Raven's Saturday Wordzzle # 56

This is week 56 of the Saturday Wordzzle challenge. Anyone new to the process can refer back here to find out how it works. Oh my, oh my, oh my.... previous complaints about my choice of words pale in the face of this week's ten world challenge. What was I thinking? Where did these horrific words come from? Why, Lord, why did I pick them? I beg forgiveness from all of you who have had the courage to participate this week. It's one of those weeks when I wish I wasn't hosting because I could tip-toe quietly out of the room and skip the challenge.... BUT.... AGGGGGGGH! I HAVE to do it! Anyone want to volunteer some words for future weeks? Then I can be mad at someone else instead of myself.

The words for this week's ten word challenge are: partition, imagination, salvation, mirror image, green power, highway, roasting marshmallows, serial killer, autograph, cartography

Imagination is a mighty powerful thing when you are out in the desert mapping the area for a cartography class. My friend, Floy and I were taking map making and the only salvation for the dreadful class was to actually map the flow of the land. So we packed up enough gear for a week or so and headed out to the desert for our assignments. We exited the highway and drove between two road sign partitions and made camp about fifty yards away.

It is a lovely night with a full moon and the sky is a blaze with the shinning stars. One could get lost out here forever and never be found. Not us though because we have our GPS and we know which way is north. Feeling pretty confident, we settled down in camp for a fun night.

Because we are both ecologically challenged, we tried green power using this funny looking solar powered, silver, tri-fold, insulated screen for our cooking arrangements, which failed hopelessly. Then we attempted the old fashioned way. Fire! We gathered wood and some little pieces of dried brush to start a fire for roasting marshmallows. After a nice treat of marshmallows, we drifted off for a good night's sleep.

The next morning we were rudely awakened by a patrolman. He was looking for a serial killer that had murdered a woman the night before. He cautioned us to be careful and on the lookout for him. We asked him what the man looked like and he said he is the mirror image of me because he is my twin brother. OK? Looking puzzled at one another? Sure we will call you if we see him anytime soon. May we get your name officer just in case we need you? A rather strange feeling came over the girls as if someone was watching them. Sure he said and signed his name on their report sheet for class and was gone as fast as he had come.

"You know the mountains have eyes don't you." said my friend. "Don't even say that or I am leaving!" "You are scaring me." "Well, you should be scared because he is after you!" "You are so silly Floy, and you know I don't believe a word you are saying, so just stop it now!" Floy was always trying stuff like that to scare people.

Later that day another man appeared at their camp and asked the same question about the serial killer. Odd the girls thought that two men had stopped and ask them the same question? He was sort of dirty and scuffled and looked like he had been in the desert for a week at least. They told him that they had not seen anyone except the police officer earlier that morning.

What did he look like ask the man? Well sort of like, uh...uh... you know a policeman and all. The girls were suspicious of him because in truth, he looked just like the twin brother to the real policeman. The girls were getting a little more than scared. The dirty looking man whipped out a phone and called someone. In twenty minutes, there were at least a dozen cops surrounding the camp.

Young ladies, I hate to tell you this, but you had an encounter with my brother, the serial killer. He had knocked me out when I had caught up to him. Then he stole my uniform and badge, but not my gun. Thinking for a minute, the girls gave him the report sheet for class and said this is his autograph... his name.

I don't know how you ladies got so lucky and did not have any problems with the killer, but you were very lucky indeed. The girls packed up their camp and loaded the SUV with all their gear. When they got in the car, the policeman was in the back seat and popped up and told them to be quite. Don't say a word. or else. Floy, shaken but not helpless turned around and bobbed him on the head and knocked him out cold.

The screamed for the real police officer. He took his brother into custody and off to jail. The one piece of evidence that closed the case for good was that little signature because it proved with out a shadow of a doubt that he was there in the area and that he killed that woman. The real police officer told the girls just how fortunate they had been. I don't think our professor will believe a word of this story. Do you?


Mini Challenge: cell phone, Big Mac, panther, legendary, poets corner
A cell phone rang and it was the legendary Big Mac, leader of the Panther Poets Corner.

