The church elders had a horrible dilemma as hundreds of parishioners gathered for the viewing and funeral of 66-year-old Francine “Fanny” Fitzgerald, a member
Tag: Flash Fiction
“Panic.”
Panic is an extream emotional state of fear, anxiety, causing wildly unthinking behavior. Panic is what I felt. Panic is what I saw in my
“Generous.”
The ACME Ladder Corporation recognized their oldest employee Oscar Stephenson’s 43 years of service and his retirement to become official at the close of business
“Silence.”
The sounds of silence typically heard during a hike, are footsteps impacting the earth, the rustling of leaves in the trees, along with the birds
“Passionate.”
Passion and love are intertwined around the roots of commitment. Commitment is the prehistoric Red Wood Tree with roots mixed with love and passion. So,
“Mirror.”
Capturing photographs of reflections on a lake is what sprung my amateur photographers imagination. Since the early morning bicycle rides into Lakes Regional Park
“Fragile.”
The tone of words are interpreted by those listening. Dreams, hopes, and beliefs are broken with words. The egos of humans are broken with words.
“Slog.”
The thought of my daily trudge from home to works drudgery depresses me knowing the slog of yesterday is fresh in my mind.
Stump
The daily word prompts ignite my imagination of times in my life. The word “stump” has me reflecting on the stump-grinder, I rented to remove
“Recharge.”
During the funeral of my great uncle, Joshua, the brother of my great grandfather, I began thinking about all my blessings. I also thought of
“Sandwich.”
Since the 18th century the invention of the sandwich, named after English Aristocrat John Montauge the 4th Earl of Sandwich, humanity has made every type
“Elegant.”
Over the past 100-hundred years, clothing styles for male & females have changed with each generation. The word elegant has been used to describe clothing
“Twinkle.”
In college, there were weekends when many in my dorm would venture out to the lake near the university for a keg party. I reluctantly
“Plop.”
Commercial advertising is a powerful medium with jingles that can synch into the mental psyche forever. For me, the word “plop,” has always been associated
“Cake.”
Working in an office environment is essentially a cake environment. Cake for birthdays, Cake for returning to work, Cake for leaving or taking a
“Eclipse.”
Once upon a time in a far away city, I attended an NBA basketball game. Seated with a beer in my right hand and peanuts
“Sidewalks.”
Sidewalks are the essential life blood of neighborhoods, and big cities. They suffer daily abuse from dirty feet, soiled shoes, muddy boots, canes, and wheels
Melody yes, Sing No!
Everyone may not be able to sing with the voice of their favorite or greatest singers, but everyone can hum the melodies. You know
“Shiver.”
During the winter month’s my mother always dressed me warmly with a thick heavy coat, gloves, knit cap and a pair of rubber boots for
“Fierce.”
Fierce is the adjective used to identify the individual or group entering battle, attacking insurmountable odds or challenges. Wars have produced fierce, violent attackers eager
“Vice.”
My evolution of the word “VICE.” As a child growing up, my father had a garage with a workbench with a vice similar to the
“Expert.”
A forensic psychologist, a forensic accountant, and forensic fingerprint expert, were summoned to court as witnesses for the prosecution. Because of the rule on witnesses,
“Cheats & Mistakes.”
In the Spring of 1963, Malcolm Milton University’s spring mid-term testing was in its final hours. Tenured History Professor, Wilbur Wilshire was shocked and astonished
“Witness.”
Early in life, my eyes witnessed hobbies I love today. My Books, My Kayak, My bicycle, My hiking gear, My motorcycle, My fishing poles, My
“Miniature.”
Many mini years ago, a co-worker maintained miniature flowering plants on her desk. When the morning sun shined through the window, it was delightful to
Happy Birthday US National Parks
Today the US National Parks celebrate their 100th centennial. Yes, being 100 is cool when you have the gorgeous historic beauty surrounding you when you
“Learning. “
Learning is a desire within many people or is it? For some learning is completed upon high school graduation yet college graduates become annoyed or
“Fifty.”
