Tag Archives: twittering tales

Twittering Tale #67 – “The Tree” – 16 January 2018

1510584710974

About the challenge: Each Tuesday I will provide a photo prompt. Your mission, if you choose to accept the challenge, is to tell a story in 280 characters or less. When you write your tale, be sure to let me know in the comments with a link to your tale.

A final note: if you need help tracking the number of characters in your story, there is a nifty online tool that will count for you at charactercountonline.com.

I will do a roundup each Tuesday, along with providing a new prompt. And if for some reason I missed your entry in the Roundup, as I have occasionally done, please let me know. I want to be sure to include your tale.

Finally, have fun!

And REMEMBER…you have 280 characters (spaces and punctuation included), to tell your tale…and a week to do it. I can’t wait to see what you create this week.


Twittering Tale #66 “The Interview” – The Roundup

eddie-garcia-503678

Photo by Eddie Garcia on Unsplash

Starting us off…

An Interview with Mother Teresa

“How did you do it? How did you survive amidst so much suffering?”
She smiled, eyes twinkling, “Peace begins with a smile you know.”
In that moment peace washed over me.
She added, “I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.”
(278 Characters)

From Reena at ReInventions:
There were people who loved Alexandra, and others who said she was abnormal. Nobody could ignore her calmness, and the serenity of her whole being.
The radiologist had put sick Alexandra’s  X-ray on display. It showed no body organs, just a shaft of bright light.
Was she human?
(278 characters)

From Martin at Martin Cororan:
Tragedy struck today at The Science Expo. This photo captured the terrifying moment when Dr. Karen Roe, inventor of an invisibility serum, sat down on Hal Froom, founder of Shrinkray.com. A publicist for the famously roguish womaniser stated ‘It’s the way he would’ve wanted to go.’

From Leena at Soul Connection:
“Are You Not Scared Staying Alone Far Away From Family Surrounded By Strangers?”
“We Stop Getting Scared Once We Understand Monsters Are Not Outside, But Inside Our Head.”

From Hayley at The Story Files:
The chair stood alone as if being judged. A strange feeling of foreboding come over me as I was asked to sit. So much seemed balanced on the seat that I found it hard to settle down. The questions began and I clung to the chair as if it could save me.

From Jan at Strange Goings On in the Shed:
Interview with the Tao Te Ching
What is the Tao and how do we know if someone is imbued with its wisdom?
Tao Te Ching: The answer lies in your question
(Laughs) Surely not!
Tao Te Ching: “Those who possessed the attributes of the Tao did not seek to show them, and therefore they possessed them in fullest measure”
(279 characters)

From Di at Pensitivity101:
Reporter:
Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?

Interviewee :
Yes, I’m here, sitting in front of the backdrop waiting for you.
Reporter:
OK. So how does it feel being the Invisible Man?
173 characters

From Fandango at This, That, and the Other:
“Sit down in that chair in front of the screen,” the photographer instructed. She did as she was told.
“Great. Now rest your hands on your lap, turn a little more to you right, hold your chin up, and put your shoulders back. Now give me a Mona Lisa smile.”
“Mona who?” she asked.
(277 characters)

From Michael at Morpethroad:
Lights blazed, men in suits looked formidable.
Where were you on the night of the tenth?
Home in bed.
Liar. We have ways of making you talk.
Gulp.
Bring me the thumb screws.
Gulp.
Answer my question.
Ok I did it, I killed Cock Robin.
I thought so. Lock him up.   
(252 characters)

From Willow at WillowDot21:
You have 3 brothers
Yes
Do you see them often
Annually
Are you close
No
Care to elaborate
No
Can you tell me their whereabouts
Everywhere
They keep you busy
Yes
Who would you say has the hardest job?
Me
Really
Yes.
Why is that
I clear up their mess
Who works harder than you Death
Well possibly God

From Jane at Jane Dougherty Writes: (Can you guess who the interviewee is?)
Are you bitter?
Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.
Wouldn’t it have been better to be like everybody else?
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.
You’ve hit the bottom, how does it feel?
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.

From Francine at Woman Walks Dog:
Interview with Leonard Cohen
What shaped you as a poet and musician ?
My Lithuanian Jewish parents, my mother sang all the time. Their tradition shaped me as a bard
Favourite song Hallelujah ?
No Suzanne
Your guiding belief through a long career?
Touching others humanity with my own, being true to my soul.

