Home Again.

I am back from vacation. It was so nice. We were originally only going to be gone a long weekend, but decided to extend it at the last minute (as in, on day 4 of the vacation).

We chose to stay in state (Michigan) for our get away. The first, planned part of the vacation we camped half-way up the mitten for one night, then drove the rest of the way across the bridge to stay in St. Ignace. We spent a day exploring the UP, then a day at Mackinac Island. Tuesday we were going to come home, but shot across to Traverse City instead and stayed two nights at the Great Wolf Lodge.

The trip was a lot of fun, and Joshua had a blast. He took everything in and has a growing love for boats. Sebastian had a lot of fun at the water park (GFL) where he could sit and play with a small fountain in the wading pool.

I enjoyed every minute of being away. It's nice to be home again, though. Our bed is much more comfortable than the hotels.

This weekend will be catching up time for me, getting back into the swing of the electronic world. Starting Monday, my blogging should be back to normal. :)

Snapshot Prompt

I'm still on vacation! We were able to extend it for a few days more, but I wouldn't miss getting you your prompt. :) Nicole has set it up for us, so read on.

-----------------------------

I swear one of these days I will get to this on time enough to continue/finish my own blog story!

Anyways! We are back again with our photo weekly writing prompt! You have done amazing work, and I'm so sorry how absent I've been on commenting. Here are the awesome stories from last week:

Pac Man Fever by Scott Taylor

 This is it???? No way!!! Well, a special thank you to Scott showing up and submitting this week when the rest of us didn't! Remember, every submission to the prompt is a chance to win a month of advertising! Read the details here. And if you want to submit a photo, read how by clicking this link! Make sure to grab a button if you are a fan!

Click and copy this code

<p align="center"> <a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">href</span>="http://<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">theworldofmyimagination</span>.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">blogspot</span>.com/search/label/Writers%20Wednesday%20Blog%20Hop" target="_blank"><<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">img</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">src</span>="http://i1250.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">photobucket</span>.com/albums/hh540/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">sommerfugldesign</span>/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Worldofmyimagination</span>/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">wednesdayhopbutton</span>.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">jpg</span>" width="200" height="200" /></a> </p>

Now for the rules:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

And now for the grand reveal! The photo!  

 And the five words:

Zoo

Necklace

Tonic

Shelf

Turtle

And when you are done, post it below!

Collaboration Challenge, part 8

Hey, everyone. I meant to post earlier and got lost in the confusion of getting ready. I am on vacation with the family until Tuesday, so you may not hear a peep out of me until then.
In the meantime, check out part eight of the collaboration challenge with Leonard Suskin. I'm sure he'll have all the past links up for you, too.
See you next week. :-)
(I hope that all came out OK. First time using the blogger app on my phone ...)

Edited so the link to Leonard works.

Snapshot Prompt

Welcome to this week's Snapshot Prompt. Apparently the linky was broken on my site and I didn't realize until today. :( Thankfully, it worked over at The World of My Imagination, so I'm happy to share last week's talent with you and get a chance to see it myself.

Sour Morning @ Writings and Ruminations
Like Mother, Like Daughter @ Reading, Writing and Everything In Between
The Pillar @ Scotty Watty Doodle All the Day
The Fallen @ Storytime Corner
A Son's Honor @ Pen 1; Sword 0
Field Trip @ Chasing Revery


All the lovely writers above (minus me) now have an entry in our monthly contest. The details can be found on this post. We have something similar for photographers / artists on this post over here. If you are a fan of the weekly writing prompt and the writers who participate, grab a button!

Click and copy this code

<p align="center"> <a <span class="<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span></span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">href</span></span></span>="http://<span class="<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span></span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">theworldofmyimagination</span></span></span>.<span class="<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span></span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">blogspot</span></span></span>.com/search/label/Writers%20Wednesday%20Blog%20Hop" target="_blank"><<span class="<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span></span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">img</span></span></span> <span class="<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span></span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">src</span></span></span>="http://i1250.<span class="<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span></span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">photobucket</span></span></span>.com/albums/hh540/<span class="<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span></span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">sommerfugldesign</span></span></span>/<span class="<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span></span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Worldofmyimagination</span></span></span>/<span class="<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span></span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">wednesdayhopbutton</span></span></span>.<span class="<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span></span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">jpg</span></span></span>" width="200" height="200" /></a> </p>

Last but not least, a reminder of the rules:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

And here is the photo!

