Do You Remember?

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Artfully Adelie

PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Adam Ickes

Do you remember that time when we sat in the sand and watched the sun fall beneath the waves?

How about that time we slept beneath the stars…until the June bugs nearly dive-bombed us to death?

Or when we went sledding down the dunes and had sand in our hair for days?

…I still have my scar from the accident…

And if that’s never enough to remind me of you…Well, I still have this goat mask you wore when we got kicked out of the zoo for public intoxication.

You said our love was infinite….timeless…

But now…

You’re gone.

It’s been quite a while, but I’ve finally returned to the fantastic Friday Fictioneers, a group of writers from all corners of the world who write 100-word flash fiction based on a weekly photo prompt (many thanks to the wonderful Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting and to Adam Ickes for this intriguing photo). I really appreciate you reading and hope you enjoyed my little *ficticious, of course* bit of nostalgia here. Please give the other fictioneers a read by clicking on the blue froggy link below!

Happy Wednesday to you,

Adelie

Up in Flames

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Artfully Adelie

PHOTO PROMPT Copyright -Mary Shipman

“It’s a great fixer-upper…perfect for newlyweds,” the realtor chimed as I scribbled my signature.

With naivety and honeymoon smiles, my husband and I gazed at the crumbling castle that we vowed to make our kingdom.

Only two weeks later, I came home with paint and paste to find him drilling something other than the floorboards.

There comes a point when you can only repair something so much.

Despite his praying and pleading, I knew there was no way to restore this to its original beauty.

No more wasting time with tools.

With gasoline and a lighter, I make my final improvement.

I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my contribution to this week’s Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the magnificent Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. I’ll keep this short, because I’m sure you have better things to do than read my blabbering- like checking out some other stories from fellow fictioneers!

Eternally grateful for your love and support,

Adelie

On the Lam

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Artfully Adelie

PHOTO PROMPT Copyright-Ted Strutz

The bloody bandages reluctantly tug and tear, as Dr. Goldstein peels them from my skin.
Liberated from the mummy wrap, my pores drink in the musty office air.
He holds up a tarnished mirror, revealing a face whose only resemblance to mine are the wary green eyes.
“They won’t recognize you.” Beaming, he admires his handiwork before glancing out the window. “You’re going to miss the boat!”

I hustle down the stairs and to the dock.

Peering over my shoulder, I board the ferry.

Sedated by the blaring horn and salty breeze, I silently vanish from my family, the mafia.

Thank you so very much for giving my Friday Fictioneers story a read. Every week, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (“The Boss”) inspires her clan of highly imaginative fictioneers to sharpen their skills with 100 word flash fiction stories. You’re more than welcome to join the fun- our family is always looking for fresh meat. Please click on the link to see the handiwork of my fellow mobsters!

The Portal Between Pages

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Artfully Adelie

I open the wrinkled envelope.

Dear Author,

I just want to thank you for the life you’ve given me. Though I’m only twelve, I know I’ve seen more than most. You’ve been my tour guide, from the Egyptian tombs to Mt. Vesuvius, all from the comfort of my own bed.

You didn’t mind that I couldn’t walk with you, and you didn’t look at me with the same devastation that my family does, as my body deteriorates. You took me on your adventures anyway, and it was within your pages that I truly felt alive.

Sincerely,

Lucy

Attached to the letter is an obituary of a brown haired, bright eyed, and grinning young girl.

Thank you so much for reading my submission to this week’s Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the ever-inspiring Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This piece is slightly over the 100 word goal, but only because of the opening and closing of the piece, which I felt were necessary for the context of this note. That’s my excuse, whether you like it or not!

I’ve rewritten this several times, and this is just the way it wanted to turn out. Whether it’s a direct product of the recent chaos in my life or not, I haven’t been much of myself lately, and my writing seems to have lost its spark as well. However, I have been blessed enough to have such dear friends who lift me up and give me the steam I need to keep going. I’m doing my best to spread the love around by sharing the message that the impact of our writing can be far greater than we ever imagine. So, if/when you’re ever staring at a blank page and wondering if there’s really a point to all of this, take a moment to remember how the words of other authors have enriched your life. Realize that even though you write for yourself, for your soul’s passion, your stories have the power to change the world, even if it’s the world of just one reader. For me, that’s a good enough reason to keep going.

Don’t forget to check out some more fabulous flash fiction!

Cutbacks

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Artfully Adelie

PHOTO PROMPT Copyright -Jennifer Pendergast

“They destroy those who become obsolete,” Chandler says.

We’ve taken this same path home for the past twenty-nine years.

“But they don’t understand how much I’ve sacrificed.”

Tears are boiling behind my eyes.

“It comes down to numbers…That’s all.”

“People used to mean more than numbers!”

“They won’t change their minds…” Chandler sighs.

“No, but they need to realize they’re not the only ones who hold power.”

In my pocket, I caress a serrated switchblade. Spinning on my heel, I head back toward the embassy.

“Robert….What are you doing?”Chandler calls out, his voice saturated with fear.