Fifty is the other half. Fifty is the middle if you expect to live to 100. Fifty is the half century of every decade. Fifty is
Jeopardize
Police Chief Charles Chapman: Yesterday evening’s automobile accident was horrifying, and the heroic work of police, firefighters & bystanders who jeopardize their lives represent the
Eyes
Eyes are the window to the soul, Eyes, project Sadness, Happiness, Excitement, Love, Hate, Disappointment, Fear, Anger, With these emotions, the eyes can talk to
Complicated
So, life is relatively easy. You are born, you love parents, family friends, and caregivers Follow the basic moral rules of life, don’t lie, cheat,
Reach
Reach is a movement every human has completed. However, the word reach is used more as a metaphor referring to an object or action in
Obsessed
Obsessed, can be a passion with boundaries. The boundaries can become askew by obsession or passion To be obsessed is to have a passion or
“Generational divide”
Over the past one hundred years, generational divides are usually a contentious issue within families. I suspect, during the period between 1920 and 1960, the
Maybe?
Maybe is the word parents use with their second or third born child who asks, can they have a tiger or lion. Maybe is
“Joke”
Jokes are used to makes the world seem a little less horrible at the times. When humans witness horrific sights, serious thoughts prevail. However, some
“Luxury”
Luxury? During my adult life, luxuries are unique slices of life I passed up for whatever reasons or another. Mostly, because of children, you know
“Shared Journeys”
I have taken many journeys across the US either by car, motorcycle, and tractor trailer. During all of my travel’s my family and my mother,
“Crisis”
The word crisis expresses the idea or belief of something urgent, and I feel the word is used for dramatic effect to garner people’s immediate
Elusive
Elusive are my thoughts when writing. Elusive is my focus when reading. Elusive are the photos I want to capture. Elusive are my attempts when
“Sanctuary”
Seeking the safety of a Sanctuary from family, friends, job, the world, or an enemy can take place in many locations. Sanctuaries within the mind
“Clocks”
Many people around the world are pressed for time, don’t have enough time, and some run out of time. We all have a certain amount
“The things we leave behind.”
The things we leave behind are the things we collected because they were the must-haves of the moment. After fifteen trips to the local Good-Will
Carefree
I hope the above quote inspires people to observe life with optimism, a positive attitude towards one another to experience a less stressful life to
“Frail”
Newborn infants, puppies, kittens, and small baby animals, are considered frail. However, their frailty we view is their strength for life, struggling to live, learn
“Drive”
I have driven, cars, boats, motorcycles, tractors, military vehicles in just about all fifty states of the US and a few European countries. My love
“Unpredictable”
As a structured life planner, I have always prepared and planned for the unpredictable, and yet the unforeseen most often takes place. My retiree lifestyle
“Nightmare”
While working at my desk, my dream turned into a nightmare I dreamed I was aware and awake of my nightmare. The nightmare never completed,
Forgetful RV’ers
Jim aged 87 and Mathew, age 89 are retirees from Florida and have been full-time RV’ers for the past twenty years. Late one night they
“Patience for the Storm”
Storms within the mind, Storms of the heart, Storms gripping the soul Storms around you, or Storms above. Storms come and will eventually go away.
“Journey”
Everyone’s life is a journey, whether they know it or not. A journey for some people is considered a chore, or hindrance, preventing enjoyment of
“Desert, which one?”
After an argument, I deserted my wife for the solitude and warmth of the desert, where I enjoyed the chocolate cake she made for dessert.
