#Blog Flash 2013 Day 21 Success

To be honest, I haven’t felt very successful this past twenty four hours in most aspects of my life where I really want to be successful. Firstly, call from No #1 son’s school to say he decided he was going bunk his last lesson so starting to question parenting. Secondly, got crappy rejection letter. I don’t mind the rejection- it’s expected but do they have to be so blunt to the point of being rude? Thirdly, I have lost my mojo in the creative department and spent hours trying to get the 200 words right. ARRRGGGGG!

On a positive note, I have managed to complete the final Blog flash. Whoop! Whoop! And met some wonderful bloggers which is worth going over the word count for. So I guess success can come in small doses and the rest will hopefully fall into place and not be so bad with a pinch of perspective.

word count 153 (oops)

   

For more on success, please visit the wonderful http://terriglong.com/blog/blogflash2013-march-2013-30-days-of-flash-blogging/  xxxx

#Blog Flash 2013 Day 15 Friendship

Together, they walked arm in arm along the muddy path as the cold, damp air lay heavy around them. No words were needed. They sat side by side, hugging their coats tighter as the cold air slowly enveloped them. Through hymns and readings, the two friends lent on each other; their white knuckle grip only matched by their anguish at sitting in the church decades earlier than they should have been. They seemed to take it in turns to sob uncontrollably yet quietly, still holding tight to one another; seeking comfort, support and love as well as answers that never came. . .

Surrounded by friends, strength flowed slowly through their bodies as they could smile and remember in celebration and support others, all sharing their grief, memories, hugs and smiles as one family.  

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Dedicated to my lovely friends and colleagues. xxx

Over the word count today. I'm going to take Jack Sparrow's take on the rules/code and see them as more of guidelines; I wanted to get back to more of a story entry. xx

                                      

#Blog Flash 2013 Day 14 Home

Oops. I have missed a few and am gutted at having missed some very good prompts. But when you're not in the mood, you're not in the mood. I can't force writing. Anyway, I'm in the mood tonight so here is day 14- home. x

It’s lovely to go round a friend’s house where you feel so relaxed; it’s like being at home, apart from wearing pyjamas. However, one night myself and the Mad Yank were invited to a friends’ house for apple crumble one Saturday evening.  I’m sure there was another reason too but I can’t remember. And just to show how relaxed, chilled and at home we were, we turned up at our friend’s house in our pyjamas and furry slippers. And being a wonderful friend, she didn't mind at all as she served up her home made yummy, scrummy crumble. x

99 words

For more prompts and to read other takes on the prompt, please visit http://terriglong.com/blog/blogflash2013-march-2013-30-days-of-flash-blogging/ . . . .you won't be disappointed. xxx

#Blog Flash Day 10 Time

I haven’t had time to think about this prompt this evening. I have no idea where the time has gone. Why does it disappear so fast? I swear when I was a kid, time dragged so slowly, that at times it stood still especially when it came to Christmas; it seemed to take forever to come round again. Now it’s here in the blink of an eye and gone just as quick.  But there are times I relish time moving quickly; queuing in the supermarket, the walk home from work, the working day and definitely watching Hubby’s boring TV shows.

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Day 10 and isn't this blog flash flying by. For more shorts on time, visit   

http://terriglong.com/blog/2013/03/blogflash2013-day-ten-time/   xx

#Blog Flash 2013 Day 8 Chocolate (Yum!)

Day 8; Chocolate!!! Yum! yum! yum! Slightly over the word count but hey, it's chocolate! I could write a thousand words on the stuff!!  

I loved the night shift at Harrods. Walking around the store in the death of night was a privilege especially in the Food halls which were usually crowded by day. Now they’re empty and I could browse at my leisure (well security patrol). The smell would hit you first; that sweet, unmistakable smell of chocolate. Your eyes are drawn to the perfect displays of little delicate chocolates, all lined up, some in pretty foils, others showing their glossy nakedness. I would mentally pick out my favourites, all presented in a little (medium) sized gold box just waiting to be opened and devoured. I did love my job and on leaving did get one of those gold boxes.

