Humour. Given 3-word beginning: Harry’s jaw dropped…..
Harry’s jaw dropped – and so did mine. His little son was playing the rear of the donkey; while my son was the forelegs and head. We watched the grey blanket wobble under Mary, as the Nativity play opened. Sight-deprived, the unco-ordinated ‘donkey’ stumbled and collapsed; dropping a well-padded Mary unceremoniously.
The show must go on! Mary was ensconced in a makeshift stable while groaning with pretend birth-pangs. In due time, a doll was produced and wrapped; while the narrator, my young daughter, intoned the story from scripture. A motley group of shepherds arrived, carrying toy sheep. A trio of grandly adorned wise men from the East arrived, and presented the baby with traditional gifts. The narrator was a little off-script, but struggled on, announcing that the gifts were “gold, Frankenstein and murder”
“No, silly!” yelled a shepherd. “That’s wrong. The wise men brought gold and common sense and fur!”
A wrestling match broke out between humble shepherds and snooty wise men, before an angel intervened; losing her halo and breaking a wing for her troubles.
Harry and I kept quiet, watching our two-part donkey settling back under the blanket. I hunted around in my purse for a Panadol. We needn’t have worried though. The audience loved the whole nativity disaster, and our disreputable mob of actors received a standing ovation.
Rose Francis
Harry’s jaw dropped – and so did mine. His little son was playing the rear of the donkey; while my son was the forelegs and head. We watched the grey blanket wobble under Mary, as the Nativity play opened. Sight-deprived, the unco-ordinated ‘donkey’ stumbled and collapsed; dropping a well-padded Mary unceremoniously.
The show must go on! Mary was ensconced in a makeshift stable while groaning with pretend birth-pangs. In due time, a doll was produced and wrapped; while the narrator, my young daughter, intoned the story from scripture. A motley group of shepherds arrived, carrying toy sheep. A trio of grandly adorned wise men from the East arrived, and presented the baby with traditional gifts. The narrator was a little off-script, but struggled on, announcing that the gifts were “gold, Frankenstein and murder”
“No, silly!” yelled a shepherd. “That’s wrong. The wise men brought gold and common sense and fur!”
A wrestling match broke out between humble shepherds and snooty wise men, before an angel intervened; losing her halo and breaking a wing for her troubles.
Harry and I kept quiet, watching our two-part donkey settling back under the blanket. I hunted around in my purse for a Panadol. We needn’t have worried though. The audience loved the whole nativity disaster, and our disreputable mob of actors received a standing ovation.
Rose Francis
FEAR (200 words 21/8/18)
What is fear? It is an emotion. However, is it pleasant or unpleasant? If at all possible, it is avoided by most people, as it can be a very unpleasant feeling. However, there are some who seek out the emotion in various ways because they find it exhilarating with the most amazing adrenalin rush. Included in these pursuits for fulfilling this adrenalin rush is sky diving, bungee jumping and I am sure other equally strange behaviours. And they are willing to pay substantial sums of money to confront this experience of fear. However, for the vast majority of normal people the emotion of fear is to be avoided like the plague.
However, as hard as we try sometimes the experience of fear cannot be avoided so what do we do when confronted by it? Some try to run away, some put their heads in the sand and won’t face it and others take it in their stride grit their teeth and confront it with courage. To their surprise, they discover a large percentage of what we fear never happens. How does fear affect us? Individuals are affected in different ways and for some it shakes them into becoming a nervous wreck whilst others seem relatively unaffected. Long term we often become stronger individuals and more effective in the community with our new found wisdom.
Gloria Mitchell
What is fear? It is an emotion. However, is it pleasant or unpleasant? If at all possible, it is avoided by most people, as it can be a very unpleasant feeling. However, there are some who seek out the emotion in various ways because they find it exhilarating with the most amazing adrenalin rush. Included in these pursuits for fulfilling this adrenalin rush is sky diving, bungee jumping and I am sure other equally strange behaviours. And they are willing to pay substantial sums of money to confront this experience of fear. However, for the vast majority of normal people the emotion of fear is to be avoided like the plague.
