Thoughts

This is for 'Jumping Off Places.'

The coupon fluttered out of her hand and landed among a sea of legs. She looked desperate-- every penny important. As she scrambled down on the floor, reaching frantically for the elusive little paper, the clerk looked from his supervisor and back to the cash register avoiding the irritated looks on faces of people waiting in line. He thought to himself, "Why doesn't anyone help this young mother? Are they so calloused that they just don't see her plight? Are they so in a hurry that they are only concerned with their own situations? Are they embarrassed for her?" So many questions.

As the young woman rose, coupon in hand, baby whimpering by this time, the clerk, while finishing the sale, could be heard to say from behind his counter, "Mam, I'm so sorry that no one saw it fitting to help you. I sure hope you have a better day!"

Cranky Men art by KieferClayworks

You ever want to speak up and didn't? Or thought to help and didn't?

Common Writing Errors

Since this is a Creative Writing blog, today I want to start a new column (continuing blog post), to be posted on Saturdays, entitled "Common Writing Errors". Those of you who blog might be interested in this on-going discussion. I will not be posting anything on Sundays, so you can visit anytime on the weekend and find this column. Don't get me wrong, I don't have all the answers, and YOU WILL find errors in my writing, but I want to do better, and I am sure that you do too! I will do the research, and I hope that you will benefit as much as I do. Today's error has to do with the words 'than' and 'then'. I commonly find this error in written communications of all kinds. Business e-mail messages, web sites, pamphlets, EVERYWHERE! On lots of ocassions, I even hear people speak these words incorrectly. The word 'then' is an adverb and has to do with time, as in "Then he went to the store". The word 'than' is a conjunction and is used in comparisons. "I would rather go to the store than stay here and clean!" Often I have seen erroneous sentences like: "We will be participating in the meeting than having a potluck." "I'm smarter then him!" Most commonly, 'then' is used in the comparison mode. And . . . . one freebie Hint of the Day: Make sure you re-read your blog before posting, preferably in another font. It helps you catch your own errors before posting.

JOP - Friday Linky Party - Jumping Off Places

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing, that is!) Our linky party is continuing!! This is week 5! You can still join the fun! Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome on your blog! Just WRITE something! That's what this is all about! Practicing our skills! NEW: Also,introducing a new continuing post, starting tomorrow: My new column will post on Saturdays. It's called Common Writing Errors. I'm sure that if you are like me, you struggle with some English grammar. I don't have all the answers, but will promise to do my research. It ought to be fun and informative! Review of our party works: 1) First Lines provided here (for next week--Last week's post is the basis for today's links.) 2) Write a post on your blog anytime next week using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) OUR PARTY IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT! Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in with the URL of your post! (Not just your blog address, please.) 4) On Fridays we'll read each other's work and Enjoy a creative moment! If you have written something for this week, please drop down to the link portion of this post and add your name and your URL. Then everyone who visits will be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week FIVE-- 1) "How near are the horsemen right now?" 2) It was like a scene from On Golden Pond, with lunes on the pond and the serene surroundings. 3) Chatter was everywhere around me, at the next table, over the counter, and walking past my table. 4) The coupon fluttered out of her hand and landed among a sea of legs. 5) Smoke filled the room like a cloudy day. Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in on Friday!

Ashen Skies

(This entry is for Jumping Off Places. Info here.) The view outside the window had been gray for days. Inside, I was beginning to feel gray, as well. I needed some sunshine! My background included sunshine nearly 300 days a year! But to live here in Seattle now, I didn't know how to handle all these ashen wet days. What was I to do? I knew that I was sliding into a depression feeling like I just had to do something or I would scream! Cleaning projects, cooking and laundry, kids games, television, even craft projects couldn't fill the void. I needed the outdoors! The sunshine! Even a break in the clouds for a few minutes! I'd take it! Sam just doesn't understand, he grew up here. No longer will I call this "Sea" attle but "Gloom" attle! Sun, bright yellow light, where are you? As I gazed out the window, a little bird flitted into the tree, as though to say, "Will you settle for Blue?"