“Cowardice”
During a crisis, the coward utilizing their thoughts will dismantle and shirk their honor, duty, and responsibility to whomever or whatever the cause. Their cowardice
“False”
The word “false,” when used in a sentence is usually in the form of a negative connotation. The thesaurus provides many words and they all
“Darkness”
Because of humans inability to see in the darkness, the human imagination compensates and creates fear and mystery of the unknown of what their eyes
Island
Oh, how I would love to live on an island. I was offered the opportunity to live on an island off the coast of Key
“Burn”
The word burn can conjure up many ideas of the flame burning to cause injury or to warm feet around a fire. However, this single
“Empty”
The empty feelings when a loved one is no longer in your life. The empty feelings when love is not present. The empty feelings when
“Sky”
The sky above is also known and described as the heavens. The sky is filled with sights seen and unseen. The sky is the
“Denying or Justifying”
Looking into a mirror many humans see something they are not. Denying the color of thy eyes Denying the color of thy skin, Denying thy
“The South”
Many locations in the US south like the above morning sunrise photo taken in Tavares Fl with morning temperatures in the mid 70’s are
“Hope and the Westward Expansion Memorial”
The city of St. Louis is home to the 19-Acre Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, it is home to the Gateway Arch, the site of The Dred
“Misplaced”
After weeks, of purging and decluttering, I found many misplaced items of my past with surprising and shocking astonishment. Each discovery provided many hours of
“Closet”
Closets can store memories in plastic containers and cardboard boxes. Purging these containers ignites a review of a past life and the emotional memories some good
“Crossroads”
During a lifetime, everyone encounters crossroads, producing memories good or bad that reverberate forever, hopefully assiting with better decisions at the next crossroads. 🙂 M.
“Contrast”
Response to WordPress word prompt “Contrast,” The contrast of the seasons, rain, snow, summer or winter, is witnessed daily in nature around the world. Nature
“Object”
WordPress daily word prompt response to “Object.” My recent attendance at a sea shell show peaked my interest in these objects covering the shoreline during
“Misstep”
WordPress daily one-word prompt “Misstep”  Stumbling to the ground because you failed to recognize your shoe is untied. Leaving a restroom, with toilet paper
“Contrast”
Response to the WordPress word prompt “Contrast” The world commercial market is focused on the youthful between the age of 0 to thirty-five. The majority
“Flow”
WordPress daily one-word prompt “Flow.”  The one-word prompt “flow” brings to mind many provocative thoughts surrounding men of a certain age, and women before
“Sentimental”
Response to the one word prompt “Sentimental.” Most humans develop a sentimentality with inanimate objects, and I like many people have developed an attachment to
“Screens”
In response to the one-word prompt “Screen.” The power of suggestion is shown in today’s prompt with the silhouette of a head in front
“Longing”
For the past ten months, I have expanded my blog beyond a daily prompt response, to include short stories, flash fiction, photography, and poetry. I
“Divide”
Dividing time for Parents. Dividing time for Children. Dividing time for a Spouse. Dividing time for Work. Dividing time for Hobbies. Dividing time for doing
“Leap Month & Year”
Poets and Writers Prompt. 2016 is a Leap Year, meaning February gets an extra day on Monday, February 29. Push this one step further and
“The Worlds Best Gadget”
You’ve been granted magical engineering skills, but you can only use them to build on badge or machine. What do you build? For well over
“Kama Chemeleon”
Reincarnation: Do you believe in it? As a child, I played outside on my swing set, I laid on the grass staring at the
“Longing for Gravity”
You are on a mission to Mars. Because of the length of the journey, you will never be able to return to Earth. What about
“The Road Less Traveled”
Pinpoint a moment in your past where you had to make a big decision. Write about that other alternate life that could have unfolded. Many
“Pace Oddity”
If you could slow down an action that, usually zooms by, or speed up an event that normally drags on, which would you choose, and
“Money for Nothing”
If you’re like most of us, you need to earn money by working for a living. Describe your ultimate job. If you ‘re in your
“Say Your Name”
Write about your first name: Are you named after someone or something? Are there any stories or associations attached to it? If you had the
“The Stat Connection”
Go to your Statistics page and check your top 3-5 post. Why do yo think they’ve been successful? Find the connection between them, and write
“Never Again”
Have you ever gone to a new place or tried a new experience and thought to yourself, “I’m never doing that again!” Tell us about?
“Thanks Hindsight”
How is the year shaping up for you so far? Have your prediction come true, or did you have a curve ball or two? The
“Live to Eat”
Some people “Eat to live” while others “Live to eat.” What about you? How far would you travel for the best meal of your life?