I don't know why I have not had anything to write about as of late, but this is the place I am in right now. I have been busy with work, my sister, candy, and just life. I seem to be on the road a lot lately because there is nothing available here as far a grocery stores. I am sick of wally world, but that is the price you pay for living deep in the country. LOL

In fact, my accent has become worse, if that is possible! I just tell everyone that I am from the deepest part of east Texas with this long drawl. People are having trouble understanding my accent. I think I sound like a foreigner. Oh my, what's a girl to do? Y'all come back now.

Candy and I are having so much fun. I keep her laughing with my driving and road rage. Those drivers are not doing what I want them to do. She cooked supper last night and has been busy. I was telling her DIL that we had not gotten along so well in such a long time. I ask Candy when the last time was and she said "April 11, 1950". Jokester that she is...that was the day I was born. Ha Ha...love you too sister!

We are off to the next big little town to do some shopping and accupuncture and maybe a pedicure. Have a great day.

Wordzzle #55

This is week 55 of the Saturday Wordzzle challenge. Anyone new to the process can refer back here to find out how it works. I thought these words were very difficult but once I got started I had kind of a good time with them. Still, I think I need to come up with a new system... or maybe therapy for my muse who seems to go a bit nuts when she spews out the new words every week. Anyway, looking forward to reading every one's offerings.

I would like to thank Raven for hosting this writing challenge. She always does a great job and is an angel at problems solving if you have any trouble with Mr. Linkey. Thank you for all your help.


The words for this week's ten word challenge were: humanity, shadow, ricochet, wrong, pluralism, mathematics, person-hood, printing press, ink spot, choral society.


The pluralism of the choral society prides itself with great diversity, except for one lady. Nina fern could not stand the fact that she was not the soloist for next Sunday's service. In stead, the choral director had given the solo to Nancy and believe me Nina was not happy. "Oh, the humanity of it", sighed Nina Fern.

In an attempt to change things to her favor, Nina Fern had arranged for some books to be inadvertently left on the stairs to the choir loft. Nancy, upon climbing the stairs, fell and ricochet like a bullet, hitting her head and breaking her wrist. This was big news in our little town!

How could anyone hurt Nancy? The church was agaist...James,the choral director sighed " I think I may know who has done this dirty deed". So he went to see the local mathematics teacher to discuss the incident. Oddly enough Mr. Wright came up with a plausible equation as to how the accident occured.

It was quite simple. Nancy did not see the items left in the shadow of the stairs and tripped. That was it! Mr. Wright said "I am never wrong". "OK," said the choral director. Let me see if I understand you correctly. "You think Nancy fell on her own because she did not see the books in the shadow of the stairs?" "Why, yes I do," said Mr. Wright. "Alright", said James.

James went to another friend for an explantion. He sought advice from Ferdinand Fandango, the fabulous. After much discussion, Ferdinand said he had help Nina fern with the books, but did not know of the impending doom for Nancy. "I did not mean for her person-hood to be hurt in any way", sang Ferdinand.

On Saturday night, the ink spots had barely dried from the letter James, the choral director, had written. He turned Nina Fern over to the pastor. That night the pastor called Mr. Baker and said "Stop the printing presses, we have a problem". Miss Nina Fern's name had to be omitted from the church program and Nancy's name was added as the soloist. Oh, the humanity of it all.


Mini Challenge: kingdom, take names, best seller, three times, inner demons

The Kingdom takes names three times of your inner demons and then you are a best seller.
or if you like...
The best seller, Kingdom, takes names of your inner demons three times.

Early morning

Early morning contrails.

Early morning moon.

Dogwoods

The dogwood blooming by our travel trailer. It is just beautiful. This is where, my sister, Candy is staying.

Portrait of Words #7

This is a monthly writing challenge where Jeff B. gives us prompts
(pictures) to use as inspriation for our writing. http://portraitofwords.blogspot.com/
For more information click on the link to see how to participate.



Skinny Vinny...

