Pay No Heed – Crimson’s Creative Challenge #141

When I saw this week’s CCC prompt, I was fairly certain where I would go with it. Then I did. And went over the word count. Forgiven, Crispina? Hopefully this garnered a chuckle which saved me a good chastising.  Hope you enjoy my little silly today 🙂

First, we set up a guard, trying to keep the hooligans out.  Maybe we should have made the sign bilingual?  No matter what language it was in, they ignored it.  And the guard.  Not that he put up anything near close a fight, actually.  Truth told, he went and hid under the stairs, quivering as they walked on his head, so to speak.

Once past the gate, the hooligans were meant to be discouraged them from crossing the stream on their way to our pond.  This time it was in English. Did that deter them? Not on your life. They feared no prosecution.  Even laughed from below and wallked all along until they reached their destination.

A sign indicating the water was dangerously deep did not give them pause.  Rather the opposite – just like we knew it would. He he he. The over-hanging branch was further invitation.  First one dove and landed, head in the super soft muck, legs sticking out from the waist down. Or was it up?  We sat back and laughed, watching them help their buddy up and running off our property.  We knew this group was taken care of.  Why none of ’em ever tests to see just how deep it is, is beyond me. Serves ’em right, little bastards.

 

 

I Will Wait – Crimson’s Creative Challenge #139

I haven’t participated in a Crimson’s Creative Challenge in eons.  I saw this image yesterday and had a great idea and a “matchy-matchy” photo.  But then, this morning, I read David Kanigan’s post and it just fit with the image so I decided to totally steal from him, and then had to use another photo. After all, Crispina says anything goes:  answering photo, caption, quote… so, quote it is!  Thank you, David 😉

But then, this is not really my thing. While I feel this was a nice way to respond to the challenge, I still felt I should write a little something of my own, so my two cents’ worth, inspired by Merwin’s poem and yet another image, is after;)

If we are separated I will
try to wait for you
on your side of things

your side of the wall and the water
and of the light moving at its own speed
even on leaves that we have seen
I will wait on one side

while a side is there

— W.S. Merwin, “Travelling Together”  from The Rain in the Trees

While we are separated, I will
think of you
from my side of things

I will walk the dappled paths
that meander along the water
knowing that time and light will do their thing
until the day we can
hand in hand
play with the shadows

trying to hold time still

To Each Their Own – Crimson’s Creative Challenge #131

Been way too long since I participated in a CCC and now I’ve a couple lined up 😉  I took a walk in old Longueuil (difficult to pronounce, I know. If you can say feuille (leaf) then you can say Longueuil). If you can’t, lots of Anglos call it Longay. 😉 Anyhoo! I went there last Sunday and when I happened upon the Co-Cathedral St-Antoine-de-Padoue, I took many a picture.  I realised that I could use one of them to go with Crispina’s challenge… so I did!

I’m really loving the gilded bronze work on this window.  What do you think?

I–

Must require some maintenance, though… you know, getting rid of the verdigris that is sure to form unless taken care of regularly.

It’s–

Mind you, it could takes years but still. Extra work.  Then again, the verdigris has a certain charm, too.  Oh! Look inside the windows. a lovely mosaic! Wow. The sun shining through there must be fabulous, yes?

Ye–

Maybe we should rethink our design. It feels rather drab now when you compare, no?

No–

Mind you, ours is rather ornate as well. And I have to admit the light coming through all the various windows is really lovely. But grey. Why did we keep it all grey?

It’s–

Yes, yes, this is a massive structure… What do you think?

Umm. What you said! I think they are each beautiful in their own way.

You know what? You’re right. Why compare?

Here are a couple more pictures of the whole building – which cannot be taken without a drone…

 

Finding My Face and My Place – Crimson’s Creative Challenge #129

When I saw Crispina’s photo, I knew exactly which one of mine I would matchy-matchy it with.  I had an idea brewing but couldn’t get to it until now. Of course my original idea is gone with the wind but that’s okay.  The joys of letting our muse have its way!

I have no character. There is nothing to distinguish me from another.  I’m just another faceless entity lost in the crowd, overlooked and unremarkable.

Oh, my child, you have much ahead of you. Do you think I was always this wise old crone?  I was once just like you. Uncertain and feeling that I was a never going to be special. We all are, you know.

Oh surely not you!

Surely, yes!  We all start off with the same blank canvas that life will carve and mold into what we are to become. You will see.  I already see much in you.

You do? I can’t believe I will ever become one with the earth again as you have.

Give it time.  It’s all in front of you.

Thanks to Tim for mentioning this song… It’s not but is related, isn’t it?

Home Sweet Homes – Crimson’s Creative Challenge #125

When I saw Crispina’s choice of photo for her challenge, I immediately thought of one I had shared very recently. Of course I needs must…

Home Sweet Homes

Oh, I just love your place!  It is so green and sunny yet you’re protected from too much sun.  That stump makes a perfect table, to boot.  However, only one chair? Is it because you prefer to be alone or it’s just the way it is?

Thank you so much.  Yes, I do love it. The seclusion is a bonus and it’s not too far from society that I become a hermit! I am hoping to add another chair.  How about you?  Will you invite me over to your place?

Yes. You should know that I have a bit of a situation going on right now.

What do you mean?

How about you come for a walk with me.  Seeing is so much easier than trying to describe it.

***

Oh wow!  What a fantastic view!  Riverside!  And look at that! Two chairs and such a lovely table, and a lamp! Your décor is rather eclectic too!