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Day 8 chocolate. for other chocolaty tales, visit http://terriglong.com/blog/2013/03/blogflash2013-day-eight-chocolate/  for chocoholics, recipes and pure indulgence. xx

#Blogflash 2013 Day 3 Innocence

Standing outside the newsagents, Cameron knew now was the time to prove himself. He walked in, palms sweating, adrenaline pumping through his body.  He looked to Josh, hoping he had changed his mind but Josh’s eyes glared, willing him on. With one swipe, Cameron had a bag of sweets in his grasp and he turned, walking quickly, head down towards the exit, dreading a heavy hand on his shoulder. He clenched his eyes shut, not breathing.  . . .

“It wasn’t so hard was it?” Cameron beamed at his idol, knowing he’d take a greater risk for Josh next time.

97 words

Day 3, Innocence. For more flash go to terriglong.com/blog/2013/03/blogflash2013-day-three-innocence/.  

challenge

• Starts March 1st, ends March 29.
• Write a 50-100 word post for each daily prompt on your own blog during March (weekdays only).
• Your post can be factual or fictional, prose or poetry, anecdotal or otherwise!
• Come back during each day of March to leave a comment on that day’s post with your own link.
• Try and visit 5 blogs a day if you can and see how other people used the prompts!

Masquerade Day 29

A tongue in ceek look at Masquerade as time is short and I just can't think of anything creative to write. Sorry but enjoy this anyway. Last day tomorrow so will make the effort to finish on a high. x

Masquerade

 My post is slightly late today because I have been sucked into Celebrity Big Brother.  It is the definition of masquerade. The people in the ‘house’ are not who they seem and they forget that we are watching and can vote. However it is a game they all want to win. But there can only be one winner so the shenanigans start; flirting, back stabbing, allegiances. It’s all there and to be honest it is rather entertaining.

The biggest masquerade is that it is called ‘Celebrity' Big Brother when there is not one ‘celebrity’ in there.  


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Frogs Day 28 Frogginess

Ok, so after a few seriously heavy pieces, I've decided to do light and fluffy. And because I have no idea what to write about when it comes to frogs, I have generated a list of frogginess. Horrid things although cute in fairy tales and cartoons.   

Randoms on frogginess 

1)      My Hubby says I am as mad as a box of frogs!

2)      I have never tried frog’s legs. Apparently they taste like chicken.  But have eaten snails which also taste like chicken, just a bit chewier.

3)      I refused to take part in the biology lesson where we had to dissect a frog.

4)      Frogmella was an affectionate joke nickname given to me when working at Harrods.

5)      I love Paul McCartney’s song “We All Stand Together” (The frog Song) . The video is so cute, here 

      6)   Kermit is not my favourite Muppet. I like Beaker and Animal

 





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History Day 27

Here's my entry for History; an alternative history which is also 92 words over but I couldn't omit anything as then it wouldn't have the impact.

Through a Child's Eyes

The crowd was growing by the second, filling every inch of the square. There was a buzz of excitement as we waited for our speaker, our leader who promised us the world and had delivered. A huge roar erupted, such was the force, my ear drums could bleed but I didn’t care as I sat on my dad’s shoulders. I was a part of history. I stared in wonder as the crowd hushed and hung on to his every word.

 ‘His speeches of empowerment, victory and pride give patriotism a new name’ said my dad. ‘He oozes charisma, motivating us all to be better people for our country.’  I wanted to be a better person, I wanted to please. Most of all I liked that my daddy was home again and smiling.  But I wasn’t sure of the man getting so excited that he shouted and stared madly into the crowd. However, I couldn’t help but get swept along with all the euphoria he created; our leader of the Fatherland and now the world, although I couldn’t stop thinking that Adolf Hitler was a pretty small man to rule the whole world.   

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Seeing Day 26

Yikes!!! Only four more writes then #BlogFlash 2012 is over! Here's my entry for day 26; Seeing. x

With each skillful stroke of the pencil, the portrait was taking shape; the image was proof of Jodi’s memory. She was seeing it clearly now as every minute detail gave the image life, like looking at a photograph such was the depth of detail. It was amazing how realistic it was considering it was all created by memory, without him, the muse for want of a better word, in front of her.

She shuddered at the thought.

“Everything ok Jodi?” She nodded. “Won’t be long now until your description is out there and we catch him” offered DCI Blackwood confidently.

