Thank you Catherine @ https://cyranny.com/author/cyranny/ for sending me this Prompt for quotes about hope. I probably (definitely) use the word hope and forms of it too much. But what is life without it? And thanks to Rory @ https://aguycalledbloke.blog for his many efforts to engage all of us at WordPress.
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Here are my choices for today:
Three bloggers to pass this on to:
Sadje @ lifeafter50forwomen.com
Tom @ wellheregoesme.com
Sheree @ viewfromtheback.com
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Have fun!
Fourth of July here in the US which means Friday is probably another day off making a beautiful four day weekend for most. The choo choo train set up in the park is crawled over by many a small child, envisioning themselves as railroad engineers, while in other park areas, parents are barbecuing ribs and steaks or chicken to chew on for dinner.
Lightning drove us off the park grass back into our vehicles last night for fireworks; rain and hail lasted a short while, but on the way home we saw a few new fireworks with a particularly huge one for the finale. Afterwards, ice cream stop, and home.
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Friday night, time to dance! Two of my granddaughters danced to this while we were in a parking garage waiting for the hail storm to stop. If you don’t feel like dancing, it’s great motivation for doing chores!😂
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I’ve been uprooted quite a few times in my life. Each time I thought of it positively as a new adventure. Making new friends was never easy, especially moving into a well established neighborhood. Luckily we found a willing substitute grandparent on one side of us and similar aged children across the street. We lived there for twenty years until being uprooted once again.
What’s the plan?
I’ll stand at the door waiting to go outside and you grab the bag. The distraction should last long enough. Okay?
Okay, just let me get ready. I’ll hide under the table till she comes.
The old cat twirled her way around her mistress’ legs and then approached the sliding glass door. The ingenue pup cowardly hid under the table, anticipating his chance to hop onto the chair, grab the bag of cookies, leap down and run into the next room. He had never attempted to defy his mistress but the old cat threatened him with a clawed swipe on his nose.
Mistress opened the door, then slowly slid the glass shut. Her attention only diverted long enough for the young dog to complete his mission. Hiding in the next room, waiting for the old cat to share the prize, he felt relieved he wasn’t caught.
Hearing the door opening again, he waited for the feline to join him. Instead, the old cat drew her mistress into the room to discover the guilty pup. Scolding him, mistress placed the bag on a high shelf. The pup swore he saw a smile on the old cat’s face as he was locked back inside his kennel.
https://rachelpoli.com/2019/07/05/time-to-write-sentence-starter-48/
I watched as the parade pushed by, hoping the feeling of pride seeing the flags flying would return. I waved, shook hands and thanked the veterans who walked by my edge of the festivities, hoping to capture the patriotic feelings I had as a child.
We sang songs then, raised our hand to our heart and believed, knew we were the best, the bravest, the most helpful caring nation. We had fathers and brothers and uncles who fought bravely against the rebel enemies. We had canteens and the USO and Bob Hope. We knew we were right in those feelings.
Now I see protesting, disappointed people, and some only here to see their child perform in some way. The feelings are not the same. Tiny people waving the red, white and blue that blindly follow with no idea what the flag represents. Older children wearing t-shirts emblazoned with apathetic rude monikers, knowing nothing of what the old veterans’ lives were like when they too were that young.
I felt almost ashamed of what we all had become, unable to relive the feeling of pride in my country.
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“Take the gun.”
Marie looked at her husband and reluctantly took the pistol.
“If they break through–shoot, no hesitating. I know you won’t want to, but if they get by me, I won’t be able to help you.”
Joe left the room, shutting the door behind him. Marie heard gushes and squeals and screams. She steadied her hand on the trigger. It was fully loaded, Joe had seen to that, but she’d never actually shot this gun before.
The door flew open. Marie did not hesitate, pulled the trigger again and again until the gun was empty. The attackers were taken aback, not expecting her strong resistance. However, the bedroom was now completely soaked, along with the clothing of Marie, her husband and their sons. The little ones ran to the bathroom to reload.
Fourth of July water fun had begun.
https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/first-line-friday-july-5th-2019/
A post from last year:
Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction 7-5-18
ON JULY 7, 2018 BY RUGBY843
IN UNCATEGORIZED
He always admired her from the back.
It wasn’t for anything frontal she lacked
It was more of a preference
His need to see
Her back, almost obscenely
It was ages ago when men were less bold
Didn’t tell of their likes in days of old
At least by a gentleman in a lady’s presence
He was happy to enjoy the resonance
Through his being, quietly
Until she felt it but with piety
She’d purposely turn her back
Letting him observe was her tack
The long curvature in a buttoned line
Traveling down her curves showing that beautiful spine
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http://fivedotoh.com/2019/07/05/fandangos-friday-flashback-july-5/
They kept watch all morning but never saw the being. They nervously glanced back and forth between them. Expecting a horrid creature to appear any minute, they held their ground. Only three dared come from the village and the boys felt strong and brave.
Later, the boys were hungry, pulled out their pack that held a small provision, all the while keeping one eye on the bridge. Being boys aged ten, keeping their attention on one thing for more than an hour was daunting and soon fell weary of their task. Deciding to return another day to keep the protection vigil, they walked back through the trees.
A massive burly man who seemed more than a bit frightening suddenly stepped into their path. He had a wild look about him and the boys thought this might be the creature they were seeking. “What are you boys doing out here? Are you lost?” The small ones started mumbling their reply and that is when a huge hairy arm descended upon Jack’s shoulder.
The day had been long with fearful thoughts and Jack fell back, almost fainting. The intrepid team cowered and enormous laughter sprung from the creature. “I see you’ve heard the stories about me”, he continued and helped Jack to his feet. “I’m no fairytale, I’m a lumberjack! I choose only a few special trees for my company. They are very particular. That is why I’m here, searching. I eat my lunch under the bridge every day.”
” You’re not the ogre we’ve been told about?”
“Certainly not,” laughing again. “Now let me see you out of here safely.”
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