Welcome to Martha’s Musings…M&M for short. She’s a younger, distant relative of another very wise lady I know…Aunty Acid…
~~~When a scrawly, handwritten recipe I’m following to the letter, says to cook for 40 minutes in a “mod oven”… will the recipe still work in my old Westinghouse oven I bought at the turn of this century?
Friday Fictioneers – Write a 100-word story based on the Photo Prompt image above by © Fleur Lind
It’s my turn to do the photo prompt and this time we are in a front garden in Timaru, NZ. Beyond the fence, the world goes about its business. But inside the gate, beside the fence, this tree houses fairies who dwell behind a door. And they have a secret. Hooter wants to know what it is.
Hooter
Hooter saw everything, he was the guardian of the garden. He kept a watchful, wise eye on the comings and goings of the sparkly creatures who lived an intriguing life in a secret world behind the little door at the base of the tree. Hooter was as old as the tree itself, having been carved on the tree by a human many years before.
Hooter’s current crusade was to find out what the small sparkly creature known as Aurora, was up to She had a shady past and was known as a rebel, but this latest jaunt of hers was rocking the leaves from the tree!
Thanks for reading
These rants gave me warm fuzzies…
I was at the ANZAC Service on Thursday, 25 April, along with a huge gathering of the community to honour Aussies and Kiwis in both war and peacekeeping times. The speeches were brief and well-said. The wreath laying was lovely. I am a proud Kiwi with dual citizenship so I enjoy singing both anthems. The Warwick Choral Society sang beautifully, accompanied by the brass band. Hearing our Maori National Anthem gave me goosebumps and I lifted my head and sang with passion. Warwick has its own unique touch for this important day; we do the ‘Fade Away Ceremony’. It was a beautiful service, Warwick knows how to put on an epic event.
That moment when I’m trying to find a park near my favourite Op Shop, and then after finding a space a block away, I see the queue at the counter and the shop filled with shoppers. I got to my favourite areas as my time is usually limited, and then made eye contact with the lovely lady serving at the counter, so as not to disturb her from managing the queue. I raised my hand and imitated turning a key in a lock. She nodded and said I think it’s already open, someone is there. I nod, smile and say thank you. We speak a special language in that shop 😉 so I wait with my garment, and sure enough, a shopper opens the changing room door and hands the key over to me. Simples. I love that shop. The staff see me and smile, ‘How are you ‘, and they mean it. Op shopping is on the rise, but prices at my favourite shop are not, thankfully. Just good service, a smile and that feeling of being appreciated.
Thanks for reading, that’s it for now until another rant pops up! Stay well, safe, and be happy!
This tale has an Easter theme so it is a little late, but life gets a bit hectic. This was my story for the Rose City Writer’s Group (soon to be renamed) for the April Easter writing Challenge.
Benjamin’s New Groove
Benjamin’s New Groove
Benjamin was thoughtful as he watered his vegetable patch. They say it’s good to talk to the trees, he mused, as he adjusted the pressure to avoid flattening the young lettuces. The young leafy seedlings were called ‘Drunken Women’, so the label said. It was a good job the hose was delivering tank water, not anything stronger. Such were the whimsical thoughts randomly popping up as he mulled the answer to a far deeper, more serious question.
‘What if I talk to my plants? Is that a good therapy too? Or is that a sign of madness?’ Benjamin thought out loud. His distant cousin was mad and he had no desire to join that queue. Although his cousin’s madness had led him to become a character in a classic novel, Benjamin didn’t want to go down that path.
When the vegetable garden was soaked and droplets sparkled under the mid-morning sun, the deep serious question remained unanswered. Benjamin had not discussed it with the carrots or zucchini, as he’d also heard that ‘green conversation’ should be light, positive, and happy. To promote the best environment and good growth. His problem was burdening and he wouldn’t grow strong healthy plants and tasty food.
Rustling sounds could be heard over the fence as his neighbour Roger unzipped the opening to his new greenhouse.
“Hey, Roger!” Benjamin called.
“Hey Benjamin, how are you doing today?” Roger was a bit older, had a wise fatherly nature, and his voice was reassuring.
“I’m okay.” Benjamin sighed.
“The rustling stopped and Roger’s head appeared over the fence, “Just okay? What’s up?”
Benjamin rubbed his nose, “It’s a bit complex.”
“Well, how ‘bout you and me chew it over with some juice, and see if we can get to the roots of it?”
“That sounds good, your place or mine?”
“Hop over, I’ll get everything sorted.”