The day began rather hastily as Vinny's bus embarked in route to the dentist office. He spoke English, but his accent was so thick that no one could understand him. He was from Napoli, Italy, but was raised in the country. Life seem to stand still in his village as there was no sense of urgency, but only leisure.

After the dentist visit, he went to his job. He had bills to pay and he knew he could do the work. Even though he was skinny, he was a work horse. Besides, he got paid by the pound. He did not know what the work detailed, but he knew he could do it.

Vinny was young and very Italian. He loved life to the fullest and was passionate about everything. One of his first jobs in the city was to sort and separate these large rusty screws for recycling. The guys on the job nicknamed him "Skinny Vinny." He could lift more weight than most of the strongest men. All the crew liked "Skinny Vinny", so they ask him to join them on their Friday night bowling team.

The one thing the guys did not know about Vinny was that he was a classical trained pianist. One night at the bowling alley, Vinny was goaded into playing the piano for his friends. He was a little embarrassed because it had been so long since he had played anything. He said " Look, I don't think I am any good at this." But the guys would not take no for an answer.

In the back of the ally there was an old dusty piano, half covered with an old sheet to protect it. Vinny went to it, uncovered the piano and sat down. The most amazing music came from that old piano. He played all kinds of music, but his favorite was Italian love songs. The women swooned as they heard Vinny's melodic music. "That's Aaa...mo...re," sang one of the gals at the piano. Soon Vinny was one of the regulars at the bowling ally. Instead of bowling, he played the piano and captivated a large crowd of beautiful women that admired him.

Nature Meme

I am going to challenge myself and hopefully you to take a look at nature. What’s going on in your area? Is it spring in your part of the world or are you heading into cold weather. Take a little walk, look at something you might never had paid attention to..a flower…a plant..an animal…What changes are taking place?..Is your garden starting to come to life again?..Step outside and close your eyes. What do you hear? ….

FROM RAMBLLING WOODS:
"I am going to challenge myself and hopefully you to take a look at nature. What’s going on in your area? Is it spring in your part of the world or are you heading into cold weather. Take a little walk, look at something you might never had paid attention to..a flower…a plant..an animal…What changes are taking place?..Is your garden starting to come to life again?..Step outside and close your eyes. What do you hear?" ….

When I close my eyes and really listen, I can hear the fast sway of the trees as the wind blows them about and the leaves rustle. I hear birds and I smell the intoxicating Carolina Jasmine in bloom with the sweet promise of spring to come soon.

When I open my eyes, I see skies of blue that change quickly to grey as the rains come forward to entice the plants to spring forward. I see dogwood trees in bloom and iris starting to burst into color. I see Mother Nature coming alive after a deep winter's sleep. The ground begins to green up and slowly everything is awakening to a new day. I see the cardinal and his mate as they faten up for spring. Little bluebirds, sparrows, bluejays all waiting... waiting for Spring to come.

I see dewberry vines flowering in bloom that reminds me of cobbler that we will enjoy in May. I see a King snake that warns me to be on the look out for Copperheads and other snakes.

Full Moon

Did anyone catch the full moon last night? It was brightly colored with a beautiful haze of clouds surrounding it.

It was brightly glowing and beautiful with a haze of clouds surrounding it that hypnotized you.

It's all in a days work, if you get there on time

Well, first day on the job and I am late. I over slept, which I never do, but I think I did too much last weekend around the house. I made it to work and off we went to the wholesalers to look for flowers and to acquaint myself with them. We came back to the shop around eleven. I processed the flowers, cleaned up my mess and then did one arrangement for the cooler. It was a fun day and I really enjoy my boss. More later about them.

Then at two I picked up my sister and we went to Longview to the accupuncturist. Afterwards we met my best friend and her daughter and went out for mexican food. It was a delight to see my friends. I even went by my church. My, I sure miss church. I am trying to move forward and get planted firmly in this new life and this new community. One day at a time...is my new mantra.

Our deck is being built. Yesterday they set about 25 post and will return in a couple of days to start the decking. It will add a lot more space for my outdoor stuff like plants, patio furniture, glider and even my cats.

Sunday, Hubs and I discovered that we have lots of dogwoods blooming on our property.