With these five words:

Tea Bag

Planet

Waiter

Mime

Lawyer

Let's try this Linky again. Make sure to link your story once you have it done.

Toddler Tales: Happy Now

We've had a couple of crazy days where sleep has taken a third row back seat in preference for different sports, camp, etc. It's taken a toll on Joshua, though he's trying so hard to still be happy.

One day for nap, he was alternating between tears and giggles, fighting hugs to begging for them. I told him he had to stay in bed until he slept, and he could only wake up when he was rested and happy again.

Two hours later I heard his door open and his footsteps at the top of the stairs.

"I'm happy now, Mommy."

And he was. :-)

Field Trip - Snapshot Reveal

I have to be quick today. We have a birthday party to get to. :)

The prompt piece is here. Be sure to submit your story to be entered into our monthly contest!

Happy Writing!

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Field Trip

"Just think," Shelby whispered, "about all the effort and skill that went into the creation of this place."

"You mean, all the work their slaves did," Laura countered.

Shelby's lips shifted into a couple different frowns. Yes, the place was beautiful, but the fact that it was built by slaves began a war in her mind. Did she still love it then?

"They were still very skilled," she decided. Laura rolled her eyes and put her hand up to a carving on one of the stone columns.

"Yep. They were very skilled at drawing cats doing laundry."

"What?" Shelby's eyes narrowed at Laura.

"Can't you just appreciate it for what it is?"

Laura's eyes were caught by Donna who had begun to mime Shelby's outrage. Laura curled her lips to keep from laughing, waving Donna away.

"Sure, Shelby, but look. You can't tell me it doesn't look like a cat bending over while holding a shirt or something."

Shelby closed her eyes and took a deep breath, shaking her head.

"Robert, stop leaning over the balcony!" Their teacher's voice echoed through the stone room, drawing everyone's attention to the end of the hall.

"Oh, someone kidnap me," Shelby begged. "Maybe they'll take me someplace people actually appreciate history."

"You're on a word kick again," Laura charged. Shelby's face fell as she stuck her hands in her pockets.

"Oh, it was only twice," Laura's voice softened, putting her arm around her friend's stiff shoulders. "I won't even talk about the other symbol that looks like someone holding a loaf of bread."

Shelby choked on a laugh, then looked up at the ceiling.

"Oh, you might as well," she grumbled, this time with her lips curled up.

"Robert!" their teacher shouted again. The girls giggled.

"We'll have to enjoy it while we can. The curators just might ban us all after today."

Family Field Trips: Dinosaurs

A few weeks ago, we took Joshua to Cedar Point. There was a dinosaur exhibit there I thought he would love. He loved the dino dig in the sandbox, particularly since the worker helped him build a sand castle. The flying pterosaurs were cool, the herbivores were okay, but the meat eaters were a bit too scary for him.

Fast forward to a few weeks later to yesterday. There's a dino exhibit not too far from us for the weekend. I decided it would be great to go again. Maybe since he's seen them once, he won't be so scared. He was nervous at first, but quickly warmed up to them now that they weren't hiding in bushes, and there were a lot more kids around excited about them. It was a great idea, and I'm glad we went so he could learn that comfort.

What was that? Why yes, I do have pictures. :) A few, anyway. The kids moved around so fast, there were only so many I could actually capture. There is one other - a green screen photo of us disturbing a T-Rex nest. My mom has that for the moment so she can scan it in. I can try to remember to add it later.




Notes: The little guy in the red cap is Joshua. The cutie in the green overalls is Sebastian. The other children are my niece and nephew.

The Truth - Part Seven of the Collaboration Challenge

Tena struggled through her muscle pains to bring us the next part of the story. Now she can relax and enjoy the rest of it as it unfolds.

How about you? Are you relaxing and enjoying, or on pins and needles for

Part 7: The Truth

by Tena Carr @ Jottings and Writings of Tena Carr

If you came in late, or would like to read through the whole story, here are your links for the previous parts.

