Times 10 challenge, Sapphires Short story Options

[Psyche]

Sapphires (short story)

All words used.

festive
wool
wisp
right
brother
write (or wrote)
dream
sparkle
sapphire
thank

The festivities for the last of the sheep's wool shearing were in full swing. Odd wisps of wool were swept away by the Autumn breeze. Right then, my brother wrote a letter home, describing a dream he'd had about sparkling sapphires. He told us that he then bought his girlfriend a sapphire ring for their engagement party. She was delighted, far more than thankful.
We had a double celebration, although my brother and his girl were far away in Britain.

[Psyche]

I hope somebody, such as Merlin, Rhymer, Daniel, etc., take up this old challenge. It's fun.
Sylvia

[JustDaniel]

Sapphire Story

Thankfully, her brother's dream was not something I'd write about. Sapphires are about as festive as a wisp of wool sparkling in the night.

Words used:

thank
brother
dream
write
sapphire
festive
wisp
wool
sparkle
night

[Psyche]

Memory

photos
seaside
green
rascal
sandwiches
motorcycle
Uruguay
hankerchief
mountain
sister

Looking at old photos, I remembered that rascal on a motorcyle roaring along Uruguayan seasides, while all the time my sister was climbing a green mountain, dropping her hankerchief while eating sandwiches. What weird memories!

[JustDaniel]

Memory

I have fond recollections of the story my rascal sister shared with me of her recent trip from Brazil. She simply wrapped some sandwiches in her handkerchief and hopped on her boyfriend's motorcycle in the mountains of Morro da Igreja and headed through all the wonderful greenery on her journey to the Uruguay seaside, texting me lovely photos all along the way.

rascal
sister
sandwiches
handkerchief
motorcycle
mountain
green
Uruguay
seaside
photos

[Psyche]

Wonderful, Eric. You used the same 10 words that I proposed. I seem to remember that Lori suggested we change maybe 2 or 3 each time, otherwise it would not progress.
So, when I return, I'll change 3 or 4, what do you think?
You sure make me sweat with some of the words in the other challenges! I sometimes wonder whether they even exist. Never mind, it's fun and we'll have smart brains...lol.
Sylvia

[JustDaniel]

I've had to look up a few of the words... but of course I'm not ERIC! I'm Daniel! … and I'm still wondering who in the world ERIC IS!!! Can't you tell me?

If you want me to change a few words, that's fine. I thought you wanted me to use the same 10.

I'll do whatever you directions say. deLightingly, Daniel

[Psyche]

I've had to look up a few of the words... but of course I'm not ERIC! I'm Daniel! … and I'm still wondering who in the world ERIC IS!!! Can't you tell me?

If you want me to change a few words, that's fine. I thought you wanted me to use the same 10.

I'll do whatever you directions say. deLightingly, Daniel

Hi Daniel, sorry that you don't know thyself, that's bad according to psychologists.
How about some therapy?

We can change 4 words each time, that way it will progress satisfactorily.
Happy writings!

[JustDaniel]

drive
rascal
sister
mountain
sandwiches
picnic
green
flowers
photos
ice cream


As we drove down the road from my old friend Mount Rainier during my last visit to the West Coast, I reflected on the many trips our family had made in our old sedan with one of us kids in the front seat with Mom and Dad, four of us sharing the back seat, one of us stretched out on the floor between the feet of the others and our rascal little sister lying on the shelf behind the back seat. We'd often stopped at Sunshine Point just inside the National Park to start out our day on the mountain, playing in a side stream of the wide river there and eating sandwiches that Mom prepared for us at one of the picnic tables. Then we'd head up the road to Longmire to walk in the fields of warm, bubbling mineral springs. Finally, we'd drive further to the end of the road, Paradise, where we'd walk the trails through the lovely green meadows spread with an array of wild flowers, and Dad would find a clearing where he'd take photos of us seven kids, lined up in order by our ages for posterity. We'd leave the trails and retreat to the Paradise Lodge just before sunset, then head back down the road with Dad eventually pretending that we were out of gas, coasting for several miles to the little gas station and store where he'd fill the gas tank and buy us each an ice cream cone to end the day before we all fell asleep in the car on the 50-mile trip home to our beds.

[Psyche]

drive
rascal
sister
mountain
sandwiches
picnic
green
flowers
photos
ice cream


As we drove down the road from my old friend Mount Rainier during my last visit to the West Coast, I reflected on the many trips our family had made in our old sedan with one of us kids in the front seat with Mom and Dad, four of us sharing the back seat, one of us stretched out on the floor between the feet of the others and our rascal little sister lying on the shelf behind the back seat. We'd often stopped at Sunshine Point just inside the National Park to start out our day on the mountain, playing in a side stream of the wide river there and eating sandwiches that Mom prepared for us at one of the picnic tables. Then we'd head up the road to Longmire to walk in the fields of warm, bubbling mineral springs. Finally, we'd drive further to the end of the road, Paradise, where we'd walk the trails through the lovely green meadows spread with an array of wild flowers, and Dad would find a clearing where he'd take photos of us seven kids, lined up in order by our ages for posterity. We'd leave the trails and retreat to the Paradise Lodge just before sunset, then head back down the road with Dad eventually pretending that we were out of gas, coasting for several miles to the little gas station and store where he'd fill the gas tank and buy us each an ice cream cone to end the day before we all fell asleep in the car on the 50-mile trip home to our beds.

Great story about your childhood. I wish I'd had a bigger family, I have one brother. My Dad also took photos of my Mom, myself and my brother Robin when we went on car trips to other Patagonian regions. It was tough then, no paved highways. Wow, those ice cream cones! So sugary, I never take white sugar anymore. We kids would fall asleep in the back of the small truck my Dad used, where he put a mattress for us to lie down. Lots of dust back there.
It's nice to write about the things we used to do so long ago. Makes me a little sad, that paradise is now so far away. I'll see what story I can come up with after your lovely tale of family and childhood.

[JustDaniel]

Thank you, my good friend! I'm looking forward to reading your next story!

[Psyche]

Thank you, my good friend! I'm looking forward to reading your next story!

Dear me, I forgot about these stories. Now I'm going out, it's a lovely day.
Maybe I'll get inspired in the evening.

[JustDaniel]

… and here I saved it to the end, hoping to get inspired by YOUR story! LOL

[Psyche]

… and here I saved it to the end, hoping to get inspired by YOUR story! LOL

Here I am again, just about to enjoy the lovely day. Going walking with a friend, will do some stocking up for horrible virus. We've already got about 10 cases in Argentina, one in our province. He came from Italy, all trips are on hold. We may not even fly to Buenos Aires, let alone Spain and Britain.
Hope to write my story soon.

[JustDaniel]

Please take a walk in your green mountains, taking sandwiches in your handkerchief, sister. Perhaps you can get to the seaside to sit down and write at least a brief story and take a few photos. For now stay in Argentina, take precautions by washing your hands regularly and avoid touching MEN (mouth, eyes, nose) with your hands.


green
mountain
sandwiches
handkerchief
sister
seaside
brief
photos
Argentina
washing

[Psyche]

green
mountain
washing
seaside
sandwiches
sister
brief
photos
handkerchief
weeping

I climbed down the green mountain to the seaside. There I met my sister weeping into her handkerchief. I offered her sandwiches, which she ate glumly. After some heart warming, brief conversation, we decided to take some photos of the lovely scenery. I even washed her handkerchief in a nearby brook.

green
mountain
washing
seaside
sandwiches
sister
brief
photos
handkerchief
weeping

Brevity is the...er...forgotten. Ya know...lol.

[JustDaniel]

Being brief and changing three words, here is my response to your lovely story:


Washing handkerchiefs in mountain streams will not likely remove viruses, since there's no soap or alcohol in it, and it's so cold. Sometimes it even has some green slime in it! You certainly would not want any of that to be on your hands when you're eating sandwiches, would you? It would be better simply to place the handkerchief in a plastic bag and wash it when you get home, and you and your sister would not end up being quarantined when you arrive. Photos of that experience would not likely produce nostalgia in years to come. Memories would better be exhibited of more pleasant experiences methinks.


washing
handkerchief
mountain
green
sandwiches
sister
quarantine
photos
nostalgia
memories

[Psyche]

Being brief and changing three words, here is my response to your lovely story:


Washing handkerchiefs in mountain streams will not likely remove viruses, since there's no soap or alcohol in it, and it's so cold. Sometimes it even has some green slime in it! You certainly would not want any of that to be on your hands when you're eating sandwiches, would you? It would be better simply to place the handkerchief in a plastic bag and wash it when you get home, and you and your sister would not end up being quarantined when you arrive. Photos of that experience would not likely produce nostalgia in years to come. Memories would better be exhibited of more pleasant experiences methinks.


washing
handkerchief
mountain
green
sandwiches
sister
quarantine
photos
nostalgia
memories

You make me laugh, good story. I keep asking people whether they have the wonderful French invention, the bidet. So you wash your butt and use a special towel laid out for the purpose.
There's also a gadget with a spray that is attached to the rim of your toilet (not the seat) that a plumber can join to the pipe. But then it's cold, so better use bidet that has cold and hot to mix.
We have them in all bathrooms in Argentina. That way you don't have to stock up with toilet paper and also help our planet.
I'll be back soon.