From Alice at Alice Muses:
“What makes you good enough?”
“I… I make her laugh?”
“Are you asking me if you can make her laugh?”
“No, sir! I make her laugh and… ” the teenage boy paused for a few seconds, “she says that I make the best chocolate cake!”
“Well, I guess having a baker in the family is not too bad.”
(280 characters)

From Peter at Peter’s Pondering:
“So, Mrs Slaney, you taught Peter, and his sister, at age 10?”“Yes. I taught a lot of brothers and sisters over the years. Most were a pleasure to teach and really made great efforts.”“Can you remember what you wrote on his final report?”“What I always wrote, COULD DO BETTER!”
(279 characters)

Well, that was inspiring! There were some notable characters, as well and fond memories, a bit of mystery and whimsy. Thank you, everyone, for playing along with this challenge. This week is about a tree. But not just any tree. I’m not sure why it is remarkable, but I’m hoping you have an idea you would be willing to share with us. Remember, 280 characters or less…and you have a week to crack this mystery. Have fun! See you at the roundup! 🙂


pexels-photo-veeterzy.jpg

Photo by veeterzy at Pexels.com

The Wishing Tree

The tree can be found at the end of a well-worn path. Legend says that it grants the wishes of those brave enough to climb its fragile, ancient branches where a rare bloom grows. Most have failed. But wise seekers wait for the wind to swell, sending the petals gently fluttering.
(280 Characters)

~kat
A Moral Perhaps…Good things come to those who wait. 🙂


Twittering Tale #66 – 9 January 2018 – The Interview

1510584710974

About the challenge: Each Tuesday I will provide a photo prompt. Your mission, if you choose to accept the challenge, is to tell a story in 280 characters or less. When you write your tale, be sure to let me know in the comments with a link to your tale.

A final note: if you need help tracking the number of characters in your story, there is a nifty online tool that will count for you at charactercountonline.com.

I will do a roundup each Tuesday, along with providing a new prompt. And if for some reason I missed your entry in the Roundup, as I have occasionally done, please let me know. I want to be sure to include your tale.

Finally, have fun!

And REMEMBER…you have 280 characters (spaces and punctuation included), to tell your tale…and a week to do it. I can’t wait to see what you create this week.


Twittering Tale #65 – The Roundup

img_0355

Image from Pixabay.com

Starting us off…
“What have we got?” Lt. Jones asked the trooper.
“Witness says this puddle here swallowed a truck.”
“Hmmm, well there are no tracks on the other side,” Jones stated as he stepped into the puddle and disappeared.
“Oh no! Jones!” The trooper called dispatch. “We’re gonna need backup.”
(280 Characters)

From D. Avery at ShiftnShake:
He backed away from the puddle. He hadn’t heard from his friends at the cabin since before the snow. He had an idea where they might be.

From Reena at ReInventions:
The message accompanying a snapshot of the road …
“I believe in the Devil now. The Fire of Hell burns beneath this road, and melts the snow. The size of the puddle increases gradually. I am terrified.”
My reply:
“Is it snowing in Sulfur Springs?”
(243 characters)

From Fandango at This, That, and the Other:
“Did you hear what happened to Alan on New Year’s Eve?” asked Jen.
“No, what?” inquired Mary.
“He got so drunk at Carol’s party that he drove his truck into a sinkhole that formed in the middle of the road.”
“Oh my God!” Mary gasped. “Is he okay?”
“He is, but his truck, not so much.”
(280 characters)

From Kathryn at Another Foodie Blogger:
Our quiet walk along the snowy forest road was suddenly interrupted by a mysterious bubbling sound coming from ahead. Imagine our surprise when an amphibious vehicle popped out of the ground and drove on past us, filled with revelers oblivious to their remarkable arrival.
272 characters

From Di at Pensitivity101:
‘You don’t understand!’
The witness was getting quite agitated.
‘Nothing went IN, you fools. Something came out!’
111 characters.