Part One     Part Two     Part Three    Part Four    Part Five    Part Six

Toddler Tales: Our Name Game

Tena isn't feeling well today so we will have to wait just a little bit longer for the next stage of the Collaborationn Challenge. No worries, though, I have another Toddler Tale to tide you over. :)

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This is a common theme in our house.

"Joshua, you're a monkey."

Or my baby. Or a big boy. Or my son, his cousin, etc.

"No. I'm Joshua."

"Joshua Monkey."

Or whatever name repeated.

"Not Joshua Monkey. Joshua Martin Sorensen."

Snapshot Prompt

Nicole has put together this week's post via her iPhone again. It's amazing how dedicated she is. Still, here's to hoping she can find herself a new computer soon.

Until then, take it away, Nicole's phone!

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We're back again! Sorry for not commenting on everyone's stories. I did, however, figure out the best time to get writing and blog stuff done during my work week...during my 90 bus ride home in the afternoon! Yay! I knew I would figure out a way to fit stuff in. Heh heh...

So we had some amazing stories last week and I am happy to share those with you:

Back Flip Bounce by Scott Taylor
Climb for Victory by Sarah Musk 
Touch Me Not by Carrie K. Sorensen
Untitled by My Unpublished Life

Don't forget! Every weekly submission is a chance to win our monthly ad contest. Read here for the details! And if you want a photograph featured, read this to find out more details! If you are a fan of the weekly writing prompt and the writers who participate, grab a button!

Click and copy this code

<p align="center"> <a <span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">href</span></span>="http://<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">theworldofmyimagination</span></span>.<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">blogspot</span></span>.com/search/label/Writers%20Wednesday%20Blog%20Hop" target="_blank"><<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">img</span></span> <span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">src</span></span>="http://i1250.<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">photobucket</span></span>.com/albums/hh540/<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">sommerfugldesign</span></span>/<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Worldofmyimagination</span></span>/<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">wednesdayhopbutton</span></span>.<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">jpg</span></span>" width="200" height="200" /></a> </p>

We're almost to this week's prompt. Here's a reminder of the rules:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

And here is the photo!

 

 

With these five words:

Creation

Mime

Balcony

Kidnap

Loaf

Ohhh I am so expecting good ones for next week!! (as usual, of course!) Enter when you are ready!

Toddler Tales: Translation

Joshua is half Danish, and I swear he switches over to Dansk even though his daddy says he doesn't. There are just times I cannot understand that child.

" [Garbled speech.] "

"Huh?"

" [More garbled speech.] "

"I do not know what you are saying."

"Um. I am saying [garbled speech again]."

"Oh, you want to play with Zoe's bracelet."

"Yeah!"

Sometimes all it takes is a running start.

Touch Me Not: Snapshot Reveal

I am writing a bit late today because I re-prioritized exercise before blogging. Yes, I write almost all my blogs the day of posting. The exception would be my toddler tales series, and the family field trip post I may turn into a series if we do enough of them. ;)

This week's prompt post can be found a few posts back if you would like to see it, or you can submit your own and be entered in our contest. If you win, you get a month's free advertising here and on The World of My Imagination blog.

I, of course, cannot win as a blog host, but I still love to submit my stories. :) Here's this week's.

------------------------

Touch Me Not

It grew between one day and the next. The depths were green, fading out to a pale yellow and pointed tips sharper than glass. It was unlike any plant my parents had ever seen. When Grandpa saw it he glared.

"Don't go looking too hard at that, Jules."

"Mama and Daddy are looking," I snipped back.

"They ain't young. Now reform that attitude."

"So you know what it is?" Grandpa scowled at the thing in the middle of our field.

"It's a Skyscraper," he said. "It's best if we just stay away."

Before the afternoon was through, neighbors and travelers had come to see the Skyscraper that was now twice as tall as a man.

"I bet it will grow up to the clouds." I say, hanging out the kitchen window. Grandpa didn't look up from his whittling.

"I suppose it may."

"Has it grown here before?"

"When I was about your age," he answered reluctantly. "Now get back in here. That ain't no balcony to be hanging over." I huffed and continued cleaning dishes.

I was in bed when Mama and Papa came in, exhausted and upset about the damage done to the crops by all the people wanting to see the Skyscraper.