[JustDaniel]

Here's a list of 10 words from your response (which I'll use in my own story):


planet
French
laugh
towel
bathroom
mix
spray
stock
seat
purpose


Some people on the other side of the planet speak French, but I can only understand them when they laugh. and even then only if I'm wearing a towel when they knock on my door because I'd just gotten out of the shower and was going to the bathroom. The porter wants to mix it up with me in conversation, but if he doesn't leave soon I'm likely to spray him... and when I ask him to leave and he stalks off, I end up getting him on the seat. Was that on purpose?

[Psyche]

I've decided to change 6 words, Daniel. More fun. Your input is so funny, no idea whether you put the guy on the seat on purpose! lol.

planet
purpose
pollution
wildlife
gel
mix
glicerine
laugh
clown
hat

Greta Thurnberg, Extinction Rebellion and many other fighters for planet Earth are purposely fighting for all wildlife. Humankind has polluted the seas, skies, lakes, rivers...well, everything.
However, many idiots behave like clowns with top hats, laughing as if nothing is happening.
People who can find glicerine make a mix of it with alcohol, adding some essential oils to protect delicate skin.

[JustDaniel]

What clown decided to mix glycerin gel into our food system? What was the purpose? Our planet will be filled with fecal pollution, and the wildlife will laugh at us, seagulls and pigeons pooping on our hats.

Utilized Sylvia's 10 words:

clown
mix
glycerin
gel
purpose
planet
pollution
wildlife
laugh
hat

[Psyche]

What clown decided to mix glycerin gel into our food system? What was the purpose? Our planet will be filled with fecal pollution, and the wildlife will laugh at us, seagulls and pigeons pooping on our hats.

Utilized Sylvia's 10 words:

clown
mix
glycerin
gel
purpose
planet
pollution
wildlife
laugh
hat

Very funny, delighted Daniel...lol. But you're lazy, didn't substitute 6 words. All the work for me, you bad boy.

[JustDaniel]

Complain, complain. I just thought I ought to use all of your words FIRST before setting about the change them!! I'm not lazy! That completed, I've changed three of the words for this little story:

All over the planet mothers are mixing all purpose flour with eggs, milk and other ingredients to create clown pancakes for their children to give them laughs and nutrition. After breakfast, they send the children outside with their hats and coats on, taking the leftovers to feed the birds and other wildlife.


planet
mother
mix
purpose
milk
clown
laugh
nutrition
hat
wildlife

[Psyche]

Complain, complain. I just thought I ought to use all of your words FIRST before setting about the change them!! I'm not lazy! That completed, I've changed three of the words for this little story:

All over the planet mothers are mixing all purpose flour with eggs, milk and other ingredients to create clown pancakes for their children to give them laughs and nutrition. After breakfast, they send the children outside with their hats and coats on, taking the leftovers to feed the birds and other wildlife.


planet
mother
mix
purpose
milk
clown
laugh
nutrition
hat
wildlife

Great,Daniel! You can use the words in any order you please. Better if you change more, but there are no rules on that one.

[JustDaniel]

Okay, dear. I thought that changing FOUR words would be enough, so here it is. Before we change any more, why don't YOU try using MY TEN WORDS first? Whatcha think?

It was my mother's purpose to head to the store to purchase some bread and milk, but she had a sudden compulsion to abandon our nutrition and began a mission to find toilet paper. Since it was only eight in the morning, she decided to try Walmart, since it was just opening and most to the vultures would not have arrived yet. The store employees had just re-stocked the aisle, so she threw ten packages into her cart and turned to the checkout, laughing out loud. The cashier, however, told her she could only have four packages. Still, she arrived home joyfully... until she realized she'd forgotten the milk and bread.

mother
purpose
purchase
milk
abandon
nutrition
mission
toilet paper
laugh
forget

[Psyche]

Okay, dear. I thought that changing FOUR words would be enough, so here it is. Before we change any more, why don't YOU try using MY TEN WORDS first? Whatcha think?

It was my mother's purpose to head to the store to purchase some bread and milk, but she had a sudden compulsion to abandon our nutrition and began a mission to find toilet paper. Since it was only eight in the morning, she decided to try Walmart, since it was just opening and most to the vultures would not have arrived yet. The store employees had just re-stocked the aisle, so she threw ten packages into her cart and turned to the checkout, laughing out loud. The cashier, however, told her she could only have four packages. Still, she arrived home joyfully... until she realized she'd forgotten the milk and bread.

mother
purpose
purchase
milk
abandon
nutrition
mission
toilet paper
laugh
forget

My mother laughed about toilet paper. Her purpose was to use the bidet. She'd forget about nutrition such as milky desserts. I abandoned my mission to reform my family, so I purchased an old gramaphone.

family
gramaphone
ship
London
sadness
Antarctica
forget
purchase
purpose
laugh

I used all your ten words, don't complain! But now I've changed 6. Have a fantastic trip.

[JustDaniel]

I had to laugh, because my family couldn't afford a gramophone, so they simply used the gramaphone when grams wasn't talking on it! She liked to call her sister for any purpose in London, and her grandson when she could. He was on a military mission in Antarctica. Sometimes she would forget what she was talking about because of her overwhelming sadness not to be able to see them in person. She always said she just wanted to purchase a ticket and get on a ship to see them.

I used all of your words and then changed five for your next story:

family
perceptive
ship
Timbuctoo
sadness
South Africa
forget
steal
purpose
unintelligible

[Psyche]

I had to laugh, because my family couldn't afford a gramophone, so they simply used the gramaphone when grams wasn't talking on it! She liked to call her sister for any purpose in London, and her grandson when she could. He was on a military mission in Antarctica. Sometimes she would forget what she was talking about because of her overwhelming sadness not to be able to see them in person. She always said she just wanted to purchase a ticket and get on a ship to see them.

I used all of your words and then changed five for your next story:

family
perceptive
ship
Timbuctoo
sadness
South Africa
forget
steal
purpose
unintelligible

Great use of the words, Daniel. You always make me laugh! I'll be returning, gotta have lunch now.

[Psyche]

I had to laugh, because my family couldn't afford a gramophone, so they simply used the gramaphone when grams wasn't talking on it! She liked to call her sister for any purpose in London, and her grandson when she could. He was on a military mission in Antarctica. Sometimes she would forget what she was talking about because of her overwhelming sadness not to be able to see them in person. She always said she just wanted to purchase a ticket and get on a ship to see them.

I used all of your words and then changed five for your next story:

family
perceptive
ship
Timbuctoo
sadness
South Africa
forget
steal
purpose
unintelligible

Great use of the words, Daniel. You always make me laugh! I'll be returning, gotta have lunch now.

My family boarded a ship to South Africa. Sadly, somebody stole our cellphones. We were so sad that we forgot we'd planned to travel to Timbuctoo. I'm a highly perceptive person, but the purpose of the thieves was unintelligible to me.

family
sadness
forget
steal
purpose
beard
pipe
honney
computer
clouds

There go five new words, Daniel. Looking forward to your wee story.

[JustDaniel]

Your ten words, in the order in which they appear in my "story":

family
purpose
steal
honney (your error, not mine!)
beard
clouds
pipe
computer
forget
sadness

There we were, our whole family gathered for but one purpose, to steal away to the funeral service of our great uncle, Honney Hohumm. There he lay with his long beard, eyes in the clouds, a pipe in one had and laptop computer in the other. Who could ever forget such a journey of sadness.

Five changes for your ten words:

purpose
honey
baseboard
pipe
computer
sadness
willful
compunction
graphics
easel

[Psyche]

Your ten words, in the order in which they appear in my "story":

family
purpose
steal
honney (your error, not mine!)
beard
clouds
pipe
computer
forget
sadness

There we were, our whole family gathered for but one purpose, to steal away to the funeral service of our great uncle, Honney Hohumm. There he lay with his long beard, eyes in the clouds, a pipe in one had and laptop computer in the other. Who could ever forget such a journey of sadness.

Five changes for your ten words:

purpose
honey
baseboard
pipe
computer
sadness
willful
compunction
graphics
easel

purpose
honey
baseboard
pipe
computer
sadness
willful
compunction
graphics
easel

My cousin is a willful person, his only purpose is to raise honeybees. One day, feeling sad, he set up his easel to draw graphics for a proyect he had in mind. There he was, smoking his pipe, when he decided to paint the baseboard bright red. It was a strange compunction but, as I said, he was kinda willy nilly.

Sorry about "honney", you must pardon me. You know I speak "Spanglish". Here I leave you with 5 new words. Good luck!

broom
askew
mug
diploma
curtains
honey
computer
sadness
graphics
purpose

[JustDaniel]

sadness
diploma
purpose
mug
curtains
honey
computer
graphics
askew
broom


I left Tacoma with sadness after I got my HS diploma, but it was my purpose to prepare for ministry in college, so I turned my mug south to Pasadena, the land of gardens (tending some of them was how I paid my way), so it was curtains for the Northwest. A little extra honey on my morning toast I headed to class each morning, in the days before computers and graphics to help us in our studies. Even though I was dedicated to the college, the Dean thought that I was askew, so he took out his broom and swept me to the street, interrupting my education with three weeks before final exams in the first semester of my junior year!


