The Bag Lady

Everyone knew she was what the oldsters caused a tease, never passing a single man without a quick slap on his side or an amusing thrust towards him when no one else was looking. Julie was just a bright start to a clear sunny day in the rest home. She would enter every morning in her job as a daycare nurse and peruse the patient/resident charts to see how everyone was doing. She would repeat her efforts as a leap towards entertainment for the groups who needed it most. Even the restful bedridden patients loved to see her coming.

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MLMM Wordle #377

Vermont summer solstice invokes a strength of will—will I wait until evening to brave the heat or go out in early morning?

the barefoot pleasure

early morning dew on grass

toes sink in cool green

address the chores before heat

fireflies enjoyed at night

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Haibun Monday 6-17-24: Solstice

The languid clear water formed a holy cross shape in an opening reflection of clouds. To Sadie, it was almost magic, as she came down to the stream to think about decisions she had to make. Would she be accepted into his church, even to be his wife? Would they have to succumb to the odd ceremonies of the congregation? The more she thought, hoped for a spark among the shadows, was when the cross reflection appeared, seeming to answer her plea. It was an answer from a magical source. Suddenly birds started to sing, another positive sign, but Sadie still didn’t know if everything would turn out the way they hoped, but did think there was a chance they really could be together.

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Wordle 659

Your three words today are:
CRY WAIL SOB

Settling down for a good night’s sleep

No trails to follow or promises to keep

Just me and my bed, comfy at best

My tired body needed its rest

Then it began, the stabbing and aching

Restless legs and the toll they’re taking

It started as a cry, a plea in a sob

No medications seem to do the job

I get up and try a cold drink

Pause by the mirror over the sink

That’s when I notice my looks so frail

Seeing the truth I nearly started to wail

Hamlet had his own plaguing fight

No sleep without dread every night.

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Three Things Challenge #M726

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Weekend Writing Prompt #368 – Quaint

I have a grandson with no arms so think he would like some hands.

I would hope Doc, but probably Dopey now since I’m not sleeping well.

Easy answer—Vermont maple walnut!

Get to Know You #27

Gary pushed “send” on the email and hoped for the best…he had already sent his photo, doctored as it was, to Stacey two days ago. Gary wanted to make a connection—it had been a while since he had a date and was anxious to hear from the girl he texted with his photo. Stacey replied to the text with a hi and smiling emoji. The next step he thought was sending an email with an invitation to coffee at a nearby shop. Online meets were always a gamble when you met face to face, but Gary thought he would be okay. Sitting at a table by himself with a clear view of the door, Gary was getting nervous. A few young women came in as a group and Gary noticed one of them looking at him intently. She came over to his table. Gary didn’t recognize her, but she asked, “Are you Gary?”

He said “yes, are you Stacey?” Then they both started laughing, realizing fudging your photo online was probably the norm. Stacey sat down at his table and they started a real conversation.

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Story Starter – Saturday Mix, 15 June 2024

Of course my first thought was the movie “The Sum of All Fears” because I’m a movie fan and I liked the plot and actors…other than that fascinating fact, sum means adding something and my nemesis, math! I am not a math person but I can usually figure things out in my head without using a pen and paper. I don’t know why. The concept of some math classes is beyond my brain. Thus the instant thought of a movie title instead of math. Have a great weekend everyone and get outside for some fresh warm air, or for you “southerners”, maybe a bonfire to warm up?😉

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The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 15, 2024

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rising from magic

imagination reeling

thankful for the gift

from this word sanctuary

to be, create and express

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The Unicorn Challenge-14/06/24

From Dylan Thomas’ poem: Fern Hill

“And as I was green and carefree, famous among the barns, a favorite haven
About the happy yard and singing as the farm was home, safe and secure
    In the sun that is young once only, naïve my mind
         Time let me play and be, in rolling green meadows 
    Golden in the mercy of his means, let my imagination soar
And green and golden I was huntsman and herdsman, the calves, yielded to my adoration
Sang to my horn, the foxes on the hills barked clear and cold, though forest trees always listened
         And the sabbath rang slowly, from a natural chapel in a wood
    In the pebbles of the holy streams.” peaceful bubbling waters in rambling brooks

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**Dylan’s poem reminded me of growing up on a dairy farm but of course his words are elegant☺️💛

MTB: Elaborating Lacunae in the Fragment or Keeping Things Whole