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Day twenty-six of the jump-on-board-for-blogflash2012-30-days-30-prompts-30-posts/ coutesey of Terri Giuliano Long. Pop along to her page The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively for wonderful tips and advice on writing and for reading the entries from wonderful writers.

Blue Day 25

I’ve already written about it as my favourite colour day 3 blogflash2012 so what else can blue be?

It can be Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory after eating the gum.

  It can be used to describe cold; lips turning blue.

 It can also describe a feeling. Feeling blue, down in the dumps, miserable. I seldom feel blue but today I did.  I hated it.  So I took my sorry arse off to the gym for a good run to banish the blues for another colour. Blue maybe my favourite colour but it is definitely not my favourite feeling.

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Day twenty-five of the jump-on-board-for-blogflash2012-30-days-30-prompts-30-posts/ coutesey of Terri Giuliano Long. Pop along to her page The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively for wonderful tips and advice on writing and for reading the entries from wonderful writers.

Into The Woods Day 24

This is a continuation from day 13, Forest where Toby was faced with a tree of shoes. . . . .

Into the woods where you will find safety from the Ground Dwellers

Into The Woods

“The Ground Dwellers come.” Toby turned away from the shoe tree and looked up, seeing a rope bridge between two trees. Who could possibly use such a tiny bridge? As his eyes followed the bridge to the trunk he saw a small door and a tiny hand beckoning him to come. “Pick a pair of shoes. Quick”  

Homes of the Ground dwellers

“Why?”

“They will bring you up, save you from the Ground Dwellers. They approach. Quick!” Toby casually pulled at a pair of old boots.

He heard a continuous shrill.

Scrambling into the boots, Toby floated up, hoping what awaited him was far better than what was down there.

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Day twenty-four of the jump-on-board-for-blogflash2012-30-days-30-prompts-30-posts/ coutesey of Terri Giuliano Long. Pop along to her page The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively for wonderful tips and advice on writing and for reading the entries from wonderful writers.

Cooking day 23

What's cooking?

The recipe seemed easy to follow and her effort was looking pretty good. However, Miranda would not be tasting. This was something special, created just for him. It had taken time sourcing the ingredients with weird and wonderful names but it would be worth it. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.  Well, the steak hadn’t worked and that was supposed to be his favourite. Not wanting to waste any more time, Miranda knew the only way to get Ian was with the Love Potion and he wouldn’t know anything about it. . . .

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Day twenty-three; jump-on-board-for-blogflash2012-30-days-30-prompts-30-posts/ coutesey of Terri Giuliano Long. Pop along to her page The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively for wonderful tips and advice on writing and for reading the entries from wondeful writers.

Holiday Day 22

I would love to scan my own pics in at some point just to show the beauty of the place as it was then. A gorgeous holiday I took with a friend. xx

Holiday

The best holiday I ever had; Thailand. 2 weeks, £500, sun, sea, sand and lots of wind! Yes the resort was so windy, the sand kept whipping at our skin. So we decide to ditch, get the guide book out and go and find the paradise we expected. 4 hours on a smelly, stuffy train; the only two westerners on it, followed by a boat trip and then we were at our paradise island. No light pollution, no wind. The generator switched off at midnight, plunging us into complete darkness save the stars that completely covered the sky like someone had been constantly pricking it with a pin. I’d never seen so many stars; shooting stars too. The toilet was a bucket; the accommodation very basic but I didn't care. No commercialism, no high rises and no shops, cars or amusements. The beach, a bar and the sun. Perfect!

 151- oops gone over again but it was just so awesome! A once in a life time expereince of which even 151 words is not enough. 

Day twenty-two; jump-on-board-for-blogflash2012-30-days-30-prompts-30-posts/ coutesey of Terri Giuliano Long. Pop along to her page The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively for wonderful tips and advice on writing and for reading the entries from wondeful writers.

   

WIld At Heart Day 18

A Tiger's Tale

I don’t understand why I’m here. This is all so strange. The surface is hard when I should be feeling the softness and warmth of the forest floor.  I should be able to run free for miles and miles without having to turn a corner once. Hang on what IS a corner?  And what are those strange things staring at me? In the forest, they would be dinner, but I have to be nice otherwise I won’t get fed. My heart should be beating to the rhythm of the jungle but instead I am here; bored, restless and held prisoner.