Five of your old words, five new ones:

diploma
intelligence
mug
perspective
curtains
pomegranate
graphics
askew
pedestal
broom

[Psyche]

sadness
diploma
purpose
mug
curtains
honey
computer
graphics
askew
broom


I left Tacoma with sadness after I got my HS diploma, but it was my purpose to prepare for ministry in college, so I turned my mug south to Pasadena, the land of gardens (tending some of them was how I paid my way), so it was curtains for the Northwest. A little extra honey on my morning toast I headed to class each morning, i the days before computers and graphics to help us in our studies. Even though I was dedicated to the college, the Dean thought that I was askew, so he took out his broom and swept me to the street, interrupting my education with three weeks before final exams in the first semester of my junior year!


Five of your old words, five new ones:

diploma
intelligence
mug
perspective
curtains
pomegranate
graphics
askew
pedestal
broom

You always make me laugh with your stories. Perfect for these times. How are you? Less pain? Hope so. I still haven't gotten my head around your story because I laughed too much. Not sure, but seems there aren't 5 new words. Never mind, in the morning I hope to have a clear head. Gonna have supper with Diana and Roberto. That's my daughter and son in law. Praying for your good health.

[JustDaniel]

This one made you laugh? Hmm... It really happened to me! I was a thousand miles from home with nowhere to go and everything I owned was in my dorm room. I had no transportation except a bicycle, and I had 24 hours to vacate campus with nowhere to go and no way to get there! 12 hours later the Dean found me talking with a member of the 40-some member student body, and he ordered me off the campus!! (12 hours early!)

Two years later, after he'd left the school and was pastoring a little church near Pasco, WA, a man came into his home-office, pulled out a pistol and shot him in the head. Honestly (and I realize, somewhat coldly) I understood the man's rage. He simply did not understand human beings, and it cost him and his family dearly.

If I had not been kicked out of that school I'd have never met my wife.


Love in Light, Daniel

[Psyche]

Oh my, Daniel, what a series of bad and happy times, especially the ending when you met your wife. In Spanish we say "No hay mal que por bien no venga." More or less "There's no evil that hasn't come for a good cause". But shooting people is not included, that's plain evil, whoever the victim. Personally, in my heart I have forgiven everybody, even my first husband, who was a psycopath. I'm sure God forgives people with mental illnesses, they're born and nurtured that way.

How are you coping? Have you gotten your laptop, or are you back home? Wishing you all the best. You and your family are always in my prayers.
Keep safe.

[JustDaniel]

pomegranate
mug
diploma
intelligence
broom
curtains
askew
pedestal
graphics
perspective


With a pomegranate in her mug and with no diploma and little intelligence, the witch mounted her broom and was off on another adventure with an unsuspecting victim. Was it curtains for me? My life is all askew. The woman flew off of her pedestal, leaving me a potential meme complete with graphics. How had I so lost perspective?


Replacing five words, here is your list:

scotch
scissors
mustache
underwear
duct tape
pomegranate
diploma
curtains
graphics
perspective

[Psyche]

pomegranate
mug
diploma
intelligence
broom
curtains
askew
pedestal
graphics
perspective


With a pomegranate in her mug and with no diploma and little intelligence, the witch mounted her broom and was off on another adventure with an unsuspecting victim. Was it curtains for me? My life is all askew. The woman flew off of her pedestal, leaving me a potential meme complete with graphics. How had I so lost perspective?


Replacing five words, here is your list:

scotch
scissors
mustache
underwear
duct tape
pomegranate
diploma
curtains
graphics
perspective

As usual, you've made me laugh. You haven't lost the knack despite your knee. I'll be answering soon, gotta make lunch now. Keep safe and smile.

[JustDaniel]

Looking forward to your answer!!!

[Psyche]

pomegranate
mug
diploma
intelligence
broom
curtains
askew
pedestal
graphics
perspective


With a pomegranate in her mug and with no diploma and little intelligence, the witch mounted her broom and was off on another adventure with an unsuspecting victim. Was it curtains for me? My life is all askew. The woman flew off of her pedestal, leaving me a potential meme complete with graphics. How had I so lost perspective?


Replacing five words, here is your list:

scotch
scissors
mustache
underwear
duct tape
pomegranate
diploma
curtains
graphics
perspective

As usual, you've made me laugh. You haven't lost the knack despite your knee. I'll be answering soon, gotta make lunch now. Keep safe and smile.

scotch
scissors
mustache
underwear
duct tape
pomegranate
diploma
curtains
graphics
perspective

This guy in his underwear grabbed a pair of scissors and cut down the curtains as well as trimming his mustache. He'd downed a tall glass of scotch with pomegranate, so he'd totally lost perspective and used duct tape to hang his Graphics Diploma in the back shed.

scotch
duct tape
perspective
pomegranate
graphics
ocean
juggle
candy
arrow
rhetoric

Here's your list.

[JustDaniel]

This guy in his underwear grabbed a pair of scissors and cut down the curtains as well as trimming his mustache. He'd downed a tall glass of scotch with pomegranate, so he'd totally lost perspective and used duct tape to hang his Graphics Diploma in the back shed.

Sylvia's words (in order of their appearance in the story)

duct tape
scotch
juggle
pomegranates
candy
ocean
perspective
graphics
arrow
rhetoric


Can you believe that Sylvia's friend Eric actually duct taped the legs of his underwear and then filled them up with scotch to increase his attention while he juggled pomegranates and candy canes standing at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean? He felt that it would give him a better perspective for developing the necessary graphics for his coming exhibition, where he hoped to plant his rhetorical arrow in the bull's eye with his brilliant presentation.

New Word List (replacing 5 of Sylvia's words):

juggle
candy
ocean
perspective
arrow
sun dial
repercussions
abacus
speedometer
coronavirus

[Psyche]

This guy in his underwear grabbed a pair of scissors and cut down the curtains as well as trimming his mustache. He'd downed a tall glass of scotch with pomegranate, so he'd totally lost perspective and used duct tape to hang his Graphics Diploma in the back shed.

Sylvia's words (in order of their appearance in the story)

duct tape
scotch
juggle
pomegranates
candy
ocean
perspective
graphics
arrow
rhetoric


Can you believe that Sylvia's friend Eric actually duct taped the legs of his underwear and then filled them up with scotch to increase his attention while he juggled pomegranates and candy canes standing at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean? He felt that it would give him a better perspective for developing the necessary graphics for his coming exhibition, where he hoped to plant his rhetorical arrow in the bull's eye with his brilliant presentation.

New Word List (replacing 5 of Sylvia's words):



juggle
candy
ocean
perspective
arrow
sun dial
repercussions
abacus
speedometer
coronavirus

Don't like using coronavirus, Daniel. Hope I can get rid of it asap. Otherwise, you made me laugh, as usual.
Now I'm going to have a power nap, then walk down our deserted earth road, with my daughter and wearing mask and gloves. This slow internet drives me crazy. Are you completely recovered from your surgeries and therapies? Bless you and all of your family, especially your granddaughter, how is she doing?

[Psyche]

This guy in his underwear grabbed a pair of scissors and cut down the curtains as well as trimming his mustache. He'd downed a tall glass of scotch with pomegranate, so he'd totally lost perspective and used duct tape to hang his Graphics Diploma in the back shed.

Sylvia's words (in order of their appearance in the story)

duct tape
scotch
juggle
pomegranates
candy
ocean
perspective
graphics
arrow
rhetoric


Can you believe that Sylvia's friend Eric actually duct taped the legs of his underwear and then filled them up with scotch to increase his attention while he juggled pomegranates and candy canes standing at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean? He felt that it would give him a better perspective for developing the necessary graphics for his coming exhibition, where he hoped to plant his rhetorical arrow in the bull's eye with his brilliant presentation.

New Word List (replacing 5 of Sylvia's words):



juggle
candy
ocean
perspective
arrow
sun dial
repercussions
abacus
speedometer
coronavirus

Don't like using coronavirus, Daniel. Hope I can get rid of it asap. Otherwise, you made me laugh, as usual.
Now I'm going to have a power nap, then walk down our deserted earth road, with my daughter and wearing mask and gloves. This slow internet drives me crazy. Are you completely recovered from your surgeries and therapies? Bless you and all of your family, especially your granddaughter, how is she doing?

As kids, our parents took us on holiday to the ocean. We used to watch the speedometer, cuz my Dad loved racing, he had no perspective of distances.
There was a sun dial and a cupid with an arrow peeing into the pool of the hotel's garden, as well as an abacus in the playroom. We used to juggle oranges, throw the peel out the window. We ate candy by the ton. The repercussions were being sick and put in punishment. Not as bad as the coronavirus pandemic.

I'll continue later, Daniel, going for a walk now.

