#99Word Stories; Waiting

/ D. Avery @shiftnshake / 17 Comments

The November 7, 2023 story challenge from Charli Mills at Carrot Ranch is to: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about waiting. Where does this waiting take place? Does it have a past or a future outcome? Who is waiting and why? Go where the prompt leads! Submit by November 13, 2023.

Going Gently by D. Avery

“I’m ready if you are, Dear.”

He’d finally come around to her idea, helped plan and prepare for this moment.

“Everything’s set?

“If you mean our cocktails, check. If you mean did I put out the letters for the kids, check. It’s our time.”

“Thank you,” she said. “I couldn’t bear the thought of being alone. Or going alone.”

They emptied their glasses then sat together on the sofa.

“Oof. At least today I don’t have to worry about getting up from here.”

She held his hand. “I’m sleepy.”

“Mmm.”

They looked into each other’s eyes until they closed.

Check out the Flake collection at Carrot Ranch for some fantastic flash fiction and poems.

In addition to what I post here for the Carrot Ranch challenges, there’s always the Ranch Yarns with Kid and Pal’s responses HERE.

#SixSentenceStories; Balance

/ D. Avery @shiftnshake / 10 Comments

This week, the word from Denise, aka GirlieontheEdge, aka host of Six Sentence Stories, is “balance“. The rules are to write a story or what have you in exactly six sentences, or stanzas, or what have you. Six. The prompt reminded me of Rodney Snoddergust, from a previous Six Sentence Story. I feel like Rodney might have actually begun life in an earlier 51 word story.

Picking Up by D. Avery

What would Rodney remember about this moment, what image or memory from this event would he never be able to shake?

As soon as Rodney finished he looked up and saw the same look of astonishment on every face in the audience, heard the collective sigh roll like fog over the stage and knew in that instant that he’d again been cheated by that rule bending word— rhythm had broken his winning stride.

Wanting only to escape, Rodney turned from the podium, the weight of his failure making his steps even clumsier than usual, and he missed the last of the five steps that led away from the spotlighted stage, crumpled on the floor, embarrassment cancelling out any physical pain.

Then she was there, the girl from the cafeteria, his girl, and her face, so near his own, showed only concern.

“I lost my balance,” Rodney mumbled, but she reminded him that he’d never had balance and she walked and talked him through the auditorium to the lobby and out into the fresh air where she also told him that while he might consider using a mnemonic for rhythm, it didn’t matter to her that he didn’t win the spelling bee, not one little bit.

These were all just words to Rodney, words he could (with one exception) easily spell, but he knew then that he would never ever forget the feeling of being supported, of feeling for the first time like he might be finding a sense of balance.

W3 Prompt #80; Triple Tanka

/ D. Avery @shiftnshake / 32 Comments

Wea’ve Written Weekly

This week’s W3 Wea’ve Written Weekly Poet of the Week is Melissa Lemay. Melissa would have us compose a series of three autumn/winter themed tanka and has provided us with three “turn lines” or “pivots” (third lines) for each of three  tanka, and we must construct the rest:

Turn / Pivot for tanka #1: “I sit quietly”

Turn / Pivot for tanka #2: “Left behind till spring”

Turn / Pivot for tanka #3: “Wild geese preen feathers”

(Go to The Skeptic’s Kaddish to find out how this unique prompt works and to link in your own poem). 

anticipations
amidst brisk chattering leaves
I sit quietly
amongst busy rustling birds
arrivals and departures


all’s done that can be
garden covered with raked leaves 
left behind till spring
ice crystals frost frozen ground
clouds roll over the mountain


fall finally yields 
snowflakes drift steadily down
wild geese preen feathers
then clamor up and away
muffled by wintry gray sky



by D. Avery

W3 Prompt #79; Septolet

/ D. Avery @shiftnshake / 13 Comments

Wea’ve Written Weekly

The form for the W3 Wea’ve Written Weekly prompt this week is a “Septolet” that refers to something that is held, something that one might hold. The Septolet is a poem consisting of exactly seven lines containing exactly fourteen words with a break anywhere in between the two verses. Both verses deal with the same thought and create a picture. (Go to The Skeptic’s Kaddish to find out how this unique prompt works and to link in your own poem). 

How? by D. Avery

If
one 
ever held anything 
sacred

How 
could one hold another
in rifle sights?

W3 Prompt #78; Dectina Refrain

/ D. Avery @shiftnshake / 45 Comments

Wea’ve Written Weekly

Though I hardly write weekly for this great prompt with these great people, it feels good to step back in and try again. This week’s Poet of the Week for the W3 Wea’ve Written Weekly prompt is Suzanne Brace, and Suzanne’s prompt guidelines are to “Share an emotion of yours in a “Dectina Refrain” poem, which is ten syllabic lines: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10; the tenth line is comprised of the first four lines all together, as one stand alone line. (Go to The Skeptic’s Kaddish to find out more about all of this). 