Twittering Tale #66 – 9 January 2018 – The Interview

 

eddie-garcia-503678

Photo by Eddie Garcia on Unsplash

An Interview with Mother Teresa

“How did you do it? How did you survive amidst so much suffering?”
She smiled, eyes twinkling, “Peace begins with a smile you know.”
In that moment peace washed over me.
She added, “I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.”
(278 Characters)

~kat

 


Twittering Tale #62 – 12 December 2017

1510584710974

About the challenge: Each Tuesday I will provide a photo prompt. Your mission, if you choose to accept the challenge, is to tell a story in 280 characters or less. Wait….WHAT?! YES! You read that correctly. Recently, the sages at Twitter announced that they were doubling the character limit. So, of course, I am passing this gift on to you! When you write your tale, be sure to let me know in the comments with a link to your tale.

A final note: if you need help tracking the number of characters in your story, there is a nifty online tool that will count for you at charactercountonline.com.

I will do a roundup each Tuesday, along with providing a new prompt. And if for some reason I missed your entry in the Roundup, as I have occasionally done, please let me know. I want to be sure to include your tale.

Finally, have fun!

And REMEMBER…you now have 280 characters (spaces and punctuation included), to tell your tales. I can’t wait to see what you do this week.


Twittering Tale #61 – The Roundup

img_0066

Starting us off….

“Doctor in Rags”
I r’member first time I met Doc. He had this wild hair and raggedy clothes. My mom was real sick an we couldn’t afford no fancy doctor, but the neighbors said, “We’ll call Doc. He’ll fix her up.” He didn’t look like no doctor, but he did what they said. Mom called him her angel.
(280 Characters)

From Reena at ReInventions:
The old bookshop was closing down. Odorless devices had replaced the familiar, much-loved smell of books. Sydney had bought these as a gift for Will Hobbs. Theirs was an all-of-a-kind family uptown, where hearts were strangely warmed by books, a few degrees towards the far north.
(280 characters)

From Michael at Morpethroad:
He smuggled her book home in amongst many he cared little for.
She had promised him a good read. A few surprises even.
On page 61 he saw his name.
Arch-villain, a sleaze well and truly.
Hiding his embarrassment he went to dinner.
No news he said to his assembled family.
A quiet day.

From Radhika at Radhika’s Reflection:
The Swiss family Robinson traveled Far North on vacation. Visiting the “Maze” at The Monster of Hollows declared the eeriest place, was on their list. Braving their fears, they went on. “Called to Die”  read the spooky signage. Clutching the Holy Bible in his pocket, he prayed!
Letter count: 276

From Lady Lee at Lady Lee Manila:
Adelina needs a heart strangely warmed so she went to look for the doctor in rags in far north. Like going to the maze of all of a kind, it’s quite hard to find him. In the wilderness, as she put some flowers for the temple, she called to die.
(245 characters)

From Fandango at This, That, and the Other:
Every month at this time, Kay carried an armload of books to Donna, who had been housebound since the accident. Donna’s only pleasure in life was reading the books Kay brought her each month, and she was so disappointed when Kay told her that her family would soon be moving away.
(280 characters)

From Anju Raj at My Life..My Thoughts..!:
Princess Adelina and The Moffats with Holy Bible left For The TempleThe Monster in the Hollows, the mean guard of The Maze at the Far North awoke. It ate The Middle Moffat. Little Colonel’s Chum, the Doctor in Rags tricked it by giving A Heart Strangely Warmed. Voyage resumed.
(279 Characters)

From Sandi at Flip Flops Every Day:
So you want to take a journey, but can’t afford travel expenses?
This can be achieved without ever leaving your home or even getting dressed!
140 characters

From Di at Pensitivity101:
“Some are sequels”, Pam gaily announced. “They should keep you occupied while you’re laid up and off school”.
Gira looked up with dismay.
‘I am not auditioning for the Bookworm Reunion! This is classic Homework from Hell!’
‘Yeah, Teacher thought you’d see it that way.’
267 characters

From Bob at Bob Fairfield:
I will never understand how the boys in my school’s minds work. They don’t realise we do like a bit of courtesy some times. The least one could have done was to offer to carry my books for me.
193 Characters

From Lane at Lane Burke – Poet, Traveller, Person of Letters: (The prompt brought this poem to mind for Lane)
Something to touch:
The shell of a woman.
Brand new; shiny.
Who knows what waits beneath?

Paraphrased, coverless, her naked
Pages flutter open to passages caressed
Without reservation!

