Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Across the Generations

PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz

Across the Generations

“I WON’T sleep! Never. Not without DEAR Mr. Bear.” Penny dropped her flushed cheek against the rough quilt and wailed.

“We forgot to pack him, hun. You’ll have to manage.”

“I WANTED to go back. He’ll NEVER forgive me! Oh, Mr. BEAR.”

Mother’s lips danced and she quickly looked away. 

Grandma’s silhouette filled the doorway. “Like mother, like daughter.” 

“Hmmm.” Mother stood and poked her head into the closet. 

“Mr. Rabbit has sat here alone for 20 years, Pen.”

“Whoaaaaa. That’s forEVER.” She exhaled loudly. ”Okay. I’ll take him.”

“You’re a trooper.” Mother kissed Penny’s cheek. “You, too, Mr. Rabbit.”

To read more 100 word stories based on this photo prompt, hop over to Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

A Past Time

PHOTO PROMPT © Fleur Lind

It’s been so many years. Will he even recognize me? 

Pretending to yawn and stretch, Andie peered over each shoulder. The coast was clear. She knelt on the withered grass. I won’t knock, she reasoned, just take a closer look. The door seemed smaller now that she’d quadrupled in age and size. Leave childhood memories where they belong, the grownup voice nagged: In your imagination. 

But Andie’s hand shot forward unbidden, armed with the secret knock. Tappitty, tap. Tap.

As the door opened, an unfamiliar face appeared. “Who are—?” Then he gasped. “Where’s Daniel? What have you done with him?”

Once again, many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting! Check out Friday Fictioneers for more 100 word stories based on this photo prompt.

Posted on in Uncategorized

Empty Store

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

The store was empty. Why did Marcie feel like she was being watched? 

She heard an even rasp. Shuffling? And heavy breathing? She tried not to panic. A man slunk through the storage room doorway, a gun in hand, a twisted smile on his pocked face. How—? She stumbled backward. The man opened his mouth. “Marcie.”

“Marcie? Hey, Marce. You doze off?” Steve’s face appeared through the fog. “I’m leaving early, remember. You’re okay closing up, right? Big date tonight!”

He rushed for the door. Macie swallowed.

The store was empty. Why did she feel like she was being watched? 

To read more 100 word stories based on this photo prompt, hop over to Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Growing Up With Books

PHOTO PROMPT © Susan Rouchard

Growing Up With Books

Twelve-year-old Leon reverently lifted old Mr. Santos’ familiar books and packed them into boxes. 

The volumes hadn’t change, but they seemed transfigured. 

Every busybody in town had a guess about who would inherit the precious collection.

Leon knew, but stayed silent, waiting for the will. 

He remembered Mr. Santos’ intelligent eyes glowing with pride. 

“They’re yours. Your keys to the future.” His voice trembled as much as his hands. “I only wish I could listen in, hear what they tell you. It’s different for everyone.” 

Leon’s heart swelled, as if he’d been knighted. He was a child no longer. 

Many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! One photo, 100 words… Come join the fun!

Posted on in Uncategorized

The Rusty Bridge

PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook

The Rusty Bridge

Bridges always make me think of Rusty. 

He sent letters til I was 10, telling of his adventures.  I kept a list back then, updating it every time he wrote. When I turned 18, I would follow in his footsteps. Yellowstone Natural Bridge was the last place he mentioned before we got the life-shattering call. 

I ended my list, put it in a tin can deep in my closet, and decided to take a safe path instead. 

Yesterday, I found the list.

“I lost my life in a different way, Big Brother,” I moaned.

This evening, I bought a backpack.

Many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! One photo, 100 words… Why not join us?

Has anyone else been struggling with posting comments lately? Not that you’ll be able to answer if you are :). I’m having the worst luck getting comments to take…

Posted on in Uncategorized

The Stage

Thanks again to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! Here’s my take on the photo prompt in 100 words.

PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

The Stage

Little Emmie loved to dance, but distrusted the stage. 

She rushed twice a week to the room with mirrors and eagerly mimicked as Ms. Jones moved to the music. But it didn’t seem quite right, like trying to draw a sunset.

“On stage,” Ms. Jones’ words glowed with reverence, “it will be magnificent!”

Emmie wasn’t sure. Her costume looked too ruffly, sequin-y, and bright. 

Mom read Emmie’s thoughts on performance day and smiled. “Just try it once, hun. Experiences are good.”

After the dance, Mom pushed her way backstage. Emmie ran to her.

“Agggghh!” She screamed. “I love the stage!”

Posted on in Uncategorized

Trash Day

It’s time again for Friday Fictioneers! Thank you Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting! One photo, 100 words…

Trash Day

Stench stabbed her nostrils as Isabel pushed open her apartment door. The trash. Had it been two weeks? Three? Ugh. It had to go. 

She stabbed the elevator button and tapped her toes as the machine yawned to life. Rushing into the tiny space, trash bag in hand, she nearly gagged, then looked up. A neatly-dressed man with his hands primly behind his back looked uncomfortable. Fantastic.

Counting down the floors, Isabel raced to the dumpster, paused, giving the man time to walk by, then turned, nearly crashing into him.

He held up a bag of familiar-smelling trash and winked.

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

The Magic of Sea Life

Many thanks once again to the lovely Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! Moved by the prompt photo? Come on by and write your own 100 words…

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

The Magic of Sea Life

It isn’t the weather I miss when I’m inland; it’s the ambiance. The whole experience. The chatter —powerful yet subtle—between sea, sand, and any visitor who happens to have a listening ear. 

The water, salty on my throat and sweet on my toes, teases me as the sand drains from my soul everything grimy and dark. Like a sewage suction truck, it pulls the stresses of life through my pores and captures them in its tiny granules. What happens there? I suspect the ugly is composted, like food scraps, into peace. 

Where else would the calm come from?

Posted on in 100 word fiction

Petunia Power

Many thanks for Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers!

PHOTO PROMPT © Rowena Curtin

Haley followed the sunrise tap of the woodpecker into her tidy garden. She didn’t mind being alone, she insisted. She heard the neighbor’s back door click closed.

Their yards matched, minus the petunias. She called them frumpy. No, he protested. Friendly. 

Stray cats gathered, meowing for breakfast. Walking towards their bowl, Haley froze. What…? Petunias?

“Lunch today?” The note read. “Anything’s better than petunias. -John”

She laughed.

…

John answered the door at noon. “I’m glad you came.” He winked. “Feel free to return the petunias.”

“Crazy thing I realized today.”

He raised his eyebrows. 

“Sometimes our tastes in flowers change.”

Posted on in Publications

Published in Bella Grace!

I’ve got an article coming out today! The spring issue of Bella Grace, with my article, Beauty in Brokenness will soon grace the shelves of Barnes and Noble bookstores across the country.

Bella Grace, if you haven’t had the chance to read it yet, is a magazine that looks for the beauty in everyday life. It’s for people who like to savor words, think about the journey, and enjoy beautiful photography.

I even made the cover, which I find quite delightful…

If you get a chance to read it, let me know what you think!