[Psyche]

This guy in his underwear grabbed a pair of scissors and cut down the curtains as well as trimming his mustache. He'd downed a tall glass of scotch with pomegranate, so he'd totally lost perspective and used duct tape to hang his Graphics Diploma in the back shed.

Sylvia's words (in order of their appearance in the story)

duct tape
scotch
juggle
pomegranates
candy
ocean
perspective
graphics
arrow
rhetoric


Can you believe that Sylvia's friend Eric actually duct taped the legs of his underwear and then filled them up with scotch to increase his attention while he juggled pomegranates and candy canes standing at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean? He felt that it would give him a better perspective for developing the necessary graphics for his coming exhibition, where he hoped to plant his rhetorical arrow in the bull's eye with his brilliant presentation.

New Word List (replacing 5 of Sylvia's words):



juggle
candy
ocean
perspective
arrow
sun dial
repercussions
abacus
speedometer
coronavirus

Don't like using coronavirus, Daniel. Hope I can get rid of it asap. Otherwise, you made me laugh, as usual.
Now I'm going to have a power nap, then walk down our deserted earth road, with my daughter and wearing mask and gloves. This slow internet drives me crazy. Are you completely recovered from your surgeries and therapies? Bless you and all of your family, especially your granddaughter, how is she doing?

As kids, our parents took us on holiday to the ocean. We used to watch the speedometer, cuz my Dad loved racing, he had no perspective of distances.
There was a sun dial and a cupid with an arrow peeing into the pool of the hotel's garden, as well as an abacus in the playroom. We used to juggle oranges, throw the peel out the window. We ate candy by the ton. The repercussions were being sick and put in punishment. Not as bad as the coronavirus pandemic.

I'll continue later, Daniel, going for a walk now.

Juggle
candy
ocean
arrow
sun dial
marching
jeans
fasting
lip balm
drawbridge

There you are, Daniel, 5 new ones.

[JustDaniel]

Juggle
candy
ocean
arrow
sun dial
marching
jeans
fasting
lip balm
drawbridge


I'm like a sun dial as I go marching to the beach as if an arrow, tossing my jeans onto the sand, eating candy when I should be fasting because of how heavy I am. The ocean would be much more inviting if it were warmer, but I love the sound. I juggle my lip balm because it's all I have in my hand. I should have left my jeans on, since someone is coming down the beach, and I forgot that I was not wearing underwear! Unfortunately, there is no drawbridge between us, and I can't walk fast enough to get away! Oh how embarrassing! Fortunately I have a long shirt on, and it's a very old woman who did not try to pinch me.


ocean
marching
jeans
lip balm
draw bridge
apple cider
drawstring
sudoku
pencil
jig saw puzzle

(five new words for you)

[Psyche]

Very good, Daniel. I've just finished the word challlenges, so I'll leave this for another day. Another laugh, as always.
Take care and be a good boy. Forget about underwear and ... nightgowns.

[JustDaniel]

You mean I shouldn't wear EITHER??

[Psyche]

You mean I shouldn't wear EITHER??

I mean stop writing about them, especially mine! lol...you can wear whatever you like, or nothing.

[JustDaniel]

Not that you asked, but I prefer nothing when I sleep. lol Sorry if I offended you. Will lay off the subject. Looking forward to your story!!!

covering Lightly, Daniel

[Psyche]

Juggle
candy
ocean
arrow
sun dial
marching
jeans
fasting
lip balm
drawbridge


I'm like a sun dial as I go marching to the beach as if an arrow, tossing my jeans onto the sand, eating candy when I should be fasting because of how heavy I am. The ocean would be much more inviting if it were warmer, but I love the sound. I juggle my lip balm because it's all I have in my hand. I should have left my jeans on, since someone is coming down the beach, and I forgot that I was not wearing underwear! Unfortunately, there is no drawbridge between us, and I can't walk fast enough to get away! Oh how embarrassing! Fortunately I have a long shirt on, and it's a very old woman who did not try to pinch me.


ocean
marching
jeans
lip balm
draw bridge
apple cider
drawstring
sudoku
pencil
jig saw puzzle

(five new words for you)

ocean
marching
jeans
apple cider
pencil
atril
boots
toast
frothy
artist

The artist put on his jeans and boots, then loaded bottles of apple cider into a bag. He marched over to the ocean with his atril and pencils. He drank up all the cider and painted frothy waves pink.

atril
boots
toast
frothy
artist
urdo
ice caps
mosaic
preliminary
toggle

There 'tis, Daniel. Enjoy.

[JustDaniel]

Now THAT is a VERY short story, Sylvia! I think the shortest so far in our little challenge!

urdu
toggle
artist
mosaic
boots
atril
preliminary
frothy
ice caps
toast

The itinerant poet packed up his travel bag for a trip to Pakistan, having stowed his Urdu dictionary in the vest pocket of his coat and fastening it closed with the toggle. This would be his first trip to the far east and his first attempt also at doing a little painting, as he is no artist. He'd been invited to visit by a fellow writer on Mosaic Musings, who like himself had not written there for some time. Soon his boots were walking, much to his surprise, in snow, and he set up his atril to act as a kind of easel for his preliminary painting... of one of the beautiful, frothy ice caps of this mountainous, glacial region. Taking out his grape juice he offers a toast to this region, previously unknown to him.

Now for YOUR new word list (five additional words)

urdu
toggle
boggle
preliminary
ice caps
log jam
nightgown (LOL)
precipitous
vomit
frothy

[Psyche]

Now THAT is a VERY short story, Sylvia! I think the shortest so far in our little challenge!

urdu
toggle
artist
mosaic
boots
atril
preliminary
frothy
ice caps
toast

The itinerant poet packed up his travel bag for a trip to Pakistan, having stowed his Urdu dictionary in the vest pocket of his coat and fastening it closed with the toggle. This would be his first trip to the far east and his first attempt also at doing a little painting, as he is no artist. He'd been invited to visit by a fellow writer on Mosaic Musings, who like himself had not written there for some time. Soon his boots were walking, much to his surprise, in snow, and he set up his atril to act as a kind of easel for his preliminary painting... of one of the beautiful, frothy ice caps of this mountainous, glacial region. Taking out his grape juice he offers a toast to this region, previously unknown to him.

Now for YOUR new word list (five additional words)

urdu
toggle
boggle
preliminary
ice caps
log jam
nightgown (LOL)
precipitous
vomit
frothy

Yes, I wrote mine after midnight and was half asleep. Try to do better next time. I've got my cat on my lap, so it's difficult to type. I'll see when I can do my piece here.
BTW, you've got region twice following at the end...lol. No imagination? Nice story, I wonder who from MM invited you? Not I, we have our own mountains, glacial lakes and rivers. So beautiful, no need to go to the far East. Although I do miss travelling, thank goodness I did a lot of it during several decades. I've been about 5 times to the USA, including Hawaii and American Samoa.
Till soon, look after yourself and family.

[JustDaniel]

I had to travel to Pakistan! Where else was I gonna use "urdu" ?! Sorry about the region thing!

Get that cat off you lap and write your next story! lol

[Psyche]

I had to travel to Pakistan! Where else was I gonna use "urdu" ?! Sorry about the region thing!

Get that cat off you lap and write your next story! lol

Glad you enjoyed your virtual trip to Pakistan. Hope you learned some urdu. My darling baby cat has top priority in my house, so you'll have to wait your turn. Nah, I'm tired and going to have supper with daughter Diana. It's the only place I can visit because she lives next door.
Hope to be inspired tomorrow.

[Psyche]

ocean
marching
jeans
apple cider
pencil
laundry
thin
fresh
sunlight
bikini

A very thin lassie flew to Paris in the summer. She visited some famous galleries and bought herself loads of fashionable garments. The took ages to pick out a bikini because they were all to large. Later, to celebrate her nifty purchases, she went off to Montmarte and sat down in an artists' cafe to drink apple cider with some interesting characters.
She went back to her hotel and ordered the maid to do her laundry. Back home in Mar del Plata, a famous seaside resort in Argentina, she put on her bikini, but it was all floppy around her breasts. She went out in the fresh air to buy synthetic fillers for the cups.
Satisfied, she slipped into her skinny jeans and went marching off to the ocean, not forgetting to slip several pencils into a bag. She found a shady spot and drew profiles of the people around her, babies, children, adults and especially of the svelt life-saver up on his high seat. He was glad to come down and pose for her, though half way through the session, he rushed off to help an elderly lady having trouble with a small wave.
Over the following years, she became a famous artist and eventually her pencil portraits were exhibited in the Museo del Arte Contemporaneo of Buenos Aires. These portraits were shared with museums all over the world. So, from being a skinny brat, she became world famous.
The End.

ocean
marching
jeans
apple cider
pencil
reverie
vegetarian
skipping
tundra
politician

There 'tis, Daniel. Somehow, I seem to have already done a similar one. MM is a bit muddling, other poets say they can't find their way around in this labyrinth, but I love it. I wish it would start up again, but it doesn't seem likely. All the best.
I'm off for my daily walk along our earth road, always with daughter Diana and wearing our masks. The police come around fairly often. There have been no new cases of corona in the town of Bariloche, so perhaps we'll be allowed to walk further, down to our shops lining the main highway. I long for a coffee and brownnies in our local cafe. Hope so!