"Don't you worry about that field," Grandpa's voice rumbled so deep I could feel it in my chest. "You worry about that girl. Make sure she stays in bed."

"I'm sure she will," Mama replied.

Grandpa harrumphed. A chair scraped closer to my door and I heard the whisper of knife over wood.

Outside never really got dark. I watched the sun go down through my window. but a soft yellow light kept the air glowing. The moon must be out, reflecting off the Skyscraper. I had to see it.

I got up, easing the casement open, listening to Grandpa's snores as I slipped out the window. I walked through the tall grass around the house, gasping when I saw the light was coming from the Skyscraper. It was tall, reaching all the way to the heavy clouds covering the sky.

Each step took me closer, each blade of grass bending out of my way. I walked reverently around the Skyscraper, studying each pointed leaf. Only the ends looked sharp. If I was careful, I should be able to feel the surface of the smooth blade without hurting myself.

The strange leaves parted, giving me more room to explore. The leaf I was tracing began to curl back, changing from a sharp edge to a hand. I looked up in surprise, meeting a pair of green eyes, a face framed with spiky yellow hair. His hand wrapped around mine, pulling me in. The Skyscraper cracked, each leaf fracturing, crinkling and falling like broken glass. I had to get away, to get out from under the falling shards, but my eyes were trapped in his.

He pulled me in as the Skyscraper fell around me.

Family Field Trips: Hidden Lake Gardens

We went to Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, MI on Saturday. It was in the 70's and raining lightly, but it was still so much fun. We were able to feed the Monarch butterflies, see a "dinosaur" (a bearded dragon), go netting for pond life (we didn't catch any, but this one kid was absolutely amazing at catching frogs), went on a nature hike where the guide taught us how to recognize poison ivy and let us smell Sassafras leaves (original ingredient of root beer). There was also a scavenger hunt through the Conservatory, and you could choose a plant once you completed it. Joshua chose a bleeding heart plant to give to his Mimi, as I am allergic to all things that create pollen.

I was able to get a few photos of Joshua and Kris, but I was really drawn to the scenery. Kris thinks I should run them through the Creative Kit to really play with the color. I may one day, but I really like how they turned out naturally. So, even though I don't usually post on the weekend, I'm going to today so I can show you the wonderful garden we went to, carved out by glaciers 1500 years ago.

Toddler Tales: Congratulations!

"Mommy. Mommy, say congratulations."

Over and over until I give him his hug and tell him congratulations.

It all started with this online preschool program we signed him up for. At the end of each lesson he gets a prize for his virtual room, tickets to spend in the stores and a big screen that spells out 'Congratulations!' complete with sparkling stars in the background.

We've been at this for a week, and he gets that screen once a day. I started out reading it to get him excited about completing his lessons. Do you think I can ease off and give him a bit more independence?

Heck, no!

"Congratulations!" he'll tell himself, then call my name until I say it, too.

The Secret Letter - Part Six of the Collaboration Challenge

Gnat gets a chance to check out the notebook she found. What secrets has she left herself?

A little bit lost? Catch up with the previous posts:

Part One     Part Two     Part Three    Part Four    Part Five

The Secret Letter

Yolanda Lane @ Landa-Loo, Where Are You?

Snapshot Prompt & July's Winner!

We have a new prompt for you this week, but first, we have a winner!

Randy Linday: An Author in Training

has won our first monthly blog hop contest. For the next month, he will get free advertisement in the form of a button over here at Chasing Revery as well as at Nicole's blog, The World of My Imagination. Congratulations, Randy!

Do you want to win? It's easy (well, easy-ish). Every week you write, you get another entry into the contest. For complete details, check out this post on Nicole's blog.

If you're more into visual art, we can offer you the same prize for your images. I have the details for you over here.

Now, on to the submissions from last week's prompt. It was a lovely picture that, as usual, inspired all our different views.

Daydream at Dusk by Scott Taylor
Tracks of Love by Randy Lindsay
Missed Rush by Leanne Sype
Murder at the Amusement Park (9) by Tena Carr
Dreams Lived and Forgotten by Yolanda Lane
Where Innocence Blossomed by Anne
Runaway by Carrie K Sorensen


If you are a fan of the weekly writing prompt and the writers who participate, grab a button!

