Snapshot Prompt

Happy Halloween!

Tena's got the reins today. And though she  doesn't celebrate Halloween, she still gave us a prompt to be inspired by it. Or not. :) Let's see what all you lovely writers can make with it.

Don't forget - this is the last week you can enter a story for the Monthly Ad Contest. Get your posts in by Thursday night at 8pm to make sure you're eligible. If the linky ever doesn't work, make sure to comment and let me know and I can get it fixed. :)

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YEAHH!!!! It's my turn to host:

 First take a look at last weeks stories:

Story Time by Carrie Sorenson

The Neighbor and Secret Lives by Scotty Watty Doodle All the Day

Letting Go by LeAnn Sype

Next Time Let's Go to an Island by Nicole Pyles

Live My Dream by Tena Carr

Before we go any further, lets set some ground rules (for those of you new to the Blog Hop)...

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 Tuesday to create your post. (Actually, I extended the deadline to be Wednesday morning, but if you want to be eligible for the Monthly "Wednesday Writer Blog Hop Winner" drawing you'll need to submit your story by 8pm on Tuesday.)

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.

Ok so now that we got that out of the way...... Here is the photo you have to work with

 

And the Five Words are:

Hovel

Jackpot

School

Autonomic

Needlepoint

Be sure and link your stories by clicking on the inlinky below:

 

Toddler Tales: Tummy Ache

A head cold is going through our family. Joshua got it first. Now Sebastian and Kris have it. Joshua is feeling better, but isn't 100% yet. He climbed up on my lap tonight, curling into a ball.

"Mommy, my tummy hurts."

"It does? Why?"

"Because I'm sick."

My poor, big baby.

I Was Expecting You - Part 4 of the Collaboration Challenge

Just the kind of news you want at 17!

The old woman appeared in the doorway again. "Yes, yes. You know. Destiny, fate, you two belonging together, ruling the magical Black Hollow forest together." She went back into the cabin. "Come in! I have scones!"


Ooh, scones. :) Find out more over at Nicole's blog for Part 4 of the Collaboration Challenge.

I Was Expecting You

by Nicole Pyles at The World of My Imagination

Family Field Trips: Trick or Treat at the Zoo

I love this time of year. Instead of searching for anything to do, it becomes a choice of which thing to do. The zoo is a great choice for us. We have a membership and they have lots of activities going to get people to visit during their off-season.

I went with one of my girlfriends to their trick or treat event. We didn't have much time, unfortunately, but the kids loved it. Joshua got to be a dragon and my friend's daughter was a mouse. There were candy stations, a magician, and Fisher Price had come in with a ton of toys for the kiddos to play with (and beg parents for later).








It was a blast, and even though it was much more busy than I expected on a Thursday, as long as we're in the area it will be something I try to do each year. I didn't get many photos, but the ones I got were cute, particularly the one of Joshua in an animal cage (yes, that's what those bars are).

;)

  

Snapshot Reveal: Story Time

This story is inspired by yesterday's Snapshot Prompt written by Nicole Pyles and my own little boy. If you would like to try writing a bit of prompted flash, you can link your story up to the prompt post.

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

Story Time

It was a warm September day, the sun shining down through blue clouds and heating the air solidly into the 80's. Shelly knew the cold weather would be coming soon and she wanted to enjoy every last minute of the Summer sun before it drifted into in a Winter sky.

"It's nap time," she whispered in her son's ear. They sat out on the curved balcony over looking the apartment complex's courtyard. It was quiet this time of day with most of the residence in work or at school. She was lucky enough to be able to stay home with her three year old son, Kyle. She was just as aware of his growing up as the oncoming Winter and she wanted to enjoy every moment she could.

"No," he whined, snuggling deeper into her lap. "Let's play."

"We can play after nap. Why don't you go inside and pick out a story?"

"Huh-uh." His arms stiffened around her neck, his version of squeezing tighter. Shelly allowed herself a quick smile before putting on her stern face.

"No. Story time, then a nap." Kyle hid his face in her shirt, clearly letting her know how he felt about her suggestion.

"What about the story where the daddy and boy play pretend? They row the boat to that island-"

"Not that one."

"Okay. The mouse book?" He shook his head. Shelly thought through all Kyle's favorite stories. "Oh, there's the story with the bullfight."