[JustDaniel]

ocean
marching
jeans
apple cider
pencil
reverie
skipping
tundra
politician
vegetarian

There I sat staring out over the ocean last summer in Ocean City while crowds of people were marching by, mostly wearing skimpy bathing suits, but a few in skinny jeans. I was content just to watch drinking my iced apple cider, solving sudoku with my pen or writing poetry with my pencil, sometimes getting lost in a reverie, falling to sleep dreaming.

I was skipping along the tundra in Alaska during the summer when I encountered a politician running for office who wanted to engage me about becoming a vegetarian! Suddenly a polar bear approached and I decided that I could run faster than the politician, who found out that the pretty white creature was not a vegetarian.... and I woke up with pencil scrawling all over my tablet!

reverie
skipping
tundra
politician
vegetarian
boomerang
archery
duck blind
anchorman
distancing

In your story, somehow I was expecting that the skinny artist would have had a bikini accident (after all the detail that you provided regarding the purchase!) when the lifeguard was posing for her! lol

[Psyche]

Great story, Daniel, a good laugh, as usual. Yes, her fillers should have fallen out of her bra! Maybe I'll stick in your suggestion. Hey, we have a good collection of short stories here. Must think about what we can do with them.

I've just completed the challenges, you're a scoundrel, hardly ever using a word from the previous sentense.

It rained most of the day, even some snow. Our Winter started very early, so goodness knows when isolation will end. Glad we have these challenges to fill in the time. Bye for now.

[JustDaniel]

Always glad to give you a laugh, Sylvia... and yes, it's good to pad our stories! lol

I'm looking forward to your next addition to our collection of unlikely events

... and I'm not sure what you mean that I don't follow the pattern of using a word from my sentence to give to you as the word to work off of. In my thinking, I do it consistently. What am I missing?! I'm a bit confused.

[Psyche]

Always glad to give you a laugh, Sylvia... and yes, it's good to pad our stories! lol

I'm looking forward to your next addition to our collection of unlikely events

... and I'm not sure what you mean that I don't follow the pattern of using a word from my sentence to give to you as the word to work off of. In my thinking, I do it consistently. What am I missing?! I'm a bit confused.

Well, quite often you go off on a limb, without including a previous word. So then I get confused and use the same one you offered me...lol.
It's been raining hard all day, no walks. I might have supper with my daughter and her husband, but only if the rain stops. It's already below zero temps in the morning. Tomorrow I'll try to do the story. Bye!

[JustDaniel]

Don't be freezin' you butt off walkin'!!

[Psyche]

Don't be freezin' you butt off walkin'!!

I nearly did, today. Wrapped up in anorak, headgear, etc., it was so windy and cold that we only walked for about 15 minutes.
Just did the word challenges, no energy left for this. Bye and keep safe!

[JustDaniel]

Keep warm, Dear!

[Psyche]

ocean
marching
jeans
apple cider
pencil
reverie
skipping
tundra
politician
vegetarian

There I sat staring out over the ocean last summer in Ocean City while crowds of people were marching by, mostly wearing skimpy bathing suits, but a few in skinny jeans. I was content just to watch drinking my iced apple cider, solving sudoku with my pen or writing poetry with my pencil, sometimes getting lost in a reverie, falling to sleep dreaming.

I was skipping along the tundra in Alaska during the summer when I encountered a politician running for office who wanted to engage me about becoming a vegetarian! Suddenly a polar bear approached and I decided that I could run faster than the politician, who found out that the pretty white creature was not a vegetarian.... and I woke up with pencil scrawling all over my tablet!

reverie
skipping
tundra
politician
vegetarian
boomerang
archery
duck blind
anchorman
distancing

In your story, somehow I was expecting that the skinny artist would have had a bikini accident (after all the detail that you provided regarding the purchase!) when the lifeguard was posing for her! lol

boomerang
archery
duck blind
anchorman
distancing
arrow
C19
field
television
recommend

I settled down on my couch with a full glass of 1980 Argentine Malbec to watch an old Tom Hanks movie on television, when all of a sudden the anchorman of a local channel interrupted my pleasant evening by sending out shocking news that boomeranged at once. He recommended that patients with C19 should practice archery during the recovery period, to fortify their breathing and lung functions.

Sounded fun, but one poor soul had the bad luck to be struck in the eye with an arrow. He was never certain again about social distancing amidst the pandemic, so he took up running around an empty field with his guide dog.
At night they both sheltered in a duck blind for the duration. He's sueing the TV channel for 10 million dollars.
Fortunately, the surgery on his eye was successful and he went on to become an Olympic champion in Archery.

distancing
arrows
field
television
nunnery
Indian Ocean
mouse
diploma
purge
recommend

[JustDaniel]

Well, Sylvia, this one was worth the wait! You busted my gut with laughter in this creative little unimaginable tale! That anchorman was a total idiot... but then he fostered an Olympic champion!

television
nunnery
distancing
arrows
Indian Ocean
mouse
field
diploma
purge
recommend

Having watched the same program on television that Sylvia did, I left my job as caretaker of the local nunnery, and distancing myself from the United States, I decided to pack up my arrows and head for Perth on the Indian Ocean from whence I would travel to the hinterlands of Western Australia. I had simply called up a map on my laptop, and with my mouse scanned its field and decided on my destination. It took no diploma to realize I needed to go where my arrows could fly freely and where I could purge myself of contact with human beings, which of course is what is recommended these days, to avoid the COVID-19.

Your revised list:

Indian Ocean
mouse
field
purge
recommend
grapefruit
grappling hook
disembark
crisis
pineapple upside-down cake

Have fun!

[Psyche]

Well, Sylvia, this one was worth the wait! You busted my gut with laughter in this creative little unimaginable tale! That anchorman was a total idiot... but then he fostered an Olympic champion!

television
nunnery
distancing
arrows
Indian Ocean
mouse
field
diploma
purge
recommend

Having watched the same program on television that Sylvia did, I left my job as caretaker of the local nunnery, and distancing myself from the United States, I decided to pack up my arrows and head for Perth on the Indian Ocean from whence I would travel to the hinterlands of Western Australia. I had simply called up a map on my laptop, and with my mouse scanned its field and decided on my destination. It took no diploma to realize I needed to go where my arrows could fly freely and where I could purge myself of contact with human beings, which of course is what is recommended these days, to avoid the COVID-19.

Your revised list:

Indian Ocean
mouse
field
purge
recommend
grapefruit
grappling hook
disembark
crisis
pineapple upside-down cake

Have fun!

That's difficult, Daniel...might try it later on in the evening. We're making a wonderful collection of mini stories. Hope you're happy in Australia.

[JustDaniel]

It was an awfully long flight just to head into the hinterland!!! lol

You always make me wait for your story, but it's usually worth it!

[Psyche]

grapefruit
disembark
crisis
pine apple upside down cake
recommend
breakfast
cruiser
Travel Agency
romance
officer

My sexy cousin experienced a mental crisis due to a failed romance with a rich businessman. He tried to intern her in a closed residence, but she escaped with my help. On the way, we passed by a Travel Agency where a young man recommended we take a holiday on an Italian cruiser to the Islas Malvinas, which rightly belong to Argentina. This was before the 1982 war between Britain and Argentina's dictator, who was a drunken SOB. He'd sent poor, untrained country boys out to sea without proper equipment or even enough food.
My cousin Susan and I set out in January, excited because the cruiser would dock in Puerto Piramides to see the sea lions and penguins. We also enjoyed watching the whales playing on the ocean waves.
Later on, in the Beagle Channel, the Captain arranged for a midnight party in a beautiful bay, under the starry midnight sky. Susan became bessoted by an
Italian officer who seduced her in less time than it takes to bat an eyelid. I hardly saw her from then on, so I had my breakfast of grapefruit and toast by myself.
After a rough crossing of Cabo de Hornos, when most of the passengers threw up, the ship headed for Malvinas. We disembarked on those windswept isles, where the mainstay of the farmers' exports are sheeps' wool and peat. Not a tree in sight, but rows of attractive cottages with glass porches filled with huge, bright colored flowers. In their backyards, we could see flourishing orchards.
I knew a Chilean family living there, because their daughters boarded at the same school in Buenos Aires that my daughter attended as a day girl. This charming family invited us to tea and the mother served us a delicious pineapple upside down cake.
Later on, they took us on a tour of the main island, visiting Puerto Argentino (Port Stanley) towards the end. The Chilean girls wanted to sail with us to Buenos Aires, because the islands are desolate and boring for youngsters, but their father didn't allow it.
Sailing home, I wrote a poem about our unique experience.

breakfast
cruiser
Travel Agency
romance
officer
bumble bee
keyboard
polar bear
green pasture
Styx

[Psyche]

Have fun! I just wrote this at 1 a.m., so I expect a similar impressive story.
Can't wait.

