Disconnected

It is day 13 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is Incommunicado.  Now get on over to WWFC and see what the other participants put forth.

The airwaves fell silent

And my screen went blank

What in tarnation

Could this be a prank

I can't hear your words

I can't see your face

We've been disconnected

With nary a trace

Who is behind this

I want to know

Why we are suddenly

Image Source: carina.org.uk

One Bite at a Time

It is day 12 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is One Bite.  Now pop on over to WWFC and see who else took a bite out of this challenge.

Another One Bites the Dust

If you just want a nibble, how about an Amuse Bouche?

Image Source:  Becky Quan

For the heartier appetites...

Image Source: comindwork

Be careful who you invite for dinner.

Image Source:  DeviantArt

This post has been brought to you one byte at a time.

Vanquished

It is day 11 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is Succubus.  Now shimmer on over and check out the other participants at WWFC.  

First hell freezes over, then zombies and now a demon.  What is this challenge coming to? Anyway, after a brief Google search I found the following clip from a well-known TV series, so I'll leave you with these three lovely ladies to give you their explanation of what a succubus is.  [Update: Apparently the video has been removed from YouTube.]

And how they handle it...there is a spell to attract and vanquish the Succubus.

Image Source:  Wikipedia

POOF!

Quote of the Week

It is day 10 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is Zombies.  Now march on over and check out the other zombies participants' tales at WWFC!

The website didn't say how much brains--or even how many--I should eat, only that I should eat them in 48 hours OR ELSE. Why doesn't anyone pay attention to details anymore? Would it be so hard to add a simple line like, BTW, Maddy, 3 pounds of brains per week is plenty? Seriously, am I the first new zombie ever to ask?  ― Rusty Fischer, Zombies Don't Cry

In spite of the seemingly endless volume of information at our fingertips, sometimes we still struggle to put the pieces together. It's like trying to make a dish with a critical ingredient inadvertently left out of the recipe.  

Whatever the situation, being well informed always makes a difference. Give us a break...even Zombies need a little help now and then.

Not What You Were Expecting?

It is day 9 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is Dylan.  Now get on over and check out the other participants at WWFC!

I expect many of you have seen this show which ran from 1997 until 2004.  Dylan McDermott, who played Bobby Donnell, was the recipient of the Golden Globe award for best performance by an actor in a TV series in 1999, and nominated for others.



But how many of you ever watched Dark Blue?  This was a Crime Drama that ran on TNT 2009-2010.    McDermott played the Lt. Carter Shaw of the LAPD, leader of a small, secret undercover team.  The show had fans, but alas it didn't make it past the second season.  



I know this is not what was expected from or intended by today's prompt, but sometimes you've got to do whatever floats your boat. All I can be is me - whoever that is. -Bob Dylan

Score!

It is day 8 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is Damn!  Now get on over and check out the other participants at WWFC!

Sample game

There were a few things I thought of that could elicit such an exclamation, but didn't think any of those would be appropriate. Then I remembered something that happened a while back. Hubby and I play Word Feud on our phones.  This is a game similar to Scrabble or Words with Friends.  

Anyway, Hubby had a game going with a friend of ours, and after making a particularly good play, he got a one-word text message. We could hear our friend as if he were sitting at the table with us..."Dayum".

Give Me a Hint

It is day 7 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is Hint, hint.  So take a hint and go check out the other participants at WWFC.

"Oh please tell me.  I'll just die, die I tell you.  Won't you even give me a hint.  I've gotta know.  Oh please, pretty please" begged Charlie.  

"Never!  Not in a million years" replied his older sister. "You'd just blab it everywhere.  Nope, not a chance."

"Patty" complained Charlie, "I'd never tell.  I promise...cross my heart.  You're so mean.  You never tell me anything."

"Charlie, you really want me to tell you something" teased Patty?

"Sure" said Charlie, all ears.

"Get lost" she responded, frustrated at her little brother's persistence.

"Gee, I can take a hint" he grumbled as he shuffled away.

Scatterbrained?

It is day 6 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is Scatterbrained.  So check out the other participants at WWFC.

I was all set to charge through this writing challenge like a plow through snow.  I had pre-written the first four posts, and pulled the fifth out of my hat - literally at the eleventh hour, but now the hat's empty.  

I searched every nook and cranny looking for two words to string together, but all I found was dust bunnies and half eaten cat toys.  

I stared intently at the cat in hopes of gaining some inspiration, and she just looked at me as if to say this is payback for all the times you called me a twit.   

I went off in so many different directions it suddenly sounds like I'm a Phi Beta Ditz alumna.

Thoughts, elusive as the morning mist, have been bobbling around my brain like the head on a pigeon, never settling in one place long enough to put two and two together.  

So instead of coming up with some witty dialog, here I sit watching reruns and listening to the clock ticking off the seconds in my head.  

Scatterbrained?  No, but my low fuel light came on about 20% into the challenge.  I guess it's time for a fill up.

The Fruit of the Vine

It is day 5 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is The Empty Bottle.   So toddle on over to WWFC and see the contributions of the other participants.

The fruit of the vine

Makes a wine so fine

By the bottle or glass

It goes fast

Then the bottle is empty

When Hell Freezes Over

It is day 4 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is When Hell Freezes Over.  Now skate on over to Nicky's place for more frozen treats.

Adverb*

when Hell freezes over

1. (idiomatic) never; not in this lifetime; not a chance.
   
   

   "Will you go out with him?"

   "When Hell freezes over!"

   
   

   *Source: wikionary

   

   Image Source: wstera2

Care to rethink that remark?

In reality, she probably doesn't have to worry about it.  Hell, as described in many religions, lies far beneath the surface of the earth. For the sake of argument, we will assume hell to be located at the center of the earth, way down at it's fiery core.