Openings by D. Avery

Awe
opens
heart’s window
wide to wonder
Beauty rushes in
on pulsing wings of life
Creations great and small light
on this open heart’s window ledge
Here limned miracles begin their flight 
Awe opens heart’s window wide to wonder.

#99Word Stories; Shaggy & #SSS; Power

/ D. Avery @shiftnshake / 14 Comments

One story for two prompts, 99 words in Six Sentences.

The October 17, 2023 story challenge from Charli Mills at Carrot Ranch is to: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something shaggy. It can be carpet, a hair-do, or some sort of critter. How can something shaggy steer the story? Go where the prompt leads!

The word from Denise for this week’s Six Sentence challenge is “power“. Link HERE to join in for that challenge.

Powers of Perception by D. Avery (99 words in six sentences)

“My hair is the source of my strength.”

“Well, Sampson, you could at least run a comb through that bedraggled, shaggy excuse for hair of yours sticking out every which way.”

“My hair acts like radar when it’s like this, increases my powers of perception.”

“Boy, you’ve got an answer for everything.”

“No, that’s you Gramps, you never ask any questions, all you ever do is make judgements.”

“Here’s a question for you then; how long will she last at rehab this time?” but the boy’s only answer was to hang his head, thick hair shielding his welling eyes.

In addition to what I post here for the Carrot Ranch challenges, there’s always the Ranch Yarns with Kid and Pal’s responses HERE.

Check out the Blade of Grass collection and the Confidence collection at Carrot Ranch for some fine flash reading.

#99Word Stories; (more) Confidence

/ D. Avery @shiftnshake / 11 Comments

The October 10, 2023 story challenge from Charli Mills at Carrot Ranch is to: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about confidence. Is a character confident or struggling? Why? Is confidence cultural, compelling, or conflicting? What is the value of confidence? Go where the prompt leads! Submit by October 16, 2023.

A second take on this confidence inspiring prompt:

Lost and Found by D. Avery

“I lost my confidence.”

“I’ll help you look for it. What color is it?”

“It’s sky colored.”

“But the sky is many different colors.”

“Exactly.”

“Wait, what’s all this stuff?”

“Hmm. Courage, optimism… should be here somewhere.”

“Determination, perseverance… resolve… all good stuff, but I don’t see confidence. Retrace your steps. Where’s the last place you remember having it?”

“Oh, I don’t know… a long time ago it seemed it was just always around.”

“Like the sky?”

“Exactly.”

“Maybe it’s just clouded over. Hey, what’s that?”

“That? Next to trust and surrender? That’s faith.”

“You sure?”

“I’m confident. Hey!”

In addition to what I post here for the Carrot Ranch challenges, there’s always the Ranch Yarns with Kid and Pal’s responses HERE.

And be sure to read the “Blanket” collection at Carrot Ranch.

#99Word Stories; Confidence

/ D. Avery @shiftnshake / 14 Comments

The October 10, 2023 story challenge from Charli Mills at Carrot Ranch is to: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about confidence. Is a character confident or struggling? Why? Is confidence cultural, compelling, or conflicting? What is the value of confidence? Go where the prompt leads! Submit by October 16, 2023.

When Velma Valentine, from a recent Six Sentence Story prompt, stepped up for this 99-word “confidence” prompt, she seemed a good fit. But the story she came in with began at 320 words. After reworking and rephrasing and just plain paring, I got the story to 99 words. I hope it maintains its essence. Revising brings familiarity; I know what I mean and know the characters, so might not notice holes. I want it to show a contest of confidence. But even if the 99-word piece lacks, the exercise included revising the 320 words into an improved 377-word story.

The Backfire Heard Round the Town by D. Avery (99 words)

Velma Valentine, stopped at the four-way in her vintage Buick, was met by Daryl McGreely.

Driver door to driver door, he grinned through rolled down windows and revved his engine.

“I’ll lift my hood if you lift yours.”

Velma neither grinned nor revved.

“A lady doesn’t lift her hood.”

“Race? My Olds against your Buick, winner take all.”

“I don’t want your old-mobile.”

Daryl retorted by again revving his engine, which backfired.

“Daryl McGreely! Your old-mobile farted. Right in downtown.”

Daryl watched as Velma pulled smoothly and slowly away from the four-way.

“I probably would have won,” Velma mused.