[JustDaniel]

breakfast
keyboard
Styx
polar bear
Travel Agency
cruiser
green pasture
bumble bee
romance
officer


After breakfast I was listening to the interesting keyboard interaction with acoustic and electric guitar by Styx on my computer while watching a video about polar bears on TV when a Travel Agency advertisement came on encouraging me to get tickets on a cruiser to experience the joys of travel to some far off green pasture where I could roam the fields romancing with butterflies and bumble bees. Suddenly there was a knock at my door, and a police officer arrested me for answering the door naked.


bumble bee
keyboard
Styx
green pasture
polar bear
nightshade
cough syrup
rattlesnake
elm tree
swimming hole

[Psyche]

breakfast
keyboard
Styx
polar bear
Travel Agency
cruiser
green pasture
bumble bee
romance
officer


After breakfast I was listening to the interesting keyboard interaction with acoustic and electric guitar by Styx on my computer while watching a video about polar bears on TV when a Travel Agency advertisement came on encouraging me to get tickets on a cruiser to experience the joys of travel to some far off green pasture where I could roam the fields romancing with butterflies and bumble bees. Suddenly there was a knock at my door, and a police officer arrested me for answering the door naked.


bumble bee
keyboard
Styx
green pasture
polar bear
nightshade
cough syrup
rattlesnake
elm tree
swimming hole

Good addition to our now voluminous short story book. You're very funny! I just did the word games and I'm tired of this Eric, who never shows up anymore. I shall abandom him at Birds and Words, or else make a public statement about his ignoring this noble activity. I'll try to do the new story tomorrow. It's raining now, don't know whether we'll get our regular walk. Snow is coming next week! Many months of isolation ahead. Our area is free of V. The government is managing this pandemic quite well, with very strict regulations, especially in Buenos Aires and other large cities.
See ya!

[JustDaniel]

Glad to hear about the virus' not progressing much in your area! We had some thunder and lightning and then rain this morning, but it's been a beautiful spring day. If only I could get out and enjoy it. Very weak in my knee still. Begin physical therapy next week and have four doctor appointments! Best wishes with your snow! Look forward to your next little story.
Blessings!

[Psyche]

Glad to hear about the virus' not progressing much in your area! We had some thunder and lightning and then rain this morning, but it's been a beautiful spring day. If only I could get out and enjoy it. Very weak in my knee still. Begin physical therapy next week and have four doctor appointments! Best wishes with your snow! Look forward to your next little story.
Blessings!

So sorry about the pain in your knee. Hope the therapy works well. Four doctors...wow.
We've been blessed with some sunny Autumn days. Went for a walk with my daughter and enjoyed the lovely colours in our neighborhood. So snow has been postponed for now.
I'll try the short story tomorrow. Blessings and good luck with your therapy and docs.

[JustDaniel]

I'm beginning to feel the the "temporary knee" is not going to work for me, so I may be looking at another operation to replace it with a permanent total knee, with posts into femur and tibia. This one does not have the flexibility of a permanent knee, but is basically a "spacer" that bends. What is fearful to me is that it bends a little bit almost BACKWARDS, which leaves me without balance when I am not wearing the brace. HOPE that my surgeon will be able to fit me in on Monday as my therapist has requested. Will appreciate your prayers... and of course am patiently waiting for your short story.

I'm off to answer Rhymer's entry into our little 10-letter game!

deLightingly, Daniel

[Psyche]

I've decided to change 6 words, Daniel. More fun. Your input is so funny, no idea whether you put the guy on the seat on purpose! lol.

planet
purpose
pollution
wildlife
gel
mix
glicerine
laugh
clown
hat

Greta Thurnberg, Extinction Rebellion and many other fighters for planet Earth are purposely fighting for all wildlife. Humankind has polluted the seas, skies, lakes, rivers...well, everything.
However, many idiots behave like clowns with top hats, laughing as if nothing is happening.
People who can find glicerine make a mix of it with alcohol, adding some essential oils to protect delicate skin.

Here it goes, Daniel, with 6 new words.

pollution
gel
mix
laugh
poetry
baby
chains
guanaco
colossus
Andrea Bocelli

[JustDaniel]

You CHEATED! It's FINE that you changed six words from YOUR list to pass on to ME, BUT...

You changed six words from MY list that I passed on to YOU.... BEFORE you wrote your story!!!

Now is that fair??

[Rhymer]

pollution
gel
mix
laugh
poetry
baby
chains
guanaco
colossus
Andrea Bocelli

Pollution is like seeing Andrea Bocelli -dressed in Chains - who is a Colussus in musical circles. However, as Poetry is not his forte, I suggest it would be like listening to a bubbling Baby Mix of Guanaco Gel, to hear him gurgling in rhymed ‘tonic-so-fah’. Now that would be music to my ears and a right Laugh!

Not sure if this is what the ‘short story’ content by using your ten words should be? Are we supposedly changing 5 or 6 words? Do tell - please!

Metre
Rhyme
Puccini
Pascali
Cappuccino
Chains
Guanaco
Colossus
Poetry
Baby

More of a ‘pcture’ than a short story methinks? Hope I’m not screwing up here? Ciao for now. Thanks for your toelrance. Rhymner aka Denis.

[JustDaniel]

Great job, Denis!! You did exactly what we are trying to do here (except that you didn't use the "sizes" tab to enlarge the type so that Sylvia and I can READ what you've written. We generally use "4" lol)


poetry
rhyme
meter
Puccini
Cappuccino
Pascali
Chains
Guanaco
Colossus
Baby


Fortunately, when we're writing these little mini-stories we don't have to worry about poetry, rhyme and meter. Just put on a recording of a Puccini opera... let's see... Tosca it is, fix yourself a nice cappuccino, place your beautiful Pascali white rose in a little vase and break the chains of your writers' block. My mama had a llama, but I only have a guanaco, and it's no colossus; it's just a baby.

Here are YOUR ten words to use:

meter
rhyme
Puccini
Pascali
cappuccino
aphrodisiac
antidisestablishmentarianism
windshield
dipstick
convertible

[Rhymer]

[/size]Short Story. 10 words.

meter
rhyme
Puccini
Pascali
cappuccino
aphrodisiac
antidisestablishmentarianism
windshield
dipstick
convertible

Intent on facing down and bearding members of the Antidisestablishmentarianism cult - a brigade of passionate zealots, of which Pascali was an active member, Puccini swallowed his Cappuccino - which he regarded as his morning Aphrodisiac - and scarpered off to his Convertible. First checking his Windshield Dipstick to ensure he had window washer in plenty, he started up the engine. Quoting a small Rhyme he had learned as a child, he, adjusting the Meter to match the rhythm of his engine, and singing loudly, sped swiftly away!

As he did so, he considered the following Ten Words, were most appropriate for the next Chapter in this intriguing short story. Rhymer.

Journeyman
Traveller
Railroad
Angel
Leveret
Convertible
Dipstick
Rhyme
Meter or Metre
Aphrodisiac

[size="4"]

[Psyche]

I'm beginning to feel the the "temporary knee" is not going to work for me, so I may be looking at another operation to replace it with a permanent total knee, with posts into femur and tibia. This one does not have the flexibility of a permanent knee, but is basically a "spacer" that bends. What is fearful to me is that it bends a little bit almost BACKWARDS, which leaves me without balance when I am not wearing the brace. HOPE that my surgeon will be able to fit me in on Monday as my therapist has requested. Will appreciate your prayers... and of course am patiently waiting for your short story.

I'm off to answer Rhymer's entry into our little 10-letter game!

deLightingly, Daniel

Just read your post, Daniel, so sorry. Sounds complicated, this knee surgery, but I'm confident that it will work for you. The therapist will guide you on how to keep your balance safely. I'll certainly be praying for success, have you already had the surgery? I have three long screws in one femur, the surgery is perfect, las Xray showed no movements or anything askew. So I'm praying every day for your quick recovery.
I apologize about changing 6 words, I'll only do 5 in the future. I think we can change a mix of words, some yours and some of mine. Not sure how Lori planned it. I'll try to do some of the challenges now. God bless and keep safe.

[Psyche]

[/size]Short Story. 10 words.

meter
rhyme
Puccini
Pascali
cappuccino
aphrodisiac
antidisestablishmentarianism
windshield
dipstick
convertible

Intent on facing down and bearding members of the Antidisestablishmentarianism cult - a brigade of passionate zealots, of which Pascali was an active member, Puccini swallowed his Cappuccino - which he regarded as his morning Aphrodisiac - and scarpered off to his Convertible. First checking his Windshield Dipstick to ensure he had window washer in plenty, he started up the engine. Quoting a small Rhyme he had learned as a child, he, adjusting the Meter to match the rhythm of his engine, and singing loudly, sped swiftly away!

As he did so, he considered the following Ten Words, were most appropriate for the next Chapter in this intriguing short story. Rhymer.

Journeyman
Traveller
Railroad
Angel
Leveret
Convertible
Dipstick
Rhyme
Meter or Metre
Aphrodisiac

[size="4"]

Good mini story, Denis. That's the idea, to have a good laugh in these dark times. So glad you've joined our wee group! I'll be starting the word challenges now, so the answer to your great challenge will have to come later, maybe tomorrow. Daniel has had surgery on his knee, I'm praying for his quick recovery, All the best, Denis, to you and your family.