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Day eighteen; jump-on-board-for-blogflash2012-30-days-30-prompts-30-posts/ coutesey of Terri Giuliano Long. Pop along to her page The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively for wonderful tips and advice on writing and for reading the entries from wondeful writers.  

Graveyard Day 17



A place to reflect, remember and give respect.  But it is much more. A graveyard is a place to give thanks to those who gave their lives in far off lands so we can have the life we have today. It is a place to never forget the bravery of those who will never come home.

I will never forget hearing the Last Post at The Menin Gate, Ypres in Belgium. Every night at 8pm, there is a ceremony in honour of British Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave. Their sacrifice in WWI will never be forgotten.

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For more information go to

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ypres.

 http://www.ww1battlefields.co.uk/flanders/ypres.html

Different World Day 16

It hadn’t rained in months which saw the rising seas ebb away. This was good as farmers reclaimed the land but it was death to the last seeds that were sown in vain. Crops were failing to grow on the parched unfertile spit of land that once was bursting with life. The last chance had been and gone. It was time to look at other resources to feed the people. The people had stripped all from what the land had to offer from energy to animal to mineral to vegetable. Now there was only one resource left for survival . . . . . . . to stem the hunger . . . . . . . and it was human. 

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Idea from Hubby who is all doom and gloom ( but he say's based on scientific fact - gulp) on the destructive human race and the fate that awaits us. . . . . . . . . .Thanks. . . .  . . . . . . . . I think.

Day sixteen;  jump-on-board-for-blogflash2012-30-days-30-prompts-30-posts/ coutesey of Terri Giuliano Long. Pop along to her page The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively for wonderful tips and advice on writing and for reading the entries from wonderful writers.

Pic 'FreakNews'

Books Day 15

Excitedly yet delicately, Amber turned the fragile page of the old, musty leather bound book. She knew it was forbidden until she was of age. The magic inside was of the most powerful and dark kind but that wasn’t enough to stop her.

Only one tincey wincey spell; what harm could one spell do? Her sister, April, had already used it successfully and Amber was far more talented than her older sister when it came to casting spells.

And there it was. Amber took a deep breath and began the incantation.

“Stop!” But as Amber looked up, a surge of energy grabbed her and she was pulled into the book before April’s eyes. The book snapped shut and April was alone. . . .

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Oops, gone over the word count, but needs must and all.

Day fifteen and half way through the  jump-on-board-for-blogflash2012-30-days-30-prompts-30-posts/ coutesey of Terri Giuliano Long. Pop along to her page The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively for wonderful tips and advice on writing and for reading the entries from wonderful writers.

My Favourite Books as a Child Day 14

As a child

·         I wanted to go On The Ning Nang Nong  to see the cows go Bong.

·         I wanted to peek under the Quangle Wangle's Hat  (202ft) to see his face.

·         I loved hearing about The Owl and the Pussy Cat sailing off in their pea green boat and I wanted to meet the Piggy Wig with a ring at the end of his nose.

·         I loved From A Railway Carriage  by Robert Louis Stevenson. I loved how my mum read it to me to the rhythm of a train.

 I loved  sharing with my son when he was little.

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Just over the word count today. Hope you enjoy the links to some wonderful books/poems.

Forest Day 13

 Into the Forest

There were stories.  This was why the forest was avoided. There was no bird song, no rustling of leaves, the buzzing of insects were absent. The forest was still. Even the wind ceased to exist.

Toby knew this when he accepted the dare. Deeper into the forest he walked; the only sound his breathing and the crunching of dry leaves underfoot. Despite being void of life, Toby found the forest beautiful. His mind was free, his thoughts clear. He felt peaceful. . . . . . until he looked up. He stopped in wonder and stared. Shoes . . . . .  children’s shoes were hanging from the branches. . . .

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 Day thirteen of the jump-on-board-for-blogflash2012-30-days-30-prompts-30-posts/ coutesey of Terri Giuliano Long. Pop along to her page The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively for wonderful tips and advice on writing and for reading the entries from wonderful writers.