Fine art photograph available from ORphotography on Etsy

Thoughts Delivered

(Abby's story part 18) Since the morning sun was no longer streaming in the front window, it was a little cooler to sit at the dining room table as they talked. "Suz, you saw my pros and cons list. But I want you to know that I, also have looked at all the things that have happened in my life over the last several years as to how they relate to important decisions. I think it has helped me see more clearly." "You sound like you have really been thinking about this, mom" said Suz as she tilted the lovely porcelain clad kettle that was always ready on the stove and filled her china tea cup with hot water. "So, what do you mean?" she asked, while dipping her tea bag up and down in the water and taking her chair at the oak table.

teapot available from REtroGalore on Etsy

"Well, I mean that I have thought about your dad's death and where that has left me--both emotionally and financially. I thought about my heart attack and fitness level--or lack thereof! I though about the purpose of this family farm--emphasis on 'family'--that we are all in this together for a favorable and profitable outcome. I thought about adoption as a long term commitment and my age. And I think that I have decided that adopting Patrica is not for me, as much as I want it. I was thinking that I wanted her to have a stable home, and she got along so well with Paddy and Owen. I could see her here in this house, filling it with laughter and chaos. My heart is full of love for her and, I know, all the other children who need love. But I think that my stamina is not the greatest and my years on this earth may be more limited that I would really like to admit. So, I have come to this conclusion: I have decided that adopting Patrica is not for me, as much as I want . . . " "Oh mom," Suzanne interrupted, "I know that this was hard for you, but I really do think it is for the best. Little Patty will go to a good home, I know it! You needn't worry." "Suz, you didn't let me finish! I am no longer worrying. I want you and Terry to adopt her!"

A Tear and a Small Stone

(Small stones are short written thoughts that describe what you see or think succinctly. See the tab above for more info.)

teardrop locket by oceanblueseaglass on Etsy

"Tears cleanse the heart, release emotion whether joy or grief,

and are encased by God as preciousness." -lp

Jumping Off Places- Friday Linky Party #4

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing, that is!) OK! A linky party! We're off on week 4! Join us! Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome! Just WRITE! that's what this is all about! Practicing our skills! First lines for writing something today are found in this post! Also, next week, I will be adding a post about common grammatical errors, should be informative and FUN! Watch for it either Monday or Wednesday! A review of our party works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post on your blog next week using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) OUR PARTY IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT! Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in with the URL of your post! (Not just your blog address, please.) 4) On Fridays we'll read each other's work and Enjoy a creative moment! If you have written something for this week, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. Then everyone who visits will be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week FOUR-- 1)Shoreline waves were getting larger by the minute. 2)Careening down the hill . . . 3)A bead of perspiration rolled from my temple down across my cheek. 4)The view outside the window had been gray for days. 5)The room's tropical decor revealed her past and her love of color. Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in on Friday!

JOP - Silent Music

(This is for Jumping Off Places.) On the top of the piano sat a beautiful gilded frame with a yellowing newspaper clipping inside. The date read, July 16th, 1948. The frame sat upon a gorgeous linen embroidered doily. This was obviously the treasured focal point of the room. Everything else in the room was dated and a bit understated; a Victorian settee with a simple wool rug underneath, one oak pressback chair in front of the Steinway and next to the three legged swivel piano stool, rows of music books in a simple bookcase by the huge double leaded glass windows with mahogany shutters to close the bottom half when needed. The room's purpose was clear: it was to be filled with music, just music, during lessons and, the master's alone. Life in this room had not changed much since the late forties. I stood taking it all in and trying to imagine what had been played in this room in all those years, trying to hear masterpieces and sour notes alike--all mingled together in a symphony that no one would now hear.

