bishop of Paris, as the Bishop of Lyon asked him to.
“Your Excellency, I’ve a sealed message for his Majesty, King John.”
“I’ll see that it is given unto King John myself. Tell me of Avignon?”
“Twas said his Holiness had the plague. He celebrated Mass on Easter Sunday. As God is my witness, I saw and heard him on his balcony perch. His hair was a silk membrane, white as lamb’s wool. His voice was strong and deep.”
“Anything else?”
“Petrarch and Boccaccio had seen his holiness and that Charles of Bohemia was coming.”
You are an historical whiz. Jeffrey. I like how the story ties into today's events. It was certainly eerie seeing the Pope (on TV) doing the Mass thing from the balcony to an empty throng.
DeleteYour handle on the comings and goings of history really are quite extraordinary. I do believe I could appreciate this better if I had more of an understanding about the time period.
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 105
ReplyDeleteThe eerie wailing trailed off.
Armi adjusted his tool belt and started warily through the lupin patch. The smaller dillo followed carefully, moving into his paw prints.
Avoiding the dark gossamer membrane covering a tarantula trap they crawled toward the direction the sound had come from. They both relaxed as they saw a muscular dillo, tail dangling, perched on a sizeable look-out boulder.
Armi grinned, yanked the dillo off the rock and knocked him senseless with a whack: Any ‘dillo unable to notice a stealth-attack that close, deserved as much.
They witnessed the scruffy koala-prophet throw something into the dirt.
Dark gossamer membrane is a good line and nice use of the prompt. A koala prophet was funny as many times koala are 'drunk' from all the eucalyptus leaves they eat.
DeleteIt's good to see Armi's sense of humor is still intact, though I'm sure the whacked dillo will disagree. Great descriptions of the scene.
Deleteah, poor little slagged off koalas... must be the world's favourite animal right now- outside of pandas, that is! question is, what did the scruffy koaala prophet throw into the dirt and will we ever find out?
DeleteDelightful scene...as are they all, to be honest. How you manage to come up with more than one continuation week after week is a testament to your amazing creativity.
DeleteBizarre misgivings [Threshold 299]
ReplyDeleteShe perched – there was no other word for it – on a chair exactly-pitched twixt bath and bed. I was put in mind of les tricoteuses, sat beneath the guillotine –– waiting for the heads to drop.
Or was she Woman of The Bedchamber? Come to witness the splitting of a maidenhood-denoting membrane? She’d wait in vain for mine!
Had this gaudy parrot-garbed woman come to oversee my cleansing? My Splendrous re-dressing, in something silk? Prior to eventual conjugation?
I had no idea.
I turned, Stared again at Raven’s face.
And failed completely to read his true intent.
Behind his shuttered eyes.
Good build-up, Sandra. Loved twixt. People don't say twixt enough anymore.
Deletereally like the concept of 'shuttered eyes' - says so much about some eyes which are definitely not mirrors of the soul. Very nice touch.
DeleteThat Raven is an enigma wrapped up in intrigue. If our protagonist fails to read his true intent, then what chance do the rest of us have? Just have to wait and see....
DeleteSandra, excellent use of narration and a nicely place historical reference. The mystery for me is are Raven's eyes closed or covered(ie is he blind)
ReplyDeleteThe Miner Forty-Niner
ReplyDeleteMy Darling Clementine,
This video message bears witness to my dreadful sorrow.
Out on asteroid belt 49 we are perched on the edge of oblivion. The Interstellar Mining Corporation went into liquidation, leaving us stranded. We ran out of PPE. The synthetic membranes which protect us from the ravages of gamma rays are shedding like snake skin. Soon we will be plagued by aggressive melanomas.
The minerals we have harvested are too precious to abandon. They will be retrieved eventually. But sadly we are dead men walking.
Watch the stars. Think of me.
All my love
Rocket Man
This is beautifully intense, David. This plague makes COVID-19 look like a pimple. All in the pursuit of minerals.
DeleteDave, this is an excellent story. The prompts are well used and the emotional narration is well done.
DeleteRampant despair so well conveyed in this piece, Jeffrey. Elton John would be proud.
DeleteForgive my mistake with names, Dave. My comment was meant for you.