Click and copy this code

<p align="center"> <a <span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">href</span></span>="http://<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">theworldofmyimagination</span></span>.<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">blogspot</span></span>.com/search/label/Writers%20Wednesday%20Blog%20Hop" target="_blank"><<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">img</span></span> <span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">src</span></span>="http://i1250.<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">photobucket</span></span>.com/albums/hh540/<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">sommerfugldesign</span></span>/<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Worldofmyimagination</span></span>/<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">wednesdayhopbutton</span></span>.<span class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">jpg</span></span>" width="200" height="200" /></a> </p>

We're almost to this week's prompt. Here's a reminder of the rules:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

Here is this week's photo, taken by Kristoffer Sorensen.

  

And here are the five words generated here:

Skyscraper

Bet

Reform

Balcony

Surface

There we go! It's all about inspiration with these prompts, so let us know what you come up with in the linky below.

Toddler Tales: New Best Friends

We were out running errands the other day, when in the check-out line we saw a Corduroy doll. Do you remember Corduroy?

So, we saw the doll and I fell in love, because this is Joshua's favorite story right now. We have to read it for nap, and for bedtime unless I can talk him into letting Daddy read a Danish book to him.




We ended up buying the bear. He was on sale and was mechanical. He tells the entire Corduroy story with movements and inflections. Joshua is more in love with him than I am. Corduroy is his new best friend.





So now, Corduroy reads while I turn the pages at nap time, then he tells Joshua his story until Joshua goes to sleep. I can tell this will be a much loved toy. I hope I'm able to preserve him so he can continue to be for a long time.

Runaway - Snapshot Reveal

Wow, but this one was tricky. I started out 136 words over, and managed to trim it down to 500 exactly.

Are you interested in taking on the challenge? Find out the rules and where to link your story over on this post. You can read what others have written from there, too.

Happy writing.

edit: I added in the link and added the prompt photo. I also added in that he followed the tracks as I'd originally intended and forgot to do in the rush of the morning routine. I'm sorry. :(

----------------------------------

Runaway

Tommy checked that his wallet was in his back pocket. He picked up his backpack, stuffed with clothes, his MP3 player and speakers, his favorite blue water bottle and a spare set of shoes.

"Okay." He took a deep breath and grabbed his jacket on the way out.

Tommy snuck out the back door, hopping the fence separating his lawn from the forest. The foliage was so overgrown, his house was out of sight in a few steps.

Tommy wove through the trees until he reached the train tracks. He followed them, looking back to see if he was followed. No one called his name. No hard footsteps came behind him. He'd gotten away.

The smell of smoke touched his nose. Tommy pulled the straps of his backpack to hold it steady as he ran through the trees. Two other boys were sitting next to a small fire at the bottom of a small hill. He tripped on an exposed root on his way down, the momentum causing him to slide across the ground.

The other boys cackled at him. Tommy tried to ignore the laughter as he approached.

"You're late," Jim charged.

"Dad worked from home today," he explained, dropping his backpack against a tree.

"Well, at least you made it," Robbie greeted him. "Just in time, too. We're deciding where to go."

"Robbie wants to go work on a boat," Jim frowned.

"Not a boat," Robbie shot back. "A cruise ship. You know. The kind people go on vacation on. Anyway, it's better than your suggestion," Robbie charged.

"Not the circus again," Tommy frowned. Jim puffed his chest.

"All runaways are supposed to go to the circus. They're the only ones who will hire kids without asking questions."

"Why can't we just go to the mountains? We can find an abandoned gold miner's cabin and fish for food."

Jim and Robbie frowned. "Well, it'll probably be the easiest," Robbie agreed slowly. A sharp trill came from his pocket. He looked at the other boys sheepishly as he answered the cell.

"Yeah, Mom? .... Yeah, we're all here. ... Sure, I'll be home by dinner tomorrow. Bye. .... I love you, too," he grumbled the last, glaring at his two friends. Jim stood up, his hands in fists.

"You brought a cell phone!"

"Mom made me after I came home burned."

"It was one finger," Tommy argued.

"Tell me about it," Robbie grumbled. "But she said if I wanted to keep running away, I had to start taking my phone." Jim sat down and joined the other two as they sulked.