However, as hard as we try sometimes the experience of fear cannot be avoided so what do we do when confronted by it? Some try to run away, some put their heads in the sand and won’t face it and others take it in their stride grit their teeth and confront it with courage. To their surprise, they discover a large percentage of what we fear never happens. How does fear affect us? Individuals are affected in different ways and for some it shakes them into becoming a nervous wreck whilst others seem relatively unaffected. Long term we often become stronger individuals and more effective in the community with our new found wisdom.
Gloria Mitchell
We have a new captain at the helm - Annette Rattray has accepted leadership of our group for the next six months and we are most grateful to her. Annette is happy to do this for a period after which she proposes that those willing to do so could each fill a six month term. This means the liaison job does not become too onerous for any on person.
We are very appreciative of the work and leadership role Dot Scott has undertaken in the past and to her for stepping up yet again at the beginning of this year. Thank you Dot...we hope you will enjoy just being part of the group...happy writing.
We are very appreciative of the work and leadership role Dot Scott has undertaken in the past and to her for stepping up yet again at the beginning of this year. Thank you Dot...we hope you will enjoy just being part of the group...happy writing.
Time Lapse…
In the beginning it was a tiny yellow dot – furtively placed in an unobtrusive spot by some autonomous creature. Quite alone, and without help, the dot sprouted hairy legs and began to explore and eat…
Eventually, the creature’s rapacious appetite was satisfied. After suffering an indolent drowsiness it curled up and went to sleep – on and on – both day and night.
Finally, the torpid creature woke from its slumber and struggled out of its self-imposed prison. Weary and tired it rested momentarily in the sunshine and flew off on multicoloured velvet wings to place another yellow dot.
Annette Rattray.
In the beginning it was a tiny yellow dot – furtively placed in an unobtrusive spot by some autonomous creature. Quite alone, and without help, the dot sprouted hairy legs and began to explore and eat…
Eventually, the creature’s rapacious appetite was satisfied. After suffering an indolent drowsiness it curled up and went to sleep – on and on – both day and night.
Finally, the torpid creature woke from its slumber and struggled out of its self-imposed prison. Weary and tired it rested momentarily in the sunshine and flew off on multicoloured velvet wings to place another yellow dot.
Annette Rattray.
November Report
Marlborough Writers
The sheer energy of a breast cancer survivor, who literally authored her own survival, enthralled a small group of Marlborough writers at their November meeting. It wasn’t billed as women only but the six women present learned of local herbal medicine practitioner, Julia Davidson’s journey, from the diagnosis through conventional surgical and medical treatment, assisted by her own brilliant programme of herbal and holistic medicine. With so much breast cancer in New Zealand it was a story women need to hear. Julia is a vital and eloquent speaker. Julia who has recently published an account of her fight in “Cancer – the best of both worlds” practises herbal medicine in Blenheim. Her beautifully illustrated book is self-published and is available either through Paper Plus or through her business – Julia’s Herbal Health. She is generously donating all proceeds to breast cancer research.
We close for the year with our Christmas party at the country property of one of our members in the Waihopai Valley on Thursday, December 14. The "carpool convoy” will meet at 5p.m. in the Springlands Countdown car park at 5 p.m.
Our meetings will continue in 2018 on the third Tuesday of the month at Fairweathers, 36 Scott Street, in Blenheim. The details of our next meeting will be notified as some thought may be needed for a more convenient time.
The sheer energy of a breast cancer survivor, who literally authored her own survival, enthralled a small group of Marlborough writers at their November meeting. It wasn’t billed as women only but the six women present learned of local herbal medicine practitioner, Julia Davidson’s journey, from the diagnosis through conventional surgical and medical treatment, assisted by her own brilliant programme of herbal and holistic medicine. With so much breast cancer in New Zealand it was a story women need to hear. Julia is a vital and eloquent speaker. Julia who has recently published an account of her fight in “Cancer – the best of both worlds” practises herbal medicine in Blenheim. Her beautifully illustrated book is self-published and is available either through Paper Plus or through her business – Julia’s Herbal Health. She is generously donating all proceeds to breast cancer research.