DeleteThe pacing of the staccato sentences really hammer this epic tale home.
DeleteDavid - I'm currently re-reading Ray Bradbury's short stories - I'll get to R is for Rocket any time soon - where there are stories like this, set on wild and wonderful planets and the sadness of those who explore and can't get home. You've caught the mood of this scenario beautifully with those punchy sentences.
DeleteThis was quite tragic, but beautifully so. I simply adore all the references and the way they were intrinsically woven into the story.
DeleteGathering magic – 12
ReplyDeleteBatt looked at his fingers and counted. It was five times the tally of one hand since he’d witnessed the downfall of the wizard and sensed the girl was instinctively being drawn westward, toward the White Mountains.
He shivered, and stretched. Sunlight shone like dust through the downy membranous skin of his wings and warmed his back.
She stood up and yawned. Batt could see that overnight her body had again altered and she’d grown several hand spans: She would be unpredictable and hungry. Luckily, he’d managed to tickle several small perch from the nearby stream.
She ate them raw.
This girl is so intriguing. You tell it so well from Batt's POV.
DeleteTickling fish to catch them, good line and hopefully she won't blast the hand that feeds her. Very good continuation.
DeleteYou gather magic and turn it into words for our delectation - lovely!
Deletenice continuation of this serial, Terrie, and I did like downy membranous - nice one.
DeleteThis is a truly magical serialization. The words create such vivid pictures, that the experience really can be easily imagined within the mind's eye.
DeleteMembrane, perch, witness
ReplyDeleteThe Janus Door X
"Silver Moon, was that all you witnessed from your tree perch?”
"They speak gibberish, though it has a civilized sound. They make weapons so they can make tools. They came from that white cave with black membranes in it yet where did that come from? They carry a decorated pole."
"What’s on that pole?"
"Why, a baby eagle! These Stev-ka are of the Eagle tribe? How can they fly?"
"Watch them only. Defend yourselves if needed, otherwise retreat. I'll return when the Eyes of the Father, next sleep."
Swift Killer went, as fast as his four legs could carry him.
Nice choice of names, Jeffrey. You have something of a talent for that.
DeleteGibberish, with a civilized sound. I like that. It's hard to tell a complete story with dialog only, well maybe a little prose at the end, but the dialog worked.
DeleteI really like this serialisation Jeffrey, you balance the human and non human scenes really well and as always your dialogue shows the reader all the action they need to imagine the moment. Good interpretation of the prompt words too. I could easily see Silver Moon watching the goings on from the tree perch.
ReplyDeleteGlory Day -- Part One
ReplyDeleteI am keeping a journal. A countdown to glory, if you will. This obsession must be resolved, one way or another. If not, then as God is my witness, insanity will reign.
Day One: I follow you to New Orleans. You don't believe I'll find you. You are wrong. Where you are, there I will be.
Day Two: I take a room on Bienville, heart of the French Quarter. I sense your recent presence at St. Louis Cathedral. Were you afraid to enter? You must know I can banish those membranous demons that perch, claws sharpened, upon your shoulders.
...cont'd...
Patricia, a trio of entries in the style of a diary, yet about someone she knows and cares about. Well done.
DeleteWhat a relief that '...cont'd... Hastening on ...
DeleteGlory Day -- Part Two
ReplyDeleteDay Three: I saw you, sensibilities barely held together by the most fragile of membranes, as you hurried along Decatur toward the Brewhouse. I witnessed your pallor and fatigue. I fear time is fast running out...for both of us.
Day Four: We met by chance at the Court of Two Sisters, where Mourning Doves perch along the fountain parapet, cooing incessantly as they wait for tidbits. Confused and disoriented, I almost went elsewhere but fate prevailed. I gave you the note. It reveals where I am staying. Will you come to me?
...cont'd...
Nice continuation, it softly flows, like the sound of Mourning Doves. I enjoyed the descriptions of the one she seeks. Her offers of helping...nursing them.
DeletePage-turningly urgent - I'm loving this!
