Friday late afternoon my guests arrived. Of course they gathered in the kitchen until it was too full. They moved on to the family room to watch birds at the feeders, And got comfortable in the chairs. Conversations flowed, I couldn't hear them all. We are good friends with one new addition. When we are together we are usually writing, Not sharing general daily news. It was uplifting to become better acquainted With members visiting from out of town. When dinner happened we all fit around one table, With delicious food that was brought to share. The second book the group just published, Thank you to Chuck and Vaughn for all your work, Was handed out according to the first order And we all perused the pages to see our name. The evening ended too soon for me So I purposely left the wine glasses And dirty forks in the sink To view in the morning with a sigh. My friends are always welcome I enjoy being the hostess. This special group leaves an air of peacefulness In the house for days and days. I love my veterans as brothers and sisters. Please come again. Hugs, Sue and Bob too
Michael said to Tessa, “Remember Gaylan?”
“Of course. Back when, your father explained responsibility and rewards to him, and he became more trustworthy after that. Why?”
“He called and wants my input about his career path. I’m not sure how to respond when I still picture a reckless kid.”
Tessa chuckled. “It took me a while to look at Lexi as an adult, but when I realized she was acting and talking like a mother, it was easy to switch to dealing with a peer, not my child.”
“So, if I hear maturity, I’ll see maturity?”
“I believe so.”
Written in response to Charli Mills July 11, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a loving relationship with an adult child. What happens when a significant child in one’s life becomes an adult? Think beyond a son or daughter — a niece or nephew, a former student, a grandchild. How did the relationship shift? What is the importance of the new dynamic? Go where the prompt leads!
Tessa said, “Yes, Mother.” She lay the cell down, exhaling a big sigh.
Michael looked at her. “Now, what has her feathers all ruffled?”
“She found out I went to Lexi’s and didn’t invite her. She says I’m excluding her on purpose. The truth is, when she’s there, Lexi and I can’t get a word in, and usually, she’s instructing Lexi how to care for Harrison.”
“Tough situation.”
“Yeah. Then I have to spend my time smoothing feathers instead of enjoying the fact we have four generations. Maybe I should call Mom Feathers.”
Michael laughed. “Not to her face.”
Written in response to Charli Mills July 4, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary. In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story as a message from a feather. Think about how the message is shared and from whom to whom. What kind of feather? How can you expand where feathers come from like boas and down ski jackets? Whatever tickles your muse this week. Go where the prompt leads!
NOTE: This episode of Michael’s Circle does not fit the prompt given, but it’s a good story.
Dear Owner,
I heard your establishment specializes in Irish music. I traveled a distance for the music and hoped to meet other Irish folks. What I heard were patriotic and beer-drinking country songs and, finally, TWO Irish songs. I was disgusted.
I tried to find out your name and was told, Mac. Do you not have a first and last name? And the name of your establishment, “No Thanks Needed.” Do you not expect your patrons to say thank you? Maybe I shouldn’t have left a tip either.
My meal was good, but I won’t be returning.
Disheartened Lady
A Letter of Complaint – Part 2
Mac read the complaint letter and shook his head. He scribbled his response to purge the angry feelings that were boiling.
Lady,
Do you have a name? How about an address? Are you real?
Did you not see the large informative poster behind the bar?
Have you ever met a veteran before? Maybe you should search for someone with a military branch hat on and ask them what they did for our country.
Most people don’t know my first name because I don’t like it, so none of my employees would dare share it.
Get a life. Elsewhere!
Mac
Written in response to Charli Mills June 27, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story as a response to “we’ve received your complaint.” Who has received the complaint and why? How was the complaint delivered — with grace, humor, vitriol? Go where the prompt leads!
When I'm a preschooler, I love my sandbox. Trucks go over dunes and airplanes crash into them. Sand gets in my hair, clothes, and cracks. As a blond teenager, I crave the sandy beach. Suntanned girls and volleyballs. I can't get enough. When I'm in Iraq. EVERYTHING is sand color except doors. Dunes don't offer reliable protection. I learn to hate the heat. Now I'm a veteran who hates the sand. My daughter's name is Sandy. I call her by her middle name. My head is shaved. There will never be sand in my hair, clothes, or cracks again.
Note: The author is not a veteran but spends many hours with them. This could have been written by anyone who served in Iraq
Written in response to Chaarli Mills June 20, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about grains of sand. Where are these grains and what importance do they hold? How many ways can you think of to use sand? Who interacts with the sand and why? Go where the prompt leads!
The day after finding Emma’s “lost” book, Lexi called Tessa. “Mom, my water broke. Can you take me to the hospital and keep Emma? I’ll call Adam and have him meet me there.”
“Of course,” Tessa answered.
***
That evening Harrison Michael let the world know he had strong lungs. When told his name, Michael nearly fell over. With tears in his eyes, he hugged the new parents. “That’s quite the honor. One I didn’t expect.”
Lexi looked adoringly at him. “Our son deserves the name of the grandfather who will nurture him just like he does our Emma.”
Written in response to Charli Mills June 13, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about fathers in general, or a specific father. You can use different names — Papa, Daddy, Fabio. What is significant about a father? Write an homage, rant, comedy, tragedy, or anything in between. Go where the prompt leads!
Sue Spitulnik 