Kyle started crying, the warm breeze turning cool on the teardrops against her skin. Shelly rocked her son and whispered soothingly. She began singing a song about their Savior, starting with Kyle's favorite verse. He calmed down to listen, calming Shelly's own heart. She kept singing, listening to his breathing grow deeper, feeling his weight sink against her body.

Shelly closed her eyes, feeling the peace of her world, soaking in the sun above her and the son against her, enjoying her moment before the world moved on.

Snapshot Prompt

Okay, we are back, and I get to host the prompt this week! Yay! I'm so excited!

We had some awesome stories last week, and I'm so sorry I haven't been able to get to everyone's stories. Next week I will get better, I promise. And I know for sure once my birthday roles around and I get that laptop I've been hoping for, I will be especially better at reading and checking out everyone's blogs.

Anyways...back to business...check out these amazing stories -

Saskatchwean Flats by Scott Taylor
Big Bird Blues, Saskatchwean Flats Part 2 by Scott Taylor
Traveling Man by Carrie Sorensen
A Gift by Tena Carr
And our late entry (but worth the wait - trust me)
Homecoming by Anne


For everyone able to write, we are happy to enter you into our monthly ad contest. You can read about the rules on this page. If you're into creating visual art, you can click over there as well to see what we have going for you. You can help spread the love of our blog hop by grabbing the button below.

Click and copy this code

<p align="center"> <a href="http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/search/label/Writers%20Wednesday%20Blog%20Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh540/sommerfugldesign/Worldofmyimagination/wednesdayhopbutton.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a> </p>

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 the photo:

And here are the five words:

Bullfight

Island

Mouse

Verse

Saviour

Yay!! I'm so excited. So, use the link below to post your story when it's ready!

Toddler Tales: Eat or Nap?

"Joshua, it's nap time."

"No. I eat!"

It had been an odd day, and he could have been hungry. I was a good Mommy and gave him the food I was making for myself. He sat at the coffee table and stared at it.

"Joshua, you need to eat or it's nap time."

"Eat."

I left to change Sebastian's diaper. By the time I got back, this was Joshua.

 

What Just Happened - Part 3 of the Collaboration Challenge

Did you get a chance to stop by Tena's blog for the 3rd part of the Collaboration Challenge? There's a crazy twist going on with this story.

First, catch up with Part One: Shedding Light and Part Two: Black Hollow.

And now:

What Just Happened?

by Tena Carr at Jottings and Writings

Only 2 more weeks left in this Challenge. I wonder how it's going to turn out.



Don't forget, you can grab a Collaboration Challenge button to help support these serial stories and the writers who take part.

<a href="http://chasingrevery.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Chasing Revery" src="http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn7/sister_phoenix/collaborationchallengebutton-1.jpg"/></a>

Family Field Trips: Joshua's Day

Kris and I decided to take Joshua out by himself this past weekend. He hasn't had a day by himself with Mommy and Daddy for a while.

First, we had lunch together at a place the tablecloths are butcher paper so he can actually draw on the table. He loves it there (and on the plus side, kids ate free that day).

Next, we got him and Daddy side-by-side hair cuts. Joshua loves getting his hair cut. He will tell me when he thinks it's time to go..

Before we went home, we stopped at the local farm where they were having free pony rides. We were lucky enough to get there at a time no one else was in line so they let him ride both ponies around the barn. He also got to play in the seed corn box (kind of like a sandbox), see the cows and the goats and the ducklings and run through the hay bale maze. It is our favorite place to go, particularly since all of that cost $0.

He fell asleep on the way home. When we got to Mimi's house (my mom), he woke up, though, and jumped out to show everyone his haircut and tell them about his day.

 

Traveling Man: A Snapshot Reveal

A Snapshot Reveal on Thursday? What is this world coming to when I'm so prompt? For a prompt.

(Insert dry laugh here.)

Okay, I'm done, I promise. If you want to see the prompt, or link your own story up to it, here's the prompt post link. Also, I believe there's another story linked up already, so you can read that as well. :)


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Traveling Man

A storm loomed in the horizon, threatening the delay of flights later on in the day. Peter checked his watch. He was supposed to leave in an hour.  It was a race now. Time against a wind carrying heavy clouds.

Peter walked away from the airport window, deciding to grab a seat in case he was stuck and the airport began to pack in more than it could hold. He threw his coat and bag in the seat next to him, then dug out his laptop. He didn't turn it on, though. Not yet. They should be calling his plane soon if it was going to leave.