DeleteGlory Day -- Part Three
ReplyDeleteDay Five: I awoke to fear it had been simply my imagination, but the curtain lay unmoving against the window, which I had left open and through which I hoped you would enter. Did you perch upon the sill and then close it as a sign? I doubt it, since you left other indications of far more significance. In my reflection, I witness the small punctures made by your delectably sharp teeth. We are inexorably united now...just as we were by the delicate membranes that joined us together in the womb.
Castille Severn
New Orleans
November 20, 1847...Glory Day
Well now Patricia, what an achievement! three 100 word offerings all using the prompt words, and flowing so continuously I had to go back and re-read for them. I was so engrossed in the story those three words melded seamlessly into the narrative as a whole.
DeleteThe epilogue was excellent, not that the previous two were bad. To discover that they're siblings was a surprise yet very well crafted. This writing should be considered in the running for this week.
DeletePatricia, (as well as admiring your seamless incorporation of the prompts, this is a tale I ache to immerse myself in.
Deleteoh yes, characterisation coming through seemingly cold entries in a journal. Magic.
DeletePatricia, that was a great series. Bravo. I would go so far as to say, masterful.
DeletePrediction: no compulsion
ReplyDeleteA writing site. Participation by the willingly like-minded whose words, by some cerebral osmosis, pass through the membrane of their mind onto the page. And thereafter, by some other, equally baffling magic, make it available on screen, for others to bear witness.
Do we then sit upon our lonely perch, hoping to be named as weekly winner by some un-met host whose selections are, by admission, reluctant and random?
I doubt it.
We firstly aim to stretch our brain; hope to entertain. To be acknowledged, while enjoying (or otherwise) the others.
Having stretched, we hope to further hone our writing.
[‘Membrane’ is the title/theme of the latest Granta magazine, which offers writing of a standard at times I find terrifying. Also this past week I’ve yet again questioned the value of having one’s writing critiqued by those who simply do not, for reasons of style or content or genre, ‘get’ it. And had confirmed, it’s better not.]
Excellent writing, Sandra. As Terrie mentioned great use of the prompts. I too checked out Granta and will see about scraping up the subscription fee. I've always felt that we here at Prediction, each story is deserving of a comment. To pack what we do into 100 words, across multiple week with the series that are here is deserving of a comment, for me to do less would be wrong on both a personal and professional level. Doing that is hard work and all should be thanked for it. The comments are how I thank those for their writing, which I hope is helping me improve as a writer.
DeletePrediction is also a contest site. Each week the first thing we see is who(m) has been selected as winner(s) or worthy of mention. I've never had any qualm with those selected, I couldn't come close to doing the job you do. You've consistently selected truly great stories for that honor. I applaud you for it.
Feel I ought to qualify re Granta: I said "at times". There are times when it's ... less than exciting. (When, truth to tell) I'm tempted to mutter "pretentious rubbish!) but don't in case it proves I really AM thick.
DeleteRight on, Sandra!
DeleteJeffrey, I think you have missed the point I was aiming to make. Prediction is emphatically NOT a "contest site". And my view re comments is that they should be a sincere indication of the reader's appreciation, not a tick-box requirement.
DeleteI found this to be a magnificent spot-on description of The Prediction, Sandra. It really is all about the challenge and striving to at least equal...in some small fashion...the excellence of those around us, if only for one brief moment of inspiration.
DeleteBrilliant use of the prompt words and very thought provoking too. I totally get what you are saying Sandra, I never feel qualified to comment on other writers work and I expect you've noticed I often don't. Like all of us, I am always looking to stretch my mind and get something memorable on to the page or screen in front of me. I have a feeling I am a bit of a 'lone percher' as I don't share my work much. I constantly write and rewrite and compare to others and am definitely not a limelight seeker. I write for me. I write what I like and what I am confident about. It makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteI am always up for up-skilling my knowledge - just googled Granta Magazine and am thinking of subscribing even if it is at times 'terrifying'
Thanks, Terrie - two things: I've only just started reading Granta (a birthday subscription from #1 son) and find it a bit of a mixed bag.
DeleteSecondly, your happiness and confidence in your writing shines out. I hope you don't 'compare' yourself too much to others, because I think your voice unique.
Prediction is a showcase for our work, because we can never know at any one time how many people are reading it. Total page views to date, 226,790. That's what matters, the fact this site is considered worthy of so many visits by others!