We close for the year with our Christmas party at the country property of one of our members in the Waihopai Valley on Thursday, December 14. The "carpool convoy” will meet at 5p.m. in the Springlands Countdown car park at 5 p.m.
Our meetings will continue in 2018 on the third Tuesday of the month at Fairweathers, 36 Scott Street, in Blenheim. The details of our next meeting will be notified as some thought may be needed for a more convenient time.
The Fruit Machine
A plethora of light, and sound, enchants its prey
its victims, daring to dream, the dream of all dreams, begin to play
Alas, tis not love, nor happiness, or everlsting health, they seek,
Simply, the yen to beat the odds, week, after bloody week.
by Mike Ponder
A plethora of light, and sound, enchants its prey
its victims, daring to dream, the dream of all dreams, begin to play
Alas, tis not love, nor happiness, or everlsting health, they seek,
Simply, the yen to beat the odds, week, after bloody week.
by Mike Ponder
"Hidden Fruit"
'Fruit of my loins', he sorrowfully said, as he peered at them from his rumpled bed,
'You have gathered from far and near today, to know my will and hear me say...
Cherrie and Olive get my gold and purse, Simon can market my unsold verse.
Peach and Plum are bequeathed the house...and also the cat, 'cos there's a mouse.'
Annette Rattray.
'Fruit of my loins', he sorrowfully said, as he peered at them from his rumpled bed,
'You have gathered from far and near today, to know my will and hear me say...
Cherrie and Olive get my gold and purse, Simon can market my unsold verse.
Peach and Plum are bequeathed the house...and also the cat, 'cos there's a mouse.'
Annette Rattray.
100words challenge on Topic "Pray"
by Carole Pring
The smart somberly dressed sat on the right, casting uncomfortable glances at the colourful, op-shop clothed on the left.
"Let us pray in silence for two minutes, as we remember Beattie," said the minister.
After two minutes there was a shuffle on the left as the drug addicts, the homeless, the alcoholics, the prostitutes and the gang members stood. They spoke as one and their voices filled the little church.
"We were hungry and Beattie fed us, strangers and she took us in, when in rags she clothed us, and when sick or in prison she visited us. Amen".
The smart somberly dressed sat on the right, casting uncomfortable glances at the colourful, op-shop clothed on the left.
"Let us pray in silence for two minutes, as we remember Beattie," said the minister.
After two minutes there was a shuffle on the left as the drug addicts, the homeless, the alcoholics, the prostitutes and the gang members stood. They spoke as one and their voices filled the little church.
"We were hungry and Beattie fed us, strangers and she took us in, when in rags she clothed us, and when sick or in prison she visited us. Amen".
100words challenge on Topic "Pursued"
Purrsued, By Sushi Stewart
He was Humphrey Bogart in a black tuxedo with come to bed eyes. He pressed against the
security screen. “Hey lady, wanna share dinner with me?”
I was smitten. He courted me every night in the same formal attire for three months. Old
fool! I got addicted to him nuzzling my neck and kneading my bosom. His beauty left me
breathless. Then he turned up on my doorstep one morning looking like he’d spent the
night at the local whore house. “I’m sick of tomcatting males,” I hissed. “I’ll fix you!” The
next morning the vet cut his balls off.
He was Humphrey Bogart in a black tuxedo with come to bed eyes. He pressed against the
security screen. “Hey lady, wanna share dinner with me?”
I was smitten. He courted me every night in the same formal attire for three months. Old
fool! I got addicted to him nuzzling my neck and kneading my bosom. His beauty left me
breathless. Then he turned up on my doorstep one morning looking like he’d spent the
night at the local whore house. “I’m sick of tomcatting males,” I hissed. “I’ll fix you!” The
next morning the vet cut his balls off.
100words challenge on Topic "Gentle on my mind"
Michael Ponder
‘He’s gentle. Honourable, generous and ever so courteous,’ Pam confided to her long-time friend, Vicki. ‘I love him. I love him. He’ll burn in my mind forever.’
