#Michael'sCircle

The Nickname That Won’t Go Away

The adoring fan seated herself near the drum set. Batting her eyelashes, she asked, “Tyrell, why do you have a moose sticker on each of your drums?”

He wasn’t very forthcoming. “Identifies them as mine.”

“But, why a moose?”

He opened his arms, then pulled his hands together and ran them down his front. “You figure it out.”

Kurt intervened. “He’s big, tall, brown, aloof, and eats way more vegetables than anyone else. A skinny, short, white guy called him that in the mess tent one day and it stuck.”

“Oh. Now I get it.”

Tyrell wished she didn’t.

Written in response to Charli Mills December 5, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a moose. It can be an attribute of moose — big, protective, wild, gentle. Your story can express realism or fantasy. It can be a sci-fi or cli-fi moose. Is the moose loose or hidden? Go where the prompt leads!

12/11/2023 3

Quilts of Valor Presented

During the Irish dance practice, held each Saturday at the No Thanks, that Tessa had asked the band members to stay half an hour later; two ladies came in the back door with five full shopping bags. Family members of the band also arrived, along with the local newspaper photographer.

When the dancers were finished, the two ladies from the Quilts of Valor organization presented a red, white, and blue quilt to each band member in honor of their service. Many individual, family, and group photos were taken after escaping tears were swiped from the men’s eyes, including Mac’s.

Part 2

Tessa had helped make the quilts in the local Quilts of Valor sewing group. She was proud of her work and the people who gave their time to make them. During the presentation, she heard a friend call the quilt a blanket. She moved toward the person and said, “Actually, it’s a quilt.”

“What’s the difference?”

“It has three layers, a top, a filler, and a backing, which are then covered with patterned stitching to hold the three layers together. A blanket only has one layer. But they accomplish the same thing, keeping one warm and cozy when used.”

Note: The pictured quilt is one I made and gave to the son of a WWII surgeon.

Written in response to Charli Mills September 19, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes a blanket. Any interpretation works! What happens to a story when you give a character the prop of a blanket? Is the blanket the story? Is it a memory container, a source of comfort, or smothering? Go where the prompt leads!

09/25/2023 8

Michael’s Secret Collection

Seeing Michael get a box out of the van when he got home, Tessa opened the door. “What do you have?”

“It’s the best collection ever that I kept secret while in grade school so I didn’t get teased.” He set the box down and opened it.

Tessa looked inside. “Rubber Ducks?”

“I loved these things. They’re all sizes, colors, and characters, yet still qualify as ducks. Now that we have two grandchildren, I figured it was time to share my passion.”

Tessa grinned. “You might have to convince Jester they aren’t his.”

“Dang. Didn’t think about the dog.”

Written in response to Charli Mills July 18, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a rubber duck. Where is this duck — somewhere typical like a tub or somewhere surprising like a roller derby. Who is with the duck? What is happening? Go where the prompt leads!

07/24/2023 2

The Teens Mature

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!

07/17/2023 0

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

A Letter of Complaint – Part 1

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!

07/03/2023 0