He, unmoved, skims the surface.
Then reaches for
The shell
Of a woman.

From Ron at Read for Fun:
Hobbes lived in a maze far north to avoid monsters living in the hollows. The middle Moffat in a family of Moffats, his heart was strangely warmed by books. Called to die, he left books to a doctor in rags. They were sold by the pound to buy clothes for the temple residents.
(275 characters)

From Deepika at Deepika’s Ramblings:
In the ‘Far North” was ‘The Maze‘. The ‘All of a kind family‘, of the ‘Maffots‘, headed there, as they believed they were ‘Called to Die’, by the ‘Monster in the hollows’. Those who survived should head straight ‘For the Temple‘. So was the belief of ‘The Moffats‘.
265 characters

From Jannat at Be Happy:
Who knows about life and its unpredictability
Who knows what lies ahead
Who knows what life will bring
Who knows where life will take you
Who knows what it’s like to be dead
Every soul is bound to taste death but Hank experienced it too early in his life when he was called to die…
(278 characters)

From Jan at Strange Goings on in the Head:
They call me Illuminated One, a title I eschew.
I exist For The Temple and Greater Mystery within.
My sanctum lies deep within The Maze, a place shrouded in heart’s longing and infinitesimal light.
Seek me Pilgrim, be not afraid.
My wings shall enfold you, regenerate and resurrect.
(279 characters)

From Ana at Timeless Classics: (A throwback to last week’s photo…)
Magnificent
I wonder
What any of these
Little creatures would do
If someone tied them
Into harness
Shoved a
Piece of iron
In their
Mouths
Whipped them till they
Ran while
Steering them by their heads
And made them stand
Stand
Stand
Beautifully
For the camera?

From Kathryn at Another Foodie Blogger:
Time was ticking, and I was getting no closer to unraveling the mystery of the pile of books dropped at my doorstep a few hours ago. The clues to finding the girl were in the books, and one hour left to unlock the code or she would die. Then inspiration hit.. she would live!
275 characters

From Peter at Peter’s Pondering:
Charlotte and Dai were in the Maze. Quite why they were in the middle, and sofar North, she had no idea.
She was one of 5 daughters from the Lower East side of New York, from an ‘all of a kind family.’
“Be careful,” she called to Dai, “there may be a monster in the hollows!”
(277 characters)

From Francine at Woman Walks Dog:
Panning for Gold
I was a doctor in town gained debts soon in rags so came here to pan for gold.
Full of hope ok in summer a heart strangely warmed by the sun in the sky
But winter here awful found nothing just a glint in a stream  – no gold no food a doctor in rags.
Bears in the wood hungry like me its no good –  gotta go North or be eaten.

From Leena at Soul Connection:
At Far North Btfl Adelina Frm The Swiss Fmly Used 2Read Lots Of Books As If She Was Searchng Ans In Novels For The Maze Of Prblms.Ngbr Al Of A Kind Fmly Rcmnded Doctor In Rags.1 Ngt they Heard Weird Sound.Mre Al Of A Kind Fmly Rushd 2wrds Her Hme N Saw The Monster In The Hollows.


I am so pleased that some of you went ALL IN and included several of the book titles in your tales. And then there were a few heartwarming tales about the girl carrying the books. Well done everyone!

This week…another interesting photo. You have 280 characters of course, but you don’t need to use them all. This one can be as few at a dozen or so. One word even. What is the message in this bottle? Possibilities are endless. Who sent it? Who was it meant for? Who found it?

Your challenge is to write a story about this rare beach find…or simply pen the message inside…or both. Have fun with this one. Take your time. You have a whole week until next week’s roundup. See you then!

message-in-a-bottle-1694868_1280

Photo from the Commons at Pixabay

The Message:

milk
bread
red wine
brussel sprouts
toilet paper
soap
peanut butter
eggs
coffee
sugar
toothpaste
floss
spaghetti
tomato sauce
cheese
soup
strawberries

~kat 🙂

(135 Characters)

 


Twittering Tales #61 – 5 December 2017

1510584710974

About the challenge: Each Tuesday I will provide a photo prompt. Your mission, if you choose to accept the challenge, is to tell a story in 280 characters or less. Wait….WHAT?! YES! You read that correctly. Recently, the sages at Twitter announced that they were doubling the character limit. So, of course, I am passing this gift on to you! When you write your tale, be sure to let me know in the comments with a link to your tale.

