Melancholy - Flash Fiction - Shards

It's been almost a year since I've written anything. Last year was a tough one for me but I made it through. I keep checking in over at Carrot Ranch to see if anything sparks my interest or I should say gets me out of this writers roadblock. For me, there's nothing quite like a flash fiction to pique my interest and get me back into the saddle.  

So here goes, and hopefully, I will be writing again more frequently. 


Remembering back sitting in a dark dingy room, my mind constantly thinking that all I wanted was to feel normal.

.No desire to eat or get out of bed but most of all I just wanted to be alone.

At times I would think so rigorously, try so hard to make sense of it all, yet concentration was impossible to come by and all I would do was escape into sleep. Darkness was my only friend and I welcomed it.

People would walk around me as if they were stepping around shards of glass.

When would this all end? 

This piece was written for a flash fiction challenge over at Carrot Ranch. Write a short story (99 words, no more, no less) about shards. 

Rough Writer Tour Around the World

Hi, and welcome to my little corner of the world; Orillia, Ontario, Canada, home of Gordon Lightfoot.  I’ve lived here for the past 28 years after moving from a large city called Mississauga. It was a big change, but an easy one for us as Mississauga has a population of 752,000, and Orillia has 30,550.

The summers here are beautiful as we have two large lakes; Lake Couchiching, and Lake Simcoe. Both have gorgeous parks and are easily accessed by walking trails, boat, or car. If you’re ever here in July, the Mariposa Folk Festival (a three-day event) is a must. Orillia has been hosting this festival since 1961 and has had headliners which include Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Peter Paul and Mary, Leonard Cohen, Jackson Brown, Tracy Chapman, Donovan, Bare Naked Ladies, Blue Rodeo, and of course Gordon Lightfoot.

Located in the snow belt makes winters quite cold and a little less appealing to some. For many Orillia is a winter wonderland, playground.

I remember when we first moved here I’d throw put my two-year-old twin boys in their car seats and off we’d go for an afternoon adventure. Most days we’d end up at the park down at the lake where I met some lovely women, whom I’m still friends with to this day.

I’m proud and ecstatic to be included the Carrot Ranch Tour Around the World. 

It was March 5^th, 2014 (4 years ago) when Charli challenged us to write our first flash fiction over at Carrot Ranch. I’d only ever written one flash fiction before, and if I recall correctly, it was 199 words. My first thought was, how the heck am I going to tell a story in 99 words?

I love a challenge and set out to write my story about an avalanche.

As we were racing down the hill I felt a strange and eerie rumbling going on as the earth shook beneath my skis. I looked over at my son who most likely did not hear or feel anything as his music was probably cranked.

Scared to turn my head but feeling I had to; I saw the white cloud approaching behind us.  Quickly I motioned to Allan that we were in big trouble.  Seeing the look of terror on his face we both knew deep within our souls that this might indeed be the end for both of us. 

That first week we had six writers respond to the challenge; Norah Colvin, Ruchira Khanna, Jason Kennedy, Paula Moyer, myself, and of course Charli Mills. Since then the ranch has grown immensely.

What can I say, I was hooked and couldn’t wait until the following week to see what the prompt for the next flash fiction would be.

Four years later and a book is born; The Congress of Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology Vol. 1.  I’m so fortunate to be a part of a very talented writing community that spans all over the world. 

Contributors to volume I are as follows: Anthony Amore from Rhode Island USA, Georgia Bell, from Toronto Ontario, Canada, Sacha Black from England, Sarah Brentyn USA, Norah Colin, Brisbane, Qld, AU, Pete Fanning Virginia, USA, C. Jai Ferry, Midwest USA, Rebecca Glaessner, Melbourne, Vic AU, Anne Goodwin, England, Luccia Gray, Spain, Urzula Humienik, Poland, Ruchira Khanna, California USA, Larry LaForge, Clemson, South Carolina, USA, Geoff LePard, Dulwich South London, Jeanne Belisle Lombardo, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, Sherri Matthews, Somerset UK, Allison Mills, Houghton Michigan, USA, Charli Mills, Hancock, Michigan, USA, Paula Moyer, Lauderdale, Minnesota, USA, Jules Paige, Pennsylvania, USA, Amber Prince, North Texas, USA, Lisa Reiter, UK, AnneEdall-Robson, Airdrie Alberta, Canada, Christine Rose, Oregon, USA, Roger Shipp, Virginia USA, Kate Spencer, British Columbia, Canada, Sarah Unsicker, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, Irene Waters, Noosaville, QLD, AU, Sarrah J Woods, Charleston, West Virginia, USA, and myself. 