[JustDaniel]

journeyman
traveler
railroad
leveret
angel
dipstick
convertible
rhyme
aphrodisiac
meter

The journeyman traveler hopped the railroad car, jumping like a leveret and calling on his guardian angel that he would not be found on the railroad tracks as some dipstick who attempted to board the train from a convertible racing alongside the train... and missed! There was not rhyme or reason in why he boarded the train, but the excitement was like an aphrodisiac to him, and it increased the meter of his heart!

journeyman
traveler
railroad
leveret
freeway
overpass
weigh station
patrolman
hitchhiker
tuna fish

P.S. Sylvia.... the problem was not in changing 6 of the words after you created your mini-story. It was changing the words BEFORE your story, silly!!!

[Rhymer]

[size="4"][/size]Ten Words - Mini Story

journeyman
traveler
railroad
leveret
freeway
overpass
weigh station
patrolman
hitchhiker
tuna fish

He was a regular Railroad Traveller being a Journeyman of considerable acquired skills. As an expert in Railway affairs he, unannounced, would call in at a Weigh Station along the Line, to check on their security and effecient operation. Once his duties were done, he’d often take time to relax with a flask of coffee and a Tuna Fish sandwich, or stand alongside the nearby Freeway where, at times he’d chat with a passing Hitchhiker, or a familiar Patrolman - one occasionally met, that he knew. At times, he’d walk a few yards further down the road, where the Freeway crossed the railway line. There he’d lean on the Overpass buttress , just to watch the traffic go by. On one occasion, he had watched an impatient Leveret dash madly across the busy highway. Holding his breath until it reached the pastures on the other side - seemingly unaware of speeding traffic, whose drivers were intent only on arriving at their intended destination, he had heaved a sigh of relief, once it made it safely across! Relaxing, he returned to the station, andthen home. His work for the day, done.

Flask
Security
Pastures
Buttress
Occasion
Freeway
Traveller
Overpass
Railroad
Patrolman. Rhymer. June 7th, 2020.

[Psyche]

[/size]Ten Words - Mini Story

journeyman
traveler
railroad
leveret
freeway
overpass
weigh station
patrolman
hitchhiker
tuna fish

He was a regular Railroad Traveller being a Journeyman of considerable acquired skills. As an expert in Railway affairs he, unannounced, would call in at a Weigh Station along the Line, to check on their security and effecient operation. Once his duties were done, he’d often take time to relax with a flask of coffee and a Tuna Fish sandwich, or stand alongside the nearby Freeway where, at times he’d chat with a passing Hitchhiker, or a familiar Patrolman - one occasionally met, that he knew. At times, he’d walk a few yards further down the road, where the Freeway crossed the railway line. There he’d lean on the Overpass buttress , just to watch the traffic go by. On one occasion, he had watched an impatient Leveret dash madly across the busy highway. Holding his breath until it reached the pastures on the other side - seemingly unaware of speeding traffic, whose drivers were intent only on arriving at their intended destination, he had heaved a sigh of relief, once it made it safely across! Relaxing, he returned to the station, andthen home. His work for the day, done.

Flask
Security
Pastures
Buttress
Occasion
Freeway
Traveller
Overpass
Railroad
Patrolman. Rhymer. June 7th, 2020.

[size="4"]That's an excellent short story, I think the best so far. Don't tell Daniel! I've just finished the word challenges, so I'll return tomorrow, if at all possible. Many thanks for joining our tiny team, God bless and keep safe, Sylvia

[Psyche]

Sorry, I can't get the format right tonight. Must be tired.

[JustDaniel]

traveler
buttress
railroad
freeway
overpass
pasture
occasion
patrolman
security
flask

I was a weary traveler sleeping at the buttress of the railroad freeway overpass after traipsing through pasture of high grass all day. On this particular occasion as I awoke, a patrolman had discovered me and was concerned for my security, so I shared with him a flask of bourbon for his kindness.

occasion
security
pasture
flask
manure
bullock
tractor
posthole
lanyard
storm fence

[Rhymer]

[size="4"][/size

occasion
security
pasture
flask
manure
bullock
tractor
posthole
lanyard
storm fence


It was obvious the Security of the Storm Fence leading to the Pasture was broken. With no signs of the prize Bullock to be seen, it was an Occasion to cause concern. Only evidence to be seen of its disappearance, were Tractor tyre imprints in Manure: a Post Hole where the fence had been, whilst lying on the ground, one could see a broken Lanyard lclose to a broken Flask,

Tractor
Security
Occasion
Bullock
Lanyard
Gatehouse
Sawdust
Staples
Barbed Wire
Spade

[Psyche]

Clever mini story, Denis. I'll not try now, just finished the word challenges over in Acropolis.
It's raining cats and dogs here, only had time for a short walk in the mud...arrgh!
All the best, Sylvia

[JustDaniel]

gatehouse
tractor
lanyard
bullock
barbed wire
sawdust
staples
occasion
security
spade

The rancher appears out of the gatehouse wearing the key to his tractor on a lanyard around his neck. On the way to the tractor he realizes that a bullock has somehow gotten loose in his field but is stuck on barbed wire, dragging a fence post behind him. He cuts off the fence post with his chainsaw, creating a cloud of sawdust. Brushing it aside he removes the staples holding the wire and carefully removes the barbs from the bullock. He takes this occasion, for security, to repair the fence, digging out the post hole with his spade and replaces the post and the barbed wire, securing it again with staples.

sawdust
staples
security
spade
boat yard
dock
stern
gasoline
cooler
teak

[Rhymer]

[size="4"
sawdust
staples
security
spade
boat yard
dock
stern
gasoline
cooler
teak

The scene in the Boat yard, was utter chaos! The Dock was littered with Sawdust, Staples and a battered old “Cooler” ditched along with a Spade and other debris. Even a Teak cross thwart Stern seat, salvaged from an old Naval Cutter, lay abandoned, along with an old Gasoline can - battered and useless. What tales this mish mash of items could tell, given a voice? Why would Security be of importance to whomsoever owned the boat yard? Maybe safeguarding memories, of times and events about which we’ll never know? Even a vivid imagination cannot shed light on the circumstances surrounding this - somewhat unusual - collection of back water trash. Perhaps in a following chapter, we’ll get to know more of its history, as more artefacts are uncovered in a future search. Presently, these are little more than possible memories of an Old Man of the Sea.

Epaulette
Tholepin
Linen
Spigot
Sailcloth
security
spade
boat yard
dock
Quarterdeck[/size]

[Rhymer]

For some obscure reason this posting would not accept a change of Font Size. After four attempts, I gave up! rhymer.

[Psyche]

For some obscure reason this posting would not accept a change of Font Size. After four attempts, I gave up! rhymer.

Same here, Denis, as you well know. But your story is the work of a genius, your knowledge stretches far and wide. I had to re-read it several times to get the gist of it. I'll come back for another read, as my mind is blown away by your imagination. I just managed to finish the word challenges. I hope you continue with the stories. This is not a competition, at least I've not noticed anything of the sort. I enjoy it thoroughly, especially when they are amusing as well as educational.
BTW, I've also had cataracts for about 2 decades. I was told I needed surgery immediately, but when I got home I began thinking: I can see perfectly with my specs on, what's the hurry? So here in Patagonia I went to another specialist, he prescribed stronger lens and shook hands. I said: But the cataracts? He had another look and said I would probably never need surgery. So I'm praying that yours will grow as slowly as mine, Denis. Being vegetarian helps, but I wouldn't ask you to become one, it's a choice that was forced upon me, because I began to find all meats disgusting.
Excuse this long story, greetings and goodwill to you and Pauline. Sylvia

[Rhymer]

NB:

[size="4"]Not sure I should be adding a following Chapter to my earlier Mini Story,uUsing my listing of words? Bbut here goes anyway. Probably ignoring or breaking the Rules yet again. Yesterday's showers gave me a small window of opportunity to exercise my "little grey cells| as Agatha's Poirot would say! They needed some exercise.

His Epaulette was a sign denoting his rank. He a mere Lieutenant - no more - was charged with overseeing the ship’s lifeboats. His morning routine was to supervise the inspection of Tholepin and Oar and remained clean and easily accessed. All dross such as bird droppings removed. Besides this he ensured Sailcloth was to hand. This for weather protection - if needed - and his duty included checking Security, and had not been breached. The ship’s canvas, was made from strong Linen, and was a necessity many a shipwrecked sailor had found most useful. Some lifeboats even carried a small, short handled spade, which was useful at times a boat reached shore. This was regarded as a necessity in many Boat Yards all around the coast, and so it had become a very important addition to many a ship’s lifeboat over the years. Generally attached to the bilge Spigot exhaust at the stern of a boat, it was readily available, at all times. After his spell of duty the Lieutenant would advance to the Quarterdeck and make his report to the Duty Officer of the Day. His morning duties carried out, he would dismiss his men and retire to the wardroom, or take a walk along the Dock if the ship was in harbour, until required for more duties. Rhymer.