Benjamin felt better knowing that another set of ears would hear him out.
Over a tall chilled glass of carrot juice, Benjamin and Roger covered the general gossip, weather and the cost of living.
“Okay, let’s have it, lay it on me. What can we fix today?”
Sitting with Roger was like therapy, they laughed, and compared notes on Rhana down the road and the latest weird and wonderful accessories to her cardigan.
“Okay, so I’m going to sound like misery guts, but I want a career change. I’m tired of my job. I’m allergic to chocolate, I pull my hamstring with all the hopping around, I’ve got
carpal tunnel from holding heavy baskets of Easter eggs, and I’ve got anxiety from trying not to wake kids up when I deliver my stash on Saturday night because they always look as if they’re asleep but what would happen if they wake up and I’m busted?” Benjamin gesticulated “I’m from a long line of Easter bunnies, but this job, over the years, has worn me down. I’m in my prime, but I want a job with less drama!” he took a breath after the troubling thoughts tumbled from his mouth.
Roger nodded and took a sip of juice. “I see. I hear ya, man. Your job is a tough gig. It’s only once a year but no one appreciates how much prep goes into what you do. And there comes a time when it’s like, you just want a change. I get that.” Roger said reassuringly.
“So what should I do? I’ve been to a support group, the other bunnies say they have similar problems, but some are newer to the job and still have plenty of hop. One bunny has quit, he’s gone bush, another has moved to the coast. So there lies a new problem. A staffing shortage. Benjamin rolled his eyes and drained his glass.
“Care for another?” Roger poured from the jug.
“Okay, can’t do any harm…it’s not far to hop!”
“What to do…” Roger thoughtfully rubbed his chin and smoothed his whiskers, “Well there’s a vacancy where I work. I do voice-over educational audiobooks for kids. I got the job after that terrible incident when I hit the headlines for murder. I was framed, of course, but if anything my celebrity status was good for sales and the books bounced off the shelves.”
“A voice-over job? That sounds like fun!”
“Oh it is, you just be yourself and your alter ego. Bring out the real Benjamin, play with it, run with it, hop with it. No more hammies or carpel, and you are helping the kids learn. The teachers love it. It’s a whole new world out there with educating the generations coming through. Kids are holding their bottles in one hand and a device in the other.”
When the jug of juice was drained, Roger Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny felt happily bloated. They devised a plan to get Benjamin back on track and behind a microphone. Benjamin wrote a letter of resignation to the EBC (Easter Bunny Council) and Roger showed the new ‘bunny on the block’ how to ‘rock the mic.’
Rhana caught wind of the news and applied for Benjamin’s job, bringing a matronly tone to the table. She was also looking for a change and would wear a new accessory for every household she visited. She would take no-nonsense, being an avid fan of Bunny Break, the highly-rated prison drama series on TV. She had the skills and the smarts to take the legendary role of Easter Bunny to the next level. More fool any kids who woke up on her watch.
This is a tongue-in-cheek take on the Easter Bunny, as my thoughts went to the workplace injuries a bunny may incur after years of delivering tinsel-wrapped deliciousness to demanding, sneaky, excited children.
Thanks for reading
Friday Fictioneers – Write a 100-word story based on the Photo Prompt image above by © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Fitting In
Emma looked quizzically at the woman. There were all kinds of people, she reminded herself. Some people are just on a different wavelength or medication that alters the rational mind. Her curiosity was growing. She answered carefully.
“A disco? It’s a place to dance, strobing lights and loud music.”
The woman responded with a shrug and lost eyes.
Emma saw a cry for help, “Do you have time for coffee? My shout.”
“Yes, I think so.”
“Great. I’m Emma.”
“I am Isobel.”
Isobel gave a scant explanation of her situation, leaving Emma absolutely gobsmacked.
“We need to find you some clothes so you fit in.” She winked.
This is Part Two of Dale’s previous ‘Dance’ photo prompt with Emma out for a walk when she meets a woman who arouses much curiosity. This week’s photo prompt from Rochelle fits nicely for a sequel. There are many ways this story can go, it’ll be fun finding out!
Thanks for reading
Hey! I’m glad you’re still there…I haven’t done a rant for a while. For anything to justify as a random rant, it has to meet criteria. I think this rant which is a few rants in one, ticks all the boxes. And one thing I do try to do with my rants is make them easy to identify with/relate to. They aren’t about me, as such, they are about stuff that happens to us sometimes.