Peter's attention turned to some artificial gun noises and laughter. A couple kids were playing soldier around a small group of chairs. He was surprised kids still played that game these days - even more surprised their parents let them. Then one of the kids shouted, "I'll get you, Spiderman!" and their play made a bit more sense.

Peter jumped up when his plane was called. Looking out the window showed the wind hadn't been fast enough. He should be able to get out on time. He shoved his laptop in his bag and slung it over his shoulder without even zipping it closed. Coat over his arm, he got in line to claim his first class seat.

Peter settled in next to the plastic window, watching the clouds, not quite convinced the slowly filling airplane was still going to get off the ground in time. He finally closed his window, deciding to take a page out of the ostrich book. He didn't often take a bird's philosophy, but today he could do with a 'out of sight, out of mind' mentality.

Peter closed his eyes and took in the sounds around him. They would take off. They were heading away from the storm. He would be on time, make his presentation, then head home later in the day.

"Would you like me to stow your jacket for you, sir?" the Flight Attendant asked. Peter was already asleep.

Snapshot Prompt

Welcome Wednesday. Let's have a quick review of this past week's talent.

Looking Back by Leanne Sype
One Line Wonder by Carrie Sorensen
and our late entry
Rainbow Chasers by Randy Lindsay

Thank you. :) I know we're getting to the busy part of the year and we're grateful to everyone able to participate, whether it's through writing or reading the prompted stories.

For everyone able to write, we are happy to enter you into our monthly ad contest. You can read about the rules on this page. If you're into creating visual art, you can click over there as well to see what we have going for you.

You can help spread the love of our blog hop by grabbing the button below.

Click and copy this code

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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; 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"><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; 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The rules for the writing:

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.

The Photo:

The Words:

bird

kid

loom

soldier

ostrich

One Line Wonder: Snapshot Reveal

I know, it's bad when I don't respond to my own prompts (which you can find here). I have a list of excuses for you, but it all boils down to this equation:

2 Boys + Husband + Dogs + WIP = Exhausted

My apologies, really. One day I'll get more sleep again. I think.

For the time being, I'm going to take a page out of my friend over at Clouds and Daffodils who likes to stop by every once in a while and leave a one sentence answer to our weekly prompt.

Here I go.

The picture from my car window showed a rainbow as straight walking stick with it's end trapped in the earth and no one but itself to blame for the predicament.

Hmmm. Not bad for a first attempt?

That was more difficult than writing a story.

Feel free to comment with your own one-sentence answer, or write something a bit longer, though still 500 words or less and link it up over on the prompt post. Have a great Tuesday.

Black Hollow: Part Two of the Collaboration Challenge

Part two of October's Halloween Special Collaboration Challenge is posted.

Read, Shedding Light, the beginning of this serial story before heading over to the next stop.

Black Hollow

By Leanne Sype at Writings and Ruminations

Thank you, Leanne, for joining in our crazy game.

Do you love the Collaboration Challenge? Help people find us by adding a button to your blog.

<a href="http://chasingrevery.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Chasing Revery" src="http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn7/sister_phoenix/collaborationchallengebutton-1.jpg"/></a>

Toddler Tales: Password

"You can't go, Mommy."

"Oh, no, I'm stuck?"

"You have to say password."

"What's the password?"

"Okay, you can go."


I think this might get tougher when he figures out he has to pick a word to be the password.

Snapshot Prompt

Scotty Watty Doodle All the Day! Here is your button. :D

Congratulations again Scott! You will be featured for a month on the front page of my blog and the other blog hosts.

How did he do it? Find out about on The Rules page for both writers and photographer / artist submissions.

Now, for last week's stories.

Detective Johnson by Scott Taylor
Friends and Enemies @ My Unpublished Life
Do You Believe in Folk Tales by Heather Musk

Thank you, you three. :)

Now for a quick grab-a-button moment.

Click and copy this code

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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>

On to 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.

The Photo:

The Words:

blame

earth

walking stick

picture

trap

Now show us what you got. Link up your story below and be entered for a chance to win an ad spot of your own.

