A False Front

PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook

All cities are more attractive at night, with the lights on in buildings and houses. Even the bridges seem like something from a fairy tale, and the reflections in the water lend a fairy-tale atmosphere. Makes a beautiful picture.

One doesn’t see, from a distance, the poverty; the people sleeping in doorways or on grates that provide a modicum of warmth.

Neither do we see the horrors of crime; theft, prostitution, murder and mayhem. Even crossing that bridge lit with fairy lights can lead to danger.

Safer to observe from a distance.

A Happy Place

PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

“It was such a happy place,” sighed Anita. “I wonder why they closed it.”

Harold nodded in agreement. “I don’t know, but I guess things just happen. Maybe they couldn’t pay the taxes.”

“Remember when we danced there? So many happy people, such music!”

“Maybe we could. . . .you know, check into it. See if there’s anything we can do.”

Anita looked at him to make sure he was serious. He was. “You mean, like, we could rent it? Buy it? Reopen it? Do we have that kind of money?”

“We do. We can.”

The music played again for Anita.

Monster

PHOTO PROMPT © Peter Abbey

“What are they looking at over there?”

“I don’t know, Stevie. Maybe we can squeeze in to see better.”

“But there are so many people! They won’t let us in!”

“Well, then, we’ll just see what’s on the other side.”

“Aw, there’s nothin’ to see over there.”

The monster under the dark water heard the child, whining and complaining. It had no feelings for the child. Monsters have no feelings, only needs.

It happened so quickly that Mom saw nothing.

She saw only the spot where Stevie had stood, and she heard a splash. Nothing else.

‘

Life on the Farm

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

The fields were buzzing. Insects from ants to bees to butterflies were busy going about their daily chores. Birds were having a feast during this busy season of worm and bug activity. Bees feasted on pollen and took it home to make honey.

Flowers grew rampant, decorating the fields.

The worms loved it when it was time to let the cows out. They left juicy plops wherever they grazed, and gave the worms a treat.

Little Billy like the cow plops, too. Best place to find fat worms for fishing.

Circle of life 🙂

Not a Story!

This is more by way of explanation than anything, I guess. I’ve felt badly about failing to read every story for the past couple of weeks, as is my habit. 

I am asthmatic, usually under good control. But every now and then, it gets the best of me and puts me out of commission. I’ve been quite sick for the past couple of weeks. If you have asthma, or know someone who does, you’ll understand. Details not necessary. Having an attack over the holidays is truly not fair!

However, I am thankful for effective medications that help keep my airways open. As I age, it just becomes a little harder to recover.

I do so enjoy being part of this creative group! This note is just to wish you all a happy and fulfilling new year, and again, to explain my limited participation.

Helpful Aliens

PHOTO PROMPT © Susan Rouchard

(In whispers): ”Hey, Zang! Linda’s having trouble coming up with an idea for this prompt.”

“Yes, I noticed. Anything we can do to help?”

“Dunno. She doesn’t usually go blank. Maybe she can’t see the picture clear enough. Old eyes, y’know.”

“Well, it looks like maybe what earth people say are angels? Old-fashioned soldiers? And someone’s kneeling there in the front.”

“Yeah, but what are all the candles for?”

“Dunno that, either. Prayers, maybe. Or memorials.” 

‘Uh-oh. Looks like she’s wrapping it up for this week.”

“Yeah, it’s a shame. Nice prompt.”

A Note to My Readers

I’ve had two people tell me they had to subscribe to my blog in order to read my weekly post. I’m really sorry that happened, and I’m trying to figure out how to fix it. WP doesn’t make it easy!

I never asked for this odd change. No one should have to subscribe to a blog in order to read it. I’ll do my best to figure it out before the next post goes up.

Sorry, everyone.If you have the answer to how to fix this, please share it with me!

Linda, aka Granonine

Three Degrees

This one is for Christine Goodnough, who introduced me to this concept and got me thinking about trying it out. The idea is to use three adjectives showing different degrees of the same thing. Here’s her example:

I am…
My friend is…
Someone I don’t like is…
For example:
“I am decisive; my friend is steadfast; that other guy is obdurate.”
“I am circumspect; my friend is astute; the one I don’t like is cagey.”

So now I have to start with:

I am friendly; my friend is gregarious; the annoying one is presumptuous.

I am careful; my friend is frugal; that other guy is just tight-fisted.

This is actually kind of fun, and challenging at the same time. No fair consulting the internet or a thesaurus! One more:

I am reserved; my friend is cautious; that other guy is a recluse.

The Choice

PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz

The people crammed into the arena screamed and cried, worshiping the images on the screens, begging for their gods to honor them. Some even prostrated themselves on the ground, but were trampled by the dazed, crazed crowds.

Amped-up music added to the maelstrom. Drumbeats were deafening. Some people wanted to get out.

When they discovered that all exits were blocked, they panicked.

Suddenly the music stopped. A black pall of silence dropped over the crowd. One lone voice, deep and resonant, said, “You have chosen what you have chosen.”

Listen!

PHOTO PROMPT © Amanda Forestwood

Close your eyes and turn off the TV or your music. Keep this picture in your mind. What do you hear?

I hear the laughter and whispers of children, barefoot and free, running up or down the steps to hide from each other.

I hear the careful steps of lovers, trying to find a secret place to be alone.

I hear the terrifying crash of swords against shields and helmets as enemies battle up and down these ancient steps. I hear the more modern thump of boots as soldiers try to regain lost ground.

I hear life.

(If you are seeing a display of click-bait, I apologize. So far I can’t figure out how to get rid of it. I’m working on it!)