No shit!’
I promise you, He will.
Vicki made a sloshing sound as she rapidly chewed on a now tasteless ball of gum. ‘You must be out of your bloody senses. Look, the guy’s a pill, a whinging toffee-nosed nerd.’
‘A true gentleman.’
‘A dithering idiot.’ Vicki ceremoniously removed the gum from her mouth, rolled it into a ball and flicked it into the darkness, just as the curtain fell, and the lights began to come on.
‘He’s gentle. Honourable, generous and ever so courteous,’ Pam confided to her long-time friend, Vicki. ‘I love him. I love him. He’ll burn in my mind forever.’
No shit!’
I promise you, He will.
Vicki made a sloshing sound as she rapidly chewed on a now tasteless ball of gum. ‘You must be out of your bloody senses. Look, the guy’s a pill, a whinging toffee-nosed nerd.’
‘A true gentleman.’
‘A dithering idiot.’ Vicki ceremoniously removed the gum from her mouth, rolled it into a ball and flicked it into the darkness, just as the curtain fell, and the lights began to come on.
100words challenge on Topic "On the Topic of Stupid"
Angela Woolf
Tyre marks on the narrow road told a story. She followed two trails of melted rubber on the tarmac, driving over pieces of twisted wire encased in black rubber. The two lines became one. Around a corner, more wreckage strewn across the road, thin lines gouging the road, a
truck somewhere ahead traveling on its rims.
Flashing lights, red and blue. The wheels of the overturned truck stared at her as she drove slowly past. A chill splintered down her spine. She picked up her phone and txt her husband. ‘Drive home safely, honey.’
She didn’t see the oncoming car.
Tyre marks on the narrow road told a story. She followed two trails of melted rubber on the tarmac, driving over pieces of twisted wire encased in black rubber. The two lines became one. Around a corner, more wreckage strewn across the road, thin lines gouging the road, a
truck somewhere ahead traveling on its rims.
Flashing lights, red and blue. The wheels of the overturned truck stared at her as she drove slowly past. A chill splintered down her spine. She picked up her phone and txt her husband. ‘Drive home safely, honey.’
She didn’t see the oncoming car.
100words challenge on Topic "Two Old People in Clover"
June Bowen
‘Do you still love me a little bit, Mary?’
‘Of course I do. You shouldn’t have to ask.’
‘Sometimes I wonder. You don’t say it much anymore. I remember when we made a pact to say, “I love you” every day. We haven’t done that for years.’
‘Perhaps we stopped when we turned ninety. It’s hard enough to remember to put my teeth in, my glasses on, and turn my hearing aids up every morning.’
‘Could you say it sometimes to make me happy?’
‘As God is my witness, I love you Jack. Sorry, I mean George.’
‘Actually, I’m Brian.’
‘Do you still love me a little bit, Mary?’
‘Of course I do. You shouldn’t have to ask.’
‘Sometimes I wonder. You don’t say it much anymore. I remember when we made a pact to say, “I love you” every day. We haven’t done that for years.’
‘Perhaps we stopped when we turned ninety. It’s hard enough to remember to put my teeth in, my glasses on, and turn my hearing aids up every morning.’
‘Could you say it sometimes to make me happy?’
‘As God is my witness, I love you Jack. Sorry, I mean George.’
‘Actually, I’m Brian.’
100 word Challenge "An Alternative Truth"
Lies and love by Angela Woolf
She adored her husband. Nothing was too good for him. She cleaned the house until there were no dust motes contaminating the air and cooked elaborate meals for him, visiting the farmers markets to purchase precisely what she needed to make everything perfect. She waited for him to smile and tell her what a great job she had done. He seldom smiled.
The man who came to mow the lawn every Thursday smiled more than most men she had met, his blue eyes crinkling warmly. Her bags were packed when he came to mow the lawn for the last time.
The man who came to mow the lawn every Thursday smiled more than most men she had met, his blue eyes crinkling warmly. Her bags were packed when he came to mow the lawn for the last time.