“The Eight Sin”
Do you know the seven cardinal or deadly sins? If you had the task of adding a new trait or behavior to the list, for
“Just Another Day”
Our days are organized around numerous small actions we repeat over and over. What’s your favorite daily ritual? Usually, before the sun rises, a simple
“Quote Me”
Do you have a favorite quote that you return to again and again? What is it, and why does it move you? The above quote by
“Not Lemonade”
When life gives, your lemons make something else. Tell us about a time you used an object to resolve a tricky situation in an unorthodox
“YAWN”
What Bores You? I’m rarely bored but, in my past, public speakers who were unable to capture an audience’s attention have always been a complete
“Learning Style”
What’s your learning style? Do you prefer learning in a group or an interactive setting? Or one-on-one? Do you retain information best through lectures
“B+ Weekend”
Write about what you did last weekend as though you’re a music critic reviewing a new album. This past weekend reading, writing, and the NFL
Morphing; “CAT“
Language evolves. The meaning of a word can shift over time as we use it differently. Think of words like cool, heavy, or even literally.
“Now You See Me”
You have a secret superpower: the ability to appear and disappear at will. When and where will you too this new superpower? Tell us a
“Ripped into the Headlines”
Write about something that happened over the weekend as though it the top story of your local paper. Living in Southwest Florida is by choice strictly
“Teen Age Idol”
Who did you idolize as a teenager? Did you go crazy for the Beatles? Ga-ga over Duran-Duran? In love with Justin Bieber? Did you
“Modern Families”
If one of your late ancestors were to come back from the dead and join you for dinner, what things about your family would this
“Worst Case Scenario”
Of all the awful possibilities, what’s the worst possible thing that could happen to you today? Now, what about the best? A simple prompt with
“Keeping Up With the Jone’s”
Tell us about the one luxury item you wish you could afford, in as much detail as you can. Paint a picture for us. My
“ If I Could Turn Back Time”
If you could return to the past to relive a part of your life, either to experience the wonderful bits again or to do something over,
“Sink or Swim”
Tell us about a time when you were left on your own, to fend for yourself in an overwhelming situation — on the job, at
“Resolved”
Have you ever made a New Years Resolution that you kept. I resolved many years ago never change my lifestyle based on the beginning of a
“Unpopular”
Tell us about a time when you had to choose between two options, and you picked the unpopular choice. I have one decision, and I
“Happy Endings”
Tell us about something you’ve tried to quit. Did you go cold turkey, or for a gradual change? Did it stick? In the early 1980’s,
“Ear-Worm”
Write whatever you usually write about, and weave in a book quote, film quote, or song lyric that’s been sticking with you this week. Many
“ No Apologies”
What’s the one guilty pleasure you have that’s so good, you no longer feel guilty about it? I have certain pleasures like the occasional 2nd
“Ebb & Flow”
Ou blogs morph over time, as interest shift and life happen. Write a post on your blog but three years in the future. Dec 24,
“Fearless Fantasies”
How would your life be different if y ou were incapable of feeling fear? Would your life be better or worse than it is now?
“Safety First”
Share a story about a time you felt unsafe. When I began kayaking fishing, I was never worried about my safety with my personal floatation
“Take Care”
When you’re unwell, do you allow others to take care of you, or do you prefer to soldier on alone? What does it take for
“The Artist Eye”
Is there a painting or sculpture you are drawn to? What does it say to you? Describe the experience. Every morning sunrise and evening sunset
“Because the Night Time is the Right Time”
Are you a night owl or are you the early bird? What’s you most productive time of the day? When do you do your best
“Third Rate Romance”
Tell us your funniest relationship disaster story. I have experienced a few romances during my lifetime, and they were all first rate and or better.