DeleteDECISION MADE
ReplyDeleteKept invisible by the moonless night’s protective membrane, I watched as you paused on the lawn. You raised the gun; stared at it. An odd smile found a perch on your lips.
You strode decisively toward your car.
What, I wondered, had arisen from your mind’s depraved depths?
Then I knew.
You were returning to The Goldfinch to shoot the whore... or another.
Not my preferred method of delivering death, but to each his own.
I hurried to the car, anxious to witness your ‘coming out’… so to speak.
You pressed the gun to your temple.
“NO!” I soundlessly screamed.
Oh what an explosive (pardon the pun) ending. I really liked your use of perch very original.
DeleteJim, what an excellent story, it flows beautifully and nice that you have one of last weeks words in there.
DeleteJust so there is no confusion, the above entry is the final installment of THE SHADOW SERIES... or is it?
DeleteConfused? Not really ... I'm just holding my breath.
DeleteMe too, the final sentence really leaves the reader wanting more.
Deletethere simply has to be more, please...
DeleteI do hope this isn't the end. You have me totally hooked on what comes next so you simply cannot call it quits there.
DeleteWhether this is the last Shadow episode or not, it is superb. If more is to come, bonus.
DeleteArtist at work
ReplyDeletePerched high atop the withered oak, a small white bird bore sole witness as she flexed her blade-sharp talons and sliced him neck to groin.
Pale entrails, stained red, spilled over the grass in a grotesque display of artistry.
The spidery webbed membranes of his lungs, splayed out, hung in a death-caul above his head for all to see; while his heart, stuffed with casual precision, sat in his mouth.
Most evocative and chilling though, his brain, picked, stirred and scrambled by her long index talon, trailed from his nostril like an afterthought.
Yikes ... what vision. Enviably vivid creation of horror.
DeleteSandra's right... what a vision! This scene may have found a permanent niche in my mind.
Deletefew words bringing to life a huge vision - indeed one that will linger! (unfortunately...)
DeleteThis is imagination soaring at its most lofty ascent. And you make it look so easy.
DeleteGreat horror writing, Terrie. That poor little white bird... had to watch all that.
DeleteThis is gruesome, well written but still gruesome. An artist does need to get into her work and needs to know her medium. Spidery webbed membranes of his lungs stayed with me.
ReplyDeleteCedric the Entertainment
ReplyDeleteHe started small. Worms nailed to the side of the garage - mutilated lake-perch from his grandpa’s pond - exposing the gory membranes of neighborhood cats.
He learned early on the importance of properly disposing of the bodies. He even allowed witnesses, to sharpen his skills at avoiding detection. It was important to appear innocent, even when caught red-handed.
He didn’t purchase the crematorium until after he started experimenting with humans. A little extra smoke coming from the stack aroused little suspicion. He looked with regret at his long-time employee, Cedric. A little too knowing, that boy.
“Cedric, can you help me?”
This tale is drenched in evil! Very nice, John!
DeleteExactly what Jim says ... Admirably wrought.
DeleteThe macabre is something you do excedingly well.
DeleteGreat title. Great story. With the exception of the crematorium reference, this so reminded me of Jeffrey Dahmer. How do you come up with such gems?
DeleteThe Joy of Mediumship Part 3
ReplyDeleteI have wished many times there were witnesses to the spirit visits, for I cannot always trust that people accept fully who has come through the cobweb-like membrane dividing the two worlds. My newest visitor is a man of great learning who painted huge canvases depicting hell and heaven, crowded with an infinite variety of people often perched on strange branches or awkward stones. Hieronymus is powerful, determined, cultured, his words resonate on many levels despite long almost incomprehensible paragraphs which are meant to be absorbed more than understood. Can we do such a thing?
Of all the weekly offerings, Antonia, yours always challenge me to think with my moral and intellectual pointer, not my gimme, gimme, gimme my fiction fix one.
DeleteYou incorporate the prompt words, create a thought provoking piece of writing, and encourage me go away and Google things. Thank you.
I've been writing a lot of "dark" stuff of late, so... I thought a change of pace would be refreshing for me. Thus, SOMETHING SILLY.