Toddler Tales: Farfar's visit

My husband's father and stepmother were here this past week, visiting from Denmark. We are always concerned at Joshua's acceptance of people he doesn't see very often, yet he always surprises us. He loved his farfar (dad's dad) and would sit out with him on the drive while farfar soaked in the sun.

They had to leave today to go back home. We will miss them a lot, and are so grateful for the time they were able to take to come see us.

Shedding Light: Collaboration Challenge Part 1

Welcome back to a new Collaboration Challenge serial story. :) This time around we have returning writers Tena Carr, Leonard Suskin and Nicole Pyles, and joining us is Leanne Sype. We will each be taking one week only, so this story will be a total of 5 parts long.

Also, I've put together a lovely button for my fellow writers and anyone who enjoys the Collaboration Challenge and would like to share.

<a href="http://chasingrevery.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Chasing Revery" src="http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn7/sister_phoenix/collaborationchallengebutton-1.jpg"/></a>

For now, on to the story.

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

Part One: Shedding Light

Zack sat in his home room classroom, his bag at his side, his feet resting on the metal basket under the chair of the desk in front of him. It was a standard school with rows of individual desks, a whiteboard wall and shelves at the back. Windows sent light in from the left and a brick wall blocked the light on the right.

He was sketching that light, using his pencil to create airy lines floating in, stopping in disjoined splats against the wall. As he sketched, the light in the room came to life, floating around in concentrated sparkles as if the room had become the inside of a diamond.

Light danced across his dark clothing, getting caught in the red sweep of his hair and echoing the freckles across his sharp nose. His red hair used to get him teased before he grew into his six foot five frame. For some reason, the bullies didn’t like to go after someone they had to look up to see.

Zack manipulated the light through his pencil, directing it to light up the clock, the craft paper taped to the brick wall, to reflect off the dull grey floor. He didn’t stop sketching until the door handle turned. Zack dropped the pencil and crumpled up the paper, killing the effect as the door swung open. The girl who walked in stopped his heart, rivaling any diamond light show he could create.

Morgan was beautiful today, dressed in orange and black striped socks, black satin capries tied at the knee with orange ribbon, a white peasant blouse cinched with a black belt just below her breasts. She had black and orange ribbons decorating her angled haircut, the kind that was short in the back and longer in the front. Her makeup was dark and smokey, her lips a deep, purple-red.

She dressed as a witch every Halloween. Last year he’d overheard Morgan telling her friends she was channeling her inner Morgana. He wished she really could. Maybe then they would have something to talk about. Maybe he could have a friend, rather than keeping to himself to protect his secret.

When no one else followed Morgan in, Zack glanced at the clock, surprised to see there were still six minutes until the bell would ring. He was always in the classroom early, enjoying the silence and calm before the break of the day. Morgan was usually out in the halls, laughing with her group of friends, teasing her boyfriend and comparing the latest and greatest on their touch-screen phones. Something must have happened if she’d been driven in here.

Zack sat toward the back of the class, on the brick wall side of the room. Morgan was halfway up the room, directly in front of the window. He didn’t have a clear view of her face, but he could hear the stressed breathing.

Legs shaking, Zack forced himself up from his chair. He did not usually socialize, but this was Morgan. They were alone and she was upset. Maybe he could help. Maybe she would notice him.

His knees almost gave out when he reached her row, but he straightened his shoulders and forced himself forward, almost like he talked to people every day.

“H-hey, Morgan?” The stutter hadn’t been great, but at least his voice hadn’t squeaked. “Are you okay?”

Morgan shuddered, looking up at him and away in one quick motion. Zack’s stomach dropped at the dismissal. Dizziness kept his feet still. He didn’t want to stumble away and add to the embarrassment.

“Oh, what the hell,” Morgan mumbled. “Who knows what rumors will spread?”

Zack kept quiet, not wanting to admit he never heard the rumors. Morgan turned and pinned him with honey-green eyes.

“I--” Morgan’s lips thinned as if she tasted something bitter, then she balled her fists and forced herself to continue. “I just caught my boyfriend kissing some other girl.” Zack wasn’t surprised, but he didn’t want to say anything. “And. Hmm. And I think I turned him into a frog.”

Changes!

Usually I would start a Collaboration Challenge serial story today. That's not the case, sorry. The good news is, I will be starting it this weekend. :) We have some old friends and a new friend joining us this time around. Be sure to keep an eye out as this will be our last Challenge of the year.