Well, I’ve returned from the complete chaos for this week’s Friday Fictioneers. I’ve been gone from WordPress for roughly two weeks, and I felt hesitant to post again. Though, with all of your support and encouragement, I decided to dive back in. Thank you so much for reading and for the wonderful comments you’ve left me. Also, please forgive me as I take a while to get caught up on all the wonderful posts I’ve missed from you!

And don’t forget to read other fabulous flash fiction from fellow Friday Fictioneers!

Infected and Insatiable

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Artfully Adelie

They said this day would come, but those neurotics were quickly disregarded by me and everyone else who believed these apocalypse threats were merely a marketing ploy for the entertainment industry.

These sirens have been screaming for weeks.

As the Americans gnawed themselves to death, all CDC specialists fled to the UK to collaborate with the world’s brightest. If anyone could cure contagious cannibalism, it was us.

My hunger for human flesh grows intolerable.

Scalding blood corrodes my veins, as I carve this chronicle in stone.

If humankind is ever to return, heed this warning:

Never resort to mass-producing your food.

I hope you enjoyed my post for this week’s Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the wonderful Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. A special thanks to Sandra Cook for the lovely photo prompt. I strongly suggest you read some other fabulous flash fiction from fellow fictioneers by clicking the link below! Thank you so much for your reading and support!

Once an Olympian, Always an Olympian

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Artfully Adelie

PHOTO PROMPT Copyright -B. W. Beacham

Every day, I push the same cart to and from the supermarket. Arthritis and senility poison me slowly, but I’m a champion.

In ’76, I was pushing a bobsled instead of this creaky contraption. We never stood a chance against those Germans, but that didn’t mar our memories.

Old Jamie and Joe (J-squared) passed years back. Now, Paul’s all I’ve got.

“Teddy-boy,” his crackly voice bellows from behind. I turn to see him with two power chairs, painted fierce red, like our sled.

“You’ve been a brakeman for too long. Time to be a driver!”

I shove that damn cart into the lake.

We’re going riding!

***Thank you SO much for reading my piece for this week’s Friday Fictioneers. Our wonderful leader, Rochelle, has made quite an art of weaving historical references within her stories. After reading them, I’m always entertained and feel a little smarter! I’ve finally found the courage to follow her lead. This week I challenged myself to learn something about a sport I knew nothing of and reference a specific event in history that wasn’t taught in school.This might not be my most creative work, but it was fun and educational. Please take a look at the other wonderful work of my fellow Fictioneers!

For You, I Wait

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Artfully Adelie

I remember that day, when they took you away, but you promised to always return,

You said, “Light this candle, bear what you can handle, I’ll be back before its last burn.”

Layers of soot cover every square foot of the walls that witnessed our passion,

The flame fell weaker, hopes dimmed bleaker, and memories of you turned ashen.

Unwilling to settle, I replaced its pedestal, and gave all suitors my refusal,

Wax bled to the floor, survived both World Wars, but we smolder to dust at your funeral.

I‘m so grateful that you took the time to read my piece for this week’s Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the radiant Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. With ninety-one words, I felt the best way to tell this story was through poetry. I truly hope you enjoyed my piece, as I warily crept beyond my comfort zone to write it. If you find the time, give the other fictioneers a good read. You’d be amazed at the variety of stories that branch from each prompt!

With Beer and Burden

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Artfully Adelie

After thirteen years as an oncologist, the closest I’ve come to having a personal life is sitting in this tavern, with my beer and self-condemnation.

Despite how many lives I save, nothing dulls the heart-ripping pain after failing yet another patient. Today it was a young woman. Nothing could stop the cancer from stealing the many years of life she deserved.

Amongst the soulful guitar strumming and melodic conversation, I admire surrounding patrons. Though far from living perfect lives, they somehow manage to carry on.

I persist solely to save lives, though I lack the faith to preserve my own.

*** Thank you so much for reading my contribution to this week’s Friday Fictioneers. I’ll admit this certainly isn’t my best, but some prompts speak to me more than others.

The photo prompt comes from Björn Rudberg. If you haven’t visited his site, I highly suggest it, as his writing is very expressive and unique, to say the least. Also, don’t forget to visit the work of fellow Fictioneers, and perhaps submit your own 100 word story!

Getting to Know the Neighbors

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Artfully Adelie

Three weeks ago, they moved in. Since then, we’ve only exchanged waves.

Their second night here, I was gardening at dusk, and noticed their driveway overflowing. Guests walked in wearing various disguises: top hats, opera masks, sombreros…

The neighbors must be theatre enthusiasts.

But then commotion came seeping out from their foggy windows. It wasn’t the laughing and screaming of typical parties. No, these noises made my cheeks match the tomatoes I was harvesting. I’ve since adjusted my gardening schedule, as these “parties” occur almost daily.

Though, this morning, I found a scuba helmet on my doorstep, a note attached.

“Come join us!”

*** Thanks for reading my post for this week’s Friday Fictioneers! I do hope you’ll visit other 100 word stories based on this photo prompt that are sure to excite, intrigue, and entertain!