Obviously no one has taken it's temperature, but it is estimated at between 9,000 and 11,000 degrees Fahrenheit.  The earth's core is a solid iron ball about one-third the size of the moon, which would easily be melted at these temperatures if not for the weight of the planet pressing down on it.

It is pretty certain this isn't freezing any time soon!

Image Source:  Wikipedia

Super Bowl Madness

It is day 3 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is Temporary Insanity.

George had settled into his recliner, his dog at his feet, the remote in his hand, and beer and snacks at the ready.  Just as the game was getting underway, his wife, Deanna came in to adjust the blinds and ask if he wanted anything else.  "George" she said, "Guess what I just read on Facebook? Jeanne posted a link to an article about a woman who just flipped out and tried to strangle her husband while he was watching the Super Bowl last year, but fortunately he overpowered her and called the police.  Isn't that just crazy?"

Image Source:  Camilla

"Yeah, that's nuts", George agreed.  "Some people are real whack jobs.  I'm glad you're not like that.  You don't mind me watching the games do you?"

"Of course not, dear" she crooned, "after all a man needs to relax and feel that his home is his castle."

"By the way, what happened to the woman?" he inquired.  "That was attempted murder.  Was she convicted...is she in jail?"

"Oh my no!  On her attorney's advice she pleaded temporary insanity and was acquitted.*  She then divorced him and took the dog."

George eyed her cautiously.  The game was going on but he wasn't watching.  He just sat there staring at his wife.  Finally he spoke.  "Honey, how would you like to have lunch at Emilio's and maybe go to a movie?" he asked as he switched off the TV.

*This rarely ever happens, and most are committed to a mental institution.

Now go visit WWFC for more creative insanity. 

Risky Business

It is day 2 of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and today's prompt is It Was No Accident!

A while back I wrote Beyond the Window for Magpie Tales, which I used as an inspiration for this story.  It ended by telling us "what happens next will free them both."  I wouldn't exactly say they were "freed" but I guess it depends on how you look at it.

Big Room, 1948, by Andrew Wyeth

Maggie sat in a quaint outdoor restaurant lunching with several friends, the sun was shining and the tea was sweet.  It was the first time she had smiled in months.  The images that had penetrated her dreams and haunted every waking moment were beginning to blur as time marched forward, taking her reluctantly with it.

Six months earlier she had been coping with the day to day ups and downs of her husband's business, a business that provided well for her but at the same time left her with unanswered questions.

"I have to go to Colombia for a few days, maybe a week" said Tomas.  "There are some contracts that I must see to personally.  When I get back, we will take a trip.  Anywhere you would like to go.  I will even make the arrangements myself."

He is trying, she thought, and smiled her thanks.  "I'll think about it and let you know what I decide" Maggie responded, yet unconvinced the trip would actually take place.

Tomas packed his bag and called his driver to take him to the airport where he boarded the plane.  

"Welcome aboard sir" called the pilot.  

"Where is Manuel?" asked Tomas. 

"He came down with the flu, sir, and I am filling in until he recovers.  Enjoy your flight."

"Thank you."  Tomas proceeded to his seat, and after they were airborne, he asked the flight attendant for a scotch and soda.  His drink finished, he tipped his seat back for a nap.  He was tired and it would be a late night.

As he drifted off, his dreams turned to Maggie.  He saw tears in her eyes, and flowers.  There were so many flowers.  Where was she, and why was she crying?

About that time there was a loud boom as the plane lurched sideways, and there was a gaping hole where the forward bathroom had been.  The explosion had taken out the left engines, the wing was in flames and the pilot was dead.

NTSB investigated, and eventually the voice recorder was recovered.  There was nothing to indicate any mechanical malfunction or human error.  Further scrutiny found the remnants of an explosive device among the wreckage which was believed to have been detonated remotely.  Investigators were still trying to piece together what happened and determine who the intended target was.  Was it Tomas, the dead pilot, or Manuel who was sick with the flu?

Back in Miami, a representative of the NTSB and an FBI agent meet with Maggie.  

"Mrs. Garza, we are so sorry for your loss.  We want you to know that the crash was no accident, and we are continuing our investigation.  Is there anything you can tell us about your husband's business?"

Gouda

Image Source:  Antwelm

Today is the first day of the Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese and we are starting off in a traditional cheesy fashion. Today's prompt is Gouda.

Now we all know Gouda.  He's a cheesy fellow whose ancestors hail from Holland, but he's easy going and doesn't mind it when things get dicey or somebody takes a slice off him. Nope, shredded or smoked, he always brings something good to the party.  

The one thing that does offend him is when we mispronounce his name. That's right, here in this country we call him goo-da or goo-duh. Before we send him into a complete meltdown, we should remember that he is a foreign visitor here and afford him the courtesy of pronouncing his name the way he's used to.

Listen to the Dutch Pronunciation of Gouda.  That's better!

Some Gouda facts: 

• Gouda is more of a style of cheese than a kind of cheese.

• It's taste is dependent upon how long it is aged.

• It is aged between 4 weeks (young, which is typically served on sandwiches either cold or melted), and up 12 months or longer.  These old Goudas are often served with strong pale beers or Port wine.

• It is the oldest recorded cheese still made today.

• It is not restricted, meaning that it is not required to be made in Gouda to be called Gouda, unlike Parmigiano-Reggiano which has a protected designation of origin and can only be made in certain regions of Italy. 

Now go and see what cheesy treats the other participants have cooked up.

Ready or Not

Image Source: www.cafepress.com

The Third Second Annual 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing Challenge Begins Saturday February 1, 2014.

ARE YOU READY?

Hosted by We Work For Cheese