He has been reluctant to cut anything down for fear of loosing a tree we might like. So, we feel so blessed to have so many dogwoods. The old homestead would not grow any dogwoods. I must have planted at least thirty trees there and not a one lived. I am thankful for this treasure.

Oh, boy! Am I having fun...

Hubs new tractor. He is like a little kid with a new toy. He even had two truck loads full of dirt to move.

He has worked so hard this weekend, moving dirt, tilling and planting grass seed.

As for me, I went to my new job and did a lot of talking to my new boss. The fun continues!

Friends

I would like to thank Barbara for this lovely award from Writing from the Inside Out

Barbara is so kind and I have enjoyed becoming friends with her.

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.

It's up and running...

OK, my sister's blog is up and running with some help from my oldest and smartest son. Candy said she would try to post tomorrow. You can go to her blog and add yourself as a follow. I know that she would appreciate it.

(Candy's blog is) http://ccorkran.blogspot.com/

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement for her to start blogging. She appreciated so much.

Have a great weekend!

Raven's Saturday Wordzzle #53

This is week 53 of the Saturday Wordzzle challenge. Views from Raven's Nest Anyone new to the process can refer back Raven's blog to find out how it works. Hope you all had better luck than I did as we start the 2Nd year of Saturday Wordzzle challenges.



The writing challenge is for the participating writers to use all the words that Raven has chosen in an intelligent, coherent paragraph. Some days the words are really difficult to use, but there in lies the challenge.

This Week's Ten Word Challenge will be: chopping block, reading list, bangles, oracle, plan, fandango, spelling bee, calendar, utilitarian, flower pot






The Flamingo




Dance







Fandango, the fantastic flamingo, was in a curious spot as he had bangles around his neck. He had been in a difficult position before, but never ever like this time. He was literally on the chopping block. The utilitarian oracle had a useful plan, though it did not help Fandango the fabulous flamingo.

The plan started out as a spelling bee, but of course the fearless Fandango thought the oracle meant something else. What was a flamingo to do? There were two options for the participants to choose from. The reading list of all the eligible games included the spelling bee, which forgetful Fandango decided to participate in and the ring toss.

Looking at the calender, the forgetful Fandango forgot the dates and missed the spelling bee. Instead, he showed up at the flower pot show illustrating the paintings of pink flamingos and floral designs with beautiful pink feathers.

Fretfully, Fandango was able to save the day! He quickly stalked off to another wonderful game of ring toss. With a neck as long and as limber as Fandango's, he was sure to win many rings. He held his neck just right and undulated back and forth and up and down to catch the rings. Someone said he did the flamingo dance to catch all the rings. In his efforts to save the day, the oracle forgave the fantastic, fabulous, fearless, frightful Fandango, the flamingo.




Mini Challenge: Siberia, citrus fruit, roofer, shamrock, twinkle twinkle little star

The roofer with the shamrock from Siberia ate citrus fruit as he sang "Twinkle, twinkle little star."

Megga Word Challenge:



The reading list was presented to the choping block by the oracle wearing bangles and singing "Twinkle, twinkle little star" in order to plan the fandango spelling bee before the first utiliatarian month, so the roofer could complete the work, and begin the flower pot calender which had a shamrock for the month of March, a picture of Siberia for the winter months and citrus fruit for the summer months. The flower pot calender made the list just in time and it was not cut from the reading list.



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We closed on our house

Well, we finally closed on our former home. It has been a long time coming. I have never seen so many papers for the buyers to sign. Hopefully, we will close on our new home on Thursday. Things are looking up.

I am enjoying having my sister, Candy, here visiting with us. She is staying in the guest cottage and seems to be enjoying herself. We had a road trip yesterday and she was worn out by the end of the day. She managed to stay up all day and slept really well that night.

I am taking her to my acupuncturist on Friday for her headache and back ache. We have had a lot of laughs and giggles talking about our past. She is the only person that can understand our childhood.

I am making her a blog. She really enjoyed writing the last Wordzzle and appreciated all the lovely comments. You are all so great! See you later.