A final note: if you need help tracking the number of characters in your story, there is a nifty online tool that will count for you at charactercountonline.com.

I will do a roundup each Tuesday, along with providing a new prompt. And if for some reason I missed your entry in the Roundup, as I have occasionally done, please let me know. I want to be sure to include your tale.

Finally, have fun!

And REMEMBER…you now have 280 characters (spaces and punctuation included), to tell your tales. I can’t wait to see what you do this week.


Twittering Tale #60 – The Round-Up

central-park-1684286_1280

A Creative Commons Photo from Pixabay.com

Starting us off…

The park had been Roberto’s territory for decades, like his father before him, and his father’s father. Oh, the stories he could tell you about the passengers who hired his carriage over the years. And tell you he would except, you might not understand his whinnies and brays.
(276 Characters)

From Reena at ReInventions:
The handsome horse with a red mane and hoofs was surprisingly unpopular. Business was low, thanks to the message displayed,
“Ride with us, and we take you to places you have never been before, across the skies.”
The owner happened to be a fiction-writer, with no head for business.
(279 characters)

From Di at Pensitivity101:
Pat’s taxi service was going from strength to strength.
His mates had laughed when he said he was ditching the car for something different. Weddings proved extremely popular in the Summer.
One horse power and no emissions so the hike in road duty on diesels didn’t affect him.
274 characters

From Martin at Martin Cororan:
As Cinderella changed from a pauper into a princess, Siraj transformed from a wealthy socialite on the verge of getting laid into a lowly coachman.
‘This is magical,’ signed Cinderella.
‘Son of a bitch!’ said Siraj.
213 Characters

From Fandango at This, That, and the Other:
It was quite a romantic gesture on his part. He reserved one of those hansom cabs. It’s a horse-drawn carriage thing that they have at Central Park. It was a sweet thing for him to do, but it was so damn cold that I was freezing my ass off. That sorta took the romance out of it.
(279 characters)

From Michael at Morpethroad:
Biting winds, icy roads
Sluggish could think of better places to be
Pulling a carriage in this weather was crazy
he longed for his blanket and a bucket of oats.
Behind him, George swore at kids throwing snowballs at them.
Sluggish slowed, turned and gave them a dirty look.

From Deepika at Deepika’s Ramblings:
“Peace, calm and serene surroundings of the park pump in a fresh lease of life in me”, said Anna, as she visited the park in the carriage after a few decades. “The unprocessed, crisp, chill breeze rejuvenates my inner being. Am so glad to be back here, I can now live.”
269 Characters

 

From Jan at Strange Goings In the Head:
Armand relished the hunt, it filled his dead heart with fire. She was a worthy prize in this dark netherworld. The carriage stopped as their tryst commenced. Black eyes gleamed with hunger and crimson lips parted to kiss his throat. Ivory fangs sank deep, accepting his sacrifice.
(280 characters)

 

From Francine at Woman Walking Dog:
Night shift over, home for some sleep. See that horse-drawn calash in the rain – takes me straight back to Riga at Christmas.
The square made magic, with lights like diamonds horses stamping in the cold. Big city visit for  a boy’s treat
Wonder if it’s changed?  In this other country, city life is my living now.  Will I ever go home again? 

 

From Peter at Peter’s Pondering:
Hector decided he could no longer tolerate the smell. He just had to confront the culprit and put an end to it.
“I won’t tell you again”, he said. “If you can’t control all that gas, you and I must go our separate ways!”
“I promise you, I’ll see the doc tomorrow”, the driver said.
(280 characters)

 

From Leena at Soul Connection:
Rmtc Mrng,Isn’t It?Snowfall,Wet Road n Victoria Al Truly Amzng
Yes Swtheart.I Can Feel Rmnce In D Air n Victoria Ride On Picturique Location Mkng Dis Trip Mre Spcl.
I Love Ur Surprse Darling.Same Date,Same Destinatn Aftr 25Yrs
Lets Relive Old Moment Once Agn On Our 2nd Honeymoon.