DeleteIf the paintings I looked at were his,very surreal and powerful. I'm looking forward to what you two can accomplish.
DeleteOne can learn to tolerate, if not comprehend.
DeleteI echo Sandra's observations here and would add, on a personal level, absolute appreciation for the man's talents at least.
DeleteThe paintings of Hieronymus are strange and wonderful, a combination that seems would make for an interesting visit. Looking forward to more of this series. Very intriguing.
DeleteSOMETHING SILLY
ReplyDeleteOne day I strolled a shore at night,
The sun below was dark but bright.
Clouds were perched on a cloudless sky,
Above them wingless birds flew by.
Membranous ghosts growled at me,
From an empty field filled with trees.
An eyeless man stared solemnly,
A witness to horror he couldn’t see.
He roamed about while standing still,
And shouted words both soft and shrill.
I slowly raced from this freakish shore,
To a familiar place never seen before.
Inside was a mirror both round and square,
But when I looked in it, no one was there.
Brilliant , brilliant , brilliant.
DeleteI read your poem several times, each was enjoyable but I read it differently. The first two with a whimsical air and then I saw that maybe that wasn't fair. I read it with a foreboding of a wall of thunder heads rolling in. A well done poem, Jim, with nicely placed prompts.
DeleteThis put de Chirico's name in my mind, but having checked him out I might've been thinking of someone else ...
Deletenow that's fun and horrific at the eame time!
DeleteWhat a most excellent submission. You have raised the bar on posting of the poetic word here in this forum. What a lesson on "how to do it."
DeleteSilly, a bit, but oh so horrifying at the same time. You paint kind of a macabre Dr. Seuss setting.
DeleteChange of focus [375]
ReplyDeletePettinger’s glance was fast and sharp enough to witness the re-assumption of a self-protective membrane behind which Philly Stepcart sought to conceal her history; a revelation which, apparently, surprised her far more than it had him.
Given the variety of less-than-savoury branches his ancestors had perched upon – murder, matricide, incest and insanity – as well as his own ‘sin’ (if you like) of foisting a bastard on the murdering hoor Valdeta turned out to be, he’d not judge.
To give her time to further recover, he said, ‘One question: why did Dodger have daisies painted on his Docs?’
‘They weren’t his?’
The daisy has several meanings and I enjoyed the introspective Pettinger had about his ancestral tree. As usual some very good writing.
Deletenow there's a question to conclude an instalment... will it be answered? probably not, knowing Pettinger's strange life.
DeleteI love the way Pettinger's mind works. You have left us with quite the puzzler here this week, Sandra.
DeleteLoved self protective membrane. And the thought this self-protection surprised her is intriguing.
DeleteI love the hook at the end Sandra. Clever.
ReplyDeleteNow I want to know whose boots were they, why was he wearing them and why does Philly Stepcart know about it. Smooth insertion of the prompt words made them blend easily into the story.
Kursaal (Episode Two Hundred Two) - "In Two Minds"
ReplyDeleteThough joined via cerebral cortex membranes, the Deviant Twins were individuals. Ruby ruled logic and Rita creativity. Regardless, the Twins invariably saw eye-to-eye...literally.
Consummate illusionists, their pièce de résistance was the Vanishing Cabinet. Location of the disappeared remained an enigma (few returned) but most believed The Mysterium, where the Obfuscation Orb was found, to be involved.
When the Twins witnessed missing persons seemingly contained within this mystifying sphere, they put heads together (an easy task) like perching birds of a feather, and contemplated a reasonable explanation. Ruby immediately fathomed rhyme and reason while Rita instantly developed a cunning remedial plan.
--------------------------------------------------------
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: The Deviant Twins have featured in previous episodes.
Your ability to create imaginative and fun to read stories, for two hundred chapters is awe inspiring and personally inspiring to me as a writer. So, that you(and others) for teaching me what a writer can do.
DeleteWhenever these two appear, I find myself wishing to disappear ... they invariably make me uncomfortable.
DeleteI know what Sandra means, they're creepy and yet attractive in their own way but at times they demand even more attention than the other strange characters they mix with...
DeleteYou are on fire this week, Patricia. What a horror it would be to be conjoined. Can you imagine how tired you'd get of it? No wonder devious things follow these two.