No Contest by D. Avery (377 words)

Driving her vintage Buick downtown, Velma Valentine had just come to a smooth and complete stop at the four-way when she was met by Daryl McGreely. Driver door to driver door, he grinned through rolled down windows.

“What do you want, Dufus McGreely?”

“It’s Rufus, but he’s my brother. I’m Daryl.”

“Well, Daryl, you’re causing a traffic jam.” The only other cars visible remained angle parked along the quiet streets. “What do you want?”  

“Thought you’d want to see this car of mine I been tinkering on. You’re not the only one driving a vintage classic.” Still grinning, Daryl revved the engine of the Oldsmobile. Velma only stared until Daryl’s grin evaporated, the Buick idling quietly.

Daryl regained his composure. “Come on, Miss Velma,” he said, grinning again. “Stock or custom? I’ll show you what’s under my hood if you show me what’s under yours.” He revved his engine again. Velma neither grinned nor revved.

“A lady doesn’t show nor tell. So, if that’s all…”

“Alright. Sight unseen. Let’s race, Miss Velma. Start at the Flap House on Center Road, end at Elmer’s Egg Farm. My Olds against your Buick, winner take all.”

“No.”

“Afraid of losing?”

“Afraid of winning. I don’t want to be stuck with that rusty old old-mobile.”

Daryl retorted by again stomping on his gas pedal but this time his engine backfired.

“Daryl McGreely! Your old-mobile just farted. And right in the middle of downtown. Tsk. That’s some tinkering.” Velma sighed. Her Buick purred. “Well, if you insist on racing… I suppose I could get something for scrap.”

But Daryl no longer insisted on racing. He remembered he had to be somewhere. Or something. So Velma pulled smoothly and slowly away from the four-way, with Daryl leaning out his window, watching.

Velma didn’t have to be anywhere. She changed her course to Center Road where she came to a smooth and complete stop in front of the Flap House. Inside, people looked up from their pancakes when she popped the clutch and squealed out. She went full hammer until passing Elmer’s Egg Farm.

“I probably would have won,” she mused.

After patting the steering wheel of her vintage Buick, Velma Valentine patted her hair back into place and took a leisurely drive home.

In addition to what I post here for the Carrot Ranch challenges, there’s always the Ranch Yarns with Kid and Pal’s responses HERE.

#99Word Stories; Confidence & #SSS; Text

/ D. Avery @shiftnshake / 26 Comments

One story for two prompts, 99 words in Six Sentences.

The October 10, 2023 story challenge from Charli Mills at Carrot Ranch is to: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about confidence. Is a character confident or struggling? Why? Is confidence cultural, compelling, or conflicting? What is the value of confidence? Go where the prompt leads! Submit by October 16, 2023.

The word from Denise for this week’s Six Sentence challenge is “text“. Link HERE to join in for that challenge.

Who’s Talking? by D. Avery

“Maybe you wouldn’t text her, but I would, and will.”

“Texts are too flippant, a woman like that deserves better.”

“She’s seen me around, she’ll be delighted to get a text from me.”

“You’re certainly confident, but don’t you think, if you’re serious about getting to know her, you should, you know, actually talk to her?”

“Funny advice coming from someone who can hardly speak to women because of his lack of confidence.”

“I’m confident she’ll turn you down, but if you insist on texting her, here’s her number— she gave it to me after she asked me out.”

In addition to what I post here for the Carrot Ranch challenges, there’s always the Ranch Yarns with Kid and Pal’s responses HERE.

#SixSentenceStories; Text

/ D. Avery @shiftnshake / 26 Comments

Six Sentence Stories hostess, Denise, of GirlieontheEdge, would have us use a form of the word “text” in six sentences (or stanzas, lines, etc) exactly. I thought it’d be fun to use six text messages. If nothing else, I found out more about WordPress word processing capabilities and limitations, though admittedly, some of the limitations may be the operator’s. (ugh update; I notice the format doesn’t work on my phone as it does on my laptop; ugh)

Mixed Messaging by D. Avery

Hi I’m just texting because you like me to let you know if I’m going somewhere Remember that time I let you know Id gone up the road to pick up some broads?

LOL i remember. Good thing I knew you meant the lumberyard for boards

Yeah good thing Do you also remember saying you knew I didn’t have the balls to go out and pick up broads You laughed out loud in my face you were half right though I would never call women broads and wouldn’t try to “pick some up” no you’ve ruined me for other women LOL but guess what? I’m going up the road! When you get home I’ll be gone you’ll see my phone aka tracking device on the counter I don’t want or need it don’t worry about me I already feel less lonely now that Im committed to being alone And you’ll be fine you have your phone will probably not even notice Im gone

???

Hello? Answer me

WTF?