Over the past four years, I’ve had my ups and downs when it’s come to writing. I go months without a creative bone in my body finding myself unable to write a word. Many writers go through this and it is truly heart-breaking and frustrating. Flash fiction can help a writer. Just one word or one picture can make a light go off and the writer is inspired.

If you enjoy writing or reading flash fiction Carrot Ranch is the place to be. Once a week, our head buckaroo Charli, inspires us with a new word or topic to write about. Please feel free to join us for an adventurous journey. Hope to see you over at the ranch. 

Man of My Dreams

Looking across the bar that night, I saw him. The man of my dreams. He was tall, gorgeous, and he was looking at me. I just had to find a way to meet him, but I wasn’t quite sure how to go about it.

He was with a bunch of people and left the group to go to the washroom. It hit me, I’d go talk to one of his friends.

I introduced myself and asked, hey is your friend single and can you introduce him to me?

That was 32 years ago, and we’re still happily married today. 

Have you ever tried writing flash fiction? It's a lot of fun and can be quite rewarding. 

If you'd like to join many talented writers please follow this link over to Carrot Ranch.

This weeks prompt was to write a story in 99 words (no more, no less) using the theme "follow your dreams". Hope to see you there!

The Children's Garden - Flash Fiction

Carrot Ranch

The children had worked so hard in the early spring, picking good locations that would have sun exposure, getting the soil ready, planting seeds and seedlings, and finally marking each plant to be with popsicle sticks. Watching them work so diligently brought joy to my heart.

Lettuce, carrots, onions, pumpkins, and potatoes were all lined up in perfect lines.

This was a project for a group of Sunday school students who were growing these vegetables for the food bank.

When it came time for the harvest we were all astonished at the abundance it brought.  Many would be fed. 

This flash fiction is written for this weeks challenge over at Carrot Ranch. In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using harvest. If you'd like to join us, pop by the ranch, say howdy, and join. We'd love to see you there. 

The Adventures of Maggie and Bruce - Flash Fiction

One year when I was in Florida my son called me saying that Maggie and Bruce (our 2 Newfoundland dogs) were gone. I panicked and asked him what happened. He said that he came home and the door was wide open and no dogs. I told him to go out and find them. What did he expect me to do, I was 1400 miles away.

He went out looking for the dogs without much luck. When my husband got home that night he helped in the search. Still no luck. The next day my son Matthew who lived close to the animal shelter decided to go check to see if by some chance they were there. He walked up and there they were happily playing in the outside pen. The attendants said that they were the best inmates they'd ever had. Friendly and very obedient.

This week's Flash Fiction is to write in 99 words, (no more, no less) about an escape artist. If you'd like to join in on the fun of flash fiction, please follow the link over to Carrot Ranch.

Here is my flash fiction.

Come on Bruce let’s get out of here, the door is partially open.

Okay Maggie let’s go, I’ll follow you, lead the way.

Up the street the two dogs went as happy as pigs in mud.  They had a great day wandering the streets and going to the park. They met a few dogs along the way making new friends.

Then a man appeared out of nowhere with a van and coaxed the dogs over. They both loved to ride so in they went.

Arriving at the animal shelter they had a feeling they were in trouble. Now what?

Lock the Bathroom Door - Flash Fiction

Meg was having a nicotine fit and needed a smoke. Her parents were home so she went into the bathroom.

Sitting on the toilet taking that first drag, she felt instant relief.  

She heard a tap, tap on the bathroom door and panic set in. “I’ll just be a minute”, she said.

Quickly she put her hand behind her and was about to drop it into the toilet when her mother walked in to comb her hair.

If I drop it she’ll hear the sizzle of the smoke hitting the water.

Seeming like forever her mother finally left.  Reprieve.  

This week's "Flash Fiction" challenge over at Carrot Ranch is to write in 99 words (no more, no less) about a story that features sound. If you'd like to join us, please follow the link. 

Revenge Pie - Flash Fiction

Look Joe, I made you a pie.

Why would you do that?

I wanted you to know that I still want to be friends even though you made fun of me the other day.

Well it was pretty funny when everyone laughed.

Come on Joe just one little bite, it won’t kill you.

What kind of pie is this anyways, it looks kind of gray.

It’s just the color of the flour I used.

One bite was all it took.  Joe spat it right out.

Sandy ran fast to get out of Joe’s reach. 

Mud pie, my oh my. 

This week's "Flash Fiction" challenge over at Carrot Ranch is to write in 99 words (no more, no less) about a story that features pie. If you'd like to join us, please follow the link. 

The Tree House - Flash Fiction

Meg was determined to find out today what was in the treehouse. When she saw Johnny going up there she called to him. “Wait for me I’m coming up.”