Moles and Decisions

(Abby's Story - Part 17) Ronda was a short little lady with a round face and dark hair to match her dark eyes. The smile she wore was all over her face and twinkled out her eyes. One could readily tell that she was happy and friendly! After speaking with her for a few minutes, Abby decided to excuse herself and head for the office in the back of the shop. Suz, probably already having decided that she wanted to hire her, entertained Ronda for a few minutes, enlisting her help folding some linens on a shelf.

Towels available from pruitthandcrafts on Etsy

Abby took the time to look over the application lying on the desk. She was wondering if Ronda had been a punctual employee at her last job, or if she had skipped around from job to job. BLAM! The back door slammed, as Owen ran up to the desk! "Owen, you know you are not supposed to run in the shop! What is up with you?" "Grandma, we found a mole hole in the garden. And a few of our baby carrots are missing! I came to tell mom!" "Your mom is busy right now, and mole stories can wait. Why didn't you go get your dad? He's better equipped to help you with a little mole" instructed Abby. "But, grandma, he's way out at the shed in the back 40!" Owen protested. "Well, I'll let your mom know and you head back to the garden. As soon as you see your dad, let him know. We can't have a little mole ruining our harvest!--And don't slam the door this time!" Owen scampered out the back door again, this time closing it carefully, as Abby headed to the front of the shop. Suz and Ronda had finished rearranging the linen cupboard and were standing at the cash register. "Everything looks fine, I would agree with your decision, Suzanne, and I hope that Ronda can join us for some of the morning hours around here. Also, Owen will have some news for you when you go home, and I need your help with that decision, soon."

Jumping Off Places -reprint of week 3

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing, that is!) Thanks for all the well wishes, everyone! I am feeling better and will re-post last weeks first lines. I appreciate you all! A review of it works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post on your blog next week using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in with the URL of your post! (Not just your blog address, please.) 4) On Friday's we'll read each other's work and Enjoy! If you have written something please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. We'll then be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week THREE: 1) On the top of the piano sat a beautiful gilded frame with a yellowing . . . . 2) All I could hear was the flapping of the sails. 3) A diploma! I thought I would never see one in his hands. 4) The floor creaked, a light flashed, and my fellow actor was lowered down on a rope. 5) She stopped me in mid-sentence. Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in on Friday!

Shop Appointment

(Part 16 of Abby's Story)

“Nearly two o’clock,” thought Abby, “I need to stop working on this list and get over to the shop!” Leaving the tablet lying on the dining room table and she headed to the back door, down the steps, and following a well worn path across the yard behind the house till she reached a vine covered arbor gate. Through the gate was a large parking lot of gravel and a rustic building, formerly a large shed that currently served as the family farm shop. The building was a simple board and bat construction with corrugated tin roofing. Abby remembered when it had a large sliding door on the front and a dirt floor. The previous owners had used it to house their tractor and their mechanic shop. The heavy wood door slid open to allow the tractor easy access. When she and the family purchased the property, they had remodeled the building for their retail operations.

As she rounded the corner of the building to the front door, she noticed only one car in the parking lot, which was not unusual, this early in the season. While pulling the glass door open, she inspected the front window displays that Suz had been working on for the last week.

"Suz, these look sharp! You've done a nice job. Is that our applicant's car out there?"

Reading the List

(Part 15 of Abby's Story--You can start at the beginning here.) Suzanne set her lemonade glass down on the little crocheted coaster, saving the beautiful finish of the old oak tabletop, while she read the list. Pros: 1) I love kids! 2) I have the finances to support a child 3) I love little Patricia Cons: 1) My stamina is not very good. 2) Health concerns/life expectancy, I'm nearly 65! 3) Limits on my freedom-I already raised ten kids! 4) Total changes to my everyday routine

Lemonade dress by CappysCloset

Questions:

1) Schooling? Where? How? 2) Her family's involvement? If any? 3) Will it prevent me from helping other kids? "Mom, these are all good questions. I see that you have been seriously thinking about what to do."