Rant #72 /1 … I was in my favourite Treat Shop this morning. It’s an Op Shop, but I call it a treat shop as I love op shopping and my purchase benefits Life Line. I have issues with clothes displayed on coat hangers. The garments like to fall off as soon as I touch them. I’m picking one up and rehanging it only to do the same with every other top I touch. Rolling eyes! I don’t think I’m alone with this. I can’t be!
Rant #72/2 Another rant is car keys. I think my auto lock/unlock doesn’t like the cold weather. Carthritis! Caropause! I just made that up. First thing in the morning with the Autumnal temperatures, my car wont unlock or lock automatically. Yet as the day warms up, my car’s like, okay, maybe I will oblige. So it clicks obediently when I press lock or unlock. So, come Winter, I can’t see my car behaving at all. Some would say get a new key set. I will eventually, but for now my car and I will play this ‘maybe/maybe not’ game, depending on the weather. In the meantime I wont get too mad at it, I love my car. My future daughter in law calls it a ‘nifty nanna car’!
Rant #72/3…so I am one of the most unsavvy people when it comes to AI. This is all new, my generation refer to AI as artificial insemination. So when watching a legitimate video on the internet recently, the presenter was one of them. He had to be…he didn’t blink, had no adam’s apple, spoke like a robot, didn’t breathe, the occasional twitch of those big bushy eyebrows, he was so mechanical yet he looked so human. Scary.
Rant #72/4…On a completely different note…The Armageddon Expo in Christchurch this weekend featured Catherine Tate! She was, in my opinion, by far the best and most entertaining companion for Dr Who. She is just as funny in real life, sounds just like Donna in the series, I’d trust and follow her to other universes, no problem at all! She takes no prisoners, sorts it out, and keeps the Doctor in line. Her onscreen dad, Wilfred was such a delightful character. I’m also a big fan of David Tennant, the 10th Doctor.
I didn’t go to this event, my daughter did, so I have had a taste of the day through her eyes. Absolutely fabulous! And the Tardis was there should any galactic jaunts be necessary, and the every faithful Sonic Screwdriver! Hold the bitch slaps/arrests if anyone became unruly, just zap them with the SS! It looked like a fun day although very crowded at this popular event.
Rant over. That’s it for now. Feel free to add your thoughts below. Are you a Doctor Who fan? If so, who’s your favourite Doctor/companion? Let’s turn this into a conversation, it’s not all about me.
Until the next rant bubbles up, thanks for reading
Sadje’s What Do You See – picture above –Josue Escoto @ Unsplash
FOWC with Fandango — Security
Pensitivity’s Three Things Challenge — Glorious- Excite – Sunshine
I wrote this poem nearly four years ago when Covid was a new thing. When I saw Sadje’s photo prompt, I thought this poem should fit nicely.
When Hugs Were Forbidden
On the morning TV show
An article caught my eye
About a thing we all enjoy
And money just can’t buy.
Covid came and screwed things up
This blissful thing was banned
It’s quite unbelievable
Abolished, completely canned.
The officials gave us rules each day
Those rules changed by the hour
‘No more hugs! Never again!
To embrace and feel amour.
Well many months since Covid
A discussion was opening up
On ‘Today’ they asked how long should one last?
Or is it a storm in a teacup?
Are hugs back? But just hang on a mo
They said we’d never hug again
That was then, this is now.
Vaccines and boosters remove refrain.
For me, a hug takes different forms
Some loose, some tight like a drum
My siblings gave awesome hugs
Although bone-crushing, some.
Another was wrapped around me
So gentle, comforting and warm
He felt like a security blanket
If I was forlorn.
There’s the hugger that taps or rubs your back
Like they’re trying to bring up wind
They are friendly hugging types
But no less caring and kind.
Hugs vary, depending on the need
But one thing is clear
We all need hugs, every day
So bring them back, let’s cheer.
There are man-hugs on the sports field
Blokey but no less profound
Score a goal or man of the match
Rivalry aside, mates are found.
If they bring back hugs, how glorious!
They are an essential part of life
In happy times and sad
On birthdays and Christmas, we thrive.
A discussion about hugs on TV
Who would ever have thought?
That such a simple act of kindness
Would be banned and shunned with fraught.
There’s a saying,
Four hugs a day for survival
Eight for growth,
Twelve for maintenance
Can you imagine, what a revival!
Go forth and hug zealously
Be kind and spread good cheer
We don’t need a reason, enjoy every season
And let’s all have a healthy year!
