#CarrotRanchLiterary

Ruffled Feathers

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.

07/10/2023 0

Sand Becomes an Enemy

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!

06/26/2023 2

Lexi ‘s Baby Is Born

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!

06/19/2023 0

Emma’s Lost Book

Lexi was folding clothes when Emma came out of her bedroom. “Mama, my book is lost.”

“Is it lost, or did you hide it in its safe place again?”

“I hided it.”

“Then it is not lost; it’s hidden.”

“No, Mama. I tried gettin’ it, an’ it’s gone. You look.”

“It’s hard for Mama to look under your dresser with her big belly. Can you wait for Daddy?”

“Noooo.”

Lexi sighed, “I’ll get the flashlight.”

Once in Emma’s bedroom, Lexi got down on all fours, then crouched so her head was on the floor and butt in the air.

Part 2

“I can see your book, way back in a corner. Please get me the yardstick.”

Emma ran out of the room but didn’t come back.

Lexi’s belly was pushing on the floor, and her knees hurt, so she rolled onto her side. Now she could hear Emma talking and deduced Adam was home. She yelled, “Help.”

Adam carried Emma, who was giving him his welcome home hug. When he saw Lexi, he exclaimed, “Are you all right?”

“Yes. I was trying to get her book. Now I’m stuck.”

“You look it.” Grinning, he took her photo with his phone.

Written in response to Charli Mills June 6, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a lost book (or many). What is the book’s significance? Who lost it, or who found it? How does this element fit into a poem, memory, or a specific genre? Go where the prompt leads!

06/12/2023 5

New England Colors of Hope

A yellow sun, blue sky day

Purple, orange, and white crocus bloom

Hope for a warm spring

Children laughing, playing on new-mown grass

Green, everything is green for a time

Hope for a good harvesting season

The yellow and green squash and beans

The pink and orange-centered melons

The cucumbers and golden onions

The gold, red, and yellow leaves of autumn

The red geranium continues to bloom

Hope for a good hunting season

Skies turn grey, and the sun hides

White snow falls

Hope for an exhilarating ski season

The snow is again melting

And purple crocus burst forth

Written in response to Charli Mills April 24, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about the color of hope. Who is in need of hope and why? How can you use color to shape the story? Pick a color, any color. Go where the prompt leads!

04/28/2023 3

Create With Words

The town fair invitation said all artists welcome. Come for the day with your wares, show off what you can do, teach by example, and leave others remembering your creativity.

The potter came with her wheel and clay. A carver came with a piece of wood. A painter arrived. A jewelry maker and leather tooler set up. They all had the specialty tools only they needed. There were others.

The literary artist brought a pen and notebook. She took notes while talking to each person as they worked. Later, with words, she described everything that had aroused her senses.

Written in response to Charli Mills February 20, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about what it means to be a literary artist. You can pull from your own experience, re-imagine the idea, or embody something else in a character. Be playful, go deep, and let your story flow. Go where the prompt leads!

02/25/2023 2