"Alright, let's set up the tent," Tommy eventually charged. Jim walked over to the bush where they hid their plastic storage box, pulling out the tent and their sleeping bags. Robbie opened the picnic basket his mom packed while Robbie set up his MP3 player in preparation for spending their night in the mountains with the bears and fish.

--------------------------

Is there anything cool your parents let you pretend growing up that wasn't 'in the norm'? Something you wish they had?

Azure Boone Book Promo - Play To Win!

My friend Azure is celebrating the release of her new book, THE DEVIL WANTS A CHINA DOLL! Oh, and you can win stuff. And you can help me win other stuff. How, you ask?

Well, you can help me win by commenting or +1'ing this post. (Please, please, please!)

Have a blog? Check out this page to see how to play.

No blog? No problem. Read down below to see the four other ways to join. Bloggers can enter these, too.

Congratulations to Azure! Good luck with your book. I hope we can help you out over here.  <3<3

---------------------------------------

Author Azure Boone is conducting a book release promotion for her paranormal erotic romance, THE DEVIL WANTS A CHINA DOLL due for release through Loose Id, August 7. 

Each of the four contests awards a $25.00 Amazon gift card.

The book promotion contest is happening for four days:

Wednesday August 8,   7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Thursday August 9,      7:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Friday August 10,            7:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Saturday August 11.       7:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Each day will be held on a different social platform:

Wednesday, August 8:  Goodreads        

Thursday, August 9:     Twitter      

Friday, August 10:           Facebook 

Saturday, August 11:     Google Plus 

These contests are SHARE RACES. On the day of the contest, just show up at www.lovescenesandwetdreams.wordpress.com, sign in for the race with the name you go by on the social platform for that race, copy the content I will provide for the post you are to share, then go get sharing!

At the end of the day, I will count the number of posts you posted, and the likes and shares you received on each. “Likes” get one point, “shares” of your posts, get two points. The contestant with the most points, WINS.

The Author Azure Boone will be available to answer any questions during each contest at www.lovescenesandwetdreams.wordpress.com

If you are interested in participating in one or more of these contests (you can participate in all), sign your name in the comments below on my blog, and then on the day(s) of the contest, don’t forget to go to www.lovescenesandwetdreams.wordpress.com and sign up for that days contests.

GOOD LUCK!

Message, Hold the Bottle - Part Five of the Collaboration Challenge

Part five. Oh, my part five. :) We are half way through and I have chills about this story. I cannot wait to see how it ends.

Catch up, quick with Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.

Message, Hold the Bottle

Leonard Suskin @ Confessions of a Pixel and Ink-Stained Wretch

Snapshot Prompt

Nicole has sent us another post via her iPhone as her computer is DED. No A. It died before it could use spell check. ;)

Hopefully she can give her poor fingers a rest after this.

Happy writing!

--------------------------------------

Welcome back to our weekly photo writing prompt! A special shout out to the hosts, Nicole, Carrie, and Tena!

Last week went really well and here are the participants:

Phone Call In the Suburbs by Scott Taylor
Bravado by Carrie K. Sorensen
Refuge by Randy Lindsay
What Are You Doing Outside by Nicole Pyles

Such good work this week! And if you are new to the weekly prompt, or if you are uncertain about whether to join in, check out our incentives to submit your writing. Or if you are photographer, make sure to check out this post on how to submit your photographs. If you are a fan of the weekly writing prompt, grab a button!

Click and copy this code

<p align="center"><a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">href</span>="http://<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">theworldofmyimagination</span>.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">blogspot</span>.com/search/label/Writers%20Wednesday%20Blog%20Hop" target="_blank"><<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">img</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">src</span>="http://i1250.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">photobucket</span>.com/albums/hh540/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">sommerfugldesign</span>/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Worldofmyimagination</span>/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">wednesdayhopbutton</span>.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">jpg</span>" width="200" height="200" /></a> </p>

And just as a reminder, here are the rules:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

And now for the grand reveal!

Here is this week's photo, taken from this link.

 

And here are the five words:

Wallet

Circus

Kid

Cruise Ship

Slide

And that's it! Make sure to enter the link to your story below when you're ready!