"I have, Suz. Even though I have all of you, I still have time to give to someone else."

"Well, I think that you should make another list. This one should be about you're daily routine, as it is now and how it would be if you had a child living with you. Can you do that?" asked Suzanne.

"I believe I can, I have be thinking about it.''

"OK then, we'll talk again, once you have completed the list. Let me know. Now, I saw the vegetable order ready on the porch table, I'll have to be going to get to Clark's in time. By the way, I liked that gal, Ronda, that came for the interview. I would like you to meet her, and see what you think. She's coming back tomorrow around two. Can you come over to the shop at that time?"

Jumping Off Places - Delays and Disappointments

Friends- I am sorry to say that there will be no post for "Jumping OFF Places" today. My hubby and I have had a huge disappointment, and I really don't feel like posting anything. We are taking a few days away. I felt an obligation to let you know why it is not here today. Can you let me off the hook today and we'll pick up where we left off next Friday? Thanks! Linda (Abby)

Vegetable Order and Decisions!

(Part 14 of Abby's Story--You can start at the beginning here.) Breathing heavily, Abby opened the gate of the vegetable garden and sat down on the bench just inside the fence for a rest. Pulling weeds from the flower border had been a little more bend-over exercise than she needed. "You done?" asked Suz, as she placed an arm load of lettuce and squash on the garden table. "No, I just need a breather. I need to pace myself." "Well, don't over exert. The flower bed can wait." Suzanne kept busy loosening and aerating the soil around the tomato plants. "But we do have this vegetable order to deliver to Clark's Corner." "Yes, I know. I just wanted to give a bit of time for the flowers, too. Anyway, I can use this rest time to talk to you about something. Since little Patricia stayed with me, I've been thinking. I really need an outlet for my love for children, but I don't know how. I've made list of pros and cons of reasons to adopt, but I am still undecided." "Adopt? Oh, mom, I know that you have a big heart for kids, but at your age? Can't you do something else that will pacify your passion?" "Patricia's family is giving her up and she needs a home!" Abby retorted with vigor! "I understand that, mom, but I worry about your health. You just said that you need to pace yourself. You already volunteer at Thomas House. They love you there. And you can still have the kids stay in the summer for a week at a time." Abby put her gloves away on the garden shelf and replied, "You are probably right, but my heart just bleeds for that little girl. I wish she could have a good home." Putting her gloves away too, Suzanne walked toward the gate and said, "I understand mom. I would like to see your pro and con list and talk to you about it later; right now I've got a gal coming to interview for the shop sales position. Why don't you go make some lemonade and I'll be over later to talk." "O.K., I'll spend a few minutes washing the veggies and packaging the order, then I'll go in and make the lemonade. See you later."

Pros and Cons

(Part 13 of Abby's Story)

. . . ? . . . ? . . . ? . . ? . . ? . . . . . ? . . . ? . . . . ? . . .

Hair Clip by bourdiers on Etsy

Abigail's day mostly done, she found herself again in the wing chair enjoying the warmth from the fireplace. Tonight, as she lifted her feet to the footstool and pulled the Afghan over her legs, she was well into thought . . . . "Am I too old? I still love kids. Being a foster mom or adopting just appeals to me. But . . . where could I do the most good? After all, I have a large enough home and am fortunate enough to be able to afford all the expenses. I could care for a child, easily. I could love a child. I really enjoyed having Patty here with me for a week. But then . . . I was tired. It does take a lot of energy to follow after a little one and make sure they are always safe and entertained." As she pondered adding another log to the fire, she thought better of it because it was almost time to turn in. As the warmth from the fire began to die, the afghan felt so good. She sure enjoyed her quiet time; would that be sacrificed with a child in the house? Thoughts were flying in her head. Tomorrow . . . tomorrow she should make a list of pros and cons, and talk with Suz about possibilities. necklace by noyasilverjewelry on Etsy