“Unexpected Guest”
You walk into your home to find a couple you don’t know sitting in your living room, eating a slice of cake. Tell us what happens
“Press It”
Give some love to three blog post you’ve read and love in the past week and tell why they’re worth reading. The three blog post
“Hate to Love”
Tell us about a guilty pleasure that you hate to love. I love and enjoy being outside every day either at the beach or in
“Flawed”
What is your worst quality? After a lifetime and career of selfless giving to my family, country, and community. My worst quality or flaw has
“If I Ruled the World”
Welcome to your life; there’s no turning back
Even while we sleep we will find
You acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on mother nature
Everybody wants to rule the world
“Everything Changes” (A love story)
Walking down the street, you encounter a folded piece of paper on the sidewalk. You pick it up and read it and immediately, your life
“Pick Your Gadget”
Your local electronics store has just started selling time machines, anywhere doors, and invisibility helmets. You can only afford one. Which of these do you
“Pour Some Sugar on Me”
What is your favorite sweet thing to eat? Bread pudding? Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies? A smooth and creamy piece of cheesecake? Tell us about the
“Sorry, I’m Busy”
Tell us about a time when you should have helped someone… but didn’t. Sorry, I’m busy, is the phrase, I have used for myself, as
“Strike-a-Chord”
Do you play and instrument? Is there a musical instrument whose sound you find particularly pleasing. Tell us a story about your experience or relationship
“This is your life”
If you could read a book containing all that has happened and will ever happen in your life, would you, if you choose to read
The Wanderer
Tell us about the top five place you’ve always wanted to visit The word “Wanderer” is the name I gave my motorcycle nine years ago.
Climate Control
The idea that the weather and people’s moods are connected is quite old. Do you agree? If yes, how does the weather affect your mood?
“Teach Your Bloggers Well”
We all know how to do something well — write a post that teaches readers how to do something you know and/or love to do.
“The Great Pretender”
WordPress Daily Posts, “The Great Pretender.” Are you full of confidence or have you ever suffered from imposter syndrome? The imposter syndrome describes a feeling
“Your Days are Numbered”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Your Days are Numbered.” What’s the date today? Write it down, remove all dashes and slashes, and write
“Trains Planes Motorcycle & Automobiles”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Trains, Planes, and Automobiles.” You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, or car? (Or something else
“Million-Dollar Question”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Million-Dollar Question.” Why do you blog? This is a great question and my only response is, I
“1984”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “1984.” You’re locked in a room with your greatest fear. Describe what’s in the room. Oh yes,
“Fright Night”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Fright Night.” What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you
“Out of Reach, Until I’m Older”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Out of Your Reach.” Was there a toy or thing you always wanted as a child, during the
“Trick Questions”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Trick Questions.” A Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter is writing an in-depth piece — about you. What are the
“Pride & Joy”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Pride and Joy.” What’s your most prized possession? The daily post prompt “Pride & Joy” cause me
“By the Comma”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “By the Dots.” We all have strange relationships with punctuation — do you overuse exclamation marks? Do
“Frequently Asked Questions”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “FAQ.” Interview someone — a friend, another blogger, your mother, the mail carrier — and write a
“The New School”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “The New School.” You get to redesign school as we know it from the ground up. Will
“Seven Wonders”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Seven Wonders.” Khalil Gibran once said that people will never understand one another unless language is reduced
“A True Saint”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “A True Saint.” In 300 years, if you were to be named the patron saint of X,
“Saved by Safety Equipment”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Saved by the Bell.” Tell us about a time when you managed to extract yourself from a sticky
“Express Yourself”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Express Yourself!.” Do you love to dance, sing, write, sculpt, paint, or debate? What’s your favorite way
“Singular or Multiple Sensations”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Singular Sensation.” If one experience or life change results from you writing your blog, what would you
“Connect the Dots”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Connect the Dots.” Scour the news for an entirely uninteresting story. Consider how it connects to your
“Good and Evil”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Wicked Witch.” Write about evil: how you understand it (or don’t), what you think it means, or
“Papa Loves Jazz”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Papa Loves Mambo.” What sort of music was played in your house when you were growing up?
“Mirror ,Mirror, On the Wall!”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall.” Think of your blog as a mirror: what does it reveal? Consider your
“Flangipropt and Whatchamacallit”
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Flangiprop!.” Invent a definition for the word “Flangipropt,” then use the word in a post. The invention