Quarterdeck
Dock
Anchor
Hawser
Matelot
Security
Boat Yard
Captain
Boatswain - Bosun
Spade

[Psyche]

NB:

[size="4"]Not sure I should be adding a following Chapter to my earlier Mini Story,uUsing my listing of words? Bbut here goes anyway. Probably ignoring or breaking the Rules yet again. Yesterday's showers gave me a small window of opportunity to exercise my "little grey cells| as Agatha's Poirot would say! They needed some exercise.

His Epaulette was a sign denoting his rank. He a mere Lieutenant - no more - was charged with overseeing the ship’s lifeboats. His morning routine was to supervise the inspection of Tholepin and Oar and remained clean and easily accessed. All dross such as bird droppings removed. Besides this he ensured Sailcloth was to hand. This for weather protection - if needed - and his duty included checking Security, and had not been breached. The ship’s canvas, was made from strong Linen, and was a necessity many a shipwrecked sailor had found most useful. Some lifeboats even carried a small, short handled spade, which was useful at times a boat reached shore. This was regarded as a necessity in many Boat Yards all around the coast, and so it had become a very important addition to many a ship’s lifeboat over the years. Generally attached to the bilge Spigot exhaust at the stern of a boat, it was readily available, at all times. After his spell of duty the Lieutenant would advance to the Quarterdeck and make his report to the Duty Officer of the Day. His morning duties carried out, he would dismiss his men and retire to the wardroom, or take a walk along the Dock if the ship was in harbour, until required for more duties. Rhymer.

Quarterdeck
Dock
Anchor
Hawser
Matelot
Security
Boat Yard
Captain
Boatswain - Bosun
Spade

Dear Denis, you can certainly answer your own mini stories. Lori is not here...lol.
I've just done the challenges and will take a nap now, maybe my brain cells will have rejuvenated by then. Ciao!

[Rhymer]

Mini Story New Chapter.

Quarterdeck
Dock
Anchor
Hawser
Matelot
Security
Boat Yard
Captain
Boatswain - Bosun
Spade

Although the ship lay at Anchor close to the Dock, still the Quarterdeck played an important role in everyday life of life aboard a ship. Security though Number One in priority, would be left to the quartermaster. He with the Captain, and the Bosun, would, with the Boat Yard nearby, double check arrangements.
Flagging the ship’s Hawser would warn passing ships, it was there, so passing ships would steer clear.
When sitting in a dry dock for maintenance and repairs, a razor sharp Spade - kept solely for the purpose - would be used to remove barnacles and other marine deposits, from around the hull at the water line, and below, before a fresh paint was applied. A Matelot’s life, be it at sea or in harbour, was never a time for idleness.

Quarterdeck
Boatswain
Dockyard
Anchor
Captain
Barnacles
Gantry
Rivets
Galley
Gang Plank

Thanks - I'll accept your verdict Sylvie. It's becoming more of a diary and observation I had made - much earlier - when HMS Tyne sat atop huge wooden blocks in the dry dock in Sasebo Harbour, Japan for hull maintenance. Late 1953. Going ashore - naval terminology - though really not at sea - was quite the scary walk. Gang Plank was very high and long from the ship to the dockside and bounced wildly if more than one Rating walked across it at a time. Personnel had to go singly as and when they went ashore. Only after the leading walker reached the dockside, were you allowed to take your turn! About forty feet from the ship to the bottom of the dry dock!
Hope you enjoy? Rhymer.

[Rhymer]

New Chapter #3 Present Mini Story

Quarterdeck
Boatswain
Dockyard
Anchor
Captain
Barnacles
Gantry
Rivets
Galley
Gang Plank

A sailor joining his ship, at any time, stood at the edge of the Quarterdeck and snapped a salute towards the Ensign flying at the bow of the ship or to the Duty Officer who was present, before heading below. Tied up at the Dockyard an Anchor was not required nor dropped, but a Gangplank was. Sometimes one was situated amidships, and another near the stern. The ‘after’ gangplank wsa used mainly to allow the Boatswain to supervise the delivery of supplies, without the need for those coming on board to salute. Most deliveries were for the Galley if in small quantities, and mail, whereaas larger heavy and bulky supplies were lowered to the ship’s hold by means of a Gantry. Few of the daily deliveries were of concern to the Captain. Only important visitors warranted his personal presence - always at the quarterdeck..

Two things are surely found on every ship, no matter what their size. Along with welded metal plates, steel Rivets are used as the means to build a ship of any size. Together they ensure a ship is water tight. On the other side however, below the water line, Barnacles attach themselves to any hull - be it wooden or metal - when sitting at anchor.

I'm adding another Chapter to this Mini Story but not adding any words for a follow-up. I wonder if any of the remaining Members might like to either add some that may be seen as a continuation of my "Story" or perhaps put ten words up as a fresh possibility? I feel I am beginning to 'hog' this, and would like to have some 'input' for either possibility. What say you? I'm sweating out very warm, high humidity days that could prove a little dangerous to me at my age. Not the correct physical make-up nor am I acclimatised in such a short period of time. Reminds me of Singapore - way back when! Took me months to acclimatise - never did truly! What say anyone reading? Ciao for now. Denis.

[Psyche]

Dear Denis, I'll add new words tomorrow. You're not hogging this, it's just that Daniel has had knee surgery and is in great pain. I'm praying he has a quick recovery and no pain.
Myself, with this lockdown, I have all the housework and garden to tend to on my own. I also contribute poetry to several websites, so that takes time and also crits and comments.
If you wish to continue with ship jargon, please do. I read your stories with great interest and learn a lot. So if you don't see my new list tomorrow, please continue, I'll do my best and, as I said, I expect Daniel will return soon. Hope so.
Keep safe, all the best, Sylvia

[JustDaniel]

Since you did not add five or six new words, Denis, I'm adding six of my own (which makes it easier for me, of course!)

anchor
captain
barnacles
reggae
rivets
elbows
deferred
cuisine
grouper
souse

After we dropped anchor here in the Bahamas, I let the captain know that I was going to go scrape off some of my barnacles by giving it a try on the dance floors of some of the many reggae, calypso, ripsaw and goombay joints scattered about the island. It didn't take long to realize that my body is not up to that type of activity, and my joints function more like rivets attacking my knees, hips, ankles and even elbows, so I deferred to the Bahamian cuisine. I particularly enjoyed their seared grouper with grits, souse and rum cake. I returned to the ship tired and sated.

elbows
deferred
cuisine
grouper
souse
island
palm
beach
calypso
kettledrum

[Psyche]

Once again, you've made me laugh, Daniel. Very good story!
I haven't taken part for a while. How are you? Has the surgery helped? Praying for your speedy recovery.
I'll try to answer this challenge tomorrow. Depends, because I'm having some furniture and other stuff re-arranged and/or repaired. If it snows, the man won't come and I'll have time.
Keep safe and painless, Sylvia

[Rhymer]

Mini Story continuation.
elbows
deferred
cuisine
grouper
souse
island
palm
beach
calypso
kettledrum

Feeling tired and worn and half Soused, after I had Deferred to the Chef’s suggestion, and dined on the local, mouth watering Cuisine of marinated Grouper, I was completely exhausted! So I sat with my Elbows on the table, to consider my next move? I had arrived at this small Island resort earlier, where the sounds of Calypso echoing out over the Beach had decided me to stay awhile. An Island where Palm lined shores, seemed to sway in time to the never ending hypnotic beat of a Kettledrum I could hear from across the Caribbean waters, Paradise or? Only time would tell. Rhymer.

Hypnotic
Caribbean
Exhausted
Chef
Echoing
Piper
Snapper
Stripper
Snake
Samba.

[JustDaniel]

Thank you for your concern, Sylvia. Got word Wednesday morning that I'll be discharged from the rehab next Friday morning or early afternoon. Physical therapy is going well, and the pain is dissipating. With the help of my Rollator I've been able to walk the halls without pain, so the greater stability of the bottom half of the joint (which was replaced) seems to be doing the trick we'd hoped for. I'd evidently slightly re-torn the patellar tendon, which the surgeon repaired by drilling a couple of holes in my knee cap to lace the tendon with surgical thread to it. I'll resume therapy after discharge, continuing hopefully to be eventually able to walk again with my cane. At least that is my goal. The surgery also slightly increased the length of my leg to bring in closer to normal, which will help my ability to stand with less pain in my opposite hip.

Thanks for your prayers and encouraging words.

Denis, great story. I'll hopefully be back to either tackle your word list or Sylvia's, depending on which of us arrives first, perhaps tomorrow. deLighting to share, Daniel

[JustDaniel]

Caribbean
samba
stripper
echoing
piper
chef
snapper
hypnotic
snake
exhausted

My second day visiting the Caribbean island would not find me attempting the samba or visiting some stripper joint; that's for sure. The pain of my first day fighting my age was echoing in my mind; you have to pay the piper, and I had run out of that kind of funds. I visited one of the chefs of whom I had become fond yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed his grilled snapper. For entertainment i enjoyed the hypnotic performance of the snake charmer and all of the fantastic music. Once again i returned to the ship absolutely exhausted, but enjoyed a wonderful night's sleep.

samba
stripper
echoing
hypnotic
chocolate
goombay
ambulance
fire truck
axe
litter