Why thank you!  So glad you like.  You can see, however, there is a situation…

Yeah… Think the water level will go down soon?

I sure hope so.  Think I could stay at your place until then?  I’ll bring a chair…

No Go – Crimson’s Creative Challenge #124

Went through some of my pictures and came up with an idea to go with Crispina’s picture. Then the idea didn’t really go anywhere, so I decided to, once again, piggyback onto Na’ama’s lovely story.  Consider it part two to her part one. Found here. Crispina says we are to have fun, fun, fun… so I did, did, did!

No Go

“Aaron.  What the hell are you doing?”

“Well, Ella, I’m helping to ‘make it work’ as you said when we got here. I know the stairs are steep and I know they are rotted but you know it’s just a question of time before some curiosity seekers decide to risk it.  While those who do not know the path won’t find it from below, I figured I’d add a little extra deterrent to those who come from above.”

“I have to admit it’s quite something. The flowers are a nice touch, too.  You’re not worried it almost looks inviting?”

“Nah.  I figure people will admire my structure, wonder what it used to be, take some pictures and keep on hiking.”

“Let’s hope there aren’t others out there who are more inclined to explore…”

“Now who’s being a Negative Nelly?  Don’t worry, we are gonna be fine.”

 

 

Look at Them – Crimson’s Creative Challenge #122

It’s been a while since I’ve participated in Crispina’s challenge.  I could not resist this one!  Thanks for hosting, my friend!

Oh, look at those two!

Would you look at those two?

What? What about them?

What that Muslim couple?

Aren’t they the sweetest?

Muslim? Where did you get that idea?

Yeah, I suppose. They must be newlyweds.

Well, look. He’s ahead and she’s behind, in her place.

Awww. Remember when it was us? Side by side all lovey-dovey…

What an assumption!  I think he’s just waiting for her to catch up.

Hey, we still have our moments! Come here and let me remind you.

Right.  Now that you mention it, he kinda does look like he’s waiting for her.

Oh you… Don’t move! I’m coming!

They look like a sweet old couple to me

We’ll show those young’uns how it’s done!

I hope that’s us one day…

From Call to Embrace

Well here’s something I never do… combine not one, not two but three challenges into one.  Oy!  Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #197 asked us to use the word “call” in any form, using 41 words; dVerse from a couple weeks ago, asked us to write a quadrille (44 words) using the word embrace.  Crispina’s lovely image for her CCC #199 prompted me to go looking for images for my usual matchy-matchy which sent me in the direction I went.  I figure there are many who are separated during this stupid time and it must be difficult.  Couldn’t help but bring out the romantic in me.

 

I call to you
You call to me
Accept this we can do

Now

We laugh, we share
We joke around
It’s how we show we care

Until

There comes the day
We know it will
Nothing stands in the way

No longer an eventuality
it’s now become reality

We embrace with more than
Words and stolen glances

arms around each other
heart against heart, now
beating to the same rhythm

Reaching up,
I caress your face
whisper in your ear

kiss me
je t’aime

Who Are We To Judge? – Crimson’s Creative Challenge #111

Why not?  It’s not like I have last minute shopping, wrapping, cooking, showering… Oh dear!  Off I go!  Thank you Crispina for your weekly challenge of fun, fun, fun!

Would you look at him up there, lording it over everyone with that pose!

He really doesn’t have to show off in that manner.

Who does he think he is, anyway?

Heard tell he worked bloody hard to get up there.  I think we shouldn’t judge.

Yeah maybe.  But he’s alone.

Maybe that’s how he wants it.

If you say so.  What about that poor bugger. What’s up with his story?  Riches to rags?

Nah, he’s low maintenance Doesn’t require much.

Not too good at choosing his perch, obviously. It’s awfully wobbly.

Maybe he likes adventure. Who are we to judge?

What about us?  We’ve done all right, don’t you think?

Absolutely.  It’s nice to be happy with what you have, yes?

Yes.  But would it hurt you to turn around when you talk to me, though?

Oh. Sorry, Mate.

That’s okay. Go back to sleep. I won’t judge your lack of manners.

 

Hangin’ Around – FF & CCC #110

This is a rarity.  Me, combining two prompts.  But both pictures came in on the same day. And while I couldn’t think of what to write for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers nor for Crispina’s Crimson’s Creative Challenge, last night a thought came to me using both! Why not?  Plus, I added one of my own, for story’s sake.  And double plus, it’s Mick’s birthday today and he would have been 57 and he loved silly fun.  And I apologize to both of you for going over the 100 and 150 limits.  For that reason, I’m not adding my links.  No one can give me hell.

Who hung you up like Jesus on a cross, Elf?  And for goodness sakes, why?

Oh, ahh… gee. Now that you mention it… That wasn’t the look we were going for, I assure you. It’s so I don’t fall down.  And I’m up here so I can see the Christmas lights!

Well you look bloody ridiculous. And it’s daylight.

Have you looked at yourself, Scarecrow?  You’re kinda in the same position as I am but way down there.  And seriously, couldn’t you have added something bright to wear? You’re positively drab! And darkness is coming, my friend.

It’s not exactly as if I chose my outfit, yanno!  Besides, I’m actually working here.  Who has time to hang around and look at lights when there are birds to scare away? 

Dude. You have got to stop being so serious.  Let your hair down… err… you know what I mean. All work and no play makes for a boring life.

It IS getting dark… I’ll be off duty, soon.  What can you see?  Is it worth it?

Ooooohhhh… sooo pretty… We gotta find someone to jack you up!