The things we do for a writing prompt! After much searching for this poem in my files, and at one point giving up, convinced it had been deleted, here it is. Written on my notepad app on my phone four years ago while in a hospital waiting room watching morning TV.
Covid is still about but at least it’s now more manageable. And hugs are still about and working wonders!
Thanks for reading
Friday Fictioneers – Write a 100-word story based on the Photo Prompt image above by © DaleRogerson
Pensitivity 101 Sunday word wordle – creation, seeds, waters, blood, breathe, turtle, sacred, bones, curve, sky, pray, heal
Weddings and Wormholes
Emma embraced the chill in the morning air on her walk as she approached the disco. She slowed, noticing a woman in a stunning medieval dress standing on the curb,
“Morning! I love your dress!”
Is it still morning? My bones hurt. Just breathe. Where am I? This is not the sacred land. I pray I’m free. The woman felt lost and bewildered by her surroundings and Emma’s strange appearance.
I’m keen to join the Medieval Society, I’d love a dress like that.” Jemma gushed.
“I’m to be wed, but he’s not who I fancy.”
“That’s awkward. I found my love in that disco.”
“What is a disco?”
I had a play around with a time-travelly kind of theme here. Comparing modern-day appearances and lifestyles with medieval times and the confusion of slipping unintentionally back through time. I hope I pulled it off!
Thanks for reading!
Friday Fictioneers – Write a 100-word story based on the Photo Prompt image above by © Dale Rogerson
For Frog’s Sake
Alice read the itinerary for the annual French class trip to Noumea, “I thought this was educational…what’s this? A nightclub?”
Jane rolled her eyes, “I know. I’m not sure who we should watch more… the year 9s or the 12s!. And we are the only teacher aides. What’s Mike thinking?”
“No idea, but we have to follow his lead. He’s the teacher.”
Later, at the nightclub…
“Oh Lord! You don’t want to know what Kate’s up to over there!”
“I bet that’s not fizzy she’s drinking!”
“Never mind, have a cocktail, then we’ll dance! We’ll reprimand them in the morning when they’re hungover!”
This is a take on an actual French class trip I stowed away on in year 9. I wasn’t one of those getting reprimanded! But there were plenty of French shenanigans going on at that nightclub!
Thanks for reading
Oh what can it mean…to a… daydream believer and a… pile of underwear…
Friday Fictioneers – Write a 100-word story based on the Photo Prompt image above by © Roger Bultot
FOWC with Fandango — Distort
Pensitivity’s Three Things Challenge — Prey – Pray – Target
Cheer Up Sleepy Gene
“Ronnie stared at the pile of underwear on his bed. It was a mixture of slinky, suitable for making a sail for a boat, G-Strings, lacey, and sporty.
“But where did it all come from?” he prayed he wasn’t a target of a psycho’s prey.
“No one gave them to me, so how did they end up here?”
“Are you talking to yourself again?” Isobel handed him a cup of tea.
Ronnie shrugged.
“Dad, you’ve been sleepwalking again. I’ll return them, don’t worry.”
A grimace began to distort his face, ” I hate this gene your grandmother gave me!”
“At least you don’t steal money like she did!”
I’m reading a newly-released crime thriller, The Winter of ’63, by friend and author Stephen Ainley. It’s a good read, …I can’t put it down. One of Stephen’s characters inspired this last-minute story before the weekly prompt disappears. Stephen’s new book can be found here
Thanks for reading
Friday Fictioneers – Write a 100-word story based on the Photo Prompt image above by © Roger Bultot
For a Good Cause
The fundraising variety concert for St. Catherine’s Cancer Research Institute was just hours away.
It was Ted’s first gig with standup. I hope they laugh.
Unfortunately, Ted bailed with stage jitters.
“Where is he??”
Rose shrugged from the wings.
“You’ll have to fill in then.”
“What, me?? I don’t know any jokes!”
“Just be funny!”
On stage, “Um, hello…”
Silence.
“What a huge audience! Have you been reproducing in the interval or something?”
Light laughter.
Pick on someone in the audience… “What are you staring at? I’m a psychopath on Saturdays after I’ve done my washing.”
Moderate laughter.
“Who’s got a list of annoying things?
Nodding, clapping and hearty laughter.
“Well let’s start right there!”
Somehow the Muse decided on the destiny of this story so it worked with the photo prompt. The idea came to me in the Aldi car park when I noticed a shopper staring in my general direction. It has been a work in progress all weekend, as it started at 183 words! I chipped and chopped away to the required length. What a job! Quite a workout.
Thanks for reading
Fleur's Fables 