 

From Kirst at Kirst Writes:
Look – a carriage ride round the park! Can we darling?
You’ve spent enough today. That present for your mother, and then lunch…
But it’s our honeymoon. New York, once in a lifetime! Please?
Her voice falters as he turns away scowling. She hurries after, head down, lesson learned.
277 characters

 

Wonderful tales this week! Magical, whimsical, mysterious, romantic, heartbreaking and wild! I think that about sums it up.

This week…a twist. The photo below by MorningbirdPhoto at Pixabay.com features someone holding a stack of books. Now, you can write a tale about this book lover…or if you’re up for a challenge, pick one of the books and write your tale based on the title. And let’s take it up a notch if you’re really up for a challenge…choose several titles and incorporate them into your story! The possibilities are endless! I’ll see you at the roundup next week! 😊

Photo by MorningbirdPhoto at Pixabay.com

“Doctor in Rags”
I r’member first time I met Doc. He had this wild hair and raggedy clothes. My mom was real sick an we couldn’t afford no fancy doctor, but the neighbors said, “We’ll call Doc. He’ll fix her up.” He didn’t look like no doctor, but he did what they said. Mom called him her angel.
(280 Characters)

~kat


Twittering Tales #60​ – 28 November 2017

1510584710974

About the challenge: Each Tuesday I will provide a photo prompt. Your mission, if you choose to accept the challenge, is to tell a story in 280 characters or less. Wait….WHAT?! YES! You read that correctly. Recently, the sages at Twitter announced that they were doubling the character limit. So, of course I am passing this gift on to you! When you write your tale, be sure to let me know in the comments with a link to your tale.

A final note: if you need help tracking the number of characters in your story, there is a nifty online tool that will count for you at charactercountonline.com.

I will do a roundup each Tuesday, along with providing a new prompt. And if for some reason I missed your entry in the Roundup, as I have occasionally done, please let me know. I want to be sure to include your tale.

Finally, have fun!

And REMEMBER…you now have 280 characters (spaces and punctuation included), to tell your tales. I can’t wait to see what you do this week.

Twittering Tales #59 – The Roundup


hands-1840487_1280

Hands by Pexels at Pixabay.com

Starting us off…

Millie’s eyes sparkled as she gently lifted the fallboard of the baby grand, revealing its beautiful keys.
“Hello old friend,” she smiled as she sat down.
“Sarah, I need you to play your part,” Millie called to her granddaughter.
Sarah sat down, two fingers plunking.
‘Chopsticks’.
(278 Characters)

From Ana at Timeless Classics:
Dey say you some namby-pamby cause you play piany, bud ah leddum know… It take strenth ta play! You gotta be strong! Ta play Dem keys like fa houahs en houahs ‘n at smoke en all? Night afta night? ‘Th all em ladies hanging out?… Naw. Cain’ no mamby-pamby do all a dat, sho.

From Lady Lee at Lady Lee Manila:
the old tune
fingers touch the keys
arthritis
pain playing
doesn’t hinder her to play
memories still there

love and lost
challenges and hope
youth that was
hurt she felt
every note tells a story
that her life is lived
(206 characters)

From Reena at ReInventions:
“Alzheimers?”
“No. Can you guess my age?”
The speech was unexpected clear, and the manner was sharp. The boy was all of fourteen years, suffering from progeria. I did not know, if I could call him young or old.
Realization struck, that we have a lot to be grateful for in life.
(275 characters)
P.S.  Progeria is a disease of premature ageing. The disease came into focus with a movie called ‘Pa’ featuring the legendary Amitabh Bachchan.

From D. Avery at ShiftnShake:
unbroken anthem
until her song was over
she would play the tune

From Ron at Read 4 Fun:
Old together but the sound is still sweet. Lady Clairol matches hair to your black keys.  New teeth match your white keys. Couldn’t do much about the hands but it’s the sound that’s important. The sound is as ever. Piano rolls never go out of style.
(249 characters)

From Martin at Martin Cororan:
Into the fiery pit fell the fornicators; murderers, rogues and blasphemers, and as they frothed and flayed at the devils delight, Chris De Burgh began his song anew.
“The lady in red…”

From Di at Pensitivity101:
The tide has turned, I sit and recall:
Graceful fingers caress the keys,
Flood my soul with memories,
Endless countless melodies.
I look at my hands, twisted with age,
My caress is slower, I play through the pain
Reliving the magic with every refrain,
My gift has returned to me again.
278 characters