“No, there’s not enough room, and it’s too high.”

We’ll see about that, Meg said to herself.

Once inside she thought, wow what a cool hideout, and took a seat on the floor towards the back.

“Meg you’re gonna have to leave, my friend’s coming up, and there’s not enough room.”

“I’ll just move back.”  Pushing against a burlap curtain, out of the treehouse she fell, landing on the ground. 

This week's "Flash Fiction" challenge over at Carrot Ranch was to write in 99 words (no more, no less) about an unexpected landing. It can be acrobatic, , an unplanned move or created into a metaphor. If you'd like to join us, please follow the link. 

The Storm - Flash Fiction

Squinting, trying to see a few feet in front of the car was impossible.  I only wish there was a car in front of me to follow. 

OH NO ICE! Don’t panic, I said to myself, and for God’s sake don’t hit the brakes. 

Slipping and sliding losing control of the car ….. SHIT, I was in a ditch! Oh great now what.

Unprepared for this dressed in heels and a short skirt, walking would be suicide in this snowstorm. Better stay put.

Freezing to the bone, hours later, I could see a most welcomed beacon of light. Safety. 

The storm was written for a Flash Fiction Challenge over at Carrot Ranch. If you like to read or write short stories please join us by following the link. This weeks challenge is to write a 99 word (no more, no less) story about a beacon. 

Frayed - Flash Fiction and a Rant

I’m so sick and tired of all these trips to the hospital. If it’s not for chemo it’s for CT scans. For a week after I have to feel like a bag of sh_t.  But I must stay strong, I must stay positive. Why because that’s how I’ve enabled myself to live this long with this wonderful disease.

Never give up; never give in, if you follow this you’ll truly win.

My nerves are becoming frayed and today I just wanted to vent. Thank you to all of you that read my post today. Your support and love mean the world to me. 

xoxoxo

This week’s prompt from Carrot Ranch is to write a short story (99 words- no more, no less) with the keyword being “frayed”. If you would like to join us or read more flash fictions please follow the link. 

Sitting on her bed with her head heavy in her hands, Meg felt as if she was going to explode all over the walls. She didn’t know how much more she could possibly take. Her nerves were frayed and she was exhausted from all the bullshit that was going on in her life.

She started her new job but wasn’t quite feeling all that comfortable yet. Her step-mother kept calling her work, only to complain about her father. The endless calls were driving her to drink.

Meg’s cell rang. Not again! She let it go through to her voicemail. 

Dreams Come True - Flash Fiction

Meg was having a hard time finding a new job. She’d been on countless interviews and was starting to wonder if she’d ever find a job. Exhausted from travelling all over the city, she flopped down on her bed in tears. As she drifted into a deep sleep she was thinking the move to this new city might have been a bad idea.

That night her deceased mother came to her in a dream and told her everything was going to be okay.

Meg was woken by the phone. She was offered a position and could she start immediately. 

This flash fiction was written for a challenge over at Carrot Ranch.  This weeks challenge was to write a story that involves a dream, in 99 words (no more, no less). If you enjoy reading or writing flash fiction, please do join us by following the link. You won't be disappointed as there are many fantastic writers at the ranch. 

The Anniversary Dinner - Flash Fiction

As soon as Jim walked through the front door the aroma of Megs cooking put a smile on his face.

“Oh my goodness woman what are you cooking? There’s enough food here for six people!”

“Just the two of us, I wanted to make it a special dinner. After all, it is our anniversary.”

“Are those lobsters?”

“They sure are, and to go with them we have steak, mushrooms, crab legs, shrimp skewers, scallops, and a Caesar salad. Just wait till you see dessert.”

Jim could barely do it, but he ate his cherry cheesecake and felt totally content. 

This flash fiction was written for a challenge over at Carrot Ranch. This weeks challenge was to write a story about "feeling content", in 99 words (no more, no less). If you enjoy reading or writing flash fiction, please do join us by following the link. You won't be disappointed as there are many fantastic writers at the ranch. 

Trading Places - Flash Fiction

“I wouldn’t want to trade places with you for all the money in the world.”

“And why is that?” she asked.

“I am married to my best friend, my soulmate, and I couldn’t possibly be happier.”

“But I get to travel the world and live in a much nicer house than you have, not to mention all the expensive things I have.”

“Things, travel, a house not a home, could ever replace what I share with my husband. We have something so special that you will never understand. It’s sad that you think your life is so much better!”

This flash fiction was written for a challenge over at Carrot Ranch. The prompt is to write a short story that contains 99 words, (no more, no less). This weeks the prompt is "trading".  If you enjoy writing flash fiction please come and join us by following the link.