Now, I don't know if you've noticed, but I have different pages now. Look! New tabs. :) You may have noticed before, since I posted the changes last weekend, but in case you haven't, here's a quick run down.

First, I have Collaboration Challenge Stories. There you can find links to the stories in full without having to dredge through past post (as I know you do). ;)

Second, are The Rules. Right now, it spells out the rules for the Snapshot Prompt Ad Contest for both writers and photographers. Again, so there's no more searching through posts, but more for me, I think.

Finally, there is the Past Winners tab. If you've won a prize through my blog, the link to yours is there. If you win a prize later, your link will end up there. It's a way to remember the Lucky Ones and continue to show my appreciation for their participation.

There it is. Organization. I'm so far behind in so much, it's nice to have completed one of my projects. Here's to hoping a lot more get checked off.

Snapshot Prompt and Contest Winner!

Today is the first Wednesday of October. This means I have a prompt and a winner in today's post. Have you been waiting on pins and needles to find out who our winner is? Well, it's:

Scott Taylor!

Congratulations to Scott! Want to know how he did it and what he won? You can find out about the contest on The Rules page for both writers and photographer / artist submissions.

Before we head off into our prompt, let's review this past week's submissions.

The Sentinel by Scott Taylor

Paint A Picture by Carrie

And since we haven't shared it in a while, here's our lovely blog hop button. Feel free to grab one for your blog if you love the hop.

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>

A quick 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.

Now for your photo:

The mandatory words:

weather

cemetery

lump

printer

recipe

You have a week to get your story in. Link up below for a chance to win October's Ad Contest. Good luck!

Toddler Tales: Overwear

Getting to the big boy underwear part of potty training:

"Mommy, my pants on first."

"No, sweetie. Underwear on first. Underwear goes under your pants."

"Oh. Overwear goes over my pants."

"No, sweetie, under."

He is still trying to convince me they're overwear. Maybe too much Superman ... ?

Joshua showing off his underwear. Kia checking them out.

Painting A Picture: Snapshot Reveal

Ha! This week I was prepared. This may mean I'm catching up with my long To Do List - or it could mean I got a bit lucky. ;)

I present to you my Snapshot Reveal. As usual, the required words are in bold. Don't forget to add yours by 8 PM on Tuesday to be eligible for the ad contest. You can check out more about that at last Wednesday's Snapshot Prompt Post.

-----------------------------------
Painting A Picture

"What do you think? Does it need another coat?"

Ella stood back and looked at the painting on the wall, a floor to ceiling mural of the Space Needle at night. The orange lights worked well with the faded blue color they had on the rest of the walls, those glow in the dark plastic star stickers on the ceiling.

"I think that's plenty. It has to dry, after all." Ella smiled at her husband. He was looking around the room, too, but with a look on his face saying he hoped they were done.

"Do you like it?" she asked him. "Now that it's done?"

"I still say the Needle is strange to have in a nursery."

"He won't be a baby forever," she reminded him. "Besides, it's a symbol. It's a--"

"Story," they finished together. Ella laughed.

"Yeah. Our story."

While she stared at the mural, Vic wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. This was the place they had met, it was where they spent their anniversary. This was the place they'd decided it was time to start a family. All good beginnings happened up there, high in the sky. It was on the Earth they'd faced and struggled through the challenges of those beginnings.

Soon, they would have a new start down here, too. The best start.

"Why don't we come back in an hour or so and see how it looks dry?"

Ella turned her head and kissed Vic's cheek. Her lipstick left a faint shimmer. She smiled at the mark even as she wiped it away, laughing when orange paint smeared in it's place.

"Why don't you shower and I'll get some lunch together?" Ella suggested. Vic dropped a kiss on her lips, then they left the room together.

Ella waited until she heard the water running before going to the computer in the kitchen's office area. She turned it on, ignoring the software update pop-up and clicked onto the adoption web page.

She still couldn't believe someone had finally chosen them. She still couldn't believe the baby in that photo was going to be theirs. Her fingers brushed over the screen, tears welled in her eyes.

"Soon," she whispered. She hadn't noticed the bathroom water turn off. She didn't know Vic was behind her until he kissed the top of her head.

"He'll love his room, mural and all," he told her, his voice deeper and thicker than normal.

"Yeah," Ella agreed, leaving the photo of their baby boy on the screen while she went to finish their lunch.