From Kathryn at Another Foodie Blogger:
Who’s hands are those? Those aren’t my hands. Why am I here. Oh drat, what am I supposed to do?
But the hands, the hands remembered. Once the fingertips hit the keys, the music flowed effortlessly and once again, she remembered.
(228 characters)

From Fandango at This, That, and the Other:
It had been quite a while since Edgar had last sat at the piano and, as he liked to say, tickled the ivories.
He regarded his arthritic fingers and wondered if they could still work well enough to play a piece.
Every stroke hurt, but it was, indeed, music to his ears.
(266 characters)

From Michael at Morpethroad:
His ancient hands float across the keys.
He holds us mesmerised as the music takes us with him.
His focus is far away, his fingers dance and intrigue us
we too see the pale girl, the troubled waters,
we feel her pain, we feel reconciled with her
the final note brings satisfaction.

From Jannat007 at Be Happy:
Sara and Lily sat in the music room and reminisced about the good old days when they both used to attend piano lessons. To make another memory together Sara plays the piano and as her fingers touched it Lily took the photo which turned out to be the last photo of them together.

From Radhika at RadhikasReflection:
The piano had been a surprise gift from her grandchildren. They knew her passion for playing the piano, but she had never been able to afford one. Her old yet dexterous fingers were magical on the piano. Her maiden performance at the age of 80, received a thunderous applause!
Letter count 276

The beat flows through fingers, embraces black and white. Kisses keys, demands submission, whispers the heat of love.
The beat drums it’s rhythm, keeping pace with Cosmic breath. It’s the song of life, the song of begetting. Feel it’s kiss, surrender, feel it’s bite, surrender.
(277 characters)

From Kirst at Kirst Writes:
She won’t stop playing. Same slow waltz, over and over. It’s the only time she looks happy, when she’s playing that tune. No family ever visit – she was widowed young you see – so we can’t ask them. I wish she could tell us her story, but she hasn’t said a word in years.
(271 Characters)

From Vandana at Feelings My Freedom:
Miriam had been playing the piano since her childhood.
She had composed numerous symphonies that touched millions of hearts.
But it wasn’t Miriam today.
It was her husband Alex, moving his fingers to the rhythm of “You are my life!”
It was Alex, playing the eulogy for Miriam.
(272 Characters)

From Leena at Soul Connection:
Black n White Added Colors To His Life Since 35Yrs
Running Fingrs On Keys,”U Hold Spcl Plce In My Heart.2Day Is My Last Day At Club.Wl Miss U.Wish I Tk U Wd Me”
Wd Teary Eyes He Turn Arnd
Managr,”We Al Wl Miss U N Ur Music.Tht Is Ur Retiremnt Gft.Hpe U Lke It” n Pointd At Sme Piano.

From Peter at Peter’s Pondering:
She was only alive because she could play the piano. That much had been made plain.
Her family had all been killed! Her friends too!
She dare not play top C on the keyboard, that would give the game away.
She had removed that string to hang herself.
She would soon join her family!
(278 characters)

From Lane at Lane Burke – poet, traveller, person of letters:
Notes from The Entertainer punched into the stale air. This, she could still do. Inside she mourned the last dance, the last kiss, the last time she felt strong; beautiful. The applause in her thoughts gave way to the thunderous silence of her loneliness.


Well, I think everyone is settling right into the new character count. 280 characters still goes pretty fast! There is a chill in the air here in the North Hemi. Though, not as cool as it should be this time of year…(don’t get me started…) But since we are heading into December, I thought it would be fun to do a wintry scene. This photo from Pixabay’s Creative Commons, screamed several stories to me…is it a story about the horse, the driver, the people in the carriage, the small food cart in the distance, the people wandering in the mist in the park…the one-way sign? You can see where my mind went. All over the place! Hopefully, you all, with your creative brains can help me crack this mystery. There is a story here…I just feel it. Have fun…and see you next week at the Roundup!

central-park-1684286_1280

A Creative Commons Photo from Pixabay.com

The park had been Roberto’s territory for decades, like his father before him, and his father’s father. Oh, the stories he could tell you about the passengers who hired his carriage over the years. And tell you he would except, you might not understand his whinnies and brays.

(276 Characters)

~kat