Mac N Cheese - Flash Fiction

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

The day at school had not been that great for Brenda. The bully in her class decided to pick on her for some stupid reason. 

Walking home in the cold damp rain, chilled her to the bone, and she couldn’t wait to get home.

As Brenda opened the door the sweet aroma she knew oh so well, coming from the kitchen, put a smile on her face. Warmth returned and the day was forgotten. Grandma had made homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner.

How could she have forgotten? This after all was traditionally made on Thursdays. Life was grand. 

This flash fiction was written for a challenge over at Carrot Ranch. The prompt is to write a short story that contains 99 words, (no more, no less). This weeks the prompt is comfort food. If you enjoy writing flash fiction please come and join us by following the link.

The Onyx Ring - Flash Fiction

Grandma would sit and tell Molly stories about her life in the old country. Scotland sounded amazing to Molly but what she most wanted to know about was the ring grandma wore.

Well dear this ring wasn’t always a ring. Your grandpa gave me this as a necklace that I wore for years. One day I decided I wanted to make it into a ring and took it to a jeweler.

It was a black onyx stone with a diamond in the middle and Molly just loved it.

Years later when grandma passed away, Molly was given the ring. 

I always thought that onyx only came in black but after doing some research I found that onyx comes in red, purple, blue and white. 

This flash fiction was written for a challenge over at Carrot Ranch. The prompt is to write a short story that contains 99 words, (no more, no less). If you enjoy writing flash fiction please come and join us by following the link.

No Children at the Playground - Flash Fiction

Wikipedia

As I approached the playground I could hear the screams and laughter of children, yet I couldn’t see a single child. The swings were swinging mysteriously. An eerie feeling came over me. Sandcastles were being built but yet no children were in the sandbox. How was this possible? In the pool it looked as if splashing was happening, but still no children. I had to walk through the park to get to my home but my immediate inclination was to run in the opposite direction. Then I saw several cameras behind trees. Film crews were filming a movie scene.

This post is for a Flash Fiction challenge (99 words, no more, no less) over at Carrot Ranch. If you'd like to join in on the fun with all of us there, please follow the link. You'll be glad you did.  

Home a Flash Fiction

Struggling week by week, it was all that they could do to hang onto their home of twenty years. All the memories of this place, their children growing up here, their first home, soon to be on the market in order to recoup any equity that they had left in the house they called home.

Sad but yet excited to start a new chapter in their lives. Moving would be hard, downsizing even harder but it had to be done. 

Home would be as always with each other. Home is where the heart is, home is where love grows. 

This flash fiction story of 99 words is for this weeks compilation over at Carrot Ranch. Stop by the ranch if you enjoy writing or reading flash fiction. I promise you won't be disappointed. 

May the Butterflies Land - Flash Fiction

Wikimedia

Dad how do you make the butterflies land?

You have to be oh so still and quiet. Watch and listen to what I do.

Dad extended his arm out and barely whispered to the Monarchs saying, simmer down, simmer down, simmer down.  Patiently we waited and dad repeated simmer down several times.

I began to chant simmer down, and after what seemed like an eternity a butterfly landed on my shoulder. I was ecstatic and tried so hard to be still. I looked over at dad and he was smiling.

That’s how you make a butterfly land sweet girl. 

This is a Flash Fiction challenge from +Charli Mills over at Carrot Ranch. This weeks challenge was in 99 words (no more, no less) include insects in a story.

Childhood Fear - Flash Fiction

Lying in bed I was terrified to get up. I never knew what kind of mood my step-mother would be in. Would she be in a good spirits or in her usual mean mode? Would I be yelled at today for something I did to displease her, or would she find a reason within herself to hit me. Straining to listen to see if she was up or not, I quietly lay there trying to get up enough courage to make it to the bathroom.  Then I heard the big slam of pots and pans coming from the kitchen. 

This week's challenge at Carrot Ranch was to write a 99 word (no more, no less) response to an agoraphobic moment. 

Close Call - Flash Fiction

God I need a smoke and it’s too late to go out. I'll just sneak one in the bathroom; Mom and Dad won't notice.

Sitting on the toilet I light my smoke, and after a few drags there’s a knock at the door. Oh SHIT now what am I going to do!

Thinking quickly I stick the smoke behind my lower back so that I can drop it if need be. In walks mom to check her hair and wash her hands.

Shit, I’m gonna get busted for sure.

Why didn't I lock the door?  Mom leaves.

Phew safe.

Join a great bunch of writers over at Carrot Ranch each week who write a 99 word (no more, no less) flash fiction from the prompts that +Charli Mills gives us. This week the prompt is to write a story that includes a vice.