DeleteMembrane, perch, witness
ReplyDeleteA Warning
Dear friends,
Angry caricature visages stare back at me, through time’s semi-porous membranous veil. The reprobus are seeping through. They maybe perched on your shoulder now, like in the old cartoons, just no angels. They’re searching for the right host. I’ve witnessed it! They seek to trade their insanity for your sanity, to become you.
How do you know when they’ve tried? Goosebumps, it means they failed. You need the purest silver, to cover your heart, or a Decian sacrifice you’ll become. In your travels, such will protect you from their corruption, so you can warn others.
Yours verily,
Christopher
Nice little missive from the Saint himself. I think this might be my favourite from you this week, Jeffrey.
DeleteThere is a nice hint of poetry in this, Jeffrey. It flows so smoothly through the mind.
DeleteDabbling in a horror are you? Well done. Welcome to the dark side...
DeleteStop The Week: I Want To Get Off (96)
ReplyDeleteThere was a load of fleeting mostly insubstantial thoughts perched on the flaking corners of my mind, witness to bad nights and headaches. The problem is; the closer lockdown breaks, the more need there is to be ready to take advantage of those confined indoors getting out to shop again, even if it means a membrane of some kind as a mask. So I said ‘help!’ to those around me and as if by magic, an idea for a shop floor revamp presented itself… all I need to do is sell it (and the work involved!) to Shaun on Friday…
Look forward to seeing how the proposition was received, Antonia. Looks like you are more than ready to get back into that retail fray once more.
DeleteGood luck with persuading Shaun!
Delete"I was thinking, Shaun, your idea last year of revamping the shop might be just what we need..." Na, he'd never fall for that.
DeleteAs Patricia mentioned, waiting to see what it was and how it turns out. Your positivity and happiness shine in this one, Antonia. Thanks for sharing all of them with us.
DeleteThe Mad Italian (155)
ReplyDeleteIt seems all is well in the chamber with few attending in person, the rest behind the membrane of technology, witnessing the discussions which reveal little, especially the one perched in everyone’s mind – when will we regain our freedom? It cannot be much longer, the economy, mental health, physical health, damage to relationships, all need to be taken into consideration. Whether it will be or whether avarice will come before all reasoned thinking is something we can only speculate right now. One thing becomes clear, the police will be reluctant to trade in their newly acquired rights – and they should.
These times are trying and taking a toll on everyone, I think. I often wonder if things will ever be quite the same when this storm has passed. Could Leonardo offer any nuggets of wisdom on that score?
DeleteBehind the membrane of technology... loved that. It's so true.
DeleteOur Congress and your Parliament might have one thing in common. The more they are way from their place of employment, the less they'll be able to cause any harm. Economies always bounce back, not so much for people.
DeleteQuis custodiet ipsos custodes? We do.
Cripplegate Junction/Part 230 - Fine Dining
ReplyDeleteAs Marmalade passed the Dining Car on his way to the Caboose, his delicate olfactory membranes quivered at the enticing aromas: pan-fried Yellow Perch with Lemon Aioli, Bacon-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin and Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb. The cat's appreciation for haute cuisine dictated he had no alternative but to investigate further.
He was spoiled for choice. Which dish to sample first? Nobody noticed his stealthy advances. Nobody witnessed his slinky stalkings. Nobody threatened to banish him from the galley while brandishing a heavy iron skillet or porcelain rolling pin.
Matter of fact, there was nobody in the Dining Car at all.
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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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How fortunate for Marmalade, and what a savory meal so deliciously described, Patricia!
DeleteThis should've come with a health warning, Patricia! - I've not eaten for ten hours, and it'll be another hour and a half before I do ...
DeleteA most delicious installment, Patricia. Lucky Marmalade. But then, in Cripplegate, who knows what might really be going on in the dining car.
DeleteYou would have a story as delicious as the food in it. My doctor has given me a somewhat strict diet to follow. As for Marmalade, is he related to the Cheshire cat?
Deleteimages of Marmalade tentatively tip-pawing his way in to suss out the dangers, to find only food, no guardians, will persist as I see my two exploring for goodies.
ReplyDelete